MAPLEWOOD HEADING TO D.C. PROTEST IN FULL FORCE

Hundreds of Maplewood residents are gearing up for the big Womens March on D.C. set for Saturday in Washington, with most boarding buses for the trip aimed at showing their opposition to Donald Trump's inauguration.

Residents say they have not seen such a mass local planning for an event outside of town in years. When word of the protest event first surfaced months ago, a Facebook page and other planning efforts were launched.

"I think it's amazing that so many people in Maplewood are going," said Alan Stephenson, a Tuscan Road resident, husband, and father of a middle school student. "This is why we all live here, to take a stand. I am doing this to teach my son that instead of sitting around griping about things that don't turn out your way, you have to take a stand."

Stephenson, who is also a co-president of Maplewood Middle School HSA, said he personally rented two buses for the trip.

"They filled up right away," he said, noting they will shove off at 5:15 a.m. in front of Tuscan School Saturday.

Elizabeth Geary-Archer, a Hilton resident since 2003 and the mother of three children, is taking a bus from South Orange. 

"It has sort of snowballed," she said of the local interest. "I'm going because I'm concerned about the incoming administration. It does give you a sense of solidarity and inspiration to look out and see a huge group of people who feel the way you do."

She cited among her most pressing concerns about a Trump Administration his pick for education secretary, Betsy DeVos, who said Wednesday she believed schools should let teachers carry guns if they wish. 

"I am going to sort of sustain me for whatever is coming next," she said about her reasons for marching. "I can't even wrap my mind around it because every day something comes out. The people he is nominating and their track records are frightening." 

Tina Kelley, a local writer, poet and mother of two, said she is going with her daughter to seek protection for women's rights, the press, and the environment.

"I want to be counted as among the women who will be holding him to account to protect our health and respect us as human beings," Kelley said. "I feel very strongly that the efforts in the past generations for justice and kindness need to be defended."

Township officials have also weighed in with strong support. The Township Committee on Tuesday voted to lift the overnight parking ban on town streets for Saturday and Sunday mornings. 

Three TC members, including Mayor Vic Deluca, also plan to attend the rally and march on Saturday.

Mayor Deluca

"I feel it is important to stand up for democratic values within 24 hours of Donald Trump being sworn in as president," Deluca, who plans to drive down on Friday, said via email. "I want to join with thousands from across America to let the new leadership in Washington know that we will resist their dismantling of hard fought wins to expand social, economic and political rights and liberties."

TC members Frank McGehee and India Larrier also plan to make the trip. Nancy Adams and Greg Lembrich said they are unable to attend, but are supportive.

"It was important to be with my fellow Maplewoodians and for them to tangibly see who will work with them, and for them afterwards at the local level," McGehee said.
 
Then there is Bite, the new Valley Street eatery that is offering a lunch box special for the trip that you can order ahead and pick up at the South Orange train station at 4 a.m. Saturday.