Author: Robb Helfrick

Every community always has citizens in need. A lost job, sudden illness, lingering disability, or low income put tremendous stresses on good people. Then, basic needs often taken for granted can become illusive. Human necessities like nutritious meals, warm clothing, essential healthcare, or protective shelter, can often feel like impossible challenges to individuals or families passing through difficult phases in life. In Waynesboro, a benevolent organization has tapped into the community’s generous spirit by sponsoring and managing programs for these people in distress. Waynesboro Community and Human Services (WCHS) was formed in 2011, but the original roots establishing this charitable…

Renfrew Museum and Park is a sparkling jewel in Waynesboro’s historical necklace. This scenic 107-acre property preserves an interconnected chain of agricultural and architectural heritage, beautifully fashioning the unique dynamics of a historic Pennsylvania German farmstead. Renfrew possesses durable links to Waynesboro’s frontier days. These ties are interpreted amid a string of ancient inhabitants and distinctive endeavors over nearly three centuries. Today, Renfrew intelligently meshes these important legacies with contemporary cultural programs and first-class recreational opportunities. Renfrew’s lovely grounds are a haven for nature lovers who enjoy a mix of Cumberland Valley habitats- from bubbling Antietam Creek, to secluded woodlands,…

The latest art exhibition at Waynesboro’s Gallery 50 showcases a memorable collection of creative works depicting both the majesty and subtlety of American landscapes. Titled ‘America the Beautiful’, the show runs through August 10, 2024 at the gallery’s 50 West Main Street location. Gallery 50 is an attractive exhibit space sponsored by the Art Alliance of Greater Waynesboro, which is a member venue of ‘Destination Arts’. This program has encouraged and promoted art and artists through public exhibitions and other creative downtown Waynesboro activities since 2013. The artistic pieces comprising the America the Beautiful collection offer varied viewpoints and styles.…

During a regular meeting of Waynesboro’s Borough Council on Wednesday evening June 19, the town’s leaders announced two men will assume new leadership roles in the Police and Fire Departments in the coming weeks. One of those announcements was expected, as Police Chief Sourbier’s retirement was confirmed at a Council Meeting in May. Fire Chief Dever’s resignation was officially announced at last night’s meeting, at the same time his replacement was named. These major Fire and Police announcements were scheduled last on the meeting’s agenda as Borough Council, the Mayor, Borough Manager, and other city officials conducted various other resolutions,…

Walter Reed created a remarkable life. His inspiring journey into medicine and science took him throughout the United States and also on a dangerous mission to Cuba. Reed left behind a legacy still celebrated today, noted for a milestone career as a biomedical researcher and remembered as a kind and devoted family man. Reed adored the natural world and never felt totally at peace within cities. After decades of travel and hard work, when it was finally time to own his first property, Walter Reed bought a 12-acre local tract in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He built a home for…

Waynesboro’s Industrial Museum hosted its first 2024 presentation on Tuesday May 28 at their Philadelphia Avenue location. The evening’s focus was to posthumously honor Bill Helfrick, a founding partner of the organization and long-time board member. Helfrick passed away in January, 2024. The presentation opened with a screening of “The Little Town That Could”, a film Helfrick helped produce. The short documentary highlighted the history of Waynesboro’s founding industrial entrepreneurs, including Geiser, Frick, and the Landis Brothers, and explained their impact on the community. After the film, Industrial Museum President Brian Shook shared personal recollections of Helfrick’s dedication and contributions.…

The American Legion baseball team completed a dominant season June 11th by winning Waynesboro’s Little League Majors Championship. They finished the season with a perfect 16-0 overall record and bested the runner-up VFW team by a final score of 14-4, winning the best of three series, 2-0. American Legion (AL) attained a remarkable turnaround from their 2023 season, when they finished with a 1-15 record. This year’s striking achievement was due to well-scouted draft picks, maturing of the team’s roster, a solid defense, balanced pitching staff, and a timely hitting offense. The Legion’s coaching staff expertly managed these multiple strengths…

Prominent local Democratic Party officials and loyal supporters gathered in Greencastle on June 8th to raise campaign funds and promote candidates for the upcoming election cycle. The event offered a catered brunch hosted by Blue Heron Events. Two Democratic candidates were highlighted, each running for a separate Pennsylvania office in the upcoming November 2024 general election. Cameron Schroy was the local candidate feted, a Franklin County native who lives in Greencastle. Schroy is running for the 33rd District State Senate seat. Malcom Kenyatta was the second candidate featured. Kenyatta is a Philadelphia resident and current State Representative, and he seeks…

The tri-state area contains an abundance of historic and cultural sites. As summer begins, a full slate of seasonal events will celebrate that rich heritage at interesting locales in southern Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, and West Virginia’s panhandle. These occasions are hosted by scenic towns throughout the region, including jewels such as Gettysburg, Shepherdstown, and Waynesboro. The events listed below are entertaining portals leading to further study about people, cultures, and the local lore they created during America’s eventful past. These historical programs are often complimented by modern touches including appetizing food and drink, live music, and local art. These happenings…

A community receives light from its history and is illuminated by remembering it. Waynesboro exhibits a wonderful sensibility to this ideal, expressed by a long tradition of celebrations and honorary endeavors supported by individuals and organizations throughout the Borough. As Waynesboro enters an unofficial season of remembrance, anchored by bookend parades on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, its downtown parade route bears witness to a multitude of customs and traditions, as storytelling people and places celebrate accomplishments and recognize sacrifices of its past citizens. Memorial Day began with devotion to the local men and women who paid the…