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PODCAST

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

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All Episodes

21:28

York’s Downtown Earns “Gold Standard” Recognition for...

The Spark ·

2025/08/08

Downtown York is celebrating a major milestone in its journey toward revitalization — earning both state and national accreditation through the Main Street America program and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. The recognition signals a significant accomplishment for Downtown Inc, the organization leading the charge to support small businesses, public art, economic development, and community safety in York’s core. “Accreditation is kind of the gold standard in downtown

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22:09

Clear the Shelter: York County SPCA Faces Summer...

The Spark ·

2025/08/07

As the summer months heat up, so does the intake of stray and displaced animals at the York County SPCA, putting serious pressure on space, staff, and resources. Steven Martinez, Executive Director of the York County SPCA, joined The Spark to shed light on how the shelter is navigating one of its busiest seasons of the year. "It's usually about this time of the year, towards the end of summer, that we start to get full," said Martinez. “You hit May, June, July — things start creeping up

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23:03

Understanding Parkinson’s: Early Signs, Diagnosis,...

The Spark ·

2025/08/07

Parkinson’s disease is often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages. On a recent episode of The Spark, I spoke with Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, Chief Mission Officer at the American Parkinson Disease Association, about the complexities of this neurodegenerative disease and why early awareness is so critical. "It's really such an important message that we want to give over today — what is Parkinson’s disease?” said Dr. Gilbert. “It’s a

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23:31

Lung Cancer Screenings Can Save Lives — UPMC Surgeon...

The Spark ·

2025/08/06

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States, in part because it’s often detected too late. On The Spark, UPMC Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Troy Moritz joined the show to shed light on who should be screened, what symptoms not to ignore, and how technology is changing the way lung cancer is detected and treated. Who Should Be Screened? Dr. Moritz emphasized the importance of lung cancer screenings for a specific group:“We’re looking for people that are age 50 to up

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11:38

ABC 27 Meteorologist Dan Tomaso: Fall Feel Won’t Last...

The Spark ·

2025/08/06

On The Spark this Monday, ABC27 meteorologist Dan Tomaso joined host Asia Tabb to talk about the recent stretch of refreshing weather in Central Pennsylvania — a welcome change after a hot and humid July. “We’re coming off just a beautiful weekend,” Tomaso said. “It started out Friday with cooler weather and cloud cover — and I hesitate to say it on the air — but it felt like fall.” The crisp air and lower humidity came as a surprise to many. “I

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21:42

Celebrating Pawpaws at Horn Farm Center

The Spark ·

2025/08/06

At the Horn Farm Center in York County, nature isn’t just scenery — it’s the classroom, the kitchen, and the community. This September, the nonprofit is preparing for its 21st annual Pawpaw Festival, a celebration of one of North America’s best-kept fruit secrets. The star of the event? The pawpaw — a creamy, tropical-tasting fruit native to the eastern United States that many have never heard of, let alone tasted. “The pawpaw is North America’s largest

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23:20

Celebrating National Book Lovers Day with the Dauphin...

The Spark ·

2025/08/05

As August 9 marks National Book Lovers Day, bookworms in Central Pennsylvania are in for more than just a reminder to curl up with their favorite read — they’re being invited to rediscover the joy, power, and importance of books through community celebrations hosted by the Dauphin County Library System and the Midtown Scholar Bookstore. "It's just a great way for us to connect with our patrons and remind them the pleasure of reading, but also the importance of literacy," said Ryan

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11:42

Flash Flooding Strikes Northeastern Pennsylvania:...

The Spark ·

2025/08/05

Severe flash flooding earlier this month swept across parts of Northeastern Pennsylvania, leaving communities in Luzerne, Lycoming, and Columbia counties scrambling to respond to quickly rising waters and damaged infrastructure. The deluge, which began around 2:30 a.m. on July 14, caused significant disruptions in areas such as Kingston Borough, Harveys Lake, and West Nanticoke—longtime hot spots for flooding. Luzerne County Deputy Director of Emergency Services David Elmore joined The Spark

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22:54

From Jelly Jars to a Thriving Village: Kitchen Kettle...

The Spark ·

2025/08/04

Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, may be known today for its bustling shops, restaurants, and homemade jams, but it all started in a garage with a single kettle of jelly. Now celebrating its 71st anniversary, the family-run destination has become a beloved Lancaster County landmark, drawing locals and tourists alike. Michelle Rodinelli, the third-generation owner of Kitchen Kettle, says it all began in August 1954 when her grandparents, Bob and Pat Burnley, took a leap of faith

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43:19

The Spark Weekly 8.03.2025: The Transcontinental...

The Spark ·

2025/08/03

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly AmeriStarRail proposes to team with Amtrak to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026 with a new, privately funded, coast-to-coast train operating between Los Angeles and New York (see attached letter) The Transcontinental Chiefwill revolutionize rail passenger service and express logistics by carrying passengers, truck drivers and their tractor trailers coast-to-coast in less than 72 hours Also, on the program With federal funding now eliminated

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27:21

Braver Angels: Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide...

The Spark ·

2025/08/02

As the political gap between urban and rural communities continues to widen, organizations like Braver Angels are working to bring Americans together across that divide. In a recent conversation, Ron Chadwell of Camp Hill, the group’s Blue Co-Chair, joined Tom Cook of Quarryville, a more conservative-leaning member, to explore how respectful dialogue can lead to greater understanding between people who often feel worlds apart. The discussion touched on what drives the urban-rural

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23:23

Journalist Roundtable: Public Media Reports on...

The Spark ·

2025/08/01

With federal funding for public broadcasting officially eliminated, reporters at public media stations now face the unusual challenge of covering a story that hits close to home—their own financial future. On this week’s segment, we spoke with Sydney Roach from WPSU and Carmen Russell-Sluchansky from WHYY about how their newsrooms are navigating the tricky balance of objectivity and personal stake. “Public media doesn’t often become the subject,” said Roach. “So

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23:11

Homelessness on the Rise in York County, Reflecting...

The Spark ·

2025/08/01

Each January, during some of the coldest days of the year, communities across the country participate in a federally mandated effort to measure homelessness. The Point-in-Time (PIT) count provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness in a single 24-hour period. And this year, York County's results were sobering. York County saw a 17% increase in the number of people without shelter compared to last year. “It wasn’t a surprise, but it was certainly disappointing,” said

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22:37

Liberty Medal to Honor Hamilton Musical and Historian...

The Spark ·

2025/07/31

The 37th annual Liberty Medal ceremony is set to shine a spotlight on the transformative power of storytelling and civic engagement this October. The National Constitution Center will honor the cast of Hamilton and acclaimed biographer Ron Chernow, whose work inspired the hit Broadway musical, during a live event in Philadelphia on October 17. “The purpose of the Liberty Medal is to recognize men and women of courage and conviction who have defended the blessings of liberty across the

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22:50

Elementary Principal Zac Bauermaster Leads with...

The Spark ·

2025/07/31

Zac Bauermaster didn’t always picture himself as an elementary school principal. In fact, he thought he’d be a high school social studies teacher and basketball coach for life. But his journey through education took unexpected turns—and ultimately led him to a role he now embraces with deep passion and purpose. “I had great teachers and coaches growing up, and I always loved school,” Bauermaster said. “But what I found, no matter the level—high school,

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22:11

Healing with Vision Therapy and Chickens

The Spark ·

2025/07/30

When Christine Helm was hit head-on in a car accident with her daughter, she never expected it would change the course of her life. “We had minor, so-called minor injuries,” she recalled. “I had a shoulder injury, a minor neck injury, and a concussion... but mine didn't [get better]. It just hung on and hung on.” Christine, a former teacher, found herself unable to return to work. Plagued by persistent concussion symptoms and double vision, she visited specialist after

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12:18

A Quilter’s Destination Quilt Show Builds Community,...

The Spark ·

2025/07/30

What started in 2011 as a way to make quilting more accessible has grown into a popular series of free, community-driven events across the Northeast. A Quilter’s Destination Quilt Show is now a magnet for experienced quilters, curious newcomers, and international visitors alike — and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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11:46

Central PA Sees a Weather Shift After a Steamy July,...

The Spark ·

2025/07/30

After weeks of high humidity and relentless heat, central Pennsylvania is finally getting a break. Meteorologist Dan Tomaso says a shift in air flow from northern and central Canada is bringing much-needed relief.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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25:05

AmeriStarRail Unveils Plan for Cross-Country Train...

The Spark ·

2025/07/29

In time for America’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026, AmeriStarRail is proposing a bold new vision to revolutionize cross-country transportation: the Transcontinental Chief, a privately funded, coast-to-coast train designed to carry passengers, personal vehicles, and even full tractor-trailers—all in under 72 hours.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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23:54

Honoring Disability Pride Month: Local Advocates...

The Spark ·

2025/07/29

July marks Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 and reflect on the ongoing journey toward accessibility, dignity, and equity for people with disabilities. In recognition of the month, The Spark spoke with two Pennsylvania advocates whose personal stories highlight both the challenges and triumphs within the disability community — and who remind us why awareness and advocacy still matter every day.Support WITF:

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