Author: Robb Helfrick

‘Raven Rock: The Story Of The U.S. Government’s Secret Plan To Save Itself While The Rest Of Die’- By Garrett M. Graff, 409 pages, Simon & Shuster, Publisher In World War II’s aftermath, the planet’s population faced a sobering reality: uncertain survival in a nuclear age begun after a horrific new weapon was unleashed. During the decades that followed the dropping of an atomic bomb in 1945, the U.S. and its foes began an arms race that not only changed modern warfare, but all of human civilization. Garrett Graff’s book, ‘Raven Rock’, expertly details how the U.S. grappled with the…

At first glance, the history of the Waynesboro Tigers football team fits neatly into a three-act play. The squad burst into prominence during the late 1940s, sporting orange and black uniforms in their opening scene. They dominated opponents and inspired civic pride. During a second act, the Tigers disappeared for a spell, but later reemerged to compete and reclaim their storied identity. Eventually, their good fortune declined due to changing culture and unforeseen events. The Tigers’ tale concluded with a seemingly final chapter, as the team ultimately faded into local lore. But although this football team disbanded, and gridiron glory…

Photographers often utilize their cameras to look inward; revealing a trace of their soul. At other times, these artists convey a wider-world interpretation, capturing framed scenes that materialize seemingly through mystic portals. This ‘mirror and window’ duality of the two-dimensional medium is one reason why photographs often inspire powerful emotions. A new ‘Cumberland Valley Photography’ exhibition at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (WCMFA) perfectly illustrates this window and mirror concept. This Hagerstown show opened on March 23rd and concludes June 2nd. The exhibit contains a unique collection of 40 images, created by 27 local artists. This display was curated…

Franklin County candidate Cameron Schroy received an endorsement April 9th from the Forward Party, during an event in Gettysburg. Schroy runs for Pennsylvania’s District 33 Senate seat, and is unopposed in the upcoming April 23rd Democratic primary election. The incumbent State Senator is Doug Mastriano, who also runs unchallenged in the Republican primary. Following is, in part, the Forward Party’s announcement of their Cameron Schroy endorsement. Gettysburg – The Forward Party of Pennsylvania announced the affiliation of Cameron Schroy, the presumptive Democratic nominee for PA Senate District 33. The lifelong resident of Franklin County hopes to unseat Doug Mastriano so…

The Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus (PAFC) and the Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania (CAP) have endorsed Janon Gray as their candidate of choice for the 2024 HD 90 race. Established in December of 2022, the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus enters a first race to wield its political muscle. With the retirement of one of the PAFC‘s founding members, Rep. Paul Schemel, the PAFC has chosen to throw their support behind Janon Gray for the upcoming Republican Primary on April 23. Rep. Schemel pledged not to interfere in his constituents’ next choice of state representative and the PAFC verified he was not part of…

Brenda Thiam is a Republican candidate for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District seat, and faces challengers in the upcoming primary election held on May 14, 2024. Early voted runs from May 2nd through 9th. The Hagerstown resident holds her final campaign fundraising event on Thursday April 11th. Tickets are available on her website (brendathiam.com) or at the door. Four supporters who arrive first will receive free tickets. The event will be held at the Springfield Farm Barn at 12 Springfield Lane in Williamsport, from 6-8 pm. Entertainment will be provided by Nashville recording artist Trey Taylor. Candidate Thiam (pronounced ‘Cham’) has…

Music is nourishment for the soul. The melodic sounds and pleasant tones produced by musicians and their instruments create much more than artistic songs; they also inspire powerful emotions that lodge deep in human memory. Music can instantly transport a listener back to a childhood adventure, a romantic courtship, a momentous world event, or simply a warm summer evening long ago. When a band plays, intangible qualities are born that surpasses the talent of the individual musicians. Together, a cohesive musical group creates a magical elixir of collective sound; one of life’s greatest pleasures. The Wayne Band is one such…

Three local political candidates engaged with voters and fielded questions at a town-hall-style meeting on Friday, April 5th. The event, held at the Waynesboro Country Club, was sponsored by the Conservative Women of the Waynesboro Area. The program was promoted as a forum where Franklin County candidates could introduce themselves and discuss their platforms on issues, allowing informed citizens to vote intelligently as the 2024 election season begins. The trio of candidates engaged with a sizeable crowd before the program began. Cameron Schroy was the lone Democrat contender present, but chatted amicably with predominantly conservative attendees. The Waynesboro civics teacher…

On Friday, April 5, at 6 p.m. town-hall-style meeting will take place at the Waynesboro Country Club. Three local candidates will field questions and highlight their qualifications for two upcoming Pennsylvania elected offices. The event is sponsored by the Conservative Women of Waynesboro Area. This forum is free, and open to all citizens of any political ideology. Membership at Waynesboro Country Club is not required for entry. Three candidates are scheduled to appear, two Republicans running for a Pennsylvania State Representative position- Chad Reichard and Janon Gray. The third candidate is Cameron Schroy, a Democrat running for Pennsylvania State Senator.…

When historical events are weighed, the scale is often tipped heavily toward notable deeds of famous individuals, or an epic date from yesteryear. These recognized people, with their moments of glory or tragedy, influenced human societies throughout history. But well-known historical events are only a fraction of meaningful occurrences that shape our past, present, and future. History is personal; it belongs to everyone. Each life possesses a unique fingerprint. These distinctive stories formulate before first breaths are taken, and continue onward after the final one fades. This is the story of William ‘Bill’ Helfrick. He was a talented and dedicated…