The Spark

Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer reunites with Scott and brings him a "tasty treat" as they talk about fall lawn and garden cleanup as well as care for mums and Christmas trees. Dr. Amanda Cheromiah, Executive Director at the Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College discusses the initiative dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of the Indigenous boarding school experience, promoting the study of North American Indigeneity, and fostering a robust national conversation on the past, present, and future of Native American issues Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During today's Journalist Roundtable we look more in-depth on some stories that have flown under the radar. We're joined by Katie Meyer and Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA, the online statewide news service, and Brett Sholtis, who reports for the Philadelphia Inquirer. All three are veterans of WITF's newsroom. Also, after a float depicting the gate to the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz appeared in the Hanover Halloween parade, we're looking at the shortcomings of Holocaust education. Boaz Dvir has a personal connection to the Holocaust but also works with educators to teach about the holocaust and other uncomfortable subjects. He is also the founding director of the Holocaust Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative at Penn State University. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shila Ulrich, CEO and Zach Zook, Chief Strategy Officer at the Central Pennsylvania Foodbank discuss food insecurity in Central Pennsylvania as the holiday season approaches. Mystery and thriller author David Baldacci to discusses the Wish You Well Foundation that he founded with his wife as well as his latest release "Nash Falls" and its upcoming sequel "Hope Rises". Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer reunites with Scott and brings him a "tasty treat" as they talk about fall lawn and garden cleanup as well as care for mums and Christmas trees. Dr. Amanda Cheromiah, Executive Director at the Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College discusses the initiative dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of the Indigenous boarding school experience, promoting the study of North American Indigeneity, and fostering a robust national conversation on the past, present, and future of Native American issues Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is Veterans Day – a day to honor all those who have served in the United States Military. First up, our guest is: (00:00:00) Major General Michael E. Wegschneider is the Division Deputy Adjutant General-Army for Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and was the General of the 28th Infantry Division. He’ll talk about the DMVA’s responsibilities to support Pennsylvania’s National Guard and also provide services to veterans and their families. (00:22:27) When entering the criminal justice system, depending on the crime that is alleged, military veterans in 32 Pennsylvania counties have the option of participating in Veterans Court – a program that offers the veterans an opportunity to pursue treatment while addressing the criminal charges. The veterans who participate in Veterans Court are paired with a mentor – someone they can talk to and seek guidance from. Richard Wilson is a mentor with the Lancaster County Veterans Court. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) More than 15 hundred people have died as the result of domestic violence in Pennsylvania over the past ten years. Many more people are living in abusive relationships or homes. Domestic violence is more than physical violence against someone. Often it can be emotional or financial abuse directed at someone. Domestic violence is a scourge that just that leaves lasting scars. And now a state budget impasse is affecting services can domestic violence survivors rely on. Joining us on The Spark today is Susan Higginbotham, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (00:22:26) Also on the program, the state budget impasse has been going on now for more than four months. Pennsylvania’s public schools are not getting the funding they’re due and are feeling the brunt of it. Some schools are having to take drastic measures like taking out loans that will have to be paid back with interest. How are schools coping? To answer that questions on the program will be Sherri Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lancaster native Jesse Krimes has turned personal experience into a powerful artistic voice. While serving a prison sentence in his twenties, Krimes used art to process his experiences and reclaim his humanity. What began as a survival tool behind bars has grown into a career that has taken his work from makeshift materials in prison to major museum walls across the country. November marks National School Psychology Week, a time to recognize the essential work of school psychologists and this year’s theme — “Fostering Belonging and Building Hope.” Across Pennsylvania, these professionals are making a difference in students’ academic success and emotional well-being. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) Reporters Carter Walker of Votebeat and Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA will join us to review the results of Tuesday's election, which includes the Mayoral Election in Harrisburg and the retention vote for three PA Supreme Court justices. (00:21:19) With an estimated 59 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S., many individuals find themselves balancing their own lives while providing emotional, physical, and logistical support to loved ones—often without adequate resources or rest. This balancing act can come at a cost: high stress, emotional exhaustion, burnout, and even physical health decline. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) November 19 marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. The Gettysburg National Cemetery is famous throughout the world today as the site of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered at the cemetery's dedication ceremonies four and a half months after the battle. (00:21:43) WITF Reporter Jaxon White talks about the status of SNAP in Pennsylvania. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) Jesse Krimes is a multimedia artist whose work is now featured in the MET. He spoke with Asia Tabb at WITF's Premier Circle event last week. This is that interview. (00:31:26) Dr. John R. Haddad is the author of a new book, “Thrill Ride: The Transformation of Hersheypark.” Dr. Haddad is professor of American Studies and Popular Culture at Penn State Harrisburg. 'Thrill Ride’ combines storytelling with deep historical research to take readers on a journey through Hersheypark’s transformation from a traditional amusement park for chocolate factory employees to a major attraction enjoyed by millions. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) Prodigy Spectrum Management is York's first and only facility housing homeless veterans and supporting them while they get back on their feet. (00:23:17) YWCA's Veterans Services provides a full range of employment readiness services to eligible homeless veterans seeking employment and self-sufficiency. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) 717 Vintage Fest features a selection of the region’s most established and up-and-coming vintage stores and independent vendors. Learn more about why we should shop vintage, the differences between vintage shopping and thrifting at other stores, and more. (00:21:57) Today marks the start of National School Psychology Week, and we celebrate and learn about the functions of school psychologist and the impact they can make on our students from this year's recipients of the school Psychologist of the year award. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Spark Weekly we highlight two important conversations on Disabilities. At St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, a new three-day program called Encountering Disability is sparking dialogue about faith, inclusion, and the human experience. The event, running November 1–3, brings together community partners, advocates, and educators to explore how faith communities can help bridge gaps between disability, policy, and public health. For many, losing vision can feel like losing opportunities, but for Clinton Tyler and Maribel Surita, Vision Corps in Lancaster has been a place of empowerment, growth, and professional achievement. Both employees credit the nonprofit organization with giving them tools, training, and support to thrive in the workplace despite visual impairments. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) As Pennsylvania voters prepare for next Tuesday’s elections, local journalists gathered to provide insights on the candidates, races, and issues shaping the ballot. The discussion featured Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Jade Campos, Tom Lisi, and Ashley Stalnecker of LNP/Lancaster Online. (00:22:17) On October 4, 2025, a local Braver Angels debate brought community members together to discuss the resolution: “Immigrants in this country illegally should have a path to legalize their status.” The event offered a unique approach to civil discourse, emphasizing understanding over winning. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) A new centerpiece now graces the Women’s History Garden at the Civic Club of Harrisburg: The Garden Goddess, a living tribute to generations of women who have shaped the community. (00:22:02) Nearly four decades after overcoming her own struggles with addiction, Bucknell University Professor Judy Grisel has dedicated her life to understanding why some people become dependent on drugs — and how the brain plays a role in that process. But as Grisel told The Spark’s Asia Tabb, her journey toward becoming a neuroscientist began for a very personal reason. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) Every second counts when it comes to a stroke, says Lauren Swartz, Nurse Navigator with the UPMC Neurological Institute. Ahead of World Stroke Day, Swartz joined The Spark to remind listeners that knowing the warning signs—and acting fast—can save lives. (00:20:24) as spooky season approaches, historian Chrissy Senecal says that monsters were very real to people living in medieval Europe — though not always in the ways we imagine. “In fact, there were,” she said. “Spooky season is my favorite season, and I am so happy to talk about the way that medieval people thought about monsters and how they were different from maybe what we think of as monsters today.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) We learn about Roblox new initiative for parents that will help inform them on how to educate their children to interact safely online. (00:22:13) Adam Zurn shares local ghost stories with us in honor of Halloween week. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) Encountering Disability is a series of free events over three days focused on community health and public policy as well as community inclusion and spirituality. Asia speaks with keynote speakers Marisa Brown and Michael Gamel-McCormick, as well as Rev. David Peck who spearheaded the initiative. (00:22:04) Consumer Affairs recently published a report covering the top metros in the U.S. with the worst housing shortages. These areas were found after researchers at the site calculated metrics like the vacancy ratio for the 200 most populous metro areas in the country. Not one, not two, but three spots in the Keystone State were ranked amongst the top 10: York in second; Harrisburg in fifth; and Lancaster in ninth. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month—a time to celebrate second chances and spread awareness about the thousands of animals waiting for homes. At the York County SPCA, the mission is clear: every pet deserves a loving, permanent home. (00:21:29) A new community resource is taking shape in Harrisburg — and it’s not your typical library. The Harrisburg Tool Library aims to lend out everything from drills and garden shears to crockpots and bubble machines, all in the name of empowerment and community care. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00) State College’s NPR station, WPSU, will continue broadcasting after all, following a new partnership agreement with Philadelphia’s WHYY. The plan, unanimously approved by Penn State trustees, allows WPSU-TV and radio to join WHYY without requiring a $17 million subsidy from the university, which was a sticking point in a previously rejected proposal. WHYY now has 30 days to secure at least $8.4 million in funding to complete the transfer, which also requires Federal Communications Commission approval. the recent firing of Penn State Football Coach James Franklin, which has been a major topic in the community. (00:22:06) For many, losing vision can feel like losing opportunities, but for Clinton Tyler and Maribel Surita, Vision Corps in Lancaster has been a place of empowerment, growth, and professional achievement. Both employees credit the nonprofit organization with giving them tools, training, and support to thrive in the workplace despite visual impairments. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.