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, Board member Don Filiault hosted the annual social at the Beach Breeze Inn. Eat Your Heart Out catered the event and scooped Smitty’s Ice Cream for dessert.  The Charlie Jamieson Combo entertained, and Murphy’s Liquor provided the beverages.

The Association is gearing up to celebrate the bicentennial of the Old Stone Dock in 2017. It was built in 1806 and destroyed by the Great Gale of 1815.  Re-built in 1817, it served its first hundred years in commerce, and continues to serve the town as the Surf Drive Beach “Kiddie Pool.”  Future plans will be communicated through the website oldstonedock.com.  Members of the community are invited to join us.

 

Registration Table – Rebecca Bevilacqua and Cindy Lehtinen
Welcome and Logo Sales – Polly Thayer, Terry Saunders and Steve Saunders

Polly Thayer, Terry Saunders, Steve Saunders

Polly Thayer, Terry Saunders, Steve Saunders

Rebecca Bevilacqua & Cindy Lehtinen

Rebecca Bevilacqua & Cindy Lehtinen Registration

 

 

 

 

 

 

Murphy’s Liquor and Vice President Dan Braun
Catering by Eat Your Heart Out Caterers – Appetizer Table and serving up Smitty’s Ice Cream
Tent, Tables and Chairs compliments of James M. Cummings, Barnstable County Sheriffs Department

IMG_0771 07-31-16 Murphys Liquor and Dan Braun 07-31-16 Appetizer table 07-31-16 Tents provided by Barnstable County Sheriff's Office

 

 

 

 

Guests

07-31-16 Guests 2 07-31-16 Guests 1 07-31-16 Appetizer table