COVINGTON, Ky. - You can’t walk very far in Covington without seeing a church (and usually three or four). That’s testament (pun intended) to this city’s strong German Catholic heritage and its vibrant faith community of all denominations.

 

So it goes without saying that Easter weekend is an important time for a lot of people, spiritually speaking. Easter is also the time for secular-based family traditions, whether that’s an egg hunt or torturing marshmallow Peeps.

 

But please believe us when we say that none of that absolves you of the need to protect yourself and others by continuing to practice safe social distancing. COVID-19 doesn’t care a lick about your faith or your family and is perfectly willing to rob you of both - especially as the Commonwealth of Kentucky enters the so-called “surge.”

 

So Happy Easter, but be safe. There’s a reason it’s called Healthy at Home.

 

That reminder aside ... Covington is still a cool place, and here’s why.

 

First of all, many Covington ministers and priests have set up themselves to conduct Easter week services online.

 

For example, there’s Madison Avenue Christian Church, HERE ... and Holy Cross in Latonia, HERE, among others.

 

Many others have made sermons and other spiritual message available, such as Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, HERE, and Ninth Street Missionary Baptist, HERE.

 

Whatever church you regularly attend (and yes, we gave just a few of many examples), check out their Facebook pages for livestream options and other modern day ministerial work. It just goes to show, a person of faith will find a way to talk about it, and we want to echo the praise from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear today.

 

“Our faith community is leading during this time,” the Governor said. “I couldn’t be more grateful and I couldn’t be more proud of our pastors, ministers, rabbis, imams, deacons and everyone else for not only recognizing that we need to be worshipping at home, but for all that they offer.”

 

There isn’t a more solitary activity than reading (OK, maybe sleeping). If you’re tired of those old issues of People magazine and need some new material, Covington’s only indie bookstore has a deal for you.

 

If you live in Covington, Roebling Point Books & Coffee (seen HERE) will deliver to your porch step (and the cool thing is, it’s usually by bike).

 

To order a book, call the shop at (859) 815-7204 to set up a delivery time and payment. If the title is on RoPoBoCo’s barn wood shelves, owner Richard Hunt said he can deliver right away to your porch. If it’s not, he will order it ... and then deliver it.

 

The awesome food of Covington’s fabulous restaurants are just a phone call away.

 

Many are either delivering or offering carryout (or is it “takeout”?), and thanks to Gov. Beshear’s executive order, you can get wine, beer and good Kentucky bourbon delivered as well.

 

So spoil yourself and help protect a few jobs as well. Our restaurant and bar workers are hurting.

 

The list of participating restaurants tends to ebb and flow, but the latest list from the Covington Business Council can be seen HERE. Or, you can just call your favorite eatery and ask.

 

Anyone who’s been in the Kenton County Public Library in Covington in the last 10 years knows that the CD and movie checkouts are as popular as the books.

 

Here’s yet another dimension to the modern library: If you have a library card, you can get free access to hundreds of art and craft tutorials from a site called Creativebug.

 

“Find projects for every occasion,” the site says. Start HERE.

Jason French is the curator of collections at Behringer-Crawford Museum, and he has a knack for bringing the museum’s exhibits to life in a rather lively way that keeps you watching.

 

You can check out short videos of Jason’s “Curator’s Chat” series by poking around on the museum’s FB page, HERE, or you can go hang out on YouTube and watch pieces on the Garden of Hope (particularly appropriate this weekend), HERE ... the Civil War-era Battery Bates, HERE ... and Prisoners Lake, HERE.

 

And leave a comment. We bet he’d like to know people appreciate his work.

 

Have you ever noticed that gorgeous collection of student-taken photographs etched into ceramic tile on the side of the building at Ninth Street and Madison Avenue?

 

That was the work of i.imagine and Holmes Middle School students. Now the popular afterschool photography program has gone online with videos that are perfect for beginners, whether you’re in school or not.

 

Check them out, HERE.

 

The Covington Farmers Market has sold out of this weekend’s pre-ordered “bundles” -- but you can tune in to the Market’s FB page HERE from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for a livestreamed concert by Elia Burkhart.

 

Feeling crafty? Like to paint? Are you creative? Like to yoga?

 

Classes are canceled, so Baker-Hunt Art & Cultural Center continues to post live videos with all sorts of arts and crafts ideas. 

 

Gov. Beshear gives a press conference at 5 p.m. every day, and it’s the place to turn for the latest news, policy changes, orders, camaraderie, and reassurance - all delivered with a decidedly non-partisan bent.

 

In short, it’s become an “event” in and of itself, for Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike - not to mention those who are atheist and/or agnostic about their politics. A Facebook page has popped up with memes about the brand-new Governor and his messages, and they’re pretty fun. There are also Bingo cards and drinking games tied to when he says certain phrases.

 

You can catch the governor livestreamed HERE or on his YouTube channel HERE or on KET (television).

 

And finally, if you’re in mental anguish, we do recommend you get outside, but only if you do it safely (following the 6-foot social distancing rule).

 

Sun bathe in your yard. Kayak on the river. Fish. Go for a run. Ride your bike. Hike a trail in Devou, atop Riverfront Commons, or on the Licking River Greenway & Trail. Toss a Frisbee in your yard.

 

Again, however, do these things by yourself or in a well-spaced group.

 

Above all, be safe, be well.

 

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