Author: Nancy Mace

Community, compassion and commitment are the words organizers of the 2022 Waynesboro Area Gala Cancer Auction are using to describe the event for this year. The 40th annual auction will be held Saturday, April 9. “I feel really good about what we’ve done … raising $2.5 million for cancer programs in the last 40 years,” according to Mike Beck, a member of the steering committee. “We hope someone does something next year. There are so many who are ready to retire from their committees and the auction … I don’t know how those remaining would be able to do it…

WAYNESBORO—“We’ve survived 100 years and the fact that we’re still here is something worth thanking God for and celebrating.” That’s how John Weber, the pastor of Waynesboro Church of the Brethren, feels about the church’s plans for its year-long commemoration. “We need to celebrate these times,” he said. In January, the church at 117 S. Church St. kicked off the calendar of events as members launched the collection of school supplies and money for 100 school kits for Church World Service. “These items will be sent all over the world,” according to Weber. Those attending the all-church picnic in August…

Clients visiting a IRS/AARP (Internal Revenue service/American Association of Retired Persons) Tax Aide program site should feel “they’re in the right place to get help.” That’s the goal of Roger Schwalm of Shippensburg, head of operations for the programs in Franklin and Fulton counties. Schwalm, a volunteer for the past 19 years, also wants to make certain they “feel good when they leave.” His most important message: “We did over 3,200 returns last year that accounted for $2.8 million in refunds, money that went into their pocket at no cost.” The nationwide tax help program is aimed at those who…

WAYNESBORO—Diane Holdaway has a vision as she takes over an 80-year-old downtown Waynesboro tradition. “We’ll do our best to get you into the shoe you want, but the shoe that’s right for your feet,” offered Holdaway, who recently purchased James Shoes from Barb Chandler. Holdaway, a retired podiatrist, said she has always been interested in orthopedics and helping people walk with various foot problems. “I make orthotics (custom-made forms for feet that help relieve foot, heel, ankle, leg and back pain) for people and I took a class this past summer in pedorthics (how to modify footwear and use supportive…

WAYNESBORO—Ben Calimer’s first-grade teacher predicted he was most likely to own his own business someday. More than 30 years later, that missive has become a reality. Calimer, who still has the note in a scrapbook, is carrying on the self-employed tradition that began generations ago on both sides of his family. Calimer purchased the former Record Herald building at 30 Walnut St. in Waynesboro, where his business, Calimer’s Transmissions, will relocate in the next couple of months from its location on North Street since 2015. The Waynesboro Area Senior High School graduate has come full circle, starting as a graphic…

ROUZERVILLE–Christmas came early at the Rouzerville Community Center Sunday afternoon. Fourteen bicycles and numerous toys donated by Rouzerville Lions Club were awarded to children who attended the Extreme illusions and Escapes show by Josh Knotts and Lea, illusionists from Pittsburgh.

Mouth-watering cupcake flavors such as root beer float, banana split, orange pineapple and thin mint await visitors to the newest addition at the Boro Plaza Shopping Center in Waynesboro. They all may be found at The Cupcake Gypsy, 114 Walnut Street, Suite 4, which will be open Thursdays through Sundays. Mother-daughter owners Bonnie Renard and Katie Householder, respectively, are looking forward to welcoming customers to their new storefront. The business started as a food trailer last summer. “This wasn’t supposed to happen. We were going to keep wandering around,” according to Householder. “We were never in the same place twice.…

WAYNECASTLE–The Waynesboro Model Railroad Club is hosting open houses weekends in December and January at 3291 Waynecastle Road. The open houses will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 11, 18, 19 and 26, and Jan. 2, 8 and 9. For more information visit: www.waynesboromrrc.com or Facebook.

ROUZERVILLE–Youngsters enjoyed a ride on the Red Run Santa Express at Red Run Park Saturday, Dec. 4. The annual event is sponsored by the Washington Township Police Department and Police Association. Police officers distributed free tickets to riders and children had the opportunity to ride a Blue Ridge Summit Fire Department truck as well as write letters to Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

WAYNESBORO–Kick off the holiday season by glimpsing the tree decorating ideas of local community members at the third annual Land O’ Christmas by WALL Lions Club of Waynesboro in The Counting Room (former Citizens Bank) on Center Square. The display is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays, noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 12. In addition, Santa’s Workshop will also be open during the event. “This is a free event for families and we’ll be open until 9 this Friday night only,” according to Fern McCloud, immediate past president of WALL, who…