March-April 2021 GCSANE BOARD OF DIRECTORS President's Message by Peter J. Rappoccio PRESIDENT Peter J. Rappoccio, CGCS Concord Country Club 246 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742 978-371-1089 Fax: 978-369-7231 Dear Member, Email: gcs@concordcc.org VICE PRESIDENT I hope the season has started for all of you in a great fashion! Brian Skinner, CGCS, CPO Bellevue Golf Club Spring has certainly come quick with this warm dry weather, PO Box 760661, Melrose, MA 02176 781-248-0216 which has been great for getting things done on the course so Email: brianskinner@bellevuegolfclub.com early! I am sure many of you have opened already or are in the SECRETARY/TREASURER process of doing so. I know at my club we have been busy since Bob Dembek Lexington Golf Club opening day and it looks that way for the near future! 55 Hill Street, Lexington, MA 02420 978-870-8669 Email: lexgc@rcn.com Our golf chair, Bob Dembek, has a great schedule of meetings and DIRECTORS Greg Cormier, CGCS events this season and we are excited to get together as best we Tom Irwin, Inc. 11A Street, Burlington, MA 01803 can. I hope many of you will be able to make one or more meetings this year. Our first one 978-846-1133 is at the end of the month, the Bear Cup that we cohost with our friends on the cape. I am Email: gregcormier@tomirwin.com looking forward to a great event and hope to see many of you there! Thank you to all who Ryan Emerich Vesper Country Club have volunteered to host us this season! 185 Pawtucket Boulevard, Tyngsboro, MA 01879 717-575-1332 Email: remerich@vespercc.com There are many great things happening in the association this year. I would like to thank Michael Murphy Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course all of the board members for their commitment to serve our membership. In particular, 1281 West Roxbury Parkway, Brookline MA 02467 there is a lot happening with Government Relations and our ever-changing landscape of 617-879-5664 Email: mimurphy@brooklinema.gov rules and regulations. Eric Richardson has been doing a great job staying in front of many Eric Richardson issues, which will be challenges for our industry. Essex County Club 153 School Street, Manchester, MA 01944 978-500-2094 Over the winter, the Massachusetts BMP document came out; I hope everyone had a Email: erichardson@essexcc.org chance to look at it. This document will be a good resource for industry professionals David Stowe, CGCS Newton Commonwealth Golf Club especially when dealing with legislators or interested parties who may not be familiar with 212 Kenrick Street, Newton, MA 02458 617-789-4631 what best management practices on a golf course are. Email: Newtonmaint@aol.com PAST PRESIDENT I am hopeful 2021 will be a great year for golf, for our industry, and for all of us personally David W. Johnson The Country Club as well. I hope that the effects of 2020 are behind us and brighter days are ahead. I think 191 Clyde Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 617-456-3972 we are getting closer to normal see, which is a welcome change. I certainly wish everyone Email: Djohnson.wgc@gmail.com great success in the 2021 season and hopefully you are off to a great start this spring. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Donald E. Hearn, CGCS 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Regards, 774-430-9040 Email: donhearn@gcsane.org Peter NEWSLETTER EDITOR Greg Cormier, CGCS Tom Irwin, Inc. 11A Street, Burlington, MA 01803 978-846-1133 Email: gregcormier@tomirwin.com GCSANE Headquarters 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Tel: (774) 430-9040 Web Site: www.gcsane.org Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and June not represent the position of GCSANE. Information contained in this publication June be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. Divot Drift WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Back Issues! Mike Brace, Affiliate, The Air Traffic Controllers Jacob Disick, Assistant Superintendent, Essex County Club Scott Lynch, Assistant Superintendent, William Devine Golf Course Nicholas MacDuffie, Affiliate, The Air Traffic Controllers John Raikos, Assistant Superintendent, Vesper Country Club The Air Traffic Controllers, Friend of the Association Turf & Golf Services, Friend of the Association CONGRATULATIONS TO Dan Brandt who has taken the position of Superintendent at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club. Dan was formerly Superintendent at Shaker Hills Country Club. Jason Paradise, former Superintendent at Cyprian Keyes moved on to Clark University. Robert “Chip” Fitzgerald on his selection as Superintendent at Renaissance. Chip was formerly Assistant Superintendent at National Golf Links of America and was an Assistant Member of the Association. Past issues of the NEWSLETTER are available Willem Geldenhuys on his selection as Superintendent at using this link: http://bit.ly/GCSANEnewsletters. Nabnasset Lake Country Club. Willem was formerly Assistant Superintendent at Vesper Country Club and an Assistant Member of the Association. Kevin Corvino on becoming Assistant Superintendent at George Wright Golf Club. Kevin was formerly Superintendent at As in the past, The Newsletter continues to invite Wayland Country Club. Affiliate members to submit a press release about new personnel, new products or a company bio. We will print each and every release free of charge. This is a great way to advertise for free. Who said nothing in this world is free? Free advertising to better your company, wow what an offer. GCSANE Offers Website Banner advertising at www.gcsane.org The price is $500 for one year which will be re-occurring annually from your first billing unless otherwise specified. For more information, please contact Don Hearn at 774-430-9040 or donhearn@gcsane.org 2 The Newsletter Thoughts From Your Executive Director by Don Hearn One of the benefits of being a GCSA of New England member Enrollment in the 2021 Partnership Promotion Program (PPP) is the opportunity to obtain a GHIN handicap. Our friends at remains strong with 33 companies enrolled in this year’s program Mass Golf make this possible. If you would like to obtain a GHIN as of April 7. The companies that have offered their support at handicap, please contact me at donhearn@gcsane.org. There this enhanced level are listed elsewhere in this issue. Please keep is no cost to you. It’s a benefit of your membership. in mind that these companies and their representatives offer their support to help you and our Association succeed. Remember to support those who support you. In addition to those in the I don’t know if it comes with age or being lucky to not have had PPP are the many who offer their support at the Friend of the problems, but skin cancer is something I’ve become more aware Association and Affiliate Member level. These companies and of. During my many days spent as a younger person on the golf their representatives stand behind you to offer their expertise and course I didn’t consider using sunscreen. Nah, that stuff was for support when you have problems and try extremely hard to provide people who sit on the beach all day. Well, I’ve been lucky to have solutions to them. We’re lucky to be part of an industry that cares only a few small areas that required any attention. All, thankfully, about helping each other when solutions are needed. Don’t forget were minor issues and when removed caused no more problems. – no one is an island. As long as all is going well, it’s easy to believe Now, when I go outside for an extended time, I wear either a long you have all the answers, golfers love what you do and how you do sleeve shirt and hat or apply sunscreen and wear a hat. Since I’ve it, home life is great and everyone is healthy. There’s not much to been doing this, I’ve had no incidence of sun related skin problems. worry about. That’s correct. Not much to worry about until the I’m sure some people look at me wearing a long sleeve shirt during time arrives when there is much to worry about. Don’t be cocky. If a sunny and warm, even hot, day and wonder – “is he really that you haven’t hit a bad stretch yet, you’re lucky and you have my best cold?” Think what you want, but not being a slave to fashion wishes to keep it that way. When the bad stretch does hit make allows me to pay no attention to those who think it strange to wear sure you left some room on your island for others to lend a hand. a long sleeve shirt during hot weather. Better to be safe than sorry. You’ll realize just how helpful others can be. Please – use sunscreen or keep your skin covered when you expect to be outside. HELPING YOU WIN. SERVICE. SOLUTIONS. INSIGHTS. When it comes to your course, you need a partner that’s consistent. Count on us for the right products and technical insights you need to help your business thrive. CONTACT YOUR WINFIELD UNITED REPRESENTATIVE TODAY TO LEARN HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WIN. TIM HANRAHAN JAY POPKO THanrahan@landolakes.com JPopko@landolakes.com 978-815-9810 413-454-3847 Andersons • Aquatrols • Bayer • BASF • Civitas • Corteva • FMC Griggs • Nufarm • PBI Gordon • Quali Pro • Syngenta winfieldunitedpro.com | @winfieldpro March-April 2021 3 Thoughts continued As I write this, the future of our monthly meetings and events But don’t despair. You have many opportunities to boost the odds looks like they will be taking place. There might be some changes that employees will show up when they’re supposed to. Here are from what had been business as usual, but for the most part it ways to discourage employees from arriving late, as well as how to seems like “back to normal” isn’t far away. Because of last year’s deal with those who regularly do: cancellations some events had to change dates. This year the Bear Cup host will be the GCSA of Cape Cod rather than the GCSA Use a time clock. of New England. Due to some schedule changes last year the It may seem old-fashioned or like you’re micromanaging, but a Cape has asked us to switch this year’s hosting, which we gladly time clock holds people accountable. It not only records when did. We’re all in this business together and whatever helps others, employees check in and out for the workday, but it also lets them helps us. To keep up to date with event dates you can access the know that you know when they come and go. confirmed events on the Association’s website at gcsane.org. Click on the EVENTS tab. Employees will feel more compelled to show up on time if they know they’re being monitored. One of the most annoying things that really bothered me during Companies can buy a physical time clock that requires employees my days as a superintendent was an employee arriving late. I’m to punch in and out each day. sure you have experienced it. The most challenging aspect of the problem was – when will the person show up? If you received a Schedule the staff meeting and work assignments first thing in call or a text at least you would know if the person was on the way the day. and you could plan based on the estimated arrival time. If there Even if it’s a quick five-minute “check-in,” if employees know they was no call or notice of any kind it was impossible to know if the are required to attend an all-hands-on-deck meeting with the boss employee would be five minutes or five hours late or never show up first thing in the workday, they will have good reason to show up at all. The following article offers some ideas you might be able to on time—or face questions about why they were absent. incorporate in your plan to help with the problem. Be clear and consistent about the rules. What To Do When an Employee Always If you’re not actively communicating that you expect employees to show up on time, they may think you don’t care if they’re late. Shows Up Late Kelly Spors Make sure the employee handbook spells out the expectations One day, it’s 10 minutes. The next, it’s 30—or 50. about work hours and arriving on time and remind employees of those expectations on a regular basis, such as in staff meetings. Whether it’s bad traffic, oversleeping or caring for a sick pet, Also, make sure the rules are enforced consistently across all employees offer up lots of different excuses when they show up late employees—or you could be accused of favoritism or unfair for work. As the manager, you may overlook it the first time. But treatment. what if it becomes a pattern? Having an established way to track lateness—such as using a time Employee lateness is a widespread problem. A 2016 survey by clock—can help ensure that consistency. CareerBuilder found that one in four employees admits to showing up late for work once a month, whereas 13 percent of employees Require phone calls or texts. say it’s a weekly occurrence. Managers say they hear all sorts of Make it a requirement that employees who are running more than excuses: “A black bear entered my carport and decided to take 15 minutes late must call into the office or send a text. Employees a nap on the hood of my car.” “I was detained by Homeland are less likely to show up late if they know they have to discuss it Security.” “My hair caught on fire from my blow dryer.” with someone. Employees who rarely arrive late to work should probably be given Institute consequences for lateness. the benefit of the doubt—as there are valid reasons for being late. Depending on your workplace culture and Federal and state (Tires really do go flat!) But it’s generally in a manager’s best employment laws, you may want to create penalties for employees interest to confront employees who frequently—or always—show who show up late to work more than, say, once per month. It could up late. start with a warning letter or email Late employees can reduce productivity. Moreover, it hurts You might consider docking employees’ pay for tardiness but you the morale and work ethic of other employees who might resent would have to tread carefully. Many states allow employers to dock that the late arrivers aren’t getting called out or disciplined for their the pay of employees classified as nonexempt—those who qualify lateness. It might even encourage other employees to start showing for overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours per week— up late to work if they see no consequence for the bad behavior. as long as those employees are given advance written notice of 4 The Newsletter penalties. Salaried employees classified as exempt—meaning they whereas those who are late more than once per month or week do not qualify for overtime pay—cannot generally have their pay receive little or no bonus. docked under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act rules. Create a reward program for punctual employees. Also, an employee’s paycheck cannot generally be docked if their Offer rewards—whether an extra day off or a $50 gift certificate to hourly wage would effectively drop below their state’s minimum a popular restaurant—for employees who show up on time to work wage by doing so. every day for, say, six months straight. This reinforces that being punctual is a key workplace goal. Of course, any time you create penalties, there can be concerns of unfair treatment. Make sure the consequences of tardiness are However, you will need to track punctuality carefully if you’re spelled out clearly in advance in writing, such as in the employee offering such rewards to avoid being accused of errors or favoritism. handbook. Then carefully and consistently enforce those rules as required by law. Talk directly to the persistently late employee. Once you’ve tried hands-off approaches to encouraging Make punctuality part of the employee performance review punctuality, you may still have an employee or two who pushes the and compensation. envelope on punctuality. In these situations, you need a more direct If being on time is essential to doing a good job, make it official approach. by evaluating employees for their timeliness in their annual performance review. Perhaps even make it a performance goal for Sit down privately with the employee. Let them know you’ve employees who frequently have trouble showing up on time. noticed they’ve been regularly late to work and ask them to explain why. (It’s possible they have a personal reason, such as caring for By formalizing it as part of the review process, there should be a child before the school day—in which case it may make sense no question that it’s an important part of their performance to discuss setting a different work schedule for that employee or evaluation. creating another workaround.) Timeliness can also be factored into their compensation. Stress to the employee the importance of punctuality to the Consider tying punctuality to the raises or bonuses. For example, business’ success and to being part of the team. Remind them that employees who are never late may receive an extra bonus amount, employees are required to arrive to work on time. Ask them to come up with an action plan for arriving to work on time. Rather than enforcing penalties, it can be more effective to make the employee responsible for correcting their behaviors. They know better than you do why they are persistently late to work, so they are better positioned to find a solution. Ultimately—if all other strategies fail—you may have to consider taking more severe measures with an employee who doesn’t respect your punctuality rules. If the employee underperforms due to their lateness and continues to show up late, you might consider whether that employee is worth keeping around altogether. Remember that a manager’s job is keeping employees motivated to work hard—and an employee who consistently breaks the rules is only going to hurt morale. This article was edited to be more specific to golf course employees. March-April 2021 5 Thoughts continued Many times when I write a sympathy note I stumble over what Prepare to Write the Sympathy Note are the appropriate words to use and what am I trying to say that makes sense to the recipient. Maybe you have a similar It’s always a good idea to write down a few thoughts on a separate situation. With this in mind I’ve attached an article with the sheet of paper before you begin. If you are sending flowers, you hope it will help with the problem. may want to jot an additional brief note to include with the delivery, but a separate message should still be mailed. Do you ever wonder what to say after someone passes away? Whether it’s the mother of a close friend, the spouse of a coworker, Remember that your words need to sound natural and heartfelt, a friend’s sister, or someone’s father, the right words are often hard so feel free to use the examples of one of the templates below but to find. Don’t let fear keep you from sending a comforting message. edit them to make them your own. Make sure your comments are It’s important to take the time to write something to show you personal. Your message doesn’t have to be long. Even a brief note care. will be enough to let the survivor or survivors know you are thinking about them. If you’ve ever felt at a loss for words following someone’s passing, you’re not alone. You know that the family and close friends of the Sympathy cards should be written out or printed on a sympathy deceased are hurting, and no matter what you say, that pain won’t card, blank card, or good stationery. It’s best not to send go away. However, also know that expressing our condolences is the condolences in email or text messages. Try to send the note as right thing to do, and it needs to have comforting words that show soon as possible after the death, but there is no time limit. If you your heartfelt sympathy. don’t hear about the person or pet’s passing until a year later, you should still send a note to show that you care. Notes may be included alongside a sympathy gift for the survivor, or sent on their own. 6 The Newsletter Things you may want to include in your sympathy note: Sample 3 Dear ___________, • A brief, positive, personal story about the deceased Thank you for sending us the email, letting us know • Anything positive that you remember about the deceased about your sister Janet’s passing. Margaret and I were • How the deceased has impacted something in your life sad to read the news. The few times I was around Janet, • An offer of help, a shoulder to cry on, I could tell that she adored you and her other brothers. or getting together just to talk I know there is nothing I can say to ease the pain, but • A closing note about how the deceased will be missed please know that my family is praying for yours. Examples of Letters if You Knew the Deceased With sympathy, _______________ Sample 1 Sample 4 Dear ___________, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I’ll never forget Dear ___________, her warm smile and gracious welcome when our families got Words cannot express the depth of my sorrow over the together. I know that nothing anyone can say will take away terrible tragedy of the accident and loss of your son. the pain of your loss, but if you feel like talking, please give My thoughts are with you, your husband, and your me a call. daughter. If there is anything I can do or if you need someone simply to listen, please don’t hesitate to call. Deepest sympathy, _______________ Love and sympathy, Sample 2 _______________ Dear ___________, Example of a Letter if You Didn’t Know the Deceased I just heard about your husband’s passing, and I want to let you know that I am deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was Sample Letter a good father who set an excellent example for other men Dear ___________, in the community. I’ll never forget his willingness to serve as Little League coach. The kids will always remember him as Coach Jim, a man who cared deeply about each of I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I know how them, understood sportsmanship, and laughed easily. much you loved her, and I’m sure she appreciated all the time you were able to spend with her in her final days. Please know If you need someone to help with errands, I’ll be happy that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. to lend a hand. I would also like to extend an invitation to your children to join mine at the skating rink early Sincerely and with sympathy, next month. I’ll call you next week with the details. ____________ In the meantime, if you need to talk, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call me. Show of Support No one expects your sympathy note to be perfect. The main thing Warmest regards, is that you’re showing that you care for the person who is grieving, _______________ and you want to offer some comforting words. March-April 2021 7 Thoughts from the Northshore By Eric Richardson Dear Member, For those of you unaware, the USGA recently announced a the GCSAA and current Superintendents in developing this partnership with GGA Partners to, in their words, “help iden- initiative. Please do not take that as a fact; it is just my interpre- tify and place highly qualified superintendents with golf facili- tation from various recent communications, but I will expound ties.” Before continuing, I will give you a few seconds to pick up on my perceived assumptions. The hurdles we crossed in 2020 the pieces of your brain matter off the floor, though I needed were challenging, painful, and exhausting, but we would not more than a few seconds. Post-hiring process, the USGA and have successfully navigated the dark and foggy waters of 2020 GGA will offer “ongoing support to deliver outstanding playing without our partners. When various golf entities/associations conditions and improved golfer satisfaction.” Please visit the work in tandem, it results in tangible positive outcomes for all. USGA website for the full details. My thoughts regarding this GCSANE has spoken up against similar Initiatives not because initiative/partnership are as follows. we all should stay in our lane but because we share the same road. Divisive initiatives such as this push us and others off the There are extremely few maintenance operations globally that road and further devalue our profession and abilities. A surefire operational resources match golfer expectations. This simple way to not capitalize on the first golf boom in many years is to truth results in us prioritizing certain aspects of our operations create, unintentionally or not, animosity amongst the various while neglecting other items on the golf course to achieve our golf associations. If we work together as equal partners, we will club’s most important goals. The leadership at your club most sustain this current influx of new golfers and increase participa- likely developed these goals with you or before your employ- tion in golf. In my not-so-humble opinion, the USGA is pro- ment. Insert a consultant into an already unfair equation, and ceeding down a dangerous path detrimental to our profession, undoubtedly there will be many critiques. Before this an- all golf associations, and ultimately to the game of golf. nouncement, many of us viewed the USGA’s respected agrono- mists and their TAS reports as a fair assessment of our opera- GCSAA is actively communicating with the USGA, and lo- tions. We considered their communications with our club’s cally, GCSANE will continue to advocate for our profession. leadership as a non-threat to our job security and beneficial for Please keep an eye out for upcoming local initiatives that will our personal growth. With this new agreement, the USGA’s directly advocate our value as equals partners in the golf world. TAS reports will no longer be an aide to us. Whether intended Please reach out to any GCSANE board member or our hall of or not, these third-party reports will provide certified docu- fame Executive Director, Don Hearn, with your thoughts or mentation to our employers and ultimately aid our employers in comments. terminating Golf Course Superintendents and replacing us with a USGA-approved candidate. I hope everyone has a great and healthy season. Eric Richardson Another layer to this announcement is the lack of inclusion of 8 The Newsletter Since 1970, Turf Products has been providing our valued customers with the knowledge, tools and equipment to protect and preserve the Northeast’s most beautiful outdoor environments. We are your single source supplier for turf mowing and maintenance equipment and golf irrigation systems, as well as drainage, pond aeration, lightning detection and much more. TPC has been selling Toro equipment continuously for over half a century. Together we deliver the most innovative products in the golf industry. Toro products are developed by golf experts for individuals like you who work hard to maintain awless turf conditions. Turf Products is proud to announce the addition of the Ventrac product line. With over 30 commercial-grade attachments, Ventrac is America’s most versatile tractor . . . built to get work done! Call: (800) 243-4355 or visit us at: www.turfproductscorp.com March-April 2021 9 GCSAA Update by Kevin Doyle If it has not happened yet, soon staff personally. Have fun when the time is right. Stress can take a the phone will begin ringing toll on a staff just like it does to you. Keeping things light in those with seasonal employees check- times can often have positive results. If you have built the respect ing in to verify their positions within your staff, they will understand when the light and loose for the upcoming 2021 season. time is over and back to business must happen. Engage them, as Ads need to be placed for open they will almost tell you what type of culture will motivate them. spots on the crew, and per- Considering their needs will help develop a workplace culture that haps there are new Assistants will maximize productivity. or equipment technicians in the plans for this year as well. The Covid-19 pandemic turned our industry on its ear, in good Whatever your crew situation ways and bad. Minimum staff and maximum play increased stress is, they will soon descend on on the course and those working towards facility success. Be a your maintenance facility and leader and set a standard for excellence at your facility. Develop fill the winter void with life. guidelines that will maintain structure and maximize productiv- ity while stressing the required safety protocols. Hold yourself and Ponder just for a moment, what will this year’s staff be like? Staff others accountable for all actions. Finally remember, during the makes such an indelible mark on your season. Superintendents can golf season we spend more time with those on our staff than we rattle off the good and bad as easily as the end of the year results of do with our friends and families, so keep it light. A good culture is your favorite sports teams. Championship year, high potential with self-perpetuating and contagious. You will not have to ask people disastrous results, good free agents (read: new hire) and bad deals, to adhere to it; they will want to be a part of it. and the dreaded trip to the IR (injuries or accidents on the job are never a good thing, and rarely forgotten). That is what we see and GCSAA Resources and remember, but what does your staff see? What do they remember? Deadlines you Get Cool Stuff from your If I were to ask your staff what the culture is like at your facil- Association Already ity what would they say? I get a chance to visit different facilities when I travel; what would I see when I enter your facility, what is UPCOMING Scholarship Deadlines GCSAA believes in investing in the future of the profession. To the vibe like? Culture in a workplace can help define staff motiva- ensure this, GCSAA’s philanthropic arm, the Environmental tion, level of engagement, productivity, and help control employee Institute for Golf, administers a number of different scholarships for conflicts. Simple physical cues can aid in a positive culture. Is your students pursuing careers in the golf course industry, future turfgrass shop clean and organized? Is your equipment clean and main- researchers and educators, children and grandchildren of GCSAA tained? Do you place a priority on care of equipment no matter members, and foreign students studying in the United States. how old it is? If your employees respect the equipment and their Par Aide’s Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grant Program - March 15th environment, they will transfer that respect to their jobs. Gcsaa Legacy Awards – April 15th Is there an emphasis on being on time? Our shop motto was noth- Visit Scholarships | GCSAA for details and the application. ing new to many of you: “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.” With that there needs to be accountability for any Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards policy. Is there a policy for tardiness, and is it adhered to? A lack of Applications OPEN!! accountability can undo every good effort to build a culture. Presented by GCSAA and Golf Digest in partnership with Syngenta, the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards recognize Who do you want your staff to emulate? Would you be happy if golf course superintendents and golf courses around the world your staff tried to be like you? Are you a “do what I say, not what for their commitment to environmental stewardship. I do” type, or are you a model for what you want your staff to We have moved the application period. ELGA applications achieve? Good leaders hold themselves to the highest standards. are open from February 1 to April 30, 2021. Your staff will notice any time you stray from that standard, and In 2018, the ELGAs were updated to recognize more superintendents they will react accordingly. They will hold you accountable, maybe in more focused areas of environmental sustainability. The not in words, but in actions. ELGAs are based on the environmental best management practices that GCSAA recommends all courses utilize. There are many ways to adapt a culture for your specific needs, but There are four ELGAs available: remember, your staff will dictate the success of that culture not • Natural Resource Conservation Award you. A staff of Baby Boomers will not react positively to a loose cul- • Healthy Land Stewardship Award ture with too much flexibility. Conversely, a military style approach might not get the most out of your staff if it is full of younger • Communications and Outreach Award workers (Gen X and Gen Y characteristics). Get to know your • Innovative Conservation Award 10 The Newsletter There will be one winner and two runners- up recognized for each award. GCSAA members may apply to one, two, three or all four awards in a single year. However, an individual can only win one award per year. All applicants will be notified by December whether or not they have been selected as a winner. Winners will be recognized at the Golf Industry Show. Upcoming Webinars Tall Fescue for Golf - Opportunities and Limitations presented by the Oregon Tall Fescue Commission Apr. 6 @ 10 a.m. Sam Bauer The Importance of Being Sharp part of our equipment management series Apr. 20 @ 2 p.m. Tod Blankenship, CGCS Regenerative Greenkeeping - The Biological Approach Apr. 28 @ 10 a.m. Randy Booker Identification and Management of Fine Fescue Diseases presented by the Oregon Fine Fescue Commission May 4 @ 10 a.m. Paul Koch, Ph.D. Water You Doing about Water Quality? May 6 @ 10 a.m. Becky Grubbs-Bowling, Ph.D. Again, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me. Kevin Doyle GCSAA Field Staff kdoyle@gcsaa.org Follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_NE March-April 2021 11 Attention: Important Notice Dear Member, This spring the renewal for those with Water Withdrawal Registrations will happen for the first time since 2007. There are currently 87 golf courses with water withdrawal registrations and 62 with water withdrawal permits. More information regarding permit renewals with be forthcoming in future communications. This notice pertains to the water withdrawal registrants only. Important Dates - Current Registrations Expire 12/31/2021 - April 2021, MassDep mails renewal forms - Early June, MassDep sends renewal reminder - June 30, 2021, Last day for registrants to file renewal request forms Per the Water Management Act (M.G.L. c. 21G, Section 5), "the registrant shall be entitled, upon the filing of a renewal registration statement, to continue existing withdrawals specified in the registration statement for a period of ten years." The renewal process was supposed to occur in 2017. After the 2016 drought, MassDEP extended the current registrations four additional years to evaluate possible water usage restrictions during various drought stages. Finalizing the regulation reducing water usage for registrants during a drought is scheduled to be completed by year's end. We will continue to work with MassDep and our green industry partners as the regulation process continues, and we will promptly report new information to you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your registration or permit, I urge you to contact MassDep directly. From my experience, the people of MassDep are there to help. Eric Richardson GCSANE Government Relations, chair 12 The Newsletter A History of Greenkeeping The book is hard cover, 422 pages, with superintendent at the Piping Rock Club illustrations, is indexed and covers the where he was superintendent at both the first known person called a Greenkeeper Piping Rock Club and Garden City Golf in the 1760’s in Scotland. It follows golf Club. He left these Long Island clubs in in Scotland, its spread across the United 1986 to design and build The Links at Kingdom and then to North America. Round Hill, in South Dartmouth, MA, A lot of the book covers the Northeast where he still resides. part of the country and notes Franklin Park hiring the first woman greenkeeper He has been President of the Long Island in 1901. There is also mention of two GCSA, Nassau County Cooperative longtime past members of the GCSA of Extension Agency, New York State New England, Manuel Francis and Bert Turfgrass Association, GCSAA in 1980 Frederick. as well as the Golf Collectors Society. He is an Honourary Member of both the Mel graduated from the UMass Winter Slovenian and Austrian Greenkeepers Turf School in 1963. During his military Association. obligation he was stationed at Ft. Devens where he and Bert Frederick designed The cost of the book is $50.00 and can be M el Lucas, a well-known super- and built a golf course on the property ordered through this link https://links- intendent and Massachusetts in 1964-65. After completing military counsellor.ecwid.com. The link also resident has published a book service, he became golf superintendent of includes more about Mel, the book, and that takes a journey through the green- Garden City Golf Club, NY. In 1978 he reviews of the contents. keeper/golf superintendent profession. took on the added responsibility of golf March-April 2021 13 Getting to Know Justin Gagne, Superintendent Hopkinton Country Club Resort and Country Club in his high 220 trees in-house this past winter, most school years and on to the Stockbridge averaging 4 feet in diameter. Beyond that, school of Agriculture at UMASS where he rebuilt one of his problem greens and he obtained his Turf Management grew back another within his first few Bachelor’s degree. Internships included months on the job and is in the process Quail Hollow in North Carolina and of building a new maintenance facility. Oak Hill Country Club for the 2013 Finally, Justin went about rebuilding the PGA Championship where his experi- team at Hopkinton. He tried to surround ence paid off and he landed his first himself with “smarter” people than him Assistant Superintendent position at as he said, emphasizing camaraderie and Greenwich Country Club in Fairfield communication amongst all levels of County, Connecticut. There, he led the organization. His work has only just the team through a complete renova- begun at Hopkinton but he’s got it on tion of all 72 bunkers. After 3 years at the right track. Greenwich, Justin wanted to plant some roots back home in New England and Beyond the golf course, Justin enjoys that is where he linked up with Mike spending time with his wife Kirsten and Luccini at Franklin Country Club serv- two border collies, snowmobiling up ing as the Assistant Superintendent for 4 North or sneaking away to Wellfleet on G rowing up in Salem, New years and forming a strong friendship. At a slow day in the summer. But really it’s Hampshire, Justin knew his this point, his goal of becoming a head all about the profession. “My hobby is calling early on in life. At the age Superintendent was within his grasp. He my job, I wouldn’t do anything else,” of 12, his uncle pulled him out of bed to was ready and eager to get his chance Justin says. mow greens with him at Vesper Country to put his stamp on his own course. Club and that is where it all began. “I Through his hard work and dedication to developed a lifelong passion for turf. I the industry, Justin was able to land the eat, sleep and breathe the business,” says Superintendent position at Hopkinton Justin. Country Club. He inherited a property with major tree and thatch issues, but he From Vesper he worked at Atkinson took the challenge head on, taking down Northeast Golf & Turf Supply a division of Northeast Nursery, Inc. - Est. 1982 Exclusive Distributor for Rain Bird Golf MA, NH, VT, ME and RI PRODUCT CATEGORIES • Granular Fertilizers • Control Products • Turfgrass Seed • Specialty Nutrients • Soil Conditioners • Golf Course Accessories NORTHEAST NORTHEAST NORTHEAST TURF & IRRIGATION SUPPLY CONTRACTOR CENTER TURF & IRRIGATION SUPPLY Dennis Port, MA Peabody, MA Londonderry, NH Learn more about our products and services at: www.northeastnursery.com 14 The Newsletter Thank you to these companies that have generously supported the GCSA of New England and its Members with their participation in the Partnership Promotion Program (PPP). Most have been supporting us since the inception of the program. It would be difficult to imagine what our Association would be without the support of these companies and their Affiliate representatives. Please consider them for your purchases this season. Remember those who support you! *as of April 10 2021 2021 PARTNERS Platinum Partners TANTO IRRIGATION TOM IRWIN, INC. TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Gold Partners Silver Partner ATLANTIC GOLF & TURF LARCHMONT ENGINEERING FINCH SERVICES / JOHN DEERE GOLF NOBLE TURF HARRELL’S NORTHEAST GOLF & TURF SUPPLY MTE – EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS SYNGENTA READ CUSTOM SOILS THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS WINFIELD UNITED Patron Partners AGRESOURCE MAS GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION BASF NEW ENGLAND TURF BAYER NUTRIEN SOLUTIONS BEALS AND THOMAS PRECISION LABORATORIES CAVICCHIO GREENHOUSES PUTNAM PIPE CORP. CHAS. C. HART SEED CO. SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY FIVE STAR GOLF CARS & SODCO UTILITY VEHICLES TARTAN FARMS HELENA AGRI ENTERPRISES TUCKAHOE TURF FARMS LAZARO’S GOLF COURSE SUPPLIES WINDING BROOK TURF FARM & ACCESSORIES / HAMMOND PAINT & CHEMICAL CO. INC. March-April 2021 15 A Very Public Life Ryan Green, CGCS Preface: This article is written with a sense of humor and please the 18 holes at the East Course (a.k.a. the Mini-Golf Course) I had read it as such! If I had stayed in the private club world, I might thoughts of ‘man I should have taken that second assistant job at ‘x’ have a very different view. Some of this might be written with an course in the top 100 when it was offered’. Things, however, have a tinge of bitterness, but I always have a good sense of humor and way of working out for the best. write in jest and hope to make you laugh, or go public! ‘Quality’ as mentioned above, I will define as the Golf Snob Factor The world is a judgmental place, and I believe I am in a better (GSF). A perceived ‘great’ course to a golfer would be a 10 on the place because of it! I write this article to illustrate the positives GSF and your average ‘dog track’ would be a 1. Well, my first 18 and value of being a public golf course superintendent. My view hole course, Crystal Lake Golf Club was a solid 2! More so in turf of the golf turf world was shaped as I began my career, interning vs. layout. However, I believe what the golfer can perceive as a 2 at a top 10 US course and then landing a job at a private club in can be a 10 on the Superintendent Golf Course Job Quality Scale. New Hampshire. I believe I saw the same thing that many young When there is room for improvement that it becomes a proving assistant superintendents did at the time. Long hours with not ground for the superintendent and a great learning experience, the too much pay, and in those poor economics times after 2008, as ‘quality’ sense of job satisfaction can be tremendous. Not only this, much hope as to become a superintendent as calling on a Friday but I believe the best part is the pressure and stress to perform the for a 9am Saturday tee time at Trull Brook in the booming 2020 job is primarily self-induced. Your time, to an extent, is your own. I ‘pandemic golf’ season. I also witnessed the horrible pressures and say this now, but I know I will be working this summer and telling ridiculous expectations which golfing members at private clubs my wife ‘I need to go back in’, or ‘I’ll be home late’. This is just place on their superintendent. As I progressed in my career as a part of being a superintendent, as we all know. However, there is a second assistant, then first assistant to superintendent, one could big difference between needing or wanting to be there and feeling possibly say that I downgraded the perceived ‘quality’ of course like you have to be there. I was employed with. After a job as a first assistant came to an abrupt halt due to a chapter 7 bankruptcy, I found myself landing Over the years I have been a second or third place finisher for pri- on my feet at NH based 27 hole facility. One day I was tending to vate club superintendent jobs. In one interview I was asked, ‘how INN ATIVE FERTIL ER derived from plant-based protein An innovative fertilizer derived from plant-based protein hydrolysate. This plant-derived fertilizer is rapidly absorbed by leaves, shoots, and roots then translocated throughout the plant. Amino Pro V promotes abiotic Amino Pro V stress tolerance, stimulates photosynthesis and promotes increased root ® 5-0-0 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN Total Nitrogen (N) ........................................................5.00% Caution mass. 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IN CASE OF SPILL OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY, Have the product label with you when calling a doctor or going for treatment. CONTACT CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300. CHUCK BRAMHALL JIM COHEN cbramhall@harrells.com jcohen@harrells.com (508) 400-0600 (978) 337-0222 NET CONTENTS 250 gallons (946 liters) 30 gallons (113.52 liters) 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) Weight per gallon: 9.84 lbs. @ 68°F #880098 08/18 Harrell’s, LLC Post Office Box 807 | Lakeland, FL 33802 | (800) 282-8007 | Harrells.com MIKE KROIAN JIM FAVREAU mkroian@harrells.com jfavreau@harrells.com (401) 265-5353 978-227-2785 www.harrells.com | 800.282.8007 KENT LEMME klemme@harrells.com (413) 281-8087 - Carolinas GCSA GCSANE Ad Amino Pro V 7.5 x 5.indd 1 7/22/2020 12:20:23 PM 16 The Newsletter many hours will you put in?’ During the course tour that followed friends at these type of clubs and they all do an excellent job. For the only place we stopped to look at was a waste bunker near one a while I even prided myself on how much I worked like a badge of the search committee members homes asking ‘what can we do of honor. I remember coming home from my internship at a top about the weeds here? I live on this hole and I don’t want to look ten club, and telling one of the other assistants about how much at them?’ As I strongly resisted the urge to roll my eyes, visions I worked -and I did love it - which is probably why I still do this of missing the next 10 years of my son’s baseball games and my job I suppose. His response was ‘you’re an idiot!’. He did go on to daughter’s gymnastics in order to make their needy members flip real estate and make much more than your average golf course happy flashed through my mind. I thought to myself ‘what the superintendent. Maybe he was right and I am an idiot and maybe hell am I even doing here??’ I think that is an important question we all are but there is a true enjoyment in what we do. When to ask in general sometimes, and it can be difficult to reason with attending a Sunday bar-b-que I am definitely in the minority of people who want things for their own purposes, versus the good of people looking forward the work week, and not many people actu- the golf course and other members, especially if those people hold ally want to go and check on their place of work on the weekend. positions of power at the club. While this surely doesn’t represent As I write this I know I will take my 6 year old son on Sunday every private club member at that club, I think anywhere that the afternoon drives to get some Dunkin’ Donuts or something and same people play every day inevitably leads to complaining about conveniently drive by the course so we can take a ride and check trivial issues that distract from a superintendent’s real goals for the the greens. My overall point, however, is that part of my enjoy- golf course. I also believe it is a good practice to put some perspec- ment of public golf is the stage of life I am in with a young family tive into why we do what we do and how to best use our time and and the freedom and autonomy it provides relative to the pressure energy. cookers which some clubs can be. While you can be dedicated, be- ing there is a choice, not an expectation. Also there is much more I have had some of these same feelings at other interviews as well. tolerance and understanding that we cannot control everything. I I’ve also questioned all of the work also want to point out that I am always happy to see someone else get an opportunity and thrive. It’s just getting the powers that be I did to become a ‘certified golf course superintendent’. I’m still to appreciate the background an experienced superintendent, and proud of it, and I suppose I did it to prove to myself that I could also the work of the people they do indeed hire. After all, if your accomplish it, but there were also some career aspirations behind greens committee chairman is a physician or a lawyer, he must why I chose to complete the program. With that under my belt, know everything there is to know about turf, and agronomy, right? I’d definitely score the big club job! The thing is, about 1% of When is the last time one of their patients came in with a case of golfers, if not even most club managers, know what it means. At brown spot and annual bluegrass weevils? Even your doctor sends one interview I was asked ‘certified golf course superintendent, out seemingly routine issues to specialists. If we had to send our what is that? The school of hard knocks?’. In another instance, patients (our greens) to a specialist, say a fungalologist (definitely a a private club GM told me that I had the best interview with the made up word!) or Entomologist for every turf diagnosis how long owner of the club, but the pro and the GM himself basically talked would members tolerate that?? Imagine going to a board meeting them out of hiring me based on my recent 7 years of public golf at the hospital and saying ‘Well, Dr. Smith, you lost 2 completely experience. Oh, I don’t blame them…the shame they would have hopeless patients in surgery last year, we’re going to have to let you felt having to present a public super to the private club members of go”. such hallowed mid-tier grounds! Despite the CGCS designation, I was a ‘public’ (private club member pronunciation guide : ‘Pub’, The takeaway I want to provide is that if you are public super, life like where you go to get a pint, and then ‘ lick’, as in lick my a**) golf can be pretty good. Enjoying your job without the politics and course superintendent. This type of discrimination runs rampant unrealistic expectations. Yes, resources and labor can be less, but in golf. The funny part is that typically there usually is not one the trade off I believe is worth it. If you are a stressed out private person on a hiring committee who knows how to actually qualify a club super, if its financially manageable, it’s not the worst thing to new potential superintendent. In that same aforementioned hiring consider public golf. The level of appreciation from public golfers process, the GM, who must have been feeling very safe with me I find to be unparalleled. I can truly enjoy being a superintendent as the public golf guy, asked me to tell him what a push-up green and look forward to the next day at work when there is positive was, and that he just learned what topdressing was the previous energy. Compliments come in all the time, even for things I know year. This is not to say anything bad about all GM’s, but most need improvement. This is not to say I am doing any better of a clubs wouldn’t think to have the superintendent interview a new job than any other superintendent. It is simply a perception issue. potential GM or head chef. What would we know about what to The public golfer is just so happy and excited to be out golf- even ask? These stories make me laugh now, but at the moment ing, they are generally in a good mood and enjoy giving positive of rejection, only to see a young assistant from a big name club feedback. get hired, it stings a little. But that only lasts as long as taking a moment to look at what I have, and then questioning why I even It was the near misses at private clubs that actually gave me more looked at those types of jobs in the first place. It is so hard to put a perspective on life and to appreciate-other interests. To sum it up dollar amount on your time. We only have so much of it after all. simply, I’ll take a 3-day camping trip with the family over a 3-day member guest any day of the week and twice on Sundays! Ok, let me stop here to be clear, this is not written with any slight to any superintendents in the private world. I have many good March-April 2021 17 Learn more about the full line of John Deere Golf & Sports Turf Equipment at www.finchturf.com 18 The Newsletter March-April 2021 19 OUR PASSION IS YOUR SUCCESS With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone. Harris Schnare | 800-582-5959 | harris@tomirwin.com 20 The Newsletter The Olympic Club in San Francisco is hosting the 76th U.S. Women's Open and will be celebrating women in turf. The following article highlights how this will be accomplished. Not Your Traditional Volunteer Program Rick Woelfel The Olympic Club celebrating women in turf as part of the 76th U.S. Women’s Open The upcoming U.S. Women’s Open Championship, which is Flanagan is envisioning a week that will see the volunteers not only scheduled for the week of May 31-June 6 at The Olympic Club in assisting with the tournament but also taking advantage of educa- San Francisco, will be played amidst an assortment of historical tional and networking opportunities. overtones. “The whole thought was they would volunteer in the morning,” It marks the 76th anniversary of the most prestigious event in Flanagan says. “Each late morning or afternoon it could be one of women’s golf. It will be the first women’s professional event con- three things. It could just be a fun day, go out and watch golf relax. tested at the historic Olympic Club, which has hosted 10 USGA It could be a networking day, a day where they all get together and national championships, including five U.S. Opens. they have speakers. or a day where they get together and have a roundtable.” And it will also be an occasion for women in the turf industry to come together in support of the game they love and the industry Flanagan has drawn up a list of potential speakers for the event that is their passion. that includes several members of his club, including two-time U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, former LPGA Tour player and now Troy Flanagan, the club’s director of golf maintenance, is planning television commentator Kay Cockerill; Marissa Marr, the club’s to supplement of staff of 43 with 50 outside volunteers, about 25 to green chair; and 2012 U.S. Curtis Cup captain and veteran ama- 28 of whom will be women. teur competitor Dr. Pat Cornett. Flanagan, who has been at The Olympic Club since 2014, began Shannon Rouillard the USGA’s senior director for the U.S. contemplating the idea of a more female volunteer corps around Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Women’s Open, will be on site five years ago, after the club was officially designated as the host of during championship week. Flanagan is hoping to add her to a this year’s Women’s Open. list of potential speakers as well. Rain Bird will join Syngenta as a sponsor of the program. Flanagan has a lot on his plate between “I just started thinking, ‘What a great thing to do,’” Flanagan says. now and the Women’s Open. But he’s passionate about an event “We have the Women’s Open, it’s our first women’s professional that he hopes that will encourage and inspire women who are cur- golf championship at The Olympic Club we’ve had so many great rently involved in the turf industry and encourage others to follow (championship events) over the years. It’s the first women’s event in their footsteps. we’ve done. “The more we can reach to women in the industry, all these dif- “‘Why wouldn’t we want to do something like this?’ And not just ferent means of getting the word out, that’s what’s huge,” he says. make it a volunteer experience but make it another kind of educa- “It’s going to be great for the women that come out, but (also) for tional/networking event. Being able to volunteer, and help out, but everybody else to see that ‘Hey, this is happening, this is becoming then during the day, do other things as a group.” more prominent.’ Why wouldn’t I want to do it?” When the pandemic hit last year, the concept had to be shelved Rick Woelfel is a Philadelphia-based writer, frequent Golf Course until the USGA assured Flanagan that outside volunteers would Industry, and host of the Wonderful Women of Golf and Women’s be permitted on site during the championship. With that assur- Golf Report podcasts. ance, Flanagan reached out to Kimberly Gard, a territory man- ager for Syngenta, with whom he has an existing professional relationship. Gard started making phone calls and in relatively short order Flanagan had all the volunteers he needed and more. His list includes 31 women, 28 from the United States and three from Canada who, as of this writing, will unlikely be able to make the trip to San Francisco because of COVID-19 restrictions. The respondents included a high school student who is looking to make a career in the turf industry. “She sent a nice letter to Kimberly say- ing how much it would mean to her to come and be a part of this,” Flanagan says. “Something like that is just super cool.” March-April 2021 21 Last year Owen Stone completed the GCSAA Assistant Superintendent Certification Series. He wrote an article on leadership that is being pub- lished in this edition of The Newsletter. Three Keys to Becoming a Better Leader Owen Stone I’m sure that you’ve heard many successful turf professionals say that the hardest part of their job isn’t growing grass, it's managing people. The further I have progressed in my career, the more I have come to realize that such is true. In order to successfully manage people, you need to become an excellent leader. These are the three keys that have helped me become a better leader. 1. Communication practicing what I call “The Three C’s”; Cool, Calm, and Collected. There are many different traits that go into successful leadership. Despite how a given situation makes you feel, you must not let that One that all leaders must excel at is communication. Now how do show to your team members. When your emotions are in check, you successfully communicate? The goal when communicating any problems are almost always not as big as they seem. Successfully message is to have the audience fully understand what it is that you finding the right solution will be much easier when you are in are saying. Whether that be certain instructions for a task at hand control of yourself and you will instantly become a better problem or why you are aerifying greens in a greens committee meeting. solver. The less chance of misinterpreting the message you give the audi- ence, the better communicator you will be. In conclusion, becoming a better leader relies on successfully com- municating and motivating your team. Along with developing It is vital you know your audience. The way you communicate can problem-solving skills to your ever-changing tasks. Applying these vary greatly depending on your audience due to the fact that every- three skills helped me become a better leader and I believe practic- one interprets things differently. You can explain directions to two ing them in your daily routine will do the same for you. different crew members, the same exact way, one of them may fully understand the message and one may not. It is your job as a leader to know how each individual comprehends your message. By do- ing this, you put everyone in the best possible position to succeed, More from Owen: including yourself. I am 24 years old and currently work as an Assistant Superintendent at The Quechee Club in Quechee, VT. I have 2. Motivation been with The Quechee Club for going on 5 years. Originally, I As with many professions, completing all the tasks at hand is im- am from Littleton, NH. I graduated from Littleton High School possible by yourself. That is why leaders need to learn and excel at in 2014 and then attended Texas State Technical College in Waco, the art of motivation. Your goal as a leader and a motivator is to get TX for Turfgrass and Landscape Management. I graduated from your team to be just as passionate about their work as you are. Your TSTC in 2016. team and yourself, should have the same goals in mind along with the same desire to accomplish them. Growing up I enjoyed playing all sports from basketball to soccer to baseball and of course golf. Playing the game of golf is how I Respect is a vital part of being a leader and a motivator. From your got into the turf side of the industry. I quickly fell in love with the first day on the job to your last, you should always be striving to game and knew that I wanted to make a career of the golf industry. earn the respect of your team. Everyone's respect is earned dif- Other hobbies that I enjoy doing outside of work include hunting, ferently. There is no formula to follow that will earn your team's snowmobiling, and skiing. respect. One of the most important jobs as a leader is to find what it takes to earn each individual's respect and what motivates them. I also have a twin brother who is in the Turf Industry. Ironically, Without their respect, it will be impossible to motivate them to be he actually works at The Quechee Club as well. We both com- as efficient as they can be. With respect comes motivation. A key pleted our internships in Quechee and took jobs elsewhere only to point to remember, respect must be earned not demanded. come back in early 2017. Where we have both been employed since. 3. Problem-Solving Note: Owen’s twin, Cody, published an article in the March-April One of the greatest aspects of the turf industry is that no matter 2020 issue of The Newsletter how long you have been in the industry, you experience different problems regularly. Therefore, being an adequate problem solver is essential. The best leaders are also the best problem solvers. When faced with adverse situations, you must keep your composure to successfully solve the problem at hand. Occasionally, it can be overwhelming to continuously face various challenges, but it is vital to remain in control of your emotions. An effective problem solver is always 22 The Newsletter “Leave No Trace” Your Golf Irrigation Specialist Tanto Irrigation has proudly provided The Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England with Irrigation Services for over 50 years. Let us know how we can serve Please contact Tim Clarke OR Paul L. Guillaro (845) 325-3868 (914) 262-7324 tantoirrigation.com March-April 2021 23 Please patronize these Friends of the Association Agresource, Inc. BACKED by BAYER DAF Services, Inc. 110 Boxford Rd. Building on an already solid foundation 20 Lawnacre Rd. Rowley, MA 01969 of proven products to help you succeed. Windsor Locks, CT 06096 Agresource Inc. is a proud manufacturer and Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809 Custom pumping solutions. Custom distributor of quality compost, soil, and sand brian.giblin@bayer.com pump controls. 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Andrew@fivestargolfcars.com 1357 Main St. Darren Young (978) 443-7177 MA Territory Coventry, RI 02816-8435 Lastec, Tycrop, Blec, Wiedenmann, Harrell’s LLC Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc. Therrien, Graden, Sweep & Fill, Baroness, & used equipment. 304 Main St. 19 Technology Drive Wethersfield, CT 06109 Auburn, MA 01501 Mike Cornicelli (401) 826-2584 www.pavewithasi.com Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta, Turf & Ornamental supplies. Grigg Brothers foliar fertilizers, & Aquatrols. Chuck Bramhall (508) 400-0600 Specializing in custom seed blends. Jim Cohen (978) 337-0222 BASF Turf & Ornamental Robin Hayes (508) 237-2642 Jim Favreau (978) 227-2785 169 Kings Hwy Mike Kroian (401) 265-5353 Hancock, NH 03449 Kent Lemme (413) 281-8087 “We don’t make the turf. We make it better.” Pete Jacobson (919) 530-9062 peter.jacobson@basf.com 24 The Newsletter Please patronize these Friends of the Association Helena Agri-Enterprises Lazaro’s Golf Course MTE, Inc. – Turf 101 Elm Street Supplies & Accessories Equipment Solutions Hatfield, MA 01038 dba Hammond Paint & Chemical Co., Inc. 115 Franklin Street Extension National distributors of all your turf Derry, NH 03038 738 Main St., Suite 223 chemicals & fertilizers. Extensive line Waltham, MA 02154 New England’s source for equipment: New & of Helena Branded wetting agents, pre-owned mowers, tractors, & maintenance Complete line for all your of golf course foliars, micro nutrients & adjuvants. supplies. Par Aide, Standard, Eagle items from: Jacobsen, Turfco, Smithco, Ventrac, Jeff Urquhart (781) 571-1164 One, turf & ornamentals, aquatics, turf Redexim, Neary Grinders, Ryan, Buffalo marking paint, safety items, adjuvants. Turbine, Mahindra, Gravely, Standard, Par-Aide www.helenaagr.com Joe Lazaro–cell: (617) 285-8670 & others. Sales, Parts, & Service all brands. Fax: (781) 647-0787 Derry Shop: (603) 404-2286 Hillcrest Turf Services Email: jlazaro698@aol.com Rob Nolek: (617) 990-2427 Eastern MA www.lazarogolfcoursesupplies.com Jess Hamilton: (603) 500-3936 NH PO Box 767 Medfield, MA 02052 Sean Smith: (207) 385-6684 ME Bob Barrow: (401) 537-8597 RI With over 20 years experience working with golf Maher Services Alan Hubbard: (413) 355-0603 courses and in turf management, we have the 71 Concord Street skills expertise and equipment to take care of N. Reading, MA 01864 your turf quickly, efficiently and professionally. Mungeam Cornish Well drilling, pump service & well maintenance Mike Parks (978) 823-0009 Golf Design, Inc. hillcrestturf@gmail.com Peter Maher cell: (781) 953-8167 195 SW Main Street www.hillcrestturfservices.net or (978) 664-WELL (9355) Douglas, MA 01516 Fax (978) 664-9356 www.maherserv.com Golf course architects International Golf Office: (508) 476-5630 Construction Co. Cell: (508) 873-0103 Mayer Tree Service Email: info@mcgolfdesign.com 5 Purcell Rd. Arlington, MA 02474 Providing a wide range of tree care from Plant Contact: Mark A. Mungeam, ASGCA Health Care to tree removal. Mobile wood www.mcgolfdesign.com Golf course construction. waste grinding services. Stump grinding. Antonios Paganis Land clearing. Loam and mulch delivery. Tree (781) 648-2351 pruning to enhance shot value and playability. New England Specialty Soils (508) 428-3022 Richard Grant (978) 500-8849 435 Lancaster Street rich@mayertree.com Leominster, MA 01453 Ken Jones Tire, Inc. 1mm. Top Dressing Sand, High Density 71-73 Chandler St. MAS Golf Course Construction Bunker Sand, Rootzone Mixes, Tee Worcester, MA 01613 Blends, Divot Mixes, Bridging Stone, 60 Lumber St. Cart Path Mix, Infield Mixes, Inorganic Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks, Hopkinton, MA 01748 Amendments, SLOPE LOCK Soil. cars, industrial equipment, & golf cars. Fulfilling all your renovation Bob Doran (978) 230-2244 Gerry Jones (508) 755-5255 and construction needs. John Toomey (978) 660-0175 Matthew Staffieri (508) 243-2443 Lauren Baldarelli (978) 860-5469 matt@masgolfconstruction www.nesoils.com Larchmont Engineering www.masgolfconstruction.com & Irrigation 11 Larchmont Lane New England Turf Farm, Inc. Lexington, MA 02420 McNulty Construction Corp. P.O. Box 777 Offering a full range of inventory for P. O. Box 3218 West Kingston, RI 02892 irrigation drainage, pumps, fountains & Framingham, MA 01705 Many types of tallgrasses and bentgrass landscape lighting products & services for Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways, available for golf courses, sports turf and all of your residential & commercial needs. parking areas; imprinted asphalt. landscapers. Expert installation available. (781) 862-2550 Susan Tropeano John McNulty (508) 879-8875 Office: (800) 451-2900 Ernie Ketchum (508) 364-4428 erniesod@comcast.net Mike Brown (508) 272-1827 www.newenglandturf.com March-April 2021 25 Please patronize these Friends of the Association NMP Golf Construction Corp. Prime Source Sportscapes Unlimited LLC 25 Bishop Ave. 3208 Peach Street PO Box 1686 Ste. A-2, Williston, VT 05495 Erie, PA 16508 Duxbury, MA 02332 Golf course construction National, full line distributor of turf, Specializing in fairway aeration & ornamental & specialty products. Exclusive cleanup, deep time aeration, Air2G2 Mario Poirier (888) 707-0787 distributor of Prime Source branded aeration & full seeding services. pesticides & specialty products. Mike Lucier Northeast Golf & Turf Supply Mike Blatt, Northeast Territory Manager 617-913-8958 (814) 440-7658 mike@sportscapesunlimited.com 6 Dearborn Road Peabody, MA 01960 sportscapesunlimited.com Complete line of Golf Course, Putnam Pipe Corp. Landscape & Lawn Care Construction Syngenta Professional Products & Maintenance Supplies Hopkinton & Taunton, MA Providence, RI P.O. Box 1775 Tom Rowell (978) 317-0673 Wells, ME 04090 Jeff Brown (508) 868-8495 Distributor of water, sewer, drain and stormwater pipe & fittings. Erosion John Bresnahan (413) 333-9914 & sediment control products. Free Melissa Hyner Gugliotti (860) 221-5712 delivery & 24-hour service. North Shore Hydroseeding David Putnam 508-435-3090 49 North Putnam St. Target Specialty Products Danvers, MA 01923 165 Grove Street, Suite 70 Hydroseeding & erosion control services. Read Custom Soils Franklin, MA 02038 Brian King (978) 762-8737 5 Pond Park Road, Suite 1 Supplier of fertilizer, chemicals & grass seed. www.nshydro.com Hingham, MA 02043 Jim Pritchard, Territory Manager 401-862-1098 Consistent sand for the next twenty years. Glenn Larrabee 774-670-8880 Top dressing sands, root zone blends, Nutrien Solutions high density bunker sand,“early green” Suppliers of Chemicals, black sand, divot & cart path mixes. Tartan Farms, LLC Fertilizer, & Grass Seed Mark Pendergrast (617) 686-5590 P.O. Box 983 (978) 685-3300 Garrett Whitney (617) 697-4247 West Kingston, RI 02892 Nick Burchard (401) 601-7213 Ed Downing (508) 440-1833 Drew Cummins (401) 952-4219 Dave Wallace (401) 641-0306 www.readcustomsoils.com www.nutrien.com Tanto Irrigation SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC On-Course Golf Inc., 7 Lincoln Road 5 N. Payne Street Design/Build Elmsford, NY 10532 Foxboro, MA 02035 16 Maple Street Golf Irrigation specialists. Proudly Offering our customers the most complete line providing the Golf Industry with Acton, MA 01720 of products, service & expertise in the industry. irrigation services for over 50 Years. Golf Course Craftsmen. We serve all your Ron Tumiski (508) 697-2757 remodeling and renovation needs. You can trust Bill Bartels 914-347-5151 your project with us! We make you look good! tantoirrigation.com Sean Hanley (978) 337-6661 Sodco Inc. www.on-coursegolf.com PO Box 2 Tom Irwin, Inc. Slocum, Rl 02877 13 A Street 1-800-341-6900 Burlington, MA 01803 Precision Laboratories Black Beauty, Tall Fescue, Green & Fairway (800) 582-5959 1428 S. Shields Drive Height Bent, Short Cut Black Beauty, www.tomirwin.com Waukegan, IL 60083 Short Cut Blue, 90-10 Fine Fescue Specialized chemistries that enhance We bring you a network of professionals and Installation options available innovative solutions dedicated to your success. plants, seeds, soil and water. Contact: Pat Hogan, Alicia Pearson With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone. Greg Bennett 978-877-3772 Harris Schnare, www.precisionlab.com Client Relations Manager: 508-654-2488 26 The Newsletter Please patronize these Friends of the Association Tree Tech, Inc. Valley Green 6 Springbrook Rd 14 Copper Beech Drive Foxboro, MA 02035 Kingston, MA 02364 Foxboro, Wellesley, Fall River Phone: (413) 533-0726 Fax: (413) 533-0792 Full service tree service specializing in zero impact tree removal, stump grinding, “Wholesale distributor of turf products” tree pruning & tree risk assessments Doug Dondero (508) 944-3262 by our team of Certified Arborists. Jon Targett (978) 855-0932 Andy Felix (508) 543-5644 Joe Trosky (860) 508-9875 Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. Welch Mechanical PO Box 167 Welch Mechanical is a mobile repair Wood River Junction, Rl 02894 company specializing in golf course equipment. We provide a variety of services Tuckahoe Turf grows some of the finest including but not limited to hydraulic and sod in the Northeast. We grow Kentucky electrical systems repairs, engine repair, Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, Tall Fescue, Sprayer calibration and repair, welding/ and Blue/Fescue blends. We also have fabrication, and rebuilding mower reels. several bentgrass varieties at both tee and green height. Please call for details. Please check out our website www.welchmechanical.com Scott McLeod (401) 230-2631 Peter DeBrusk (603) 819-9700 800-556-6985 Winding Brook Turf Farm Wethersfield, CT and Lyman, ME Turf & Golf Services 240 Griswold Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 13 Bachelor St. Kathy Arcari (401) 639-5462 West Newbury, MA 01985 karcari@windingbrookturf.net Turf & Golf Services provides golf course www.windingbrookturf.com superintendents with resources to maximize used equipment resale value and a resource for reasonably priced, quality turf equipment. WinField United Contact Ryan Green (603) 512-2898 29 Gilmore Drive–Unit C ryan@golfandturfservice.com Sutton, MA 01590 Using industry-leading insights to provide you with the products that help you win. Turf Enhancement Enterprises Time Hanrahan (978) 815-9810 Featuring Floratine products, JRM tines and bed knives and Greenleaf Turbo Drop air induction spray nozzles. Winterberry Irrigation Tom Fox 508-450-9254 Pump installation and sales. Brian Juneau 781-738-3201 Irrigation installation, service and repairs. Wire tracking, GPS mapping, grounding testing, start-up, and winterization. Turf Products Matt Faherty 860-681-8982 157 Moody Rd. mfaherty@winterberrylandscape.com Enfield, CT 06082 Visit www.winterberryirrigation.com Toro Equipment & Irrigation– Serving the industry since 1970 800-243-4355 Bill Conley Nat Binns (332) 351-5189 www.turfproductscorp.com March-April 2021 27 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England The Newsletter–Rate Schedule THE NEWSLETTER DISPLAY ADVERTISING ORDER FORM Company Name: Phone: Address: Contact Name: Email: Issues (List month and total number):  Amount of Check: (Made payable to “GCSANE”) Payment can be made by check payable to GCSANE or by credit card using the Pay Pal link on the home page of the Association's website at gcsane.org. You do not need a Pay Pal account to use your credit card. 3 Times Per Yr. 6 Times Per Yr. 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