Hope Week Will Honor City's Servicemen And Youth

A forum of faith-based organizations on Sunday will kick off a week of events to honor New London’s diversity, maritime heritage, veterans and youth.

The sixth annual Hope Week, sponsored by and the city of New London, will run from May 15 to May 22. A candlelight vigil taking place on the eve of Memorial Day is also associated with the events. The purpose of Hope Week, according to information provided by New London Public Schools, is to “send a powerful message that we, as a community, stand united in our willingness and our resolve to help and support our youth.” The event also celebrates “our region’s rich cultural diversity and maritime heritage” and pays tribute to the men and women in the armed services.

Events start with the Sunday forum from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the cafeteria. Residents are invited to attend and voice their concerns to a panel of leaders from local places of worship. On Monday, Literacy in Motion will present "Snow White" at the at 6 p.m. with refreshments to follow.

The high school’s gymnasium will host two basketball tournaments for ages 20 and under from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 17 and 20. Competitions include dunking, half-court shots, three point shots, and a four-on-four tournament. For more information, contact Anthony Nolan at 860-625-4711.

On May 18, the will have a display of science and art projects from all grade levels. Seniors at the magnet school will also be giving their final year presentations, and community organizations will have informational tables on services available in the region. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Rich Rothstein, also known as Mr. Magic, will show his talent in a 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. performance on May 19 at the gymnasium. Volunteers willing to assist with the show will receive prizes. Also on this day, Haitian students who have excelled in their studies will be recognized from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the high school and the will hold a movie night at 6:30 p.m.

On May 20, will run their spring production of dance, music, and spoken word from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Another production will take place at the same time on May 21 and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on May 22.

The event gets an early start on Memorial Day remembrances with a on May 21. Starting at 10 a.m. at , the procession will head down Broad and State Streets. At noon, the Whale’s Tail fountain at Parade Plaza will be turned on by representatives from each elementary school, and students will put on performances until 2 p.m. The will hold a poetry reading at noon and follow it with the third annual silent auction and “Chowda Fest” from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 14. FRESH New London will be selling plants from their community garden at the corner of Williams and Mercer Streets between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

This year’s parade will include over 1,100 participants from five bands and over 100 groups. The honorary grand marshal is Staff Sgt. Edwin Rivera, a Waterford native who was killed in Afghanistan last year.

Hope Week events conclude on May 22 with a noon memorial service at honoring the Merchant Marine. Another event associated with the services, a candlelight vigil at Parade Plaza in memory and support of veterans, takes place from 7:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on May 29. Luminaries may be purchased from 7 p.m. on for $1 apiece.