Studio B's Summer Art & Community Project to Highlight Service to One Another

by Jane Stahl

We all have stories.

The Boyertown Area Expression's editor-in-chief Lesley Misko shared one of her stories yesterday about her prankster friend Larson Carson whose compassionate Wednesday phone calls provided predictable, reliable, much-needed gestures of security, caring, and connection to the world following the death of her husband Bob when grief overwhelmed her. 

We have stories of times when someone helped us or when we provided some kind of service to another. Sometimes the help came unexpectedly as a nice surprise; sometimes it was a “God send” in “the nick of time.” At other times, the help didn't  look like help at all—sometimes it came disguised as misfortune--only to later realize that the effort was just what was needed.

Sometimes the service is widely known and provided to others. Those in the military, fire fighters, police, doctors, nurses, teachers, or EMT’s are examples. Yet sometimes service comes as a small gesture—one that would seem insignificant or invisible or forgotten.

As part of Studio B Art Gallery's project titled "In Service" that begins June 26, 2026, we want to begin to collect your stories--stories that highlight the many kindnesses we offer to each other, demonstrating how important we are to one another, perhaps healing some of the divisiveness that exists in the world today and inspiring us all to celebrate one another's loving acts and to offer more of them. 

Please consider sharing your stories: in a few sentences or an entire essay. Send your story digitally to janeEstahl2335@gmail.com or leslemisko@aol.com, by postal mail: Studio B, 39A E Philadelphia Ave, Boyertotwn, PA 19512, or by scheduling a meeting with me at Studio B to record a conversation for the "B Inspired" podcast.

And you can look forward to additional opportunities to share your stories in person. For example, during Building a Better Boyertown's upcoming second annual HERstory event, we'll be asking attendees to share their stories during the event. We plan to record them and have them available for viewing on-line. Plus, Studio B will video-record stories throughout the summer on special days or by appointment. 

We are convinced that these kinds of activities will strengthen our bonds with one another and help to build a better community. We think it's just what the world needs now! 

More News from Boyertown

• Those Wednesday Phone Calls A seemingly frivolous plan showed profound compassion by providing a treasured lifeline.
• Reading Fiction Matters: Craig Bennett Explains In a follow-up to a previous column, Craig Bennett expands on the value of reading fiction--especially for the guys.