Nursing

Lazy Moon Ranch

(00:00:00)

First, Penny Lenig‑Zerby, director of the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in Harrisburg, and Joye Gingrich, UPMC in Central Pa.’s Chief Nursing Officer, share their personal journeys into nursing and what drives them to train the next generation. They discuss the realities of today’s nursing workforce, the many career paths available to new graduates, and how UPMC supports nurses as they enter the field and continue their education. They also outline practical steps for listeners interested in applying to nursing school at a time when demand for skilled nurses has never been higher.

(00:22:22)

Then, the conversation shifts to Pennsylvania’s hemp and cannabis landscape through the story of Lazy Moon Ranch and its founder, Ron Boyles. After a debilitating back injury and years of opioid dependence, Ron turned to medical cannabis—an experience that helped him reclaim his health and sparked his advocacy for patient access. Today he leads the Green Bridge Society, connecting patients with certifying doctors across multiple states, and cultivates CBD hemp at Lazy Moon Ranch following the 2018 Hemp Farm Bill. Ron shares what distinguishes hemp from cannabis, how the industry works, and what recent legislation means for growers, consumers, and curious newcomers.

(00:00:00)
First,&nbsp;Penny Lenig‑Zerby, director of the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in Harrisburg, and Joye Gingrich, UPMC in Central Pa.&rsquo;s Chief Nursing Officer, share their personal journeys into nursing and what drives them to train the next generation. They discuss the realities of today&rsquo;s nursing workforce, the many career paths available to new graduates, and how UPMC supports nurses as they enter the field and continue their education. They also outline practical steps for listeners interested in applying to nursing school at a time when demand for skilled nurses has never been higher.
(00:22:22)
Then, the conversation shifts to Pennsylvania&rsquo;s hemp and cannabis landscape through the story of Lazy Moon Ranch and its founder, Ron Boyles. After a debilitating back injury and years of opioid dependence, Ron turned to medical cannabis&mdash;an experience that helped him reclaim his health and sparked his advocacy for patient access. Today he leads the Green Bridge Society, connecting patients with certifying doctors across multiple states, and cultivates CBD hemp at Lazy Moon Ranch following the 2018 Hemp Farm Bill. Ron shares what distinguishes hemp from cannabis, how the industry works, and what recent legislation means for growers, consumers, and curious newcomers.

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>.

Care, Cultivation, and Changing Industries: Two Paths Shaping Pennsylvania’s Future

As wildfire season ramps up across the state, The Spark spoke with Mike Kern, Chief of the Division of Forest Fire Protection, and Matt Reed, Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, about what residents need to know. They explained that most wildfires in Pennsylvania are human-caused—often the result of debris burning, unattended campfires, or discarded cigarettes—making prevention a critical part of safety. With dry conditions and shifting winds increasing fire risk, they emphasized the importance of following local burn bans, properly extinguishing fires, and staying aware of changing weather conditions. Kern and Reed also highlighted how their teams prepare year-round to respond quickly and protect both people and natural resources, urging Pennsylvanians to stay informed and take simple precautions to help reduce wildfire risk.

On a recent episode of The Spark, we discussed the future of hemp fiber in Pennsylvania with Gabriella Fioravanti of Thomas Jefferson University and Mike Roth of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The conversation focused on how hemp fiber can be used in products like textiles and building materials, the environmental benefits it offers, and the challenges—like processing infrastructure—that are shaping the industry’s growth in the state.

As wildfire season ramps up across the state,&nbsp;The Spark spoke with Mike Kern, Chief of the Division of Forest Fire Protection, and Matt Reed, Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, about what residents need to know. They explained that most wildfires in Pennsylvania are human-caused&mdash;often the result of debris burning, unattended campfires, or discarded cigarettes&mdash;making prevention a critical part of safety. With dry conditions and shifting winds increasing fire risk, they emphasized the importance of following local burn bans, properly extinguishing fires, and staying aware of changing weather conditions. Kern and Reed also highlighted how their teams prepare year-round to respond quickly and protect both people and natural resources, urging Pennsylvanians to stay informed and take simple precautions to help reduce wildfire risk.
On a recent episode of&nbsp;The Spark, we discussed the future of hemp fiber in Pennsylvania with Gabriella Fioravanti of&nbsp;Thomas Jefferson University&nbsp;and Mike Roth of the&nbsp;Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The conversation focused on how hemp fiber can be used in products like textiles and building materials, the environmental benefits it offers, and the challenges&mdash;like processing infrastructure&mdash;that are shaping the industry&rsquo;s growth in the state.

The Spark Weekly | April 5 | Wildfires and Hemp Fiber

West Shore Farmers Market

Hemp Fiber

(00:00:00)

Greg Katshir is part of the third generation of family leadership at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. After the market’s founder, Ray Garver Sr., passed away in 1959, and later his son Ray Garver Jr. took over, the family tradition continued when Tracy (Garver) Katshir joined the business in 1990. Today, the Market is managed jointly by Tracy and her husband, Greg Katshir.

(00:23:06)

Pennsylvania has been actively rebuilding its industrial hemp sector—especially fiber hemp—thanks to strong agricultural roots, state support, and increasing demand for sustainable materials.

(00:00:00)
Greg Katshir is part of the third generation of family leadership at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. After the market&rsquo;s founder, Ray Garver Sr., passed away in 1959, and later his son Ray Garver Jr. took over, the family tradition continued when Tracy (Garver) Katshir joined the business in 1990. Today, the Market is managed jointly by Tracy and her husband, Greg Katshir.
(00:23:06)
Pennsylvania has been actively rebuilding its industrial hemp sector&mdash;especially fiber hemp&mdash;thanks to strong agricultural roots, state support, and increasing demand for sustainable materials.

From Generational Market Leadership to Industrial Innovation: How the West Shore Farmers Market and Pennsylvania’s Hemp Revival Reflect a Growing Sustainable Future

Match Madness

Women Judges

(00:00:00)

We’re joined by Carol Thornton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Better Health, along with leaders from two participating nonprofits:
Ericka Anderson, Landisburg EMS
Jeanna Som, Supportive Partnerships for Youth

Together, they break down Match Madness, a unique annual fundraising campaign now celebrating its 10th year. Modeled after the excitement of March Madness, this initiative brings together 64 local nonprofits—all committed to advancing health equity and serving communities throughout the region. Since 2016, Match Madness has raised more than $6.1 million to support small and mid‑sized organizations making a direct impact.

(00:22:31)

In recognition of National Women’s History Month, we also feature Judge Lori A. Dumas, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge (term 2022–2031). Judge Dumas reflects on her extensive career—from her decades on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to her role as a nationally recognized trainer on human trafficking issues.

We explore the broader landscape of women in the Pennsylvania judiciary, where women now make up 34% of active judges statewide. Women hold major leadership roles across Pennsylvania’s appellate courts, including the historic appointment of Chief Justice Debra Todd, the first woman to lead the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Judge Dumas brings firsthand insight into this progress, the importance of representation, and the ongoing evolution of the judiciary.

(00:00:00)
We&rsquo;re joined by Carol Thornton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Better Health, along with leaders from two participating nonprofits:
<ul>
<li>Ericka Anderson, Landisburg EMS</li>
<li>Jeanna Som, Supportive Partnerships for Youth</li>
</ul>
Together, they break down Match Madness, a unique annual fundraising campaign now celebrating its 10th year. Modeled after the excitement of March Madness, this initiative brings together 64 local nonprofits&mdash;all committed to advancing health equity and serving communities throughout the region. Since 2016, Match Madness has raised more than $6.1 million to support small and mid‑sized organizations making a direct impact.
(00:22:31)
In recognition of National Women&rsquo;s History Month, we also feature Judge Lori A. Dumas, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge (term 2022&ndash;2031). Judge Dumas reflects on her extensive career&mdash;from her decades on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to her role as a nationally recognized trainer on human trafficking issues.
We explore the broader landscape of women in the Pennsylvania judiciary, where women now make up 34% of active judges statewide. Women hold major leadership roles across Pennsylvania&rsquo;s appellate courts, including the historic appointment of Chief Justice Debra Todd, the first woman to lead the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Judge Dumas brings firsthand insight into this progress, the importance of representation, and the ongoing evolution of the judiciary.

Care, Cultivation, and Changing Industries: Two Paths Shaping Pennsylvania’s Future

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