Local News
8| Friday, June 28, 2013
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Every car has a story at Cruising Newington Car Show
By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
Erica Schmitt | Staff
Hundreds of spectators poured into Market Square last weekend for the Newington Chamber of Commerce’s 7th Annual Cruising Newington Classic Car Show.
Cleaning the windshield of his 1964 Studebaker Champ less than a 100 feet away was Berlin resident Mike Rugens. The truck is one of nearly 20 he and his father restored together over the course of his lifetime. “We’ve been doing Studebakers since I was 16; I’m 53 now,” explained Rugens, who bought the model for $2,627 in 1964 — the last year it was manufactured, and still it only carries 34,000 original miles. “They only made 827 of these in the United States, there’s not
ERICA SCHMITT | STAFF
Newington resident John Kamansky and his 1929 Ford AA, which sat in his father-in-law’s barn for 20 years until his passing.
BUYERS
ERICA SCHMITT | STAFF
Above, Newington resident David Cheramut, with his daughter Alicea and grandchildren Sean, 8, and Dannan, 6, in front of his ‘68 Ford Mustang GTCS, a rare model made for the California market. Below, Newington Police Detective Larry DeSimone and Newington Police Officer Jamie DeSimone, husband and wife, roll through Market Square in the department’s John Deere Gator, which is used to navigate over rough terrain and muddy off-road areas.
too many left now,” he continued. “My dad wanted a hobby we could do together. All we fix are the cars they don’t make anymore,” Rugens chuckled, before peering up and down Market Square and adding, “Every one of these cars, the owner will have a story for you.” Longtime Newington resident David Charamut hopes his stories will live on in his grandchildren, Sean, 8, and Dannan, 6. His ’68 Ford Mustang GT/CS is a rare model known as a “California Special.” Only 4118 were made. “We’re trying to maintain these cars so people can see what real cars looked like,” Charamut said of himself and the owners of the classics parked around him. “These are cars from our era, our generation,” he added. The Connecticut Street Legends Car Club hosted the
show in conjunction with the Newington Chamber of Commerce. In fact, it’s actually one of Chamber President Terry Gogluicci’s favorite events all year. “I have friends that have cars here; they look forward to it all year,” she said. Erica Schmitt can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 210, or eschmitt@newbritainherald.com.
Visit us at our New Location 38 Fenn Rd., Newington June 24, 2013
Visual Perceptions Eyecare
50% Off Lenses
039134
A stroll through the Newington Chamber of Commerce’s 7th Annual Cruising Newington Classic Car Show last week wasn’t just a chance to admire hundreds of candy-painted rides; it was about sharing tales of the past. Stopping to compliment an owner on his expert restoration work — maybe he kept all the replacement parts stock or upgraded the horsepower — was like unraveling a spool of thread that held together years of memories. Sitting in lawn chairs beside his 1929 Ford AA was Newington resident John Kamansky and his daughter Cheryl, 14. “It was my father-in-law’s. He had it stored away for 20 years, never drove it once,” Kamansky began. “Before he passed away he told me to take it.” Fearing what it might cost to register and insure the pickup truck, his father-in-law never took the opportunity to enjoy it. “It wasn’t much, and insurance is dirt cheap, too,” said Kamansky, who takes it out as much as he can this time of year.
With purchase of a frame over $200.00
Coupon must be presented at the time of order. Expires 6/30/13. Cannot be combined with insurance or other discounts, see store for details. NTC-0613
369C New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 • (860) 828-1900
CHIP STAMM Broker/Owner 39 East Cedar Street “on the square” in Newington Center
SELLERS Buyers are out in Force. Thinking of Selling… Stop in and consult with our Knowledgeable Agents. 034326
Why Pay Rent if you can Own? Low Interest Rates & Reduced Home Prices Best Buyers’ Market in 20 Years chip@c21.com Need help to improve your Credit… 860-666-1449 we can help www.StammEddyRealty.com The right home for you a& yours awaits. SMARTER…BOLDER…FASTER