Pushed back the "Year in Review" due to some research, and then more news items came up. Besides, everyone else was doing their own versions....and the year sped by without time to keep working on the "Whatever Happened To..." series.
The regional "tourism development" topic keeps generating lots of comments, too, as it begins to move back onto the rails. One of the local tourism hooks is supposed to be the Christiansburg Aquatic Center, envisioned a decade ago. Citizens are still waiting.
The Roanoke County facility, just a short drive down the interstate, opened with a big splash. Ground breaking to grand opening occurred in 18 months. It will be another attraction for the region, and visitors may also decide to shop or dine at the nearby Valleyview Mall.
Since Roanoke's newest jewel offers day passes, it sounds like a good reason to go check it out. Note that facility might be similar to the Christiansburg Rec Center and the Aquatic Center (costs and amenities) -- if town leaders had envisioned them placed at a single site. And if either of them provided hot tubs and childcare ...