The Spark

Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, along with the federal government entered into an agreement in 1983 to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The states of Delaware, New York and West Virginia joined the partnership years later.

During the past 41 years, strategies and plans have been implemented to reduce pollution and restore the health of the Bay. Some have been successful while others have fallen short of their goals. Next year – 2025 – was set as a deadline to meet several of those goals in the restoration plans.

It has the states and the federal government thinking about what comes next.

The pollution in the form of nutrients came from wastewater, agricultural practices and storm water runoffs from sources like parking lots, streets and chemicals on lawns.

Harry Campbell, Director of Science Policy and Advocacy with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Pennsylvania, was on The Spark Wednesday and talked about the goals for Pennsylvania,"We agreed to a reduction of pollution in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus and sediment of 40%, based on baseline numbers in the from the early 1980s, based on monitoring and things of that nature. So that was one of the primary goals. And then the secondary goals were more protection and management activities around those living resources, like the striped bass, like the oysters, like the crabs, so as to help provide a a more stable and healthy population for reproduction and growth of the economy and in the living resource."

Some have suggested there has been too much attention to nutrients running into local streams, creeks and rivers and eventually into the Bay.

Campbell indicated that maybe the numbers have gotten too much of the focus during the Bay clean-up,"One of the things that has occurred over the course of time during the these efforts is that we've kind of started to fixate on bean counting. And what I mean by that is how much of this, how much of that, how much did we do? An acre of that. How many linear feet of that and lost sight of the outcomes. So one of the five pillars we have are to focus on the outcomes, meaning the not just did we reduce a pound of nitrogen based on what a computer model tells us or based on how much linear feet of this or that we've installed, but focusing on the outcome in terms of like, what is the living resource response? Did it improve trout habitat? Did it create a situation where we have more young of the year, striped bass or other types of living resource responses? Then of course we have to promote innovation and focus in on people, and do a number of other things, like even building those partnerships, but by looking at the outcome instead of the widget or the bean counting, we can then really start to measure and I think improve and focus in on the things and the places and practices that improve water quality, but also the ecosystem at large."

It's been suggested that more attention to making sure local streams, creeks and rivers are clean and healthy would be more a more tangible result for those who live in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Another discussion has centered on making climate change a priority over the Bay restoration. Campbell said the two are closely linked,"The effort to try to mitigate climate change, as well as save the Bay and our local rivers and streams and watersheds. You can't separate the two. The climate change and the responses to it, regardless of what you believe are the causes there, it's causing and contributing and increasing the amount of runoff and the pollution that enters our local rivers and streams in the Chesapeake Bay. By focusing in on the types of practices that build that resiliency, tree plantings, cover crops on our agricultural areas, forested riparian buffers and tree canopy in our suburban and urban areas. Not only does that actually help mitigate the impacts of climate change, but simultaneously is improving our local rivers and streams, as well as the Chesapeake Bay as well. It's all tied together."

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UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, has been honored for its outstanding efforts in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report. Notably, it is the sole hospital in Pennsylvania to receive this prestigious recognition, underscoring its commitment to health equity and positive birthing experiences for vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant people of color. This recognition stems from the U.S. News' comprehensive analysis of high-performing maternity care hospitals across the United States. In December 2023, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital was highlighted among a select group of 26 hospitals nationwide for achieving exceptional outcomes in cesarean sections and unexpected newborn complications among Black patients.

On The Spark we spoke with Dr. Sharee Livingston of UPMC who stated that, at the core of UPMC Magee-Womens' success is its holistic approach involving providers, nurses, hospital staff, and community members. She states that together, they strive to address and mitigate health disparities, ensuring that every patient receives equitable and high-quality care. This collaborative effort is particularly evident in their innovative use of doulas, which has been a major focus over the past few years.

Additionally, the Birth Circle Doulas of Magee program is a cornerstone of this initiative. It offers individualized doula support at no cost to at-risk women who face significant disadvantages due to adverse social determinants of health during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. These services include both face-to-face and remote (telehealth) support, ensuring comprehensive care regardless of the patient's circumstances. The utilization of doulas is well-documented to improve clinical outcomes for both the birthing person and the baby. At UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, doulas provide crucial emotional, physical, and informational support, helping to create a more positive and empowering birthing experience. This support is particularly beneficial for underserved women, who often face higher risks of complications and less access to quality maternal care.

The hospital's recognition by U.S. News & World Report not only highlights its exemplary performance but also brings attention to the broader issue of maternal health disparities. By prioritizing health equity and pioneering effective programs like the Birth Circle Doulas of Magee, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital sets a benchmark for other institutions to follow. In a healthcare landscape where maternal mortality rates remain unacceptably high for Black women, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital's dedication to improving maternal health outcomes is both commendable and essential. This recognition serves as a testament to the hospital's unwavering commitment to providing equitable and excellent care for all mothers.

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Some 1.7 million Pennsylvania are food insecure. Many areas of the state are considered food deserts – meaning grocery stores aren’t close by or there isn’t access to healthy food.

This is an issue we’ve talked about many times over the years on The Spark, because it continues to exist and if anything, the problem has gotten worse between the COVID pandemic and rising prices on food.

Access to healthy food can be an event bigger challenge. With that in mind, Penn State Health is partnering with more than one hundred organizations with a unique approach to providing healthy food to those in need.

With us on The Spark Tuesday were Ashley Visco, Community Health Director at Penn State Health and Zachary Zook, Senior Policy Research Manager at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

Zook indicated there are more people who are food insecure than just a few years ago,"Relative to 2021 and the most recent data that we have available, nationally and in Pennsylvania is in 2022 -- food insecurity increased by more than 25%. So it now affects 12.8% of people nationally. And so that is a major jump from one year to the next. That's also the highest level of food insecurity that we have seen since 2014, since just getting out of the Great Recession. And I'll note that very low food security in particular jumped by 34%. From 3.8% to 5.1% nationally. And so 1 in 20 households in the U.S. experience is very low food security, which is extremely high."

Visco talked about what makes the Penn State Health program unique,"Food insecurity is very nuanced. It's not just individuals who live in food deserts. We often think of food deserts as where the individuals who are food insecure live. But there's food deserts across all of Pennsylvania, regardless of where you live. So we try to have programing that meets the different needs of different types of people. So for instance, we have community gardens that we work closely with. So we partner with with community organizations. And we either help them build or we enhance community gardens that may be already exist as just one avenue. But what we try to do when we build these partnerships, as we don't try to just have, like a food access point, right? It's not like, here's a food access point. There's nothing else that exists there. What we try to do is really layer on services. So one of our best examples is we've partnered with in Lebanon County. We partnered with the Chestnut Street Community Center inside the Chestnut Street Community Center. There's a homeless shelter, there's IU 13, there is a an elementary school directly across the street. We have a community fridge located there, which means anyone can come and get produce as available, but also individuals can have community when they come to the garden, or they can walk down the street, they can grab a cucumber and they can chomp on it and they can walk back down the street. So we really feel like our strength is in our nuance of programing is where we go directly to the community partners and we say what do you need? What is most beneficial in your community? And we work with them to hopefully develop that."

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When motorists stop to buy gasoline for their vehicles, it’s almost always at a business that doubles as a convenience store, whose main sales priority is often their food menus. And the driver is almost always pumping their own gas.

It didn’t used to be that way. Service stations were just that – the place to go to have an attendant pump gas, check the oil in a car, clean the windshield and doubled as the garage where a mechanic repaired or maintained cars.

A new book remembers a time when gas stations were often the center of activity in a town and the attendants became familiar and friends.

The Lost Service Stations of Central Pennsylvania is co-authored by Jimmy Rosen, who was with us on The Spark Monday, who talked about the nostalgia for gas stations,"back in the early days of full service, it was the focal point of neighborhoods. You, you you knew your mechanic, you knew your local service station, you trusted them, and you hung out there. Guys hung out there with their cars. They fixed their cars. And then a lot of times, girls hung out there to see the guys with their cars. And it was just a time mom and pop places like a lot of things, they've all but disappeared. And it's rare to find an independent, fueling station to service station at all."

Published as by Arcadia Publishing as part of their images of America series, the book is full of photographs of old service stations in Central Pennsylvania.

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Jennifer Hassel's captivating memoir, "Bad Ass Grief," recounts her remarkable odyssey of honoring her late husband's memory through audacious feats and profound self-discovery. 

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A major milestone in the clean-up of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is scheduled for Monday afternoon after being postponed over the weekend. Explosives will be used to clear eight to 12 million pounds of the collapsed bridge from the front of the container ship, Dali.

To get an update on the story, The Spark turned to Robert Lang, an award-winning anchor reporter with WBAL News Radio and longtime radio and TV journalist in Pennsylvania.

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Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly,

New York Times best-selling novelist Jeff Shaara talks about his new book against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, The Shadow of War.

Also, on the program jazz musician Champian Fulton discusses her career and upcoming tour and album.

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In a unique collaboration celebrating history, community, and the spirit of resilience, Spring House Brewing Company has crafted "Saucy Boy," a refreshing blend of pale lager and grapefruit soda. But this beer is more than just a beverage; it's a tribute to the enduring legacy of Crispus Attucks, an emblematic figure in America's fight for freedom.

Partnering with the Crispus Attucks Community Center and the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County (CAP), Spring House Brewing Company embarked on a mission to commemorate and educate people about the historic significance of the Center, which has been a beacon of equity and justice in the community for nearly a century. The collaboration extends beyond brewing, with local artist Keisha Finnie lending her talents to create a visually stunning can design that honors the story of Crispus Attucks. Blending Finnie's artwork with a bold citrus graphic, the can reflects the vibrant essence of Saucy Boy, mirroring the beer's sweet, crisp, and citrusy notes.

The choice of name, "Saucy Boy," carries profound meaning rooted in history. Crispus Attucks, an Indigenous-African man who escaped enslavement, met a tragic fate as the first American killed in the American Revolution. Yet, his memory endured, albeit tarnished by the derogatory remarks of the era. Future President John Adams infamously referred to Attucks and his compatriots as "a motley rabble of saucy boys," among other disparaging epithets. For the collaborators behind Saucy Boy, the name symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity. It represents the defiance of oppression and the unwavering spirit of those who have fought for justice throughout history. Through this partnership, they aim to shed light on this often-overlooked chapter of American history and pay homage to Attucks' enduring legacy.

"We are grateful to have some awesome partners carrying Saucy Boy in support of the Center," expressed Joshua Hunter the center's director. This sentiment underscores the collaborative effort that has brought Saucy Boy from concept to reality, with local businesses and community organizations rallying behind the cause. And the launch of Saucy Boy serves as more than just a celebration of craft beer; it's a celebration of community, culture, and the resilience of the human spirit. With each sip, drinkers are invited to reflect on the legacy of Crispus Attucks and the countless others who have dared to defy oppression and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.

As Saucy Boy finds its place on shelves and in glasses across the community, it carries with it a message of hope and remembrance—a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of resilience endures. And in raising a glass to toast to this shared history, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.

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On June 1st, a moving portrayal will grace the stage—a heartfelt depiction of Hazel Jackson's life, a woman whose resilience and dedication left an unforgettable impact on her community. This play, honoring Jackson's memory, marks the foundation stone of the newly formed Hazel Jackson Foundation, with proceeds supporting its mission of empowerment and assistance. Recalling the beginnings of this endeavor, Cheryl Holland-Jones, Dr. Jackson's daughter and the driving force behind the foundation, reminisces about a journey that commenced with a shared desire for change. Amidst social unrest and a global health crisis, the community found itself reevaluating its values and institutions. The renaming of a local school in Jackson's honor sparked discussions about representation and inclusivity, setting the stage for broader societal reflections.

The renaming of Hazel Jackson Middle School was more than symbolic; it embodied the community's commitment to preserving Jackson's legacy. From these conversations emerged the idea of a foundation—a platform to perpetuate Jackson's values through scholarships, lectures, and community programs. At the heart of fundraising efforts lies a stage production chronicling Jackson's extraordinary life—a narrative of resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Through this artistic medium, the foundation seeks to inspire pride and unity, anchoring individuals in Jackson's enduring principles. And, reflecting on her mother's legacy, Cheryl, alongside her daughter Amber, underscores the pivotal role of community involvement in driving change. It was through grassroots activism and collective efforts that the school renaming became a reality—a tribute to Jackson's legacy and her ideals.

Dr. Jackson's story epitomizes resilience in adversity. As the first African-American female teacher in the Lancaster school district, she confronted systemic challenges with unwavering resolve. Her nine-year journey symbolizes a steadfast commitment to her vocation. Beyond her pioneering role, Jackson's legacy encompasses a broader cultural and social influence. She paved the way for diversity and inclusion initiatives within the school district, leaving an indelible mark on successive generations. Furthermore, she embodied this commitment as the first African-American Professor at Millersville University.

As the stage production unfolds, audiences will witness Jackson's remarkable odyssey—a testament to perseverance and community solidarity. Their support will fuel the foundation's empowerment mission, ensuring Jackson's legacy inspires future generations. Rooted in talent development and community resilience, the Hazel Jackson Foundation's endeavors, from scholarships to cultural events, aim to uplift and empower. Attendees of the play not only honor Jackson's memory but also contribute to initiatives that enrich the community. Ultimately, the production celebrates Jackson's life—a tribute to her enduring legacy and the values she embodied, serving as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of perseverance, leadership, and communal unity.

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The vibrant cultural scene of Downtown Harrisburg is set to be enriched as the curtains rise for the acclaimed play "What the Constitution Means to Me" starting Saturday, and continuing its run until June 1st at the Open Stage. This Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist production promises to captivate audiences with its witty, timely, and deeply personal exploration of our nation's founding document. At the heart of the play lies the intertwined narratives of playwright and performer Heidi Schreck, whose own journey through Constitutional debate competitions as a fifteen-year-old forms the bedrock of this insightful production. Portrayed by Karen Ruch in a performance that promises to be both humorous and poignant, Schreck's journey traverses the landscape of American history, connecting four generations of women to the enduring principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Under the creative guidance of Stuart Landon, the producing artistic director, "What the Constitution Means to Me" emerges as a testament to the enduring relevance of the Constitution in shaping individual lives and the collective ethos of a nation. With evening performances scheduled at 7:30pm on select dates from May 11th to June 1st, alongside matinee shows at 2:00pm on May 12th and 19th, audiences have ample opportunity to engage with this transformative theatrical experience. Moreover, special events such as the Opening Night & Reception on Saturday, May 11th, and an ASL Interpreted Performance on Sunday, May 26th at 6:00pm, ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all theater enthusiasts. For those seeking a blend of entertainment and enlightenment, "What the Constitution Means to Me" promises to be an unmissable cultural event, offering a fresh perspective on the document that continues to shape the American narrative.

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