ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE COMMITTEE NAMES GRAND MARSHAL

New London — The New London St. Patrick’s Day Committee recently announced that Donna Marie “Sullivan” Vendetto will be the 2018 parade grand marshal.

Vendetto is a lifelong resident of New London and a New London High School graduate who spent more than three decades in the school district as a teacher and school administrator before her retirement.

She now volunteers her time at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, the Community Meal Center and the New London Beautification Committee.

She has co-chaired the annual Cancer Benefit Fair, the Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil, the Ocean Beach Silly Hat Parade, alumni reunions and the Karl Kelly Benefit Concert.

One of Donna Vendetto’s brothers, Wayne Vendetto, died earlier this week. The March 11 parade will be dedicated to his memory.

This year’s parade starts at 1 p.m. at the corner of Bank and Tilley streets and will proceed north on Bank Street, up State Street and onto Washington Street. Local bands, civic groups, Irish civic organizations and youth groups will be in attendance.

The NL Parade Committee will be holding a steak dinner fundraiser form 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Birdseye Café. Tickets may be purchased at Muddy Waters Café on Bank Street or by calling Barbara J. Neff at (860) 443-3786.