Mantua Matters


September 2007

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

Last March, we all had the chance to share our thoughts about downtown Mantua during a town hall meeting at the Mantua Shalersville Fire Department. Over 100 people attended and when the Portage County Regional Planning Commission had us break-out into small groups to identify assets and critical issues facing our area, almost everyone mentioned the ugly appearance of downtown (some said it more politely than others).

While the Village of Mantua is losing a major employer and a significant amount of tax revenue (Eaton), there is residential and commercial growth all around us. We need to decide what to do about our aging town or risk becoming a ghost town in the middle of sprawling development.

On September 12th, you will have a chance to say what you want Mantua to be in the future .what products, services, or activities should be offered in the Village. What industries should be recruited to replace the companies that leave. Where should new growth occur and what should it look like it. This is the time to forget about all the obstacles and describe the Mantua of your dreams.

Changes will not happen overnight and every vision won’t become reality. But we have to start somewhere and your opinion only matters if others know what you are thinking. Revitalization consultants from E.G. & G., Inc will lead the discussion on September 12th, giving everyone who attends a chance to talk (and they will make sure that no one person is allowed to dominate the discussion.

If you care about Mantua, here’s what you can do:

Keep up-to-date on revitalization efforts at the Chamber’s website: MantuaShalersvilleChamber.com (click on Downtown Revitalization on the right side).

Visit the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Committee booth at the Potato Festival and pick up a brochure, make a donation, ask questions, or share your thoughts.

Send your suggestions to DMRC, P. O. Box 111, Mantua, OH 33255 or email info@MantuaShalersvilleChamber.com or call Edie at 330-274-2747, Becky at 216-990-5086, Ellie at 330-274-8230, or Michelle at 330-603-5519.

Gather your thoughts and attend the next town hall meeting on Wednesday, September 12th at 6:30 pm in the conference room (around back) of the Mantua Shalersville Fire Department.

Please RSVP for the September 12th meeting, so there will be enough seating and refreshments. Leave a message with your name and number in your party at 330-274-0881 or send an email to: bbjnewell@neohio.twebc.com. Please attend even if you don’t have a chance to RSVP. Your input is important! See you there!

………….Michelle Barnouskas

NORTHCOAST ARMORY

Mantua is pleased to welcome David McGrady, owner of Northcoast Armory, The Gun Shop in Mantua, to our community. The shop is located at 10698 Main St.

David is a full-time Paramedic in Akron and has been with the American Medical Response for 6 years. The many hats he wears include, Licensed Gunsmith, Licensed Firearms Dealer and Self-Defense Instructor.

The Armory buys and sells new and used guns, ammunition, firearm accessories, live fishing bait and tackle. They also offer Nuisance Trapping services to remove those pesky raccoons, muskrats and groundhogs from around your property. They also offer all forms of gunsmithing services.

They offer Ohio Concealed Carry Weapons classes, Women’s self-defense classes and a Children’s Gun Safety Program. These classes are very popular with special groups in Portage County such as churches, day care centers and special meeting groups.

If your group or organization is interested in any of these classes, give David a call for information. Phone numbers is 330-274-0147.

David is an accomplished sportsman and has been all over the US and Canada in pursuit of his favorite pastime. He has hunted black bear in Ontario, wild boar in South Carolina, deer in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan, pheasant in Indiana and turkey in Virginia.

He also enjoys fishing for trout in Pennsylvania, walleye and perch in Lake Erie, and surf fishing for sharks in the Carolinas.

David was born in Stow and graduated from Stow High School. Please plan to stop in at the shop and say hello and welcome him to our town.

Hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm and he is closed on Sunday. Email address is: northcoastarmory@sbcgobal.net

Again, we welcome him to our community and wish him the best of luck!

NEWS FROM THE SERVICE DEPARMENT

RIVERSCAPE 2007

Mantua Village will once again be participating in the annual events along the beautiful Cuyahoga River. We look forward to this Saturday every year, as we join with you and your families in celebrating on and along our River.

This year the Village will host Riverscape 2007 during the Potato Festival in September. This is a venue sponsored by the Upper Cuyahoga River Watershed Task Force. Mantua Village, along with many other State, County and area agencies who come together with activities that are fun, educational, and interactive for all.

Look for these activities which include displays, demonstrations on the River, scenic river canoe trips, kid’s casting contests and much more on Saturday, September 8th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

CURBSIDE BRUSH PROGRAM/WOOD CHIPS

The monthly brush pick-up is underway and will continue on the 2nd Monday of each month unless a holiday.

The last brush pick-up this year will be on Tuesday, October 9th. Remember, wood chips are available to all residents. They can be picked up at the Service Department at 4880 East High St. beyond the river, or contact us at 330-274-8188 for delivery.

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 will leaves only, (no brush, bushes, etc.) and place them on the tree lawn. The Service Department will 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 resident. The disposal of yard waste, like solid waste disposal, is quite an expensive alternative to a little elbow grease.

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 residents, 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.

The Village of Mantua will NOT be having a Fall clean-up this year. There will be a Spring pick-up in 2008. The date will be announced closer to the event.

……….Ed Trego, Village Administrator

NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN

Mantua is pleased to welcome Victoria’s Bed and Breakfast to our community.

Owners Victoria and Dean Pennington, long-time residents of Shalersville, looked forward to opening their own bed and breakfast - all they needed was the right location. Their search led them to Mantua and after one look at the Century Home on the corner of East High and First Street, they knew they had found what they were looking for.

Victoria’s officially opened for guests on July 11th. The 1890 Victorian home has been completely restored and is furnished with many charming antiques. They currently have two guest rooms, one private and one semi-private, which share common rooms including a billiard room, lounge and dining room, where guests are encouraged to relax and mingle.

Dean’s breakfast specialty is Pumpkin Pancakes, fresh local sausage and award-winning maple syrup. If you have out-of-town guests, but no guest room, Victoria’s provides a perfect solution.

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Phone numbers are 330-221-9421 or 330-618-8146. You can visit their website at: victoriasvictorianbedandbreakfast.com.

We are delighted to have Dean and Victoria as part of our town and wish them the best of luck!

OKTOBERFEST

The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Oktoberfest on Monday, September 24th, at Main Street Place, from 6:00 pm until everyone goes home.

The Menu includes:

Tickets are $20 per person and are available from any Chamber member or at the Mantua branches of Chase Bank & Middlefield Bank.

LIONS CLUB NEWS

The summer has been very busy for the Crestwood Lions. We had our food trailer at the Portage County Soap Box Derby here in Mantua, the Kent Fest and Streetsboro Family Days.

One of our most memorable events was in Akron for the “Special” Soap Box Derby Rally. It was so wonderful to see children that are confined to wheelchairs going down the hill racing with the wind. Everyone there was a winner!

In September, we will have the food trailer at the Mantua Potato Festival, the Ravenna Balloon Affair and a Soap Box Derby Rally in Akron. These events help support our efforts to provide eye care needs of those in the Crestwood School District.

The Lions annual Carnation sale will be held in November. Surprise someone you love with a beautiful bouquet of carnations. Contact Lion Harold Ullman for more details at 330-274-2516.

It’s never too soon to start planning for the Holidays. Our annual Christmas tree sale will begin the end of November.

The Lions Club is interested in starting a Leo Club for youngsters in the Crestwood School District. The objective of this program is; “To provide the youth of the world with an opportunity for development and contribution, Individuality and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national, and international community”.

The Leo Club motto is:

Leadership - Leos develop skills as organizers, time managers, and motivators of their peers.

Experience - Leos learn the importance of cooperation through the performance of community service.

Opportunity - Membership in a Leo Club provides young people with a chance to excel, to develop character traits, and to receive recognition for their contributions to the community.

Please contact Lynne McDermott at 330-274-0837 or email her at tlm31@sbcglobal.net if you are interested or want to know more. Visit lionsclubs.org and follow the links to Youth programs for complete information from Lions International.

For eyesight needs in the Crestwood School District, call Doug McIntosh at 330-274-2384. All information is kept confidential and certain qualifications apply. Remember, old eyeglasses can be reused for someone in need. Drop boxes are provided in various local businesses throughout the Village.

Lions International is made up of Lions Clubs dedicated to serving their communities. If you are interested in learning more about the Crestwood Lions Club, contact Lion Harold Ullman at 330-274-2516 or check us out at crestwoodlionsoh.lionwap.org or email us at crestwoodlionsoh@yahoo.com.

Bi-monthly dinner meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at the Portage Faith United Methodist Church.

…………………Patti Gauch

AMERICAN LEGION AND AUXILARY NEWS

The Mantua American Legion, Post 193 meets on September 13th (2nd Thursday of each month) at the Post Home at Buchert Park, at 7:30 pm. The Legion Auxiliary meets on September 10th (the second Monday of each month), also at the Post Home, at 1:00 pm.

Parents of Crestwood service men and women are asked to call the American Legion Auxiliary Unit # 193 to provide complete addresses of those serving overseas. The Auxiliary sends gift boxes to these men and women, but we need current and complete addresses. Mrs. Betty Moore has been providing postage for these boxes.

Auxiliary members to call are: Diane Hura (330-274-8737), Ruth Balge (330-274-2107) or Kathleen Miller (330-274-8606).

ROTARY CLUB NEWS

The Mantua Country Market, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mantua, is going strong this summer, every 1st and 3rd Saturday, at Buchert Park. Besides a variety of vendors, there is a bake sale, provided by Rotary members or an area church.

On August 18th, Christ Lutheran women were the bakers, September 15th, Portage Faith United Methodists will be responsible for the baked goods and Hilltop Christian Church will do the honors on the 3rd Saturday of October.

This has been a successful community activity. It has provided a place for both growers and craftsman to show and sell their wares and for community people to get locally-grown products fresh from the garden or farm. Come join your friends and neighbors at the park between 9 am and noon on September 1st and 15th and October 6th and 20th. This is the year for Mantua’s Christmas Tour of Homes. Circle your calendar for the 1st and 2nd weekends of November for a chance to see four unique, beautifully decorated homes, have lunch at the decorated St. Joseph’s Church and enjoy the Craft show at TL Headquarters (the former Village School).

Of special interest is the opening Candlelight Tour on Thursday evening, November 1st, at the beautiful new home of Terry and Vivian Fischer on Pioneer Trail. Tickets for the Tour will be sold in advance for 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 pm hors d’oeuvres and a chance to see all four decorated homes.

The Candlelight Tour tickets, at a cost of $20.00, may be obtained by calling 330-274-2376. Only 50 tickets will be sold for each hour.

The Craft Show will be open to the public and tour attendees the hours of the tour:

Thu Nov 1st 6:00pm - 10:00 pm
Fri Nov 2nd & 9th10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat Nov 3rd & 10th10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun Nov 4th & 11th12:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Tickets for the regular tour may be purchased at the Red Caboose at Mantua Station Drug after 9:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 noon on Sundays.

Cost of the regular tour is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

You won’t want to miss this GRAND OPENING of the Advent and Christmas seasons.

………Virginia Goodell

SOUP SUPPER

I hope that everyone who was eagerly awaiting the return of Soup Supper, got the message that it was a week early, (August 31st) because of Potato Festival.

The hard-working cooks were hopefully rested from their summer hiatus, and ready to start making soup.

Menu and prices remain the same as last year. All you can eat soup, hot dog and sausage bar, salad, desert and beverage all for the bargain price of just $6.00 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12.

Please stop in the 1st Friday of each month beginning at 6:00 pm.

These suppers have become a regular social event for those who come every month. A place to visit with friends and neighbors, catch up on local gossip and enjoy a great meal!

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

“ The yellow school buses are on the road again with the start of school,” says the Mantua Police Dept.

The Chief offers the following list of safety rules for children who are riding those buses to school:

When waiting for the school bus:

When riding on the bus:

When leaving the school bus:

“Be a safe passenger, who sets a good example and obeys all the school bus safety rules, and everyone will get to school and back safely”

………Chief Harry Buchert

DRAWSTRINGS CAN BE DANGEROUS

Current styles and fads of children’s clothing, especially drawstrings, have brought new injury risks.

You might want to consider removing drawstrings on hoods or around the neck of clothing. If there are drawstrings at the waist or bottom of an article of clothing, trim them down to no longer than 3 inches. Also, items such as backpack straps, dangling key chains, scarves, and belt buckles can also be a danger. They can catch in a small gap in playground equipment, a bus handrail or a nail or bolt.

Another problem is backpacks. How much weight is your child toting back and forth each day? Textbooks, notebooks, lunch, etc., this can add up to a lot of weight on young spines.

Kids can experience chronic shoulder, neck and back pain, especially if they are carrying more than 10 - 20% of their body weight, if they have to walk to school or carry their backpack on only one shoulder.

Buy a backpack that has wide padded shoulder straps, limit the weight your child is carrying and make sure that your child wears it over both shoulders.

FOUR CORNERS GROUP

The Four Corners Group met on July 26th, with representatives from Mantua Village, Mantua Township, Shalersville, Crestwood Schools and School Board, Hiram Township. There were also representatives from area organizations and interested citizens.

Richard Frenchy, CEO of University Hospital spoke to the group and presented a slide show of plans for the future. He stated that U.H. is committed to Mantua. They have worked closely with Mayor Hopkins and Jerry Carlton of TL Express to open a medical site in the Village. They have a physician on board and will add other specialists. The Hospital will utilize a 2500 square foot are on the first floor of TL Express (old Village school). They will have diagnostic capabilities (x-ray) and their goal is to open before the end of this year.

Other topics included, the Upper Cuyahoga Task Force, the Hike and Bike Trail, the Glacier Esker Trail, the search for a building to house the 4 C’s, the Revitalization Committee, school bussing, the Potato Festival and the Christmas Walk.

Watch the newspapers and Village cable channel 25 for notice of the next meeting. These meetings are so very important for the growth and prosperity of our community.

Please plan to attend a future meeting. We need input, comments and ideas from all residents in the area.

THANK YOU!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who help to make this paper possible.

To all who contribute articles and put up with my nagging, to my husband who proof reads and finds my mistakes and who is also in charge of distribution.

To Sue at Village Hall who prints each issue, to Michelle who puts each issue on the website, to all the merchants who make the copies available to the public and finally to all of you who read Mantua Matters, for you kind comments, compliments and suggestions.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy bringing it to you.