B Inspired

Janae Tuck, known fondly by her 10 siblings as "Nae Nae," took a leap after working for other cake decorating and bakeries and started her own business decorating and baking cakes. As a member of the Apostolic Faith means no loans or debt is allowed. Starting cake decorating classes and hosting musicians during opening hours when the weather warms are a few plans that Nae Nae has to generate a love for the sweet stuff of life.

When John Schlegel shares his stories of his destination hunts, I am baffled at why someone would put themselves through the pain of physically preparing himself for the hunt and spend over a week pushing his body to the limit to achieve the goal of the hunt. But, as all athletes know, it's the thrill of victory that drives them. John shared his most recent hunt--successful after 3 tries-- to "bag" a mountain goal with bow and arrow. I learned a lot!

Boyertown High School students Abby Giannini and Tyler Yuengel have been on a mission since August 2025 to bring greater awareness and support for individuals on the autism spectrum as their senior project. They've held fundraisers—a bake sale, T shirt sales, a 5K race—over several months. The couple first met in their classes to enter the medical field in some capacity, recognized the need experiencing challenges of a family member, and found a venue—the So Much to Give Inclusive Café, a nonprofit that employs the neurodiverse--that inspired them and to which they could focus their fundraising efforts. These young leaders inspire! #somuchtogiveinclusivecafe #autismawareness #boyertownproud #inclusionmattersabrianag102@yahoo.com

Debbie Zaharchuk's childhood dream to visit Paris was finally realized and has sparked others--including offering workshops where participants create "Vision Boards" and "Junk Journals" to help them realize their own and inviting folks to join her on a group tour of her beloved city. Debbie brings energy and joy to her endeavors; you'll want to catch her inspiring spirit! Visit http://www.bluebateauvintage.com or contact her debz102570@gmail.com for more information about her assorted dreams and plans or to register for workshops.

Exploring memories, shocks and revelations. What do you love? Fear? Want to remember? Understand about life? In this episode, Jane prepares listeners and hopes to inspire writers for a series of writing workshops with Sandra Williams inspired by Ray Bradbury's novel Dandelion Wine. Phil Repko's essay "Breaking Ties" serves as an example. Lesley Misko invites participation to write about what's hard to let go.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! In this episode, host Jane Stahl shares her favorite "Christmas specials": Albert Brooks' movie "Defending Your Life" and Shakespeare's play "King Lear." Both begin with the ultimate life challenges--death and/or grief and suffering--yet end with love. "Defending Your Life" delivers a meaningful message wrapped in a delightful comedy. "King Lear," on the other hand, is Shakespeare's greatest tragedy addressing major life issues that test our resolve, our faith, and our resilience. In both, love is the answer and, as Christmas specials, remind us of the "reason for the season."

Coming from three generations of musicians, Patricia Keith always knew that music--making music, teaching and mentoring musicians--was to be her life...and her love. And she's been at it for over 31 years. But it wasn't until she saw her name on her own music studio's sign that her childhood dream came true. The studio offers lessons and opportunities to learn and perform for all ages and in a variety of musical mediums and styles from a variety of musicians who love what they do and want you to love it too!

Host Jane and son Jeff acknowledge the season of celebrations. In exploring one of Jane's "favorite things" throughout her lifetime, they encourage listeners to remember things in their lives that give them continued inspiration and also to celebrate themselves as a means to recognize and appreciate the miracles around them that occur to us or through us during this holiday season.

Anthony Garifo, the owner of Heaps & Bounds, Bits & Pieces, has helped clients remove over 11 tons of what they no longer want--sofas, car engines, a.k.a. junk-- in just 70 days. A certified teacher, Anthony entered college as a journalism major, sought a career in sports management, and has held positions in casino management and a variety of other businesses before deciding on starting his own. Transparency and customer service, providing affordable and professional services as people move forward in their lives without the things that no longer serve them is his mission. He wants to make life easier.

Mike Heil grew tired of the corporate, W-2 world working for someone else, dependent on the vagaries of the marketplace. He joined Entrepreneur Source where he helps others in transition through various assessments to clarify who they are, why they do what they do, and how they want to contribute to the world through their efforts. Possibly owning their own franchise? Owning their own unique business? Finding funding partners? Mike is eager to help.

Diane Hallman kept a journal over 25 years containing thousands of ideas, meditations, activities, and writing prompts she'd collected from her research, attendance, and participation in webinars and workshops. Six months ago she made the commitment to share them in her recently published book Abundance: Unleashing Your Potential with the S.I.M.P.L.E. System that offers “a blueprint for growth-minded women navigating midlife, providing tools to overcome burnout, embrace self-discovery, and step into a life of purpose and joy.” Join her Sunday sessions on zoom or one-on-one consultations; invite her to facilitate a sharing session with friends, and consider submitting to an upcoming anthology of stories of growth planned for release in summer 2026.

Jane shares the ups and downs of a week that included both the celebration of the uplifting holiday of Rosh Shashanah and the spiral down rabbit holes following relationship disappointments and threats to the nation's freedom of speech. Serendipitously, people appeared with poetry, music, and reminders of age-old words that inspire: the Book of Psalms and William Faulkner's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech. In the end, recognizing there are no coincidences in our lifetimes of learning to love, the aged hippy continues to dream--she's not the only one. Kumbaya.

Amy Lobben and Andrew Marcus founded Terra Pacem Winery to bring the wines they lovingly crafted in Oregon after retiring from a college career teaching geography and to create meaningful work for their son within a community by and for people with disabilities. Their farm on South Grim's Mill Road just west of Boyertown brings a lovely spot to meet with friends surrounded by Berks County's fields and flowers (and a few silly alpacas.) Visit terrapacem.com for more details.

I asked Vicki Kriczky about a community currently under construction, slated to open February 2026, called The Residence of Boyertown. Vicki explained that The Residence is a community of 126 apartments offering continuing care for folks 55 and older: 54 one -or two-bedroom apartments designated for independent living; 50 to offer personal care, and 22 devoted to memory care. But, more than just a living space, there are restaurants, bistros, a beauty shop, movie theatre—even a stage—planned to provide opportunities for seniors to live a life filled with joy, to create a new chapter of life filled with fun, new friends, a new “family.” It's her passion—helping senior citizens for over 30 years live their best lives. Reach Vicki for more details 484-534-2720 and to attend an information session and eventually a tour.  

Michele Barrett and Diane Hallman are two mothers who have been given extraordinary challenges raising children whose gifts include diagnoses of ADHD, AUDDHD, and autism. Today, recognizing the unique needs of children on the spectrum—particularly those on what they term the “autism cliff”—and eager to help them smoothly transition from secondary educational placements to college and beyond--they are creating a residential transition program called Pathways to Purpose. The program is different than other programs in its approach to empower high-masking, neurodivergent young adults (18-26) in Pennsylvania—who are typically overlooked and “assumed fine”--with skills, support, and structure before burnout and other mental and physical health issues develop. Joining them on the episode is Nicholas Myers, Michele's son, who gives voice to the need for such a program. They are inviting help in establishing a steering committee to develop the program—financial advisors, counselors, educators--and they welcome you to connect with them: dhallman@approachadvisors.com, mbarrett132@comcast.net.

Dr. John Lignelli, Oral Surgeon, takes us on his journey from his boyhood goal to follow in his father's footsteps to his successful practice in the hometown he loves. Listening with care to his patients' concerns, willing and available when trauma occurs, John brings exceptional skill and attention when needed most.

I had to know: Captain Beefheart? Decal-licking? Who? What? Why? Plus, I needed to catch up with John after 4,000 published poems and 44 published books. The latest: Captain Beefheart Never Licked My Decals Off, Baby. John calls it a memoir; its message describing "real" artists resonates. We had a good time--as usual in our 7th episode.

Quilts--for those who need, for those who celebrate, for funding future projects—are created by a group of women of the former Boyertown Mennonite Church, now also the home of the 2/42 Community Church. Edith Freed and Gerry Grabias shared a bit of history of the church and the dozens of women who meet bi-weekly as a group...and in-between on their own, their involvement over the years, their knowledge of the art, and their shared mission to serve others, donate to those in need, and enjoy the bonds that evolve from working together.

Artist & teacher Beth Wagner had a vision to establish a fine art gallery and teaching studio in her community but found that dream beyond her own reach as full-time teacher and mother. The seeds of her dream blossomed however; Studio B Fine Art Gallery was established and continues to offer art & culture to the community. Now retired from teaching, Beth reflects on her career, her own art, her involvement in the Bear Fever community art project, and her future plans in her new home and community.

When Maddie Bowman saw a need to assist in creating (finally-- after 20 years) a Facebook page for Boyertown's community art project Bear Fever, she made herself immediately available. Her skills have resulted in attracting hundreds of followers within days. Bear Fever fans are grateful as are the many others she serves as volunteer in American Legion's baseball world and in her social work for Montgomery County.

Erin Wade, artist for "Chip T," sponsored by Harry's Tattoo Parlor and Bear Fever, knew early on she wanted to spend her life doing art and helping people in some way. And so, today, she's fulfilling her mission as an art teacher in a private school setting, teaching kindergarten and watching those same kids she knew as kindergartens graduate from high school. "Chip T"--a name for the community working together--has an unlikely origin story and has probably been the most impressive surprise, in artistic "merit," when he finally appeared. It was a "wow" moment!

"Coach Jena is a coordinator for the Healthy Kid's running series in Boyertown which has grown to be THE largest running series in the country! In addition, Jena and her husband Jeff have owned Bear's Den Fitness for six years, but the untold story is her role with the foreign exchange program "Academic Year in America" (AYA) that  Jena and her father have been with AYA for more than 30 years, hosting dozens of the students themselves over the years and coordinating placements for dozens more. They understand the importance of creating empathy through experience and making our world a little bit smaller, by bringing people together." ~Amy Muzopappa

Keith Kopicki, owner of Grind restaurant in Boyertown, shares his entrepreneurial journey from an early decision to practice orthodontia to his present project maintaining a healthy work culture for over the 54 employees serving quality food. His creative, collaborative, problem-solving spirit has generated ecological and compassionate efforts in partnership with non-profits and other local businesses. He offers much to inspire!

Julie Longacre can't quit creating--in paint, in words, in music. The projects never stop in her efforts to preserve memories of historic buildings and her own visions. The episode provides insight into this tireless artist--one of Boyertown's icons.

Inspired by her artistic and "crafty" mother, Deborah Meehan spent her career in New York designing advertisements for others. Now retired with a bit more time to create her own art, she finds the time available and resources handy. Collage is her chosen medium; it allows patterns and type...those details she appreciated throughout her career.

Donna Usavage and Jane continue their series of podcast episodes featuring inspiring individuals who understand the importance of reciprocity. Conserving and protecting land and water resources that ultimately connect our local rivers and streams to the ocean is the mission of Ryan Beltz as executive director of the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy. Ryan manages the Conservancy that provides hundreds of volunteers who understand the importance of clean water to have some fun at the Conservancy's events while taking care of their environment. Volunteer today! Visit perkiomenwatershed.org to sign up and learn more.

Debbie Spleen credits her mentors--Sandy Wood and her mother Sue--for encouraging her love of making art, the freedom to experiment, and the courage to follow her own creative paths. Following her teaching career, Debbie has taken up repurposing furniture she finds at flea markets in colorful whimsical designs. Most recently, she's devoted hours to a fundraising cause to benefit the senior community that she hopes goes viral.

Since the days when fine artist Rhonda Counts showed her childhood friends how to mix paints from berries and ground stones, she has been passionate about creating art. Along the way, she's had a unique and rewarding art education that included a 30-year magical career with the Walt Disney World in Florida and, in her “retirement,” several years developing a mammoth theme park in China even though the park was abandoned before it opened. Today she continues her love affair with nature, incorporating its elements into self-developed textured paintings, and spending time with other artists for support and inspiration. 

Lynne Conner, candidate for a seat on BASD's School Board for Region #3, has hopes to create a greater team spirit to the communication and problem solving efforts. Lynne sees herself as a research-oriented problem solver. She takes personal risks-- she's parachuted and scuba dived at night, for example--knowing the odds favored successful, once-in-a-lifetime, experiences. She wants to bring that confidence to solving district issues--not fearful of change but determined to follow the research.

Jason's FB post in which he shared his disappointment with the type of communication he's witnessed at recent school board meetings caught my attention. Here's not the first to complain about the disrespect and dysfunction but may be the first to be public about it. In meeting with him, he shared his determination, if elected, to be a positive force--like one he effected in his career in the Coast Guard--convinced that his example will be contagious. I'd vote for that, and I hope voters in Region 2 will do the same. Change is needed.

Newly retired from a lifetime in education, Dr. Michelle Wiley, candidate for BASD School Board Director for Region #1, wants to share her leadership experience & practical ideas as her way to give back to her community. She is dedicated to practicing effective, respectful communication in problem solving and developing a healthy culture within and without the district. I loved knowing that she has her own sewing studio in her home.

Michael Frederick is certain that every young boy and girl dreams of driving a big red firetruck. His own childhood dream has come true as a volunteer firefighter where he has been determined to serve his community. Michael urges others to consider volunteering, assuring us that not all volunteers run into burning buildings, but that every firehouse welcomes volunteers who want to serve.

Jeff Graber started his work as an artist at 13.  Recalling his journey as an artist and as a businessman, he recognizes that for him being part of a team, taking pride as a team in the work that they do is the fulfilling part of his business. And then there are the bears of Bear Fever.  The project debuted 30+ sculptures in 2005; it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 with over 90 sculptures. The last 20 years of bears wouldn't have happened without him.  

Advertising prodigy early on, Jenna Armato built an advertising agency connected to her Barbie McDonald's house, and she hasn't stopped helping businesses and individuals enhance their image, leadership and communications skills since!

Donna Usavage invites Dolores Shank-Samiec, volunteer at the Boyertown Area Multi-Service's Preston Pantry, to share how the donations of food are collected and distributed along with her personal history of making a difference to make the world a better, healthier place. There's no doubt that the efforts are a win-win-win for everyone; love in action abounds.

Krista Gross and Ellen Martignetti, Events Planner and Main Street Manager for Building a Better Boyertown, celebrate the success of the first annual "Making HERstory" event held recently by sharing their impressions of the event, their motivations, their own journeys, future plans, and advice to women.

Donna Usavage invites Anita Zuber, founder and force behind the annual event "Once Upon a Prom," to share her life experiences and stories from the annual event that offers prom and special event dresses and accessories free to young women. Quoting from "Braiding Sweetgrass," the book that inspired the series, Donna finds the spirit of the event an example of a community ceremony that "marries the mundane to the sacred."

Quinn Jamison took advantage of a disappointment in her life. Journaling to understand the painful event has led to a new passion: writing and publishing a series of romance novels with a time traveling twist. The Art of Time and The Art of Bending Time are currently available with a third novel “on the way.” “Never give up” is the inspiration she offers through her life experience and her artistic journey. 

They said it wouldn't last. Our marriage, that is. That was 57 years ago. Yet, our long distance love affair's sketchy beginning and a stubborn determination to prove them wrong suggests that maybe, to our own surprise, we knew what we were doing after all. "We won't...and didn't...let go."

Happy Valentine's Day! While technical difficulties prevented the full conversation with Chris Karver to be shared, Chris reads the "love story" she submitted to The Boyertown Area Expression, a story underlining the real meaning of love found in the stories of Snow White and Cinderella. Hint: real love is not found in the charming princes!

I'm inspired by elderly bees. I learned to recognize them and appreciate their gifts through a Facebook post. I can relate to them!

Pastor Amy Smith Joins Jane & Donna to explore further aspects of the reciprocal arrangement found in nature and indigenous cultures and more foreign to our own. Searching for the roots of fear, offering support to those who struggle, providing "Here's How" simple ideas to tweak our culture--one mind at a time--to a win-win way of living.

Lisa Cellini, owner of The Swamp Door, shares her journey and challenges from media maven--journalist, broadcaster, promotions consultant, and motivational speaker--to the force behind a growing retail store and community in itself featuring treasures from over 70 vendors in over 7,000 square feet. From humble beginnings, trauma, and the nightmare of addiction, Lisa's success showcases uncommon resilience.

Reading "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer has inspired Donna Usavage's quest to showcase in future episodes the efforts of folks in the community who practice the Golden Rule through a faith perspective that fosters the collaboration and reciprocity found in indigenous communities .

Mandy Lobaugh took a leap of faith 16 years ago and opened Creative Minds, a school modeled on Maria Montessori's method of learning where children are encouraged to learn in their own way, in their own time. Assisted by BFF (and her devoted mom) Judy Hunter, Mandy has created a supportive "family" among staff and students where learning comes naturally.

Amanda Ehst is a lifeline at Berks Arts Council as Community Programs Manager for those of us submitting PA Partners on the Arts grants, but she's just begun to help us all add art to life. From a potential biology major, pre-school teacher, band director, music festival coordinator, and now student in a master's program with students around the globe espousing art programs for mental and physical health for all brains everywhere, she is an inspiration. Like the hermit crab needing a bigger shell, she's fearlessly growing into a new journey bringing art to all.

While visiting her sister, Anita Heft visited a Himalayan Salt Cave in Connecticut, recognized the benefits of the therapy, and was inspired to bring one closer to her hometown. Anita wants her clients to come away from a session at her Himalayan Salt Cave feeling better, breathing better, freer of joint pain or migraines. I want to try all the stress and pain-relieving techniques offered in the 3,000 square feet space:  massage, reiki, foot baths, meditation, sound therapy. Anita claims that it's like being at the beach; the rooms lined with bricks of Himalayan salt for private, couples, or group sessions release healing negative ions. The foot baths are to locate the troublesome spots within your body that need attention.  I'm fascinated by the power of different forms of energy and was happy to learn a bit about the energy of pink salt! 

In Part 4 of the limited series exploring the nature of the existential “Hero's Journey,” JD Stahl offers a wide-ranging discussion that offers his own experience in detaching from the forces—expectations, assumptions, searches for meaning and happiness that fettered him from the person he was meant to become. Suggesting that we are all in search of the chemical oxytocin through our addictive behaviors, he offers the need to strip ourselves of distractions, to confront and accept our dualistic nature to find the peace and the freedom that is our true nature. There's more. Listen in. 

Looking for ideas for family fun in Boyertown? Just ask volunteer Tracey Mackey and Mayor Lori Carnes. Their latest project “Halloween Happenings” proved more popular than they imagined among homeowners and the community and motivates them to take more risks in furthering other projects. Saving the Boyertown pool and the Colebrookdale Craft Depot are just a few of Lori's projects. And she has plans to fill the calendar going forward! Tracey offers her efforts in Boyertown Borough Council's Park and Recreation committee and the Boyertown Historical Society and wherever else she's needed—determined, with Lori, to create a community that cares. 

Dr. Olapeju Simoyan (a.k.a. Peju, The Doctor Writer and The Doctor Singer) is a physician who strongly believes in bridging the gap between science and art. Peju combines her various interests in innovative ways: writing, singing, photography. She has released a CD of Christmas music, a book exploring the histories of some of our favorite carols as well as a devotional booklet to aid in personal development. Addiction medicine is her calling as she works with clients to slow down, recall the life cycle of the butterfly, and reflect on the process of growth to stay grounded.

Brought up on the family farm, BASH alum Adam Heimer trained as an electrician at Berks Career & Technology Center, but as added plumbing and hosts of other skills to his resumé as owner of Adam's Royal Car Wash in Gilbertsville and the upcoming Main Street Car Wash in Pennsburg along with creating programs for others' car washes. Community-minded, Adam stepped up with several friends to volunteer his efforts to save the Boyertown Community Pool from extinction. Ideas for improving community life? He's got a ton and the energy...the skills and connections to make ideas reality. For fun he travels the world and learns the languages he needs.