Bill and Joan Swift were given a rousing round of applause as they were recognized for their stewardship of a Falmouth landmark at the Old Stone Dock Association's Annual Meeting on Sunday, 07/31/16. The Swifts recently moved from their home on Mill Road to Joan's childhood home on the other side of Salt Pond. For 36 years they toiled to restore the carriage house and re-create the gardens that were all that remained of the Victorian-era splendor of the John Dwight estate.  The main house of Mr. Dwight, the founder of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Company, was set where the Mill Road parking lot is today.  It was built in 1884 and was destroyed by the Hurricane of 1944. Bill and Joan were presented with an etching of the Old Stone Dock, done by Falmouth artist David Etler, in appreciation for the talks that Bill has given to numerous audiences, and their promotion of the history, culture, beauty, and values of the Town of Falmouth. Also recognized for her many contributions to the town, was artist Karen Rinaldo, the designer and illustrator of the Falmouth Preservation Alliance's Heritage Map featuring Falmouth Village. This area was the site of the original settlement of Suckanesset and the Old Stone Dock, which was the center of commerce for the town from 1806 until the Inner Harbor was dredged in 1908.  Town Manager Julian Suso and his wife Stephanie were on hand to acknowledge the gift of the map from the Association that now hangs in the vestibule of Town Hall. Several members were also commended for their contributions to the civic life of the town. Brian Nickerson stepped up to chair the Friends of Nobska Light, Director Rocco Maffei is the President of the Historical Society, Barbara Weyand Chairs the Falmouth Preservation Alliance, Past President Jim Fox and Paul Dreyer serve on the Planning Board, Ahmed Mustafa chairs the Veterans Affairs Council, Director Anne Prior hosted an Appreciation Breakfast for Falmouth lifeguards, and many more participate at many levels. Police Chief Ed Dunne and Fire & Rescue Chief Michael Small, along with Beach Superintendent Don Hoffer, and DPW Assistant Director Peter McConarty and their wives were applauded for their personal involvement with the community. Sheriff Jim Cummings supplied the tents and chairs, while his son, Falmouth Police Sgt Jim Cummings, is the Community Liaison Officer for the OSDA neighborhood. Four recent high school graduates were also given $500 scholarships. Brian McCormick will be attending James Madison University in Virginia, Eoin Doherty will attend Massachusetts Maritime, Lois Girard's grandson Andrew Jewers is going to U Mass Amherst, and Madeleine Brabrook will head to Georgia Institute of Technology.  The Mae Crossen Scholarships are funded through member dues and contributions, and a generous gift from Tony and Lance Panigutti, the organizers of the Falmouth Triathlon.  The scholarships are a token of the pride the community has for the academic and extra-curricular achievements of these young citizens who are children and grandchildren of members. As usual, [...]

The Old Stone Dock Association Scholarship Committee consisted of Chairman Jim Crossen and members Mike Herlihy and Terry Saunders. It is through the generosity of Without Limits and our members that we were able to provide 4 awards this this year.  Each of the following students received a $500 check to assist them as they continue their education. Our first recipient was Andrew Jewers. Andrews’s grandmother Los Girad from Shore Street is an OSD member.  His parents are Bill & Michelle.  Andrew graduated from Blackstone Valley Tech and will be attending the University of Massachusetts studying Electrical Engineering program. Our 2nd recipient was Brian McCormick.  Brian’s grandparents, Bob & Millie McCormick on Salt Pond are members and his parents are Brian & Margo.  Brian graduated from Holliston High School and will be attending James Madison University in the Mechanical Engineering program. Our 3rd recipient was Eoin Doherty. His parents Sean & Rebecca, OSD Members from Strafford Road.  Eoin graduated from, Stoughton High School and will be attending Mass Maritime Academy studying Marine Transportation. Our 4th recipient was Madeleine Brabrook. Her parents are OSD Members David & Kelly from Walker Street.  Madeleine graduated from Pinecrest Academy in Cummings, Georgia and will be attending Georgia Institute of Technology and will be in the Business Administration and Pre-Law program.  

The Falmouth Preservation Alliance has granted a permanent loan of artist Karen Rinaldo's original watercolor of their "Heritage Map of Falmouth Village" to Falmouth Public Library for display in the main library. The Old Stone Dock Association has likewise offered Town Hall a permanent loan of our Limited Edition Print. Pictured here are Otis Porter, Vice Chair of Falmouth Public Library's Board of Trustees; Barbara Weyand, President of Falmouth Preservation Alliance; Julian Suso, Falmouth Town Manager, and Kevin Doyle.  All are members of the OSDA!

What a beautiful day for the beach and a beach party! The Sunshine Committee of the Old Stone Dock Association along with the East Falmouth Village and Beach Association held an appreciation breakfast for all of the Falmouth beach staff after their meetings and drills at Surf Drive Beach on Monday, 07/25/16. Bagels, munchkins, coffee, juice and fruit were enjoyed by all on the warm mid-summer morning. East Falmouth resident, Margie Mitchell; Lifeguard Mom, Laurie Barrows and OSDA member, Anne Prior were instrumental in putting the event together. Old Stone Dock members who were in attendance and mingling with the kids were Bob McCormick, Jim Crossen, Dan Braun, Jack Driscoll, Mike Herlihy, Dorie Ketterer and Greg Ketterer. Kevin Doyle, our president said “the Old Stone Dock Association can do a lot for the beaches but the parking staff and lifeguards are the faces the public see and the reason residents and visitors alike feel safe and welcome”. Soon the lifeguard supervisors yelled "grab and go" and the kids gathered some fruit for the road and off they went to the various Falmouth beaches. The kids really appreciated the morning and we enjoyed it too. Everyone appreciates being appreciated.   Pictures of some of the Old Stone Dock Members and Setup             Pictures of some of the Beach Staff                    

Many thanks to the bleary-eyed volunteers who showed up at 5:30 am on Sunday, July 10, to direct traffic for the Falmouth Triathlon at Surf Drive Beach.  For the fourth year, Tony and Lance Panigutti, the founders of Without Limits, have asked the Old Stone Dock Association to assist with traffic control as competitors arrive, and crowd control during the event. Tony and Lance are fine athletes and organizers.  Their teams move quickly and efficiently to set up the courses and break them down in time for residents and visitors to enjoy the beach.  The event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. They give the Association $1,000 for our assistance and another $1,000 or-so for our scholarship fund depending on how many athletes participate. With 17 volunteers, we fielded the largest support group to date. Our own critique is that we could use even a few more traffic controllers next year, so please keep it in mind if you find yourself restless next July when the triathlon returns to town.  Our roving patrol of Bob McCormick and Jim Crossen will be sure you have ample coffee and donuts to keep you bright-eyed and happy during your tour of duty! Thanks to the folks listed below for their enthusiastic support! DAN BRAUN,  JIM CROSSEN,  CHARLIE DEIGNAN,  KEVIN DOYLE,  JACK DRISCOLL,  MIKE HERLIHY,  PAT KECK,  MADELEINE MARKEN,  BOB McCORMICK,  ANNE PROIR,  RICHARD PRIOR,  ROCCO MAFFEI,  PAUL SMITH,  STEVE SAUNDERS,  JAY THAYER,  POLLY THAYER,  RICHARD WOROB            

What a great neighborhood to live in. On Monday, 07/04/16 hundreds of children and their families paraded down Main Street from the village green to Peg Noonan Park to celebrate the 4th of July.  Patriotic music was provided by La Cucina Sul Mare.   A few pictures follow.  The Herlihy family (OSD Members) anticipating the start of the parade and the parade participants.          

Hi Folks! It's summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime! Traffic is picking up in the Village!   The spaces we try to reserve for summer residents are being gobbled up by tourists, of all things!  Speaking of things, here's a few: Membership / Dues: - First, thanks to our 200 loyal members who renew every year. - 35 new households have answered our 2016 membership drive.   Welcome! - We thank the several members who donated a total of $450 in excess of their dues. - Thanks, too, for the many notes of encouragement to pursue the work of the Association. - Finally, if one of the above categories doesn't apply to you, it means you haven't paid your dues yet - Please send your $25 along to P. O. Box 835, Falmouth 02541.  We'll be watching for you!   Thanks! The Falmouth Enterprise:  Once again, we thank Editor Bill Hough for his coverage of OSDA's activities.  Check out the front page of the June 3rd edition to see a picture of a DPW crew raising the memorial rock and plaque at the Old Stone Dock at our request.  You can also see part of the quarterboard the DPW erected for us to create awareness of its history.  Page 3 has a story of the OSDA beach cleanup and community efforts to prepare Surf Drive Beach for vacationers. Old Stone Dock Bicentennial/2017 - Want to help? Our initiative to celebrate the Dock's 200 years of service to the town has been met with great enthusiasm by the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society, and the Town Leadership.  Many key folks including OSDA member Barbara Weyand, President of the Falmouth Preservation Alliance, have offered to help, and we'd like to extend an offer to all of you, too. A tentative task list for 2017 activities has been prepared and was e-mailed to members.  The tasks are listed below.  If you are interested in working on an organizing committee or participating in the execution of any of these programs, please let us know which task(s) you prefer.  This is not a commitment and there is no obligation.  Things can change - that's okay.  We expect to conduct activities all year long in 2017, and we plan to host a one-day celebration at the Dock in July or August 2017.  We invite all OSDA members to participate in these activities, either as attendees or as organizers, as you prefer.  Let us know. Our next Board meeting is on July 12th, 7-8:30pm at the library, and we will be discussing these plans.  You are invited to attend, or send me an email if you're interested in getting involved with any of the proposed events.    Can't have too many hands on the oars - every bit helps!   Thanks! Annual Event Dates: Falmouth Hydrangea Fest: July 10-17 Falmouth Triathlon: Sunday, July 21, 7:30 a.m.(supports the Association) Falmouth Road Race: Sunday, August 15, 9:00 a.m. OSDA Annual Meeting & Summer Social: Sunday July 31, afternoon That will do it for now. We'll send more about the Summer Social in a few weeks. Same prices [...]

On Saturday, May 21, 2016 twenty-two members of the Old Stone Dock Association gathered at the Ellen T. Mitchell Bathhouse. The mission of the day was to pick up litter on Surf Drive Beach both beach side and street side.  Members also cleaned the Mill Street parking lot and up several of the side streets as well. There was a table set up with membership information and Old Stone Dock Logo wear. Refreshments were provided to members and beachgoers who stopped by to say hello.  Beach Committee Clean-up Chair Lois Girard invited all back to her home for a barbeque lunch.  Special thanks to Beach Superintendent Don Hoffer and Assistant Beach Superintendent Bruce Mogardo. Thanks to the following volunteers who helped make the event a success. Katrina Anderson, Lisa Asendorf, Ann Carlin, Ray Carlin, Jim Crossen, Michael Denomy, Kevin Doyle, Jack Driscoll, Don Filiault, Jim Fox, Lois Girard, Mike Herlihy, Peg Ledwall,  Bob Lehtinen, Cindy Lehtinen Bob McCormick, Louise Mitchell, Steve Saunders,  Terry Saunders, Van Smick, Paul Smith, Sandy Smith.   Pictured are some of the volunteer crew.