The Spark

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November 19 marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. The Gettysburg National Cemetery is famous throughout the world today as the site of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered at the cemetery's dedication ceremonies four and a half months after the battle.

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WITF Reporter Jaxon White talks about the status of SNAP in Pennsylvania.

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Jesse Krimes is a multimedia artist whose work is now featured in the MET. He spoke with Asia Tabb at WITF's Premier Circle event last week. This is that interview.

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Dr. John R. Haddad is the author of a new book, “Thrill Ride: The Transformation of Hersheypark.” Dr. Haddad is professor of American Studies and Popular Culture at Penn State Harrisburg. 'Thrill Ride’ combines storytelling with deep historical research to take readers on a journey through Hersheypark’s transformation from a traditional amusement park for chocolate factory employees to a major attraction enjoyed by millions.  

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Lancaster native Jesse Krimes has turned personal experience into a powerful artistic voice. While serving a prison sentence in his twenties, Krimes used art to process his experiences and reclaim his humanity. What began as a survival tool behind bars has grown into a career that has taken his work from makeshift materials in prison to major museum walls across the country.

Krimes’ art and advocacy challenge audiences to think deeply about incarceration, identity, and redemption, showing how creativity can serve as a force for healing and social change. He shared his journey and the meaning behind his work during a live interview at The Spark’s Premiere Circle event last week. “His story is one of creativity born in confinement — and of how art can illuminate hope, justice, and the possibility of transformation,” said host Asia Tabb.

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Prodigy Spectrum Management is York's first and only facility housing homeless veterans and supporting them while they get back on their feet.

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YWCA's Veterans Services provides a full range of employment readiness services to eligible homeless veterans seeking employment and self-sufficiency. 

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717 Vintage Fest features a selection of the region’s most established and up-and-coming vintage stores and independent vendors. Learn more about why we should shop vintage, the differences between vintage shopping and thrifting at other stores, and more.

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Today marks the start of National School Psychology Week, and we celebrate and learn about the functions of school psychologist and the impact they can make on our students from this year's recipients of the school Psychologist of the year award.

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This week on The Spark Weekly we highlight two important conversations on Disabilities.

At St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, a new three-day program called Encountering Disability is sparking dialogue about faith, inclusion, and the human experience. The event, running November 1–3, brings together community partners, advocates, and educators to explore how faith communities can help bridge gaps between disability, policy, and public health.

For many, losing vision can feel like losing opportunities, but for Clinton Tyler and Maribel Surita, Vision Corps in Lancaster has been a place of empowerment, growth, and professional achievement. Both employees credit the nonprofit organization with giving them tools, training, and support to thrive in the workplace despite visual impairments.

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As Pennsylvania voters prepare for next Tuesday’s elections, local journalists gathered to provide insights on the candidates, races, and issues shaping the ballot. The discussion featured Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Jade Campos, Tom Lisi, and Ashley Stalnecker of LNP/Lancaster Online.

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On October 4, 2025, a local Braver Angels debate brought community members together to discuss the resolution: “Immigrants in this country illegally should have a path to legalize their status.” The event offered a unique approach to civil discourse, emphasizing understanding over winning.

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A new centerpiece now graces the Women’s History Garden at the Civic Club of Harrisburg: The Garden Goddess, a living tribute to generations of women who have shaped the community. 

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Nearly four decades after overcoming her own struggles with addiction, Bucknell University Professor Judy Grisel has dedicated her life to understanding why some people become dependent on drugs — and how the brain plays a role in that process. But as Grisel told The Spark’s Asia Tabb, her journey toward becoming a neuroscientist began for a very personal reason.

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Every second counts when it comes to a stroke, says Lauren Swartz, Nurse Navigator with the UPMC Neurological Institute. Ahead of World Stroke Day, Swartz joined The Spark to remind listeners that knowing the warning signs—and acting fast—can save lives.

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as spooky season approaches, historian Chrissy Senecal says that monsters were very real to people living in medieval Europe — though not always in the ways we imagine. “In fact, there were,” she said. “Spooky season is my favorite season, and I am so happy to talk about the way that medieval people thought about monsters and how they were different from maybe what we think of as monsters today.”

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We learn about Roblox new initiative for parents that will help inform them on how to educate their children to interact safely online.

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Adam Zurn shares local ghost stories with us in honor of Halloween week.

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