The Spark

Most advocates and legislators agree that any discussion of criminal justice reform must begin first with comprehensive changes to the state’s probation system. Probation and parole is intended to be a channel out of the criminal justice system, but instead they often lead to a life in limbo, where a minor infraction can lead a … Continue reading "Reforming Pennsylvania’s probation laws"

Losing a loved one can be a difficult time for everyone. When a family member or friend passes away, capturing their memories can be a challenging process. Obituaries are an essential part of someone’s life and an important way to continue someone’s legacy. However, are we prepared to write an obituary? Obituaries today often are … Continue reading "What will your obituary say about you?"

Everyone has a story to tell. Many people may not know it, but their life experiences and the knowledge each person possesses are stories. Some are better at storytelling than others, but everyone does have a story. The eighth annual Lititz Storytelling Festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Appearing on Smart Talk Wednesday is … Continue reading "The Art of Storytelling"

Children entering foster in Pennsylvania often encounter an overwhelmed system. In 2017, there were more than 20 thousand children’s cases brought before Dependency Court. Adjudicating foster care cases is a lengthy process. On average, a child will spend nearly two full years in foster care while their case is determined. During that time, many kids … Continue reading "Making a difference for Pa’s most vulnerable children"

When 25-year-old Shawn Shatto died by suicide in May, her family was left struggling to understand why their daughter would take her own life. Imagine their horror to learn that she died with the help of an on-line chat room. Republican State Rep. Dawn Keefer, who serves parts of York and Cumberland Counties, wants to … Continue reading "Shawn’s Law; a bill to combat aided suicide"

As the nation enters election season there are many concerns facing voters, including wide-ranging national security issues. Tensions in the Middle East underscore the significance of U.S. policies and actions around the world. National security refers to the ability of the country to survive a myriad of threats. The threats can come in the form … Continue reading "Insights into US foreign policy issues"

Hearing and listening are not the same thing. Hearing is the literal perception of sound, but consciously understanding and analyzing that sound is listening. In the modern age of technology, there are many things that get in the way of active listening. Smart phones are the most pervasive example of this, but they are not … Continue reading "Compassionate listening in a hyper-connected world"

On April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold walked into Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. Over the course of minutes, they would kill twelve students and a teacher and wound twenty-four others before taking their own lives. For the last twenty years, Sue Klebold, Dylan’s mother, has lived with the indescribable grief and … Continue reading "A Mother’s Reckoning; author Sue Klebold"

Some 20 million Americans battle substance use disorder. Of that number, only four million or one-fifth receive treatment. Even though much of the nation’s attention has been focused on an opioid crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 400,000 in the last 20 years, alcohol is the substance most often abused. Almost 75% … Continue reading "September is National Recovery Month"

Health officials across the country are sounding the alarm over E-cigarette use, which is also known as vaping. Seventeen people across the state are believed to have “lung diseases associated with vaping,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Nationwide, the CDC reports six deaths and more than 450 cases of the disease. The department … Continue reading "Health officials sound the alarm over vaping"