The Spark

March being officially declared Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation, is a time dedicated to honoring the significant contributions of women throughout American history. Originally conceived as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, Women’s History Week was first observed in 1978, coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8th. Over the years, this observance has evolved into a nationwide recognition of the achievements and struggles of women in various fields.

On The Spark, we highlighted "Women in Welding". Despite constituting only 5 to 6 percent of the entire workforce in welding, these women play a crucial role in the industry. On The Spark, we featured interviews with several women welders from High Steel, providing insight into their experiences and challenges as women in a predominantly male-dominated profession.

The ladies highlighted the perseverance and resilience of each of them, as they gave first hand accounts of being a woman in welding. These women discussed challenges as they navigate a field traditionally seen as male-centric. Through their stories, we gained a deeper understanding of the barriers women in welding face and the strides they have made to overcome them. From breaking stereotypes to advocating for gender equality in the workplace, these women exemplify the spirit of Women’s History Month.

As the month unfolds, The Spark will continue its mission to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history, inspiring our audience to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the fabric of American society.

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We live in a politically polarized country. Depending on where Americans stand on issues, people on the other side are often viewed as the enemy and sometimes in visceral terms. Those feelings can be driven by emotions.

The two leading contenders for president – incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump certainly evoke emotions.

Almost every day there’s a poll that shows which candidate voters support, or less frequently, support for or opposition to specific issues.

But what about the emotional responses to the candidates from voters?

It's not the kind of question voters are asked very often but Franklin and Marshall College’s February poll asked how Pennsylvania voters how they would feel if Biden or Trump were elected.

On The Spark Monday, Berwood Yost, Director of the Floyd Institute for Public Policy at the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College said emotions play a significant role in how how voters decide which candidates to support,"You could argue that polarization is driven by these emotional feelings, right? But, political scientists talk about negative ideology and negative partisanship, which basically means we have strong negative feelings about the other party. I don't think there's any question that emotions play a large role in our politics. And I think we don't talk about them a lot. And, maybe we should talk about them more, particularly as people become more and more polarized."

The poll divided voters into three categories -- all voters, moderates, and "disapprovers." Those polled were asked to say whether they were worried or hopeful, sad or happy and agitated or calm about the prospect of Biden and Trump being elected.

Yost indicated the poll showed more negative emotional responses to Trump than Biden,"Among Mr. Trump's supporters, if you're looking at all voters, about a third of voters consistently said they'd be very hopeful, very happy, very calm if he were to win. So about a third of voters expressed positive emotions about his victory. But he also pretty solidly outpaces President Biden and the number of strong negative responses he generates among all voters. So, there's a lot more voters who have an extreme emotional response, as we've measured it to President Trump than President Biden. I don't think that's a surprise, but that's what we certainly see. So then we wanted to say, okay, that's all voters are. There's some groups of voters that are worth looking at, more closely. And one group that we think is important for this election will be moderate voters, people who do not identify as ideological conservatives or ideological liberals. And here we see a very different picture. Again, President, Biden has a much larger share of positive forecasts. So a lot more people said they'd be very hopeful, very happy, or very calm if he were elected compared to President Trump. Now, again, just speaking about moderates who only about 15% consistently said they'd be very hopeful, happy or calm. And then on the other side, again, we see this large negative emotional response to Trump, former President Trump among moderate voters."

Even though Trump gets more negative emotional responses from those polled, the horse race polls show the candidates are close. The February F&M poll showed President Biden narrowly leads Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, 43% to 42%, in a one-on-one match up in Pennsylvania.

Yost added that Trump voters are more enthusiastic about Trump than Biden voters are about Biden,"If you look at conservative voters, 70% of conservatives say they would be very happy, very helpful, very calm if Mr. Trump won in November. So his base is really positive and happy and excited about his candidacy. You can't say the same for Joe Biden among liberals, and this is his real problem, I think. Only about half said they'd be very calm if he won. Fewer than half said they would be very happy if he won. And only 1 in 4. Now this is liberals. Only 1 in 4 liberals said they are very hopeful should Biden win. And this, in a nutshell, emphasizes Mr. Biden's weakness with his base and Mr. Trump's strength with his. Which is why the races are so close at the moment. This the the base, the base of both parties feel very differently about their candidates.

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On this week's program...

The government reform group Fair Districts PA describes Pennsylvania's state legislature as dysfunctional and unproductive.

Best-selling author Harry Maclean talks about his new book Starkweather- The untold Story of the Killing Spree That Changed America.

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In a recent exploration of the profound and challenging experience of grief, on today's the focus was on sudden loss. Described by John's Hopkins Medicine as an unexpected and abrupt death, often resulting from incidents like fatal accidents or heart attacks, sudden loss leaves survivors grappling with unresolved issues, pain, and a myriad of emotions, including anger, guilt, and profound sorrow. On The Spark we featured Olliette Murry-Drobot, who shared her poignant story of losing her father to murder at the tender age of 7. We also delved into the heart-wrenching experience of Kira St. Clair, who tragically lost her younger brother in a devastating fire. These personal narratives shed light on the complexities of grief arising from sudden and unforeseen circumstances, emphasizing the lasting impact on individuals' lives.

To provide insights and support, Deborah Gonzalez, a Grief Counselor associated with the Pathways Center for Grief and Loss, joined the conversation. Her expertise aimed to guide individuals through the challenging process of coping with sudden loss, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of grief. This exploration into grief and sudden loss serves as a platform for sharing stories, fostering understanding, and acknowledging the profound journey of those grappling with the aftermath of sudden loss.

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It seems that there’s a mass shooting in America every few weeks. Stories of killing sprees or serial killers are commonplace on TV and in movies and books today.

But, it wasn’t always that way. There had to be a first and a time when multiple murders were new to a broad audience.

Best-selling author Harry MacLean points to a gruesome series of murders in Nebraska and Wyoming in January, 1958 as that point. Nineteen-year-old Charles Starkweather, accompanied by his 14-year-old girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate, shot and stabbed 10 people to death over an eight-day period. In all, Starkweather murdered 11 people.

Maclean’s recently published book is titled Starkweather – The Untold Story of the Killing Spree That Changed America.

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If you go to good government group Fair Districts PA’s and FixHarrisburg's website – there’s a photograph of the Pennsylvania State Capitol with a drawing of a crack down the middle. It represents a state government that the group calls broken. A legislature or lawmakers that make few laws is what Fair Districts blames for what they call Harrisburg’s dysfunction.

As examples, Fair Districts says that during this legislative session, more than half the bills that passed one chamber unanimously weren’t addressed in the other. Only about 7% of bills introduced ever make it to the governor’s desk.

Carol Kuniholm is the Chair of Fair Districts PA and joined us on The Spark Wednesday,"Pennsylvania is among the few full time legislatures, among the most costly, probably the most costly legislature because they have the third highest base salary for legislators, but also one of the largest legislatures in the country. One of our volunteers is quite sure that it costs $1 million a day to run our state legislature, given what she can discover. And we are in the very, very bottom in terms of states, in terms of bills passed or in terms of percent of bills that are introduced that are enacted."

Kuniholm compared Pennsylvania's legislature with Virginia -- another state that has divided government with one party in the majority in one chamber and the other party with the majority in the opposite chamber,"They passed 800 something bills last year while Pennsylvania passed 77. And people were talking about Pennsylvania's got a divided legislature. Virginia also had a divided legislature. The Senate was controlled by one party. The House was controlled by another. They have legislative rules that allow bills to get very fast attention and move quickly. It's not a partisan game. Does the bill have merit? If it does, it gets a vote in committee. If it comes out of committee, automatically scheduled for a vote on the chamber floor. Today's an interesting day. It's Crossover Day in several state legislatures. Crossover Day is the day when legislatures (there are 13 that do this) you have to finish in the first chamber by Crossover Day. And those bills go to the other chamber. And they have to be considered in the other chamber. That guarantees that action takes place on bills that have come out of committee. And it means they are far, far more productive than our state legislature."

Kuniholm says Pennsylvania legislative leaders and committee chairs have too much power in deciding which bills are even considered by the full legislature and she said rule changes would solve the problem,"Let the committee have some say in what gets a vote. If it comes out, take the ability of the leader to say what gets a vote on the floor and just move them forward. So simple changes of rules."

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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a prominent member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, celebrated its founding anniversary on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was established by seven young educators, and the sorority has since grown into a significant force within the Divine 9, which is a collective term for historically Black Greek-letter organizations.

As part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement and youth development, the Kappa Omicron Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, in collaboration with the Nu Phi Sigma Chapter, is organizing a youth symposium on Saturday, March 9th. The event will take place at Susquehanna Township High School and is aligned with Sigma Gamma Rho's national signature program, Project Reassurance.

The youth symposium aims to provide a platform for young individuals to engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable insights, and foster personal growth. Through interactive workshops, informative sessions, and engaging activities, participants will have the opportunity to explore topics such as leadership, academic excellence, and social responsibility.

By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of Sigma Gamma Rho, the symposium seeks to empower youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate various challenges and succeed in both their personal and academic endeavors. Additionally, the event underscores the sorority's unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting future generations.

Project Reassurance, the flagship program of Sigma Gamma Rho, embodies the organization's dedication to community service and advocacy. Through initiatives focused on education, health, and social justice, Sigma Gamma Rho strives to make a meaningful impact and effect positive change within marginalized communities.

The upcoming youth symposium represents a continuation of Sigma Gamma Rho's longstanding tradition of excellence and service. By investing in the next generation of leaders and change-makers, the sorority reaffirms its commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

In addition to providing a platform for personal and professional development, the symposium also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho and its ongoing relevance in today's society. As the sorority celebrates nearly a century of sisterhood, scholarship, and service, events like the youth symposium highlight the vital role that organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

As the Kappa Omicron Sigma chapter and the Nu Phi Sigma Chapter come together to host this impactful event, they demonstrate the power of collaboration and collective action in driving positive change. Through their shared commitment to empowering youth and fostering community engagement, Sigma Gamma Rho continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

KOS Roher Club information

Youth Symposium

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Spring is three weeks away. For many of us, that means time to get back into the garden for the 2024 growing season. But there still is work to do before then to get ready, including cleaning up from last year.

Do you know when to prune and mulch? What are you planning in the garden this year?

Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer was on The Spark Tuesday where she warned against cleaning up the garden too soon,"That depends on how many leaves have blown into your garden and all that. One of the things, though, that really is coming into more people's awareness is if you clean up too early there's morning widow or morning cloak butterflies, there's Luna moths, lightning bugs. They're all in that leaf litter right now. So if you start cleaning that up too early, you're actually dropping their populations. So there's a patience involved here. Shaffer added it's too soon right now to rid the garden over everything from over the winter,"Now they're exposing their perennial crowns to colder weather that was protected underneath those leaves. And again, lightning bugs are tucked underneath all that leaf litter, waiting for the warmth to come so that they can sprout. Be patient, find other things to do and leave the leaves for at least another month, at least another month."

Even though spring starts officially March 19, Shaffer again encouraged patience and talked about starting seeds,"A lot of people are starting their vegetable seeds right now. And you might be starting them too early. Like right now we're going to have our pepper seeds started, but we actually want to wait two more weeks before we start our tomato seeds, or they're going to get all long and lanky and fall all over each other. We're nowhere near starting squashes or cucumbers."

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The 'Gueru Wellness Spa & Continued Education' in Lancaster, PA, stands out as a comprehensive destination for wellness and beauty enthusiasts. Offering a diverse range of services, the spa serves as a one-stop-shop for individuals seeking to enhance their well-being and appearance.

The spa's array of services includes spa parties, makeup services, and workshops, all meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of their clientele. The experienced professionals at 'Gueru Wellness Spa' prioritize using only the highest-quality products, ensuring a premium and rejuvenating experience for their customers.

What sets this spa apart is not only its commitment to physical well-being but also its dedication to ongoing education. The establishment offers continued education programs, providing clients with the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge, fostering personal growth and development.

Situated in Lancaster, PA, 'Gueru Wellness Spa & Continued Education' embraces a personalized approach to spa care, health, and wellness. The spa aims to create a unique and tailored experience for each individual, promoting a sense of relaxation, beauty, and self-discovery.

Beyond the physical realm, the spa operates on a higher frequency, emanating love, joy, and abundance. This spiritual and holistic approach sets 'Gueru Wellness Spa' apart as a center that not only addresses outer beauty but also seeks to elevate the inner well-being of its clients.

For those looking to embark on a journey of self-care, education, and transformation, 'Gueru Wellness Spa & Continued Education' presents an inviting space. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on holistic well-being, this spa endeavors to be a beacon of positivity and growth in the field of wellness and beauty.

Website: https://www.thegueru.com/

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On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly:

The Pennsylvania State police and PennDOT are education or reminding motorists during Highway Safety Law Awareness Week. 

Also on the program...

From the projects of Harrisburg to the board room on UPMC, Dr. Sharee Livingston is an OB/GYN and the highest volume female robotic surgeon in Lancaster County. On The Spark, Dr. Livingston discusses her new roles, and how she has stayed true to her childhood dream of becoming a doctor. 

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