The Spark

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. Penn Pilot offers showcase aerial photography of Pennsylvania’s landscape from the 1930’s to the 80’s. This tool was started by the Pennsylvania Geological Survey, according to Maurie Kelly, Director of Informatics with the Institutes of Energy and the Environment at Penn State University. But upfront: This week’s Journalist Roundtable focuses on the inauguration of Donand Trump and the actions he’s already taken, a new legislative lesion in Harrisburg overshadowed by the death of a state House member. Our journalists this week will be Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Jordan Wilkie, WITF’s Chief Democracy Reporter. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Journalist Roundtable segment for January 24 included Spotlight PA’s Stephen Caruso and WITF’s Democracy reporter Jordan Wilkie. The roundtable segment focused what we can expect policy wise in the new year, Donald Trumps pardoning January 6 criminals, and dismissing pending cases, and the Attorney General investigation into voter fraud. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fort Indiantown Gap is hosting what’s known as a war fighter exercise, an event to train and evaluate military units for large scale combat operations. More than 3,000 personnel are taking part between now and mid-February. Col. Kevin Potts, Garrison Commander at Fort Indiantown Gap says it’s a large-scale collective training exercise. “We're really, it's an it's not so much on the ground like normal soldiers were normal units come and train where they go out. They train in the field, and they do marksmanship qualifications and road marches and things of that nature.” The exercise trains the commanders and their staff in military decision making. “Well, fighting a mock battle in a computer system. So, it's kind of like a gaming system, but it integrates the life scenario of soldiers doing the work on the ground inside a computer system. And there's an enemy operating. So, they have a decision in the fight. So is a is a fight the fight the enemy can make a decision and then it changes how they react, how the forces or forces react to what they do.” This type of exercise focusses on command and control rather than many troops. “So, a normal brigade commander will have about 3 or 30 500 to 4000 soldiers under him. This is a division level. So you're talking 12, 12,000 soldiers. So instead of bringing 12,000 soldiers to fight, you know, on the terrain, which is extremely expensive, this is their staff. And they do it in a computer simulated world, which reduces 12,000 to 2500. And that includes everybody that needs to be involved in it. So, it's an it's a force reduction or cost reduction, but it's still it gets you to be able to work the method, the processes, the equipment and the procedures on how to actually do the exercise or the operation.” Due to the large number of military personnel, there will be an increase in traffic in the area. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Tabb speaks with Maurie Kelly, Director of Informatics with the Institutes of Energy and the Environment at Penn State University and Scott Hoffman, Retired USGS Scientist and Geographer about the Penn Pilot Project, which is a database that allows you to access Historical Aerial Photography. Check out the website here! Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Zurn of Uncharted Lancaster speaks about the petroglyphs at Safe Harbor. 1,000-year-old rock art on the Susquehanna River which is located a half mile south of Safe Harbor Dam. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Tomaso gives us his weekly weather report! He talks low temps, and the warmer weather coming in this weekend. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harrisburg-based A Miracle 4 Sure is an organization which provides services to formerly incarcerated individuals, mainly women of color, to allow them the opportunity to resume their lives as productive members of society. Services include education, mentoring and advocacy for individuals and their children as they successfully transform their lives after incarceration and other life changing experiences. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Tabb speaks with Charles Stewart, Host and Producer of the It's Not History podcast. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County is a non-profit organization that advocates for the preservation of architecturally and historically significant buildings in Lancaster County. Danielle Keperling, Executive Director of The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County has been working with the trust since 2001. “We are a county wide organization that advocates and educates about the importance of historic preservation. It was founded in the late 60s as a response to the urban renewal, where all the buildings in town, in the downtown center and then also in the southeast portion of town were being torn down in the name of progress.” For Keperling, historic preservation is important for Lancaster County due to it’s history attached to the buildings. “It has, you know, over 300 years of agriculture or that agriculture architecture. So, there's, you know, there's, you know, from the very early 1700s all the way to modern times. And there's a variety of architecture that you can see just in a one block span downtown.” The trust has saved many buildings. They also work with property owners to protect historic sites. “So we do have easements on a little bit over 30 properties. So those are properties that we actually monitor and and work with the homeowners to maintain that go. That goes with the deed. And, you know, its input into perpetuity so it goes with the deed. No regardless of who the owner is. But if people call us and need advice on, you know, this is what we want to do the contractors recommend. We will definitely, you know, send information or, you know, I've even gone out to look at different projects just to help because that's what we're here for. We're here to educate and help people make good choices.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lafayette Bicentennial Tour planning committee in Lancaster County is preparing for a tour this summer. Kathleen Hood, Coordinator of the Lafayette200 Bicentennial in Lancaster and Western Chester Counties, says this is part of the nationwide commemoration that is the brainchild of the nonprofit, The American Friends of Lafayette. “The whole goal of this commemoration is to celebrate, commemorate Lafayette's triumphant farewell tour of America in 1824 and ’25. This nonprofit reached into various communities that Lafayette actually visited to identify coordinators who would assemble planning committees. Hundreds of events are being planned nationwide to trace Lafayette's footsteps and the exact dates in the exact order in the 24 states Lafayette visited on his tour here in Lancaster County.” The commemoration will take place July 27-29. The committee will host multiple events showcasing Lafayette’s journey through Lancaster. “Well, our committee has been planning for the past three years the events that will basically be walking in the footprints of Lafayette by mirroring where he went, with whom he met, what he did while visiting our very area in 1825.” Hood shared the importance of remembering and honoring the history of Maquis de Lafayette and his moments in Lancaster. “I would say that it's absolutely no wonder that Lafayette's 13 month farewell tour of the then 24 states in 1824 and 1825 has become called the Triumphal Tour. Wherever he went, his journey along the Lafayette Trail, he was treated like the biggest celebrity that this country had ever seen. He was a true rock star in 1825 here in Lancaster County. And we're looking to recreate that excitement, that passion and that true understanding of what this American hero actually gave to each and every one of us.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PEW Research Center conducted a study to explore if college was worth it in 2024. Richard Fry was the Senior researcher on that project. As costs are rising, the college debate is always a huge discussion. Also, on the program Asia speaks with David T. Miller about a Martin Luther King Jr. Event taking place January 20th, and the importance of Dr. Kings work. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Journalist Roundtable segment for January 17 included WVIA’s Rural Government Reporter Isabela Weiss and WPSU Sydney Roach. The roundtable segment focused on Sydney’s reporting on schools and hospitals in rural communities struggling to remain financially solvent. Isabela shared about her report on the newly formed rural population revitalization commission working to address those problems. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Interdenominational Minister’s Conference (IMC) of Greater Harrisburg is preparing to host their 47th annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast. The event is sold out, however IMC President and Pastor of Wesley Union AME Zion Church in Harrisburg, David T. Miller sat down with us on The Spark to share the impact of this event. “The things that we do to really make it effective is when we come together, we go across denominational lines just like Dr. King there. We have individuals who are Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostal, Jewish, Protestant, Presbyterians all come together for this breakfast. And by doing that, we show the community, according to the Greek word, that how we can all come together no matter our religious background. Dr. King even once said the most segregated hour of the day is Sunday morning because people go to their respective churches and the nominations.” Breakfast brings the community together regardless of their denominations, while showcasing local non-profit organizations in our area. This year, IMC will also honor educators in our community. “As we come together, we recognize people in all their faiths. We have rabbis pray during our breakfast, speak during our breakfast and communicate and connect with other nonprofits. Now, here's the great thing about how we get together with other nonprofits. Have them come and set up booths and tables to let other people know how they can get involved with outreach in the local area, in the community and abroad.” Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation with The Spark Host Asia Tabb and David T. Miller. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is a beloved Lancaster experience. The theatre opened in 1967 by Deborah and Thomas Prather. Deborah and her husband Thomas, always dreamed to own a theatre in Lancaster instead of going to Hazleton, Lancaster, and Harrisburg. “So, we designed it, built it off of Route 30 in Lancaster. We wanted to go to Lancaster address because of the tourism industry. And so, after the answer to prayers and lots of wishes from friends and contractors, we opened on April 3rd, 1987, with a production of A Chorus Line, “said Debroah. Will Prather is the son of Thomas and Deborah, and now the Executive Producer of Prather Productions. Initially, he said he did not want to go into the family theater business. “I wanted to do I wanted to go in the hospitality industry. I was very fortunate that I was accepted at Cornell University's hotel school, and I got a great education and learned a lot about business. And then I took a job in the corporate world, and that didn't last very long, “said Will. Shortly after, Debroah asked Will if he wanted to return to the business and take over while she retired in 1993. “36 years later, I'm still here, still running the business, managing growth, managing 300 employees and lots of various challenges that we've encountered as a business. But I've always had the support of my parents. My mom has been incredibly supportive through some really challenging times. But the future is bright for the industry, and I'm just honored to be a second-generation business owner and entrepreneur, “said Will. According to Will, the overall guest experience is what sets the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre apart from other venues in the area. “You know, everything from free parking, which is plentiful to a really terrific meal, very Pennsylvania Dutch local flavors, and then a professional production that is on the caliber of anything else you will see in this community. So, when you bring all those things together and offer them at a valuable price and we also are also really known for our service. We have employees that have been with us from the very, very beginning. We're a very caring operation. We take care of our people and in turn, they take care of our guests who really make the magic happen, “said Will. CLICK HERE to see the upcoming shows from the theatre. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Braille Day celebrates the awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication for people who are blind or visually impaired. Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania has been providing services to people with vision impairment for more than 100 years. The organization offers support to the communities in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, and Perry Counties. Cheryl Cuddy, CEO of Vision Resources of Central PA, has been involved with the agency for 20 years. “I have family members with low vision diseases that stole their vision. So, I became more and more involved and had a hand in starting our eye clinic and in our low vision center and did a lot of community relations, events, fundraising, and this position became available, “said Cuddy. Londa Peterson is the Access Technology Specialist at Vision Resources of Central PA. Being blind herself, she wanted to make a difference for other people living with visual impairments. “A lot of the particular challenges that I had, and that made me very passionate about it and about what it could do and its potential for people to successfully get through school, to successfully get a job, and maybe to do it with fewer challenges, with needing less help from sighted individuals to get things done, “said Peterson. Since college, Londa has been invested in learning about ways technology would compliment the use of Braille. She now uses a device that has the keys of a keyboard of a Braille keyboard. “So now they are actually working on displays that can do multi-line and can-do graphics raised up so that blind people can participate more fully in science, technology, engineering and math, also called Stem and anything else that's graphical. So, Braille is. Not really changing with technology, but technology is making use of Braille, “said Peterson. Even though technology is emerging, Londa says for the visually impaired, braille literacy is extremely important. “Not everything can be done easily with technology and audio labels, for instance. It's much easier to run your finger over a Braille label on something just like it is to look at a print label rather than have to have a device find where the barcode is or find the digital label that you put on something or the NFC tag, whatever you're using, “said Peterson. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January is National Blood Donation Month. BluePearl is the largest veterinary emergency and specialty provider, and is using the month to raise awareness about blood donations for pets. BluePearl has over 100 hospitals in 30 different states. Dr. Meghan Respess, National Blood Bank Director, has been trying to raise awareness since 2012. “It's been around for decades because in people, the need in the winter months is even greater than the rest of the year for a variety of reasons. But we capitalize on this opportunity to also highlight the need and celebrate our blood donor heroes through our blue pearl, but also the entire veterinary community. And we recruit both dogs and cats.” The need for donations is dire, as pets can find themselves in a variety of conditions are trauma, especially in bigger cities. Sometimes cats fall out of windows, dogs run out and get hit by vehicles, while some pets are cancer patients. “So, in Blue Pearl, we did about 7500 blood transfusions last year between both red blood cells and plasma. Because each donation, you can separate the blood products just like in us and save up to up to three lives. So, it is it is common.” In order to be eligible, cats and dogs have to be stress free. “Cats typically do require some degree of sedation, often mild. But dogs don't always need anything at all. Or maybe the owner gives them something at home. Just relax them a little bit, just, you know, a medication. But many of our dogs, actually, they get to know these nurses that perform the donations. They're excited to see them. They'll jump up on the table and get, you know, pets and love and kisses and their tails are always wagging. So, it is really important that those are the candidates that we recruit for blood donors. And then it's a quick process, you know, just like really when blood is a little needle prick. And within 5 to 10 minutes, we have a unit of blood.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the first day of the new year, many people around the country kick off a new start by heading outdoors. Dia Hitt, National Coordinator for First Day Hikes says this initiative began in 2012. “The original idea was started in one state and the state was Massachusetts. And they said, “You know what? Everybody on the first days is always talking about the resolutions and what they're going to do. And so, they said, why don't we take advantage of that and get people to come back out to state parks in a time of year that most people don't think of visiting state parks. Don’t think of going in January because it's cold. So, they said, let's start an event called First Day Hikes and see how it goes. And from there it's grown.” This yearly event takes place in all 50 states. Each state park system decides what that event looks like. “So, it might be a hike, it might be snowshoeing, it might be horseback riding, it might be canoeing, it might be kayaking, it might be a lot of different things. We call it the first day hikes an umbrella. But there's little literally something for everybody. I'm not a hiker. I don't like getting called and just staring at trees in wintertime. But you give me a kayak and I'll go do anything you want me to. It is the first day hikes were intended to get people to come back to state parks at a time of year. They don't think of it. And it was also intended to really give people to go outside, enjoy the world that we live in.” Around 171,000 people participated this year, which has had the highest number of participants since 2012. “We're seeing families do this year after year after year. We're also seeing people who wouldn't think of going to a park. Maybe they're scared of bugs, maybe they don't like dirt. Or maybe they have an assessed ability issue where they don't really think that this is something they can do. And we're seeing people really realize that they can do it. And this is even if they don't ever do it any other time of the year, which, of course, we hope they do. This is a day that they are at least willing to try it.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hands-on-House in Lancaster offers a world of imagination and exploration for children of all ages. This year is the 25th anniversary. The mission of the museum is to learn through play according to Megan Stoltzfus, Lead Educator and Camp Director at the museum. “All of our exhibits are hands on. We have classes and with our classes, all of its hands on education. And we also have a special educational room called the Play Lab, where we have lots of hands-on activities, play based and some sensory things as well, “said Stolzfus. For children, play based education is extremely important for children as they learn through discovering things for themselves. The museum also offers STEM courses for children to help them succeed in the future. “The best way to develop skills is through that hands on that play based learning play, because learning is also important, because it helps kids to basically pretend to be what they're going to be as adults as well. So, it gives them a really good preparation for their future ahead, “said Stolzfus. There are many exhibits that offer educational opportunities. A fan favorite at the museum is the heating and HVAC exhibit. Patti Van Brederode, Art and Museum Director, the construction site exhibit is also popular among the visitors. “It has to do with how air flows and the kids get to put in these giant tubes that we have on the wall with an H back system in them. They can put there clear these tubes and they can put colorful handkerchiefs in there and see which way they go. And they can change the direction and flow of the air and change the way the handkerchiefs fly around. And that is, I think, one of the most fun things, “said Brederode. Patti also teaches art classes at the museum. “So, my kiddos come in, I teach one week is one lesson, so and I teach on Tuesdays and Wednesdays twice each day and I get to do the fun stuff with kids. We get to make a mess, and their caregivers don't have to worry about cleaning it up too much. We only tidy in class and so I'm there for both the kids and the caregiver so the caregivers get a minute to relax and play with their kiddos that they bring along. We do things that you wouldn't necessarily do at home, but I also send and give information so that each family can also expand upon that play at home because, you know, play is actually children's work. And so we what I get to do is I get to show kids what they are capable of, “said Brederode. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia speaks with Richard Fry, a senior researcher at Pew Research Center, about a study he conducted on whether college is worth it in 2024. If you would like to see the study, click here Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School safety is more important than ever, and empowering students to speak up can make all the difference. Safe 2 Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Brittney Klein, Program Director of Safe 2 Say, says this program was created in 2019 and is mandatory that every school in the state participates. “The primary mission of this program was actually developed to avert school violence. It was developed to prevent afterschool violence in that a student, if they see something or hear something, either in school or on social media or just in talking with friends, that they can actually report it to us anonymously without any judgment or any questions.” The office soon realized after launching the program that the program did more than prevent school violence. “It actually became a program that would take a lot of steps geared toward mental health concerns among students, whether it's actually for themselves or for others. So, a lot of our top tip types that we actually receive are actually geared towards mental health concerns of our students. Since it’s launch in 2019, the program has had a huge impact on community and the schools in Pennsylvania. “I can safely say that we have averted potential school shootings through intervention and collaboration with police in our schools, and that was based off of threats that were received by another student who reported it to us. I can also say that we have five students who actually were considering suicide, and we were able to intervene and get students’ help in their students who were obviously struggling. And somebody else reported that they had concerns. So, we were able to intervene in that way as well. Our program continues to be a national leader of school safety, said one. We've received over approximately 170,000 tips and so on for the program.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.