At the heart of WITF’s mission to provide trusted news, cultural programming, and educational content lies a dedicated team working behind the scenes: the development department. Leading the charge is Elisa Balestra, Vice President of Philanthropy, who joined the station 11 months ago and has quickly immersed herself in connecting the community to the station’s mission.

At the heart of WITF&rsquo;s mission to provide trusted news, cultural programming, and educational content lies a dedicated team working behind the scenes: the development department. Leading the charge is Elisa Balestra, Vice President of Philanthropy, who joined the station 11 months ago and has quickly immersed herself in connecting the community to the station&rsquo;s mission.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

Behind the Scenes at WITF: How the Development Department Powers Public Media

Stephanie Kwolek

Wildfire Safety

(00:00:00)

Stephanie Kwolek (July 31, 1923 – June 18, 2014), born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was an American chemist whose groundbreaking work in polymer science led to the invention of Kevlar — the exceptionally strong, lightweight fiber widely used in bullet‑resistant vests.

(00:22:09)

Then we speak with Mike Kern: Chief, Division of Forest Fire Protection and Matt Reed: Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning both with Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry about wildfire season and safety protocols we should follow.

(00:00:00)
Stephanie Kwolek (July 31, 1923 &ndash; June 18, 2014), born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was an American chemist whose groundbreaking work in polymer science led to the invention of Kevlar &mdash; the exceptionally strong, lightweight fiber widely used in bullet‑resistant vests.
(00:22:09)
Then we speak with Mike Kern: Chief, Division of Forest Fire Protection and Matt Reed: Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning&nbsp;both with Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry about wildfire season and safety protocols we should follow.

Honoring Kevlar’s Creator and Preparing for Wildfire Season: A Deep Dive into Innovation and Safety

Sydney Roach

PRB Spring Gala

Endometriosis Awareness

(00:00:00)

Syndey Roaches new feature series digging into a rising problem in the State College area: facility fees. They’re extra charges meant for hospital costs… but more and more patients are getting them at non‑hospital offices — with no warning. Sometimes adding hundreds of dollars to a bill. We’ll also look at the growing national debate around these fees, and what Pennsylvania lawmakers are doing as hospitals continue to consolidate. One local lawmaker shared a case where a patient was told to expect an eighteen‑hundred‑dollar bill… and instead was charged more than three‑thousand. 

(0:34:26)

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and we’re raising awareness in the media about endometriosis 

(0:22:32)

Pennsylvania Regional Ballet (PRB) is a nonprofit pre-professional training school committed to providing high-quality dance education, performance opportunities, and artistic development for dancers of all ages. We offer a full range of classes — from creative movement and beginner ballet to pointe, modern, jazz, and our intensive pre-professional track — all designed to nurture strong technique, confidence, and creativity. The Spring Gala is one of the signature performances on our annual calendar, giving dancers a chance to shine onstage while bringing our community together to celebrate the art of dance.

(00:00:00)
Syndey Roaches new feature series digging into a rising problem in the State College area: facility fees. They&rsquo;re extra charges meant for hospital costs&hellip; but more and more patients are getting them at non‑hospital offices &mdash; with no warning. Sometimes adding hundreds of dollars to a bill.&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll also look at the growing national debate around these fees, and what Pennsylvania lawmakers are doing as hospitals continue to consolidate. One local lawmaker shared a case where a patient was told to expect an eighteen‑hundred‑dollar bill&hellip; and instead was charged more than&nbsp;three‑thousand.&nbsp;
(0:34:26)
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and we&rsquo;re raising awareness in the media about endometriosis&nbsp;
(0:22:32)
Pennsylvania Regional Ballet (PRB) is a nonprofit pre-professional training school committed to providing high-quality dance education, performance opportunities, and artistic development for dancers of all ages. We offer a full range of classes &mdash; from creative movement and beginner ballet to pointe, modern, jazz, and our intensive pre-professional track &mdash; all designed to nurture strong technique, confidence, and creativity. The Spring Gala is one of the signature performances on our annual calendar, giving dancers a chance to shine onstage while bringing our community together to celebrate the art of dance.

From Rising Facility Fees to Women’s Health and the Arts: This Week’s Stories from Central PA

Across Pennsylvania, drivers pass them every day without a second thought. The blue and gold roadside signs shaped like a keystone are part of the state’s identity, but many people do not realize they carry nearly a century of history.

Public broadcasting and the legacy of Fred Rogers continue to shape generations, according to educator and broadcaster Ed Arke, who recently reflected on the children’s television icon during an interview.

Across Pennsylvania, drivers pass them every day without a second thought. The blue and gold roadside signs shaped like a keystone are part of the state&rsquo;s identity, but many people do not realize they carry nearly a century of history.
Public broadcasting and the legacy of Fred Rogers continue to shape generations, according to educator and broadcaster Ed Arke, who recently reflected on the children&rsquo;s television icon during an interview.

Behind the Scenes at WITF: How the Development Department Powers Public Media

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