Spring is a Wonderful Season in Lynchburg

Spring has burst forth in Lynchburg. First the crocuses and daffodils popped through the dirt, then pink cherry blossoms appeared all around town.

I love Lynchburg in springtime. The beauty of spring after a long winter is spectacular to behold. Birds chirp their springtime songs and you can almost hear the trees bursting forth with color.

 Main Street will soon be filled with spring blooms and the parks already overflow with walkers, runners and children playing.

As spring arrives in Lynchburg, kids of all ages enjoy the playground at Peaks View Park.

The disc golf course at Peaks View Park offers the perfect outdoor springtime adventure in Lynchburg. Start near the Wiggington Road parking lot and work your way through the 18 holes.

Across town, stroll the cherry tree lined paths of Riverside Park and soak in the sunshine.

Of course, the kids would rather play on the playground, so allow a little extra time.

Redbuds line the roadsides and the Ed Page Entrance to the Blackwater Creek Bikeway.

Wildflowers bloom in the woods along Blackwater Creek. Head to Creekside Trail, just off the Bikeway, and you'll find little patches of color everywhere.

Take a springtime drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and check out springtime on Mill Mountain. The Mill Mountain Park is a beautiful place to spend some time in spring.

Take in the springtime color at the Utility Line Arboretum, located beside AEP on Mayflower Drive in Lynchburg. Nearly all of the trees in the arboretum are suitable for planting beneath power lines.

Springtime awaits at the public gardens of Central Virginia. Visit the Anne Spencer Garden on Pierce Street and enjoy the colors of spring.

Soak in the splendor of spring at the Dorothy Crandall Bliss Botanic Garden on the campus of Randolph College.

Sit on the bench beside the pond or wander among the flowers and shrubs in bloom at the garden.

Spring is in full bloom at Lynchburg's Old City Cemetery, the perfect setting for family spring photos. Hundreds of roses will bloom at Old City Cemetery during April and May too.

So sweep away winter from your life with a springtime stroll in Lynchburg. Who knows what wonder awaits you!

Don't miss Historic Garden Week across Virginia from April 23-30. Explore public and private gardens across the state. Several homes and gardens on Peakland Place will be open for tours on Lynchburg's Garden Day on April 26.

Springtime is here and it's waiting for you in Lynchburg. So, get outdoors and savor the beauty of springtime in the Hill City. You may even find spring in your own front yard.

We Remember: 9/11 Reflections

The images of September 11, 2001 are forever burned into our collective memory

The reports on every news station playing over and over

The planes striking the World Trade Center, first one, then the other

American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.

A tragic error? Nobody knew at first 

United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.

And then we knew -- this was no error

As our brains struggled to comprehend what was happening

American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.

Flames and smoke filled the Virginia air

As black smoke continued rising into the New York sky

Brave firefighters and police officers rushed into the burning buildings

On a day filled with unthinkables, the South Tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m.

As panic filled the air in New York and Arlington

A struggle for life was taking place in the sky

As passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 fought back

Against the terrorist hijackers who'd taken control of their plane

Todd Beamer uttered the words, "Are you guys ready? Let's Roll!"

An American hero whose actions may have saved many lives

As they fought for their own lives

Flight 93 crashed to the ground near Shanksville, Pa. at 10:03 a.m.

 Amid thick smoke and chaos, the North Tower collapsed at 10:28 a.m.

Taking the lives of public heroes and unknown Americans  

And America watched, knowing life would never be the same

But the American spirit is strong

The American flag became our symbol

Raised above the rubble of the World Trade Center

Raised above the Pentagon 

Raised above the hallowed ground in Pennsylvania

Raised above homes across America

The symbol of our freedom and endurance

Hope for the future, strength to move forward

Hands held, voices raised in prayer

"Never Forget," we whispered to ourselves

"Never Forget," we prayed together

"Never Forget," became America's battle cry

As our lives were forever divided

Into before ... and after 9/11/01

15 Reasons to Attend the Uncle Billy's Day Festival

If you haven't been around the Lynchburg area for very long, you may not know about the Uncle Billy's Day Festival. Held on the first Saturday (and preceding Friday) in June each year in the small town of Altavista, Uncle Billy's Day draws crowds from far and near. Whether you're a newcomer or have lived in the area all of your life, here's 15 reasons to attend the Uncle Billy's Day Festival.

It's FREE! You'll probably have to park wherever you can find a spot, but there are free bus rides -- or you can walk -- to English Park, where most of the festivities will be held. The Trade Lot will be held at the War Memorial Park on 7th Street. Festival hours are Friday, June 5 from 4-11 p.m. and Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The carnival begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. No dogs, coolers or backpacks are permitted. You'll find full details including calendar of events at www.UncleBillysDay.com

It's family-friendly. Bring your kids, your spouse, your grandparents or come alone. Bring a chair and umbrella if you want, but no coolers or backpacks are allowed. Uncle Billy's Day offers good old fashioned fun at its finest.

There's funnel cake! Maybe it's just me, but there's nothing that marks a great summer festival better than funnel cake. Enjoy your funnel cake plain, add powdered sugar or load it up with fruit. YUM!

There's plenty of food. Whether you're feeding yourself or the entire family, you'll find something for everyone. The food trucks and stands beckon from the time you walk into English Park.

There's a really cool walkway. If you park downtown, you get to use the walkway to get to English Park. From high above the Uncle Billy's Day festivities, you can see everything. 

There are wild carnival rides for thrill-seekers of all ages. This ride is called Roll-O-Plane and it spins and turns as it speeds toward the ground. Hold on tight!

There are fun carnival rides for the little ones too.

You'll find a variety of bounce houses and carnival games.

There's even a carousel perfect for all ages to enjoy.

At some festivals, there's not much for the men to enjoy. The car show at Uncle Billy's Day is fun for men, women and children. Check out this really cool looking car.

The craft show is one of the area's biggest, attracting local vendors and crafters from out-of-state. Start your holiday shopping with unique gift items for everyone on your list.

English Park is located on the banks of the Staunton River. The views are great and there's even shade under the trees.

Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy live music on Friday from 5:30-11 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. There's a schedule of entertainment at the website.

There will be fireworks after dark on Saturday night -- starting at approximately 9:30 p.m. You can see the fireworks best from English Park.

How can you go wrong with an event that's celebrating 66 years! Come on out to Uncle Billy's Day this weekend. Hit the Altavista exit and follow the traffic. You'll have a blast!

Running for Meg

In Lynchburg, across the country and around the world, runners gathered on Saturday morning, January 18, 2014 to pay tribute to Meg Cross Menzies.

Most of those running or walking #megsmiles in memory of Meg have never met her, but her story could be the story of any runner anywhere.

Runners love early morning runs. Most of us have busy lives and a run starts the day off right. Meg died on her last morning run, with her loving husband at her side.

I don't think it's a coincidence that the music on the radio on this cold, blustery Saturday morning reflected Meg's life. When I got into my car, "Let All Things Now Living" was playing.

Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God the creator triumphantly raise.
Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
Who still guides us on to the end of our days.
God's banners are o'er us, His light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night.
Till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished
As forward we travel from light into light.

His law he enforces, the stars in their courses
And sun in its orbit obediently shine;
The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,
The deeps of the ocean proclaim him divine.
We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;
With glad adoration a Song let us raise
Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:
"To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!"

For Meg lived her life as God chose, following His word, praising His name, worshipping Him and raising her children to know and love Him.

Our group of runners and walkers numbered just under 50 people, including a baby riding in a stroller and a baby riding inside a mom-to-be.

We were all drawn to the story of the young mom who put her kids on the bus and took off with her husband on an early morning training run on Monday, January 13.

Meg had no way to know the run would be her last as she was called to her eternal home after being struck by a car.

But God knew. God's timeline doesn't always match our desires. Although Meg's family and friends wanted her to stay, God called her home.

Most of our group were runners, members of the Lynchburg Road Runners Club. A few of us were walkers for one reason or another. All of us gave at least two miles to #megsmiles on a Saturday morning when it would have been easy to stay inside where it was warm. Why? Because we were called - called to run or walk, called to share Meg's story, called to be part of God's bigger plan.

When I got into my car after walking two miles, "Faithful to Me" was on the radio.

You have told me, Lord what pleases You
To act justly and love mercy and walk humbly too
I'm reminded of the things
You've always said were in Your heart
I know that I have yet to go that far

I want to live my life in glory to You, Lord
That each and every day I'll love You more
I pray I'll die for You, the one that I adore
That someday I may hear the words I hold so dear
"Well done, my child, you have believed
You have been faithful to me"

There are words of truth You long to say
There is healing that may never come unless I pray
There are works of love and courage
That Lord only You can do
I'm willing, oh I yearn to be like You 

I want to live my life in glory to You, Lord
That each and every day I'll love You more
I pray I'll die for You, the One that I adore
That someday I may hear the words I hold so dear
"Well done, my child, you have believed
You have been faithful to me" 

I know that one day I will look at You
And I long to see the pleasure in Your eyes

I pray I'll die for You the one that I adore
That someday I may hear the words I hold so dear
"Well done, my child, you have believed
You have been faithful to me"
You have been faithful to me" 

Rest in peace, Meg Cross Menzies. You have been a good and faithful servant to your God, your family and your friends.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Winter Arrives in Lynchburg

The pace of life in Lynchburg slows down in the winter.

Outdoor activities are fewer as many families move indoors for the winter.

Gone are the busy days of December, filled with shopping, baking, parties and all sorts of holiday activities.

High school football and fall baseball are over for the season, replaced by basketball, wrestling and theater.

The local hiking and biking trails have emptied of all but the most diehard runners and cyclists.

The baked treats of the holidays mean the local fitness centers and gyms are filled with people of all ages, hoping to get in shape before summer arrives.

The trees have lost their leaves and the cold winds of winter are blowing.

Winter looms ahead with its short days and long, cold nights.

Unlike some colder climates, winter isn't filled with ice and snow in Lynchburg.

Although there will be some snow, sleet and ice before winter ends, most winter weather events don't last for too long.

Area schools may be delayed for an hour or two and there may even be a few snow days.

On some snowy days, the roads are warm enough that snow sticks only to the ground and trees, leaving the sidewalks and roads clear.

Families enjoy board games and Friday night pizza during winter around here.

Couples enjoy movies at home instead of busy evenings on the town.

Younger kids have moved indoors too, spending fun-filled days at Kids Cove or Amazement Square instead of playing in the backyard.

Winter in Lynchburg is a welcome change from life in the fast lane. Winter reminds us that life in the slow lane is okay too.

But, winter won't be quite as we generally experience it in over the next few days in Lynchburg.

A weather event known as a polar vortex is heading to the East Coast.

Temperatures will drop from just above freezing on Sunday night down into the 20s during the day on Monday.

Overnight lows on Monday will be in the single digits. It won't get much warmer on Tuesday.

Tuesday's high temperature will be around 20 degrees with an overnight low in the single digits again.

The wind chill index is predicted to be at 25-35 degrees below zero for both days. Dangerously cold is how the coming weather is described in the news.

Stay indoors if you can. If you have to go out, dress in layers and bundle up. Exposed skin can freeze in minutes when it's this cold.

Bring in the pets, crank up the heat and check on your elderly neighbors.

The grocery stores have been packed with people all weekend. Hopefully you were there stocking up on everything you need.

Wait for another day for the walk on the trails or day at the park. Better safe than sorry.

Soon enough, warmer weather will return to Lynchburg.

Every year, January offers a few sunny days with temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

Plan ahead for those spring-like days and take advantage of them.

But for now, bundle up and get ready. Winter is on the way to Central Virginia. Are you ready?