The OSDA Annual Meeting, Summer Social and Tuition Assistance Event was held on a beautiful warm and sunny Sunday at the Flying Bridge from 4 pm to 6 pm.  Sixty-seven guests signed up and fifty-five attended.  They checked in at the registration table with new Board Members Beth Whelan and Mary Silva Doctor who were cheerfully greeting everyone.  There was a poster board showing some of the events we’ve held from 2017 to 2024.  Name tags had each person’s street name and there was also a list by street of all those in attendance so people could introduce themselves to their neighbors if they didn’t already know them.  There was a form the guests could complete if they wanted to comment on past or future events.  They could also express interest in serving on a committee or joining the board of directors.

As guest mingled, there was a sumptuous buffet table set up with various fruits, cheeses, crackers and nuts.  Members socialized and then found seats at 5:30 pm as the passed hors d’oeuvres were presented at each table.  They included scallops wrapped in bacon, coconut shrimp, tenderloin of Beef Crostini and mushrooms stuffed with spinach and Boursin.  There was a cash bar available.

At 5 pm new President, Rich Sherman took the podium.  The following are his notes.

Rich Sherman’s Presentation:
Welcome to the Old Stone Dock Association Annual Meeting and Social.

  • I’m Rich Sherman, I have lived on Shore Street since 1979 and I recently agreed to serve as president.
  • Secretary: Terry Saunders, tireless worker for our association, including our website, www.oldstonedock.com.
  • Treasurer Bob Lehtinan PLUS Cindy Lehtinen
  • Board members present: Cindy, Anne Prior, Steve Saunders
  • Fran Ahern and Paul Smith could not be here today
  • Welcome to two new board members: Beth Whalen and Mary Silva Doctor
  • Past President Jim Fox is here today. Kevin Doyle and Jay Thayer are also past presidents

As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet in 1600: Brevity is the soul of wit,” I will try to follow his lead! To that point, we decided not to have guest speaker’s today as we have in the past.

Let me tell you about our mission.  The mission of the Old Stone Dock Association is to promote a sense of community for residents in the neighborhoods of Main Street to Shore Street, Surf Drive to Mill Road and all the streets and residences within those boundaries. The Association works with Town officials towards improvements in beautification, traffic, beach utilization and maintenance, road maintenance, and the welfare of all residents. The Association will endeavor to create a community spirit by encouraging all residents to participate through programs that promote unity based upon common interests.

It’s been a busy year for our association:

  1. Window boxes at the Ellen Mitchell Bath House at Surf Drive Beach
  2. Beach clean-up last month at Surf Drive
  3. Beach Workers Appreciation Breakfast on July 20, organized by our very talented secretary, Terry Saunders
  4. Of course, today’s annual meeting and social. We decided on a new format this year instead of a sit-down lunch. If you have an opinion on this or any other matters, please let me or one of our board members know today or by email, president@oldstonedock.com, or jot down any thoughts or suggestion on the clipboards on the registration table.
  5. Tuition assistance: more in a few minutes
  6. Falmouth Village Association Annual Trick or Treat stroll will be held on Main Street, Oct 31 from 1-3
  7. Traffic issues in our area: Flashing speed sign on Shore Street installed
  8. The next traffic advisory committee meeting is on Monday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. at the town hall to discuss Surf Dr and Mill Rd
  9. You are welcome to join the board at the rec center at our next meeting on Wednesday, Sept 2 or write to us.

Let me introduce our next speaker.  Terry Saunders chaired the Tuition Assistance Committee.  She will tell you about the program, the students and their families.  (SEE SEPARATE POST FOR THE PRESENTATION AND PICTURES OF ALL 6 STUDENTS)

************************************************************

Thanks to everyone that took time out of their busy schedule to join us.  Below are pictures from the meeting.

Prepared by:  Terry Saunders, Secretary and Annual Meeting Committee Member