Mantua Matters
March 2009

GREETINGS

I received a lot of positive response to the new format, so will continue with it. I hope it is easier to read.

We have survived one of the nastiest winters in many years. Cold, snow, more cold and more snow, followed by wind storms and flooding. Winter in Ohio, the only good thing about it, is that it makes you really, really appreciate SPRING! Now we are all ready for daffodils, buds on the trees and finally some above-freezing temperatures.

This issue covers March, April and May, plus a few past events. Please read and enjoy!

MAYOR’S CORNER

What a wonderful sight to see the maple syrup buckets hanging from the maple trees! Could it be that spring is almost here? Like all of us, I sure hope so. While we wait for the daffodils, I would like to thank the Village Service Department for a great job this winter. With record snow falls, they managed to somehow keep our roads cleared. They face quite a challenge with our limited manpower and put in terribly long hours, but they kept on digging us out from underneath it all. Thank you!

I realize there as many opinions on the stimulus package as there are dollars involved; nevertheless, I am doing my utmost to insure that as many of those dollars come our direction as possible. I have been in constant communication with the political powers at work here, from the Federal level to the State and County levels as well, as they all must work in concert together.

In an effort to gain as much information as possible on February 23rd, I hosted a meeting inviting all local government officials from our surrounding communities to hear speaker Leah Anglin-Walsh. Leah is the Regional Director of Economic Development for the State, directly under Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher. We had a great turnout with local Mayors from Hiram and Windham, Trustees from our surrounding Townships, State Representative Chandler, and Commissioner Smeiles, as well as many others in attendance. Leah spoke on the Stimulus package giving us insight from the State’s perspective that will help us all navigate through the process. Currently our Chief Buchert and I are looking into a grant that would have the potential to allow the Village of Mantua to hire several fulltime Police Officers at no cost to the Village of Mantua. It’s more opportunities like this that it is my hope will come as a direct result of the stimulus package. These are opportunities we must capitalize on and ones we cannot afford to miss.

Just recently I attended a business workshop sponsored by the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Committee I was impressed and delighted to see so many Village and local business owners there, anxious to learn success strategies for their businesses. These business owners are doing their best in this economic climate to support our Community so let’s all try to do our best to support them too. Our newest business “Footprints” at the corner of Main and Prospect will be opening very soon.

There are a number of exciting things happening in the Village of Mantua so stayed tuned. With that in mind, once spring breaks, please take time to visit our new observation platform, overlooking the scenic Cuyahoga, by the pedestrian bridge at Buchert Park Trail Head, off Prospect.

See you at the pancake breakfasts! And hurry Spring!

A NOTE FROM JENNY

We made it through another Mantua winter! I really thought the groundhog made a mistake when we had that heat wave in February. Finally, I have had Robin sightings on Canada road, and I am anxiously awaiting the Hummingbirds to arrive in May.

We have made some drastic changes in Mantua for the sake of remaining financially stable. The economy is flushed down the toilet, but I think Mantua is staying afloat with a lot of discipline. All of our funds continue to hold steadily in the black.

Okay, it is Income Tax season. In my first year of being the Village Income Tax Administrator, there are two very common mistakes that I feel I must mention one more time. The first and most common, is that the wage amount you must use from your W-2 is the largest amount, usually in the “Medicare Wages” box. The second mistake is that some people are neglecting to attach their W-2 forms. This is needed to verify your wage amount and tax credits to other communities if you work outside of the village. I would like to remind residents that Income Tax is not a household tax. It is a tax required of anyone that lives in the Village earning an Income and is over 18 years old, even if others in the same home are paying. If we miss sending you or your family member an Income Tax Return, please call 330-274-8776 and we will send one out to you. They are also available on our website at www.mantuavillage.com.

Lastly, I want to make sure everyone is aware that the Village of Mantua belongs to the Arbor Day Foundation, and National Arbor Day in Ohio is celebrated the last Friday in April, which is April 24th. People are encouraged to plant a tree. I am going to look for a nice flowering tree for my front yard. You might consider an evergreen because they make great wind barriers to help on heating costs in the winter. They also generate oxygen for our planet. Until then, pick some daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers that you see, and reward yourself for toughing out a rough winter.

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.

The date will be Saturday, May 16th 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 taken 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.

Hydrant Flushing

Hydrant flushing will take place in the Village on April 7th, 8th & 9th 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.

Brush Pick Up

The brush collection program for 2008 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, May & June 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.

Cemetery Clean Up

Christmas and other winter decorations should be removed from Hillside Cemetery by April 15, 2008. All remaining Christmas decorations will be discarded as we begin to clean up the Cemetery for Spring and Memorial Day. 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 residents.

For further information or questions please contact the Village Administrator, Ed Trego, at 330-274-8188.

MANTUA POLICE DEPARTMENT YEARLY REPORT – 2008

The Police Department handled a total of 660 calls during the last year. A few of these are still under investigation, but most have been cleared.

They have dealt with assaults, thefts, phone harassment, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, accidents, vandalism, drug-related problems and property damage.

There were 22 criminal arrests, 32 accidents, 694 warnings, 309 traffic and parking citations and the cruisers were driven a total of 38,382 miles.

The 32 accidents involved a total of 52 vehicles, 36 vehicles damaged, 3 required towing and there were no injuries or deaths.

Total phone calls handled by the department dispatchers, including 911 calls, was 7,771. There were 373 mutual aid calls for other departments, plus 59 meetings, training sessions and seminars attended by various officers.

Officer hours worked was 9,483, Dispatch hours 8,867. There were 381 motorist and public assists, 246 bar checks, and 1,318 house checks. 99 open doors/windows and 179 suspicious persons/vehicles were investigated.

Other Department activities include: security for parades and races, patrol of the school zones, foot patrols in the downtown area, checking lift stations, reservoir, water and sewer plants, and Safety Town (for bicycle safety).

It is the policy of this Department to provide the best possible assistance to our citizens, to meet your needs with courteous and professional service – To Serve and Protect.

If you would like additional information regarding any of our programs or have any questions or concerns, please call the Police Department at 330-274-2251

NEWS FROM THE DMRC

You may not see much going on with the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Committee (DMRC) right now, but we’ve been busy with a lot of “behind the scenes” stuff!

First, Exciting news! We received a $10,000 donation from Eaton Corporation to help fund the project planning stages. An Eaton representative will be visiting us soon for a “photo op” next to the thermometer on Main Street. Watch for this in the papers!

Many businesses are struggling in this tough economic climate & the DMRC wants to help! By the time you read this, 20+ local merchants will have attended the first “Marketing Mantua” workshop on February 23. Along with assistance from local business owners, Mantua Township resident, Michelle Barnauskas, a 15-year marketing veteran, presented the workshop, which was aimed at helping businesses find free or low cost ways to market their products & improve customer experience. We hope everyone that attended was able to take home at least one good idea!

Building owner Lydia Keefer is generously allowing the Chamber/Revitalization/Rotary to use her vacant facility at 10702 Main Street at no cost. DMRC Secretary & Chamber Membership Chairperson, Becky Newell, has been getting the office organized. Furniture donations from Eric Hummel and a computer & printer courtesy of Joan Sweet are much appreciated. Aaron’s Aquatics of Mantua has provided a small aquarium for our enjoyment. EG&G concept drawings grace the walls along with brochure racks full of area information. Members of the Chamber & Rotary are welcome to drop off materials during open hours on Fridays 4-6 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. If you haven’t stopped by yet, do it soon!

Several other exciting events are in the planning stages for 2009! The DMRC voted to move forward with a spring Art Walk, so we’ll be looking for artisans to participate. We can’t offer a lot of details yet, but keep on the watch for announcements! In the meantime, don’t forget that everyone is invited to Chamber meetings held the third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 am at the Fire Station. Here’s the schedule for the next few meetings:

March 18 - Guest Speaker: Chris Craycroft, The Portage Park District – Discover the Beauty and fun of the Portage County Park District Featured Business: Wendy Conair, The Garden Girls

April 15 - Guest Speaker: Joe Iacano, Crestwood Schools Superintendent – “Meeting the Needs of Every Child, Every Day” Featured Business: Dayton Hickerson, Grand Promotional Products – Using promotional products to advertise your business

Join us!

Becky Newell, Secretary
Downtown Mantua
Revitalization Committee

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Mantua Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce will again be offering two $1,000 scholarships to Crestwood Seniors interested in furthering their education. Applications are available at the High School Guidance Office, the Chamber/Rotary/DMRC office or can be downloaded from the Chamber’s website at www.mantuashalersvillechamber.com. The deadline is April 15, 2009. Good luck to all interested applicants.

For more information contact scholarship committee members Dorothy Caldwell at 330-274-2152 or Paulette Nichols at pjmnichols@aol.com.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Goodell Farms will be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfasts every Sunday in March at the Shalersville Town Hall from 8:00 am till 2:00 pm. Fill your tummy with pancakes, country sausage, fresh Maple syrup and beverages. Adult cost is $7.50, ages 3-12 is $3.50 and children under 3 are free. 2009 Maple products will be available.

SPIRIT WALK PAVERS

The Crestwood All-Sports Boosters (CASB) are selling clay pavers that can be personalized with the names of individuals or families. These pavers will be part of the Crestwood “Spirit Walk” that was originally between the track and the field house. Individuals can purchase a 4” X 8” brick for $40.00 or an 8” X 8” brick for $75.00.

Company pavers are being sold for $125. You can get more information and order forms on the Crestwood Alumni website at www.crestwoodfreeservers.com. Look under “Crestwood Spiritwalk” or contact Patty Nichols at 330-274-4748.

All proceeds support programs and facilities supported by the Booster Club. The CASB supports all Crestwood sports and meets the 2nd Monday of each month at the High School cafeteria at 7:00 pm.

MARVELOUS MARCH MARKET

Do you like flea markets? Craft shows? Antique shows? Homemade candy and pies? Come to the indoor market that will have it all!! The Marvelous March Market will be Saturday, March 21, from 9 am to 3 pm at Portage Faith United Methodist Church, 9922 S.R. 44, south of the Village. Admission is free. Continental breakfasts and lunches will be available. You are sure to find that special item you have been looking for!!

POTATO FESTIVAL

The Mantua Potato Festival will be held this year on September 11th, 12th and 13th.

Meetings will begin in March, the 4th Monday, 7:00 at the Park Lodge. Everyone is welcome to attend. Many people are needed to make this event successful, both in planning and the weekend of the Festival. All suggestions, comments, ideas are welcome and needed.

Plan to attend a meeting to find out what is needed and what you can do to help. For information call Linda at 330-274-8282.

SOAP BOX DERBY TIME

The Portage County Soap Box Derby is gearing up to hold our 2009 Local race. A Local is a qualifying race to compete in the world championship race, held each summer in Akron, Ohio.

For the past several years our Local has been held in the Village of Mantua, and this will be the location again this year. With the co-operation of village officials and residents, we will be closing the High Street hill on Saturday, June 13th from approximately 6:00 A.M.until the race is finished.

We will be racing three divisions this year, and the winner of each division will then be qualified to compete against other champions from the United States and countries including Japan, New Zealand, and Germany.

We are always looking for new racers to join our racing family. If you have or know of a child between the ages of 8 and 17 that would like to race, please call board president, Bob Sovil at 330-584-6235 for information on getting started.

We will be holding two instructional workshops before our race, for any child needing assistance building a car or just checking over their existing car. Those dates are march 28th and May 9th. Call for more information.

Our Spring rally dates are Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd. This race is held on the All American hill in Akron and we welcome everyone to come out and participate or watch.

We need sponsors for our Local. If you are willing to support this great family sport by becoming a sponsor, it will be greatly appreciated. For any questions regarding our Local race, our rally, becoming a board member, or our organization, please call Bob Sovil at 330-584-6235.

NEWS FROM MANTUA TOWNSHIP

The Mantua Township Trustees will soon be bidding their lawn maintenance contract. This work involves mowing the township properties, including the three cemeteries, and around the township buildings and parks. Interested persons will have to comply with bidding requirements and have adequate insurance and worker's compensation coverage on their workers.

Think Spring!! Also, the Mantua Township Trustees have scheduled their annual spring clean-up for May 9. Township residents only please.

The Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce has opened an office along with the Mantua Rotary and the Revitalization Committee. It is located on Main Street next to the tatoo and piercing parlor and across from Chase Bank. Stop in on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings for a visit and see what the area businesses can do for you. Members should be prepared to add information about their businesses to let people know what we have available here in our community. The new chamber directory is there. Don't forget-as a member of the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce, you are automatically a member of NOACC-the Northern Ohio Area Chamber of Commerce. Benefits include Worker's compensation discount programs, health insurance programs, office supply discounts, payroll and travel programs, etc. Check out what the Chamber has to offer. Become involved!!

Marie Stehli, Township Clerk

AMERICAN LEGION AND LEGION AUXILIARY

Americanism and government tests were given to Juniors and Seniors at Crestwood High School on November 22nd. The winners were:

Grade 12 – Matt Cymanski and Julie Stone
Grade 11 - Jason Sage and Starlene Hunter

All four students were advanced to County level, while Starlene Hunter won at District level, also. Bravo Crestwood Students!

Don’t forget about Soup Supper, the first Friday of each month, at 6:00 pm, at the Village Park Lodge. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Those who are unable to pay, may eat for free. If you bring a pot of soup, you will receive one free meal ticket.

The menu includes homemade soups, hot dogs with all the trimmings, salads, desserts and beverages. There is no tip, no tax and always a great gathering of friends and neighbors.

Legion meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month from September to May at the Post Home on E. High St. and begin at 7:30 pm.

Legion Auxiliary meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 1:00 pm at the Post Home, with our primary purpose to serve our Veterans and support the American Legion.

COMMUNITY HEALTH WALKS

Got cabin fever? The Crestwood School District is offering, free to the community, the opportunity to stay healthy on these cold mornings by walking at the Crestwood Intermediate School. The community is invited to walk a marked course within the building every Tuesday and Thursday morning between 7:00 am and 8:00 am. Advanced Rehabilitation and Health Specialists will be available every Tuesday morning to educate walkers on a specific topic:

March 10 – Understanding target heart rate & rate of perceived Exertion
March 17 – What are the benefits of walking and physical activity?
March 24 – Using pedometers to achieve 10,000 steps a day
March 31 – What’s next? Ideas to continue a lifelong walking program

The common goal between the Crestwood School District and Advanced Rehabilitation & Health Specialists is to promote physical activity, have fun, and make new friends!

It is an opportunity for our community to find healthier lifestyles through walking. For information or if you have any questions, call Juli Robine at 330-274-2747.

COMMON GROUND FARM & KENNEL

Just a short distance from the Village, located at 12698 Mantua Center Road, is a place full of fun and activity for animals, kids and adults.

The farm offers many activities and services, including, dog grooming and boarding, cat boarding, pony rides, and riding lessons. They have a Pet Corral, a large fenced-in yard for your dog to play with other dogs or just get some exercise and playtime, all while being supervised.

They will arrange for pony rides and parties at the farm or at your home, for birthdays, family reunions, church functions, company picnics or other events. Their boarding facility features heated/air-conditioned kennels, indoor/outdoor kennels with loving family care, where your dog’s comfort is a top priority.

They also have a Poodle breeding program, offering well-socialized, family friendly poodles in standard, miniature and toy. For more information on their wide range of services please call 330-995-9273 or email them at commongroundfarmandkennel@gmail.com

MANTUA VILLAGE GARDEN CLUB

The Garden Club is looking to add some new faces and new hands to help beautify the Village of Mantua. Our first meeting of the year will be in March and if you would like to be one of those new faces, please call our Club President, Carol Fenrich at 330-274-2343, for information on date, time and location.

Our meetings are held monthly, at noon, for lunch at a member’s home. We have interesting programs, do-it-yourself projects and share information that will help you to grow a beautiful garden.

Everyone is welcome to join us and help to make your home and our community beautiful.

Emma Lefrink, Publicity
Mantua Village Garden Club

CRESTWOOD LIONS CLUB UPDATE

The Crestwood Lions Club would like to congratulate the new Crestwood Leo Club that was chartered on January 30, 2009. A dinner meeting was held at Portage Faith United Methodist Church with special guest, Middle School Principal Andy Hill and his wife. The Club was chartered with twelve names being added to the Club’s new charter. New members include: Lauren Bissell-President, Samantha Canepa-Vice President, Megan Blankenship-Secretary, Skylar Scala-Treasurer, Victoria Andexler, Nicole Derthick, Sierra Hobbs, Meghan McDermott, Sean McDermott, Jenna Morganstern, Day Quinn and Alexis Turner.

Leo Clubs are comprised of young people under the age of 18, that want to join for community excellence through service. The Leo motto is “Leadership, Excellence and Opportunity”. The objective of the Leo Club is “to provide the youth of the world (with) an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community”. When a Leo turns 18 years of age, they can then join the parent organization and become a Lion.

The Club has been meeting since last Spring and has completed a gourmet lollipop fundraiser and is participating in the Adopt-a-Highway program as an ongoing service project. The Club meets regularly after school at the Crestwood Middle School. Anyone wishing to know more about the Crestwood Leo Club may contact the Club Advisor, Lion Lynne McDermott at 330-274-0837.

Another ongoing project is the Streetsboro Branch Club. Lion Bob Bard has been working hard to mentor the start of a new Lions Club in Streetsboro. Twenty members are needed for a Club Charter and so far, there are nineteen. We expect a new club to be chartered soon.

Thank you to the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department for allowing us to setup our Christmas tree sale in their front yard. Thank you to those who purchased a tree this year. It was a successful year and the proceeds will go towards sight-related needs in the Crestwood School District.

A date to remember will be June 13, 2009, for the Portage County Soap Box Derby held right her in Mantua on East High Street. This is a great event for the kids and their parents. The winners will go on to race in the World Championship at the Akron Soap Box Derby. The Crestwood Lions will once again be involved and will help supply food and beverages for the event. Come and enjoy the race, you won’t be disappointed.

The Crestwood Lions Club supports eye exams and glasses for those that qualify. Contact Michele Evans at 330-274-7947 for more information or to apply. Community sight needs is the passion of Lions Club. Eye glass collection boxes are located at various businesses around town. Drop off your used eyeglasses or sunglasses in these boxes. Several thousand pairs are collected every year. The Crestwood Lions Club will refer more serious sight-related needs such as cataract surgeries to our District Eye Care Foundation, the only one in the State of Ohio that is affiliated with Lions Club. The Eye Care Foundation is funded by the District Fun Calendar and the 57 Lions Clubs in our District. A true gem in helping those that have serious sight needs.

Congratulations to District Governor Harold Ullman on his year as Governor, overseeing 57 Lions Clubs in 5 counties, and all the time he spends in making all those visitations. A District Convention in March is upon us and several fun times and business sessions will be over soon. Governor Harold is committed to the Lions motto “WE SERVE”. We congratulate Harold Ullman on a job well done!

Anyone wishing to know more about the Crestwood Lions Club or would to attend a meeting to find out what our Club is all about, call Membership Chairman, Tom Mesaros at 330-527-0725.

John Evans, Publicity Chairman

FIFTH ANNUAL ROTARY COMMUNITY VARIETY SHOW

A gathering of talented performers will once again provide an evening of fun and frolic. Singers, dancer and instrumentalists will entertain you. Join us for an unforgettable evening!

Saturday, April 4, 2009, at 8:00 pm. Hayden Auditorium, Hiram College. Adults $10 – Students $5. See a Rotarian for tickets or purchase at the door. Ticket sales benefit Mantua Rotary’s community projects.

CRESTWOOD ACTION COALITION TEAM

2008 was a rewarding year for our membership. The “Nathan Gay Wheelchair Fund” is now completed and we are proud to report that Nathan is a full-time student at Kent State and is pursuing his dreams.

With the help from community donations and a lot of hours donated by club members, the “TOOLS FOR SCHOOL” , which provides school supplies to the underprivileged children in the Crestwood school district was a successful event.

C-ACT’s “FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER” holiday turkey drive was a huge success, thanks to all Crestwood community members who thoughtfully donated towards the purchase of 160 turkeys that were distributed at the 4C’s food cupboard.

In 2008, the C-ACT’s “VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAM” received seven vehicle donations. The vehicles are then cleaned up and sold. A tax deduction certificate is then given to all donors for the amount the vehicle is sold for. The proceeds are used in the various charity projects in the community.

We would like to publicly say ‘thank you ‘ to all the families that donated their vehicle to give a helping hand to those in need.

If you are considering donating a vehicle, please feel free to contact Andy Fortuna at 330-274-2288.

2009 PROJECT CALENDER

With the downward turn in our economy, and the ever-growing unemployment, we know that the need of helping hands in our community will be increasing as it did in 2008. Therefore, we are asking that community members will partner with us in helping those in need.

We are now accepting donations of items for our spring “WHITE ELEPHANT SALE”. This will be held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Memorial Day weekend. You may contact Harry Hunter at 330-274-8956, to arrange to drop off items or for pick-up.

C-ACT’s 4th “ANNUAL CHARITY CAR SHOW” will be held Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the Shalersville Park. Vehicle registration begins at 8:00 am. This year’s show will host a pancake breakfast in the morning and a pig roast at noon. There will be plenty of activities for kids and adults.

Please direct all car show questions to Gary Fumich at 330-626-3873.

NEW: C-ACTS CHARITY CATERING SERVICE

New for 2009 is our catering service. The club has built a new concessions/catering truck. This new mobile Kitchen-On-Wheels will allow us to prepare and serve food at any location. The menu options are many, from simple picnic and barbecue to our great Pig Roast!.

We are taking reservations for Graduation parties, reunions and Because C-ACT is a 50l-C3 no-profit organization, a tax deduction certificate will be available for all catering profits. By using “C-ACT’S CATERING”, you can leave all the work up to us and have a good feeling knowing that you are helping the children, elderly and handicapped in your community.

If you have any questions, or want to book a party, please call Harry Hunter at 330-274-8956, or stop in at Hunters”3” Fireplace Shop located at 10612 Main St., Mantua, Ohio.

Security Tips for Home and Away

Over three million burglaries are committed every year – one every ten seconds. Chief Buchert doesn’t want you to become a victim.

Chief Buchert offers a few suggestions to help you from becoming a victim:

Furthermore, Chief Buchert offers suggestions for your protection while you are on vacation:

Chief Buchert emphasizes, “By taking just a few extra measures, you can make your home less vulnerable and your vacation safer and more enjoyable.”

MANTUA’S YO YO CHAMP

Santi walking the dog, but have you seen Hank Freeman ‘walk the dog’? This is something that everyone should see!

Hank took second place in the USA National Yo-Yo Championship, and he came in third in the 2008 World Yo-Yo contest. Go to www.youtube.com and in the search bar, type in Hank Freeman and prepare to be amazed. I watched this myself and found it almost unbelievable. A world-class talent from little old Mantua.

In February, he traveled to Malaysia and Somalia to judge a yo-yo contest, for the 80th anniversary of Duncan YoYo’s. Hank is a Crestwood graduate and lives in the downtown Mantua area. He is not the type to toot his own horn, so we will do it for him. He is a true celebrity in his art. We are very proud of our friend and neighbor.

ST. JOSEPH’S TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY

St. Joseph’s School will be celebrating it’s anniversary during the current school year. They are collecting information to create a friends and alumni database. If you have attended and/or graduated from the school, please visits their website at st.josephmantua.com and click on the school pages to fill out the database registry.

The Home & School Association of St. Joseph School is offering Memorial Bricks to be placed around the flag pole at the school in honor of the anniversary. Bricks are 4 by 8 inches and will be inscribed with a maximum of 20 characters (one or two lines). The bricks may be purchased as a gift, to honor a special accomplishment, as a memorial, birthday or graduation gift.

The cost for a brick is $50, plus $5 shipping and handling. Order forms are available in the school hallway, narthex or on the parish website. Checks should be payable to St. Joseph School.

For more information on this or any aspect of the school, please call the school office at 330-274-2268 or visit the website.