That thunderstorm at 4 a.m. the other day was wild. My dogs were greatly disturbed. My friend and neighbor had a lightening bolt go down one side of her house, destroying electricity, frying some televisions and knocking some shingles off her home. Thank goodness no fire. I am already looking forward to the off-season.

In other neighborhood news, I tested our Tisbury police department and EMS services yesterday and found them superb. I went to cut flowers in my garden and fell. I could not get up. Had my cell with me and made the call. Two nice policemen responded rapidly with two EMS staff. The ladies lifted me easily and safely.

This being the Island, I had taught one in school. She had been a friend of my son’s and had also been here for parties and sleepovers. Small island, big hearts. The only thing that hurts is my dignity.

Dan Panico played his music at the parade for the Portuguese Feast last weekend and declared it a fabulous time. Rena Viera and many friends enjoyed it.

The Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival returns to the tent on the grounds of the Chilmark Community Center during the first week in August. On August 4, the opening event is a ticketed conversation between beloved host Seth Meyers and Kara Swisher. The other events will be free but get your tickets now to hear Seth and Kara. Some of the authors speaking over the following days will be our own Bill Eville, Douglas Brinkley, Richard North Patterson and poet and writer Rose Styron. The way to get your ticket is mvbookfestival.com. I’ll see you there.

Continuing with my favorite theme of books, our library has more great, new titles. The library is also offering a travel writing workshop and a Water Rockets day. Amy wants to remind you that the library will be closed on Sundays in July and August.

The Cleopatra Lounge has been washed up, newly-painted and ready for the season of art and fun. Gretchen Baer has returned for the summer. Her artist-Mom Jackie is working on new beading. Gretchen’s painting partner Shelagh Hackett is rarin’ to get to work. Gretchen made a painting a day on her recent trip to Sicily.

I neglected to mention my friend and famous visitor who gave me one day’s notice when he flew in from Taiwan where he now teaches English. Longtime radio show host for WMVY, writer, teacher and now hosting a radio show overseas, Peter Sawyer! Peter and I see each other about once yearly. It is not enough. Is Taiwan warm in the winter? Perhaps I should go take a class.

Camp Grammy is over for the summer but I am anxious to enroll for next year. Marilyn Van Tine and her daughter Karen Gerlach hosted 14-year-old twins Grant and Grayson and eight-year-old Decklin, for this year’s summer camp. The boys are Marilyn’s great-grandsons and Karen’s grandchildren from Pennsylvania. Same time, next year.

Friday night July 21, Music Man Steve Hart and friends will give a beautiful concert at the Old Whaling Church. The concert is a fundraiser for Steve’s young niece Sofia, who needs a heart transplant. I’ll see you there.

On July 17 the birthday bandwagon pulled along my son Chris Clark and Daniel Van Landingham. My dear cousin Grace Dowling also shared her birthday with them. My daughter in law Librada Clark takes the cake on Monday, July 24. Many happy returns.