The Spark

Amber Roadcap is the new Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania. Roadcap has earned a degree from Penn State Health, and has a background in mental health. She started her career in crisis intervention at Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital. She's also worked at Malvern Health where she helped to develop a LGBTQ+ based behavioral health program. " I believe that when we are able to meet folks where they are, we are able to best serve. And I'm really huge on that of me just meeting the community where they are, meeting folks, where they are having that background in substance use counseling, behavioral health. I think will lend it to being able to, again, be a connector of resources. With our global population, with any population who is in need of housing. Finding a great therapist. And again, working with our agencies in behavioral health and substance use. And bringing some of the relationships that I've built over the years with me to connect folks." In addition to welcoming Amber to her new role, just this week the center held a ribbon cutting for their new location at 1323 N Front Street in Harrisburg. The LGBT Center of Central Pa has been active for nearly 20 years, and board members believe this new location will provide stability for the folks they serve. "I've been using the term grow forward as we have this new home. We have been here in the community, serving the community for almost 20 years. And I think having our own space and having this beautiful, safe space that folks can come and we want to welcome our allies as well as the queer community to come in. And we want to say, hey, like, what events would you like to see? What groups would you like to see? I've been really trying to focus on listening to the community when we're out at tabling events, or when I'm meeting people and saying, how can your LGBT center serve you best?" Normal operations are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. To learn more about the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania, CLICK HERE. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the demand for electric vehicles are on the rise, car dealerships and mechanics are faced with new challenges. Roger Cackovic is a dealer at RJ Cackovic Auto Sales, Service and Rental, and has been in the industry for over 60 years. Cackovic was a guest on The Spark and spoke with Asia about where the auto industry is going now that the demand of electric vehicles. Listen to the podcast to hear his perspective. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, or PTRR for short. With the program, hundreds of thousands of older and disabled Pennsylvanians will now be eligible for a rebate up to $1,000. This brings the maximum standard rebate up from its previous level of $650. Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne sat down with The Spark Host Asia Tabb to share how the program works, and why the deadline is being extended. Listen to the podcast to learn more about the program. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a new tool created by the Pennsylvania State Police for individuals with autism to enhance interactions with law enforcement officers. The cards, which include a person’s name, contact information and emergency contacts, state that the cardholder has autism and urge officers to be patient and direct in their interactions. Lieutenant Adam Reed with the Pennsylvania State Police and Mark Davis, President and CEO of Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability joined The Spark to offer how the new informational cards will impact those living with autism. Listen to the podcast to hear the conversation. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been some unofficial conversation about the possibility of reopening of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Dauphin County. The plant was completely shut down in 2019 after more than 40 years in service. TMI was also the site of the 1979 accident which completely crippled the unit two reactor. Terry Fitzpatrick the President and CEO of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, the main trade group of all utilities in the state. Fitzpatrick joined The Spark to share what this could mean from his perspective. "TMI closed in in 2019. And there's been a big change since then. I mean, circumstances have really changed. There's a lot of federal money support now available for nuclear power. That's one thing that's changed. The other big thing that's changed is with the growth of data centers in particular, and also more generally, just the switch, the shift towards using more electricity with electric vehicles, etc.. There's more concern now that demand is growing. So all of a sudden, you know, nuclear power didn't look so good or TMI didn't look so good back in 2019. But now the outlook has changed. So that's led to this discussion about the possible restart." Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Molly of Denali is a children's show on PBS centered around Molly, an Alaska Native girl, her dog Suki, and friends on their adventures in Alaska. The show is created by a team that includes Indigenous advisors, and is the first nationally children's program to feature Native American and Alaska Native lead characters. Yatibaey Evans, the Creative Producer of the program, says the impact of the show has been massive. "So Alaska has 229 different recognized tribes, and there are other tribes here as well. And it's important to do our best to represent the indigenous people here in Alaska and have our characters reflect the real lives of people here. And many there are many people that are, you know, part of one tribe, but there are also many people that are part of multiple tribes." Yetibaey also shared the show is currently breaking stigmas and stereotypes associated with Indigenous people. The show also could impact STEM education in Alaska. "Well, Alaska is at the forefront of climate change. And children who grow up here are observing in their own lives the impacts of rising temperatures that they see on the environment, as well as the animals that are around, and some of the patterns that are observed, and the cultural values and environmental connections that are shared within Molly can encourage kids to further engage within Stem education, because when children can relate to their own lived experience, then they're more apt to want to learn more about it and do learning in that way. It's an amazing opportunity that we have to share through Molly because this is our lives." Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mecum Auctions comes to the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg for their 2024 auto auction and car show. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Pennsylvania educators talk about the importance of reading to young children to prepare them to learn literacy in phonics when they reach Kindergarten. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penguin Project is a 20 year old program that promotes theater for everyone by putting students who have disabilities at center stage in a shortened Broadway musical. The Penguin Project was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with disabilities an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. "So Dr. Andy Morgan is the founder of the program. And his belief was that penguins, while they can't fly, they can still soar. And that is true with our performers. While they may not be able to do some of the everyday tasks that you or I may be able to do, they can still soar in other ways. And one of the ways is on stage. And these kiddos, let me tell you, are incredible, "said Director Matt Spencer. He created The Penguin Project recognizing that theater not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project strives to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support. Listen to the podcast to hear how Theatre Harrisburg is preparing their penguins for their performance, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a little after a year since the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg caught on fire. Half of the building was destroyed and the other half sustained huge damage. On the half of the building that was destroyed, the roof was gone and only the walls remained standing. Recently, a big tent was added to help vendors, as the Broad Street Market Alliance works to rebuild the Broad Street Market. Eric Hagarty is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Broad Street Market Alliance. Hagarty joined The Spark to speak with host Asia Tabb on the podcast for recovery efforts. 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: WITF’s Director of Journalism Scott Blanchard, and LNP’s Managing Editor of Content Stephanie Zeigler, spoke with The Spark’s Asia Tabb about their commitment to staying accurate when covering breaking news. Zeigler also spoke with Asia about language around reporting breaking news and why that matters and building trust with the community when reporting. Lesa Brackbill is a wife, mother, advocate, and author raising awareness about Krabbe Disease. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WITF’s Director of Journalism Scott Blanchard, and LNP’s Managing Editor of Content Stephanie Zeigler, spoke with The Spark’s Asia Tabb about their commitment to staying accurate when covering breaking news. Zeigler also spoke with Asia about language around reporting breaking news and why that matters and building trust with the community when reporting. Listen to the podcast to hear more from the roundtable discussion. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saturday July 20th Chambersburg will host two historically events that took place in Harrisburg 160 years ago. The Old Market Day will bring over 100 different vendors, and the 1864 Ransoming, Burning, and Rebirth of Chambersburg commemorates the 160th anniversary of a historical event. Janet Pollard the Executive Director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau joined Asia Tabb on the Spark to share all the details of the two fun events on Saturday. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philadelphia has mandated all city employees to return to their offices if employed full-time, as of July 15. Mayor Cherelle Parker made the announcement, saying she wants to create a more visible and accessible government. The decision ends the city’s virtual work policy that was put in place in 2021 and essentially returns employees to pre-pandemic scheduling. Ryan Unger the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC President and CEO, stopped by The Spark to speak with host Asia Tabb about how the City of Harrisburg is looking from a hybrid, remote, and return to office setting overall. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Bailor is the owner of Terrarium Therapy which was established in 2017. Terrarium Therapy offers workshops, team building functions, fundraising events, and virtual events. In the podcast, Kim speaks with Asia about the connection between plants, soil, and happiness. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The York County SPCA is without power due to Tuesday night's storms, and will not have power until this weekend. The current canine population is large, and the shelter is in dire need of emergency foster homes for the dogs until the power is restored. The York County SPCA will provide all resources for the foster parents including food, toys, crates, medication, and more. Last week, the shelter had to cancel their Splish Splash Adoption bash over the weekend due to two canine's testing positive for canine parvovirus. Most of the dogs are fully vaccinated and not at risk for the virus. In the podcast, Kristen Dempwolf explains what parvovirus is and what the shelter is doing in place of the adoption event. CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the York County SPCA. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 5th annual Susquehanna Folk Festival returns August 9 and will run until August 11. The festival will take place at the Appell Center in downtown York, Pa for a weekend of music, dancing, family activities and more. Peter Winter Lee is the Executive Director of the Susquehanna Folk Music Society. He says the music society is South Central Pennsylvania’s grassroots for home and traditional folk music. For Lee, folk music has always been a part of his life. “I play in a Celtic Scottish Americana band with my siblings called seasons, and that’s how I really became a part of the folk music scene in central Pennsylvania, playing in that band for close to two decades now.” The artists at the festival will include Cape Breton fiddle, Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Texas swing alchemists Hot Club of Cowtown and so many more. This year, the Susquehanna Folk Music Society will be in downtown York, offering programming in both The Studio and The Capitol Theatre of the Appell Center for Performing Arts. “I would encourage anyone to try the festival just to experience different forms of music and, you know, find that you might absolutely love Brazilian drumming or something like that. And just it’s an amazing weekend of just an utterly electric musical experience. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlisle Events returns for another season, while celebrating 50 years of bringing vintage car lovers together. More than 400 cars will be on display at the auction while featuring vehicles from more than a century of auto history. For the big anniversary, the fairgrounds will have a wall of events that were held in Carlisle. Bill Miller Jr. the Co-Owner of Carlisle Events, and Main Street Manager Stacey Gould with the Downtown Carlisle Association joined the Spark to talk about the impact Carlisle events bring to Cumberland County. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

F&M’s Center for Public Opinion Research has conducted a random-sample survey of 900 Lancaster County Residents. Typically, about 60 attend the two-day forum. Those who attend are briefed about topics and issues they are asked to deliberate about. On day 1, attendees are asked to discuss topics and potential solutions to challenges. On Day 2, they deliberate and identify solutions and recommendations in small groups while moderated. Professor Stephen K Medvic and Berwood Yost, the Director for Opinion Research at Franklin and Marshall College joined the Spark to discuss their recent Reforming Democracy Forum that took place in Lancaster. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conversation and Natural Resources oversees 124 parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn, and Planning Chief in the Resource Management and Planning Division of DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks Rachel Eckman made an appearance on the Spark with host Asia Tabb to chat about what new parks are in the works, and what’s new to come to the PA DCNR. Listen to the podcast above to hear more about plans for the rest of the season. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.