Sorry I missed you all last week! I was feeling a bit under the weather, and just could not muster the strength to sit up and write a column. Among other things, I was battling a mighty fever and headache, which made it almost impossible for me to think clearly. Had I actually written the column, goodness knows what kind of foolishness might have come out of my fingertips.
Felix Neck’s Citizen Science season has begun. Citizen Science engages volunteers to collect data that help determine best management practices for a variety of species. Wildlife monitoring projects include surveying odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), salamanders, breeding birds, coastal waterbirds, osprey, and horseshoe crabs.
Upcoming programs are the Osprey Monitoring Program and the Horseshoe Crab Spawning Surveys. The osprey monitoring program, sanctuary staff, with osprey researcher Rob Bierregaard and lead volunteer Dick Jennings, will train individuals to help with the survey program. The horseshoe crab spawning surveys are conducted during the new and full moons of April, May, and June. Volunteers are expected to attend a training session and complete at least two surveys. In addition to the training sessions, naturalist Susie Bowman will offer two lectures at local libraries about the natural history of this species, its uses in the bait and biomedical industries, and how you can get involved with this Citizen Science project.
Two osprey-nest monitor training sessions will be held at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 12, 5 pm to 7 pm, and Saturday, April 15, 1 pm to 3 pm. Registration is required. Two horseshoe crab survey training sessions will be held at the sanctuary on Saturday, April 22, from 1 pm to 3 pm and Wednesday, May 17, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Registration is required for both program trainings. Please call the sanctuary at 508-627-4850, or go online to massaudubon.org/felixneck for more information and to register for a training.
I was sad to hear that Edgartown Cinemas’ longtime manager and friendly face, Bob LaSala, passed away last week. He was always pleasant to deal with, and enjoyed working with the public with his dogs in tow. He was always quick to help with a fundraiser, and often supported the community quietly behind the scenes. You can view his obituary and leave sentiments at the following link: bit.ly/boblasala.
Spring is definitely here! MV Gourmet Cafe and Bakery and Back Door Donuts has announced that its opening day will be Thursday, April 13. Can the lines for Back Door Donuts be far behind? Front door hours, 7 am to 5 pm daily (except Sunday closing at 2 pm). Back Door Donuts will open Thursday, April 13, from 7 pm until 1 am. It will be open every night through Sunday, April 23. After school vacation week, Back Door will be open Thursday through Saturday nights, 7 pm until 1 am.
Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Deb Alpert, who celebrated on April 5, Patty Gazaille on April 6, and Heidi Cook, Hailey Rogers, and Brad Hill, who share their big days on April 7.
Sunday is Palm Sunday, always a special day for my mom and me. We used to share that day together every year, going for walks or maybe out to lunch, and visiting all the local nurseries to celebrate spring. Maybe it’s time to pass it down and start up a new tradition with my Miss Amelia. We can have some quality mother-daughter time, continue a fun tradition, and celebrate the best mom/grandmother at the same time. Happy spring!