The Spark

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Anthony (Tony) Tommasini is the former chief classical music critic for The New York Times, a role he held from 2000 until his retirement in 2021 after 24 years with the paper. A graduate of Yale University with a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Boston University, he is also an accomplished author of four books, including The Indispensable Composers. As a pianist, he recorded two albums of Virgil Thomson’s music with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tommasini recently wrote about Marian Anderson’s legacy for the New York Times, a piece that earned praise from Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. In 2022, Gates and Penguin Press invited him to contribute to the “Significations” series. His upcoming book, Voice of a Century: The Life and Artistry of Marian Anderson, will be released by Penguin in September.

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Stacey C. Peeples, Curator and Lead Archivist at Pennsylvania Hospital, is helping guide the hospital’s celebration of its 275th anniversary by overseeing the transformation of its historic Pine Building into a public museum. As America’s first chartered hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital will use the new museum—opening in May—to showcase exhibits that connect its rich medical history with Penn Medicine’s ongoing innovations in science and healthcare.

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The AACA Museum in Hershey began with a passionate group of automobile enthusiasts whose idea evolved into a broader mission to preserve and share America’s automotive history. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1993, the museum launched a $12 million campaign to create a world‑class facility. Their vision became reality in 2003 with the opening of a 71,000‑square‑foot museum featuring interactive exhibits, rare vehicles, and educational programs. Today, visitors can explore eight decades of motoring history, supported by workshops and community programs that highlight the automobile’s impact on American life. The museum is recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate and houses renowned collections, including the world’s largest Tucker automobile collection and the Museum of Bus Transportation collection.

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Kelsey McMahon, a Communications Specialist with the Peace Corps, is a Southeast Pennsylvania native with family roots in Lewistown—where her grandfather helped launch Juniata River’s Goose Day. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in South Africa from 2014–2016, later supported a South African organization through the Peace Corps’ Virtual Service Pilot in 2021, and now works in the agency’s Office of External Affairs in Washington, D.C.

She will discuss several key topics: the Peace Corps Week celebration, the 65th anniversary of the agency, its new nostalgia‑themed recruitment campaign (“Still the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love”), the launch of the Tech Corps initiative supporting AI adoption abroad, and her personal journey through service and communications roles within the organization.

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We visit Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market in Hellam, PA, where four generations have grown a family farm into a community hub. Co‑owner Julie Keene shares how the orchard began in 1951, why conservation is at the heart of their work, and how the family continues to preserve land, nurture local partnerships, and keep “Grandma Louise’s” welcoming spirit alive.

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We break down the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll with director Berwood Yost. He walks us through what Pennsylvania voters are feeling heading into 2026—from economic anxiety and views on the governor’s race to immigration, presidential approval, and trust in democracy. The March statewide survey of 834 registered voters shows a state divided on its direction, worried about the economy, and uncertain about what comes next.

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In today’s episode, we go inside Pennsylvania’s pivotal 10th Congressional District to hear how voters are processing the recent U.S. attack on Iran. Reporter Frank Langfitt brings us voices from Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton, where Trump supporters and swing voters alike are weighing the president’s promise to end “forever wars” against yet another military strike abroad. What are people saying on the ground? And how might these views shape one of the most closely watched midterm races? Frank also talks about revealing conversations from across Pennsylvania, where Republican voters are responding to President Trump’s repeated claims that Democrats can only win the midterms by cheating—and that he plans to stop them. Frank shares some of the candid, surprising, and deeply varied reactions he heard from conservative voters as they grapple with the president’s rhetoric, election trust, and the stakes of the upcoming vote.

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Up next, Jenna Wise takes us inside two Pennsylvania cities—Harrisburg and York—to examine how each is tackling gun violence through Group Violence Intervention programs. She talks with community leaders, law enforcement, and residents to understand why Harrisburg’s initiative is struggling while York’s is thriving. 

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Just in time for "Pi" Day, we travel to Lancaster County to meet Donna Alexander, owner of Pies Galore & More. Since opening in 2012, Donna has dreamed of more than serving great pie—she’s built a warm, nostalgic gathering place where neighbors come for coffee, conversation, and “food for the soul.” We explore how her bakery has become a community hub, the inspiration behind her classic recipes, and why a simple slice of pie can bring people together.

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John Chapman (1774–1845), better known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.

Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.

Also on the program:

Join Harrisburg University’s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin & Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece. 

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17 years is a long time for any relationship. Local Celtic rock band Kilmaine Saints has not only survived that long but thrived during their time together. They describe themselves as equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride and whiskey. The band is celebrating its enduring power this Saturday with a show at XL Live in Harrisburg, which is going to be recorded for a future album. WITF Music’s Joe Ulrich sat down with piper Bill Brown and drummer John Kramer to hear about some highlights from the band’s career, their upcoming album and their favorite drinks.

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Tax season is halfway over, and many Americans still haven’t filed—despite new tax law changes affecting tips, overtime pay, senior deductions, car interest and more. Tax experts warn that waiting can lead to errors, especially for workers with multiple jobs or fluctuating income. Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer at Jackson Hewitt, will explain why now is the time to file, common mistakes people are making, how updated rules affect nontraditional income, and why working with a tax professional can reduce stress and improve accuracy.

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Join Harrisburg University’s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin & Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece. 

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Without professional interpreters, families can be shut out of essential moments—students unable to take required PSSAs, parents unable to understand a diagnosis, patients unable to follow a treatment plan. Language access is access, and too many Pennsylvanians are going without it.

Global Wordsmiths, a Pittsburgh-based, women- and disability‑owned company led by CEO Mary Jayne McCullough, is expanding its language access services into Lancaster, York, and Harrisburg.

To meet this need, Global Wordsmiths has already recruited and onboarded 20+ local interpreters, part of a network representing 200+ languages and cultural backgrounds. Their interpreters live in the communities they serve and receive ongoing training—something that sets the organization apart.

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John Chapman (1774–1845), better known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.

Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.

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Emily Gochenaur founded Central PA Operation Warm Hearts while studying at Messiah College and continues to lead the organization while working full‑time. A dedicated volunteer, she’s often found organizing donations, attending events, or dreaming up new community challenges.

In 2024, Operation Warm Hearts expanded its impact, donating 3,548 handmade and essential items—including hats, blankets, socks, mats, and hygiene kits—to 17 local organizations serving neighbors in need. 

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Founded in 2014, Thrive Housing Services began with 10 affordable transitional housing units. Since then, we've expanded to offer both transitional and permanent supportive housing, along with life skills and case management services. Adopting the Foyer Movement model, which provided young people with a place to stay and job training, Thrive is the first to implement it across three distinct programs: youth, young adults, and adults/seniors. We combine safe housing with mentorship, job training, and goal setting to reduce homelessness and support residents in achieving educational, work, and lifestyle goals. 

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We begin with Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, and Ryan Unger, President & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. They break down ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Harrisburg, why the city’s growth matters for the entire region, and how the new Downtown Harrisburg Perception Survey will guide future planning, investment, and community priorities.

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Then we turn to cultural heritage with Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine, anthropologist and museum director, to explore how Pennsylvanians connect to their past through public memory, music and symbols like the Pennsylvania state song. He discusses how music, art, and storytelling help shape a shared sense of identity.

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We spoke with Dr. Sarah Fischer, Associate Professor of Literacy Education, and Dr. Kerry Hasler-Brooks, Associate Professor of English and Chair of the Department of Language, Literature, and Writing, about Pennsylvania’s new law requiring cursive handwriting instruction in schools. The conversation explored how cursive connects students to historical documents and deepens their ability to read and interpret primary texts, while also encouraging slower, more reflective thinking in a fast-paced digital age. The professors also discussed the role cursive plays in elementary literacy development, including its impact on cognitive growth, fine motor skills, and reading fluency. Together, they highlighted how handwriting is more than a nostalgic practice — it’s a meaningful bridge between history, literacy, and critical thinking in contemporary education.

Also on the program

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is pleased to announce the honorees for their 37th Annual Tribute to Women of Excellence, all of whom will be celebrated at an event on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Over the last 37 years, the YWCA has honored more than 800 extraordinary women for their contributions to our region, both professionally and philanthropically. This year, they honor 28 women who dedicate time and talent to making a difference in Central Pennsylvania. 

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