The Spark

If you’ve ever marveled at the massive Greyhounds that crisscrossed the country or wondered what public transit looked like decades ago, the Museum of Bus Transportation in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a destination worth pulling over for. And there’s no better time to visit than during its signature event: Spring Fling, happening this June.

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 Dr. Kaushal Kapadia’s path to opening his own dental practice in York, Pennsylvania, began with a self-conscious middle schooler’s smile and a compassionate orthodontist in a small town in India. Today, as the owner of White Rose Family Dental, he brings a lifetime of experience, empathy, and global perspective to his patients—thanks to a journey filled with determination, hardship, and heart.

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When Alvernia University launched its engineering program in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was more than an academic initiative — it was a bet on the future of Reading, Pennsylvania. Today, that gamble is paying off with a powerful partnership between the university and local industry, most notably Brentwood Industries.

Peter Rye, CEO of Brentwood Industries, brought a global mindset to his leadership — shaped by life in Denmark, Canada, and now Reading — that emphasizes outward-looking innovation.

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If you walk into the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg, you’ll find more than old fire trucks and helmets. You’ll step into a story of service, family tradition, and decades of dedication to preserving local history—thanks in large part to one man: Dave Houseal.

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This month, Project SHARE marks a major milestone: 40 years of nourishing the Carlisle community and awakening hope for those experiencing food insecurity. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has grown from a centralized food distribution initiative into a multifaceted support network addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability.

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When it comes to balancing love, duty, and family, retired military couple Dale and Jan Hamby have lived what many might consider the impossible dream. Both dedicated to decades of service in the U.S. Armed Forces—Dale in the Army, Jan in the Navy—their journey has spanned continents, deployments, and deep personal sacrifice. But their bond only grew stronger through it all.

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As the nation observes Memorial Day, many Americans pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service. For Patricia Bowers of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, that solemn remembrance is a year-round mission.

Bowers has made it her life’s work to honor the veterans of World War II, particularly those of the 17th Airborne Division—where her late father, Thomas Miller, served. What began as a personal tribute has become a powerful example of living patriotism, community service, and intergenerational memory

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Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly;

Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the cannabis industry has grown quickly—but not without growing pains. In a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Judith D. Cassel, a leading attorney and advisor for cannabis companies, to explore how the legal landscape has evolved and what misconceptions still cloud this rapidly expanding market.

Also, on the program

Chrissie Senecal rejoins Asia on the Spark to talk all about the history of Birth Control

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In this week’s episode of The Spark on WITF, democracy reporter Jordan Wilkie joined host Asia Tabb to break down the results and implications of Pennsylvania’s 2025 municipal primary elections. Statewide voter turnout hovered around 20%—typical for an odd-year primary with closed primaries, where only voters registered with major parties can participate. As Wilkie noted, about 15% of voters are shut out of these races due to registration restrictions.

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