July 2014

Superintendent Profile: Ben Haringa
Cohasse Country Club
Ben Haringa loves the outdoors. That one fact was probably the biggest reason he ended up working on a golf course.
Ben was born in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts in
1984. He has lived most of his life in the Blackstone Valley.
That is not to say he hasn’t tried other parts of the country but
he always thought of Central Massachusetts as his home.
“When I was a kid we moved a bunch of times” he noted. He
now resides in Sutton.
Ben’s love for mother nature started off at an early age. He
started by picking weeds and vegetables at a nearby farm
stand. “I knew I liked being outdoors but I knew I wanted something more exciting than picking vegetables.” “It was rather monotonous” he told me. However, he stuck it out and did what he
had to do.
His next job was working at a local dairy farm at the age of
13. He would go to the farm in the morning before school and
help out with the milking of nearly 150 cows. Then he would go
home, take a shower and attend school at Whitinsville Christian
School. “Some weeks I would work nearly 40 hours and still
attend school and do my homework.” This is where Ben told me
he got most of his work ethic. The rest of course came from his
upbringing by his parents.
Still Ben knew the farm was a temporary stop. He and one
of his friends decided they wanted to try working on a golf
course. They both applied to Blackstone National Golf Club in
Sutton and worked for a summer there. Ben really took a liking
to the golf course business and decided this would be his career
path. He attended Stockbridge where he got his Associates
degree in Turf and continued on to the University of Mass. for a
Bachelors degree in Plant and Soil Science.
For Ben’s internship he applied to Whitinsville Golf Club to
work for Dave Johnson. “I have to thank Dave” he said. “The
week I was supposed to start at Whitinsville I had broken my
hand. I had Doctor’s appointments and I couldn’t work for a
while.” He hinted at the fact that he could sense the disappointment in Dave’s voice but Dave stuck to his word and put him to
work when his hand was better. “To top it off I hurt my back that
season and had to take more time out of work.” Again, Dave
made the best of the situation.
Ben must have made quite an impression because when he
finished school he became Dave’s Assistant at Whitinsville. He
worked there for a few years and then the Superintendent’s position at Cohasse in Southbridge opened up. Ben got the job in
2008 and has been there since.
Ben noted that his biggest challenge going from Assistant to
Superintendent was the management of staff, budget and inven-

tory. “Discipline, encouragement
and motivation are something I
work on with my staff.” “How do
you work with people to create a
team?” he pondered. Ben feels it
takes someone special to succeed
in this business and he tries to instill that in his workers. He told me
that while he is enjoying his time at
Cohasse and has many ideas for
improvements, he would still like to
venture on to an 18 hole golf
course or larger in his future. Projects are something he really enBen Haringa
joys and loves making a visible
difference in any property he is managing.
Another trait I picked up on about Ben was the love for family. Ben is a big guy with a big heart. He told me that if he won
the lottery he would pay off some bills and help his family with
theirs. Then he said he would buy a house in Georgia so that
he, his wife and their son Levi could visit her family. His wife
Melissa is originally from Georgia. Ben also had a twinkle in his
eye when he mentioned that there will be another Haringa soon
as he and his wife are expecting their second child.
When Ben gets to spend time with Melissa and Levi they
will typically go backpacking and 21 month old Levi is in Ben’s
backpack. He and Melissa used to do some remote backpacking but that is a bit more challenging now with a toddler. Ben
was smiling when he told me he likes to go anywhere his cell
phone is out of range. In the winter Ben likes to watch the Patriots since it is one of the few sports that fall during the season
where he has time.
As Ben and I were wrapping up our conversation we talked
about what he would be doing if he wasn’t working on a golf
course. He told me that he always thought he would like to be
an Environmental Police Officer. He even told me that in his
earlier years he applied for a job as a Grassland Conservation
Ranger. He would have to ride a horse and camp out overnight
to check on the range grasses, check on soil conditions and
make sure there was enough food for the animals.
Once Ben and I finished our appetizer and paid the tab I asked
him “what is your favorite food?” He said a burger. “And not
one of those puny, skinny burgers! I mean a good meaty
burger.” 
By Tom Albert

GCSANE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Mark Gagne
233 Baker Street, Walpole, MA 02081
508-668-3859 Fax: 508-668-9969
Email: Mgagne@walpolecc.org
Walpole Country Club

President’s Message

VICE PRESIDENT
Scott Lagana, CGCS
840 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420
978-342-6451 Fax 978-345-2044
Email: slagana@oakhillcc.org
Oak Hill Country Club

TREASURER
Michael Luccini, CGCS
10 Griffin Road, Franklin, MA 02038
508-520-3615 Fax: 508-528-1885
Email: Mluccini@verizon.net
Franklin Country Club

SECRETARY
David W. Johnson
399 Parker Road
Osterville, MA 02655
508-428-6981
Djohnson.wgc@verizon.net
Wianno Club

TRUSTEE (Membership)
Jeffrey Urquhart
70 Green Lodge Street, Canton, MA 02021
781-828-2953 Fax 781-828-3220
Email: jmartin101@gmail.com
Milton-Hoosic Club

TRUSTEE (Government Relations)
Peter J. Rappoccio
246 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742
978-371-1089 Fax: 978-369-7231
Email: gcs@concordcc.org
Concord Country Club

TRUSTEE (Scholarship & Benevolence)
David Stowe, CGCS
30 Western Avenue, Natick, MA 01760
617-789-4631 Fax 617-789-4631
Email: Newtonmaint@aol.com
Newton Commonwealth Golf Club

AFFILIATE TRUSTEE
Mark Casey
890 East Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876
617-990-2427 Fax: 978-409-0445
Email: mcasey@mte.us.com
MTE - Turf Equipment Solutions

FINANCE CHAIRMAN
Donald D’Errico
25 Tiot Street, Sharon, MA 02067
508-530-2113
Email: donny@springvalleycountryclub.com
Spring Valley Country Club

GOLF CHAIRMAN
Jason VanBuskirk
58 Randall Road, Stow, MA 01775
978-568-1100 ext. 121
Email: jvanbuskirk@stowacres.com
Stow Acres Country Club

EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
Brian F. Skinner, CGCS
320 Porter Street, PO Box 760661
Melrose, MA 02176
781-665-3147
Email: brianskinner@bellevuegolfclub.com
Bellevue Golf Club

NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN
Earl T. (Tom) Albert
104 North Street
Douglas, MA 01516
508-990-6682
Email: black72nova@hotmail.com
Hopedale Country Club

PAST PRESIDENT
Jason S. Adams
27 Cherry Street, Wrentham, MA 02093
781-828-6540 Fax: 781-326-3801
Email: jadams@bluehillcc.com
Blue Hill Country Club

It was a privilege to be able to host our annual S&B tournament at Walpole on
June 30th. The support from our members, friends and affiliates was outstanding and
contributed to another successful event that directly benefits our members in need
and provides scholarship funds to our member’s families. The funds raised this year
will go towards building the fund to provide financial assistance for future generations. I want to personally thank everyone who took time out to participate and also
the sponsors that helped make the day possible:

Tom Ackley
BISCO
Charles C. Hart Co.
Country Club Enterprises
Manuel N. and Judy Francis
Harrell’s
Ken Lallier
Roy and Frances Mackintosh
Marlborough Country Club
Massachusetts Golf Association
McNulty Construction
New England Golf Course Owner’s Association
New England Specialty Soils
Read Custom Soils
Tartan Farms
Tom Irwin, Inc.
Our honoree this year was Leon St. Pierre, the longtime superintendent at
Longmeadow Country Club and GCSANE Past President and DSA recipient. It was
a pleasure to meet and learn more about Leon from the members of his family who
were in attendance.
Without a doubt, it was an appearance by Gloria VanBuskirk and her husband
Jason’s heartfelt speech that was one of the highlights of the dinner. It was great to
see Gloria doing so well and making progress towards her recovery.
We greatly appreciate the efforts of the entire S&B committee and my hat goes
off to Dave Stowe, Mike Hermanson, Bob Healy and Don Hearn for coordinating an
organized and enjoyable event. Speaking for the Board of Directors, I can tell you
we are very fortunate to have Don serving as our Association Manager. He is always front and center at our events but most may not know of the tireless effort he
puts in behind the scenes to make our association run smoothly and represent
GCSANE with our allied organizations. We greatly appreciate his professionalism
and dedication.
Our next event will be held on August 12th at Marlborough Country Club, when
Ken Crimmings will host the individual championship. We also look forward to seeing and recognizing our retired members at this annual event. I hope you take time
out to join us and look forward to seeing you then. 
Mark Gagne

ASSOCIATION MANAGER
Donald E. Hearn, CGCS
300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766
774-430-9040 Fax: 774-430-9101
Email: donhearn@gcsane.org

BUSINESS MANAGER, THE NEWSLETTER
Julie Heston Phone: (401) 934-7660 Email: jheston@verizon.net
GCSANE Headquarters
300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766
Tel: (774) 430-9040 Fax: (774) 430-9101
Web Site: www.gcsane.org
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.

2

University of Massachusetts Alumni Honored Professor
Pat Vittum Ph.D, by the Alumni Turf Group
Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, New York and
UMASS graduate Superintendent Mark Millett played host to
a full field of University of Massachusetts Turf Program Alumni at the tenth annual Joseph Troll Turf Classic where Dr. Pat
Vittum was honored.
Dr. Vittum received a B.S. in Chemistry from The College
of Wooster in Ohio in 1974 and earned her Ph.D. in Entomology from Cornell University in 1980. Her doctoral advisor was
Dr. Haruo Tashiro, who was an international expert in the
biology of turf insects, especially white grubs. She has been
at UMass since June 1980. She spent the first ten years at
the Waltham Field Station, working in commercial floriculture
and turf. She moved to Amherst in 1990, where she climbed
to hold leadership positions within the program and the University. Dr. Vittum is the senior author of Turfgrass Insects of
the United States and Canada, which is widely regarded as
the bible of turf entomology. Her research interests involve
the biology and management of several turfgrass insects,
with a concentration on white grubs and annual bluegrass
weevils, has cemented her as the foremost expert on these
subjects.
Pat endeared herself further to alum when she worked
with Dr. Michelle DaCosta as advisor to the University of
Massachusetts team of students who won the prestigious
Turf Bowl competition at the 2013 Golf Industry Show in

San Diego.
Of the award,
Alumni Turf Group
(ATG) President
Steve Curry stated: “Dr. Patricia
Vittum was honored for her enduring contributions
for turf students,
superintendents
Dr. Pat Vittum
and research. Pat’s
impact on our industry and many of our successes as individuals, made easy the decision for her to be the tenth honoree joining Joseph Troll, Sherwood Moore, Ted Horton,
Geoffrey Cornish, George Thompson, Leon St. Pierre, Don
Hearn, Bill Spence and Michael Wallace.”
The event was a fundraising success thanks to industry
support. The Premier Sponsor, Tom Irwin has been involved
with this event since its inception. In addition, crucial support came from Turf Products Corporation, LaCorte Equipment, Aquatrols, Phoenix, Syngenta, BASF, Harrells,
continued on page 6

3

Thoughts From Your Association Manager
The 22nd Scholarship and Benevolence Tournament is
now history. Close to one hundred players teed up at Walpole Country Club for this fundraiser, which benefits all members of the Association and their families.

Recently there was a story in the Wall Street Journal about
a former member of the Association – Mike Stachowicz.
Bob Healey sent along the article about Mike and his responsibilities on the Washington Mall. You can read it by
clicking online.wsj.com/.webloc.
Gerry Finn the longtime contributor
to our publication, the NEWSLETTER,
died Monday, June 30, 2014.
Gerry was a wonderful person, with
a sense of humor that made his stories
fun to read. He was a very gifted writer
as shown by the many awards he received. He was always trying to help
with our public relations and to raise our
stature with others in the business and sport of golf.
He was quick to offer an amusing comment or observation of what was happening in our business and was interested in making what we did more understandable to golfers.
He was recognized for his contributions to our members
by receiving the Association’s Distinguished Service Award
in 2006.
Gerry was recruited to be the NEWSLETTER contributor by Leon St. Pierre, who was recognized as this year's
memorial honoree at the Scholarship and Benevolence tournament. This event was held Monday, June 30, the same
day as Gerry's death.
Please read more about Gerry by clicking this link.

Mark Gagne presented a framed flag with plaque to Andrew
St. Pierre, Andrea Marcaurelle and Jeanne Moser. The
children of Leon St. Pierre.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to those who played,
sold and purchased raffle tickets, sponsored, donated and
supported this event by their presence.
Mark Gagne, Superintendent, and Assistants Chris Cyr,
Mark MacDonald, and Dan Vetre; Ed Iodice, General Manager; Mike Lawler, Clubhouse Manager; Matt Sennot and
Mike Sullivan, Asst. Golf Professionals; Chef Andy Texiera
and their respective staffs went all out to be helpful, and
make the day a wonderful experience. The golf course was
in magnificent condition and the food prepared by Chef Andy
was superb.
This year’s event was in memory of Leon St. Pierre, a
Past President, Distinguished Service Award recipient and
long-time Superintendent at the Longmeadow Country Club
in Longmeadow, MA. We were very fortunate to have
Leon’s son and daughters attend the event. I had the opportunity to talk with them and learn more about Leon and how
dedicated he was to our Association.
Another special
person attended
with her family.
Gloria VanBuskirk
came with her
mother Claudia,
father Dick, and
sister Molly. Her
husband Jason
was on the
course playing in
the event. During
the evening Jason spoke about
Gloria, her status and how much progress she’s made since
the day last December when she was admitted to the hospital. Gloria also expressed her heart felt “thank you” to all in
attendance. Jason and Gloria’s presentations created a full
complement of tears. It was a truly emotional evening!

For the fourth consecutive year
Kevin Corvino, Superintendent of
the Dedham Country and Polo
Club, will represent the GCSA of
New England in the Ouimet Golf
Marathon Fundraiser. This year’s
event will take place Wednesday,
August 13, at Stow Acres Country
Club. Last year Kevin played 104
holes and raised almost $3800.00.
He hopes to top that total this year.
This will be the Ouimet Fund’s
22nd annual event to raise funds to
help with educational costs
Eric Dolt, left and Kevin Corvino
for need-based college
scholarships. This year’s
goal is to raise $275,000. This is a large sum, but one that
can be realized if everyone helps out.
Please keep in mind that some of the scholarships
granted are awarded to those who have worked on the
courses of members of the GCSA of New England.
Kevin doesn’t do this alone. He is ably assisted by his
caddie, Eric Dolt, and fundraiser, Nat Binns. This year the
team is again asking for your help. It’s very easy to make a
donation. To do so click here. Once on the site click on
SUPPORT A TEAM, then click on the GCSANE link, once
on this page click the GIVE NOW link. It’s a very easy process. Really, all it takes is the time to care.
Continued on page
4

Kevin Doyle - GCSAA Updates
I am often asked what I miss about being a
superintendent. Involving my family in the
sport is usually my first response. I always
enjoyed the time spent on my course with my
children and wife. I miss playing two or three
holes (small children), or an impromptu lunch
visit followed by one staying with me for hot
afternoon syringe duty. Do work and family
always have to conflict? Can they coexist? Those are two
questions that many facilities, chapters, even your national
association are often faced with. Superintendents seem to
have become much more active in family events. This makes
it harder to chisel out time to participate in industry related
events outside of the typical work hours. Many chapters
work to bring the two together as well. Here are some of the
many ways in which members are no longer forced to
choose:
Picnic:
The Chapter Picnic is a popular one. Several chapters make
the opportunity available during summer months. Often a
low-key, fun event striving for social time and family involvement. Many take place at a local park. One such event is
described by the chapter with: “This is a great event to spend
some fun quality time with your family, friends and fellow
members. Please come and join us for a fun ball game, a
swim in the pool, jumping in the Bouncy Castle and a delicious BBQ.” While shop talk often takes place, it is not always the superintendents leading the charge in this department. The significant others can get comfort from those with
whom they can relate. Relax, unwind, and spend time with
the family at a chapter picnic.

I’ve done the amusement park thing with my family recently,
and the children aren’t the only ones going to have a good
night sleep. More importantly, time with the family is added
to the CAGCS calendar, and the attendance continues to
show the value the members see in the event.
It is often hard to make decisions to attend Chapter
meetings or events, and often family commitments are the
reason. Perhaps there is a way family and Chapter events
can coexist after all?

GCSAA Resources and Deadlines
GCSAA Compliance resources:
GCSAA works hard to ensure our members are compliant
with the many federal regulation changes that occur frequently. Have you visited GCSAA.org to see the articles,
webcasts, links, and presentations that you can utilize to
make sure your facility is up to date? Here are just a few:


Legislative fix for NPDES permits for pesticides introduced in U.S. House



SDS Employee Training Form



SDS Employee Training Form (Word doc)



Hazard Communication Standard quick cards
continued on page 7

Sports event:
Here in the Northeast we are lucky to have some great, family friendly and affordable sports options. Whether it is minor
league baseball or hockey, chapters have included these
opportunities into their meeting schedule. Sports are another
great avenue for social interaction with peers, and entertainment for the family as well. Hockey in golf’s offseason has
become a staple of some chapter offerings with success.
Parent/Child golf event:
The Metropolitan GCSA hosts a parent/child golf event, at
which time they award and recognize the recipients of the
chapter scholarships. It is a nine-hole scramble after working hours, at a child friendly location with a simple meal to
follow. The scholarships are presented, and the best part,
those awarded are often playing in the event or have in the
past. Because of a limited field, this event often fills up
quick. What better way to promote the scholarship benefit
than to involve the children in the event long before they are
even eligible. It is also a great way to get on the course with
family!
Amusement park:
The Connecticut AGCS hosts a day at a local amusement
park. With ticket prices skyrocketing, a group event that includes an all you can eat buffet for nearly half the price is a
steal! In addition, an entire amusement park at the children’s
disposal means entertainment for the family is guaranteed!
5

Association Manager - continued from page 4

Alumni Turf Group - continued from page 3

Mike Whitmer, golf writer for the Boston Globe, wrote a very
nice article about Jason VanBuskirk, a member of our Board
of Directors, and Dave McAdams, the Tournament Director
for the New England PGA. This article was posted on our
website homepage and I’ve included it here for those who
haven’t seen it. This article appeared first in the Golf Section of the Boston Globe, July 10. Thanks to Mike Whitmer
for writing about these two families. Please click on the link
below to read how Jason and Dave have dealt with their
circumstances.
www.bostonglobe.com/.webloc

Winfield Nurseries, John Deere Landscapes, Steven Willand, Tanto Irrigation, New England Soils, Westchester Turf
Supplies, and Helena. Association support came from the
Golf Course Superintendents association of New Jersey
Foundation, Golf Course Superintendents Association of
New England, the MET Golf Course Superintendents Association, and Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents.
Curry added, “Thanks all our sponsors and a full field of
participants, we were able to donate $20,000 that night to
support turf research and education at the University of Massachusetts.”
The fundraiser was initiated in 2004 as a means to raise
money for the new Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Research Center at
the University of Massachusetts Amherst. With the building
completed, the Alumni Turf Group has continued the fundraising efforts to support the turf program at the University.
The Alumni Turf Group (ATG), formed in 2005, is a
501c3 organization made up of turf professionals who are
graduates of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the
University of Massachusetts. Through fundraising, ATG
hopes to further research and education, promote UMass
alumni in the turf management profession, and instill pride
and commitment in the turf programs at the University of
Massachusetts.

Congratulations to Superintendent John Eggleston (shown
at right in the photo) and his team at Kernwood Country
Club for the successful hosting of the MGA’s 106th State
Amateur Championship. It poured during the Championship, play was delayed several times, but the course was in
excellent condition and the competitors enjoyed the week at
Kernwood.

Entry forms, additional information for this event, membership applications, and ATG information are available online
at www.alumniturfgroup.com. 
Source: Alumni Turf Group Press Release
For more information contact: Steve Curry (860) 538-3769
Sjc_superintendent@yahoo.com

Photo by David Colt

The GCSAA has awarded the GCSA of New England a
$2,000.00 grant for the recently completed Demo Day at
Blue Hill Country Club. The contribution was the result of
many hours of work by Brian Skinner, who planted the seed
for the event, Mark Casey, who nurtured the event and
spent many hours coordinating the needs of the companies
and people who displayed their products and services, and
Kevin Doyle, GCSAA’s Regional Representative, who guided us to the finish line for the grant request. Thank you Brian, Mark and Kevin for your hard work and caring to make
this event successful. The grant is one of many ways
GCSAA contributes to the success of our Association and
Members. 
By Don Hearn

6

Kevin Doyle - continued from page 5

You

Get
Cool

GCSAA Grassroots Network - Building our
Grassroots Army

Stuff
Already from your

Advocacy is one of the most powerful ways to impact
public policy. Successful association advocacy and lobbying
efforts depend upon establishing strong relationships with
elected officials. Ad hoc advocacy makes it hard to build
strong, long-term relationships with elected officials and have
a positive impact on policy decisions.
The GCSAA Grassroots Network is a new, dedicated
group of GCSAA members who want to engage in the association's government relations efforts.
Being part of the GCSAA Grassroots Network gives you
the opportunity to:

Association
Ambassadors Update by State:
Massachusetts: 4
Connecticut: 5
New Jersey: 1
New York: 5
There is still a great need for more support of this program
from all northeast states. If you have any questions regarding the program, please do not hesitate to contact me.

-- Learn about legislative and regulatory issues affecting the
golf course management profession
-- Learn about GCSAA's advocacy activities
-- Actively participate in the association's government relations efforts
-- Communicate with your legislators about issues critical to
the golf industry
-- Learn about upcoming GCSAA Grassroots Network events
-- Become part of a movement standing up for the golf
course management profession and golf industry

GIS Housing Opens August 12th
If everything is big in Texas, you don’t want to be late to the
housing sign-ups! With all hotels within walking distance to
the convention center, other desirable hotel characteristics
will take precedence. If you have certain features or desire
the best value for your hotel dollars, don’t delay. GIS in San
Antonio is where Big Things Happen!

Individuals in the GCSAA Grassroots Network also have the
opportunity to serve as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador.
GCSAA will give its Grassroots Ambassadors personalized
training on building relationships with Members of Congress.

Upcoming FREE webcasts:


Aug. 21: Fall Fertilization - Prepare for Healthier Turf
Next Spring (presented by Koch Agronomic Services)



Sept. 18: Herbicide Resistance in Turf: An Emerging
Issue Facing Golf Course Superintendents



Sept. 25: Soil Physical and Chemical Properties –
The Analogy Webinar



Oct. 8: Today's Turf is Creeping Bentgrass



Oct. 23: Grow Your Own! The Value in Veggies

Again, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to
contact me. 
Kevin Doyle
GCSAA Field Staff
kdoyle@gcsaa.org
Follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_NE

7

8

Everyday Etiquette: How to Hold the Door Open for Others
Have you ever been in a situation when someone tried to
hold the door open for you before they walked through it,
semi-blocking the path? It happened recently to me where
someone was standing in the path of the door rather than
actually stepping aside with it. In order to walk through the
door, I would have to push the door myself to keep it from
closing. This is one of those things that are leading to quite
a few awkward moments at the door because of the way the
door swings.

TIP: If you intend to open the door for another person or
for a group, get to the door first, open it toward you by
stepping back with the door and hold it by standing next
to the open door for all to pass through it and then go
through last.
TIP: If two people reach the door on opposite side of the
door at the same time, the person on the outside of the
door should hold it for the person going out by stepping
back with the door. Otherwise a traffic jam ensues.

TIP: Generally speaking when holding the door, you
open the door and walk with the door where it swings
and stand with the door holding it open until people
pass through. It doesn't matter which way the door
swings. Sometimes you will walk through the door first
depending on which way it swings. Do NOT stand in the
path of the door.

It's really impressive when someone figures this out and understands the traffic flow mechanics that make it work.
This is an almost. The man looks as if he's still walking and
the next person
reaches for the
door because he
looks like he's
going to let it
go. AWKWARD
and RUDE no
matter what your
gender! If he
were standing
closer to the door
and looking for
the next person to pass through, she might not feel like she
had to then hold the door also. If you are going to hold the
door, really hold it. This isn't truly holding the door properly no matter what your gender. 

TIP: It's OK to go through an outward opening door first
and step back with the door then hold it for the person
to walk through. Stand close to the door still holding it
open so that the person realizes that they will not have
to hold it also.
I've also approached the outward swinging door from outside
and then opened it myself since I'm never sure if I should
wait. The person behind me then pulls the door open wider
and holds the door open for the person behind them as they
pass through the door. Each person then holds the door
slightly for himself or herself. This is acceptable in instances
where several people approach a door together as a group.

By Don Hearn

From the Massachusetts Green Industry Alliance
Pesticide Board Subcommittee
The next scheduled meeting is for Wednesday, July 16th and
a discussion of the reclassification of subsurface termiticide
and subcommittee policy is on the agenda. A vote on the
issue is possible. We have reached out to the members directly to provide the industry’s perspective on the issue and
know that Subcommittee member Richard Berman has been
very diligent in his advocacy on this issue. We will monitor
the meeting and provide a summary.

Fertilizer/Nutrient Management (330 CMR 31.00)
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
continues to consider the feedback provided through a series of public hearings from green industry professionals,
farmers and other stakeholders. The proposed regulations
to implement the law passed in 2012 (Chapter 262 of the
Acts of 2012) that gives them statewide authority over when
and how fertilizer and other nutrients may be applied. However, the law states these must be consistent with UMass
Extension’s best management practices and they clearly are
not, so we continue to push for improvements. Similarly, we
have not been given any information regarding a timeline but
will continue to press our messages and monitor the situation.

Direct Supervision Regulations (333 CMR10.00)
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
continues to consider the feedback provided through a series
of public hearings from green industry professionals and other stakeholders. The draft regulations onerous, costly and
we still haven’t seen any evidence that they will do anything
to protect the public health or environment, so we continue to
push for improvements. We tried to make changes to the
DAR’s authority over these changes via amendments to the
Senate budget and while we generated some discussion and
interest, the amendments failed. We are not sure when the
DAR will produce a final product but will continue to closely
monitor the situation.

GCSAA Government Relations Page
http://cqrcengage.com/gcsaa/home
Has information on EPA’s ‘Water of the US Rule’ and how
you can help top stop it. Also July’s Government Relations
quarterly briefing. 

9

10

11

GCSANE Calendar of Events 2014
April 28

Cohasset Golf Club - 8th Annual Bear Cup
Joint meeting with GCSA of Cape Cod

May 5

Worcester Country Club
Joint meeting with Rhode Island GCSA

May 12

Alumni Turf Group - 10th Annual Dr. Joseph
Troll Classic - Old Oaks Country Club

June 9

Challenger Demo Day
Blue Hill Country Club

June 30

Walpole Country Club
Scholarship & Benevolence Tournament

August 12 Marlborough Country Club
Individual Championship
Sept. 8

Renaissance - Two Person Team Championship

Oct. 7

New England Superintendent Championship
Omni Mt. Washington Resort, Bartlett, NH

Oct. 14

Dedham Country and Polo Club
Member-Guest

Oct. 22

William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park
Assistants Tournament

Nov. 6

Sassamon Trace Golf Course
Nine-Hole Meeting
12

Arysta Life Science
Earn Educational Dollars for Your GCSAA Chapter
Arysta LifeScience donating to Northeastern Chapters through August 2014
Arysta LifeScience is offering superintendents the opportunity to generate
funding for their local Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
(GCSAA) chapters by purchasing Arysta LifeScience products. Funds then will
be used throughout the Northeastern United States to support ongoing
education. Arysta LifeScience will make financial contributions to local GCSAA
chapters based on a percentage of proceeds from superintendents’ purchases of
DISARM® Fungicide, XONERATE® Herbicide and ALOFT® Insecticide through
August 2014.
Superintendents may make qualifying purchases during two select time periods:
a fall purchase period, Sept. 2-Dec. 7, 2013; and an in-season purchase period,
Dec. 8, 2013-Aug. 31, 2014. Purchases through Dec. 7, 2013, will generate a 2%
rebate to the GCSAA chapter of your choice (Premium Value); purchases from
Dec. 8, 2013-Aug. 31, 2014, will generate a 1% rebate to your chapter (Base
Value).
Additionally, superintendents participating in this program must be GCSAA
members in good standing from one of the following chapters: Connecticut, New
England, Cape Cod, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont or Maine.
To learn more on required purchases and to receive program enrollment forms,
visit your local authorized Arysta LifeScience distributor.

For additional information, contact your local Northeast GCSAA Chapter or
Arysta LifeScience Northeast Territory Sales Manager Eric Gerhartz, phone
570/269-6061 or email eric.gerhartz@arysta.com.

13

14

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

Important Notice
Federal Registration of Nemacur will expire on
October 6th 2014. Existing inventory must be applied before the Federal registration expires. Inventories of Nemacur after Oct. 6 2014 should be disposed of through proper channels. Applications
cannot be legally applied after Oct.6, 2014.Please
see the link listed below for further details.

Our condolences to the Finn family on the passing of Gerry
Finn on June 30, 2014. Gerry Finn was the longtime contributor to our publication, the NEWSLETTER.
Congratulations to John LeClair a certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Warwick Country Club, Warwick, RI,
who has completed the renewal process for maintaining his
elite status with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). LeClair has been at Warwick
Country Club since 1999. A 22-year GCSAA member, he
initially achieved his certification in 2004. Only about 1,500
golf course superintendents worldwide currently hold toplevel status as a certified golf course superintendent.

http://www.regulations.gov/#!
docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2003-0200

SYNGENTA BUSINESS INSTITUTE 2014

Congratulations to Peter Rappoccio who recently became a
GCSAA certified golf course superintendent (CGCS). Peter
is the golf course superintendent at Concord Country Club.
Here is what Peter had to say about the CGCS program.

Golf course superintendents seeking to enhance their business acumen can now apply for the 2014 Syngenta Business Institute™ (SBI). Through SBI, Syngenta partners with
the nationally-ranked Wake Forest University School of Business to provide superintendents with heightened business
and managerial skills.

" Ever since I decided to pursue a career in turfgrass management, I have always had the goal of
becoming a certified golf course superintendent. I have been fortunate to work for
several certified superintendents who have
exemplified leadership, professionalism
and a commitment to success. Some of the
greatest lessons involved ethics, values
and responsibility – all of which the certification process commands. This program
has helped me reinforce certain proficiencies while strengthening others. I hope as a CGCS, I can be a mentor to future
industry professionals and provide a positive influence on
their careers.”
– Peter J. Rappoccio, CGCS, Concord Country Club,
Concord, Mass.

The sixth annual SBI will take place Dec. 8-11, 2014, in
Winston-Salem, N.C. Syngenta receives more than 80 applications annually and approximately 25 superintendents are
chosen to attend the program.
To learn more about the Syngenta Business Institute and
how you can apply, please visit GreenCastonline.com/SBI or
contact your local Syngenta territory manager.
Completed SBI applications are due Tuesday, Aug. 19,
2014. Participants will be notified of their acceptance into the
2014 Syngenta Business Institute class in October.

GCSANE Offers
Website Banner advertising at
www.gcsane.org
The price is $500 for one year which will be
re-occurring annually from your first billing unless
otherwise specified.
For more information, please contact Jeff Urquhart
at 781-828-2953 or jmartin101@gmail.com
15

Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
Page 1

Agresource, Inc.
100 Main St., Amesbury, MA 01913
Quality Compost, Soil & Mulch.
Tim Gould (978) 388-5110
www.agresourceinc.com

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

Agrium Advanced Technologies Direct Solutions
Suppliers of Chemicals, Fertilizer, and Grass Seed
Jim Pritchard (401) 259-8-5472 jpritchard@agriumat.com
Glenn Larrabee (401) 258-3762 glarrabee@agriumat.com

Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc.
304 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109
Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta, Grigg Brothers foliar
fertilizers, and Aquatrols. Specializing in custom seed blends.
Robin Hayes (508) 237-2642 Dick Gurski (413) 531-2906
Mike Carignan (603) 540-2562

Allen’s Seed
693 S. County Trail, Exeter, RI 02822
Specializing in quality seed, fertilizer, chemicals, and related golf
course maintenance supplies.
Peter Lund (401) 474-8171
www.allensseed.com

Country Club Enterprises
PO Box 670, 29 Tobey Rd., W.Wareham, MA 02676
Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles.
Dave Farina, Keith Tortorella, Mike Turner (800) 662-2585
DAF Services, Inc.
20 Lawnacre Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Custom pumping solutions. Custom pump controls. Complete
pump service. Serving all of New England.
Dick Young (860) 623-5207

Atlantic Golf and Turf
9 Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls, MA 01376
Specializing in agronomy through the distribution of fertilizer, seed
and chemicals throughout New England.
Chris Cowan (413) 530-5040, Scott Mackintosh CPAg
(774) 551-6083, Michelle Maltais (401) 835-0287

DGM Systems
153A Foster Center Road, 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

A-OK Turf Equipment Inc.
1357 Main St., Coventry, RI 02816-8435
Lastec, Tycrop, Blec, Wiedenmann, Therrien, Graden, Sweep
& Fill, Baroness, and used equipment.
Mike Cornicelli (401) 826-2584

DHT Golf Services
8 Meadow Park Road, Plymouth, MA 02360
Serving the GCSANE for over 20 years. Planning to proposal to
completion. Golf construction and irrigation consulting.
Emergency irrigation repairs. Dahn Tibbett (20 year member),
Jaime Tibbett (508)746-3222 DHTGOLF.COM

Arysta Life Science
15401 Weston Parkway Suite 150, Cary, NC 27513
Products for the industry.
Eric Gerhartz (570) 269-06061
Barenbrug USA
Great in Grass
10549 Hammond Hill Road, East Otto, NY 14729
Bruce Chapman, Territory Manager (401) 578-2300

Five Star Golf Cars & Utility Vehicles
724 MacArthur Blvd.
Pocasset, MA 02559
E-Z GO Golf Cars, Cushman Utility Vehicles
Doug Hopper (401) 787-0514

BASF Turf & Ornamental
PO Box 111, West Dennis, MA 02670
“We don’t make the turf. We make it better.”
Pete Jacobson (919) 530-9062 peter.jacobson@basf.com

G. Fialkosky Lawn Sprinklers
PO Box 600645., Newton, MA 02460
Irrigation services to golf courses throughout New England.
Gary Fialkosky (617) 293-8632
www.garyfialkoskylawnsprinklers.com

BACKED by BAYER
Building on an already solid foundation of proven products to help
you succeed. Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809 brian@bayer.com
www.backedbybayer.com

Harrell’s LLC
19 Technology Drive, Auburn, MA 01501
Turf & Ornamental supplies. John Bresnahan (413) 374-4102,
Chuck Bramhall (508) 400-0600, Jim Cohen (978) 337-0222.
Mike Kroian (401) 265-5353, Mike Nagle (508) 380-1668

Boston Irrigation Supply Co. (BISCO)
60 Stergis Way, Dedham, MA 02026
New England's single source for a complete line of irrigation and
pumping equipment featuring Rain Bird, plus landscape lighting,
drainage, tools and all related accessories. www.gobisco.com
Andrew Langlois, Jeff Brown (800) 225-8006
Bill Stinson (413) 668-7943

Hartney Greymont
433 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA 02492 www.hartney.com
Hartney Greymont is a company that specializes in tree care, landscape services, strategic woodland management and plant
healthcare. Michael Colman (781) 727-7025
Scott McPhee, District Manager (617) 293-1112

The Cardinals, Inc.
166 River Rd., PO Box 520, Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course and landscape supplies.
John Callahan (860) 916-3947, Dennis Friel (617) 755-6558

continued on next page

16

Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
Helena Chemical Company
101 Elm Street, Hatfield, MA 01038 www.helenachemical.com
National distributors of all your turf chemicals and fertilizers.
Extensive line of Helena Branded wetting agents, foliars,
micronutrients and adjuvants.
Louis Bettencourt, CGCS (978) 580-8166
Chris Leonard (339) 793-3705

Maltby & Company
30 Old Page Street, P.O. Box 364, Stoughton, MA 02072
Provides expert tree pruning, tree removal and tree planting services. Our two other divisions include Natural Tree & Lawn Care,
which treats for winter moth caterpillars, ticks and mosquitoes etc.
Forest Floor recycling manufactures color enhanced mulch and
natural composted leaf mulch. For more information or to speak
with one of our arborists please call Bill Maltby at (781) 344-3900

Hillcrest Turf Services
P.O. Box 767, Medfield, MA 02052
Mike Parks (617) 852-0479
Providing specialty cultural services to golf courses and sports turf.

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

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

MTE, Inc. – Turf Equipment Solutions
118 Lumber Lane, Tewksbury, MA 01864
New England’s source for equipment sales, service and parts. New
and pre-owned mowers, tractors, attachments and much more
from: Jacobsen, Turfco, Smithco, Ventrac, Redexim, Neary
Grinders, Ryan, Buffalo Turbine, Mahindra, Husqvarna, Gravely,
Standard, Par-Aide and others. Office: (978) 654-4240.
Mark Casey: (617) 990-2427. Matt Lapinski: (978) 551-0093

Irrigation Management & Services
21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760
Irrigation consultation, design, and system evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID (508) 653-0625
John Deere Landscapes
Offering our customers the most complete
line of products, service and expertise in the
industry. Ron Tumiski (800) 321-5325 x6219

Mungeam Cornish Golf Design, Inc.
195 SW Main Street, Douglas, MA 01516
Golf course architects
Office: (508) 476-5630
Cell: (508) 873-0103
Email: info@mcgolfdesign.com
Contact: Mark A. Mungeam, ASGCA
www.mcgolfdesign.com

Ken Jones Tire, Inc.
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

New England Specialty Soils
435 Lancaster, Street, Leominster, MA 01453
1mm. Top Dressing Sand, High Density Bunker Sand, Rootzone
Mixes, Tee Blends, Divot Mixes, Bridging Stone, Cart Path Mix,
Infield Mixes, Inorganic Amendments, SLOPE LOCK Soil.
Ed Downing (978) 230-2300, Dave Harding (978) 230-2244
www.nesoils.com

LaCorte Equipment
LaCorte Equipment is your premier John Deere Golf Distributor in
the Northeast.
Gale Stenquist (631) 727-8700
John Winskowicz (978) 471-8351
Bill Rockwell (508) 789-5293
Dan Paradise (978) 853-2916
Call or visit our website at www.lacorteequipment.com

New England Turf
P.O. Box 777, West Kingston, RI 02892
Phone: (800) 451-2900 or Ernie Ketchum (508) 364-4428;
Mike Brown (508) 272-1827 www.newenglandturf.com

Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation
11 Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02420
Offering a full range of inventory for irrigation drainage, pumps,
fountains and landscape lighting products and services for all of
your residential and commercial needs.
(781) 862-2550 Susan Tropeano,
Tim Fitzgerald tim@larchmont-eng.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 and Maintenance Supplies
Tom Rowell (978) 317-0673

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

North Shore Hydroseeding
20 Wenham St., Danvers, MA 01923
Hydroseeding and erosion control services.
Brian King (978) 762-8737 www.nshydro.com

Maher Services
71 Concord Street, N. Reading, MA 01864
Well drilling, pump service and well maintenance
Peter Maher cell: (781) 953-8167 or (978) 664-WELL (9355)
Fax (978) 664-9356 www.maherserv.com

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 www.on-coursegolf.com

MAS Golf Course Construction LLC
60 Hope Ave., Ste. 107, Waltham, MA 02453
Fulfilling all your renovation and construction needs.
www.masgolfconstruction.com Matthew Staffieri (508) 243-2443

continued on next page

17

Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
Putnam Pipe Corp.
90 Elm St., Hopkinton, MA 01748
Underground water, sewer, & drain pipe and fittings-Erosion and
sediment control material. 24-hour service.
David Putnam (508) 435-3090

Turf Products Corp.
157 Moody Rd., Enfield, CT 06082
Distributors of Toro irrigation & maintenance equipment and other
golf-related products. Nat Binns (332) 351-5189,
Tim Berge (860) 490-2787, Andy Melone (508) 561-0364

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

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, Jon Targett (978) 855-0932,
Joe Trosky (860) 508-9875

Select Source
3208 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16508
National, full line manufacturer and wholesaler of turf,
ornamental and specialty chemical products.
Mike Blatt, Northeast Territory Manager (814) 440-7658

Winding Brook Turf Farm
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Scott Wheeler, Sam Morgan (800) 243-0232
WinField
29 Gilmore Drive - Unit C, Sutton, MA 01590
Using industry-leading insights to provide you with the products that
help you win.
Jim Favreau (978) 815-9810

Slater Farms (Holliston Sand Products)
P. O. Box 1168, Tifft Rd., Slatersville, RI 02876
USGA recommended topdressing, root-zone mixes, compost, pea
stone, angular & traditional bunker sand.
Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.) (401) 766-5010 Cell: (860) 908-7414
Sodco Inc.
P. O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Bluegrass/Fescue, Bluegrass/Rye, Bluegrass/Fescue/Rye,
Bentgrass. Pat Hogan (800) 341-6900
Southwest Putting Greens of Boston
P.O. Box 827, Westford, MA 01886
Synthetic turf, tee lines, practice greens, outdoor and indoor
practice facilities. Douglas Preston (978) 250-5996
Stumps Are Us Inc.
Manchester, NH
Professional stump chipping service.
Brendan McQuade (603) 625-4165
Syngenta Professional Products
111 Craigemore Circle, Avon, CT 06001
Melissa Gugliotti (860) 221-5712
Tartan Farms, LLC
P.O. Box 983, West Kingston, RI 02892
Dave Wallace
(401) 641-0306
Tom Irwin Inc.
11 A St., Burlington, MA 01803
Turf management products. Paul Skafas, Rob Larson,
Chris Petersen, Greg Misodoulakis, Fred Murray (800) 582-5959
Tree Tech, Inc.
6 Springbrook Rd., Foxboro, MA 02035
Foxboro, Wellesley, Fall River Andy Felix (508) 543-5644
Full service tree service specializing in zero impact tree removal,
stump grinding, tree pruning and tree risk assessments by our team
of Certified Arborists.
Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.
P. O. Box 167, Wood River Junction, Rl 02894
Joe Farina (774) 260-0093

18

NEW Lower Rates to Help Make Advertising in
The Newsletter More Budget Conscious
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19