Local Groups Awarded HEART Grants

Of 38 groups and artists, five Cranford groups will be awarded grants from the 2009 Union County History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands Grant Program.

The Cranford recipients include:

• Catholic Charities/Engel Senior Day Care Center will receive $1,000 for offering visual art workshops for seniors.
• Cranford Senior Housing Board will receive $2,500 for providing concerts for senior residents.
• Garden Club of Cranford will receive $2,500 to create an educational permanent water garden.
• Hanson Park Conservancy will receive $1,000 for educational nature programs.
• Union County College's The Theater Project will receive $2,250 for presenting "A Few Steps in a Stranger's Shoes" and promoting understanding between students.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders established the HEART Grant Program in 1998 to support local history, arts and humanities projects. The program will award a total of $75,000 in HEART grants this year.