One of my end-of-the-year traditions is recapping some of the events and trends that may not have made headlines the previous year, but will remain in our memories longer than the usual news about politics, crime and the economy. Such as ...
The Year of the Bulldozer. CSO work continued throughout the city, most notably along Rivermont Avenue. Hang in there — it will all be finished in 10 years or so.
The Year of the Train. Amtrak hit a home run with its extra service from Lynchburg to Washington and New York, with that mode of transportation becoming a favorite among Central Virginians.
City Buses, Not So Much. The Greater Lynchburg Transit Company struggled with its finances all year, squeezing its long-suffering riders between a series of fare raises and route cutbacks.
Bridge over .. . The Rivermont Bridge was repaved and renovated for the first time in decades, and the residents of Cabell Street breathed a collective sigh of relief after their D Street connection to Rivermont was finally restored.
... Troubled waters. The water quality of the James River and some of its Central Virginia tributaries was downgraded by state environmental agencies.
Bridge Over Heavy Traffic. A new pedestrian span lifts Liberty University students (and anyone else who cares to use it) over the busyness of Ward’s Road to the shopping centers beyond.
Bridge Undone. The Fort Avenue detour remained in place for another year.
Re-Tyeing Two Counties. Speaking of bridges, a chunk of federal stimulus money stimulated a new span over the Tye River between Amherst and Nelson counties.
Bar None. Appomattox relieved itself of its county jail, joining Amherst in a new regional facility.
How About Those Dragons? Virginia University of Lynchburg rolled out a football and basketball team for the first time in 40 years.
How About Those Bees? The Brookville High School football team, which occasionally employed 6-4, 280-pound Korren Kirven as a running back, won a state title.
What About Heritage High School? Lynchburg’s second high school sprung so many leaks during 2011 that there were suggested that its motto “Home of the Orange” be changed to “Home of the Lemon.” After a lengthy debate about whether the school should be renovated or demolished, the consensus seemed to favor a new building in the same spot.
Hollywood East? The second major motion picture, “Lake Effect,” was filmed at Smith Mountain Lake.
Angels Flying Too Close to the Ground. The Blue Angels headlined a summer air show in Lynchburg, drawing huge crowds and causing stiff necks from all the people watching practice flyovers. The only problem was, the team was disciplined by the Navy for flying below the recommended safety level.
We Got Pool, Right Here in River City. Three new pool halls opened in Central Virginia.
Up, Up and Away. Lynchburg’s downtown YWCA finally got an elevator.
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