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by Jane Stahl
Colebrookdale Railroad invites children to StoryTime on the Train on June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. Collaborating with Studio B Art Gallery in the studio’s summer project “The Three Bears,” the bear-themed stories will be read by Creative Minds Montessori School’s directors Mandy Hunter Lobaugh and Judy Hunter. A visit from Boyertown’s lovable mascot Bearianne will welcome the children. The train remains in the rail yard for StoryTime.
Participation is limited to 25 children. Tickets must be presented in order to participate. Remaining tickets for the event are available at the ticket booth at Colebrookdale Railroad. Tickets are also good for one free single dip at Colebrookdale Creamery following StoryTime.
Following StoryTime, participants are invited to Studio B Art Gallery for a “Make ‘n Take” art activity from 2:00-4:00 p.m. with Boyertown School District’s art instructor Destiny Bigler. Kiddos will be coloring, doodling, perhaps designing their own unique Boyertown bear or cutting and assembling a bear to color. Grab and go or sit down and enjoy.
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Creative Minds: Mandy Hunter 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. Each child is unique and treated with great respect. Teachers are Montessori trained and experienced with the developmental stage with which they work, continually observing the children to best meet the needs of different learning styles. Classrooms embrace diversity, inspire compassion, and celebrate the potential of every child. Curriculum meets the needs of the whole child: socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Each classroom is designed to promote independent and creative thinkers.
Colebrookdale Railroad: A ride on the Colebrookdale Railroad is an enchanting experience that transports passengers to a bygone era and one becomes captivated by the luxury and elegance. As you board the train, you are awe-induced by the meticulously restored passenger cars. Everything provides a sense of nostalgia and refinement and replicates the “golden age” of railroading. Whether enjoying a meal in our dining cars on select excursions, sipping a complimentary beverage in our first-class cars, or enjoying a snack off our A La Carte menu in our coach-class cars, it is not a journey to forget. The rhythm of the rails provides a tranquil experience while looking at the beautiful countryside. Riding on the Colebrookdale is a peaceful journey that will leave a lasting impression.
Studio B Art Gallery’s “The Three Bears” project includes efforts to engage community members in the theme-of-the-year. The project, funded by a grant from the Berks County Community Foundation, includes a variety of activities, organized by businesses and other non-profits in the community in collaboration with Studio B.
This year’s theme—“The Three Bears”—celebrates the 20th anniversary of Bear Fever, Boyertown’s popular community art project. Twenty years ago, Bear Fever debuted over 30 bear sculptures at Boyertown High School’s annual Arts Expo. During the summer of 2005, those 30+ bear sculptures appeared throughout the community.
Today, the original sculptures are joined by dozens more—over 90 at last count—and more are “in the works.” Apparently, this community is still not even looking for a cure for Bear Fever.
More News from Boyertown
- Studio B Hosts a Poetry/Prose Reading and Reception Studio B Art Gallery welcomes writers and the community to a poetry and prose reading and Writers’ Reception.
- Studio B Art Gallery Opens "3 Bears" Kicking off Boyertown's Studio B Art Gallery's summer project "The Three Bears" is an art opening featuring dozens of artists responding to the theme.
