WDDI Endorses the Waynesboro City Council's Decision

WDDI Endorses the Waynesboro City Council's Decision to Preserve City 's Legacy and Collaborate with Arts and Business Leaders to Revitalize Community

( Waynesboro , Virginia ) Waynesboro Downtown Development (WDDI) supports the recent decision by the Waynesboro City Council to preserve, rather than demolish, an historic landmark, the Wayne Theatre . This decision by the Council is a watershed event in the history of Waynesboro . We feel that it heralds a new era of economic collaboration and a cultural rebirth for our community.

In scores of cities across North America , communities are being revitalized by government, business and arts groups working together on similar projects to attract jobs, create new businesses, improve property values and increase government revenues. The track record for success is voluminous. When the private and public sectors work together, magic can happen.

WDDI endorses the City Council's conservative approach, which uses the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to facilitate the funding of the program and significantly reduces the risk to taxpayers. The EDA will also provide oversight using a performance-based incentive program that places the burden for success on the arts management team of the Wayne Theatre .

WDDI also heartily endorses the City Council's action which sends a message to our community that should be embraced universally- our cultural legacy is not disposable. The City Council has made a prudent decision to build a new, dynamic Waynesboro on one of the few remaining foundation stones of our City’s history.

WDDI is committed to actively fostering the long-term viability of the downtown Waynesboro area as a center of commerce, a source of civic activity and pride, and a resource to attract new businesses and residents. Critical to this effort is promoting small town quality of life, preserving historic and cultural resources, and capitalizing on the City’s unique and splendid natural setting. For more information, contact Kimberly Watters, Executive Director Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. at

942.6705; or visit www.waynesborodowntown.org on the web.

Allstate grant awarded to Wayne Theatre Alliance

Allstate grant awarded to Wayne Theatre Alliance

WAYNESBORO -- Leonard Lynch Allstate Insurance Agency recently presented an Allstate Foundation "Agency Hands in the Community" grant to the Wayne Theatre Alliance.

"The Wayne Theatre is part of the heritage of Waynesboro, of the Shenandoah Valley," said Leonard Lynch, who recently presented the financial contribution to the Alliance treasurer J.D. Robb. "We are such a growing older community, and I believe the project is important for the community as a whole."

"Companies and individuals like Lynch are the secret to the success of this project," Robb said. "People naturally think that it’s the six-figure gifts that make this project work, and yes, they do help. However, in truth, donations of every size, from $5 to $5,000 form the backbone of the campaign."

The Allstate Foundation is pleased to offer the "Agency Hands in the Community" grants to recognize the outstanding efforts of qualified agents who volunteer in their communities. For more information about the Allstate Foundation, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.allstate.com/Community.

For more information on the Wayne Theatre Alliance, call (540) 943-9999, or visit www.waynetheatre.org.

The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the Allstate Insurance Company. Allstate and the Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities"; "tolerance, inclusion and diversity", and "economic empowerment." In addition, the Foundation has two signature programs in promoting safe teen driving and preventing domestic violence. The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America’s families achieve their American dream.

Photo caption: Wayne Theatre Alliance treasurer J.D. Robb (right) accepts a donation from Leonard Lynch (left) in front of Leonard Lynch Allstate Insurance Agency in Waynesboro May 22.

Something In A Song

A night of songs in Waynesboro high school auditorium. Performances by the Frestones, 8th Grad Chorus, and 7th Grade Chorus.