Cars help rev up interest
in teen/community center
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
DAVE BENJAMIN A sparkling blue 1930 Model A Ford was one of the vehicles featured at the car show in Manalapan. Proceeds will aid the effort to build a teen/community center.
MANALAPAN — Organizers of a car show held to raise funds and awareness for the proposed construction of a teen/community center called the event a success.
The event, held at the Manalapan Recreation Center, was sponsored by the Manalapan Community Center Committee and the Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance.
The plan to build a teen/community center at the recreation center is being coordinated by the private Manalapan Community Center Committee.
"The show was a success despite the threatening weather," said Arlene White, chairwoman of the community center committee. "There were 69 cars and about 400 people in attendance."
White said almost $3,000 was raised from the event. She said all of the proceeds will be used for the planned teen/community center.
Some featured vehicles at the car show included Roy Mitchell’s 1930 Model A Ford. Mitchell said he has owned the vehicle for about 18 months.
Quite impressive was a 1985 orange Ford Mustang GT, owned by Shane Henderson, who got the vehicle last year and worked on it over the past summer. Henderson said he restored it with his uncle.
"The Mustang GT has a ’93 front end and a ’93 GT body," said Henderson. "It has a 306 engine with a Holly four barrel [carburetor].
Asked if the vehicle was finished, Henderson replied, "It will never be done. It’s always a work in progress."
Dennis Catalvo was on hand with a 1949 yellow Studebaker pick-up. The truck has a 2001 Corvette LS1 motor and a 9-inch Ford rear.
Paul Damante brought his 2003 blue and white Ford Mustang V-6 Pony edition to the show. The car has a dual exhaust and neon lights in the grill.
The CentraState Healthcare System van joined the festivities with free blood pressure screenings. Representatives of the community alliance were on hand with a face-painting booth and an information table. Live music was provided by the local band Jade Fire.
Local businesses sponsored 35 trophies and door prizes.
Among the trophy winners were: Roy Merkel, 1966 Oldsmobile, 422; John McCormack white 1959 Triumph TR3A Roadster; and Charles Napolitano, 1956 DeSoto, Fireflite and 1958 Imperial, Southampton Crown.
Also, Michele Napolitano, 1973 Imperial LeBaron; Steven Kaufman, 1966 Ford Mustang GT350; Tom Vaeger, 1986 Trojan; and Norman Wexler, 1963 Ford Falcon Convertible.
Additionally, David Locandro, the owner of a 1967 Ford Mustang, and John Kennett, the owner of a 1959 Plymouth Deluxe, received awards.
The car was show was coordinated by White and Teresa McCarron with the help of many volunteers, including Michele Silviano, Eileen Marino, Andrew Marino, Henry White, Brenda Rose, Jayne Flakke, Maria McGee, Donna Bonvincino, Michele Napolitano, Eileen Eccleston, Melissa Marino, Marlene Peterson, Joyce Rosenberg, Lynn Ficalora, Roy Merkal, Doug McCarron and Steve Fryer.