Considered by many to be the starting shot of the Vineyard summer season, the annual Oak Bluffs Memorial Day Road Race is this Sunday morning, May 30. Consisting of a 5 kilometer road race and walk, along with a one mile family fun run, the race has seen over 600 racers and countless spectators of all ages over the years, with all proceeds going to benefit Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, which relies on these funds to provide nursing, social, spiritual and bereavement services to the Island community.

Heard the one about the brawling Bronx nun who drank too much Christian Brothers?

Those who do know Sister Maurice Doody and Sister Rose Patricia Reilly’s deadpan sobriety standup act well tend to complain when they drop any details: “You left out the part where you beat up your sister!”

Mr. Brigish’s Journey to the East

In 2008, South African-born documentary photographer and West Tisbury resident Alan Brigish set out on a journey that would become Breathing in the Buddha, a recently-published book that serves as an image-driven chronicle of everyday Buddhist life across Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Laos. This Saturday, May 29, Mr. Brigish will share some of the experiences he had along the way, illustrated with photographs and video clips, at the West Tisbury library at 4 p.m. The talk is free.

Camp Ground Sale

United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard will hold its annual Memorial Day weekend sale next Saturday, May 29 from 9 a.m. to noon, in front of the parish house, near Trinity Church and the Tabernacle, in the Camp Ground of Oak Bluffs.

Church members will assist in baking and selling goodies. Proceeds benefit the ministries of the church, designed to provide outreach and Christian growth.

Tashmoo Picnic

On Monday, May 31 the town of Tisbury hosts the annual Memorial Day picnic at the Tashmoo Water Works off Spring street and State Road in Vineyard Haven. This event is open to all from 12 to 4 p.m. and is accessible by bus.

The Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group’s annual spring gala celebration, An Evening under the Stars, welcomes guests on Thursday, May 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mediterranean on Beach Road in Oak Bluffs.

With beverages, hot and cold hors d’oeuvre, and music by the Mike Benjamin band, the gala is “casual elegance,” and the price of admission includes door prizes and gift bags.