The Voice - May 2019
/Preservation Kentucky Tour 120 on May 18 and 19
By Scott Clark, Historic Preservation Officer
Preservation Kentucky's Tour 120 is an exciting new statewide heritage tourism program designed to raise awareness of the importance of historic preservation to Kentucky's communities and to raise funds to help the nonprofits that preserve, manage, and showcase them. The program launches on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, during National Historic Preservation Month with tours of historic commercial, residential, and public buildings on the same days throughout the state to make a large impact on the public.
Newport is proud to be a participant in the Tour 120 event. Here's a schedule for this two-day event:
Saturday, May 18
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm: Newport History Museum @ The Southgate Street School The first and second floors of the museum will be open to the public. Former students of the school and others will be onsite to tell the history of the only African American school in Campbell County. The Newport Grand Lodge 120 (home to the Newport Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star located on the second floor) will also have representatives onsite to share their stories.
Sunday, May 19
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm: General James Taylor Mansion Home Tour (335 E. 3rd St.)
The former home of General James Taylor, founder of Newport in 1795, is a building the modern term adaptive reuse was coined for. When it became too grand of a space for a home, it became a funeral parlor and then a law office. A big thank you to the Gerner and Kearns, Col., L.P.A. office for opening their space to the public.
All events are free to attend, and donations to the Newport History Museum, a 501C (3) corporation, will be accepted.
Volunteers are needed for all the events. If you are interested, please contact Scott Clark at sclark@newportky.gov.
Taste of Newport Sunday, June 2, Rain or Shine
By Bev Holiday
The 7th Annual Taste of Newport will take place Sunday, June 2, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The event is designed to showcase Newport's finest "tastes" around the city, featuring 20+ restaurants with a variety of selections including: pizza, coneys, homemade pies, BBQ, specialty coffees and teas, meatballs, grilled sausage, gourmet popsicles, and more!
The Taste event takes place on the 600, 700, and 800 blocks of Monmouth Street. Artists and artisans will be selling hand-crafted designs and Vintage Campers will open their campers for viewing. Newport retail businesses will be offering sidewalk sales and specials. Newport's craft breweries will also be featured, and two live music stages will have performances during the event.
Don’t miss this fun, spirited event that highlights some of the best food, drinks, art, and retail our city has to offer!
23rd Annual East Row Garden Walk Set for June 1 and 2
By Mike Whitehead
Please mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, for the 23rd annual East Row Garden Walk sponsored by the East Row Garden Club. The walk will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day in the East Row Historic District, the second largest historic district in Kentucky.
Tickets are $18. Children under 12 are free if accompanied by an adult. Tickets will be sold at the ticket area until 3:00 pm each day of the tour. You can also buy your tickets online anytime.
The 2019 event features eight private gardens, all chosen for their creativity and design in an urban setting. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to other worthwhile activities in Newport. The Garden Club also supports various beautification projects throughout the city including the Tree Revitalization Project, the Mansion Hill park at 3rd Street and Park Avenue, the community garden on Nelson Place, and the Toll Gate Historic Marker on the border between Newport and Bellevue.
The Walk also features several major changes from previous years. The ticket booth, vendor and hospitality area are being centralized on the grounds of St. John’s United Church of Christ at the intersection of Park Avenue and Nelson Place and include musical entertainment in the hospitality area.
There will also be vendors on hand to provide plants and garden-related decorative art, antiques, and accessories. To date, they include:
Greg’s Antiques and Garden Iron
Wes Ledyard Painted Windows
Seeds in Art
Ursula Roma Metalworks
Tastee Teas
Moonbow Ceramics
Greenfield Plant Farm
Jenny Brewer and Family Repurposed Pieces and Salvaged Materials Painting
Artful Endeavor
Pot Head Pottery
Daisy Jane’s Flower Truck
Pieces of the Past
Stop by and pick up some fine crafts from these local vendors.
The generous sponsors for this year’s tour include:
Platinum ($500+)
Clint Copenhaver, Robinson Sotheby’s International Realty
Silver ($250-$499)
Cathy Rector
Michael Jackson, Sibcy Cline Realtors
Terry and Midge Brewer, Coaches Corner
Crazy Fox Saloon
Bronze ($100-$249)
Hardedge Tool, Inc.
Mansion Hill Custom Floors
Renaissance Garden Ornament
Carabello Coffee Company
Wooden Cask Brewing Company
Newport City Commissioner Frank Peluso and his wife Susan
The Southgate House Revival
Potato Hill Farm
Newport Pizza Company
Reser Bicycle Outfitters
O’Bryan’s Bar and Grill
Commissioner Ken Rechtin
Commissioner Tom Guidugli and family
Copper ($30-$99)
Sis’s on Monmouth
Gateway Bed and Breakfast
Newport Commissioner Beth Fennell
Please give them every consideration.
We look forward to seeing you at the Garden Tour!
NBA General Assembly Update
By Bev Holiday, NBA Vice President
The Newport Business Association will be hosting a General Assembly Update panel discussion presented by elected officials at its meeting on Wednesday, May 29, at 8:00 am at the City Building (998 Monmouth Street) in the Multi-Purpose Room. The meeting is free to attend and open to the public.
2019 Events Calendar
By City Manager Tom Fromme
We are already well into spring, and summer is rapidly closing in. This is the time of year that Newport comes alive with festivals and special events. 2019 has quite a lineup of events, and we wanted to let everyone know what is scheduled and hope that you can attend these fun-filled family events.
What: Taste of Newport
Where: Monmouth Street between 6th and 9th Streets
When: Sunday, June 2, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Details here.
What: 28th Annual Newport Italianfest presented by Jake Sweeney Fiat
Where: Newport Riverboat Row between the Purple People Bridge and Taylor Southgate Bridge
When: June 13-16
Thursday, June 13, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm (opening ceremony at 7:00 pm)
Friday, June 14, 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (fireworks after Reds game)
Saturday, June 15, 10:00 am to 11:30 pm (fireworks at 11:00 pm)
Sunday, June 16, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
This festival features authentic Italian food, live Italian music performed by entertainers from around the nation and from "the old country," a golf outing and a family photo booth showcasing the history of Italian families that settled in Newport generations ago. Other fun includes a cooking contest, games, and rides for the little ones. Events kick off with a bocce ball tournament at Pompilio's Restaurant on Wednesday, June 12. The event averages over 100,000 visitors. For more info, call 859-292-3666.
What: Bacon, Bourbon and Brew Festival*
Where: Newport Riverfront
When: July 11-14
Thursday, July 11, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday, July 12, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday, July 13, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Sunday, July 14, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The Bacon, Bourbon and Brew Festival is dedicated to the area's rich history and connections to the brewing and pork industries as well as our region's long ties to the bourbon industry. Each of the festival food vendors will feature creative bacon dishes including freshly prepared items sure to delight every bacon lover. Live music, games and more are part of the family fun. For more information, please contact Marc at 513-477-3320.
What: Glier’s Goettafest*
Where: Newport Riverfront
When: July 25-28 and August 1-4
Thursday, July 25 and August 1, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday, July 26 and August 2, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday, July 27 and August 3, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Sunday, July 28 and August 4, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Glier's Goettafest is a family-fun festival celebrating the region's love of goetta. Here goetta will be prepared in many delicious ways such as Goetta Reubens, omelets, pizza, and more. There will be continuous live music, games, and rides. For more information, please contact Kerry Schall at 859-291-1800 (x 213), kerry@goetta.com or visit www.goettafest.com.
What: Great Inland Seafood Festival in Newport*
Where: Newport Riverfront
When: August 8-11
Thursday, August 8, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday, August 9, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday, August 10, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Sunday, August 11, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The Great Inland Seafood Festival, held along the riverbank in Newport, features premium seafood dishes from restaurants around the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region and music for all. For more information, please visit our Facebook Page.
What: “Rides on Monmouth” Newport Downtown Car Show
Where: Monmouth Street (Between 5th and 11th Streets)
When: Sunday, August 25, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (registration begins at 9:00 am)
This family-friendly event will feature more than 200 classic cars this year. Come and enjoy the day and sample our great restaurants. All-day fun and judging of best entries. Benefits Newport Buenger Boys and Girls Club.
What: Riverfest
Where: Newport Riverboat Row
When: Sunday, September 1, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Live entertainment, food, beverages, and Rozzi's largest and oldest fireworks display at dark. In 2017, there were more than 250,000 visitors.
What: Newport Oktoberfest*
Where: Newport Riverfront
When: September 27-29
Friday, September 27, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday, September 28, 12:00 pm 11:00 pm
Sunday, September 29, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The Newport Oktoberfest promises to be the most authentic Oktoberfest in the area. The event will be in the Munich Oktoberfest style of large Fest Tent sponsored by German Beer Breweries. Each tent will have food, beer and music. Participating restaurants include Wertheim's and others. There will also be continuous live German entertainment. Free admission. For more information, call 513-477-3320.
What: Harvest the Arts and Music Fest
Where: Newport History Museum (215 E. Southgate Street)
When: Saturday, September 28, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Harvest the Arts and Music Fest at the Newport History Museum @ The Southgate Street School is an event where voices and stories of Newport's unique and diverse past come alive. Food, beverages, live music, and artist demonstrations and sales are planned.
*Denotes events for which the City of Newport provides logistical support but does not manage the event.
As always, if you have any questions, email bholiday@newportky.gov or call my office at 859-292-3687. Great things are happening in Newport! Thanks for your continued efforts to make Newport a great place to live, work, shop, and play.
Memorial Day Parade
By City Manager Tom Fromme
The City of Newport would like to invite you and your organization to be a part of our annual Memorial Day Parade as either a participant or a parade watcher on Monday, May 27. The parade starts at 9:00 am and last approximately 45 minutes.
This day is a special tribute in honor of our veterans. Your participation will help in recognizing this special group of people as well as contribute to the success of our parade.
The parade route will proceed as follows:
Line up in the parking lot at 4th and Columbia Streets
South on York Street to 6th Street
East on 6th Street to Monmouth Street
South on Monmouth Street to 10th Street
Parade ends at 10th Street (City Building)
Following the parade, a ceremony in honor of our veterans will be held in front of the Newport City Building at 10th and Monmouth Streets. A continental breakfast will follow in the first floor Multi-Purpose room of the City Building.
To obtain an entry form to participate in the parade, please contact Julia Crout at jcrout@newportky.gov. Forms need to be completed and returned by May 17.
Thank you in advance for your support of our veterans and our Newport community.
Newport Independent School Launches Apprenticeship Program with Sims-Lohman
By Kelly Middleton, Superintendent
After Harold "Pete" Hamblin graduated from Newport High School in 2018, he enrolled at the University of Louisville. But he quickly discovered that pursuing a four-year degree was a path he did not want to take.
"I tried college, but it just didn't work out," said Hamblin, 19, of Newport.
What did work out was a new apprenticeship program the Newport Independent Schools have launched with Sims-Lohman, a regional distributor of kitchen cabinets, granite countertops and bathroom fixtures. Hamblin is now working as installer apprentice, earning money and learning a career.
"I love it," Hamblin said. "The job is so much more interesting and rewarding than I would have imagined. Sims-Lohman took me from the ground up, giving me the opportunity and experience I need to be successful. It's not every day that a career opportunity smacks you in the face."
The apprenticeship program is part of the Newport schools' mission of developing career pathways that prepare students for the future while connecting local employers with students after they graduate.
"Students are automatically more engaged when they see the connection between school and future jobs within their communities," said Newport Independent Schools Superintendent Kelly Middleton. "I am excited about growing this partnership as Sims-Lohman will be sending their people to our high school to speak with our students, some of whom will have the opportunity to tour the plant. Ultimately, our students will even have long-term career opportunities."
Sims-Lohman has a robust apprenticeship program. There are currently 57 apprentices working throughout the company, said CEO Steve Steinman.
"The most powerful thing in business for me is to watch young people develop and learn new skills and new opportunities that can help them achieve their goals and take care of their families," Steinman said. "At Sims-Lohman, we are dedicated to finding ways to allow young people to reach their full potential."
Steinman said that often, apprentices become long-term employees.
"We also benefit greatly from the program," Steinman said. "With labor shortages in the marketplace, our apprentices are learning and growing within our culture and often become some of our top performers."
Newport launched its program after a group of teachers and guidance counselors visited Sims-Lohman and learned about the skills the company looks for in potential employees. Harold Davis, who oversees the Construction Technology Pathway Program at Newport High School, recommended Hamblin for the Sims-Lohman apprenticeship.
"When I had Pete in class, he showed a great aptitude for working with his hands and using carpentry and other tools," Davis said. "He was a top-notch student. I knew he was looking for a job and a career opportunity. So when I learned about the apprenticeship program at Sims-Lohman, I knew he would be a good fit."
"The partnership between Sims-Lohman and Newport Independent Schools benefits both organizations," Middleton said. "Newport continues to model its mission and vision of preparing students for the future, while Sims-Lohman has an opportunity to reach into a local community and find prepared talent."
Steinman said the company is extremely happy with Hamblin and will absolutely offer future apprenticeships to Newport students.
"Right now we have apprentices working in our granite facility as installers and sales apprentices," Steinman said. "All of those positions provide apprentices with the opportunity to develop the skills that can lead to solid jobs with benefits."
Tree Planting Update
By Joy Bishop
Tree Revitalization, a committee of the East Row Garden Club, is well on its way to another active fall planting event. Susan Whitehead has received 12 applications for a total of 35 trees. Five of the trees ordered are in locations above 10th Street. The process of canvassing this year included areas never before offered trees specifically and slightly outside the boundary of East Row. This area has less canopy and could conceivably be a significant addition to the treescape, benefiting the environment and increasing the focus and presence Newport has as a neighborhood of tree-lined streets.
The response has been most positive and is sure to bear an increased focus on the streetscape in those areas. So great to see such enthusiasm from a new group of residents interested in increasing the tree presence in the neighborhood during the first year of the offer to participate in the plantings.
The areas focused on were those streets north of Ninth and between Monmouth and Washington. Volunteers went door to door with information, talking points and order forms. Pat Altenau, chair of the canvassing committee, reports canvassing has been completed. Congratulations to the volunteers for all the energy and good will that went into making this a successful introduction to a new group of residents. Job well done!
Tree Revitalization has a number of informative brochures perfect as a follow up to all plantings. There are 15 brochures speaking to many aspects of tree care that should be helpful with keeping the tree healthy as an addition to the treescape. These brochures are available to all residents and can be dropped off at your home, if you would like to order them as an aid in caring for your trees. Please email therestitis@aol.com to have brochures delivered to you. Provide your address, any special instructions for delivery, names of brochures, and number of brochures desired for each category of brochure ordered.
The selection of brochures is:
New Tree Planting
Benefit of Trees
Tree Selection and Placement
Recognizing Tree Risk
Buying High Quality Trees
Plant Health Care
Trees and Turf
Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction
Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts
Why Hire an Arborist
Insect and Disease Problems
Proper Mulching Techniques
Why Topping Trees Hurts
Pruning Young Trees
Tree Values
Reminder: Tree planting is October 19! Order trees By July 15. Questions? Email trees@eastrowgardenclub.org.
