On Friday, July 12th the Village of Mantua celebrated the completion of the sidewalk project on Main Street and Prospect Street. The project included demolition of the 90+ year-old stairs, building a raised, ADA-compliant sidewalk, and installing new stairs and historic light posts.
The project was funded by a Community Development Block Grant for $173,325.80, Rotating Loan Funds (PCC) for $12,820 and Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corp.(DMRC) for $72,854.20 for a total of $259,000. In addition, large donations from Ted Bixler and Stamm Contracting enabled the DMRC to cover extra work that arose during the course of construction. In addition, Mantua merchants and DMRC hung flower baskets on the railing posts, adding the perfect seasonal touch to the project. The idea of replacing the old crumbling stairs was part of the original objectives of DMRC, 18 years ago. Through the hard work and dedication of many, this project has now been accomplished and will benefit the community for years to come.
Also in July, the Rotary Club of Mantua began their new official year under the leadership of President Roger Cram. At the club’s July meeting, Roger Cram was inducted as Mantua Rotary President for the 2024-25 year by exiting President David Becker. In August, Rotary members will volunteer their time to work with the Crestwood Safety Town Program at Crestwood Primary School. For the second consecutive year, the Rotary will fully fund the program, which allows incoming Crestwood kindergarteners to attend Safety Town at no cost to their parents. The children will participate in activities that promote safety at school and on the bus, in their neighborhoods, at the pool or beach, and with dogs. They’ll also learn how to stay safe around guns and meet local safety forces from Mantua and Hiram’s Police and Fire Departments. In addition to funding the program, Rotary members will be volunteering to assist the staff during the week of activities.
According to DMRC member Holly Michelson, the mural in Buchert Park is nearly completed. In addition, Advanced Rehab will host a Backyard BBQ and Cornhole Tournament this Friday, August 2nd at 6 pm. The event takes place at 4707 Mill Street; hot dogs and burgers will be provided. The cornhole tournament begins at 7 pm, with teams of two competing at a cost of $20 per team for the chance to use their skills to win a cash prize. For more information, call ARHS at (330) 274-2747.
This fall and winter, the Rotary will team up with the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation for several fundraisers. They’ll join forces to host a pierogi booth at the annual Potato Festival on September 6th, 7th, and 8th. On September 14 they will hold their third annual Poker Paddle where participants can travel the Cuyahoga River from Camp Hi in Hiram to Buchert Park in Mantua, stopping to collect cards along the way for an opportunity to win prizes. Then, the groups will try something new — a Community Roast. Several community members have volunteered to be roasted by friends, colleagues and family at a dinner hosted by Rotary Club of Mantua. Details will be forthcoming. Lastly, due to the popularity of last year’s Christmas Tree Auction, the Rotary will once again host an event where local businesses and organizations decorate tabletop trees, which will be displayed around the Village and auctioned off as the final fundraiser of the year.
The next DMRC meeting takes place at Jake’s on August 2nd at 7:30 pm. For more information, call (330)-274-4040 or email DMRCemail@gmail.com.
The Rotary Club of Mantua meets the first three Thursdays of each month at Restoration 44 Coffee Company on Main Street in the Village of Mantua at 6:30. New members are always welcome, email mantuarotary@gmail.com for more information.
