Sure, some of the worst of society’s ills were showcased on the national and local stage, with bitter politics, horrific shooting massacres and devastating natural disasters pummeling headlines.
Yet, bad news didn’t clog all the headlines.
Here are the top ten Central Virginia good news stories of 2012. (They aren’t in any particular order.)
1. Transplant leaves Colonial Heights boy leukemia-free
CBS 6 News first told you about 2-year-old old Quinlan Thomas in August when his father’s insurance company refused to pay for an experimental treatment that his doctor said could potentially cure his disease.
Now, with a stem cell transplant, VCU doctors are optimistic they have saved the life of a little boy from Colonial Heights who has a rare form of childhood leukemia. Read more, here.
2. Washington Redskins moving training camp to Richmond-area
On June 6, the big news broke that the Redskin planned to bring their summer training camp to Richmond. An uprising over Bon Secours sponsorship perks ensued, and stalled the process but after Thanksgiving all the red tape was cut away.
Maybe the River City was a kiss of luck for the team, as the Redskins just won the NFC East and secured the team’s first home playoff game since 1999.
3. ‘‘Lincoln” leads with seven Golden Globe nominations
Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” was filmed in Virginia, to the delight of city residents who stalked many a cast member or sported a beard as an extra in the film that was recently nominated for seven Golden Globe awards.
4. Video prompts REO Speedwagon visit at Hanover High
Maybe REO Speedwagon isn’t at the top of relevant artists anymore, but a surprise Richmond visit by the band was surely a good time for all. The band stopped by Hanover High School after students and teachers produced a stellar “lip dub” version of “Roll with the Changes.” If you missed it, it’s a must see, click here.
5. Body shop tricks out bullied student’s ride
A local body shop pitched in and helped out a Radford University student after his car was vandalized several times with gay slurs. Next, the act of kindness caught the attention of talk show host Ellen, and the two men made a live appearance on her show.
Read more, here.
6. Chincoteague ponies push to higher ground as Superstorm Sandy floods island
The famous ponies of Chincoteague had been relocated to higher ground once flooding from superstorm Sandy began to wash over the island. Assateague Island officials are reporting to local media that all the 130 ponies made it through the storm okay.
Pictures and story, here.
7. Richmond veterinarian’s family, colleagues eagerly await hiker’s return from Montana rescue
Dr. Jason Hiser was found alive and well in Glacier National Park after braving the elements for almost a week with friend and fellow veterinarian Neal Peckens.
Read more, here.
8. Hanover 8th grader makes national news for her election predictions
Forget Nate Silver. Sophia McCrimmon, a politically active 8th grader at Chickahominy Middle School in Hanover County, made the Washington Post for her accurate prediction of the electoral college tally in the presidential race.
Not only was Sophia, by far, the youngest of the 10 winners, she was also the lone female. She was also quite close with her prediction of the popular vote percentages.
Read more,here.
9. Officer, restaurant help mystery man stranded at train station
A New York man who looked a bit like Santa Claus was on his way via train to see his son–it had been 12 years–when he became confused and got off at the wrong stop.
He was stranded, walking on a cane, at a Chesterfield train station on a cold, wet night until a police officer and a neighborhood restaurant came to his aid. Check out this warm story of Southern Hospitality, here.
10. Man’s Santa story can inspire others
For Frank Hastings, dressing up to play Santa for children has become a 30-year family tradition. His father was Santa at Sears, in the 1960s. Frank lived in the Virginia Home for Boys from the age of 14 to 18. Now, he goes back every year to play Santa for kids at the home. Read the full story here.
