By Ron P. Coderre
Following a long and deliberate process by a committee appointed by Board of Director’s Chairman Mark Brouillard, the search for a Golf Course Superintendent at Quinnatisset Country Club was finalized with the naming of Erik Frederick, 32, to the position. The position, which attracted more than 100 applicants from around the country, is in new hands for the first time in 28 years.
Frederick hails from Destin, Fla., in the panhandle of the Sunshine State. He’s the son of a retired attorney and mother who works in sales. He has one brother who’s a student at St. Louis University. The tall blond, well-spoken Frederick, with the Florida beach boy looks, played junior golf before graduating from Fort Walton Beach High School in 2002.
He graduated from the University of Florida in 2007 with a degree in Turfgrass Science in 2007. He then attained a master’s degree from Penn State University in 2012. Most recently he was the assistant superintendent at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich. He’s also worked at Winged Foot C.C. in Mamaroneck, N.Y., Shooting Star in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and Sandestin Country Club.
“I became interested in Quinnatisset because it offered me an opportunity of upward mobility. My lifestyle is well suited for this type of golf environment. I’m looking forward to bringing best management practices to the course,” said Frederick about his move.
Golf course management wasn’t an initial interest for Frederick. He enrolled at the University of Florida as an architecture major. A fraternity brother in college who was in turf management peaked his interest in what eventually turned into his career.
“We’ve worked on a technology control approach with the irrigation system. Rather than relying on visual cues our approach is scientific. We’re also using a new top dressing method with the greens making the surface firmer,” said Frederick about recent changes he’s implemented.
The initial impression he’s created with the membership, his staff and the pro shop has been very positive. As an outgoing individual who believes in a team approach to all he does, Frederick isn’t afraid of digging in and doing manual labor when necessary. He describes himself as an individual who is easy to communicate with.
Longtime pro shop and golf course manager Mike Pizzetti agrees.
“Since Erik arrived he’s been great to work with. Together we want to bring the course to the next level. We’ve always been a sought after course to play and with his new approach we can offer a better experience to our members and potential members,” said Pizzetti.
Frederick will work with a staff of nine people including him. During the summer months he’s looking to add a couple staff. He’s fortunate to have an assistant in Mike Cushing who’s been around for a few years and has a good feel for the course.
“I’ve inherited a dedicated crew. They’ve been a real asset to me and have been open to my ideas. By leading by example I know we’ll enjoy a great relationship,” said Frederick.
The Search Committee responsible for hiring Frederick was led by Joe Bachand. He was joined by George Tsanjoures, Paul Roy, Brouillard and Charlie King. They received professional assistance from Dr. Michael Sullivan of the University of Rhode Island, Turf School. The committee is planning an open house to introduce Frederick to the membership and community in the near future.
“This is my first job as a superintendent. I want to be the best that I can be for the course and the membership. I envision this as a long term relationship,” said Frederick about his new position.
Performs
Former Eastford resident Joshua Bouchard recently performed as a featured vocalist with the Broadway Local Chorus on an April 9 live broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion at The Town Hall, a national historic landmark venue in New York City. Bouchard is a graduate of Eastford Elementary School and Woodstock Academy. A four time recipient of Eastford’s Ethel Cushing Gardner music scholarship, he also graduated with a degree in musical performance from Ithaca College, and studied at the Manhattan School of Music. Courtesy photo.
Anniversary
Norman and Janet (Leschke) Fellows of Woodstock celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 21. The wedding ceremony was held at the First Congregational Church of Pomfret and the reception was held at the Ben Grosvenor Inn which used to stand across from the church. Building their home in 1955, they raised two daughters, Susan (Michael) Kozey and Katherine (Dan ) Southall. They are also grandparents of five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A celebration was held in their honor of their 65 years as husband and wife. Courtesy photos.
WOODSTOCK — The revaluation process in Woodstock has begun already. Vision Government Solutions assisting the Assessor’s Office in completing the state-mandated revaluation of all real property located in the Town of Woodstock for the Oct. 1, 2016, Grand List.
Data collectors have already begun the task of inspecting individual properties. The data collection phase of the program is expected to be complete by summer, 2016.
A VGSI Data Collector will make an initial visit to each property to verify the information currently on file in the Assessor’s Office.
The Data Collector will ask to briefly inspect the interior if an adult is at home. If no adult is available at the time the Data Collector visits the property, they will only measure the exterior of all buildings. If an interior inspection is not performed during the initial visit to the property, a second visit will be made after 5 p.m. or on a Saturday. If the inspection was still not completed, the property owner will then be notified by mail requesting they call VGSI to make an appointment for an interior inspection. The assessor will be updated regularly as to where the data collectors are currently working.
Although property owners are not required to allow the Data Collector inside homes or businesses, their cooperation is important to the overall success of the project. The only way to truly insure equitable assessments is with accurate information.
The Data Collectors, who will be talking to property owners during the inspection period, do not determine property values. Their only job is to collect and/or verify information on land and structures, including sketches and measurements of buildings. Data Collectors and other appraisal workers will carry identification cards.
Anyone wishing to question an ID can contact the Assessor’s office at 860-928-6929 x327 or x326 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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