âUnprecedented.â
That word has been repeated over and over in Amherst County this year as residents, businesses, nonprofits and local officials for roughly 10 months wrestled with the multitude of challenges and disruptions from the novel coronavirus pandemic. The virusâs effect on the community is the yearâs overall top story and news event, leading to a constant flow of headlines throughout the year.
Quarantines, teleworking, face masks and the extensive ripple effects from the stateâs shutdown in the spring aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus were part of the new normal. Schools were closed March 13 and Amherst County Public Schools swiftly acted to ensure students had access to learning materials and meals at home through technology, bus delivery and drive-thru distributions.
I’ve covered arts and entertainment and written humor columns at The Day for almost a quarter-century. What I’ve learned is how privileged I’ve been to explore for readers an incredibly diverse, active, and creative cultural area – from local music clubs, galleries and museums to numerous nationally famous authors, performance organizations and the array of talent that flows through the Garde Arts Center, and Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos, and much more.
Rick Koster
I’ve covered arts and entertainment and written humor columns at The Day for almost a quarter-century. What I’ve learned is how privileged I’ve been to explore for readers an incredibly diverse, active, and creative cultural area – from local music clubs, galleries and museums to numerous nationally famous authors, performance organizations and the array of talent that flows through the Garde Arts Center, and Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos, and much more.
AMHERST
A month before the Virginia General Assemblyâs 2021 session, three local legislators observed Monday how Amherst County Public Schools is operating in the gauntlet of daily challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg; Del. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg; and Del. Ronnie Campbell, R-Rockbridge County, joined school officials in a tour of Central Elementary School before a virtual conversation with the Amherst County School Board. Superintendent Rob Arnold walked the trio through the school while explaining protocols and procedures for keeping the divisionâs classroom settings as safe as possible.
âItâs quite a production,â Arnold said to the state representatives, later adding of Amherst educatorsâ efforts: âOur ability to get this far without having to shut down is a tribute to work all these guys have done.â