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.