The Horsehead Community Development Fund presented grants to eight community organizations.

James Wimmer, president, presented grants along with Bill Smelas, executive director, and board members Rory Koons and Bob Kuba.Some were gifts and some were challenge grants. On average 30 applications are approved each year. So far in 2013, the organization has given $61,800."We want to help people in the Palmerton and general area," said Wimmer.Since 1990 when the Fund was formed it has provided $37 million to community organizations.He said the organizations should thank the original Horsehead Industries. The Development Fund committee was set up by David Carpenter, a Horsehead Industries founder.Accepting grants were John Kirchner of the Diamond Fire Company, Walnutport, which will put the grant toward purchasing a rescue boat and improving a boat launch area, both of which will speed up water rescues.Wayne Wentz of the Franklin Township Athletic Association, will use the money for fencing. He said 49 teams played on the Pfeiffer Dam recreation fields.The Palmerton Bandstand grant was accepted by Mata Curran who said the grant will help subsidize the concerts in the park.George Ashman said the grant he received for the Palmerton Area Historical Society will pay for work on the building housing the Heritage Center and the garage behind it.Holiday Lighting Committee member Joe Federanich said its grant will go toward the lighting in the park. Decorated trees will debut in the park on Dec. 7, with Santa Claus on hand between 1-3 p.m. and other activities all day.Tess McGowan, a member of the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association, said its grant will be used toward needed repairs with the expectation that the pool will open the end of May 2014.The Carbon County Lion-Lioness Fair Association was represented by Mark Green. New animal pens are needed as the fair grows and the number of animals increases. He said two tents have recently been added to accommodate that growth.Victor Jahelka accepted the grant for the Palmerton Memorial Park Association. A changing station will be added to the bathhouse.