Thanks to the generosity of the Horsehead Community Development Fund grants, five local organizations received grants totaling $21,050.

"Unfortunately, our budget has been drastically reduced but we're hopeful we can continue helping local groups that do so much for our community," said James Wimmer, president of the Horsehead Community Development Fund at the semiannual meeting and presentation held at the Palmerton Area Library.Accepting the grants on behalf of each of their organizations were: George Ashman, Palmerton Area Historical Society; Mariann Kmetz, directory of Dimmick Memorial Library, Jim Thorpe; Wayne Wentz, president of the Franklin Township Athletic Association; Mata Curran, chairman of the Bandstand Committee of the Concourse Club of Palmerton; and Victory Jahelka, president of the Palmerton Memorial Park Association.Wentz told the Horsehead board members that thanks to its grant, the Franklin Township Athletic Association was able to erect new fencing around its six fields.Curran thanked the board for their continued support."We've been doing the summer concert in the park series for 25 years and you've helped us every year. We recently lost three of our donors, which impacted us greatly. If it wasn't for your donation, we would not be able to have our concerts in the park," Curran said.Bill Smelas, Horsehead executive director, said the company continues to support the community by helping its libraries and recreational, youth and service organizations."They are all worthwhile projects. It's why the Horsehead Community Development Fund was originally formed," he said.The fund was formed in 1990 and has donated over $3 million to community organizations.