Article from https://www.mass.gov/service-details/prevent-conflicts-with-coyotes Prevent conflicts with coyotes Coyotes can thrive close to humans in a variety of habitats. Make your property less attractive to coyotes by following these tips. Feeding coyotes - Keep wildlife wild! Never deliberately provide food for coyotes to attract them to your property. Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause coyotes to act tame and may lead to bold behavior. Coyotes that rely on natural foods remain wild and wary of humans. Remember to share these tips with your neighbors; your efforts will be futile if neighbors provide food or shelter or fail to act boldly towards coyotes. Secure your garbage - Coyotes raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash when the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost in secure, vented containers, and keep barbecue grills clean to reduce attractive odors. Keep bird feeder areas clean - Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground and clean spilled seed daily, as bird seed attracts many small mammals coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard. Protect produce and livestock - Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees. Use fencing to protect livestock from coyotes. Coyotes can jump over or dig under fences that are improperly built. Fencing should be at least 6 feet high and extend into the ground. You may also install PVC pipe that is free to spin around a tight wire at the top of the fence or have an outward overhang of fence wire to make it more difficult for the coyote to grip and get over the fence. Feed pets indoors - Outdoor feeding can attract many wild animals. Eliminating shelter for coyotes Close off crawl spaces - Coyotes will use areas under porches and sheds for resting and raising young. Close these areas off to prevent animals from using them. Cut back brushy edges - Be sure to keep brushy edges in your yard trimmed, as these areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey. Protecting pets from coyotes - Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, coyotes do view cats and small dogs as potential food, and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets, keep them leashed and under your supervision at all times. Also remember to feed your pets indoors to avoid attracting wildlife. Habituated coyotes - The presence of a coyote alone is not cause for concern, as coyotes are naturally afraid of people. Help keep coyotes wild by scaring or threatening coyotes in your yard with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose. Coyotes that have become dependent on human-associated food can become habituated and exhibit bold behavior toward people. A habituated coyote: Does not run off when harassed or chased. Approaches pets on a leash. Approaches and follows people. If an immediate threat to [...]

Members of the Old Stone Dock Association walked in the Falmouth Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 4, 2022.  Terry Saunders, Steve Saunders and Carol Mendoza and her Reindeer Dog started out (see pic) and were joined along the way by Sharon Butler, Glenn Butler and their daughter as well as Paul Smith.

A memorial bench in the making.  Steps taken and those who helped along the way.  Thanks to all who made this a very special event. FEBRUARY & MARCH 2022 • Past president Kevin Doyle started initial research on the cost to purchase a new memorial bench from town approved provider O’Brien and Sons in Medway who is the New England Distributor. In addition to base cost, we would need to purchase the plaque from them. There would be an additional cost for installation by a contractor approved by the Town of Falmouth DPW. • A small committee was formed consisting of Kevin Doyle (past president) and Board of Directors Terry Saunders and Paul Smith to further explore the possibility of purchasing a memorial bench in memory of OSDA founding member and Past President, Jim Crossen who passed on 02/11/22. • Several steps were needed to make this a reality including, applying for and getting approval from the town, finding a place for it to be installed and purchasing the bench from the approved town vendor. APRIL & MAY 2022 • Preliminary research by Kevin Doyle and Paul Smith showed that we could not put the bench at Surf Drive Beach as there were already several benches there. Many spots we considered around Mill Road would have required approval from the Conservation Commission. • OSDA Member Carole Mendoza told the Board of Directors that there was a current bench at Town Hall Square that was in disrepair. The black metal base appeared to be in good condition. • Paul Smith poke to O’Brien and Sons and received a verbal quote to retrofit the 6’ bench with recycled plastic slats and hardware. The plaque would be additional cost as well as delivery. • On Wednesday, 05/18/22 Terry Saunders and Paul Smith went to check out the bench and met with Jeremiah Pearson, Falmouth’s Park Superintendent at Town Hall Square and explained to him our thoughts to rehabilitate the existing bench and confirmed the necessary steps to do so. SEE PICS # 1 and #2. • We received a verbal okay to proceed with the application which Terry Saunders completed and dropped off at the DPW on Friday, 05/20/22 stating that we would rehab the existing bench and place it back in its current position at Town Hall Square (by the dentist office). JUNE & JULY 2022 • On Wednesday, 06/15/22 Jeremiah Pearson said we were ‘good to go’. Paul reached out to O’Brien and Sons for an updated quote and purchase agreement which was provided. • Terry Saunders completed the paperwork and authorized payment by OSDA Treasurer Bob Lehtinen on Thursday, 06/16/22. Also remitted wording for plaque. ‘In Memory of Jim Crossen Founding Member of the Old Stone Dock Association’. • The lead time for delivery direct from the manufacturer in Pennsylvania was 12+ weeks. • Since the bench was in bad shape, Paul Smith, Steve Saunders and Bob Lehtinen moved the bench from Town Hall Square to Paul Smith’s home [...]

On Tuesday, 07/26/22 the Old Stone Dock Association sponsored the Annual Beach Staff Appreciation Breakfast at the Ellen T Mitchell Bathhouse.  This was an opportunity for all of us to thank the beach employees including management, supervisors, clerks, life guards, parking attendants and others for the excellent work they did this past summer. We provided bagels, breads, pastries, iced coffee, juices, yogurt, bananas, apples, and breakfast bars to the 70+ in attendance at 7:30 a.m. before they headed out to their daily assignment.  Those who did not make it to Surf Drive were brought ‘to go’  breakfast bags. Maggie Clayton thanked the OSDA for putting on the breakfast.  Jay Thayer thanked the Beach Workers.  The following also attended and spoke briefly: Selectman Doug Brown, Beach Committee Members Joseph Strazzolla and Geralyn Schad. Committee members were Polly Thayer, Jay Thayer, Terry Saunders, Steve Saunders.  They were also assisted that morning by OSD members Peter Cahill and Carole Mendoza. L to R:  OSDA Member Carole Mendoza, OSDA President Jay Thayer, Selectman Doug Brown, Beach Committee Members Geralyn Schad and Joseph Strazzolla, ?______, Beach Superintendent Maggie Clayton. Just some of the Beach Workers Feature Picture OSD Members Peter Cahill, Steve Saunders, Polly Thayer, Jay Thayer, Terry Saunders (missing from pic is member Carole Mendoza) behind one of the food tables.

On Sunday 07/10/22 New England Endurance Events held their 2022 Falmouth Triathlon.  Their crew started setup on 07/09/22 Saturday afternoon.  Saturday evening the parking lot was full of bike racks and the lot and evidence of the triathlon was completely gone Sunday morning after the event. Ten OSDA members assisted NEEE with Traffic Control at the top of Mill, Walker and Shore directing participants and spectators to designated parking lots. Mill Road:  Nancy Copley, Kevin Doyle, Jay Thayer, Polly Thayer Walker Street:  Rocco Maffei, Mike Herlihy, Ed Jackson (Featured pictured L to R) Shore Street:  Mary Lou DaSilva, Steve Saunders, Terry Saunders Pictures Below: Set Up on 07/09/22, 1st person out of the water, finish line

The flower boxes at the Ellen T Mitchell Administrative Building were prepared by M. R. Soares in East Falmouth and were picked up and installed by Board Member Steve Saunders on May 25, 2022.  A check in the amount of $732.60 from the Old Stone Dock Association payable to the Town of Falmouth for the Beach Donation Account was presented to Maggie Clayton, Beach Superintendent on Saturday, June 11, 2022 before the annual beach and roadway cleanup started.   In the picture from L to R were OSDA President Jay Thayer, Beach Committee members Joe Strazzula, Dan Shearer and Margie Mitchell, Beach Superintendent Maggie Clayton, OSDA Treasurer Bob Lehtinen, Beach Committee Members Barb Schneider and Heather Burke and OSDA Board Member Steve Saunders.  OSD Members met with Beach Committee members before the cleanup at 9:30 AM to discuss points of mutual interest.  The flowers this year are in memory of Past President Bob McCormick and his wife Mildred McCormick and were made possible with a generous donation from their daughter Karen McCormick and Bob and Milly’s other children. On June 11, 2022 OSDA members gathered at the Ellen T Mitchell Administrative Building for their annual beach and roadway clean up and membership promotion.  Old Stone Dock Members Cindy Lehtinen, Terry Saunders and Steve Saunders manned the table and explained to those who passed by what their members were doing and had handouts, membership applications and the ‘beach rack cards’ to provide to those who were interested. Surf Drive Beach was cleaned both beach side and road side from Shore Street down to Mill Road.  Side streets were also cleaned where they intersected with Surf Drive.  Many members worked at the Surf Drive parking lot sweeping and weeding around the area.  The Mill Road parking lot also received special attention by Cathy Kligler and Beth Whelan. The following members participated in the clean-up.  Jack Driscoll, Ed Jackson, Cathy Kligler, Al Leary, Bob Lehtinen, Rocco Maffei, Carole Mendoza, Greg Mills, Dean Sullivan, Jay Thayer, Polly Thayer and Beth Whelan.  They were joined in the clean up by Beach Committee Members Heather Burke and Barbara Schneider. Thanks to all for gathering and giving their time to keep our beaches and streets clean. Below Pics :  16 Flower Boxes Installed 05/25/22 Below Pics:  Members who were at the cleanup at 10 am for picture.  President Jay Thayer with new plaque.

Falmouth Village Association members decorate Main Street with scarecrows many of which are a representation of each of their businesses.  This year the businesses exceeded expectations again.  A few pictures follow.           November 2021 erosion to the right of the parking lot at Surf Drive Beach.  The beach erosion picture showing rocks that were uncovered after an early winter storm was taken close to Mill Road by OSD member Jennifer McGovern. November 2021 OSD member Bob Pritchard taking a rest on the sea wall at Surf Drive Beach with his beloved dogs.           On November 11, 2021 the town once again paid tribute to its veterans.  Guest speakers, music, boy scouts and others showed their pride and thanks to all those that served their country.  There was also a very moving walk by all current and past veterans.   Friend Lucy Young as well as OSD member Rocco Maffei were two of many that passed by.         On December 4, 2021 the Town had their annual lighting of the green and on December 5, 2021 their annual holiday parade.  Old Stone Dock members who marched in the parade were:  Past President Kevin Doyle, Current President Jay Thayer, Board Member Steve Saunders and photographer Terry Saunders.  Stars of the movie "A Cape Cod Christmas" that was filmed on Main Street were in the parade as well.  Member Jim Fox and his mom enjoyed the parade outside the Gallery on Main.             

On September 13, 2021 co-workers, associates and friends of Bruce Mogardo gathered to thank him for the 58 years he worked for the Town of Falmouth. Unfortunately, Bruce was not feeling well enough to attend and was represented by his daughter Jessica Mogardo. Many dignitaries spoke about his contributions to the town and specifically to the beaches including OSDA member and past president Jim Fox who remembered fondly when he was a lifeguard in 1972 working under Bruce.  Other Old Stone Dock members in attendance and in the featured picture were Mike Herlihy, Donna Herlihy, Bruce’s daughter Jessica Mogardo, Kevin Doyle, Terry Saunders and Steve Saunders. Kevin presented a letter of appreciation from the Old Stone Dock Association to Jessica.  Bruce succumbed to his battle with cancer on October 19, 2021.      

On May 1, 2021 membership renewal letters and a recap of the year’s activities were sent to current members and other past members who remained on our mailing list but had not paid in recent years.  As of August 28, 2021 the OSDA membership is at 229 members.  This breaks down to 215 renewals and 14 new members.  Each week the house sales listed in the Falmouth Enterprise is reviewed and a letter and application are dropped off at the homes of those in the OSDA neighborhood. During renewal 38 members provided extra funds totaling $1710.  The requested designation of funds was as follows:  $1335 not designated, $25 Flower Boxes, $75 Tuition Assistance, $100 Flowers at Sailors Memorial, $100 to Belonging to Each Other and $75 for Beach Improvement.  A thank you letter was sent on July 22, 2021 to the 37 that were received through that date. Thanks to all who continue to be members and those that recently joined.