B Inspired

Team Asylum coordinator Randy Renninger reports that Boyertown's first Pokémon Tournament was a win all around. Over 100 players and observers attended; celebrity players came from New York, Philadelphia, and Tennessee; vendors enjoyed sales and opportunities to meet players; families bonded during shared play. There are many more wins to the day! Listen and be inspired!

Tina Hartman shares that she's realized a dream-come-true in opening Boyertown's latest food venue offering creative choices of salads, paninis, soups, and wraps along with the choice to order your own combination of ingredients. A former home health care professional, eager to please, Tina enjoys mixing with patrons and staff, listening carefully to ideas for changing up the menu as seasons change and to meet culinary tastes of the area.

So many animals, so many places to visit and re-visit--camera in hand: Jeff Grabert can't get enough. Thousands of images from which to choose to print and frame and exhibit--locally and around the world. Africa on safari is his favorite location--closest to nature.

John Hanna recounts his journey from teen dishwasher in urban Atlanta, Georgia, to culinary chef creating Ironstone Restaurant's unique farm-to-table offerings in rural Boyertown, Pennsylvania. John shares challenges inherent in the demanding lifestyle of running a restaurant along with the rewards of pleasing diners experiencing offerings sourced locally but new to their palate.

Artisan Minna Aaparyti has memories of walks through the woods to get to and from school in Finland. Her art in many mediums showcases her long-held love of nature. Participants in her workshops will find her eager to share the creative processes in relaxing sessions. And they'll take what they've created home with them. Minna is eager to resume her artistic life close to nature in an upcoming move to the Oley Valley from Fishtown.

Boyertown's Studio B Art Gallery announces the opening of "The Full Monty," on April 26, 2024, an exhibit celebrating all things male, featuring 13 gentleman artists: Albert Ciervo, Miles Decoster, Charles Emlen, Daniel Gaumer, Bob Hakun, Walk Hug, Barrie Maguire, Jim Meehan, Mike Miller, Jay Ressler, Peter Rampson, Bill Timmins, and Joe Szimhart.

Susan Grabert's home is rich with art in many mediums--her own, her photographer husband's, paintings and sculptures from local artists and from artists and fine crafts people from all over the world. Her artistic journey is rich in experiences and challenges whether creating a painting-a-day for 30 days or moving from hyper-realistic still lifes to paintings of African wildlife hidden in patterns.

Robyn Burckhardt's friends want to spend time with her in her studio--creating, venting, relaxing--for they know that any time spent with Robyn will be full of energy and joy. She'll splash paint on your blank canvas, as needed, to get you started. And from there, anything goes. It's just so much fun. And healing, too.

Ashley had no idea following her high school graduation what she wanted to do with her life. She just knew she wanted to be creative. Beauty school followed; but in discovering a horse trailer she could transform into a business creating unique beverages for weddings and special events she recognized her "calling."

Jules Hull, familiar to many as an accomplished plumber, emerges as author in his memoir Blessings Afforded a Common Man, offering his experiences throughout his life allowing him to see God's presence and "direction" in his life. Common, perhaps, in an unpretentious lifestyle, yet Jules reveals an uncommon awareness of where the pieces of life's puzzle fit in building a life and developing relationships in simple, yet engaging and accomplished, prose. 

Several days before he passed, Charles Haddad called to say he was willing to record a "B Inspired" podcast with me and Pastor Bob Machamer. In a wide-ranging conversation, Bob Machamer, pastor serving Charles' beloved St. John's Lutheran Church in Boyertown, shares his understanding of Charles' as community leader, role model, and personal friend. Pastor Bob illuminates Charles' vision of the community's future, his earnest hopes that young leaders would emerge to further the mission he had spent his life supporting: nothing less than the unconditional acceptance of all members of the community working together to improve its infrastructure, maintain quality education, and strengthen its support of the arts, history, and cultural opportunities. Too much to say in 30+ minutes, we'll catch up with Pastor Bob on his own sometime soon.

Bill Cherkasky got "hooked" while touring the high school's "old building" before its latest renovations that would remove all the old wood found in its classroom doors and the framing of the classrooms' slate blackboards. Eager to preserve as much as he could, Bill created projects--video projects and visual art ones--raised funding to sponsor the projects, and found new "homes" for items of value to avoid landfills.

Jake McCoach taught me more about the world of video gaming--about assisting emerging players to find sponsors, about creating tournaments that provide gamers a place to play and meet others--all things about a world that is foreign to me but highly lucrative to talented players in today's world.

Melanie has never met a challenge she couldn't outperform. Her childhood dream as captain of her twirling team provided Melanie with the leadership skills, commitment, and drive to fill challenging roles within her community as teacher and executive director of the YMCA and continue to climb the corporate ladder of responsibility with the YMCA organization all while making sure her family's needs were met.

Captain Jim Boyer has served for 38 years in the business of helping those in distress--sometimes saving lives. He offers insight into his role with the Boyertown Ambulance as an EMT and Paramedic highlighting the unique ways the job is more than a job; it's a mission in bettering the community.

Amy Muzopappa's photo on Facebook that showcased a stance during her First Place routine demonstrating Forms in a Bucks County Marital Arts Tournament inspired this episode. After turning 50, Amy decided she was going to follow the advice from Shawshank Redemption to "get busy living" in her "fight" with an autoimmune condition. She signed up to learn martial arts, and she decided to be more open about "fighting" to live despite her condition. (The episode was recorded for the podcast Both Sides Now co-hosted by Ross (Yergz) Yerger and Jane.

I had to "surprise" Lesley Misko during one of The Boyertown Area Expression's executive committee meetings--a.k.a. one of our "gab" sessions over lunch--by quickly pushing the "record" button before she could object. She's been shyly, slyly avoiding being the subject of a "B Inspired" conversation. But, we did it and had a good time exploring the mission and intent of our project, thanking our contributors, and encouraging more expression from the community!

"B Inspired" offers a New Year's Special! Ross (Yergz) Yerger and I recorded a "Both Sides Now" episode when he came back to Boyertown to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. I recorded it as a bonus episode on "B Inspired" thinking to give my listeners a "taste" of our new-ish podcast! Technical difficulties occurred and the episode is recorded in three parts. So...here ya go! Maybe you'll "be inspired" to become a subscriber to "Both Sides Now" on Spotify or a host of other platforms. Happy New Year from us both...now!

In case you missed it, we're offering this episode about mural artist Chris B. Murray as an encore presentation. In under three weeks, mural artist Chris spray painted his colorful and whimsical design "A Better Bear" onto the west side of Boyertown, PA's Rita’s Water Ice building. Chris never made a "Plan B," so making a living for himself and his family as an artist--his "Plan A"--is a most satisfying accomplishment. There was never a doubt in his own mind and those of his parents and teachers that his talents would bring him success--after some difficult, lean years.

During the Boyertown Ambulance Service's annual subscription drive, Board President Melanie Roth and Captain Jim Boyer provide an update and information about the community's valued service organization--its mission, activities, and need for support.

Greg Schweitzer has been a teacher of stress reduction techniques for over 30 years. Under the clinical direction of Deepak Chopra, endorsed by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, with celebrity clients Barbra Streisand and George Harrison and corporate clients including GPU Energy, J.C. Ehrlich Pest Control, Godiva Chocolatier, Air Products and Chemicals, and Penn State Hershey Medical Center, his Effortless Meditation courses, lifestyle coaching, retreats, and training programs inspire a healthful alternative to frenetic modern life.

Mary Anne Abdo's start as a writer began as an eighth grade student assigned to write about her "roots." In discovering the hardships of her ancestors, her journey to assist today's women in struggles through domestic violence, abandonment, and homelessness has culminated in her first book of poetry titled "Fractured Lollipop."

Ross (Yergz) Yerger and Jane took advantage of his visit to family over Thanksgiving to record a "B Inspired" episode face-to-face. The episode provides a taste of the energy, content, and tone of the podcast they created together recently titled "Both Sides Now" that can be found on yergz.com along with his podcast "Up the Middle" and his Monday-Friday LIVE radio show. Check us out: we have some fun. (A previous episode with Yergz was dropped August 4, 2023, that provides info about his background and motivation.)

Randy Renninger, BASH grad Class of 2014, is passionate about his work involving graphic design and planning events to bring video game players together face-to-face as a way to provide another team sport that can include everybody. He is happy in his hometown but connects with his partner and tons of players of all ages through his phone. Playing games is a lucrative business these days. Who knew?! Find him on Twitter: #teamasylum, Find merch at teamasylum.gg

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Eileen Dautrich, president of TriCounty Chamber of Commerce, and I have known each other for decades without realizing that we've known one another for decades longer. Connecting people and services builds long-term relationships that benefit businesses and communities.

Marky Barto comes to us from the Czech Republic, bringing the centuries-old classical painting style to Berks County as apprentice to her instructor, fine artist Eric Armusik. She recounts her artistic journey-- influences from her childhood, education, career paths, and serendipitous encounters--that landed her in the U.S. following her love of art as an emerging and award-winning artist with her first solo exhibit at Arts Plus Gallery in West Reading through November 2023.

Doug Nestler had a vision and a lifetime dream of bringing the worlds of guitars and visual art together in a space where creativity blossoms. His new business--Crossroads--is a beautifully renovated space where students of all ages can learn to play instruments--guitar, ukulele, and piano for now--with other options to come; participate in workshops; stage a performance; purchase musical instruments or other merchandise; showcase their visual art in the gallery; or just hang out with others who love music and art. The episode features Doug and Evan Cole, Crossroads' music and voice instructor. Visit guitarsandart.com and take the tour of this amazing space to learn and create. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jane-stahl/episodes/Guitars-and-Art-Crossroads-of-Creativity-e2bdlr9

While Barby Bonnett knew that creating art was her destiny and that Moore College of Art would prepare her, she wasn't sure if she would be able to make a living at it. Where she found her art was in creating pastry that is not only mouth watering but also visually delightful.

And while she knew early on that animals needed protection, not as part of her diet, she didn't know that her love of animals would feature in the pastry she created and would inspire her to paint those endangered animals that needed her help.

Barby's award-winning work is colorful and layered, a technique resulting from her work in pastels.

Main Street Manager Ellen Martignetti and Events Planner Krista Gross reflect on Building a Better Boyertown's 2023 Oktoberfest and upcoming events, plans, and vision for future events and initiatives.

Pastor Dave Bitler of St. John Hill asks, “Does Your Tattoo Have a Story?” And then he listens carefully to folks eager to tell the secrets of their soul. “Stories are important,” he offers; “it’s where lives intersect with Jesus. And that’s the point of evangelism—giving meaning to communion.” Approaching people who are often shunned because of their body art has changed Dave's ministry--from "telling" to listening. His own story features unscripted paths from a dream of becoming a music teacher to a degree in business and computer and employment as an IT guy developing internet systems for companies to (finally, his friends tell him) entering the seminary. And an out-of-the-blue phone call inviting him to join a fellow pastor to hunt tattoo stories has led to his unique form of evangelism.

In our third "B Inspired" episode, Joe shares the multiple meanings behind his art as expression as man's necessity for survival and especially his current series that contains elements from cave art and native cultures. Always a fascinating interview, Joe's knowledge of spiritual matters that comes largely from his wide reading and life experiences--first as a cult member and then as a deprogrammer--is mind-opening. An award-winner in Studio B's "What Inspires YOU?" exhibit, he articulates the many inspirations behind his work.

Rachel Trettin, owner of The Gilbertsville Farm, admits that she’s no farmer; however, she is an impressive, self-educated young entrepreneur who runs a 5-acre high-tech farm maze on County Line Road, Gilbertsville, each September through December. Her father created the second corn maze in the country, and when she was 6 years old, knew that she wanted to run her own corn maze someday. And, at 31 she's living her dream. Lots of add-ons are features of The Gilbertsville Farm’s maze.In addition to the corn maze, The Gilbertsville Farm is a family-friendly venue for events. Always eager to talk to young people, she wants them to know that if she can own her own business—even without an official college degree—they can do it too. And she has plans to further her ideal of making The Gilbertsville Farm a go-to destination and to own additional businesses--following in the footsteps of her father, a serial entrepreneur. 

Reflecting on how Boyertown's Oktoberfest began is the subject of this week's episode. Spurred by a challenge from community leader Charles Haddad, Jeff and Cindy Karver initiated the community's popular and successful event that not only survived the first year's economic downturn, chaired it for five years and have watched it grow bigger and better each successive year. Having just celebrated its 16th year, the festival has a bright future and promises more fun for all.

Assemblage artist Bob Hakun has always enjoyed creating things using a variety of techniques to turn found objects into art. After the fabricators of Halloween masks moved to China, he turned his creativity into graphic design. Missing the art involved in working with his hands, he has become known for his multi-themed assemblages in rust.

Awarded “Best in Show”…again…at Studio B’s exhibit “What Inspires YOU?” native New Yorker and graduate from Fordham University with a degree in psychology followed by several years studying at the School of Visual Arts, Jim Meehan’s mission is to be obscure, to retain a bit of mystery. An admirer of the surrealist painters, he draws “from his head”—as if he’s explaining something to himself, “working it out,” surprising himself a bit. A cartoonist like his father, Jim worked at the New York Daily News, in advertising while building his portfolio, and drew whenever his Mr. Mom duties allowed—he works in pen and ink on paper, acrylic on canvas, and mixed media collage—always hoping to create something of interest to himself and entertaining for others. 

Frank Morgan recalls the long hours over 5 years he spent committed to building his new business, caring for his twin daughters, and serving the people and organizations within the Boyertown Area School District. He offers tips and advice for entrepreneurs and some insights about the mission and events of Berks-Mont Business Association, an organization he was happy to lead during its re-invention.

This episode introduces “Working Together,” a Therapeutic Community Rehabilitation Project, on the 120-acre grounds of the former Fellowship Farm, with a mission to help homeless, addicted, or incarcerated individuals—many who have often been physically, mentally, and sexually abused—but desire for a “hand up, not a hand-out.” The conversation centers around founding father and executive director Ted Edwards—businessman, seminarian, and marriage and family therapist—and Isaac A—staff member, whose life and experiences mirror those of the 65 “students” who will be invited into the two-year program beginning December 2023, involving therapeutic opportunities and the development of work-related, life, and relationship skills. This 501(c)3 non-profit offers a second chance to those whose early lives gave them little chance for a productive life. 

Ready, Set, Walk…and Read! “B Inspired” podcast met with Sairra Cloen, Boyertown Community staff member; Lindsey Mason, former director of the Boyertown Community Library; and Barbara Kreisler, volunteer, to celebrate a dream they’ve had for years: the establishment of a permanent StoryWalk® in the Boyertown Community Park. Families can now enjoy stories in the park every day—not just Wednesdays in good weather. The episode explores the backgrounds and experiences of these VIP library lovers; we than them for their efforts in enhancing literacy and community involvement in the many activities they organize and plan for the betterment of Boyertown.https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/6Hn9Z8xc5Bb

Ready, Set, Walk…and Read!“ B Inspired” podcast met with Sairra Cloen, Boyertown Community staff member; Lindsey Mason, former director of the Boyertown Community Library; and Barbara Kreisler, volunteer, to celebrate a dream they’ve had for years: the establishment of a permanent StoryWalk® in the Boyertown Community Park. Families can now enjoy stories in the park every day—not just Wednesdays in good weather. The episode explores the backgrounds and experiences of these VIP library lovers; we thank them for their efforts in enhancing literacy and community involvement in the many activities they organize and plan for the betterment of Boyertown. 

The “B Inspired” podcast features fellow retired educator, BASH graduate, Class of ’87, John Owen Davis who looks forward to a new career where he’ll use the people skills he honed as band director intent on building within his classroom a culture of “unrelenting kindness” where his students knew that, above all, he wanted them to be good people. John’s “been around” throughout his career—Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Florida, and Australia—and made some impressively decisive moves to avoid feeling suffocated by others’ expectations, to follow his heart as a gay man, or, more recently, to feel safe from Florida’s governor and unruly students. While some decisions were questioned by family and friends, he regrets none. In sharing the motivations for his many moves, he reveals the bedrock of his character—uncommon confidence, the importance of family and a sense of community, and a selflessness that he took from the Boyertown community, his parents, and teachers. 

Yergz's resumé makes my head spin. Retired after 21 years as a Secret Service agent, Ross Yerger reviews his journey in this extra-long episode that took him out of small-town life into the big leagues in sports and protection services before "coming out" that has led him back into journalism. Finding his way "Up The Middle" in his podcast, Ross is eager to share his experiences and concerns for the future of the country he served for decades with passion and invites us to join him on Yergz.com. He won't hold back!

Studio B's 2023 juror Susan LeClaire named Phil Repko's poems as "Best in Show" in Studio B's 10th anthology of poetry, prose, and art "Legacy: Remembrance Matters." Again. And so, award-winner that he is, while "B Inspired" has enjoyed conversation with Phil previously, because Phil was The Teacher of poetry I wanted my own children to experience, I knew my audience would enjoy listening to and learning from this prolific writer whose reflections on the legacies we leave or hope to leave will certainly touch your hearts. Phil shares this year's submissions and a plus one, his writer's journey, thoughts on his process, and his plans for publication of a few of probably over 500 poems he has written over a span of over 40 years.

Laura shares her journey from small-town Boyertown to New York to Hollywood, from her high school goal as environmental scientist to costume designer for theatre and film. Our conversation allowed a peek into her life of traveling the world researching and gathering the people and knowledge needed to outfit actors authentically for their roles.

Pam Dent is adamant: life is too short to be anything but sweet! Enjoy the ice cream, that gorgeous slice of cake. The bright, vibrant colors and wild, lavish brush strokes in her paintings entice us to enjoy life's simple pleasures and to unleash our creativity within! Chatting with her inspires joy; and, before you know it, she'll have us painting!

Catching up with Mindy, BASH Class of '98--one of those students a teacher never forgets--I found her on a course to a new career as elementary school teacher. Learning the personal and family challenges she's met and managed, undaunted, since high school--especially those parenting challenges as a single mom of a neurodiverse son--I learned the core belief that has made her an uncommon mom and will make her a super educator.

Speech and language therapist Kristin Park brings The Magic Speech Bus wherever children need her services. Kristin’s goal of establishing a private practice as speech therapist has found its home in her Magic Speech bus that is cheerfully and whimsically decorated in primary colors, featuring rainbows and stars. The beauty of her mobile office is not just in its looks, however. A sign inside the bus lists the ways Kristin’s services promise to enhance the lives of her clients by building confidence through education and practice to give them the power to speak for themselves, to advocate for themselves—to assure them that what they have to say matters. 

ICYMI--Encore Presentation: Originally dropped as a mid-week special, this episode spotlights the "Before I Die" mural wall that was dedicated recently.

We Are (again...part of) the World! Again! Boyertown, PA, joins the "Before I Die" global project of over 5,000 walls in over 70 countries, in over 30 languages. Amy Muzopappa introduced the project from Alaska while on vacation and knew it had to come to Boyertown. It was a perfect fit for Studio B's "Legacy: Remembrance Matters" exhibit featuring visual and literary art and the many efforts of Building a Better Boyertown.

John Martignetti constructed the wall; Andrew Garcia added the chalkboard paint. Amy applied the stencils by Thursday, June 15 at 5:00 pm. and by Friday morning, June 16, 10 a.m. the wall featured its first responses.

A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, June 21, 5:30 pm. So exciting to be part of this international project begun over 10 years ago!! The mission: finding common ground, creating community cohesiveness--the mission of so many projects featured in this special kind of place: Boyertown, PA. As our beloved former mayor, the late Marianne Deery insisted: none of us is a stranger--just a friend we have not yet met.

 "Nevertheless, she persisted" is Gigi Malinchak's motto, one that she has had tattooed on her arm to remind her and inspire others following her stroke and subsequent surgery to remove the injured part of her brain. Yet, it was no surprise to me that this positive, spirited, dynamic pet care professional was determined to return to health and share the challenges she continues to face along with the changes and conditions she's learned to accept.