The Vineyard Branch of the NAACP will host its 23rd George Tankard, Jr.. Memorial 5K Road Race on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Oak Bluffs. First up is the kids run, which will begin at 9 a.m. Then the main event begins at 9:30 a.m., both leaving from Ocean Park.

George and Carrie Tankard and their six children left Newark, N.J. in the midst of the 1967 riots to create better opportunities for their family on the Vineyard. They not only found solace and happiness but the Island in return got a family that has contributed significantly to the civic, educational, cultural and social fabric of life here like few other families. Carrie has been active in civil rights, historic preservation, education and the importance of intercultural understanding.

George was an active member of American Legion Post 257. He operated a painting contracting business for over 20 years, giving young people a chance to work during the summer months and benefit from his life experiences. He was an avid reader of historic novels, the author of a book of memoirs about his life and the family transition to the Vineyard. George was a natural at making friends and was adored by scores of children as he gave talks and lectures on his understanding of history. All with a modicum of humor.

Carrie and colleague Elaine Weintraub founded the African American Heritage Trail, and the Tankard cottage is number 26 on the trail sites.

Come out and support the MVNAACP and pay tribute to the Tankard family, Oak Bluffs royalty.

Karen Holmes Ward is an active Oak Bluffs resident where she has been a leading force behind the planning and execution of the Charles Ogletree Public Forums. In addition, she has co-chaired the wildly popular Boston Girl Friends Lobster Luncheon held annually in August at Deon’s. But all of this has been in between her long and distinguished career as director of public affairs and community services at WCBV-TV, Channel 5, in Boston. She has served as executive for over four decades.

In particular she has been known for hosting and producing the award-winning, weekly magazine program CityLine. She was especially focused on highlighting people, places, achievements and challenges of those from communities of color in Greater Boston. Andrew Vrees, WCVB president and general manager, and others will be hosting a fond farewell to Karen next month in Boston. When you see her on Circuit avenue this fall,  thank her for all that she has done throughout her exemplary career in television.

Oak Bluffs resident Miniard Culpepper is known for his scrumptious barbecue ribs and for catching a variety of fish from Vineyard waters. But after retiring from his post as regional general counsel for the Department Housing and Urban Development he decided to get involved in local politics in his native Roxbury. He joined a field of 11 candidates running for the district 7 city council seat covering Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway and parts of the South End. He placed a very close second in the September primary. Boston is conducting a recount and we are cheering him on to the final elections in November.

Don’t forget to come out this Saturday to support Oak Bluffs Tivoli Day and support street vendors, retail merchants, dance to music, grab end of summer sales and purchase art along the way. See you there.

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting.

Rest in Peace, Randall Edward Taylor