MANTUA MATTERS – FALL 2005
“GREETINGS”
I’m sure that most of us are happy that this hot, humid, sticky summer is over. And, hopefully, we will be able to enjoy a long, pleasant Fall.
This issue covers September, October and November, with some info on past events.
Please read and enjoy!
“SERVICE DEPARTMENT NEWS” The monthly brush pickup is underway and will continue on the 2nd Monday of each month unless a holiday.
The last brush pickup this year will be on Tuesday, October 11th. Remember, wood chips are available to all Village residents. They can be picked up at the Service Department on East High St., beyond the river or contact us at 330-274-8188 for delivery.
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 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 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.
The Village of Mantua will NOT be having a Fall clean-up this year. There will be a Spring pickup in 2006. The date will be announced closer to the event.
“RIVERSCAPE 2005” 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 Mantua Village will host “Riverscape 2005” during the Potato Festival in September. This is a venue sponsored by the Upper Cuyahoga River Watershed Task Force. Mantua Village, along with over 11 other State, County and area agencies will 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 11, 2005, from noon to 5:00 pm.
“SAFETY TIPS FROM NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH” GOOD BICYCLISTS RIDE BY THE RULES:
- Keep your bike in good condition.
- Know and obey traffic signs.
- Keep to the far right of the roadway or in bicycle paths.
- Yield to pedestrians
- Never carry passengers
- Know & use hand signals.
- Never hitch rides on other vehicles or perform stunts.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars when riding.
- Wear light colored clothing when riding at night.
- Always wear a safety helmet.
WHEN RIDING A BICYCLE……
- You are considered a driver by law.
- You are subject to the rules of traffic signs and signals just as motorists are.
- You should be aware of what traffic signs mean.
- You should be alert to traffic signs.
- You should know the rules of the road.
SAFETY CHECK YOUR BICYCLE:
Check your bicycle regularly to be sure that it is in good working condition. Before you ride, be sure your bike has a light if riding at night, the chain fits snugly, the tires are properly inflated, the Seat and handlebars are properly adjusted and the reflectors are in good condition.
A GOOD BICYCLIST USES PROPER HAND SIGNALS:
Hand signals are used to let other drivers know which way you are turning or if you are going to stop. Motorists use lights on their cars for this. Bicyclists should use their left arm. Hand signals let drivers know what you are going to do.
A GOOD BICYCLIST RIDES:
- With caution.
- With good judgment.
- With courtesy and care.
You can prevent accidents or injury by being a responsible bicyclist. Bicycling can be fun and safe too.
“SCHOOL BUS SAFETY” “The yellow school buses are on the road again with the start of school,” says the Mantua Police Department.
The Chief offers the following list of safety rules for children who are riding those buses to school:
When waiting for the school bus:
- Always be on time at the bus stop.
- Always wait quietly and orderly so that the bus driver can see you.
- Always stand back and away from moving traffic.
- Never accept rides with friendly strangers who offer rides to school.
When getting on the bus:
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop.
- Never crowd around the door of the bus.
- Go directly to a seat and stay there.
When riding on the bus:
- Always be courteous to the bus driver and the other passengers.
- Remember where the emergency exit is and how to use it.
- Never put your head, arms or hands out the open window.
- Never throw food or trash on the bus seat, floor or out the window.
- Do not distract the bus driver.
When leaving the school bus:
- Wait in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop.
- Always use the handrail by the bus door.
- Stay alert to any moving traffic.
- Never cross the road until it is safe to do so and the bus driver can see you.
Be a safe passenger, who sets a good example and obeys all the school bus safety rules, and all of our children will get to school and back home safely.
“SOME TIPS FOR PARENTS” Watch for kids darting out between cars and into intersections.
Obey the “school zone” speed limits. Use extra caution at school crosswalks, and obey crossing guards.
Watch for school buses loading and unloading students. Stop when you see the red lights flashing: It’s the law!
Be sure your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult, and how to use 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossing and intersections with crossing guards. Test the route with your child.
Teach children to always obey all traffic signals, signs, traffic officers, and safety patrols. Remind them to wear appropriate safety equipment and to be extra careful in bad weather.
“HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS” “Halloween is a festive and fun time of the year for kids. But sometimes the fun turns to cruel tricks when people tamper with kid’s treats,” says 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 to never eat anything until they are home and the treats have been examined. Cut and wash fruits before eating. Throw away anything that is unwrapped
- Check the wrappers of commercial treats for signs of tampering.
- Call the Police Department if you find any suspicious treats.
- Make sure children’s costumes fit and that 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 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 is okay to visit your home.
“TRICK OR TREAT” The Village will hold Trick or Treat on Monday, October 31st, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
So, stock up now on treats for the goblins or you may find yourself “tricked”!
“LIONS CLUB NEWS” Congratulations to Lion Ron Krohn of the Crestwood Lions Club for receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. This is the highest award obtainable from Lions International for service and commitment to others. Ron has been a Lion for 16 years and has served in many different capacities over the years.
The Crestwood Lions Club would like to congratulate the winner of the Akron Soap Box Derby, Tyler Gallagher of Mantua. Thank you to all the people and business that participated in making another successful year with the Portage County Soap Box Derby.
Thank you to those businesses and individuals responsible for reconditioning the hill on High Street in Mantua, for the race. These include: GAW Enterprises, Ronyak Bros. Paving, Lakeside Sand and Gravel, painters Dean Olson and Mr. Winters, Sherwin Williams of Streetsboro who supplied the paint. Harold Ullman and Don Martin from the Lions Club who helped to organize efforts. Thanks to Mayor Claude Hopkins and the Mantua Police Department and everyone who participated in the setup and takedown. Thanks to Charles Chevrolet in Garrettsville for donating the trucks used in taking the cars back up the hill and to RK Graphics of Mantua who printed the program books.
A school supplies drive is being held to benefit the Mantua 4C’s. Supplies are being collected by the Crestwood Lions Club and distributed by the 4C’s to needy school children. Drop off locations are Middlefield Bank, Bank One, Buddy’s Food Mart, Mantua Station Drug and the Dollar General Store. For more information, please call Pat Sargent with the 4C’s at 330-274-2160 or Harry Hunter with the Lions at 330-274-0571.
The Crestwood Lions Club wishes to start a Leo Club. This teaches young people community responsibility by serving others. For more information, please contact Tim or Lynne McDermott at 330-274-0837.
Look for the Crestwood Lions Food Trailer at the Mantua Potato Festival and the Ravenna Balloon Affair among other places. Stop by and say HI!
Once again, thanks to all for supporting the Crestwood Lions Club and our efforts to help the needy in our community. Remember, the Lions Club accepts used eyewear for recycling. Contact any club member to make a donation or look for a drop-off box at several downtown businesses.
Lions International is made up of Lions Clubs dedicated to serving their communities by volunteering. If you are interested in learning more about the Crestwood Lions Club, contact Lion Harold Ullman at 330-274-2516. Web site: crestwoodlionsoh.lionwap.org Email: crestwoodlionsoh@yahoo.com
FARMER’S MARKET Mantua Farmers’ Market will be open on the 3rd Saturday of September (17th) and October (15th) from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Buchert Park.
Vendors include producers of apples, jams, jellies, pickles, homemade bread, garden vegetables, maple products, honey, vinegars, baked goods and perennials. Please stop in and see what we have to offer!
CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Mantua Rotary Club’s biennial Christmas Tour of Homes will be held the first two weekends in November. November 4th, 5th, and 6th and 11th, 12th and 13th.
Tickets are $8.00 each and are available at the caboose at Mantua Station Drug Store on tour days. The accompanying craft show will be open during tour hours at the Old Shalersville Elementary School on the corner of SR 44 and SR 303.
Lunch will be available during the tour hours at Portage Faith United Methodist Church on SR 44, south of the Village.
Tickets for the Candlelight Tour on Thursday November 3rd, are $15.00 and will be available in early October for advance sales. Reservations are necessary for this event.
Mark your calendars for a look at four beautifully decorated homes, a decorated church, delicious lunch and an extensive craft show.
If you have been on Main Street lately, you have probably noticed that the American Legion cannon in front of the ’soon-to-be” Village Hall, has been freshly painted and lettered.
Tim Galbraith supplied the labor as part of his Eagle Scout project. The Signtist donated the stencils for the lettering, and Legion Post #193 sponsored this project.
A great job, Tim! Thanks to you and the Legion for a beautiful job of restoring this landmark.
“NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN” Meridienne International, dba Atlantic Water Gardens, is moving their manufacturing plant from New Jersey to Mantua. Located at 4494 Orchard Street, this 30,000 sq. ft. facility will produce pond and water garden filtration systems, as well as warehouse and ship products.
Our “state of the art” systems purify, circulate and aerate the pond water, contributing to the over-all health and reduced maintenance of a pond.
Owner, Jeff Weemhoff says that this plant was established in 1988 to provide quality filtration systems to the rapidly expanding water garden market. Now, with a foothold in the market, he plans to both expand the line and increase production over the next two years.
Mr. Weemhoff will employ at least 2 additional part-time factory workers, along with office staff and workers who will transfer here from New Jersey. For information on future employment or products available, please call 330-274-8830.
We are pleased to welcome Jeff and his ’crew’ to the Village and wish them the best of luck.
Another new business has made an appearance in the Village.
Miraclelot Birds has opened up at 10698 Main St., just across the street from Bank One.
This shop is owned and operated by an energetic woman named Melanie Miracle. She is prepared to supply you with all the things you need to keep your feathered friends happy.
She carries all eatable treats and toys, most of the popular seeds and pellets and Avain medical supplies,
Melanie has 20 years of experience in animal behavior, works on the Animal Disaster Team, has a degree in animal sciences and also does wing and nail clipping.
She takes phone orders at 330-274-8824, mail orders at P.O. Box 672, Mantua, and she delivers.
Stop in to chat and see all that they have to offer.
We are pleased to welcome this unique business to our Village and wish them the best of luck.
“POLICE REPORT” This report covers the months of May, June and July, 2005.
There were a total of 140 cases, 137 traffic and parking cites, 374 warnings, and 5 criminal arrests.
There were 2,035 calls to dispatch, the vehicles were driven a total of 13,388 miles and there were 120 mutual aid calls.
Total Officer hours worked was 2,543 and total Dispatch hours was 2,288.
A total of 158 citizen and motorist assists, 45 open doors/windows, 90 suspicious persons/vehicles, 94 house checks, 102 bar checks and the Water plant, Sewer plant, reservoir and lift stations were checked a total of 1,369 times.
“BACK AT LAST" For those of you who ate at home or had pizza delivered last Friday night, you missed the return of the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary Soup Suppers.
The hard-working cooks took a couple of months off to rest up their crock pots, but are now back on the job.
Menu and prices remain the same as last year. All you can eat soup, hot dog and sausage bar, salads, dessert and drink for the bargain price of just $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12.
Please stop in the first Friday of every month, starting at 6:oo pm.
These suppers have become a regular social event for those that come every month. A place to visit with friends and neighbors, catch up on local gossip and enjoy a great meal!!
Hope to see you there!
“MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” In the Spring of 2000, Neighborhood Watch decided to sell Memorial Bricks as a fund-raiser. The goal was to use these bricks as a wall somewhere in the area of the new Park Trail.
After 5 long years, it is finally a reality. The wall has been built surrounding the light pole at the base of the new bridge at the curve on East Prospect.
The Watch is very grateful to the Village Service Department who dug the footers, Stamm Contracting who poured the base and Benner Masonry who did all of the brick work. Watch members will be responsible for planting and maintenance.
A total of 37 memorial bricks were included in this wall. Additional bricks sold will be used as a path leading from the wall to the base of the bridge. If you would like to purchase a brick for the path, please call Diane at 330-274-8737.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of those who purchased a brick, for their incredible patience during the course of this project.
“TREE CITY USA” Mantua Village has received the Tree City USA award for the 10th straight year.
Shade Tree members Cookie Vanek and Marty Hura attended the Award ceremonies held this year in Solon. We received a marker for the plaque on display in the Park Lodge, and check out the new 10 Year flag flying in front of Village Hall.
Congratulations to all who made this possible.
“ARTICLES WANTED” As I remind everyone, in each issue, this is YOUR paper. It is about Mantua, its people, places and events.
If you have anything you would like to hear about, any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. Write to me c/o Village Hall, 4736 E. High St., Mantua, OH 44255. Or you may call at 330-274-8737.
If you belong to an organization or club, I would be happy to print any information on your meetings or upcoming events.
Bye for now, see you in December!
Diane Hura, Editor