So...it all happened overnight: we said our fond best wishes to Adrianne Blank and welcomed Jillian Magee to the role of Main Street Manager of Building a Better Boyertown. Then COVID-19 hit us all. Fast forward six months and Jillian, lover of all things history, has acquainted herself with the organization's many projects and goals and coordinated the development of the 5-year strategic plan. Learn about upcoming events and how Building a Better Boyertown is making progress for businesses, residents, and tourists. 

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!

Meet my new BFF--Derek Menchan!  Recommended by writer John Yamrus, Derek shares his assorted inspirations. A gifted musician--he chose the cello as his focus; a teacher of the Humanities and philosophy--Plato to Pollock; and vintage car enthusiast--a fan of "hard lines," Derek shares the serendipitous avenues that have led to his passions and  "signature style."  

Meet Derek in an inspiring rendition of "At Last." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbacYxRV21o. 

And learn more about him: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/mike-dean-being-a-producer-is-more-psychological-than-technical-for-sure/?fbclid=IwAR10hUJWLXSc-lOLnxO97eA9mAaHwLeQTjEODWvRMk3w64pkNBoJKwA2HU4

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!

Pen Valentine, teacher and writer, wants everyone to write everyday as she does and discover their unique personal qualities embodied in their spirit animal as they set their intentions clearly throughout the transformations of their lives. And when challenges arise: she urges a call on the Serenity Prayer for serenity, courage, and wisdom. Coming soon: her book "Bricks, Butterflies, and Coffee."

Pen Valentine holds membership as a National Writing Project Fellow. Her submission, originally a speech she gave for the Berks County “Listen to Your Mother” event, holds one of many stories of wonder women who populate her life. Amazed and delighted to recognize the impact and superpowers her children unleashed during her own life challenges, Pen challenges the world in her signature: “Live, Love, and Leave a Legacy.”

Phil Repko, a friend, fellow former English teacher, and prolific poet, is a career educator and administrator in the PA school system--public and private--who has been writing for fun and no profit since he was a teenager.  Phil discusses his assorted inspirations and offers a poem of his own. Phil lives with his wife Julie in Gilbertsville and is the father of three outstanding children, two of whom are also poets and writers.  He vacillates between poetry and prose, as the spirit beckons, and is currently working sporadically on a novella and a memoir.

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!

Bill Flederbach, successful environmental entrepreneur, shares his recovery story at 17 after 35 years of anonymity and how today he keeps his OCD analytical mind focused--jumping out of planes! 

Challenges that the world is facing today can be dangerous to those struggling with addiction issues. And while we may all be "addicted" to something at some level, finding the source of those behaviors can be overwhelming. Knowing you're not alone is helpful; and those who reach out to help become the superheroes the world needs now! Bill Flederbach is one of those. 

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!

Jill Dennin seems to be everywhere and has played many roles in her mission as public servant.  While Motherhood derailed her legislative ambitions for a "few" years, she's been busy: volunteering--for over 25 years as Girl Scout leader, as our coordinator for the Bear Fever community art project and Studio B Art Mobile scheduler, as substitute school teacher, as caregiver and Meals on Wheels driver, and Boyertown School District School Board Director for almost 8 years--just to name a few organizations that she served.  Today she's campaigning for PA's State Representative. All labors of love. Tireless, dedicated, and knowledgeable from the "ground up," Jill cares about kids and families--first and always. Yup, I'm a fan! Visit JillforPA.com to learn more about her and become a fan too!

I love teenagers...always have! During my 35 years of teaching, I was not often disappointed in their insights and perspectives. And, if you've ever wondered what our young people value or are thinking, meet Boyertown High School senior Alex Neff whose essay appears in our latest book of poetry and prose "Superheroes: What the World Needs Now." You'll find her uncommonly charming and thoughtful--not unlike the teens you may know!

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And. , remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!

Marilyn Klimcho "vacations" with her friends by inviting them to read a minute of their poetry as part of a Berks Bards annual April Poetry Month celebration. Her own inspirations come from the smallest details. She shares them in her poem "Purpose."

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!

In a career spanning 50 years as a working writer, John Yamrus has published 26 volumes of poetry, 2 novels, 2 volumes of non-fiction and a children’s book. He has also had more than 2,000 poems published in magazines and anthologies around the world. Writing about what he knows--the people he's met, the dogs he's loved--John shares a few secrets of his success and reads a few poems that illustrate the whimsy and simplicity that mark his style. 

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!

One of Jane's favorite people and writers, Heather Goodman shares her personal inspirations, her approaches as tutor of writing, and the essay "Lady" honoring her mother that she submitted for Studio B's most recent book of poetry and prose: "Superheroes: What the World Needs Now." Her beautiful tribute offers an image of her mother's legacy: "My mom, a woman who climbs mountains with a bucket to save a flower." 

Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on studiobbb.org, on Studio B’s Facebook page, by contacting Jane Stahl, [email protected], 610-563-7879, or stopping by Studio B. And, remember, we welcome you to connect us with people, projects, and perceptions that inspire YOU to help us continue to B Inspired!