September 2019
Using Weather Station Data on Athletic Fields Plus Member Spotlight on Jason Puopolo
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Contents • September 2019 Features
10 Feature Story
Using Weather Station Data on Athletic Fields
Departments
12 Turf Talk
An Often Overlooked Weed Management Opportunity
14 Member Spotlight
NESTMA Member Jason Puopolo
On the cover: New England Revolution Training Center in Foxborough, MA. Learn more about the construction of this new $35-million state-of-the-art facility in an upcoming edition of The Blade.
Advancing professionalism in sports turf management and athletic field safety through education, research, and scholarships. The official publication of the New England Sports Turf Managers Association (NESTMA), the New England Blade is dedicated to educating, advising, and informing members of the profession and furthering the goals of the Association. The New England Blade carries news and features related to the sports turf management profession. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication and to refuse advertising not in keeping with the goals of the Association. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the validity of claims in connection with items appearing in the New England Blade. Mention of a commercial product does not imply endorsement by the New England Blade, NESTMA, or Leading Edge Communications, or preference over similar products not mentioned. The New England Blade is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of NESTMA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
4 • New England BLADE • September 2019
5 Index of Advertisers 6 President’s Message 7 Summer Field Day 8 Calendar of Events 9 Industry News
Officers
Directors
Board of Trustees
President Ben Polimer Town of Weston Weston, MA
Ed Ball Brewster Academy Wolfeboro, NH
Kim Britton Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH
President Elect Chris McGinty Framingham Parks Department Framingham, MA Treasurer Art Goodhind Town of Natick Natick, MA Secretary Brian Boesch University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI Past President Victoria Wallace UConn Extension Norwich, CT Special Advisor Mary Owen UMASS Turf Program Rochdale, MA
Mark Casey Finch Services, Inc. Andover, MA Mark DeWolf Wolfeboro, NH Ed Downing Read Custom Soils/ A.D. Makepeace Wareham, MA Matt McDonnell The Governor’s Academy Byfield, MA Ed Olsen Town of Needham Parks & Forestry Needham, MA Jason Puopolo Clark University Worcester, MA Andrew Walsh Pine Banks Park Malden, MA
Michael Buras, CSFM Longwood Cricket Club Chestnut Hill, MA John Cunniff Walpole, MA Management Team Virginia Wood, Executive Director Peggy Benjamin, Finance Kristen Dreyer, Education Carrie Martin, Registration Charissa Sharkey, Membership & Sponsors NESTMA Headquarters 8-D Pleasant Street South Natick, MA 01760 P: (508) 653-1241 F: (508) 653-4112 NESTMAinfo@gmail.com Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 P: (615) 790-3718 info@leadingedge communications.com
Advertiser Index
Atlantic Golf and Turf................................. 3 rick@atlanticgolfandturf.com Beam Clay.................................................... 8 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com The Charles Hart Seed Company............... 7 www.hartseed.com Covermaster, Inc......................................... 9 www.covermaster.com CoverSports USA.......................................15 www.coversports.com Harrell’s LLC................... Inside Front Cover www.harrells.com Leading Edge Communications.................. 5 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com New England Specialty Soils...................... 6 www.nesoils.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc..............11 www.progressiveturfequip.com Sportscapes Unlimited LLC........................ 3 www.sportscapesunlimited.com Tech Terra Environmental........................13 www.techterraenvironmental.com Turf Products Corp..................... Back Cover www.turfproductscorp.com/about
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September 2019 • New England Blade • 5
President’s Message
Behind the Scenes at NESTMA
T
he summer of heat, humidity and crabgrass is over! The good news is most of us used much less water than is normal for this time of year. Welltimed rain helps us do our job! Your Board of Directors and management team have been working hard to make our association even stronger. Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes look: • We continue to cultivate partnerships with allied organizations. Right now, we are collaborating with the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation, New
England Preparatory School Athletic Association, New Hampshire Recreation and Parks Association, Vermont Parks Association, Massachusetts Association of Lawncare Professionals, and the New England Golf Course Superintendents Association. These organizations recognize NESTMA as a key provider of sports turf education in the region. Partnering with them allows us to share our expertise with other industry segments and expand our association’s reach across New England.
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• The Board and the Trustees have authorized a generous donation to the UMASS Alumni Turf Group in honor of one of our founders and current Special Advisor, Mary Owen. We all know the impact that Mary has had on our industry and we want to give back. ATG will be honoring Mary at their annual golf tournament on September 3, 2019 and we hope to see many of you there. • We are offering a great new way for members to get together and learn this winter. On December 3, 2019, we’ll hold our first ever Dinner Meeting featuring industry expert, Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. Jim will share his thoughts on how to effectively communicate about pesticide use. Join us for a relaxed evening where we can network, learning something new, and enjoy a delicious steak dinner. (Details on page 8). You’ll read more about the exciting things that are happening at NESTMA in this issue of The Blade. Want to lend a hand? We are always looking for volunteers to serve on committees, help with programs, host events at their facility, or serve on the Board of Directors. NESTMA’s full-service headquarters and management team stand ready to help. Please reach out to them, or any Board member, with suggestions on ways we can continue to grow this great organization. May your infields be playable and your turf green,
coNtact our SaleS teaM for More iNforMatioN !
Bob doran 978-230-2244 bob@nesoils.com
lauren Baldarelli 978-860-5496
6 • New England BLADE • September 2019
lauren@nesoils.com
John toomey 978-660-0175 jt@nesoils.com
Ben Polimer NESTMA President Fields and Grounds Coordinator, Town of Weston, MA
All the latest equipment was on display at NESTMA’s Summer Field Day.
Dr. Henry’s presentation on Enhancing Athletic Field Safety was very well received.
Bob Dill got lots of questions about how he keeps the highly-used soccer fields at Elm Bank looking so great.
Wrap Up: Summer Field Day Thank you Sponsors! Gold
Bartlett Tree Experts
A
bout 100 NESTMA members enjoyed an information-packed day at NESTMA’s annual Summer Field & Turf Education Day entitled “Modern Sports Turf Management: Adapting to Change.” Hosted by the Town of Natick, Massachusetts at the beautiful Gardens at Elm Bank on July 31, 2019, the program featured trendsetting sponsor demonstrations and displays; an informative tour of the impressive soccer fields at Elm Bank led by Bob Dill of Bartlett; and future-focused presentations by both Gerald Henry, Ph.D. of the University of Georgia and Art DeGaetano, Ph.D. of Cornell. Talk about “adapting to change,” Art’s flights were canceled due to bad weather, so he made his presentation remotely without missing a beat! •
Finch Services, Inc. Tom Irwin MTE Turf Equipment Solutions Turf Products Corp. Silver
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September 2019 • New England Blade • 7
Thursday, October 3, 2019
MALCP/NESTMA Golf Tournament 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Butter Brook Golf Course Westford, MA MALCP.org
Upcoming Events December 3:
NESTMA Winter Dinner Meeting
Thursday, October 3, 2019 UConn Native Plant and Pollinator Conference
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT Ipm.uconn.edu/events-native-plantconference-2019.php
James T. Brosnan, Ph.D., Professor, The University of Tennessee
B
ased on member feedback, NESTMA will host its inaugural dinner meeting on December 3, 2019 at Ken’s Steak House in Framingham, MA. This new format offers members a chance to network, earn CEU credit, and enjoy a delicious meal outside of the regular work day. We start at 5:00 p.m. with a social hour, followed by Dr. Brosnan’s presentation at 6:00 p.m., and dinner at 7:00 p.m. Watch your mail for registration details coming soon.
Know Your Audience: Strategies for Discussing Pest Management
Public pressure regarding pesticide use has increased to the extent that many athletic field managers are now prohibited from using pesticides altogether. Many professionals feel comfortable talking about the merits of pesticide use with colleagues but fall short when discussing the topic with those outside the green industry. Learn effective ways to confidently communicate the benefits of pesticide use with your facility’s decisionmakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
Dr. Brosnan is a Professor in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee (UT) and Director of the UT Weed Diagnostics Center. His research focuses on controlling unique and problematic turfgrass weeds, particularly phenotypes with resistance to herbicides. Dr. Brosnan serves as an advisor to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association Board of Directors, and he is actively involved in the Weed Science Society of America, Southern Weed Science Society, GCSAA, and STMA. He has consulted at multiple venues on the PGA Tour (including several major championship host sites) in addition to National Football League franchises. Dr. Brosnan received a B.S. in turfgrass science from Penn State University, an M.S. in plant, soil and insect sciences (turfgrass) from the University of Massachusetts. •
October 10 & 11, 2019 VRPA Annual Conference Lake Morey Resort Fairlee, VT Vrpa.wildapricot.org
Friday, November 15, 2019 NEPSAC Annual Meeting DCU Center Worcester, MA NEPSAC.org
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
NESTMA Winter Dinner Meeting Know Your Audience: Strategies for Discussing Pest Management Speaker: Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., University of Tennessee 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Ken’s Steak House Framingham, MA NESTMA.org
January 13 – 16, 2020
STMA Conference & Exhibition West Palm Beach, FL Stma.org/conference
March 3 – 5, 2020 New England Regional Turfgrass Conference
Rhode Island Convention Center Providence, RI NERTF.org
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 NESTMA Annual Meeting & Lunch
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11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Rhode Island Convention Center Providence, RI NESTMA.org
Watch your email for regular updates and registration information via NESTMA’s E-newsletter.
Mark Your Calendar! New England Regional Turfgrass Conference March 3 – 5, 2020 • Providence, Rhode Island
Let’s Talk New England Turf Research
T
By Gary Sykes, NERTF Executive Director
he New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation (NERTF) has been funding local research for more than 20 years with $2.5 million spent as of 2019. Currently, the foundation has eight projects funded for 2019 that amount to $135,131. Since the start of this initiative, 86 research projects have been funded by the foundation. Here’s a quick look at projects that are being supported with NERTF funds during the growing season of 2019: 1. Solvita™ Soil Test Kits to Categorize Golf Course Fairway Responsiveness to N Fertilization. Dr. Karl Guillard, University of Connecticut. 2. Evaluation of Fairway Rolling Frequency, Rolling Start Time, and Thatch Accumulation for Control of Dollar Spot. Dr. Geunhwa Jung, University of Massachusetts. 3. SDHI Resistance in Dollar Spot, Development of Management Strategies and Detection Testing. Dr. Geunhwa Jung, University of Massachusetts. 4. The Effect of Turfgrass Seed Mixtures, Seeding Rate and Mowing Timing on Weed Productions in Establishing Pesticide-Free Athletic Fields and Lawn Areas. Dr. Jason Henderson & Ms. Vickie Wallace of University of Connecticut.
5. Evaluation of Wildflowers and Trap Nests to Increase Forage and Habitat for Bees around New England Golf Courses. Dr. Steve Alm, University of Rhode Island. 6. Earthworm Species, Seasonal Phenology and Effect of Wetting Agents on Earthworm Castings and Abundance on New England Golf Courses. Dr. Olga Kostromystka, University of Massachusetts. 7. Exploring Methods to Enhance Biocontrol of Turfgrass Diseases. Dr. John Inguagiato, University of Connecticut. 8. Comparing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Soil Microbial Populations from Turfgrass Fertilized with Slow-release Synthetic Fertilizer or an Organic Fertilizer. Dr. Karl Guillard, University of Connecticut.
These eight ongoing projects, as well as the final chapter preparations of the BMP project, may increase the total funding for 2019 to $165,131.00. If you have any questions about any of the research presently being done, be sure to attend a university turf field day, feel free to communicate with the researchers, or visit
www.nertf.org There is much going on and we compliment everyone involved for their hard work and dedication. •
September 2019 • New England Blade • 9
Feature Story
• Placed directly on a turf or landscaped area, in a location free from excessive radiant heat provided by adjacent driveways, sidewalks, and buildings, which act as heat “sinks” and produce misleadingly higher air temperatures, lower humidity, and higher ET values. • Operational in a school/public environment location where protection from vandalism and firewall settings do not disrupt data transmission. • Placed with a clear sight line to the location where data will be received.
Why is monitoring weather important?
Using Weather Station Data
on Athletic Fields
By Vickie Wallace and Alyssa Siegel-Miles, UConn Extension
W
eather stations are a powerful tool that have long been utilized in production agriculture and have become essential equipment on golf courses and sports facilities. The ability to correct problematic management practices as early as possible, and to scout to prevent pest problems before they occur, helps athletic field and grounds managers better manage their fields and facility properties.
What are weather stations? A weather station is a group of centrally organized instruments that measure atmospheric and soil conditions using many different sensors. On-site weather stations monitor the microclimate of a specific growing area, such as precipitation, air and soil temperature, evapotranspiration (ET), wind speed, and relative humidity. Weather stations must be properly sited, installed, and maintained to be effective and reliable. To correctly site the weather station, it must be: • In an open location, on level terrain, where no shading or disruption in wind flow can occur. It should be sited well away from all buildings, large structures, and trees, to account for seasonal changes in shade and wind patterns.
10 • New England BLADE • September 2019
Weather conditions can vary over short distances, so off-site measurements from a public weather network may not accurately reflect the precipitation and temperature in the immediate vicinity of a school’s athletic fields and grounds. For irrigation and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) decisions, more specific measurements may be required. Weather stations can be an integral tool for making: 1. Irrigation decisions: • Athletic fields may require irrigation for turfgrass to remain dense and healthy, given the challenging conditions (e.g., compaction and heavy wear) associated with school athletic fields. • Weather stations can estimate the evapotranspiration (ET) rate of a turfgrass area. Awareness of water loss through ET is a valuable component for making irrigation management decisions. • Scheduling irrigation events according to observed ET water loss rates, rather than irrigating on an automatic schedule, minimizes ineffective watering and wasteful water loss. 2. Pest management decisions, as part of a comprehensive school IPM program: • IPM is a sustainable and scientific approach to pest control that strives to address and correct the root causes of pest problems. • Weather stations can support accurate IPM decisions. Pest management decisions based on growing degree days are more accurate than a calendar-based approach. The timing of insect development, disease activity, weed germination, and seedhead emergence of broadleaf and grassy weeds may vary based on seasonal weather conditions. • Predicting the optimal time for chemical treatment, where chemical control methods are not prohibited, is dependent on accurate microclimate information.
How can the information collected from weather stations be used in turf management programs? 1. Irrigation scheduling: • Help determine when and where to irrigate, based on soil moisture and ET readings.
2. Pest Management of Weeds, Insects, and Diseases: • I mprove decisions about timing of cultural management strategies and methods of potential control options. •E stimate the timing of weed emergence, disease onset, and insect growth stages, based on Growing Degree Day (GDD) calculations and soil temperature readings. Weed Management: • Substantiate where/when to use pre- or post-emergent herbicide, where permitted. • Many weed management decisions are based on the timing of seedling emergence, which can be especially challenging to predict, as weed seedlings emerge over an extended period of time. The timing of seedling emergence is influenced by many factors, including soil temperature, soil water availability, soil depth, and soil type. Insect Management: Weather station data can predict the best time to scout for damaging insect pests, as GDD may follow emergence or the morphological development of the pest. • Insects’ growth and activity depends on the surrounding external temperatures. Their development is directly proportional to increasing heat as the season progresses.
•T urf managers can use information on the amount of accumulated heat units, measured in GDD, to create predictions of when to expect and scout for these insect pests. •W here permitted, biocontrol agents or insecticides must be applied at the optimal time to ensure that treatment is as effective as possible. Disease Management: •F ungi that cause turfgrass diseases are dependent on certain environmental conditions for growth and infection. Monitoring temperature and moisture through weather stations makes it possible to predict and prepare for potential disease development. Disease forecasting can optimize the timing of treatment applications, if warranted and where permitted, and improve control. 3. Where pesticides are not allowed, weather stations can be a critically helpful tool for scouting (e.g., awareness of grub and beetle emergence) and timing of cultural practices (e.g., mowing to prevent weed seed development). Vickie Wallace is an Extension Educator with UConn Extension. Contact her at Victoria.wallace@uconn.edu or (860) 885-2826. •
September 2019 • New England Blade • 11
Turf Talk
An Often Overlooked Weed Management Opportunity By Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Weed Specialist
As
we build weed management programs for turf, it is important to take advantage of every opportunity at our disposal. One such opportunity occurs during the establishment and/or renovation process that often occurs in the turf areas we manage. It is at times hard to fight the temptation to adopt the “plant now and worry about it later” strategy. This is a path that will likely result in great regret down the road. Weed management at the start of a project can solve many difficult weed problems. The expression “let’s start with a clean slate” should be in the back of your mind as you plan and implement establishment and/or renovation projects in turf and landscape areas.
Situations where the “fresh state/clean slate” approach may be warranted Turf:
1. Weeds cover exceeds 50 percent. 2. The presence of difficult-to-control weeds as a result of neglect and/or ineffective management. 3. Lack of effective cultural or selective herbicidal options for specific weed species. 4. Perennial weeds with asexually vegetative means of reproduction (creeping roots, rhizomes or nutlets).
Landscape:
1. The presence of difficult-to-control weeds (including invasive plants) as a result of neglect and/or ineffective management. 2. Lack of existing effective cultural or selective herbicidal options for specific weed species. 3. Perennial weeds with asexually vegetative means of reproduction (creeping roots, rhizomes or nutlets).
Implementation guidelines
A non-selective, translocated herbicide such a glyphosate is the most appropriate when implementing the “fresh state/clean slate” approach. Contact herbicides such as diquat (Reward), pelargonic acid (Scythe) and non-chemical products that contain clove oil, citric acid, acetic acid or orange extract are not suitable. These contact herbicides will not control perennial weeds, especially those with asexually vegetative means of reproduction. Turf: In turf, the “fresh state/clean slate” strategy focuses primary around the establish of a new turf area when little, if any, of the previous turf is worth saving. 1. L ate summer and early fall (August 14 to September 15) is the best time for turf establishment by seed. 2. I n preparation for turf establishment, treat area with glyphosate, a non-selective, translocated herbicide in early to
12 • New England BLADE • September 2019
mid-July. If perennial weed regrowth is observed, another application can be made before seeding. There is no need to be concerned with summer annual weeds (crabgrass, carpetweed, spotted spurge and purslane) that may germinate this late is the season. 3. Collect and submit a soil test. Soil test results will indicate if corrective measures regarding soil pH and fertility are necessary. 4. Select a seed mixture appropriate for the site based on site conditions and intended turf area use. This mixture should contain turf species and cultivars of those species that are best adapted to the most limiting site factors (fertility, shade, moisture, traffic/wear and site use). 5. Seeding can be done with an overseeder and there is no need to remove the dead surface layer. 6. Turf establishment at the end of the growth season may not require a preemergence herbicide application. If annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a problem, an application of mesotrione (sprayable or on-starter fertilizer formulation) will suppress this fall-germinating winter annual weed. 7. Application of a starter fertilizer (water-soluble, quick release) is recommended. 8. Irrigation should be applied in the absence of adequate rainfall. 9. In the spring following turf establishment, standard weed management practices should resume. Landscape: In a landscape setting, the “fresh state/clean slate” strategy focuses primarily around the installation of a new landscape, as it may be difficult to convince your customer to rip out an existing landscape with the sole purpose of managing weeds. However, if the landscape ornamentals are overgrown and weeds, including invasive plants, are present, it might be something to consider. 1. Determine the most troublesome weed species at the site. 2. W hile glyphosate may provide acceptable control for many weed species, it might not be effective enough and another herbicide will need to be used or incorporated. 3. I n most cases, the control of weeds should begin well in advance of the installation of landscapes ornamentals. For spring installations, weed management strategies might need to start the previous growing season. For late season installations, weed management can begin early in the season. While this may be viewed as a lengthy process, it is important to make sure that your weed management objectives are obtained before planting begins. Reprinted with permission from UMass Hort Notes 2019 Vol. 30:1 February 1, 2019. •
Member Spotlight
NESTMA Member Spotlight
Jason Puopolo
Superintendent of Grounds • Clark University • Worcester, MA How long have you been a NESTMA member? I have been a member for a little over six years. I am also a member of STMA, PGMS, NEGCSA, and GCSAA.
of performing the same agronomic or cultural practices can be detrimental to both the areas that you manage and to your morale and attitude as a whole.
Where did you go to school? I went to Penn State where I received a degree in Turfgrass Science and Management.
What advice would you share with people starting out today? The best piece of advice that was given to me early in my career was to see as many things as possible and to learn from as many people as possible. Having all of your experience based on one individual property or micro climate can hinder your growth, in the way that you will only learn how to manage a plant right there in the conditions common to that environment. There is a fine balance between moving around too much and not at all, but don’t be afraid to switch things up and try something new or learn from someone new. Do this early in your career, because it gets exponentially more difficult to do as you get older.
What was your first job in the industry? My first job was on the Grounds Staff at a local golf course (Shaker Hills Golf Club). It was here that I really developed my love for turf and all things plant-related. Who was your mentor when you first started out? The first Superintendent that I worked for, Glenn Misiaszek (now at Cohasset Golf Club), had the greatest impact on my career. It is hard to show someone at an early age what a career or a life can be, but he managed to get it through to a young meathead like me. I also gained great mentorship from Drew Cummins who I worked for at Red Tail Golf Club during school. Drew put a lot of faith in me. While some lessons were hard-learned by my own mistakes, they helped me grow into the person I am today. What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received? To never be afraid of trying something new of different. As our industry continues to develop, there are always new technologies, practices, and science coming out. Getting stuck in a rut
14 • New England BLADE • September 2019
Since the beginning of your career, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in the sports turf industry? When I was first coming up in the Golf Course Industry, social media was nonexistent and the internet was in the stone ages. The amount of resources literally at hand is something that we all take for granted. Whether it’s checking weather maps and forecasts, managing irrigation systems through my phone, or being able to double check pesticide rates while my spray tech is filling up; what we have gained as managers couldn’t have been imagined by the people that came before us — it sure beats trying to stuff a bunch of books, planners, and other junk into the dash of an already crowded truck.
What’s your favorite/most useful: Equipment? One of the most valuable pieces of equipment is my sprayer. I currently use a Z-Spray Maxx. The areas that I manage can be unique in size and access and the Z-Spray cannot be beat. Coverage, rates, and dependability have me recommending it to my peers constantly. Product? Turface Pro League Red. The surface that it helps to provide and the lasting color that I get out of it is far beyond other comparable products I have tried. The positive feedback I get from coaches and players helps to justify the cost. Technology? The advancement in Irrigation Central Controllers and the ability to control all aspects of their operation and management remotely through a smartphone makes my time that much more efficient. What have you enjoyed most about being a NESTMA member? Networking with peers is often overlooked, but it is crucial for so many aspects of our jobs. Developing relationships helps on a daily basis, even if it is something as small as giving someone a call to brainstorm or asking for advice. More people could use a bit of an ego check, in that it is not saying anything bad about yourself when you ask for advice.
2019 Commencement at Clark University
Can you share a bit about your family life and what you enjoy doing in your free time? I have been happily married to my wife and best friend Christine going on six years now. We, along with our two dogs, are extremely active in the outdoors. I grew up surfing, snowboarding, cycling, and hiking, all of which I still participate in regularly. My wife loves all of these sports as well, leaving us pretty much no down time at all! Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow NESTMA members? There is a balance between work and life. Enjoy your life! I have seen far too many burn themselves out by self-inflicted expectations. While it gives us the eye we need for the work we do, we are our own worst critics. Cut yourself some slack. A professor once told me, “you are going to lose turf, it is just a plant and you can get it back.” •
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