On Saturday, May 17, a group from the Arc of Rockbridge traveled to Washington, D.C.
They started by riding in cars to the Amtrak station in Charlottesville. Once there, the 12 Arc Friends and five chaperones boarded the northbound train. Most of the group had never ridden on a train before, so this was a new experience for many.
They were able to see the scenery on the trip up and back on the train. They also had plenty of time to talk with their friends and even make some new ones, said a spokeswoman.
Once the train reached Union Station in D.C., the group joined a hop-on, hopoff bus tour of the nation’s capital. This bus ride allowed everyone to see many sights as they rode around the city. A few of the things they were able to see included the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Chinatown Friendship Arch, Arlington Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial and many of the Smithsonian museums.
After the bus tour, the group had supper at Union Station. After their meal, they boarded the train back to Charlottesville and returned to Rockbridge County.
This special trip was funded by the Jake Cassell Fund for Special Needs, a nonprofit established to honor the life and legacy of Jacob Brian “Jake” Cassell, grandson of board member Doris Fredricksen. The organization provides grants and forms partnerships with grassroots organizations that support children and young adults with special needs in underserved communities.
The following Friends were able to go on this trip: Tabby, Caleb, Phillip, David, Eliza, Dustin, Christopher, Randy, Terry, Alfred, Carl and Paul.
