Watching the Inaugural Parade

The parade is still going on outside our window on 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue - we watched the parade from the 12th floor rooftop of the Marriott.

We're headed off to the People's Inaugural Ball tonight in the Grand Ballroom at 7PM - President Obama is expected to attend briefly. Richard Maxim is hoping to say hello to the President.

Inauguration Day - looking down on Pennsylvania Avenue

Looking out our window this morning, there are people lined up as far as you can see waiting to get past the secutiry checkpoints that open later this morning.

Our hotel room window overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue and there are hundreds of military officers patrolling the route.

Everything is in high security mode - with helicopters flying overhead and  police everywhere.

We're up and getting ready for the exciting events of the day.

Monday January 19 in Washington DC - Martin Luther King Day

The weather is cold and clear. The group from Cape Abilites spent a busy day participating in several events organized by The Stafford Foundation. All of the events were held at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue.

At 7:30 - we attended a moving Prayer Breakfast featuring dynamic speakers and music.

At noon, an elegant luncheon with Martin Luther King III as keynote speaker.

A brief reception turned into an elegant dinner on the enclosed rooftop deck. 

We all had a chance to meet and personally thank Earl Stafford - the man behind the People's Inaugural.

More details and photos to follow.  

Sunday update - We're here!

Neither snow, nor sleet, nor rain can deter the Cape Abilities crew from attending the People's Inaugural. We arrived safe and sound late afternoon in Washington DC.

The city has many security checkpoints - and it is filled with people who have come from across American.

Hundreds of thousands attended the free concert on the mall - and caused major gridlock when the concert ended.

The hotel is wonderful and everyone is excited to see more of the city. Larry, Bernyce, Janina, Richard and Jenna spent some time walking around the city after a quick dinner.  The weather is cold, but there is no snow on the ground.

Janina Aubrey at Macy's

Macy's generously donated several gowns, outfits and accessories for the People's Inaugural invitees from Cape Abilities.

Janina Aubrey (second from right) has the assistance of 3 personal shoppers while she was choosing her inaguration wardrobe.

Getting Ready - Richard Maxim

Puritan Clothing of Hyannis generously arranged for Richard Maxim to have a tuxedo for the People's Inauguration. The last minute invitation meant a rush order and fittings. The Cape Cod Times featured a front page photo and story about Richard and his tuxedo.

The tuxedo was picked up on Saturday. Photo: Tom Murphy with Richard Maxim

People's Inaugural Attendees from Cape Abilities

Cape Abilities is one of 35 non-profit organizations invited to participate in the People's Inaugural. Three individuals were selected to be honored by the foundation.

 

Bernyce Donalson, who has worked at Cape Abilities for over 30 years, Richard Maxim, who is employed at our work center in Hyannis, at Cape Abilities Farm and at the Barnstable Senior Center and Janina Aubrey, who received the prestigious Spirit of Massachusetts award from Gov. Deval Patrick for her work on the Welcome to Cape Cod Beach Buckets. 

 

Larry Thayer, Cape Abilities Executive Director and Jenna Zoino, Case Management specialist will also attend.

Photo: Bernyce Donalson with Larry Thayer and their invitations.

Cape Abilities at the People's Inaugural

We were thrilled to receive invitations this week to attend the People's Inaugural in Washington, DC. This project is the idea of Earl Stafford, founder of the Stafford Foundation. The Stafford Foundation has invited 300 poeple from across the United States for an all expense paid trip for a "front row seat" at the inaugural.

Cape Abilities is one of 35 non-profit organizations from across the country selected to attend this wonderful event. 

To read more about the Stafford Foundation, visit www.StaffordFoundation.org. To learn more about the project, read this article in USA Today.