Colleen Lacombe-Finally Thawed Out! January 23, 2009

Well, I’m finally thawed out and ready to report on the Inauguration! The day didn’t, quite, go according to my plans, but it was a good experience, nonetheless. My group left from the University of Rochester at 8pm on Monday. We traveled through the night on three chartered buses and arrived in Largo, Maryland around [...]

Points of view: The day of the inauguration! Shawn January 22, 2009

Before the inauguration, we went to museums and that was mostly it. We waited six hours at the inauguration before anything started. When Obama spoke everyone cheered it was great! By Fiona ONeil The crowd slowly moved forward step by step. It was 8:00 am in the morning. We were up and on the metro [...]

Home Again January 22, 2009

Hey Everyone, Well I’m home again, back to Vermont!  I’ve really enjoyed sharing this experience with everyone.  I started out not knowing exactly what to expect during the conference, but came out on the other end with one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I got to see unforgettable speakers, who spoke inspiring [...]

We Finally Caught Him! (Amy, W. Chazy, NY) January 21, 2009

Inauguration Day is one we will never forget. We ventured out by metro at 8am toward Capitol Hill. Luckily, we got a tip from some locals to catch the train that was going out of town because it would be empty and we could at least get on and have seats. We only had to [...]

The Prelude to the main event! Shawn January 21, 2009

I just wanted to write a quick message to inform people that much more will be written about this exciting historical event. I wanted to take a day to absorb all the information, so later on today a post will be added along with a video. Like I said in the beginning of this blog [...]

20 hour day, History Made! January 21, 2009

Well it all started this morning at 5 am. Up for breakfast and a very early bus ride into the city. However by the time we got onto the bus and into the city there was already bumper to bumper traffic. At about 8 am we finally got to our destination (yes it was about [...]

Houston – Martin Luther King Jr. Day & Attending The Inauguration I January 21, 2009

During Martin Luther King Jr. day we hung pretty low. The times that we did go into the city we ran into to extreme crowds. Going to the ‘official Obama store’ one of the many claiming to be the Official, or Original, it was total insanity. Squishing and weaving through the crowds just to get [...]

Good morning on inauguration day! January 20, 2009

Well the big day has finally arrived! I’m writing at 5:45 a.m. as we get ready to head to our buses and into the city for the exciting day. As my roommate and I go over the day we can’t help but be a little nervous. We don’t want to get lost in the 4 [...]

hey it’s all most here January 20, 2009

here is some picture because pictures speak louder than words . beth

Houston – We Are One Concert Video Clipits January 20, 2009

The Taxation Without Representation Sign Put Up To Draw Attention To The D.C. Natives The Crowd Singing “This Land Is Your Land” – Followed by the chanting of Obama Just A Quick Scan Of The Crowd Ordering Pizza Online and tracking it’s progress can be so exciting. (For Kyle and I)

We Found Our Seats!! (Amy – West Chazy, NY) January 20, 2009

It was another busy and exciting day in DC. We started the day with a reception at the Library of Congress with Senator Dick Durbin. Kacie and Jerika were introduced to the Senator, which was pretty neat. While we were hanging out in the back corner during this event , we were approached by a reporter [...]

Yet another fun filled, packed day January 20, 2009

Hey everyone! Well the big day is finally about to arrive!  Today was yet another day filled with exciting activities.  We were up early again this morning and off to our Presidential Group Meetings (I am in the “Polk” group) where as a group we discuss different things regarding the election and the election process [...]

Colleen Lacombe- Ready to Go! January 19, 2009

Well I’m all packed and ready to go. We leave in about two hours, so I’m getting really excited. I’ve packed snacks to share and extra layers, since it is only going to be about 30 degrees in Washington, D.C. tomorrow. They are also expecting some snow tonight, so I’ll be bringing my boots. I’ll [...]

Inspiring speeches and opening ceremony! January 19, 2009

Archbishop Desmond Tutu adresses the crowd Hello Everyone! Well it was another extremely exciting day here in Washington, jam packed as well! With a 6:30 a.m. start we made our way to the University of Maryland for the start of our day. None other than General Colin Powell spoke to the conference with many wise [...]

A Test Run, January 19, 2009

Hi this Riley O’Neil. I have been on the subway and I have been traveling and walking. I saw Barack Obama, his wife and daughter up on a big screen. We had to watch it on there because it was too crowded up close. Today was a test run for the inauguration day. The Woods [...]

Houston – We Are One Concert January 19, 2009

“Now announcing our 44th President of the United States, President Barack Obama.” Though only a dress rehearsal with stand ins, the gathered crowd went wild. Although it was not the day, nor the time, everyone who had gathered to take pictures of the Capitol building, turned, looked and cheered. These people believed in hope and [...]

Granny, we’re NOT in W. Chazy anymore!! January 19, 2009

We didn’t quite manage to do everything we expected. We took the metro into DC this morning and our first stop was the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Next, we attempted to watch the opening ceremony concert. We worked our way through the enormous crowd only to realize that we couldn’t reach the reserved [...]

Finally Here! January 18, 2009

Hello from Washington D.C.! Well it’s about 12:37 a.m. and it’s been a long day! However, I am here at my hotel in Washington with lots to tell you already. The day started off with last minute packing and goodbyes to all my friends and family, which took most of the morning. After a smooth [...]

The O’Neils and Woods arrive in Virginia (the adventure begins, Shawn) January 18, 2009

Thanks to the Woods’ superb sense of direction We made it to Arlington Virginia, where we met are gracious host Susan and Jim. I created a quick video of our trip. This video was created on the fly…

LaValley’s made it to DC (Amy, West Chazy, NY) January 18, 2009

1 Dunkin Donuts, 2 Rest Areas, 1 Applebees, and 9 hours later; we made it! It was a long ride for 3 kids in the back seat, but thanks to Nintendo DS and Apple I-pods we all survived. We plan to do some sight-seeing tomorrow and also attend the concert at the Lincoln Memorial, which [...]

Houston Arrives In D.C. January 17, 2009

After being packed into the back seat of our small silver Hyundai for two days and almost 10 hours, I’m happy to report that we are here! Our drive down consisted of BK, Sinatra and back seat jam sessions. Looking at the displays flying by, Obama was everywhere, and with the welcoming of all the [...]

The big day is TOMORROW! January 17, 2009

So we’ve waited and waited and the big day is finally about to arrive.  With a stressful week of school and sports behind me I can look forward to heading for D.C. tomorrow! My biggest stress at the moment is how to fit a ball gown into a suitcase.  I of course, like any 16 [...]

Colleen Lacombe’s Trip to the Presidential Inauguration January 16, 2009

My name is Colleen Lacombe and I’m from Peru, NY. I’m currently a junior at the University of Rochester where I am a psychology major and am pre-dental. I will be headed to Washington, D.C. with a group of 150 students. We will be leaving on Monday, traveling through the night, and will arrive on [...]

Kacie LaValley’s Trip to Washington D.C. January 16, 2009

      Hi my name is Kacie LaValley. I am 10 years old. I’m from West Chazy NY. I have a pony named Charlie Brown and 23 more horses to take care of daily.Oh ya and I cant forget the dogs! I have a ten year old mutt named Jake, and a 10 month old Cocker Spaniel named Paisley. Taking [...]

Hello January 16, 2009

I’m Elizabeth Nelson fromFranklin County, NY . I Fly out from Albany tomorrow to Washington. D.C.  I was  nominated By The CYLC. to represent my area at the presidential inauguration . during my trip i will be  visiting various museums and the national mall . also there, I will be attending many conferences and listening  to [...]

Stressful Week! January 15, 2009

Hi Everyone! I know everyone is gearing up for one of the most historic weeks in history. I’m sure my fellow bloggers are also scurrying to get things done before the big trip.  In order to get the blessing to go to D.C. i had to take all my midterm exams early this week, and [...]

Buttoning Up the Ranch (Amy LaValley, West Chazy, NY) January 15, 2009

In addition to packing for a family of 5 (which by the way may require a U-hual van), we also need to ensure that all 24 horses and 2 dogs are taken care of. Luckily, I have some very responsible (and willing) individuals to meet those needs. The horses are being tended to by my [...]

O’Neil Girls, Bristol January 15, 2009

    A poem By Fiona O’Neil Age 9 Washington DC!            Museums and Libraries  Fountains & Statues Washington DC the glory!                       Hi My name is Riley I am 7 years old. I am really excited to go to Washington DC. I am going to see [...]

Meet The Houston January 15, 2009

    Hey Everyone, My name is Tori Houston, I’m a Junior currently attending Montpelier High School.  Let me introduce you to the characters y’all will be reading about, my fellow adventures if you will. My Mother Patty and Father Lawrence are the brave souls willing to claim  my sister  and I as we embark [...]

I should have turned left at Albuquerque: The travels of the O’Neil Family, Shawn, Bristol January 14, 2009

  While my directional sense isn’t the greatest I am fortunate to travel with a savvy group of friends who graciously found a place for me and my family to stay.  This whole adventure started with a quick e-mail to Senator Sanders office way back in March 2008 asking for tickets for the 2009 inauguration in anticipation of an [...]

BHS junior headed for D.C.! January 14, 2009

Hi all! My name is Dylana and I’m a junior at Burlington High School in good old Burlington, Vermont! I am headed for the inauguration through a program called Presidential Youth Inagural Confrence (PYIC).  I attended a previous conference which got me nominated for this one.  It should be an exciting week throughout the conference [...]

The LaValley family is headed to DC! (Amy) January 13, 2009

Hi, I am Amy LaValley  from Clinton County NY and I am Washington, DC bound along with my husband, Ronnie and our daughters Heather (18), Jerika (11), and Kacie (10). We are very excited about the opportunity to be a part of history.  We will be leaving bright and early Saturday morning and have a full itinerary [...]

Coming Soon: Members Of Your Community Blog Live From Inauguration 2009 January 12, 2009

As part of WPTZ’s commitment to community journalism, WPTZ.com and NewsChannel 5 will be featuring community reporters blogging from President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington Jan. 20. Community members of all ages will begin blogging soon about their experiences in the days leading up to and during this historic event. Bloggers from both northern New York [...]