GCSANE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Eric Richardson Essex County Club 153 School Street Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944 978-500-2094 erichardson@essexcc.org VICE PRESIDENT Bob Dembek Lexington Golf Club 55 Hill Street Lexington, MA 02420 978-870-8669 lexgc@rcn.com SECRETARY / TREASURER Michael Murphy Robert T. Lynch Municipal GC 1281 West Roxbury Pkwy. Brookline, MA 02467 617-879-5684 mimurphy@brooklinema.gov DIRECTORS Ryan Boudreau Framinghame Country Club 5 Deerfield Road Plainville, MA 02762 508-424-8563 ryboudreau@gmail.com Greg Cormier, CGCS Tom Irwin, Inc. 12 Progress Avenue Tyngsboro, MA 01879 978-846-1133 gregormier@tomirwin.com Ryan Emerich Cape Arundel Golf Club 19 River Road Kennebunk, ME 04046 717-575-1332 remerich@cagc.club Peter J. Rappoccio, CGCS Concord Country Club 246 ORNAC Concord, MA 01742 978-371-1089 prappoccio@concordcc.org Colin Smethurst, CGCS Hillview Golf Course 149 North Street North Reading, MA 01864 781-779-5705 smethurst.colin@amail.com David Stowe, CGCS Newton Commonwealth Golf 30 Western Avenue Natick, MA 01760 617-347-6514 dstowe@sterlinggolf.com Jonathan Wilber Myopia Hunt Club 435 Bay Road South Hamilton, MA 01982 978-468-2231 jwilber@myoplahc.org PAST PRESIDENT Brian Skinner, CGCS, CPO Bellevue Golf Club PO Box 760661, Melrose, MA 02176 781-248-0216 brianskinner@bellevuegolfclub.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Donald E. Hearn, CGCS 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 774-430-9040 donhearn@gcsane.org NEWSLETTER EDITOR Colin Smethurst, CGCS Hillview Golf Course 149 North Street North Reading, MA 01864 781-779-5705 smethurst.colin@gmail.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. As I humbly step into the role of the 49th President of GCSANE, I am fully aware of the responsibility and honor of the position, especially as we celebrate our centennial year. This milestone reflects our association’s longevity and is a testament to our current and past members’ passion and dedication to the turfgrass industry. This role is not just a title but a pledge to each of you—a pledge to uphold our association’s legacy, advocate tirelessly for our profession, to shine a light on the exceptional work being done by you and all our members across New England, and to continue to advocate for avenues that make your job easier. Before I ramble on, I want to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to those whose dedication and hard work have impacted GCSANE during my time on the board. I prom- ise future communications won’t be this long-winded. First, I want to acknowledge Brian Skinner, our now-past president. Brian, your relentless nature, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to our members’ recognition and growth have left a mark on our association. From spearheading grassroots initiatives that inspire the next generation of Equipment Technicians to enhancing our educational offer- ings and orchestrating our association’s first commercial, your contributions have made a long-lasting imprint on our association. We are grateful for your service. Thank you, Brian! To our valued Friends, Affiliates, and Industry Partners, your support is the cornerstone of our success. Our mutually beneficial relationship is invaluable, and your contributions are integral to our mission. Your partnership, expertise, and support enable us to serve our members effectively and to advance our field. The GCSANE Board appreciates your commitment and looks forward to strengthening our bonds in the future. To Don Hearn, our Executive Director – your lifetime dedication to GCSANE and GCSAA is a testament to your profound commitment to the turfgrass management com- munity. Your leadership, wisdom, and unwavering support have been instrumental in our association’s growth and success. My words are inadequate to fully express our gratitude for your contributions to Superintendents, the turfgrass industry, and the game of golf – Thank You for all you do and have done for us. And to my fellow Board Members, your unwavering commitment and diligent work have and will continue to contribute to the success of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England. It is evident to anyone who has worked with you that your efforts, often carried out behind the scenes, play a pivotal and essential role in navigating the complexities of the turfgrass industry. Your guidance, passion, and dedication elevate our standing in the game of golf and turfgrass management worlds. 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Part of the Harrell’s Bio-MAX® line, Mycorrhizae Pro soil additive is a concentrated liquid Mycorrhizae formula of rhizophagus irregularis.For more information about this product or other agronomic solutions, contact your Harrell’s rep.CHUCK BRAMHALLcbramhall@harrells.com(508) 400-0600JIM FAVREAUjfavreau@harrells.com(978) 227-2785MIKE KROIANmkroian@harrells.com(401) 265-5353KENT LEMMEklemme@harrells.com(413) 281-8087TOM HOFFERthoffer@harrells.com(401) 871-2916JIM COHENjcohen@harrells.com(978) 337-0222GCSANE Mycorrhizae Pro Ad vertical 7.5” wide x 10” deep.indd 1GCSANE Mycorrhizae Pro Ad vertical 7.5” wide x 10” deep.indd 18/2/2023 3:25:52 PM8/2/2023 3:25:52 PM document our efforts or be forced to fight the same subjective and nonfactual conversations perpetually. 7. Listening and Adapting Transparency and communication will be a primary focus. Your voices are vital. We commit to actively listening to you and others. We will adapt our priorities and initiatives to support your needs. In closing, I ask you to share your opinions or questions. Your input and your engagement are necessary to ensure GCSANE is relevant and valued. My commitment to GCSANE and each of you goes beyond any title or role. This is my time to commit to serving an industry that has given me and my family a great deal. I look forward to listening and working with you for the betterment of all our members. Sincerely, Eric Richardson – GCSANE President erichardson@essexcc.org hard work and dedication. In particular, I want to thank David Stowe, who is entering his 20th year of service to GCSANE. His selfless nature, hard work, and positive attitude are appreciated and revered by all who have been lucky enough to serve with him. Thank you, Dave! To be fully transparent, I want to share my agenda with you. It responds to our current challenges and our commitment to growth, excellence, and service. 1. Celebrating a Century of Service to the Turfgrass Industry Our centennial celebration is not just a milestone; it’s a reflection and documentation of past successes. We aim to commemorate this with a formal and fun celebration and the publication of a history book that we can proudly associate with. 2. Expanding Our Reach I aim to increase membership among Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and Equipment Managers. This will be achieved through some strategic advocacy and increased visibility in the broader golf community. We are not a labor union; we are a body committed to serving and advocating for our members, highlight- ing our crucial role in the world of golf and turfgrass management. While I appreciate the unsung hero title commonly utilized when describing our role by others, I would prefer the appreciation of our role to be more widely known and understood and not require an ad campaign for us to receive recognition. 3. Infusing and Blending New Perspectives with Experienced People It’s time to bring fresh voices into our Board and Committees and blend them with experienced Board/Committee members who can shorten the onboarding time for new contributors. We seek individuals who are eager to serve and contribute. Please email me or Don Hearn if you are interested in participating. The workload is very manageable, and you get more out of the experience than you put in. 4. Planning for the Future Establishing a Long-Range Planning Committee is crucial for set- ting strategic and sustainable goals to ensure our association thrives today and in the coming decades. This committee will gather information and make recommendations to the board before the next annual meeting. 5. Enhancing Visibility and Recognition We aim to continue our work of increasing the visibility of our members and their pivotal work to the general golfing public, high- lighting our indispensable contribution to the sport and cementing our role as golf’s MVPs. 6. Promoting BMPs Promoting and implementing Facility BMPs (Best Management Practices) will remain a key focus, ensuring that our standards of operation reflect our commitment to the environment. We suc- cessfully manage our properties and inputs responsibly. We must 2 3 January - February 2024 Back Issues! Divot Drift WELCOME RETURNING MEMBERS Robert Decker, Superintendent, Berkshire Hills Country Club Matt Santos, Superintendent, Longmeadow Country Club, Longmeadow, MA NEW MEMBERS Harrison McPhee, Inc., Friend of the Association, Millis, MA Ryan Vieira, Assistant Superintendent, The Country Club CONGRATULATIONS TO Ben Bouchard, now Superintendent at Blue Hill Country Club Charlie Dickson, now Superintendent at Belmont CC Mike Rose on his retirement from Belmont Country Club Past issues of the NEWSLETTER are available using this link: http://bit.ly/GCSANEnewsletters. The Online Pro Shop As in the past, The Newsletter continues to invite 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 We now have GCSA of New England clothing and merchandise for sale. To view the catalog click here. The merchandise can also be viewed on the Home Page of the GCSA of New England’s website at 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 4 5 The Newsletter 4 5 January - February 2024The work you do plays a vital role in the health and well-being of your guests and the community. We offer you a network of caring professionals with innovative solutions created to help you succeed.With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone.tomirwin.comtomirwin.com Thoughts From Your Executive Director by Don Hearn The Annual Meeting held at the Renaissance Hotel at Patriot Place in Foxborough, MA was a great day. 103 people registered and enjoyed a day of camaraderie, association business, and information provided by experts in their fields. Warren Lent from BCB Government Relations, our legislative agents that we work with closely to monitor issues that might impact us, brought us up to date on current issues and stressed the importance of meeting with our legislative representatives. Elliott Dowling, USGA Agronomist for the region, talked about what he had experienced in the area this past season. Jesse Menachem, Executive Director/CEO of Mass Golf, presented information from the recently completed Economic Impact Study that points out the value of golf in Massachusetts. If you would like a copy of the report, contact me and I’ll send it to you. My email is: donhearn@gcsane.org. The Distinguished Service Award recipient is recognized at the Annual Meeting and this year’s honoree is Dave Johnson, Director of Grounds at The Country Club. Please read more about this elsewhere in this issue. In addition to the speakers and business meeting, Officers and Directors of the Association were elected for another year. One of these positions is new. Ryan Boudreau, Assistant Superintendent at Framingham Country Club was elected to the position of Director. Jesse Menachem Warren Lent Elliott Dowling Ryan’s mission, along with contributing to the business of the board, is to represent the interests of Assistant Superintendents. He is a person you can bring your concerns and ideas to with the intent to make available educational and networking opportunities for Assistant Superintendents. If you have any ideas you believe would be interesting for assistants to 6 7 The Newsletter Thoughts (continued) participate in,or for the Association to facilitate, please contact Ryan at: ryboudreau@gmail.com. This is also when the Past Presidents meet to discuss any issues they have, and to be brought up to date on the fiscal health of the Association, programs’ status and for items to be brought to the board of directors for consideration. This year time was spent updating them on the status of the centennial celebration and the progress of the book commemorating our 100 years. PAST PRESIDENTS Our thanks to Brian Skinner who has now joined the ranks of Past Presidents. Brian’s influence has had an impact on the operations of the Association and the opportunities available to members as well as opportunities for others in the golf profession and industry. Brian has “blue skied” many ideas and some were implemented. He has helped us progress and made our Association better. Thank you Brian! Brian Skinner being presented the Past President’s plaque by Eric Richardson Gary Larrabee was in attendance and had the opportunity to meet some of the attendees. Gary is well known to many in the golf industry and has had a keen interest in superintendents in the North Shore area. He has authored 17 books. The history of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England will be his 18th. front row from left: Mark Gagne, Don Hearn, Eric Richardson (current president), Brian Skinner, Jim Fitzroy standing from left: Kevin Osgood, Peter Rappoccio, Dave Johnson, Ed “Chip” Brearley, Mike Luccini, Dick Zepp THE 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 6 Vice President Bob Dembek presented 25-year pins to Bob Cullen, Mark Pendergast and Tim Hood (pictured from the left). From left: Colin Smethurst, CGCS; Ryan Boudreau, Ryan Emerich, Peter Rappoccio, CGCS; Mike Murphy, Eric Richardson, Brian Skinner, CGCS; Bob Dembek, Greg Cormier, CGCS; Jonathan Wilber, Don Hearn, CGCS, Executive Director; David Stowe, CGCS 7 January - February 2024 Thoughts (continued) The December meeting included a tour of the New Balance facility known as the TRACK and lunch and meeting after at The Stockyard. Mark Casey and Brian Skinner helped arrange this special tour with Jay Rourke, General Manager of the facility. The TRACK is a unique indoor facility that can be set up for many different sports to be played in the building. Most of us were interested in how the changes from one sport or field to another are accomplished. Jay took us behind the scenes and explained and showed us the mechanics for setting up the building’s surfaces for different sports and activities. It was a fascinating experience and a good time had by all. The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix, Arizona was a big hit. Well attended, huge industry support, many attendees and great weather made the trip one of pleasant experiences. I’ve included photos of some of the friends I came across. There were many more, but for different reasons I couldn’t take a photo. There also was a recognition from GCSAA of our centennial year as the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England. from left: Keith Angilly, Pat Custy, Eric Kundahl, Mike Marino, Matt Ternullo From left: Rhett Evans, Eric Richardson, Don Hearn, Kevin Breen SINCE 1949 8 9 The Newsletter Thoughts (continued) Sean Hanley Shannan Finch Hidey and Ray Finch Don Hearn(left), and John Eggleston Patrick Hennessy Brian Skinner (left), David Stowe Mike (left), and Paul Johnson 8 9 January - February 2024 Your Golf Irrigation Specialist (cid:8)(cid:10)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:18)(cid:28)(cid:1)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:12) (cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:18)(cid:14) Course Superintendents of New England(cid:1)(cid:27)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:16) (cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:13)(cid:22)(cid:26)(cid:17)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:23) (cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:13)(cid:22)(cid:1)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:1)(cid:28)(cid:13)(cid:10)(cid:22)(cid:23). (cid:18)(cid:24)(cid:34)(cid:1)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:1)(cid:27)(cid:30)(cid:31)(cid:37)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:31)(cid:37)(cid:1)(cid:37)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:30)(cid:1)(cid:33)(cid:24)(cid:32)(cid:36)(cid:24) (cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:22)(cid:33)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:34)(cid:22)(cid:23)(cid:34)(cid:14) Chase Cameron (203)203) 233-1482 or Tim Clarke (845)845) 325-3868 10 11 The Newsletter Assistant Superintendent Spotlight: Brendan O’Neil- Lexington Golf Club Interviewed by Daniel Peterson my hands. I knew what I wanted to do, but needed to find my path. A reddit post, and a few new contacts later led me to apply for a 2nd Assistant position at Lexington Golf Club. Throughout my first year I had discussions with my Superintendent, Bob Dembek, and the club about furthering my education in Turf Management. The opportunity arose for them to send me to UMass winter school while staying at LGC for the winter which furthered my growth. After completing the program at UMass, and acquiring my Applicator’s License I was promoted to Assistant Superintendent where I am now entering my second year.  Who has had the biggest impact on your career thus far, and what lessons will you carry through on your journey to become a Superintendent? Jerry Dunklee of Sagamore Springs was a huge influence early on growing my experience by constantly feeding me new challenges and responsibilities. I greatly benefited from taking a leadership role on the day to day tasks. Another impactful person for me has been Don Hearn, who was pivotal in my transition back into golf. It was monumental for me when I met Don at Lexington in my first summer back, and he remembered me as “The Reddit guy”. I was under the impression I was a stranger to Don, but for him to remember our interaction online was important because I began to realize people in this industry look out for one another. The most integral person on my journey has been my current Superintendent Bob Dembek. He has provided me with every resource I’ve needed to succeed. From sharing insight with on-course duties, to guiding my education at UMass and integrating me into the GCSANE. His patience and guidance allowed me to learn and grow more than I could have anticipated. What have been the most challenging moments in your career, and can you give me an example of how you handled them? The most challenging thing I encountered has been taking the steps to move from a full-time worker to a manager of daily operations. My outlook has had to be adjusted, as I could no longer just worry about my tasks. I needed to learn to be Thank you for taking the time to participate in our ongoing Assistant Spotlight series. Tell me about your path to your current position, Assistant Superintendent at Lexington Golf Club? My path began in the summer of 2017. I had just finished my freshman year at Southern New Hampshire University and was in need of work. My father had pitched the idea of working at Sagamore Springs in Lynnfield for access to free golf. I took full advantage, working each day then playing no less than twice a week. As I progressed through school I grew more fond of Sagamore. Each summer I was given more responsibility in terms of equipment and took great pride in my work. My third and fourth years at Sagamore included more personnel responsibility. Jerry Dunklee, the Superintendent, would give me the tasks he wanted done and I would take the crew of young guys to execute the plans. By the end of my time at Sagamore I felt quite competent in my role. This coincided with graduating college which left me with a decision; continue to pursue what I love, or find a new path to navigate life post college. Since my scope of the industry was limited to Sagamore I did not see opportunities and opted for a role as Assistant Manager of a Sherwin-Williams paint store. I tolerated it for about a year but it quickly became evident I needed to be outside working with 10 11 January - February 2024 Brendan O’Neil (continued) aware of what everyone else around me was responsible for. Establishing and executing a weekly plan forced me to see the bigger picture and start asking the “why?” behind what we were doing. As a result I began understanding the inner workings of our operation and started to achieve more independence. It has been a rigorous process grasping all the different elements of our job, but I’ve learned to embrace my lapses in knowledge by identifying them and ruthlessly pursuing to fill them. I used to get discouraged when I couldn’t provide answers or could not grasp a concept immediately. It is in these moments I’ve grown the most as now when I encounter these issues I give myself patience realizing the best way to overcome them is through a pressure free approach which also has positively translated to my life as a whole. Do you have upcoming, or have you recently completed, capital projects at Lexington? Is there a capital project you would most like to participate in? We have some things in the works this year. We’re planning on removing 13 Pine trees between our 3rd and 4th fairways and replacing them with 4 deciduous trees. We are getting outside help for the project so I will get to focus more on the new practice tee and hitting nets we are installing. 12 Projects as a whole are something I would like to expand my knowledge of further. What is a task you enjoy doing at work? Do you have any tasks you no longer participate in that you would like to? My personal favorite task is the daily set up first thing in the morning, where you see what nature has to offer. I love seeing the daily routines of wildlife and how they change throughout the seasons. Another task I love, which I don’t do as much nowadays, is cutting fairways. Referring to my transition from full- time to management, I’ve gone from the operator to overseer meaning I assign and watch as opposed to doing. It’s a task I get great satisfaction from and cherish on the occasion we’re short handed and I need to fill in. How do you work to maintain a work/ life balance, given the specific strains Assistant Superintendents can be placed under? Our crew makes it a point to play on Mondays after work which is valuable bonding time for the team. It’s also something I share with my father and friends, so I always try to capitalize on opportunities to play. Outside of golf I love going on hikes with my girlfriend. I also value my physical health and use my free time after work to go to the gym, something that was much harder with my traditional 9-5. I did not realize how much value I put on that freedom until I had it back again. How do you think we can attract more people to enter into the turf industry? The things I love about the turf industry include interactions with nature, a work- life balance, and the opportunity to grow. The network of professionals is far more connected and accessible than ever before. It is important for clubs, Superintendents, and Assistants to commit to engaging in our organization because we are the recruiters for the next generation. It may not be the first thought when considering this role, but our interactions shape the perceptions of this job which is why it’s so important to love it. Our outlook is contagious whether it’s positive or negative and can be the difference maker in someone on one of our crews from pursuing it as a career or not. How has social media made an impact on your career? Social media was crucial to my reentry to the golf world. The goal of my Reddit post on r/turfmanagement was simply to hear how other people left their job to get into turf. Coincidentally I came into contact with Adam Ikamas, the Executive Director of the Michigan chapter of the GCSAA. He selflessly provided his contact information to me, so I reached out. He gave me some basic framework of requirements and put me in contact with Don Hearn, Eric Richardson, and Jason Lanier. Surprised at the effort Adam put in for my dilemma as a complete stranger on the internet, I was equipped with the resources necessary to make the transition. Everything started moving after that post and it wasn’t long before I was hired at Lexington, determined to learn and grow into an assistant. The club was paramount in supporting me through school after completing my first season. I was lucky to find support in every step of the process, but none of it would have happened without Adam Ikamas’ selfless response on Reddit. 13 The Newsletter Specifically in terms of Assistant Superintendents, what changes would you like to see within our industry to help promote the position as well as the value they bring to golf course operations? I would start by saying the position has come a long way in terms of compensation and benefits. It is important to note that as the offerings have improved for Assistants the cost of living has shifted simultaneously. Every industry is having to adapt to the increased costs of material and labor. As the squeeze occurs, it increases the importance of things like 401K plans, insurance, and compensation for the employee. Employees feel valued when you invest in them. Clubs stand to benefit from enhancing their staff’s education. When you invest in education it is mutually beneficial; as their knowledge increases so does their value to the course’s daily operations. If it’s implemented at a large scale the result will be Assistants that earn more because they are capable of doing more. A rising tide raises all ships. Besides Lexington, what are your favorite courses you have played? What courses have eluded you that you would like to play? My three favorite courses to play are Far Corners, Captain’s Golf Course, and Sagamore Springs, each for their own reasons. Locally, ones that have eluded me include Pinehills, Red Tail, and Crosswinds. You have the opportunity to play any course, with any one alive or dead, what is the dream course and foursome? I would love to go to Tara Iti in New Zealand. Joining me would be my father, uncle, and John Daly. It would be a round filled with laughter and hopefully some decent golf. The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. Your trusted source since 1892! More than just seed! We have the products, resources and expertise to ensure your course is always healthy and tournament ready. We are here for you! Jim Medeiros, CGCS E: greensman50@aol.com P: (401)447-0237 P: 800-326-HART E: turf@hartseed.com T: @HartsTurfPro Northeast Golf & Turf Supply a division of Northeast Nursery, Inc. - Est. 1982 Exclusive Distributor for Rain Bird Golf MA, NH, VT, ME and RI • Granular Fertilizers PRODUCT CATEGORIES • Control Products • Specialty Nutrients • Soil Conditioners • Turfgrass Seed • Golf Course Accessories NORTHEAST TURF & IRRIGATION SUPPLY Dennis Port, MA NORTHEAST CONTRACTOR CENTER Peabody, MA NORTHEAST TURF & IRRIGATION SUPPLY Londonderry, NH Learn more about our products and services at: www.northeastnursery.com 12 13 January - February 2024 Wellness Corner: The Top 5 Contributors to Visceral Fat By Dr. Sean O’Mara The World’s Leading Health and Performance Physician Ultra-processed foods. Being sedentary. Ultra-processed foods are made from refined starch, sugar, salt, and fat, making them hyper-palatable and super easy to overconsume. Excess calories from ultra-processed foods contribute to visceral fat stores. Additionally, insulin resistance from eating a diet rich in ultra-processed foods increases fat deposits inside the abdomen. Lack of quality sleep. Not getting enough quality sleep increases the risk of overeating the next day, especially foods high in starch and sugar. A 2022 crossover study found that sleep-deprived individuals ate, on aver- age, 300 more calories per day and gained more body fat than their well-rested counterparts (2).  But where the participants gained weight was most interesting. CT scans (i.e., the best way to measure visceral fat) revealed that viscer- al fat accounted for most of the weight gained. Sleep deprivation combined with overeating appears to alter the way we store fat and favors the accumulation of visceral fat. High stress levels. A sedentary lifestyle is bad for many reasons: it increases insulin resistance, the risk for sarcopenia (muscle loss), osteoporosis (weak bones), and falls and fractures and is associated with more visceral fat. Research shows that time spent being sedentary is directly correlated to visceral fat, highlighting the importance of getting in regular physical activity throughout the day (4).  Now that we know what contributes to visceral fat, here’s what we can do to reduce it: Eat a whole-food diet and feed your gut microbiome. If you listen to my podcast, you know that eating a whole-food diet and minimizing ultra-processed food consumption is key for whole-body health. Focusing on this will pay massive dividends for shifting body composition, reducing visceral fat, and optimizing metabolic health.  What you might not know is that microbiome diversity from eat- ing a variety of whole plant and fermented foods is linked to lower levels of visceral fat too. Psychological stress increases cortisol levels, which can negatively affect body fat distribution, causing it to be stored centrally around the organs. Many factors, such as lifestyle, genetics, sex, and age, affect our body’s sensitivity to cortisol and can increase our suscep- tibility to gaining visceral fat. In one study, visceral fat was more closely related to gut microbi- ome diversity than BMI or waist circumference (5). This means prioritizing dietary fiber and fermented foods and greatly reducing your intake of ultra-processed foods can aid in reducing visceral fat. Past podcast guest and professor of psychiatry at UCSF, Elissa Epel, examined this idea in her landmark study. Women who were prone to stress had higher visceral fat levels regardless of whether they were lean or overweight. And those with higher visceral fat levels were more sensitive to life stressors (3).  Drinking alcohol. There is a dose-dependent relationship between alcohol consump- tion and visceral fat. Studies like this one in Japanese men show that the more someone drinks, the more visceral fat they accu- mulate. Dr. Sean O’Mara says this is due to the metabolic impact of alcohol. The more you drink, the more your metabolism is burdened, creating more stress, more cortisol, and more hormone disruption, which impairs fat metabolism and increases its deposit in and around the liver. Prioritize sleep. Never underestimate the power of sleep, especially when it comes to fat loss. Programming your circadian rhythm with morning and evening sunlight, addressing sleep disorders, trying mouth taping, taking a magnesium supplement, and setting a caffeine curfew can do wonders for your sleep. Find healthy ways to manage stress. This might be the most challenging visceral fat contributor to ad- dress because it is so personal. Find an activity or outlet that works best for you that allows you to reset, release, or channel your stress into something positive. Exercise, meditation, lifting weights, walking, yoga, journaling, or even calling a friend can help lift the burden of stress. Additionally, if you can, working under the care of a licensed therapist can be extremely helpful.  14 15 The Newsletter Reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol. If that’s not accessible to you at the moment, no worries! Engaging in some form of movement is better than none at all.  If you’re someone who drinks alcohol, no shame! I’m not here to judge, but I am here to inform you of the potential dangers that come with it. Final Thoughts: The more I learn about visceral fat, the more excited I am for it to one day make its way into standard conventional medicine practice. My hope is that in the future anyone can walk into their doctor’s office and have their visceral fat measured using MRI technology. When matched with education, this can help the patient make changes to their diet and lifestyle early on before chronic disease develops. We’re not there yet, but that’s why it’s so important to do what we can to help spread awareness on this topic. Alcohol disrupts fat metabolism and increases visceral fat stores, especially around the gut and liver, which can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic dysfunction.  Regular alcohol consumption also increases the risk of cardiovas- cular and neurodegenerative disease, which Dr. O’Mara suggests could be due to the impact of visceral fat on the rest of our organs.  Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. This is the minimal via- ble dose, according to experts, to reap the benefits of exercise. Try a combination of resistance training (2–3 days a week), HIIT work- outs, and zone 2 cardio (e.g., brisk walking, biking, or jogging) to meet your weekly exercise goals. For HIIT workouts, if you can, try incorporating some safe form of sprinting. Dr. O’Mara says he’s found this to be an extra-special type of exercise for targeting and reducing visceral fat. If you’ve never done sprints before, Dr. O’Mara further explains its benefits here and how to work your way up to incorporating sprints in your exercise regime. SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS! MTE EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS IS THE SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS THROUGHOUT NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND. 14 (888) 708-5296 MTE.US.COM 15 January - February 2024SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS!((888) 708-5296888) 708-5296MTE.US.COMMTE.US.COM PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE TREE SERVICE Backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee irontreeservice.com Call Us: 855-IRON-TREE 16 17 The Newsletter 16 17 January - February 2024Since 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 flawless turf conditions. 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 Using DiSC to Strengthen Your Team By Andrew Feder Assistant Superintendent The Haven Country Club in their traits and equally as important, their weaknesses. A leader who is primarily categorized as an “S”, or Steadiness on the chart, can tend to be cautious when treading unknown waters while also being very friendly and talkative. If this leader was dealing with an individual who falls under the Dominance side of the chart, without self-awareness for the clashing behavioral styles at hand, a problem could arise. As mentioned before, individuals of the Dominance style tend to be more fast paced than the cautious members of the Steadiness style. Acknowledging their behavior style and then knowing how to approach and communicate with the opposite style puts the leader in a strong position to maintain control and balance of the team. The success of a golf course operation relies on the execution of an entire team, just as winning a championship in hockey. For both cases, the leaders, whether it be a coaching staff or a superintendent and their assistants, become more successful when they are more in-tune with their team. Learning how to accurately allocate as- signments and communicate with team members can help lead any team to their next victory. For more information about DiSC styles and application refer to: Discprofile.com - DiSC Profile What does the seasonal agronomy team at your golf course have in common with a hockey team? A lot more than you might realize. I believe a team’s purpose is to work with others to achieve a goal. Hockey teams pursue winning games, while the agronomy team is creating the best conditions for golfers. In either scenario, having the right team members will help promote efficiency and foster personal fulfillment which may in turn lead to greater results. Many aspects of teamwork prove why it is so useful when executed properly. A major benefit of building a team is the collaboration of various characters that have unique abilities. Each member’s unique ability helps create efficiency within the team. This is easily identified in examples such as hockey in the form of goalies, offensemen and de- fensemen. Each one of these positions brings a different, yet equally important, skill to the team. The same could be said for the agron- omy team. There are employees that thrive in walk mowing, bun- ker raking, irrigation repair, and so on. Each brings an important set of skills that other team members might not have. When leaders capitalize on each individual’s specialized ability to help the team succeed, they are giving their team the best chance at achieving its goal. Although a team member’s performance during the workday is heavily considered when evaluating that person’s impact on team success, their “behavior style” is equally as important. Like the coaches of the team, superintendents and their assistants are responsible for ensuring that team members are in the best position to help the team succeed. This can be achieved when the “DiSC” model of behavioral analysis is implemented amongst the team. DiSC refers to a relationship building mechanism, founded by William Marston, that categorizes individuals into four differ- ent groups based on their behavioral traits. Each letter of DiSC corresponds to a group: Dominance, influence, Conscientiousness and Steadiness. Individuals tend to show traits of multiple groups, but the DiSC model tries to narrow it down to one key behavior to help identify how to effectively lead and communicate with them. For example, team members coming out of the Dominance corner are typically fast-paced workers who can be questioning and skep- tical at times. A great way to lead these team members would be to make sure they have a task that keeps them busy while surrounded by individuals who are also highly efficient and motivated. They want to keep communication about the task clear, confident, and direct to help mitigate the chance for confusion or skepticism. Should some skepticism arise, reassure them and directly approach problems with certainty to help maintain their trust and confi- dence. Approaching a team member with the wrong leadership technique could create resentment or frustration, which can lead to insubordination and a decline in work performance. Understanding the behavior of individuals on the team is import- ant, however leaders need to have an idea of their own DiSC style, as well. Leaders who know their own style can identify strengths 18 Superior Strategic Superior Strategic Stress Management Stress Management Ocean Organics, The Industry Leader 45 Years in the Golf Industry Introduced Seaweed Extract to the North American Turf Market Best Seaweed Processor — The Mother Ship All products manufactured in Waldoboro, ME — engineered for specific outcomes & expectations We perform extensive University research prior to and after product launch. Superior Surfactants: Superior Liquids: Mariner®, Privateer®, Nautilus®, Windjammer® XP Extra Protection®, Stress Rx®, Guarantee® • Unique formulations • Plant protectants • Uniformity of moisture in the root zone • Stress tolerance & recovery Heat, UV, Drought, Salinity, Cold • Increased efficacy & management of pesticides and fertility inputs • Superior infiltration & percolation of applied water & precipitation • Firm playing surfaces • Plant health • Improved irrigation efficiencies Baltimore Country Club, Maryland Photo: © L.C. Lambrecht, All Rights Reserved. • Enabling plants to efficiently photosynthesize, respirate & maintain necessary carbohydrate levels to thrive • Improved plant health and longevity (something we all need) Call Chris, Dan or Scott at Atlantic Golf and Turf (413) 863-4444 Superior Granular Fertility: SeaBlend® • Multiple nitrogen sources • Consistent release • Great color • Increased soil microbial activity • Natural nematode recovery: chitin/chitinase Manufacturing Waldoboro, Maine Administration Ann Arbor, Michigan www.oceanorganics.com 19 The Newsletter Superior Strategic Superior Strategic Stress Management Stress Management Ocean Organics, The Industry Leader 45 Years in the Golf Industry Introduced Seaweed Extract to the North American Turf Market Best Seaweed Processor — The Mother Ship All products manufactured in Waldoboro, ME — engineered for specific outcomes & expectations We perform extensive University research prior to and after product launch. Superior Surfactants: Mariner®, Privateer®, Nautilus®, Windjammer® Superior Liquids: XP Extra Protection®, Stress Rx®, Guarantee® • Unique formulations • Plant protectants • Uniformity of moisture in the root zone • Stress tolerance & recovery Heat, UV, Drought, Salinity, Cold • Increased efficacy & management of pesticides and fertility inputs • Superior infiltration & percolation of applied water & precipitation • Firm playing surfaces • Plant health • Improved irrigation efficiencies Baltimore Country Club, Maryland Photo: © L.C. Lambrecht, All Rights Reserved. • Enabling plants to efficiently photosynthesize, respirate & maintain necessary carbohydrate levels to thrive • Improved plant health and longevity (something we all need) Call Chris, Dan or Scott at Atlantic Golf and Turf (413) 863-4444 Superior Granular Fertility: SeaBlend® • Multiple nitrogen sources • Consistent release • Great color • Increased soil microbial activity • Natural nematode recovery: chitin/chitinase Manufacturing Waldoboro, Maine Administration Ann Arbor, Michigan www.oceanorganics.com 19 18 January - February 2024 THE GCSAA CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW SUCCESSFULLY RETURNED TO PHOENIX WITH A SOLD-OUT TRADE SHOW FLOOR Attendees came from all 50 states and 66 countries Mike and Tami Hoffman to GCSAA First Green. The Hoffmans’ donation will power GCSAA’s STEAM Ahead initiative enabling First Green to integrate arts to its existing STEM curriculum to reach more students by offering STEAM education as part of its hands-on learning on golf cours- es.  The donation will also serve to broaden the program’s reach to high school students and add more GCSAA member First Green Liaisons. In addition, the donation will pro- vide classroom grants, ensuring the infu- sion of STEAM curriculum into classrooms hosting a First Green event. Students from Arizona Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) atTonopah (Ariz.) Valley High School were invited to attend and were presented with the first classroom  grant to use as part of their JAG STEAM education. Later in the day, at the conclusion of the popular Ladies Leading Turf session, presented in partnership with Syngenta, it was announced that the program will be re- branded in 2025 to Leading Turf Together to emphasize togetherness while maintain- ing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Wednesday also featured the 2024 GCSAA Turf Bowl, presented in partnership with John Deere. Purdue University Team 51 won the 2024 Turf Bowl, which was the 30th anniversary of the competition. The UMass team finished in 3rd place. The Turf Bowl competition included 63 teams from 28 universities. Thursday saw the trade show continue and the conclusion of the overall event with the GCSAA Send-Off Celebration, present- ed in partnership with John Deere. The highlight of the Send-Off Celebration was the presentation of the GCSAA Col. John Morley Award to retired superintendent William “Bill” Murray along with the pre- sentation of the Emerging Leader Award to Richie Kremer and the GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship to Wayne Mills. The event ended with a keynote speech by Brendan McDonough, who inspired the movie “Only the Brave” and survived the Yarnell Hill Wildfire that killed 19 of his fellow Granite Mountain Hotshots firefighters in 2013. McDonough The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show returned to Phoenix for the first time since 1987 and was well received. Attendance rivaled that of Orlando 2023 with nearly 11,000 attendees and over 6,600 seminar seats filled, representing the highest total since 2008. In addition to education for superintendents, the event also included specialized education for assistant super- intendents, equipment managers, students and more. The diverse educational offerings included traditional classroom settings as well as seven Interactive Facility Tours at golf courses in the Phoenix area. The trade show floor, spanning  352,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Phoenix Convention Center was sold-out and fea- tured 470 exhibits. The week began with the GCSAA Golf Championships presented by Toro. 2024 was the 30th consecutive year of Toro’s sponsorship. 638 golfers participated in the sold-out event, providing those in the industry an opportunity to have fun, meet new people, renew old friendships, and compete in various flighted competitions across six golf courses. Seth Strickland,  di- rector of agronomy at Miami Beach (Fla.) Golf Club, was the winner of the 2024 National Championship, making him a six- time winner of the event. Joshua Troutman, golf course superintendent at Crestview Country Club Wichita, Kan., won the Golf Classic. Among the highlights, the conference featured the launch of Golf’s Sustainability Showcase, a collaboration of the GCBAA, GCSAA, USGA and ASGCA. The Showcase featured interactive displays high- lighting research, innovation, technology, and best practices, as well as storytellers bringing to life the sustainability efforts and progress made throughout the golf industry. On Wednesday, the Sunrise Celebration, presented in partnership with Syngenta, saw Dottie Pepper receive GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award and Tenia Workman, executive director of the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association, win the Outstanding Contribution Award, to begin the day.  Then, during the Trade Show Grand Opening event, attendees witnessed the announcement of a $1 million gift from 20 21 The Newsletter shared his story of perseverance and overcoming tragedy. McDonough also recognized how golf, through its charitable aspects and ability to bring communities together, plays a significant role in the heal- ing process for millions who suffer from tragedy and acknowledged the audience’s role in providing these healing opportuni- ties through the courses they manage. The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is produced by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) along with its presenting part- ners the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), United States Golf Association (USGA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). The 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will head to San Diego Feb. 3-6, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center. 2025 GCSANE Superintendent Award Notice The GCSANE Board adopted an initia- tive to create the “Superintendent of the Year Award.” This award is designed to elevate the recognition of the Golf Course Superintendent within the general golfing community, affiliated associations, and their club’s governing body. The award is segmented into three cat- egories: Municipal/Public Golf Course Superintendent, Nine-hole (or fewer) Golf Course Superintendent (including Practice Facility Superintendents), and Private/Semi- Private Golf Course Superintendent. Nominees for the award must be GCSANE members in good standing, not current or outgoing Board members, employed as a Superintendent with a minimum of three years of experience, and have achieved a noteworthy career milestone. A subcommittee is tasked with developing a fair and representative selection process. The nomination process will involve solicit- ing nominations from the membership, with the subcommittee and Membership Chairperson shortlisting candidates. The final winners will be determined through an anonymous voting system conducted by the GCSANE Board, with the Executive Director tallying the votes and the Membership Chairperson breaking any ties. Winners of the award must provide a headshot and a summary of their career for publication in the GCSANE Newsletter, social media, and other affiliated publica- tions that directly reach the golfing public. The announcement of the winners will take place before the 2025 New England Regional Turfgrass Conference, with the winners being highlighted at the GCSANE booth at the conference and receiving a commemorative plaque. We need your help. Please submit a person to nominate, which can include yourself! Members interested in contributing to the selection process and refinement of the award are encouraged to reach out to me or Don Hearn via email. This initiative reflects GCSANE’s com- mitment to recognizing the excellence and dedication of our members. We look forward to shining a light on your essential role and hard work. Best, Mike Murphy – GCSANE Membership Chair. mimurphy@brooklinema.gov The 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient was in attendance at our December meeting held at the Stockyard restaurant in Brighton. Sharon Brownell, formerly execu- tive secretary of the Association was presented an engraved crystal bowl by Mike Murphy to recognize the accomplishment. Sharon preceded Don Hearn, our executive director, and held her position for 12 years before retiring to her life-long love of sailing. Since she and her husband, Tom, were in warmer climes during our 2023 Annual Meeting we had to coordinate dates when she would be “out of the water” and available for the presenta- tion. Originally the presentation was scheduled for August, but the rain caused a change of plans. The next best time was our December meeting date. It was nice to see Sharon. Some in attendance had worked with Sharon in the past and remarked she still had the pleasant smile and easy manner they remembered. 21 20 January - February 2024 22 23 The Newsletter Bill Yanakakis is the superintendent at Rockport Golf Club Rockport, MA. The following article about bill and his relationship with Masons is an impressive accomplishment. This article appeared in the Ipswich LOCAL NEWS, January 15, 2024 IPSWICH MAN ELECTED TO SECOND HIGHEST OFFICE IN MASSACHUSETTS MASONS of Massachusetts School of Agriculture in Stockbridge. He married his wife, Paula, in 1992, 10 years after they graduated high school together. They live in Ipswich and have three grown sons: Christopher, Benjamin, and Alexander. He has been in the golf industry for 40 years, currently serving as golf course superintendent at the Rockport Golf Club. Freemasons belong to the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. It brings together men of every country, religion, race, education, income, and opinion and helps develop the bonds of friendship between them. Through a large variety of North American Masonic philanthropies, approximately $3 million is given to charity every day; 70% of which benefits the public. The Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts is the oldest grand lodge in the western hemi- sphere and third oldest in the world. It was chartered in 1733, following the establish- ment of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 and Ireland in 1725. The year 2023 marked the 290th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. the deputy grand master. Yanakakis began his Masonic career when he was initiat- ed in John T. Heard Lodge, Ipswich, on September 3, 2003. He served as worshipful master, or presiding officer, in 2010. He was also the master of Budleigh Lodge, Beverly, in 2014 and 2016. Masons use the original definition of “worshipful,” meaning “hon- orable.” English mayors and judges are still addressed as worshipful. As senior grand warden, he will be called “right worshipful.” Yanakakis was installed as John T. Heard Lodge’s secretary in 2011 and continues to hold the position today. He is also an honorary member of William Sutton Lodge in Saugus and the Converse Lodge in Wakefield and is a member of the Masters Lodge in Needham and the Winslow Lewis Lodge in Boston. In 2011, Yanakakis received the Joseph Warren Medal for distinguished service. Named for the patriot killed during the Battle of Bunker Hill, Warren was the presiding grand master at the time of his death. The medal recognizes exceptional service at the lodge level. The grand master confers the award on the recommendation of the lodge master. Yanakakis was elected to the Grand Lodge board of directors in 2014 to fill the final year of a vacated three-year term. He subsequently served as director for consecutive three-year terms between 2017 and 2019 and 2020 and 2022. Yanakakis grew up in Boxford and grad- uated from Masconomet Regional High School, Bentley College, and the University BOSTON — William E. Yanakakis of Ipswich has been installed to the second-highest elected position in the Massachusetts Masons. He took the role of senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for 2024 in a ceremony per- formed at the fraternity’s Boston headquar- ters. A grand lodge is the governing body of Freemasonry in its jurisdiction. The orga- nization boats 20,000 members belonging to 207 lodges throughout the jurisdiction. As senior grand warden, Yanakakis will assist George F. Hamilton, grand master and the presiding officer in the state, for the coming year. He also serves as grand master pro-tempo- re in the absence of the grand master and 22 23 January - February 2024 -healthv· Of' i/J· �ROFESSIONAL � M..,I. l'IIOFESSIOHALRESULTS:' healthygrowpro.com CJ 24 Proudly Distributed By: Chas C. Hart Seed Co. 860-529-2537 Hartsturfpro.com Northeast Golf and Turf Supply 978-535-6550 Northeastnursery .com t 25 The Newsletter THE DONALD E HEARN, CGCS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT FOR 2024 David Johnson, Director of Grounds The Country Club, Brookline, MA  This year’s recipient of the first Donald E Hearn, CGCS, Distinguished Service Award is David Johnson, the Director of Grounds at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.  The change in the title of this award was prompted by ac- tion of the Association’s Board of Directors who agreed with those who suggested the award be named in honor of a longtime member and our current executive director. Dave Johnson grew up in Dudley, MA with his parents and 2 sisters, where he lived across the street from the Dudley Hill Golf Club overlooking the 3rd hole. He learned to play the game there and enjoyed being out on the course honing his skills all the while planting the seed for a career in golf course maintenance. After high school he attended Westfield State for 2 years and transferred to pursue a Plant and Soil Science degree at UMass which he obtained in 1997. Mike Murphy (right) presents the DSA to Dave Johnson Upon the retirement of Bill Spence in 2019, Dave applied for the Director of Grounds position at The Country Club in Brookline where preparation had already begun to host the 122nd US Open Championship. The course had received numerous updates by the time he arrived but there was still much to do. Numerous tees were constructed, bunkers were added, others were rebuilt and turf conditions were improved with new contours and mowing lines. At the end of the final round on Sunday, before the trophy presentation, the USGA presented Dave and his team with the EJ Marshall platter in recognition of the dedication and impor- tance of the course staff and volunteers who prepared the course to add to the success of the championship under the leadership of Dave. The presentation shined a na- tional spotlight on the profession and the talent of those who are responsible for the outstanding playing conditions the players encountered. The event was a total success and looking out over the course now you wouldn’t even know that the US Open was After college Dave applied for an Assistant Superintendent position at Wachusett Country Club where he worked for the Marrone family. While at Wachusett he learned about the entire business from the maintenance and care of the golf course to knowing and understanding the operation of the Golf Shop and Clubhouse. there a year ago. Dave volunteered and was a board member of GCSANE for 11 years serving as Education chair, Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President and President along with being on several committees. He worked there for 7 years and decided it was time to apply for the superintendent’s position at Whitinsville Golf Club, a 9 hole gem designed by Donald Ross. Dave spent 10 years at Whitinsville where he met Gil Hanse and together they implemented and executed a masterplan for the property. The course and turf con- ditions improved, 14 acres of fairways were reclaimed and the golf course found itself back in GOLF Magazine’s top 100 list where it remains today. He is married to his wife of 23 years Maryann and they have 2 daughters, Valerie who is a junior and attends UConn and Samantha who is going to graduate from Sandwich High School this year. David is very deserving of this recognition and as one nominator said, “He is a class act and represents the Association in a very professional way.” With the success at Whitinsville Dave’s star had started to shine and soon an opportunity presented itself at The Wianno Club in the village of Osterville on Cape Cod, another Donald Ross design. He teamed up again with Gil Hanse to complete a master- plan. The changes were well received by the membership. Dave’s professionalism and talent shined at Wianno and was noticed by many others. 24 25 January - February 2024 Tee-Up New England! 2024 This initiative will provide golfers with an opportunity to play some of their favorite courses while providing funding for turfgrass research. Interested golfers will par- ticipate in an online auction (April 15-22, 2024), linked to your website, to purchase a donated round of golf for 4 people w/carts. This is a great way to showcase your fa- cility and to open your door to attract new players. All proceeds will go to the New England Regional Turfgrass Research Trust (NERTRT) or to the UMass Alumni Turf Group (ATG) to fund turf research here in New England. Research will help to insure that future turf conditions will be at the highest and most environmentally sensitive levels in the Turf Industry and of the Game of Golf! Please Join in Supporting Tee-Up New England Today! 2024 Donation Form Company Address Golf Foursome w/Carts Donation Description (Please List Any Restrictions) Approximate $ Value of Donation Club’s Website Address Golf Course Superintendent: Supt. Phone/Email: Contact to Schedule Round: Contact Phone/Email: Please include your Club’s Gift C e rtificate with the applicatio n …..or Please make a Tee-Up New England Certificate for the winning bid. Please Credit ATG for this donatio n . Please return form by April 5th to: Tee-Up New England!/NERTF Phone: 401-841-5490 1272 West Main Road, Green #3 Email: gsykes.nertf.@gmail.com Middletown, RI 02842 The auction is held at www.tee-upnewengland.com NERTRT-Is a 501(c)(3) Chartiable Organization dedicated to funding Turfgrass Research at New England Universities 26 27 The Newsletter Atlantic Golf & Turf Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc. FMC Corporation 304 Main St. Wethersfield, CT 06109 Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta, Grigg Brothers foliar fertilizers, & Aquatrols. Specializing in custom seed blends. Robin Hayes (508) 237-2642 Corbett Irigation Concord, MA Golf Course GIS as-built and mapping services Integrate into your existing control system map Or Google Earth Kyle McNerney (978) 897-9004 Visit Corbett GIS Mapping Country Club Enterprises PO Box 670, 29 Tobey Rd. W. Wareham, MA 02676 Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles. Keith Tortorella (508) 982-4820 Mike Giles (978) 454-5472 Andrew Ingham (508) 570-1818 DAF Services, Inc. 20 Lawnacre Rd. Windsor Locks, CT 06096 Custom pumping solutions. Custom pump controls. Complete pump service. Serving all of New England. Tim Berge, Sales Manager c (860) 690-1192 o (860) 623-5207 x227 tberge@dafsvcs.com Finch Turf Finch Turf is your premier John Deere Golf Distributor in the Northeast. Bill Rockwell (508) 789-5293 Mark Casey (617) 447-4076 Ryan Lane (978) 758-8671 Call or visit our website at www.finchturf.com Five Star Golf Cars & Utility Vehicles 174 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 E-Z GO Golf Cars, Cushman Utility Vehicles Alex Stimpson (508) 264-3003 alex@fivestarsgolfcars.com 27 Industrial Boulevard Turners Falls, MA 01376 Specializing in agronomy through the distribution of fertilizer, seed & chemicals throughout New England. Chris Cowan (413) 530-5040 Dan Tower (781) 540-4348 dan@ atlanticgolfandturf.com Scott Mackintosh CPAg (774) 551-6083 www.atlanticgolfandturf.com A-OK Turf Equipment Inc. 1357 Main St. Coventry, RI 02816-8435 Lastec, Tycrop, Blec, Wiedenmann, Therrien, Graden, Sweep & Fill, Baroness, & used equipment. Mike Cornicelli (401) 826-2584 www.pavewithasi.com BASF Turf & Ornamental 169 Kings Hwy Hancock, NH 03449 “We don’t make the turf. We make it better.” Pete Jacobson (919) 530-9062 peter.jacobson@basf.com BACKED by BAYER Building on an already solid foundation of proven products to help you succeed. Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809 brian.giblin@bayer.com www.backedbybayer.com Beals & Thomas, Inc. 144 Turnpike Road Southborough, MA 01772 32 Court Street Plymouth, MA 02360 Civil Engineers–Landscape Architects–Land Surveyors–Planners–Environmental Specialists Sarah Stearns (508) 366-0560 sstearns@bealsandthomas.com Beals & Thomas specializes in golf course site design services including irrigation pond analysis & design, drainage & utility improvements, permitting, hydrogeologic evaluations, construction administration, boundary & topographic surveys, master planning & project design. Cardinals, Inc. 166 River Rd., PO Box 520 Unionville, CT 06085 Golf course & landscape supplies. John Callahan (860) 916-3947 Scott Gabrielson (401) 258-5830 Mike Marino, CGCS Market Specialist – New England and New York Region 2929 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (860) 287-3334 mike.marino@fmc.com Fore The Turf Proudly representing Floratine Products Group, JRM Inc., and Greenleaf Technologies. Brian Juneau (781) 738-3201 brianjuneau21@yahoo.com Harrison McPhee, Inc 1420A Main Street Millis, MA 02054 (508) 520-0084 A tree care and preservation company. Inspired by nature and committed to providing elite care to our urban forests, our skilled arborists plant, prune, preserve and protect one of New England’s most beautiful assets. We focus on healthy soils for a healthy planet and use the most natural approaches to ensure ongoing health and longevity of your trees. Harrell’s LLC 19 Technology Drive Auburn, MA 01501 Turf & Ornamental supplies. Chuck Bramhall (508) 400-0600 Jim Cohen (978) 337-0222 Jim Favreau (978) 227-2785 Mike Kroian (401) 265-5353 Kent Lemme (413) 281-8087 Helena Agri-Enterprises 101 Elm Street Hatfield, MA 01038 National distributors of all your turf chemicals & fertilizers. Extensive line of Helena Branded wetting agents, foliars, micro nutrients & adjuvants. Lou Bettencourt (978) 580-8166 Jeff Urquhart (781) 571-1164 www.HelenaProfessional.com Heritage PPG 2 Commerce Boulevard Plainville, MA 02762 Using industry-leading insights to provide you with the products that help you win. Jay Popko (413) 454-3847 Jay.Popko@heritageppg.com Chris Leonard (339) 793-0727 Chris.Leonard@heritageppg.com 27 26 Please patronize these Friends of the AssociationJanuary - February 2024 Hunter Industries MAS Golf Course Construction New England Turf Farm, Inc. Hunter manufactures comprehensive golf irrigation solutions designed to simplify irrigation. From our Pilot Command Center irrigation management software to the most reliable total top serviceable rotors in the industry to rotary nozzles for bunkers or landscape lighting for the clubhouse, Hunter has a solution for every golf course. Dave Antunes (401) 644-2777 david.antunes@hunterindustries.com hunterindustries.com/golf Iron Tree Service, LLC 64 Dunham Road Beverly, MA 01915 Full-service tree care and removal company servicing Boston’s North Shore, MetroWest, and the Greater Metropolitan area. Michael Bonner, Sales Arborist C (978) 998-2864 O (978) 468-6688 michael@irontreeservice.com Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation 11 Larchmont Lane Lexington, MA 02420 Offering a full range of inventory for irrigation drainage, pumps, fountains & landscape lighting products & services for all of your residential & commercial needs. (781) 862-2550 Susan Tropeano Lazaro’s Golf Course Supplies & Accessories dba Hammond Paint & Chemical Co., Inc. 738 Main St., Suite 223 Waltham, MA 02154 Complete line for all your of golf course supplies. Par Aide, Standard, Eagle One, turf & ornamentals, aquatics, turf marking paint, safety items, adjuvants. Joe Lazaro–cell: (617) 285-8670 Fax: (781) 647-0787 Email: jlazaro698@aol.com www.lazarogolfcoursesupplies.com Maher Services 71 Concord Street N. Reading, MA 01864 Well drilling, pump service & well maintenance Peter Maher cell: (781) 953-8167 or (978) 664-WELL (9355) Fax (978) 664-9356 www.maherserv.com 28 60 Lumber St. Hopkinton, MA 01748 Fulfilling all your renovation and construction needs. Matthew Staffieri (508) 243-2443 matt@masgolfconstruction.com www.masgolfconstruction.com Mayer Tree Service Providing a wide range of tree care from Plant Health Care to tree removal. Mobile wood waste grinding services. Stump grinding. Land clearing. Loam and mulch delivery. Tree pruning to enhance shot value and playability. Richard Grant (978) 500-8849 rich@mayertree.com McNulty Construction Corp. P. O. Box 3218 Framingham, MA 01705 Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways, parking areas; imprinted asphalt. John McNulty (508) 879-8875 MTE, Inc. Equipment Solutions 115 Franklin Street Extension Derry, NH 03038 New England’s source for equipment: New & pre-owned mowers, tractors, & maintenance items from: Jacobsen, Turfco, Smithco, Ventrac, Redexim, Neary Grinders, Ryan, Buffalo Turbine, Mahindra, Gravely, Standard, Par-Aide & others. Sales, Parts, & Service all brands. Derry Shop: (603) 404-2286 Sean Smith NE Sales Mgr., (603) 303-4237 Lucas Doucette North Eastern MA/Boston Cell (617) 990-2427 ldoucette@mte.us.com Aaron Bunn Western MA Cell (508) 825-6639 Abunn@mte.us.com Dana Northrop South Shore/Cape Cod Cell (978) 857-3726 Dnorthrop@mte.us.com Elliot Leonard Norfolk/Bristol MA Cell (508) 272-0699 eleonard@mte.us.com Eric Burke NH Cell (603) 212-6395 eburke@mte.us.com Matt Hunter ME Cell (207) 385-6684 mhunter@mte.us.com Mungeam Golf Design, Inc. 195 SW Main Street Douglas, MA 01516 Golf course architect Office: (508) 476-5630 Cell: (508) 873-0103 Email: markamungeam@gmail.com Contact: Mark A. Mungeam, ASGCA www.golfdesignconsultant.com P.O. Box 777 West Kingston, RI 02892 Many types of tallgrasses and bentgrass available for golf courses, sports turf and landscapers. Expert installation available. Office: (800) 451-2900 Ernie Ketchum (508) 364-4428 erniesod@comcast.net Mike Brown (508) 272-1827 www.newenglandturf.com NMP Golf Construction Corp. 25 Bishop Ave. Ste. A-2 Williston, VT 05495 Golf course construction Mario Poirier (888) 707-0787 Northeast Golf & Turf Supply 6 Dearborn Road Peabody, MA 01960 Complete line of Golf Course, Landscape & Lawn Care Construction & Maintenance Supplies Dan Fuller dfuller@northeastnursery.com (508) 789-2323 Patrick Hennessy phennessy@northeastnursery.com (978) 594-2125 Dan Read dread@northeastnursery.com (508) 641-7102 Tom Rowell trowell@northeastnursery.com (978) 317-0673 Patrick Sevigny psevigny@northeastnursery.com (978) 317-6817 North Shore Hydroseeding 49 North Putnam St. Danvers, MA 01923 Hydroseeding & erosion control services. Brian King (978) 762-8737 www.nshydro.com NuFarm Jim Santoro Nufarm Americas Regional Sales Manager Phone 508-207-2094 Email jim.santoro@nufarm.com Twitter @jim Santoro Nutrien Solutions Suppliers of Chemicals, Fertilizer, & Grass Seed (978) 685-3300 Nick Burchard (401) 601-7213 Drew Cummins (401) 952-4219 www.nutrien.com 29 Please patronize these Friends of the AssociationThe Newsletter On-Course Golf Inc., Design/Build 16 Maple Street Acton, MA 01720 Golf Course Craftsmen. We serve all your remodeling and renovation needs. You can trust your project with us! We make you look good! Sean Hanley (978) 337-6661 www.on-coursegolf.com PBI Gordon Corporation “Inspired Innovations for green spaces, pets, and people” www.pbigordonturf.com Precision Laboratories 1428 S. Shields Drive Waukegan, IL 60083 Specialized chemistries that enhance plants, seeds, soil and water. Greg Bennett (978) 877-3772 www.precisionlab.com Prime Source 3208 Peach Street Erie, PA 16508 National, full line distributor of turf, ornamental & specialty products. Exclusive distributor of Prime Source branded pesticides & specialty products. Mike Blatt, Northeast Territory Manager (814) 440-7658 Putnam Pipe Corp. Hopkinton & Taunton, MA Providence, RI Distributor of water, sewer, drain and stormwater pipe & fittings. Erosion & sediment control products. Free delivery & 24-hour service. David Purnam (508) 435-3090 Read Custom Soils Read Custom Soils 158 Tihonet Road Wareham, MA 02571 New England’s source for USGA grade topdressing sand, bunker sand, rootzone mixes, divot mixes, colored sand, and kiln-dried topdressing sand. Plus, useful golf course aggregates: cart path mixes, stabilized stonedust, natural round stone, crushed stone, mulch, and soils. Bob Doran (207) 337-5464 Ed Downing (508) 440-1833 Mark Pendergast (617) 686-5590 Jeff Toomey (603) 235-8420 Garrett Whitney (617) 697-4247 www.readcustomsoils.com Reel Sharp LLC 100 Clarkson Ave Pittsfield, MA, 01201 Over twenty years in the used turf equipment business specializing in golf course equipment. Nick Merrill (617) 631-8873 nick@rsturf.com www.rsturf.com SiteOne Golf 7 Lincoln Road Foxboro, MA 02035 Offering our customers the most complete line of products, service & expertise in the industry. Ron Tumiski (508) 697-2757 Sodco Inc. PO Box 2 Slocum, Rl 02877 1-800-341-6900 Black Beauty, Tall Fescue, Green & Fairway Height Bent, Short Cut Black Beauty, Short Cut Blue, 90-10 Fine Fescue Installation options available Contact: Jim Studley (401) 743-7616 Syngenta Professional Products P.O. Box 1775 Wells, ME 04090 John Bresnahan (413) 333-9914 Melissa Hyner Gugliotti (860) 221-5712 Target Specialty Products 165 Grove Street, Suite 70 Franklin, MA 02038 Supplier of fertilizer, chemicals & grass seed. Jim Pritchard, Territory Manager 401-862-1098 Glenn Larrabee (774) 670-8880 Tanto Irrigation 5 N. Payne Street Elmsford, NY 10532 Golf Irrigation specialists. Proudly providing the Golf Industry with irrigation services for over 50 Years. Bill Bartels (914) 347-5151 Chase Cameron (203) 233-1482 Tim Clark (845) 325-3868 tantoirrigation.com Tom Irwin, Inc. 13 A Street Burlington, MA 01803 (800) 582-5959 www.tomirwin.com We bring you a network of professionals and innovative solutions dedicated to your success. With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone. Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. PO Box 167 Wood River Junction, Rl 02894 Tuckahoe Turf grows some of the finest sod in the Northeast. We grow Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, Tall Fescue, and Blue/Fescue blends. We also have several bentgrass varieties at both tee and green height. Please call for details. Scott McLeod (401) 230-2631 Peter DeBrusk (603) 819-9700 800-556-6985 Turf & Golf Services 13 Bachelor St. West Newbury, MA 01985 Turf & Golf Services provides golf course superintendents with resources to maximize used equipment resale value and a resource for reasonably priced, quality turf equipment. Contact Ryan Green (603) 512-2898 ryan@golfandturfservice.com Turf Products 157 Moody Rd. Enfield, CT 06082 Toro Equipment & Irrigation– Serving the industry since 1970 800-243-4355 Bill Conley Nat Binns (332) 351-5189 www.turfproductscorp.com Valley Green 14 Copper Beech Drive Kingston, MA 02364 Phone: (413) 533-0726 Fax: (413) 533-0792 “Wholesale distributor of turf products” Doug Dondero (508) 944-3262 Welch Mechanical Welch Mechanical is a mobile repair company specializing in golf course equipment. We provide a variety of services including but not limited to hydraulic and electrical systems repairs, engine repair, Sprayer calibration and repair, welding/ fabrication, and rebuilding mower reels. Please check out our website www.welchmechanical.com Winding Brook Turf Farm Wethersfield, CT and Lyman, ME 240 Griswold Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 Kathy Arcari (401) 639-5462 karcari@windingbrookturf.net www.windingbrookturf.com 29 28 Please patronize these Friends of the AssociationJanuary - February 2024 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England The Newsletter–Rate Schedule THE NEWSLETTER DISPLAY ADVERTISING ORDER FORM Company Name: Address: Contact Name: Phone: Email: Issues (List month or months of publications where we will publish your ad): Amount of payment: 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. 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Please send ads to Don Hearn at the email address below. The newsletter is published in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Send all Newsletter ads to: Don Hearn, Executive Director 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Email: donhearn@gcsane.org O. 774-430-9040 32 PB The Newsletter