On Wednesday, 06/21/17 The 18th Annual Falmouth Historical Society Heritage Award Dinner honored the Old Stone Dock Association and the Falmouth Garden Club at the Coonamessett Inn.  Introductions were made by Marc Schmidt, Executive Director of the Falmouth Historical Society.  The awards were accepted by Kevin Doyle, President of the Old Stone Dock Association and Andrea Anderson President of the Falmouth Garden Club.  Pictures of Presentations and Awards / Citations follow.                   E-mail to Members From: "Kevin Doyle" <kmdkmd9@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2017 1:05:29 PM Subject: OSDA Heritage Award Winner 2017 Hi Neighbor! Just a quick note to tell you what an honor it was to represent you all in receiving the Historical Society's Heritage Award this year.  This is obviously a special year for us as we celebrate 200 years of the Old Stone Dock's service to the community. There were about 125 folks at the dinner that honored us and the Garden Club for our contributions to the preservation, beautification, and betterment of the town.  We displayed some of the art and poetry of the high school students' recognition of the Bicentennial that will be displayed at the Art Center in the months ahead. We received many kind words and several citations to mark the occasion: the Award itself presented by Troy Clarkson on behalf of Historical Society's President Tamsen George a citation delivered by Town Manager Suso on behalf of the Selectmen a proclamation from the US House of Representatives from Congressman Keating a certificate from the Massachusetts House of Representatives from Mr. Vieira a citation from the Massachusetts Senate delivered by Senator Vinny deMacedo and a picture on the front page of the Enterprise of Senator deMacedo's presentation! It was a delightful evening and I thank all those who were able to attend that night and the many of you who sent along your congratulations for our achievements. It was also an appropriate time to recognize that our own Constable Jim Crossen is the only member who was present at the founding of the Association 55 years ago, and has NEVER missed a meeting!!    Happy 92nd Birthday, Jim, and thanks for your untiring leadership! kmd

To commemorate and honor the Old Stone Dock Bicentennial celebration this year, we approached key administrators and faculty of the Falmouth School System to see if they would be interested in OSD board members delivering educational presentations to their students about the history of the Old Stone Dock and its important impact on the development and growth of Falmouth during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Dock was then the center of commerce for the growing town. Our offer was enthusiastically embraced by several departments: Sonia Tellier-Assistant Superintendent, Jane Baker-Art Department, Lauren Kenny-English Department, and Michael Feeney-History Department.  In April, OSD president Kevin Doyle delivered a power point presentation to 100 students and faculty (see prior story).  Days later, OSD board member and past president, Jim Fox presented to art students at the site of the dock to teach Dock history.  In early May, OSD vice president, Dan Braun met with English freshman honor students followed up with a final beach presentation by Kevin Doyle in June to history students.  We think all the students were impressed to learn that Surf Beach is not just a place for summer fun but is also a vital part of Falmouth and Massachusetts history. Article provided by Dan Braun 04-2017 Jim Fox Presentation to Falmouth Students 06-09-17 Kevin Doyle presentation to students  

  The OSDA Annual Beach Clean-Up and Presentation of 2017 Flower Boxes took place on Surf Drive Beach on Saturday, June 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.  This year's flowers were donated by the McCormick Family in memory of Past President and Dock Master, Bob McCormick. Co-chairs were Polly Thayer, Jay Thayer and Terry Saunders. We had a membership promotion table and registration in front of the Ellen T Mitchell Bathhouse. Refreshments were provided to volunteers and all those that passed by. OSD logo wear was also available for sale. We cleaned from Mill Road down to Elm Road both street side and beach side.  The following members participated: Anna dos Santos, Kevin Doyle, Madeleine Marken, Greg Mills, Jim O’Shaughnessy, Andrea O’Shaughnessy, Terry Saunders, Steve Saunders, Van Smick Jay Thayer and Polly Thayer. Featured picture includes Terry Saunders, Jay Thayer, Polly Thayer, Kevin Doyle and Acting Beach Superintendent Bruce Mogardo. Special thanks to members Jay and Polly Thayer who prepared a delicious luncheon at their home following the clean-up. Pictured below: Anna dos Santos, Kevin Doyle, Madeleine Marken, Carol Mills, Greg Mills, Jim O’Shaughnessy, Andrea O’Shaughnessy, Terry Saunders, Steve Saunders, Van Smick Jay Thayer and Polly Thayer (Van Smick missing from photo).  

Millie McCormick presented the 2017 flower boxes in memory of her husband and past OSD president Bob McCormick.  Bob was an active member of the association and is missed by all who knew him.  In recent years the cost of the flower boxes have been donated by members who have lost a loved one the prior year.  Previously the association donated funds towards the purchase of the flowers.

From: "Kevin Doyle"     Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2017 3:21:11 PM    Subject: OSDA - June Events Hi Neighbor! It's summertime!   If you're in Falmouth, the Association has plenty going on this Bicentennial Year of the Old Stone Dock (1817-2017)!   You're invited to participate in any way that works for you.  Here are some activities you might enjoy. Dues Renewal Notices were mailed to 300+ current and past members on 05/18/17.  Please support the OSDA by remitting your dues of $25.00 per family now to P. O. Box 835, Falmouth, MA  02541 for the current year of 06/01/17 to 05/31/18.  A copy of the membership renewal can be found on the web site. Your membership adds greatly to the very genial relationship we enjoy with so many town leaders. The OSDA Annual Beach Clean-Up and Presentation of 2017 Flower Boxes on Surf Drive Beach will be held on Saturday, June 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.  Rain date is Sunday, 06/11/17.   This year's flowers were donated by the McCormick Family in memory of Past President and Dock Master, Bob McCormick.  Protect yourself by wearing long pants, shirts with sleeves, sunblock and using garden gloves.  We'll have a membership promotion table and registration by the Ellen T Mitchell Bathhouse where refreshments will be provided and OSDA logo wear will be available for sale.  If you are able to lend a hand, please RSVP to info@oldstonedock.com so we know who to expect.  We will also be providing lunch afterwards and we will need a headcount.  Co-chairs are Polly and Jay Thayer and Board Liaison Terry Saunders. The 18th Annual Falmouth Historical Society Heritage Award Dinner will be held on Wednesday, June 21, at 5:30pm for gathering and 6:30 for dinner.  The Old Stone Dock Association was selected this year in recognition of our legacy of contributions to Surf Drive Beach and the Bicentennial celebration of the Old Stone Dock (1817-2017).   The Falmouth Garden Club will also be recognized.   We are hoping for a large turnout from our membership. Tickets are $75/person, and we hope you will find this to be an enjoyable summer highlight, and a time for us all to celebrate our 50 years of service to the community.  See details and invitation below.  If you plan to attend, please let me know. OSDA Annual Meeting / Summer Outing - Sunday, September 10, 2017 Yes, that's a change!  After the last few years of crossing our fingers and hoping that our meeting would come together, the Board voted to push the date out and keep the ambiance and hospitality offered by Don and Joyce Filiault at the Beach Breeze Inn.  The August date put great stress on every aspect of the party logistics, from chairs to dessert.  We hope this proves to be an acceptable - even a preferred change - for all of you to make an enjoyable end to the pressures of the "tourist season" and settle into Falmouth in the Fall.  We will also be able to hold our prices as we have for the last two years. We hope to see you there! OSDA Bicentennial House Tour - Saturday, September 9th To keep that weekend [...]

The Old Stone Dock Association participated 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 was 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. Members Pat Keck, Terry Saunders and Rebecca Bevilacqua manned the table in the morning and members Madeleine Marken, Terry Saunders and Rebecca Bevilacqua took the afternoon shift.   As visitors came by they explained the mission of the OSDA and described the community events that took place this past year within the OSD neighborhood and in particular Surf Drive beach including Life Guard Appreciation Breakfast, beach cleanup and cleaning of the monuments. Also in attendance was Artist Karen Rinaldo who was representing the Falmouth Preservation Alliance.  They were introducing the second in a series of many Heritage Maps.  The first one was of Falmouth Village which included the OSD neighborhoods and the current one is of Woods Hole and Quissett.  Maps are available for $2.00 each from many locations including the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce. Sharing a table with the Preservation Alliance was Mark Schmidt, Executive Director of the Falmouth Museums on the Green. Michael Kasparian, CEO of the Chamber, is a Certified Antiques Appraiser. He offered free appraisals for the first item per attendee and $10 for the second item. It was a hometown version of Antiques Roadshow. ®   Pat Keck, Rebecca Bevilacqua and Terry Saunders manned the OSD Table at the Falmouth Preservation Alliance Expo on 05-20-17 Madeleine Marken and Rebecca manned the OSD Table at the Falmouth Preservation Alliance Expo on 05-20-17 Mark Schmidt, Falmouth Museum on the Green Executive Director and Artist Karen Rinaldo representing Falmouth Preservation Alliance Michael Kasparian, CEO of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce is also a Certified Antiques Appraiser. Seen here checking out an item at the Falmouth Preservation Alliance Expo on 05-20-17.    

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 [...]