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| June 23, 2005 |
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Divot Mix"9-9" -- Annika Sorenstam's text message to Tiger Woods after she won the 2005 LPGA Championship, which matched his total of nine career majors. Shinnecock tribe's suit targets high-end golf coursesAccording to the Associated Press, Shinnecock Indian tribal leaders have filed a suit that claims ownership of 3,600 acres of some of the United States' most desirable real estate. The area not only includes multimillion-dollar mansions, it includes Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, the National Golf Links of America and Long Island University's Southampton College. Apparently the tribe is hoping the suit, which claims the land was stolen in 1859, will make it possible to build a casino near the Hamptons. In addition to the land claim, the suit seeks billions of dollars in compensation. If the claims are accepted, the tribe has said landowners could be allowed to remain but the state would be asked to compensate the tribe for the value of the property, which the lawsuit said was assessed last year at $1.709 billion. The tribe is also asking for 150 years of rent and interest on the land. The tribe broke ground for a casino in 2003, but the state and town filed suit blocking the project, arguing that they cannot operate a casino without the federal recognition. That lawsuit is still pending. For the rest of the story, visit http://www.pga.com/news/industry/tribe061505.cfm. Smithsonian looking for funding of soils exhibit The Soil Science Society of America is working with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and others to plan a soils exhibit as part of the Forces of Change program at the museum.
The projected opening for the completed soils exhibit is 2008 or earlier, depending on funding. Previously, the exhibit was tentatively slated to open in July 2006, to coincide with the World Congress of Soil Science that will convene in Philadelphia. In cooperation with Smithsonian staff, soil scientists from many regions and professions are working with SSSA committees to help develop the exhibit, fund raise, and distribute educational and promotional information. To date, more than $800,000 has been raised towards the overall goal of $4 million with fund raising efforts continuing through at least 2007. Initial plans for the exhibit include two sections: one featuring state soil monoliths and the other an interactive component featuring educational displays, exhibit panels, artifacts, videos, activity tables, experiments, and interactive games to help visitors understand how soil is intricately linked to the health of humanity, the environment, and the planet. If funding permits, a traveling exhibit will be sent to other museums and libraries to reach additional communities. Related educational outreach materials, including web activities, will reach millions more. The first state soil monolith is now on display in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. It features Menfro, Missouri's official state soil. The museum attracts more than six million visitors each year; almost 20 percent who come from outside the U.S. Tentative themes for the exhibit include:
For a design concept of the soils exhibit, or to volunteer or contribute, visit http://www.soils.org/smithsonian. For information on understanding soils, visit http://soils.usda.gov. The BoardRoom announces winners, GCSAA honored The BoardRoom magazine has announced the recipients of its seventh annual "Excellence in Achievement Awards" The magazine is the official publication of the Association of Private Clubs & Directors. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America was named "The Association of the Year." GCSAA CEO Steve Mona, CAE, said, “It is an honor to be selected as the Association of the Year. This award reflects the valuable contributions GCSAA golf course superintendents make to the game and business of golf.” Some of the other winners were:
"Each winner should be proud of what they've accomplished," said John Fornaro, publisher of the magazine. "This is a difficult industry to penetrate, and these companies and individuals have managed to have quite an impact." Hustler offers Richard Petty mower for charity For anyone who ever wanted a mower signed by Richard Petty, Hustler Turf Equipment has an offer that's hard to turn down. The company is selling the grass cutting special on eBay, and all the proceeds go to support a worthy charity.
Proceeds of the auction will go to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C., a year-round, racing-themed camp, for children ages 7 to 15 who have chronic or life-threatening illnesses, and who might not otherwise be able to go to summer camp. Children attend free of charge as the camp is entirely funded by contributions. NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie, launched the camp in 2000 in honor of their son, Adam. It is part of the network of Hole-in-the-Wall-Gang camps founded by Paul Newman in 1988. To place a bid, visit http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5209573300. |
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The mower, a Super Z manufactured by Hustler, was custom painted to resemble one of Petty's #43 Dodge NASCAR racecars. Then it was used to promote the “Mow for Victory Tour” in which a similar Super Z drove across America in a three-month journey to raise money and awareness of the Victory Junction Gang Camp.  |
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