| Author | Message | ||
     crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 688 Registered: 1-2004 |
mercedes in the lot is not the norm. I walk through often and the majority look like old station cars - old Hondas, volvos, various 4-door impala types. You wanna see excess, go to the Millburn HS lot. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5481 Registered: 1-2004  |
I just spoke with someone from the Maplewood Police Deptartment. I ask the person I spoke to if he could please confirm the validity of something I've been hearing that happened the night of Midnight Madness. He asked what did I hear. I told him that nearly every single car in the Senior lLt, which was supposedly 'full to capacity' was vandalized in some way. The person I spoke to told me "there were just a couple; but not a lot." I asked does this mean "maybe 3-5 out of one hundred," to which he replied, 'something like that...' weren't some buses recently vandalized in one of the school lots within the past few months? Perhaps what happened the other night had nothing to do with Midnight Madness? | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 691 Registered: 1-2004 |
JTA- stop rumor mongering!!! bus vandalism, etc. The facts are that some cars had crap all over them, some were keyed and alot of the crap spelled out 'class of '05'. No one ever said the lot was full (someone did say that it could hold about 100 cars - does anyone really know the number?) but no one confirmed how many cars were in the lot. Not even the police - they weren't there, remember? also, sorry for my comment directed at you the other day. It was for Joan. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese  Post Number: 1697 Registered: 7-2004  |
I heard that there were 84 cars in the lot that night. I think that what we have here is a serial vandalizer or more likely vandalizers. The buses were just the beginning of this rampage. Maybe a citizens group can be started to watch over parking lots at night. I know I would feel a lot safer if I knew there were people who cared staying overnight in the Columbia parking lot. We need to stand together and say that we are not scared. I suggest that everyone here on MOL call the police department this minute and demand to know exactly what happened in that parking lot on that fateful night! Information is power that we can use against those who would see our beautiful towns fall into despair and decay. | ||
| Olive Dog Citizen Username: Olive_dog Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2006 |
You all are so wrong, its bordering on ridiculous. 1.Yes this happened to the seniors last year. I can remember coming home from Midnight Madness and seeing all the cars covered in shaving cream. with 04 written on most of them. Yes this is a tradition. 2. I saw the cars in the lot this year. There were at least 80 cars and every single one was covered in trash. Tuna fish, milk, shaving cream etc. However, only 3-4 cars were keyed. This is not some random act of vandalism. it is a tradition, and a harmless one. Deal with it. Dog | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5485 Registered: 1-2004 |
crabby I have to be somewhere five minutes ago. If I get a chance I'll address your post more fully but YOU did orignally say "Nearly every car" now you 'some.' Cheesy- I hope you and some others call the Maplewood Police to see if you're given the same information I was. Joan C, maybe you could call considering you are one of the most reasonable posters on MOL. Plus the police know, like, and respect you! | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 2410 Registered: 11-2001  |
Oh, please.....make this stop.......... There was some vandalism. Vandalism is unacceptable. There were some cars that had been covered in various forms of detritus. Not the most hilarious prank; in fact, a crappy prank. Defacing a car is also unacceptable. Don't the Maplewood Police have more important things to do than count the cans of tuna fish and eggs splattered on cars and address silly phone calls about it? | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 1947 Registered: 10-2003 |
Yeah, like checking out noise complaints before 10 pm. | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1800 Registered: 2-2005 |
"ONLY" three or four cars were keyed. Well... what's everyone getting all upset about then?  | ||
| blackcat Citizen Username: Blackcat Post Number: 641 Registered: 6-2001 |
From my 06 graduate of CHS, all the cars were "vandalized" with shaving cream, eggs, etc., from last years graduates. There was only one car "keyed" and it was done specifically to that person's car for specific reasons. There's no group of vandals attacking our town. These were pranks by high school kids and one act of needless revenge (or whatever) on one person's car. Let's move on. | ||
| cookiecutter Citizen Username: Cookiecutter Post Number: 119 Registered: 5-2004 |
I've been busy with life outside of MOL and just would like to comment on the validity of the incident. It did happen. The kids were told on the night that is was a ritual (this is now questionable). More than a few cars were involved, nearly the entire parking lot. JTA's Police contact may be playing down the incident so the Police do not look bad. Whatever the reasoning of said Police contact, their facts are incorrect. JTA's comments that she finds this story unbelieveable leads me to ask where she lives? Certainly not Maplewood. Take off the rose-colored glasses. | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 693 Registered: 1-2004 |
for pete sake jta...with all your rumor mongering your trying to make it like I'm being wishy washy?! WHat a joke. JTA prefers rumors to facts. Thanks for info olive and blackcat. It sucks all around. And Olive, if you think this is a 'harmless' tradition, why don't you let us know where you keep your car so I can find it next time I clean out my fridge. I'll be sure to scratch "crabby was here" with my keys. | ||
| Hamandeggs Citizen Username: Hamandeggs Post Number: 324 Registered: 8-2005 |
Okay, if the police are tied up, let me be the first parent volunteer to spend a night (or shift) in the parking lot next June. The weather is generally mild, it stays light fairly late, and I'm willing to sit in the lot with a cell phone and prevent this from happening next year. It's vandalism, it's foolish, and it ruins a celebration. I don't want anyone raining on the kids' parade. Anyone else? I'll contact the PTA. | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 694 Registered: 1-2004 |
The first sensible post! | ||
| Olive Dog Citizen Username: Olive_dog Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2006 |
first of all the keying of cars was a totally seperate incident. The seniors from last year did not do it. This was unrelated, although it occured on the same night. And the kids know what happened. Its shaving cream and tuna fish. don't be such a pussy. Dog | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1700 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hey, dog, if you know what happened then maybe it would be a good idea to go to the police. Also, I don't much care for your language, your attitude, or your grammar. You said that you remember seeing this after "coming home" last year. That would make you a graduate from last year. It is known that students from last year are the ones responsible. You don't care about the damage, and seem to have very specific details about this. Also, you happened to have seen the cars in the lot. However, the students arrived home at 5:00 am. You must have been up very early. I suspect that you helped to do this. You and me, behing the swings after you get out of social studies. Do you know Glock? He graduated with you. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5488 Registered: 1-2004 |
Cookie I still find the facts of your (and Crabby's) story hard to believe. As for where I live? I'm willing to bet I've lived here way longer then you; so there are no rose color-lasses on my face sorry. Crabby- No I don't prefer rumors to facts. That's why I called the police to confirm what you and Cookie posted. Where is the outrage from the other 80 or so parents and students? I think it would be pretty hard for the police to cover something like this up as cookie suggested. Destroying someone else's property is wrong-period. Why would students who had their cars vandalized do the same thing the following year to another student? And if this has happened in the past as some are suggesting, then you are also accusing the police of not doing their job. I can't believe the police would not give the lot extra attention if they are aware this has happened before. Perhaps Cookie and Crabby can take the bull by the horns and make sure the planners of this event are aware of what's been happening to help prevent this happening again. Anyway, it's late, I had a rough day and I have to be up at 5:30am... | ||
| Olive Dog Citizen Username: Olive_dog Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2006 |
Dear Mayor McCheese, screw you JACKASS! Olive | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 696 Registered: 1-2004 |
Naughty Dog. Did you know there are rules about name-calling here on MOL? (and it's not a bad rule for life either) | ||
| Sandi and Paul Citizen Username: Momsandi Post Number: 91 Registered: 10-2005 |
Then high school and college kids want to know why adults don't respect their opinions and treat them like children! It is a small minority that give adolescents a bad name. | ||
| Paper Bag Bandit Citizen Username: Glock17 Post Number: 1269 Registered: 7-2005  |
Post #4 is looking as if it is going to be their last. | ||
| Phenixrising Citizen Username: Phenixrising Post Number: 1739 Registered: 9-2004  |
Cookie I still find the facts of your (and Crabby's) story hard to believe. As for where I live? I'm willing to bet I've lived here way longer then you; so there are no rose color-lasses on my face sorry. JTA, Why do you find this hard to believe? It Happened! Do you THINK the police is going to tell YOU every DETAIL? Where is the outrage from the other 80 or so parents and students? Perhaps those 80% are NOT MOL posters. It's vandalism, it's foolish, and it ruins a celebration. I don't want anyone raining on the kids' parade. DITTO! What turned out to be an enjoyable evening of "Midnight Madness" turned into to "Midnight Nightmare" for some after returning from a night of fun. Imagine getting home a bit later than you thought because you had to stay behind cleaning-up your car after staying-up almost 24 hours. | ||
| Peter G. Magic Citizen Username: Pmagic Post Number: 142 Registered: 10-2005 |
There are two solutions: either have adults guarding the parking lot next year, as suggested or take pictures of the vandalism and send to the newspapers. The police do not like negative publicity, especially if it is a recurring event. Does anyone have a photo of the cars that were vandalized? | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5491 Registered: 1-2004 |
Phenix My first comment you highlighted in your post was in direct response to crabby's doubting I lived here and my seeing things through rose-colored glasses. Was your car one of those vandalized? How are you so sure it 'happened?' I don't think any of us know for sure. My having a hard time believing something to this extent happened isn't any different then others insisting it did. Unless someone here saw the all the damaged cars in the lot for themself; none of us know for sure. While a few posters have now posted their child has said it did happen just as many posters have said their child told them nothing like has happened that they know of. Who is right? While I don't think the police is going to tell me, or anyone else for that matter 'everything' if the amount of damage done is accurate, and this has happened in the past, I can't imagine the police not saying something. As for the outrage of the other parents, they don't need to post on MOL. I would think they would be making a stink with the BOE as well as the police and even in the press. This way people would be aware of what's happened and be able to talk with their teenagers to see if they know anything. Also, the police would get the message out there they will not tolerate this behavior in the future. I have no problem believing a few cars were attack, I have a big problem close to 80 were by last years graduates. | ||
| Phenixrising Citizen Username: Phenixrising Post Number: 1741 Registered: 9-2004 |
While I don't think the police is going to tell me, or anyone else for that matter 'everything' if the amount of damage done is accurate, and this has happened in the past, I can't imagine the police not saying something. When a crime is under investigation, the police are refrained from commenting on specifics. While a few posters have now posted their child has said it did happen just as many posters have said their child told them nothing like has happened that they know of. Who is right? JTA, Some kids were picked-up by there parents, some walked home, some drove and parked their car in the senior parking lot. For those who were picked-up and those who walked, how are THEY able to know about the vandelism? Also, why do you always come to a conclusion BEFORE the facts are stated? And don't go by a persons at the precinct account. Again, they are not going to forward you all the answers to your questions. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5493 Registered: 1-2004 |
Phenixrising- 'Always' is a pretty strong word. In this sistuaiton I came to a 'conclusion' the same way you and others have. Only we just happen to come to different 'conclusion.' If this has happened to the extent you believe, I'm sure there will be plenty of letters in the Snooze Wreckered. Why doesn't the BOE seem to know about this 'tradition' either? People are either part of the problem or they are part of the solution. Despite how many cars may or may not have been involved this or past years, maybe next year someone will guard the lot. | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 698 Registered: 1-2004 |
I never wondered where you lived or what color glasses you wear. That was cookiecutter. | ||
| Joshua Pines Citizen Username: Deiscane Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2006 |
What a stupid "ritual." | ||
| cookiecutter Citizen Username: Cookiecutter Post Number: 120 Registered: 5-2004 |
JTA- I've lived in Maplewood 17 years. Which is long enough to see a great deal of change. I happened to have been part of the MM Committee. I know personally my child's car was only floured and sauced, so we did not need to make a Police report. When my kid arrived home four of us washed the car at 6:00 a.m. The kids we know who's cars were keyed did file reports. If the kitchen condiment was easily removed people did not file reports to my knowledge. After Graduation and Midnight Madness the last things these kids needed to see were their cars (a prized possession often to someone who is 18) covered in mayonaise or worse keyed. Just obnoxious that it happened at all. All we can hope is that next year the adults and police will be on their guard. | ||
| Peter J. Watts Citizen Username: Peter_watts Post Number: 45 Registered: 3-2006  |
I just got here, but is Midnight Madness the no alcohol or drugs party? Maybe if these kids were at a keg party this wouldn't have happened. What ever happened to those rites of passage I remember from growing up? | ||
| cookiecutter Citizen Username: Cookiecutter Post Number: 121 Registered: 5-2004 |
 Love the retro response. | ||
| John James Leuchs Jr Citizen Username: Clairvoyant Post Number: 94 Registered: 8-2005 |
What happened, Peter, were drinking and driving fatalities. Back in the "good, old days" the roads weren't as heavily traveled and people didn't drive so darned fast! | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 705 Registered: 1-2004 |
And kids were killed. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5501 Registered: 1-2004 |
Crabby- Sorry you're right. Must remind myself not to wear my sun glasses in the house while on MOL!  | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5502 Registered: 1-2004 |
Cookie- I've been here more then 40 years and like you have seen a good deal of change. Sadly, some of it hasn't been for the better -what happened the other night is a perfect example. For even one car to have been trashed is one too many. Please encourage your graduate and those you know whose cars were vandalized to make a police report no matter how little the damage might have been. I agree after doing the safe thing by going to MM they come home to their cars being messed with sucks, but how can the police or planners do something to prevent this from happening again if they aren't aware it's more then just a few cars? Are the students sure it was last year's graduates who did this? The way kids talk someone must know some who was involved.Maybe amonst themselves the students could get other students to talk? If they need volunteers to sit and guard the lot where the cars are next year, write me in. I think though the police need to be aware of what's happening for them to be able to do anything. How can they do anything if nobody tells them what's actually happening? | ||
| Peter J. Watts Citizen Username: Peter_watts Post Number: 46 Registered: 3-2006 |
JTA, do you really feel that strongly about a little good natured vandalism that you're willing join a vigilante parking lot posse? Is it really an indication of the decline of the area? I would think gang shootings might fit the bill moreso than shaving cream on windshields. Pick your battles. It might be time to get this issue back in perspective. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 14813 Registered: 1-2003  |
Why does permission to use the lot imply that the police will afford watching over the lot? Some people visit from out of town. Their hosts call the police to allow the guests to park on the street. The cops do not, in that case, watch the car parked on the street. It would nice if the cops could watch the cars in the lot, but I do not infer -- from their permission -- that there is any promise to watch the cars. Why would anyone? | ||
| Illuminated Radish Citizen Username: Umoja Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2006 |
Really it's not that big a deal. I don't see how it effects half the empty nesters here, and I don't think most students honestly cared enough at that point. People just hose their cars off and that's it..... how many high school kids really keep their cars that clean? I knew a guy with a black car that turned yellow from being caked with pollen! | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 712 Registered: 1-2004 |
Typical kid response. How many of those kids pay their own insurance costs? THeir own gas? Yeah, I thought so. | ||
| Peter J. Watts Citizen Username: Peter_watts Post Number: 47 Registered: 3-2006 |
Crabby, what does your post have to do with anything on this thread? Do you have to report shaving cream on a car to insurance companies? And gas? What does that have to to with the price of tea in China? Please enlighten me. |
