Recordpub.com - Around Mantua by Virginia Goodell

On June 1, Jim Frame was elected to the Board of Directors of Gift of Life International. This board is responsible for the Gift of Life program, which began in 1975 and will sponsor its 10,000th child this year. In order to promote this noteworthy program, it was determined that one country would be selected around which the Gift of Life program would be centered for a year. All promotional materials will be headed by "Our Hearts Are In Uganda."

Grace Agawa, Gift of Life's first child, now 38 years old, and Jonathan, the 10,000th child, met in New York City recently. There was a huge reception at JFK, with children of Gift of Life present, along with Rotarians and representatives of Gift of Life. Jim was one of those present at the reception.

Another plan for publicity has also taken action. Children who had been screened to participate in this program were selected to have surgery in a variety of countries at the same time: Milan, Italy, the Dominican Republic, with seven surgeries being done in the United States, in Washington, D.C., Charleston, Memphis, New York City, and also several cities in California.

Jim has given an exceptional amount of time, energy, and support to this outstanding program and he is to be congratulated on his election to its prestigious board.

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Another Mantua person who recently was honored for the outstanding work she has done is Pat Sargent. Recently Pat was inducted into the Portage County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame at the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy in Rootstown for her outstanding contribution to our community through her many years of service with the Crestwood Coalition for Community Care (4C's). She has played an integral role in the cupboard since its inception in 1981 and still remains an active member of its council.

Her tireless energy, her devotion to help others, and her love for the cupboard have helped to make it successful today. She is a treasure not only to the 4C's, but also to the whole Crestwood community. Congratulations, Pat!

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On Friday, in celebration of Independence Day, Green Family Funeral Home will be presenting its annual outdoor holiday concert. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the funeral home located at S.R. 44 and Pioneer Trail, north of Mantua Village and south of S.R. 82.

New this year will be the live Simulcast of the concert worldwide. Military families are invited to record video messages to their loved ones serving around the world, beginning at 6 p.m. These special greetings will be placed on the funeral home Web site, which will also include a Memorial Honor Roll, listing the names of those who have served our country.

The band Compass Rose will be providing holiday selections of Irish music along with traditional and contemporary folk music, making it appealing for all ages and tastes. Known throughout Northeastern Ohio, the band was voted the best folk band in the annual North Coast Magazine's Readers Poll Awards.

Residents of Portage, Geauga, and Lake counties are invited to bring their lawn chairs and celebrate our country's independence. In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Mantua Knights of Columbus Hall, S.R. 44, north of S.R. 82. For additional information, call the funeral home at 800-852-6394.

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Twelve couples of the Golden Marriages Group were honored at Portage Faith United Methodist Church Sunday morning by the Rev. Carolyn M. Berry. A solo, "Perhaps Love," written by John Denver, was beautifully sung by Mrs. Michal Cope to recognize the honorees. After a group photo and lots of conversation and warm congratulations, most of the group were able to enjoy Sunday brunch at the Welshfield Inn.

Honorees were Clyde and Donna Bailey, Don and Ann Bowker, Ernest and Eleanore Brown of Springfield, Ohio, Willis and Imogene Fletcher, Wayne and Maxine Hill of Eustis, Fla. (unable to be present but still recognized), Stan and Virginia Moore, Jim and Doris Pearce, Willis and Doris Sands, Bill and Gloria Schrecengost, Don and Carol Smith, Jim and Anne Spence, and John and Genola Taylor. A wonderful celebration for 12 wonderful couples!

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There's still room for more vendors at the Rotary Country Market which begins on July 11 and continues on the second and fourth Saturdays of July, August and September, and on Oct. 10. The market will again be held at the old Erie depot on S.R. 44. There will be a bake sale along with the market provided by either Rotarians or churches each Saturday, except the first one on July 11. Plan to come, browse the products, and meet your friends. You won't be sorry. If you'd like to be a vendor, call Jim Rogers at 330-274-8738.

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July 11 is turning out to be a very full day for downtown Mantua. First of all, it's the date of the "Art on the Hill" event, which will be located on East Prospect Street. There will be 40 artisans and vendors showing and/or selling their wares. Polish sisters will be offering their delicious, homemade food and children may enjoy the hand-led pony rides.

The Rotary Country Market will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon at English's depot and the historic buildings which were opened for the public tour last fall will again be shown to those interested.

A Chinese auction will take place at the Mantua Grain building. Word has it that there are some very interesting donations for this auction.

Another exciting part of the day is the Adventure Race co-sponsored by the Portage Park District, Advanced Rehabilitation, and Camp Hi. The race includes a two-mile walk/run, a 10-mile bike ride, and a 4.5-mile kayak trip, all of this solo, or two people may join for the race, with one person running, the other biking, and both kayaking.

You may call the Portage Park District to register or for more information at 330-297-7728. Or participants may register at www.hmapromotion.net.

I understand there will be an American Indian Pow-Wow in the field east of Advanced Rehabilitation. What an exciting day! It sounds as though it might take all day to take everything in. Hope you can enjoy it!

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So long for now.

For Crestwood news, contact Virginia Goodell at 330-274-2376 or vgoodell@aol.com.