When the American Cancer Society’s fifth annual Relay for Life begins this afternoon, more than 400 walkers will take over the track at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in Oak Bluffs to support patients in treatment for cancer, survivors of the disease and to honor the memory of those lost along the way.

All are welcome to celebrate Juneteenth — an African American celebration of when all slaves were freed — on Saturday, June 14, at the Oak Bluffs School from 2 to 4 p.m.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, the slaves in Texas were not notified of their freedom for another two years. This event is celebrated in many communities, though not yet a national holiday.

Strawberry Festival

The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury has scheduled the 20th annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 21, from 1 to 4 p.m.

The strawberries — 550 pounds of them — have been ordered to accommodate the crowd expected at this popular Island event. All proceeds benefit the preservation of the historic West Tisbury church. More information is available by calling 508-693-2842.

The Permanent Endowment Fund for Martha’s Vineyard has hired Ralinda Lurie as its first executive director.

“With the growth we have been experiencing in recent years, it was time to formalize our operations and development efforts,” said Debbie Hale, chairman of the board, in a statement.

Foundation Awards Gift

The Comcast Foundation has awarded a $10,000 gift to the Permanent Endowment Fund for Martha’s Vineyard. The fund will use the grant to help address the needs of the Island and grow program initiatives directly affecting the Vineyard community.

Since 1982, the Permanent Endowment Fund has served as the Island’s community foundation. All of its resources focus exclusively on addressing the needs of the Vineyard. More information is available by calling 508-338-4665.