Edgartown: Snowy owl sighting

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Updated, 4:45 pm, Thursday, Jan. 22. *

It is time for me to buy stock in Kleenex and chicken broth, because I have officially caught every virus with which I have come into contact this winter. The past few days have been lost in a fog of medicine head and the resulting narcolepsy, so if I start spouting gibberish, please don’t mind me. (In fact, to whomever’s deft editorial hands this column meets on its way to publication, let me just say right now how pretty/handsome you look today, and that sweater really brings out the color of your eyes.)

Previous to the viral squall in which I currently find myself, it was quite a fantastic week. Now, those of you who have been following along with me for a while will understand the sheer wonderment at the story I am about to relate. We had friends in from Minnesota last week, and Dave decided it would be nice to air down the tires on the new-old Jeep and take the guys for a ride out on Norton Point. I opted to ride along, with the unspoken motive of seeing my first snowy owl of the season. (I have made a pact not to mention the snowies this year, because in Dolby column parlance, that would be “sooo 2014,” but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been out looking.) Well, on this particular beach ride, I spied THREE of my off-season besties. THREE! Man, that was cool. And my obsession was contagious, as our guests were nearly as pumped about the sightings as I was.

If you are still waiting for your own super-cool owl sighting, you can join the folks at Felix Neck on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm for the Big Moon Owl Prowl, featuring a full-moon-lit walk and other educational activities. For more info, call 508-627-4850.

I’m still processing the news about Chief Tony Bettencourt’s retirement from the Edgartown Police this spring. This chief has accomplished so much in what seems such a short time. I can’t yet quite wrap my cold-addled head around a department without Tony at the helm, and seeing as his exit is still a few months out, let’s discuss some other news from the Bettencourt household: K9 buddy Hooper has a new friend! The Bettencourts recently welcomed the tiny Chi as sidekick and complement to the large Hooper, and wacky big dog/little dog hijinks continue to ensue. I look forward to seeing Tony walking this odd couple along Edgartown/Vineyard Haven Road in his retirement.

I met up with a few folks for bingo at the Wharf last Thursday, and in case anyone has seen the ads and is wondering if it is any good, let me tell you, we had a blast. With Johnny Showtime at the mic, “Not Your Grandma’s Bingo Night” is one part gaming, one part standup comedy. What you don’t bring home in winnings, you’ll gain in belly-aching laughter. So get on down, so I can win all your money. Bingo takes place Thursday nights at 8 pm in the Wharf’s back bar.

In other bingo news, Winter Regifting Bingo will take place Saturday, Jan. 31 at 4 pm at St. Andrew’s Church. Your requirement for admission is a wrapped regifting “prize” to be won. The regifting will continue until prizes are gone, so bring as many prizes as you wish to clear out of your house. Edgartown Second Hand Store will provide coffee and popcorn for nibbles. For more info, call Barbara at 774-310-0209, or Heather Anne at 508-627-5330.

Birthday wishes go out this week to Jade Deslauriers, who celebrates Jan. 22; to Justin LaVigne, Jan. 23; to Louis Paciello and Jeff Donaroma, Jan. 25; to Kathy Vincent, Jan. 26; and to Dana Grant and Nancy Whipple, Jan. 28. And of course, GO PATS!

* An earlier version of this story stated that Bingo at the Wharf was on Wednesdays. It has been corrected to the right day of the week: Thursdays.