PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
SIMON SAYS
“Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan.” — Simon Sinek
So
true! I used to have a plan. I had timelines. I had schedules. I had charts. I had it all figured out, down to the smallest detail. Then March 2020 hit hard and it all went out the window. Every single plan was upended. Sure, we floundered around for a bit waiting for things to settle down and become clear. When they didn’t, we punted. Just like all of you, we changed our thinking and did the best we could to adapt and serve the citizens of our community. I cannot tell you how much I have relied on my NESTMA colleagues during this chaotic time. I know I can pick up the phone to find out how fellow members like Art, Eddie, or Angela are handling the latest government restrictions in their town. I rely on suppliers like Ian, Ed, and Evan to fill me in on what
they’re hearing across the region. I reach out to educators like Vickie, Jason, and Michelle to help me address issues in our sports fields. Every one of them has been there for me. They’ve answered the phone, or stopped by for a visit, or pointed me in the right direction. I hope they can say the same about me. That’s what NESTMA membership is all about. Stay safe. Stay involved. Stay in touch!
Chris McGinty NESTMA President
NESTMA NEWS Virtual Annual Meeting a Success
2020 was a year for adapting to change. In keeping with that theme, NESTMA held its first Annual Meeting virtually on December 15. Members — old and new — gathered via Zoom to catch up with each other and check in on future plans. Ian Lacy did a fine job moderating the meeting and members heard from NESTMA leaders about how the association fared in 2020. Mary Owen was recognized for her countless contributions to the industry and wished all the best in her retirement. Vickie Wallace was thanked as she exits the board with the good news that she’ll stay involved as a NESTMA Trustee. Special thanks were given to Mike Buras who has served the Trustees well for many years. Art Goodhind gave the Treasurer’s report and the 2021 budget was approved. The election results were announced. Tom Barry was welcomed to the board, outgoing president Ben Polimer received a gavel plaque in recognition of his service, and Chris McGinty took the helm as president.
Thanks! Ben Polimer was recognized for his many years of service to NESTMA.
“ As turfgrass managers, we are seen as frontline employees for towns, colleges, municipalities, and more. We are skilled professionals who help where we are needed. We easily adapt to new things and are able to help at a moment’s notice. Years ago, someone at STMA said to me, ‘as turfgrass managers, we make memories.’ This year, green spaces became havens during dark and lonely days. Many would like to forget 2020, but for some we were able to make their days a little brighter.” - Ben Polimer
6 • New England BLADE • March 2021
Online Learning at its Best Winter Webinars FREE for NESTMA members! NESTMA’s education committee put together an outstanding winter webinar speaker line-up filled with cutting-edge information. In January, Art Eddy of RePlay Maintenance offered practical advice on synthetic turf maintenance (See page 8); February featured Pam Sherratt, Ohio State University, with techniques for early season turf pest and management; and in March George Mullan, CEO of SISGrass comes all the way from the U.K to share the latest on hybrid grass stitching as a means to extend the life of sports fields.
Thanks to our winter webinar sponsors
Harrell’s, Hart’s Turf Pro, Read Custom Soils, Shaw Sports Turf, and Turf Products Corp. Learn more at NESTMA.org.
Dues Renewal is Easy Online
Many thanks to members who have renewed their dues for 2021. Online renewal is super simple at NESTMA.org. Please remember that NESTMA dues renewal is separate from STMA. •
