The Covington Neighborhood Collaborative, a community advocacy organization that aims to represent the interests of Covington’s 18 neighborhoods, announced the winners of the city’s Beautification Awards at its Sept. 14 meeting. In addition, the organization committed to being the primary sponsor for next year’s awards at its meeting in October.
“It’s clear that the event was a success and provided plenty of positive support for people all over the city who do everything that they can to make their neighborhoods and the city as a whole a more attractive place to live and do business,” said Bill Wells, the chair of the collaborative, in a recent press release. “Although it takes a lot of work and money to organize the program, it’s clear to me that this organization will come back as the primary sponsor for a second year next fall.”
The awards were issued to 24 different residents and business owners who performed building improvements and renovations on their properties throughout the city’s neighborhoods.
The awards were originally administered by the Friends of Covington organization, but that group disbanded in December of 2021. This year was the first year the neighborhood collaborative served as the awards’ primary sponsor.
The winners of this year’s beautification awards, as well as the street where they performed their work, are listed below:
Austinburg: Barbara Weisbrod, Delmar Place; Cornerstone Apostolic Church, Rev. Fred Turner, Scott Street.
Central Business District: Richs Proper Food & Drink, Bill and Morgan Whitlow, Madison Avenue.
Eastside: Kelli Dillon, Scott Street; Bean Haus Bakery, Tim Eversole, Greenup Street.
Historic Licking Riverside: Scot and Constance Kopp, Garrard Street; Kathleen Comisar, East Second Street.
Latonia: Kellie and Dennis Hamilton, East 36th Street.
Levassor Park: James Reynolds and John Messmer, Levassor Avenue.
Lewisburg: Nancy and Dave Brossart, West 12th Street.
MainStrasse: Cedar Restaurant, Jeremy Faeth, Main Street; Joe and Andrea Stevie, Greer Street.
Monte Casino: Doug and Bonnie Matherly, Monte Lane.
Mutter Gottes: Jayme Porkolab, Craig Street; Michael Foellger, Russell Street.
Old Seminary Square: Carole Carter, Banklick Street;Greg and Beverly Paeth, Russell Street.
Peaselburg: St. Augustine Church, Very Reverend Daniel Schomaker, West 19th Street; Gary and Jae Bishop, Highland Avenue.
South Covington: Janet Samples, Tando Way.
Wallace Woods: Tom and Sara Covert, Eastern Avenue; Jay and Kate Smith, Wallace Avenue.
Westside: Joan Morris, Berry Street; Fritz Kuhlmann, Fisk Street.
The Covington Neighborhood Collaborative meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Center for Great Neighborhoods, 321 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. All meetings are open to the public.