December 2015 Time Well Spent And it can also be an excuse – not only for golf course superintendents, but for other time-starved individuals as well. Taking time for rejuvenation should be viewed as part of a routine, just as we change the oil in our vehicles, mow our lawns or take out the trash. When it becomes part of a habitual routine, we are more likely to complete the activity. X’s and O’s everywhere The late Stephen Covey, a top authority on leadership, said one of the most important habits of successful people was to “sharpen the saw,” which he said was necessary in “preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have – you.” Simply put, sharpening the saw, according to Covey, is a process of self-renewal physically, socially/emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Regardless of profession or call in life, it was Covey’s opinion that everyone needed to engage in activities that recharge the batteries to improve performance. This is not an earth-shattering revelation. It’s something golf course superintendents have heard repeatedly. Find a hobby. Engage in an activity. Volunteer for a cause. Exercise. But these activities take time, and for golf course superintendents that can be a challenge. Cushing says everyone should have a passion for something other than work. “I think we need a release, and for me that is coaching,” he says. Paul Cushing, assistant deputy director of the golf division for the City of San Diego-Torrey Pines Golf Course, is sheepish when asked about his athletic career. A baseball and basketball standout at Upland High School in Los Angeles, he once held a future NBA player below double digits in scoring in a state tournament game, and he was solid enough on the diamond to earn a scholarship to California Polytechnic State University. His interest in sports never waned, but working 70 to 80 hours per week early in his career as a grow-in superintendent left little time for him to enjoy his passion. That changed as he took on more traditional course management positions, and he became an assistant basketball coach, first for his alma mater, Upland High School, and for the past three years at Del Norte High School. “I believe we all should have a passion for something other than work,” Cushing says. “I think we need a release, and for me that is coaching. I look at it as a way to give back. Without a doubt, some of the most influential people in my life have been my coaches. If I can help in the positive development of young people, then I feel I’m honoring those who helped me.” Cushing also helped create a junior basketball program sponsored by the high school and has started a youth baseball club in San Diego. He spends some portion of every day dedicated to his basketball or baseball team. He says it forces him to be organized, efficient and a delegator. Those skills were honed as a course manager and further enhanced on the playing fields. “What I do as a coach and what I do on the course are very similar in terms of organization and communications,” Cushing says. “You establish roles and create accountabilities. My job is to put my players and my staff in the best position possible to be successful. The two roles have been mutually beneficial.” continued on page 3 GCSANE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bee Bills PRESIDENT Michael Luccini, CGCS Franklin Country Club 672 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 508-528-6110 Fax: 508-528-1885 Email: Mluccini@franklincc.com VICE PRESIDENT David W. Johnson Wianno Club 155 West Street, Osterville, MA 02655 508-428-6981 Email: Djohnson.wgc@gmail.com TREASURER Jason VanBuskirk Stow Acres Country Club 58 Randall Road, Stow, MA 01775 978-568-1100 ext. 121 Email: jvanbuskirk@stowacres.com SECRETARY Jeffrey Urquhart Milton Hoosic Club 70 Green Lodge Street, Canton, MA 02021 781-828-2953 Fax 781-828-3220 Email: jmartin101@gmail.com TRUSTEE - Membership Kris Armando Sassamon Trace Golf Course 233 South Main Street, Natick, MA 01760 508-745-8555 Email: karmando8@gmail.com TRUSTEE - Scholarship & Benevolence David Stowe, CGCS Newton Commonwealth Golf Club 212 Kenrick Street, Newton, MA 02458 617-789-4631 Email: Newtonmaint@aol.com TRUSTEE - Government Relations Peter J. Rappoccio, CGCS Concord Country Club 246 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742 978-371-1089 Fax: 978-369-7231 Email: gcs@concordcc.org TRUSTEE - Affiliate Ed Downing New England Specialty Soils 435 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA 01453 978-230-2300 Email: eddowning@me.com FINANCE CHAIRMAN Donald D’Errico Spring Valley Country Club 25 Tiot Street, Sharon, MA 02067 508-530-2113 Email: donny@springvalleycountryclub.com GOLF CHAIRMAN John Ponti Nehoiden Golf Club 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481 781-283-3240 Email: jponti@wellesley.edu EDUCATION CHAIRMAN Brian F. Skinner, CGCS Bellevue Golf Club 320 Porter Street, PO Box 760661 Melrose, MA 02176 781-665-3147 Fax 781-665-1019 Email: brianskinner@bellevuegolfclub.com NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN Greg Cormier, CGCS Nashawtuc Country Club 1861 Sudbury Road, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-5704 Email: gcormier@nashawtuc.com As many of our members are already aware there is a serious problem facing honeybees and other pollinators. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is the rapid death of bee colonies and it is occurring all over the country. One of the many factors that scientists believe are contributing to the issue is pesticides. Specifically, the neonicotinoid class of insecticides is the one most commonly discussed. The reason that this class of insecticide is under scrutiny is because of its systemic property. The more toxic insecticides on the market are not systemic, and are not being looped in with the discussion for now. The federal government is looking at how to solve this problem and they are establishing a task force to study the issue and propose new legislation. Massachusetts, along with several other states is looking at establishing their own new set of laws to help reduce CCD. The most recent progress on the issue is the proposal of the Bee Bills. This proposed legislation ranges from establishing a committee to study the issue, all the way to limiting the use and sale of neonicotinoids. The most aggressive bill being proposed is H. 655. This link will take you to a description of the proposed bill. (Bill H.655) I recently had the opportunity to speak with Representative Dykema, the author of the bill on a conference call. I wanted to let her know that golf courses are utilizing neonicotinoids for grub control and Annual Bluegrass Weevil control and they are a very important tool for us. I also explained that golf courses have certified applicators making applications of neonicitinoids, and that we are aware of the negative impact these products can have on bees. Representative Dykema commented on how she had included language to exclude Agriculture and Horticulture from her bill but that she never thought about the golf industry. She assured me that she would amend the proposed bill to include language to allow the use of neonicotinoids on golf courses, as long as there was a certified applicator applying them. I also informed her that we as superintendents already engage in several continuing education events throughout the season and accumulate credits for our pesticide license. I asked if that would be sufficient enough or if additional training and licensing would be required. She said she would speak with MDAR but that she felt we already have enough training, and that she wouldn’t want to impose more on us. Overall it was a very productive conversation and if nothing else, we now have a direct line of communication to legislators regarding the bee issue. Representative Dykema was very respectful of the professionals in our industry, and she made it clear that her intent is not to burden golf with new regulations, but rather to get neonicotinoids out of the hands of unlicensed and uneducated individuals.  PAST PRESIDENT Mark Gagne Walpole Country Club 233 Baker Street, Walpole, MA 02081 508-294-5326 Fax: 508-668-9969 Email: Mgagne@walpolecc.org By Greg Cormier ASSOCIATION MANAGER Donald E. Hearn, CGCS 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 774-430-9040 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 Time Well Spent - continued from page 1 He’s also pretty good with the shutterbug when it comes to nature scenes. Take time for yourself Bob Randquist, the certified golf course superintendent at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, Florida, says he made it a priority early in his career to engage in other interests, and it’s something others should focus on as well. Over the years, he has participated in family activities, played pickup basketball, sang in the church choir, learned to play the piano, taught seminars, and is a passionate follower of sports. “It sounds selfish, but it’s not,” Randquist says. “You have to make time for yourself so that you are more valuable to others. I firmly believe that you need to get away from your job, no matter how much you love it. There comes a point when you hit the wall. Having an outlet has been vital for me, and for others around me.” Jim Fitzroy loves to take photographs of golf courses. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM FITZROY With Camera and Whistle Jim Fitzroy found his hobbies, photography and basketball officiating, through a most unusual means – his work. He had been interested in photography since he was a teenager, but never enough to pursue it with vigor. He continued to dabble in photography almost by necessity when he became a superintendent. For 38 years, Fitzroy was the superintendent/general manager at the county-owned Presidents Golf Course in Quincy, Massachusetts. To communicate updates on the course, Fitzroy regularly took photos and sent them to county staff and commissioners. As technology advanced and the ability to quickly and inexpensively edit and manage photos became easier, Fitzroy found himself becoming more smitten with the activity. In fact, the Presidents Golf Course website regularly featured his photos. “I was always busy, so I really didn’t have the time to dedicate to it,” Fitzroy explains. “But once digital cameras came around and I found I could edit them myself, I began to get more involved at work and away from it. Today, I’m not sure there is a superintendent who doesn’t consider photography as one of his more important tools, both for course management and communication purposes.” Now that he’s retired, Fitzroy finds he’s even more of a shutterbug. He snaps just about everything, and has a fledgling business taking high school senior portraits. Fitzroy had been asked to do it for family and friends, and now others seek him out. Still, golf courses are his favorite subject, with Pebble Beach Golf Links topping the list. For 21 years Fitzroy has officiated high school basketball games. He was a youth basketball coach, but got into officiating after fellow golf course superintendent Ken Mooradian suggested he join him. Fitzroy took lessons, went to clinics and grabbed a whistle. He would be somewhat anonymous until others would question his work. Kinda like being a golf course superintendent, huh? “There are parallels no doubt,” Fitzroy says. “I think being an official and being a superintendent benefited my work in both activities. You have to be able to handle the reactions of people and maintain composure. Officiating was also good for me because it kept me in shape during the winter months, when I was not as active with course maintenance.” A special time Certified Golf Course Superintendent Bill Rohret and his wife Dian made it a point early in their married lives to focus their free time around their two children. The Rohrets found themselves attending sporting events and musical performances virtually every free moment. When the children went off to college, the Rohrets became active in Special Olympics. “We were so engrossed in our children’s activities that I hadn’t really given thought to getting involved in something else,” Rohret says. “Then the children leave for school and my wife and I look at each other and say ‘What are we going to do now?’ I knew if all I had was my job I would go absolutely crazy.” A casual conversation with a friend turned into one of the best decisions Rohret ever made. The Special Olympics program in Las Vegas was in need of volunteers. That was in 2001, and since then he has been going full speed as a coach for basketball, golf and track. He was recognized by the state of Nevada as the Special Olympics Coach of the Year in 2008, and he and Dian were honored by the PGA Section in 2013 as Citizens of the Year for their work. Rohret is so ingrained in the program that he turned down a job because it would have interfered with his ability to participate in Special Olympics. “I wish I would have done it earlier. The volunteers and the athletes are family,” Rohret states. “Sometimes as superintendents we get worked up about a pump station or the greens, but this provides perspective. I feel I get more out of it than I put into it. I can’t see myself ever not being involved.” continued on page 4 3 Time Well Spent - continued from page 3 Scott Schurman says singing barbershop quartet is a perfect release for him. PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT SCHURMAN Now semi-retired and working as a spray technician at Highland Falls Golf Course in Sun City, Nevada, Rohret looks back on his 43 years in the industry somewhat wistfully. He sees young professionals doing what he did working 70 to 80 hours a week for extended periods. He says that’s a prescription for trouble. “It’s not about the quantity of time, but the quality,” Rohret says. “That applies to your job and your hobbies. Make your time count and you will be able to fit it in.” Singing while you work It’s not unusual for the staff and members of Kearney Nebraska Country Club to hear Superintendent Scott Schurman humming or singing while he goes about his work. That in itself doesn’t make him unique, but the fact that he is an accomplished “barbershop” singer has him in demand throughout the community. “I have always loved to sing, but did not get involved in barbershop until a member of our church convinced my father and I to attend a practice session in 1996, when I was 30 years old,” Schurman says. “We both were in the church choir, but that was the extent of it.” Immediately hooked, Schurman joined a barbershop chapter in northwest Arkansas, and then in Minneapolis and western Nebraska as he moved for his career. Similar to a Golf Course Superintendents Association of America chapter, barbershop chapters meet regularly and put on regional meetings and competitions. They also offer their services to the communities in which they serve. “We do singing Valentines, perform at weddings and funerals and other special occasions,” Schurman says. “In 2013, we sang for a few events around the 100th year celebration of the Lincoln Highway, which passes through Kearney. They said our audiences totaled 10,000 people.” Schurman sings the lead and is a member of the 1733 Chorus. He feels fortunate to be involved in two activities, his profession and his hobby, that allow him to be part of a professional and dedicated brotherhood. “I only wish I had started singing barbershop before I was 30,” Schurman says. “It is a perfect release for me. I love music. When you are up on stage singing and you see the people tapping their feet or smiling with wide eyes, you know you are making people happy. It takes your cares away. And the people I do it with are outstanding. It really is a great deal of fun. “I don’t care what profession you are in, you need to do something that gets you away from thinking about it 24/7.”  Written by Jeff Bollig Original Source: December 7, 2015 edition of Superintendent magazine www.superintendentmagazine.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAUL CUSHING 4 Thoughts From Your Association Manager Our thanks go to the superintendents and clubs who were our meeting hosts this past season. We all know how difficult it is to secure dates and courses for our meetings and to those who have stepped up and made it possible we owe our thanks and admiration for being so helpful. For those who would like to host an event in the future we encourage you to indicate that when you complete the online member update form that will be sent out at a later date. Our hosts this year were: John LeClair who hosted the joint meeting with the Rhode Island GCSA at Warwick CC, Chuck Welch who hosted the Bear Cup at Black Rock Country Club, Dick Zepp and Jason Paradise who hosted the Member-Guest at Cyprian Keyes, Harris Schnare who hosted the Individual Championship at Wayland CC, Steve Hicks who hosted the Scholarship and Benevolence Tournament at Vesper CC, Peter Hasak who hosted the Individual Championship at the Tedesco CC, John Ponti who hosted the Assistants Tournament at Nehoiden GC, and Joe Gallagher who hosted the Nine-Hole meeting at Long Meadow GC. The New England Golf Course Owners Association (NEGCOA) held their annual meeting at the Brookmeadow Country Club in Canton, MA. The event’s host was Ann MacDonald, General Manager. There was a full house of attendees who listened intently to the speakers and had the opportunity to meet others to share ideas and be sociable. After an update by Elaine Gebhardt, Executive Director of the NEGCOA, the election of the incoming board took place. Speakers of the day included Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group. Jay spoke about the golf industry’s challenges and opportunities. Jon spoke about trends that will impact a facility’s bottom line. A highlight of the day was the presentation of the NEGCOA Course of the Year. The 2016 Course of the Year is the TPC Boston. This honor places the club in the running for National Course of the Year which will be announced at the 2016 NGCOA Golf Business Conference in San Diego this coming February. The MET Area Team Championship was played October 20 at the Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, NY. The GCSA of New England team was represented by Donny D’Errico, Brian Skinner, Garrett Whitney, Mike Hermanson, Bob Healey, Jim Fitzroy, Mike Luccini and Jason Adams. The winning team was the Poconos Turfgrass Association. The GCSA of New England finished 11th, which was high enough to be invited back next year. It was a wonderful event hosted each year by the MET Golf Course Superintendents Association and made possible by the tremendous support of sponsors Aquatrols, BASF, Bayer, Care of Trees, Koch Turf & Ornamental, Syngenta Toro, Paul Schwab and Club Car and Ann-Marie Van Etten of Associates Golf Car Service. It was a great day on a beautiful golf course and everyone had a lot of fun. The 2016 event will be played at The Country Club of Scranton. From left, Jay Karen, CEO, NGCOA; Tom Brodeur, Supt. TPC Boston; Michelle Thompson, Marketing Assistant, TPC Boston; Darren Garrity, Director of Sales and Marketing, TPC Boston; Dave Frem, President, NEGCOA Early last month I had the opportunity to travel west to Colorado Springs to attend the Century of Golf Gala held at the Broadmoor Hotel. The gala was presented by the Colorado Golf Association and the event’s proceeds benefitted the Colorado Golf Foundation. The catalyst for the event was the Centennial Anniversary of the Colorado Golf Association, which was founded in 1915. The evening was created as a way to recognize six “People of the Century” connected with Colorado golf. A close friend and fellow Golf Course Superintendent, Dennis Lyon, CGCS was one of the honorees, which was the reason I made the trip. The gala was attend by 1200 people and was quite a testimonial to the honorees, the Colorado Golf Association and all the people and organizations that worked very hard to make the evening a success. Dennis had a support cadre of fellow superintendents, family members and others from the Rocky Mountain GCSA who attended the event. After the awards were presented, Jack Nicklaus and Golf Digest writer and continued on page 7 5 6 Association Manager - continued from page 5 Golf Channel personality Tim Rosaforte participated in an informal chat about Nicklaus’ history of golf championships played in Colorado. It’s quite a recognition of a superintendent’s importance to the game to be honored as the “Superintendent of the Century” as my friend Dennis was so designated. It also shows how far we’ve come as a profession. Dennis is a past president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and has won many other awards such as the USGA Green Section Award and the Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award presented by the GCSAA and served as President of the Colorado Golf Association. A lofty record of accomplishment and recognition well deserved. From left, Kevin Eldridge, MGA Director of Rules & Competition; Jesse Menachem, MGA Executive Director; Craig Loughry, IAGA Board Member; Shawn Bennett, MGA Manager of Championships & Member Services Phil Tropeano passed away November 21, 2015 at the age of 93. Through his company and his personal relationships Phil had a long and endearing affiliation with many superintendents and others in the irrigation industry. He and his brother Joe Tropeano formed Larchmont Farms in 1949 as a special farm machinery company. The next year irrigation was added to the product line and ever since, the company has specialized in all types of irrigation systems and equipment. In 1951 Larchmont developed a snowmaking nozzle. At that time the name was changed from Larchmont Engineering to Larchmont Engineering and Irrigation, Inc. In 1978 Joe retired from the company and Phil became President and Treasurer. Phil was the one leading the company with his ideas for new products such as aluminum irrigation couplings, Rain Kannons (patented trailable self-contained irrigation systems), several types of snow nozzles (all patented) and high-pressure, self-draining hydrants for snowmaking systems. I first met Phil in 1968 as an assistant working for Ted Murphy at Lexington Golf Club. To me he was a quiet genius. I worked with Phil and Larchmont from 1968 until the end of my days as a practicing superintendent. He was a very unassuming and calm person with an easy smile and good listening skills. He always had a solution for a technical problem. Whether it was a balky pump control or an issue with electric valves, Phil could identify the problem and come up with a solution. He didn’t gloat over his success. He calmly went about his business. While Phil is gone, there will still be a Tropeano at the helm. Tony Tropeano, Phil’s son, has been handling the day to day business for a number of years and will continue to lead the company. By the way, Larchmont was one of the first companies to advertise on the back pages of our NEWSLETTER and has been doing so for fifty years!  Five of the six “People of the Century” of Colorado Golf. From left, Charles “Vic” Kline, Golf Professional of the Century; Judy Bell, Woman of the Century; Will Nicholson, Man of the Century; Dennis Lyon, Superintendent of the Century; Hale Irwin, Player of the Century; Unable to attend – Barbara McIntire, Player of the Century Congratulations to The Massachusetts Golf Association for their recent IAGA Annual Gold Tee Award. The MGA won First Place at the International Association of Golf Administrators Conference for the production of the Green Operations Survey, to which many GCSA of New England members contributed. The MGA won in the category of Education and Player Development for large associations (over 40,000 members). A lot of work went into the production of the document and this award was well deserved. The IAGA was founded in 1968 and is comprised of golf administrators dedicated to improving communication and providing education in the areas of Championship Administration, Handicapping, Course Rating, Junior Golf and Communications. The constantly evolving technology in the golf landscape has afforded the IAGA the opportunity to take the lead in education as associations pursue the newest ideas and information. By Don Hearn 7 Turf is Good in New England, but What of the Future? We, in New England are very fortunate to have such great Turfgrass Research, Diagnostic & Education resources like we do. Today’s industry involves dealing with high expectations and projecting professionalism in order to be successful among other things. Professionalism extends from the individual, to your crew, to your facility and even as far out into the industry that you may be involved. To stay integrated and to help lead the New England Turfgrass Industry, we, the current participants must continue to support these resources that support all of us. They can’t do it on their own and we can’t do it alone. Here are 5 great ways to improve your involvement: 1. Support your Local Chapters. Hold meetings at your facility, serve on committees, attend meetings, and encourage others to do the same. Organization will make us stronger as an industry to help each other. All members can each make a difference, you too! 2. Plan to attend your New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show and be a part of one of the largest regional shows in the country. There is no better place to get to know your vendors, our university professors, network and help to expand research funding in New England. The show dates are: February 29-March 3, 2016. 3. Look for opportunities to attend Turfgrass Field Days. By supporting field days you will not only help universities, but your own knowledge will grow as you observe ongoing research, hear presentations, question university researchers and interact with fellow turfgrass managers. 4. Communicate with universities concerning your staffing needs. As schools educate the future leaders of our industry, their employment will ensure our educational programs will be intact into the future. Graduates need a door into the industry. Hire an intern and be a mentor! Learn to communicate better with your crew, co-workers and membership. Don’t forget to communicate with your family. There is always room for improvement. 5. Participate in Tee-Up New England. Go to your club and ask for a very simple donation of a foursome with carts to be auctioned for Turfgrass Research in New England. More participating clubs means increased funding for turfgrass research in New England that could help you! Go to www.tee-upnewengland.com for more information and join the effort. These are just some of the things each of us can do, and should, to support the industry and ourselves. Many of you I’m sure are involved and we congratulate you. Your participation will aid the future growth and stability of the industry. Our schools and their resources will continue to be crucial to the success of the industry that they serve. We have witnessed over the years, since our personal introduction to the industry, many positive accomplishments and prospects for the future. Maybe things could be worse, maybe they should be better. If our mentality is, mission accomplished or they don’t need me, then you are missing opportunities to help yourself and the industry. There will always be new challenges ahead. Remember….the road to success is always a road under construction!  Gary J. Sykes, Executive Director New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation, Inc. 8 9 10 Diversify Yourself We can diversify. I do not mean diversifying your money, though that is a good idea, too. I mean diversifying yourself so that when one identity fails, another one keeps you alive. If you lose your job, but you identify passionately as a mother or a father, you will be fine. If you view yourself as an artist, or a woodworker or jewelry maker you’ll be a lot better off than viewing yourself solely as a golf course superintendent. Diversifying yourself is key to keeping your work ethic healthy Suicides account for almost one-third of US work-related deaths caused by violence. It is tempting to blame companies for driving their employees too hard and failing to handle people with care, compassion, and respect. But the problem is deeper and more complicated than callous management teams who care about nothing except profits. The problem is also in how we as professionals see and define ourselves. Here’s the thing, though: It is not enough to see yourself in a certain way; you need to act on it. It will not help if you identify as a father but rarely spend time with your children. Cultivating multiple identities will help you perform better in each one, because you learn things as a parent or a poet that will make you a better employee or leader. And if you believe that doing nothing but work is necessary to support your lifestyle, then it is worth looking at ways to change your lifestyle, so you don’t kill yourself trying to maintain it. Often the first question we ask when we meet someone is, “What do you do?” We have become our work, our professions. Connected 24/7 via mobile devices, obsessively checking e-mail and voicemails (I’m guilty of this annoying and ignorant habit but weaning myself from it), we have left no space for other parts of ourselves. If we spend all our time working, traveling to work, planning to work, thinking about work, or communicating about work, then we will see ourselves as workers and nothing more. As long as work is going well, we can survive that way. Walk away from e-mail and have dinner with your family. Leave work at a decent hour and play golf with a friend or fellow superintendent or salesperson. Choose non-work rituals that have meaning to you. Doing the same thing repeatedly over time solidifies your identity. But when we lose our jobs, or fear that we might, our very existence is put into question. “Establishing your identity through work alone can restrict your sense of self and make you vulnerable to depression, loss of self-worth, and loss of purpose when the work is threatened,” said Dr. Paul Rosenfield, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University. I believe this is why many of us feel so devastated when we’re told that the club or company wants to go to the “next level” and we’re not part of the process to get there. When a good friend of mine lost his job, I called to see if I could do anything. My intention was to help him find a new job as soon as possible; I was pleasantly surprised though. He told me he had decided to postpone his job search for a while. Once he felt ready, he would look for work. He was too busy creating an identity and discovering other things in life he had never experienced because he was too busy working. Sure, the reality of making a living is paramount, but the ways in which my friend looks at this is much different than when work was his life.  Who am I if you take away my work? That is a question to which we had better have a solid answer. Fortunately, once we realize this, we can do something about it. When talking with others about preparing for the future, this has always been the looming question: “What do you suggest I look at as an alternative to continuing in this business?” By Don Hearn 11 12 Changing Jobs? Know Your Options What to do with your retirement funds when you change jobs There are many new challenges to face if you happen to be changing jobs or retiring – not the least of which is the decision of what to do with the retirement funds that have accumulated in your 401(k) and other retirement plans over the years of service with your employers. These decisions may have a significant impact on your future financial security in retirement. • A potentially wider choice of investment opportunities—you can select the stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other investments that are right for you. • The ability to withdraw without penalty for some purposes. Withdrawals can be made without penalty by taking a series of substantially equal periodic payments for at least five years or until after you reach age 59 1/2. Withdrawals are subject to normal income tax treatment and may be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty. Thus, if you are planning to retire before you reach age 59 1/2, this method can enable you to dip into your IRA Rollover without penalty. Please note, there may be other eligible retirement plans which can accept funds.  Option 1) Your employer hands you a check for the amount in your retirement plan. This may look like a bonanza, but selecting this option could be a mistake. First, your employer is required to withhold 20% from your lump sum distribution, so you will only receive 80%. Second, if you are younger than 59 1/2, you may be subject to a 10% additional federal income tax penalty for early withdrawal. Third, you are liable for paying income taxes on the full amount—if you fail to rollover the full amount of your funds, including the 20% that was withheld, into an IRA within 60 days. Please be advised that this document is not intended as legal or tax advice. Accordingly, any tax information provided in this document is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The tax information was written to support the promotion or the marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed and you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. AXA Advisors, LLC and AXA Network, LLC do not provide tax advice or legal advice. This article is provided by Donna Walsh. Donna Walsh offers securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC), 40 WILLIAM STREET SUITE 200 WELLESLEY, MA 02481 and offers investment advisory products and services through AXA Advisors, LLC, an investment advisor registered with the SEC, and offers annuity and insurance products through an insurance brokerage aff liate, i AXA Network Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, LLC and its affiliates. Option 2) Leave the money with your old employer. If you have more than $5000 in your former employer’s retirement plan, you can usually leave the money where it is. (Check with your employer.) The advantage of doing this is that it relieves you of making a decision for the time being while maintaining the tax deferral of your assets. The downside is that you are limited to the investment choices offered by your exemployer—or even fewer choices, since some companies have additional restrictions for non-active employees. Additional disadvantages are that you cannot make new contributions to your account. Option 3) Move your retirement money to your new employer. This option only works if you are moving to another job. Even then, your new employer may not accept rollovers from a previous plan or may impose a waiting period. Also, the investment options offered by your new employer may not be as extensive as you want. The benefit is that you maintain your assets’ tax deferral and benefit from the convenience of having your assets in one place. Source: http://www.ameriprise.com/budgeting-investing/ financial-planning-articles/ retirement-planning-information/what-to-do-with-your-401kplan-when-you-change-jobs.asp Donna L. Walsh 40 William Street Suite 200 Wellesley, MA 02481 Tel: (781) 237-8332 Option 4) Put the money into a traditional IRA Rollover. By having your former employer’s retirement plan pay the IRA custodian directly, you avoid the 20% withholding or any penalties. There are numerous benefits to your own IRA Rollover: 13 14 DIVOT DRIFT... announcements ... educational seminars ... job opportunities ...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership. ANNOUNCEMENTS MET Champ Results 2015 MET Area Team Championships Our condolences are extended to the Tropeano family on the passing of Phil Tropeano on Tuesday, November 21, 2015. Phil was the long time owner of Larchmont Engineering. Quaker Ridge GC Par 70 October 20th, 2015 As in the past, The Newsletter continues to invite Affiliate members to submit a press release about new personnel, new products or a company bio. We will print each and every release free of charge. This is a great way to advertise for free. Who said nothing in this world is free? Free advertising to better your company, wow what an offer. Team Scores Par 280 Score 1st Poconos Turfgrass Association 2nd Hudson Valley GCSA 3rd METGCSA 4th Long Island GCSA 5th Philadelphia AGCS 6th Central New York GCSA 7th Connecticut AGCS 8th GCSA of Cape Cod 9th GCSA of New Jersey 10th Rhode Island GCSA 11th GCSA of New England 12th Eastern Shore AGCS 13th Northeastern GCSA 294 297 299 300 303 304 306 311 318 320 322 323 323 *Individual scores can be viewed on the next 2 pages 15 2015 MET Area Team Championships - Individual Scores continued on page 16 16 2015 MET Area Team Championships - Individual Scores 17 Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION Page 1 Agresource, Inc. 100 Main St., Amesbury, MA 01913 Quality Compost, Soil & Mulch. Dave Harding office: (978) 388-5110 cell: (978) 904-1203 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 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 Chris Bengtson (401) 474-4110 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 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 Crop Protection Services Suppliers of Chemicals, Fertilizer, and Grass Seed (978) 685-3300 www.cpsagu.com 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 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 Asphalt Services, Inc 210 New Boston Street, Woburn, MA 01801 (781) 938-6800 www.pavewithasi.com Providing asphalt paving for golf car paths, walkways and parking lots. We also specialize in drainage, seal coating, crack sealing and line painting. DGM Systems 153A Foster Center Road, Foster, RI 02825 Golf and Sports Turf Specialty Products and Services Visit www.dgmsystems.com Office (401) 647-0550 Manny Mihailides (401) 524-8999 David Mihailides (401) 742-1177 Barenbrug USA Great in Grass 10549 Hammond Hill Road, East Otto, NY 14729 Bruce Chapman, Territory Manager (401) 578-2300 ezLocator 115 Lordvale Boulevard, North Grafton, MA 01536 A New Course Everyday! Steve Boucini, Representative 508-561-4079 sboucini@gmail.com www.ezlocator.com 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 Five Star Golf Cars & Utility Vehicles 724 MacArthur Boulevard, Pocasset, MA 02559 E-Z GO Golf Cars, Cushman Utility Vehicles Doug Hopper (401) 787-0514 BACKED by BAYER Building on an already solid foundation of proven products to help you succeed. Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809 brian.giblin@bayer.com John Bresnahan (413) 374-4102 john.bresnahan@bayer.com www.backedbybayer.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 Beals and Thomas, Inc. 144 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 and 32 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 Civil Engineers - Landscape Architects - Land Surveyors - Planners - Environmental Specialists Contact: Sarah Stearns, 508-366-0560, sstearns@bealsandthomas.com Beals and Thomas specializes in golf course site design services including irrigation pond analysis and design, drainage and utility improvements, permitting, hydrogeologic evaluations, construction administration, boundary and topographic surveys, master planning and project design. Harrell’s LLC 19 Technology Drive, Auburn, MA 01501 Turf & Ornamental supplies. Chuck Bramhall (508) 400-0600, Jim Cohen (978) 337-0222, Mike Kroian (401) 265-5353, Mike Nagle (508) 380-1668 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. 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 18 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 Highland Financial Group 40 William Street, Suite 200, Wellesley, MA 02481 Provides insurance, financial planning and services. Donna Walsh (781) 890-2958 donna.walsh@axa-advisors.com www.hfngrp.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 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. Mayer Tree Service 9 Scots Way, Essex, MA 01929 Providing a full range of tree service including plant health care, stump grinding, and compost tea. We can also provide loam, mulch, and mobil debris grinding. Jeff Thomas (978) 500-4921 International Golf Construction Co. 5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02474 Golf course construction. Antonios Paganis (781) 648-2351; (508) 428-3022 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 Irrigation Management & Services 21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760 Irrigation consultation, design, and system evaluation. Bob Healey, ASIC, CID (508) 653-0625 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 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 LaCorte Equipment LaCorte Equipment is your premier John Deere Golf Distributor in the Northeast. John Winskowicz (978) 471-8351 Bill Rockwell (508) 789-5293 Dan Paradise (978) 853-2916 Eric Berg (516) 473-3321 Call or visit our website at www.lacorteequipment.com 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 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 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 Bob Doran (978) 230-2244 www.nesoils.com Lazaro’s Golf Course Supplies & Accessories dba Hammond Paint and Chemical Co., Inc. 738 Main St., Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154 Complete line for all your of golf course supplies. Par Aide, Standard, Eagle One, turf and ornamentals, aquatics, turf marking paint, safety items, adjuvants Joe Lazaro - cell: (617) 285-8670; Fax: (781) 647-0787 Email: jlazaro698@aol.com www.lazarogolfcoursesupplies.com 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 NMP Golf Construction Corp. 25 Bishop Ave., Ste. A-2, Williston, VT 05495 Golf course construction. Mario Poirier (888) 707-0787 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 continued on next page 19 Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION 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; Bill Stinson (413) 668-7943; Jeff Brown (508) 868-8495; Dan Ricker (978) 317-7320 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 North Shore Hydroseeding 20 Wenham St., Danvers, MA 01923 Hydroseeding and erosion control services. Brian King (978) 762-8737 www.nshydro.com Syngenta Professional Products 111 Craigemore Circle, Avon, CT 06001 Melissa Gugliotti (860) 221-5712 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 Tartan Farms, LLC P.O. Box 983, West Kingston, RI 02892 Dave Wallace (401) 641-0306 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 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 Read Custom Soils 5 Pond Park Road, Suite 1, Hingham, MA 02043 Custom soil blending, top dressing sands, Root zone blends, “early green” black sand, divot & cart path mixes. Terry Driscoll, Garrett Whitney (888) 475-5526 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. Saturated Solutions 18 Evergreen Road, Northford, CT 06472 Greg Moore (203) 980-1301 Saturated Solutions is the sole distributor of the Air2G2 Machine for sales and contracted services. Replenish your soils with oxygen when it needs it most in any conditions with no disruption. saturatedsolutionsllc.com Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. P. O. Box 167, Wood River Junction, Rl 02894 Joe Farina (774) 260-0093 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 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 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 SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC 300 Colonial Parkway, Suite 600, Roswell, GA 30076 Offering our customers the most complete line of products, service and expertise in the industry. Ron Tumiski (800) 321-5325 x6219 Winding Brook Turf Farm Wethersfield, CT 06109 Scott Wheeler, Sam Morgan (800) 243-0232 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 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 Sodco Inc. P. O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877 Bluegrass/Fescue, Bluegrass/Rye, Bluegrass/Fescue/Rye, Bentgrass. Pat Hogan (800) 341-6900 SOLitude Lake Management Since 1998, SOLitude Lake Management has been committed to providing full service lake, pond and fisheries management services that improve water quality, preserve natural resources, and reduce our environmental footprint. Services, consulting, and aquatic products are available nationwide. www.solitudelakemanagement.com. Tracy Fleming 888-480-5253 Winterberry Irrigation 2070 West Street, Southington, CT 06489 Irrigation and Pump Installation and Service Visit www.winterberryirrigation.com Matt Faherty 860-681-8982 mfaherty@winterberrygarden.com 20 NEW Lower Rates to Help Make Advertising in The Newsletter More Budget Conscious THE NEWSLETTER 2015 DISPLAY ADVERTISING ORDER FORM Company Name: Phone # Address: Contact Name: Email Issues (List month and total number): Amount of Check: (Made payable to “GCSANE”) Member Rates: Monthly Rate 4 Times Per Yr. (Save 5%) 1/4 page (vertical; 3.75" wide x 5" deep) $ 90.00 $ 342.00 1/2 page (horizontal; 7.5" wide x 5" deep) $150.00 Full Page (vertical; 7.5" wide x 10" deep) $200.00 Non-Member Rates: 6 Times Per Yr. (Save 10%) 8 Times Per Yr. 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