Supporting seniors -- Blackwell hosts a Senior Forum at Prince of Peace Church in Philadelphia. Local seniors were able to get information on a wide range of programs, including PACE/PACENET, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and fighting senior abuse.

FUNdamentals of education -- During his Back to School Forum, Blackwell hands out backpacks filled with school supplies to more than 100 children. The forum is intended to get kids excited about going back to school, but also to give parents important information about state health care and education funding programs.

Sustaining the arts -- Robinhood Dell East receives a $500,000 state grant to purchase new sound equipment and make repairs to the Fairmont Park concert hall / theater. Pictured from left: Bruce Bush, Dell manager; Jeff Cardwell, city recreation deputy commissioner; state Rep. Dwight Evans, Democratic Appropriations chairman; Lona T. Blackwell; Blackwell; Mary Mason, WHAT radio personality; and Victor Richard III, city recreation commissioner.