GREETINGS!
Fall has been a very welcome respite from a brutally hot and dry summer! We haven't had one that humid for a number of years. But, we all survived and now look forward to, hopefully, a mild winter.
This issue covers the months of July, August and September.
Please read and enjoy!
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
COUNCIL MEETINGS 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month 7:00 PM Village Hall FINANCE COMMITTEE 3rd Tuesday of each month 6:00 PM Village Hall PLANNING COMMISSION 3rd Wednesday of each month 7:00 PM Park Lodge SAFETY COMMITTEE 4th Sunday of each month 10:00 AM Police Station SERVICE COMMITTEE 1st Tuesday of each month 6:00 PM Village Hall SHADE TREE COMMITTEE 1st Wednesday of each month 7:00 PM Park Lodge PARKS BOARD 3rd Monday of each month 7:00 PM Village Hall NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH 1st Thursday of each month 7:00 PM Park Lodge MANTUA POTATO FESTIVAL 4th Monday of each month
Beginning in January7:00 PM Park Lodge CRESTWOOD LIONS CLUB 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month 7:00 PM Methodist Church (If you would like your group’s meeting listed on the Community Calendar, send group name, day, time and place to Mantua Matters, 4736 E. High St., Mantua, OH 44255)
UPCOMING HOLIDAYS
October October 14 Columbus Day October 16 National Boss Day October 31 Halloween November November 5 Election Day November 11 Veterans Day November 28 Thanksgiving Day November 29 Hanukkah December December 22 First Day of Winter December 25 Christmas Day December 26 Kwanza begins December 31 New Year’s Eve
NEWS FROM THE HALL
Ordinances passed over the last few months include:
Awarding contract to Myers Construction for the reconstruction of Reservoir Drive.
To seek funding for renovation of old water plant building.
To seek funding for installation of water lines on Franklin and Ambler.
Accepted donation of property from Dean Stebbins to assist with the extension of Mats Road to SR 44,
Approved Water agreement to supply water to Portage County.
Mayor Hopkins would to extend congratulations to Chief of Police Harry Buchert and Fire Chief Matt Benner for being Potato Festival Parade Marshals.
He would also like to thank the Mantua Police Officers for their professionalism during the Potato Stomp and Parade, the Service Department for making the Village look great for all.
And congratulations to the Potato Festival Executive Board and all volunteers for a very positive presentation of the festival.
VILLAGE ENGINEER
The Village of Mantua has retained the services of CT Consultants, Inc., a consulting, engineering and architectural firm, since 1987.
The Village utilizes their professional services in the planning, design and construction of public improvement projects. CT Consultants also provide assistance to the Village in securing financial assistance through various state and federal funding and loan programs.
Richard Iafelice, P.E., P.S., is a Vice President with the firm and has served in the position of Village Engineer since the company was hired. Rich normally attends Committee and Council meetings and provides guidance and advice on capital improvement projects undertaken by the Village. He serves a a Village representative for contract negotiations with various pubic agencies and authorities.
Rich lives in Concord Twp. with his wife, Michelle, and three (3) children: Andrew (18), Amanda (15) and Nicholas (10).
TRICK OR TREAT
The Village will hold Trick or Treat on Thursday, October 31, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
So, stock up now on treats for the ghosts or goblins or you may find yourself ‘tricked’!!
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM CHIEF BUCHERT
"Halloween is a festive and fun time of the year for kids. But sometimes the fun turns to cruel tricks- like when people tamper with kids’ treats," said Chief Harry Buchert.
Here are 10 things you can do to protect your children and make Halloween in the Village of Mantua, a safer and happier time for everyone.
- Make sure an adult or responsible teenager accompanies your children when they go door-to-door. Go with them yourself if you can.
- Instruct children never to eat anything until they are home and the treats have been examined. Cut and wash fruits before eating. Throw away anything unwrapped.
- Check the wrappers of commercial treats for signs of tampering.
- Call the local police if there are any suspicious treats.
- Make sure children’s costumes fit and they can see well.
- Tell your children to trick or treat in their own neighborhood and in well-lighted streets. Daylight hours are best.
- If children are going to be out after dark, make sure they carry a flashlight.
- Teach your children to use sidewalks if they can. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing cars.
- Know which friends your children will be with and which route they are taking.
- Leave your porch light on so children will know it’s okay to visit your home.
PORTAGE FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The kids are back in school and the holidays are coming up fast. The following events are taking place at Portage Faith United Methodist Church - so mark your calendars!
November 2 - Annual Bazaar and Country Store - featuring homemade Beef Vegetable Soup, Homemade Noodles, a children’s craft room and many baked goods and craft items. Time: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
December 7 - Advent Celebration and Cookie Walk - This is a great way to kick-off the season of celebration and stock up on homemade cookies too!
December 14-15 - Living Christmas Cards - this is a display of Christmas scenes.
December 31 - New Years Eve Party - a family-oriented party - bring your favorite soft drinks and finger food.
Watch for more information to come on these events or call the Church at 330-274-8987.
CUB SCOUTS
Cub Scout Troop 3570 started off the new school year with a successful "School Night" to let new boys see what scouting is all about. Many new boys joined the troop that night to expand our already large and successful troop.
However, it's not too late to join; new cubs can join anytime. Any boy in grades 1 through 5, who is interested in scouting may come to a meeting and see what it is like.
Meetings are every Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Portage Faith United Methodist Church.
Exciting upcoming events include a Haunted Hayride at Camp Butler and our annual popcorn sale.
CRESTWOOD LIONS CLUB
On October 26th, look for the Lions around town. We will be collecting donations and handing out mints. Proceeds from this event go to our Pilot Dog program to train seeing-eye dogs and to help fight vision impairment.
The Crestwood Lions will be selling Christmas trees again this year, so look for them at the Fire Station in December.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
It has been a busy few months for Neighborhood Watch. On June 26th and 27th, 15 of our members took a 2-day course in CPR and A.E.D. (Automatic External Defibrillator). This was taught by 3 members of the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department, who have formed a company called Life Safety Instruction.
Our instructors, Keith Brugman, Kenny Justus and Ken Parker, formed this company to teach fire safety, CPR, A.E.D., First Aid and other safety-related subjects. The course was informative, easy to learn and it was fun.
On July 28th, 60+ people joined us at the Park for our 4th annual Family and Community Picnic. Tim Wojtas provided the dee-jay services. There was good food, some fun and games, a mystery raffle and it ended with the customary water balloon fight.
In September, we again participated in the Mantua Potato Festival. We had our own information booth and assisted the High School Choir with the “Jail”.
Our October meeting will deal with Kids and Drugs, in November we will have a speaker on Stress/Anger Management and December will be our Holiday Dinner. Please plan to join us for these informative meetings. 1st Thursday of each month.
MANTUA GRAIN & SUPPLY
Mantua Grain & Supply has been a feed mill since the late 1800’s. We know from newspaper clippings that the elevator was built in 1898 by the original owner, C. H. Thompson.
In the early 1900’s the Mill was operated by a group with R. G. Mayhew as one of the board. In 1909, Mr. Mayhew was president of the company. The business prospered and grew under his leadership and was held and operated by his family until purchased by the D. R. Aldrich family in 1993. They also purchased the livery stable across Prospect St and the property along Prospect down to the Cuyahoga river.
At that time, business had diminished due to the ruralization of the area and the loss of agriculture in the county. It was planned to focus building the business on lawn and garden, pet food and supply sales. A number of circumstances rapidly dictated a change in plans.
The horse feed business at Breezy Point Farm in Aurora became available due to the impending construction of the Barrington Complex. The purchase of their equipment and customer base, put Mantua Grain back in the horse feed manufacturing business.
The mill underwent extensive renovation of the electrical systems and feed milling equipment to increase productivity. Still, much of the work process included using the old-fashioned belt drive equipment and good old hands-on hard work. We continued to build the horse feed line with deliveries to Thistledown Race Track and local stables in the area.
In 1995, Ed Brodzinski "Big Ed", the manager for over 30 years, passed away suddenly. Tom Aldrich took over the day to day management of the business. We aligned ourselves with Purina Feed Mills Inc., a nationally know manufacturer of horse and companion animal feeds. With Purina’s guidance, the family grew the horse feed business throughout N. E. Ohio. By providing Purina feeds, we were able to reduce the labor intensive manufacturing process and concentrate on customer service and sales.
In 1996, we were the growth leader for Ohio in Horse Chow tonnage. 1999 found us in 2nd place for Total Horse Tonnage sales. In 2000, we were 1st in Ohio and 5th in the East Central Retail Division.
In July of 2002, we sold our delivery route to Western Reserve Farm Co-op. This enabled them to provide Purina Feeds throughout N.E. Ohio with delivery from Ravenna and Middlefield, as well as sales from 5 retail locations. We no longer manufacture feed at Mantua, but continue to sell Purina Horse and Companion animal feeds. We also have a line of lawn and garden supplies, as well as wild bird seed, feeders & gift items.
We now turn our attention to rehabilitating the buildings and promoting new business. We look forward to the completion of the Headwaters Trail and Bridge at the Cuyahoga River. Our plans call for a bike rental business to be established on the west side of the river.
We are located at 4690 East Prospect Street. We hope to continue serving the Mantua are and look forward to growing our business.
HILLSIDE CEMETERY
This past summer, there have been so many nice comments about Hillside Cemetery. It has never looked better.
This is due, in part, to the attention given by the Village Service employees, Tim Wojtas, Paul Brannon and Matt Ozimec, and the Board of Cemetery Trustees, Jon Hall, Betty Mishler and Chris Buchert.
Now, let’s think about Christmas. A colorful wreath on each grave would be so effective and will honor those who have gone before. Think about it.
...Carolyn Hummel
THE NEW GROOVE
Get in the Groove!! Mantua’s New Groove is a full service salon, offering a variety of services, including hair, waxing, massage, nail services, and ear piercing. It is a new salon with a new twist, different from your average hair salon.
Located in a beautiful, newly renovated Century home at 4723 E. Prospect St. It is decorated in an African motif with many separate rooms for hair cutting, shampooing, massage and nail services. There is also a safe children’s room with lots of toys and television and Play Station to occupy the kids while parents are having services performed.
Tiffany & Deb, with over 3 years of combined experience, keep up with the current trends in the beauty industry by attending continuing education classes on the current styles in cutting, coloring and perming.
Along with them is Char Head, who specializes in nails, nail art and aromatherapy pedicures. Erin Brewster is their massage therapist specializing in relaxation massage along with therapeutic massage.
They invite you to stop by and give them a try - Call 330-274-8755.
SNOW REMOVAL
We all remember how burdened we were with heavy snowfall in past winters. The snow caused great concern for the safety of our children.
Many areas of the Village had sidewalks that were impassable - blocked by built-up plowed snow. Our citizens then, and especially our children, were forced to make the unsafe decision to walk in the street.
So, this winter, as you clean your driveways and lots, remember to keep the sidewalks clear. Don’t push snow into the roadway, and be especially careful to keep traffic corners clear for visibility.
We must all work together to keep our sidewalks clear and snow piles low for safety. This is a community problem that needs our collective attention.
PROJECT UPDATES
Trail Phase I (McDonalds West to Mennonite): This addition to our trail system is now open for your use and enjoyment. The Service Department will be working to place rest areas along this stretch as time permits. Trail Phase II (Service Garage East across river to McDonalds): This leg of the project has been delayed, due to unfavorable bids. We are reviewing our options and quite possible with some local help we can see this phase completed in 2003. This would make the trail complete from the East to the West Village limits.
Reservoir Drive: It has been a hot dry summer and we are glad to report that the end of the dust should be near. This project was moving along well until it was discovered that a section of our sanitary sewer system was not where it belonged. This problem caused a delay in the project while waiting on special order material. The project is back on sequence and will hopefully be done by mid-October. There is light at the end of the tunnel for this long awaited and needed improvement. Thanks go out to all the residents for your understanding and cooperation.
Waste Water Treatment Plant Expansion: This project should be substantially complete by December 2002, capping off twenty (20) months of construction. This project is the largest undertaking the Village has done since the initial 1900-1902 water system for our town. There have been a few bumps in the road, so to speak, while the Administration and Council work diligently with the Village Engineers, CT Consultants, to keep the project within budget. This improvement will provide the additional capacity needed to help the Village keep in compliance with EPA regulations, while providing for future demands.
POLICE REPORT
Department activity over the past three months included a total of 230 cases, 43 traffic & parking cites and 320 warnings.
There were 2,384 calls to Dispatch, the vehicles were driven a total of 12,230 miles and there were 107 mutual aid calls.
Total Officer hours worked was 2,640 and total dispatch hours was 1,773.
There were a total of 170 assists, 49 open doors/windows, 46 suspicious person/vehicles, 101 house checks, 121 bar checks and 1.524 checks on the water plant, sewer plant and lift stations.
COMMUNITY MAP
Be watching the mailbox for your copy of the “Mantua Area Community Map and Information Guide”. I have been assured that they are “in the mail”.
This contains much information about the Village, its services, phone numbers, plus a map of the area. This was the first update since 1993 and unfortunately some of the information is already outdated, but the Village is always changing and it is impossible to keep everything current.
This project took over a year to complete, gathering information, checking and double-checking, proof reading, etc. We hope you enjoy reading it and will keep it handy for reference.
If you do not receive a copy, please let us know, we will have a few extra copies at the Village Hall.
This was done at no cost to the Village, the cost was covered by the advertisers shown around the border of the map inside. Please support these very generous sponsors.
2002 Mantua Potato Festival
Well, the tents are gone, a new Queen has been crowned, the grand prize tractor has been won and the 2002 Potato Festival is a thing of the past.
The weekend held something for everyone! The opening ceremonies led by Mayor Claude Hopkins kicked off the festival. The Boy Scouts were on hand to raise the flag making the ceremonies complete. As you looked around the festival grounds, everything was red, white and blue to honor our great nation and those who lost their lives on September 11th.
Stage one and two had live entertainment throughout the weekend. From country to rock, there was something for everyone. Saturday was a busy day with a variety of activities. The 3 on 3 basketball tournament was held at Buchert Park. The Stomp kicked off from Crestwood High School. Due to construction work on SR 82, “Mashed Potato Mountain” was out for this year. The runners appreciated the break and may ask for another bridge replacement next year! The first male and female finishers were Kam Lee of Cleveland and Alexandra Keswani of Brecksville. This year, the first Crestwood finishers were husband and wife Tom and Rosalie Franek. At the end of the awards, the Stomp committee honored Nancy Shafer for her hard work over the past 24 years. They presented her with a quilt with a T-shirts from each of the races over the past 24 years. The festival committee would also like to thank Nancy for her dedication to the Stomp.
The Bake Off was a great success with a variety of entries. Virginia Goodell, Bob Jurca and Linda Wilke were the judges again this year. It was difficult to pick just one for best of show. Best of Show went to Barb Chipp of Windham . After the awards were given, all of the entries were auctioned and a total of $86 was donated to the 4 C’s. Though it was extremely hot, people were on the grounds all afternoon and evening, enjoying the festivities.
On Sunday, the parade began at Crestwood High School winding through the streets of Mantua. Police Chief Harry Buchert and Fire Chief Matt Benner led the parade. They were chosen to honor the memory of the safety forces that lost their lives on September 11th. Though September 11 was a tragic day, we sometimes forget that these brave people are put in harms way daily. They will tell you they are not heroes and they are just doing their jobs. This is our way of saying thank you.
The parade was filled with people of all ages and organizations. From the little twirlers to the big fire trucks, it was a treat for everyone who lined the parade route. As the parade ended, there were 10 very nervous queen contestants standing on the stage in the main tent. They had been on the festival grounds all weekend, helping in the announcer’s booth, kids booth, taking surveys of the visitors, to name a few. Saturday, the judging took places in the park lodge. As the crowd gathered the 2nd attendant Erika St. Hilaire was crowned. Then, Lizz Kotkowski was chosen as 1st attendant. This left 8 beautiful young women. Ann Marie Clapp was chosen as the queen. Ann Marie and her court will represent the festival throughout the year and will reign over the festival next year.
After the queen was crowned the Bucket Brigade was the next on the agenda. No team was able to walk away without getting soaked. Most didn’t care due to the hot weather! After the last bucket had been filled the competition was complete. First place was awarded to Advanced Rehabilitation of Mantua. This team consisted of Edie and Jeff Benner, Rosalie Franek, Julie Robine and Rob Younk.
The duck race drew a number of spectators to the river. One hundred plastic ducks were dropped from the bridge, swimming to the finish line. The crowd cheered on their ducks as they reached the finish! Two $50 prizes were awarded for the winners of each race. As the evening passed, the crowd was still on hand to see the Raffle winner drawn.
The festival drew to a close ending a year of hard work and dedication. Hard to believe, it takes a year to plan something that lasts only 3 days. We had fun, made new friends and invite anyone who would like to join us in planning the 30th Anniversary of the Mantua Potato Festival next year. Our first meeting will be on January 27th at 7 PM at the park lodge. We look forward to seeing you!
...Chris Buchert
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mantua does matter! We need to work together to ensure that Mantua and the surrounding area will always be great places to work and live. That’s why a group of concerned citizens has gotten together to reactivate the Mantua Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce. Three meetings have been held to get the re-organizational wheels in motion. Future meetings will focus on expanding the membership and selecting a Board of Trustees. Officers were chosen at the second meeting. Any one of them would be happy to provide meeting dates and further information. (We will also put the date and time of meetings on Village Cable Channel 25.)
President: Edward Kent
Middlefield Bank274-0881 V. President: Paulette Nichols
Bank One274-2257 Treasurer: Cindy Jansen
Pastimes/Mantua Hdw./Design Fab.274-9002 Secretary: Edie Benner
Advanced Rehab274-2747 Co-Secretary: Becky Newell
Advanced Rehab/ Benner Masonry274-3238
FIRE PREVENTION
October is Fire Prevention Month. Time to check your smoke detectors and a good time to change the batteries.
Also, check your fire extinguisher(s) to make sure they are in good working order.
If you need a smoke detector or batteries, or would like a fire safety inspection at your home, please call the Fire Department at 330-274-3535.
NEW FIRE STATION
The new station is coming along quickly and is looking good!!
Check out the Department web site at mantuashalersvillefire.com. For information on the members of the department and you can follow the construction progress.
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST
Sudden cardiac arrest is indiscriminate with regard to gender, age or race. 911 and CPR may not be enough. Early defibrillation saves more lives.
The Crestwood School System and St. Joseph School/Parish have approved and support the use and purchase of A.E.D. (Automated External Defibrillators) to help save lives.
The goal is to have 12 A.E.D.s throughout the school system. We are seeking donations from all areas of our community. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a difference in the life of one of our own.
Your donation is tax deductible. Please make your check payable to the American Heart Association, and not that it is for the Crestwood A. E. D. Fund.
Mail to:
Crestwood A. E. D. Fund
4171 Woodhollow Drive
Mantua, OH 44255If you have any questions, please can Ron and Cindy Clark - 330-274-0997.
Thank you.
ACTUAL ANSWERS TO SIXTH
GRADE HISTORY QUESTIONS
- Ancient Egypt was inhabited by mummies and they all wrote in hydraulics. They lived in the Sarah Dessert. The climate was so bad that the inhabitants had to live elsewhere.
- William was a man who shot an arrow through an apple while standing on his son’s head.
- The Constitution of the United States was adopted to secure domestic hostility and so people could enjoy the right keep bare arms.
- Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf that he wrote very loud music.
- Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity by rubbing two cats together backwards. Franklin died in 1790 and is still dead.
- There were many inventions in the nineteenth century. Louis Pasteur discovered a cure for rabbis. Madman Curie discovered radio. And Karl Marx became one of the Marx Brothers.
- The Magna Carta provided that no man should be hanged twice for the same offense.
Well, folks, so ends another edition of Mantua Matters. I hope you enjoyed it!
Just a reminder, this is your paper and your comments, suggestions and even criticism, are both needed and welcome.
If you have any information that you would like to see included, please let me know. A good way to let everyone know about meeting dates and upcoming events.
Thanks to all who contribute to Mantua Matters.
See you in January!
...Diane Hura, Editor