The Spark

For many visitors, the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art offers more than just galleries of artwork—it’s an accessible and welcoming place where art and nature come together. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When words like “bipolar,” “schizo,” or even “anxious” are tossed around in everyday conversation, they often miss the mark of what those diagnoses actually mean. Psychiatrist Dr. Luke Piper of UPMC Lititz says while the casual use of psychiatric language has become common, it can dilute the real meaning of mental illness and even discourage people from seeking help. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as a simple injury turned into a lifetime of adventure for 68-year-old Duane “Mike” McHale. After an Achilles injury ended his running days, he took up swimming, then cycling, and eventually triathlons. He’s since completed more than 140 multisport events and now focuses on extreme endurance challenges around the world. His adventures include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, biking the 450-mile RAGBRAI ride in Iowa, swimming 22 miles through the Maldives, and more. Most recently, Mike completed a 390-mile ride across the Erie Canal alongside his 15-year-old grandson, Gavin. Groundbreaking took place in late July on a brand new, 16 thousand square foot roundhouse at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. It will be home to six historic steam locomotives, a major step forward in preserving Pennsylvania's railroad heritage. The Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania have spearheaded a "Ready For The Roundhouse" fundraising campaign, already raising over $300,000 to support restoration work associated with the locomotives that will be housed in the new structure. The 13.5 million-dollar project is set to be completed in early 2027. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Journalist Roundtable, the discussion focused on the latest developments in the Pennsylvania state budget. Hosts spoke with Jaxon White, WITF Capitol Reporter, and Ian Karbol, State Government Reporter for the PA Capital Star, about the key negotiations, spending priorities, and the political dynamics shaping Harrisburg’s budget process. White and Karbol provided insight into how the proposed budget impacts Pennsylvanians, from education and healthcare funding to infrastructure and local government allocations. They also explored the challenges lawmakers face in reaching consensus and what to expect in the coming weeks as budget talks continue. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lancaster County is no stranger to ghost stories, strange legends, and tales of hidden treasures—and Adam Zurn, executive director of Uncharted Lancaster, has spent years chronicling them. Since 2019, Zurn has written nearly 700 articles exploring the area’s folklore, and now he’s compiled a full-length book capturing the county’s spookier side. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will and Jim Pattiz grew up just south of Atlanta, but a spontaneous road trip nearly 15 years ago changed the trajectory of their lives. Driving across the country to the Grand Canyon, they pulled off to visit Petrified Forest National Park and were immediately captivated. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many, an Achilles injury might mark the end of an athletic journey. For 68-year-old Duane “Mike” McHale, it was just the beginning. After his injury ended his running days, Mike turned to swimming, then cycling, and eventually triathlons. Over the years, he has completed more than 140 multisport events and now focuses on extreme endurance challenges around the globe. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural hazard in Pennsylvania — and now the state is taking a high-tech step forward in predicting and preparing for it. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has partnered with Penn State University and the National Weather Service to modernize the Integrated Flood Observation and Warning System, or iFLOWS, first launched in the 1970s and 80s. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major preservation project is underway at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania — one that museum leaders say will secure the future of some of the state’s most treasured locomotives. The museum has broken ground on a brand-new, 16,000-square-foot roundhouse, a circular structure that will house six historic steam locomotives, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Patrick Morrison, Director of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, says the design centers around a fully restored 1928 turntable — a piece of equipment that was once essential in the age of steam. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lancaster-based nonprofit Servant Stage is on a mission to make live theater accessible to everyone — regardless of physical or financial limitations. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Kelly Smith, founder of Omega Horse Rescue, the journey began not with a business plan or a long-term strategy — but with what she calls “a divine intervention.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadliest U.S. passenger ship disaster since 1934 is the focus of a gripping new maritime history by two veteran seafarers who know the waters — and the dangers — all too well. Yarmouth Castle Burning: The Deadliest Passenger Ship Disaster off the Coast of the United States Since 1934 by Eric Takakjian and Randall Peffer tells the harrowing story of the 1965 inferno aboard the SS Yarmouth Castle, which claimed 90 lives and forever changed maritime safety regulations. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) marked a major milestone with the grand opening of its newest location in Middletown — the third of six planned centers in Pennsylvania. For Senate Alexander, Executive Director of CHS and a Milton Hershey School graduate, the opening is deeply personal. "It’s a special moment for me personally as an MHS graduate… to now bring this program that’s needed to another community," Alexander said. "We’ll be able to serve almost 450 children next year." The new CHS Middletown location will provide care and education for 150 children, adding to the 300 already served at CHS centers in Hershey and Harrisburg. Designed with a unique touch, the facility includes 25,000 square feet of outdoor play space. "This particular plot used to be a farm," Alexander explained. "Now we’re transforming it into high-quality early childhood education for a community that needs it." Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s edition of The Spark, former host Scott LaMar returned to the show for a wide-ranging conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson. The discussion centered around Atkinson’s latest volume in his Revolutionary War trilogy, which explores not only national figures like George Washington but also the critical role Central Pennsylvania played during the war. Atkinson, whose ties to the region run deep—his father once taught at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle—spoke about the strategic importance of towns like Lancaster, York, and Reading during the revolution. He noted that the Second Continental Congress even relocated to York for several months when threatened by advancing British forces, although not all delegates had kind words about the temporary capital. The conversation also focused on how Atkinson brings familiar historical figures to life in nuanced ways. He described George Washington as “the indispensable man,” but not without flaws—highlighting his tactical missteps, limited early experience, and evolving leadership style. Atkinson also acknowledged Washington’s connection to slavery and how that legacy remains deeply intertwined with the nation’s founding. The full interview offered both historical insight and personal reflection, bringing new perspective to the Revolutionary era through a local lens. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Downtown York is celebrating a major milestone in its journey toward revitalization — earning both state and national accreditation through the Main Street America program and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. The recognition signals a significant accomplishment for Downtown Inc, the organization leading the charge to support small businesses, public art, economic development, and community safety in York’s core. “Accreditation is kind of the gold standard in downtown revitalization programs,” said Sarah O’Brien, Director of Downtown Inc. “York has actually been doing the work to meet those standards for many years. We just took a step back this last year and went through the process to get the recognition we’ve earned.” This is the first time in over a decade — since 2013 — that York has held the prestigious designation. Since stepping into her role in April 2024, O’Brien has worked to strengthen York’s ties to national revitalization standards and broaden the community’s participation in the process. “I worked for three different Main Street programs in Texas, and we always worked really hard to get accredited,” she said. “It was kind of a personal and team goal to get back on track with our reporting and demonstrate that we’re doing the hard work to successfully revitalize a community.” According to O’Brien, the accreditation recognizes a collaborative effort between local government, businesses, nonprofits, and private citizens. “Downtown Inc is that connector between small businesses, nonprofit organizations, government, and individuals,” she said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the summer months heat up, so does the intake of stray and displaced animals at the York County SPCA, putting serious pressure on space, staff, and resources. Steven Martinez, Executive Director of the York County SPCA, joined The Spark to shed light on how the shelter is navigating one of its busiest seasons of the year. "It's usually about this time of the year, towards the end of summer, that we start to get full," said Martinez. “You hit May, June, July — things start creeping up. And then by the time you get to August, suddenly we have 70, 80 dogs in the kennel at any given time.” This influx of animals, particularly large dogs, is taking a toll on both the animals and the staff. “When our shelter starts to get too full, the animals get real stressed. They can get sick because there’s too many in too close of an environment. That extends their length of stay,” Martinez explained. As the only animal shelter serving all 72 municipalities in York County, the organization is legally required to accept all stray and displaced animals. That volume alone creates consistent strain, but summer presents unique challenges. “For cats, summer is their breeding season,” Martinez said. “By the time you get to the end of summer going into the fall, they’re in the third litter — and now we’re starting to get full.” Inside the shelter, the noise and constant activity can cause stress for animals, especially dogs. That stress often leads to poor health, which then delays adoption. “Stress equals bad health. Our job is to manage their health through enrichment,” Martinez said. “We try to get dogs out two to three times a day for a walk, put them in play groups, and teach them manners so that they’re better candidates for adoption.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parkinson’s disease is often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages. On a recent episode of The Spark, I spoke with Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, Chief Mission Officer at the American Parkinson Disease Association, about the complexities of this neurodegenerative disease and why early awareness is so critical. "It's really such an important message that we want to give over today — what is Parkinson’s disease?” said Dr. Gilbert. “It’s a brain disorder… and certain cells in the brain die. We don’t exactly know why, but something goes wrong.” Parkinson’s is known for causing tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and difficulties with walking. But many early symptoms are far less obvious. "The first symptoms could be so subtle — someone may not swing their arm on one side, or they may have trouble whisking an egg or getting their arm into a coat,” Dr. Gilbert explained. “People may brush these off as arthritis or just aging.” Other early signs are even more unexpected. Dr. Gilbert noted that some of the earliest symptoms are “non-motor,” including sleep issues, mood changes, and even constipation. "Sometimes the earliest symptoms are so not tied to something someone would think is a brain disorder... like constipation,” she said. “Only in retrospect do people realize they’ve had Parkinson’s symptoms for years.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States, in part because it’s often detected too late. On The Spark, UPMC Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Troy Moritz joined the show to shed light on who should be screened, what symptoms not to ignore, and how technology is changing the way lung cancer is detected and treated. Who Should Be Screened? Dr. Moritz emphasized the importance of lung cancer screenings for a specific group: “We’re looking for people that are age 50 to up to 80 years of age and those people that have smoked what we consider to be 20 pack years,” he explained. That includes anyone who smoked a pack a day for 20 years — or an equivalent amount — and hasn’t quit within the last 15 years. These high-risk individuals are encouraged to undergo low-dose CT scans, which Dr. Moritz described as simple and noninvasive. “It’s pretty much just get in the CAT scan machine and buzz in, buzz out,” he said. “It’s not an MRI, so you don’t have to worry about that claustrophobic feeling.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Spark this Monday, ABC27 meteorologist Dan Tomaso joined host Asia Tabb to talk about the recent stretch of refreshing weather in Central Pennsylvania — a welcome change after a hot and humid July. “We’re coming off just a beautiful weekend,” Tomaso said. “It started out Friday with cooler weather and cloud cover — and I hesitate to say it on the air — but it felt like fall.” The crisp air and lower humidity came as a surprise to many. “I was at the pool on Saturday and the whole place cleared out,” Tomaso joked. “Maybe it was too much of a change, but regardless, the change is here.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Horn Farm Center in York County, nature isn’t just scenery — it’s the classroom, the kitchen, and the community. This September, the nonprofit is preparing for its 21st annual Pawpaw Festival, a celebration of one of North America’s best-kept fruit secrets. The star of the event? The pawpaw — a creamy, tropical-tasting fruit native to the eastern United States that many have never heard of, let alone tasted. “The pawpaw is North America’s largest edible native fruit,” said Andrew Leahy, education and outreach specialist at the Horn Farm Center. “It looks a bit like a small mango and tastes like a mix between pineapple, mango, and banana.” Though pawpaws grow wild in the Susquehanna Riverlands region, you won’t find them in the grocery store. “They have a really short shelf life,” Leahy explained. “Once they’re ripe, without refrigeration, you have about two days. Even with refrigeration, maybe a week or so. They really resist everything grocery stores need.” The Horn Farm’s annual festival has become a destination for locals and regional pawpaw enthusiasts alike, drawing thousands to taste the fruit and experience the land. “The festival actually started in 2004 as a small gathering through the local Slow Food Movement,” said Leahy. “By 2013, the Horn Farm became the host site after one of the founders planted a pawpaw orchard on the property. Now we’re up to over 50 trees.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.