Getting To Know Matt Faherty By Michelle Maltais

May/June 2016 Print Edition
Getting To Know Matt Faherty By Michelle Maltais
M
atthew Faherty
grew up on a farm
in Pennington, New
Jersey with his parents, two older
brothers, and a love of nature,
hunting, and fishing in his veins.
His love of nature, and his childhood exposure to hard work on
the farm would influence him
greatly in life.
Growing up, he was a part of
The Boy Scouts of America. The
Boy Scouts led to many experiences, including camping, canoeing, and backpacking. Matt
eventually earned the proud rank
of Eagle Scout and later Vigil Honor rank in the Order of the Arrow,
an honor service organization of Boy Scouts of America. The Vigil
Honor is the highest award that the can be bestowed upon its members and is granted for exceptional service, personal effort, and distinguished contributions to the Scouts.
In High school, he continued life outdoors through canoeing and
backpacking clubs. Most importantly, on one of these high school hiking trips Matt met Gail, his longtime love. He has now been married
to Gail, his high school sweetheart, for 38 years. While in high school,
Matt held the typical jobs to keep gas in his Jeep. His most memorable
experiences were at a landscape business driving the back roads below
driving age…working in a bar making pizza and stocking beer…tree
work for a local tree company, and at a New Jersey State Park. He graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School in 1974 and enrolled
in the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. Matt wanted a
diverse education in turf and forestry, and was awarded a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Forest Management and Turf.
After graduation from college in 1978, he began work at ChemScape
Tree and Shrub Care in Missouri, a division of the Chemlawn
Corporation. In 1979, he opened the Hartford/Springfield area market for ChemScape. This was at the beginning of the gypsy moth years
of 1979-1984 in CT and MA. Even to this day, he hates to see gypsy
moth back again! With his experience at Chemlawn, he was sought
out by Orkin Pest Control to start Orkin Tree Care. The tree company
expanded with seven locations to NY, MA, CT, and RI within two
years.
Matt’s passion for new ideas and challenges led him to join SODCO
Turf Farms (1990 -2001) as a service representative. While there, he
met and assisted landscape contractors and golf course superintendents,
opening the CT/NY/Western MA market. Matt also worked in fertilizer sales for LESCO in CT, opening a new service center as the
manager in North Haven. Located in a service center all day was not as
enjoyable as being on the road. Eventually, he would go on to join the
Brickman Group, a national commercial landscape company as a sales
representative for seven years, selling landscape and snow maintenance
services. He earned the top rank in the nation for two of those years.
Currently, Matt represents The Winterberry Group and serves New
England and the Tri-State area. He assists the irrigation division (serving New England’s golf/commercial/athletic field, clients with approximately 50 employees). The irrigation work showcases only part of
his responsibilities. He is also involved with Winterberry’s commercial
landscape construction and maintenance services.
Matt also represents O’Connor Pumps and Service, which services, sells and installs irrigation pumps. He has supervisory pesticide
licenses in multiple states and is a certified arborist. He enjoys meeting
superintendents from the RIGCSA, GCSA of Cape Cod, GCSANE
and CAGCS. In his early years with the associations, he enjoyed playing golf but admits he has never been a great golfer. An arm injury has
forced him out of the game but he jokes that it’s to the course’s benefit
(for the lack of divots). Other associations that he is also a member of
include the New England Park Association, CT Park Association, and
NESTMA.
He has lived in Vernon, CT for the past 37 years and in his spare
time he enjoys gardening and traveling. He does volunteer work including caring for the landscaped gardens at entry points for the town of
Vernon, CT and is a land steward for the Northern CT Land Trust.
Matt and his wife Gail have two children. Their son Brent is a registered nurse in CT, and their daughter Heather works in marketing/
advertising in New York City. Matt’s favorite meal would consist of a
steak on the grill and a nice glass of wine.
Picture Gallery
Kevin’s Corner
NERT Conference & Show
Member News
Page 3-5
Page 6
Page 8
Page 11
RIGCSA
Board of
Directors
President
William Coulter, CGCS
Swansea Country Club
(508) 379-9741
Vice President
Andrew Cummins
Agawam Hunt
(401) 434-0980
Treasurer
Dean Chase
Carnegie Abbey Club
(401) 683-5148
Secretary
Christopher Coen
Newport Country Club
401-847-5903
Director
Patrick Hogan
SODCO
(800) 341-6900
Director
James Ritorto
Lake of Isles
(860) 312-2092
President’s Message
May Meeting-Franklin CC
I
’ve always liked the month of June. Maybe it’s the calm
before the storm, but it’s easy to enjoy all that this month
offers. The US Open this past weekend has put golf on
everyone’s mind and our area golf courses are in excellent shape.
A combination of great weather and the continued improvement
of our management strategies have given us some of the finest
course conditions I’ve ever seen. It’s nice to see some optimism in
the golf industry for a change.
A
special thanks to Mike Luccini for hosting the joint
GCSANE/RIGCSA meeting at Franklin in May. It
had been years since I had visited Franklin and I can’t
wait to return. Great job Mike, I don’t think I’ve ever played on better greens. Not to
be outdone, our visit to Metacomet was very memorable too. I’ve heard many comments
on how great the course was that day and how perfect the greens were. I’m not sure
what we do for an encore next year but it sure has been a great golf year.
Our annual Family Day was again a big success. Mulligan’s Island generously offers
us an incredible deal and gives us the perfect opportunity to enjoy some time with our
friends and family. A special thank you to Michael Friedman for all his help in making
this event once again the best deal we offer. Over 100 people attended again this year
and had a great afternoon of fun and relaxation. Thank you to Jim and Danielle Ritorto
who put in many hours of hard work to make this event run so smoothly. Thanks also
to Mike Varkonyi and Mike Kroian for their guidance and help again this year.
My hope for each member in these busy few months ahead is that you will take time
for yourself occasionally and rest and recharge with your family and friends. Schedule
that time just as you would your most vital work assignment. As important as what we
do is, it’s also necessary to take care of ourselves and to enjoy life sometimes. I wish all
of the RIGCSA members continued success for the remainder of the summer and I
hope to see you all at our next meeting
ill Coulter, CGCS
B
RIGCSA President
Past President
Michael Whitehead, CGCS
Pawtucket Country Club
(508) 761-7657
Newsletter Editor
Michelle Maltais
Atlantic Golf and Turf
(401) 835-0287
Chapter Executive
Julie Heston
phone: (401) 934-7660
fax: (401) 934-9901
jheston@verizon.net
www.rigcsa.org
Bayer Environmental Science
Building on an already solid foundation of
proven products to help you succeed.
Brian Giblin
(508) 439-9809
Brian.Giblin@bayer.com
2
May-June 2016
3
June Meeting-Metacomet CC
4
Family Day-Mulligan’s Island
May-June 2016
5
Kevin’s GCSAA Corner
By Kevin Doyle, GCSAA Northeast Field Rep.
How did you get introduced
to the wonderful game of golf?
Think about it for a second.
There was probably someone
that opened your eyes to this
great game. Golf offers so
much beyond just the competition of the sport. The environmental, exorcise, economic,
and charitable benefits collectively are unmatched by any
other sport. Whether making
friends or enjoying the opportunity to learn life lessons, golf
is more than just a game, it’s
tremendous learning opportunity for young people.
18 year GCSAA Member Frank Tichenor at the Forrest
Hill Field Club, Bloomfield, NJ, reached out to me in the fall
of 2012 asking about golf course programs available for school
groups. After communicating with Northwest Field Staff David
Phipps, we directed Tichenor to The First Green Foundation of
Bellevue, Washington. They have developed a learning program
including a packet containing simple science based experiments
designed for use at a golf facility based on the STEM learning
system (Science Technology Engineering and Math).
The results of all Tichenor’s efforts culminated that following spring when 40 fifth graders from Clifton public school
#16 arrived for a field trip. The students were exposed to many
environmental aspects of the course such as pond management,
wildlife habitats, and weather station use. Cultural practices,
including an aeration demonstration, were discussed as a part
of agronomic practices, and highlighted the result of improved
plant health. Tichenor has continued this First Green field trip
every year since.
The First Green estimates each student would reference golf
between 30-40 times because of the experience they have in
one day at a golf facility. That’s moving the needle! Maybe one
day, these New Jersey students will look back at their career in
golf and point to their field trip to the Forrest Hill Field Club
as their answer to how they got into the golf industry. Have
you ever thought about conducting an event such as this at your
facility?
Tichenor referred to his inaugural First Green Field trip as
“one of the best days I have ever spent on a golf course.” Have
you had your best day ever yet?
6
How can you become involved in First Green and growing
the game? Maybe you have a school near your facility, a teacher
as a member/patron or on your summer staff. These are excellent
opportunities to pursue, as developing a relationship with the
school is clearly the hardest part.
If you would like assistance with a First Green effort at your
facility, please feel free to reach out. Let’s grow turf and the
game of golf!
For more information about the First Green Foundation visit
their website: The First Green: www.thefirstgreen.org
GCSAA Resources and Deadlines
you Get Cool Stuff from your Association Already
Getting Ready for the New
Department of Labor Overtime Rules:
On May 18, the Obama administration announced that it will
raise the salary threshold for overtime pay at the end of 2016.
When the Department of Labor’s new regulation goes into effect
on Dec. 1, millions of workers making less than $47,476 a year
will be entitled to overtime pay at time and a half, regardless of
title or duties.
winner’s owner will receive a $500 prize and $3,000 for his or
her GCSAA-affiliated chapter. A $1,000 charitable donation
will also be made by GCSAA and LebanonTurf in honor of the
winner.
Be stop by LebanonTurf ’s booth at the Golf Industry Show next
February in Orlando to place your vote for 2017 Dog of the Year.
Ed Downing
Cell: 978-230-2300
Upcoming FREE webcasts:
Email: ed@nesoils.com
Office: 978-466-1844 Fax: 978-466-1882
July 12: New Coating Technology & Golf Course Seed
Applications
1 mm. & 2mm. Top Dressing Sand
Rootzone Mixes
Aug. 30: Planning a Snow Mold Prevention Program
Again, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to
contact me.
Kevin Doyle
GCSAA Field Staff
kdoyle@gcsaa.org
Bridging Stone
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Cart Path Mix
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Soil Blend
We will customize blends to meet your specific needs!
Follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_NE
435 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA 01453
IT’S YOUR CHOICE
Segway
®
Fungicide SC
MAKES
SUPERS
The GCSAA Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award
(DSA) is presented annually to an individual or individuals who
have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of
the golf course superintendent’s profession. The contribution
must be significant in both substance and duration, and may be,
or have been, regional in nature. Individuals must be nominated
by a GCSAA member, an affiliated chapter or a qualified golf
association. The nominee must not have been a recipient of this
award in the past 10 years. The award was first presented in 1932
and has been presented annually since 1975. The GCSAA Board
of Directors selects the recipients of the Distinguished Service
Awards during its fall board meeting. The award is presented
during the annual Golf Industry Show.
SMILE
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So don’t let it. Segway® Fungicide SC delivers outstanding
protection against Pythium root dysfunction, Pythium blight,
and Pythium damping-off. Segway works fast and lasts up to
28 days for healthier turf. Healthier turf means happier golfers,
and happier golfers mean happier Supers.
Nominations for the 2017 DSAs are open through July 31, 2016.
Submit a photo by Aug. 1, 2016 to share your best friend with
the world! From the submissions, 14 dogs will be selected. The
HD & Buff Bunker Sand
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PYTHFUL or BLISSFUL?
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call Bill Affinito at 508.250.3821
Always read and follow label directions. Gordon’s® is a registered trademark of PBI-Gordon Corp.
Segway® is a registered trademark of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Ltd. 2/16 04266
May-June 2016
7
New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation, Inc.
JACOBSEN’S LEGENDARY
QUALITY-OF-CUT
forward to getting back in balance again with industry professionals. The 2016 weather cooperated nicely to help the attendee
and exhibit booth sales to exceed recovery expectations as the
show went uninterrupted. The 2017 show dates for the 20th
annual show are: March 6-9, 2017 in Providence, RI. For more
information on the show and New England Turfgrass Research
please visit our website: www.nertf.org.
2016-2017 NERTF Executive Board Front Row (l to r): Clifford Drezek (2016 Pres.),
Matthew Crowther, CGCS (Immediate Past-Pres.). Back Row: Jeffrey Urquhart (Treas.),
The 5th annual Tee-Up New England rounds of golf auction took place April 11-18, 2016. 105 rounds of golf across
New England and one day of tennis at the Longwood Cricket
Club were auctioned off. All rounds were sold and $26,570 was
raised towards turfgrass research in New England. We thank all
courses greatly who participated and wish to thank everyone for
supporting turfgrass research. A list of courses that participated
is located at www.tee-upnewengland.com.
Peter Rappoccio, CGCS (Sect.) and Randy Weeks, CGCS (vice president)
May 17, 2016
ary J. Sykes
G
Executive Director
New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation, Inc.
The New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation recently
held its 19th Annual Meeting on May 10, 2016 where a new
Executive Board was elected. Clifford J. Drezek of Arbor-Turf
Services, Inc. in Marlborough, MA has been elected as the 20th
president of the foundation, succeeding Matthew A. Crowther,
CGCS, of Mink Meadows Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard.
Cliff represents the Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care
Professionals (MALCP) on the Foundation’s Board. Randy S.
Weeks of the Lochmere Golf and Country Club in Tilton, New
Hampshire, representing the New Hampshire Golf Course
Superintendent Association will serve in the vice-president’s
seat for this upcoming year. Jeffrey M. Urquhart of the Milton
Hoosic Golf Club in Canton, MA representing the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of New England will fill the role
of Treasurer for a second year. Peter J. Rappoccio, CGCS of the
Concord Country Club also of GCSANE has been elected as
the foundation’s new secretary. Matthew Crowther will continue to serve on the board as the Immediate-Past President. The
foundation consists of 2 delegates from each of the 7 GCSAA
Chapters located in New England, 1 delegate from the Sports
Turf Managers Association of New England (NESTMA) and
1 delegate from the Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care
Professionals (MALCP). There are two advisory seats filled by
the University of Massachusetts and the University of Rhode
Island respectfully.
The 19th Annual Conference and Show was held in
Providence, RI on February 29 through March 3rd, 2016. Since
the “great” snow event of 2015, industry participants looked
8
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May-June 2016
9
RIGSCA 2016 Newsletter Sponsors
RIGCSA Member News
ALLENS SEED
COUNTRY CLUB ENTERPRISES
SHAWNMARK INDUSTRIES, INC.
Celebrating over 60 years of servicing Golf
Course Superintendents with products for
managing quality turfgrass. When you need
fertilizer, control products, premium grass
seed, equipment repair and parts.
Club Car Utility Vehicles and Golf Cars
Sales–Service–Parts
For more information,
call Al LaPrise, Erik or Paul Hagenstein.
DGM SYSTEMS
“TOMORROWíS Chemical Needs TODAY”
A complete line of specialty turf products
as well as engine degreasers, equipment
maintenance products, aerosols, and ice
melt. Call Matt Howland at (401) 295-1673
for personalized service 24 hours a day or
visit our website at www.shawnmark.com.
Golf and Sports Turf
Specialty Products and Services
SODCO, INC.
A-OK TURF EQUIPMENT
Visit www.dgmsystems.com
Wiedenmann, Lastec, Graden, Agrimetal,
Baroness, Salsco, Sweep N Fill, Turf Pride,
Stec, Pronovst, Lely, Maredo, Classen, and
Used Equipment.
Office (401) 647-0550
Manny Mihailides (401) 524-8999
David Mihailides (401) 742-1177
All of your golf course grass needs grown on
our 500 acre Green Certified farm.
Bentgrass, Black Beauty, Bluegrass, Fine
Fescue, Short Cut Varieties, Contract Growing.
(401) 294-2722 (800) 527-3898
www.aokturf.com (401) 826-2584
ATLANTIC GOLF & TURF
Specializing in agronomy through the
distribution of fertilizer, seed and chemicals
throughout New England.
Michelle Maltais (401) 835-0287
Michelle@AtlanticGolfandTurf.com
www.ccegolfcars.com (800)-662-2585
Keith Tortorella 508-982-4820
GARDNER + GERRISH, LLC
Golf Course Design
Offering over 15 years of golf course design
experience including; feature renovation, tree
analysis, cart path layout, master planning,
construction observation, planting design
and landscape architecture.
www.AtlanticGolfandTurf.com
Contact RIGCSA member
Tim Gerrish, RLA at (401) 263-3784
tim@gardner-gerrish.com
BARENBRUG USA
HARRELL’S
Producers of RTF, Turf Blue HGT,
Supercharged Bentgrasses & Regenerating
Perennial Rye
Great in Grass
Bruce Chapman, Territory Manager
401-578-2300 bchapman@barusa.com
BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Building on an already solid foundation of
proven products to help you succeed
Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809
Brian.Giblin@bayer.com
Service–Knowledge–Experience
With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone.
www.NewEnglandGolfCars.com
Tom Fox (508) 450-9254
Yamaha Golf Cars / Yamaha Utility Cars
Featuring Floratine Products, Analync
Soil Testing and Analysis, JRM tines and
bedknives and Greenleaf TurboDrop spray
nozzles.
Ed Downing (978) 230-2300
ed@nesoils.com
RESIDEX
Fertilizer, Seed Chemicals
Chris Bengtson chrisb@hartseed.com
Cell: (401) 474-4110 (800)-326-4278
www.HARTSEED.com
Jim Pritchard (401) 862-1098
jimpritchard32@gmail.com
Mike Santos (401) 525-6782
msantos@residex.com
Our condolences are extended to the Zeytoonjian family
on the passing of Fred Zeytoonjian on June 23, 2016.
Fred was the CEO and founder of Turf Products
Corporation. He was known by many in our industry. Golf Results:
Franklin Country Club
May 23, 2016
Host: Michael Luccini, CGCS
Joint meeting with the GCSA of New England
1st Gross: 71 Matt Lapinski, Ron Dobosz
1st Net: 66 Keith Tortorella, Chris Coen
2nd Net: 68 Dan Ricker, Dana Dubois
Welcome New Members:
Dennis Bancroft
Assistant Superintendent, Metacomet Country Club
Brian Kuchta
Assistant Superintendent, Metacomet Country Club
3rd Net: 69 Tim Hood, Ron Kirkman
4th Net: 69 Henry Olstynski, Matt Emond
Save the date:
RIGCSA Scholarship and Research Tournament will be
held on October 4, 2016 at Wanumetonomy Golf &
Country Club with Ted Ellis, CGCS as our host for the day
TUCKAHOE TURF FARMS, INC.
TURF ENHANCEMENT
ENTERPRISES
THE CHAS. C. HART SEED CO.
10
Greg Misodoulakis (508) 243-6166
Scott Cookson, Paul Amorin, Jon Cookson
(508) 336-4285 Fax: (508) 336-4762
1mm & 2mm. Top Dressing Sand
Rootzone Mixes, Buff & HD Bunker Sand
Divot Blends- Bulk/Bagged delivery
Independent distributor of quality turfgrass
seed, fertilizer and Turf care products.
Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta,
Aquatrols, Griggs Bros.
TOM IRWIN, INC.
Steve Donohue or Joe Farina
(800) 556-6985
THE CARDINALS, INC.
Complete distributor of golf course
accessories; seed, fertilizer, chemicals,
wetting agents, safety supplies and other
turf related specialty products.
Melissa Hyner Gugliotti (860) 221-5712
Email: Melissa.gugliotti@syngenta.com
www.greentrustonline.com
NEW ENGLAND GOLF CARS
NEW ENGLAND SPECIALTY SOILS
John Callahan (800) 861-6256
SYNGENTA
Offering a selection of putting green quality
bentgrass varieties. Also, blends for tees,
fairways, bunkers and roughs.
Washing available.
Baked by Bayer
Our condolences are extended to the Ripley family on
the passing of Sue Ripley on June 1, 2016. Sue was the
wife of Wayne Ripley who was a long time salesman for
Tom Irwin. Contact: Pat Hogan (401) 569-1105
Slocum, RI (800) 341-6900
www.sodco.net
The superintendents source for high-tech
turf care products, contact Michael Kroian
at (401) 397-5500.
Sales, Service, Rentals
Announcements:
TURF PRODUCTS
Tim Berge (800)-243-4355
Carrying the complete line of TORO
equipment. Call Dana Dubois for
demonstrations. For your TORO irrigation
needs–sprinklers, pipes, fittings, Otterbine
aerators and wire trackers.
WINTERBERRY IRRIGATION
Complete irrigation and pump installation
and service throughout New England.
Matt Faherty (860) 681-8982
mfaherty@winterberrygarden.com
www.WinterberryIrrigation.com
Alan Vadala
(774) 766-2516
Mike Coty
(860) 617-3988
NORTHTURF.COM
We’re here to help with all of
your aeration needs.
We are equipped to do the
entire job or you can simply
choose from several tractors
and implements to
help you get it done!
May-June 2016
11
T H E U N I VE R S I T Y O F C O N N E C T I C U T I N VI T E S Y O U T O T H E
UConn Turfgrass Field Day
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
at the Plant Science Research and Education Facility in Storrs, Connecticut
For more information and to register, visit
www.regonline.com/turfgrassfieldday2016
T
he 2016 Turfgrass Field Day at
Attendees will have an
research results, turfgrass
the University of Connecticut
opportunity to discuss
professionals have the op-
offers exciting educational oppor-
ongoing research and
portunity to interact with
tunities for turf-
management concerns
exhibitors and discuss the
grass professionals
with the UConn turf team.
latest developments and challenges
of all levels.
In addition to seeing the latest
in the industry.
The date of the
Field Day has been
to provide the best
opportunity to view the research
plots when they are under the
greatest summer stress. Cutting edge
research in the areas of lawn care,
sports and golf turf management will
be presented.
AGENDA:
selected in order
7:30
7:30–8:45
8:45–9:00
9:00–11:30
11:30–12:00
12:00– 1:00
12:30
1:00–3:00
1:30–2:30
Registration opens/continental breakfast
Visit with exhibitors
Welcoming remarks
Guided tour of research plots
Visit with exhibitors
Lunch
Ice cream social with exhibitors in vendor section
Visit with exhibitors
Afternoon Workshops (Separate registration required)
• Handling and Field Application of Beneficial Nematodes
• Sustainable and Pesticide-Free Turf Management
• Turfgrass Disease Identification and Management Walking Tour
Pesticide and certification credits will be available
Early registration deadline is July 1, 2016.
12
Turfgrass Science Program
Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
UConn Extension