Mantua Matters
December 2009"GREETINGS”
Well, Turkey Day has come and gone and still no snow. I would prefer to see snow only for Christmas, but I know that there are some snow bunnies out there that are anxiously awaiting for snow to fall.
This issue covers December, January, and February plus a few past events. Please read and enjoy! Beginning next year, I am changing the schedule to February, May, August and November. There will only be a 2 month period between this issue and February, but I hope that it will work out better in the long run. Thanks for your cooperation
WHETHER YOU ARE NEW TO THE AREA OR A LONG-TIME RESIDENT, THESE ARE THE NUMBERS YOU NEED TO KNOW.
EMERGENCY 911 Village Hall 330-274-8776 Police Department 330-274-2251 Fire Department 330-274-3535 Service Department 330-274-8188 Income Tax 330-274-8776 Time Warner Cable 1-800-683-1000 Lodge/Park Rental 330-274-8776 Water/Sewer Billing 330-274-8188 Mantua Township Marie Stehli 330-995-2640 Shalersville Township Dorothy Caldwell 330-274-3655 Zoning John Vechery 330-274-8776 Mantua Matters 330-274-8737 Trash Pickup: Universal Disposal 1-440-286-3173 Waste Mgt. Of Ohio 1-800-232-5749 Sunburst Env. Serv 1-800-782-2475 P. C. Recycling 330-678-8808 MAYOR’S CORNER
When I was in 6th grade, a well-meaning teacher, I suppose trying to educate us to the finer things in life, introduced our class to poetry. As she read out loud to the class, I recall it went something like this “hope is a thing with feathers on it”. Well you can imagine our class roared with laughter. I know this teacher meant well, but to be honest, even today I don’t understand what the poet was trying to convey. For me, hope is faith in action, not something that has feathers.
I have a vision for our lovely Village community and each and every day I strive to make this vision a reality, Currently, I am working with Congressman LaTourette to obtain Federal funding at no cost to the Village for our aging infrastructure. I am also working on a program that will aid in the repair of our residential streets.
Just this November, future Eagle Scout Cody Cleary and other scouts from Troop 575, worked together with their advisors and business owners to build a handicap-accessible observation platform off the Rotary Grove picnic area on the Glacial Eskar trail. Thank you to all who participated in this wonderful addition to our Village community, which will be enjoyed by many for years to come.
As we enter into this glorious season of love and caring, we of course pause to consider the things we are thankful for. Our jobs, family, friends and neighbors, our health and our homes. As for me, I too am thankful for all these things and more. I am also thankful for each and everyone of you, for you are part of my Village family.
There is a poem that goes something like this, “For I am but the total of many folks I’ve met and you happen to be one of them I prefer not to forget and whether I have known you for many years are few….In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do. And every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew, the best gift life can offer me is meeting folks like you!”
By allowing me to be your Mayor, each and everyone of you has shaped my life. My family and I would like to wish you a holiday season filled with love, laughter and opportunities to share together the good things life has to offer. And as we look forward together to a brand new year, my wish for each of you is a New Year filled with health, success and much happiness.
Mayor Donna Hawkins
A NOTE FROM JENNY
First of all, I want to welcome our newly elected Council member, Linda Clark! Linda has demonstrated for many years that she truly cares about her community. Council meets the third Tuesday of each month. Feel free to come to a meeting and share ideas, or just listen to what is going on in our Village. Call me for details! At the same time, I would like to wish our current Council President, Jim Rogers, the very best wishes in his retirement from Council. I am sure we will be seeing him in his many other endeavors such as the Farmer’s Market and Downtown Revitalization efforts.
Secondly, I want to congratulate our Yo-Yo Champion, Hank Freeman. In September he moved up from third place to the FIRST PLACE in the United States. Way to go Hank!!
I might as well mention a few things about Income Tax for those that jump right on it in January and February. Please remember two things; include your W-2’s and also remember to use Box 5 the Medicare wages, not Box 1 of your W-2 when figuring your tax. Our forms are on the website if you need any; www.mantuavillage.com If you have any questions, please give me a call at 330-274-8776. Speaking of our website, we have made some new updates. Our Zoning Code is now on line. Just go to our website and click on the Zoning tab.
Looking back at this past year, we really have had a lot going on! We have lost several hundred thousand dollars in revenues to the Village, and have been forced to adjust our budget to reflect those losses. We had our two year audit, and we continue to work very hard on finding ways to cut expenditures.
We have been extremely lucky with our weather pattern so far in November, but guess what- Two months until Ground Hog Day!! Have a fantastic Holiday season!
POLICE REPORT
This report covers the months of August, September and October, 2009
Total Cases: 215 Traffic/Parking Cites: 185 Warnings: 454 Criminal Arrests: 26 Calls to Dispatch: 1651 Total Mileage: 9183 Mutual Aid Calls: 79 Officer Hours Worked: 2185 Dispatch Hours Worked: 2415 Citizen/Motorist Assists: 56 Open Doors/Windows: 2 Suspicious Persons/Vehicles: 37 House Checks: 85 Bar Checks: 45 Water/Sewer Plant Checks: 73 Reservoir Checks: 96 Lift Station Checks: 365 Most warnings were issued for moving traffic vioilations, registration and equipment. Criminal arrests were for assault, domestic violence, plus drug and alcohol offenses.
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
Over this past holiday weekend, there were a number of vehicles broken into throughout the village. Here are a few important tips to keep your vehicle, home and belongings safe.
Always lock your vehicle, even if you are only leaving for a few minutes. Park in lighted areas whenever possible. Remove any valuables from your vehicle, including GPS, loose change, and packages & bags, especially during the Christmas holiday. Lock them in the trunk and never leave keys in the vehicle.
At home, secure entrance doors with a dead bolt lock and use an auxiliary locking bar to secure all sliding doors. Be certain windows and doors are closed and locked when you leave your home. Leave the shades and blinds in their normal positions.
Don’t hide spare keys. Burglars almost always seem to find them. It is best to leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor. Use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off to make it appear as though you are home. Turn down the ring tone on your telephone.
Stop all deliveries and ask a neighbor to pick up advertising circulars or anything else that may pile up at your front step. Ask the post office to hold your mail.
Identify your belongings. By engraving an identifying number on your possessions, you can reduce the chances of them being stolen and make it easier for the items to be returned if they are recovered by police.
Contact the police department with dates you will be gone and emergency contact numbers for any problems that may arise while you are gone. The police department, as a service, will do security checks of your property while you are gone.
Chief H. W. Buchert
Mantua Police Department
ROTARY CLUB OF MANTUA
Every Crestwood third grade student has received a dictionary courtesy of the Rotary Club of Mantua. The yearly dictionary gifts are part of Rotary's emphasis on literacy. Our Mantua Club also participates in First Book, a program that provides a book to every newborn at Robinson Memorial Hospital. The focus is to encourage new mothers to develop the healthy habit of reading to their children.
Annual Variety Show in April
Annually the Rotary Club of Mantua offers a variety show that highlights many local talented singers, instrumentalists, magicians, comedians and dancers. Held in Hayden Auditorium at Hiram College, the ticket sales benefit local music programs, scholarships and other Rotary projects. Watch for the show date coming in April 2010!
Pearl Austin, Publicity
Rotary Club of MantuaCRESTWOOD AREA COALITION TEAM
Sponsoring “Suitcases for Kids”In November of 1995, 10 year-old Aubyn Burnside learned that the average child in foster care, moves 3 to 4 times and traditionally carries his/her belongings from home to home in black garbage bags. “I thought it was horrible that these children had nothing to carry their things in as they moved so many times. I wanted to make them feel special by giving them something of their own to keep. I tried to put myself in their place and think how I would feel,” said Aubyn.
So she founded Suitcases For Kids. Please visit the web site www.suitcasesforkids.org to learn more.
This year, the Crestwood Area Coalition Team (CACT) is sponsoring such a program. We are working with the Portage and Summit Counties Social Services for foster children, and we need your help.
Please donate your new or gently used suitcases or duffle bags to help area foster children to feel special. You may drop off your donations at Hunter’s 3, 10612 Main St. in Mantua until Christmas.
Cact is also collecting money for the turkey donation to the 4 C’s Food Bank. You may pick up donation envelopes at Middlefield Bank or Mantua Station Drug Company.
CACT meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the Missionary Alliance Church, 9018 St. Rt. 44 in Shalersville at 6:30 pm. Come join us as we share a pot-luck supper and discuss fund raisers to support our community.
Nancy Whaley, Publicity, CACT
CAR SAFETY FOR THE WINTER
“Ohio’s winters are known for their unpredictability,” commented Chief Buchert. “I suggest you take the following precautions in order to stay safe on the road:”
- Pay attention to weather reports
- Keep your gas tank at least half full
- When it’s icy, avoid parallel parking, since it’s easier to get stuck when you have to turn your wheels.
- Don’t stop or start suddenly. Pump your brakes gently to stop. If you start to slide, always steer in the same direction that the rear of your auto is going.
- If your door locks freeze, heat your key—don’t pour hot water in the lock—it’ll just freeze too.
Chief Buchert mentioned that preparing an emergency kit for your car is also a good idea. Include items such as: blankets, extra clothing, dry rations (raisins, nuts, candy), a flashlight with extra batteries, flares, a steel shovel and sand in case you are stuck, and waterproof matches with candles.
The Chief said that the best protection from problems with winter driving is winterizing your car—get a tune up, consider snow tires or chains. Chief Buchert concluded that winter driving does not have to be a hazardous undertaking. A few simple precautions can prevent accidents from happening and keep you prepared just in case they do occur.
HOLIDAY SEASON FIRE SAFETY
Approximately 33 million, real Christmas trees are sold each year in the United States, the majority of which are displayed in residences. We all must recognize the fire safety concerns associated with displaying live Christmas trees and other decorations in their homes. The best way to reduce the risk of fire during the holiday season is to use common sense and follow a few simple fire safety tips.
- Live trees should be as fresh as possible when purchased. Green and pliable needles indicate freshness. Trees that are browning, shedding and/or have brittle needles should be avoided.
- Make a fresh cut across the base of the tree stem before it is set up.
- Use a stand with an adequate water reservoir. One gallon or more is recommended. A live tree will use the maximum amount of water during the first several days indoors.
- Do not place trees near heat sources, or any means of egress.
- Decorative lights should bear the label of an approved testing laboratory for indoor use such as Underwriters Laboratory. Always use lights according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not connect too many light sets together. The manufacturer’s recommendations will specify how many light sets can be safely connected to prevent overheating. Avoid the use of electrical extension cords. Always use the correct wattage replacement bulbs specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Anyone in the Mantua-Shalersville Fire district that does not have a smoke detector in their residence, may contact the fire station, so that we may provide you with one at no charge. If any resident needs a smoke detector installed, please contact the fire station at the number below. Another safety precaution to take this winter is to clean chimneys. Anyone needing an inspection of their wood burner or fireplace, please contact the Fire Department at 330-274-3535, during normal business hours. Please have a happy and safe holiday season.
ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY SAFETY
This time of year, attention turns to toys, Santa and yummy treats. Often parents and caregivers give little thought to the dangers that lurk around the tree, in candy dishes and other activities of the season.
When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant”. This indicates that the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Heated rooms will dry live trees out rapidly, so be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
Decorate your tree appropriately for you children’s age(s). Children who are still “mouthing” items, may put ornaments in their mouths. Put glass bulbs, lights, tinsel and delicate ornaments out of reach. Remember that popcorn is a choking hazard for children under the age of five. Possibly place the tree on top of a table, (NO tablecloth) or put a safety fence around it. Designate a responsible adult to unplug all lights before bedtime or leaving the house. Also, make sure to extinguish all candles.
Holiday meal preparation needs special attention also. With heavy and hot pots of water, knives and turkeys being moved around, this is no place for a little one to be visiting. Empty alcohol from abandoned glasses, so little ones won’t be tempted. Hard candies and nuts which are often set out for guests, are also choking hazards for children under age five. Be sure to keep your driveway and sidewalk free of snow and ice. Shovel frequently and use plenty of sidewalk salt.
LOAVES AND FISHES
The Christ Lutheran Church would like to invite all residents of the community to dinner. These dinners are held on the 3rd Monday of each month and are free to everyone. The menu is different for each month and the hours are 5:00 to 6:30 pm.
December’s dinner will be held on Dec 21. 2010 schedule is: Jan 18, Feb l5, Mar 15, Apr 19, May 17, Jun 21, Jul 19, Aug 16, Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20.
Please plan to join with family, friends and neighbors for a great meal and an evening of fun and fellowship!
ART ON THE HILL
On Saturday, July 10, 2010 from 10 am - 7 pm the DMRC (Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation) will again sponsor a day long celebration of the arts. "Art on the Hill 2010", will be held on Prospect Street which will be closed to traffic and open for pedestrians to browse a wide variety of local art. Last year, we had 55 booth vendors which included handcarved wood items, handmade jewelry, Native American crafts, gourd art, oils, acrylics, photography, ceramics and lots of great food items. There was a horrendous rainstorm in the morning, but the sun came out afterward & most vendors reported great sales!
The Chinese Auction & 50/50 raffle will again be held in one of the historic Village Buildings. Last year's auction boasted some really nice items. Watch for more on this event later!
Instead of hourly musical entertainment for "Art on the Hill 2010", we plan to feature numerous local "roving" musicians. If you would be interested in performing or would like to reserve a booth, contact Christine Pitsinger at 330-414-6486 or communityjournal@yahoo.com. The booth application/contract will be available for download soon at www.mantuashalersvillechamber.com.
MANTUA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings are held at the Mantua Center Town Hall the 3rd Sunday of the month at 7:30 pm. *There is no meeting in December.* We will meet again in January, February, March, April and May, 2010.
Our museum is located upstairs of the Mantua Center Town Hall located at Rt. 82 and Mantua Center Rd. on the green in Mantua, OH. The museum will be open Wednesdays & Sundays from 1-4 pm beginning in June.
NEWS FROM THE CRESTWOOD LIONS
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!! The Crestwood Lions Club will be starting our annual fresh cut Christmas tree sale beginning on November 25th. The tree sale will be held at the Mantua Shalersville Fire Dept. lawn. Several varieties will be available. Any purchase of a tree will include a raffle ticket entry to win two pair of complimentary tickets to Cracker Barrel restaurant good for a couple at $30 each, as well as a ham and a roast. Names will be drawn before the Christmas holiday and winners will be notified by phone.
A new project underway is the Candle sale. The candles come in two sizes with various scents including holiday scents. The larger candle burns for 100 hours and sells for $7 and the smaller candle burns for 25-30 hours and sells for $3. The candles are good quality and compare to other fine candles being sold for more. These make great holiday gifts. Contact Harold Ullman for more information at 330-274-2516 or any Lions member.
sight needs as the economy has been difficult for many. It is a pleasure to be able to serve this need in our community. Anyone in the Crestwood school district may contact Michele Evans at 330-297-7947 to request an application form. Income requirements apply and all information will be kept confidential.
The Crestwood Lions Club is interested in anyone willing to volunteer their time and talents to join us in helping those less fortunate in our community. A membership plan evening will be scheduled for February, 2010. Stay tuned for more. If you are interested in learning about what Lions clubs do, please contact Tom Mesaros at 330-527-7025 for more information on attending.
Thanks to all who have supported our efforts once again this year. Many more people have been helped this past year in these challenging times. It would not be possible without the faithful support of our returning customers and the support of the community.
John Evans, PR Chairman
Crestwood Lions Club
MANTUA VILLAGE COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP
Due to the Holiday schedules, we will not be holding a meeting in December. Regular meetings will resume in January.
Our meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month, at 7 pm at the Crestwood Special Services Building on W. Prospect Street.
All Village residents are welcome to attend, we need your input, ideas and suggestions.
LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS
We congratulate Linda Clark on her election to Village Council and wish her the best of luck in her new position. We also congratulate incumbents, Giles Seith, Ben Prescott and Marty Hura. The Fire Renewal Levy passed, but the School Levy and the Library Levy failed.
NEW MEMBER OF VILLAGE COUNCIL
Hello, I am Linda Clark. I am your newly elected representative to Village Council. I have lived in Mantua my entire life. I have been married to John for 37 years and we have one son, Jeremiah. I enjoy reading, researching, spending quality time with my family and friends and especially, vacationing at the beach.
I have always made it a habit to keep abreast with what is happening in our village. I have attended council meetings, finance committee meetings, service committee meetings (just about any meeting one can attend). I am not satisfied with the direction our village is headed. Rather than being an “armchair quarterback”, sitting on the sidelines and complaining, I have chosen to do something I hope will help our town. So here, I am a member of the Mantua Village Council.
In the near future, some very difficult decisions are going to have to be made to hopefully get our village back on track. Some will be readily accepted, some not. I encourage and urge all of you to become a part of the solution and help council collectively solve our problems. Attend the meetings, ask questions, and voice your opinion and ideas. But the most important thing is to get involved.
ST. JOSEPH’S COOKBOOK
St. Joseph’s Parish premiered it’s new cookbook with a Tasting Event On November 1st. Those who attended were able to sample 40 recipes included in the Cookbook “Taste & See, St. Joseph’s Labor of Love.
This beautiful 3-ring binder style book contains nearly 500 recipes that were submitted by parishioners and their families, friends, former pastors, school principals and sisters who served the parish. The proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the parish’s Appalachian Experience, where high school teens and adults volunteer in the St. Joseph Housing Repair Program in Clintwood, Virginia. For information on this outreach program, please visit stjosephmantua.com/Appalachian.html.
These cookbooks are available for $15 each and can be purchased after weekend Masses or at the parish office. For an additional $4 postage fee, they can be mailed to you. Call the parish office at 330-274-2253.
WELCOME TO JAKE’S
Jake’s opened its doors for the first time on Black Friday at 5:00 am. Everyone thought we were crazy. But we had gone through so many delays, we decided to jump right in.
Jodie Fiala and Kim Sumwalt, in their first collaboration on this project, are ecstatic at the anticipation leading up to Friday. Jodie is a 1988 Crestwood graduate and excited to be back in Mantua. Kim owned her own restaurant in Kent several years ago. We are happy to have one of Mantua’s local favorites join us and we feel we have built a good team of staff.
Jake’s is located at 4680 E. Prospect St. and will be open on Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday 7 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 7 am to 2 pm. For now, count on Fish Fry Friday and Prime Rib Saturday, as well as scrumptious daily specials and homemade soups daily.
Jake’s also provides carryout and catering service. Our phone number is 330-274-0700. For more details, check us out on Facebook as well as our website www.jakeseats.com. We hope you will all come out and experience Jake’s Eats.
We are so pleased to welcome Jake’s to the community and wish them the very best of luck!
NEWS FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT’
Storm Water Basins
Leaves, leaves everywhere. As we enter the winter season many times yard leaves are blanketed in snow. All though the service department attempts to keep storm basins clear we ask that property owners voluntarily pitch in by removing leaves and such from over or in front of basins in the tree lawn areas.
Working together we can manage storm water runoff while protecting our infrastructure and properties. Also please do not hesitate to call the department to report any basins that need attention. Thank you.
Village Snow Safety
Snow … Snow.. where are you? Although we have been fortunate to not have very much snow yet this winter, the likelihood that we will be burdened with heavy snow is still there. The heavy snow, and your handling of it, potentially threatens the safety of our pedestrians, especially our children.
The sidewalks must be kept clear of piles of snow. When snow is piled on the sidewalks, children are forced to walk in the street, which makes them vulnerable to motorists driving on slippery roads.
We must all work together to keep our sidewalks clear and snow piles low for safety. This is a community-wide problem. Together we can solve it. If assistance is needed or questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact the Village Service or Police Department.
Snow Parking Ban
Remember that with the bad weather of winter, come special considerations to allow our Service Department crews to keep ahead of Old Man Winter. An overnight parking ban is in effect from 3:00 am to 6:00 am on various streets in the downtown business district year-round, but is especially critical when the snow flies.
In addition if a SNOW EMERGENCY is called (usually after, but not limited to a snowfall of over 2-3 inches) there is to be no parking on any Business District street or any other Village street during the designated period of time. Any vehicle parked in these areas may be towed.
During the regular snowy days you would make life much easier for your Service crews, if you would be a good neighbor and park off-street as much as possible. It helps them to do a better job of clearing the snow, which makes it safer for all of us.
The Village of Mantua will not be responsible for replacing any type of improvements made by residents within the road right-of-way, if damaged by snowplow operations. Examples include, railroad ties, decorative gravel, sprinkler heads and lines, lighting, shrubs and trees.
With the winter season just around the corner and in order to help our employees to continue to do an excellent job of keeping our streets clear, the Service Department would like to inform you of certain procedures that apply to the removal of snow and the salting of streets throughout the Village.
Streets must be plowed from side to side as quickly as possible, to allow full width emergency equipment and to provide full driving lanes for motorists. Plowing will be performed on all primary streets first followed by secondary.
Drainage basins must be kept clear of ice and snow to allow melt water to drain properly and to prevent ice dams and ice buildup that create road hazards.
All residents must make every effort to comply with a snow parking ban to allow the Service Department full access to pavement for thorough snow plowing and salting,.
Christmas Trees
The Village Service crews will pick up your discarded Christmas trees. Place the tree at the curb or on the tree lawn. The trees are then chipped and recycled.
PEACE
As the holidays approach, the Village Service Department: Ed Trego, Donna Maynard, and Tom Bowersox wish for the Families of Mantua Village ---- Peace
Peace in our World
Peace in our Country
Peace in our State
Peace in our Community
Peace in our HeartsThe Service Department would like to take this opportunity to thank the local companies and individuals who have made generous donations of their time or materials to the Village for use in the parks, trails, cemetery, and all other Village properties..
It is the generosity of people like this that helps to make Mantua a great place to live, work and raise a family.
As we prepare to celebrate the Holidays, it is important that we take time to remember our Servicemen and women who will be far from home, family and loved ones during this holiday season. We send them our prayers and best wishes for a happy and safe new year and a swift return home.
As I remind everyone, in each issue, this is YOUR paper. It is about Mantua, its people, places and events.
If you have anything you would like to hear about, any ideas, suggestions or criticisms, please let me know. Write to me c/o Village Hall, 4750 W. High St., Mantua Ohio 44255, Call me at 330-274-8737 , or email at mantuamatters@gmail.com
If you belong to an organization or club, I will be happy to print any information on your meetings or upcoming events.
Bye for now, see you in February (a month early).
Diane Hura, Editor