Mantua Matters
February, 2010

GREETINGS

I’m coming to you a month early and am hoping that the new schedule works out well. We all survived a very nasty spell of weather, more snow than we have seen in a few years and really, really cold. Even the animals are feeling it. For the first time, we have a possum at our feeder. We always have squirrels, chipmunks and groundhogs, but never had a possum before. We also have a solid white squirrel. First one of those I’ve ever seen.

This issue covers December and January, plus upcoming events. Please read and enjoy!

WHETHER YOU ARE NEW TO THE AREA OR A LONG-TIME RESIDENT, THESE ARE THE NUMBERS YOU NEED TO KNOW.

EMERGENCY911
Village Hall330-274-8776
Police Department330-274-2251
Fire Department330-274-3535
Service Department330-274-8188
Income Tax330-274-8776
Time Warner Cable1-800-683-1000
Lodge/Park Rental330-274-8776
Water/Sewer Billing330-274-8188
Mantua Township
Marie Stehli330-995-2640
Shalersville Township
Dorothy Caldwell330-274-3655
Zoning
John Vechery330-274-8776
Mantua Matters330-274-8737
Trash Pickup:
Universal Disposal1-440-286-3173
Waste Mgt. Of Ohio1-800-232-5749
Sunburst Env. Serv1-800-782-2475
P. C. Recycling330-678-8808

Council meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the new Administration Bldg.

Taken from the Mayors Annual Report to Council January 2010

Recently, I had an opportunity to speak to a young Cub Scout troop, while most of them were squirming in their chairs trying to sit still. They asked if I lived in a white house, (they meant like the Governor or the President). To that I was able to answer yes, but not like the White House where the President lives. Another asked me if I had arrived in a limousine. However funny to me, to them these were serious questions and then it happened. Something I don’t believe I will ever forget. One young boy, with freckles all over his face, looked me square in the eyes and asked me “How are your people doing?” What a profound moment! I think of it often and consider, How are the citizens of the Village of Mantua doing??? These are difficult times, there is little question about that. We see it all over the news and in the paper. That’s what makes it so much more important today to focus on the little things, focus our strengths and our energies right here in Mantua. Work right here to provide a quality of life that we can enjoy and future generations can enjoy and be thankful for.

Here in the Village Administration there is a new attitude, one that is committed to working together. Today we are stronger because of the difficulties and the challenges we have faced together. It has been reported over and over that we have been in the red financially for years. Today we are making our way out of that situation. Police Chief Buchert and I were successful in securing the dispatching contract to service Hiram’s Police, Fire and EMS beginning this Jan 1st. This will bring an additional 30,000.00 per year into our general fund without any additional cost to the Village.

As you know, I am constantly working to find ways to generate revenue and locate programs that will benefit us all. I have been continually working with Congressman LaTourette to secure much needed Federal funds for our Village’s ageing infrastructure. Recently, I discovered an opportunity for Village residents to reduce their electric supply charges by 6%, small businesses by 4% and at that same time bring in much needed revenue to the Village in the form of a one-time $50,000. grant. Since this is required by State law to be a ballot issue, there will be a public meeting regarding this on April 20th, at 6:00 pm in Village Hall Council Chambers. In the meantime should you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me at 330-274-8776, extension 155. Should the ballot issue pass, I have asked council to consider using the $50,000. grant to leverage additional funds for the repair of our residential streets. This would mean that should the Village be able to obtain an 80/20 grant. The $50,000. grant, obtained by the passage of the ballot issue, saving Village residents 6% on their electrical supply charges, this could be used to obtain an additional grant for $200,000. for the repair of our residential streets. It’s important to know that the Grants that I am referring to are not loans, they do not have to be paid back ever.

These are exciting times for the Village of Mantua with the opening of numerous new businesses in town beginning with Jakes, Head to Toe Massage, All That Sparkles, and Budget Beds. This makes for the first time in frankly as long as I can remember, all Main Street Business store fronts are full. Stop in and say hello! There are only 2 empty store fronts available on Prospect St. and I personally have spoken to people who are interested in both!! As we enter into 2010 I think this is something to be excited about!!!

Add to that the recent additions to our park and trail system, the observation platform built last year on the Cuyahoga by future Eagle Scout Broc Benner and this year the Glacial Esker handicap accessible viewing platform built by future Eagle Scout Cody Cleary, the beautification to our downtown area last year through the efforts of the Garden Girls, the new events such as the Triathlon and Art on the Hill, plus the exciting new projects coming up in 2010, I would have to say that the citizens of the Village of Mantua are headed into an exciting new time, an exciting new direction, one filled with energy, enthusiasm and yes excitement!! One that will and is bringing to the Village of Mantua a better quality of life! Oh, to be sure there is still much to do, but with willing hearts and spirits it will be done.

Thanks to Christine Pitzinger for the nice article in the Community Journal regarding the Mayor’s awards for 2009 given to those who contributed their time, their energy, their backs and in some cases financial resources as well. There are still others I would like to thank as well, and many are already in place for 2010 but in the meantime THANK-YOU to all those who took their time to snow blow and shovel the sidewalks, during our really snowy December and January, it wasn’t an organized effort, it was just kind hearted people who took the time to weather the freezing cold to care for their neighbors and their community. Thank-you!!! Once again thank-you to all of you and especially to those of you who help and contribute in ways that I don’t even know about, on behalf of the Village of Mantua Thank–you and God bless you for caring. And to that young Cub Scout who asked the question “How are my people doing?” all I can say is that with caring people such as these, the Village of Mantua is, and will continue to do just fine.

God Bless the Village and all our people as we enter into 2010, Mayor Donna

A NOTE FROM JENNY

It’s February and Spring is almost here! I really enjoyed this past Holiday Season, but it’s always nice to move on with the new year!

Last year, our Village lost several hundred thousand dollars in revenues, and was forced to adjust our budget to reflect those losses. We need to continue to find ways to cut more of our spending. We are not out of the woods yet! Two of our major funds, water and sewer, ended the year with negative balances! Council will have a big job ahead of them this year looking at ways to help those two funds get on track.

As far as Income Tax, I just want to remind you that 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. I will risk sounding like a broken record and remind you one more time to use Box 5, NOT BOX 1 of your W-2! And of course, don’t forget to attach your W-2 so I can determine your credit.

Have a great Spring! -Jenny

NEWS FROM FOOTPRINTS RESALE SHOP

NEW ARRIVALS: Huge lot of office furniture! Bar stools, desk and chairs, storage cabinets, filing cabinets, many misc. chairs, dry erase boards, waiting room chairs with end tables, and more! Many items are too large for this location, so stop in or call to set up an appointment for viewing.

January 25th to 29th $5 bag sale on men’s, women’s and junior’s winter apparel. Children’s apparel is $.99 each item. Winter coats are 20% off. All new horse tack is 20% off. Storewide savings, it’s time to prepare for Spring!

Large assortment of NEW brand name Valentine’s Day cards are $1 each. Birthday and other Holiday cards also available along with gift bags and bows, $1 and under. Nice assortment of Easter baskets and decorations now available. Customer Award Cards can now be filed @ Footprints - no need to dig - we Have It! Don’t forget Tuesday is Double stamp day. Please be sure to join our mailing list!

We are now taking consignment. Stop in for details or call Missy at 330-388-9732.

Thank you so much for your business!

MANTUA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Historical Society will NOT meet in February. The first meeting of 2010 will be Sunday night, March 21st, at 7:30 pm. Meetings are free and open to the public.

The museum is located upstairs of the Mantua Center Town Hall located at St. RT 82 and Mantua Center Road on the green in Mantua, OH. The museum will be open Wednesdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm beginning in June.

……………..Lois Summerlin

2010 COMMITTEES AND SCHEDULE

Mantua Village Council meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the New Administration Bldg. @ 7:00 pm.

All committees meet at the New Administration Building

Ben Prescott was elected as Council President for 2010

Finance Committee meets @ 6:30 pm on the Thursday before every regular Council meeting.

Jenny August, Clerk-Treasurer
Ben Prescott
Linda Clark
Roger Hawkins

Service Committee meets the 1st Tuesday @ 7:00 pm

Linda Schilling
Linda Clark
Roger Hawkins
Ben Prescott - Ex-officio
Ed Trego, Village Administrator

Parks Board meets as needed, the 2nd Wednesday @ 7:00 pm

Marty Hura
Roger Hawkins
Don Buchert
Rod Summerlin
Carolyn Wysong

Shade Tree meets the 3rd Tuesday @ 6:00 pm

Linda Schilling
Linda Clark
Don Buchert
Jean Thomas
Cookie Vanek

Planning Commission meets the 3rd Wednesday @ 7:00 pm

Ben Prescott
Randy Weaver
Wes Hawkins - as a citizen
Aaron Snopek - as a citizen
John Vechery, Zoning Inspector
Mayor Donna Hawkins

Safety Committee meets the last Thursday at 6:30 am

Mayor Donna Hawkins
Chief Harry Buchert
Marty Hura
Giles Seith
Linda Schilling
Matt Roosa - Rep. MSFD

Cemetery Committee

John Hall
Cookie Vanek
Lisa Zamecnik

Additional appointments are:

Mantua Shalersville Fire Board

Giles Seith
Marty Hura - Alternate

Village Delegate to PCRPC

Ben Prescott
Roger Hawkins - Alternate

CRA Housing Officer

Ben Prescott

POLICE REPORT

This report covers the months of November and December, 2009

Total Cases:94
Traffic/Parking Cites:74
Warnings:227
Criminal Arrests:10
Calls to Dispatch:1044
Total Mileage:5163
Mutual Aid Calls:48
Officer Hours Worked:1492
Dispatch Hours Worked:1535
Citizen/Motorist Assists:28
Open Doors/Windows:3
Suspicious Persons/Vehicles:13
House Checks:80
Bar Checks:16
Water/Sewer Plant Checks:58
Reservoir Checks:54
Lift Station Checks:251

Most warnings were issued for moving traffic violations, registration and equipment. Criminal arrests were for assault, domestic violence, plus drug and alcohol offenses.

NEWS FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Spring Clean Up

We are pleased to announce that we will be offering a collection site for your various items this spring. This collection is directly sponsored by the Portage County Solid Waste District at no charge to Mantua Village thus we must abide by their rules.

The date will be Saturday, May 15th from 7:30am till 4:30pm. You may bring your items to the Service Department located 4880 E. High St. adjacent to the Cuyahoga River.

Items that will be accepted are tires, batteries, scrap metal computers including monitors, refrigerators & air conditioners with Freon Removed Certificate.

Items Not Accepted are paint, windows, furniture building & construction material, clothing, yard waste, hazardous waste, household garbage, propane, etc.

The Village reserves the right to reject any item that is not listed or deemed not acceptable.

If necessary you may contact the Portage County Solid Waste District at 330-678-8808 for guidance on disposing of your other items.

Also you may arrange for free pick-up of furniture and clothing at your house. These items must be in a good and reusable condition. To schedule a pick-up contact Family & Community Services at 330-297-7027 ext.-300 and ask for Pat.

Hydrant Flushing

Hydrant flushing will take place in the Village on March 30th & 31st & April 1st Weather Permitting. Users will experience discolored water during this period and are advised to run the cold water only until clear. Perhaps it would be a good idea to put off doing laundry for those couple of days until the system is back to normal.

Cemetery Clean Up

Christmas and other winter decorations should be removed from Hillside Cemetery by April 15, 2010. All remaining Christmas decorations will be discarded as we begin to clean up the Cemetery for Spring and Memorial Day.

Brush Pickup

The brush collection program for 2010 will commence in May and continue monthly until and including October. Pick-up will be on the second Monday of the month except Village holidays. If a holiday, then brush pick-up will begin on the next day, Tuesday. Please help us continue this successful program by following the regulations below.

Residents may place brush at the curbside for collection taking care to not block sidewalk areas. Only brush and branches shall be placed with the cut ends at the curb with length not to exceed ten (10) feet and diameter not to exceed three (3) inches. Large diameter branches and trunks will not be taken. Chipping crews will spend a maximum of 20 minutes chipping at each residence.

Piles of brush should be on tree lawn or close to curb with cut side facing the street. This allows the crew to work more efficiently and safe. Avoid stacking brush too high as it may pose a traffic hazard. If brush is too long, it may be placed lengthwise on the tree lawn cut ends facing same direction. Bagged yard waste (i.e. grass clippings, flowers, briars, thorny bushes, and etc.) will not be picked up.

Chipping is intended for brush collection that has been trimmed by homeowners during routine maintenance. The homeowner will be responsible for the disposal of brush/limbs from removal of tree(s), lot clearing; clearing along fence line or property boundaries and it is not to be placed at curb. If a contractor has been hired to perform the work the contractor is responsible for brush/limb removal and it is not to be placed at curb.

If anyone has any questions regarding the brush pickup or would like to obtain free wood chips, please call the Village of Mantua Service Department at 330-274-8188.

Sidewalk Repair/Replacement

During the months of April through July, the Village will be notifying those resident and business property owners that have sidewalks in need of repair or replacement.

Every year sidewalks needing repair or replacement are selected and processed according to the Village Codified Ordinance sections from 913.03 to 913.05 inclusive.

THANK YOU!

The Village Service Department received many compliments on our snow and ice control this winter. We take great pride in trying to do our best and hope that it is reflected in our service to you. We are very grateful for the courtesies and understanding that have been extended to us by the Village businesses & residents.

……..…………Ed Trego, Vil. Administrator

FARM BREAKFAST

Mantua Masonic Lodge # 533, will be hosting Farm Breakfasts on the 3rd Saturday of each month, beginning, January l6th and running through June 19th. .

Come and enjoy an all-u-can-eat breakfast of biscuits and gravy, pancakes, sausage, eggs, toast, coffee, tea and juice. Adult breakfasts are $7, children 3-12 are $4 and those under 3 years of age eat for free.

Breakfast is from 7am to 11am and will be held at the lodge, at 10801 John Edward Drive in Mantua. Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics.

NEW REGULATIONS FOR LICENSE PLATES

Effective October 1, 2009, if you renew your vehicle registration MORE than 7 calendar days AFTER the expiration date, you will be charged a $20.00 Late Fee. This change is due to the passage of HB 2 and affects renewing any vehicle registrations whether completed online, over the phone, in person, or through the mail.

You may visit OPLATES.com, Ohio's online license plate renewal system. OPLATES.com allows you to renew one or more vehicles and/or select and purchase specialty plates offered through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles in minutes. This site also offers you the opportunity to change your address online with the BMV. This shows the BMV's continued pledge to provide high quality customer service to Ohio's citizens.

BEAUTIFUL OHIO license plates are not available through the website. If you are interested in purchasing the Beautiful Ohio license plates that became available November 23, 2009, you MUST obtain them through your local license agency.

If you have a personalized or initial license plate and your expiration is October 1, 2009 or after you will see a fee increase of $15.00. Initial plates will be $25.00 per year and Personalized plates will be $50.00 per year.

……..………..Ohio BMV

NEWS FROM THE DMRC

DMRC board members have been meeting regularly to work on behind-the-scenes administrative tasks. During these meetings, the group has refined its mission statement and objectives to better reflect actual and planned activities.

Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation works with the Village of Mantua to lessen the burdens of government by engaging the citizens, civic organizations, business community, and property owners to develop and implement a plan to reverse blight and improve accessibility of the historic Village in order to promote the health and well being of the community.

DMRC Objectives:

Make the Mantua area a welcoming destination

Encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the Mantua area, including:

Plan, secure financing, and facilitate capital improvements in the downtown Mantua commercial corridor.

DMRC plans six major events for 2010:

March 22nd - Town Hall Meeting
April 26th - Annual Board Meeting
May 15 - Spruce-up with Chamber
July 10th - Art On The Hill
September 10th -12th - Potato Festival Booth & Parade
October 9th (tentative) - Walking Through Mantua’s Past

Streetscape consultants E.E. & G., Inc. have completed the preliminary design plan and cost estimates. Although the Village lacks funds for major infrastructure projects in 2010, planning will still move forward with opportunities for the community to identify projects that may be accomplished without Village funding, as well as learn how to protect and enjoy the historic character and natural resources of Mantua.

If you are interested in helping with DMRC efforts to improve the Village of Mantua, please contact Edie Benner at 330-274-2747 (ebenner@adelphia.net) or Becky Newell at 216-990-5086 (bbjnewell@neohio.twcbc.com). DMRC has opportunities for Board and Advisory Panel members as well as volunteers for specific projects.

Watch for more information about DMRC activities throughout the year in this newsletter, in the Community Journal, on MantuaShalersvilleChamber.com, and around town.

……………………..Michele Barnauskas

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Don’t forget the “Loaves and Fishes” dinners at the Christ Lutheran Church, free to everyone in the community. They are held on the 3rd Monday of each month from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. The menu is different each month.

Plan to join with family, friends and neighbors for a great meal and an evening of fun and fellowship!

2010 Census to Begin

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice: ** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. 

However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.  Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. .. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR  ADDRESS.. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.  The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations.  Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that  are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

CRESTWOOD ACTION COALITION TEAM

Updates: Before Christmas, C-act had asked the community to help in our “Suitcases for Kids” program. 18 suitcases were collected and put to good use, helping foster kids in the Portage area. Thanks for your donations.

C-act helped hand out Christmas turkeys at the 4 Cs and helped in the purchasing of the 157 turkeys, helping to make area families holidays a little merrier.

Other programs that we are involved in and need the community’s help are “Share a Chair” and “Car Donation”. Please check our website at www.crestwoodcact.com, for additional information on these programs.

If you are a community-minded person and want to help, please become a member. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Crossroads Community Church, 9018 SR 44 in Shalersville. Come and share a potluck dinner and your ideas for helping the community.

…..………..Nancy Whaley, Publicity

CEMETERY NEWS

Recently, the Mantua Village Council passed Hillside Cemetery ordinance #955. The passing of this ordinance provides the cemetery trustees and Village administrator with rules and regulations pertaining to grave sites, foundations, plants, shrubs, vaults and other important issues at the cemetery.  The ordinance will help us maintain the standards and overall conditions at Hillside.  

The cemetery board extends a special "Thank You" to Councilman Marty Hura for his guidance and encouragement over the past few years.  Our sincere gratitude also goes out to Village Solicitor Michelle Stuck ,Village Clerk Jenny August and Village Administrator Ed Trego for their input and hard work. 

Please remember to remove your holiday decorations by  April 1, 2010, or they will be removed and discarded.  Spring is just around the corner so please help both the service department and the cemetery board by clearing and maintaining the grave sites of your loved ones.  Thanks in advance for your cooperation, it is appreciated.      

……………………….John Hall, Lisa Zamecnik,  Cookie Vanek

 

NEWS FROM ADVANCE REHAB

Are you anxious to walk, but it's too cold outside? You can now walk inside at the Crestwood Intermediate School starting this Thursday, February 4. The  building will be open for the community to walk every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7 am - 8 am. Parking is available near the tennis courts off of Pioneer Trail. Enter the building to the right through the back door entrance. I look forward to seeing you, and will be available every Tuesday morning with a different topic to promote your health!

IMPORTANT CALENDAR INFORMATION

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it certainly is a busy one! We have Groundhog Day on the 2nd, Lincoln’s Birthday on the 12th, Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day on the 14th, President’s Day (observed) on the 15th, Mardi Gras on the 16th, and Washington’s Birthday on the 22nd.

February is also ‘American Heart’ Month and ‘Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket’ Month. It is also time to celebrate “Random Acts of Kindness Week, National Pancake Week and American Crossword Puzzle Week“. On February 4th, we celebrate Liberace Day, National Chili Day on the 25th and Tooth Fairy Day on the 28th.

March is also pretty busy, with ‘Red Cross Month‘, ‘National Craft Month’ and ’Women’s History Month’. March 6th to the 21st is the Iditarod Race in Alaska and the 14th through the 20th is National Agriculture Week.

Also in March, we have Peace Corp Birthday on the 1st, Barbie Day on the 9th, Donald Duck Day on the 13th, Daylight Savings begins on the 17th, the Vernal Equinox on the 20th, Palm Sunday on the 28th and Passover on the 29th.

In April, we have April Fool’s Day on the 1st, Good Friday on the 2nd, Easter on the 4th, No Housework Day on the 7th, the dreaded Income Tax Day on the 15th, Earth Day on the 22nd, and Arbor Day on the 30th.

April is National Poetry Month and Confederate History Month. We also celebrate National Public Health Week (4th through the 10th) National Library Week (11th through the 17th) and National Pie Week (23rd through the 25th).

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 May.

Diane Hura, Editor