The Spark

We talk with Karen M. Dixon, Transportation and Community Planner at the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, about her research along Interstate 81 in Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Karen explores how transportation infrastructure intersects with environmental conservation, with a focus on wildlife crossings and their role in improving road safety and ecosystem connectivity. We also discus...

Pennsylvania’s newest — and most unique — state park is officially open, and it’s unlike anything else in the system. In this episode, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Laurel Caverns Park Manager Corie Eckman break down what makes Laurel Caverns worthy of becoming the state’s first underground park, from its status as the largest cave in Pennsylvania to its decades-long legacy as a public attra...

First, we sit down with Sue Gleiter , longtime dining reporter for PennLive and The Patriot-News , to talk about how the central Pennsylvania restaurant scene has changed—and where it may be headed next. With more than 25 years covering restaurant openings and closings, food trends, and beloved local institutions, Sue brings deep perspective on what’s thriving, what’s disappeared, and why. Then, w...

 First, we dive into the Tour de Belt , the annual fully supported community bike ride around the Harrisburg Greenbelt, returning Saturday, June 7. Riders experience scenic and often overlooked landmarks such as Wildwood Park, City Island, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Five Senses Garden, the Farm Show Complex, and the former Harrisburg State Hospital. We also talk about the Greenbelt’s...

This episode features Allison Hess (Geisinger), and Tina Citro (WellSpan Health) discussing innovative projects recognized by the 2026 HAP Achievement Awards . The leaders share how their organizations are advancing community health, including Geisinger’s Community Champions Award–winning Social Needs Resource Hub that connects patients to essential services. This Braver Angels update will highlig...

Concerns about “forever chemicals” and microplastics are growing nationwide—and in Cumberland County, one local advocate is working to bring attention to the issue.  Each year on May 1, Law Day offers a chance to reflect on the role of law in American society and why it continues to matter. 

We take a closer look at how Law Day is being observed in Central Pennsylvania and why the annual recognition continues to matter. Marked nationwide on May 1 , Law Day invites reflection on the role of law in American democracy and its impact on daily life. This episode also features investigative reporter Joshua Vaughn of PennLive , joined by Penn State journalism students Vida Lashgari and Joy D...

Lancaster Creative Reuse (LCR) is a creative reuse center in Lancaster that operates a donation‑based art, craft, and sewing supply store . Its mission is to connect community excess materials with people who can use them creatively , reducing waste while making supplies affordable and accessible. Tamela Trussell, founder of Move Past Plastic , discusses growing concerns around PFAS “forever chemi...

Rick Sayles is a master gardener focused on youth education who leads hands‑on, “seed‑to‑table” programming in the Steelton‑Highspire School District. Working directly with K–12 students, he teaches them how to grow, harvest, and prepare healthy food while building life skills, nutrition awareness, and community connection. The conversation highlights how the program began, the impact on student h...

In this bilingual segment, we explore the power and importance of bilingual education with educator and education leader Dr. Andrea Kolb. Andrea moves fluidly between Spanish and English as we talk about why bilingual learning matters for both Spanish‑ and English‑speaking students, how it supports academic success beyond language skills, and the ways it fosters confidence, cultural pride, and bel...

In this episode, we chat with Chrissie Senecal, who’s deeply passionate about the origins of yoga and eager to share its rich history in an engaging talk.  You’ll also hear an open invitation to drop into their free, all-level yoga class on Wednesdays from 5–6 pm at the Kung Fu Center in Carlisle. Whether you’re brand new or have years of experience, you’re welcome—and mats are provided! The Plast...

On this episode of The Spark Weekly , we talk with Sarah Corcoran of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter about the importance of Earth Day and the impact of local environmental efforts. The conversation highlights how community organizations are working to protect natural resources, promote sustainability, and inspire everyday actions that can lead to long-term environmental change. we also spoke...

Curator Rob Evans and Susquehanna Art Museum’s Director of Exhibitions, Rachel O’Connor, join us to explore American Identity: Restoring the Artistic Legacy of the Susquehanna River . The conversation highlights a groundbreaking exhibition featuring more than 100 artworks and artifacts—some dating back to the Native Susquehannock people—that reveal the Susquehanna River as a powerful artistic muse...

We’re joined by Sarah Corcoran , Deputy Director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter , to spotlight the powerful impact of local environmental action. Sarah shares how grassroots organizations across Pennsylvania are protecting natural resources, educating communities, and inspiring meaningful, lasting change—proving that building a healthier planet truly starts close to home. We also explore...

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this episode features Lily Duarte‑Evans, Vice President of the YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County, and Mallory Michel, Prevention & Evaluation Coordinator at PCAR. Together, they discuss what sexual violence is, how it impacts individuals and communities, and why awareness and prevention matter. The conversation highlights consent education,...

 Philly Jazz Month is a citywide celebration of Philadelphia’s deep and influential jazz heritage, featuring a full month of live performances, educational programs and community events. From intimate local venues to partner cultural organizations, audiences of all backgrounds are invited to experience the energy of live jazz, participate in interactive workshops and connect with the music’s histo...

On April 18 – World Heritage Day – the Colonial Industrial Quarter (CIQ) comes alive with artisans, demonstrators and faces of the past. Family fun takes center stage as you experience life in the 1700s through hands-on activities and living history demonstrations,  uncovering the crafts and trades that made early Bethlehem the industrial heart of a young nation. MADD’s mission is to end drunk and...

MADD’s mission is to end drunk and drugged driving, support victims of these crimes, and prevent underage drinking and other substance use . A key initiative highlighted is MADD’s Promposal , a free 30–45-minute presentation for high school juniors and seniors that addresses the risks of underage substance use and impaired driving, while empowering students to make safe, memorable prom experiences...

Santino Lauricella, Education Manager at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve , explores the vital role native wildflowers play in healthy ecosystems. From spring ephemerals and pollinator-supporting plants to invasive species management and endangered plant protection, this episode highlights how the Preserve safeguards biodiversity in Bucks County’s Pidcock Creek Valley. Listeners will also learn w...

Jennifer Eley – Director of Education at Pennon Education and Caley McGuigan - Secondary Education Program Coordinator at Pennon Education tell us all about what Pennon Education has coming up for the spring and summer at WITF's Public Media Center and Schools across the commonwealth. Legal expert Michael R. Dimino , Professor of Law at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, and Fred Vigeant...

In this episode, we explore three topics that touch us all in different ways: the impact of organ donation , the beauty of The Blossom Belt , and the stress (and strategy) behind tax season . It’s a down-to-earth discussion about giving, growth, and navigating the responsibilities of adult life.

Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Ted Evgeniadis joins us to discuss his work protecting the Susquehanna through education, water‑quality monitoring, pollution patrols, and legal action. As Riverkeeper and Executive Director of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Ted has built a reputation as both a coalition‑builder and an unrelenting advocate for clean, healthy waterways. We also break do...

(00:00:00) As more than 165,000 college students prepare to graduate from Pennsylvania schools this May, the job search looks very different than it did just a few years ago. In this timely conversation, Pamela Hill, Owner of Signature Staffing in Lemoyne, and Dr. Mohammad Rahman, Professor of Marketing and Director of the MBA Program at Shippensburg University, explore how artificial intelligence...

Cloth of the Nati on brings forward powerful stories from veterans navigating life during and after military service. On The Spark , we speak with Dale and Jan Hamby about the inspiration behind the podcast, the voices it aims to amplify, and what they hope listeners will take away from these deeply personal stories of identity, transition, and community. Author Lindsey Smith joins The Spark to di...

In this episode, we welcome Sam Horvath , Executive Director of the Perry County Council of the Arts (PCCA) , to talk about his journey back to central Pennsylvania and his vision for strengthening the arts in Perry County. Bestselling author and entrepreneur Lindsey Smith joins us to talk about her groundbreaking new book, Summer Haters Club , the first traditionally published book to explore sea...