HAPPENINGS
Michelle Williams Retires Michelle Williams, long-time veteran of the turfgrass industry, retired from SiteOne Landscape Supply on June 19, 2019. Having started her industry career in sod production, she later transitioned into sales and sod seed, earning a well- deserved reputation for her knowledge, professionalism and integrity and for going the “extra mile” for her customers that was greatly appreciated. Michelle was the first woman to serve on the Board of Trustees of Turfgrass Producers International (then named the American Sod Producers Association) blazing the path for other women in the green industry. She joined the Board as a trustee in 1980-1981, representing her sod farm, Meredith Sod Farms, Inc., in Salt Lake City, Utah. She continued her three-year term on the Board as Secretary in 1981-1982 and as Secretary/Treasurer in 1982-1983. Since that time, Michelle has continued to willingly serve on many different TPI committees, doing her part to keep this organization moving forward. She was part of the team making the “under construction” announcement about the launch of the TPI Public Relations and Education Program during the Summer Convention in 1994. Her vision while serving on TPI’s 50th Anniversary Decorating Committee led to the stunning photo mosaic wall hanging featured during the anniversary celebration.
Michelle Williams (left) is presented the TPI Distinguished Service Award by Nancy Aerni (right). Photo by Steve Trusty
TPI Member Recognized by Omaha TV Station Omaha’s WOWT NBC affiliate TV Channel 6 News Anchor/Reporter John Knicely has a feature two or three times a month on the 6:30 and 10 p.m. newscast called “Knicely Done.” He frequently recognizes people or groups that provide unusual assistance to help in various circumstances. His July 18 Knicely Done recognized TPI member Robert Meisinger, owner of Fast Grass in Plattsmouth, NE. Turf News readers might remember Meisinger from the story on page 10 in the 2019 May/June issue. John Knicely called out Meisinger for supplying the water from his well to fill the 210-thousand-gallon Plattsmouth city pool. Te city water treatment plant had been shut down for nearly 4 months due to the March flooding in the area. Without water, the swimming season looked bleak. A local trucker, Roger Schmidt, volunteered his trucks and drivers to haul the water from Fast Grass to the pool. After 47 trips over eight days the pool was filled and opened by Memorial Day. Knicely Done Robert and Roger. Te full segment can be seen at:
https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Knicely-Done-How-
summer-swimming-was-saved-512923831.html
Michelle Williams was part of the team making the “under construction” announcement during TPI’s 1994 Summer Convention. From left to right: TPI Executive Director Doug Fender, Board of Trustees member Bryan Wood, Committee member Michelle Williams, and TPI staff member Lisa Kallal. Photo from TPI Archives.
Michelle was presented the TPI Distinguished Service Award during TPI’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Banquet at TPI’s 2017 International Education Conference & Field Day in Tampa, Florida. As Nancy Aerni, then chair of Te Lawn Institute Fundraising Committee, said during the presentation, “Tis celebration gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and remember the grass roots pioneers of our industry. Te honoree has shown unselfish dedication and commitment to ASPA and TPI for well over a quarter century. Michelle Williams—tonight we recognize, celebrate, and honor you with the TPI Distinguished Service Award.”
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2019 Rutgers Field Days Recap Despite higher-than-normal heat and humidity this year’s Rutgers Field Days, hosted by the New Jersey Turfgrass Association, were well attended. Golf course superintendents, sports turf managers and lawn professionals were eager to learn about research conducted at Rutgers specific to turfgrass management in New Jersey. Day one of the two- day event, July 30, focused on golf course superintendents and was located at Hort Farm 2 in North Brunswick. Tis location is a prime spot for research into disease and pest pressure, thanks in large part to its environmental conditions that inhibit air flow and promote humidity. A large grove of trees encircles the farm that sits down in a bowl near a pond. Tis is also a great location for bentgrass and traffic research, both of which were on display. Day two, July 31, was at the Adelphia Farm in Freehold. Tis day was focused on lawn care specialists, sod farmers
TPI Turf News September/October 2019
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