January 1983
ourde
OF

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Superintendents
N E W

E N G L A N D ,

S I T o c i u t i o n
I N C .

Sponsors and administrators of the Lawrence S.
Dickinson Scholarship Fund — Awarded yearly
to deserving Turf Management Students.

Dick Zepp - a change for the better
What's a graduate chemist doing in a place like this?
"I'm where I want to be," remarked Dick Zepp from his
office at the Whitinsvflle Golf Club. " I realize it's a strange
departure from what I had planned in life. But I made the
choice and I've never regretted it. As you can see, money
finishes second to happiness every time."
Zepp is the seven-year superintendent at Wliitinsville,
somewhat of a storied nine-hole golf course with the backdrop of Donald Ross design which remains unaltered in its
60-year existence.
"We've changed a few tees, things like that," Zepp explained. "But the layout is almost the same as Donald left
it. That's probably why the place is so popular."
That and the course-conditioning feats of Zepp who is a
man far removed from his original vocational goals.
Zepp, who serves as secretary of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, received his degree in chemistry from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in
1973. The following year he accepted a graduate position
at the University of Massachusetts and was headed into
his chosen field when he up and walked across campus to
its agricultural outlet.
" I just went over to Dr. (Joseph) Troll and told him I
wanted to enroll in the turf school," Zepp recalled. "He
tried to talk me out of it, but I was determined to become
a golf course superintendent. Why? I just couldn't see myself cooped up inside the rest of my life. I love the outdoors which is an attractive part of the superintendent's
profession."
Dick admits he had to make a financial adjustment. "I'd
probably be making twice as much money working as a

Next Meeting

Annual Me©(tMig

January 17, 1983
Franklin Country Club
Franklin, Ma.

Host: Gary Luccini
10 AM Directors Meeting
11 AM Membership Meeting
Lunch
Educational Program after lunch
Guest Speaker: Ian S. Oppenheim,
Lawyer

Discussion of pesticide uses and regulations.
Directions: from 495 take King St. Exit.
Follow to Rt 140, take right, club will be
on right.

chemist or maybe teaching it," he admitted. "But I don't
consider that a loss. I'm enjoying this work and I'm at a
club where the rapport with members couldn't be better."
That association brings a beam from the 31-year-old
Boylston native who interned under Dick Blake at Mt.
Pleasant before moving on to the head post at Whitinsville.
" I get 100 percent cooperation from my members and
committees," Dick revealed. "Of course, Whitinsvflle has
a moderately-incomed membership. But the people here
are aware of what it takes to produce a good course.
There is seldom a budget battle and I have complete run of
the show. Sure, the money could be better but I'm getting
along and my family is all the happier and content because of it."
Whitinsvflle carries five maintenance people during the
height of the season, including Zepp who says he tries to
approach his job under the guidelines of operating in the
capacity of a supervisor. Yet, he's not afraid to roll up his
sleeves and pitch in on the physical labor when it's necessary.
"I'm blessed," he said. "The course is built on a piece of
land with drainage that's almost unbelievable. I've had to
close the course only once in seven years and I think we
were hit with a hurricane that time. We once had five
inches of rain and one hour later we had the carts running
all over the place."
Zepp, who was an all-around athlete at Boylston's Tahanto Regional High School and a track performer at WPI,
lives with his wife, Gigi, and three children in Northbridge.
He is interested in music and serves as treasurer of the
Worcester Area Folk Society. A musician, himself, he
once played guitar in a group that worked the immediate
Northbridge surroundings.
Dick also has fallen back on that degree in chemistry.
"The biggest thing I got out of going to WPI was the
procedures in problem-solving," he disclosed. "I find that I
fall back on them almost every day. Besides, the superintendent's profession has turned into a science of its own
and my educational background is a big help to me. I'd do
it all over again, too. I loved chemistry but I love what I'm
doing even more."
The articulate Zepp sees the GCSANE making great
strides in recognition and visibility to the rest of the professional world.
"We're getting more participation all the time," he told.
"We still have a long way to go, especially in promoting
our educational programs. That's where I wish we'd direct
more of our attention. The learning process never ends,
no matter how long you've been in this or any other business."
So, Dick Zepp is a man dripping in degrees and thoroughly satisfied that he made the right choice in chanelling his talents to the golf course superintendent's field.
Needless to say, the profession is all the stronger because
of that monumental decision.
Gerry Firm

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Superintendents

President's Message
As my first year as President of the GCSA of New England comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity
to mention a few occasions that were especially meaningful to me.
On March 29, 1982 Guy Tedesco was honored by over
1200 of his friends in golf at a banquet held at the Chateau
de Ville in Randolph. It was a nostalgic evening as Guy was
"Roasted" by celebrities including MGA President, Ted
Carangelo, friends Harry Sinden, Bruins General-Manager,
Bob Cousey, former Boston Celtic great, Andy Bertoni,
Monsignor McCarthy, Bishop Maguire, Claudette LaBonte,
and yours truly to mention a few. A fitting tribute to a
great individual that will long be remembered. On a sad
note, we all felt the loss when Guy passed away on Sept.
12, leaving a great void in the profession he practiced with
pride and ability for so many years.
On October 14th, the Massachusetts Golf Association
held its annual meeting at the Oakley C.C. At that time,
the MGA extended an official invitation for the President
of the GCSA of New England to serve on its Executive
Committee. This is a meaningful step and I hope to be able
to make a significant contribution to furthering an already
strong relationship between the MGA and the professions
in our Association.
This year our annual Christmas Party was held on Dec.
3rd, at Blue Hills C.C. A big Thank you to Dave Barber and
the clubhouse staff at Blue Hills for an entertaining evening. The dinner was delicious and much of the liquid libation was provided by several commercial friends of the association. Again, our many thanks.
As the date for the National Convention, to be held in
Atlanta, (Feb. 19-25) rapidly approaches, I would like to
request that as many Supts' as possible plan to attend.
Donnie Hearn of Weston C.C. has been nominated to serve
on the Board of Directors of the GCSAA. This is a great
honor for a fellow supt. from the New England area and
Don deserves our whole hearted support.
In closing, let's not forget the Annual Meeting in January at the Franklin C.C. Good attendance is always appreciated!!
I wish to extend a HAPPY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
to you all!
Brian M. Cowan, CGCS
President, GCSA of NE

Host Gary Luccini of Franklin C.C. welcomes Pete Coste,
Ken Mooridian, Don Hearn and Dave Barber to the December meeting.

New member

Welcome and congratulations to Jim O'Kelly of Brae
Burn.

PRESIDENT
Brian Cowan CGCS
Robins Way
Harwich, Mass 02645
Home Phone 432-9041
Office Phone 945-9230
Club Affiliation
Eastward Ho

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Donald Hearn CGCS
4 Topeka Rd.
Chelsmford, Mass 01824
Home Phone 256-8709
Office Phone 894-5906
Club Affiliation
Weston Golf Club

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
David Barber CGCS
145 DedhamSt.
Canton, Mass. 02021
Home Phone 828-7266
Office Phone 828-6540
Club Affiliation
Blue Hills C.C.

SECRETARY
Richard C. Zepp
27 Fowler Rd.
Northbridge, Mass. 01534
Home Phone 234-8490
Office Phone 234-2533
Club Affiliation
Whitinsville G. C.

Sssociation

How about perfect
attendance?
For some, it is a reunion of sorts — the annual meeting
of the Golf Course Superintendents Assocation of New
England — the re-introduction of the Ma and Pa Kettles
who become "family" again for that one time in the year
when it is considered fashionable or "in" to count themselves among active members of the group from which all
pertinent communication flows.
This time around the site is Franklin and GCSANE president Brian Cowan is hopeful of an overflow response.
Cowan, in case you don't read the fine print of The Newsletter, is up for re-election. However, his cause is not a
personal one. It is fraternal and factual. He would like to
see one and all attend, especially those whose infrequent
attendance endangers the credibility of an organization
whose purpose more than justifies all that goes into keeping it alive, well and indestructible.
—The association was not intended as a forumfor the select few or those in command who make the decisions and
propose changes in its administrative process for the good
of the profession. Its life can be strongest only at its weakest point of involvement or those members who turn their
backs on the regular monthly meetings for reasons known
only to themselves.
All right, okay, you win — you shirkers who believe the
handwriting is on the wall as concerns the annual election
and that your presence represents nothing more than a
display of rubber stamp approval. A strong slate of officers for the coming year has been proposed and, unless
there appears nothing less than wholesale insurgence, it
will be elected.
However, under the protection of the democratic process, there is room for nominations from the floor. Despite
convictions to the contrary, this is not a Russian election.
If there be a conflict of opinion on the relative merits of a
candidate or two, it will be recognized and dealt with accordingly. Nothing is automatic here. It shouldn't be.
More important, though, is a chance for the attendancelaggers to see what's been going on in the association over
the past 11 months.
You will be surprised, perhaps relieved, to learn that
nothing has changed in its goals other than the faces leading the way to realize them. The NEGCSA remains dedicated to furthering the needs, recognition and acceptance
of its members along with escalating its contribution to
the promotion and perpetuity of the game of golf.
The annual meeting, too, is something else again.
Because it usually attracts numbers in excess of the
normal turnout for monthly gatherings, it brings together
the most extreme cross-section of the association. And, in
keeping with the philosophy of allowing members to voice
their opinions, it offers all the opportunity to develop
open-air discussion of important issues.
"We're here to hear positive and negative reaction to
the manner in which the GCSANE is run," Cowan emphasized his call for a full scale turnout. "If someone thinks
we're doing something wrong, this is an opportunity to express his displeasure. Of course, we also welcome comment on the things members think we're doing right. Life
is a two-way street and so are our meetings."
If you are an association member, then, the place to be
this month is Franklin and the site of the annual meeting.
Invariably, the type of this once-a-year show of involvement depends on the number of people willing to attend it.
And, certainly, this year's session promises to provide the

TREASURER
Pete Coste' CGCS
121 Granite St.
Medfield, Mass. 02052
Home Phone 359-7247
Office Phone 566-0240
Club Affiliation
The Country Club

TRUSTEE
Tom Schofield CGCS
290 North Rd.
Sudbury, Mass. 01776
Home Phone 443-3712
Office Phone 235-7333
Club Affiliation
Wellesley C.C.

TRUSTEE
Paul Miller
173 Salem St.
Swampscott, Mass 01907
Home Phone 581 -2808
Office Phone 595-3107
Club Affiliation
Tedesco C.C.

TRUSTEE
Stephen A. Chiavoroli Jr.
100 Airport Dr.
Worcester, Mass. 01602
Home Phone 752-6031
Office Phone 791-5373
Club Affiliation
Tatnuk C.C.

FINANCE
CHAIRMAN
Robert Johnston CGCS
128 Wilbraham Rd.
Hampden, Mass 01036
Home Phone 566-3075
Office Phone 566-3096
Club Affiliation
Hampden C.C.

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I N C .

Top Dog

International Turfgrass
Conference & Show

That's "Hector" taking a hard look out of the cab of the
golf course supervisor's truck at the Turnberry Hotel in
Scotland. James Haight of Pasadena, Calif., snapped this
photograph during a golfing vacation in Scotland and Ireland, and thought it "might bring a grin to your face." It
did.

ATLANTA
FEB. 19-25,1383

Divot Drift

.. . I hope everyone had a Happy Holiday
season. The Christmas Party at Blue Hill was great ...
Seems like "give me a six" McKoan took an excursion to
Florida to practice up his golf game for 1983. Rumor has it
he had to borrow money for air fare home after losing 57
golf balls at TPC and Sawgrass ... Thus far the search for a
name of our newsletter has been disappointing. Only one
person has sent in a suggestion. All you creative minds
send something in. Remember dinner for two to the winner ... Good luck to Don Hearn of Weston Golf Club in the
upcoming GCS AA election in Atlanta.

Nominated Slate Of
Officers For 1983
President - Brian Cowan, CGCS
1st V.P. - Donald Hearn, CGCS
2nd V.P. - David Barber, CGCS
Secretary - Richard C. Zepp
Treasurer - Pierre Coste, CGCS
Trustee - Thomas Schofield, CGCS
Trustee - Paul Miller
Trustee - Stephen A. Chiavoroli Jr.
Finance Chairman - Robert Johnston, CGCS
Golf Chairman - Stephen M. Murphy
Educational Chairman - Antone DeBettencourt
Newsletter Chairman - Douglas W. Johnson, CGCS
Submitted by nominating committe:
Max Mierzwa
Paul Miller
Bert Frederick
Jim Bean
Donald Hearn, Chairman
kind of action afternoon all professional organizations anticipate.
Therefore, it is in the best interests of individual members, as well as the full body of members, that everyone
make the scene this time around. There's the election to
look forward to, plus the lively go-round of discussion pro and con - to make a trip from anywhere well worth the
GOLF CHAIRMAN
Stephen M. Murphy
75 Woodland Ave.
Lynn, Mass. 01904
Home Phone 592-2554
Office Phone 592-8238
Club Affiliation
The Cannon G.C.

EDUCATIONAL
CHAIRMAN
Antone DeBettencourt
7 Country Club Ln.
Merrimack, N.H. 03054
Home Phone 603-424-5380
Office Phone 475-6638
Club Affiliation
Andover C.C.

NEWSLETTER
CHAIRMAN
Douglas W. Johnson, CGCS
50 Newton St.
Weston, Mass 02193
Home Phone 894-7377
Office Phone 893-8264
Club Affiliation
Pine Brook C.C.

PAST PRESIDENT
Ronald Kirkman
25 Green St.
Needham, Mass 02192
Home Phone 444-8412
Office Phone 444-5548
Club Affiliation
Needham Golf Club

effort.
It's annual meeting time and the time is ripe for a record
turnout by those people, gradually being recognized as
the most important in the golf course's administrative
structure. Every superintendent owes it to himself and his
profession to be counted among the present.
Gerry Finn
I n f o r m a t i o n contained in this p u b l i c a t i o n may be used
freely, in w h o l e or in part, w i t h o u t special permission as long
as the true c o n t e x t is maintained. We w o u l d appreciate a
credit line.

Ptecue

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FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Baker Tractor Corp., Ford Tractors
Harley Davidson Golt Cars
Swansea, Mass
Yamaha Golf Cars

I & E Supply, Inc.
66 Erna Ave.
Box 9, Milford, Conn. 06460
203-878-0658

Bordens Spreader Service
Maynard, Mass.
Tel. 617-897-2571
Sales Rep. Jack Borden
Bulk Limestone Dealer

Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A St., Burlington, Mass.
Jack Peterson
Dennis Frlel
Wayne Ripley

C & J Lawnmower Service, Inc.
474 Main St., Wilmington, Mass 01887
Eric Oman - Sales Representative
Tel. 617-658-2022

Lakeshore Equipment 8c Supply Co.
Mike Hannigan, Rep.
Abington, Mass.
800-321-5325

The Clapper Co.
1121 Washington St.
Newton, Mass.
617-244-7929

Larchmont Engineering and Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, Mass.
617-862-2550

* Geoffrey S. Cornish & William G. Robinson
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, Mass. 01002
* Country Club Enterprises
Club Car Golf Cars
Tennis 8 Leisure Equipment
P.O. Box 400, W. Falmouth, Ma. 02574
617-563-2284
C.S. Curran
T.R.C. Products, Oils and Greases
7 Linden St., Framingham, Mass.
Chester Drake & Sons, Inc.
222 Walnut St.
Framingham, Mass. 01701
Golf Course Construction
617-875-7929
Gold Star Sod Farms, Inc.
Sod 8c Pine Bark Mulch
Canterbury, N.H. 603-783-4717
Weston, Mass. 617-894-5474
The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
Weathersfield, Conn.
Bob Kennedy, Rep.
Roy Sibley, Rep.
Holliston Sand Co., Inc.
Lowland St., Holliston, Mass. 01746
Sand for topdressing a n d bunkers

The Magovern Co. Inc.
27 Lawnacre Road
Windsor Locks, Conn. 06096
Tel. 1-800-243-7718 or 1-203-623-2508
Louis C. Rogers, Vice Pres.
D. L. Maher
Box 127, Concord St.
N. Reading, Mass. 01864
R. F. Morse & Son, Inc.
W. Wareham, Mass. 02576
Tel. 617-295-1553
J. Willen Roell, Rep.
Larry Bunn, Rep.
Nardone Sand and Gravel Co. Inc.
37 Power Rd,
Westford MA. 01886
Boston Area 648-6222,
Lowell Area 692-8221
Robert D. Nardone, Gen, Mgr.
N.E. Chapter Land Improvement
Contractors of America
Professional Conservation of Soil
and Water. Contractor in your area,
call Peter Whiting, Pres.
617-877-5323
New England Sealcoating Co., Inc.
Tennis Court Const, and Maintenance
Sealcoating Hingham Inc. Center
Hingham, Mass. 749-6800

Old Fox Chemical Inc.
Fertilizers - Seeds - Turf Chemicals
66 Valley St.
E. Providence, R.I. 02914

Pro-Lawn Products Inc.
18 Legate Hill Road

Leominster, Mass. 01453

Sales Rep. Jerry Kolomlck
Richey 8t Clapper, Inc.
28 Rutledge Rd., Natick, Mass. 01760
Sawtelle Bros.
565 Humphrey St., Swampscott, Mass.
617-599-4856
Scott Associates, Inc.
60 Water Street, Clinton, Mass.
617-365-6341
Pumps - Sales, service
Installation - Vertical
Turbine pumps specialists
Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Rep. Ed Wiacek 1-401-253-4284
Rep. Kevin Lyons 1-617-366-4825
Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.
Slocum, Rl/Lltchfleld, N.H./Suffleld, Conn,
1 -800-556-6985
Largest Producer of Penncross In New Englond
Alon Anderson, Sam Mitchell
Tuco Products Corp.
Div. of the Upjohn Co.
Kalamazoo, Mich.
David Sylvester, 203-828-3790
Turf Products Corp.
36 Sword St.
Auburn, Mass. 01501
617-791-2091
Charles Allen, Sales Rep.
# Turf Specialty, Inc.
84 Merrimac St., Hooksett, N.H. 03106
Turf & Ornamental Supplies
Ken Turner 617-263-7526
White Turf Engineering
5 Summer Dr., Winchendon, Mass. 01475
617-297-0941
Phillip Wogan
Golf Course Architect
,31 Budleigh Ave., Beverly, Mass.
* Contributors to the Lawrence S. Dickinson
Scholarship Fund

Return to:
DOUGLAS JOHNSON
50 Newton St.
Weston, MA 02193

d-aurie ^uperintenJenh .. A
' .iorrWiori
DOUGLAS JOHNSON
Newsletter Chairman
50 Newton St.
Weston, MA 02193
Home Phone 894-7377
Office Phone 893-8264
Club Affiliation
Pine Brook C.C.
PETE CGSTE'
Business Manager
GERRY FINN
Contributing Editor

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