By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Manville High School courtyard was the setting the first International Food Festival on Saturday. The festival was sponsored by the MHS Student Council as a fundraiser for the group.
”We have had a number of businesses donate and we are trying to promote the local businesses as well. It was the last fundraiser, trying to raise money for Student Council and promote community spirit,” said Student Council co-advisor Michael Forte, who was in charge of the festival.
The festival was the idea of Natalia Urbanowicz, who made the suggestions at one of the Student Council meetings. The members of the Student Council took letters to local businesses asking for food donations. The international festival foods included ziti from Uncle Ted’s; General Tso Chicken and chicken lo mien from New Fortune; burritos from Grub Hut; chicken marsala from Café Picasso in Somerville; cavetelli and broccoli from Pizza & Pasta; ravioli from La Nonna in Raritan and chicken and sausage from Drewby’s.
Mr. Forte’s mother made kielbasa and kraut and other parents made meatballs and pierogis.
People who attended bought tickets for a tray of food.
”I am very proud of Mr. Forte and all the volunteers here,” said MHS Principal Jim Brunn, who attended the event. “Manville High School has come a long way and we are doing great things. This International Food Festival is just a sign of how we are trying to reach out to the community and make the community part of the high school and I am very appreciative for all people have done.”
Vanessa Velez a homeroom representative thought it was a good idea. “We were trying to come up with different ideas and everyone started saying that they were from different places. It was a new idea and no one has ever done it before. I think it was good but kind of hard to start; it is not going to be perfect right now but next year and the years after, it is going to turn into something good. I can image it being a whole big thing,” she said.

