Windsor Locks selectmen OK ARPA funds for rec programs, high-tech sewing machine

Matthew Knox, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Feb. 8—WINDSOR LOCKS — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday approved the use of $32,500 in federal American Rescue Plan Funds for local summer programs, a spring festival, and a high-tech sewing machine at the senior center.

The selectmen approved spending $20,000 to purchase a long arm sewing machine for the senior center, which will be used for binding quilts, First Selectman Paul Harrington said.

He said such machines range from $14,000 to nearly $100,000, and the senior center has chosen one sold by a company based in Glastonbury.

Harrington said a lot of quilts are created at the senior center throughout the year, many as part of a program that makes quilts for area veterans. Typically, the quilts need to be bound elsewhere, which can cost hundreds of dollars, Harrington said.

The Board of Finance also must approve funding for the machine and a town meeting vote is required because of the cost.

The selectmen also approved spending $10,000 in federal funds for the Youth Services Bureau to expand its Leadership Exploration Adventure Development summer program for high school students.

The program focuses on teaching students life, leadership, and employment skills, and requires them to work with younger students at the town's summer camps.

Youth Services Director Wendy Knowles said the program is competitive. In previous years only 10 students have been accepted, but 25 applications were received.

The program already receives $10,000 in funding from the town budget, but Knowles said she wants to expand this summer to take 20 students. The added funds will go towards staffing and other expenses.

She said it's possible with more openings, she can accept students who've already been in the program and teach even more advanced subjects, while first-time students stick with the standard program.

Applications will become available on the youth services web page at the end of March.

Lastly, the selectmen approved $2,500 for the town's arts council to host a music festival in May. The festival will host three different bands, playing three genres of music at Southwest Park.

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