Beard, Beard and Beard Recognized James B Beard, Harriet J. Beard and James C Beard have been selected as the 2015 recipients of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Science and Tech- nology Section (STS) Oberly Award for Bibliography in the Agricultural or Natural Sciences for “Turfgrass History and Literature: Lawns, Sports, and Golf.” The book, published last year by Michigan State University Press, contains an extensive history of turfgrass research and the development of turfgrass as an important agricultural product; including seed production and sod production. In addition, the 650+ page book contains an extensive annotated bibliography of the literature of turfgrass, including many international publications. The bibliography entries are arranged by author, and there is a brief biography of each author. The book is illustrated with many historical photographs. James B Beard is the president and chief scientist of the Interna- tional Sports Turf Institute and a professor emeritus of Turf- grass Science at Texas A&M University. He has authored 358 peer reviewed papers, 564 technical papers and nine books, including another Oberly Award winner in 1979. He was named an Honorary Life Member of TPI in 1975 and has contributed articles to Turf News. The co-authors of this year’s Oberly Award winning book are his wife and son.

The Oberly Award was established in 1923 in memory of Eunice Rockwood Oberly, librarian of the Bureau of Plant Industry, USDA from 1908 to 1921. This biennial award is given in odd-numbered years for the best English-language bibliography in the field of agriculture or a related science.

BLEC Now Part of Redexim Redexim bv, the parent company of Redexim North America, has purchased the assets of BLEC Global Ltd. of the United Kingdom. The deal includes the purchase of the BLEC name and means that the products will con- tinue to be traded around the world by Redexim under the name BLEC. Redexim will now be responsible for the full manufacturing and distribution of the current range of over 80 different BLEC machines throughout the world. BLEC was founded in 1986 and offers a wide range of specialized landscaping and turf care machin- ery, both walk-behind and tractor-mounted models, to suit a varied range of requirements. BLEC products have been used by superintendents, sports turf managers, sod farms, and contractors around the world. Redexim is internationally known for its development of innovative turf management products for the golf, sports field and landscape markets.

Redexim Makes Staff Addition Redexim Turf Products has added Sean Rademeyer to their team. He will head up RTP Contracting; their new turf contracting business based in Valley Park, MO. Sean will be leading RTP Contracting as the Contracting Business Manager. Sean joins the Redexim Turf Products team with years of experience on both the golf and sports sides of the turf industry. He attended Missouri State University where he studied Biology, and later studied Horticulture at St. Louis Community College. He started his career as an assis- tant superintendent, later transitioning into the sports turf industry. He then owned a golf and sports turf management company whose clients included several premier golf courses and professional sports teams such as the St. Louis Rams.

The Lawn Institute On the News Melanie Stanton, Executive Director of The Lawn Institute, appeared live on morning television programs in Sacramen- to, California, on August 23 and 24. During the broadcasts Stanton provided viewers with tips for maintaining natu- ral grass lawns during periods of drought and shared the environmental benefits that turfgrass provides. Harmony Turfgrass (Harmony Outdoor Brands) facilitated the op- portunity and sponsored the appearances. Mike Pope, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Harmony Outdoor Brands, said, “The Harmony team thinks it’s vital that turfgrass pro- ducers share tips with homeowners about efficient, effective lawn care programs and the benefits that natural grass pro- vides. We are proud to help The Lawn Institute spread that message at the epicenter of the extraordinary drought events happening in California.” Stanton appeared on Sunday’s “Good Day Weekend” segment on Channel 31, KMAX UPN and on Channel 3, KCRA NBC. Both stations reach the Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto, CA markets. Segments can be viewed at: http://www.kcra.com/news/tips-to-keep-your-lawn-green-in-a- drought/34884112 http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/category/spoken- word-good-day/3284619-the-lawn-institute/

EPA Proposes New Pesticide Application Standards The EPA has proposed new standards for applicators of “restricted-use” pesticides, a move the agency says will lead to safer and more informed use of the products. The recom- mendation calls for stricter standards for those certified to use restricted-use pesticides, including a certification renewal every three years and a minimum age requirement of 18 years old. In addition, the EPA proposes special licens- ing for particular methods of application that it says can

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