Maplewood, South Orange Plan Slew Of Women's History Events

MAPLEWOOD AND SOUTH ORANGE — In honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote this year, female officials in Maplewood and South Orange have planned a host of unique events to highlight women's history and accomplishments. Some will be arts events, others about history, and others just about celebrating.

The officials have also partnered with the area business districts to relaunch SOMAWomen.org, the official website of SOMA Celebrates Women’s History. People can learn about upcoming events and businesses can post promotions and offerings there.

Rather than just hosting events in March for the month, they have planned events for all year, culminating in a voter registration drive for the November election.

In 1920, Congress ratified the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote.

“We invite all residents of Maplewood, South Orange and surrounding towns to celebrate women all year,” said Maplewood Township Committeewoman Nancy Adams. "All that women do for our communities and for our country should be recognized, appreciated, and celebrated, and we want everyone to join in the fun this year!”

Sheena Collum, the first woman to hold the title of village president in South Orange’s history, said, “We’re surrounded by fierce females every day, so don’t confuse our kindness for weakness."

She added, "Our lineup of events aims to combine empowerment, education, and entertainment and hopefully, we’ll end the year having built stronger relationships with one another.”

Adams and Collum are joined on the steering committee by South Orange Village Trustees Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Summer Jones and Donna Coallier, Maplewood Democratic Committee Co-Chair Garnet Hall, Former Maplewood Deputy Mayor Kathy Leventhal, South Orange Maplewood Board of Education 1st Vice President Shannon Cuttle, South Orange Village Center Alliance Executive Director Julie Doran, Maplewood Village Alliance Director Deb Yohannan, Springfield Avenue Partnership Director Nicole Wallace, and Maplewood Director of Community Services Melissa Mancuso.

Voter registration forms will be available at all events.

The SOMA Celebrates Women 2020 campaign is seeking help from topical experts and influencers to generate enthusiasm and help lead an event or events. Businesses looking to donate prizes or coordinate related activities should reach out to Julie Doran, Deb Yohannan, or Nicole Wallace. To learn more and to volunteer, visit www.SOMAWomen.org, use the official hashtag #SomaCelebratesWomen, join the SOMA Celebrates Women Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/somawomen/members/, and follow @SomaCelebratesWomen on Instagram.

This is the preliminary lineup of events:

• SOMA Day at Seton Hall Women’s Basketball Game: Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m., Seton Hall University Walsh Gymnasium, Show ID proving residence in SOMA for $5 ticket, SHU vs St. John’s.
• "Akeelah & The Bee" Movie Slumber Party: Saturday, Feb. 22, 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., South Orange Performing Arts Center Loft. Free, bring your sleeping bag and yoga mat!
• Women’s History Month Proclamation: Inviting all women elected officials, past and present for photo and participation in reading the proclamation. March 3, 7:30 p.m., Maplewood Township Committee Meeting, 574 Valley St., Maplewood.
• International Women’s Day “Wear White for Women” Group Photo & Mimosas: Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m., on the front steps of Maplewood Town Hall, 574 Valley St., Maplewood. All are welcome!
• Honoring the Hard-Won Fight for Women’s Voting Rights: Sunday, March 15, 1 to 3 p.m., Durand Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
• Senior & Young Women: Reflections on Voting: TBD April event.
• May: Moms Helping Moms: In honor of Mother’s Day SOMA businesses will collect donation items during the month of May in support of the Moms Helping Moms Foundation of New Jersey.
• Pride Event: TBD June event.
• Summer Reading List: Coming from Maplewood & South Orange Libraries.
• Summer Concert at Gazebo: TBD event in July.
• Ladies Night at the Pool: South Orange Pool, Aug. 9, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Women’s Health and Wellness: A June through September virtual women’s health and wellness awareness campaign culminating in the Women’s Health Fair Annex to the 14th Annual Free South Orange Health Fair, Sept. 12 at the South Orange Fire Station.
• Women’s Art Event: TBD event in October at 1978 Art Gallery, Maplewood.
• Trip to Statue of Liberty: TBD event in October.
• Women Making Change: TBD event in November.
• Year-End Celebration: Orange Lawn Tennis Club, Date TBD December.