June 30, 2018
Issue 37, June 2018
Friends Center Tenant Newsletter

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE
June at Friends Center is often a time and a place where people celebrate transitions. Every year, we host middle school and upper school graduations for Friends Select School. This year we will also host Delaware Valley Friends School and Grover Cleveland Mastery Charter School. In addition, two weddings are taking place here this June.
This summer, you’ll also see summer campers from PAFA here a couple of days a week in the courtyard, so they have access to a larger outdoor space than Lenfest Plaza.
Finally, you’ll also see a construction project in the courtyard, starting June 18. The tunnel between the Meetinghouse and 1520 Race Street is in dire need of repair. The work will be contained to the play yard and the southwest corner of the courtyard. The contractor will remove brick pavers, demolish part of the tunnel roof, and repour part of the slab. The concrete will require time to cure and dry out before a waterproofing membrane is applied, in early fall. During the curing period, we should be able to temporarily cover the work area to allow access.
Thank you in advance for your patience with the noise and inconvenience the project will cause from time to time.
— Chris Mohr, Executive Director
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AROUND FRIENDS CENTER
Thanks for Participating in Our Spring Cleaning
With your help, we collected three large bins of e-waste for recycling, along with several containers of paper for shredding and recycling.
Economic Democracy Advocates Annual Conference
A convention for a new social contract
June 14-17, 2018 | Friends Center
PHONE SYSTEM UPDATE
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 still have to switch out some digital or analog phones for “IP” phones; stay tuned for dates.
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EQUITY PARTNER NEWS
AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE
AFSC is a national endorser of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. The Campaign’s culminating event will be a mass rally with supporters from around the country at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 23rd, in Washington, DC. We are talking with Pennsylvania Poor People’s Campaign representatives to see if there is enough interest from AFSC, staff of organizations in Friends Center and other individuals from the area in attending this event.
If AFSC is able to provide free transportation to get folks there, and you are interested in attending, please email Laura Boyce and cc Saurav Upadhyay, who is helping with logistics, indicating your interest.
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TENANT NEWS
Art-Reach: On a mission to make Philadelphia the most accessible US city for the arts
Christian Science Monitor, 5/27/2018:
Community Ventures: Participates in demonstration project
Living Building Challenge
PLSE to organize two events for Reentry Awareness Month in June
https://www.philadelphiareentrycoalition.org/reentrymonth
Mike Lee, founder of PLSE: On clearing records, District Attorney’s push for reform extends beyond the Philly office
Billy Penn, 5/24/18
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COMMUNITY ITEMS OUTSIDE FRIENDS CENTER
Reading Coaches
The Managing Director’s Office at the City of Philadelphia is launching 20 Philly Reading Coaches sites, as part of the City’s early childhood literacy initiative. It is a collaborative effort with DHS, Parks and Recreation, The Free Library, and other community stakeholders. They are matching community volunteers one-on-one with K-3 students to read, after school, in a student driven setting. They accept volunteers 13+ and have sites at schools, rec centers, libraries, and PAL Centers all over the city. More info.
2018 Philadelphia’s Disability Pride Day Parade: Celebrate Our Differences
June 16, 2018
More: www.disabilitypridephiladelphia.com

May 9, 2018

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE
There is a lot going on at Friends Center this spring, as you can see below.
We are working on a spring cleaning day for shredding & e-waste later in May, probably May 22. Please let Erick know how many boxes of shredding you might have or how much e-waste you want to recycle, so we can let the vendors know.
As always, thank you for all you to do to contribute to our unique community of organizations striving for a better world!
— Chris Mohr, Executive Director
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AROUND FRIENDS CENTER
PHONE SYSTEM UPDATE
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 still have to switch out some digital or analog phones for “IP” phones; stay tuned for dates.
Also, Friends Center’s main phone number, (215) 241-7000, will soon be changed to (215) 241-7100. We will let everyone know once we have a firm date set for the change.
REMINDER: Tunnel Repair Project
There is a tunnel between the Meetinghouse and 1520 Race Street that will be repaired. Work will start in the second half of June. We will keep you posted with more details when we know them.
Thank you for picking up packages. Please continue!
You’ve all been doing GREAT in securing your packages from the lobby soon after they arrive. Thank you! Keep up the good work.
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PARTNER NEWS
PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING:
2 POP-UP Friends in Fellowship Breakfasts
• Diversity and Inclusion in Government:
May 16, 8:15 AM at Friends Center
With Don Bell, Director of Black Talent Initiative, at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington DC
Don Bell, former president of the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, serves as Director of the Black Talent Initiative in Washington DC.
• KENYA’s response to Climate change:
May 17, at 8:15 AM at Friends Center, Room 21
• With Edward Mungai, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Climate Change Innovation Center, Nairobi
Edward Mungai is the principal NGO leader behind Kenya’s initiative to develop, market, and disseminate clean technologies that address climate change. As CEO of The Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), he runs an innovation hub that provides incubation, capacity building, and financing services to entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in energy, water, and agribusiness. Edward is a 2016 Eisenhower Fellow.
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TENANT NEWS
Blind students get a chance to share the stage with PA Ballet dancers, Billy Penn:
Art-Reach brought together pros with the Overbook School for the Blind for an uplifting tap recital

Blind students get a chance to share the stage with PA Ballet dancers

CAIR: THE LEGACIES OF MALCOLM X
• Thursday, May 10, 2018
7 – 9 PM – Friends Center
• PDF FLYER
• FACEBOOK EVENT
GIRLS INC.: Breakfast Success
Thank you to the 400 people that attended Girls Inc.’s sold-out Strong, Smart, and Bold Breakfast and congratulations to our inspiring honorees! We exceeded our goal and raised over $120,000. Read more.
Friends Child Care Center 40th Anniversary
Did you know Friends Child Care Center started as a parent co-op here at Friends Center? Celebrate with them as they are still going strong 4 decades later! Their 40th Anniversary Auction is Friday, May 18 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Historic Landmark Building (118 North Broad Street). Hors d’oeuvres, entrées and open bar will be available during a festive social night of celebrating teachers and raising funds to support ongoing cultural arts programming at FCCC and its mission. Find full info here.
Send us your news, or tag us in a tweet (@Friends_Ctr), if you’d like to be mentioned!
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OUTSIDE EVENTS
While not happening here at Friends Center, these events may be of interest to our community:
Love Your Park Week
Join us for Love Your Park Week, May 12-20, 2018!
Over 100 parks across Philadelphia will host volunteer cleanups and special events to clean, green, and celebrate Philly’s parks. Sign up to volunteer!
Anna Crusis Women’s Choir presents:
Sing Truth to Power
June 2nd & 3rd, 2018
Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts
William Penn Charter School, 3000 W. Schoolhouse Ln, Phila
For tickets visit www.annacrusis.org
The Friends Conference on Religion and Psychology:
Trauma : The Brain, the Body, and Compassionate Witness
May 25th-28th, 2018
Pendle Hill Wallingford, Pennsylvania
Learn more at: http://fcrp.quaker.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

With the arrival of spring on the calendar, we look forward (eventually) to warmer weather. When it is nice outside, feel free to crack the windows open and let fresh air in! Also, the bistro table and chairs are back on the front porch, wistfully waiting for people to use them. The courtyard is available for your enjoyment, too. A Cooper’s hawk was often to be seen out there recently, but it probably continued its northward migration since then.

Speaking of the courtyard, there will be some disruption there this summer. The tunnel between the Meetinghouse and 1520 Race Street needs to be repaired. Work will start in the second half of June. We will keep you posted with more details when we know them.

— Chris Mohr, Executive Director

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AROUND FRIENDS CENTER

PHONE SYSTEM UPDATE
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 still have to switch out some digital or analog phones for “IP” phones; stay tuned for dates.

Also, Friends Center’s main phone number, (215) 241-7000, will soon be changed to (215) 241-7100. We will let everyone know once we have a firm date set for the change.

CLOSED FOR ELECTRICAL WORK: Sat., Sept. 1
On Saturday, September 1, during Labor Day weekend, Friends Center needs to shut off the power to maintain our electrical switchgear. The Center will therefore be closed that day as well as on Monday, 9/3, Memorial Day.

• Click for full 2018 Holiday Schedule.
  

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PARTNER NEWS

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Book Event!

Friday April 27^th, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
@ Historic Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch St

$10 suggested donation

Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust invites you to enjoy an evening with historian Gary Nash, who will be talking about his new book, Warner Mifflin: Unflinching Quaker Abolitionist. Click for more info.

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TENANT NEWS

Friends Child Care Center, 40^th Anniversary Cocktail Reception & Auction

Friday, May 18^th 2018, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Historic Landmark Building
118 N. Broad St, Philadelphia PA 19102
http://friendschildcare.org/

Singing City Presents: Serene Mystics
Sunday, May 6^th at 3 pm
Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 23 S. 38^th St, Philadelphia PA 19104
Tickets: $25; $35 for preferred seating; $10 for students. A reception follows the concert.
Click for more info.

Send us your news, or tag us in a tweet (@Friends_Ctr), if you’d like to be mentioned!

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OUTSIDE EVENT

While not happening here at Friends Center, this event may be of interest to our community:

Old Pine at 250: Faith and Politics
Sunday, April 22^nd 2018
Old Pine Presbyterian Church
412 Pine St, Philadelphia PA 19106

With Rev. Wilson Goode Sr., former Mayor of Philadelphia, and Ron Sider, professor at Palmer Theological Seminary & founder, Evangelicals for Social Action. A panel discussion on the relations between faith and political processes and the impact these have on social justice issues such as poverty, housing, and employment. Click for more info.

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Friends Center was featured on Green Philly, 2/21/2018:

How can urban spaces connect us to those around us?

Nestled at 1501 Cherry St, the Friends Center is the Quaker Hub for Peace and Justice in Philadelphia. But beyond the use for those of Quaker faith, the sustainable center welcomes many like-minded groups to foster a community group ecosystem.

Read the full article here.

AROUND FRIENDS CENTER

 NET TUESDAY: How Nonprofits Can Manage an Effective Email List
March 6, Rufus Jones Room
Join a community of nonprofit leaders as we learn about managing effective email list from data guru Dan Bradley of Bradley Analytics. This is a bring-your-laptop-to-class style workshop where participants will have the ability to ask targeted questions and get help on their specific issue. Doors open at 6:00 and program begins at 6:30.  Food and drink will be provided.

PHONE SYSTEM UPDATE
The phone system has now been transferred from AFSC to Friends Center. Previously you didn’t always need to dial “1” before a number in the (215) or (267) area codes; now you need to dial “9-1-” first for all.

We still have to switch out some digital or analog phones for “IP” phones; stay tuned for dates.

PARTNER NEWS

Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting of Friends

Loving Friends Fiesta
Sat., March 17, 3:30 – 8:00 pm
You’re invited to this fun event to raise money for CPMM’s Friendly Fund, which supports Philadelphia-area groups that build community: solar, homeless ministries, immigration sanctuary, and returning citizens.

• All-Ages Play Party, 3:30 to 5:30 PM
• Dance Celebration, 5:30 to 7:00 PM
• Silent Auction
• Hearty Finger Food(Potluck)
• $5 and UnderTable
• Learn more

NAACP’s Jacqueline Patterson to Speak at Ujima Friends Peace Center
1701 Lehigh Avenue
Fri., March 2, 9:30-11:30am
Serenity Solar will host Jacqueline Patterson, the NAACP Environment and Climate Justice Program Director. Ujima Friends Peace House is a project of the Fellowship of Friends of African Descent (FOFAD). Several members of CPMM are actively involved in FOFAD and Ujima Friends Peace Center.

• More info

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends hosts Friends in Fellowship, a series of talks at the Historic Arch Street Meeting House, our sibling site at 4^th & Arch Streets in Philadelphia. These fun talks are designed to bring Friends and “friends of Friends” together for fellowship, refreshments, and networking. Events are free and open to the public.

Wissahickon Habitat Repair: Plants & Birds & Rocks & Things
March 1, 7 pm
Research and best practices with restoration ecologist William J. Ryan Ph.D. from the Patrick Center for Environmental Research at Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences.

Trans Cartooning & Op-Ed Cartooning
March 8, 7 pm
Ramona Sharples (“Trans Girl Trans Comic”) and Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Signe Wilkinson will speak on the topic “The Art of Persuasion.”

Separately, PYM also has three job openings. See the full job postings online.

Tenant News

SINGING CITY: Debussy & His Legacy
Saturday, March 17, 7 pm
The Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Featuring works by Debussy, Messiaen, Gershwin, Miles Davis, and the world premiere of Supplice by Benjamin C.S. Boyle. Special guest Laura Ward, pianist, and Gamelan Kusuma Laras, a classical Javanese gamelan orchestra. A Q&A with composer Benjamin C.S. Boyle follows the concert.

• More info

BARTOL FOUNDATION
Feedback that Nurtures: Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process
March 25, noon – 3 pm
How do you give feedback that sparks more creativity?  Register here for this upcoming Bartol workshop.

AFTER SCHOOL ALL STARS
Kelly Woodland from After School All Stars is a founder of the new Philadelphia Black Giving Circle:

• Story in Generocity Philly: The Philadelphia Black Giving Circle launched – Generocity Philly
• Learn more: https://www.phillyblackgiving.org/

Send us your news, or tag us in a tweet (@Friends_Ctr), if you’d like to be mentioned!

OUTSIDE EVENT

While not happening here at Friends Center, this event may be of interest to our community:

Faith in the Public Square & the Challenge of Immigration
Sunday, March 4, Old Pine Presbyterian Church

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Tenant Handbook Now Available Online
Friends Center now has an online Tenant Handbook!

The page links to our guidelines and policies, including community standards, catering guidelines, holiday schedules, key fob policies, and more. It also has links to request forms for room reservations, and for phone/Internet changes.

We did a “soft launch” of the page a few months ago. Now, we’d like to make it more visible—and to get your feedback. Please look at the page and let me know if you have questions or want to suggest additional information to post.

– Chris Mohr, Executive Director

STAFFING UPDATES

We are happy to announce Teneshia Washington is our new substitute evening/weekend desk clerk. You may know from her other roles with Prisoner Visitation & Support and Physicians for Social Responsibility – Philadelphia Chapter. Please introduce yourself if you don’t already know her!

Receptionist Jennifer Williams welcomed her new child, Josiah, in late December. Mother and baby are doing well. Please join me in wishing Jennifer, husband Stefan, and their family all the best.

AROUND FRIENDS CENTER

In case you missed it last month, New Century Trust joined us as a tenant in the 1520 Race Street building in January. They work to end political and economic inequalities facing women and girls in Greater Philadelphia. They were founded in 1882; one of their co-founders was a Quaker.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace’s Pennyslvania office moved out at the end of 2017. Their local field organizer is not far away, though; she now works with the local chapter of the ACLU!

PHONE SYSTEM UPDATE

As mentioned in an email to all tenants, the phone system is being transferred from AFSC to Friends Center. We will be working with the service provider, Watson Communications, to make the transition as seamless as possible. Costs and services will remain the same for the moment. We will have to switch out some digital or analog phones for “IP” phones, but that is a fairly quick process.

PARTNER NEWS

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends hosts Friends in Fellowship, a series of evening talks at the Historic Arch Street Meeting House, our sibling site at 4^th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia.

These fun talks are designed to bring Friends & “friends of Friends” together for fellowship, refreshments, and networking. Events are free & open to the public.

• More info and full schedule: www.pym.org/fellowship

Event 1/25, 7 pm:  “Teaching to the Heart, Teaching to the Mind”

• Sydney Coffin, English teacher at Edison-Fareira HS in North Philadelphia and a Yale National Initiative Fellow: methods for fostering students’ creative expression through poetry and art.
• Chris Bond, social studies teacher at West Windsor-Plainsboro North HS: impact of research in neuroscience on the importance of learning standards that involve social and emotional aspects of students.

American Friends Service Committee brownbag presentation:
“Tools for a new movement: Economic Activism”
Friday, Jan. 26, 12:30-1:30 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Room

Join AFSC’s Dalit Baum for a presentation entitled “Tools for a new movement: Economic Activism.” See the emails and the flyer in the lobby.

TENANT NEWS

Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) founder Mike Lee leaves to join DA’s office; Zane Johnson named managing attorney
» Philadelphia Magazine
» PLSE Press Release
 
Art-Reach organizes MLK Day art project for students from Overbrook School for the Blind
» Read more

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Next Monday: YEAR-END CELEBRATION FOR YOU,
OUR BUILDING RESIDENTS!

You’re invited to join us on Monday, 12/18, 1-2 pm in the front lobby for some light refreshments and networking. We want to thank you for being part of the Friends Center community and wish you the best for the holidays and a happy new year.

Thanks for joining us on the Green Building Tour

Erick and I enjoyed the opportunity to show off our LEED Platinum certified green building to several tenants recently. We even saw some mushrooms on the green roof! We’ll schedule another tour some time in 2018. Stay tuned.

STAFFING CHANGES

Jennifer Williams, our extraordinary receptionist, is expecting a baby soon, of course. Her last day before leave will be this Friday, 12/15. Please join me in wishing Jennifer, husband Stefan, and their children all the best for their growing family!

We have hired Judy Pluciennik to help as an interim desk clerk. You may know from her previous roles with American Friends Service Committee and, before that, with Friends Center. Please welcome her back if you already know her, or introduce yourself if you don’t.

Finally, I’m both sad (for us) and happy (for her) to announce that Nadia Beliveau will be leaving us after this month. She will be moving to a new home and job in upstate New York. We thank her for her service and wish her all the best!

SEEKING EVENING/WEEKEND DESK CLERK

Given the changes noted, we are seeking another evening/weekend desk clerk.

• Click for job description.
• If you know someone who might be interested, please have them email me. No phone calls, please.

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURES

• Christmas: Friday 12/22, Saturday 12/23, closed EARLY after Quaker meeting, 12/24; Monday 12/25
• New Year’s Day: Monday 1/1
• MLK Day: Monday, 1/15

There is also a change for 2018:

• We will be OPEN on Saturday, June 16.

• On Saturday, May 26, Memorial Day weekend, we will be OPEN but the air conditioning in 1501/1515 Cherry Street will be OFF for maintenance. We hope it won’t be too hot.
• Click for the full 2018 Holiday Schedule as revised.

AROUND FRIENDS CENTER

Welcome, New Century Trust!
In early January, New Century Trust will join us as a tenant in the 1520 Race Street building. New Century Trust works to end the political and economic inequalities facing women and girls in Greater Philadelphia. They conduct research, convene partners, provide grants, and advocate for systemic change. They were founded in 1882, and one of their co-founders was a Quaker.

Thank you for picking up packages promptly.
Please continue!
You’ve all been doing GREAT in securing your packages from the lobby soon after they arrive. Thank you! Please keep it up as the volume of packages grows before the holidays.

TENANT NEWS

CAIR says “U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision on Trump’s Muslim Ban Ignores Impact on Citizens and Their Families Abroad”: Press release.

Singing City: Holiday concert, Dec. 17

Girls Inc.: K’Nex donates to Girls Inc.’s STEM Gems, company CEO visits

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

GREEN BUILDING TOURS

As mentioned last month, we will conduct at least two green building tours for you, our tenants. You’re also welcome to bring a friend or family member.

To come along, just meet Erick and me in the front lobby at these times:

• Monday, Nov. 27, 2 pm
• Tuesday, Nov. 28, Noon

Tours take about half an hour. If there’s enough demand for a third date, we’ll try to find another one in the near future.

– Chris Mohr, Executive Director

AROUND FRIENDS CENTER

 2017 Holiday Closures

Please note these year-end holiday closures:

• Wed. 11/22: Close early at 6 pm
• Thurs 11/23 & Fri. 11/24: Closed
• Fri 12/23 & Sat. 12/24: Closed
• Sun. 12/25: Closed after Meeting for Worship
• Mon. 12/26: Closed

2018 Holiday Closures

Please download and save the full list of 2018 holiday closures from our website.

EVENTS

Friends Child Care Center Bake Sale
Bring your appetite and your dollar bills for affordable snacks and drinks! In the lobby, Nov. 13-17.

“Diplomacy, Not War, with Iran and North Korea”
Nov. 15, 7-9 pm, Rufus Jones Room
Presented by Coalition for Peace Action and the United Nations Assoc. of Greater Philadelphia
Panelists Joseph Gerson, Medea Benjamin, Mary Day Kent, and Rev. Bob Moore address these two urgent international situations. More info.

TENANT NEWS

WHYY Interviews PHAN Director about ACA Open Enrollment, 10/30/17
“ACA open enrollment…well… opened Wednesday 11/1.  We get details from Pennsylvania Health Action Network Executive Director Antointette Kraus.”  (The segment with Antoinette starts around 3:45 or so in this episode of NewsWorks.)

“It’s time for a leader like her”
AFSC’s new General Secretary Joyce Ajlouny was featured in a Philadelphia Inquirer article on 11/5/17:
Read more.

Billy Penn makes Friends Center post their “Instagram of the Day”!
Shoutout for the fall foliage in the courtyard.

If you follow Friends Center on social media and want us to follow you back, just send us a direct message via your account, or mention it to Jennifer Williams at the front desk. She will make sure it happens!

-Twitter: @FriendsCtr

-Facebook: www.facebook.com/FriendsCenterPHL

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friends_center/