The Spark

Author and filmmaker Sammi Leigh Melville, based in Harrisburg, wears multiple hats in the creative sphere. Not only is she the talent behind two novels, but she also contributes film reviews to TheBurg while serving as an event coordinator for Vidjam, dedicated to nurturing filmmaking in Central Pennsylvania. Melville's latest literary venture, "Tween," delves into the complex theme of mortality through the story of siblings Don and Cherry, who grapple with the aftermath of death. Cherry's struggle to come to terms with her brother's passing contrasts with Don's journey as he navigates the ambiguous space between life and death. Through "Tween," Melville offers readers a poignant exploration of grief and the existential questions surrounding mortality.

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This Sunday at 11 a.m., the Lancaster Asian American And Pacific Islanders (AAPI) organization is set to host a vibrant celebration for the Lunar New Year at Ewell Plaza. As a prominent Lancaster County-based group, their mission centers around advocating for and spotlighting the endeavors of the region's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This event marks a significant moment for the organization as they gather to commemorate the Lunar New Year, an occasion deeply rooted in tradition and cultural significance.

The Lunar New Year celebration holds particular significance this year as it coincides with the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing strength, prosperity, and good fortune in many Asian cultures. Attendees can anticipate a lively atmosphere filled with traditional music, dance performances, and culinary delights, reflecting the rich tapestry of Asian heritage present in Lancaster.

Moreover, this event serves as a platform to foster unity and solidarity within the community, providing an opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together in celebration. Through cultural exchange and engagement, the Lancaster Asian American And Pacific Islanders organization aims to promote understanding and appreciation for the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander residents to the fabric of Lancaster.

Notably, the choice of Ewell Plaza as the venue underscores the organization's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, inviting all members of the community to participate in the festivities. Whether individuals are familiar with the traditions of the Lunar New Year or experiencing them for the first time, the event promises to be an enriching experience for all.

As Lancaster continues to embrace its multicultural identity, events like the Lunar New Year celebration serve as important reminders of the diversity and vibrancy within the community. Through their ongoing efforts, the Lancaster Asian American And Pacific Islanders organization plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for the myriad cultures that call Lancaster home.

This Sunday's Lunar New Year celebration at Ewell Plaza promises to be a joyful occasion, filled with cultural performances, delicious cuisine, and community spirit. The event not only honors tradition but also serves as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of Lancaster's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

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How do you spend your free time? It’s a question many of us have been asked in a job interview but have we really thought about what we do in the time we’re not at work or school?

In his new book Free Time: The History of an Elusive Ideal, Penn State Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Modern History, Gary Cross explores the history of how we have used our free time, how it’s changed with culture, economics, and politics and why often we don’t fully enjoy our free time.

On The Spark Thursday, Cross said he wrote the book because he finds that many Americans find their free time unfulfilling, "It does strike me as there could be a greater balance in regard to how people used to maybe have it a little less fast and maybe a little slower and slower. I mean, much more, involving development of one's skills. One's, personal interest. We call it self-development, perhaps, and also spending more time engaging with the wider world, the real world, not the virtual world of the computer or the cell phone. Maybe, a greater involvement with other people through your church or through your organizations or what have you. And a lot of that has kind of disappeared in the past few years as, as our experiences with the world in free time has increasingly been funneled, say, through cell phones. We get the whole world on our cell phones, but we miss that reality of engagement with others and also the drive that we might have to develop ourselves."

The book provides a history of free time and how it was spent.

Dr. Cross writes that Americans' working beyond the 40-hours a week at their jobs, their desire to buy things, TV and other devices are what drives our free time today.

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Tavon Parker's life embodies the classic tale of redemption and resilience, evolving from a troubled youth entangled in the pitfalls of street life to an inspirational figure driving positive change in his community. At just 14 years old, Parker displayed early an entrepreneurial spirit by earning money through lawn care services, a venture that saw him purchase a truck and enlist his older siblings for assistance. However, his academic aspirations suffered setbacks, leading to the loss of a scholarship and a return to his hometown of York, following his short stay at Millersville University as a athlete on a scholarship.

Rather than succumbing to despair, Parker found himself drawn into the darker allure of the streets, resorting to drug dealing as a means of survival. However, a pivotal moment occurred on February 14, 2017, when Parker was arrested, marking the beginning of a transformative period during which he served a 14-month sentence in a state prison. Determined to break free from the cycle of crime and rebuild his life, Parker emerged from incarceration with renewed purpose and a commitment to his family.

Returning to his roots, Parker reignited his passion for entrepreneurship, revitalizing his lawn care business, which blossomed into a full-time endeavor known as Tavon's Lawn Care. Yet, it was a tragic event in early 2020 that propelled Parker towards a higher calling. The senseless loss of his brother, Willie Hicks, in a barbershop robbery served as a catalyst for Parker to channel his experiences into a mission of empowerment and mentorship.

Driven by a desire to steer young people away from the perils of street life, Parker founded The Advantage Program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities and guidance to at-risk youth in York. Through initiatives such as job placements and educational outings, Parker seeks to broaden horizons and instill hope in communities where despair often reigns supreme.

One such initiative saw Parker taking a group of youths on a transformative trip to Philadelphia's historic district, exposing them to experiences beyond their immediate surroundings. Furthermore, Parker's commitment extends beyond geographical boundaries, as he utilizes his platform to speak to youth nationwide, spreading messages of positivity and resilience.

Central to Parker's approach is the notion of support and belief in the potential of every individual he encounters. By offering employment opportunities and lending a compassionate ear to the struggles of young people, Parker aims to foster a sense of belonging and purpose, empowering them to realize their inherent greatness.

As Parker reflects on his journey, he remains steadfast in his conviction that with the right guidance and support, individuals can transcend their circumstances and achieve greatness. Through his unwavering dedication to uplifting others, Tavon Parker exemplifies the transformative power of resilience and the boundless possibilities that emerge from a commitment to positive change.

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At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked by a passersby about what kind of political system we would have and he reportedly replied: “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

Echoing Franklin’s words is Keep Our Republic, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that says its purpose is to "focus on the unconventional threats facing our election system, and on ways to help strengthen trust in our electoral system. We are most tightly focused on election integrity to assure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote, their votes are counted, and properly certified."

More than three years after the November, 2020 election, polls show a majority of Republican voters still think President Biden's victory was illegitimate and there was cheating and fraud. That's even though there is no credible evidence of widespread fraud.

Former President Donald Trump continues to claim the election was stolen from him and he actually won. Again, Trump and his allies have lost dozens of court cases claiming election fraud. What Trump has done is sow doubt and mistrust in elections.

Keep Our Republic is concentrating its efforts on three swing states – Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

The chair of Keep Our Republic’s Pennsylvania Council is Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, was on The Spark Thursday and said that mistrust in the electoral process and the possibility of interference from foreign powers like Russia, China or Iran are threats to elections, but he added social media presents another challenge,"Social media as compared to, broadcasting and as compared to the print media really has no control over what people put on (post). And I don't mean illegal control. I mean, people can say just about anything they want to say. In the newspapers, they have editors. They have to make sure that they're saying something, that they're not going to get sued about. The same thing with broadcast media -- that doesn't happen when it comes to the social media and what we've seen in this country. Is a divide that keeps getting wider because people are looking at social media or media as a whole. Picking a camp, whether it be a red camp or blue camp, conservative, liberal, and only looking at that which they believe in and trust and not looking to see if they can find anything, maybe in the middle, maybe independent. So I think those are the fears that I have, going into November of this year."

Corbett was asked how the polarization in the U.S. can be overcome and trust can be restored in elections,"I think education is part of that process, and it's going to go back to educating all the way back into the grade schools, the high schools, into the colleges. But I will circle back to what I think is the everyday process that we have of people going into camps and relying upon what they see or hear, whether it be CNN or MSNBC or Fox or whatever, and not sitting and discussing the issues with people they know. Government doesn't work by being one or the other. It's not easy. And it's kind of ugly to get there. It works by compromise."

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Harold, known as H.A., is more than just a name; he represents a symbol of hope amid global turmoil. As a pivotal figure within 1040 for Peace, a prominent organization committed to fostering peace in a world plagued by conflict, Harold stands as a beacon of change. The organization's mission goes beyond mere rhetoric, actively involving communities in their pursuit of peace through initiatives like public penny polls. Through thought-provoking articles and journals, they articulate their vision for a more humane approach to conflict resolution.

Harold and his team tirelessly advocate for peacekeeping strategies that prioritize human welfare over hostility. Their efforts aim to challenge societal norms and redefine collective values towards a more peaceful coexistence. In a world often overshadowed by violence and discord, Harold's leadership underscores the importance of conscious activism and grassroots engagement in building a better future. As he continues to champion the cause of peace, Harold embodies the spirit of resilience and optimism, inspiring others to join the movement towards a more harmonious world.

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In the year that ended last April 1st, almost half of all honeybee colonies in the U.S. didn’t survive. That was the second highest death rate on record.

Honeybees are crucial to the food supply, pollinating more than a hundred crops we eat, including nuts, vegetables, berries, citrus and melons. It's estimated that 35% of the human diet comes from insect-pollinated plants and honeybees are responsible for 80% of that pollination.

Scientists said a combination of parasites, pesticides, starvation and climate change keep causing large die-offs.

Beekeepers have taken on the role of trying to stabilize the honeybee population.

On The Spark Wednesday was Gary Carnes, President of the Capital Area Beekeepers Association and an eighth generation beekeeper pointed out he has had to change how he raises bees because of the challenges the colonies face,"I have changed my business operation compared to what my father and I used to have. And, you talk about the losses in the [19]70s. If we went into the winter here in central PA with 100 colonies, we'll just use, for example. And we lost five colonies. The guys in the club [would say], What's up, old man? You had a bad year. Now, if you lose 50%, most people pat you on the back. You did pretty well. And if, a dairy man or the beef producer would lose 50% of his livestock every year, they would be up in arms."

The non-native parasitic mite Varroa destructor has devastated millions of bees over the last 20 years. Carnes said he's constantly trying to fight off the mites.

Carnes said he takes his bees to South Carolina during the winter months for warmer temperatures and bring them back to Pennsylvania in April or May.

He indicated he refers to climate change as "crop change" because the number of crops being produced in Pennsylvania has dwindled due to a changing climate.

Over though, Carnes said he is optimistic about the future of honeybees as we are learning more about how to keep them healthy.

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In the realm of education, the contentious topic of standardized testing has ignited fervent debates among educators, parents, policymakers, and students. This divisive issue has long been a source of contention, with proponents asserting its crucial role in assessing academic performance and ensuring accountability, while detractors argue that it places undue pressure on students, constrains the curriculum, and exacerbates existing inequities.

To shed light on the multifaceted nature of this debate, Urban Education Coach Teach Jay, has joined the conversation. Teach Jay brings a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of urban education, offering a unique perspective on the standardized testing dilemma. As discussions unfold, the goal is to unravel the intricacies of how standardized testing impacts students, teachers, and the broader education system.

The controversy surrounding standardized testing centers on its perceived benefits and drawbacks. Proponents argue that it provides an objective measure of academic achievement, allowing for comparisons across schools and districts. Additionally, they contend that standardized testing is a valuable tool for holding schools accountable and guiding educational policies. On the contrary, critics assert that these tests may not accurately capture a student's true capabilities, leading to a narrow focus on test preparation that limits the overall educational experience.

Teach Jay's insights on The Spark provided a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with standardized testing in urban education. And as the conversation continues to unfold, it will continue to delve into the impact on marginalized communities, potential alternatives, and the broader implications for the future of education.

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Last month – some 70 million years after it lived – a new species of predatory dinosaur was identified.

The newly named species -- Tyrannosaurus macraeensis -- was closely related to the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. Researchers believe it may be T.rex's closest relative, even though it may have lived seven million years before T.rex.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology professor Dr. Steven Jasinski was a part of a team of researchers that made the discovery, which came 40 years after the dinosaur’s fossils were found in New Mexico. But just within the past 11 years, Jasinski and other researchers began studying the fossils of what was believed to be a Tyrannosaurus rex.

On The Spark Tuesday, Jasinski spoke about how the researchers determined they had found a different species,"We have parts of the skull and we have some of the parts of the spine. The backbone, some of the vertebrae, or at least piece of the vertebrae. And previously, especially with the lower jaw that we had recovered, it looked similar to T.rex, most super large predatory dinosaurs that we find that are around this age and in this general region of the world, are all considered to be T.rex, because T.rex seems to be pretty expansive and all over the place. But smaller features of the jaw or pieces of the skull, especially around the eyes themselves, tell us once we looked more in depth, that this is distinct from T.rex. It's something new and different."

Tyrannosaurus macraeensis may have been 35 feet long with different eyes and teeth than the T.rex.

The discovery of Tyrannosaurus macraeensis has scientists rethinking how and where Tyrannosaurus rex evolved, according to Jasinski,"The thought was that we have really, really old members of the group from North America. They travel to Asia, and then they eventually traveled back to North America. And T.rex basically then came from Asia. And so that's what we always have assumed. But now finding older specimens that are more closely related in the southern part of the United States and southern North America, it looks like what we may have is that T.rex actually evolved in southern North America instead. And then some offshoots went to Asia, some just moved north into the north of the United States and Canada. And so it's painting us a different picture of where these animals are coming from and how they're evolving and how they're changing over time."

The fossils of the T.macraeensis were found in 1983 and have been on display in a New Mexico museum. With the new discovery, museums throughout the world may be studying the fossils of what they thought were T.rex remains to determine what they actually have are bones from a Tyrannosaurus macraeensis.

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Jennifer Heasley's journey epitomizes the essence of a "Leap of Faith," as she transitioned from a 23-year teaching career to pursue her culinary dreams. Her venture began with launching her own catering company, which eventually led to the creation of Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce, now a thriving culinary franchise.

With a cookbook, blogs, and her signature sauce, Heasley has made waves along the East Coast, with her products available in grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty shops across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey. Moreover, her culinary prowess caught the attention of major clients, including catering for the NFLPA and the Penn State Football Team during the Super Bowl.

Taking another leap of faith, Heasley and her daughter, Paige, embarked on a new venture by becoming part owners of the York Revolution, a significant move that reflects their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to growth.

Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce offers a range of eight flavors designed to tantalize any palate, and its popularity continues to soar, with distribution extending to Penn State University and online platforms. Heasley's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her perseverance and willingness to embrace change, demonstrating that taking risks can lead to remarkable success.

From humble beginnings to owning a stake in a professional sports team, Heasley's story inspires others to follow their passions and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. With dedication and determination, she has turned her leap of faith into a thriving culinary empire, leaving a flavorful legacy in her wake.

Website: https://www.sweetmamasmambosauce.com/#/

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