Mantua Matters
June 2009
GREETINGS
Summer has finally arrived after a very long, long and difficult winter. It is great to see green trees, flowers blooming and to hear the sounds of summer, lawn mowers, weed whips and loud, booming car stereos. This issue of MM covers the months of June, July and August, plus a few past events. Please enjoy!
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 |
Council meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the new Administration Bldg.
THE MAYOR’S CORNER
Hello~Good Bye~and Hello Again~ a Fond but short farewell to our Police Sergeant Bob Reitz who has decided to retire. He will be coming back in September to help with the Potato Festival. Also, much-loved Officer Dan Forman has come out of retirement to help us out from time to time. We also welcome back Jim Barrett who had served on our Police Department in the past and is happy to be back again. Please join me in welcoming Michele Stuck who has decided to leave the Portage County Prosecutors office to be our Village Solicitor. Welcome Michele!! Welcome All!!
Our charming Village will be filled with activity this summer. Be sure to mark your calendars with these upcoming dates. There will be something for everyone and a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and family to share in the Community pride and spirit.
On Saturday June 13th the Village of Mantua is proud to host the Annual Portage County Soap Box Derby. The event is expected to begin at 9:00 am, However, in case of rain a rain date of June 14th has been set. Invite your friends and family to enjoy a fun filled day and come cheer these youngsters on to victory!!
Saturday July 11th will be a day to remember! Beginning with “The Headwaters Adventure Race”, a run, pedal and paddle event sponsored by Portage Parks. Parks Director Chris Craycroft has been instrumental in the development of our New Municipal Parking Lot located behind McDonalds. This will provide additional parking for the Rotary sponsored Farmers Market, which will be taking place as well at the Old Train Depot. And, as if that’s not enough excitement in one day volunteers have been working tirelessly to bring you “Art on the Hill”, a day-long festival along Prospect Street.
My Grandmother always said “many hands make light work” that is a well deserved description of the community in which we live and love.
Whatever the need, someone is always willing to step up and help. So here is my Thank-you list!
First to all those who took the time and energy to help dewinterize our Main Street and to Downtown Mantua Revitalization Committee for once again spearheading the spring cleaning effort. A very special Thank-you to “The Garden Girls” Wendy and Eileen for all they have done to beautify Main Street, beginning with the lovely sidewalk baskets, and the Mini Park. Thank-you too, to the ladies of the Mantua Garden Club for all they do to beautify our Community Year after Year!! There are other surprises coming soon, so to all those who are working behind the scene Thank-you too~ See you this Summer.
Donna Hawkins, Mayor
A NOTE FROM JENNY
Our little Village is hanging in there, still kind of limping along, but doing whatever we need to do to ride out this economic storm. We have cut expenses, hours and even employees to try to stay afloat and so far it is working. Still, the Auditors of the State of Ohio keep us on “Fiscal Watch”. This August will be one year since the last time any of our funds have had a negative balance. We seem to be staying right on the edge of broke, but still keeping our funds to the positive. It can’t last much longer, can it?
Do you remember the money-saving tips I gave you last summer? I won’t list them all again, but if anyone needs a refresher, just call me! If you are considering creating a nice flower garden, shopping for plants, even on sale, can be expensive. Before you go out and start spending, look around to see if you have other plants that can be split from your existing flowers. If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, you might ask them if they have any plants you could use as a starter. Watch for Mantua Center Garden Club to have their sale. You can buy a lot for a little! Small savings do add up.
Use your credit cards only for emergencies, especially now when money is to tight. It seems “safer” to hold onto your cash and use the plastic, but credit cards are dangerous and can be damaging. If you have a credit card with a $1000 balance and you pay only the minimum payment each month, it could take you over 20 years to pay off that $1000 balance since the majority of your payment is going strictly toward the interest and not the principal. If you have credit cards and your credit is in good standing, call your credit card company and ask for you interest rate to be lowered. It is truly that simple. Unfortunately, most people do not even realize that this is an option so they never make the call.
MORTGAGE PAYMENTS
Paying one additional mortgage payment each year, whether in a lump sum or monthly increments, can lower a 30-year loan down to l8 years. If you pay more than more extra payment, the number of years will decrease even more. When I make my additional payment, I request in writing, that the payment be applied only to the principal and not the interest. You end up saving thousands of dollars once the home is paid off. Not everyone can do this, but there are ways! Perhaps a Christmas bonus check, income tax refund or one good yard sale a year. Make it a goal.
These days we need to save every single dollar we can. The Village is going to be submitting our 2010 budget to the County Auditor in July. Feel free to attend a Finance meeting and share your thoughts and ideas that may help us save a buck or two. We get some great ideas from residents that attend. Our meetings are always the Saturday morning before Council meets. If you aren’t sure when that is, give us a call.
I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy lots of time outside. One thing that was mentioned by a resident at the April Council meeting is that we do have an open burn law in Mantua. (See the article on the Open Burn Ordinance later in this issue) It is fun to have an evening fire in your back yard, but please be sensitive to neighbors that may have asthma or other breathing conditions that could be affected by smoke. If you notice your neighbors are going inside and closing their windows, you may want to talk to them and see if you can work out a schedule. There may be an evening each week that they are not home or you could give them notice when you are going to have a fire. Always try to a courteous neighbor and enjoy a great summer!
2009 MANTUA VILLAGE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
| FINANCE | CEMETERY BOARD |
|---|---|
| Ben Prescott – Chair | John Hall |
| Jim Rogers | Cookie Vanek |
| Roger Hawkins | Lisa Zamecnik |
| Jenny August – Clerk/Treasurer | |
| PARKS BOARD | SHADE TREE |
| Marty Hura – Chair | Roger Hawkins |
| Linda Schilling | Giles Seith |
| Don Buchert | Don Buchert |
| Rod Summerlin | Jean Thomas |
| Carolyn Wysong | Cookie Vanek |
| PLANNING & ZONING | MSFD BOARD |
| Jim Rogers – Chair | Marty Hura |
| Ben Prescott (as community member) | Giles Seith – Alternate |
| Michele Stuck | |
| Wes Hawkins | |
| Mayor Donna Hawkins | |
| John Vechery – Zoning Inspector | |
| SERVICE | SAFETY |
| Linda Schilling | Mayor Donna Hawkins |
| Roger Hawkins | Chief Harry Buchert |
| Giles Seith | Marty Hura |
| Jim Rogers – Ex-officio | Giles Seith |
| Ed Trego – Village Administrator | Matt Roosa – MSFD |
| CRA HOUSING OFFICER | VILLAGE DELEGATE TO PCRPC |
| Jim Rogers | Ben Prescott |
| Roger Hawkins – Alternate |
NEW VILLAGE SOLICITOR
The Village is pleased to welcome Michele Stuck as our new Village Solicitor. Michele is a 10 year resident and homeowner in Mantua and has served on the Planning Commission for over 8 years. She has a personal interest in the Village and will contribute much to the health and prosperity of our community.
Michele holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Bentley College in Massachusetts and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law. She was an Assistant County Prosecutor for the past fifteen years, serving in Juvenile Court, Municipal Court, the Civil Division, and most recently, headed the County Prosecutor's Office Domestic Violence Unit.
When not working, Michele enjoys antiquing, cooking, gardening and caring for her pet birds and dog. We are confident that she will prove to be a valuable asset to the Village family and wish her the best of luck.
POLICE REPORT
This report covers the months of February, March & April, 2009
| Total Cases: | 162 |
| Traffic/Parking Cites: | 139 |
| Warnings: | 231 |
| Criminal Arrests: | 8 |
| Calls to Dispatch: | 1,524 |
| Total Mileage: | 9,418 |
| Mutual Aid Calls: | 58 |
| Officer Hours Worked: | 2,060 |
| Dispatch Hours Worked: | 2,171 |
| Citizen/Motorist Assists: | 45 |
| Open Doors/Windows: | 15 |
| Suspicious Persons/Vehicles: | 45 |
| House Checks: | 270 |
| Bar Checks: | 31 |
| Water/Sewer Plant Checks: | 125 |
| Reservoir Checks: | 115 |
| Lift Station Checks: | 415 |
NEW ZONING INSPECTOR
The Village is happy to welcome John Vechery as our new Zoning Inspector. John has served as Zoning Inspector for the Township on and off for the past 32 years and lives on Thornwood Road with his wife Terri. They have 6 grown children and 1 grandson.
John can be reached at Village Hall, 330-274-8776, Ext. 154, or you may leave a message with the Clerk’s office. He will be in the office most every day and will return calls promptly. Items for John may be mailed to his attention at 4650 W. High St., P.O. Box 775, Mantua, OH 44255, faxed to 330-274-2884 or emailed to mantuagv@sbcglobal.net.
Zoning applications may be picked up at the Village office between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
We wish him the best of luck in his new position!
DMRC (Downtown Mantua Revitalization) Doings
What has DMRC been doing behind the scenes to benefit the Mantua area?
Here are some interesting facts!
February 23, 2009 Marketing Mantua Workshop #1
“Enhancing Customer Service & Spreading the Word”
Michelle Barnauskas, Vice President of DMRC & owner of Business Image Solutions, helped 20 local business owners learn how to keep customers coming back & simple, inexpensive ways to market their businesses.
April 11, 2009 DMRC Emergency Meeting
Officers & Board met to discuss how they could help the Village meet its financial obligation to match the $15,000 Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) grant by August 2009. Due to the Village’s financial situation, DMRC has been able to cover all but $4,000 of this obligation.
April 20, 2009 Marketing Mantua Workshop #2
“Targeting Your Message & Low Cost Advertising”
Each participant from Workshop #1 gave an “Elevator Speech” & Michelle offered pointers. Attendees did online research for ways to market their businesses through partnerships and cross promotions.
May 4, 2009 DMRC Annual Strategic Planning Meeting
Goals were revisited & Board member qualifications reviewed. Michelle distributed copies and reviewed the DMRC Bi-Annual Report for 2007-2008. The report includes details of DMRC accomplishments since its inception in 2007. This information is available on www.MantuaShalersvilleChamber.com under Revitalization.
May 9, 2009 DMRC & Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce “Spring Spruce Up”
About 20 volunteers pulled weeds, planted, spread mulch, swept, washed windows, and operated weed eaters & leaf blowers throughout the town to spruce it up for spring.
Coming up…July 11, 2009 Mantua’s Art on the Hill
In addition to regular DMRC bi-monthly meetings, as small group of volunteers has been gathering every other week for several months making plans for Mantua’s “Art on the Hill” sponsored by DMRC.
We’re looking for creative people wishing to rent booth space for just $25 and volunteers to help at the event. Prospect Street will be closed to traffic & open to visitors from 9-5 on July 11, 2009. We plan to showcase all kinds of handmade pieces, including jewelry, paintings, beadwork, and even some ethnic food! Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your specialty or help DMRC.
In addition to artisan booths, guests will enjoy listening to musical entertainment as they stroll along looking for great art items. The Lions Club & our local eateries will have delicious food available. Other attractions include an Indian PowWow by the river, a kid's art pavilion, and Birdie Ball golf by the park. Proprietors of four historical buildings from “Walking through Mantua’s Past” will once again open their doors to guests. The old Mantua Grain will host a super selection of Chinese Auction items just waiting for bids.
For information, a booth application or to volunteer, contact:
Becky Newell, 216-990-5086, bbjnewell@neohio.twcbc.com
Laura Landreth, 330-274-0855, ljhlandreth@gmail.com
Christine Pitsinger, 330-414-6486, communityjournal.@yahoo.com
Coming up… June 11, 2009 at 6:30 pm Town Meeting to Finalize Streetscape Sketches (Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department Conference Room)
In light of the economy, why keep planning this project? Because problems don’t go away by ignoring them. Also, The Village is required to submit final plans to the ODOD…those plans need to reflect what YOU want.
When the project is finally underway, many of the current infrastructure issues will be permanently fixed instead of costing thousands of dollars to “band-aid” each time there’s a dilemma.
The Village and DMRC continue to work together in keeping downtown attractive and inviting. As a matter of fact, Rod Garrison and the Vice President of EG&G Corporation (the engineering company DRMC & the Village are working on revitalization with) were in town last week measuring block by block in preparation for the cost estimating portion of their contract. In the meantime, the Village will continue to repair “leaky pipes” within their budget and as needed…until the full revitalization project is underway and permanent improvements are made.
Streetscape Fast Facts:
Cost breakdown for typical streetscape revitalization project:
- 58% Street/Walk Infrastructure
- 17% Underground Utilities
- 16% Street Lights
- 9% Furniture/Enhancements
Source of funds for typical streetscape revitalization project:
- 51% Federal Appropriation/Earmark
- 21% Ohio Public Works/Issue 2 Grant
- 15% Government (bond borrowing*)
- 5% Community Development Block Grant
- 8% Private Sector Memorial Drive
HILLSIDE CEMETERY
Thanks to the Cemetery Board and Service Department, Hillside was spruced up and looking good for Memorial Day Services. It is an ongoing job to keep it looking that way.
The Board would like to suggest that if you are walking through the cemetery and come across any fallen branches or other debris, please pick up what you can and place it along the roadway for the Service Department to pick up. Also, if you have a little time to spare, feel free to water any of the flower beds that look thirsty, the circle, in front of the Mausoleum or the Veterans container by the flag. Any help will be greatly
ORDINANCE FOR OPEN BURNING
With Summer season approaching, with bon-fires, cookouts, etc., it is a good time to remind residents of the Fire Ordinance within the Village. The odor from these fires is offensive to some people and can be a serious medical hazard to those suffering from asthma, allergies or emphysema.
The burning of agricultural waste; economic poisons, such as pesticides or insecticides; landscape waste, which includes any plant matter, and household garbage is prohibited. Check the Service Department article for information on yard debris and brush pick up.
Open burning is allowed for cooking for human consumption (weenie roast) but must be of minimum size and with proper fuel. Ceremonial fires must be within size and time limit.
Permission for open burn may be requested from the Fire Department – in writing – 10 days prior and include purpose of fire, what is to be burned, quantity of material, date, location and method of controlling emissions.
A permit is required for any bonfire with restrictions on location, material, size and must be supervised at all times.
Addition information is available at Village Hall – Ordinance # l511.01, 02, 03, 04 and 05. The penalty for violation of this Ordinance (#1511.99) is:
“Whoever violates any provision of this Chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree and shall be fined not more than $500.00 or imprisoned for not more than 60 days or both”.
RECYCLING
Did you know that Mantua participates in mandatory recycling? That means that we, the residents, pay for the opportunity to recycle whether we choose to use it or not. So put your cardboard, paper bags, office paper, junk mail, catalogs, magazines, phone books, newspapers, paperback books, hardback books, glass jars and bottles, food containers marked #1 or #2 plastic, aluminum and tin cans into those green bins and haul them out to the curb. Recycling could save at least 1 or possibly more bags from regular garbage collection., not to mention the positive effect on our environment.
Pick up in the Village is every other Monday on the East side and every other Wednesday on the West side. For more information, or to get bins, call the Portage County District Recycling Center at 330-678-8808.
FOOTPRINTS
If you have not yet had the chance to stop in at Mantua’s newest addition on Main Street, please take the time to do so. Footprints is located at 10676 Main, the corner of Main and Prospect. They opened on March 3, 2009, and in April needed to expand to a second location underneath the main store with an entrance off Prospect St.
Their logo is “A Perfect Blend of Old and New” and this is reflected in the wide array of merchandise available. The Prospect St. location features new and used horse tack and pet items. The Main St. location has special occasion and holiday items, gift baskets, apparel for all age, household items, etc. They recently purchased a large shipment of new household items including kitchen gadgets, baskets, utility and storage items, dishes, canisters and the list goes on.
Gift baskets are available for all occasions, choose from one of those in stock or customize your own, priced at $20 or less. They also have a selection of greeting cards, gift wrap, stationary and party invitations.
They offer a customer rewards program; for every $10 you spend you receive a stamp on your customer card, when you have 10 stamps you receive 30% off you next purchase. All donations are welcome and can be dropped off during store hours. Donations will receive a 10% off coupon for your next purchase. Any donations not sold in the store will be distributed to charity, fundraisers or local events.
A new website has been designed and in the future, Footprints inventory will be available to purchase online. The web address is www.footprintsretailstore.com. Check in often for specials and events taking place at the store.
Hours of operation and donation drop off is – Monday –Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm. Please stop in and check out this extraordinary store. We are pleased to welcome Footprints to our community and wish them the best of luck.
PROPER US FLAG ETIQUETTE
- The flag of the United States should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless the flag is illuminated.
- The flag should not be allowed to touch the ground
- When flown at half-mast during a period of national mourning, the flag is first hoisted to the top of the pole for a moment and then lowered to half-mast. At the end of the day, the flag is first raised again to the top and then lowered.
- When an American flag is displayed from the same pole with another flag – state, community or society – the U.S. flag must always be on top.
- When the U.S. flag is flown with other national flags, all the flags should be of equal size and flown on separate staffs of the same height. International law forbids a nation’s flag to be flown above any other nation’s flat during peacetime.
The Continental Congress visited seamstress Betsy Ross’ store in May of 1777 and asked her to sew the first American flag. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act to establish an official flag for the new nation.
In 1776, there were 2.5 million people living in the newly independent America. In 2008, that number had increased to over 304 million.
THE FOURTH OF JULY
Have you ever wondered what happened to the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army and another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farms and large plantation owners. They were men of means, well-educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death of they were captured.
Some of us take our liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn’t. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!
SOAP BOX DERBY 2009
The High Street hill in Mantua will once again be turned into a race track as Portage County Soap Box Derby prepares for the 2009 local race. The race will start around 9 am on Saturday, June 13, 2009, with a rain date of Sunday, June 14th.
Approximately 35 to 40 Portage County racers will be trying to qualify for the All-American World Championship, to be held in Akron, Ohio in late July.
We will be racing three divisions this year; Masters, Super Stock and Stock. The winner of each division will then be qualified to compete in Akron against about 500 other racers from across the United States and other countries. There are usually racers from New Zealand, Japan, Guam, Germany and other countries.
Any Portage County child, from age 8 to 17, is eligible to compete in Derby racing. This is a great family sport, where our racers can meet and make new lifelong friends from all around the world. We encourage all Portage County residents to come out and watch and cheer on our local racers.
The Portage County awards banquet will be held on Thursday, June 25th at Access to Independence Hall in Rootstown. Each racer will receive a trophy and many other nice prizes. Anyone wishing to attend the banquet may do so. Tickets are $10, which includes a dinner buffet and may be reserved by calling Barb Sovil at 330-584-6235.
We are always looking for area residents and businesses to become sponsors and help keep our race going. We strongly believe this is a great program for all kids, teaching many valuable qualities, including sportsmanship, dedication, perseverance and manual skills. Our Board members work very hard to keep our Local alive and growing, and we need sponsors who share our belief in the program and in our future leaders, our racers.
Anyone who would like more information on becoming a Board member, or knows a child that would like to race, Please call Barb Sovil at 330-584-6235.
FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Curbside Brush Program/ Wood Chips
The monthly brush pick-up is under way and will continue on the second Monday of each month excluding holidays through October 13, 2009.
All brush is to be placed at the curb with the cut ends facing the street. Branches over 8 feet in length or 4” in diameter will not be picked up, nor will thorny bush trimmings or yard waste.
Chipping is intended for brush collection that has been trimmed by homeowners during routine maintenance. The Village crew will spend 20 minutes maximum at a property. The homeowner will be responsible for the disposal of brush/limbs from removal of tree(s), lot clearing or cleaning; 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. (Please see policy in total, available at the Service Department 4880 E. High St.)
Wood chips, while they last are available at no charge to Village residents at the Service garage located at 4880 E. High St, or you can contact us for deliveries within the Village at 330-274-8188.
NEWS FROM MANTUA TOWNSHIP
The Mantua Township Trustees have awarded a contract to Ronyak Brothers Paving to pave Timber Pointe and Woodhollow Roads. The project has started and will consist of re-paving both roads. Mantua Township is also in the process of having plans drawn up to bid out the paving of the township portion of Hillcrest, Coldbrook, Ambler and Fernway Roads. These roads will be bid shortly and will be paved in the fall.
In other news, Mantua Township recently sent over 8 40 yard dumpsters full of trash to the dump from the annual township clean-up day. Also, not going to the dump were 4 dumpsters of scrap metal, 2 dumpsters of tires, miscellaneous car batteries and electronic parts, which were all sent to various destinations for recycling. The electronics were sent to the Hiram Farm Living & Learning Community in Hiram. Mantua Township thanks the Portage County Solid Waste District for its assistance and participation.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2009 scholarship recipients. The scholarships were presented at the annual awards ceremony at Crestwood High School by Dorothy Caldwell and Paulette Nichols. The two $1000 scholarships were awarded to Nicole Brugmann and Joseph Schrecengost. Both will graduate from Crestwood High School in June.
Nicole was involved in Track and Swimming. She helped with Habitat for Humanity and Haven of Rest and was a Girl Scout for many years. Nicole has worked in landscaping and at Cinemark in Aurora. Nicole will attend Bowling Green State University in the fall.
Joe was involved in National Honor Society, Basketball and Tennis. He volunteered with Relay for Life, 4C’s food drives, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Haven of Rest. He has worked at Aurora Farms Premium Outlets. Joe will attend Ohio Northern University in the fall.
Congratulations to both scholarship winners.
SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING
Annually, the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a golf outing to raise funds for their scholarship program, which benefits Crestwood seniors. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, June 27th at Ravenswood Golf Course.
The cost is $65 per person with teams of 4, which includes golf, cart and a steak dinner. Individuals not golfing can purchase a dinner for $15 each. Participants are eligible for prizes in various categories and door prizes donated by local businesses. The registration deadline is June 9th.
For additional information, contact Graham Harmon at 330-274-8225 or visit the Chamber’s website to download the registration form at www.mantuashalersvillechamber.com.
Marie Stehli, Clerk, Mantua Township
NEWS FROM CRESTWOOD LIONS CLUB
The Crestwood Lions Club would like to welcome everyone to the Portage County Soap Box Derby on Saturday, June 13th, on the East High St. hill in Mantua. The event is scheduled to run most of the day. Once again, our food trailer will be there providing hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese burgers, fresh-cut fries and drinks. All the drivers of the cars will eat on us! Congratulations to all who have a chance to win and good luck.
The Lions Club is very proud of the new Crestwood Leo Club that was chartered in February of this year. Currently, they are running the concession stand at Buchert Park during Little League games in the evenings. Small refreshments and drinks will be sold there.
Congratulations to our own members, Anne Spence, Tim McDermott and Lynne McDermott who were surprised with receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship award during the District Convention held in Hudson this year. This award is reserved for those that have worked tireless hours and gave so much of their time towards Lions projects and the motto of Lions, “we serve.” Congratulations to Bob Bard on earning the Lions International President’s Award at the Lions Ohio State Convention in Columbus, OH. Thank you to our fellow Lion, Governor Harold Ullman of Lions Multiple District 13D for representing the Crestwood Lions Club throughout this Lions year around a five county area making up our District. Governor Harold and his wife, Joyce, have done a great job this past year.
The Crestwood Lions Club has recently had success in the formation of a new Streetsboro Lions Club and will charter the new club on June 27th at 2 pm. Lion Bob Bard worked very hard with them to get the new club chartered.
The Mantua Art Festival will be held on July 11th and our food trailer will be there to provide food for those attending. Various events in Portage County and Summit County have requested our food trailer to be there. If you see us, stop by and say hi and get one of the best hamburgers in town.
Beginning in July, our new President or King Lion will be Tim McDermott. Congratulations to King Lion Patti Gauch on a successful year. If you are interested in learning more about Lions or have a question please visit our website at crestwoodlionsoh.lionwap.org or email us at crestwoodlionsoh@yahoo.com. Membership Tom Mesaros would be available to answer and other questions regarding membership at 330-527-0725.
John Evans, PR Chairman
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Portage Faith United Methodist Church, located at 9922 St. Rt. 44, will hold its Vacation Bible School from July 6th to July 10th, 6:00 pm to 8:45 pm. There will be classes for all ages, 3years to adults. The evening begins with a light supper.
The theme this year is Camp E.D.G.E. (Experience and Discover God Everywhere). Come join us to learn new songs, new games, new crafts and to relearn some Bible stories. For more information, please call the church office at 330-274-8987, Monday through Thursday from 9am to 1 pm.
Rev. Carolyn M. Berry
Portage Faith United Methodist Church
NEWS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF MANTUA
Country Market
The Mantua Country Market will be once again offering fresh produce, flowers, maple products, honey, jams, fresh bakery and hand-crafted items. Support your local growers, bakers, quilters and other artisans by shopping on the second and fourth Saturdays of July through September, 8:30 a.m. to noon at the old Erie Depot (English Realty) on route 44 across from MacDonald's restaurant. Additional vendors are welcome! Call Jim Rogers at 330-274-9838 for an application. Mantua Rotary Club is thankful to the Country Market Committee for continuing this service to the community.
Rotary Continues Exchange Student Tradition
Mantua Rotary was proud to host Natsumi Okada this school year. Natsumi was very active at Crestwood High. She was a member of the award-winning Scarlet Guard marching band and the Wind Ensemble which gave her opportunities to participate in national marching band competitions, perform at Severance Hall and be in the pit band for the spring play. In July we will have to say goodbye as Natsumi will be returning to her home in Japan.
In the fall Rotary will be welcoming a male exchange student from Brazil. This continues our fifty year tradition of sponsoring international exchange students.
Pearl Austin, Rotary Club of Mantua
ARTICLES NEEDED
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 criticism, please let me know. Write to me c/o Village Hall, 4750 W. High St. Mantua, OH 44255. Or, you may call at 330-274-8737.
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, have a great summer and I will see you in September!
Diane Hura, Editor