The Spark

As of January 1st, twenty-four states in the U.S. have legalize recreational marijuana. Pennsylvania isn’t one of them.

Even though legislation has been proposed for years to make recreational marijuana legal and former Governor Tom Wolf and current Governor Josh Shapiro support legalization, it hasn’t happened and doesn't seem imminent.

Legislation leaders – mostly Republicans -- have opposed making recreational legal – especially since the federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

However, several Republicans now support legalization and recent polls show the majority of Pennsylvania favor making marijuana legal as well.

So, is it just a matter of time? Where does the state stand on legalization?

Appearing on The Spark Tuesday was Meredith Buettner, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, an organization that supports legalization.

Buettner is optimistic legalization will occur in Pennsylvania soon based on the political make-up of the General Assembly and Gov. Shapiro's support and what could happen in Washington,"We have been seeing some signals from the federal government that there is likely to be a rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule One to Schedule Three in the very near future. A lot of my colleagues in the industry will tell you that we anticipate it happening here in the first quarter of 2024. I think that will shift the opinions of a lot of folks who are hesitant to do this while cannabis is still federally illegal."

Buettner said that Pennsylvania politics could play a factor in the legalization debate too,"For the first time in more than a decade, we have Democratic control in the House. The Senate is still controlled by Republicans. Will that change when we get to an election in November? Possibly. But right now we have a House of Representatives that a  majority supports legalization. Our governor is in support of legalization. It's the first time we've had that combination in quite some time."

However, not all Democrats support legalization.

Many medical and health organizations and law enforcement oppose legalization, saying it will lead to more health problems and lawbreaking like driving while impaired. Buettner responded,"I think the gateway theory has been debunked over, over and over again. We do not find a correlation between legalization and the use of additional, harder drugs. Secondly, I'd argue to our friends in law enforcement, folks who are already consuming cannabis and they're consuming cannabis right now illegally. But often responsibly. So, to say that just because we legalize cannabis, that there are going to be folks that are currently consuming cannabis, that all the sudden start doing things like driving impaired, I think it is not quite fair. Also, through the legalization and regulation of cannabis, we can give public health officials, we can give law enforcement officials tools to to deal with these problems that are already happening. Five out of six of our bordering states are already have access to adult use cannabis. There are some 40 plus percent of our population lives within a half an hour drive of legal cannabis. Those folks work in those states. Those folks play in those states. They drive back and forth across those borders. Already we already have these problems here in Pennsylvania. What we don't have is the resources set aside to address those problems."

Read related stories:

Pennsylvania's THC laws are confusing to some

What did Maryland see after marijuana was legalized for recreational purposes?

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In this interview with Shannon Powers, Press Secretary for Pennsylvania Preferred, the essence of the program's mission came to light on The Spark. Powers emphasized Pa Preferred dedication to promoting and supporting local agriculture, highlighting the diverse array of high-quality products the state has to offer. The program acts as a bridge between farmers, producers, and consumers, fostering a sense of community and sustainability.

Powers discussed the significance of Pennsylvania Preferred in creating awareness about the importance of choosing locally sourced products. By connecting consumers with the stories behind their food and other goods, the program aims to strengthen the bond between the community and the agricultural sector. Powers also shed light on the program's role in educational initiatives, advocating for sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. Overall, the interview provided valuable insights into the multifaceted efforts of Pennsylvania Preferred, positioning it as a crucial advocate for the state's agricultural heritage and the well-being of local communities.

Website: Pa Preferred

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Many young people are less motivated to take over family farms, let alone go out and purchase their own farm. According to the 2017 US Census of Agriculture (USDA 2019), the average age of farmers in Pennsylvania was 57 years old and that number has only gone up. With only 14% of farmers being 35 and younger that year.

However, Pennsylvania is leading the US in the population of younger farmers, the numbers are still dwindling. Casi Long and her family took over Kolbs Family Farm in 2021 as a young family that was inspired to work in agriculture and has been running it successfully ever since. I got the chance to speak with Casi this past Friday about Kolbs and how she got her start in agriculture as a younger farmer herself.

Casi got started in farming through an agriculture 4H program when she lived in Maryland. She also worked on a farm as she grew up. She says it is helpful that she came from a consumer side of things because that helped her bring in a fresh perspective to farming. Coming from a family that wasn’t originally a farming family, she had to create her own support system to keep her going. Casi also got a college degree in large animal science from Delaware Valley University.

She says if you are new to farming to “just keep going” and “keep working hard.”

Casi Long is the owner of Kolbs farm and Kolbs farm store in Spring City PA and spoke to us on The Spark Monday about owning Kolbs and getting her start in farming. If you want to learn more about Kolbs or are interested in trying their famous chocolate milk, check out their Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/Kolbs.Farmstore/

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The 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show is in full swing this week.

The Farm Show is the world’s largest indoor agricultural exhibition. It showcases the people, products, animals and crops that go into the state’s largest industry.

Today’s agriculture is much different than in the past. Even the family farm uses technology and science. What hasn’t changed is farmers face many challenges from weather and climate change to waiting on the federal government to enact a farm bill.

Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding spoke to The Spark's Scott LaMar at the Farm Show to discuss the state of agriculture in Pennsylvania, starting with the good news in agriculture,"We're only state in the nation with a its own state level farm bill. I think it puts us in a really important space, too. We have 44 inches of natural rain, right? Put that on the asset list. I think we've got the ports that are now open to Pennsylvania. Only state with three ports Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Erie links us to the 95% of the available stomachs that are in the United States of America. Uh, and we have more young farmers under the age of 35 than any other state nation."

What's the bad news or challenges farmers are facing? "We've just experienced avian influenza. That's a threat that remains a threat. Everybody's complaining about it was a warm December. Well, the birds are just as confused as we are, right? They're not migrating. They're slower about it. That's how we got the last infection here right before Christmas. Uh, that's a challenge for us. It's still as strong as it was a year and a half ago. So that's a problem. We've got a $7 billion poultry industry in the state. So that's a concern. I think the climate to me is a threat in that we are conditioned to grow certain crops certain way, certain times, certain seasons, all of that. And then all of a sudden you find yourself with these climate extremes that make it really difficult for our producers. It's both a threat and an opportunity, because I often believe that the only way you're going to solve the climate issue is to do the good things and the good practices you've been doing."

Secretary Redding also mentioned that Pennsylvania farmers need Congress to pass a long-term Farm Bill so they can have more certainty. The Farm Bill was scheduled to be renewed last year but Congress passed only a one-year bill. On the federal level, Redding said farmers that count on immigrants on a seasonal basis want immigration reform.

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Highlights from this past week! 

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Dr. Christopher T. Watts, Sr., a distinguished figure in the fields of psychology and behavioral science, is making waves as an international keynote presenter and trainer. Renowned for his expertise in Eastern holistic therapies, post-trauma healing, hate and bias crimes, victimology, and multicultural competencies, Dr. Watts is a sought-after speaker at medical schools, universities, and conferences globally.

Based at The Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Watts serves as a professor in the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Science, contributing significantly to the academic and research landscape. His commitment to advancing mental health care is further evident in his role as the owner and Clinical Director of C.T. Watts & Associates, PC. This Counseling, Education, and Wellness Center has garnered recognition as a leading clinic in Central Pennsylvania for several consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021).

Dr. Watts's notable contributions extend beyond accolades, as he played a pivotal role in steering the transition and development of tele-health modalities for surrounding counseling clinics and hospital systems during the challenging period of the Covid-19 Pandemic. His dedication to advancing counseling practices underscores his commitment to ensuring access to mental health services, even in the face of unprecedented global challenges.

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This week marks a significant milestone for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated as it celebrates its 113th year of existence. Founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University, the fraternity has played a pivotal role in fostering leadership, academic excellence, and community service among its members. To gain insights into the state of fraternities today and the significance of Kappa Alpha Psi's Founders Day, and I had the privilege of speaking with two distinguished members, Anton Tate and John Ryan Russell.

Anton Tate, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, shared his perspectives on the current landscape of fraternities, emphasizing the evolving role they play in shaping young men's lives. He highlighted the fraternity's commitment to maintaining its core values while adapting to contemporary challenges.
John Ryan Russell, another esteemed member, shed light on the profound significance of Founders Day for Kappa Alpha Psi. He emphasized the day's importance as a time to reflect on the fraternity's rich history, honor its founders, and inspire the current generation of members to carry forward the organization's legacy.

The conversation delved into the fraternity's ongoing efforts to promote brotherhood, scholarship, and service within their communities. As Kappa Alpha Psi celebrates over a century of existence, the dialogue with Anton Tate and John Ryan Russell provided a glimpse into the enduring impact and relevance of this illustrious fraternity in the present day.

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In a recently released report, a stark increase in respiratory illnesses has been unveiled in the United States, with tens of thousands of individuals being hospitalized amidst a surge in COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. The study highlights the severity of the situation, prompting concerns about the strain on healthcare systems nationwide.

The report identifies specific adult populations most vulnerable to RSV, including older adults, those with chronic heart and lung diseases, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those residing in nursing homes. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and heightened awareness among these groups to mitigate the impact of respiratory illnesses.

To shed light on this critical issue, Dr. John Goldman, an infectious disease specialist affiliated with UPMC, joined us today. As the nation grapples with this surge in respiratory cases, the guidance from experts like Dr. Goldman becomes increasingly crucial in safeguarding the well-being of the population.

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As the new year begins, many individuals embark on the tradition of setting resolutions, aiming to make positive changes in their lives. However, a recent report from the Fisher College of Business reveals a stark reality – only 9% of Americans who make resolutions successfully see them through. The study sheds light on the challenges individuals face in maintaining their commitments, with alarming statistics indicating that 23% abandon their resolutions by the end of the first week, and a significant 43% give up by the close of January.

This data underscores the difficulty people encounter in adhering to their resolutions, prompting a closer examination of why these well-intentioned goals often fall by the wayside. To address this issue, licensed Psychologist and therapist, Dr. Latinia Shell, provides insights into effective strategies for sustaining New Year resolutions. Dr. Shell emphasizes the importance of adopting SMART Goals – a methodology that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound goals.

The SMART Goals approach encourages individuals to define their resolutions with precision. Rather than setting broad or vague objectives, the emphasis is on creating specific goals that leave little room for ambiguity. Measurable criteria are established to gauge progress, ensuring that individuals can track their achievements and stay motivated. Achievability becomes a key factor, steering individuals away from setting overly ambitious goals that may be unrealistic. Aligning resolutions with personal relevance and ensuring they are time-bound adds further structure, facilitating a clearer path to success.

Dr. Shell advocates for incorporating these principles into the resolution-setting process as a means of increasing the likelihood of long-term success. By breaking down aspirations into manageable, measurable steps, individuals can enhance their commitment and navigate potential obstacles more effectively.

Recognizing the common pitfalls that lead to resolution abandonment, Dr. Shell encourages individuals to approach their goals with a realistic mindset. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of drastic lifestyle changes, a step-by-step approach can pave the way for sustainable progress. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can provide valuable reinforcement during challenging moments.

As the new year unfolds, the Fisher College of Business report serves as a reminder that the journey toward personal betterment is often riddled with obstacles. However, with the guidance of experts like Dr. Latinia Shell and the implementation of SMART Goals, individuals can enhance their resilience and increase the chances of not only making resolutions but also successfully achieving them.

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Creative Hopes Studio, a venture founded by TJ Griffin, an accredited trainer in juvenile justice, and Jose Rios, a seasoned music producer and engineer, is making waves by providing custom-built, high-quality recording studios for schools, treatment programs, and rehabilitation agencies aimed at serving at-risk students and young adults. This innovative initiative stems from a shared vision to offer alternative options and opportunities to the youth, allowing them to explore their creative potential.

The driving force behind Creative Hopes Studio is the belief that providing access to recording studios can be a transformative experience for at-risk individuals. By offering a platform for self-expression through music, the studio aims to empower and inspire the youth, redirecting their focus towards constructive and artistic pursuits.

A noteworthy milestone for Creative Hopes Studio is the recent installation of recording studios in four middle schools in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This strategic move signifies a commitment to reaching at-risk students at an early age, providing them with a creative outlet within the school environment. The studios are not only equipped with state-of-the-art recording technology but are also designed to be safe and welcoming spaces that foster a sense of community.

TJ Griffin, with his background in juvenile justice, brings a unique perspective to the initiative, understanding the challenges faced by at-risk youth. Partnering with Jose Rios, a professional with extensive experience in the music industry, adds a layer of expertise to ensure the studios meet the highest standards in terms of sound quality and functionality.

Creative Hopes Studio is not merely installing recording studios; it is creating a holistic approach to support the well-being of at-risk students. By integrating these creative spaces into schools, treatment programs, and rehabilitation agencies, the studio aims to contribute to the overall development and rehabilitation of young individuals who may be facing adversity.

As Creative Hopes Studio continues to expand its reach and impact, it serves as a beacon of hope for communities looking to provide meaningful alternatives for at-risk youth, demonstrating the potential for creativity and expression to positively shape lives.

Website: https://www.creativehopestudios.com/

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