Pubdate: Sun, 28 Aug 2005 Source: Register Citizen (CT) Copyright: 2005 Register Citizen Contact: http://www.registercitizen.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/598 Author: Tracy Kennedy, Register Citizen Staff Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) CLASSIC CARS ROLL IN TO CITY TO SUPPORT D.A.R.E. PROGRAM TORRINGTON - Gleaming classic and rumbling muscle cars rolled into Main Street in Torrington on Saturday to support the city's D.A.R.E program. Police Officer Richard Dowd, who organized the event with several D.A.R.E police officers, waved to the driver of a yellow Chevelle and smiled when a Model T Ford puttered past the Warner Theater. "What a great day! We were a little nervous about the weather but it can't be any better than this," he said. The D.A.R.E. program has hosted a car show annually for several years. "It's a good fundraising event for the program," Officer Jennifer Hayes said. "Every penny we raise today is going to the program to buy T-shirts and program materials." About 600 Torrington children attend D.A.R.E. meetings at their schools where they talk with police officers about the different paths they can take in their life. From "gateway drugs" like nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana to higher risk drugs, children learn about the choices they can make and the consequences. "It's a good cause and to have a car show in Torrington is a good chance to see people and catch up with friends," Lori Shedd-Nickerson, of Torrington said. It's also a good chance to show off her 1965 candy-apple red Mustang. "It's my baby and I am very proud of it," she said. Her husband Richard purchased the vehicle for her and patiently restored it. "He bought it sight unseen and it was a rust-bucket. Look at it now isn't it beautiful." The car show was a great chance for car fans to talk about technique and refurbishing methods too. "These vehicles represent a lot of talent and love for the hobby," Chief Robert Milano said. "We are also grateful that the sponsors provided so many donated items so we can make pure profit today for the program with hot dogs and raffles." Dowd said vendors such as Price Chopper, J and M Sales, Royals Garage, Wal-Mart, SurePet, and Christine's Flowers, donated food, bicycles, and products for the raffles, to help support the program. - ---