Creative and crafty ways to celebrate the holidays

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA HEHMAN | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

It’s that time of year: Families and friends get together to share holiday traditions like watching movies, cooking, baking, or wrapping gifts. Whether it’s baking, catching a show, or doing something crafty, here are some local ways for y’all to enjoy the season without sacrificing your budget.

Local Theatre

If you’ve always wanted to take your kids to the famous Playhouse in the Park, A Christmas Carol, but thought that your kid may not be ready or old enough to sit still for that long, I’ve got a suggestion for you. Local high schools and colleges are the perfect place to test it out, while still giving the littles a memorable experience.

Northern Kentucky University is presenting “Peter and the Starcatcher” from Dec. 2 to Dec. 11. The mystical story will keep even the most restless of kids entertained while captivating older audience members, too. The show takes place in NKU’s Corbett Theatre and tickets can be purchased online at nku.edu/tickets.

For a getaway from the kids, Thomas More University is performing the comedy “12 Dates of Christmas ” This show is a hilarious rendition of the struggles and reality of the holiday season as an adult. Thomas More’s tickets can be purchased the day of the show at the box office with cash. The show runs Dec. 9 to Dec. 11 and Dec. 16 to Dec. 18.

Light Show

For those uninterested in plays and unafraid of the cold, the Florence Y’alls are presenting Deck the Y’alls.

The inside of the Florence Y’alls stadium was converted into a seasonal light show, with ice skating, food, shopping, and night- ly appearances from Santa himself.

Free parking is available. General admission tickets vary by day, and typically cost $20 or less.

Deck the Y’alls opened at the end of November and runs nearly every night through the first of January.

Santa Workshops

For individuals and groups who enjoy working with their hands, Creative House of Art and Design, also known as CHAD, in Covington is hosting a variety of workshops for homemade gifts this holiday season.

Guests can book classes with friends to unwind and catch up, all while celebrating the holidays. CHAD in Covington offers a variety of classes and services for all ages. Weekly classes for children are being of- fered through Christmas, where children can make gifts and receive pizza and drinks.

For an adult getaway, CHAD offers painting sessions for groups. Alcohol can be purchased from the bar during these classes, too.

For the most up to date information on available classes, visit CHAD’S website, creativehousead.com, and shop their one-ofa-kind merchandise.

Notre Dame Academy appoints new president

The Notre Dame Academy Board of Directors has appointed Trish Miller to be the fourth president of the school.

She replaces former president Dr. Laura Koehl who resigned from the post in February 2021. Her tenure will begin on July 1, 2023.

Miller has leadership experience in both education and business. Beginning her business career as a principal owner of Brands Insurance, she went on to co-found West Chester Permit and Transportation Marketing Services in West Chester, OH. After 20 years, Miller left the business field for a career in education.

Miller served as a teacher for Withrow University High School and Aiken New Tech High School, then as an associate principal for La Salle High School. Miller is a graduate of Ursuline Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Cincinnati. Notre Dame is the only all-girls Catholic high school in Northern Kentucky.

Covington opens new dog park

The city of Covington recently cut the ribbon on the community’s first public dog park.

Connected to Kenny Shields Park at the intersection of Ninth and Philadelphia streets, the SFC Jason Bishop Memorial Dog Park boasts areas for both petite pooches and larger dogs, waste station with “doggie” bags, water fountains and seating for pet owners all enclosed in decorative fencing.

The park is named in honor of Army Sgt. Jason Bishop, a 1993 Holmes High School graduate killed by a bomb in 2006 while serving 101st Airborne Division in Iraq.

Come spring, the city’s Parks and Recreation department plans to have a howlin’ grand opening, complete with food trucks, games, and activities.

NKY listed among top places to visit in 2023 by ‘Condé Nast Traveler’

Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati have been listed as one of the top 23 places to visit in the country in 2023 by Condé Nast Traveler.

The travel magazine created its “The 23 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023” list including spots around the county “from the American West to the U.S.-territory islands of the Caribbean.” Each of the locations have been independently selected by Condé Nast Traveler editors.

The editors praised Northern Kentucky & Cincinnati’s propensity for drinking, shouting out well-known mixologist Molly Wellman and her Covington-based spot Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar. They point to her move across the river from Cincinnati as setting “off a chain reaction” of high-end bourbon bars and distilleries “making the region a must-visit for whiskey lovers.”

They featured several local drinkeries including Second Sight Spirits in Ludlow, Newport’s New Riff Distillery plus Revival Vintage Bottle Shop in Covington.

Hotel Covington is the spot the editors suggest staying at while in the area and they encourage visitors to try Agave + Rye and Libby’s Southern Comfort for something to eat.

Texas Turnaround construction triggers ramp closures, openings

Thanks to the construction of the “Texas Turnaround” construction in Covington, as of Thurs- day, Dec. 1, you will have to find another way to hop onto I-75/I-71 northbound from Fourth Street in Covington.

For those who have never ventured to the Lonestar state to experience the “Texas U-Turn”, a Texas Turnaround is a lane allowing cars traveling on one side of a one-way frontage road to U-turn onto the opposite frontage road (typically crossing over or under a freeway or expressway).

Currently, entry ramps to the Brent Spence Bridge do not have these, and it forces drivers to quickly merge into fast-moving traffic already in motion on the bottom deck of the bridge.

The Kentucky Transportation District 6 Office announced that a permanent closure of the onramp begins at 5 a.m. As they finish the “turnaround” portion of the Texas Turnaround at Pike Street, a detour from Fourth Street will be in place to direct motorists to I-75/I-71 northbound using I-75/I-71 southbound to Kyles Lane.

In addition, Pike Street’s ramp to I-75/I-71 northbound will reopen to four lanes after being shut down for the past seven months, beginning at the on-ramp where it meets the highway and goes north across the Brent Spence Bridge.

Timing of the construction is contingent on weather and unforeseen delays. For the most up to date information on these openings, closures, and other changes, check out the, District 6 Road Report and the Driving NKY Progress website.

More than 20 firearms removed from Covington home after police standoff

Covington police removed more than 20 firearms from the home of a person on Greenup Street following a lengthy standoff on Nov. 29.

Officers were called to the 2600 block of Greenup Street just before 11 p.m. Tuesday for reports of a person in crisis, police said.

“The individual refused to exit the home to speak with police and indicated they had weapons in the home,” Lt. Justin Bradbury said in a release.

After a lengthy standoff, Bradbury said, the subject peacefully surrendered to the police.

While searching the home, officers initially saw what they thought were dangerous materials, Bradbury said in the release. The Covington Fire Department, Emergency Management and the Cincinnati Bomb Squad were called to the scene to investigate, but the materials were not deemed to be a threat, police said.

Police said the subject was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and will not be charged, so they will not be identified.

Beshears announce toy drive for EKY children flood survivors

The Beshears recently said they are putting together a toy drive for children impacted by the floods in Eastern Kentucky.

“I want to make sure these kids know that even if Christmas looks a little different this year, Santa will still be coming to visit them,” Kentucky’s First Lady said. “So just like last year in Western Kentucky, I am announcing a toy drive where people from around our commonwealth – and country – can donate gifts.”

Gov. Andy Beshear and his wife Britainy held a similar toy drive for children impacted by last December’s tornadoes in Western Kentucky.

“I’m pretty sure last year’s drive was the biggest toy drive ever,” Beshear said. “It was so special to see the children of Western Kentucky smile after all they had been through, and now, our hope is that we can see those same smiles on the faces of our Eastern Kentucky kids.”

Those interested in sending gifts can mail them to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 75 Theatre Court, Prestonsburg, Kentucky, 41653.

The deadline to donate is Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Somerset mayor joins growing GOP gubernatorial field

Somerset Mayor Alan Keck announced last week he would run for governor in Kentucky.

Keck, 37, lists his faith and family as his top values, according to his website. It also says that his priorities are education, the economy, and public safety.

“Now, his passion for community building, personal liberty, local control and the American Dream propel him to lead Kentucky in the same way as governor,” his website says.

The Pulaski County resident joins a crowded Republican field in Kentucky, with two Northern Kentuckians also on the list: Rep. Savannah Maddox (R-Dry Ridge) and former attorney Eric Deters. That list further includes Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and Auditor Mike Harmon.

Senate Republican Caucus talks NKY region ahead of retreat

The growth in Northern Kentucky has been unbelievably fast, according to Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester).

That’s why the Senate GOP is holding their caucus retreat in the region before the start of the 2023 Legislative session. Senate leadership held a press conference Wednesday at Hotel Covington ahead of the retreat.

Stivers was joined by Northern Kentucky’s two new senators-elect, Shelley Funke Frommeyer in the 24th District and Gex Williams in the 20th District, as well as other Kentucky legislators.

The caucus will discuss next steps for the $1.3 billion investment for a companion toll bridge to the Brent Spence Bridge, as well as possible exceptions for rape and incest to Kentucky’s abortion law.

The group also mentioned Northern Kentucky University reporting a more than $24 million budget deficit and parting ways with its President Ashish Vaidya, despite receiving record funding from the legislature in 2022.

Senate Appropriations and Revenue Chair Chris McDaniel (R-Ryland Heights) said it’s sad to see that the university is having financial problems because it’s critical to a thriving economy in the region.

Please send any events, birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings, or other special announcements to LINK nky via email, at news@linknky.com, with the subject line “Town Crier.” Please note, meeting times and dates are subject to change. Contact organizers for the most up-to-date information.

Dec. 9-17, 2022

Boone County

Florence

Dec. 13: Urban Forest Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence

Dec. 14: Florence Board of Adjustment and Zoning Appeals Meeting, 5 p.m., Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd., Florence

Walton

Dec. 13: Walton Planning Meeting, 6:15 p.m., 40 N. Main St., Walton

Dec. 13: Walton City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., 44 N. Main St., Walton

Campbell County

Dec. 13: Campbell County Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6 p.m., Campbell County Administration Building, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport

Alexandria

Dec. 15: Alexandria City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., 8236 W. Main St., Alexandria

Bellevue

Dec. 14: Bellevue City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., 616 Poplar St., Bellevue

Cold Spring

Dec. 9: City of Cold Spring Coat Drive, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cold Spring City Building, 5694 E. Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring (drive is ongoing through January, Mon. to Fri.)

Dec. 10: Cold Spring Winterfest, 2 p.m., 5686 E. Alexandria Pike Cold Spring

Dec. 12: Cold Spring City Council Caucus Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Cold Spring City Building, 5694 E. Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring

Dayton

Dec. 11: First Baptist Church Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, 2 to 4 p.m., First Baptist Church of Dayton, 501 Dayton Ave., Dayton (food, clothes for families in need)

Dec. 13: Dayton Board of Architectural Review Meeting, 7 p.m., Dayton Community and Meeting Center, 625 2nd Ave., Dayton

Dec. 14: Dayton Civic Activities Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Dayton Community and Meeting Center, 625 2nd Ave., Dayton

Dec. 14: Dayton VFW Post 2899 Bingo Night, 5 p.m., 828 Sixth Ave., Dayton (every Wednesday)

Fort Thomas

Dec. 13: Fort Thomas Tree Commission Meeting, 6 p.m., Mess Hall in Tower Park, 801 Cochran Ave., Fort Thomas

Dec. 14: Fort Thomas Farmer’s Holiday Market, 3 p.m., Mess Hall in Tower Park, 801 Cochran Ave., Fort Thomas

Highland Heights

Dec. 10: Santa’s Tour Through the City, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., throughout Highland Heights (registration required)

Dec. 13: Highland Heights Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m., Highland Heights City Building, 176 Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights

Dec. 13: Highland Heights Outdoor Lighting Contest, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., throughout Highland Heights (judges will walk through city to assess outdoor home light displays)

Dec. 17: Rain Date for Santa’s Tour Through the City, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., throughout Highland Heights (only if event on Dec. 10 is rained out)

Newport

Dec. 9: Santa Claus at Newport on the Levee, noon to 6 p.m., One Levee Way, Newport (continues Dec. 10, 16, 17 and 23).

Dec. 12: Newport City Commissioners Meeting, 7 p.m., Newport City Building, 998 Monmouth St., Newport (first floor multipurpose room)

Southgate

Dec. 15: Southgate Super Seniors Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Southgate Community Center, 301 Walnut St., Southgate

Wilder

Dec. 17: Breakfast with Santa, 10 a.m., Wilder Fire Department, 522 Licking Pike, Wilder

Kenton County

Dec. 9: Letters to Santa, all day, Santa Express Mailboxes will be located in Kenton County libraries, Kenton County Government Center in Covington, Historic Kenton County Courthouse in Independence, Kenton County Animal Shelter. (mail letters to Santa, no postage needed, ongoing through Dec. 12.)

Dec. 13, Kenton County Fiscal Court Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Historic Kenton County Courthouse, 5272 Madison Pike, Independence

Covington

Dec. 10: Jingle Bell Run, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Northern Kentucky Convention Center, 1 Rivercenter Blvd., Covington (for more info, email drhoad@arthritis.org)

Dec, 10: Covington Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Braxton Brewery, 27 W. 7th St., Covington

Dec. 13: Covington Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6 p.m, Covington City Hall, 20 W. Pike St., Covington

Dec. 14: Covington Code Enforcement Hearing Board Meeting, 5 p.m, Covington City Hall, 20 W. Pike St., Covington

Edgewood

Dec. 13: Edgewood Senior Cards, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Edgewood Senior Center, 550 Freedom Park Drive, Edgewood (open to all, card games).

Elsmere

Dec. 10: Elsmere Holiday Party, 3 to 5 p.m., Billy Bradford Park and Elsmere Fire Station, 401 Garvey Ave., Elsmere (registration required)

Dec. 13: Elsmere City Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Elsmere Community Center, 179 Dell St., Elsmere

Erlanger

Dec. 9: Erlanger Home Decorating Contest, after dark, throughout Erlanger (through Dec. 11, lights should be up entire weekend for judging)

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