NEW ORLEANS - 04-26-2018

Registration is open for the OPSO Young Marines 5K Walk/Run/Bike scheduled to take place starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 19.

For the first time, the annual OPSO race highlights the youth organization which is in the middle of a recruiting and fundraising campaign.

The OPSO Young Marines, open to boys and girls ages 8 to 17, seeks to instill in young people a sense of pride in themselves, their community and country. The Young Marines provides opportunities for young people to develop self-discipline and leadership skills by exposing them to positive adult role models, and providing them with instruction and guidance on a host of topics.

The OPSO Young Marines has invited area Young Marines units and adult military units to also participate in the race. An information table will be set up at the race to sign up new members.

Entry fee for the Young Marines 5K is $10; and $5 for the kid's half-mile run.

Proceeds from the race will be used to fund Young Marines activities including an upcoming summer camp in Robert, La.

To register, click on this link:

https://www.raceentry.com/races/opso-young-marines-5k-walk-run-and-kids-12-mile-/2018/register

NEW ORLEANS - 04-09-2018

Community Forum and TuTu Walk on tap Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

The week-long observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week in New Orleans continues with a request that everyone wear purple on Tuesday (April 10) to demonstrate that you support efforts to prevent domestic abuse. Wear Purple Day is the third event of the week that began with a kick-off service on Sunday at the City of Love Church followed by Wear Blue Day on Monday to raise awareness about preventing child abuse.

Wednesday's observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week will be highlighted by a community forum featuring crime victim advocates, law enforcement officials and Criminal District Court Judge Paul Bonin. The community forum will take place at 6 p.m. at KIPP Central City Academy, 2514 Third St. Laura McKnight, reporter for The Times-Picayune/nola.com, is the moderator.

On Thursday, sponsors of the week's activities want to raise awareness about sexual assault at a Tutu Walk that begins at 6 p.m. at Washington Square Park, 700 Elysian Fields Ave. Participants are encouraged to wear a tutu for the walk that winds through the French Quarter and ends back at Washington Square Park.

Two additional events are planned for the week. They are:

• Friday, April 13 -- Memorial Balloon Release -- Crime victims will release biodegradable balloons at 6 p.m., at Bayou St. John near Orleans Avenue. The balloon release will be preceded by the reading of crime victims' names. Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman will introduce former Municipal Court Judge Desiree Charbonnet who will deliver opening remarks. Attendees are encouraged to wear white.
• Saturday, April 14 – Candlelight Healing Vigil – Attendees are encouraged to bring a framed picture of a loved one who died as a result of violence. The vigil begins at 7 p.m. on the neutral ground near 3400 St. Claude Ave.

This theme of National Crime Victims' Rights Week is "Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims." The theme emphasizes the importance of inclusion in victim service and addresses:

• how the crime victims field can better ensure that every crime victim has access to services and support, and
• how professional organizations and communities can work in tandem to reach all victims.

The Sheriff's Office Crime Victims Assistance Program is a co-sponsor of the week's events along with the New Orleans Police Department; Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office; the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; Silence is Violence and Alliance for Safety and Justice.

For more information about OPSO's Crime Victims Assistance Program, contact Sgt. Stephanie Minto, claims investigator and program director, at 504-202-9229 or 504-872-1059.