NW Philly councilmembers honor Philadelphia Cultural Fund, longtime radio personality

Courtesy of a resolution sponsored by Ninth District City Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund was honored Thursday for its 20th anniversary as a non-profit organization supporting and enhancing cultural life and vitality in the city.

Board member Sara Garonzik accepted the award and highlighted the growth of the organization since its establishment. Since its 1991 inception, it has expanded from a group started with a $400,000 grant to one which built up $3.2 million in 2010 grants.

“It is an economic engine that I completely and absolutely adore,” said Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.

Patty Jackson honored

WDAS-FM personality Patty Jackson was also given a citation for her work as a national broadcaster whose work spans for more than 30 years.

The South Philadelphia native said she was honored by the citation, and that she is optimistic about Philadelphia’s future.

Jones talks about youth concerns

Near the end of the meeting, Fourth District City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. discussed his recent visit to the “Youth Corps” program in Chester. Through the program, young people dispense justice to peers in regard to school-based issues like truancy, delinquency and class disruption.

He broached the possibility of setting something similar up in the city.

“They weren’t asking what you did and why you did it,” said Jones. “They were not saying you are going to get punished, but we are going to help you with tutorials and anger management.”