There is always a lot to do at the Union Public Library

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Devil, which lurks in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. Attendees will learn how the accounts of its sighting were reported and how the folklore was developed. Gillespie received his bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Yale University and his doctorate in American civilization from the University of Pennsylvania.

• College Admissions: Union College, at the Vauxhall Branch, on Monday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. — Union College Admissions counselor Victor Alvelaez from Union College answers questions and advises parents and teachers.

• Hilton Readers, at the Vauxhall

Branch, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. — This month, the group reads “Such a Fun Age,” by Kiley Reid.

• What You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence, virtual on Zoom, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. — Skip Dillard, brand manager from New York radio station WXBK-FM, tells you what you need to know about artificial intelligence and how it can help or harm.

• Practice Your English, at the Main Library, on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. — Now’s your chance to practice English and have fun. Must be able to speak basic English. Not a formal class.

• Adult Watercolor Fall Wreath Work- shop, at the Main Library, — Saturday, Oct. 28, at 10:30 a.m. — Swetha Swenoy returns to UPL to teach how to paint a watercolor fall wreath. All materials provided. Registration is limited.

• All Hail the Queens, at the Vauxhall Branch, Saturday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. — Newark native and singer Rhonda Denet pays tribute to Aretha Franklin and other “queens,” including Donna Summer, the Queen of Disco; Chaka Khan, the Queen of Funk; Tina Turner, the Queen of Rockn-Roll; and other heavy hitters such as Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Etta James, Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston. Denet has performed throughout the region and country, appearing at concert halls, theaters, clubs, resorts and museums, including the Metropolitan and Lincoln Center.

• Native American Crafts and Culture, at the Main Library, on Monday, Oct. 30, at 6:15 p.m. — This program honors National American Indian Heritage Month. Claire Garland is director of the Sand Hill Indian Historical Association and co-chairperson of the NJ Historical Commission on Indigenous People. Her ancestry includes native Lenape, Cherokee and colonial Dutch. A Native American mandala will be created and the history and culture of Native New Jersey will be taught. Registration is limited.

Online HEART Grant application now available throughout county

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced that applications for the 2024 Union County HEART Grant program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars. Projects related to local history, the arts and humanities are eligible for consideration for funding in the HEART Grant funding program.

"We are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Union County HEART Grant program. These grants are a testament to our commitment to preserving our local history, fostering the arts and promoting the humanities in Union County," said Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados. "We invite our non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars to seize this opportunity and bring their creative visions to life. Together, we can continue to enrich our community and strength- en the cultural fabric that makes Union County so special."

The HEART — History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands — program serves as a catalyst for Union County's non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their ability to connect residents with programs and activities.

Along with civic groups and cultural organizations, past HEART Grant recipients have included individual poets, writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians, dancers and more. Organizations can request a grant of as much as $3,000, with a 25% cash match required for any amount more than $1,000. Individuals can request as much as $1,000, with no cash match required.

All projects funded by the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and well-being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism.

Activities must take place in 2024, between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, to be considered for funding. Applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County. The online application deadline for first-time applicants is Wednesday, Oct. 11. The full application must be completed by Wednesday, Oct. 18. Hard copies are no longer being accepted.

The HEART Grant program is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To receive the 2024 HEART Grant guidelines, visit ucnj.org/ cultural or email HEARTGrant@ucnj.org.