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Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly,

New York Times best-selling novelist Jeff Shaara talks about his new book against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, The Shadow of War.

 

Also, on the program jazz musician Champian Fulton discusses her career and upcoming tour and album.
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In a unique collaboration celebrating history, community, and the spirit of resilience, Spring House Brewing Company has crafted "Saucy Boy," a refreshing blend of pale lager and grapefruit soda. But this beer is more than just a beverage; it's a tribute to the enduring legacy of Crispus Attucks, an emblematic figure in America's fight for freedom.

Partnering with the Crispus Attucks Community Center and the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County (CAP), Spring House Brewing Company embarked on a mission to commemorate and educate people about the historic significance of the Center, which has been a beacon of equity and justice in the community for nearly a century. The collaboration extends beyond brewing, with local artist Keisha Finnie lending her talents to create a visually stunning can design that honors the story of Crispus Attucks. Blending Finnie's artwork with a bold citrus graphic, the can reflects the vibrant essence of Saucy Boy, mirroring the beer's sweet, crisp, and citrusy notes.

The choice of name, "Saucy Boy," carries profound meaning rooted in history. Crispus Attucks, an Indigenous-African man who escaped enslavement, met a tragic fate as the first American killed in the American Revolution. Yet, his memory endured, albeit tarnished by the derogatory remarks of the era. Future President John Adams infamously referred to Attucks and his compatriots as "a motley rabble of saucy boys," among other disparaging epithets. For the collaborators behind Saucy Boy, the name symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity. It represents the defiance of oppression and the unwavering spirit of those who have fought for justice throughout history. Through this partnership, they aim to shed light on this often-overlooked chapter of American history and pay homage to Attucks' enduring legacy.

"We are grateful to have some awesome partners carrying Saucy Boy in support of the Center," expressed Joshua Hunter the center's director. This sentiment underscores the collaborative effort that has brought Saucy Boy from concept to reality, with local businesses and community organizations rallying behind the cause. And the launch of Saucy Boy serves as more than just a celebration of craft beer; it's a celebration of community, culture, and the resilience of the human spirit. With each sip, drinkers are invited to reflect on the legacy of Crispus Attucks and the countless others who have dared to defy oppression and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.

As Saucy Boy finds its place on shelves and in glasses across the community, it carries with it a message of hope and remembrance—a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of resilience endures. And in raising a glass to toast to this shared history, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.
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On June 1st, a moving portrayal will grace the stage—a heartfelt depiction of Hazel Jackson's life, a woman whose resilience and dedication left an unforgettable impact on her community. This play, honoring Jackson's memory, marks the foundation stone of the newly formed Hazel Jackson Foundation, with proceeds supporting its mission of empowerment and assistance. Recalling the beginnings of this endeavor, Cheryl Holland-Jones, Dr. Jackson's daughter and the driving force behind the foundation, reminisces about a journey that commenced with a shared desire for change. Amidst social unrest and a global health crisis, the community found itself reevaluating its values and institutions. The renaming of a local school in Jackson's honor sparked discussions about representation and inclusivity, setting the stage for broader societal reflections.

The renaming of Hazel Jackson Middle School was more than symbolic; it embodied the community's commitment to preserving Jackson's legacy. From these conversations emerged the idea of a foundation—a platform to perpetuate Jackson's values through scholarships, lectures, and community programs. At the heart of fundraising efforts lies a stage production chronicling Jackson's extraordinary life—a narrative of resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Through this artistic medium, the foundation seeks to inspire pride and unity, anchoring individuals in Jackson's enduring principles. And, reflecting on her mother's legacy, Cheryl, alongside her daughter Amber, underscores the pivotal role of community involvement in driving change. It was through grassroots activism and collective efforts that the school renaming became a reality—a tribute to Jackson's legacy and her ideals.

Dr. Jackson's story epitomizes resilience in adversity. As the first African-American female teacher in the Lancaster school district, she confronted systemic challenges with unwavering resolve. Her nine-year journey symbolizes a steadfast commitment to her vocation. Beyond her pioneering role, Jackson's legacy encompasses a broader cultural and social influence. She paved the way for diversity and inclusion initiatives within the school district, leaving an indelible mark on successive generations. Furthermore, she embodied this commitment as the first African-American Professor at Millersville University.

As the stage production unfolds, audiences will witness Jackson's remarkable odyssey—a testament to perseverance and community solidarity. Their support will fuel the foundation's empowerment mission, ensuring Jackson's legacy inspires future generations. Rooted in talent development and community resilience, the Hazel Jackson Foundation's endeavors, from scholarships to cultural events, aim to uplift and empower. Attendees of the play not only honor Jackson's memory but also contribute to initiatives that enrich the community. Ultimately, the production celebrates Jackson's life—a tribute to her enduring legacy and the values she embodied, serving as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of perseverance, leadership, and communal unity.
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The vibrant cultural scene of Downtown Harrisburg is set to be enriched as the curtains rise for the acclaimed play "What the Constitution Means to Me" starting Saturday, and continuing its run until June 1st at the Open Stage. This Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist production promises to captivate audiences with its witty, timely, and deeply personal exploration of our nation's founding document. At the heart of the play lies the intertwined narratives of playwright and performer Heidi Schreck, whose own journey through Constitutional debate competitions as a fifteen-year-old forms the bedrock of this insightful production. Portrayed by Karen Ruch in a performance that promises to be both humorous and poignant, Schreck's journey traverses the landscape of American history, connecting four generations of women to the enduring principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Under the creative guidance of Stuart Landon, the producing artistic director, "What the Constitution Means to Me" emerges as a testament to the enduring relevance of the Constitution in shaping individual lives and the collective ethos of a nation. With evening performances scheduled at 7:30pm on select dates from May 11th to June 1st, alongside matinee shows at 2:00pm on May 12th and 19th, audiences have ample opportunity to engage with this transformative theatrical experience. Moreover, special events such as the Opening Night & Reception on Saturday, May 11th, and an ASL Interpreted Performance on Sunday, May 26th at 6:00pm, ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all theater enthusiasts. For those seeking a blend of entertainment and enlightenment, "What the Constitution Means to Me" promises to be an unmissable cultural event, offering a fresh perspective on the document that continues to shape the American narrative.
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Public interest in intergenerational (IG) programs and practices are growing, spurred by the recognition that the synergy between younger and older generations can address mutual needs and aspirations. Research underscores the manifold benefits of IG programs, with participants of all ages experiencing diminished susceptibility to age-based stereotypes, enriched perspectives on life, skill acquisition, expanded social networks, and avenues for civic engagement and community service. As the IG landscape evolves nationally and internationally, there's a call for enhanced training for professionals and broader access to resources, diverse program models, support systems, and evaluative research affirming program effectiveness.

The Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference, slated for July at the Lancaster Holiday Inn and hosted by Penn State University, is poised to be a focal point for stakeholders invested in IG initiatives. Tailored for community-based organizations, the conference beckons staff members, administrators, educators, scholars, advocates, volunteers, students, and others keen on deepening their understanding of intergenerational programs.

To delve into the intricacies of IG dynamics and the significance of the upcoming conference, we featured on The Spark; Chris Kennedy, a nationally acclaimed thought leader in aging-in-place, elucidated the fundamental tenets of intergenerational collaboration. Ian Sanchez, the community relations specialist at Lancaster County Community Foundation, shared insights into local efforts fostering intergenerational connections. Dr. Matt Kaplan, a distinguished professor specializing in Intergenerational programs and aging at Penn State University, provided scholarly perspectives on the transformative potential of intergenerational initiatives.
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The Cuban Missile Crisis in October, 1962 may have been the closest the world has come to a nuclear war.

The Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles in Cuba – just 90 miles of the coast of Florida.

President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premiere Nikita Khrushchev stared one another down as the U.S. demanded the missiles be removed.

New York Times best-selling novelist Jeff Shaara’s new book The Shadow of War, tells the tension-filled story of those two weeks through the eyes of major figures in the crisis, including Khrushchev and Attorney General Robert Kennedy, who was his brother's closest adviser, but not the president,  John Kennedy.

On The Spark Thursday, Shaara was asked why he decided to write the books through different characters, but not the president,"Through Bobby's eyes, through his brother's eyes, you get the opportunity to see what Kennedy is going through, to see the impact of other people on who have their different philosophies. Plus Bobby, also a family man and who's also deeply concerned about the world blowing up. He's the one who ends up being the conduit between the Americans, the American government and the Russian ambassador who's in Washington passing a long negotiation on just how they can settle this. That to me, that's one of the the most fun scenes to write. And it's all historically accurate, of what it was like at the end when these two sides got together through the eyes of these two men who end up sort of hammering out what has to happen. The Russians have to save face. They can't simply I mean, Khrushchev can't say to his Presidium and in the Kremlin, oh, I've decided to chicken out. I just pulled the missiles out. No, he can't do that. So there's got to be some face saving. And it's a very sort of complex negotiation, very complex issue."

There are other major characters who aren't as well-known but provide examples of what ordinary Americans were thinking and feeling at the time and on people close to Kennedy and Khrushchev from both sides.

Another unique aspect of the book is the Khrushchev is not portrayed as a one-dimensional character bent on destroying the United States. Shaara said he used Khrushchev's memoir as a resource for his characterization,"This is a two sided story. And it will actually, if you include Castro, it's a three sided story. Khrushchev realizes he's sort of surprised, and then he's not surprised by how belligerent Castro is and when the Russians are trying to keep all this quiet, they're trying to keep the secret of what they're doing, Castro is shooting his mouth off. There are there are Spanish language newspapers in Miami who are printing things that Castro is saying, because he's saying them publicly. And, Kennedy knows that. And then the CIA is picking up all this information, and then Khrushchev realizes it as well. But for Khrushchev, it's a problem because he's giving away the store. At the at the end of this when they do pull the missiles out, and that's not giving anything away because we're all alive today because they pulled the missiles out. But when he does that, Castro is furious because there goes his muscle. He likes the idea of threatening United States any time he feels like it. And suddenly that goes away and it changes the whole relationship."

Shaara writes about another frightening, true story in the book, "A Soviet submarine commander who was out there in the Caribbean, whose job has been to protect the Soviet merchant ships to make sure the Americans don't start sinking them, which will start a real mess. But this guy, I love the fact he been under water for quite a while. His batteries are low, and he can't raise his base back in the Soviet Union with his radio. That tells him the war has started. He's actually convinces himself that it's on, and he's got nuclear missiles in his sub or nuclear torpedoes. He's ready to go. He's ready to fire them. And it's one of his subordinates who talks him out of that. You have to wonder w