The Old Stone Dock Association held our Annual Meeting and Summer Social on Sunday, 08/13/23 at the Flying Bridge on Scranton Avenue from noon to 3:00 pm.  The last Summer Social was in 2019 so we were pleased that 77 members and guests signed up for this meeting.  Members checked in and received a name badge that included their street name and a copy of their 2023-2024 directory.   They also had an opportunity to complete a survey asking for comments about what took place this past year, what they would like to see for the coming year and asked their interest for serving on a committee or on the board at a future date.  Logo wear was also available for sale (t shirts, vests, sweatshirts, baseball caps, winter hats, note cards and tote bags).

Terry Saunders chaired this event.  Cindy Lehtinen and Bob Lehtinen processed the returns.  Polly Thayer and Terry Saunders checked members in.  Scott Puopolo spoke to members by the registration table about their interests and issues and assisted those who wanted to complete a survey.  Laura Puopolo and Steve Saunders set up and sold logo wear.  President Jay Thayer welcomed guests and addressed the membership.

Members enjoyed a beverage and had a half hour to socialize and take in the beautiful views on the second floor deck of the Flying Bridge.  President Jay Thayer welcomed all before we enjoyed clam chowder served tableside and a BBQ buffet which included Caesar salad, pasta salad, corn on the cob, sliced watermelon, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken.  Strawberry Shortcake and coffee / tea was served tableside.

Jay spoke again after dessert was served.  He introduced Terry Saunders, who was co-chair of the Tuition Assistance Committee along with Carole Mendoza.  Terry’s presentation included the attributes of the four recipients (see separate story).  Each received a check for $500.  The recipients and their sponsors are listed below.

  • Grace Rakeman, granddaughter of OSDA members Donna & Mike Herlihy
  • Danny Smith, grandson of OSDA members Sandy & Paul Smith
  • Sean Smith, grandson of OSDA members Sandy & Paul Smith
  • Caleb Woodworth, son of OSDA members Kristin & Steve Woodworth

Jay then introduced Beach Committee Chair Barbara Schneider.  Barb thanked the OSDA for all the things we did including the flower boxes at the Ellen T Mitchell Bath House in May, the annual beach cleanup in June and most recently the beach worker appreciation breakfast in July.  She also spoke briefly about some of the beach committee initiatives and she advised there would be a beach committee summit at the main Falmouth Public Library on Thursday 08/24/23 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.   Other groups represented will be the conservation commission, the harbormaster’s office, the department of public works, Falmouth Engineering and the Woods Hole Group.  The public is invited.

Jay spoke with Peter McConarty the Director of Public Works before the meeting and was able to provide the membership an update on what was happening in the neighborhood (sidewalks, dredging, etc.).   He also said that a member came before the Board looking for our backing regarding reducing speed on Shore Street.  Terry Saunders reached out to the Police Department via an on line form describing the situation and within a few days there was a speed monitor placed on Shore Street.

Thanks to all who helped make this event a success and especially to those members who took the time out of their busy schedules to attend.

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2024 ANNUAL MEETING & SUMMER SOCIAL – TENTATIVELY BEING PLANNED FOR SUNDAY, 08/04/24