The Old Stone Dock Association will be participating in Falmouth Preservation Alliance’s "Preservation Expo" on the grounds of Museums on the Green, Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2017. This event is designed to serve the renovation, restoration and repair needs of Cape Cod homeowners by offering displays, information and Q&A opportunities with local business owners, service providers and preservation specialists. It’s an informal opportunity for homeowners of old and historic homes and buyers too to learn from experts or just browse local services and products suitable for their homes of all architectural styles and eras. Bring an item for appraisal by a certified antiques appraiser. Michael Kasparian, CEO of the Chamber, is the Certified Antiques Appraiser. He’ll offer free appraisals for the first item per attendee, $10 for the second item. It’s a hometown version of Antiques Roadshow. ® Also participating will be non-profits that regularly collaborate with the Alliance, like OSDA. This Preservation Expo will be held rain or shine, indoors in the Cultural Center and under pop-up tents outside. Everyone is welcome at this FREE event for the public. Please stop by the OSD table and say hello.

March 10, 2017  E-mail to Members Hi Neighbor The Old Stone Dock Association has been selected as a 2017 recipient of the Falmouth Heritage Society Award. This is a big deal.   Established in 2000 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Historical Society, the award recognizes individuals or organizations who have provided outstanding leadership over time to help preserve the character, culture, stories, vistas or other aspect of Falmouth’s rich history, or have inspired others to do so, resulting in a lasting legacy.  That's where the Old Stone Dock Association comes in.  We have been cited especially this year in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the Old Stone Dock itself and the efforts we have made to create appreciation throughout the town for that piece of our maritime heritage.  It's the type of work we have been doing for the 50 years of the Association's history, working with the town for improvements in beautification, traffic control, beach utilization, road maintenance, and the general well-being of residents. More information will follow, but now is the time to plan for a special night at the Coonamessett Inn.   If you haven't been to a Heritage Awards Dinner before, I can tell you that it's a gala evening in Falmouth. We enjoy our annual gatherings at the Beach Breeze and ShoreWay Acres, and this is literally a once-in-a-lifetime recognition to gather with a town-wide audience in celebration of the Old Stone Dock's 200 years of serving Falmouth, and the Association's services rendered over decades to advocate for the areas around the beach and bathhouse on behalf of all residents. Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 5pm until you're tired. Many thanks to all of you for your support of the Association!  I hope you will plan to join the celebration. Kevin Doyle, President Old Stone Dock Association

FHS Launches Bicentennial of the Old Stone Dock The following story appeared in the Falmouth Enterprise on Friday, 04/14/17 Fifty Falmouth High School students gathered in the school's auditorium last Monday, 04/10/17 to start a town-wide commemoration of the 200-year history of the Old Stone Dock on Surf Drive Beach. They were encouraged by an equal number of town leaders and members of the Old Stone Dock Association as they begin their research for their spring workshops. The Old Stone Dock, built in 1817, has continued to serve the town for 200 years, according to Mr. Kevin M. Doyle, the President of the Old Stone Dock Association. First, as a center for commercial activity and then as a recreational asset serving day sailors and finally beach goers.  It is currently used as the “Kiddie Pool” at Surf Drive Beach. In his talk, “History, Heroes, and Hurricanes,” Mr. Doyle explained how the founders of Falmouth came from Barnstable in 1660 and settled in Wampanoag fishing grounds along Mill Road. As the town grew towards the Village Green, the merchants continued to rely on packet ships, sailing to ports from New York to Boston, to conduct commerce.   It is likely, though not readily verifiable, that wooden docks and piers served the settlers until the Great Gale of September 1815 destroyed the strongest dock, built from palm tree trunks.  That was when the town decided to build a dock with a massive granite base that would quell the waves around the pilings. The courage and pride of Falmouth citizens was exhibited on the shoreline during both the American Revolution and the War of 1812 when Falmouth resisted landings and endured a cannonade from HMS Nimrod rather than succumb to British rule. The role of the militia in the Revolutionary War was commemorated by a Bicentennial reenactment on Surf Drive Beach in 1979.  The Town Hall mural by J. Downs depicts the actual attack, and a painting in the Selectmen's chambers by Karen Rinaldo celebrates the reenactment. The lecture was heavily illustrated with vintage postcards from the Robert C. Hunt collection, donated to the Falmouth Public Library. Also used, were photographs from Mr. Donald Fish's unique collection.   A sequence of images showed the evolution of Falmouth Harbor after Deacons Pond was dredged and Clinton Avenue was cut off to create the opening to the harbor in 1908. After the lecture, senior Annie Marshall said that she “learned some history of the town that I never knew before.” Classmate Rita Sherwood agreed saying, “It was fascinating to learn about the unseen history of our town.”   Student Jack Doyle (no relation to the speaker) was interested to learn more about the British attacks on Falmouth and the pride of the citizens in defending their town.  Perhaps most representative of students' reactions was Lizzie Bressoud who simply stated, “All my life I never knew that the rocks were once a town dock!” Students from art teacher Mrs. Jane Baker and English teacher Mrs. Lauren Kenny's classes will [...]

Old Stone Dock Association members walked in the annual parade which stepped off at noon on Sunday, 12/04/16.  They sported a new color banner designed for the Bicentennial and handcrafted by member Kathy Hall.  Trent and Jacob Tessier carried the banner and members Kevin Doyle, Paul Smith and Jim Fox proudly walked behind it (see featured picture). The Annual after the Parade Holiday Party took place at ShoreWay Acres Inn from 2 to 4 p.m.  It was attended by over 100 members and guests including several public officials.   Dorie and Greg Ketterer were the perfect hosts and there was a delicious buffet enjoyed by all.  The buffet included an 1817 Sampler of Falmouth Comfort Foods including Indian Pudding, Baked Beans, Brown Bread and Apple Cranberry Crisp. The children enjoyed face painting by OSDA member Kathy Hall and gingerbread house decorating sponsored by OSDA members Dorie & Greg Ketterer of ShoreWay Acres. New Old Stone Dock Association Logo Wear was available for sale featuring an updated logo - '1817 Bicentennial 2017'. Don Hoffer, retiring Beach Superintendent was honored for his service to the town and in particular Surf Drive Beach by President Kevin Doyle. The businesses in the Falmouth village were most generous in providing door prizes for our guests.  Below is a list of the donors and recipients.  This list of local business as well as others who assist us throughout the year can be found on the OSDA Events Page under "Local Business Supporters". Door prizes and the lucky recipients . . . Falmouth Village Business Street Item Recipient Anejo Mexican Bistro 188 Main Street Gift Certificate Jack Driscoll Blast from the Past 315 Main Street Gift Certificate Anna Wilson Blast from the Past 315 Main Street Gift Certificate Grace Rakeman Cape Chic 104 Palmer Avenue Gift Certificate Sharon Butler Cape Cleaners 241 Main Street Gift Certificate Bob Pritchet Country Fare 319 Main Street Gift Certificate Julian Suso Cup Cake Charlies 153 Main Street Gift Certificate for 6 cupcakes Melinda Dunn Eastman's Ace Hardware 150 Main Street Gift Certificate Bob Dunn Eight Cousins Books 189 Main Street Gift Certificate Faith Barrass Falmouth Chamber of Commerce 20 Academy Lane Falmouth Beach Towel Ray Dewall Falmouth Jewelry Shop 225 Main Street Silver Necklace Todd Tessier Ghelfi's Candies & Ice Cream 228 Main Street Gift Certificate for a pound of fudge Susan Tow Hannoush Jewelers 352 Main Street, #2 Gift Certificate John Beush Harvest of Barnstable 261 Main Street Gift Certificate Anna DosSantos Harvest of Barnstable 261 Main Street Woodland Wreath Jim Crossen Howlingbird Studio 91 Palmer Avenue Gift Certificate Rebecca Bevilacqua Jan Collins Selman Gallery 317 Main Street Framed Picture Sphors Garden Paul Skudder John's Shoe Store 141 Main Street Gift Certificate Jay Thayer Karen Rinaldo Gallery 227 Clinton Avenue Christmas Note Cards 'Dreams Come True' Nobska Light 2016 Eva Braun Karen Rinaldo Gallery 227 Clinton Avenue Christmas Print 'Dreams Come True' Nobska Light 2016 James Tynan La Cucina sul Mare 237 Main Street Gift Certificate Cindy Lehtinen Liam Maguire's Irish Pub & Restaurant 273 Main Street Gift [...]

The following article was printed in the Falmouth Enterprise on Friday, 12-09-16. Mr. James Crossen, Town Constable and Senior Past President of the Old Stone Dock Association was honored at the Association’s Annual Christmas Party at ShoreWay Acres last Sunday. Past President Jack Driscoll told the 100 members and guests that the Association that was established in 1962 needed rejuvenation about a decade later. At that point, Mr. Crossen stepped in with a dynamic campaign of neighborhood involvement in beautification and advocacy for the Surf Drive Beach and Ellen T. Mitchell Bathhouse. Mr. Crossen initiated contact with town leaders and the Beach Committee to align the Association with their objectives for traffic management, road maintenance, and the general welfare of all residents. Together with former Dock Master Bob McCormick, he would organize “Executive Forums” for town officials to meet with the public and discuss on-going projects and plans. For more than four decades, Jim has provided guidance and helpful direction to numerous Boards of Directors with tireless energy. His initiative for a scholarship for members’ children and grandchildren spurred the Directors to name the scholarship fund after his late wife Mae Crossen. Town Manager Julian Suso thanked Jim for his long record of selfless leadership on behalf of the entire town. Mr. Suso cited his 20 years as a Town Meeting Member, a previous Sealer of Weights and Measures, and the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2008 as examples of his commitment to his fellow townsmen. Mr. Suso noted his time as a Key Club Advisor encouraging youngsters in community spirit, sitting on the Board of the Upper Cape Vocational School, and coaching baseball and soccer for youth at the Recreation Center. The Town Manager also praised Jim for his service to the country during World War II in the Navy in the Pacific theater, and noted that he went on to 32-year career with NOAA in Woods Hole as a pioneer in underwater television photography. Police Chief Edward Dunne presented Constable Crossen with his “Chief’s Coin” for his exemplary contribution to the public welfare of the town. Chief Dunne informed the audience of the unique role of the constable in today’s community as a complement to the patrolman’s duties. The general duties of a Constable are to be vigilant to preserve the peace, to prevent the commission of crime, and to arrest offenders. The position derived from Roman times when the constable was the “keeper of the stable” responsible for the welfare of the king’s horses. This gave him broad powers to prevent crime. The same “maintain the peace” principle lasts to this day. Director Paul Smith presented the honoree with a “Crossen Creek” sign that will designate the DPW-made drainage canal between Mill Road and Salt Pond that runs behind the corner parking lot. It will be a symbol of his enduring contribution to the neighborhood and the town. Prior to the party, Mr. Crossen was chauffeured along the parade route in a car donated [...]

E-mail from President Kevin Doyle to OSD Membership and Friends. The holidays are drawing near! And the Old Stone Dock holidays start with our Annual Christmas Party and Parade! Parade: Sunday's parade at noon triggers OSDA's activities. Let me know if you'd like to join us for our fourth year of marching (really "strolling") in the parade. The parade starts on Main Street opposite Christmas Tree Shop. You are welcome to join in anywhere along the route. Kids, grandkids, everyone is welcomed! We will be marching behind a new banner, painted by Shore Street artist Kathy Hall, and depicting the Dock in color! Very nice! Party: The heart of the day is the gathering at ShoreWay Acres! Dorie and Greg Ketterer will once again have a warm, friendly, and gaily decorated reception waiting for us. Their special buffet, music, activities for young and old - for Stone Dockers it's a holiday highlight! If you have any questions, just ask anyone who's been there!  The invitation is below. Let us know by Wednesday, Nov 23rd for savings! Reservations: Please contact ShoreWay Acres to make your reservation and stop by or mail in your check so we can be ready for you! We ask for pre-payment to have an accurate headcount for the buffet and gingerbread houses! The Association uses a portion of your dues to underwrite the costs involved. Look forward to seeing you on the 6th! It's a great way to start the season!! Best to all ! kmd INVITATION: Falmouth Old Stone Dock Associations – 13th Annual “after-the-Parade Christmas Party"!  Please join us immediately following the Christmas Parade for the camaraderie of a good, old-fashioned neighborhood party! Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at ShoreWay Acres In, 59 Shore Street, Falmouth Village Hearty Hors d’oeuvres, Assorted Holiday Cookies and Sweets, Egg Nog, Mulled Apple Cider and Hot Chocolate....Plus the Inn’s B.Y.O.B. Bar Music by Charlie Jamieson – Bring Your Dancing Shoes! Fabulous Face Painting sponsored by OSDA Member, Kathy Hall Kids’ Gingerbread House Decorating sponsored by OSDA member, ShoreWay Acres Inn Unique “SHOP FALMOUTH FIRST” Ideas & Offers plus Great Door Prizes! Old Stone Dock Association Logo items make great Christmas gifts - Hats, T-Shirts, Sweat Shirts & Tote Bags will be available for sale. Just $18.00 per person with advance payment by Nov. 20 (Children 12 and under - $6.00) $23.00 per person with payment on Nov. 21 or later (Children 12 and under - $6.00) Save $5.00 per ticket when purchased by November 20! To assist OSDA and ShoreWay Acres in planning our event, please purchase tickets by telephone or in person at ShoreWay Acres’ front desk on or before Sunday, November 20, 2016. Payment may be made by cash or check. For phone reservations, checks should be made payable to ShoreWay Acres Inn and sent to “OSDA Reservations” c/o ShoreWay Acres, P.O. Box 907, Falmouth, MA 02541. Tickets will be emailed to you or may be picked up at the front desk at [...]

Have you had the opportunity to see the “Village of Scarecrows” put up by businesses in Falmouth Village this year? These 22 pictures were taken Sunday morning 10/16/16 (may have missed one or two and more may have gone up).  You can see that a lot of thought and effort went into many of them so that they accurately represented the businesses who put them up and who continually work hard to make Falmouth Village a destination. Can you guess whose they are? If you are on Facebook you may want to ‘like’ Falmouth Village Association (updates on events taking place in the village), Falmouth Chamber (to get weekly video updates of items of interest and Falmouth Emergency Preparedness (to get info on many situations including weather related stories). Pictures from Board Member Terry Saunders  

On Saturday, 10/15/16 Old Stone Dock Association Board Member Steve Saunders spent a couple of hours cleaning the brass lettering on the monument at Surf Drive Beach.  It states:  STONE DOCK 1817 - The original dock, built in 1806 was destroyed by the storm of 1815.  It was the Town's landing place for whalers and packets.  This monument was erected by the Town of Falmouth 1930. While he was cleaning the plaque, Board Member Terry Saunders swept the sand off of a portion of the sidewalk.                      

It is with sadness that we share with you that Old Stone Dock Association member and Past President, Bob McCormick passed away suddenly at his home in Falmouth on Wednesday, September 21, 2016.  At the mass in Needham on Monday, September 26, 2016 current OSDA President, Kevin Doyle gave the eulogy. Bob McCormick's Eulogy - Delivered by Kevin Doyle, September 26, 2016 Thank you, Karen, and thanks to Millie and the whole family. I was honored to be given this opportunity and, frankly, I was happy to be asked. It's not too hard to be asked to take a few minutes and say nice things about Bob McCormick. I can sum up what I'd like to say about Bob in two words: Friends and Family. That's why I'm the most fortunate guy in this church today because I got to be a friend who was subsequently welcomed into his family. I'd be sitting in Bob's den when the kids would stop in and as I'd get up to go, I was always told to stay. I met Brian early on. If I was anywhere near his Dad when Brian arrived, I was invited to come along, too. Get in the boat and head to the Vineyard for a lobster roll. Brian learned his gracious ways from the Master. Steve, Rob, Paul - all in turn - and sometimes all at once. About a month ago we were at Karen's house when all the kids and spouses gathered to celebrate Millie's birthday - I showed up with a card wishing them both a Happy Anniversary instead! It was okay, Millie had me covered - she blamed Bob for confusing me. And I got to see Millie every time I got to see Bob. We'd chat about whatever was going on in the news or in the neighborhood. Then she'd be sure Bob was dressed appropriately, and she'd head off for the malls while Bob and I headed off to execute some official business for OSDA. Usually ending up for lunch at the Quarterdeck Restaurant, “where everybody knows your name” and Bob knew them, too. I enjoyed more lunches with Bob than I hope anyone ever counted. On too many occasions we'd be like real old timers and split a BLT! Bob would go through the motions of cutting back on food, and then eat every french fry on the table. One time we went to the BBC and Bob said, “Have whatever you want. It's on me today.” He forgot that he had already mentioned that he left his wallet at home. I got a real kick out of watching him reach for it when the bill came. But we always felt that we earned our lunch, because for the hour or two before it, we'd be touring town offices. He was tireless in promoting the betterment of the neighborhood. And as the song says, “he'd be welcome where'er he'd go.” We'd show up at the Police Station with Bob's forever long friend [...]

Old Stone Dock Association, Past President Jim Fox wears many hats in the Town of Falmouth. In addition to being a Broker at Kinlin Grover Real Estate Jim has been a member of the Falmouth Planning Board since May 2015. Jim also serves as a Board of Director for the Falmouth EDIC – Economic Development & Industrial Corporation. Presently Jim is the Acting Project Manager for the Solar Power at the Landfill project. The project developer is Citizens Energy, the General Contractor is Conti Construction and the Lawrence-Lynch Corp of Falmouth is a subcontractor rebuilding the roadway. Jim put together an excellent presentation that is available by clicking here to view the YouTube video.