The Spark

In a bid to reshape the landscape of finance and address persistent racial wealth disparities, Joe Cecala and Dwain J. Kyles are on the brink of realizing a two-decade endeavor: the inauguration of the Dream Exchange, set to become the pioneering minority-operated stock exchange in the United States. The Dream Exchange, a brainchild of Cecala and Kyles, stands as a testament to their aspiration for a more equitable economic future. "It's actually truly born from the soul of two people that want to see the world become a better place," remarked Joe Cecala, co-founder and CEO of the Dream Exchange, underscoring the profound mission behind their initiative. With a launch imminent this year, the Dream Exchange aims to democratize access to the stock market, serving as a bridge between Main Street and Wall Street. Expected to be the eighth licensed stock exchange in the nation, the Dream Exchange distinguishes itself by placing minority leadership at its helm. Mirroring established exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange, the Dream Exchange will facilitate trading of stocks from smaller companies, fostering inclusivity in an arena historically dominated by larger entities. At the core of the Dream Exchange's vision lies a commitment to dismantling barriers to entry, particularly for communities of color grappling with limited access to capital. "The point is to make the stock market accessible to more people, specifically people of color who historically have less access to capital," Cecala asserted, emphasizing the transformative potential of this endeavor in empowering burgeoning enterprises. Recognizing capital as a pivotal determinant of success, the Dream Exchange seeks to catalyze growth for underserved businesses, nurturing prosperity within marginalized communities. "If we can build these companies up and expand them, we'll have prosperous communities," Cecala affirmed, highlighting the ripple effect envisaged by their initiative. For Kyles, the pursuit of economic equity resonates deeply, informed by the teachings of his father, a prominent preacher and confidant of civil rights luminary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King's advocacy for economic parity serves as a guiding principle for Kyles, who believes that true equality hinges on empowering individuals to achieve financial stability and support their families. Central to the Dream Exchange's ethos is the conviction that economic empowerment can be realized through public listing. Citing research by the U.S. Treasury Department Task Force, which found that 92% of jobs within a company are generated post-public listing, Kyles and Cecala underscore the transformative impact of their endeavor on job creation and economic vitality. As the Dream Exchange prepares to embark on its historic journey, Cecala and Kyles stand as torchbearers for a vision of inclusivity and opportunity in the financial realm. With the promise of a more accessible and equitable stock market on the horizon, their pioneering venture embodies a beacon of hope for a future defined by economic justice and prosperity for all. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burnout is such a problem for workers that some employers are considering reducing the length of the workweek. Nearly one-third (30%) of large US companies are exploring new work schedule shifts such as four-day or four-and-a-half-day workweeks, according to a KPMG survey of CEOs released last week. The idea to attract and retain talent in a hot job market where many employees feel over-worked and underpaid. American workers don’t get enough free time and our work has become central to our identities. Journalist Simone Stolzoff explores why what we do and how much we do for a living has become such a priority in our lives in his book The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life From Work. On The Spark Wednesday, he talked about how our jobs became our identities in many cases and how the four-day work week may help us take back our lives,"We live in a country where the majority of people get their health care through their employment. If you're an immigrant, your ability to stay in this country is often determined based on your employment. There are political reasons or economic reasons. There are cultural reasons why we got here. One of the big ones that I harp on in the book is there has been a precipitous decline in the past three or four decades, and the number of institutions and community groups that once provided great sources of meaning and identity in our lives, things like organized religion or social or neighborhood groups. And with the decline of these institutions, the need for identity, for purpose, for belonging remained. And so the majority of Americans turned to where they spent the majority of their time, which is the workplace. Now we live in a country that loves to treat CEOs like celebrities, we plaster "always do what you love" on the walls of our co-working spaces. It's a country where productivity and self-worth are almost one in the same. And so the question is what is the cost? If you're rising and falling based on your professional accomplishments alone, what gets left out? I think the pandemic was a great emblem of what are some of these costs. For one, that your job might not always be there. If you are deriving identity solely based on your title as an employer at a certain company or your job title, and you lose your job due to a furlough or getting laid off offered to retirement, you might be left wondering what's left. The second is just a matter of expectations. If we're always expecting our jobs to be a dream, if we're always expecting our jobs to be perfect, that creates a lot of room for disappointment. A lot of the rhetoric that we use around do what you love and never work a day in your life or follow your passion, obscures the fact that every line of work has monotony, has tedium in it. And if we have these sky high expectations, we can leave a lot to be desired. And the third, which I think really points to some of the studies that are coming out recently about the four-day workweek is that when we are only investing and giving our best time and our best energy into our work selves, we can neglect other parts of who we are. Certainly we all are more than just workers. We are neighbors and partners and parents and siblings and friends and citizens. And yet so many Americans are giving so much of their time and energy to their jobs that they're leaving little room for anything else." What does Stolzoff disagrees that not as much can be accomplished in a four-day work week,"It's essentially about our capacity to produce at a higher level. Everyone knows this intuitively. Not all hours in the day are created equally. And when workers are well rested. When workers have been able to fully recharge and invest in their lives outside of work, they tend to be better workers. They tend to be more innovative and creative problem solvers. They tend to be more productive on the whole. This might sound counterintuitive. I think a lot of us have internalized this idea that the more hours you work, the...

Dozens of coal plants have closed in Pennsylvania over the last few decades as the Marcellus Shale boom made natural gas cheaper and some coal energy companies decided new environmental regulations are too costly. Coal plants have shutdown in other places across the country because of the amount of pollution they emit that contributes to climate change. A coal plant in Centralia, Washington, that at one time produced 10% of all the energy in the state of Washington will close for good next year. The Centralia plant was the county’s largest employer and largest taxpayer. However, plans for closing the facility and what comes next for Centralia is seen as a model for other transitions to other forms of energy production. StateImpact PA reporter Rachel McDevitt and WITF’s Digital Producer Jeremy Long traveled to Centralia, Washington last month and came back with how what has worked so far. Read Rachel McDevitt's reporting on Centralia, Washington's transition away from coal and see Jeremy Long's photographs. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patriotism and a rush to serve in the military characterized America when the U.S. entered World War I in 1917. Those who didn’t enlist in hopes of fighting in Europe or tried to avoid the military draft were called slackers. At the time, baseball was by far the American Pastime. Dozens of Major League baseball players like Ty Cobb and Christy Mathewson did enlist. But some of the biggest names in the sport like Babe Ruth and Shoeless Jackson played in baseball leagues formed by Bethlehem Steel plants or shipyards. There were teams in Lebanon and Steelton and most of the best players joined teams in Pennsylvania and Delaware. A new book called Work. Fight. Or Play Ball – How Bethlehem Steel Helped Baseball’s Stars Avoid World War I -- chronicles the industrial and shipyard leagues. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author William Ecenbarger was on The Spark Monday and talked about the history when the U.S. entered World War I,"There was something called the work or fight order. It was issued by the War Department. That was what we called the Pentagon back then. And it said that either you have to work in a central industry or be drafted in the armed forces. It affected any young men between 18 and 32. And, so, the essential entities were, farming. That was one, munitions plants and, steel mills and shipyards. So, that was one way to to get out of the draft was to work in one of those industries." A man by the name of Charles M. Schwab (not the investment and financial Charles Schwab) was the president of Bethlehem Steel, who formed a six-team baseball league where Bethlehem mills and a shipyard were located -- Bethlehem, Lebanon, Steelton, a plant near Boston, Sparrows Point near Baltimore and a shipyard in Wilmington, Delaware. Ecenberger indicated superstar Shoeless Joe Jackson of Chicago White Sox should have had a draft exemption but everything changed when Jackson's local draft board in Greenville, South Carolina classified him as 1A on the draft board,"In 1918, some of the major leaguers figured out that if they could get on one of those teams, they would be in a central industry and they would be exempt from the draft. And so there began a slight exodus. Shoeless Joe Jackson was deferred from the draft. He had a dependent wife. He had his mother who was dependent on him. He had two sisters who would depend on him. And three of his brothers were already in the military. But somehow his draft board rescinded his exemption, and he became 1A. And that's when he fled to the shipyard in Wilmington. And, so after that, the major leaguers said, well, if he can get drafted, anybody can get drafted. So, that really pushed the exodus to these teams." Reportedly, Jackson actually did some work while employed at the shipyard in addition to playing baseball. Ruth played one game for the Lebanon team while he was on the roster of the Boston Red Sox,"Babe Ruth's job title was Blueprints Messenger, and no one quite knew what that meant. But I've talked to people who who remember him at the steel mill, and, they said that he showed up in very expensive clothes, would hang around for a couple of hours, talked about baseball, and then walked out. And that was it. That was his work day." In its two years of existence, the Lebanon Bethlehem team won the championship the first year and Steelton the next. Dozens of major league and minor league players dotted the rosters of the Bethlehem Steel League. However many did get drafted or enlisted. Several were killed. The war and shortage of men actually changed baseball history. Ecenbarger said the Red Sox were short on outfielders and they knew Ruth, who was a very good pitcher at the time, could hit, so they moved him to the outfield. Ruth ended up hitting 714 home runs in his career -- mostly with the new York Yankees -- and was the nation's most popular athlete. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Results of Muhlenberg College’s Institute of Public Opinion’s Spring 2024 Pennsylvania Public Health Survey were released last week. It’s a unique poll in that many of the questions don’t have to do with politics or candidates. For example, seven out of ten of those surveyed had positive responses to the quality of healthcare in the state. There was an increase in the number of respondents who said their mental health was better than a year ago. However, that doesn’t mean politics is not mentioned – a majority of those surveyed said politics and current events were a major source of stress for them as Dr. Christopher Borick, Director of the Muhlenberg College Institute for Public Opinion said on The Spark Monday,"A majority saying that's either a major or at least somewhat of a stress, on their lives in Pennsylvania. And that's probably not all that shocking, in some ways that Pennsylvania is at the heart of American politics, right? We are a purple state. We are a swing state. We are seeing lots of contested races from the presidency, the Senate to congressional races, state House, state Senate races. We're loaded with with politics happening all the time, we get bombarded with more ads than almost any other place in the country. We are constantly in the midst of these political, moments, if you will. And Pennsylvanians report that that takes a bit of a toll on their mental health. And now we're not alone. Lots and lots of Americans are reporting that politics is a stress. We're in a difficult time in terms of our politics. But I think looking more, narrowly at the Commonwealth, that's very, very true. And that individuals across demographics, if you look at our cross tabs at the end of our study, it's not just Democrats, it's not just Republicans, it's not women, or just men or across age groups. It's widespread across various, cohorts within the Keystone State." On some other issues, the Muhlenberg poll found Pennsylvania don't support more restrictions on abortion by 59%-41%; they do favor more restrictions on firearms 59%-41%; 49% support would like to see marijuana legalized for adult use compared to 31% who don't and 20% said they neither favor or oppose legalization. The word crisis is used often in describing problems we face but the Muhlenberg poll found the majority of those responding said aggressive driving, fracking, climate change, obesity and domestic violence were all problems wouldn't go as far as saying they were at crisis stage yet. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly: We hear about the hundred-year-old stories of prostitution, gambling and drinking in Lancaster in the Lancaster Vice Project. Also on the program, author Brad Wolff, talks about his newly published book- A Ministry of Risk that contains the writings of peace activist Phillip Berrigan. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marquis Lupton speaks with Emily Gonzales, Owner and Operator of Gems Catering in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kesha Morant Williams is an accomplished communicator, researcher, and advocate. She is the Senior Advisor for College Diversity, Equity & Belonging and Professor of Humanities and Communication Arts at Elizabethtown College. She speaks with Marquis Lupton about her educational journey and what she has accomplished as well as what she plans to accomplish in the future. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marquis Lupton tells us the story of the first BIPOC owned and governed stock exchange and venture exchange. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thaddeus Stevens was one of the most consequential members of Congress in the nation’s history. Stevens represented Lancaster County in Washington during and after the Civil War. He was instrumental in the passage of the 13th Amendment to The Constitution that abolished slavery and led the fight for the 14th Amendment that requires equal protection under the law. But before moving to Lancaster in 1842, Stevens was a trial lawyer, iron maker, public education advocate and champion of the Underground Railroad and freedom for enslaved people in Adams County. An December 2023 article in Smithsonian Magazine was titled Why America Is Just Now Learning to Love Thaddeus Stevens, the ‘Best-Hated Man’ in U.S. History. It raises the point that Stevens should be recognized as one of the greats in Americans history. Ross Hetrick is Founder and President of the Thaddeus Stevens Society, was with us Thursday on The Spark where he addressed the lack of attention Stevens has gotten in history books,"The way that history is taught in our schools is primarily about the presidents. And even though Thaddeus Stevens exercised power equivalent to presidents, he was a member of the House of Representatives. So for that reason, they kind of glossed over, those people in the House of Representatives and even in the Senate. Another big reason is that he was a target of what's known as the Lost Cause mythology, where Southerners after the Civil War basically rewrote the history of the Civil War, saying that it wasn't about slavery, was about states rights and that those people who led the Confederacy were heroes. And one of the things they also did was attack people like Thaddeus Stevens. Stevens has been in three movies. In two of them he was the villain." Hetrick said the many historians Stevens pushed President Abraham Lincoln toward several of his most significant accomplishments,"The Union was blessed with two political geniuses. One was Abraham Lincoln and the other one was Stevens. And much of Abraham Lincoln's genius was that he listened to Thaddeus Stevens. At the beginning of the war, Lincoln was against ending slavery in the South. He was against the expansion of slavery. But he told anybody that would listen that he did not intend to end slavery in some states. And he also, let it be known that he was not going to use Black soldiers. Those are two positions that Stevens had from the beginning. And he basically kept pestering Lincoln until he adopted those positions. So you could actually say, in fact, contemporaries likened it to Thaddeus Stevens going through the field, removing the trees and the boulders, with Lincoln following behind him, sowing the seeds of freedom." Before being elected to Congress, Stevens was a Pennsylvania state legislator where his legacy may be that he saved public education,"Pennsylvania was a pioneer in public education, and they actually passed the Public Education Act in 1834. But with public education comes higher taxes, which caused a taxpayer revolt in Pennsylvania. And most of the legislators, who returned (to Harrisburg) in 1835, were pledged to repeal public education. And, in fact, the state Senate, met first and voted to repeal public education. Then all came over the House where Thaddeus Stevens, was a powerhouse. And he made a stirring speech where he urged his fellow legislators to build, "not monuments of brass or marble, but of every living mind" that they passed a stronger public education bill, which then was approved by the Senate, which had just previously repealed it. So yeah, he is he is known as the savior of public education. And late in his life he considered that to be, perhaps the best thing he ever accomplished. And he said he would be amply rewarded if a student of the public education system shed a tear on his grave." The first stand alone museum dedicated to Stevens -- The Thaddeus Steven Society Museum -- opened last week at 46 Chambersburg Street in downtown Gettysburg. it...

Brad Wolf's "A Ministry of Risk" stands as the authoritative anthology of Philip Berrigan's writings, offering a profound journey through the evolution of a revolutionary spirit. Authorized by the Berrigan family, this collection is meticulously arranged chronologically, providing readers with an intimate portrayal of Berrigan's transformation amidst a nation entrenched in martial obsessions. Through autobiographical insights, introspective theology, and a fervent call to activism, the book weaves together the vibrant tapestry of history while serving as both a manifesto of nonviolent resistance and a testament to spiritual reflection. Philip Berrigan, renowned for his activism as an American peace activist and Catholic priest, endured 11 years of imprisonment for his unwavering advocacy of nonviolent resistance against war. Engaging in prominent protests such as the Baltimore Four and Catonsville Nine, Berrigan left an indelible mark on movements spanning from Vietnam to Iraq. His prolific literary contributions, including numerous books, earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. "A Ministry of Risk" not only encapsulates Berrigan's life's work but also serves as a beacon for future generations committed to peace and social justice. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were 4,992 substantiated reports of child abuse and 60 deaths resulting from abuse in Pennsylvania during 2022. Child abuse in Pennsylvania is defined as when an individual acts or fails to prevent something that causes harm or a high likelihood of harm to a child under the age of 18. This harm can take many forms, such as bodily injury, serious mental injury, or sexual abuse or exploitation. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance provides education, support, and training programs to make Pennsylvania safe for children. Angela Liddle, the President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance was on The Spark Wednesday and was asked for reasons there are so many cases of child abuse and neglect,"People are struggling with substance use disorder, food insecurity. They're struggling to make ends meet with still an economy that's not quite where we'd like it to be. There's inadequate child care. So we have a lot of folks that aren't providing the supervision of their kids that are needed, and our kids are just needing a whole lot sometimes that they're not getting." Liddle was asked about trends they're seeing,"One of the trends that we're seeing, not fatality related, but near fatality. So we've had our numbers increase around the near fatality cases. And what that basically means is that had there not been intervention, we have a medical physician that has certified, the child would have died. So in all likelihood, it could have been a mandated reporter. It could have been a concerned community member who alerted the system that children, that the child was in danger and then got the necessary intervention. But those numbers are increasing, and about 80% of all of the near fatalities are because of a lack of parental supervision. So we have kids who are ingesting cleaning material or over-the-counter meds or prescription meds, drowning in swimming pools, getting into unsecured firearms, some very, very serious things." Liddle said sometimes parents need help and PFSA offers parental training programs as well. But what if someone suspects a child is being abused or neglected,"Anyone can report suspected child abuse. Community members can do so anonymously. They do not have to give their name or contact information. Mandated reporters, the professionals or volunteers who work with kids, bus drivers, teachers, doctors, dentists, nurses, athletic coaches those folks are required by law, and you don't have to be certain. You have to have a reasonable suspicion. That thing in your gut that says this child is not safe. And so what you do then is you pick up the phone and you dial Childline, which is the central registry. It's the hotline for reporting abuse. And that number is 1-800-932-0313." Digital technology, especially social media, has become an area that can put children in danger. Peer-to-peer online bullying is commonplace, but so are kids going on websites that isn't age appropriate for them. Children can be put in physical danger when adults reach out to kids online and sometimes even make arrangements to meet them, often to exploit them sexually. PFSA has initiated a Family Digital Wellness program. Liddle talked about keeping children safe online,"We have to build into our family culture strong assessments about what each kid needs and based on their age, development around social media and the digital world. Our own kind of family norms and rules. How many times do you go out to a restaurant and if there's a mom and dad and a two kids, you see all four of them sitting there with their smartphones, they're not even talking to each other? And that comes from parents modeling the behavior and allowing it. So your family digital plan might be we have strong parental controls for these kids. We have, time limits by when they can be on their iPad. And maybe it's only on the weekends or very limited through the week. We have a rule that we don't, none of us, take...

Jamie Beth Cohen, a versatile writer, storyteller, and dedicated individual, has worn many hats throughout her life. Notably, Cohen is the author of The Alice Burton Novels, comprising "WASTED PRETTY" and "LIMINAL SUMMER," both published by Black Rose Writing. Her insightful words have graced platforms such as HuffPost, The Washington Post, Salon, and SFWP Quarterly. And in recognition of her storytelling prowess, Cohen was awarded the title of Best Storyteller in Lancaster, PA, in 2021. Presently, she is engrossed in crafting a memoir delving into the complexities of her relationship with her enigmatic father and his mysterious passing. Beyond her literary pursuits, Cohen devotes her time to mentoring novice writers and budding storytellers, a testament to her commitment to nurturing creativity and expression in all forms. Cohen's talents also extend beyond the page, as evidenced by her triumph at the Lancaster Story Slam in 2021. She is slated to participate in upcoming grand slam competitions in both Lancaster and York later this year, further solidifying her reputation as a captivating storyteller. Additionally, Cohen's literary endeavors have yielded "Wasted Pretty," a poignant narrative following Alice, a young woman navigating the challenges of self-acceptance after a significant weight loss. Jamie Beth Cohen's multifaceted career as an author, mentor, and storyteller is marked by her ability to weave compelling narratives that resonate with readers across various platforms. Her upcoming ventures in both writing and storytelling competitions continue to showcase her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ongoing commitment to uplifting others through the power of storytelling. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The history that most of us have been taught or focus on usually centers around the people and events that shaped the nation, state or the towns and cities we live in. Often, that history is full of dates, stories and well-known names. Of course, right now, there are debates going on across this country about who and what should be included in that history. But what we don’t hear as often is the seamier side of history. And every place has those stories they don’t highlight in the history books. But those tales can tell us a lot about a place and its people and how they evolved. That history can also be fascinating and entertaining as well. A great example is the Lancaster Vice project. Lancaster was known as a "wide-open" city in the early part of the 20th Century, where prostitution, gambling and drinking were rampant and law enforcement often looked the other way or were part of the corruption. The Lancaster Vice project includes a walking tour, a podcast, a blog and articles in LNP. Alison Kibler is a Professor of American Studies and Women’s Gender and Sexuality at Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Kibler runs the Lancaster Vice project and was on The Spark Tuesday. Kibler said she researched by using the Law and Order Society collection at Lancaster History that included some 800 pages of investigative reports. Three male detectives and a woman were hired by the Law and Order Society to investigate the commercial sex trade in Lancaster during one month in 1913. In their reports, the investigators conclude there were 190 "professional" sex workers and 40 brothels or furnished rooming houses in Lancaster. Kibler said there were "charity" girls, who weren't considered professionals, but exchanged sex for tickets to the theater or vaudeville shows. Kibler indicated that the professional prostitutes thought the charity girls were "giving it away for free" and ruining their business model. Kibler described the politics of Lancaster made the vice possible,"In Lancaster, the set of conditions that makes this happen is that there is a government that's running as a corrupt machine. And in Lancaster, that happens to be a Republican administration. In other cities, it's a Democratic machine. So, police officers are political appointees and factory inspectors are political appointees. There are stories of vote buying. So in that context, vice is running in basically with the full knowledge of city officials and police officers. And they it's not just that they sometimes do nothing. They largely do nothing and then sometimes participate themselves. So vice in Lancaster is not a secret. Maybe you could describe it as an open secret, but it's definitely running in cooperation with law enforcement in Lancaster. So, here's some examples from the archives. There's reports in the newspaper that police officers basically don't even patrol the streets at night. They just go to the firehouse and go to sleep on their overnight shifts. And then there's also a report...now, this has not been fully substantiated, but one, I think maybe two newspapers do report that there seems to be prostitution actually running out of City Hall or the county courthouse, so that women are coming in the back door, at all hours of the night. And when they report on that in the paper, they kind of jokingly refer to the courthouse there sarcastically. They call it the Temple of Justice." Learn more about the Lancaster Vice walking tour here. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Marketing Association is making waves in the region, aiming to revolutionize the way marketing professionals connect, learn, and grow. As a non-profit organization, their dedication to education, cultivation, and empowerment of marketers is evident in every aspect of their mission. At the core of their values is the commitment to fostering strong connections within the marketing community and beyond. They prioritize Service Leadership, ensuring that their interactions with customers, members, and stakeholders are guided by principles of integrity and respect. With a bold vision to become the foremost influencer in global marketing discourse, the chapter is positioning itself as an indispensable resource for marketers worldwide. Their ambition knows no bounds as they strive to offer a forward-thinking, distinct, and contemporary perspective on marketing practices. Under the unified banner of One AMA, the chapter is spearheading a collaborative effort to shape the future of marketing. They recognize the importance of a cohesive Intellectual Agenda, which spans across all platforms, emphasizing the interplay between established Best Practices and innovative Next Practices. Central to their strategy is the creation of a dynamic and interconnected knowledge hub, designed to facilitate continuous engagement within the AMA community. This hub serves as a repository of insights, strategies, and resources, ensuring that members are always connected and empowered to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Marketing Association is not just an organization; it is a community of forward-thinkers, change-makers, and innovators united by a common goal—to elevate the practice of marketing and empower professionals to reach new heights of success. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mansion Concerts take place on Front Street in Harrisburg at the Manor on Front. It's a listening-room-style concert series that aims to provide great sound, great performances and a great experience for its patrons. Guitarist Trevor Gordon Hall will be performing on April 27th at 7pm Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The April 2024 Franklin and Marshall College poll indicates Pennsylvanians support voting reforms, including requiring county voting officials to contact voters if they find an error on a submitted ballot and requiring photo IDs when voting. An overwhelming 77% of respondents said they favored so-called ballot curing. It's an issue that has been in the courts many times. Requiring photo IDs when voting has been a divisive issue between Republicans and Democrats for years with Republicans refusing most voting reforms without voter ID and Democrats vehemently opposed, arguing there's virtually no voter fraud and thus no need for voter ID and that it would keep some voters from being able to vote. The F&M poll showed 73% of those surveyed supported voter ID. The poll also shows more voters – although not a significant number of voters – are viewing the direction of the state more positively. Thirty-nine percent of respondents say Pennsylvania is heading in the right direction. Thirty-seven percent said the state was heading in the right direction in February. Seventeen percent of registered voters say they are better off financially than last year compared to 15% in February and 11% in October, 2023. Continuing a trend, 62% said marijuana should be legalized for recreational use in Pennsylvania and most (48%) say it should be sold through a dispensary rather than a state operated cannabis shop (29%). Berwood Yost, Director of the Floyd Institute for Public Policy at the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College was on The Spark Monday and said President Joe Biden has a slight lead over former President Donald Trump, but third party candidates may have an impact on the presidential race in Pennsylvania, "Something like 90% of registered Democrats say they're supporting Biden. And it's about 75% of registered Republicans say they're supporting Trump. When you add in all the third party candidates, Biden's support among Democrats drops down to about the same level as Trump among Republicans. So about three quarters, that's what we see happen. So the number of people who pick a third party candidate or say they don't know is about 7% among Democrats. When it's a head to head, it's more like 15% when you offer the three, or the additional candidates, the third party candidates. And that's an important finding, right? I mean, I keep trying to tell people, look, getting to the final vote outcome here is going to be like searching for spare change in your sofa. I mean, the the parties are going to need everything they can get. And it's clear to me that who's on the ballot as a third party candidate, and how many of them are going to have a significant impact on this race." Yost said independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. is polling at about 9% in Pennsylvania. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up this week. A Cumberland County woman talks about her experience on PBS' Finding Your Roots with Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., where she learned about her family history. Also on the program, Marquis Lupton's insightful conversation with breastfeeding advocate Norma Vasquez. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, known for its commitment to delivering exceptional live music experiences and fostering music education, is gearing up for a weekend of enchantment with their natural world concert series at Lancaster Country Day School's Gardner Theatre. Kicking off Friday and running through Sunday, the series promises an immersive musical journey celebrating the wonders of our natural world. From the frosty expanses of the Arctic to the enchanting mysteries of nature's embrace, audiences can expect to be transported through a symphonic odyssey unlike any other. At the heart of the concert lies Hovhaness' "Mysterious Mountain" and Copland's evocative "Suite from The Tender Land," each piece meticulously selected to evoke the awe-inspiring beauty and majesty of our planet. These masterful compositions, performed by the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra's ensemble of professional musicians, are poised to captivate and inspire. More than just a concert, this event underscores the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra's dedication to enriching the cultural fabric of Lancaster. Through their unwavering commitment to accessibility and excellence, they continue to elevate the city's artistic landscape while nurturing a deeper appreciation for the power of music. For those eager to embark on this sonic voyage, the concert series offers multiple opportunities to experience its magic, with performances scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening. As the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra takes the stage, audiences can anticipate an unforgettable fusion of music and nature, inviting them to pause, reflect, and marvel at the splendor of the world around us. So, tune in this weekend and immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies and timeless beauty of the natural world, courtesy of Lancaster's finest musical ambassadors. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over two centuries, the Prison Society has been a lifeline for incarcerated individuals and their families, offering essential support services and shedding light on the often opaque world of prisons. Founded 235 years ago, the organization has remained a steadfast resource, providing invaluable assistance to those affected by incarceration. With a focus on maintaining vital support networks and offering reliable information, the PA Prison Society serves as a beacon of assistance for families navigating the complexities of having a loved one behind bars. From guidance on staying connected to updates on specific facilities, the organization ensures that families have access to the information and resources they need. Beyond direct support, the PA Prison Society plays a crucial role in advocacy, driving conversations on prison conditions and shaping the discourse on incarceration. By providing essential information to the public, elected officials, and prison administrators, the organization empowers decision-makers to make informed choices regarding policy and practice. One of the Prison Society's latest initiatives, its bus transportation service, exemplifies its commitment to facilitating connections between incarcerated individuals and their families. Offering hassle-free and affordable rides to correctional facilities, the service prioritizes safety and convenience, ultimately bringing families closer together during challenging times. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.