Never say that you do not have time to do something.  Make time!  Especially if it is in good old Beaver County, with some of your childhood buddies.  My native land of Aliquippa has a hidden treasure that everyone should know about, I am spreading the word whether it is online, in print, or even in person.  It’s named Uncommon Grounds and it located at 380 Franklin Avenue in downtown Aliquippa.  They are open 7 am – 5 pm Monday through Wednesday and 7am to midnight Thursday and Friday.  Here is the lowdown on this place.  It offers sandwiches, coffee, smoothies, frappechinos, and baked goods (just to name a few) and is all served by lovely volunteers who dedicate their time to keep establishment running.  Many might be thinking, “Oh, what is another coffee shop with food?” but it is so much more than that.  The moment you walk in to the building it’s a breath of fresh air.  The atmosphere is so inspirational, stemming from the artistic creations hanging on the walls to the lovely modern industrial style grill and ordering area.  Most of all, the one thing that makes this place truly incredible are the people.  Every Thursday is open mic night and they mean open mic in every sense of the word.  Members of the community and afar are encouraged to share their talent whether it is music, poetry, or even some comedy!

A few of my friends and I stopped in for open mic night, seeing as my friend Stephanie Peterson is pursing a music career of her own.  It is weird to feel so comfortable in a setting you have only around a few times but Uncommon Grounds has perfected it.  Passionate people fill the space and that is felt by the joyous laughter and rounds of applause that each individual receives for sharing what they have to offer to the world.   I encourage anyone that is around to visit this space, even if it is not on a Thursday!  Don’t say that there is no time to do such a thing, just pop in and see who is there!