February 2007

GO EAST, YOUNG MAN
Charles River’s Blanusa makes smooth transition
from Pacific Northwest He’s now a confirmed New Englander
By DICK TRUST
The desire to get out from under an
mist for months, from November to May. ever else is required before warmer
umbrella and into the sunshine drove
It’s kind of deceiving. I know two years
weather signals the onslaught of tee
Paul Blanusa and his wife, Sarah, clear
ago they didn’t have rain from May 20 to times.
across the country.
September 20, something like that. You
“It’s nice to be here where you do have
Blanusa was assistant superintenget fairly dry summers; in the summer it
three or four months of a little bit of
dent at The Plateau Club in
hardly ever rains there. But it’s not as
down time,” he said, “whereas in Seattle
Sammamish, Wash., near Seattle, and
it’s raining all winter and golf is still going
could have taken the head
on. It’s kind of nice here where
position at a club nearby before
you do have some kind of a
drier heads prevailed.
break. I like it here a lot
“Sarah didn’t want to live in
better.”
Seattle anymore because of all
Blanusa is thankful that the
the rain,” said Blanusa, now
weather this winter was
happily situated as head superinrelatively mild with little snow.
tendent at Charles River Country
“It helped a lot,” he said.
Club, an 18-hole private golf
“Charles River is a very
course in Newton, Mass.
undulating golf course, up and
“We were dating, and the year
down, so to do any tree work
she lived in Seattle (the school
or anything like that, if there’s
year 1999-2000), we had 93 days
no snow on the ground, it
in a row of measurable rain. The
makes life a lot easier to get to
month of January had four hours
areas. We’ve been able to get
Pictured above: Charles River Country Club’s 9th Hole
of sunshine. She couldn’t handle that.
a ton of things done.
And she missed her family (Sarah hails
“In the early 2000s we lost some greens
cold in the winter. You don’t get snow
from Foster, R.I.).
because of ice and cold weather. The
there.”
“I had lived in the state of Washingbiggest challenge is just getting the
Entering his fifth season as superinton my whole life (but) I have a sister
course through the winter.”
tendent
at Charles River after two years
who lives in Needham (Mass.), so I
While that challenge besets many a
as assistant there, Blanusa, 33, is glad
thought I’d try something new. I’m here
New England golf course superintento have time in the winter to prepare the
for good now. It’s been a great move for
dent, Blanusa has balanced his
course
for the demands of its memberme.”
workload with that of being father to a
ship. He and his reduced, offseason
Blanusa said “we actually get more
crew can go about their business of tree
measurable rain here, but in Seattle it’s
Continued on page 2
removal and pruning, and doing whatjust gray and cloudy and you’ll get this

Paul Blanusa
continued from page 1

Affiliated Chapter
PRESIDENT
Russell E. Heller, CGCS
41 Clifford Street, Melrose, MA. 02176-0140
617-983-2786 Fax: 617-983-2786
E-mail: Rheller@gcsane.org
Franklin Park Golf Club
VICE PRESIDENT
Patrick J. Daly, CGCS
P.O. Box 2284, Framingham, MA 01703-2284
508-872-9790 Fax: 508-872-5393
E-mail: Pat@framinghamcc.com
Framingham Country Club
SECRETARY
Jason S. Adams
27 Cherry Street, Wrentham, MA 02093
781-326-3801 Fax: 781-326-3801
E-mail: Norfolksuper@hotmail.com
Norfolk Golf Club
TREASURER
Michael W. Stachowicz
68 Westfield Road, Westwood, MA 02090
781-326-7860 Fax: 781-326-0664
E-mail: Mstach@dedhamclub.org
Dedham Country & Polo Club
TRUSTEE
Scott Lagana, CGCS
22 Sherborne Circle, Ashland, MA 01721
978-342-6451 Fax: 978-342-0421
E-mail: Grounds@oakhillcc.org
Oak Hill Country Club
TRUSTEE
Peter Hasak
154 Tedesco Street, Marblehead, MA 01945
781-592-5764 Fax: 781-631-6530
E-mail: PHasak@tedescocc.org
Tedesco Country Club
TRUSTEE
Ronald P. Dobosz
P.O. Box 541, Ludlow, MA 01056
413-589-9487 Fax: 413-583-4686
E-Mail: Rdobosz111@aol.com
Ludlow Country Club
FINANCE CHAIRMAN
Michael Luccini, CGCS
10 Griffin Road, Franklin, MA 02038
508-520-3615 Fax: 508-528-1885
E-mail: Mluccini@verizon.net
Franklin Country Club
GOLF CHAIRMAN
James A. Small, III, CGCS
690 Pine Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324-2116
508-697-4816 Fax: 508-279-3355
E-mail: jasiii188@yahoo.com
Olde Scotland Links Golf Club
EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
David Stowe, CGCS
30 Western Avenue, Natick, MA 01760
617-789-4631 Fax 617-789-4631
E-mail:Newtonmaint@aol.com
Newton Commonwealth Golf Club
NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN
Mark Gagne
233 Baker Street, Walpole, MA 02081
508-668-3859 Fax: 508-668-9969
E-mail:Mgagne@walpolecc.org
Walpole Country Club
PAST PRESIDENT
Michael J. Hermanson
140 Ryan Street, Gardner, MA 01440-0145
978-632-2713 Fax: 978-632-2713
E-mail: herm068@hotmail.com
Gardner Municipal Golf Course
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Sharon K. Brownell
P.O. Box 566, Mattapoisett, MA 02739-0566
508-758-6474 Fax: 508-758-3688
E-mail: Sbrownell@verizon.net

GCSANE Headquarters
300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766
Tel: (800) 833-4451 Fax: (508) 758-6474
Web Site: www.gcsane.org
Newsletter Committee
Julie Heston, Business Manager
Phone: (401) 934-3677 Email: jheston@verizon.net
John Eggleston, Kernwood Country Club
Andrew Eick, The Kittansett Club
Rich Gagnon, Segregansett Country Club
Ethan Tease, Woodland Golf Club
Mark Gagne, Editor, Walpole Country Club
Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the
author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the
position of GCSANE. Information contained in this
publication may 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.

Page 2

newborn. Matthew Blanusa was born
Jan. 6, joining sister Katy, 3, in the
household.
“It’s going well,” Blanusa said.
“We’re fortunate in that the club has
given us a home to live in (off the 10th
tee), so if there’s ever any problem, I’m
just a cart’s drive away. And my wife is a
stay-at-home mom.”
That wasn’t always the case. Sarah was
a teacher who coached high school
basketball in San Mateo, Calif., just
south of San Francisco, and at Foster
High School in Tukwila, south of Seattle.
After moving to Massachusetts, she
taught at Jeremiah E. Burke High
School in Dorchester for three years.
That was before Katy came along.
While Paul is a familiar figure on the
Charles River C.C. landscape, you’re
not apt to see Sarah on the course.
“She’s not a golfer,” Blanusa said. “She
doesn’t have the patience. When she
does something, she wants to be Tiger
Woods the first time she goes out. Golf
is too slow for her.”
There was nothing slow about Sarah in
high school – she played basketball
and volleyball and ran cross country. In
fact, her Ponaganset High School girls
hoop team of North Scituate, R.I., won
the state championship.
In pursuing her career in teaching, she
received her master’s in literacy at
Boston College.
Paul gets to play golf, but
infrequently.“I do get out,” he said, “but
with a young family, that’s not really my
priority right now. I don’t have a lot of
free time. I might put in 12 to 14 hours a
day at the club and I’d rather spend my
free time with my family and watch them
grow and be there. I used to play quite a
bit, but since having a family it’s hard for
me to be involved more with the association (GCSANE) or even play. I’d
rather spend time with (his family) and
give my wife a hand.”
Born in Buckley, Wash., at the base of
Mount Rainier, outside of Tacoma, Paul
Blanusa grew up in a sports-oriented
family. His father, Lloyd, was basketball
coach at his high school, where Paul
was all-state in baseball (pitcher) and
football (quarterback) before going on to
Western Washington University and
playing quarterback for two years. He
transferred to Washington State University, from which he graduated in 1998

with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Crop Science with a turfgrass focus.
“When I started working at a golf course
out there, and really enjoyed it, I knew I
wanted to be around sports my whole
life,” Blanusa said.
“I was always around sports. I grew up
playing golf. My father is still a big golfer,
with a 6 or 8 handicap, and he’s 78
years old. (He once shot his age, when
he was 62.) So I’ve kind of been around
golf my whole life.”
continued on page 3

CALEND
AR...
CALENDAR...
April 30

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Lexington C.C.
Host: Bob Dembek
9-Hole Tournament

May 29

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
TPC of Boston
S & B Tournament
Host: Tom Brodeur

June 6

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Pocasset G.C.
Joint Meeting w/GCMACC
Host: Stephen Carr

July 16

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Belmont C.C.
Host: Arthur Silva, CGCS

Aug. 21

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Marlborough C.C.
Individual Championship
Host: Kenneth Crimmings,
CGCS

Aug. 25

GCSANE Family Night
Brockton Rox Baseball
Campanelli Stadium
Brockton, MA

Sep. (TBA)

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Ludlow C.C.
Team of Two Tournament
Host: Ronald Dobosz

Oct. 1

Dr. Joseph Troll Turf
Education Fundraiser
The International
Honoring Geoffrey Cornish
Host: Brett Johnson, CGCS

Oct. 22

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Pleasant Valley C.C.
Member/ Guest Tournament
Host: Donald D’Errico

Nov. (TBA)

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Brockton C.C.
9-Hole Tournament
Host: Justin Bousquet

Paul Blanusa - continued from page 2

Blanusa was assistant superintendent
for a year at Dedham Country and Polo
Club before arriving at Charles River the
next season, in 2001. Before Dedham,
he served two years as assistant at The
Plateau Club, which counted Seattle
Mariners baseball stars Ken Griffey Jr.
and Jay Buhner among its members.
Charles River is home course to pro
golfer James Driscoll, who’ll turn 30 in
October.
“He’ll come out here a couple of times a
year when he has some down time, and
his family is still members here, but a lot
of the time he’s on tour and is not in the
area,” Blanusa said.
“It’s funny. I’ll drive by the range and see
this pile of golf balls in a four-foot radius
about 200 yards out there and I’ll be like,
‘What the heck are the cart kids doing?’
Then I’ll see James on the range tee
and I’ll know it’s him, hitting to that spot.
You’ve never seen anything like it.
“Or I’ll drive down the second fairway
and I’ll see a drive that’s out there 320 or
something. I’ll be like, ‘Who the heck hit
that?’
“There are a lot of good players here. It’s
a very good golfing membership.
Charles River has about 40 golfers with
a 5 handicap or lower.”

Opened for business in 1921, Charles
River C.C. is a par-72 layout of 6,596
yards from the longest tees. The course
gets plenty of traffic.
“We have an extremely busy golf
schedule,” said Blanusa. “I think we had
220 days of the golf season last year
and we had 218 events.”
Organizers of high-profile events like to
book blocks of time at Charles River. In
2003, the club hosted the USGA State
Team Championships, won by Tennessee golfers.
(The top three players from each
participating state competed.) Last year,
Charles River hosted the Massachusetts
Open, won by Geoff Sisk.
“It seems like we have one big
tournament a year,” Blanusa said.
Such big events put the pressure on
Blanusa and his crew, which numbers
as many as 22 during the season.
“Everything has to be in place and be
organized,” he said. “You want your work
and your golf course to reflect positively
on the club and on yourself. You put a lot
of pride in your work and you want to
give the membership and the golfers the
best golf course they’ve ever played.

“Charles River has always had the
philosophy that we want the fastest
greens around, and that puts a lot of
stress on you, trying to obtain those
conditions.”
Blanusa and crew must be doing
something right: Charles River was
ranked No. 6 in the state by Golf Digest
for 2005-06.
That selection is a reflection on
Blanusa’s personal philosophy, which is:
“It’s how it (the course) plays, not
necessarily how it looks. We want it firm
and fast and keep in mind that golf is a
game. It’s not a park; it’s not an arboretum. It’s a golf course. And it’s a game
that should be played under the right
conditions.”
Helping to keep Charles River C.C. in
the right condition is Blanusa’s staff,
which in the winter includes assistants
Jeff Wood and Sean Parsons, and
mechanic/equipment manager Alan
Roberts,
“I have a great staff,” Blanusa said.
“They make my life a lot easier, especially having a young family. If I do need
to take some time off, I feel like I can.
We don’t skip a beat. They do a great
job.”

2007 GCSAA Board of Directors
Elected at Annual Meeting Congratulations to Jim Fitzroy, CGCS!
Ricky D. Heine, CGCS, was elected president of the
association at the annual meeting and election
February 23, 2007.
Also elected were vice president David S. Downing II,
CGCS, and secretary/treasurer Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS.
Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, and James R. Fitzroy,
CGCS, were re-elected to the board. Keith A. Ihms,
CGCS, was newly elected as a director. Sean A.
Hoolehan, CGCS, will serve on the board for one year
as immediate past president. Sanford G. Queen,
CGCS, and Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, both enter the
second year of their terms as directors.
In addition, all amendments to the GCSAA bylaws were
approved.

The 2007 GCSAA Board of Directors: (front row) Downing,
Heine, Kuhns, Hoolehan; (back row) Randquist, Finlen,
Fitzroy, Queen, Ihms.

Page 3

Assistants
Corner
By Andrew Eick
Editor’s Note: This month’s installmant
of the Assistant’s Corner is written by
Andrew Eick, Assistant Superintendent at
The Kittansett Club. Credit also goes to
Andrew for providing last month’s profile
on the meeting host Pat Daly and
Framingham C.C. All assistant members
of GCSANE are encouraged to submit
articles for the Assistant’s Corner; it is a
great opportunity to test your writing skills
and to build on your professional portfolio.
Securing Interns for the
Upcoming Season
Student interns have become
important crew members for many golf
course operations. Their eagerness to
learn and willingness to help in each
aspect of course maintenance can be
motivating to all employees.
Facilities may compete against each
other for the supply of interns. The need
to set your course ahead of surrounding
competition is crucial in order to be

Page 4

successful. Students have many more
opportunities for serving internships then
in the past. This in turn may increase
pressure on the superintendent interviewing these aspiring turf managers.
As much as the superintendent is
interviewing the candidate, in turn the
candidate may be interviewing the
superintendent. Interns are looking for
the best opportunity to gain both hands
on and management experience, and at
a facility that will help build their resume.
During my experiences as an intern
and an assistant I have developed some
ideas that could help in securing interns
for the upcoming season. First, start
looking for interns sooner rather than
later. Send out internship postings in the
middle of September and first part of
October. This will give you a head start
over other area golf courses that may
normally start searching after Thanksgiving or December.
Develop a description of their job
requirements. A checklist could be
helpful so they know exactly what to
expect and learn as the season
progresses. Housing has become a very
helpful resource in obtaining interns. By
providing housing, the source of candidates can be expanded nationally,

instead of being limited to students in
your immediate area.
Consider creating a website where
you can post pictures of the golf course
and the types of jobs interns will be
performing. This will give better insight
to potential candidates who may not
have an opportunity to visit the course.
Developing a good rapport with
university officials is essential in
helping land interns. Offering to speak
to university turf clubs will help with
promoting your facility and yourself.
Students are interested to learn from
your personal knowledge of developing
golf course budgets or putting together
an agronomic program for the year.
Perhaps the most important step in
the process is for candidates to visit
your golf course and see it in person. A
tour of the golf course and meeting
crew members can help in completing
the picture.
These are a few ideas to help
secure interns for this upcoming
season, which in today’s market, has
become very competitive. Being
creative in your approach to hire quality
interns may ensure your golf course a
fine summer crew and positive learning
experience for all.

GCSANE Member Survey Results
By Mark Gagne
Last December, a survey was sent to all members, soliciting
input on meeting attendance. The survey was designed to
help guide the Board of Directors in making changes that will
hopefully increase member involvement and meeting participation. The results of the survey were shared with the membership at the Annual Meeting in January, and are outlined
below:

There were 129 respondents in total to the survey,
with the breakdown as follows:
Superintendent members

59.2%

Assistant Superintendent members

10.8%

Affiliate members

23.1%

Associate members

3.8%

Retired members

3.1%

The 129 respondents represent:
32% of the total GCSANE Superintendent members
19% of the total GCSANE Assistant members
30% of the total GCSANE Affiliate members
How many GCSANE meetings in total did you
attend this year?

Do you attend other association meetings
(RIGCSA, GCM of Cape Cod, etc.)?
Yes 44.6%
No 55.4%
With the geographical overlap between other associations in
our area, there are many options to attend meetings for those
who are members of one or more associations. The average
of those who did attend meetings of other associations this
year was 5.5 meetings per year.

Please select 3 of the most important factors in your
decision to attend an association meeting:
Ability to take the time that
particular day to attend
Desire to network with peers
Time of year
Travel time to meeting location
Desire to play the golf course
Quality of educational opportunity
Day of the week
Cost
Other

66.9%
43.1%
41.5%
33.8%
33.1%
30%
17.7%
10%
9.2%

The main reasons the respondents cite for wanting to attend
meetings (networking, playing golf and education) are
weighed against the time related issues of the particular day
and time of year each meeting is held, along with travel time to
the meeting location.
continued on page 6

0
36.9%
1
17.7%
2
13.1%
3
10.8%
4
2.3%
5
6.9%
6
5.4%
7
3.8%
8
3.1%
The survey appears to have reached the target audience;
members who typically do not attend meetings. Over 54% of
the respondents attend no more than 1 meeting a year.
Do you consider yourself an active member of GCSANE?
Yes
No
Other

43.8%
45.4%
10.8%

Given the response to the previous question, the result here is
not surprising.

Page 5

GCSANE Survey - continued from page 5

Please select the 3 most typical reasons for NOT attending a meeting:

What types of educational sessions/speakers would most
interest you at a meeting?

Too busy
Conflict with date, otherwise would
have attended
Attendance required too much time
out of day
Travel time to meeting location
Cost
Other reasons
Did not want to play the golf course
No educational opportunity
Not interested in education offered
at the meeting

Turf Researcher/University Educator
Fellow superintendents sharing their
experiences/projects
Topics to earn pesticide credits
Regulatory Agencies
Turf Consultant
Roundtable discussions
USGA Representative
Management topics - communication,
computers, public speaking
Personal finance topics
Golf related personality,
not necessarily on a turf topic
Industry/Supplier
GCSAA representative
Contractor
Club officials - President,
Green Chairman, Owner, GM
Other

73.8%
57.7%
43.8%
36.2%
20.8%
15.4%
12.3%
8.5%
6.9%

As expected, time and time related factors weigh heavily in
the decision to not attend a meeting. Many members commented that work and family obligations made it difficult to
dedicate most of a day to attend.
Do you feel there is enough advance communication
about information relating to each meeting?
Yes
No

91.5%
8.5%

When do you typically make the decision to attend a
meeting?
When the postcard notice arrives
On the deadline for signing up
for the meeting
When the schedule of meetings
is announced for the year
I don’t attend meetings
When I read about it
in the Newsletter
Other
The day of the meeting

53.8%
36.2%
36.2%
33.1%
33.1%
30%
30%
19.2%
16.9%
16.2%
13.8%
13.8%
12.3%
4.6%

Despite the numerous opportunities offered by vendors and
conferences for education provided by turf researchers
(especially during the off-season), the respondents still ranked
this area as the most interesting. Ranking a close second
was fellow superintendents sharing their experiences. Write
in comments from respondents favored a variety of speaker
types to keep educational sessions fresh and stimulating.
Did you attend this year’s Scholarship and Benevolence
tournament at Wachusett CC in May?

60.8%
13.8%
10.8%
10%
7.7%
4.6%
1.5%

If offered, would you attend a late afternoon/early evening
meeting during the golf season?
Yes
No
Depends

62.3%

36.9%
35.4%
27.7%

Many of the comments favored a late afternoon/ early evening
meeting once or twice during the year. However, comments
indicated that the meeting time, travel time, golf course and
speaker would all weigh in the decision to attend.

Yes
No

16%
84%

This year’s S&B tournament fielded 124 players, which
included 20 members who also participated in this survey.
If yes, do you believe the fee of $300 per 2 man team/$500
per foursome offered value for the price?
Yes
No

79.5%
20.5%

Evaluating the value for the S&B may be difficult a difficult
question as all of the proceeds go to the fund that supports
members in need. Despite this, most felt the fee was appropriate.
If no, why did you not attend?
Too busy
Conflict with the date,
otherwise I might
have attended
Cost
Other reasons

29.7%

25.7%
23.8%
18.8%
continued on page 7

Page 6

GCSANE Survey - continued from page 6

Bad time of the season
for me, otherwise I might
have attended
Location and travel time
Required too much time
to participate
No desire to play golf

17.8%
10.9%
7.9%
5.9%

Several comments indicated that the change in date for this
year’s S&B date impacted their ability to attend. Additionally,
members of one or more associations commented that they
choose to participate in only one association’s S&B each year.
Did you attend this year’s Superintendent/Club Official
event at Winchester CC in September?
Yes

11.2%

No

88.8%

This year’s Superintendent/Club Official tournament fielded 64
players, which included 14 members who also participated in
this survey.
If yes, do you believe the fee of $350 per 2 man team/$700
per foursome team offered value for the price?
Yes

58.8%

No

41.2%

For those who attended, most agreed the fee was worth it. It
was unfortunate that more members did not or were not able
to participate. The golf course was in outstanding condition,
the meals were plentiful and offered great variety, and it was a
great day to spend time with the decision makers at our
facilities.

Would you be in favor of changing the format of the
Supt./Club Official tournament to a Supt./Guest tournament, allowing superintendents to bring whomever they
like as a partner or foursome?
Yes

69.6%

No

30.4%

This event has seen a steady decline in attendance over the
past five years, and the respondents favored a change in
format. The respondents included 79 Superintendent members and of that group, 68% answered the above question
with a yes and 32% with a no.
Would you be interested in attending more social oriented
events, like the Boston Rox baseball outing held in
August?
Yes
No
Depends

58.4%
32.8%
11.2%

Last year was the first attempt at a “Family Night” outing, and
it attracted over 50 members and their guests. It turned out to
be a great night and received a very positive response from
those who attended. Respondents in favor of more social
events cited timing and location of future events as important
in their ability to attend.
Do you consider your membership in GCSANE important
to performing your job?
Yes
No

72%
28%

Of the Superintendent members responding to this
question, 68% answered yes and 32% answered no.

If no, why did you not attend?
Cost
Other reasons
Too busy
Conflict with the date,
otherwise I might have attended
Required too much time to participate
Bad time of the season for me,
otherwise I might have attended
No desire to play golf
Format - Did not want to play
golf with club officials
Location and Travel time

35.5%
29.9%
24.3%

In addition to the responses to these questions, many
members provided valuable feedback and great ideas in
the “write in” portions of the survey; ideas which were
shared with the Board of Directors. THANK YOU TO ALL
WHO PARTICIPATED!

15%
13.1%
12.1%
7.5%
5.6%
5.6%

For a variety of reasons, host clubs are unable to provide the level
of “courtesy” discounting for these events compared to past years,
and this has been reflected in increased fees. Here again,
members of one or more associations commented that they can
participate in a limited number of such events due to budget
constraints.

Save the Date

October 1, 2007

The Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Education Fundraiser
The international

Honoring Geoffrey Cornish

Page 7

OSHA Injury & Illness Posting Requirements
By Ron Smith, MBA, CPSI
Beginning February 1, employers must
post a summary of the total number of jobrelated injuries and illnesses that occurred
last year and were recorded on their OSHA
300 Log, according to the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Employers are required to post only the
Summary (OSHA Form 300A)-not the
OSHA 300 Log -from Feb.1 to Apr. 30,
2007.
The summary must list the total numbers
of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2006 and were logged on the
OSHA 300 form. Employment information about annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the

calendar year is also required to assist in
calculating incidence rates. Companies
with no recordable injuries or illnesses in
2006 must post the form with zeros on the
total line. All establishment summaries
must be certified by a company executive.
The form is to be displayed in a common
area wherever notices to employees are
usually posted.
One requirement added to the OSHA 300
Log several years ago is the need to
record any employee when their annual
hearing test (audiogram) reveals that the
employee has experienced a Standard
Threshold Shift (STS) in hearing in one or
both ears and their total hearing level is

25 decibels or more above audiometric
zero. An annual audiogram is required for
all employees who are exposed to an average of 85 decibels or higher during their
8-hour shift (Hearing Conservation Standard, CFR 1910.95). The vast majority of
golf course maintenance employees
qualify for an annual audiogram.
If you have any questions about the OSHA
300 Log requirements and/or the annual
requirement for audiograms please visit
the OSHA website, www.osha.gov or contact Ron Smith at 877-848-5978 or
ronsmith@sportsclubmanagement.com.

UMass-Stockbridge Turf Club Representatives
Make Strong Showing at GIS
The UMass-Stockbridge Turf Club
recently made some noise at the Golf
Industry Show in Anaheim, CA. Not only
did the club raise enough funds to send
eight students but two teams of four
competed in the annual Turf Bowl. Out
of 83 teams UMass had an impressive
showing finishing 15th and 34th.
Since the beginning of the fall semester
the Turf Club has been very active within
the school and the industry. The club
participated in various fundraising
activities such as: selling UMass Turf
Program and Turf Club shirts to fellow
students and superintendents, holding a
closest to the pin contest at the most
recent Joe Troll fundraiser at
Westchester Country Club, received
generous donations from the Alumni
Turf Group and companies within the
turf industry and fertilized home lawns of
faculty and staff.
Eight students were selected to represent UMass at the Golf Industry Show
and Turf Bowl: Ryan Avery, Jason
Dowgiewicz, Joe Gikis, Stephen Hicks,
Matthew Kozlowski, Mark Mimmo,
James Poro and Daniel Vetere. For two
weeks prior to the competition the
students received help from all of the

Page 8

turf program’s faculty and graduate
students on such topics as entomology,
weeds and turfgrass pathology and
identification. In addition to the Turf
Bowl the students found excellent
networking opportunities at the UMass
reception and the Nor’easter. “We feel
lucky to have been a part of this whole
experience”, said Ryan Avery.
Dr. Pat Vittum, who was in attendance
as well, said, “One team ended up tied
for 15th, which I thought was terrific, and
they were only 10 points from seventh

place!” Their success at the national
show is the result of a shared effort with
the alumni, faculty and industry supporters. In the upcoming weeks the club is
planning to elect officers for next year
and hope to continue this year’s momentum into the fall semester.
More information about the Turf Club
can be found at: http://
www.freewebs.com/umassturfclub/

Joe Sprague, Jr. Named Executive Director of the
Massachusetts Golf Association
Sprague Becomes the Sixth Executive
Director in the 104-Year History of the
Non-Profit Organization
NORTON, MA - The Massachusetts Golf
Association (MGA) today named Joe
Sprague, Jr. as its new executive
director. Sprague becomes only the sixth
executive director to hold that post in the
organization’s 104-year history.
The Bristol, Rhode Island resident takes
over for Tom Landry, who resigned
earlier this year after 11 years at the
MGA helm.
”We are excited to welcome Joe
Sprague to our MGA family as he brings
a wealth of experience to our organization,” said Richard P. Osborn, president
of the MGA. “There is no question that
Joe will be a perfect fit for the MGA

and will help us build an even stronger
future for amateur golf here in the
Bay State.”
For the past seven years, Sprague
has served as executive director of the
Rhode Island Golf Association (RIGA), a
position he assumed in 1999 after
his father - a long-time golf administrator
- retired. In that position, Sprague has
managed all aspects of the operation
including handicapping, championships
and member club relations. He also
spearheaded the launch of the Rhode
Island Golf Hall of Fame and helped
introduce two new tournaments - the
John P. Burke Memorial Gross & Net which provided additional competitive
opportunities for state players and also
raised more than $25,000 annually for
the John P. Burke Memorial Fund, a
state caddy scholarship fund that was

founded by the RIGA in 1946. Prior to
serving as executive director, Sprague
spent nearly seven years as RIGA
tournament director.
”I’m thrilled to be selected by the
MGA as its next executive director,”
said Sprague, a Providence College
graduate who prior to his work in golf
administration served as a PGA Tour
caddy for two years, “There will be some
mixed emotions in leaving the RIGA
after 15 years, but I’m looking forward
to working with the MGA staff and
Executive Committee to advance the
game in Massachusetts.”
Sprague will begin his work at the
MGA in April. For more information,
please visit contact Becky Blaeser at
800-356-2201 or info@mgalinks.org.
Source: MGA Press Release

Scenes from the NERTF Conference and GIS

Pictured above:
At the recent NERTF Conference in
Providence, the GCSANE Troll Dickinson
Scholarship was awarded to Jason Morrow,
a turf management student at the University
of Massachusetts. Pictured left to right:
GCSANE President Russell Heller,CGCS,
Dr. Joseph Troll, Jason Morrow.
Photo credit: Michael Stachowicz.

Pictured above: The UMass booth was
visited by GCSANE members during the
GIS in Anaheim. Pictured left to right:
Thom Griffin, Mike Hermanson, Bob
Ruszala, Carl Teschke, Peter Veneman.
Photo Credit: Bob Ruszala.

Picture on left: The University of
Massachachusetts faculty was well
represented at the GIS in Anaheim. Pictured
at the UMass booth, left to right:
Drs. Pat Vittum, Michelle DaCosta, Peter
Veneman.
Photo Credit: Bob Ruszala.

Page 9

DIVOT DRIFT ... announcements ... educational seminars ... job opportunities
...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership.
MEMBERSHIP

GCSAA Webcasts

Welcome New Members:
Daniel Tower, Assistant, Boston GC
On-Course Golf, Friend, Acton, MA
Southwest Putting Greens of Boston,
Friend, Westford, MA

• The ABCs of Algae, 3/29/07,

The following are all new students
members from UMass:

• How Do I Know if I Have Herbicide

Nathan Salmore, Matthew Cronan,
Ryan Dehlinger, Torrey Moughan,
Ryan Avery, Gregory Atanasio,
Kevin Haslam, Joseph Durell,
Edward Ledgard, Matthew Stearns,
Richard Walworth, Matthew Kozlowski,
Tyler Stafford, Ryan Messier,
Ben Polzin, Weston Neff,
Anthony Delaiarro, Eric Still,
Shawn Spear and Tim Kurr

• Poa Prevention and Control

Proposed for Membership:
Nicole Ottani, Assistant, Fresh Pond GC
Paul J. West, Assistant, Bass Rocks GC
Patrick Folan, Assistant, Belmont CC
Luke White, Assistant, Wianno Club
Timothy W. Carpenter, Assistant,
Dedham Country & Polo Club

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to Ed and Erin Gianni
on the recent birth of their daughter,
Anna Cecelia.

12:00 noon

• IPM: Starting an Effective Plan for

MEMBERS
ON THE
THE MO
VE
MOVE
MEMBER ON
MO
MOVE
VE
Congratulations to Eric Richardson as he
leaves Myopia Hunt Club to accept the
Superintendent position at the Essex
County Club.

Your Golf Course, 4/5/07, 12:00 noon

Resistant Weeds? 4/10/07,10:00 am

Congratulations to Scott Gabrielson as
he leaves Waverly Oaks G.C. to accept
the Superintendent position at Alpine
Country Club.

Strategy 4/18/07, 10:00 am
For more information or to register, visit:
WWW.GCSAA.ORG

POSITION OPENINGS
Please visit our web site
www.gcsane.org
for all the details
on any current
job openings.

CALL FOR VOL
UNTEERS
OLUNTEERS
Dealers are needed for the Texas
Hold’Em Tournament to benefit Steve
Curry. The tournament will be held at
Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA on
Saturday, March 31st. If you are
interested in learning how to become a
dealer, please contact
Jim Small, CGCS, Olde Scotland Links,
Office: (508) 697-4816 or
Email: jasiii188@yahoo.com

Scenes from the February Meeting
at
Framingham Country Club

Note: All members are encouraged to
contact Julie Heston to announce new
arrivals so that we may purchase a
savings bond in recognition of their birth.
Phone: (401) 934-3677 or
jheston@verizon.net
Our condolences are extended to Brian
King and family on the recent and
sudden passing of Brian’s mother.
Looking to “clean out the barn?”
Superintendent members may advertise
their used equipment free of charge in
The Newsletter. Please send
information to Julie Heston at
jheston@verizon.net
Page 10

Professional Coach Paula Goudsmit offered a
stimulating presentation on effective and
fulfilling goal setting for maximum impact.
Photo credit: Rich Gagnon

Peter Hasak updated those in
attendance on current
government relations issues.
Photo credit: Rich Gagnon

Texas Hold’em Poker
Tournament
To benefit

Steve Curry

Sponsored by:
GCSANE & GCMACC

Date: Saturday, March 31, 2007
Time: Registration 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Tournament begins at 6:00 pm
Place: Pinehills Golf Club, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Directions: From Boston: Take 93 South to Route 3 South. Take Exit 3 and bear left at end of ramp. Go 0.8 miles and turn left
on Clubhouse Drive. From Cape Cod: Take Route 3 North. Take Exit 3 and bear right at end of ramp. Go 0.6 miles and turn
left on Clubhouse Drive. From Providence: Take Route 95 North to Route 495, heading East. Exit at Route 44 and travel
East to Route 3. Turn onto Route 3 South and proceed to Exit 3. Bear left at end of ramp. Go 0.8 miles and turn left on Clubhouse Drive.
Details: Donations are $50.00 per person; must be 21 to play. Prizes to be determined based on number of players registered.
Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served. Limited seats are available at the door so pre-registration is highly
recommended.
Send donation and form to: Jim Small, 690 Pine St. Bridgewater, MA 02324.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Pre-Registration Form: *(Please make checks payable to “GCSANE”)
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip _______________________________ Tel: ________________________

Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
A.A. Will Materials Corp.
198 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072-1748

Root zone mixes, divot mixes, topdressing
blends, bunker sands, cart path mixes,
bridging stone, & hardscape supplies.
Charlie Downing, Ed Downing (800) 4-AA-WILL

Accusoils
Outdoor World of New England
P.O. Box 16477, Hooksett, NH 03106
Topdressing sand & mixes, divot mix, greens &
tees, root zone mix, bunker sand, cart path
mix, stablizer, & greens care analysis.
(866) 222-6644

Cornish, Silva, & Mungeum, Inc.

Irrigation Management & Services

Southwest Putting Greens of Boston

207 N. Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
Golf course architects.
(508) 278-3407

21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760
Irrigation consultation, design, and system
evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 653-0625

Westford, MA
Synthetic greens and practice facilities

Country Club Enterprises
P. O. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles.
Dave Farina, Darin Eddy, Darren Orr (800) 662-2585

A.D. Makepeace Co.
158 Tihonet Road, Wareham, MA 02571
(508) 322-4092

DGM Systems

100 Main St., Amesbury, MA 01913
Tim Gould, Guy Travers
(800) 313-3320, (978) 388-5110

Allen’s Seed Store, Inc.
693 S. County Trail, Exeter, Rl 02822
Specializing in quality seed and related golf
course maintenance supplies.
Gregg Allen - (800) 527-3898
Michelle Maltais - (401) 835-0287

The Andersons Technologies, Inc.
26 Waite Ave., S. Hadley, MA 01075
Manufacturer of fertilizer & control products.
Rick Forni - (413) 534-8896

Atlantic Silica, Inc.
P.O. Box 10, Enfield N.S. B2T 1C6 Canada
(902) 883-3020

A-OK Turf Equipment Inc.
1357 Main St., Coventry, RI 02816-8435
Articulator, Terra Topper, Greens Groomer
brush, & used equipment.
Mike Cornicelli - (401) 826-2584

Barenbrug USA
Great in Grass
166 Juniper Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852
Bruce Chapman, Territory Manager
(401) 578-2300

BASF Turf & Ornamental
47 Falmouth Rd., Longmeadow, MA 01106
Emerald, Insignia, Pendulum AquaCap,
Curalan, Drive, Basagran, Iprodione Pro,
Propiconazole Pro, Bifenthrin Pro, Plateau,
Sahara.
John Bresnahan - (413) 374-4102

The Borden Company
114 Summer St., Maynard, MA 01754
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (978) 897-2571

Boston Irrigation Supply Co. (BISCO)
60 Stergis Way, Dedham, MA 02026
Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories,
featuring Rain Bird.
Andrew Langlois, Jay Anderson III, Dan Fuller,
Jeff Brown, Greg Hennessy, Chris Russo
(800) 225-8006

The Cardinals, Inc.
166 River Rd., PO Box 520, Unionville, CT 06085

Golf course and landscape supplies.
John Callahan, Dennis Friel - (800) 861-6256

Cavicchio Landscape Supply, Inc.
110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776
Annuals, perennials, garden mums, ground
covers, loam, & mulch.
Darren Young - (978) 443-7177

Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc.
304 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109
Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta,
Grigg Bros., Foliar Fertilizer, & Aquatrols.
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski, Robin Hayes (800) 326-HART

Page 12

71-73 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01613
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks, cars,
industrial equipment, and golf cars.
Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255

1 Snagwood Rd., Foster, RI 02825
Your New England specialty products distributor:
Reelcraft, POK, Allen, Kenyon, Echo, Carhartt
Office - (401) 647-0550
Manny Mihailides - (401) 524-8999
David Mihailides - (401) 742-1177

DHT Golf Services
dba Weed & Feed, Inc.
8 Meadow Park Road, Plymouth, MA 02360
Golf course renovation & construction in all
areas: bunkers, tees, greens, drainage, irrigation,
& cart paths.
Dahn Tibbett, Chip Brearley - (508) 746-3222

Sports Club Management, Inc.
104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
OSHA and EPA compliance services & training.
Ron Smith - (781) 848-5978

Stumps Are Us

Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation

5 Timberwood Rd., #108, Goffstown, NH 03045
Professional stump chipping service.
Brendan McQuade - (603) 625-4165

11 Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02420-4483
Kevin Rudat - (781) 862-2550

S.V. Moffett Co., Inc.

DAF Services, Inc.
20 Lawnacre Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Irrigation pumps - sales & service; northeast
warehouse/distributor for ISCO HDPE pipe &
fittings.
Richard Young - (860) 623-5207

Agresource, Inc.

Ken Jones Tire, Inc.

Lazaro’s Golf Course Supplies &
Accessories
dba Hammond Paint and Chemical Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Complete line of golf course accessories;
Standard, Par Aide, Eagle One.
Joe Lazaro - (781) 647-3361

Lesco, Inc.
1301 E. 9th St., Ste. 1300, Cleveland, OH 44114
Ron Tumiski - (800) 321-5325

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

87 Concord Street, North Reading, MA 01864
Rain Bird Golf irrigation distributor.
Mark Casey (617) 990-2427 (Eastern MA &
Boston)
Bob Hobbs (603) 833-0309 (NH & ME)

Syngenta Professional Products
1131-0 Tolland Turnpike, Suite 261,
Manchester, CT 06040
Bob Goglia (860) 716-0315

Tee & Green Sod
A Division of New England Turf
P. O. Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822
Bentgrass, Blue/Fescue mixes, Bluegrass, Low
Cut Bluegrass and complete installation services
Dave Wallace, Scott McLeod - (888) 638-4657

Tom Irwin Inc.

D.L. Maher Co.

Miller Golf Construction

71 Concord St., P. O. Box 127, N. Reading, MA 01864

Water supply specialists; wells & pumping
equipment. (781) 933-3210

P.O. Box 1008, Essex, MA 01929
Golf course construction & renovation.
Jonathon Miller - (978) 768-6600

Michael Drake Construction, Inc.

NMP Golf Construction Corp.

240 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01702
Golf course reconstruction; professional shaper.
Michael Drake - (508) 875-8247

25 Bishop Ave., Ste. A-2, Williston, VT 05495
Golf course construction.
Mario Poirier - (888) 707-0787

E-Z-GO/Textron

Norfolk Power Equipment, Inc.

EZGO golf and utility vehicles.
Doug Hopper - (800) 234-0474

5 Cushing Dr., Wrentham, MA 02093
Sales, service, rentals, leasing, Kubota tractors
(508) 384-0011

Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.

North Shore Hydroseeding

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

20 Wenham St., Danvers, MA 01923
Hydroseeding, erosion control, & tree services.
Brian King - (978) 762-8737

6 Jessica J Dr., Millbury, MA 01527
Floratine products, Precision Small Engine Co.,
Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox - (508) 865-9150

G. Fialkosky Lawn Sprinklers
91 Freeman St., Newton, MA 02466
Irrigation services to golf courses throughout New
England. Gary Fialkosky - (617) 293-8632

Gold Star Tree & Turf Farm, LLC
250 West Rd., Canterbury, NH 03224-2127
Growers of turfgrass and ornamentals.
Malcolm McPhail - (800) 648-8873;
Canterbury Office - (603) 783-4717

Golf Cart Services, Inc.
275 Wells St., Greenfield, MA 01301
Club Car golf, turf, transportation, & utility cars.
James Bernier - (800) 287-0955

GPS New England Mapping
39 Cedar St., Cohasset, MA 02025
Precise irrigation & drainage as-builts; wire
tracking & electrical repairs.
Greg Albanese - (781) 789-1166

Harrell’s Turf Specialty LLC
15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Chuck Bramhall, Mike Kroian, Mike Nagle,
Jim Wierzbicki - (800) 228-6656

Hartney Greymont
433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02492
Tree care, landscape construction, consulting.
Mark Tobin - (781) 444-1227

Holliston Sand Co., Inc.
P. O. Box 1168, Tifft Rd., Slatersville, RI 02876
USGA-recommended sands, root-zone mixes,
bunker & topdressing, agresoil compost, stonedust, & pea-stone
Bob Chalifour, CGCS (ret.) - (401) 766-5010

On-Course Golf Inc., Design/Build
16 Maple Street, Acton, MA 01720
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

Partac Peat Corporation
Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Heat treated topdressing, golf hole targets, turf
blankets, other specialty golf supplies.
Jim Kelsey - (800) 247-2326

Putnam Pipe Corp.
90 Elm St., Hopkinton, MA 01748
Underground water, sewer, & drain piping sales &
distribution. 24-hour service.
David Putnam, Eli Potty - (508) 435-3090

Read Custom Soils
125 Turnpike St., Canton, MA 02021
Custom soil blending, top dressing sands, root
zone blends, divot & cart path mixes.
Terry Driscoll, Garrett Whitney - (888) 475-5526

R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
22 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, MA 02576
Professional goods, services, & John Deere
equipment for the golf course industry.
Larry Anshewitz, Mike Hannigan, Kevin
McDonough, Tom Rowell, Ren Wilkes,
John Winskowicz - (508) 295-1553

Sodco Inc.
International Golf Construction Co.
5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02474
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganis - (781) 648-2351;
(508) 428-3022

P. O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Bluegrass/Fescue, Bluegrass/Rye, Bluegrass/
Fescue/Rye, Bentgrass.
Sean Moran, Pat Hogan - (800) 341-6900

11 A St., Burlington, MA 01803
Turf management products.
Jack Petersen, Paul Skafas, Rob Larson, Chris
Petersen, Greg Misodoulakis, Mike DeForge
(800) 582-5959

Tree Tech, Inc.
6 Springbrook Rd., Foxbvoro, MA 02035
Foxboro, Wellesley, Fall River
Andy Felix - (508) 543-5644

P. O. Box 167, Wood River Junction, Rl 02894
Chris Beasley - (800) 556-6985

TurfLinks, Inc.
16 Kane Industrial Dr., Hudson, MA 01749
Distributor of quality fertilzer, grass seed, &
control products for the golf course industry.
Kevin Lyons, Scott Mackintosh, Jim Cohen,
Jim Favreau - (866) 567-9221

TurfNet Associates, lnc.
21 Brandywine Rd., Skillman, NJ 08558
Cutting edge communication for the golf course
industry.
Peter McCormick - (800) 314-7929

Turf Products Corp.
157 Moody Rd., Enfield, CT 06082
Distributors of Toro irrigation & maintenance
equipment and other golf-related products. Tim
Berge, Rick Moulton, Jeff Stouffer, Mike Turner (800) 243-4355

UAP Professional Products
18 Legate Hill Rd., Sterling, MA 01564
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, & IPM.
Glenn Larabee, Mark Miller - (800) 224-4440

Varney Bros. Sand & Gravel
79 Hartford Ave., Bellingham, MA 02019
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian - (800) 441-7373

Winding Brook Turf Farm
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Scott Wheeler, Mike Krudwig, Sam Morgan (800) 243-0232

Philip Wogan & George F. Sargent, Jr.
17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983
Golf course architects.
(978) 887-3672