It’s a myth that only highly intelligent people are creative. In fact, research shows that once you get beyond an I.Q. of about 120, which is just a little above average, intelligence and creativity are not at all related. That means that even if you’re no smarter than most people, you still have the potential to wield amazing creative powers. So why are so few people highly creative? Because there are bad habits people learn as they grow up which crush the creative pathways in the brain. And like all bad habits, they can be broken if you are willing to work at it.

Here are 8 simple steps to help you achieve something new:

– Prioritize your time wisely – Find out what really matters to you by asking yourself what have been doing to make your’s or someone else’s life better. Then do at least one thing to move closer toward your goals, today.

– Use praise instead of criticism – If you criticize yourself or others for not being creative a natural defensive will kick in and you are less likely to try something new. Praise creativity even when it doesn’t end up as well as you hoped.

– Learn to focus – Everyone is creative but some people are more focused. If you want to be creative in a certain area, focus your energy on it and let the ideas flow.

– Question assumptions – Most of us never question why we do the things we do. Questioning assumptions is at the heart of creativity. If you can learn to ask questions, you’ll be healthier and more likely to find a solution.

– Stop trying to predict the future – There are no facts about tomorrow so it’s impossible to predict what will happen for certain. It will limit your creativity to try and do that.

– Don’t waste your time – If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, stop doing it. That doesn’t mean stop living but rather spend your time only on the things which make your life better.

– Keep a journal or a sketchbook with you at all times even if it’s a phone app – Everyone has the ability to be creative, but it doesn’t always come out when you need it so have something ready. I personally use a voice recorder on my phone that later converts the speech to text. (http://otter.ai)

– Go for a walk – Your subconscious mind is very powerful and sometimes all you have to do is clear out the mental clutter by taking a walk. Our bodies are wonderful machines that feel relaxed when we go for walks. Your mind will follow your body’s lead and open up to creativity.

Creativity is something that everyone possesses, but it gets crushed by bad habits. The good news? It can be broken if you’re willing to work at it and follow these 8 simple steps.

Parents should make sure their children act in school plays because a new study has found acting may have academic benefits. The research led by Professor Linda Espin from the Department of Psychology at the University of Sydney showed that students who acted in school plays had significantly higher marks than students who did not.

The study also found that the academic performance of the actors was likely to be higher across all subjects as opposed to just English or Drama. The results have been published in the British Journal of Educational Psychology.

420 Year 12 students at a single, unnamed, public high school in New South Wales volunteered to participate in the study, which looked at the impact of acting in a school play on academic performance. Each student was asked to complete an assessment before their final year English elective course began and one month after it finished.

The students were broken into three groups – those who acted in their high school play, those who did not act but had attended the play, and those who did not participate or attend.

The students were asked to answer questions on the English coursework they had completed in their final year of high school, including the essay question and major pieces of written work due for assessment. These results were compared against each other to determine if there was any change in academic performance.

The analysis showed that the students who acted in a school play had significantly higher marks than those who did not act or even attend.

“This research provides evidence that acting, and being involved in theatre more broadly, has academic benefits,” said Professor Espin from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Education & Social Work. “As we continue to build the evidence base, this research encourages us to remember that not only is theatre a relevant and engaging area of study in and of itself, it also has an important role to play in education across disciplines.”

Spotlight Acting School offers year-round opportunities for students to engage in theatre and add to their academic résumé. The Spotlight staff members have always expressed the belief that their programs help students and it’s great to see the clear connection between performing arts and academic achievement, particularly in a time where there has been so much focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) subjects.

To get your student involved with Spotlight simply visit their website at http://www.spotlightactingschool.com or call 859-661-0600 to inquire about enrollment.  

The Spoonbread Festival is returning to Berea in 2021 and with it, the Stage is once again set for some good music. Musicians scheduled to appear included Kristi Miller, Blind Ricky, Elvis Cocktail, Paint Creek Band, Bourbon Branch, Branch Water Kin, New Developments, Silver Creek Band, Call to Post, and Little E.

Each year, The Spoonbread Festival attracts a wide range of artists and styles from gospel to bluegrass, rock, and more. This year the roster includes traditional bluegrass as well as performers who blend styles with other forms such as country or pop.

The 25th Annual Spoonbread Festival will take place September 17 through 19 in Berea at Memorial Park. The weekend’s performances are scheduled for the following dates and times.

FRIDAY – Sept. 17

4:00-5:30 PM Kristie Miller with Storytelling (POP)

6:00-7:00 PM Blind Ricky (Bluegrass)

4:00-5:30 PM Elvis Cocktail – Derek Isaacs (Rock)

7:00-10:00 PM Balloon Glow (Berea Community School) (Paint Creek Band Playing Live Music)

SATURDAY – Sept. 18

1:00-2:30 PM Branch Water Kin (Bluegrass)

3:00-4:30 PM New Developments (Jazz/Funk)

5:00-6:30 Silver Creek Band (50-60’s Rock)

7:00-9:00 Bourbon Branch (Country)

SUNDAY – Sept. 19

12:30-1:30 PM Call to Post (Gospel)

2:00-3:30 PM TBD

4:00-CLOSE Little E (Elvis Gospel)

Halloween preparations are already underway at the Spotlight Playhouse where shows auditions begin Sunday. This year the Playhouse will be presenting three plays and a Monster Mash festival. The first play is Legend of Sleepy Hollow and follows the antics of the sheepish Icabod Crane as he tries to win the hand of Katrina Van Tassel. All is seemingly well until a ghostly apparition makes a rather timely appearance… coincidence?

The second play is of a lesser know origin and hails from the Voodoo regions of Louisiana and is aptly named Bayou. This story revolves around the mystical creature know as Le Serpent. A snake in its natural form, but posses the ability to mimic any creature it chooses. The plot follows some children who decide catching the famed monster would be heroic and set out on a hunt.

Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Bayou are performed together as two one-acts with an intermission between them. Together they are being called Two Legendary Haunted American Tales. One ticket grants access to both performances and the total show is set to run about 2 1/2 hours.

The third play is a children’s musical entitled We Are Monsters. The play follows a group of children as they stumble into the realm of monsters only to find the monster performing a musical cabaret. By the end of the show the Vampires, Werewolves, Goblins, and more welcome the children and they join in on the fun. Filled with catchy tunes and a host of adorable little monsters this is the cutest show of the season.

The Monster Mash is a full day of Halloween fun and will feature live music, vendors, food trucks, costumes, competitions, ghost stories and will be anchored by a Cabaret packed with songs and scenes from our favorite Halloween-appropriate shows.

Auditions for Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Bayou are this weekend on Sunday, Aug 29 at 5:00 pm. There are no costs to join this production and the entire rehearsal schedule is available online. All ages are welcome to audition and children will not be held past 9:00 pm regardless of what the schedule says. For more audition information visit https://www.thespotlightplayhouse.com/2021/08/29/auditions-for-the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow-bayou-the-chilling-tale-of-le-serpent-sunday-august-29-500pm/

The Spotlight Playhouse Halloween Schedule:

Two Legendary Haunted American Tales – Oct 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23

We Are Monsters – Oct 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31

Monster Mash – Oct 30 (preview Cabaret on Oct 29.)

Tickets are not yet available, but you can watch the http://www.thespotlightplayhouse.com website as more information is released. 

Berea like many cities across the US is experiencing a change in living styles. One of these changes comes by the way of a detached ADU or an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Detached ADU’s are not a new concept entirely but are a modern adaptation of the “in-laws” quarters or the above garage apartment.

The idea has exploded across this country yet only a handful of cities have taken up on allowing them, and Berea is one of them. Berea is working on updated rules to govern these living spaces with clear guidelines. A quick call to the Berea Codes Office was greeted with kind reception and solid knowledge about the ADU developments.

Currently, there are a couple of detached ADU’s in Berea that are connected to the main structure by a breezeway. This is a convenient way to access both the main house and the extra room, whether it serves as a bedroom, extra sitting room, or a fully functional separate living space. One thing to keep in mind is that your local zoning laws do apply to ADU’s so the concept is more for letting that college-age child have their own space or keeping a parent close by for care without necessarily “moving” them out of their own space. If you are set on being a landlord then you best avoid R1 zoned areas.

There are prefabricated or modular ADU’s available to fit almost any situation and many resemble the tiny homes getting so much attention on TV. Regardless of how the ADU is constructed, it must meet Kentucky’s guidelines for a liveable space. Don’t go out and buy a storage building and think it is going to straight away pass for an extra bedroom.

Another place ADU’s have seen popularity is in the Airbnb market. This use is not quite the same as renting to someone for a permanent residence. It will require a conditional use permit, so it will take a little effort to achieve, but in a tourist-friendly town like Berea you are not blazing a new trail and there are plenty of good folks at City Hall to help you. I am working on another article about the ups and downs of being an Airbnb host, so look for it in the near future.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a great way to provide extra space without having to build an entirely new house. These units are regulated by the city so it’s important that you check the laws before purchasing one. Keep in mind how you intend to use it can impact what type of ADU you purchase and where it should go on your property. A modular unit may work well if there isn’t enough room in the backyard for something more permanent and prefabricated options could offer very quick living quarters. You’ll want to consult with experts when building or buying these units, but the trend is growing fast.

Mantises are usually green, brown, or grey in color. They have triangular heads with elbowed antennae, large compound eyes that pivot sideways (giving them nearly 360-degree vision), and a flat body. The praying mantis is named for the way its front limbs are held together in a prayer-like posture that gives them great camouflage. While they can move relatively fast, their speed is limited by the fact the back two legs act as arms and not as legs. Some species may have wings with which they fly if danger presents itself but most cannot fly.

They are an excellent garden friend because they eat harmful pests that might be damaging your plants, such as aphids and leafhoppers. But beyond being a helpful friend, the praying mantis is an animal with many unique and fascinating facts.

Known as mantises in North American or European countries and more than 2000 other regional names such as “praying mantis,” “preying mantis,” “mantid,” or just “mantis”—the common name for this insect around the world varies as much as its color variations. The name “praying mantis” comes from a unique stance that gives this insect the look of being in a prayerful position, though it is not known why they bend their front limbs into this posture and how they develop this behavior.

The female praying mantis lays her eggs first after choosing a mate. She can lay up to about 400 eggs which she carries around with her front legs until they hatch. The female mantises cannot eat while carrying the eggs. She spends a lot of time caring for her young, guarding the egg sac firmly until they are ready to be on their own. Mantises can live up to one year and sometimes longer.

In order to survive, praying mantises eat almost any kind of animal (not plant material). They consume flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, crickets, worms, and beetles. They use their front legs to catch and hold onto their prey while using the long spines along the inside of their legs to deliver a bite. The adult mantis may eat between 40 and 80 insects per week. That’s a lot of help from one insect!

Mantises are a garden friend, eating pests to help keep your plants safe. So if you want some great protection against harmful insects such as aphids, leafhoppers, flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers or crickets—don’t harm these friendly creatures.

The play Harvey by Mary Chase is a classic that has been revived and will be playing at the Spotlight Playhouse in September. Written in 1944, the play is about Elwood P. Dowd and his friend Harvey. The problem is that Harvey only reveals himself to a limited few so most people think Elwood talks to an imaginary friend. Elwood is lovingly cared for by his sister Veta, but she has an announcement to make that will change all of their lives. The play takes place in Middle America and deals with family issues and personal relationships.

The Spotlight Playhouse is excited to be bringing this classic story back into the spotlight for this fall production. This show is sure to delight audiences and the hilarious, wonderful characters are sure to leave you entertained. The cast will be bringing this classic story back onto the stage for a limited time and we have all of the information you need to get your tickets before they sell out.

Join them for this modern classic that will be running from September 3-18 as well as many other events happening at the Spotlight Playhouse this fall. Come see this amazing show live on stage and catch all of the performances you have been waiting for.

Tickets for Harvey can be purchased from their website at: http://www.thespotlightplayhouse.com. Tickets start at $12 for adults, $10 for Seniors, and $8 for Students. There are also group rates that are only available by calling the box office at (859) 756-0011 or in person at The Spotlight at 214 Richmond Road in Berea.

The Spotlight Playhouse is still going strong with an exciting 2021-2022 season. This year’s list of productions includes over 160 performances featuring The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Games Afoot, A Christmas Carol, The Mousetrap, 12 Angry Jurors, and many more.  

Berea has a wonderful selection of venues to host your next birthday party. From crossing those monumental thresholds, like the big 50, or a simple small venue to keep the mess out of your house these are the top places to get your party started.

1. The Dinner Bell – The Dinner Bell is a family-style restaurant located just off of the I-75 exit 76. The Dinner Bell is a great place to host your next birthday party because it has a large private dining room featuring large windows and a fireplace. Additionally, the food is some of the best in Berea and they offer several different options to feed your guests. To inquire about renting the room or to find out what delicious options are available call 859-986-2777.
2. The Smokehouse Grill – The Smokehouse Grill has two areas that can be set up for a private party experience. The first option is the meeting room that will seat around 30 people comfortably. The second is the large fireplace room located just off the main dining room and offers easy access to the country buffet that has made the Smokehouse Grill a Berea staple of great viddles. Located just off of I-75 Exit 77 in Berea, finding the restaurant is a snap. To rent the rooms contact the Smokehouse by calling 859-986-0830
3. Club Arena Skating Rink – Celebrating over 60 years of entertaining on Broadway. Club Arena Keeps the tradition set by Charlie and Polly Wyatt back in 1960. They are a classic rink with a modern twist and take pride in providing great, family entertainment. All of their sessions are targeted to skaters of all ages and abilities. All music is tailored to be safe for all ages with families in mind. Contact them today for the best selection and availability! 211 North Broadway (in “Old Town”) Berea, KY 40403 859-986-3881, 859-661-1338
4. Kentucky Farm Bureau – You might not think of an Insurance office as the first option for a Birthday Party location, but Kentucky Farm Bureau has a lot to offer that makes it the perfect place to celebrate your next birthday. The community room features a full kitchen, private restrooms, and just out the door without any cumbersome steps is ample parking. Call 859-986-2318 M-F 8:00 am-4:30 pm to ask about this convenient space.
5. The Spotlight Playhouse – The Spotlight Playhouse is a wonderful place to bring the family for a fun-filled birthday party. It is located at 214 Richmond Road on the strip and offers several venues to rent out for a small group or large crowd. From a black box theatre that has 100 seats and great acoustics to the open hardwood floored Studio and spacious lobby, the Spotlight Playhouse has something for everyone. To learn more about renting the rooms call 859-756-0011.
6. The Berea Friends Meeting House – The Berea Friends Meeting House is a unique location to hold your next birthday party in Berea. The meeting house spaces can be rented out for a reasonable fee and offer seating for up to 100 people. The meeting house is less than a mile from Berea College at 300 Harrison Rd. Email requests for reservations may be sent to rentals@bereafriends.org
7. The Russel Acton Folk Center – The center was built by a group of volunteers and many generous donations, in the mid-1980s. Berea has taken ownership of this facility and is now renting it privately. Featuring 3,500-square feet of open space, a commercial kitchen, and over 500 square feet dedicated to bathroom facilities, this building can be used for many different types of events. The cost of a facility rental will depend on the length of your event, number of people, and whether or not the kitchen is needed. For reservation information call (859) 986-9402.
8. Oh Kentucky Campground – The Oh Kentucky Banquet Room just might be the perfect space for your next birthday party in Berea. The large building will house a considerable amount of guests and for an additional fee, your guests will have access to the campground swimming pool. For more information and rates please call 859-986-1150.
9. The Boone Tavern – Boone Tavern Event Center, Skylight Room, Robinson Room, Coyle Gathering Room, Lincoln Lounge, and Elizabeth Ann Dunseth Lounge are all spaces perfectly fitted for a birthday party and range in size to seat 14 guests to 150 guests. Many of the rooms feature complimentary wi-fi and access to audio/video equipment. As the pricier location on this list you may want to reserve the Boone Tavern for the most special of occasions, but then again aren’t all birthdays special? To rent one of these exquisite rooms call 859-985-3967.
10. Berea Intergenerational Center – The 1990s saw Berea celebrate its age diversity when the Intergenerational Center opened its doors in 1996. Some of the features of the center include several small rooms/offices, a kitchen, and a large community room. The community room is available for rentals and offers ample room for most birthday celebrations. Contact the Berea Senior Citizens Center for more information by calling (859) 986-8350.
11. Many Area Churches – If you are a member of a local church you may need to look no further than your local congregation for a birthday party location. Many area churches have well-appointed fellowship halls available to members for free or at a low cost. Some of the nicest halls include Berea Baptist Church, Westside Baptist Church, First Christian, Berea United Methodist Church, and Church on the Rock.

The Berea area offers a wide variety of spaces to host your next birthday party. From the more formal Boone Tavern, with its elegant ballrooms and meeting rooms, to small intimate venues perfect for a smaller get-together, you’re sure to find something that will meet your needs in this town full of history and community spirit. With so many options on our list, it’s easy to see why Berea is such an excellent location for hosting your next birthday. Call one of these locations today or stop by their website for more information about what they have available.

The Little Mermaid opens the Spotlight Acting School’s 18th Season this September. The award-winning musical will showcase some of their best young stars as they take you on an enchanted journey underwater to a world where dreams really can come true, if only for a little while.

The show follows the adventures of Ariel, a mermaid princess who yearns to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father King Triton…and risk everything! Filled with unforgettable songs such as “Under The Sea”, “Kiss The Girl” and “Part Of Your World”, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR is equal parts romance and adventure for everyone.

Shows are scheduled for Sept. 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 6:30 pm and Sept. 12 and 19 at 2:00 pm at The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Road, Berea KY 40403. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for students, with all children able to sit in a lap admitted free. For tickets or more information, you can visit http://www.spotlightactingschool.com

Buc-ee’s construction continues on I-75 in Richmond, KY as summer comes to an end. Buc-ee’s is a privately held company headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas. The chain has been growing rapidly in recent years; as of 2018, it had 44 locations in six states (Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Florida).

This will be their first Kentucky location.

What is Buc-ee’s and how does it compare to other gas stations

A true convenience store with gas pumps and a shopping area. Convenience comes from the huge variety of items they offer. You can find anything from hot dogs to ice cream to wood for your BBQ.

This is unlike most other gas stations since it is not just a place where you buy gas to fill up your car and be on your way. They also are a place where you can go shopping for food, drinks, snacks, ice cream, and more. This is why it has been able to grow so quickly over the past several years as Americans now live busy lives where we do not have time to cook our own meals or shop at other grocery stores which can take more time than people have in their day.

How this will impact current businesses in the area

Only time will tell how this new gas station will impact current business in the area. Having a gas station near your house is convenient but some people will say that it could hurt businesses in the area. If more people choose to stop at Buc-ee’s because of its convenience, they may not need to go as often to other stores or restaurants nearby. It is possible that this might happen, but there are many different factors that can affect this: 1) Will people be willing to drive past other gas stations or even grocery stores just to get gas? 2) How large will this new Buc-ee’s store be and how well-stocked will it be with supplies? 3) Will prices at Buc-ee’s be lower than prices at other stores?

Why did they choose Richmond, KY as the location for their first Kentucky location

Buc-ee’s chose Richmond, KY as the location for its first location in Kentucky because of its convenient access to Northern and Southern traffic. The site is located on I-75, which links these two regions together.

The $25 million project will include 120 gas pumps, a 53,000 square foot shopping facility, and a restaurant. The location of the gas pumps are situated at a highly visible area to be able to entice as many users as possible.

The Buc-ee’s employer will provide over 200 full-time jobs upon opening and the location will be open 24 hours a day. This will not only bring jobs to the community but also a variety of new services to Madison County residents.