Mantua Matters - September 2003

GREETINGS

Well, summer is winding down, the leaves are falling, the kids are back in school and the wonderful scent of fall is in the air.

It was a beautiful summer, a bit rainy to start with, but is finishing up nicely.

This issue covers the months of June, July and August. Please read and enjoy!

THE MAYOR'S CORNER

Another summer has come and gone and there are many thanks and congratulations to be said.

THANKS to the Crestwood Lion's Club for refurbishing the old pump house at Buchert Park to use as a concession stand for activities at the Park.

THANKS also to the Lion's for co-sponsoring the very successful Portage County Soap Box Derby in the Village.

The Village has invited the Soap Box Derby back and will strive to make this an annual event.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Crestwood Softball Fast Pitch team for winning the State Title.

A big THANK YOU to Les Moore, Sr., for the signage recognizing the team and to the Service Department for placing the signs.

The Softball Team and the Soap Box Derby were both recognized with a Proclamation at a Council meeting.

A big THANK YOU to the Mantua Garden Club for the planting and constant care of the various planters throughout the Village.

CONGRATULATIONS to the members of the Fire Department for receiving their SECOND Star of Life Award. It is an honor to receive one let alone two. Everyone should be very proud of our Fire Department.

Also, for the dedication of the new Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department, a facility well-needed for the growing needs of the communities.

We have completed the bridge crossing on the Cuyahoga river next to Mantaline for the Hike & Bike Path.

The Reservoir Drive project has been completed with new water lines, sewer, storm sewer and curbing. THANKS to all the residents for your patience during the construction.

Presently, as I have promised, I am putting together, a committee of residents for discussion and input on Water and Sewer projects and rates within the Village.

THANKS to Village Council and all Village residents for your support throughout the summer and the remainder of the year.

......Claude E. Hopkins, Mayor

NEWS FROM THE HALL

Ordinances passed during the past few months include:

The Village is working on a Records Retention project at this time. This would allow us to destroy duplicate and out-dated records. The records must be approved by the Ohio Historical Society before they can be destroyed. A Records Commission will be formed to go over all records before being sent to the State. Two residents are needed to serve on this Commission.

Also needed, 3 residents to serve on the Income Tax Board of Review. This Board is responsible for reviewing the current Income Tax Ordinance and hearing appeals.

Anyone interested in these positions, please call the Hall at 330-274-8776.

POLICE REPORT

This report covers the months of May, June & July. There were a total of 156 cases, 124 traffic and parking cites, 467 warnings and 12 criminal arrests.

There were 2,264 calls to dispatch, the vehicles were driven a total of 12,863 miles and there were 119 mutual aid calls.

Total Officer hours worked was 2,604 and total Dispatch hours 2,293.

A total of 210 assists, 58 open doors/windows, 73 suspicious persons or vehicles, 59 house checks, 141 bar checks, and the Water plant, sewer plant, reservoir and lift stations were checked a total of 1,474 times.

NEWS FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT

LEAVES:

The leaves will soon be falling. Remember to get your clear leaf bags, free of charge, from the Village Police Department, Village Service Garage or the Fire Station. Fill them with leaves only (no brush, bushes, etc.) and place them on the tree lawn. The Service Department will then pick them up.

The Village is proud of the fact that over 95% of the bagged leaves from past years have been recycled into nurseries and other area agricultural uses.

This approach has saved the Village quite a sum of money. The key to the program's success is the effort put forth by you, the citizen. The disposal of yard waste, like solid waste disposal is quite an expensive alternative to a little elbow grease.

FALL CLEAN-UP:

The Village of Mantua will NOT be having a Fall clean-up this year. There will be a Spring pick-up in 2004. The date will be announced later.

BRUSH PICK-UP:

The last brush pickup this year will be on Monday, October 6th. Remember, wood chips are available to all Village residents. They can be picked up at the Service Garage on East High St. beyond the river or contact us at 330-274-8188 for delivery.

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 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.

NEWS FROM THE PARK LODGE

The Lodge has been increasingly busy over the past couple of years and was beginning to look a little shabby.

So with a generous donation from Mantaline Corporation, volunteers from Neighborhood Watch and Parks Board, it has received a 'face lift'. With a new coat of paint, new curtains, a new, colorful tapestry and a very thorough cleaning, it is ready for the upcoming holiday season.

Many thanks go to Lou and Ella Werchelsky, Cookie Vanek, Bob Ress, Marty Hura, Dan Forman, Don Buchert, Rod Summerlin, Carolyn Wysong & Pearl Campbell for all their help in making this possible.

NEWS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Chief Matt Benner would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the residents of the Fire District for their support of the recent Bond Issue, enabling the construction of the state-of-the-art Fire Station on St. Rt. 44, just outside the Village. This facility is currently under budget and will be completed under budget.

This was a 1.6 mil Bond Issue which will expire in 20 years. For a home appraised at $100,000.00 this will cost the homeowner $49.00 per year. A modest increase considering all the services provided.

Open House for the new station was held on August 9, 2003. Over 700 people were present to tour the facility. Speakers included Steve LaTourette, Ann Womer Benjamin, Maureen Frederick, local Pastors, area Fire Chiefs.

Anyone wishing a tour of the station, please call 330-274-3535, during regular business hours - 8 am to 4 pm.

WOMEN'S SOFTBALL

CALLING ALL WOMEN!! Teams and individuals are needed for a Fall Women's Softball League. Have a great time getting fresh air and healthy exercise!

You must be 18 years of age by September 1, 2003. The cost is $30.00 per person.

Team sign-ups will be held on Saturday, September 13th at 9:30 am, individual sign-ups on the same day at 10:00 am. They will be held at the Mantua Village Park. There will be a fun practice after sign-ups.

Games will be held on Saturday mornings at 10 am and noon. Team sponsors are also needed - Sponsor fee is $100.00.

If you would like more information, please call Tammy Shultz at 330-351-2307 (during day) or Heidi Froelich at 330-283-6027 (after 5 pm).

CEMETERY RATES

Effective September 1, 2003, the following cemetery rates will be in effect.

PURCHASE OF GRAVES:
Residents:
Single grave$200.00
4-grave lot$350.00
5-grave lot$550.00
Non-residents:
Single grave$400.00
4-grave lot$700.00
5-grave lot$800.00
.
GRAVE OPENING:
Residents:
Adult grave$200.00
Child's vault$50 - 75.00
Non-residents:
Adult grave$250.00
Child's vault$75 - 100.00
.
Interment of ashes$50.00
.
Additional fee for
Weekend burial		$75.00

IN MEMORY OF 9-11

"For those of you unfamiliar with the Rainbow Bridge, it is a place in heaven where animals wait to be reunited with their loved ones."

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made and made quickly. And they were!

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

That fateful morning, a request rang out for puppies not waiting for specific persons, to volunteer for a special assignment. An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, thousands of loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.

All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses for a very long time."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy puppy hesitantly asked, "Are there any children? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and love to be hugged."

A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Fire Fighters and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.

Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs, who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share and each tail wagging an American Flag.

OKTOBERFEST

The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold an Oktoberfest on Monday, September 29th. It will be held at Main Street Place from 5:00 pm until everyone goes home. German menu and beverages will be served.

Tickets are $15 per person and are available from any Chamber member or at the Mantua branches of Banc One or Middlefield Bank.

For more information, call Ed Kent at 330-274-0881 or Paulette Nichols at 330-274-2257.

STAMM CONTRACTING CO, INC.

Stamm Contracting was founded in Mantua in 1913 by Archie Stamm with the company's main emphasis being on residential and farm construction. In 1926, they began delivery of ready-mix concrete. Commercial and light industry construction continued during the 1930's. Retail sales of materials and the production of it's own line of concrete block and ceiling joists were also added.

Stamm Contracting was incorporated in 1946 following the conclusion of World War II. During the 1950's, 60's, 70's and 80's, the primary construction emphasis was on wastewater treatment plants, block work on residential projects, churches and commercial/industrial buildings. Concurrent with this construction growth was the expansion of the ready-mix sales being serviced by a fleet of 10 concrete mixers.

Our construction specialties include all phases of concrete construction, excavation, metal building erection, and turnkey construction of manufacturing and commercial buildings. In addition, we have available, for commercial development, approximately 20 acres of improved property within the Village of Mantua. This property is convenient to Route 422 and the Ohio Turnpike.

Stamm currently employs 25 people and the Mantua facility includes, on site, ready-mix and building supplies, along with engineering services. Stamm's principals, Hal, Paul and Ellie Stamm, and their support staff are dedicated to customer satisfaction and to delivering a high quality product on time and within budget.

Summer hours are Mon thru Fri, 7 am to 5 pm, Saturday 7 am to noon, closed on Sunday. Winter hours are Mon thru Fri, 7:30 am to 4:20 pm, closed on Saturday and Sunday.

The Village of Mantua is proud to have Stamm Contracting as part of our community.

DERBY DAY IN MANTUA

On a beautiful, warm and sunny Saturday, June 28th, a 2-block section of East High Street, became a championship race track. For the many youngsters competing, this was their chance to make it to the Soap Box Derby finals.

Residents and visitors lined the track from Herald Street down past Buchert Park, to watch as, two by two, they raced for the title, and for the cheers at the end of the track.

The winners in the Stock Division were 1st-Christina Matthews, 2nd- Ty Martin and 3rd- Logan Little. In the Super Stock Division, 1st place went to Chad Heritage, 2nd to Jacy Watson and 3rd to Rickilea Murphy.

The Derby brought a great many people into our community along with some very positive publicity. They were invited to return next year and have accepted. We are hoping to expand on this and possibly include some local events.

Watch for news and special announcements concerning next year's Derby.

NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN

Mantua Village is happy to welcome a new business to our community.

Attorneys Steven M. Goldberg and J. Michael Goldberg have opened an office at 4641 W. Prospect St. (1/2 block west of Main St.) - where the "100-year-old plant" lives.

This is a Plaintiff-oriented law firm whose practice consists of representing catastrophically injured victims of negligent or wrongful conduct, and the families of loved ones who have died as a result of negligent or wrongful conduct.

Their focus is medical negligence or medical malpractice. They have represented, and continue to represent, victims of workplace intentional tort, motor vehicle crashes and other types of negligent and wrongful conduct. They will, on occasion, accept other types of cases, including non-workplace tort, insurance bad-faith, contract dispute, easement dispute, DUI, and criminal defense.

Both attorneys are admitted to practice law in the following jurisdictions:

In addition, Attorney Steven Goldberg is admitted to the Federal Court of Claims in Washington DC, where he has successfully pursued and settled claims for injuries arising from DPT vaccinations.

If you have any questions or need legal advice, please call them toll-free at 1-877-4-OHIO-LAW (1-877-464-4652). Consultations on contingent-fee cases are free.

Although they will not give legal advice over the telephone, they will schedule an appointment at any of their three offices during which you may discuss your case with them in confidence.

Again, we welcome both Mr. Goldbergs to our community and wish them the very best.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OHIO

"A Little History Lesson"

On March 1, 1803, Ohio became the 17th state to enter the Union, but the story of Ohio statehood dates back to 1787 and the creation of the Northwest Territory.

This territory encompassed what are now Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and part of Minnesota. The procedures for becoming a state included, being ruled by a governor, a secretary and 3 judges appointed by Congress, the formation of a house of representatives, and the approval of a state constitution.

In 1800, Ohio's population was around 45,000. In April of 1802, President Thomas Jefferson signed into law, the Enable Act, which "enabled" the territory to become a state. It established the state boundaries and gave its people the right to establish a constitution. Ohio's first constitutional convention convened in Chillicothe in November of 1802.

It took 35 men, 29 days to draft the constitution, which set the first state election for January 1803. Offices to be elected were state senators and representatives, governor, sheriffs, township trustees, justices of the peace and coroners.

Thomas Worthington, called the "father of Ohio statehood", was chosen to hand-deliver the constitution to Congress. After a three-week journey, he arrived in Washington, D.C. on December 22, 1802.

Ohio's constitution was approved by Congress, then signed by President Jefferson on February 19, 1803. By this time, the January elections had been held, with Edward Tiffin - Worthington's brother-in-law - elected governor.

Official "state" business was conducted for the first time on March 1, 1803, when Tiffin and members of the first Ohio General Assembly convened in Chillicothe. The transfer of power from territorial officers to elected state officials was complete.

Ohio's statehood in 1803 is a certainty, but the custom of Congress formally declaring a state to be one of the United States began only in 1812 with the admission of Louisiana.

In 1953, during Ohio's sesquicentennial, President Dwight Eisenhower signed legislation retroactively making March 1, 1803, the formal date that Ohio was admitted to the Union.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

The Third Christmas Tour of homes will take place on November 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd. This winter event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mantua.

Tickets are $8.00 and will be available at the Caboose at Mantua Station Drug Co. on Main St. Hours for the Tour are 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 12:30 to 4pm on Sunday.

A special Candlelight Tour will be held on Thursday evening, November 13th at 7:00 pm. Tickets for this tour are $18.00 and will include hors dourves at the Hazlett church home on First Street. Reservations must be made by calling 330-274-2376.

A craft show will be a part of the tour. It will be open during tour hours at the Masonic Hall on John Edward Drive.

Lunch will be available at the Hilltop Christian Church on Prospect St. on all tour days.

WATER CONSERVATION

Household water usage counts for almost 50% of the water delivered to towns across the country. The average household uses over 100 gallons of water a day.

When it comes to saving water, it is the little things that count. Repairing leaky faucets and toilets can save hundreds of gallons per year. Modern appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines use less than half the water of appliances made just 10 years ago.

BATHROOM:

KITCHEN:

LAUNDRY:

TREE INVENTORY

If you see people examining and measuring trees in front of your house, don't be alarmed, it is only members of the Shade Tree Committee. They are in the process of doing a complete inventory of trees in the Village. This is limited to trees on the tree lawn or that impact on the right-of-way.

This inventory is being done to assess the age and condition of trees, to find any that are damaged and need to be removed and also to locate possible planting sites for new trees.

BULLYING

The biggest threat to our children today is not external terrorism, but what is happening in hallways, at lunch and recess, and going to and from school. That threat is "bullying".

Recent surveys conducted by the National Crime Prevention Council show that 6 out of 10 American teenagers witness or experience bullying in school at least once a day. This is not only frightening to our children, but interferes with their education. Imagine being afraid of a co-worker you must see every day. It would be pretty hard to get your work done.

Bullying can trigger several different reactions. Kids can implode, resorting to drugs and alcohol. They may run from the pain, becoming truant or dropping out of school Or they may explode in violence. 2 out of 3 school shooters were victims of bullying.

Most parents do not see bullying as a significant problem, but their children do. Both bullies and their victims need an adult to talk to and school policies that are clear and enforced. Kids need to know that the policy and standards of conduct at school will be upheld by staff, parents, teachers, administrators and fellow students.

Parents need to be involved in school safety, including prevention activities, procedures and programs that support a positive school climate, and school security - the structural and physical components of school facilities that assure the security of our schools.

We must not make light of the threat of bullying that our children face everyday. Policies, resources, and parental involvement must be utilized to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.

PARENTS' BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST

Your ten-year old comes home from school at 3:00, but you don't get home from work until 5:00. He's at home alone for those 2 hours every weekday. What does he do until you arrive?

Most likely, he gets a snack or talks on the phone. Maybe he watches TV, but since you are not there, you worry. Just like the majority of American parents, you are anxious about your child's safety.

Perhaps the following safeguards can help ease some of this worry.

Can your children:

Make sure your children are old enough and mature enough to care for themselves. Teach them basic safety rules. Know where they are, what they are doing and who they are with.

Take the time to talk to your kids about the deadly consequences of guns, medicines, power tools, drugs, alcohol, cleaning products and inhalants. Make sure to keep these items in a secure place out of sight and locked up, if possible.

Hang emergency numbers by the phone and teach your children to use them. Teach your "home alone" children to check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.

Make sure they know:

SAFETY AT THE PUMPS

FOUR RULES FOR SAFE REFUELING:

The Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of "static electricity" at gas pumps.

They have researched 150 of these fires and found that:

They stress to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas. If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door, TOUCHING THE METAL, before you pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged.

A SAFETY ALERT FROM NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

There have been a number of reports from residents regarding possible home break-ins. Most of these homes were unlocked.

Always lock your doors when you leave your home, even for just a few minutes. That is all the time it takes for someone to walk in. And don't forget about the windows. Now that warm weather is finally here, doors and windows are left open, just what a burglar is looking for.

Also, remember to keep your eyes and ears open around your neighborhood, and report anyone or anything that looks suspicious or out of place. A simple phone call to the police department could help to prevent problems for yourself or your neighbors.

And, we reach the end of another edition of Mantua Matters. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.

Please remember, this is your paper and I welcome any comments, ideas, suggestions and okay, even criticism. Let me know if there is a topic or issue that you would like to see covered in a future issue.

Goodbye for now, see you in December!
Diane Hura, Editor

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Council Meetings 3rd Tuesday each month 7:00 pm Village Hall
Finance Committee 1st Tuesday each month 6:00 pm Village Hall
Safety Committee 4th Sunday each month 10:00 am Village Hall
Service Committee 3rd Tuesday each month 6:00 pm Village Hall
Parks Board 3rd Monday each month 7:00 pm Village Hall
Planning Comm. 3rd Wednesday each month 7:00 pm Park Lodge
Shade Tree Comm. 1st Wednesday each month 7:00 pm Park Lodge
Neighborhood Watch 1st Thursday each month 7:00 pm Park Lodge
American Legion 3rd Wednesday each month 7:30 pm Legion Hall
Legion Auxiliary 2nd Monday each month 1:00 pm Legion Hall
Potato Festival 4th Monday each month 7:00 pm Park Lodge
Soup Supper 1st Friday each month 6:00 pm Park Lodge

(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)