January 25-26 Winter Storm

Update: Our spaces at 15 Rutherford (Fifteenth Street) and 110 Schermerhorn (Brooklyn) are open Tuesday, Jan. 27. Travel safely!

Earlier...

Update: NYC Quaker Spaces, 15 Rutherford and 110 Schermerhorn are closed on Monday, January 26th while we dig out. Stay safe! We expect to open our buildings on 1/27, Tuesday.

From the weekend...

A powerful winter storm reached New York City on Sunday morning, bringing heavy snow and cold temperatures. According to the forecast available Friday afternoon, the heaviest snow is due to fall starting at 8 am Sunday morning and continuing through the evening and into Monday. 

A state of emergency has been declared for New York state and New York City. A hazardous travel advisory is in effect for Sunday and Monday. The MTA (NYC public transit) advises that there may be changes to service and to avoid travel if possible. 

New York Quarterly Meeting office has decided not to send staff to Brooklyn and Fifteenth Street Meetings on Sunday. This means the staff members that open the buildings, serve as a point of contact, and perform custodial tasks will not be present. 

THAT SAID: Meetings can decide to open their meetinghouse and hold meeting for worship with volunteer support. Shovels and salt are available for volunteers at both Fifteenth and Brooklyn Meetings. Entryways will be “brined” (it’s better than just salt or calcium chloride) late on Saturday to help deter icing and ease snow removal. Within a few hours after the snow stops, our contractor will clear walkways but it may take longer given the volume of snow expected across the area. 

As of 2:30 pm Saturday, NYC meetings have made the following determinations about Sunday worship:

• Brooklyn Meeting is planning to meet in person for worship at 9 am and 11 am and for community dinner at 2 pm on Sunday. Volunteers for community dinner are needed. Please read the full announcement and check for updates at brooklynmeeting.org. Zoom information is also available here.
• UPDATE: Fifteenth Street Meeting has cancelled their 9:30 am meeting for worship but WILL be meeting in person at 11:00 am, supported by a crew of volunteers. The full announcement is copied below. Check the Fifteenth Street website for Zoom details.
• Morningside Meeting will be worshiping online, as their host, Riverside Church, will be closed. If you are new to Morningside, or not on their email list, and wish to attend online, please email morningsidequakermeeting@gmail.com to receive the Zoom information.
• Manhattan Meeting will be worshipping online only.
• Flushing Meeting will be worshipping online only.
• Staten Island Meeting is not scheduled to meet for worship this Sunday.

Announcement from Fifteenth Street Meetng's Communications Committee, Jan. 24 at 1:30 pm:

Due to the forecast of 8–12 inches of snow and extreme cold, and following worshipful discernment by 15th Street clerks, officers, and representatives from key committees, the 9:30 a.m. meeting for worship on Sunday, January 25 is canceled.

The 11:00 a.m. meeting will take place, supported by a skeleton crew. Volunteers assisting with opening the building and shoveling will begin arriving around 10:00 a.m. (the front gates may open later). Additional volunteers to help shovel snow are welcome.

There will be no childcare, First Day School, food, or social hour, and no professional tech support on site. A volunteer tech member will support Zoom connectivity if possible; worship will be available on Zoom at the usual link listed on the Meeting website (15thstmeeting.org) regardless. Care of Meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m.

Friends are encouraged to stay safe in the expected weather.