TECH TIPS Unplugged Edition GET TO KNOW OUR NEW DIRECTORS Issue 1: 2022/ Volume 61 CONTENTS 18 24 26 TIMELINE: Les Carpenter Jr.'s TECH TIPS: Know when QUICK QUESTIONS: Learn career. it is time to unplug. about our new directors. Hackensack Golf Club, 6 site of our June 13th Member News Golf Meeting. 12 GCSANJ Foundation Feature 16 Book Review 21 Remembering Skip Cameron 22 Honoring GCSAA 40+ Year Members 30 GCSAA Feature Sticking together when times get tough. 34 Photo Pages 38 We Asked, You Answered What is your favorite golf hole in NJ? 40 Patron Directory On The Cover Hackensack Golf Club Rich Lane, Golf Course Superintendent Photo Credit: Evan Schiller Photography THE GREENERSIDE | 1 Our Contributors Editor in Chief: Donovan Maguigan Design & Layout Editor: Maureen Sharples Photography Editor: Shaun Barry Contributing Writers: Shaun Barry, Maureen Sharples, Kevin Doyle, Donovan Maguigan, Joe Kinlin Officers: Jeremy Hreben, CGCS, President Michael Tardogno, Vice President Ken Anson, Treasurer Donovan Maguigan, Secretary Joe Kinlin, Past President Directors: District I- Mark Miedler & Patrick Quinlan District II- Rob Wagner District III- Jennifer Torres & Drew White Commercial Representatives Rob Johnson & Paul Ramina Class C Liaison James Surico Rutgers Liaisons Dr. Bruce Clarke & Dr. James Murphy Executive Director Maureen Sharples GCSANJ Newsletter is published four times a year. © 2022 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. THE GREENERSIDE | 2 PRESIDENT'S LETTER JEREMY HREBEN, CGCS Indian Spring Country Club Well, Spring is finally here. It seems like it comes later and later every year, even if she tries to arrive early as she always does for a week in February. However, regardless of the phenology or weather, it is never officially Spring until The War at the Shore begins at Atlantic City Country Club. This year Mark Beaumont, with the help of Mother Nature, was able to show its teeth. We couldn't hold on to the title against Philly, but as usual, it was a fabulous day, wind and all! There are exciting events for everyone to take advantage of in the near future. This year, the Foundation Shootout is being held at Trump National Bedminster hosted by our District 2 Director, Rob Wagner. I suggest registering early as this is a must-play golf course and raises funds for a great cause. One of our goals this year was to host more non-golf events. Thanks to Pat Quinlan at Fairmount Country Club, our first cornhole tournament was a success, and we look forward to having it again next year. We are also hosting a Family Night on June 21st at the Somerset Patriots game in Bridgewater, NJ. Stay tuned for the registration details. I hope you and your family can come out for a great night with your fellow members. I spoke in the last issue about the importance of being an active member by participating and giving back. A great way to do both is by volunteering at one of the many tournaments being hosted in our region this year. The LPGA ShopRite Classic at Sea View and the U.S. Amateur at Ridgewood Country Club and Arcola Country Club are all in need of volunteers. If you can help, please reach out to the host superintendents for more details. I am excited about the upcoming year. I plan to take advantage of the great events and spend time with my fellow members, and I hope you do too. Seeing some new faces this year would be icing on the cake. Please reach out to me, Maureen, or any board members if you have an idea, concern, or just want to help! SINCERELY, JEREMY HREBEN, CGCS Chapter President THE GREENERSIDE | 3 FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I recently read an article about fostering happiness in the workplace, and according to an Oxford University study, happy employees are 13% more productive at work. I quickly assumed that these employees were happy because of their salary, but that wasn’t the case. Multiple MAUREEN SHARPLES studies show that friendships are the leading factor in happiness in the workplace. Encouraging friendships at EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR work creates happiness, but studies show it also increases employee retention. People are less likely to leave a job when they have formed friendships with their coworkers. I read this article right after War at the Shore with PAGCS, which is one of my favorite chapter events. I quickly realized that I like this event so much because I get to plan it and work it with a workplace friend, Kristen Liebsch, the Executive Director of the PAGCS. My position is atypical because I work from home. Most of my communication is via email or over the phone, so when I can work and spend time with a fellow chapter leader, I leave that experience more engaged and excited about my work. I bring this up because mental health and recruiting/retaining employees are two prominent topics in our industry. While many clubs and courses recognize the need for pay raises and budgetary improvements, not everyone can or is willing to do that. Focusing on your and your team’s happiness may be a step in the right direction. Aside from the benefits mentioned earlier, friendships are shown to lower stress levels and promote peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. It may be time to evaluate your workplace culture and start taking small steps to encourage friendships to LET'S CONNECT create newfound happiness at work. Sincerely, msharples@gcsanj.org Maureen Sharples @GCSANJ1926 GCSANJ Executive Director facebook.com/gcsanj @GCSANJ1926 THE GREENERSIDE | 4 CHAPTER NEWS PAGCS TAKES THE WIN AT THE WAR AT THE SHORE A full field of GCSANJ and PAGCS members came out to Atlantic City Country Club to compete in this year's War At the Shore on April 11th. Although we didn't take the cup this year, the day was filled with camaraderie and friendly competition. Winner: PAGCS Hosted by: Mark Beaumont Title Sponsors: Harrell's and Turf Equipment and Supply Representatives from Harrell's and Turf Equipment and Supply awarded PAGCS the cup. LIVE BRACKETS The Stanley Cup and The Leslie Cup brackets are now live on the website. If you didn't sign up this year, follow the competition throughout the season by checking the brackets. www.gcsanj.org/stanley-leslie-cup We look forward to crowning our winning teams in the fall. MEMBER BENEFIT All participants must have an active GHIN with current scores posted to be eligible for net prizes at our golf meetings. If you do not have a current GHIN, we are more than happy to sign you up for one free of charge as a member benefit. If you choose not to have a GHIN or don't play enough golf to justify one, no worries, just come out for the camaraderie. Please email Maureen at msharples@gcsanj.org to set up your GHIN number and profile. THE GREENERSIDE | 6 THE GREENERSIDE | 7 MEMBER NEWS NEW MEMBERS THE CHIRIP CUP Nathan Frick Class C, Somerset Hills CC The Poconos Turfgrass Association has named their Match Play tournament, The Chirip Cup, in Ben Brace honor of Steve Chirip's 45 years of service to our Class AF, Genesis Turfgrass industry. Cody Lyman Steve Chirip, Sales Representative at Grass Roots Class AF, Grass Roots Turf Products Turf Products, is a member of the PTGA, PAGCS, and GCSANJ. He helped create and chair the David Szegda Rutgers Golf Classic for the first ten years and is a Class D, Pine Valley GC Rutgers Turfgrass Hall of Fame member. Thomas Sporn Congratulations, Steve, on this incredible honor. Class C, Charleston Springs GC Hunter Haas Class C, Canoe Brook CC THE GREENERSIDE | 9 CHAPTER NEWS GCSANJ FOUNDATION BUSINESS INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Syngenta is excited to announce that The GCSANJ Foundation has a long tradition of supporting our members by applications are now open for the 2022 providing college scholarships for members, their children, or their spouse. Syngenta Business Institute professional Last year, the GCSANJ Foundation awarded $18,000 in scholarships. The 2022 development program, which will be back scholarship application is posted and the deadline to submit a complete in-person at the Graylyn International application is June 20th. Conference Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Dec. 6-9. The application and instructions can be found on gcsanj.org/gcsanj-foundation. Golf course superintendents have until Aug. 22 to apply online. To apply, visit GreenCastOnline.com/SBI. Superintendents can also contact their local Syngenta territory manager for more information. THE GREENERSIDE | 10 THE GREENERSIDE | 11 FOUNDATION FEATURE BATTLE ACROSS THE RIVER GCSANJ Foundation hosts the 1st Annual GCSANJ vs PAGCS Hockey Game. By Joe Kinlin, Golf Course Superintendent Bey Lea Golf Course I t all started with an idea; Tyler Otero and Eric Shilling of Harrell’s event. The concept was to play hockey, but we wanted to include was free to all who attended. The GCSANJ Foundation decided to wanted to have a friendly hockey families in the fun so we brought match the $1,000 surplus and game—if that’s possible—between in Pizza Vita food truck from donate it to the Wee One the Philadelphia Association of Jersey City and enjoyed some Foundation in the names of Golf Course Superintendents and tasty beverages from Icarus PAGCS and GCSANJ. The Wee One the Golf Course Superintendents Brewing of Lakewood. The second Foundation has supported our of New Jersey. Eric already had a period of the hockey game was members in need and it was team that played together in the replaced with a “family skate.” This wonderful to give back to such a Philadelphia area, so Tyler tasked was the first time on the ice for worthy cause. These generous me with putting together the my 4-year-old, who took full sponsors were BASF, Finch Turf, Jersey squad. Once we got a team advantage of the skate walkers! Grass Roots, Harrell’s, Helena, together, Tyler and Keith Bennett The post-game pizza and Noble Turf, Turf Equipment and helped us get all the details ironed beverages stretched into the Supply, The Turf Trade, and out. evening and allowed ample post- Syngenta. We are grateful for the game recovery and camaraderie. financial support and feel On Saturday, January 15th, fortunate to do business with Winding River Skating Center in Thanks to our corporate such great companies. Toms River, NJ played host to our supporters, this family fun day THE GREENERSIDE | 12 GCSAA FEATURE The game proved to be a real test, Thank you to both our players and with fast-paced hockey going back fans who came out to enjoy the ice GCSANJ and forth. At the end of the first on a very chilly winter day. period, PAGCS had the edge in play Team Roster 2 to 1. The family skate was a Next year’s event moves across the chance to mingle, spend time with river to the Philadelphia area. Mark family and friends, and hydrate! your calendars for the 2nd Annual Joe Kinlin When the third period started, Battle Across the River on January Bey Lea GC GCSANJ made a push to take a 3-2 22nd, 2023, at Center Ice in Oaks, Defense lead, but PAGCS scored twice more PA. Dan Kilpatrick to make it 4-3. And then, with mere North Jersey CC seconds to go, Dan Kilpatrick shot Defense the puck from the right point and tied it up. I am not sure if the NJ Rob Edenfield squad was happy with Dan at that Bey Lea GC point; perhaps we wanted beer and Defense pizza instead of an overtime period! But we got nearly an entire period David Fierro of overtime until PAGCS prevailed Essex Fells CC on a 3-on-2 break. PAGCS took the Center 5-4 victory and bragging rights as winners of the 1st Annual Battle Brian Weismantel Across the River. Fairmount CC Wing Andy Bulizak E-Z-GO Wing Steve Rudich Noble Turf Wing Joe Scioscia Spring Brook CC Center Jay Ewan Stone Harbor GC Defense Dylan McManus Trump Bedminster GC Wing Lindsey Baker Cape May National Wing Andy Hopwood Navesink CC Goalie THE GREENERSIDE | 13 THE GREENERSIDE | 14 GCSANJ VS PAGCS CHARITY HOCKEY GAME & FAMILY SKATE The Quinlan Family Joe Casello, Bill Murray, Joe Kinlin & Dan Kilpatrick Shaun Barry, and Dave Mishkin Corey Angelo and his daughter GSCANJ Hockey Team Game time! The Scioscia Family The Ewan Family The Kinlin Family THE GREENERSIDE | 15 FEATURE WISDOM IN UNCOMMON BOOKS By Donovan Maguigan World Travel by Anthony Bourdain I shared an amazing meal in New York City with my general my head as I thought of meals shared with my family over the exposing us to new customs and dietary adventures. manager and two Springdale holidays, the many dates with my members ahead of a concert that wife, and the many times that I Before his sudden death in 2018, we attended together that night. have eaten with my fellow Anthony Bourdain had been Despite our attendance together superintendents over food working on a travel guide called being based around our whether in Atlantic City for Expo, World Travel, which would be relationship at Springdale, the breweries for casual drinks, or completed posthumously by his dinner never transpired into a post-golf event dinners. This brother and long-time assistant. discussion about our golf club, but month, we even asked our district This book is extensively more so about our lives, homes, directors to share their favorite researched and fully of travel and our favorite topic, food. A places to eat as well as the details from around the world, thought was shared by our hosts personal question, “How do you especially the off the beaten path that, “Sharing food is one of the like your coffee?” To eat with locations that Bourdain was most intimate things that you can someone is to know them and the known for exploring and savoring do with a person.” While we book I selected this month shares food from. As it was written continued to dine, this deeply that thought while opening our posthumously, the book used philosophical statement echoed in eyes to the world around us, bold blue lettering when drawing THE GREENERSIDE | 16 GCSAA FEATURE directly from Bourdain’s work on good is good forever: great music, talking, and enjoy the time you the book, capturing his spirit great songs, and a classic Jersey spend together. among the pages. It serves as a sandwich.” delicate mix of travel guide, If you are interested in more journal, and food culture history You might be tempted to only reading like this, I recommend the book. World Travel is great when explore the places listed in New following: read cover to cover or cracked Jersey, New York, or Philadelphia open to find a place to eat on your and place the book back on the - Kitchen Confidential by Anthony next trip. shelf, but I implore you to open Bourdain the book, pick a location, and For a book called World Travel, learn something new about the - Eat a Peach by David Chang you might be shocked to know world. I have been fortunate that he has a section dedicated to enough to have traveled New Jersey, sharing the Garden extensively including living in State’s culinary contributions that Singapore as a child, but I still stretch beyond beach pizza and crave to know what the far pork roll (and Taylor Ham). corners of the world can share. Growing up in Leonia, New Jersey, Take a moment to try local Bourdain held a nostalgic restaurant that specializes in a relationship with his home state, foreign cuisine, talk to the people returning multiple times in his who work there, and sample what television career to share its the world can offer. Be sure to culinary delights. In this book, he invite your friends, share food states, "As I always like to say, with them, spend the evening THE GREENERSIDE | 17 TAKE IT BACK TO 1967 THE FIRST TEE Les grew up in Hackettstown, NJ. His father, Les Carpenter Sr., was the golf course superintendent at Leslie Carpenter Jr. Musconetcong Country Club, now Mine Brook Country Club. His mother, Wanda, was the restaurant manager there. He and his younger Through the Years siblings, including his brother Scott, golf course superintendent at Brooklake Country Club, spent most of their time on the property helping their parents. Les began working on the golf course after school and on weekends at ten years old. 1969 Les loved the game of golf at a young age and played whenever he could. At 12, he started competing in youth golf tournaments. Les and Dana Carpenter 1971 1983 1978 At 14, Les became a member of GCSANJ as his father's assistant Les marries his wife, Dana. Just two weeks after graduating superintendent Braidburn They grew up in the same from Rutgers at 20 years old, Country Club, now known as area and began dating Les was offered the golf course Brooklake Country Club. superintendent position at 1986 when Dana worked at Picatinny during her summer Picatinny Golf Club in Dover, NJ. A member at Picatinny breaks. Golf Club encouraged Les to apply to the golf course 1975 superintendent position at Newton Country, where he Les graduated from high school. He was also a member. enrolled in the local community college and took some liberal arts courses but When Les took the position knew he wanted to follow in his father's at Newton CC, the club's footsteps and be a golf course leadership wanted to superintendent. He enrolled in the Rutgers elevate the member Turf program. His classmates included experience by renovating Joel Jacquemot and Michael Hocko. the golf course. Les and his team did a lot of in- house construction projects during his 32 Newton Country Club years at Newton CC. He also worked with Stephen Kay on more significant projects throughout the course. 1989 1991 1998 1999 Les and Dana welcomed They welcomed their Les was always passionate about Les receives a GCSAA their first child, Daniel. second son, Stephen. nature and the environment. In Environmental Steward the 1990s, when the golf industry Award. Stephen followed in his was facing a lot of political dad's footsteps and is the scrutiny from environmentalists, He becomes an Audubon assistant superintendent with the support of Newton's International Steward, and is at Cedar Hill Country Club. membership, Les worked hard to still active in that role today. implement a sound ecological plan for golf maintenance operation at the club. In 1998, Newton Country Club became a certified member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. THE GREENERSIDE | 18 2017 2018 Les retires from Newton Country Club after 32 Les becomes a GCSANJ Foundation years. Trustee. He hosts the first annual Charity Sporting Clays Shoot and Pig He is the recipient of the GCSANJ Member of the Roast at Hudson Farm for the Year Award. Foundation. He has since hosted it every year. After his retirement, Mr. Peter Kellogg, a member of Les and Dana enjoying retirement. Newton CC and the owner of Hudson Farm Club in Andover, NJ, recruited Les to work part-time as the Grounds Manager of the 4,000-acre property. 2019 Hudson Farm has a strong culture and passion for To celebrate his 60th birthday, his environmental stewardship. family gave him a trip to Newfoundland for a 5-day moose hunting excursion. He brought home 400 pounds of meat. Les loved the experience so much that he has plans to go back in 2023. Hudson Farm Club Les on his Newfoundland moose hunt. 2016 Present Les is selected to receive the Rutgers Since starting his position at Professional Golf Turf Management Hudson Farm, Les has become a School's Award for Professional Excellence. Level 1 Sporting Clays Instructor, Range Safety Officer, Level 1 NRA Newton Country Club was also presented Pistol Instructor. with the Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Les instructing at the Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. GCSANJ Foundation Clay Shoot He enjoys spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters Olivia and Chloe. 2015 Les is the recipient of the NJ Turfgrass Association's Environmental Stewardship Award. Les is selected for GCSAA's The Melrose Leadership Academy for GIS San Keith Kubik presenting Les the Antonio. Since attending, he has Environmental Stewardship Award. become an advocate for the program and encourages NJ members to apply. Stephen, Danielle, Olivia, and Chloe Carpenter 2012 GCSAA introduces the Rounds4Research program. Les volunteers to become the chairman for GCSANJ. Since its introduction, Les and the GCSANJ Foundation have raised over $70,000 through the Rounds4Research program for the GCSANJ Foundation. Les also serves on the GCSAA Rounds4Research Task Group. He was elected to the GCSANJ Board of Directors as the District 1 Director. Les' son Daniel and his daughter-in-law, Samantha Golfdom feature about Les and his enviromental initiatives. THE GREENERSIDE | 19 THE GREENERSIDE | 20 REMEMBERING MAURICE "SKIP" CAMERON On March 22nd, our longtime member, Maurice "Skip" Cameron, passed away at 87. Skip was a member of GCSANJ for over 60 years and served as president from 1973 to 1974. Skip received the GCSANJ Distinguished Service Award in 1994. Five years ago, Skip wrote a short article about his career in hopes of sharing advice and encouragement with new professionals in our industry. Ken Kubik was able to track down the article and graciously shared it. We hope you will take the time to honor his memory and service to our chapter by reading his story. I was born in Springfield, MA on November 8, 1934. My wonderful mother grew annuals and other plants inside and outside of the house. I took after her and her side of the family which included Sherwood Moore who all the old-timers in the Metropolitan area will remember. During Sherwood's tenure, he was President of GCSANJ, The Metropolitan, and The National Assoc. and a constant speaker at most meetings. When I was 12 years old Sher invited me to live in N.J. with him and his wife Marie in his house on Crestmont Golf Course in W. Orange, N.J. Weather permitting, we would get up at dawn and walk to the maintenance shop. When he got the men started, we would walk 9 holes on the golf course and he would show and explain the many grasses, weeds, shrubs, trees, and all about nature. This went on through high school and two years at Stockbridge School of Agriculture until going into the U.S. Air Force. After the Air Force, Sherwood and I talked about my future, Sher said it was time to move on and get experiences on another golf course. At that time Mr. Ed Casey needed an assistant at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J. What a Job. It was four years as the only assistant at a 36-hole course with about 45 men during the season. Winter was rest time with a skeleton crew and Ed Casey spent the winters in Florida. Again, I went back to my mentor Sherwood, and he said that Elmwood Golf Club in Westchester, N.Y. was looking for a new superintendent to work at their 18-hole club. I got the job and took my new wife Phyllis on a new adventure. I met the greatest boss and some of the nicest people ever. After 4 years there, I made a mistake and was talked into a job building a golf course and within a year they went broke and closed. Then I heard that Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, NJ was open and again I was lucky enough to get that job. Again, I worked with wonderful people and stayed there for 7 years. Canoe Brook Country Club opened up and I always wanted to get back to a 36-hole golf club because they were more active with outings and tournaments. This worked out great and I spent 21 years there up to my retirement. Looking back, we had some tough times, but overall I really enjoyed getting up early and keeping busy under great conditions as seeing the morning sunshine with no one on the golf course and thinking what a nice place to spend the day. How lucky was I to learn from the best at the time? Learning must include joining and being active in the local and national turf associations. It is the only way to stay abreast of the times including chemicals, new grasses, fertilizers, etc. Thank you for reading this and hope it might be of help to the young people looking for a lifetime career. Maurice "Skip" Cameron (1934-2022) THE GREENERSIDE | 21 40 PLUS YEARS OF GCSAA MEMBERSHIP BY SHAUN BARRY In the recent GCM issue, the magazine continued its annual tradition Line or The Thin Blue Line, but our connection to the past is just as of listing all its longtime members, starting with 25 years of strong. membership. I am sure most members are too busy to spend much time reviewing these names other than finding themselves or friends. Most current GCSANJ members will recognize a few names, but as the length of years of membership increases, only a few of our Below, you will see a list of current and former GCSANJ members current GCSANJ members will remember these people, but others who have maintained GCSANJ membership and GCSAA membership. will know most of these people. We are all working hard to succeed, Most of these names represent people who did the jobs our members and hopefully, we will be remembered for what we did at our jobs are doing now. Like today’s members, they were part of a and our commitment to our industry. Please review the list, and I brotherhood whose lineage goes back to Old Tom Morris Sr. and even hope you make it a goal to be a part of this lifetime connection to all further. This lineage doesn’t have a clever name like The Long Gray of the Greenkeepers, Course Managers, and Superintendents that have struggled, so we have been able to rise to levels of success. THE GREENERSIDE | 22 YEARS OF GCSAA MEMBERSHIP 40 Years 46-49 Years 57 Years Dave Brubaker Steve Cadenelli, CGCS Joe Flaherty, CGCS Joel Collura Charlie Dey Dave McGhee Tom Crump, CGCS Wayne Foster Joel Jacquemot, CGCS Doug Fraser 59 Years R K “Chip” Kern Jim Gilligan, CGCS John Ujobay Steve Malikowski Bob Ribbans, CGCS Roger Stewart, CGCS Ed Walsh, CGCS 60 Years 41-44 Years Pete Pedrazzi Sr. Tom Grimac, CGCS Dr. Rich Hurley 51 Years Mark Kuhns, CGCS Bob Dickison, CGCS John O’Keefe, CGCS Joe Owsik 52 Years Jeff Wetterling, CGCS Tony Rippel John Wantz 45 Years Steve Finamore, CGCS THE GREENERSIDE | 23 TECH TIPS UNPLUGGED by Donovan Maguigan Here’s a tech tip…grab your smartphone, turn it off or unplug it, and leave it in another room. Well, first check Twitter for what is going on in turf, finish today’s Wordle, read your e-mail, log your calories, like some posts on Instagram, and check the tracking on your Amazon package. In that time, you probably will receive a few text messages, an email or two from the club, and you just got a friend request from someone you think you went to high school with. Of course, as you were looking at your Wordle, you accidentally opened up Untappd and now you are looking for a beer that your buddy just posted. It won’t be long before you descend into another internet rabbit hole, completely forgetting what you originally opened your phone for. It's no mystery how connected we are to this rectangle of aluminum, glass, plastic, silicon, and lithium. Our entire worlds are held within these devices and every day more items become entwined with smartphone technology including our wallets, IDs, photo albums, notebooks, and activity trackers. Smartphones are technological Swiss Army knives, but there should be a point when you should put them down and provide yourself some distance. The constant notifications and distractions can derail your brain, remind you of stresses, and potentially even curve your spine. Before smartphones, emails were not as freely moving as text messages, social media was nonexistent, and we didn’t check the weather nearly as much but nowadays, our entire lives are encapsulated in a device that you are technologically required to replace every two to three years or your technological world comes to a screeching halt. Despite the handcuff that we have with your smartphones, there is hope in a few things that you can do for yourself to provide a respite. THE GREENERSIDE | 24 Schedule Do Not Disturb Notifications on Your Wrist… Both Android and Apple phones include the option to Beware! turn on a Do Not Disturb mode, a setting that can After several years of wearing multiple brands of quiet all or some notifications. This option can be smartwatches with notifications, I recently switched tailored to allow certain notifications from favorite back to an automatic watch (Yes, it only tells the contacts or repeated calls. I personally have a number time, but looks great). I found myself constantly of these focused settings on my iPhone that tailor checking my watch for notifications, looking at the who I receive messages, calls, and notifications from weather, or playing with the watch dial. Every depending on what I am doing that day. It’s a simple vibration or notification sound grabbed my attention way to put up some temporary walls that might help away from what I was working on or trying to relax you stay on track and distracted less. from. It’s a great tool just like your phone, but can itself become a distraction. Charge It in Another Room Free yourself from the distraction of picking up your Be Aware of Your Phone Usage phone by placing it in another room when charging, Around Others even if only at night. If your phone remains in arm’s reach, you will likely pick it up for a multitude of Self-awareness is important when you find yourself reasons. using your phone too much or constantly checking notifications. Turning off notifications or keeping your phone elsewhere can help you remain in the moment Delete Unnecessary Apps and professional. If you open your full list of smartphone apps, you might notice several that you have not opened. It’s almost May. Do you still have the Masters app? Haven't opened Snapchat in a few months? A periodical purge of excess apps on your phone can provide both a freeing of space on your phone as well as limit distractions. THE GREENERSIDE | 25 QUICK QUESTIONS New board members Mark Miedler, Pat Quinlan, and Rob Wagner answered our quick questions to share their experiences as superintendents and anecdotes about their courses and careers. Why did you join the Why did you become a Tell us about your GCSANJ Board? superintendent? golf course? MARK MIEDLER I have met a bunch of great people over the Essex Fells CC is a golden-age golf years, learned a ton from course dating back to 1896. A few The game of golf brought me fellow members, and different renowned architects have into this career. The challenge enjoyed a lot of great put their imprints on the property. and reward have kept me here. events hosted by GCSANJ. We are currently creating a master We have the greatest office It was time for me to give plan for the course and facilities. I space in the world. back a bit. am excited to see the place evolve over the next five-plus years. Essex Fells Country Club Golf Course Superintendent PAT QUINLAN I knew I couldn’t work in a The course was designed by cubicle every day, and the Hal Purdy and, more recently, thought of commuting to NYC updated by Robert McNeil. I took was a nightmare. I always over from the retiring enjoyed working and being superintendent four years ago, and I am friendly with many of outdoors, along with playing we have been focusing on modern our board members and golf. I worked landscape agronomic procedures and thought I would enjoy construction during high school drainage. We installed a 5-row working with them. summers and played golf on Rainbird HDPE irrigation system the weekends. I ran into the and most recently have been superintendent at the county working with XGD on greens, course I would play, and he approach, and fairway drainage. Fairmount Country Club explained the business to me. The result of these changes is Golf Course Superintendent The rest is history. finally starting to show. ROB WAGNER I grew up across the street The course I work at is great from a maintenance shop. My because it's a nice, quiet spot. morning alarm clock was the Seriously though, Trump National equipment, followed by the Bedminster has always had great metal spikes of the golfers. I people in all facets of the operation. When Jeremy asks, you always looked up to the That's what makes working here have to heed the call. superintendent and got hooked great. Although chaotic at times, it when I was old enough to be most certainly is never boring here. on the crew. I was fortunate to If I hadn't signed an NDA and my have great mentors, which memory was better, I could write influenced my path toward a an entertaining book. Trump National Bedminster career in turf. Director of Grounds What is something What is the If you could go back in that you have What is something unique biggest challenge time, what is one piece of continued to do non- about your golf course? that you face at advice you would tell your stop since the start of your property? younger self? your career? Apparently, the Mulligan evolved at Ask your management or board EFCC. The locker room attendant for what you need, no matter the was Buddy Mulligan. He would cost. Have a good sales pitch and play afternoon matches with the I love to hand water greens. all the answers to why you need club pro. The golf professional It gives me a chance to see the funding, but never be afraid played much more golf and had them day in and day out to ask. Our job is to put out plenty of warm-up before the Drainage, hands down. through the toughest conditions and be upfront about afternoon games with Buddy. The stretches of weather. Plus, it what it costs and takes to get to pro always spotted Buddy an extra helps with the mid-section, the next level. We all know that’s tee shot off of #1 as a warm-up, haha! what the golfers want, put the and this later became known as the ball in their court and fight for “Mulligan,” that we are all familiar what’s right for the golf course with today. and yourself. Fairmount CC is located in Don’t let work cause you to miss Heavy clay The Great Swamp National Network. so many family functions. You Wildlife Refuge. swampy soils. can’t get that time back. One of the buildings on the property is haunted by the ghost of Our biggest challenge a British sympathizer that lived we face is keeping our Since the start of my career, If I could go back in time I would here during the American local goat herd from I have continued non-stop have told myself to wear better to always reply "yes" Revolution. He was placed under ripping apart fertilizer whenever a coworker asks ear protection when I was house arrest by George bags and out of the if I want a coffee. younger. Washington after the conclusion of mechanic's office. the war and for all of eternity... QUICK QUESTIONS Rapid Fire Edition Pork Roll or Taylor Ham? You just won $1 Million, what are Mark: Taylor Ham you doing with it? Pat: Taylor Ham Mark: Buying a house in South Carolina to retire to, Rob: Taylor Ham investing the remainder. Pat: Purchase a second home in Rhode Island. Favorite place to eat in NJ? Rob: Pay off my mortgage, invest the rest if anything Mark: Steves Sizzling Steaks on Rt 17. It reminds me is left after taxes. of my dad. Miss hanging out with him! Pat: Serenade in Chatham How do you like your coffee? Or Rob: Uncle Vinny's in Raritan what do you drink? Mark: Black, the stronger, the better. Last movie you saw? Pat: Just cream Mark: N/A. Not a big TV or movie guy. I only Rob: Cream with no sugar + extra shot of espresso watch baseball and golf. Pat: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle If you could have footage from Rob: Missing in Action 2: The Beginning one memorable moment in your life, what would it be? Mark: My wedding after-party. It’s your day off, what are you doing? Pat: My father’s face when we took him back to Mark: Hanging out with my 4-year-old son Anthony. Notre Dame for a football game. The last time he He’s awesome. was there was with his father in 1967. Pat: Take a nap. Rob: Catching my first fish with my grandfather. Rob: Spend time with my wife or fish with my dad. THE GREENERSIDE | 28 GCSAA FEATURE IN CHALLENGING TIMES, WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER By Kevin Doyle, GCSAA Field Staff "Knowing you are not alone doesn’t ease any of the pain and anxiety the situation places on superintendents, but it does alert others of the circle of peers with whom you can look to for assistance and support." W e often talk about the networking and camaraderie this put together a roundtable meeting, as he did in 2015, inviting one-half inch depth) less than 20 degrees, followed by a February industry exemplifies. Sharing area superintendents with that included three or four events knowledge amongst ourselves is Michelle DaCosta, Ph.D., of UMass, where soil temperatures reached standard practice. Mother Nature and John Daniels, regional USGA 40-60 degrees! dished out anxiety to most, while agronomist, to add their input. some came through in good to Club officials were asked to attend; DaCosta noted these swings in great shape, others did not. meeting content was geared temperature are more in line with Superintendents, through a swath toward all attendees. March, not February. Huge of central New York, the Capital moisture releases were measured District of Albany, western DaCosta gave a summary of the by the sensors in February, even Massachusetts down through winter weather including the warm under ice, creating potential for Connecticut, areas of New York December, very cold January, injury to Poa which de-hardens and northern New Jersey are followed by the roller coaster easily with temperature and easily dealing with damage of various February. Data sensors being absorbs moisture. proportion. On Friday April 1, utilized by ongoing research Springfield Country Club (MA) showed January soil temp (at a Sensors under ice showed less superintendent Jedd Newsome fluctuation in temperature and THE GREENERSIDE | 30 GCSAA FEATURE much less moisture release, yet Use of permeable and impermeable impossible. Newsome’s mantra for the drop in oxygen levels were covers was discussed. Daniels keeping the stress off the greens: severe. Noting how carbon dioxide addressed the benefits of each in By June 1, the golfers will all have levels have yet to be addressed, preventing damage, issues that can forgotten what happened. DaCosta engaged Mohawk Golf occur and the use of covers to aide Newsome thanked the club for Course superintendent Andy Eick in recovery. Newsome highlighted allowing him to host, the Tom Irwin regarding his green tied to this his use of covers on his historically Company for providing lunch, and data. Eick explained to the difficult greens and the success this all who attended. There were great attendees that the green under ice effort has made. questions with fantastic turned out to be the best green on information provided by speakers the property to date. Newsome wrapped up the day by and attendees alike. Knowing you noting during his 13-year tenure at are not alone doesn’t ease any of Daniels discussed results of his Springfield Country Club, he’s the pain and anxiety the situation many site visits from New York to endured six years of significant places on superintendents, but it Massachusetts, and many in winterkill issues. He extended his does alert others of the circle of between. The importance of thanks to the club for their patience peers with whom you can look to sunshine in fall turf health headed and understanding during recovery. for assistance and support. A into winter and spring recovery He stressed the need to stay off the rising tide raises all ships; let the was highlighted. Daniels stressed greens until they recover while healing process begin. the importance of photos in admitting the pressure on municipal documenting these difficult and public facilities might make that growing conditions. THE GREENERSIDE | 31 GCSAA RESOURCES UPCOMING WEBINARS BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR TURFGRASS SOIL TESTING AND APPLICATION Travis Shaddox, Ph.D. June 16 @ noon FACTORS THAT AFFECT PESTICIDE FATE & BEHAVIOR ON THE GOLF COURSE Travis Gannon, Ph.D. July 13 @ noon WWW.GCSAA.ORG/EDUCATION/MY- LEARNING-HUB Times listed are for the U.S. Central time zone. THE GREENERSIDE | 32 GCSAA RESOURCES GET STARTED VIRTUAL GCSAA GOLF COURSE ON FACILITY EDUCATION IS ENVIRONMENTAL BMP MANUALS STILL AVAILABLE! PROFILE Now that you state BMP Competency-based education Why fill out the GCEP Phase III manual is available through is a cornerstone of GCSAA’s Nutrient and Pest Management GCSAA’s BMP Planning Guide service to our members. Find survey? We need current data and Template you can easily the just-in-time education you to support the BMPs used to create a facility BMP manual need in My Learning Hub. advocate for the profession & for your facility. Access is golf industry and to measure easy with your GCSAA You can still access the 2022 change/trend analysis for the website member log-in using GCSAA Virtual Education future. the link immediately below, Event. then select the facility BMP Members receive .5 service icon and go. Webinars are www.gcsaa.org/education/my- points. available to assist you with learning-hub this easy-to-use tool. www.gcsaa.org/environment THE GREENERSIDE | 33 SAVE THE DATE MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR UPCOMING GCSANJ EVENTS! RYDER CUP GOLF MEETING AT HACKENSACK GOLF CLUB JUNE 13TH Hosted by Rich Lane, CGCS FAMILY NIGHT AT THE JULY GOLF MEETING AT SOMERSET PATRIOTS PARTY DECK OAK HILL GOLF CLUB JUNE 21ST JULY 18TH Hosted by Joel Jacquemot, CGCS THE GREENERSIDE | 34 WAR AT THE SHORE ATLANTIC CITY COUNTRY CLUB Hosted by Mark Beaumont Doug Johnstone and Fred Stauffer Tom Pepe and Pat Quinlan Dave Mitchell and Bob Prickett Phil Page, Pat Husby, Andrew Shaul, Todd Raisch, Amando Aparicio, Sean Konsavich, Joey Wolff, Jay Ewan Tim Zurybida, Lance Rogers Rob Arnts Dave Schell and Jen Schneider Doug Larson and Mark Beaumont Grant Plantz, Jeremy Hreben, Rich Sweeney THE GREENERSIDE | 35 GCSANJ CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT FAIRMOUNT COUNTRY CLUB Hosted by Pat Quinlan Dan and Brandan Baker Nick Kelly, Pat Quinlan, Frank Caruso, Tim Gerzabek, Brian Weismantel Paul Ramina, Hunter Haas James Surico and Paul Ramina Tournament Winners! Frank Horan and Nick Alley Shaun Kennedy, Chris Marra, and Nick Alley James Surico, Steve Thomas, Pat Quinlan, TJ Gallagher and Andy Bulizak Tim Gerzabek Nick Kelly, Shaun Barry THE GREENERSIDE | 36 2022 SPONSOR PARTNERS PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS WE ASKED WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOLF HOLE IN NEW JERSEY? "I couldn’t possibly have a single favorite golf hole with the plethora of classic golf courses in New Jersey, but if I had to choose one, it could be the 14th hole at the Walter Travis-designed North Jersey Country Club. Formally known as the Mae West hole due to two big mounds in the landing area of the tee shot, which have since been softened and a bunker added. A precision downhill tee shot, then a short iron to a well-bunkered undulating green. Breaks on a short six-footer could have as much as three feet of turn—very challenging short par 4." -Dick Neufeld, Plant Food Co. "My favorite golf hole in New Jersey is the par 3, 2nd hole at Somerset Hills CC. It’s one of the most intimidating Redan holes I’ve ever played. Par is a very good score there." -Lance Rogers, Colonia Country Club THE GREENERSIDE | 38 "My favorite golf hole in NJ is the 11th hole at Crystal Springs. It’s a long par 3, probably 170-190ish, with a huge “butterfly” shaped green. The tee is probably almost 100’ high where you're hitting off a cliff and over water depending on where the pin is located. The views are stunning, and it’s located in a beautiful part of not only the state but also the United States." -Tony Hooks, Due Process Stable "I would say Number 1 at Arcola Country Club because I eagled it from the left rough in sudden death to beat Rob Arnts and Rob Johnson in a heated Stanley Cup match." - Alan Bean, The Ridge At Back Brook "The third hole at The Banks Course at Forsgate. It is a long par three from all of the tees. A ball that lands short rolls down the hill leaving a blind shot, and that is what you face if you are also short and right, but you are now in a 10ft deep bunker. The green is divided by a “hogback” and being on the wrong side leaves a very challenging putt." - Shaun Barry, GCSANJ Foundation YOU ANSWERED THE GREENERSIDE | 39 GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY A.G. ENTERPRISES DOWNES TREE SERVICE CO. E-Z-GO TEXTRON Staff Uniforms Tree Services, Removal, Pruning, Nick Roberto Rick Gordon Stump Grinding, Mulch, and Topsoil E-Z-GO, Cushman, Jacobsen Ph: (Cell) 201.741.4500 Kevin Downes Ph: 845.637.7641 Fx: 201.575.4140 65 Royal Avenue T 845.637.7641 merrick160@gmail.com Hawthorne, NJ 07506 agenterprisesonline.com Ph: 973.238.9800 FERTL SOIL info@downes.pro Manufacturing/ Blending of Sand BASF and Soils, Topdressing, Divot Plant Protection & Plant Health Products, DOUBLE ‘D’ TURF LLC Repair Soils, and Engineered Soils Lexicon, Xzemplar, Honor, Insignia Dennis DeSanctis Jr. & Sr. Mike Warner David Schell Aeration Services, Rentals, Equip Sales Ph: 866-688-8628 Ph: 410.800.8762 PO Box 1090 orders@fertl-soil.com david.schell@basf.com Hightstown, NJ 08520 155 Central Schoolhouse Road Paul Ramina Ph: 732.580.5516 Carneys Point, NJ Ph: 908.413.2944 Dennis Jr@doubledturf.com paul.ramina@basf.com FINCH SERVICES EARTHWORKS John Deere Authorized Dealer BAYER Carbon based fertilizers Phil Page Plant Health Products Jack Higgins ppage@finchinc.com Jeffrey Weld Ph: 484.894.0242 Cell: 609.498.4031 Pesticides hwww.earthworksturf.com Joey Wolff 2 T.W. Alexander Drive jack@soilfirst.com jwolff@finchinc.com Research Triangle Park, NC Cell:410.215.6921 Ph: 914.419.9384 EAST COAST SOD & SEED 419 Industrial Drive jeff.weld@bayer.com Sod & Seed Supplier,Bent Grass, North Wales, PA Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine BLOOMING BEDS Fescue Sod FISHER & SON COMPANY Plant Care Services Kevin Driscoll Distributor of Golf & Turf Wayne Jackson Ph: 609.760.4099 Products,Fertilizer, Seed 21 Madison Plaza #130 kdriscoll@eastcoastsod.com Rob Johnson Madison, NJ 07940 110 Summit Drive, Ph: 973.937.7009 EWING IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE Exton PA 19341 www.bloomingbeds.com SUPPLY Ph: 800.262.2127 wayne@bloomingbeds.com Irrigation & Turf Products Cell: 215.475.7998 Rain Bird Golf Distributor rjohnson@fisherandson.com Fred Rapp BRAEN STONE frapp@ewingirrigation.com FMC CORPORATION Construction Material Ph: 848.225.4618 www.fmcprosolutions.com Joe Klemm Jim Miner Tracy Tudor Stone, Sand, Recycled Materials, and jminer@ewingirrigation.com Ph: 215-704-6679 Asphalt Ph: 908.674.1145 Tracy.Tudor@fmc.com 400 Central Avenue 2929 Walnut Street Haledon, NJ 07508 Philadelphia, PA Ph: 973.838.7100 Ext.2 jklemm@braenstone.com www.braenstone.com THE GREENERSIDE | 40 GCSANJ PATRON DIRECTORY GRASS ROOTS, INC. NOBLE TURF STEPHEN KAY GOLF COURSE Golf Course Maintenance Supplies Brian Gjelsvik ARCHITECT Ken Kubik: 973.418.7035 25 Roland Avenue Master Planning, Drainage Design Keith Kubik: 973.418.7034 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 & Restoration Jay McKenna: 973.418.7036 Ph: 856.273.1402 665 Saint Andrews Drive Office: 973.252.6634 briang@seetonturf.com Egg Harbor City NJ 08215 Ph: 609.703.3300 GENESIS TURFGRASS NUFARM stephenkgolf@aol.com Mark Merrick Pesticides for the turf & ornamentals 717-759-8151 Michael Molchan SYNATEK info@genesisturfgrassinc.com 25 Roland Avenue Shaun Kennedy 137 Commerce Drive Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 737 Hagey Center Drive, Unit A Glen Rock, PA 17327 Ph: 610-653-7983 Souderton, PA 18964 genesisturfgrass.com michael.molchan@nufarm.com Ph: 8662.266.9288 Fx: (267) 203-1613 HARRELL’S LLC PLANT FOOD COMPANY skennedy@synateksolutions.com Josh Kopera “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” Cell:201.213.8693 Dick Neufeld: 973.945.6318 SYNGENTA jkopera@harrells.com Tom Weinert: 914.262.0111 Manufacturer, Plant Protectants Jen Schneider Tom Pepe: 609.751.1372 Lee Kozsey Cell:732.828.0895 Biostimulants & Other Products Cell: 215.796.0409 jschneider@harrells.com for Premium Turfgrass Lee.kozsey@syngenta.com harrells.com Ph: 800.282.8007 SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY TOTAL TURF GOLF SERVICES Providing the Products & Greg Hufner HELENA Expertise That You Need & Trust 1965 Byberry Road People…Products…Knowledge Frank Jacheo: 732.489.1442 Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 Tim Gerzabek fjacheo@siteone.com Ph: 215.426.0554 Cell: 609.221.9240 Fred Stauffer: 317.518.2841 gregh@totalturfservices.com GerzabekT@helenaagri.com fstauffer@siteone.com www.helenaagri.com Shawn Reynolds: 401.486.9133 WILLOW'S BEND sreynolds@siteone.com Specializes in golf course pump LABAR GOLF RENOVATIONS stations. Service and installation. Golf Course Construction & SOIL & WATER CONSULTING Scott Scherer Renovations Corey Angelo P.O. Box 1344 Richard S. LaBar Jr. Consulting and Analysis for Your Belle Mead, NJ 08502 170 Mount Airy Road, Suite A1 Turfgrass, Soils, and Water. Ph: 908.837.9102 Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Ph: 848.225.5115 scott@willowsbend.com Ph: 908.502.5353 corey@soilandwaterconsulting.com rich@labargolf.com STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Commercial Toro Turf & Irrigation Equipment Steve Bradley, Jim Devaney Rick Krok 3191 Highway 22, Branchburg NJ Ph: 908.722.9830 sbradley@storrtractor.com THE GREENERSIDE | 41