Someone has been stealing our whelk shells from the fifth tee. Maybe there is a crime ring of elderly lady crafters, hoarding attractive white shells to decorate and display next to their Hummel figurines. That’s my guess. But I don’t intimidate easily, so I will come down hard with harsh words and stern looks upon the culprits, no matter their number or age.

Hazy, hot and humid — we have had it all. Now we just need rain. Who would have ever thought we would need rain after June’s weather, but Mother Nature has spoken. Let’s just hope there is some relief somewhere.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to John Murray, who celebrated his day July 20; Riley Craig, July 21, Abigail Lively, July 23, Natalie Wallace, July 24 and to Owen Kleinhernz, who celebrated his day July 25.

The East Chop Association held its July meeting at the East Chop Beach Club last Saturday. Every time I attend, I am thankful for the ECA. Neighborhoods do not remain special without a great deal of care. Can you imagine East Chop without our parks? Crystal Lake is healthy and vibrant because of ECA work.

Back in the 60s, those of us teens and pre-teens lucky enough to have been able to stay in Oak Bluffs all summer learned quickly that what was important was to have something to do outside. If not, Mom was going to find something for you to do inside, like chores or reading a book or babysitting siblings who often changed from “Oooh, isn’t she/he cute?” to one of the devil’s disciples.

Calling all history buffs: Captain Martin Bayerle brings his book The Tsar’s Treasure to the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 with an author’s talk and a question and answer session. The book is the story of the lost luxury White Star Liner RMS Republic which sank in 1909 off Martha’s Vineyard after being hit by the SS Florida in a thick fog. Mr. Bayerle discovered the shipwreck in the early 1980s.

The dog days of summer are here and the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has nary a dog to adopt. It must be doing its job very well as all the dogs have gone to homes. There are a few cats hanging out in the air conditioned cat room. T.C. is a lovely calico, female of course, as are all calico cats. She purrs when petted and seems to have a very good disposition. The big black male, Michael, has overcome his jitters and now emerges from his hiding place to greet visitors.

It’s a celebration of chickens and all they produce during the Coop de Ville tour on Sunday, August 4. The tour begins at 10:30 a.m. with brunch at the Grey Barn in Chilmark. Then everyone heads out to visit the five participating farms for a tour of their coops and a better understanding of local, sustainable agriculture. Leave your pets at home during the tour. Chickens and dogs rarely forge friendships.

Martha’s Vineyard Summer Soul is coming to the Island on Sunday, August 12. The event is the inspiration of Sharon-Francis Moore a seasonal resident of Vineyard Haven. After several friends were diagnosed with cancer, Ms. Moore decided to create a summer fundraiser to give back to four organizations instrumental in providing care for cancer patients. The organizations are Angel Flight Northeast, the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, Project Renewal and Look Good Feel Better.

The six artists currently involved in the newest exhibit at the Louisa Gould Gallery in Vineyard Haven are Jeff P’an, John Holladay, Fran Dropkin, Nick Paciorek, Joan Rusitzky and Ms. Gould.

Built on Stilts is the Vineyard’s homegrown dance festival and it takes root this summer from August 8 through the 11 and again from August 17 through the 20 at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. Choreographers from Martha’s Vineyard and visiting artists from off-Island join creative forces to bring the performances to life. The program is always free and changes each night. Each night begins with a drum circle starting at 7:30 p.m. The Dance program follows at 8 p.m.