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Locals head to Trump’s inauguration, Women’s March in Washington, D.C.

Donald Trump is set to become the 45th president of the United States around noon today during the inauguration in Washington, D.C. (Photo provided)

SARANAC LAKE — The Tri-Lakes region is primed for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump today, whether people are taking overnight coach buses down to Washington, D.C. or if they have planned parties here.

This region’s U.S. representative, Republican Elise Stefanik, is hosting more than 150 North Country constituents who have made the trip to the nation’s capital for the ceremony, as the New York state native Trump is scheduled to become president around noon.

Stefanik’s Communications Director Tom Flanagin said about 15 of Stefanik’s tickets were provided to people from the Tri-Lakes region.

Flanigan said constituents requested tickets by contacting Stefanik’s office. The tickets were then distributed through a lottery system.

A group of at least 65 Tri-Lakers are departing from Saranac Lake this afternoon and tonight to arrive in Washington D.C. for tomorrow’s Women’s March on Washington.

The Adirondack-based political group Voters for Change organized a van of about a dozen people leaving for the march at 3 p.m., and a Coach bus of 55 leaving at 11 tonight.

Sue Abbott-Jones of Saranac Lake said people on the van will stay overnight in New Jersey before heading down to park in a lot in Maryland before taking a train into Washington and returning Saturday night. She said the Coach bus will travel directly to that same Maryland parking lot and also return Saturday night.

The cost of the trip for each person was $150, though some received financial aid, and there was a waiting list of about 10 people as of Thursday evening.

Abbott-Jones, a delegate pledged to Bernie Sanders at July’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and a critic of Trump, said she likely would not watch the inauguration ceremony today.

“I don’t have a TV, but I probably won’t be watching it,” she said. “I’m really disturbed by what’s going on, but I personally want to reach out and see if we can come together on issues and look at it from an issues-based view instead of politically-charged … to see if there is anything we can do to work together to keep our nation together.”

For Abbott-Jones, who said she will be brandishing a sign that reads “All People Matter,” during the march, she looks at the the bus trip as an opportunity to bond concerned people from the North Country, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent.

“I think marches and demonstrations are for education and exposure, but it also helps to unite the people that believe in that cause, whichever party we are marching for,” Abbott-Jones said. “I need that invigoration and to see all the women and men there to show their strength — everyone is equal.”

Another Saranac Lake resident, Barbara Rice, is head to Seneca Falls today for a planned march and rally on Saturday at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. Rice, a former village trustee and current Franklin County legislator, recently became the first chairwoman of the county Legislature. She’ll be traveling with her sister, Sue Rice, and a small group of friends.

A Democrat, Rice said she’s approaching the inauguration of President-elect Trump with optimism and hope.

“When I say I’m optimistic, I really mean that I believe in the people, the people that I serve and the people all across the country,” Rice said. “I think it’s important to continue to stand up and voice our concerns and make the new president accountable. I’m optimistic we can be heard, do that in the right way, and move on so we can continue to do the work of the people.”

Back here, the new Saranac Lake-based grassroots political group Now What? is also hosting an “Alternative Inauguration Party” from 7 to 9:30 tonight at Lake Flower Landing. More than 250 people have been invited on Facebook.

And at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Saranac Lake at 6:30 tonight, a presentation entitled “Hope, Justice & Love: A service of prayer and meditation for our President and the nation” is scheduled. The 30-minute service is open to the public and will consist of prayers, readings, music and silence.

Enterprise Senior Staff Writer Chris Knight contributed to this report.

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