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Author: Chad Hembree

  • SummerFest 2026 at The Pinnacles: A Multi-Activity Kickoff to the Season

    BEREA, Ky. — A multi-activity afternoon called SummerFest is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at The Pinnacles in the Berea College Forest.

    The event runs from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is hosted through the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center, located at 2047 Big Hill Road, Berea. SummerFest is designed as an easy, drop-in day intended to help residents and visitors begin their summer activity planning across Madison County. The event is presented as a collaboration between Get Outside KY, PeaceCraft, and the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center.

    🌿 Outdoor Activities and Exhibitors

    The Forestry Outreach Center has planned a variety of outdoor activities for the afternoon to take advantage of the afternoon outdoors. Visitors can participate in yard games, disc golf, slack line, and e-bike demonstrations. For those looking for a slower pace, the event also features hammocks and shaded areas on-site.

    Outdoor exhibitors will share information about summer events in the region, including festivals and concerts in Madison County. The Pinnacles area can be busy on weekends, so arriving early can help with parking.

    🎨 Family-Focused Planting Activity

    As part of the SummerFest festivities, a focused family activity titled “Paint a Pot and Planting” will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This specific session allows participants to decorate a pot and complete a planting project to take home. Like the rest of SummerFest, this activity is intended to be accessible and hands-on for all ages.

    Official Details:
    https://forestryoutreach.berea.edu/event/summerfest/

    Community Calendar:
    https://visitberea.com/events/month/2026-05/

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    Tickets and info for all shows: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. — closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • Berea Runners Group Run Offers a Welcoming Saturday Start

    BEREA, Ky. — For those looking to start the weekend with fresh air, movement, and a little community, Berea Runners will meet for its Saturday group run on May 9 at 8:00 a.m.

    The group meets at the Native Bagel Company parking lot, located behind the shop at 436 Chestnut Street. Runners check in before heading out to decide on their route and pace groups, making the run flexible for different experience levels.

    🏃 Flexible for All Paces

    The weekly run is open to all paces, which makes it a good fit for regular runners, casual joggers, and people who may simply be looking for a friendly way to get moving with others.

    Community runs like this can be especially helpful for people who want to be active but do not necessarily want to do it alone. A regular group creates a little accountability, a little encouragement, and a reliable reason to get out the door on a Saturday morning.

    ☕ More Than Just Miles

    After the run, many participants gather back at Native Bagel for coffee or breakfast. That post-run stop has become part of the local rhythm, turning the morning into more than just exercise. It is also a chance to catch up, meet other runners, and enjoy one of Berea’s familiar local gathering places.

    The Berea Runners Saturday Group Run is a free community event.

    Click Here for Route Updates and Event Information

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    • Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
    • Berea Runners Saturday Group Run (Native Bagel Co.) — Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m.
    • Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
    • Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
    • Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
    • Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • Spotlight Acting School’s Creative Arts Camp Returns June 8–12: A Week of ‘New York, New York’

    BEREA, Ky. — Summer break can be a challenge for families who want something more meaningful than another week of screens, but still need a structured, full-day environment for their children.

    Spotlight Acting School’s Creative Arts Camp is designed to fill that gap. Running Monday through Friday, June 8–12, at The Spotlight Playhouse (214 Richmond Road), the camp offers a week of hands-on arts classes, age-based groups, and a short end-of-week presentation for families.

    🎭 A Week Built Around Variety

    The camp is structured so that students aren’t tied to a single activity all day. Campers rotate through six distinct classes each day, covering:

    • Acting and Music
    • Musical Theater Dance
    • Visual Art
    • Set and Costume Design
    • Stage Makeup

    For many kids, the variety is the draw. Some arrive thinking they only enjoy visual art or only like performance, then discover they enjoy a different part of the process once they try it. This format gives students room to explore without the pressure of a full show rehearsal schedule.

    🗽 The 2026 Theme: “New York, New York”

    This year’s theme uses the high-energy world of the “Big Apple” as a creative starting point for both the performing and visual arts. Themes like this help younger campers connect ideas across different classes. A dance session and a set design session feel related when students are working inside the same creative world all week.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Families Value Arts Camps

    For parents, the benefit is often practical. The camp offers a full-day schedule with drop-off beginning at 7:45 a.m. and pick-up by 4:00 p.m., making it a viable option for families working through the summer.

    For the campers, the value is social and developmental. Performing arts camps build comfort with speaking up, collaborating in groups, and taking creative risks in a supportive setting. Even students who do not see themselves as “theater kids” benefit from learning how to present ideas, listen to direction, and build confidence through a shared goal.

    🎉 A Week with a Finish Line

    On Friday, families are invited for a short presentation where campers share what they have been working on. This gives students a clear goal for the week without the high pressure of a full production. It is a chance to celebrate growth and head into the rest of summer with a tangible “win.”

    ✅ What to Know Before You Go

    • Ages: Rising 1st graders through 9th grade (divided by age group).
    • Tuition: $150 for the week.
    • Logistics: Drop-off begins at 7:45 a.m.; pick-up is by 4:00 p.m. Students should bring a packed lunch, though families may also choose to have food delivered.
    • Registration: Paperwork is completed at the first drop-off. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

    Click Here to Register for Creative Arts Camp

    For specific questions, contact chad@spotlightactingschool.com or call 859-756-0011.

    About the Author

    Dr. Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer, director, and creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    • Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
    • Studio Space Spring Soiree (105 Jackson St.) — Friday, May 8, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
    • Berea Runners Saturday Group Run (Native Bagel Co.) — Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m.
    • Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
    • Berea Arts Council Plant Sale (444 Chestnut St.) — Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
    • Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
    • Amy Lewis “Origins” Reception (444 Chestnut St.) — Friday, May 15, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
    • Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
    • Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • Richmond Drum Circle Debuts as Monthly Community Gathering at Tasty Tuesdays

    RICHMOND, Ky. — A new community event is joining Richmond’s Tuesday night routine this season, focusing on rhythm and local inclusion.

    Richmond Parks and Recreation has introduced the Richmond Drum Circle, a free drop-in gathering scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month from May through September. The circle runs from 5:15 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. at Irvine-McDowell Park as part of the weekly Tasty Tuesdays series.

    🫶 A Community Project Built Around Inclusion

    The drum circle is sponsored by Sanjay Blevins, a 21-year-old Richmond resident with Down syndrome who was recently awarded a Community Involvement Grant. The purpose of the grant is to help residents develop projects centered around their personal passions to foster deeper inclusion in the community.

    Sanjay’s project brings that mission to life through music, creating a space where residents of all ages and abilities can gather to share a beat.

    🥁 What to Expect

    The drum circle is designed to be simple and welcoming. It is a free community drop-in event, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and join in.

    That timing lets families join the drum circle first, then grab dinner from the food vendors or stay for the 6:00 p.m. live music. This creates a full evening of activity at Irvine-McDowell Park, allowing visitors to participate in the circle before the main musical performance begins.

    🅿️ Location and Parking

    Tasty Tuesdays and the drum circle take place at Irvine-McDowell Park, 345 Lancaster Avenue. While the Lancaster Avenue lot is open during the event, additional parking is available nearby in the EKU Adams Lot and the EKU Crabbe Street Lot for those looking for extra space.

    Updates and Details:
    https://richmondky.gov/business_detail_T14_R159.php

    Questions: 859-623-8753 | parksandrec@richmondky.gov

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    Tickets and info for all shows: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. — May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • The Secret Garden Highlights Local Talent at The Spotlight Playhouse

    BEREA, Ky. — The Spotlight Playhouse is closing out a special production this weekend with The Secret Garden, a beautiful and atmospheric adaptation of the classic story by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

    The play was adapted for the stage by Dana Hendren, who also directs the production. Hendren is an actor, volunteer, proud parent of Spotlight students, active participant in The Bluegrass Players, and a familiar part of the creative life surrounding The Spotlight Playhouse.

    That local connection makes this production especially meaningful.

    🌱 A Story of Healing and Growth

    The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a lonely girl sent to live at Misselthwaite Manor after the death of her parents. At first, Mary is sharp, spoiled, and unhappy. But as she begins to explore the manor, the moor, and the locked garden hidden away for years, the world around her slowly begins to change.

    So does she.

    Hendren’s adaptation keeps the heart of the story close. It explores grief, loneliness, friendship, fresh air, second chances, and the healing power of caring for something outside yourself. In the script, Mary asks for “a bit of earth” where she can plant seeds and make things grow. That small request becomes the center of the narrative. A forgotten garden begins to bloom again, and so do the people around it.

    The production gives young and adult actors room to explore a story that is quiet, emotional, and deeply hopeful. Mary’s friendship with Dickon, her bond with the robin, and her discovery of Colin all help move the play from sadness toward life. By the end, the garden is no longer just a secret place. It becomes a place where a family begins to heal.

    🎭 Celebrating Original Local Works

    That theme feels right for spring, but it also feels right for community theater.

    This production follows another original work that just premiered at The Spotlight Playhouse, The Booking Committee, written and directed by Todd King. To have two original plays premiere at the Playhouse back-to-back is something worth celebrating.

    It says a lot about the talent in this region.

    Community theater is often known for bringing familiar stories to life, and that is important. Audiences love seeing stories they already know. But local theater can also be a place where new work is created, tested, shaped, and shared for the first time.

    That is what makes this moment so exciting. Dana Hendren and Todd King are both local artists bringing original work to the stage. They are not just helping keep theater alive in Berea. They are actively adding to it.

    🌟 A Proud Moment for the Community

    For The Spotlight Playhouse, that is a proud moment. It shows that the arts here are not only about performance. They are also about imagination, writing, directing, volunteering, mentoring, and building a creative home where people can try something brave.

    The Secret Garden closes this weekend at The Spotlight Playhouse. For audiences who love classic stories, heartfelt performances, and local talent, this is the final chance to see Hendren’s adaptation on stage.

    About the Author

    Dr. Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer, director, and creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    • Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
    • Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
    • Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
    • Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29 – July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • Berea College Commencement Set for May 10 With Governor Andy Beshear as Speaker

    BEREA, Ky. — Berea College will welcome graduates, families, and visitors to campus on Sunday, May 10, for a full day of commencement events celebrating the Class of 2026.

    The day begins with the Baccalaureate Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in Phelps Stokes, followed by the main Commencement Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Arena at the Seabury Center. Doors for guests will open at 1:00 p.m., with graduates lining up at 1:20 p.m. in Hager Gym before the ceremony begins.

    🎓 A High-Profile Send-Off

    This year’s commencement will also bring a high-profile speaker to campus. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is scheduled to deliver the commencement address, sending off Berea College’s Class of 2026 as they prepare for their next chapter.

    For Berea, commencement is much more than a campus event. It is one of those days when the college and the town feel especially connected. Families arrive to celebrate graduates, local restaurants see extra visitors, and the area around College Square, Boone Tavern, Main Street, and the Seabury Center becomes buzzing with activity.

    🅿️ Parking and Planning Your Visit

    Anyone attending should plan ahead, especially when it comes to parking. Visitor parking passes are required and may be obtained for free from the Office of Public Safety, located on the first floor of the Woods-Penniman building at 232 Scaffold Cane Road. The office is open 24/7, and visitors just need to bring their license plate information along with the vehicle’s make, model, and color.

    Guests should use designated college parking areas and check Berea College’s campus parking map before arriving. Boone Tavern lots remain strictly off-limits for general parking, and vehicles without proper decals or passes may be subject to citations.

    📺 Livestream and Final Details

    For those who cannot attend in person, the commencement ceremony will be livestreamed online. Graduates will also receive a link to high-resolution, downloadable photos in the weeks following the ceremony.

    With Baccalaureate in the morning, Commencement in the afternoon, and Governor Beshear on campus, Sunday, May 10, is likely to be one of the busiest days in Berea this spring. Residents should expect extra traffic near the college, and families attending the ceremony should allow extra time for parking, walking, and finding seats.

    For the graduates and their families, though, the busy day is all part of the celebration. Commencement marks the close of one chapter and the start of another, and Berea College’s Class of 2026 will do that surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and a community that knows exactly how important these moments are.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    • Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
    • Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
    • Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
    • Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29 – July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • The Arts Beat: Final Weekend for Two Spotlight Playhouse Productions

    BEREA, Ky. — It is a busy week at The Spotlight Playhouse, with two wildly different productions closing out their runs and another major musical just around the corner.

    For families looking for something positive to do together, this is one of those weekends where local theater is offering more than just a night out. It is giving young performers, adult actors, families, and audiences a dedicated place to gather, cheer, laugh, and enjoy something uplifting close to home.

    Spotlight Acting School’s Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. and The Bluegrass Players’ production of The Secret Garden are both heading into their final performances. That gives audiences one last chance to catch two contrasting shows on the same weekend.

    🎭 A Weekend of Contrasts

    Madagascar JR. brings the colorful, high-energy world of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and those scene-stealing penguins to the stage. The show is fast, funny, and built specifically for young audiences, while giving Spotlight’s younger students a chance to shine in front of a live crowd.

    The Secret Garden offers a much quieter and more emotional experience. Based on the classic story, the show explores deep themes of grief, healing, friendship, and the power of bringing life back to forgotten places. It is the kind of story that feels especially fitting right now, as the world outside starts blooming for spring.

    Together, the two productions showcase the range of what is happening at The Spotlight Playhouse. One show is bright, silly, and full of movement. The other is tender, thoughtful, and heartfelt. Both give local performers a chance to grow, and both give families a reason to step away from their screens and spend time together in a shared community space.

    🌟 Why Local Theater Matters

    That shared space matters. In a week where families are juggling school, work, end-of-year schedules, and plenty of everyday stress, local arts can provide a much-needed bright spot.

    A student stepping onstage for the first time, a family laughing together in the audience, or a community member seeing a familiar face perform can all be small reminders that the arts still have a real, vital place in local life.

    🎟️ Looking Ahead to Annie

    This weekend also serves as a bridge to another major Spotlight production. Annie: The Musical opens May 15 at The Spotlight Playhouse, bringing one of the most beloved family musicals to Berea. With its familiar songs, hopeful story, and a large, dedicated cast, Annie is expected to be one of the biggest productions of the spring season.

    For now, though, the focus is squarely on this final weekend. Anyone who has been meaning to see Madagascar JR. or The Secret Garden is officially running out of time.

    The arts are busy in Berea this week, and The Spotlight Playhouse is right in the middle of it. For local families, that means a final chance to support young performers, enjoy live theater, and be part of a community weekend centered entirely on imagination, music, and storytelling.

    Click Here for Tickets to All Upcoming Shows

    About the Author

    Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer, director, and creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29 – July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • Berea Arts Council Plant Sale Helps Grow Gardens and Community Support

    BEREA, Ky. — The Berea Arts Council will host its annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9, giving residents a chance to refresh their gardens while supporting local arts programming.

    The sale is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Berea Arts Council, located at 444 Chestnut Street. This year’s theme, “Grow Your Garden, Grow Our Community,” captures the spirit of the event: a spring fundraiser rooted in both gardening and community support.

    🌱 A Fundraiser With Local Roots

    The Plant Sale is more than a seasonal shopping stop; it is a fundraiser that helps support the council’s work in the community. The Berea Arts Council serves as a creative hub for the community, offering exhibitions, cultural experiences, and resources designed to make art accessible to everyone.

    Buying a plant, donating one, or simply stopping by to browse is a meaningful way for residents to connect everyday community life with the creative work happening at the council.

    🪴 Donations and Selection

    The sale offers a variety of additions for the yard, porch, or windowsill, including flowers, bulbs, houseplants, and vegetables. For those who have extra plants to share, the Arts Council is also accepting plant donations on Friday, May 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a supporter of the arts, or both, participation helps the council keep its programs and exhibits available to the public.

    🗓️ A Busy Berea Weekend

    The Plant Sale takes place during a busy early-May weekend in Berea. With graduation activities, the Farmers Market, and local theater performances all overlapping, the weekend offers several ways for residents to stay close to home while supporting the organizations that make the town unique.

    Click Here for More Information from the Berea Arts Council

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    • Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
    • Studio Space Spring Soiree (105 Jackson St.) — Friday, May 8, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
    • Berea Runners Saturday Group Run (Native Bagel Co.) — Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m.
    • Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
    • Berea Arts Council Plant Sale (444 Chestnut St.) — Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
    • Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
    • Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
    • Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • Studio Space Spring Soiree Brings Evening Pop-Up Market to Berea

    BEREA, Ky. — Studio Space Berea will host its Spring Soiree on Friday, May 8, offering an evening pop-up market for shoppers looking to support local creativity and small businesses.

    The event is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Studio Space Berea, located at 105 Jackson Street. The Spring Soiree is free to attend and open to the public.

    🛍️ A Curated Local Experience

    The event serves as a curated pop-up market, giving visitors a chance to shop, gather, and enjoy a relaxed night out in Berea. For small businesses, artists, and makers, events like this provide a valuable way to connect directly with the community.

    That makes the Spring Soiree more than just an evening of shopping. It is a meaningful part of the local creative economy that helps make Berea feel like Berea.

    💼 Supporting the Creative Ecosystem

    Pop-up markets give small vendors a chance to meet customers without needing a full storefront of their own. They also give residents and visitors a reason to explore local spaces, discover new products, and spend money close to home.

    Creative spaces and pop-up markets play an important role in that ecosystem. They create room for photographers, artists, designers, small retailers, and creative entrepreneurs to test ideas, build an audience, and collaborate with others. For shoppers, the appeal is simple: a relaxed evening, a local setting, and the chance to find something different from what is usually available in larger retail stores.

    The Studio Space Spring Soiree is one of several early-May events giving Berea residents and visitors a reason to get out and support local businesses, artists, and makers. With graduation season, market season, and spring performances all overlapping, the weekend offers several ways to stay close to home while still finding something unique to do.

    Click Here for More Event Information

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    • Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
    • Studio Space Spring Soiree (105 Jackson St.) — Friday, May 8, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
    • Berea Runners Saturday Group Run (Native Bagel Co.) — Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m.
    • Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
    • Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
    • Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
    • Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • CG Bank Sponsorship Helps Bring Pay-What-You-Can Fridays to ‘Annie’ at The Spotlight Playhouse

    BEREA, Ky. — When Annie: The Musical opens May 15 at The Spotlight Playhouse, the familiar story of hope and perseverance will come with a local boost from a community partner helping make the show more accessible to families.

    CG Bank is officially sponsoring the upcoming production, supporting The Bluegrass Players, Spotlight Acting School, and the broader mission of providing theatrical opportunities for people across the region.

    Most notably, that sponsorship is helping make Pay-What-You-Can Fridays possible during the run of Annie, giving more families a chance to experience live theater regardless of their entertainment budget. Pay-What-You-Can Fridays will be offered during the run of Annie, including the Friday performances on May 15 and May 22.

    🏦 A Local Bank Supporting Local Arts

    CG Bank, also known as Citizens Guaranty Bank, is a locally owned and operated community bank with roots dating back to 1972. After beginning in Irvine and expanding into Richmond, the bank opened its Berea branch in 2008. Since then, the organization has made it a point to actively support the communities where its team members live and work.

    That kind of local commitment matters deeply when it reaches beyond banking and into community life.

    The arts depend on partnerships. Ticket sales help keep the lights on, but sponsors help make bigger things possible. In this case, CG Bank’s support helps bring one of Broadway’s best-known family musicals to the stage while actively opening the doors wider for audiences who might not otherwise be able to attend.

    🎟️ Making Theater More Accessible

    Pay-What-You-Can Fridays are designed to remove some of the financial pressure that can keep families away from live performances. Instead of asking every household to meet the same ticket price, the program allows families to attend and contribute what they comfortably can.

    For a community theater and acting school, that kind of access is central to the overall mission. Spotlight Acting School works to give students a place to grow through performance, teamwork, music, storytelling, and confidence-building. The Bluegrass Players provide local actors with opportunities to perform in full community productions. Together, those efforts help keep theatrical arts vibrant and available in Berea.

    CG Bank’s sponsorship helps that work continue.

    ☀️ A Partnership Built on Optimism

    The enduring magic of Annie lies in its relentless optimism. The classic tale of a brave young orphan outsmarting Miss Hannigan and unexpectedly finding a family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks is ultimately a story about finding light in the dark. It is a reminder that even in tough times, tomorrow can still be better.

    That hopeful message makes this partnership especially fitting. A local bank supporting a local theater helps turn that message into something highly practical: more access, more opportunity, and more families in the room together enjoying familiar songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.”

    🎭 A Month of ‘Annie’ in Berea

    Annie: The Musical opens May 15 and runs through May 24. The celebration continues later in the month when Spotlight Acting School presents Annie KIDS, featuring younger students, beginning May 29 and running through June 7.

    Together, the two productions create a full month of Annie at The Spotlight Playhouse. Thanks to support from CG Bank, it is a month that a whole lot more families will have the chance to take part in.

    Click Here for Tickets and Pay-What-You-Can Information

    About the Author

    Dr. Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer, director, and creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

    • Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
    • Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
    • Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
    • Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
    • Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
    • Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
    • Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
    • Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
    • “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
    • Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
    • Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
    • Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9

  • A Month of Milestones: Navigating College and High School Graduation Traffic Across Madison County

    MADISON COUNTY, Ky. — Madison County is about to get very busy, and the traffic will arrive in two massive waves. From the early-May college ceremonies to the late-May high school send-offs, local roads, restaurants, and shops are gearing up for a full month of graduation crowds.

    For local residents, a little planning is going to go a long way. Restaurants will be busier than usual, parking around campus areas will be much tighter, and local businesses should see a welcome bump in foot traffic from families celebrating milestones.

    🎓 Wave One: EKU and Berea College

    Eastern Kentucky University will kick things off with its Spring 2026 Commencement on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8, at Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum. The master’s and doctoral ceremony begins Thursday at 6:00 p.m., but Friday will bring the heaviest impact to Richmond. Undergraduate ceremonies are staggered at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., meaning traffic will pulse near Lancaster Avenue, the Bypass, and downtown restaurants all day.

    Berea will see its own college crowds on Sunday, May 10, for Berea College’s Commencement. Baccalaureate will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Phelps Stokes, followed by the main Commencement ceremony at 2:00 p.m. in the Seabury Center. Adding to the buzz this year, Governor Andy Beshear is scheduled to deliver the commencement address. That high-profile visit is likely to make an already busy Sunday even busier around College Square, Boone Tavern, and Main Street.

    🏫 Wave Two: The High School Crowds

    Just as the college traffic clears out, the county’s high schools will take center stage. Because the Madison County public school system does not reach its last day of class until May 26, their ceremonies will create a completely separate wave of traffic at the end of the month.

    The county will once again utilize EKU’s Alumni Coliseum to handle the massive high school crowds. Madison Central High School will graduate on Friday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m., and Madison Southern High School will follow the next morning on Saturday, May 23, at 10:00 a.m.Model Laboratory School also lists its Graduation & Commencement Ceremony for May 22. Berea Community High School’s ceremony traditionally keeps much of its graduation traffic closer to town, adding to the late-May local activity.

    🛍️ A Month to Shop Local and Plan Ahead

    This influx of visitors creates a fantastic opportunity to showcase Berea throughout the entire month. For families looking for last-minute gifts, the Berea Farmers Market is a perfect stop. The market operates under its summer hours on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chestnut Street Pavilion (635 Chestnut St.), offering local, handmade items that feel far more personal than a rushed stop at a big-box store.

    If you are attending a graduation, allow plenty of extra time for parking. If you are just trying to grab dinner on a graduation weekend, consider making reservations, call ahead for larger groups, or just be ready for a longer wait.

    Graduation season brings families into town, fills our local businesses, and gives the county a chance to celebrate. Expect a busier-than-normal May, plan ahead, and maybe use the occasion to shop local while visitors are doing the same.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

  • Spotlight’s Film Acting Camp Offers Families a Summer Option Beyond the Stage

    BEREA, Ky. — For Berea-area families trying to map out the final stretch of June, Spotlight Acting School is offering a summer camp that shifts the focus from stage lights to camera lenses.

    The school’s Film Acting Camp is scheduled for June 29 through July 3, 2026, at The Spotlight Playhouse. Open to rising sixth graders through age 18, the camp is designed for students who want to build confidence on camera, strengthen their acting skills, and create professional footage of their own.

    🎥 A Focus on the Screen

    For parents, that focus makes this camp stand out from more traditional theater programs. Instead of preparing students solely for live performance, the week zeroes in on on-camera technique, scene work, self-taping, and acting reels—the exact skills that reflect how young performers audition and train in the modern industry.

    Each student will help create material for a short acting reel to take home, giving families something tangible at the end of the week beyond great memories and rehearsal stories.

    👥 The Teaching Team

    The camp is designed as a fun, hands-on week for teens and preteens who want to explore film performance in a supportive setting.

    The instruction team includes Kat Davis, who recently led Spotlight’s technical theater intensives, alongside Executive Director Chad Hembree and Mason Hembree, who is returning after completing his junior year as a performing arts major at Bellarmine University. For families considering whether a child is ready for a more focused acting experience, that teaching lineup offers reassurance that students will be guided by staff already deeply familiar with Spotlight’s educational programs.

    ✅ Camp Fast Facts

    The family appeal is also highly practical. The full-day format helps working parents while still giving students a specialized arts experience close to home.

    • Dates: Monday, June 29 – Friday, July 3, 2026
    • Times: Drop-off begins at 7:45 a.m. | Pick-up by 4:00 p.m.
    • Location: The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Road, Berea
    • Ages: Rising 6th graders through age 18
    • Cost: $150 for the week (tuition is non-refundable and not prorated)

    🥪 Lunch and Campus Policies

    There are a few key details parents will want to know before registering. Students may not leave campus for lunch, regardless of age—a strict policy meant to protect all participants, especially the younger students. Campers should bring a packed lunch and a reusable water bottle each day. However, older students are welcome to use DoorDash or pizza delivery if it does not interrupt the daily schedule. Comfortable clothing designed for movement is highly recommended.

    For Berea families, the Film Acting Camp rounds out a June lineup at The Spotlight Playhouse that includes broader arts offerings for younger students and even an all-ages summer workshop. It provides older students a different entry point, one that may especially appeal to kids who are curious about acting but more interested in screen performance than a traditional musical.

    Space is strictly limited to ensure each student gets enough dedicated time in front of the camera. Families with questions can contact Chad Hembree at 859-756-0011 or chad@spotlightactingschool.com.

    Click Here to Enroll in the 2026 Film Acting Camp

    About the Author

    Dr. Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer, director, and creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

  • Spotlight’s “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Invites Berea Families to Take the Stage Together

    BEREA, Ky. — For families in Berea, summer activities often come with a familiar balancing act: finding something meaningful for the children, manageable for the parents, and flexible enough to fit a packed seasonal calendar.

    Spotlight Acting School’s new Summer Workshop Intensive, “Oh, Those Summer Nights,” appears built with exactly that challenge in mind. Offering a unique intergenerational theater experience for ages 9 to 99 at The Spotlight Playhouse, the workshop is a chance to make theater a shared family memory rather than a spectator activity.

    🎭 A Shared Family Experience

    Running from June 14 through June 27, the intensive is open not only to children and teens, but also to community members, parents, and even grandparents. Spotlight describes the program as a high-energy musical celebration of the 1950s and 1960s. Participants will spend two weeks building skills in singing, movement, stage presence, and performance confidence before presenting two live performances on the Spotlight stage.

    That family-centered setup is what makes this intensive stand out. Instead of simply dropping children off for another summer program, parents and grandparents are invited to be part of the experience themselves. In fact, this marks the first time in Spotlight’s history that the school is intentionally bringing adult students into the rehearsal room alongside younger performers, bridging the gap between generations and experience levels.

    ✅ Low Pressure, High Reward

    Another point likely to resonate with families is the low-pressure entry. There is no audition required to participate—everyone who enrolls will be in the show.

    While soloists may be selected during the rehearsal process, the environment is designed to be highly supportive, entirely removing the stress of competitive casting. That is especially welcoming for first-time performers, hesitant adults, or children who want to try theater without the fear of being cut.

    The cost is also structured with families in mind. Rather than charging per person, Spotlight is marketing the intensive as a flat-rate opportunity to bring the whole household. Participants will provide their own simple, 1950s- and 1960s-inspired costumes, with guidance supplied after enrollment.

    🕒 A Schedule Built for Working Parents

    The schedule is designed around evening rehearsals, making participation much easier for working families:

    • Enrollment Meeting: Sunday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m.
    • Rehearsals: Monday–Friday, June 15–19, and Monday–Thursday, June 22–25 (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
    • Performances: Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m. (Call time at 5:30 p.m.)
    • Location: The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Rd N, Berea
    • Cost: $150 per family (covers all participating household members)

    For households in Berea, “Oh, Those Summer Nights” is more than just another summer arts offering. It is a genuine community-building event—one where a parent, child, and grandparent could conceivably stand under the exact same stage lights this summer.

    Click Here to Enroll in “Oh, Those Summer Nights”

    About the Author

    Dr. Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer, director, and creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

  • 🎭 Spotlight Acting School Opens Registration for “New York, New York” Summer Creative Arts Camp

    BEREA, Ky. — Families in Berea looking for a summer option that blends creativity, structure, and performance have a new date to circle on the calendar.

    Registration is officially open for Spotlight Acting School’s Creative Arts Camp, a weeklong program for rising first through ninth graders hosted at The Spotlight Playhouse on Richmond Road. The camp runs Monday through Friday, June 8–12, providing a full day of arts immersion for local students.

    🗽 A Big-City Creative Lens

    This year’s camp theme is “New York, New York,” giving students a chance to explore performing and visual arts through the energy of the big city.

    Campers will be divided by age groups and take part in six distinct classes each day. The curriculum goes far beyond the standard stage time, including musical theater dance, acting, music, visual art, stage makeup, and design work focused on sets and costumes. Families will also get a firsthand look at what the students have been learning during a short Friday presentation at the end of the week.

    For many local parents, that mix is the biggest draw. Instead of a camp built around a single skill, Spotlight’s program is designed to expose children to several parts of the creative process in one week. That appeals both to students who already love the spotlight and to children who may be more interested in painting, design, or hands-on making behind the scenes. In a town where families often look for programs that keep children engaged while school is out, the camp offers a robust local option without the need for a long commute.

    ✅ Camp Fast Facts

    • Dates: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
    • Times: Drop-off begins at 7:45 a.m. | Pick-up by 4:00 p.m.
    • Location: The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Road, Berea
    • Cost: $150 for the week (tuition is non-refundable and not prorated)
    • What to Bring: A packed lunch and a reusable water bottle

    Required paperwork will be completed at first drop-off, where parents can also share any special needs, allergies, or dietary restrictions directly with the staff.

    🎟️ A Community Arts Hub

    The camp will be held at The Spotlight Playhouse, a venue that has become a deeply familiar arts hub for local families through its steady lineup of youth productions, classes, and community performances.

    On the Playhouse calendar this spring, family audiences can also find Spotlight Acting School productions including Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS in late April and Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. in early May. It is a busy season that underscores how the Richmond Road space continues to serve as both a training ground and a performance home for young artists year-round.

    Space for the Creative Arts Camp is strictly limited. Families with questions can contact Chad Hembree by email or call 859-756-0011.

    Click Here to Enroll in the 2026 Creative Arts Camp

    About the Author

    Dr. Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer, director, and creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.

    🎟️ Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors

  • Frankenstein Is Fun Fiction. This Mouse Study Is a Reminder We Are Still Not Ready to Play God

    Science has a way of humbling people just when they start feeling clever.

    A new study out of Japan followed an extraordinary experiment in which scientists repeatedly cloned mice from clones of clones for roughly 20 years, producing 58 generations and making 30,947 cloning attempts before the process finally collapsed. The result was not an army of perfect copies. It was a long, slow lesson in biological limits.

    Over time, serious mutations piled up, birth rates fell, structural DNA damage accumulated, and somewhere between generations 25 and 45, the mouse line even lost an entire X chromosome that was never regained. By the 58th generation, the cloned mice did not survive.

    That is the part that should make people pause.

    The Limits of the Copy Machine

    We tend to talk about cloning as if it were the biological version of copying a file on a computer. Same thing in, same thing out. Duplicate it again. Duplicate it again. No problem.

    But that is not what this study found. The researchers reported that the mice often looked normal for many generations, even living normal lifespans for a while, while hidden damage quietly kept stacking up underneath. The cloning success rate began to decline around the 27th generation, and the damage eventually became too severe to continue.

    That is what makes the study so unsettling and so revealing. It is not a monster movie. It is almost the opposite. The system appears to work, until suddenly it does not.

    Reuters reported that the mutation rate in these cloned mice was about three times higher than in naturally reproduced mice. The researchers concluded that repeated mammalian cloning cannot continue indefinitely and that sexual reproduction appears to play an essential role in clearing out large-scale genetic errors that pure copying allows to build up. Nature’s messy old system, it turns out, still knows a thing or two.

    That is why my reaction to this study is less “wow, how amazing” and more “maybe we are not ready to play God just yet.”

    Biology Is Not Engineering

    Now, to be fair, this does not mean cloning is useless or impossible. Scientists have cloned mammals before, and this experiment itself produced over 1,200 cloned mice from a single original donor over two decades. But it does mean that cloning is not the clean, controllable, endlessly repeatable trick some people may imagine.

    Every time we talk as if biology is just engineering with softer materials, studies like this come along to remind us that living systems have their own rules, and they do not always care about human ambition.

    That is where the Frankenstein comparison comes in.

    Mary Shelley’s story has lasted so long not because people are afraid of electricity or laboratories, but because it gets at something deeper: the danger of assuming that because we can do something, we therefore understand it well enough to control it. Frankenstein is a fun story. But the warning under it still holds up. Human beings love to push boundaries first and sort out the consequences later.

    This mouse study does not tell us to stop doing science. It does not tell us to panic. What it does say, pretty clearly, is that cloning is not a magic copy machine and life is not as simple as duplication. For all our technology, we are still dealing with systems more fragile, more complex, and more mysterious than our headlines usually admit.

    And maybe that is the most useful takeaway of all. The more power science gives us, the more humility we are going to need.

    About the Author

    Chad Hembree is a certified network engineer with 30 years of experience in IT and networking. He hosted the nationally syndicated radio show Tech Talk with Chad Hembree throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, and previously served as CEO of DataStar. Today, he is based in Berea as the Executive Director of The Spotlight Playhouse, proof that some careers don’t pivot, they evolve.

    Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond

    Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse

    (Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)

    Music & Concerts

    Community, Arts & Outdoors

  • Why I Use Both ChatGPT and Gemini—and Why Google’s New Import Tool Makes Sense

    The AI world absolutely loves a rivalry story. Every new feature gets framed as a cage match, every product update becomes a “winner” or “loser,” and every user is apparently supposed to pick a side.

    But the truth is a lot less dramatic. I use both ChatGPT and Gemini, and I do not see much reason to treat them like an either-or choice. Google’s newly announced Gemini switching tools only make that clearer.

    Google says users can now import memories, context, and even full chat-history ZIP files from other AI apps directly into Gemini. The feature is rolling out right now through Gemini’s Settings page for consumer accounts.

    That does not mean Gemini has somehow “won,” and it does not mean ChatGPT users are all about to pack up and leave. It means Google is doing something highly practical: lowering the friction for people who want to try another tool without losing all the hard-earned context they have built elsewhere.

    How the Import Works

    According to Google, users can paste a summary of their preferences from another AI app directly into Gemini’s memory. Better yet, they can upload a ZIP file of past chats so they can search old threads and keep building from them without missing a beat. (Google notes the feature is specifically for personal consumer accounts and is not currently supported for Business, Enterprise, under-18, or certain European-region users).

    And honestly, that strategy seems incredibly sensible to me.

    I pay for ChatGPT Plus—which currently runs $20 a month—and for me, it has been an excellent writing assistant. It is especially strong when I need help shaping an article, tightening phrasing, organizing ideas, or working through tone. For something I use almost daily, it is a perfectly reasonable business expense.

    At the same time, Google’s massive ecosystem makes Gemini useful in an entirely different way. A Google One AI Premium subscription is basically the same price at $19.99 a month, but it includes 2 TB of storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos, along with deep Gemini access inside the Google apps I already use. In my experience, Gemini is especially handy when it comes to looking things up and working across that connected ecosystem. It can write, yes, but I still do not think it writes quite as well as GPT for the kinds of projects I do most.

    Different Tools for Different Jobs

    That is really the point. These tools are not identical, and they do not have to be.

    For people who live in this space every day, the better question is not “Which one is best?” but “Which one is best at what?” ChatGPT may feel stronger as a dedicated writing partner. Gemini may feel stronger as a search-connected assistant that lives naturally inside your broader workflow. If both are useful, and the cost feels manageable, it is not irrational to keep both around. It is just practical.

    Google’s new import feature matters because it acknowledges something the tech world does not always like to admit: users do not necessarily want one single AI assistant to rule their lives. Sometimes they want flexibility. Sometimes they want to cross-check answers. Sometimes they want one tool for drafting and another for search.

    By making it easier to bring old context into Gemini, Google is not just chasing rival users. It is acknowledging that starting from scratch with a blank slate is annoying, and that data portability matters.

    So no, I do not buy the idea that this has to be some dramatic breakup story where users flee one platform for the other. It looks more like the next stage of a market that is getting mature. If these companies want our loyalty, they are going to have to compete not just on hype, but on usefulness, fit, price, and convenience.

    And from where I sit, that is a good thing. Right now, ChatGPT and Gemini both earn their keep—just in very different ways.

    About the Author

    Chad Hembree is a certified network engineer with 30 years of experience in IT and networking. He hosted the nationally syndicated radio show Tech Talk with Chad Hembree throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, and previously served as CEO of DataStar. Today, he is based in Berea as the Executive Director of The Spotlight Playhouse, proof that some careers don’t pivot, they evolve.

  • OpenAI’s Ad Business Takes Off—and Proves the Early Panic Was Overblown

    When OpenAI first started talking about putting ads in ChatGPT, the reaction in some corners of the internet was immediate panic. For some users, the very idea sounded like a betrayal of the platform’s original ethos. For others, it felt like a grim inevitability.

    My own reaction was a lot less dramatic. If ads were clearly labeled, kept completely separate from the AI’s responses, and used to support free or lower-cost access for millions of people, that seemed fairly reasonable.

    OpenAI’s early numbers now suggest the broader market agrees. Its U.S. ad pilot in ChatGPT has already surpassed $100 million in annualized revenue just six weeks after launch.

    A Restrained Rollout

    That $100 million milestone stands out even more because the rollout is still relatively restrained. Reuters reported that while about 85% of users are eligible to see ads, fewer than 20% are actually seeing them on a daily basis so far.

    In other words, this revenue is not the result of blanketing the product with sponsored clutter. It is coming from a measured, tightly controlled pilot that is still early in its expansion. OpenAI already has more than 600 advertisers involved and reportedly plans to launch a fully self-serve ad platform in April.

    Clear Rules and Tiered Access

    OpenAI’s official policy helps explain why the user blowback has not been worse. The company says ads are currently being tested only for logged-in adults in the U.S. on the Free and Go tiers. If you are paying for Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, or Education, your experience remains completely ad-free.

    OpenAI has also drawn a hard line in the sand regarding the interface: the ads are clearly labeled and physically separated from the organic answers, and advertisers have zero influence over the model’s actual responses.

    That is exactly why I never found the anti-ad handwringing especially persuasive. There is a very meaningful difference between turning a product into a blinking billboard and using limited, visible advertising to help subsidize a service that millions of people rely on for free. OpenAI is plainly trying to strike that balance. Whether it holds long-term is another question, but so far, the approach looks much more cautious than reckless.

    The Anthropic Super Bowl Jab

    What did strike me as off was Anthropic’s recent Super Bowl jab at OpenAI. Anthropic ran high-profile ads with the line, “Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude,” a message OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly called “deceptive.”

    To me, that criticism from Anthropic always felt a little too neat and a little too self-righteous. If OpenAI is showing clearly separated ads only on specific lower-cost tiers while strictly keeping paid plans ad-free, that is not quite the dystopian, ad-riddled future the Claude commercial invited viewers to imagine.

    The Billion-Dollar Balancing Act

    The broader business point here is hard to miss. OpenAI appears to have successfully found a massive new revenue stream that does not depend entirely on persuading more people to pay premium monthly subscription prices.

    That matters deeply in a business where computing costs are enormous, and every new model generation seems to come with a staggering, multi-billion-dollar infrastructure bill attached. It also helps explain why investors and advertisers are watching this pilot so closely. A product with ChatGPT’s massive global reach does not need to flood the screen with ads to build a highly lucrative ad business.

    The real test, of course, is what happens next. If OpenAI keeps the ad load light, keeps them clearly labeled, and preserves total trust in the answers themselves, the vast majority of users will likely accept the tradeoff. But if the company gets greedy, people will notice quickly.

    For now, though, the early message from the market is pretty simple: the ad machine is working, and it is working fast.

    About the Author

    Chad Hembree is a certified network engineer with 30 years of experience in IT and networking. He hosted the nationally syndicated radio show Tech Talk with Chad Hembree throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, and previously served as CEO of DataStar. Today, he is based in Berea as the Executive Director of The Spotlight Playhouse, proof that some careers don’t pivot, they evolve.

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  • 🎤 Major Concert Event Headed to Richmond as Jason Derulo Comes to EKU

    RICHMOND, Ky. — This is not just another stop on the calendar. It is the kind of booking that gets people talking across the entire county.

    Pop star Jason Derulo is set to perform at the EKU Center for the Arts in Richmond on Friday, April 10 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Kentucky University is calling it one of the biggest artists ever to come to campus, promising a full-scale live production built around Derulo’s massive catalog of hit songs.

    ⭐ A Massive Get for Madison County

    That is a big deal for Richmond, but also for Madison County as a whole. Derulo is not a niche act or a throwback curiosity. He is one of those rare pop names that still lands instantly with a wide crowd, thanks to universally recognizable hits like “Whatcha Say,” “Ridin’ Solo,” and “Trumpets.” EKU’s announcement highlights his undeniable global reach, noting his dozens of multi-platinum certifications and tens of billions of streams worldwide.

    For a community this size, bringing in an artist with that kind of name recognition is a real get. It gives Richmond the kind of headline-grabbing event more often associated with larger markets, while giving local fans a chance to catch a major live show without making the drive to Lexington, Louisville, or Cincinnati.

    EKU has also tied the blockbuster concert to recent upgrades at the Center for the Arts, noting that those facility improvements are exactly what is helping the university attract higher-profile entertainment for both students and the general public.

    🎭🎶 A Packed Weekend for Local Entertainment

    Even if Jason Derulo is not your thing, this is still shaping up to be an incredibly strong weekend for live entertainment around the county.

    Down in Berea, “Finally” A Broadway Revue is running at The Spotlight Playhouse from April 3 through April 12, offering a very different, highly localized kind of night out for musical theater lovers. Meanwhile, on Saturday, April 11, the Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble is scheduled to perform a fantastic free concert at 7:00 p.m. in Gray Auditorium at Presser Hall.

    So whether your weekend tastes lean toward a global pop concert, a Broadway-style community revue, or live Appalachian bluegrass, Madison County is going to have some excellent options.

    But there is no question what the biggest marquee event is. Jason Derulo coming to Richmond is a major concert story for this area, and one that signals EKU is aiming much bigger when it comes to live entertainment. For local fans, that is exactly the kind of development worth watching.

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  • 🌍 Global Flavors, Local Impact: Richmond Rotary’s International Dinner Returns April 11

    RICHMOND, Ky. — If you enjoy trying new foods and supporting a good cause at the same time, the Richmond Rotary Club may have exactly the evening you are looking for.

    The Rotary Club of Richmond is set to host its annual “Sharing a Taste of the World” International Dinner on Saturday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the Carl D. Perkins Building. The event serves as a major fundraiser, giving the evening both a welcoming community feel and a deeply meaningful purpose.

    🍽️ Dining for a Cause

    The idea behind the evening is a simple but brilliant one: bring people together around food from different cultures, and use that shared experience to help organizations doing important work close to home.

    Richmond Rotary has made the international dinner a cornerstone of its annual fundraising efforts, and the event has built a strong, dedicated following in the community. As in years past, the dinner will feature a wide variety of authentic dishes provided by local restaurants and community contributors.

    That mix of local generosity and global flavor is what makes this event stand out. It is not just another dinner out. It is a chance to gather with friends, enjoy something completely different, and know your ticket is helping support real needs in the region. This year, all proceeds from the event will directly benefit Enrich and God’s Outreach, two organizations doing vital work right here at home.

    🎟️ How to Attend

    For folks who like community events with a little heart behind them, this one is absolutely worth a spot on the calendar. Richmond has no shortage of spring activities, but this offers something unique—a night out that feels both festive and genuinely useful to the community.

    Tickets are available now through Eventbrite, and updates can be found on the Richmond Rotary’s Facebook page.

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  • 🍔🎶 Tasty Tuesdays Returns to Irvine-McDowell Park with Music, Food Trucks, and Community Fun

    RICHMOND, Ky. — Richmond’s popular Tasty Tuesdays series is returning to Irvine-McDowell Park this spring, bringing together live music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities on Tuesday evenings throughout April.

    Hosted by Richmond Parks and Recreation, the free event series runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Irvine-McDowell Park, 345 Lancaster Ave. The series will continue from April all the way through September, offering a relaxed way for families and friends to spend a spring evening outdoors.

    📅 The April Lineup

    The April schedule includes four distinct Tuesday events, each featuring its own unique mix of live entertainment, local vendors, and community activities:

    🎸 April 7 (Kickoff Event)

    Live music: 3 Men & A Banjo, plus a drop-in drum circle led by Sanjay Blevins.

    Food & Drink: Comete Alguito, Mac-A-Tude, Cindy Lou Who Delights, Ice Paradise, Batter & Buttercream Cupcakes, Dreaming Creek Brewery, Chenault Vineyards, and the Madison County Farmers Market.

    🎤 April 14

    Live music: Lauren Mink and Dale Adams.

    Food & Drink: Bert’s Speakecheezy, Dogg House, La Cima Mexican Food Truck, DonutNV, Cindy Lou Who’s Kettle Corn, Dreaming Creek Brewery, and Chenault Vineyards.

    🌳 April 21 (Arbor Day Event)

    Live music: Whiskey River, alongside special Arbor Day activities.

    Food & Drink: Fully Loaded, Drea’s Catfish Bucket, Tolentino’s, Batter & Buttercream Cupcakes, Beverly Ann’s Cookie Truck, Dreaming Creek Brewery, and Chenault Vineyards.

    🎵 April 28

    Live music: Yes ter Year.

    Food & Drink: Piggin Out, Mac-A-Tude, La Cima Mexican Food Truck, Jenabelle Treats, Batter & Buttercream Cupcakes, Dreaming Creek Brewery, and Chenault Vineyards.

    🚗 Parking and Planning Your Visit

    With a great mix of music, food, and an open-air community atmosphere, Tasty Tuesdays is an easy trip for Berea residents looking to break up the work week.

    For those planning to attend the kickoff event on April 7, organizers note that the Lancaster Avenue lot will be open, with additional parking readily available in the EKU Crabbe Street lot or the Adams lot. All activities and vendor lineups are subject to change, so attendees are encouraged to follow Richmond Parks and Recreation for the latest updates.

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