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.

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