We were spoiled — spoiled I tell you — by our long run of the Patriots dynasty. So I prepared the snacks and sat to watch the Super Bowl, rooting for the Bengals in honor of Bill Carter, my friend in Ohio. It was certainly a fun and exciting game. A surprise twist ending. Now Bill and I owe a dinner to our friend Al Stewart of Maryland next time they are both on the Island. This is our usual bet.

What does Jamie Alley not know about movies? This walking encyclopedia of cinema shows Monday night movies at our Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse at 6 p.m. Five dollars cash and a mask at the door, please. Last Monday was Pressure Point, a movie I had never heard of. It starred two of my favorite actors: Sidney Poitier and Bobby Darrin. Because of my advanced age and fear of falling in ice and snow, I was unable to attend. Jamie is showing a Sidney Poitier movie every Monday in the month of February.

I spent my high school life entering writing contests. Here is one for our current high school students: the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard is offering three great prizes for an essay contest. The subject is What Black History Month means to Me. The deadline is Feb. 28. Go to their website, check the rules, write. I can’t wait to read your work.

Speaking of contests, Kalleb Oliveira of the charter school won the spelling bee. He will go on to enter the all-Island spelling bee. Congratulations, Kalleb!

This time of year is the annual store shuffle in preparation for our summer season. Mad Martha’s on Main street is returning to Union street. They will set up in the current Glass House building adjacent to Salvatore’s Restaurant, which was their former ice cream emporium for many years. That allows you to get a cone on your way to or from the boat. I’ll see you there.

Get well wishes continue for Lori Robinson Fisher. My sister in law, Nancy Irene Gardella, also needs cheer after spending a week in hospital.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Linda O’Leary on Valentine’s Day and also my faithful companion and Valentine date, Toby Gardella. Feb. 16 was a stellar celebration for Mary Lee Gerber, Chelsea King, Michael Nagle, Steve Richards, Ann Charnley, Jacqueline Baer and Sheenagh Caridi. And on Feb. 18, Charlotte Strople takes the cake. Many happy returns.