Christmas Eve is just a few days away when children all over the world – or at least in the United States -- will be looking forward to Santa Claus coming down the chimney and leaving presents under the tree.

But there’s another tradition and children may or may not be looking forward to his visit.

For the Pennsylvania Dutch, Belsnickel is a character who rewards well behaved kids and is not so nice to the naughty children.

To learn more about Belsnickel, we’re joined by Doug Madenford, host of the YouTube channel PA Dutch 101 and the author of multiple books on the PA Dutch language and culture.

Christmas Eve is just a few days away when children all over the world – or at least in the United States -- will be looking forward to Santa Claus coming down the chimney and leaving presents under the tree.
But there’s another tradition and children may or may not be looking forward to his visit.
For the Pennsylvania Dutch, Belsnickel is a character who rewards well behaved kids and is not so nice to the naughty children.
To learn more about Belsnickel, we’re joined by Doug Madenford, host of the YouTube channel PA Dutch 101 and the author of multiple books on the PA Dutch language and culture.

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>.

Who is Belsnickel in Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas tradition?

Flinchbaugh Orchard

F&M Poll

(00:00:00)

We visit Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market in Hellam, PA, where four generations have grown a family farm into a community hub. Co‑owner Julie Keene shares how the orchard began in 1951, why conservation is at the heart of their work, and how the family continues to preserve land, nurture local partnerships, and keep “Grandma Louise’s” welcoming spirit alive.

(00:22:00)

We break down the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll with director Berwood Yost. He walks us through what Pennsylvania voters are feeling heading into 2026—from economic anxiety and views on the governor’s race to immigration, presidential approval, and trust in democracy. The March statewide survey of 834 registered voters shows a state divided on its direction, worried about the economy, and uncertain about what comes next.

(00:00:00)
We visit Flinchbaugh&rsquo;s Orchard &amp; Farm Market in Hellam, PA, where four generations have grown a family farm into a community hub. Co‑owner Julie Keene shares how the orchard began in 1951, why conservation is at the heart of their work, and how the family continues to preserve land, nurture local partnerships, and keep &ldquo;Grandma Louise&rsquo;s&rdquo; welcoming spirit alive.
(00:22:00)
We break down the latest Franklin &amp; Marshall College Poll with director Berwood Yost. He walks us through what Pennsylvania voters are feeling heading into 2026&mdash;from economic anxiety and views on the governor&rsquo;s race to immigration, presidential approval, and trust in democracy. The March statewide survey of 834 registered voters shows a state divided on its direction, worried about the economy, and uncertain about what comes next.

PA Farm Roots and New Poll Reveal 2026 Voter Mood 

Frank Langfitt

Jenna Wise

Pi Day

(00:00:00)

In today’s episode, we go inside Pennsylvania’s pivotal 10th Congressional District to hear how voters are processing the recent U.S. attack on Iran. Reporter Frank Langfitt brings us voices from Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton, where Trump supporters and swing voters alike are weighing the president’s promise to end “forever wars” against yet another military strike abroad. What are people saying on the ground? And how might these views shape one of the most closely watched midterm races? Frank also talks about revealing conversations from across Pennsylvania, where Republican voters are responding to President Trump’s repeated claims that Democrats can only win the midterms by cheating—and that he plans to stop them. Frank shares some of the candid, surprising, and deeply varied reactions he heard from conservative voters as they grapple with the president’s rhetoric, election trust, and the stakes of the upcoming vote.

(00:11:09)

Up next, Jenna Wise takes us inside two Pennsylvania cities—Harrisburg and York—to examine how each is tackling gun violence through Group Violence Intervention programs. She talks with community leaders, law enforcement, and residents to understand why Harrisburg’s initiative is struggling while York’s is thriving. 

(00:23:18)

Just in time for "Pi" Day, we travel to Lancaster County to meet Donna Alexander, owner of Pies Galore & More. Since opening in 2012, Donna has dreamed of more than serving great pie—she’s built a warm, nostalgic gathering place where neighbors come for coffee, conversation, and “food for the soul.” We explore how her bakery has become a community hub, the inspiration behind her classic recipes, and why a simple slice of pie can bring people together.

(00:00:00)
In today&rsquo;s episode, we go inside Pennsylvania&rsquo;s pivotal 10th Congressional District to hear how voters are processing the recent U.S. attack on Iran. Reporter Frank Langfitt brings us voices from Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton, where Trump supporters and swing voters alike are weighing the president&rsquo;s promise to end &ldquo;forever wars&rdquo; against yet another military strike abroad. What are people saying on the ground? And how might these views shape one of the most closely watched midterm races? Frank also talks about revealing conversations from across Pennsylvania, where Republican voters are responding to President Trump&rsquo;s repeated claims that Democrats can only win the midterms by cheating&mdash;and that he plans to stop them. Frank shares some of the candid, surprising, and deeply varied reactions he heard from conservative voters as they grapple with the president&rsquo;s rhetoric, election trust, and the stakes of the upcoming vote.
(00:11:09)
Up next, Jenna Wise takes us inside two Pennsylvania cities&mdash;Harrisburg and York&mdash;to examine how each is tackling gun violence through Group Violence Intervention programs. She talks with community leaders, law enforcement, and residents to understand why Harrisburg&rsquo;s initiative is struggling while York&rsquo;s is thriving.&nbsp;
(00:23:18)
Just in time for "Pi" Day, we travel to Lancaster County to meet Donna Alexander, owner of Pies Galore &amp; More. Since opening in 2012, Donna has dreamed of more than serving great pie&mdash;she&rsquo;s built a warm, nostalgic gathering place where neighbors come for coffee, conversation, and &ldquo;food for the soul.&rdquo; We explore how her bakery has become a community hub, the inspiration behind her classic recipes, and why a simple slice of pie can bring people together.

PA Stories of Conflict, Community, and a Slice of Comfort

John Chapman (1774–1845), better known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.

Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.

Also on the program:

Join Harrisburg University’s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin & Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece. 

John Chapman (1774&ndash;1845), better known as&nbsp;Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.
Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.
Also on the program:
Join Harrisburg University&rsquo;s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin &amp; Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece.&nbsp;

Who is Belsnickel in Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas tradition?

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