News From the Director: Springtime… Mostly
Today you’re invited to our Pop Up Lemonade Garden out front! We’ll have light refreshments and the aforementioned lemonade to celebrate the arrival of spring… or maybe that’s summer… With climate chaos, it’s hard to tell. You can also enjoy the return of our bistro table and chairs on the Meetinghouse porch.
Please take a moment to admire our newly planted native shade garden out front, as well as the new native plants in the courtyard. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Roots to Re-Entry crew did the work last Thursday and Friday, so not only did we gain native plants, we supported this important program that enables returning citizens to get training for landscaping and horticultural jobs as they transition back into society.
The large fluctuations in temperature are tough on the system, in particular, in the 1501 Cherry Street building, you may notice it’s a bit warm one day and a bit cool the next. While we are very proud of our geothermal heating and cooling system, the changes are tough on the equipment. Rest assured, we monitor the system closely and adjust the controls as best we can based on existing conditions.
Remember also, you are welcome to open the windows to let in fresh air! We just ask that you close them again at the end of the day to prevent intrusion of water, bugs, or people.
– Chris Mohr, Executive Director
Around Friends Center
New! ONLINE TENANT HANDBOOK
You can now refer to Friends Center’s policies and guidelines—such as for key fobs or catering—as well as our forms—such as to add or subtract phone or Internet users—on our new Tenant Handbook web page: https://www.friendscentercorp.org/?page_id=3741
COFFEE SOCIAL AT TABLEAU MAY 15TH
Our neighbors at Tableau, PAFA’s full-service café have invited us to a coffee social on Monday, May 15th from 2-3pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your Friends Center and Cherry Street neighbors.
ON THE TABLE PHILLY
Presented by The Philadelphia Foundation and the Knight Foundation, On the Table Philly is a forum designed to engage Greater Philadelphia area residents in an open dialogue, foster new relationships, and inspire solutions to strengthen communities. On May 23rd, Philadelphia residents across the region will gather in small groups to share a meal and discuss the opportunities and issues we face in our region. If you are interested in hosting one of these gatherings, Friends Center is prepared to donate the space credit-free, please contact Courtney. To learn more about the event, click here.
YANG STYLE TAI CHI
Just a reminder that our free Tai Chi is now running. Classes are Mondays from noon to 12:50pm in Room 136. All are welcome.
In the News
AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL SECRETARY
Read about Joyce Ajlouny, American Friends Service Committee’s next General Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA LAWYERS FOR SOCIAL EQUITY, PENNSYLVANIA BAR FOUNDATION AWARD
On May 10th, Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) will receive the 2017 Louis J. Goffman Award, from the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation. The award recognizes individuals and organizations committed to outstanding pro bono service. Read more here.
Physicians for Social Responsibility: Workshop on the Health Impacts of Air Quality
On Communities in the Vicinity of Philadelphia’s Refineries
Friday June 16, 2017
Physicians for Social Responsibility, along with Philly Thrive, is presenting a public health workshop about air pollution. This free event is being held JUNE 16th. For more information visit here.
Featuring the community perspectives and the research of
Dr. Tyra Bryant-Stephens and Dr. Peter DeCarlo
South Philadelphia Health and Literacy Center 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
1700 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145-2392
Emergency Evacuation Trainings
Friends Center conducts quarterly emergency evacuation trainings. These trainings are open to everyone; especially those new to Friends Center. The next trainings are scheduled for 10am July 11th, and October 10th. If you have any questions, please contact Erick.
REMINDER: Smoke-Free Facility
We thank you for not smoking on our campus, including any outdoor brick areas inside the gates and fences.
Mid-Week “Refreshment” & Wellness Opportunities
INFORMAL, QUAKER-STYLE BIBLE STUDY
All are welcome at this small group to explore scriptural themes in a progressive framework that is relevant to our times. Monthly Meeting Room, Meetinghouse Wednesdays, Noon-12:30pm
FIND QUIET IN QUAKER MEETING
You are invited to sample of half hour of expectant, “waiting” worship in the manner of Friends. These is no set program or agenda. It may be silent, or not, if people feel led to speak out of the silence. Monthly Meeting Room, Meetinghouse, Wednesdays, 12:30-1:00pm
YANG STYLE TAI CHI
Relaxation and mindfulness are at the heart of Tai Chi practice, which can be conceived of as a form of mediation in motion. All are welcome. Room 136, Mondays, 12:00-12:50pm; Drop-in practice, Room 136 Wednesdays 12:15-12:45pm
INSIGHT MEDITATION
Meditation helps us on many levels, from simple relaxation to freedom from suffering and full liberation of heart and mind. You are invited to participate in guided meditation in the Vipassana (insight) tradition. Monthly Meeting Room, Thursdays 12:15-12:45pm