Mold Remediation in Covington, KY

COVINGTON, Ky. – ‘Tis the weekend to shop for local-made gifts, create poinsettias that won’t kill your cat, catch a holiday cabaret, gather at a block party, snap a photo with Krampus, and a whole lot more.

Fine art and a holiday demon

Tonight’s Sip & Shop at the Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center features more than 30 vendors selling their handcrafted and fine art goods. And, while you shop, there will be food and drinks to enjoy.

And, because tonight is Krampusnacht, you can get your picture taken with that horned, anthropomorphic, long-tongued holiday demon who is said to beat the naughty children with branches and sticks, or -- in the worst-case scenario -- put them in his sack and drag them to hell. (Kind of like the Grinch with a heart that’s 2 times 200 sizes too small and with an evil bent.)

But really, the event isn’t as scary as it sounds. And it is free and open to the public. Free parking available on 7th Street.

Worry-free poinsettias

Have pets? Love poinsettias? You can have both, thanks to Artmarkit, which has a solution to your dilemma of whether or not to get a poinsettia for the holiday season.

The colorful poinsettia has long been maligned as toxic to cats and dogs, especially if they eat copious amounts of its leaves and bracts. We all know that some cats – understandably looking to get high if only to be able to tolerate inconsiderate humans in their cruel, cruel world -- will devour an entire catnip plan. Unfortunately, the beautiful poinsettia comes with no mind-altering enticements for your feline, only vomit, diarrhea, and (gulp), yes, possibly death, if eaten en masse.

That said, it never hurts to err on the side of caution.

The good news is, you don’t have to forego the festive beauty of the poinsettia this season if you participate in tonight’s Poinsettia Workshop at Artmarkit, because its talented staff will show you how to create a poinsettia out of ribbons.

Holiday cabaret

For an evening of vintage holiday magic and sentimental moments that harken back to the television Christmas specials of yore, don’t miss A Cozy Christmas with Queen City Cabaret at The Carnegie on Friday (and Saturday).

Performances will celebrate all the simple but important stuff that makes the season bright and our hearts warm with nostalgia.

Dark Charge block party

Block parties aren’t exclusive to sweltering summer months and, besides, the Dark Charge Winter Block Party 2024 at Braxton Brewing Co. on Friday and Saturday is sure to warm our cockles with its Dark Charge variants.

There’s a cool music lineup too, featuring Tracy Walker, Hoopty, Brother Smith, and DJ Jon Jon – plus food trucks with tasty offerings.

Remember those French Chew taffies you liked as a kid? With a nod to nostalgia, Braxton teamed up with local candy maker Doscher’s to make a unique Dark Charge variant that blends its brew with a childhood favorite. Say “hello” to Braxton’s Doscher’s Candies Vanilla French Chew variant (your new favorite confection, so to speak).

Tis the season at the Farmers Market

The CFM Holiday Market on Saturday at the Hellmann Creative Center is the special holiday edition of the Covington Farmers Market.

That means you’ll find many of the farmers, market vendors, local artists, and crafters that you’ve come to enjoy at the regular Saturday market, but there will be a decidedly holiday touch.

Ye olde German market

In the spirit of traditional Christmas markets popular throughout Germany, Sunday’s 2024 MainStrasse Village Christkindlmarkt celebrates the spirit of the season with unique gifts from vendors throughout the tri-state, good food, and plenty of libations at MainStrasse establishments. Plus, there will be ample music and fun activities for the kiddos.

Holiday moose lounge

Sunday’s The Moose is on The Loose … Hunting for Festive Finds at the Ernst + Oddfellows CoWorking Space at 405 Garrard St. promises to be a holiday blast packed with laughter and cheer.

Here’s what it’s going to be “packed” with: live music, candles, coffee, cigars, chocolate, hot sauce, jerky, knives, vintage video games, records, sausage, Wenzel Whisky, and a whole lot of fun.

Live music

Tonight: The Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Friday: Chris Comer Trio at Juniper’s … Gideon at Madison Live.

Saturday: Daniel Bennett & The Dirty Shirleys at Juniper’s … Homegrown Concert 2024 at Madison Theater … and “Blue Christmas” concert with Tad Roberson Band (and Toy Drive for kids) at Band of Helping Hands.

Miscellaneous

Tonight: Karaoke Thursdays at Paddy’s On Main.

Friday: Feud at Frosthaus … Karaoke at Frosthaus.

Saturday: Family Fun Activities at Behringer-Crawford Museum … Brunch with Santa at Coppin’s … Buzzard’s Roost Roadshow with Master Distiller Ethan Spalding at Smoke Justis.

Sunday: Bad@$$ Bibliophiles at Thrive Empowerment Center … Polar Express Reading & Craft at Behringer-Crawford Museum.

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For Demetrios owner Carl Vasiliou, the restaurant business is a family affair.

His family’s most recent namesake restaurant, Demetrios V, was opened by his parents Demetrios and Gloria Vasiliou, back in 2014. Its tagline was ‘where Greek food meets American food’ – a nod to the Vasiliou family’s Greek heritage.

Demetrios V operated out of Golf Manor at 2132 Losantiville Ave. in Cincinnati. In September of this year, Carl announced the original location would be permanently closing so they could open a new location inside the Covington RiverCenter. Now, their new restaurant, Demetrios, is finally open to the public after months of preparation.

“The whole thing about Demetrios is really not about me,” Vasiliou said. “It’s about them – my parents – they started this in 1962, so we keep the legacy going for them.”

Vasiliou and his family celebrated the grand opening of the restaurant on Wednesday alongside officials from the City of Covington, Corporex, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Covington Business Council.

“85% of our members are small businesses – small family-owned businesses are the lifeblood of our community,” NKY Chamber of Commerce President Brent Cooper said. “We’re just thrilled that you guys are here, and your whole approach has been wonderful; the food’s great and the service is even better.”

Demetrios’ menu offers a variety of Greek-inspired comfort food, such as gyros and Cincinnati chili, in addition to American-style comfort food, like double-decker sandwiches, burgers, fries, and hot wings. For breakfast, Demetrios serves traditional “greasy-spoon” breakfast options and a variety of omelets.

Covington-based real estate developer Corporex is the owner and manager of the RiverCenter. Its lobby is a popular breakfast and lunch location for white-collar professionals working in proximity or directly out of the dual office towers. Demetrios looks to capitalize on that demographic of customers.

Corporex Senior Property Manager Peter Craig said the company had been looking to fill the space for months after Y’all Cafe, the previous tenant, closed a little over a year ago.

“This space became available about 12 months ago,” Craig said. “It was really important for the building to identify the right concept and the right operator to take this over, not only for the tenants of the building but for the surrounding community and Demetrios has been just that.”

Across the lobby from Demetrios is Butler’s Pantry – a grab-and-go that features a coffee bar and breakfast and lunch counters, which has added several high-tech food kiosks for patrons looking for convenient food options.

Butler’s Pantry now has a Mac’s Pizza Pub smart pizza vending machine. Customers can order pizza from an app on their phone or by using the touchscreen interface installed directly on the machine. Generally, the pizza takes around three minutes to cook; then it’s dispensed to the customer.

Mac’s Pizza Pub launched the smart vending machine in 2023 and has several locations throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, including Rhinegeist Brewery in Over-The-Rhine and multiple on the University of Cincinnati’s campus.

Blendz Smoothies, a contactless and autonomous robotic food kiosk, is another one of Butler’s Pantry’s newest food vending options. Blendid, the company behind the machine, brought the first kiosk to market in 2019.

Similar to the smart pizza vending machine, customers can order a smoothie directly from a touchscreen interface or through the Blendid app. However, unlike the pizza vending machine, customers can actually watch the machine’s robotic arms grab the ingredients and then blend the smoothie right in front of them.

COVINGTON, Ky. – A magical painting party, cigars to smoke, wine to sip, live music to wind down (or up) with, collages to create, a centuries-old deal with the devil, and lots more happening in The Cov this weekend.

Collage and cuddle

When the going gets tough, the tough cuddle with something furry. And they create. Collaging and Kitten Cuddles with Annie at Purrfect Day Cat Café tonight provides the opportunity to do both.

Seasoned collage artists and beginners alike are invited cut, tear, paste, and craft an amazing collage of your design, all while in a room full of curious and playful kittens.

Materials will be provided. All you need to bring is your creativity and an abiding love for felines.

That old timeless bargain

The devil is a cunning sort. He doesn’t show up with blistering red skin, twisted horns, swinging a forked tail behind him – something you’d actually run from. No, the devil is normalcy in disguise, someone you’d like to get a beer with at the pub. The devil is convincing and persuasive, offering you the so-called perfect job. The devil says all the right things, and with a wink and a nod you’re in. The deal is done.

Thing is, there’s always a catch when you make a pact with the devil, because his currency is souls.

Watch a beguiling devil in action at Friday’s opening of Witch at The Carnegie, which is a co-production of The Carnegie and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

As the story goes, a captivating devil arrives in a quiet English town and starts bargaining for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Passions flare, alliances are formed, and the village is forever changed. It’s a smart modern fable that explores the intricacies of temptation and resilience.

A river's historic significance

Explore the deep significance of the Ohio River for the region’s African American history of resistance, achievement, and leadership from the 1800s through the 20th century.

Saturday’s African American Walking Tour begins at the John Augustus Roebling Statue on Riverside Drive and ends across the river at Smale Park. The tour lasts two hours. If weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s a rain date on Sunday.

Keep on dancing

Inspired by the energy of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” Creative House of Art & Design is turning up the volume on fun, art, and self-expression at its Pink Pony Club guided painting event on Saturday.

Whether “Femininomenon” is your morning anthem or you’re just looking for a fun night out, your inner artist will thank you for surrounding it with pinks, purples, and al the colors that will bring out your wild side.

You’ll get a guided painting session inspired by the iconic “Pink Pony Club” vibes while you sing along to Chappell Roan hits.

Your first drink from the bar, snacks and creative materials will be provided. So, put on your most fabulous pink attire and go make something magical.

A holly, jolly time begins

The holidays are officially launched on Saturday with the return of Behringer-Crawford’s Holly Jolly Days.

Look for new attractions this year, such as 13 animated displays in the Holiday Toy Trains exhibit, a nostalgic “A Window Through Time” display with vintage Christmas décor, and a LEGO Makerspace for creative play.

Live music

Tonight: Tauk with Michael Wilbur at Madison Theater. … The Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. … Sonny Moorman at Smoke Justis.

Friday: Signs of Life – The American Pink Floyd at Madison Theater. … Leroy Ellington at Smoke Justis. … Chris Comer Trio at Juniper’s.

Saturday: Start Making Sense: A Tribute to Talking Heads at Madison Theater. … Orchid in The Ivy at Madison Live. … Corey Tucker Duo at Smoke Justis. … Mike Wade Trio at Juniper’s.

Sunday: Help for Helene at The Village Theater.

Miscellaneous

Tonight: Cigar & Wine Experience at Crafts & Vines. … Karaoke Night at Paddy’s on Main.

Friday: Silver Sneakers Classic at Kenton County Public Library. … Feud at Frosthaus. … Karaoke at Frosthaus.

Saturday: Covington Farmers Market at Braxton Brewing Company. … MainStrasse Village Food & Culture Tour. … Yoga in the Grove at Devou Park. … Reflections in Nature at Devou Park. … Festive Wonderland: Painting Wooden Ornaments at Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop. … Witch at The Carnegie.

Sunday: Run With The Dogs at Kenton County Animal Shelter. … Witch at The Carnegie.

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Economic Development ramping up customer service

COVINGTON, Ky. – An analytics guy’s fascination with artificial intelligence. The growing popularity of a public art display featuring a 30-foot fiberglass alien. And a conference preaching the need for more-advanced software to convey information to the masses.

The recent convergence of those three elements in The Cov might sound like more evidence of Skynet’s takeover.

But in reality they were just the impetus behind a new feature unveiled today on the Economic Development website: A helpful chatbot featuring the image and personality of Clive (the Alien).

And … “Clive” can converse in both English and Spanish.

The chatbot – accessed in the bottom right corner of Economic Development’s website – is designed to quickly answer questions related to everything from how to open a business in Covington to finding available commercial property to incentives to required permits.

“The convenience factor is the main reason we created this. We want to be more customer-service oriented,” said Susan Smith, the City’s Business Attraction Manager. “A chatbot doesn’t replace human interaction – we’re still available by phone and email and in person – but it helps people more quickly find information and answers that are spread throughout our comprehensive website.”

Smith said she learned at a recent International Economic Development Council conference that only about 4 percent of the websites of economic development organizations were taking advantage of chatbot potential. When she was discussing the idea with Todd Sink, Covington’s Manager of Analytics and Intelligence, he told her that he had long been intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence and had been running tests on the effectiveness of a chatbot.

One thing led to another.

“I’ve always wanted to find a way or ways to use at least some form of artificial intelligence to enhance public service, and this is a tool I’ve always wanted to create,” he said. “It’s a good place to start.”

Sink said he decided to use the face of “Clive” as the chatbot’s identity to evoke Economic Development’s sometimes irreverent approach and quirky character, as embodied in the 3D alien peering out of the side of the Mid-town Parking Garage and Fifth and Scott streets.

He recruited Executive Assistant Carolann Baughman to create the graphics. Then when he “trained” Clive – i.e. feeding it the information for its answers – he customized the software and gave it a personality.

“Ask Clive the chatbot what his favorite movie is,” Sink said. “Given all that’s going on with I.T. these days and James Cameron’s cyborg movies, you may or may not be unnerved by his answer.”

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At the start of last fall’s tree-planting event in Eastside, Covington Urban Forestry Board member Jessica Spencer gave volunteers a brief tutorial on roots and the best way to plant a tree.

Volunteers needed for biannual beautification event

COVINGTON, Ky. – Volunteers with shovels who aren’t afraid to get muddy (and no doubt sore) are needed to plant trees in Peaselburg on Saturday morning.

The Covington Urban Forestry Board and the City’s Forestry Division are holding their biannual community tree planning, with the goal to put 52 trees or more in the ground along Russell Street and W. 20^th Street.

Volunteers should meet just before 9 a.m. in the parking lot at Glenn O. Swing Elementary School, 501 W. 19^th St. They will fan out and work until noon or all the trees are planted.

If you go

Why?

Covington Urban Forester Patrick Moore said the City typically holds a tree planting every spring and fall on its mission to expand Covington’s tree canopy. About five dozen trees were planted both this past spring in Ritte’s East part of Latonia and last fall in Eastside.

“Tree plantings are both fun and productive,” Moore said. “It’s rewarding to see how the Covington community gets engaged and takes pride in beautifying its surroundings.”

On top of that, Moore said, the plantings have long-term health and environmental benefits.

“Not only are tree-line streets aesthetically nicer but it’s also scientifically proven that people who live in areas with a lot of trees enjoy better health,” he said. “Plus, trees filter out pollutants in both the air and groundwater, provide cooling shade, and block street noise.”

Moore said the tree species will include black gum (tupelos), Kentucky yellowwood, redbud, and hawthorn and Osage orange cultivars. Trees will be selected to fit the spot where they’re to be planted.

For an entire list of how a vibrant tree canopy improves a neighborhood, check out the City’s Urban Forestry page and scroll down to “Benefits of trees.”

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