The Spark

There are about 200 million working animals around the world. Here in Pennsylvania, we’re most familiar with farm horses, search and rescue dogs, dogs used by law enforcement and therapy animals. The Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation has plans to honor these animals with a granite memorial wall in Mechanicsburg on June 1. On The Spark Wednesday was Terri Heck, President of the Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation, who talked about why working animals are being memorialized,"People don't realize all that they do, or they don't realize the hours of training that goes into these animals. They don't realize the cost of being able to offer these services to the people. So, to me is it's more of not taking it for granted, but the realization is not there. People don't know. So we want people to know, and we want the handlers of these animals and the entities that support them, whether there are nonprofit like my search-and-rescue dogs and all the people and businesses that are willing to donate to us, or it's the sheriff's department in York County that I know spend hours doing fundraising, so it doesn't cost the citizens anything, to have the canines. I just want to make people more aware of all that goes into having these animals there to find the lost child, to get the criminal off the streets, to give that person in the wheelchair the freedom they need to be able to make that person that's in the hospital feel better, more relaxed. Just all of this, to me, it's a knowledge based thing. So the more that we share that, I think the more that these animals will be appreciated along with their handlers and supporting agencies and should be." Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the heart of Oklahoma's jazz culture, a prodigious talent emerged, shaped by the rich harmonies of the genre and guided by the influence of legendary musicians. Champian Fulton, hailed as one of jazz's top talents, traces her musical journey back to her upbringing in Oklahoma, where the rhythms of jazz infused her childhood. Inspired by her father, jazz trumpeter Stephen Fulton, Champian's passion for music ignited at a young age. Surrounded by the vibrant jazz scene of Oklahoma, she found herself immersed in a world where melodies danced through the air and improvisation was second nature. On a recent episode of The Spark, Champian delved into her upcoming endeavors with Marquis Lupton. The conversation centered around her highly anticipated tour and her 18th studio album, offering fans a glimpse into her artistic process and the inspiration drawn from her Oklahoma roots. Champian's journey into the realm of jazz was not solitary. Alongside her father's guidance, she found mentorship from luminaries such as Clark Terry and Major Holley, whose influence sculpted her musical identity. Their wisdom and expertise provided the foundation upon which Champian built her career, earning her acclaim as one of the most gifted jazz musicians of her generation. During her interview with Lupton, Champian reflected on the significance of her upbringing in the Oklahoma jazz scene. She spoke fondly of the supportive community that nurtured her talent and the countless hours spent honing her craft in local clubs and venues. And, as she gears up for her upcoming tour, Champian remains steadfast in her commitment to honoring the traditions of jazz while infusing her own unique voice into the genre. Her 18th studio album promises to be a testament to her evolution as an artist, showcasing her mastery of the craft and her deep connection to her musical heritage. With each note she plays, Champian Fulton pays homage to the jazz legends who came before her, carrying forward their legacy while forging a path of her own. As she continues to captivate audiences around the world with her unparalleled talent, her Oklahoma roots remain at the core of her identity, serving as a constant source of inspiration and strength. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 20% of all people who consume alcohol develop an unhealthy use, accounting for over 5% of worldwide deaths. Bucknell University psychology and neuroscience professor Judy Grisel was among those who developed an unhealthy relationship with substances. Dr. Grisel began her recovery from addiction 30 years ago. Since then, she has studied substance dependency and wrote a New York Times best-selling book Never Enough, the Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction. Grisel has authored a new study that examines brain activity from a single exposure to alcohol and the impact it can have on some people,"I was trying to understand what's different about the brains of people like me, who go on to develop a problem before they ever start using. So we now know that the brains of people who have substance use disorders are different before they begin, while they're using. And then even after they're finished, hopefully. And I wanted to probe the mechanisms of those differences. We know, for example, that a big portion of your risk, maybe up to 50%, is something you're born with. But for the most part, we don't really know what it is that you're born with that makes you differently sensitive. And one of the things in the clinic. That has been shown probably for maybe 45 years, is that people who go on to develop a problem, the first time they get it, they they tend to have a different response, a more euphoric response and a less sedated response." Grisel and her team of researchers used mice to experiment with the impact on the brain from the first time they consumed alcohol. Grisel indicated age is a factor in addiction. She said that a person who doesn't drink until age 21 has a one-in-25 chance of becoming dependent. A person who drinks before age 18 has a one-in-four chance. The research found that the amount of endorphins released in the brain can predispose a person to dependency,"Endorphin is a neurotransmitter that's synthesized and released in response to getting alcohol. And there is, again, an old human literature showing that, that synthesis and release a sensitivity of the brain, in other words, to alcohol and its ability to make endorphin is correlated with your susceptibility to having an alcohol use disorder. So we tested that hypothesis, and we found that, mice that were genetically engineered to have different amounts of endorphin responded to the initial alcohol differently. So the ones that had low endorphin, in fact, were different than or no endorphin were different than the ones that did have endorphins. So there was age effects and no neurotransmitter effects." What does Grisel want people to take away from the research,"I would like people to understand that there is an inherent liability in some people more than others, that it's not just a matter of choice. And even more importantly, that the brain is so malleable and plastic that there's always hope for recovery." Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the realm of criminal justice, Pennsylvania stands as a stage where the specter of wrongful convictions casts a long and haunting shadow. Recent research by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sheds light on the staggering prevalence of wrongful accusations within the state, illuminating the urgent need for systemic reforms. According to the ACLU's data, Pennsylvania ranks among the highest in the nation for wrongful convictions, with a significant portion of those affected belonging to marginalized communities. The indigent defense fund, a crucial lifeline for those who cannot afford legal representation, has emerged as a beacon of hope amidst this bleak landscape. On The Spark, Senator Vincent Hughes shed light on the pivotal role of indigent defense funding in safeguarding the rights of Pennsylvanians. The recent statewide budget allocated substantial resources to bolster this essential aspect of the justice system. Senator Hughes emphasized that expanding this funding could be instrumental in rectifying the injustices faced by wrongfully accused individuals, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The human toll of wrongful convictions came to the forefront in a poignant conversation with Ronald Johnson, a man who spent 34 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Released just last month, Johnson's harrowing ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of miscarriages of justice. During the interview, Johnson recounted the anguish of knowing his innocence while languishing in prison, separated from loved ones and robbed of precious moments of freedom. As we dove deeper into the heart-wrenching stories of those wrongfully convicted, attention turned to Chester Hollman III, another victim of a flawed justice system. Reporter Emily Preveti provided insights into Hollman's case, shedding light on the systemic failures that led to his wrongful conviction in Philadelphia. Hollman's exoneration serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, but it also underscores the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The statistics presented by the ACLU paint a sobering picture of the pervasive injustices that plague Pennsylvania's criminal justice system. Among the wrongfully accused, a disproportionate number hail from marginalized communities, highlighting the intersecting dynamics of race, poverty, and systemic bias. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. A White woman Pheobe Kilby contacted Betty Kilby Baldwin, a Black woman. sawing she suspected they are connected through slavery. That started a conversation and led to a book called Cousins. They both join us for The Spark Weekly, Also on the program, Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay is a professor at Shippensburg University and an author of two books, the first one related to journalism in India and the second takes a broader look at journalism practices around the world, he joins us on The Spark to discuss his two books and his life as a news reporter abroad before coming to America. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the emotionally gripping film "Cold," viewers are plunged into the haunting tale of Carmen, a woman thrust into a perplexing ordeal with high stakes and harrowing consequences. Co-produced and directed by Greg Poppa and Sugey Cruz and brought to life by her compelling portrayal of Carmen, the narrative unfolds as Carmen awakens in an unfamiliar abode, greeted by a cryptic message from her guide, Samuel. The ominous directive grants her a mere 1,000 days to remedy the malfunctioning vehicle in her driveway or face an eternity consigned to purgatory. As the plot unfurls, Carmen finds herself ensnared in a relentless struggle against the unforgiving elements, her own isolation, and the relentless erosion of her mental and physical well-being. Cruz masterfully captures Carmen's descent into despair, deftly conveying the character's mounting frustration and anguish as she grapples with the cyclical torment of her existence. At its core, "Cold" delves into themes of depression, loss, and the enduring trauma of bereavement. Carmen's journey serves as a poignant exploration of the profound pain inflicted by the loss of a child to suicide, and the agonizing battle faced by a mother striving to reconcile her grief and forge a path forward. Through Carmen's poignant interactions with her faithful companion, Armando, and the spectral presence of her daughter, Daniella, the film navigates the turbulent waters of grief with raw authenticity and unflinching honesty. With each passing day, Carmen's quest takes a toll on her psyche, pushing her to the brink of emotional collapse and testing the limits of her resilience. The film's stark portrayal of her inner turmoil serves as a poignant reminder of the profound human capacity for endurance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. "Cold" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of the human experience, inviting audiences to bear witness to Carmen's journey through the labyrinth of her own anguish. In the end, Cruz's haunting portrayal of a mother's unwavering love and indomitable spirit resonates with a haunting poignancy, leaving an indelible impression long after the credits roll. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Men Raising Black Boys (MR. BB) is set to make waves with its inaugural conference, slated for May 18th, 2024, at Harrisburg University. This pioneering event aims to embolden men engaged in the nurturing and guidance of Black boys, igniting vital discussions and furnishing invaluable resources for community enrichment. The conference showcases an illustrious lineup of speakers and panelists, featuring renowned figures such as Marcus Smith II, former Philadelphia Eagles' 1st round pick turned mental health advocate, and Jordan Hill, retired NFL Defensive Lineman and Super Bowl Champion, now Director of Advancement & Head Football Coach at Trinity HS. And Jawon Chisholm, a former Pittsburgh Steeler and founder of fitness brand Struggle To Succeed, joins the roster alongside Dr. Kevana Nixon, Clinical Director for the Black Brain Campaign, and Brandon McCoy, recipient of the esteemed 'Teacher of the Year' award for Washington, D.C. The esteemed panelists will lead discussions encompassing crucial themes including mental health, mentorship, education, and community empowerment, providing attendees with invaluable insights and strategies for fostering positive change. The MR. BB Conference aims to tackle these challenges head-on by offering a platform for pivotal conversations, empowerment, and solidarity for men invested in the guidance and mentorship of Black boys. Through a blend of workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the conference endeavors to equip participants with the knowledge, resources, and skills requisite for effecting positive change in the lives of Black boys. Addressing systemic barriers and fostering a supportive network, the MR. BB Conference endeavors to empower men to serve as effective advocates, mentors, and role models for Black boys. Key topics on the agenda include communication strategies, mentorship techniques, navigating systemic obstacles, promoting positive masculinity, and addressing mental health. The day-long conference will feature a timeline of workshop sessions covering an array of pertinent topics. The Men Raising Black Boys Conference emerges as a pivotal intervention in confronting the systemic hurdles confronting Black boys while empowering men to serve as catalysts for change in their lives and communities. Through collaborative endeavors and substantive dialogue, the conference aspires to cultivate a brighter future for Black boys, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities requisite for thriving. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the bustling city of Kolkata, nestled amidst a population of 14 million, Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay's journey from the world of journalism to academia, reads like a gripping novel. Eschewing the family tradition of teaching, Dr. Chattopadhyay carved his path, propelled by a passion for storytelling and a fervent desire to illuminate the world through the lens of journalism. His foray into the field took a seismic turn when he found himself thrust into the heart of India's worst railway tragedy, a harrowing act of domestic terrorism claiming over 400 lives. Undeterred by the enormity of the task, Dr. Chattopadhyay’s coverage served as a voice of truth amidst the chaos, cementing his reputation as a formidable force in the world of journalism. But it was not merely tragedy that marked his career; Dr. Chattopadhyay stood witness to history, capturing poignant moments such as the passing of Mother Teresa, an experience that would leave an indelible imprint on his journalistic soul. Transitioning seamlessly, Dr. Chattopadhyay's expertise traversed borders, landing him in the bustling newsrooms of prestigious publications like the Times of India, Mid-Day, Business Today, and Asian Age. His journalistic odyssey was peppered with encounters with global luminaries, from engaging with the Clintons to sharing moments of wisdom with the Dalai Lama. Yet, amidst the weighty matters of state and society, Dr. Chattopadhyay found himself intertwined with the glitz and glamour of the world stage. A chance encounter with a young Priyanka Chopra, then a budding beauty queen, offered a glimpse into the intersection of fame and fate. His ascent within the journalistic echelons was meteoric, propelling him to head news bureaus at a mere 27 years of age, defying convention by assuming the mantle of a daily newspaper's editor by the age of 30. However, Dr. Chattopadhyay's journey wasn't confined to ink-stained pages and breaking news; he embraced the technological tide, dissecting the impact of social media on Indian journalism and penning insightful treatises on global journalistic practices. As the first Indian journalist to soar aboard the Airbus A-380's maiden commercial voyage, Dr. Chattopadhyay's career was emblematic of a relentless pursuit of truth, traversing continents and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of journalism. Today, ensconced in academia, his wealth of experience enriches the minds of future journalists, ensuring that his legacy endures beyond the bylines and headlines of yesteryears. Dr. Chattopadhyay has also authored two books Indian Journalism and the Impact of Social Media and Global Journalism in Comparative Perspective Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erik Larson is perhaps America’s preeminent non-fiction history writer. His best-selling books stand out for their storytelling narratives, but also their attention to detail, especially when it comes to what the historical characters in his books actually said or wrote. There’s no speculation – Larson only quotes what is verified. Larson’s newest book is about the period between Abraham Lincoln’s election in November, 1860 and the start of the Civil War, with the bombardment of Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Erik Larson was with us on The Spark Thursday to talk about The Demon of Unrest – A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War. Larson has said he would never write about the Civil War but during the COVID pandemic in 2020, came upon a book about the beginning of the Civil War and was intrigued. The unrest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 to stop the certification and protest the election of President Joe Biden by Trump supporters also drew parallels in Larson's mind. The Vice President, who would certify Lincoln's election victory in 1861 was John C. Breckenridge, a candidate for president who Lincoln had just defeated and there was speculation the South would attack Washington to disrupt Lincoln's inauguration. One of the heroes in the story is Major Robert Anderson, the commanding officer at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. South Carolina had seceded from the United States after Lincoln's election, believing he planned to abolish slavery. Anderson was a southerner and former slave owner but was loyal to the U.S. Army and did his valiant best to keep the fort from falling into South Carolina's hands until he and his 75 men were overwhelmed and had to surrender. That sparked the beginning of the Civil War. Erik Larson will be appearing with NPR’s Steve Inskeep Saturday at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg at 2 p.m. Tickets are still available through Midtown Scholar Bookstore. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American’s 250th birthday or Semiquincentennial will be in two years. Plans are already being made for celebrations around the country. The State Museum in Harrisburg has gotten a head start with an exhibit called Pennsylvania in Watercolor by artist Nick Ruggieri. Ruggieri's project involved visiting all 67 counties to paint a representative scene he chose for each one – often a historic site, natural feature, or signature industry. There’s a program at the State Museum this Sunday at 2 p.m. to highlight the exhibit. With us on The Spark Wednesday were Curt Miner, Director of Interpretation and Amy Hammond, Sr. Curator of Cultural History at the State Museum in Harrisburg, who talked about the paintings in the exhibit,"It's really versatile. There's a lot of different perspectives that you can approach this particular collection. I noticed that there were, certain themes that really stood out. Industry, which is one and it is certainly the coal mining, was an important one, but also mills and, some industries that we don't necessarily go to anymore. And there's also transportation. He addressed transportation. There's architecture from the 18th century into the 20th century. There are historic sites that he captured. And, it's really fascinating to see the different things that he was able to find within each county." One of the unique aspects of the paintings is that they were painted with watercolors as Hammond described,"He was really a master watercolor artist. And what I think was appealing about that media was that it's portable. So he did travel to all the counties and he did preliminary sketches, and he brought his watercolors with him because they were easy to take along. And also watercolors is a great media for landscapes because it captures light. And he was able to to manipulate it and paint in a certain way that is sometimes different painting to painting, depending on what he was trying to portray." Miner said Ruggieri was well known in Harrisburg as the art director of the Harrisburg Patriot-News newspaper,"He comes to the Harrisburg area as a 12 year old immigrant from Italy. His father was a shoemaker. Nick is unusually talented at art and he goes to William Penn. Graduates from William Penn High School in Harrisburg, then goes to art school in New York, actually goes to Italy to study as well, and returns in the 1940s to get his first hitch in the newspaper business in Harrisburg. But he develops a very strong attachment to Harrisburg and Pennsylvania. And in 1971, four years, five years out from the Bicentennial, he proposes a project to his publisher, which is this idea of traveling across Pennsylvania and visiting all 67 counties to do one particularly iconic scene for each of those counties. And, this is his passion for four years. Take some four years to complete this, what he ends up with, I think over 80 paintings. So he did two or more for some counties, in particular. And the exhibit premieres at the then William Penn Memorial Museum in September of 1975. It's the first that we're aware of statewide art project completed by a single artist. And it gets rave reviews because Nick understood Pennsylvania as a series of places that were often highly localized." . Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Tec Centro, a division of SACA, stands as a beacon of bilingual education and vocational training, addressing the pressing need for skilled workers in the region. Annually, Tec Centro's state-of-the-art workforce programs reaches over 1,200 individuals, offering vital education and skills training to those grappling with unemployment, underemployment, and poverty. And across the United States, a significant dilemma looms over numerous businesses; a surplus of skilled trades job openings juxtaposed with a scarcity of qualified individuals to fill them. Forbes reports that over 53% of workers in skilled trades are approaching retirement age, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Shockingly, only 1 in 5 high school graduates express interest in pursuing trade jobs, exacerbating the workforce deficit and leaving employers scrambling for solutions. National Skilled Trades Day (May 1st) emerges as a crucial initiative to shed light on the immense value of skilled trades professions in the American landscape. For decades, societal emphasis has tilted heavily towards steering young individuals exclusively towards traditional college pathways post-graduation, disregarding the immense potential and merit inherent in skilled trades. Consequently, many college graduates find themselves burdened by staggering debt and confronted by a stagnant job market upon completion of their studies. In stark contrast, trade professions often require only certification for employment, enabling individuals to enter the workforce swiftly and with minimal debt. Moreover, these roles frequently offer competitive wages, alongside benefits and healthcare coverage, further enhancing their allure and viability as viable career options. The advent of National Trades Day brings a spotlight to the trades industry, which is experiencing a notable resurgence, particularly among Generation Z, affectionately termed the "tool-belt generation" by social observers. This resurgence arrives at a critical juncture, as the impending retirement wave among skilled trade workers looms large. Forbes underscores this trend, highlighting a 53% retirement age threshold among skilled trade workers. Additionally, another Forbes study reveals a 20% surge in student enrollment in vocational programs like Thaddeus Stevens College and Tec Centro, signaling a promising shift towards embracing skilled trades education. So, in essence, Tec Centro and initiatives like National Skilled Trades Day are pivotal in bridging the workforce gap, championing the value of vocational education, and empowering individuals to pursue fulfilling and prosperous careers in the trades industry. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine a dream job that entails traveling around Pennsylvania -- eating ice cream – and getting paid for it. It will become a reality for someone. The American Dairy Association North East is looking to identify their first ever honorary "Chief Ice Cream Officer" to visit creameries and dairy farms throughout Pennsylvania in July – National Ice Cream Month. The person selected will vlog about their experiences, document their journey and create content for social media. And they’ll earn $5,000 for their efforts. To talk about the Ice Cream Roads Trip on The Spark Wednesday was Patrick Carney, Vice President, Marketing and Digital Strategy with the American Dairy Association North East,"It's the greatest job I've ever heard of, right? I get to go around Pennsylvania, eat ice cream for just a couple of weeks, make $5,000. And we've had so many people already applying. I think the person that we will ultimately bring on board is going to have a mixture of creativity, originality, and of course, a love of ice cream and adventure, because going all around Pennsylvania and getting to go on actual dairy farms all over the state is going to be a lot of fun. And we want somebody who's really enthusiastic about dairy and really loves ice cream." Carney indicated about 20 dairy farms and creameries are being identified throughout the state. He said the Chief Ice Cream Officer would have choices as to what they like and what flavors to sample,"We want them to have fun so they'll pick whatever they want to do, whatever flavor that suits them. What's really cool is that there are so many great dairy farms in Pennsylvania that have these creameries, and a lot of them have fun, unique flavors that are unique to their farm and their creamery, and not always the flavors that we enjoy from the grocery store or our local ice cream parlor. So really getting a taste of the local ice cream is going to be great. Whether they want to try samples of a lot of flavors stick to one flavor at each farm. We're going to let them choose and really just talk about the experience." Apply to become Chief Ice Cream Officer here. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the school year winds down, parents and guardians across the Midstate are in the midst of a frenzy, scrambling to secure spots for their kids in summer camps and activities. In an effort to ease the stress of summer activity sign-ups, The Spark (our beloved community forum) is here to offer a helping hand. Today, we were thrilled to welcome Jennifer Eley, the Director of Education, to shed light on the exciting lineup of events and programs slated for the upcoming summer season at our esteemed Public Media Center Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horticulturalist Eric Jo Shaffer was on The Spark Tuesday and talked about container gardens for those who decide to grow their plants or flowers in containers, Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vicki and Mike Deitzler, motivated by their late son Evan's passion for film, spearheaded the establishment of the Mount Gretna International Film Festival (MtGIFF). They approached Kerry Royer, Director of the Mt. Gretna Art Show, to initiate this endeavor, aiming to complement the renowned art show and aligning with Lebanon County's designation of 2024 as the "Year of the Arts." Cody Hassler, head Broadcast Video teacher at Cedar Crest High School, is aiding in managing the film submission and judging process, leveraging his connections to the program where Evan was once an active member. Additionally, three of Cody's students serve on the MtGIFF committee. Janice Balmer, a resident and volunteer of Mt. Gretna, has been enlisted to ensure the smooth operation of the volunteer team for the festival. Set to debut on August 18, 2024, from 12-3pm, the inaugural MtGIFF aims to provide a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers, reflecting their collective dedication to cinema as an art form. The festival coincides with Mount Gretna's esteemed Outdoor Art Show, which has garnered national recognition and is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. Held at the iconic Mount Gretna Playhouse, nestled within the wooded enclave of Pennsylvania's Chautauqua, the event promises a screening of carefully selected films alongside an awards ceremony, offering attendees a comprehensive experience celebrating the arts. With its roots deeply entrenched in the community and a mission to honor Evan's memory while fostering a vibrant cultural atmosphere, the Mount Gretna International Film Festival emerges as a testament to the enduring power of cinema and the arts to unite and inspire. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A White woman Pheobe Kilby contacted Betty Kilby Baldwin – a Black woman – saying she suspected they are connected through slavery. That started a conversation and led to a book called Cousins. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fulton Theatre's decision to dissolve its IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) committee has sparked discontent among some of its members. Kareena Rios, a former committee member, shared her insights on the matter during an interview on The Spark. Rios expressed disappointment, suggesting that the committee, tasked with addressing diversity and equity within the theater, was doomed from the start. The dissolution of the committee raises questions about the theater's commitment to inclusivity and representation within its operations. Rios's commentary sheds light on potential shortcomings in the theater's approach to diversity initiatives. The decision to disband the committee comes amid broader conversations about equity and inclusion in the arts and entertainment industry. It underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in implementing meaningful change within institutions. The theater's move has not only disappointed its former committee members but also prompted reflections on the efficacy of diversity initiatives in the entertainment sector. As stakeholders and observers continue to grapple with these issues, the incident at the Fulton Theatre serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to foster genuine inclusivity and equity within cultural institutions, and Lancaster City. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. As the anticipation builds and the excitement mounts, the Harrisburg Havoc, Central Pennsylvania's sole all women-led tackle football team, is rallying the region's residents to come out and support their upcoming season. Also on the program, the farm to hospital program, conceived by Dr. KimberLee Mudge, has emerged as a beacon of holistic healthcare in York County. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Common Ground," the highly anticipated sequel to the widely acclaimed documentary "Kiss the Ground," is set to make waves following its predecessor's success. "Kiss the Ground" reached an astounding audience of over 1 billion people worldwide and even spurred the United States Department of Agriculture to allocate a significant $20 billion towards soil health initiatives. In "Common Ground," the spotlight shifts to shed light on the unjust practices that have shaped current farming system, revealing a grim reality where farmers are literally sacrificing their lives to sustain us. However, amidst this stark portrayal, the documentary also showcases a beacon of hope in the form of a growing movement. This movement, comprised of black, white, and indigenous farmers, is embracing alternative "regenerative" models of agriculture. These models hold the potential to not only mitigate climate change but also enhance our health and stabilize the economy of the United States. Following the screening of "Common Ground," an expert panel discussion will delve deeper into the issues raised by the film. Moderated by Eric Finkenbinder, Chief Meteorologist of Channel 27 News and a farmer himself, the panel features a diverse lineup of voices: - Will Brownback from Spiral Path Farm - Tiana Zabela-Lopez representing GoggleWorks Center for the Arts - Lucas Waybright, the PASA Dairy Grazing Project Manager at PASA - Bill Chain, a retired farmer, teacher, and agricultural program manager at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Kat English from Rock Hill Heritage Farm of Hershey Attendees are encouraged not to miss the accompanying informational exhibits. Starting at 6 pm, guests will have the opportunity to explore a variety of local food options, engage with regional growers and producers, and discover resources related to health, wellness, and sustainability. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are about 15,000 children in temporary foster care in Pennsylvania. Most of them will return to their family of origin. It can be painful for kids to be separated from their parents or families and for younger children, it may be hard to understand what’s happening to them and around them. A new children’s book called The Watchful Owl tells the story of a young fox that loses his parents and lives with another animal family. It was written by Heather Paterno, an attorney who focuses on families and children’s issues and is a board member of Dauphin County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children or CASA. The artwork in the The Watchful Owl also tells the story and will keep kids’ attention. It’s illustrated by artist P.D. Murray. Both Heather Paterno and P.D. Murray were with us on The Spark Wednesday. Paterno surmised the story,"The story is just a parable of sort of what could happen to a child in the foster care system, sort of told through a family of animals, so that children can understand it. And essentially what happens to Fennec is he doesn't have a father who's around. His mother's working hard, raising the family. And tragically, something happens to her. She gets picked up by a hunter and the great owl, that's a watchful owl, has always circled around the woods and looked out for all of the the creatures in the woods. And he gathers the community together. And they come up with a plan to look out for Fennec and his siblings." Fennec, the young fox is taken in by the deer family after he loses his mother. Paterno that's part of the story behind the story,"There is a lesson there. And really it is how a child can walk through the dependency system. This is a very common thing that we do. We have what's called family group conferences, where whenever a child is in care, obviously you want to keep them and the most natural place that you can. So that's why we look to family members. That's why we look to to community members. You never want to have to pick up a child and put them with strangers. Now this fox winds up being with strangers. But he also has two siblings that wind up living with family members. And it's very common. You'll see that a lot in the dependency system. They have these family group conferences and they bring in everybody. And how can we keep the child in their most natural environment of origin? And who are the supports? Who are the people that we can bring around to help assist this family?" Murray's illustrations help tell the story, especially of Fennec, who is vulnerable,"He's small in most of the scenes. He's little in these environments of these dark woods and larger animals and such. You know, people talk a lot about the importance of representation of kids, how they look, skin color, gender, all of those things in books. But I think it's really critical to -- and Heather has done this wonderfully to capture the needs state of children and to have representation of that. So this does a wonderful job of preparing children or children that aren't in the foster system. Probably build some empathy out of reading a story like this." Murray was asked what the takeaway is from The Watchful Owl,"I think it's a heartwarming story without being pollyannish. It really tells about the foster system when everything goes right, when there's a champion for a child." Proceeds from sales of the book will go to Dauphin County's CASA. Paterno explained what CASA does,"These are volunteers, community volunteers who get trained in child abuse and the dependency system. And then they are appointed either one child or one sibling group, one family group. And they also help to advocate for the child's best interests through their entire court proceedings. And, what I can tell you in Dauphin County itself, we have over 350 children right now who are in foster care. That's a lot of kids. And while each child has what I was, which was a guardian ad litem, I can tell you, is guardians of...