(00:00:00)

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.

(00:21:57)

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.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00)

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.

(00:22:17)

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.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00)

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.

(00:22:02)

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.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00)

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.

(00:20:24)

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.”

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00)

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

(00:22:13)

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

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00)

Encountering Disability is a series of free events over three days focused on community health and public policy as well as community inclusion and spirituality. Asia speaks with keynote speakers Marisa Brown and Michael Gamel-McCormick, as well as Rev. David Peck who spearheaded the initiative.

(00:22:04)

Consumer Affairs recently published a report covering the top metros in the U.S. with the worst housing shortages. These areas were found after researchers at the site calculated metrics like the vacancy ratio for the 200 most populous metro areas in the country. Not one, not two, but three spots in the Keystone State were ranked amongst the top 10: York in second; Harrisburg in fifth; and Lancaster in ninth.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00:00)

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month—a time to celebrate second chances and spread awareness about the thousands of animals waiting for homes. At the York County SPCA, the mission is clear: every pet deserves a loving, permanent home.

(00:21:29)

A new community resource is taking shape in Harrisburg — and it’s not your typical library. The Harrisburg Tool Library aims to lend out everything from drills and garden shears to crockpots and bubble machines, all in the name of empowerment and community care.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.