Advertise on podcast: B Inspired

Jane Stahl was invited to share what she does during a meeting of the Pottstown Area Artist Guild (PAAG). And so, one wet, wet Sunday afternoon, Jane as Director of Community Relations for Studio B Art Gallery , Deb Zaharchuk, owner of the upcoming Paint & Palette shop connected to Studio B, writer and teacher Sandra Williams, Studio B's gallery director Bob Hakun and Erica Vinskie, Henny Faire's fragrance artisan met with several members of PAAG to share the history, mission and upcoming events designed to put the spotlight on the area's artist who are often uncomfortable promoting themselves and their art. We want to help folks to know you better, to appreciate and support your work. It's all about building a strong community. The episode was recorded at the Boyer Gallery in Pottstown. It's longish and free-wheeling. Jane just started recording and talking...what she likes to do!

In this episode, Jane shares her memories of 9/11, urges remembrance and a continued sharing the impact of the historic day when The Towers fell, the heroes that emerged, the country's unity it inspired, and the importance of someday learning about our shared humanity and the care we must provide to one another and the planet that sustains us.

Alicia Dinnell, executive director of Boyertown's YMCA, oversees the many facets of the "Y" --an impressive array of programs and opportunities serving individuals and families. Reviewing the offerings of the "Y" included highlights of the Youth in Government program--a national program that began in 1936 and currently serves over 55,000 students in 41 states. The program provides an opportunity for students to learn and experience government policies and methods. Students write bills, debate issues that affect the lives of their state's constituents on the floor of the legislature, serve as members of the press and lobbyists, and even propose legislation. I wanted to know more about the program after meeting a few of the teen participants recently--impressed with the fluency in their communication and the confidence they projected.

Beth and Ed Veve have a love story they are eager to share. Both are survivors of relationships that led them to consider ending their lives. Finding one another "on a whim," learning how much they have in common, and sharing their story with others through music they write and produce provides an inspiring story of love and renewal. Find their music: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTAcrdyHN/. Be inspired!

From Day #1 of Studio B's "In Service" project, of all the businesses I wanted to feature, it was a service that folks perhaps didn't consider until "the time" came for them to bury a loved one--funeral services. That was certainly true for me. It wasn't until my parents passed that I recognized the value of service that funeral directors and staffs provide for those overwhelmed with grief, lost in an unfamiliar area of life. I had history with Bill Stock, funeral director for Ott Funeral Home: he was an 8th grade student during my first year teaching at Boyertown Junior High West and an original sponsor of one of our Bear Fever bears. Meeting him again at a most vulnerable time in my life proved to be an unexpected gift.

Donna Smith sees beauty and meaning in discarded objects that she collects at yard sales, flea markets, and thrift shops. Whimsical statements about people, their interests, their character and values show up in her creations. Her "artistic journey" included work with her sister for many years. The "red heads" enjoyed their work together.

As a way to celebrate the history of the country and participate in Studio B Art Gallery's "In Service" project, when the space to create a community garden--those gardens that historically served wartime soldiers and later local families--became available, Theresa Heist and co-hort Katie Emslie went to work. The episode explores the idea's origin, some history of Victory Gardens, the plan for the 2026 version, and an update about what's growing and will be harvested. And while, technical difficulties prevented a tidy ending to the episode, we'll catch up to learn more about Katie in a future episode. .

Tim Kwiat has always loved music--playing guitar & piano mostly--and writing songs that tell the stories of his life's journey. Retirement from his corporate day job allowed him to return to a life he loved--writing song lyrics, making music--solo and with his band mates, hosting an open mic club, and playing for folks who love to listen. Like a raft on the river, Tim's life is his dream.

Bob Wood was determined to find the cause and the cure for the heart disease that took him to the hospital to have stents placed in his clogged arteries. In this episode he shares his journey, his extensive research, and his personal plan to cure himself. The proof came recently when his cardiologist told him he need not return! "If only I'd known this 40 years ago," he opines. It's a tough road, but, to Bob--totally worth it!

In this episode Jane shares two poems--one she heard decades ago, the second just recently--that moved her to share them with lovers of language and even those who don't care much about it, knowing the poems would move them. "If I Were a Poem" by Sara Holbrook and "Thank You" by Matt Moberg are poems that reach into the heart and, like a kite on a windy day, drag you, laughing, to the height of joy and then dash you to the ground, still and breathless. They speak of joy and awe and beauty and love as well as desperation and the depths of grief. They offer a love of life both astonishing and messy--sacred--and want, above all for us to relish in the love of it all and pass it on.

Alison Shapin's face lights up as she shares her goal of becoming a lawyer and making a difference in the lives of Pennsylvania's residents when she is elected a PA Senator! Alison is a senior at Boyertown High School, named Student of the Year at the 2026 Citizen of the Year event; listening to the many ways she is involved in her school and community is jaw-dropping! Confident, articulate, and focused, she demonstrates passion and experience the YMCA's Youth in Government program has allowed her to showcase .This is a young woman going places! Her top advice? Communicate with one another. Alison can demonstrate just how to do that. I look forward to voting for her.

Bob Varga, Boyertown Area Multi-Service's new executive director, brings new energy and a lifetime of experience dedicated to enhancing health and well-being. As a fitness club owner and director of a YMCA, he brings a wealth of his entrepreneurial spirit to Boyertown to champion the mission and goals of Boyertown's prized non-profit. Along with exploring his "artistic journey," the episode reviews the many ways Boyertown's Multi-Service organization provides assistance to senior citizens and others in need of support or connections.

You must see Ruby Cooprider's artistry to fully appreciate it. Ruby owns and operates Nails by Rube's. Wearable art is how she describes her work. Working with nails started as a hobby and soon became a passion. She's board certified, was supported and encouraged by friends and family to open her own studio her book appointments a month in advance for her to turn their hands in storybooks. Find photos of her work on The Boyertown Area Expression (boyertownareaexpression.town.news).

Poets Phil Repko and John Yamrus share their "artistic journeys," their writing and publishing processes, their disparate styles, common themes, and their love of words. Both poets have newly-published books available on Amazon to share with fellow lovers of the written word. Phil's is entitled "Homestretch." John's is titled "seriously?" Love them both--the poets, the work, and the chance to visit with them in conversation about words.

Sorcha Smith saw herself on stage and continues to find "roles" to play--in local theatre AND as Youth Services Coordinator for the Boyertown Community Library. Sorcha follows the advice of those who urge finding a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Sorchaloves what she does and advocates for the library's many services and events.