Author: Nancy Mace

Guests explored the historic Fahnestock Farmstead as Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro kicked off its season with the 49th opening day April 13. Free, family-friendly activities were offered at the farmstead at the southern end of Renfrew. Historic interpreters guided visitors during tours of the first floor and lower level of the 1808 Fahnestock House. Topics included spring cleaning, spinning, sewing, child care, cooking and food preservation, as well as cooking demonstrations over the open hearth. The making of hand split rails from hardwood logs using traditional mid- 19th century tools and techniques was demonstrated. Antique farm machinery also…

More than 1,300 people gathered at Waynesboro Area Senior High School Buchanan Auto Stadium April 8 for a solar eclipse viewing party. Over the course of several hours, the Moon swept across the entire United States from the Texas-Mexico border through the Midwest to upstate New York and New England. The free party was organized by The Institute of Waynesboro in collaboration with Waynesboro Area School District and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). On hand to guide the experience was Todd Toth, a master trainer with NASA’s GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to benefit the Environment) Program, an earth science…

This new bridge, celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony April 4, will connect the community to its new nature center. Located on 40 acres off Amsterdam Road in Washington Township, the property purchased by The Institute in 2021 will be known as Buttonwood Nature Center – Home of The Institute. “We recognized the need for a name that reflects our new identity … we let the landscape guide our choice,” offered Tracy Holliday, executive director. The Institute was based at Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro from 1990 to 2020. “Buttonwood is a folk name for the American Sycamore tree. There are…

A Waynesboro woman’s love of flowers has bloomed into a new business. “I have always had a passion for flowers, and I want others to feel as happy as I do when I’m around them,” said Carlene Willhide, owner of The Potting Shed & Beyond. Initially, Willhide will sell pre-potted annual flowers, hanging baskets, succulent and air plant arrangements, terrariums and individual flowers for the do-it-yourselfers. Also, a lover of stained glass, dogs and the beach, Willhide will incorporate those elements in other products she plans to offer. Local residents will have the opportunity to peruse her wares a number…

Local residents anticipating the opening of a new grocery store in Waynesboro may be loading their carts late this summer. Construction on ALDI in the Wayne Heights Mall began last fall – the 20,499 square foot grocery store will be located between Rite Aid and Dollar Tree. “Once we reach the end of our project at the end of April we will turn it over to the ALDI construction crew for a 15-week buildout,” said Chris Higgins, superintendent on site for Buckeye Construction, North Ridgeville, Ohio, which is building the shell for the store. “It was definitely a struggle with the…

Two Waynesboro churches worked hand in hand to stock the shelves at a local food bank. When Otterbein Church learned donations were needed at the food bank operated by Five Forks Brethren in Christ Church, leaders turned to the congregation. The result was the collection of 3,500 pounds of food and $2,000. “Five Forks would like to thank Otterbein Church for the incredible donation,” noted Brad Sell, director of the food pantry. “It will go a long way in helping us to distribute over 4,000 plus bags of food to the community this year.” Part of Five Forks outreach since…

Apple and cherry pies were on the menu as local students observed Pi Day, a celebration on March 14 centered around the mathematical symbol. Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro hosted students ages 6 to 13 for a hands-on immersive farmstead adventure during which they made their own fruit hand pies that were baked in the summer kitchen at Renfrew. Students also learned about what it took for early American families to put a hot meal on the table, according to Becky LaBarre, executive director and CEO. Her husband, manager of visitor experiences, baked the pies for the students. Kaylin…

The newest business owner in Waynesboro is looking forward to connecting with her customers and “getting them what they truly want and need for whatever they bring in.” From family photos or heirlooms to needlework, Megan Knarr said she is committed to preserving your keepsakes for years to come. Knarr of Waynesboro opened Megan’s Custom Framing at 114 Walnut St., Suite 2, in the Boro Plaza March 12. A customer service specialist at Sherwin-Williams for the past seven years, Knarr will continue those duties part-time as she launches the framing shop. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday…

Scott Emory’s “love of the game” drives his passion for billiards, which has stood the test of time and maintains its popularity after six centuries. “If players treat each other gentlemanly and play respectfully and with the right people, it can give you a whole different outlook on life,” offered Emory, who opened Pockets Gaming and Billiards Lounge in Waynesboro late last year. Located in the Boro Plaza on Walnut Street, the lounge features 11 pool tables and 15 slot machines. “Things are going really good. We treat everyone like family. We (he and his wife, Sherry) have four employees…

Quinton McCollum is a believer in “laughter is the best medicine.” McCollum will be all smiles as he walks across the parking lot from his B&B Bar B Que & Catering to his newest venue, Deep Roots Comedy Lounge and Event Center. Both are located in the Boro Plaza on Walnut Street in Waynesboro. “I love to laugh and laughter is part of peace for me. I’m an old soul and I want to put people in the frame of mind for down to earth comedy,” noted McCollum, who just celebrated a two-year anniversary at his barbecue business. “The community…