Issue 41, October 2018
Friends Center Tenant Newsletter

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE
The autumn is here, fall weather not so much—yet. When it does arrive, feel free to open windows in the office spaces to let fresh air in.

Some time soon enough, our geothermal system will be switching over from cooling to heating. While we are proud of our leading-edge open-loop system (read about it here), it does take quite a bit of effort to maintain. Thank you to our operations team of Wil Mason, Ed Waters, and Erick Emerick, the people who are making those efforts.
– Chris Mohr, Executive Director

AROUND FRIENDS CENTER
The tunnel repair project is coming to a close. The brick pavers are being relaid (weather permitting), and then the play yard fence will be reinstalled. We anticipate reopening the “C” door early next week, and the entire project should be done in the next two weeks. Thank you again to everyone for your patience while we do this necessary work.

EQUITY PARTNER NEWS

Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting & POWER present:
“IMAGINING PHILLY WITHOUT CASH BAIL”
October 24
6:00 PM — Registration & refreshments
6:30 to 8:30 PM — Program
For more information call Dana Reinhold at 215-510-7125.

CPMM will host a panel discussion including the Defenders Association and the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, and a local resident who has experienced the current unjust bail process. The cash bail system traps poor people in long-term pretrial detention because they can’t afford bail. This can cost them their jobs, homes, healthcare and custody of their children while they wait for their day in court.

To end cash bail, we need a better alternative. Come learn about the current system and how we can work together to replace it. Please invite anyone you know who could benefit from information about the current bail system or would like to explore or support better alternatives.

And if this date does not work for you: The Philadelphia Ethical Society is presenting another panel discussion on this same topic, on Thursday, November 9th, 6:30-8:00 pm, at 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square.

TENANT NEWS

Friends Council on Education
https://www.friendscouncil.org/TeachingBlackBoys/

Singing City
Street Requiem
Sunday, October 21, 2018, 3 p.m.
Old First Reformed Church of Christ
151 N. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA

Singing City will perform the Philadelphia premiere of Street Requiem, with Corinn Altomare, mezzo-soprano, and Colin Doyle, tenor. This cantata by Australian composers Kathleen McGuire, Andy Payne, and Jonathon Welch features a powerful variety of musical styles, ranging from gospel to South African freedom music. It was written to bring a sense of peace, remembrance and hope to communities struggling with homelessness. Special guests Rabbi David Straus and Rev. Rebecca Fitzpatrick will lead the choir and audience in a remembrance of those who have lost their lives on the streets. Liz Hersh, Executive Director of Homeless Services for the City of Philadelphia, will be part of an audience Q&A at the end of the concert. Audience members are invited to bring items of clothing and toiletries that will benefit Bethesda Project, a local organization that serves the homeless in Philadelphia. The work of Shoot From Within Photography will be on display-selected photos from Perseverance With Dignity, a series of images depicting homeless people in Philadelphia.

COMMUNITY ITEMS OUTSIDE FRIENDS CENTER

Quakerism 101 at Lancaster Friends Meeting
Sun, Oct 21, 2018 1:00 PM
Sun, Apr 21, 2019 2:30 PM
Lancaster Friends Meeting (map)

Lancaster Meeting is offering Quakerism 101, based on a curriculum developed some years ago by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. The course consists of six monthly sessions, and will begin on Oct. 21 after Community Meal, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. We will meet in October and November, then in January through April. The leader will be Joan Broadfield, from Chester Meeting.

Friends Fall Festival
October 13, 2018, 9 am – 4 pm
Downingtown Friends Meeting
800 E Lancaster Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
The Friends Fall Festival will be filled with family fun, including face painting and hay rides, gently used thrift items, a garden sale, scrumptious baked goods and homemade foods, a silent auction, craft vendors selling quality items, and an authentic early 19th century Quaker wedding, all accompanied by six hours of live entertainment. Rain or shine.

Issue 40, September 2018
Friends Center Tenant Newsletter

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Friday Fun! See below for news of our Tenant Cookout and Park(ing) Day mini-park this Friday.
Tunnel Repair Update
Our tunnel repair project will be wrapping up in the next few weeks, which means the tent and fencing will disappear and the play yard will reopen. Whew!
I would like to thank our general contractor, Haverstick-Borthwick; structural engineer, Keast & Hood; waterproofing consultant, WJE; as well as all the subcontractors. As construction projects go, it is relatively small, but complex, and they’re all doing good work.
Thank you as well to Friends Center staff, equity partners, and our tenants for adapting to this much-needed project.
In particular, I want to thank all the staff, parents, and children of the Friends Child Care Center for working with this disruption to their routine. From executive director Raechel O’Neal Coats to all the staff and families, you all have been so understanding and patient. Thank you!
– Chris Mohr, Executive Director

AROUND FRIENDS CENTER
TENANT COOKOUT!!
Fri., Sept. 21, 2018, noon – 2 pm
The Friends Center is organizing a tenant cookout this Friday as a small token of appreciation for all of the good works done by the many non-profit and Quaker organizations that we house. We are proud to work alongside you all and hope that you will join us for a sunny afternoon of food and fun. The cookout is scheduled to begin at noon, the free door prize drawing will be at 1 pm and events will be winding down around 2 pm.
PARK(ING) DAY
Fri., Sept. 21, 2018, 10 am – 3 pm
Join us on 15th Street between Cherry street and Race Street for Park(ing) Day, the international day to reclaim urban space for people, not cars.
Could you volunteer to help with Park(ing) Day?
We need help setting up our “parklet” 9-10 am and to staff the display for an hour or two at a time during the day. Please let Jennifer Williams know, either by talking to her on your way by, emailing, or calling (215) 241-7100.

EQUITY PARTNER NEWS
Central Philadephia Monthly Meeting (CPMM)
Book Discussion
Please join CPMM for a discussion of Marcus Borg’s book, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, facilitated by Carolyn McCoy. We will meet in the Lucretia Mott Room, September 23, 1:00-2:30 pm.

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM)
2018 Quaker College Fair
Saturday, September 29th from 11:45 am – 3pm
Co-sponsored by Friends Association for Higher Education (FAHE) and PYM
Come to Friends Center to hear a discussion on the college admissions process and how to find the right school, and meet representatives from numerous historically Quaker colleges. Register here.
Also, the PYM website currently features a story about O., who is a member of CPMM. The piece wonders if we ever consider the facts of our biological existence as containing stories that can also illuminate our spiritual journeys: A New Creation Story: Embracing Love.

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
After the Crash: Re-imagining Trauma Recovery
Friday, September 21, 2018, 4:30-8:00 pm
Created by a youth alumnus of the Social Justice Leadership Institute, Ruja Ballard, this event aims to start the process of healing in our community, especially in our POC youth. There will be workshops, activities, and group discussions, and therapists will be on site. This is a chance to learn about trauma, how it affects us, and the steps we can take to break down the negative connotations towards getting help from others. It is an exploration of community wellness, mental health awareness, and healing practices through art. Please email cagosto@afsc.org with questions or to RSVP.

TENANT NEWS

Art-Reach picked Katie Samson to be its director of programs
Welcome, Katie! As reported in Generocity:
The six-year Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts veteran, who worked first as an arts educator then as assistant director of museum education at the institution, joined the accessibility-focused arts nonprofit on Sept. 10. She has previously worked as a disabilities studies faculty member at West Chester University. The Wayne native also serves as co-director and spokesperson for the Katie Samson Foundation, which fundraises for research and quality-of-life programs for people with spinal cord injuries.
Philadelphia Physicians for Social Responsibility
14th Soul of Medicine Brunch Event
Sunday, Oct 21, 2018, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
College of Physicians, 19 So. 22nd St., Phila.
This year, we’re celebrating 10 years of impact on our communities! Learn more and register here.

CASA hosts Salesforce “Un-Conference” NPSP Day
Thurs., October 11, 2018, 9 am – 5 pm
Rufus Jones Room
Join CASA for a day of learning and networking related to the Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack. Learn more and register.

COMMUNITY ITEMS OUTSIDE FRIENDS CENTER

Underground Railroad Presentation
September 20, 2018, 7:00 pm
Friends Village, 331 Lower Dolington Rd, Newtown, PA 18940
Join us for an inspiring presentation about the critical roles both Quakers and Bucks County played in the operation of the Underground Railroad. Come listen to Jesse Crooks of the Doylestown Historic Society and the Rev. David Jackson of Mount Gilead Church share stories of bravery, sacrifice and the secret network of kind communities who helped many people on their journey to freedom.

Radnor Friends Meeting’s 300th Birthday celebration
September 22, 2018, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Radnor Meeting, Conestoga Rd Villanova, PA 19085
Join Radnor Quakers for a day of wholesome interactive activities, puppet show at 11 am, and lots of food. Tour the buildings and grounds, meadow and stream. There will be a Quaker art show and a presentation by Change Angels. This is a free event. Children welcome.

Issue 39, August 2018
Friends Center Tenant “News-Later”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE—of Appreciation
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In the relative quiet of late August, it became clear to me that I need to express my deep appreciation to the staff and regular contractors at Friends Center who maintain and manage our three buildings and the grounds, and who manage the common meeting rooms. Our goal is for the physical plant to be a resource for as many community groups as possible, and to do so in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. I hope you will join me in saying THANK YOU to our staff and contractors when you see them around.
— Chris Mohr, Executive Director

AROUND FRIENDS CENTER
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PHONE SYSTEM REMINDER
The phone system has now been transferred from AFSC to Friends Center. Previously you didn’t need to dial “1” before a number in the (215) or (267) area codes, but now you do.
We are almost done with the work to switch out digital and analog phones for “IP” phones. Thank you for your patience.
A Thank You to Our Tenants
We recognize our safety drills can sometimes happen at a not-so-ideal time for some but we appreciate your patience and participation. Though we hope to never suffer a tragedy such as the ones we prepare for, we are thankful for the knowledge we gain from the drills.
Join in the fun!
Friends Center will be participating in Philadelphia’s annual Park(ing) day
PARK(ing) Day was founded in 2005 by Rebar Group, a San-Francisco-based architecture and design firm, and was first presented in Philadelphia in 2008 by Zimmerman Studio. PARK(ing) Day is an annual, daylong global event where citizens, artists, and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public mini-parks, or “parklets”. In Philadelphia, approximately 60 volunteer teams design, build, and install these temporary 170 square-foot parklets throughout the city as a gift to their fellow citizens. All parklets are self-funded.
PARK(ing) Day challenges us all to reconsider whether we are making the best use of our limited urban spaces.
Soon we will be sending out an official invitation and waiver form. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jennifer at the front desk, x7100 or jwilliams@friendscentercorp.org.
Equity Partner News
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The 2018 Annual Gathering of the Fellowship of Friends of African Descent
When: August 24-26, 2018
Where: Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting & Ujima Friends Peace Center
Cost: $50
Contact: Fellowship of Friends of African Descent
Event website
God’s Song In a Strange Land – Psalms 137:4
Celebrating the role of music in our spiritual journeys and our struggle for liberation
Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting (Friday Night/ Sunday Morning)
1515 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
and Ujima Friends Peace Center (Saturday / Sunday PM), 1701 Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19132
Join Us
• Bring musical instruments, voices, albums, CDs, and your testimonies of the role of music in your life
• Examine the role of music in liberatory movements in Africa and the diaspora
• Participate in a Spirit led musical jam session
• Celebrate one year of ministry at the Ujima Friends Peace Center
• Panel discussion on Music and The Black Quaker Experience
• Meals to include: Friday Night cook-out, Saturday lunch and dinner)
Register at www.fofad.org

TENANT NEWS
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Oh, how we love to brag about our tenants. Check out this twitter blurb to see just how much.
https://twitter.com/FriendsCtr/status/1030471303298461696
Quaker College Fair 2018
Organized by Friends Association for Higher Education and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
When: September 29, 2018 @ 11:45 am – 3:00 pm America/New York Timezone
Where: Friends Center
1515 Cherry St Philadelphia, PA 19102 USA
Cost: Free
Contact: PYM Directly; https://www.pym.org/event/quaker-college-fair-2018/
GreenLight Fund is bringing a new model of financial empowerment to Philadelphia
The venture philanthropy firm announced a $600,000 investment in Boston-based financial services nonprofit Compass Working Capital, in partnership with Clarifi and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
Read more

COMMUNITY ITEMS OUTSIDE FRIENDS CENTER
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Why Not Prosper
Community Healthcare Day
Join them as they celebrate the residents of Germantown, Mt. Airy and Montgomery County. All are welcome!
Date: Friday August 31, 2018
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: 717-719 Chelten Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144
To reserve a table contact Rev. Michelle Simmons @ (610)716-1113 or Christina Morton @ (215)317-7320
10 essential books on social justice, as recommended by 5 Philly nonprofit leaders
Generocity asked: If you had the power to get every Philadelphian to read one great book to change their worldview, what would it be and why? Read more »
Visit the Farm
Open daily June 15 – September 27, 2018
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
• Explore the crops and talk to the farmers.
• Take part in FREE programs & workshops.
• Learn how to garden and be an advocate.
• Support community gardeners and become a Friend of the Gardens.

Issue 38, July 2018

Friends Center Tenant Newsletter

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE—of Appreciation
Thank you to everyone at Friends Center for your cooperative spirit and your understanding of the bigger picture for our community. Thank you for tolerating the tunnel project, the electricity demand reduction program, and the removal of the mural. We aim to steward the facility for future generations, while being mindful of the impact on the present generation. On behalf of the staff and board of Friends Center, we appreciate you all very much!
— Chris Mohr, Executive Director
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AROUND FRIENDS CENTER
PHONE SYSTEM REMINDER
The phone system has now been transferred from AFSC to Friends Center. Previously you didn’t need to dial “1” before a number in the (215) or (267) area codes, but now you do.
We are starting the work to switch out digital and analog phones for “IP” phones. We hope to minimize disruption to your
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EQUITY PARTNER NEWS
CENTRAL PHILADELPHIA MONTHLY MEETING OF FRIENDS hosts:
SCHOOLS NOT PRISONS
An Evening of Poetry
Thursday, July 12
7-10 pm
Friends Center
Hosted by Philadelphia’s Poet Laureate, Raquel Salas Rivera
and featuring
Becky Birtha
with Oskar Castro
CPMM is co-hosting, can you help? Volunteers needed.
Thank you to Beth Feldman Brandt, executive director of the Bartol Foundation. She serves as the chair of the city’s Poet Laureate Committee and made the connection to Quakers!
AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE in the news
AFSC’s Amy Gottlieb wrote for the Guardian newspaper:
It is time to abolish Ice. It cannot be reformed
• Read the article
AFSC’s Carly Goodman wrote in the Washington Post:
Angry that ICE is ripping families apart? Don’t just blame Trump. Blame Clinton, Bush and Obama, too.
The militarization of immigration enforcement.
• Read the article
PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING committee event:
The Indian Committee of PYM (Quakers) and The Coalition for Peace Action presents:
“Tatanka vs. The Black Snake”
Held at Historic Arch Street Meeting House
330 Arch St Philadelphia, Pa
Doors Open at 4:30 p.m.
Suggested Donation $10
See the postcards in the lobby.
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TENANT NEWS
CAIR Philadelphia opposes Supreme Court ruling upholding “Muslim ban”
In a press conference at Friends Center, CAIR expressed their opposition to the recent Supreme Court ruling. Coverage included:
• CBS Local
• Metro Philly
• Fox 29
• 6ABC
• KYW-AM
Philly’s new Community Fund for Immigrant Wellness Wishes Everyone a Happy World Refugee Day!
A granting group made up of service providers picked the Scattergood Foundation-facilitated fund’s first-ever grantees.
Generocity, 6/20/18
Philadelphia Reentry Coalition’s first awards ceremony celebrated these thriving returning citizens
Hosted by our tenant, Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity
“The Philadelphians we honored are living proof of what can happen when people have real opportunities, resources and support as they move forward with their lives after incarceration,” writes Coalition Director Aviva Tevah.
Generocity, 6/22/2018
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COMMUNITY ITEMS OUTSIDE FRIENDS CENTER
Check out the Farm in the City
located in Thomas Paine Plaza
https://phsonline.org/programs/farm-for-the-city/
Open daily June 15 – September 29, 2018 at 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
• Explore the crops and talk to the farmers.
• Take part in FREE programs & workshops.
• Learn how to garden and be an advocate.
• Support community gardeners and become a Friend of the Gardens.
T-VOCE at the Annenberg
Teen Voices of the City Ensemble (T-VOCE), under the direction of Emily Sung, performed on May 17 for a full house as part of the Annenberg Center’s annual Children’s Festival. The concert also featured dancers from Esperanza Charter Academy. For the first time, this collaborative venture was offered as a full-year program during 2017-18. Students from across the City of Philadelphia met each Saturday (usually at Friends Center) to explore choral music and spoken word with the aim of discovering and developing their voices, both figuratively and literally. T-VOCE is a collaboration between Art Sanctuary, Opera Philadelphia, Play On, Philly! and one of our tenants, Singing City.