The Spark

Coming up on The Spark Weekly,

Scott LaMar speaks with Author Joel Burcat about his newest novel Reap The Wind, which is a fictional account of the dangers of climate change.

Also on the program, Rachel Morrison the President of Access 411 chats with The Spark's Marquis Lupton about the mission and expansion of her organization.

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Central Pennsylvania is rich in cultural heritage, and one individual stands as a beacon preserving the essence of African-American oral tradition in our community. Lenwood Sloan, our esteemed local Griot, embodies the multifaceted role of the traditional African historian, storyteller, and musician.

Sloan, like the Griots of old, serves as a custodian of our collective memory, passing down stories, songs, and wisdom through generations. His vibrant presence in our community not only entertains but educates, reminding us of our shared humanity and the importance of cultural heritage.

As a Griot, Sloan holds a special position of influence, akin to an advisor to royalty. His insights and narratives offer guidance and perspective, enriching our understanding of history and society. Moreover, Sloan's involvement in erecting the Juneteenth monument in front of our state capitol underscores his commitment to commemorating pivotal moments in African American history and promoting social justice.

In an era dominated by digital media, Sloan champions the power of oral tradition, emphasizing its role in fostering connection and empathy. Through storytelling and music, he bridges gaps between communities, fostering dialogue and understanding.

Sloan's dedication to preserving African-American oral tradition enriches the cultural tapestry of Central Pennsylvania, ensuring that the legacy of the Griots continues to inspire and enlighten generations to come. As we celebrate his contributions, let us recognize the importance of honoring our local Griot and the timeless wisdom he imparts.

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Neko Ramos, the Afro-Latino spoken word artist hailing from PG County, Maryland, is captivating audiences with his poetic prowess and cultural fusion. With a background spanning acting, poetry, and motivational speaking, Ramos seamlessly intertwines his Afro-Latino heritage into his and performances.

Having honed his craft at THE Howard University, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts, Ramos embarked on a journey that would see him blend his acting skills with his poetic voice. His journey began at the age of 11, but it wasn't until January 2020 that he stepped into the spotlight of live open mics, igniting a newfound confidence in his words.

Since then, Ramos has become a fixture in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) spoken word scene, expanding his reach to major cities like Philadelphia and New York. Through his performances, he endeavors to inspire authenticity and purpose in his audience, urging them to embrace their true selves.

Beyond the stage, Ramos channels his passion for education and mentorship, dedicating six years to teaching and guiding youth. From acting workshops to poetry sessions, he instills creativity and self-discovery in his students, fostering a community where young voices can flourish.

Ramos's commitment to empowering others extends beyond the classroom, as he engages with youth ministries and spearheads mentorship programs. Through his art and activism, Neko Ramos embodies the transformative power of spoken word, leaving an indelible mark on both hearts and minds.

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In the spirited celebration of Black History Month, "The Spark" spotlighted a momentous conversation with NPR's esteemed journalist Ayesha Rascoe, delving into her newest literary gem, "HBCU Made." Rascoe's latest work offers an intimate portrayal of the multifaceted experiences traversed by students across the diverse landscape of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Through first-person narratives, "HBCU Made" intricately weaves together the tapestry of stories, triumphs, and challenges encountered within these esteemed institutions. Rascoe's adept storytelling captures the essence of resilience, cultural richness, and academic excellence that define the HBCU experience.

As Black History Month commences, the dialogue sparked by "The Spark" serves as a poignant reminder of the profound contributions and enduring legacy of HBCUs in shaping the course of history and fostering the next generation of leaders. Rascoe's insightful reflections provide a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences, offering a deeper understanding of the pivotal role HBCUs play in the fabric of American society.

With "HBCU Made," Rascoe amplifies the voices and narratives often overlooked, inviting readers on a transformative journey that celebrates the indelible impact of these esteemed institutions. As the nation commemorates Black History Month, Rascoe's work stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and empowerment embodied by HBCUs.

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The Shapiro Administration has unveiled its latest initiative, the $4.9 million PA Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grants, underlining the pivotal role of Pennsylvania's burgeoning agriculture sector. This significant investment underscores the administration's commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and supporting the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.

Kelly Kundratic, Agriculture Policy Director at Team Pennsylvania and Abby Smith President/CEO of Team PA, shed light on the matter on The Spark, with Marquis Lupton. With nearly a decade of professional experience in the agricultural realm, Kundratic and Smith are deeply entrenched in shaping Pennsylvania's agricultural trajectory. Collaborating closely with leaders from both the public and private sectors, Smith and Kundratic spearheads efforts to drive strategic economic growth in Pennsylvania's food and agriculture sectors.

Pennsylvania's allure lies in its rich agricultural heritage coupled with its forward-thinking approach to innovation and sustainability. From its fertile farmlands to its cutting-edge agricultural research institutions, Pennsylvania offers a dynamic ecosystem ripe for collaboration and investment. Additionally, Pennsylvania's diverse agricultural landscape encompasses a wide array of commodities, ranging from dairy and poultry to specialty crops and beyond, catering to a global market hungry for high-quality agricultural products.

Finally, Team Pennsylvania has made the commitment to nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders, through initiatives like the PA Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grants which underscores its dedication to ensuring a vibrant and resilient agricultural future. By investing in education, research, and infrastructure, Pennsylvania is laying the groundwork for continued growth and success in the agricultural arena, making it an attractive destination for international delegates seeking to forge partnerships and explore opportunities in the agricultural sector.

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The U.S. and Canada have lost an estimated three billion birds in the last 50 years. Half of the world’s 10,000 bird species are in decline. One in eight faces the threat of extinction.

In Central Pennsylvania, the Ring-billed gull population has declined 50 percent in the last 17 years, Tree Swallows are down 24 percent and Mallard Ducks decreased by 23 percent. There are even 18 percent fewer American Crows.

The decline of North America’s bird population is a sign of broader ecological problems, such as habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Monitoring their populations is a barometer of the health of the environment.

The loss of birds matters because pollinate wildflowers, disperse plants’ seeds and eat insects that helps to balance the ecosystems.

On The Spark Thursday was Keith Russell, Program Manager for Urban Conservation with Audubon Mid-Atlantic, who said,"The one group that has decreased the most was probably the grassland birds. These are birds that like to be in areas where there's a lot of short grass or short vegetation. Some of them will also occur, in agricultural settings where there's wheat or other grains being grown. And, this includes birds like the bobolink, which is a blackbird, the eastern meadowlark, and birds like the grasshopper sparrow. Those are all birds that we call grassland birds. And the habitat that they like, obviously was something that was more common 100 years ago than it is today. There's fewer farms. So that group of birds is really losing ground because of habitat loss. But, when you look at other groups of birds, like the eastern forest birds that include species like the wood thrush, the golden wing warbler, the scarlet tanager, those are all birds that breed here in large numbers in Pennsylvania and throughout our region. The eastern forest birds overall are down by 17%. And that's something that's noticeable if you're a person that is interested in observing birds, and you've been observing birds for maybe 2 or 3 decades, you can remember when some of these birds were much easier to find and much more, widespread and common than they are today."

Russell pointed to a loss of habitat as the biggest reason for the declining bird population , but there are others,"Habitat loss is something that we observe all the time when we see development come in and, put up all our houses in an area that used to be farms or used to be forest. So this is going on throughout the state of Pennsylvania as well, throughout the world. And, habitat loss is one of the bigger, problems that birds are facing. But there's also other issues that affect birds use of pesticides and herbicides. These toxins can cause lots of problems for birds directly and indirectly. Cats. Domestic cats. There's research that say that there's a huge number of birds that are killed each year by domestic cats. There's also a huge number of birds that are killed each year by collisions with buildings when birds are interacting with buildings and they see reflections on windows or they see transparent windows, they are often fooled by that. They don't have any idea what glass is, perhaps. And they fly into those windows. And there are also collisions with other things like towers, communication towers. There's collisions with windmills that are generating power for us. And there's collisions with transmission lines.

Russell indicated climate change is and will continue to have an impact on birds including habitat changes, expanding the areas where they roam, creating more disease, and possibly reducing their food supplies.

Russell was asked what can be done to stymie the loss of birds," I think education is one of the biggest things. A lot of people just don't have any idea about what the problems are that affect birds. And I think the more that we can discuss this and share information about it, I think that people basically are good and they want to see the good things done. But there's just a lot of lack of information about this. The problem of birds, for example, colliding with buildings, is something that architects don't seem to know that much about. It's it's changing. But I think education is the biggest issue that we can address that will help birds."

Russell pointed to some success stories. Bald eagles for example were almost extinct in the 1970s and through protection and conservation efforts, have made a remarkable comeback. Some bird species that rely on wetlands as their habitat have increased in population.

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With a rich history spanning over 130 years in York County, YWCA York remains dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of the community. The organization is characterized by its proactive approach, always ready to roll up sleeves and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in York. YWCA York stands out as the sole provider of free and confidential comprehensive services for those affected by violence in York County.

Specializing in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other violent crimes, YWCA York brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront. Recognizing that those impacted are the ultimate authorities on their own situations, the organization underscores the importance of empowering victims and survivors to determine the best course of action for themselves and their families.

YWCA York takes pride in standing alongside victims and survivors as they reclaim their voices, emphasizing the honor in being part of their journey towards healing and empowerment. As the organization continues to grow and expand, it remains unwavering in its commitment to being a beacon of support, advocacy, and comprehensive services for the York County community.

In essence, YWCA York's remarkable journey from its humble beginnings to a robust team of change agents reflects its enduring dedication to fostering positive transformations and addressing the ever-evolving needs of the community. Through its specialized services and unwavering support, YWCA York stands as a vital pillar in York County, championing the cause of those impacted by violence and offering hope for a brighter, empowered future.

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Even though climate change may be a fact of life today and especially moving forward, there aren’t many books or stories that make a changing climate part of a fictionalized story.

Retired environmental lawyer and now novelist, Joel Burcat has done just that, weaving a love story, self-reflection, ambition and a few twists into his new book Reap the Wind.

On The Spark Wednesday, Burcat said his four books have all been inspired by his work as and environmental and energy lawyer,"My first one was called Drink To Every Beast. And that is a novel about dumping hazardous waste in the Susquehanna River. My second novel, Amid Rage, is about a coal mine permit battle. And my third novel, Strange Fire, is about fracking. So when it came time for me to write a new novel, it was just natural that I would write a novel about climate change. Plus, climate change really is the existential issue of our time. And I really felt that I wanted to do what I'd done in my previous novels, which was to educate people gently the way I like to do that, about climate change through fiction."

Reap the Wind includes a debate about climate change through the mouths of the characters.

Burcat described the books' plot,"Reap the Wind is, The Perfect Storm meets The Firm. So we all remember both the book and the movie. The Perfect Storm about the most horrific, storm ever to hit the northeast, happened about 20 years ago. And The Firm, of course, is John Grisham's great novel about a law firm. That is a very, very dangerous place to work. And, my story is kind of, what would happen if those two stories came together? So, the basic premise of my story is that a young lawyer who is named Josh Goldberg is sitting in his firm's seminar that they're putting on down in Houston, Texas. Bored out of his mind. He just wants to go visit with his girlfriend who's up in a room, and outside is a raging hurricane. And, unfortunately, what happens? She is eight months pregnant and decides ultimately that she's going to head back to Philadelphia, which is where they're from. He has to stay because he's on the program for the next morning. So she gets on an airplane and starts flying off to Philadelphia, only to be diverted to Cincinnati and then ultimately to end up in the hospital. So I can tell you that much without giving too much away of the story, the the important thing is, and this is really what the story is all about, is he decides that he's got to be with his girlfriend, Kiesha Jones. He's got to be with her, because she may be having their baby. She's over eight months pregnant. She may be having their baby, and he wants to be there. But nobody is flying. Nobody. There are no trains running. There's no nothing. He ultimately is able to rent a Lincoln town car from his friend, the limo driver, and he and his best friend, Geoff Roberts are planning on driving up to Cincinnati together. And at the last moment, his boss, Diane Scanlon, who is a great antagonist decides to come along with them. I tried to make her as evil and vicious as I could. So it's it's kind of the the buddy trip from hell."

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Access411, a trailblazer in educational technology, stands at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge software, technology, and student tracking solutions to K-12 schools. Renowned for its commitment to school safety management, Access411 has become the go-to choice for major K-12 school districts, including the New York City Department of Education, Baltimore City Public School System, and the District of Columbia Public Schools.

At the heart of Access411's success lies the CAASS System, an award-winning solution that integrates years of industry expertise and an unwavering dedication to customer service. The CAASS System empowers schools and districts with the tools needed to establish a secure and conducive learning environment.

In an exciting development, Access411's President, Rachel Morrison, appeared on "The Spark" today to discuss the success of this organization. Rachel provided an unique description and outlined opportunities for educators, administrators, and the public to gain insights into Access411's vision, strategies, and the pivotal role the CAASS System plays in fostering safety within educational institutions. As the leader in the field, Access411 continues to shape the future of K-12 education, ensuring that schools prioritize safety alongside academic excellence.

Website: https://www.access411.com/

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Late January and almost February is not when many of us are thinking about gardening. But maybe we should.

We could be planning or dreaming about what we want to do once there’s little chance of frost or freezing or maybe get a jump on the warmer weather.

Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer was on The Spark Tuesday and talked about some of the what to think about in the winter,"Sometimes you're planning about starting a new area. Maybe you want to take away some more lawn and put some more shrubs in. Maybe especially in the winter time, you can see the things that you maybe don't like anymore -- things that are overgrown, or maybe you've pruned nearly to death. Something that you say gets too big because you should have picked a smaller growing shrub and you're sick of pruning it. It just feels like we get a little more focused in the winter because we're not distracted by all the color and the butterflies and things that are starting to sprout."

Shaffer indicated it's too early to start seeds indoors, except for maybe spring onions or kale.

Shaffer cautioned not to forget the birds and especially making sure bird feeders are clean at this time of year,"When's the last time you cleaned your bird feeder? Especially with all the rain we just had and all the snow melt. The ports get really gross. They can have fungus. And also the way the birds are coming and going, if there happens to be some sort of a disease that's around within the bird population, that's a place where it can start spreading. So like get out your putty knife or get out a a flat head screwdriver or whatever. And you can use a mild bleach solution like you would for sanitizing and rinse it really good. Sometimes a bird seed gets wet and gets really gross."

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