In October, the town decided to apply for a STEAP grant to facilitate the renovations of the train station, which has been vacant for close to 30 years. Schley and her group have been spearheading a campaign since October 2004.
If the grant is approved, the non-profit WLPA would have to raise $25,000 on its own.
"This shows we are putting up private money and not just state funds," Schley said, noting that the state scores STEAP applications in order to prioritize them.
The fact that Windsor Locks has never applied for STEAP money before, along with the promise to raise an additional $25,000, should put the application in a favorable position with the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, which administers the program.
Each year, the state allows small towns like Windsor Locks to apply for up to $500,000 in grants. The town also applied for STEAP money for a new generator at the Senior Center and refurbishments at the pool bathhouse at Pesci Park. All $500,000 was applied for before the state's deadline, which was Jan. 13.
A town has two years to spend a STEAP grant once it is received, so Schley and her associates have two years to raise and expend their required funds.
Word on the STEAP grant application is expected in February or March. Schley, who has developed a reputation as a go-getter, and her organization have already hit the ground running.
The WLPA has produced various novelty items, which are designed to raise awareness and funds for the cause. T-shirts ($13.99), sweatshirts ($19.99), cookbooks ($10), and magnets ($1.50) are all available for a small donation.
Last weekend, the WLPA had a booth set up at town hall for Winterfest. It was run by Carl and Cilla Hamlin, who sold magnets and cookbooks, raising a total of $112.
The Preservation Association will have a booth set up, which will have the aforementioned items, at the Big E grounds in West Springfield, Mass., this weekend for the 2006 Amherst Railway Society Train Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The organization's scrapbook will be available for viewing - it details the history of the group through newspaper clippings since its inception in 2004.
Cookbooks and magnets will be available on site; T-shirts and sweatshirts can be ordered, and they'll be available in April. Schley explained they don't pre-order the clothing, just in case they sell less than expected.
There are also three fund-raising events scheduled for the first half of the year. On Saturday, March 4 there will be a "Benefit to Save the Train Station" magic show with illusionist Michael Paul at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Elm Street. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12.
For the magic show, an advertisement book will be put together for local merchants; a $25 or $50 donation is required. The book will then be put on display at the magic show and businesses around town.
On Saturday, April 15 there will be an Easter Craft Fair at the Windsor Locks Knights of Columbus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be over 30 crafters, who will rent vendor space, the proceeds of which will go directly to the train station endeavor.
On Saturday, May 6 the Second Annual Preservation Flea Market will take place. The WLPA, in conjunction with Restore America, is looking for useable, clean, donated items. They ask that no clothes or glass items be donated. Space rentals for the event are $15.
The $250,000 (that the grant and donations will cover) is just an iota of what the association will need. It will cost $552,000 to restore the building, along with $65,000 for the fence, $30,000 for attorney fees, and $25,000 for stabilization.
Anyone interested is invited to join the WLPA. Yearly membership is $10. For more information on the Windsor Locks Preservation Association and its effort to save the train station, contact Barbara Schley at 798-5376 or e-mail bsly58@aol.com.
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