Mantua Matters
February 2011

GREETINGS

Well, except for a few of you "snow bunnies" out there, I think we are all truly fed up with winter! I certainly am and I don’t have to go out in it unless I want to (which I don’t). But, just when you think you cannot stand another day of it, the sun shines, the trees start to bud and little crocus’ stick their heads out of the ground. Spring has arrived! Just another 30 or 40 more days.

This issue covers February, March, and April plus some past events. Please read and enjoy!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

THE FIRE SIREN IN FRONT OF VILLAGE HALL WILL BE SOUNDED FOR 1 MINUTE (60 SECONDS) EVERY SUNDAY AT NOON. (so don’t panic, it’s just a test)

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:
J & J Refuse1-800-201-0005
P. C. Recycling330-678-8808

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

A NOTE FROM JENNY

It’s February and Spring is almost here! I really enjoyed this past Holiday Season, but I’m already anxious to see crocuses & daffodils that my granddaughter Maddy and I planted last fall!

Last year, our Village ended 2010 with all funds in the black and we took in about $45,000 more than we spent. We have a few unstable funds to work on, which will be a large undertaking for our new Village Administrator, Anthony Fiorilli III. (Welcome Anthony!) It seems like we are on track and cautiously working our way out of Fiscal Watch.

My friend and ex-bowling league comrade Marianne from Natchez, Mississippi put something interesting in Facebook that I thought I would share. This year we will experience four unusual dates: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11

NOW go figure this out.... Take the last 2 digits of the year you were born plus the age you will be this year and it WILL EQUAL .... 111.......Check it out! Pretty cool! Who figures this stuff out???

I wanted to mention something that came up from the January Council meeting. We have a very generous resident, Jeff Blunk, who was given an award by our Mayor for his helpfulness in snow blowing many of the sidewalks in town. He is not obligated in any way to do this, he is just kind. Patsi Gast (330-274-2124) has offered to start a collection for anyone that would like to donate to his expenses of gas, spark plugs, or whatever. Or, if you see Jeff out there snow blowing, and you have a few extra bucks, hand them his way and thank him! He has even been known to accept baked goods as a sign of appreciation. He told me that it is good exercise and he enjoys it! Some times you might not realize how lucky we are to have Jeff doing this for us until you are “trudging across the tundra" or if you notice an elderly person or a school kid having difficulty walking. Thanks, Jeff, and any other residents that are clearing their sidewalks.

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. For those new residents or anyone who may have forgotten, please 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

MAYOR’S CORNER

During 2010, most of the news was concerned with the financial difficulties on national, state and local levels. I am encouraged by the fact that we ended the year with all funds in the black. We managed to bring in much needed revenue and helped our residents with several cost-saving measures. Among these, the electrical aggregate which generated $50,000 in revenue and provided the residents with a reduction in their electric bills. We realized an annual revenue of over $30,000 by dispatching police and fire services for the Village of Hiram. We also made personnel changes that streamlined many of our departments, making them more effective and cost efficient.

I received many resumes in the search for a new Village Administrator. I have selected what I consider to be an outstanding candidate for this position. Mr. Anthony Fiorilli III is a “hands on" administrator with outstanding heavy equipment experience. He has over 15 years of municipal experience and received excellent recommendations from previous employers. I feel confident that he will be an exceptional addition to our Village family.

This year, we will begin to see the reality of the addition of Aurora Meadows to our customer base at the waste water facility, which will bring in much needed revenue. The voters approved and passed an Ordinance designating J & J Refuse to provide trash pick-up for the Village, giving our residents a substantial savings.

During 2010, we saw several businesses come and go and while it is sad to have lost businesses, it brings with it an opportunity for growth and new energy. A number of new businesses have opened this year. Atty. Keith Barton who opened on Main St. and Rick Frato with Edward Jones Financial whose office is in the University Hospital building. Many of our other businesses continue to grow and thrive. Mantaline Corporation reported a profit in 2010, employ 98 full-time employees and are now running 3 shifts.

In an effort to bring people into the Village, we continued to host many events. In June we hosted the Soap Box Derby, July brought us DMRC’s “Art On The Hill" combined with the well-attended Portage Parks Triathlon. And of course, in September, the Annual Mantua Potato Festival. In October, we once again enjoyed “Walking Through Mantua’s Past" and the Event Planning Committee brought us “The Great Pumpkin Roll" attended by over 400 people.

RECOGNIZING RESIDENTS

At the January 18th Council meeting, many of our outstanding citizens were recognized for their contributions to the Village. To Jeff Blunk for snow blowing many of our Village streets, to the Mantua Garden Club for the beauty they bring to our Village landscape, to Boy Scout Troop #575 for their many fine projects including the Glacial Esker Pond View observation platform, to Kyle Wright of Troop 575 for his Eagle Scout project-the Riverview Observation Platform on the Glacier Esker trail.

Thanks to Jason Sage for his Eagle Scout project - the Mantua Village Civic Sign, to Ellie Stamm of Stamm Contracting, for her support of the Village in contributing labor and materials for the construction of the Civic Sign, to American Legion Post 170 for providing and maintaining the American flags that grace our Village streets, to the Rotary Club for their tireless efforts in operating the Rotary Country Market held each Saturday, to Bill Cleary and Bob Fathauer for their help with the Mantua Civic Sign.

To Scout Troop 570, Paul Brannon and his son, for their outstanding effort during the “Great Pumpkin Roll", to Aaron Snopek for spearheading the “Pumpkin Roll", to Time Benner, our Local Historian, for his help in restoring the old siren tower at Village Hall, to the Mantua Yacht Club for their contagious enthusiasm with the Downhill Regatta during the Soap Box Derby, to Frank Majni, the Signtist, for his time, talent and materials for the Mantua Civic Sign.

To Dan Denzinger of Napa for providing a set of new tires for our Police squad car, the Melanie Miracle and Linda Elhert for their creative talents that provided unique experiences during the “Walk Through Mantua’s Past" and to Christine Pitsinger, owner and editor of the Community Journal for her recent series of articles “Choice Makes a Richer Community" that illustrates, encourages and reminds us all to shop locally.

While these individuals received awards tonight for their contribution to the Village of Mantua during 2010, there are many others who contributed time, talent and financially to the Village. To all of you, I express a most sincere thank you. And to those of you who would like to become involved, I encourage you to do so. There are always opportunities to help in what may appear at first to be a small way, but provide results that are long-lasting and provide great impact to your community.

Once again, Thank You.

Mayor, Donna

Attention Village Residents

On January 18th Village Council passed an ordinance allowing Through Truck Traffic on our Village residential streets. This recommendation was brought up in finance 4 days earlier for the first time, it was then brought in ordinance form, Ordinance 2011-1 to Council. Council could have followed the standard democratic process and allowed this to go 3 readings in order for the Village residents to have an opportunity to voice their viewpoints. However, when this was suggested during open meeting Council opted not to allow the citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions and voted 5-1 thus passing it on first reading causing it to become effective on February 17th, 2011.

It is important to know that there is and has been an ordinance preventing through truck traffic on our residential streets. It is interesting that High Street (Mennonite Road outside the Village) has signs posted that prevents through truck traffic from going into Aurora. The Village finances are stretched desperately thin we must be proactive and save what we can of our streets by taking a stand to avoid through truck traffic on our residential side streets. This does not effect local delivery or pickup to any location within the Village. By signing a referendum petition this ordinance can be brought to the voters. Please call 330-842-2537 immediately/ we must stop any further damage to our residential side streets.

Councilman Roger Hawkins

MANTUA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The first meeting of the Historical Society in 2011 will be on February 20th. Meetings are free and open to the public.

The Museum is located upstairs of the Mantua Center Town Hall located on the green at SR 82 and Mantua Center Road. The Museum will be open Wednesdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm beginning in June.

Lois Summerlin

TRUCK INFORMATION

On January 18, 2011, the Mantua Village Council considered legislation that would designate truck routes here in the Village of Mantua. The rules were suspended and it was passed on first reading with a 5 to 1 vote.

The truck routes are:

Trucks are permitted on any street where they have legitimate business. This Ordinance goes into effect on February 18, 2011.

NEWS FROM CRESTWOOD LIONS CLUB

The Crestwood Lions Club would like to thank all who supported our Christmas Tree and candle sale this year. The winners of the Christmas tree raffle were: Paul Heidler, Randy Alger, John Scala Jr., Martin Fergs & Dave Pepperton. It goes without saying that we could not help those in need without the support of the Crestwood community. Thank you to the Mantua Shalersville Fire Department for your help and support as well.

The Lions Club will celebrate our 40th Charter anniversary on February 12, 2011. There are three remaining charter members in the club that are still very active. Past District Governor (PDG) Don Martin, John Taylor and Jim Spence were all there when the club was chartered and sponsored by the Rootstown Lions Club. A special charter dinner will be held at the Streetsboro American Legion Hall on February 19th. Special guests will include members of the Rootstown Lions Club and Past Council Chairman Paul Metrovich of Lions Multiple District 13-D will be the speaker.

The Crestwood Lions Club continues to provide eye exams and glasses for those in need. All information is kept confidential and certain income requirements apply. Please call Michele Evans at 330-297-7947 to apply. All unused eye-wear, including sunglasses, can be recycled. Drop boxes are located in several downtown businesses. Hundreds of pairs of glasses are recycled every year. Thank you for your donations.

Lions District Fun Calendars are on sale for $30.00. It is not too late to buys yours. A 3-digit number is placed on each calendar and wins if the Ohio Lottery daily number drawn, matches your number. Special dates are additional cash winners. A whole year’s worth of fun and winning can be yours. Contact any Lions Club member or Harold Ullman at 330-274-2516. All money goes toward the District 13-D Eye-care Foundation for those serious eye medical needs in our District that go beyond the Club’s level of help.

If you are interested in the work of the Lions or for more information, please call Tom Mesaros at 330-527-0725 Or Harold Ullman at 330-274-2516. Visit us on the web at crestwoodlionsoh.lionwap.org or email at crestwoodlionsoh@yahoo.com.

John Evans, PR Chairman

POTATO FESTIVAL UPDATE

In an effort to provide bigger and better entertainment for the 2011

Mantua Potato Festival, we have hired the KISS Tribute Band (Mr. Speed), to perform on Saturday, September 10th, from 8:00 to 11:00 pm.

They have performed at Lock 3 in Akron, Brunswick Old-Fashioned Days and numerous other venues. They are very good and sound and look just like the real thing. Mark your calendars and come Rock and Roll with us!!!

Watch for further updates on Festival progress.

Linda Schilling, Potato
Festival Committee

ATTENTION SENIORS

If you are having problems with filing your Income Tax this year and would like a little help, here is a solution.

The AARP Tax Aid program will be helping seniors with their taxes from February 2nd through April 13th. They will be available on Wednesdays at the Village Park Lodge, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. They will also be offering this service at locations in Ravenna, Kent and Streetsboro.

This service is available by APPOINTMENT ONLY!. To arrange an appointment, or for additional information, please call 330-297-4636.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DMRC, A SHORT STORY

The year was 2005.

The Mantua Village Planning Commission was looking toward the future…collaborating with Portage County Regional Planning (PCRP) on a 20-year Comprehensive Plan for the Village...to ensure that growth would happen in the right places and Mantua would remain a good place to live.

Jump to March 2006…

Over 100 people from the community gathered to learn about the Comprehensive Plan from PCRP and provide their input.

PCRP recommended a private-sector group be formed to keep the community involved in the visioning process…and explained that such a group would show grant-makers that private citizens, property owners, business operators, and Village government officials were all working together toward a common goal.

Enter revitalization steering committee…

Several citizens began researching solutions to problems identified by the community in March 2006, visiting other communities which had undergone transformations, and meeting with key stakeholders.

2007 arrived…

Following PCRP direction, the revitalization steering committee incorporated as Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC), applied for 501(c)(3) status, interviewed consultants recommended by PCRP, leaders of other communities, and historic preservation authorities…and selected E.G.&G., Inc. to help shape the future of the Village

Throughout 2007 and 2008, those interested in the future of Mantua attended community meetings, planning sessions, and downtown clean-up days. Village Council members, Chamber of Commerce members, DMRC members, business owners, and private citizens worked side-by-side to keep The Village of Mantua a viable place to live, work, and play.

October 2008…

Motivated by the community’s interest in Mantua’s historical assets, DMRC organized and hosted the first Walking Through Mantua’s Past. Over 500 visitors from near and far learned the history of Mantua and toured old buildings. The event’s turnout and feedback was a testament to how much Mantua is cherished.

More recent history; 2009-2010…

Over the past two years, DMRC has hosted additional community meetings…unveiled sketches of how downtown Mantua could look after infrastructure and streetscape upgrades…organized two Art on the Hill events to highlight local artisans and introduce guests to local businesses… participated in the Potato Festival and Parade to educate the public about revitalization…and presented the second bi-annual Walking Through Mantua’s Past event.

2011; the future is bright…

DMRC will continue working with Village officials and community members on initiatives that proved successful in the past – Spring Spruce-up, Town Hall Meetings, Art on the Hill – and put a renewed focus on raising funds for construction. Several funding sources have been identified and teams of two-three are working on each opportunity.

If you would like to be involved in shaping the future of Mantua, please contact DMRC at 330-274-4040 or DMRCemail@gmail.com

Michelle Barnauskas, DMRC

ATM Safety: Minimize Your Risk

Mantua Police Chief Harry Buchert recommends the following to protect yourself……….

Avoid isolated ATMs, Use ATMs in busy areas, if possible

Be Ready, Have your transactions, deposit envelope and card ready before you reach the ATM. Take extra envelopes before you leave the ATM for future transactions.

Look around. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not use an ATM if lights are not working, or you notice anything or anyone suspicious; if you’ve begun your transaction, use the cancel feature. After dark, consider bringing a friend along.

Report suspicious activity immediately. Contact the local police or a security officer if you witness any suspicious activity at the ATM. If you suspect you’re being followed from an ATM, hurry to a busy area and immediately contact the police.

Guard yourself at the drive-up ATM. don’t allow yourself to be blocked in. Make sure the car in front of you has pulled away completely before approaching the ATM. Keep doors locked and the windows closes except to perform your transaction.

Secure your car. If you must leave your car to use an ATM, never leave your car running, the door open or the keys inside.

Don’t display cash. Pocket your cash, your card and your receipt immediately after an ATM transaction. Count your cash only when you are certain you are in a secure area.

Now how to Protect your card…

Protect your PIN. Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Never keep your PIN where it can easily be discovered, such as written on your card, in your wallet or in your purse. Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting, so nobody can see the buttons you push.

Never give your PIN to anyone. Don’t let others use your card. Never give out your PIN or card information to anyone over the phone.

Keep your card in a safe place. Protect your card the same way you would protect cash or a credit card.

Take your receipt. Your receipt contains confidential information. If you don’t need the receipt, destroy it at home.

Cancel if necessary. If you suspect the ATM is not processing your transaction properly, use the cancel feature on the ATM and find another machine.

Report a lost or stolen card immediately. The sooner you notify the bank that your card is in danger of being misused, the sooner it can take precautions to ensure that it is not misused.

By observing these safety tips, you can minimize your risk.

Chief Harry Buchert
Mantua Police Dept.

MANTUA GARDEN CLUB

To all interested gardeners: We would love to meet you! Mantua Village Garden Club is looking for new hands to help beautify our village. We plant flowers at six locations throughout the Village.

If you cannot give us gardening time, please visit us anyway. We have interesting programs, some featuring professional gardeners. We also go on field trips, and have do-it-yourself projects……we can learn together.

We meet the first Monday of each month from March to December. We meet sometimes at noon for lunch and sometimes in the evening in order to accommodate those who are employed.

For more information, please call our President, Patsi Gast at 330-274-2124

Emma Leferink, Publicity

Telemarketing & Phone Fraud

Everyone who has a phone presents a target to con artists whose preferred method of operation is the telephone.

Some common phone-related scams include:

Callers offer contest prizes or fabulous vacation package deals, but the victim must provide credit card information to win or to qualify.

Pay-per-call telephone numbers, known as 900 numbers, offer contest prizes, bogus products, or suspect services such as repairing a poor credit rating. Unsuspecting customers find charges from $2 to $50 and more on their monthly telephone bills. Scam victims are often led to 900 numbers by toll free 800 numbers or mailings.

Con artists “steal" phone card numbers, often posing as a telephone company investigator (checking a system failure) or law enforcement officer (with an emergency collect call about a family member that must be charged to a long distance carrier credit card) or government official (investigating for the FCC)

Fraudulent charity pleas often have a name that sounds similar to that of a reputable, well known organization such as the Salvation League (instead of the Salvation Army) or the American cancer Association (instead of the American Cancer Society). They sell tickets to a circus that’s a fundraiser for disabled children, to the police officers’ ball, or other events. They may ask for contributions to help victims of the latest natural disaster- a hurricane, earthquake, or war. Reputable charities are always willing to send a financial statement or annual report, or people can contact the National Charities Information Bureau.

Consumers can call a new toll-free help line, 800-876-7060, to report frauds and locate local resources. The National Consumers League developed and operates the help line, with funding from Citicorp, MasterCard, MCI Communications Corp., and VISA USA. All information reported to the help line is forwarded to a telemarketing fraud database maintained by the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection to assist state and local law enforcement and collect case evidence needed to launch investigations.

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA), which represents more than 3,600 companies engaged in all aspects of the direct marketing, has developed voluntary guidelines for the industry. DMA also operates a Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to help consumers remove their names from national telephone sales call lists by sending name, full address, and telephone number including area code to: Telephone Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 9014, Famingdale NY 11735.

HOW TO AVOID TELEMARKETING FRAUD

DO NOT give checking or savings account information to anyone over the phone.

DO NOT give credit card numbers over the phone unless you know the organization is reputable.

DO NOT assume an organization is legitimate because of impressive looking brochures, testimonials, or official sounding names.

BE WARY of high pressure sales tactics such as prizes, awards, and deals that are only available if you “act right away".

REQUEST written information from an organization soliciting you over the phone, have someone you trust review it before you act.

If in doubt, hang up the phone! Don’t worry about being polite to those seeking to tie up your time and steal your life savings. If you think the call is a scam, get as much information as you can such as address, phone number, organization name and person’s name.

CALL THE POLICE

Chief Harry Buchert
Mantua Police Dept.

NEWS FROM ST. JOSEPH’S

LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS 2011

A wonderful St. Joseph tradition continues with our Soup Suppers during Lent (March 15, 22, 29, April 5). Soup suppers will take place in Hughes Hall from 6:00 to 6:45 pm. “Family-size" pots of soup and/or breads are needed (simply bring them to the kitchen just prior to the supper). All are welcome.

Once again, the parish will host Lenten Presentations following the Soup Suppers on Tuesdays (social justice topics). On Tuesday, April 12, there will be a Bi-Parish Communal Penance Service, 7:30 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Aurora.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Palm Sunday- April 17th: 8:30 & 11:15 am
Tuesday - April 19th: 8:00 am
Wednesday - April 20th: 8:00 am
Holy Thursday April 21st: 7:00 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper (Operation Rice Bowl Collection)
8 - 11:00 pm Private Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
11:00 Solemn Night Prayer
Good Friday April 22nd: 12 - 3:00 pm Church open for prayer
7:00 Liturgy (Holy Land Collection)
Holy Saturday April 23rd: Noon Blessing of the Food, followed by Parish Easter Egg Hunt
8:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass
Easter Sunday April 24th: 8:30 and 11:15 am Masses

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 48th Annual Ox Roast Fair - July 15, 16 & 17th It will be here before you know it!

Lots of details at www.stjosephmantua.com

COOKBOOKS STILL AVAILABLE

St. Joseph Parish in Mantua has a limited number of their cookbook “Taste and See - St. Joseph’s Labor of Love", available for $15.00 each. This wonderful collection of nearly 500 treasured family recipes will be a useful keepsake of many favorite culinary creations.

This fundraising effort features a padded 3-ring cover in full color, 8 category tabbed dividers, helpful hints and an alphabetized index - great for gift giving! Proceeds from this endeavor will benefit the church’s Appalachian Experience group and their work with the Housing Repair Program in Clintwood, VA.

To receive your copy of the cookbook, please contact St. Joseph’s Parish Office (330.274.2253) or parish office@stjosephmantua.com to arrange pick-up or by mailing $19.00 (includes $4 shipping and handling) to St. Joseph Church, 11045 St. Joseph Blvd. Mantua, OH 44255 (Attn: Kathi).

Kathi Trares, Parish Secretary
The Parish Community of St. Joseph’s

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL

Christ Lutheran Church on North Main St will be hosting their Free Community Meal on Monday, January 17th, February 21st, and March 21st, from 5 to 6:30 pm. Please come and join us for a meal and a visit with your friends and neighbors.

Barb Goodell
Christ Lutheran Church

A THANK YOU NOTE FROM 4’Cs

A simple “Thank You" does not seem to be adequate to express our appreciation for all the help we received during the holiday season. Because of the wonderful support 4 C’s received from the community, we were able to serve many people this holiday season. We supplied food and gifts for 175 families, including 200 children.

A special thanks goes out to C-Act, Ravenna Giant Eagle, Monroe’s Orchard and Farm Market, Hilltop Church, all area churches, Barky Mart, the Mantua Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus, Crestwood Lions, Kiwanis, American Legion and all of you in the community who donated food items for our give-away. Also, a thank you to our wonderful volunteers, who spent hours packing it all up and distributing it. Every year, we realize how blessed we are to live in such a caring community.

4 C’s Council says, “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You".

SOAP BOX DERBY

The Portage County Soap Box Derby is in the promoting stages of the 2011 derby racing season. We are very fortunate to have Corbin Bernson involved at the international level with his “25 Hill" movie coming out this summer. Check out this trailer – IT IS REALLY COOL!! http://25hill.com/WSJ_Trailer2.swf . We are working hard as a team to recruit a driver from each Portage county township to race at our local race in Mantua. We have several board members that are willing to present a 20 minute showcase of the Soap Box Derby.

The age range for a child/racer to be able to race in the Stock division is from age 8 to 14, the Super Stock division is from 10 to 17, and the Masters division is for experienced racers with an age range from 10 to 17. The child/racer’s age needs to be within those ranges by our local race or first rally race date. If you or anyone you know is interested, please call or email us.

The next scheduled race is our spring rally in Akron at Derby Downs on Saturday, May 14th and Sunday May 15th this year. Anyone interested in a free ride ticket down the Derby Downs hill either one of these days, please let us know and we will send you one and get you registered. All free rides will be given between 8am & 9am the day of the race and afterwards you can watch our spring rally at no charge!

Our local race in Mantua is going to be Saturday, June 18th down High Street. We repaint the hill usually one week before the race. We like the logo and finish line to sparkle like new each year. The painting and help at the local race are excellent ways for potential racers to get involved where the entire family participates and gets excited about Soap Box Derby racing. Also, a banquet is given at the end of June for all the racers, their families and our sponsors. Every child is given a trophy and many other well deserved prizes. Every year all the local winners from each division are invited to the All American race in Akron held this year on Saturday, July 23rd at Derby Downs in Akron. In addition, the 1st and 2nd and possibly 3rd places from the local are invited to what is called the Buccaneer race. This consists of the local and rally champs from region six which includes Ohio and West Virginia racers. This race was held in West Virginia until 2010 when Columbus decided to host it. The Buccaneer championship race will be held in Lancaster, Ohio this year which is 20 miles southeast of Columbus on Saturday, August 6th, 2011. The very next day on Sunday the Lancaster local will have their first open rally race for the year.

This past fall we participated in the Mantua Potato Festival Parade. Our champs and their cars were shown off to the crowd along the parade route. Other racers who raced in our local race also walked in the parade and we all threw out candy.

Anyone interested in sponsoring our race, a child, or buying a car that would have your logo on it for advertising, please let us know. It is tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated by everyone involved!!

Every one of all ages is welcome to come and observe any one of these derby functions. Admission is free to the rally and local races. For anyone with any questions or suggestions, please call Dean Olson @ 330-351-3035 or Kelly Heritage @ 330-541-1075 or Barb Corbett @ 330-931-0537. Or email us at pcsbd@roadrunner.com.

VANDALISM

Vandalism is defined as the deliberate destruction or defacement of public or private property. We have all seen it and wondered, why do some people feel it necessary to destroy something just for the fun of doing it. Are they aware of the cost in work, time, materials, etc., that they are destroying?

There has been a good deal of this at the Village Park. Tables and benches in the pavilions have been broken and graffiti, sprayed everywhere. The concrete benches placed in the park and on the observation decks have been thrown in the river. With the installation of surveillance cameras at the park, they turned their attention to the trails.

Along the Hike and Bike Trail, there has been graffiti on the bridge and the concrete blocks, the flower planters stolen, concrete blocks thrown in the river, (these cannot be retrieved), the split-rail fence has been taken apart and thrown into the river.

Most of the work on the trails and at the park was done by volunteers, Scouts, plus Village employees. Many of the materials were donated by area merchants and they all required a great deal of time, effort, money and work. It is very sad to see it treated so disrespectfully.

As members of the community, you can help. If you see any kind of vandalism taking place, please report it to the Police.

LOAVES AND FISHES

Don’t forget about the Community dinners held at the Christ Lutheran Church. 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. Please join us for a delicious meal and friendly company.

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