Meet the Organic Gardening Staff – Certified AOLCP’s
Since 2016 Eldredge Lumber and Hardware has been a proud supporter of NOFA, Connecticut’s Organic Land Care Program.
This program was started in 1999 with the publishing of Standards of Organic Land Care. This was followed in 2002 with the deployment of the first comprehensive course in organic land care. They also initiated an accreditation program for organic landscapers.
The primary goals of the program are:
- Maintaining soil health
- Eliminating the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
- Increasing landscape diversity
- Improving the health and well-being of the people and web of life in our care
Today, Eldredge is proud to have 12 Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals (AOLCP’S) on staff in our 3 stores. These employees must pass a four-day comprehensive course in organic land care, and are required to maintain continuing education by attending a minimum of 4 credit-hours of organic landscaping education annually.
AOLCP’s are listed here. Feel free to ask for them by name on your next visit.
John Bochert
York Store
AOLCP (2016)
UMaine Master Gardener Program (1999)
2020 marks John’s 30th year in horticulture.
Since 2013 John has been instrumental in realizing Scott Eldredge’s vision of an all-organic Lawn & Garden Dept. Today, John oversees 3 chemical-free departments and is often called upon to make presentations about organics to civic groups and educational organizations. In 2018 he addressed the 36th National Pesticide forum in Irvine, CA sponsored by Washington, DC-based Beyond Pesticides. John lives on his 2.6 acre estate in Cape Neddick, Maine with his wife, Liz and innumerable pets.
Linda S. Bridges
Portland Store
AOLCP (2019)
“I’ve been gardening all my life and have had a working compost for 20 yrs. in all my residences.”
Linda brings her enthusiasm for organic gardening to our customers, helping them see it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
Maliea Chiem
Portland Store
AOLCP (2019)
Certified Bonsai Professional
Maliea brings a unique and welcomed twist to our Garden and Organics program. She has served as assistant to Colin Lewis, Ho Yoku School of Bonsai (UK), and is a graduate of Bonsai Creativo (Italy). We look forward to her vision in expanding and broadening the scope of our Organics program.
Jennie Crocker
York Store
AOLCP 2016
Master Gardener 2017
Jennie’s passion for organic gardening and soil sustainability through natural nutrient amendments is unequaled. Her lifelong gardening experience offers a tremendous benefit to our customers.
Adam Eldredge
York Store
AOLCP (2018)
Manager of Operations for Contractor Sales.
Adam has been involved in the farming and agriculture industry for 20 years and has been employed at Eldredge Lumber for 12+ years.
Susan Engel
York Store
AOLCP (2018)
Master Gardener 2019
Assistant Store/Sales Manager
Owner of Honey-do Farms
Norm Sirois
Portland Store
NOFA certified (2018)
Manager of the Lumber Yard & Store in Portland.
Norm hails from a farming family and has been involved in horticulture and growing his whole life.
Mark Mancini
York Store
AOLCP (2018)
2016 Advanced Permaculture Design Course
2014 Permaculture Design Course
2013 Master Gardener Volunteer
Mark has extensive training in the field of organics, sustainability and soil amendments which allows him to provide solutions for our customers where there seems to be none. A wealth of knowledge and information he is a cornerstone of our Organics program.
Francesca Mastrangelo
York Store
AOLCP (2019)
Francesca’s love of flowers is evidenced by the extensive perennial and annual gardens along with fruit trees and shrubs she has nurtured at her home. Her eye for color, care for plants, and willingness to assist our customers with their plant choices is a much appreciated asset.
John Maurice
Portland Store
AOLCP (2019)
John is a real example of an outdoorsman and his quest to maintain the land in a non-invasive manner by using sustainable and organic products landed him at Eldredge Lumber. He realized years ago the use of chemicals to improve his lawn and control his insect problem was not the answer. He is excited to be a part of a team that has the knowledge and expertise to assist our customers in the same manner.
Jeannine Vieten
York Store
AOLCP (2018)
Senior Business Analyst (30 years)
BS Cum Laude: Management & Computer Science
Jeannine applies her extensive business skills in planning and managing our Organic Greenhouse offerings.
Meet the Rest of Our Knowledgeable Staff
Lewis Buchanan
Portland Store
Store Manager
Lewis is instrumental in all phases of the organic program in our Portland store.
Michael Maroney
York Store
B.S. Degree in Horticulture from Penn State
Michael spent several summers working in greenhouses during his college years and joined a landscaping crew for a summer after graduation.
Emelia Pepin
York Store
Born and raised on a farm, Emilia remembers delivering pumpkins and produce to their local grocer. She has continued her passion for Organics and sustainable gardening by transforming her yard into a food forest.
