North County Street Rods (NCSR) Founding History - 1983

Founding Officers:

Bill Baro – President

Chuck Miller – Vice President

Dave Niemela – Secretary

Fred Walsh – Treasurer

First Officer Meeting:

Location: Bill Baro’s kitchen

Purpose: Establish the club's foundation and leadership

First Club Meeting:

Location: Evergreen Restaurant, Willard Brook, Ashby

Attendees: Bill Baro, Chuck Miller, Dave Niemela, Fred Walsh, Bob Donahue, AJ Belanger

Notes: This meeting marked the official start of the club with its first six members.

A photo of the restaurant as it stands today serves as a historical reference to this important event in NCSR’s formation.

President: Shawn Shea

My passion for muscle cars started early, I bought my first one, a '71 Duster 340 4-speed, right after graduating from Oakmont in 1979. Not long after getting married, my wife joined in on the fun with her own '77 Z-28. But as life moved forward and kids came along, our muscle cars had to make way for more family-friendly rides.

Fast forward to 2013, when I attended the "Good Guys Car Show" in Springfield and found a '72 Chevelle for sale. That purchase rekindled my love for classic cars, and I enjoyed it until 2019, when I sold it to buy my current ride, a '69 Roadrunner.

I joined the club in 2018 and quickly became more involved. When Vice President Vito Gerante stepped down in 2020, I was asked to take on the role, accepted, and was voted in. Later, when President Joe Davolio stepped down in 2021, I was again asked to take on the position, accepted, and was honored to be voted in.

It’s been incredible to watch the club grow, spend time with fellow car enthusiasts, and see so many amazing rides at shows and cruises. Being part of this community has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to many more years of fun on the road.

Vice President: Steve Donahue

I am the proud owner of Westminster Collision Inc., a business that has been a staple on Main Street in Westminster for my entire professional career. I have spent decades in the collision repair industry, bringing life back to countless vehicles and ensuring they look as good as new.

I graduated from Oakmont Regional High School in 1977.

I grew up in Ashburnham, married my wife Janice in 1979, and moved to Wyman Lake, Westminster that same year. We have two wonderful sons and four adorable grandchildren.

My love for cars ignited when I was about 10 years old, watching cool cars cruise into Chalmers Garage in Ashburnham where my father worked part-time. Seeing these vehicles, which are now classics, in their prime was an incredible experience.

I bought my first car at age 14, a 1966 Ford Mustang. Since then, I've owned numerous cars, mostly Mustangs. I still cherish the 1973 Mustang I purchased in 1978, which holds precious memories of my wedding and my first son's journey home from the hospital in 1980. This car has never seen a winter and was stored away in 1982. In 2012, I began a complete restoration of this beloved vehicle, and it's set to shine at Cruise night this season.

In 2019, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a 1969 Shelby GT500, which now proudly occupies its place in my Mustang garage.

As a member of the NCSR since 2019 and Vice President since 2021, I am excited to share my journey, expertise, and passion for classic cars with fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, the club is a place for everyone who appreciates the timeless beauty and history of classic automobiles.

Secretary: Roy Greenwood

I have been a passionate car enthusiast for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I owned a 1973 Chevy Nova and a 1973 Plymouth Road Runner—both of which left me with incredible memories and a lasting love for classic cars. That passion reignited in 2009 when I purchased my Superformance MKIII ’65 Shelby Cobra replica, leading me to get more involved in the car community.

In July 2011, I joined the club and became secretary in December 2018. Today, I proudly own not only my Cobra replica but also a Factory Five Model 33 Hot Rod and a 1971 Chevelle Malibu convertible. Each of these cars represents a different piece of automotive history, and I enjoy sharing them with fellow enthusiasts at shows and events.

Being part of this club has been an incredible experience, allowing me to connect with others who share the same passion for classic and custom rides. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the club and enjoying many more years of cruising and camaraderie.

Treasurer: Joe Safron

My passion for classic cars has been a lifelong journey, filled with great rides, incredible memories, and a deep connection to the car community.

After graduating from Oakmont in 1965, I spent two years in the auto mechanic program at Worcester Boys Trade before serving in Vietnam from September 1968 to November 1969. When I returned home, one of my first purchases was my ’68 Corvette—a car that still holds a special place in my heart today.

In 1989, Jenn and I were out on a Sunday cruise in that same Corvette when we came upon a car show in Ashby. Eager to join, we quickly learned that the club only accepted vehicles from 1962 or earlier. That small hurdle didn’t stop us—I bought a ’29 Roadster later that year and officially became a member. Not long after, I added a ’32 Roadster to the collection, which I’ve now owned for 35 years.

Jenn’s ’68 Chevelle has been part of our lives for 29 years, adding to our shared automotive history. Beyond collecting and restoring, I’ve been deeply involved in the club, serving as President for a few years and Treasurer for 12. Watching the club grow, connecting with fellow enthusiasts, and sharing the love of classic machines has been an incredible experience—one that keeps the spirit of classic motoring alive, one mile at a time.

Our Current Officers