Old Stone Dock Association Holds Annual Meeting, Sunday 08-02-15
Article written by Kevin Doyle and printed in the Falmouth Enterprise 08-14-15

The Old Stone Dock Association held its Annual Meeting at the Beach Breeze Inn last Sunday. With 150 members and guests in attendance, the gathering doubles as a Summer Social. Barnstable County Sheriff Jim Cummings provided the tents that covered the lawn at the inn owned by members Don and Joyce Filiault. He was glad to do it – especially since his son, Falmouth Police Sergeant Jim Cummings, is the Community Liaison Officer for the neighborhood.

The mission of the Association is focused on advocacy and maintenance of the Surf Drive Beach and Bathhouse. Beach Superintendent Don Hoffer expressed great appreciation for the contributions of the members. This year’s flowers for the bathhouse were donated by Director Rebecca Bevilacqua in memory of her mother Jacqueline Moore. Treasurer Bob Lehtinen lent his expertise to mount the many plaques that have been won by Falmouth lifeguards over the years. Larry Rowland designed, fabricated, and donated the bulletin board mounted outside the door of the bathhouse.

Mr. Hoffer was also grateful for the “Silent Policemen” the Association provides to help beachgoers cross Surf Drive. Members also conduct an annual Beach Clean-up Day at the end of May that brings out many volunteers to support the grooming efforts of Assistant Beach Superintendent Bruce Magardo. Thanks were extended to the many individuals who carry small bags with them on their walks to pick up litter as they go.

The primary communication link for the Association is through emails and access to their website, oldstonedock.com. Director Terry Saunders was praised for her tireless efforts to keep the site fresh and current. Mrs. Saunders recently worked with Morningstar Design on Locust Street, also an Association member, to re-build the site to current standards. The website is open and available to anyone interested in the history and activities around the Old Stone Dock.

A highlight for the year was a presentation made by Bill Swift, a descendent of the original Proprietors of the town, when he discussed his youth growing up on Mill Road. Long-time resident Al Irish joined in for recollections from the 1930’s and 40’s. Many folks recalled when the Falmouth Enterprise carried the story in April. Plans are being made for FCTV to broadcast it in the future.

Thanks were extended to the many town leaders who have lent support to the activities of the Association. Selectwoman Pat Flynn and Town Manager Julian Suso have consistently endorsed beach and bathhouse beautification initiatives. Mr. Suso was also forgiving when the Association inadvertently parked cars along Main Street for the Triathlon a year ago. “This year things went a lot better,” said Mr. Suso. “And when the merchants are happy, I’m happy.”

Lance and Tony Panigutti, the organizers for the Without Limits Triathlon were thanked for their significant contribution to the Old Stone Dock Scholarship program. This year’s recipients were Neil Koontz, grandson of Col and Mrs Harold Gilmore; Tommi Gans, daughter of Marvin and Mary Gans; and Nikki Caminetsky, daughter of Mr and Mrs Marc Caminetsky. One of the $500 scholarships was donated by Christine Salinger in memory of her husband James.

Police Chief Ed Dunne was particularly pleased that scholarship recipient Nikki Caminetsky is pursuing a career in law enforcement. He cited the recent graduating classes that will add eleven new officers to the force. “Still below the number we would like to have on the streets, but a real asset to the town,” said the Chief. “A huge asset to the town is the eye-in-the-sky camera unit that was donated by the Falmouth Road Race Committee.” Chief Dunne explained that its portability added to its many uses in monitoring crowds and street intersections throughout the town.

Fire and Rescue Chief Mark Sullivan agreed that manpower is always a challenge. He has an all-terrain pumper truck and ladder trucks ready when disasters strike, and is always working to field more responders to assist victims in times of crisis. Chief Sullivan will be participating in the next Association event when Director Paul Smith hosts a Tidal Surge presentation in October.

Singled out for congratulations was the new Deputy Director of the DPW Peter McConarty. The former Town Engineer has been instrumental in maintaining the roads and vegetation along Surf Drive. Flooding roads are a constant headache to residents and Mr. McConarty has taken a personal interest to mitigate problems while he works on permanent solutions. Residents of Mill Road have been “high and dry” since he oversaw the reconstruction of that roadway. Vegetation has also been cut back to expose the historic 131 year old wall that lines the approach to the beach.

Member Karen Rinaldo gave a brief presentation on a forthcoming Heritage project sponsored by the Falmouth Preservation Alliance that will feature the original settlement of Sukanessett in 1661, and the history of the Old Stone Dock that was built in 1806 and re-built in 1817. Past President Jim Fox reminded members to be constantly mindful of FEMA regulations regarding flood insurance and building codes. Member Brian Nickerson, President of the Friends of Nobska Light, spoke of the initiative and challenges ahead as the community becomes the steward of the light keeper’s quarters and grounds. His request for four million dollars is still being “considered” by several in attendance.

Two “cornerstones” of the Association were singled out for special recognition. Past President Bob McCormick was given the honorary title of Dock Master. As Don Filiaut described it, “Anyone familiar with boating knows that the dockmaster is the go-to guy. How do things work, who do you need to see about something, what is the protocol, and actually being welcomed are but a few of the dockmaster’s daily tasks. Bob is that guy!” Mr McCormick and his wife Mildred have been active supporters of every Association event for decades.

Jim Crossen was also lauded for his decades of service to the Association. Past President Jack Driscoll cited “The Constable” as one of the founding fathers of the Association and a leader with the capacity to turn vision into reality. “For over 50 years, Jim has been actively involved with the Association in any number of capacities,” said Jack. “His influence, respect, and work ethic are recognized by all who know him. As the senior historian, Jim has seen it all and more than likely been part of it all as well.” His plaque reads, “Always there. Always contributing.”

“At the end of the day,” host Don Filiault said, “my lawn takes a beating, but as I watch everyone enjoying themselves, I remind myself that this is why I run an inn.” Special thanks were extended to Eat Your Heart Out caterers, and the music of Charlie Jameison.

As a farewell statement, Man of the Year Tommy Leonard was there to remind everyone that there is always a rainbow in the sky. If you look for it, you’ll find it!

 

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