STAY CONNECTED MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR We hope this finds you all well and happy in His Love. It has been a very busy two months at Meher Archive Collective (MAC) with several exciting developments. MAC has recently expanded its Board and we are delighted to announce three new board members—Ron Kantor, Marie Principe, and Rabia Vaughns, each of whom brings valuable experience and perspective, along with a passion for both Baba and this project. I am also happy to announce two other additions to the MAC team: Kristen Brynes has joined us as the Archive Manager and will be a great asset as we craft our archiving structure to address both short- and long-term needs, and prepare for larger scale operations in the new building. Heather Masciandaro will soon be joining us as Administrative Coordinator, and brings a wealth of experience to assist the Board and the larger functioning of the MAC organization. The Board has also undertaken work on strategic planning and governance, with new committees addressing these important areas. We are looking forward to our upcoming Annual General Meeting in September (more info below) and hope that you can join us to hear in more detail what MAC has done over the past year, and our plans for the future. In His Embrace, Scott Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org / 828.290.6972 UPCOMING MAC Annual General Meeting We warmly invite you to attend our 2021 Annual General Meeting to be held virtually on Sunday, September 26, 4:00-5:30 P.M. EDT during which we will introduce our three newest board members, report on MAC’s current financial status and present our building construction accomplishments of Phase 1. In addition, we will share exciting updates on our archiving activities and our plans for the coming year. BOARD NEWS |
Ron Kantor I love the notion that a group of Baba Lovers are collaborating to construct a memorial, archive and a Center for the Asheville community and the world. Posterity demands that we attempt to preserve and make available Baba materials that are scattered across the Baba World. I'm proud to be added to the Board and look forward to bringing my worldly experience and love of Baba to the work before us. Ron.Kantor@meherarchive.org |
Marie Principe I am delighted to join the MAC Board and support efforts to preserve Baba treasures for generations to come. In addition to promoting the accessibility and preservation of Baba items, I bring a background in supporting good governance, transparency, accountability and financial sustainability within organizations. I have grown up in a Baba family, and I admire those who see themselves as stewards of a shared legacy, of which MAC is an integral part. Marie.Principe@meherarchive.org |
Rabia Vaughns It is incredible to witness the hard work, dedication and love of so many that is making MAC and the Meher New Life Center a reality. It is an honor to lend my support to the mission of MAC as we work together to preserve the sacred writings, stories and materials related to Meher Baba. I know how much these things have meant to me and I can only imagine how precious they will be to the generations of Baba lovers who will come. I really can't think of anything more awesome and exciting than this work! Rabia.Vaughns@meherarchive.org |
NEW TO THE TEAM
MAC's New Archive Manager Kristen Byrnes I graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with a Master’s in Library and Information Science, with a speciality in archives and academic libraries. Prior to that, I received my undergraduate degree in History. I am passionate about archiving, and am deeply excited to be involved with MAC. I look forward to working with the archival team and its volunteers to help preserve and share the legacy of Meher Baba. Kristen.Byrnes@meherarchive.org |
MAC’s New Administrative Coordinator Heather Masciandaro I am excited to step into the Administrative Coordinator position and am thrilled to be part of the evolution of MAC. I look forward to working with the Board, and supporting the flow and organization of MAC’s activities. I come from a Baba family and have a background in art and arts administration. I most recently held the position of Administrator for the Egyptian Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for 11 years. Heather.Masciandaro@meherarchive.org |
MEHER ARCHIVE COLLECTIVE building
Recent Building Construction Progress
We are in the position to continue or start work on several additional construction items of Phase 1:
- The old flooring in both bathrooms is being removed and then rebuilt.
- Begin work on the plumbing infrastructure.
- Finish plastering, sanding, and skim coating 2nd floor interior walls; preparing for priming and painting.
- Continue installation of electrical infrastructure.
- Complete the HVAC infrastructure.
- Schedule a partial inspection for the electrical which should allow us to begin installing insulation and hanging sheetrock.
This is an exciting time as we enter the final leg of Phase 1 and begin to see the finishing touches being done to the 2nd floor. A lot of visitors who haven’t been to the site for a while are surprised and delighted to see how much work has been accomplished since their previous visit. This is encouraging for all of us who are laboring to bring this project to completion so we can further fulfill MAC’s mission. Please feel free to contact me for a tour. All this continues to be possible with the support of donations large and small, along with thousands of hours of volunteer labor. If you would like to contribute to MAC’s mission please click on this link https://www.meherarchive.org/donations.html
In His Sweet Embrace,
Ken, VP and Project Manager
Ken.Blackman@meherarchive.org
MAC Teams
ARCHIVE COMMITTEE
New Archive Collection
Darwin was a prolific note taker and the collection includes his hand-written notes which eventually became talks about Baba as well as notes for Darwin's books. Jeanne Shaw received treasured letters from Baba's Beloved Mehera, and His sister, Mani, in which the familial warmth of Baba's love comes shining through. Telegrams, photographs and other audio-visual materials are included, as well as original press clippings dating back decades. What a treasure! We are all so grateful to the Shaw Family for their thoughtfulness and care in preserving and sharing this extraordinary legacy.
SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE
VLOG: ALL MY LOVE TO YOU AND YOURS — M.S. Irani
In this video, viewers will see two letters written by Quentin Tod to Darwin from Portofino where Baba was staying in the summer of 1933. Baba wanted to reply to Darwin's earlier letter to Him, so He had Quentin acknowledge Baba's happiness in the letter. These unpublished letters share details about Baba's stay in Portofino including the news about Baba preparing to break His silence.
The most remarkable feature of these two letters is that Beloved Baba signed them! Darwin had not even met Baba in person yet, but the charming flavor of Quentin's tone shows us all how Baba's divine love was flowing out in abundance to His early Western disciples. In the VLOG, white-gloved archivist Elaine Cox works on these rare letters and the viewers hear portions of the letters read aloud. Baba sent His love to Darwin, "All my love to you and yours."
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Searching for a New Member
We are looking for an energetic, creative-thinking and fun-loving person to help plan social events and activities for the future Meher Archive Collective Building. If being part of this vibrant committee, which has many ideas for future plans, excites you please call Winnie Barrett at 828-450-4433 or email her at winkiebai@gmail.com Are you interested in other Volunteer Opportunities with MAC? Please click this link to fill out an application. Volunteer Application. Thank you for your interest in helping! |
LIBRARY TEAM
The Meher New Life Library
MAC has recently received a large collection of books and other valuable Baba material from Don and Margaret Eucker. While much of this material will end up in the Archive, we anticipate that many of the books will be made available through the New Life Library. More news will follow as we process this exciting material. In the meantime, remember that you can check out Baba-related books from the existing library by contacting Debby Blackman at (828) 505-0334. |
Successful June Fundraiser
Special thanks to our volunteers: Elaine, Renee, Winnie, Paula Pam, Sandy, Teri, Sheila, Heather, Elle, Irma, Tracey, Jane, Lisa, Michael, Phil, Jean, Alisa, Jim T and Jim M, and the two Susans. Applause to Steve for lending us his tents. And more applause to Chris and Ahmed for picking up the unsold items and taking them to the Salvation Army. Sorry for leaving out others, but you know who you are—so thank you! It was lots of work and lots of fun and a money maker for MAC—a triple winner!
Board Contacts: Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org; Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org; Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org; Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org; Ken.Blackman@meherarchive.org; Marie.Principe@meherarchive.org; Rabia.Vaughns@meherarchive.org; Renee.Bussanich@meherarhive.org; Ron.Kantor@meherarchive.org; Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
To collect, preserve, and share Meher Baba’s Divine legacy of materials, artifacts, and words with integrity, love and transparency for the benefit of humanity.
Please consider donating https://www.meherarchive.org/donations.html
Baba holding one of the pet birds in the doorway of the women’s ashram kitchen on the Hill at Meherabad. Circa 1935-37
https://www.meherarchive.org/jean-adriel.html
Message from the Chair
All those hours we have all spent connecting via Zoom with others around the world have served to remind us of the ways we are all connected regardless of physical location.
A large part of Meher Archive Collective’s (MAC’s) mission is to share, both in person and digitally, the material that is entrusted to us. While we eagerly anticipate spreading Baba’s legacy through digital sharing of growing collections, we are also looking forward to seeing many of you at in-person Baba gatherings as this becomes more possible.
Our work preparing the building for MAC to move in continues, with steady progress along with the challenges of disrupted supplies and increasing costs of building materials. (More details below.)
We are grateful for the growing interest and trust from those who are donating their Baba materials to MAC, including Don and Margaret Eucker, whose extensive collection will be arriving soon, and to Shari Keller, who is facilitating the donation of the Darwin Shaw family collection.
With heartfelt thanks to all who are helping bring the vision of MAC to fruition through their ongoing support and participation!
In His Embrace,
Scott
Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org / 828.290.6972
Successful Women to Women Storytelling Festival and Fundraiser
Through the generosity of attendees and presenters we raised $2730 toward the furnishings for Baba's Reflection Room at the Meher New Life Center.
We wish to express our thanks and appreciation to the storytellers, readers, and musicians: Louise Barrie, Shireen Bonner, Annette Boss, Vesta Clinton, Elaine Cox, Dale Draeger, Jenny Keating, Ilene Kreshka, Cathy Riley, Pam Rubenstein, Meredith Flynn, Jana Weed, Deborah Ash, Gay Dunn, and Mani Irani.
To all women and men in our Baba family: this project to collect stories of the women mandali continues. To those of you who had the good fortune to meet the women mandali, you have a story to tell. We want to hear your story! Consider that in two generations these stories could be lost unless we write them down.
Contact: Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
UPCOMING
GIANT RUMMAGE SALE to benefit MAC
MAC Teams
The Meher New Life Center Library Team
The Library Committee has written collection and donation policies to make operations run more smoothly. In order to have the library ready to move into the Meher New Life Center building, the books are being processed and titles entered into an online catalog.
WHAT’S NEW
A Brief Report on Meher Archive Collective Building Upgrades
Connor next to the main electrical panel in the basement. | Jamie and Connor apprenticing with Peter Nordeen. |
- Upgraded electrical service and new panels have been installed.
- Mechanical infrastructure is now complete and we’re awaiting inspection.
- The infrastructure for lighting on the second floor is complete and the fire alarm wiring is nearing completion.
- A welder has brought stairwell railings up to code (in the original construction these were sized for school children). Peter Nordeen has undertaken a great deal of plastering work, while training young assistants in this skill. Ceilings and walls have been grinded to remove old paint and make surfaces smooth for finishing. Preparation for acoustical soundproofing is in process for those rooms that need it.
In His Sweet Embrace,
Ken, VP and Project Manager
Ken.Blackman@meherarchive.org
VOLUNTEER CORNER
Our monthly Volunteer Days have been very successful so far. We have had several volunteer days take place at the MAC building. They have been productive and fun. The events provide an opportunity to perform service as well as socialize with fellow Baba lovers which we have all been missing!
There is much to do at the building site for anyone who wants to help out with assisting the construction crew and their marvelous work. We will continue to have these monthly volunteer days going forward and hope to build on our momentum!
In June, in lieu of our Saturday Volunteer Day, we will be holding a GIANT Rummage Sale- June 12th & 13th at Elaine Cox’s home located at 37 Mountain Terrace in West Asheville. If you can spare anytime to help out beginning June 9th for set up please contact: Paula Pam Wainright at paulapamw1@gmail.com.
For those of you who have an interest in joining the volunteer community please visit our website to fill out an application at https://www.meherarchive.org/volunteer-application.html. When you submit an application, we will add you to a Volunteer email list where information, jobs and announcements will be posted as the work with MAC and the MNLC continues to unfold.
I feel confident Baba will guide the unfolding of what will become a strong and vibrant Center for both education and community here in Asheville.
Jai Meher Baba,
Alisa and the Volunteer Team
Message from the Chair
We also have received a wonderful offer from Pam Greenwald for the design and installation of a rose garden, in honor of Mehera’s love for roses. This will happen after renovations and grading are completed, and we look forward to this reminder of Baba’s fragrance at Meher Archive Collective.
In addition to ongoing archival work, we continue our focus of getting MAC moved into and established in the building. This work is progressing, with more details below. We are heartened by the growing community of enthusiastic volunteers who are contributing from their hearts in a variety of ways, including expanding our social media presence. We are excited as well about the upcoming second Women to Women storytelling festival on April 10th, (see details below).
We look forward to seeing more of you as travel restrictions (we hope) lift and we move toward warmer weather.
In His Embrace,
Scott
Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org / 828.290.6972
Women to Women Storytelling Festival and Fundraiser
Saturday, April 10th 2021
11:00 A.M — 1:00 P.M. (EDT) Zoom Webinar (English)
Reception “on the Porch” will follow
These storytellers will touch your heart. They are those who knew mandali members as children: Shireen Bonner, Ilene Kreshka and Jenny LePage Keating, and those who knew the women mandali as adults: Louise Barrie, Annette Boss, Vesta Clinton, Elaine Cox, Dale Draeger, Cathy Riley, Pam Rubenstein and Karen Talbot. Music by: Deborah Ash, Gay Dunn, Mani Irani, and Pam Rubenstein.
Tickets are $20 per person with an option to purchase a scholarship for someone at $15. Please 'add-up' when ordering your ticket. ($35. purchase = 1 ticket and 1 scholarship) Confidential scholarships are available – contact Tracey.Lilley@meherarchive.org Ticket Purchase closed one-hour before Festival (10:00am EDT on April 10th) |
MAC Teams
FUND DEVELOPMENT TEAM: Shop AmazonSmile and Earn Donations for MAC MAC is registered with AmazonSmile; a program where Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charities selected by customers. As a shopper you pay nothing extra. If you are an Amazon shopper, please consider using this direct link to MAC’s very own charity link to make your purchases. Our unique charity link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/81-4362958 |
NEW TO THE TEAM New Volunteer Heather Miljour: Administrative Assistant. I have been a paralegal for over 15 years and am very familiar with the ins and outs of office work so I am happy that I can contribute these skills to MAC. I also like getting my hands dirty and have participated in hours of “clean up” at the school. Sometimes these physical tasks are better since I don’t have to think too much—it’s like a meditation! I’m originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and moved to Asheville about 15 years ago via Chicago. My down time is shared with my beloved yorkie/mini schnauzer, Buster. I’m a third generation Baba Lover and honored to contribute even the smallest bit to this incredible MAC project. Heather.Miljour@meherarchive.org |
UPCOMING Save your 'stuff'! Please put aside your gently used items when spring cleaning because MAC is planning a rummage sale sometime in the future. No date yet because of Covid restrictions. Your donations for MAC will be greatly appreciated! (Please store them at your home at this time.) It would be helpful to put a price on your items too—if you can. More details to follow. Contact Jean: Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org |
Meher Archive Collective Building -- Report
As you stroll through the MAC building today you will begin to get a feel for what the spaces are going to be like when finished. We are at a stage in the reconstruction process where it is visibly clear just how close we are to completing many of the elements that will bring our Center to life.
The infrastructure for the electrical, heating and cooling, fire alarm system, ethernet and lighting are mostly in place. The walls and ceilings are being prepared to receive acoustical materials, insulation and sheetrock. The fire rated doors are finished and on site. The new windows are constructed and awaiting installation (as the weather allows us to finish the north stairwell). The lighting fixtures have arrived, and we are in the process of running the electrical wiring to accommodate them. A tremendous amount of work is being done by volunteers in all these endeavours, saving us a significant amount of money.
Recently, I was moved to spend some time in each room and talked to Baba about His plans for each space. I began in the central room, the silent, contemplative space, which will provide us all the opportunity to embrace His presence. For me personally this is where everything emanates from: the silent inner connection with Baba. I walked across the hall to the Archival Work Area, where volunteers will have a beautiful space within which to receive and process the sacred items to be preserved and shared with the world. Our two fireproof, waterproof and climate-controlled archival storage rooms have a great feel to them, and will safeguard the precious materials to be housed there for the next 700 years.
Next I entered the library where we will be invited to explore the many books, magazines, videos and documents available to us. Down the hall, I stood in the beautiful reading room with it’s pan ceiling which I find so inviting and providing a cozy spot for reading, meetings, and small musical gatherings. I moved on to the adjacent larger meeting room with its unique shape and orientation to the open sky. It has a sense of cheerful welcome for future visitors. Lastly, is the break room and adjacent volunteer space where chai and snacks will nourish our spirits.
I invite you all to envision yourselves in this remarkable space as it opens itself, with His grace and love, to nourish and further deepen our connection with Him. I’m now remembering the song which for me so aptly applies:
Welcome to My World, won’t you come on in?
Miracles I guess, just happen now and then.
Step into my world and leave your cares behind.
Welcome to my world —built with you in Mind
In His sweet Embrace
Jai Baba,
Ken ( for the MAC team )
Ken.Blackman@meherarchive.org
April's News On a recent Saturday in March, many willing volunteers showed up at the MAC building to help for several hours with lots of projects. With all hearts, minds and hands working together we accomplished a lot and had fun too! This is the beginning of many more Volunteer Days to come. In the spirit of our united love for Baba and MAC, we will support the unfolding of His Will for the Meher Archive Collective building.
We hope to build a strong community of volunteers and foster a sense of service to our Beloved. We are beginning by building a volunteer base from within our local community, and then we are planning to attract volunteers from the worldwide Baba community, and finally we will be reaching out to the non-Baba community. We will move step-by-step as our needs grow.
Below are available service opportunities. Please share with others you know who may have skills or an interest to match these positions. A willing heart and some useful skills are valued and appreciated.
Jai Meher Baba,
Alisa and the Volunteer Team
Administrative Support — 2-6 hours/week — Katherine.Dadachanji@meherarchive.org
Archive Support — Collections inventory; scanning; re-housing; leadership role — Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Board Members — leadership experience; 5-10 hrs/mos; can be remote — Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Committee Chair, Fund Development — 5-7 hrs/mos; can be remote — Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Custodian(s) — MNLC building; 3-8 hrs/wk; can job share — Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Data Entry & Admin for Donors —1-2 hrs/week; can be remote — Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Fundraising team — two positions as needed; can be remote — Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Grant Writer — as needed basis; can be remote — Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org
Landscaper(s) — MNLC building; 1-2 hours/week; light duty — Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Public Relations — 3-5 hours/month; can be remote — Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org
Treasurer — prior experience; 4-6 hrs/mos; can be remote — Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Video Editors — as needed/as available; can be remote — Debbie.Nordeen@meherarchive.org
Window Cleaner(s) Interior — 3-5 days quarterly; flexible schedule — Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Message from the Chair
2021 – The View Ahead
Our primary goal is completing renovations and moving MAC fully into the Meher Archive Collective building, where our archiving capacity will grow, allowing us to receive and process an increased number of individual items as well as larger collections.
Having created a solid foundation for our organizational structure, we are also seeking to expand the Board of Directors with enthusiastic new members. We are looking forward to building community through a collective remembrance of Baba and assisting in the preservation of Meher Baba’s legacy by helping people create a plan for their Baba Treasures, with clear instructions for family members, and a designation of an archival destination of their choice.
If you’d like to join MAC in carrying our vision forward, please reach out to me: scott.tower@meherarchive.org
In His Love,
Scott
Help MAC carry our vision forward.
We are looking for Volunteers
Archive Support — Collections inventory; scanning; re-housing; leadership role -- Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Board Members — leadership experience; 5-10 hrs/mos; can be remote — Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Committee Chair, Fund Development — 5-7 hrs/mos; can be remote — Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Custodian(s) — MNLC building; 3-8 hrs/wk; can job share -- Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Data Entry & Admin for Donors —1-2 hrs/week; can be remote -- Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Fundraising team — two positions as needed; can be remote -- Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Grant Writer — as needed basis; can be remote — Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org
Landscaper(s) — MNLC building; 1-2 hours/week; light duty -- Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Public Relations — 3-5 hours/month; can be remote — Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org
Treasurer – prior experience; 4-6 hrs/mos; can be remote – contact: Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Video Editors – as needed/as available; can be remote – contact: Debbie.Nordeen@meherarchive.org
Window Cleaner(s) Interior — 3-5 days quarterly; flexible schedule -- Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Women to Women Storytelling Festival and Fundraiser
S A V E T H E D A T E
Saturday, April 10th, 2021 — 11 A.M. EST
Zoom Webinar
If you are a woman who has been impacted by meeting the women mandali consider sharing your story with me: Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Watch for details the 1st week of March via email and website.
MAC Teams
VLOG and videos
The MAC Special Projects team had lots of fun creating the video, "PHASE 1: CONSTRUCTING THE VISION." Because of the wonderful response to this tour video, we'll be creating vlogs at least once a month. These vlogs, which will be posted on the MAC website video page and Youtube, will feature renovation progress at the Meher New Life Center building, as well as bring our viewers little news nuggets and gems about other happenings in, about, and because of Meher Archive Collective. Ideas for short videos are welcomed and volunteers are needed who'd like to be on a contact list to do video editing on an 'as needed' and 'as available' basis.
Please contact Debbie for more information. Debbie.Nordeen@meherarchive.org.
This video of Meher Baba's "Beloved God Prayer" was recently presented during the 52nd Amartithi Virtual Program (hosted by the Avatar Meher Baba Trust.) Originally performed and audio recorded a few years ago by the Asheville Music Sahavas Choir, the audio track was used to create a virtual choir video for Amartithi. Add it to your playlist for daily inspiration!
Social Media Presence
The use of Social Media in today's world remains a powerful tool in creating community, connecting people, and championing important work. Hundreds and thousands can be reached with a single click.
Did you know that MAC has a FaceBook page with nearly 800 followers? We hope that includes you! But, if you haven't yet joined the Meher Archive Collective page, we invite you to and welcome your participation.
We have a volunteer who is focused on expanding MAC's social media presence through regular posts. You'll find Meher Baba quotes, Archival links, Videos, Building news and more. It's a great way to stay current and be inspired by MAC's mission and it's energetic Baba community.
We invite you to watch your Newsfeeds and promote MAC's page through your "likes," "comments" or "shares" whenever possible. MAC Facebook
Evie shares why she’s passionate about these stories
“Gathering Women’s Stories Connected with the Women Mandali”
One of the things I learned in my pilgrimages to India, and in many intense conversations with the mandali, especially Arnavaz, was to listen to Baba’s voice in my heart. As I listen to that voice now, I know with certainty that what happens in future generations of Baba lovers matters.
If you are a woman who has been impacted by meeting the women mandali from the East or the West please consider participating in our project: “Gathering Women’s Stories Connected with Women Mandali.”
We welcome stories from around the world.
We are developing an archive, sharing stories at a virtual event, and/or publishing a book of these stories.
Please connect with me if you have an encounter to share about the women mandali. We are committed to preserving and sharing items related to Baba’s advent for future generations who will not have met the women mandali. Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
New Volunteers
UPCOMING
Save your 'stuff'!
Please put aside your gently used items when spring cleaning because MAC is planning a rummage sale sometime in the future. No date yet because of Covid restrictions. Your donations for MAC will be greatly appreciated! (Please store them at your home at this time.) It would be helpful to put a price on your items too—if you can. More details to follow. Contact Jean: Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org |
January’s News
Our Volunteer Services team is preparing a strong foundation for the volunteer program which will be a vital part of MAC and the MAC building. Already, over 8,000 volunteer hours have been given in the work of the Board, the committees and the crew restoring the Red Oak School. Volunteers have been addressing the future needs of the archives for Meher Baba’s work and creating a program for the community focused on the women Mandali. A volunteer tab will soon be available on the Meherarchive.org website. There, one can find information about volunteering, including volunteer applications, current volunteer needs and videos showing the work on the building. We invite all interested in volunteering to check the website and to feel the vitality growing in this center for Meher Baba.
Current volunteer needs are in:
- restoration of the building
- scraping paint and painting
- fund development
- videography
- window washing
- custodial help
Contact the Volunteer team at: Volunteers@meherarchive.org or visit Volunteer Here
Meher Archive Collective (MAC) Newsletter
— December 2020
It has been a full and exciting two months at Meher Archive Collective. We received very positive feedback from our AGM in September. If you did not attend and would like a great overview of MAC and its trajectory, you can find a video here.
I am very happy to announce that with the help from many donors, we were able to meet the $50,000 Matching Challenge that ended Nov 30th. The $100,000 raised is an important step toward moving MAC into the MAC building. Evie Lindeman’s report below offers more details.
Renovation of the building continues with many details now falling into place, as you will learn in Ken Blackman’s annual report, to be released mid-December.
Other developments include preparations for the Women to Women’s Storytelling Festival and fundraiser, featuring women’s Mandali stories on Saturday Dec 5th (please see more details below).
We are also continuing to build and expand the MAC team. Debbie Nordeen is the interim Chair of Special Projects, Debby Blackman is the new Chair of the Library Committee and Lynn Pace is our new Volunteer Committee Chair.
In the spirit of the recent holiday, I would like to extend, on behalf of all of us at MAC, our thankfulness for your interest and support, and for Baba whose Love inspires us to do our best to try to please Him in this work.
In His Embrace,
Scott
Board Chair and MAC President / scott.tower@meherarchive.org / 828.290.6972
Eruch Adams is stepping down
Later this month, Eruch Adams will be stepping down from his position of Archive Director in order to focus on his primary work at Odyssey School where he has taken on increased responsibilities. We would like to acknowledge the vast contribution that Eruch has made to Meher Archive Collective since its inception. He was part of the original impetus for MAC, and played an instrumental role in the creation of the organization which we are now growing and expanding. The Board and team wish him all the best in his endeavors and look forward to other opportunities for collaboration in the future.
Time is running out! Join us for a Women to Women—Storytelling Festival and fundraiser to hear personal stories from women in the Baba community who are blessed to have met Meher Baba’s women mandali: Cynthia Barrientos, Candy Bloeme, Havovi Dadachanji, Shireen Davenport, Lourdes Echeverria, Lisa Greenstein as read by Tracey Schmidt, Jeanne Felknor, Alisa Genovese, Rosie Jackson, Cindy Lowe, Debbie Nordeen, Karen Talbot, and Kristine Zalewski.
Saturday, December 5th, 2020 11:00 am -1:00 pm EST — Zoom Webinar (English)
Tickets are $20 per person — Due to the generosity of several attendees, confidential scholarships are still available. To request a scholarship or for any questions, please contact us at: info@MeherArchive.org
Thank you for supporting our efforts to save our stories for future generations.
$50,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE — RESULTS
With the help of all those who donated during the Matching Challenge campaign, we have been able to raise the matching goal of $50,000 between October 1st and November 30th, 2020. Thank you for your generous support, and donations great and small!
Although we are another step closer, funds are still needed to complete the remodel of the second floor for MAC to move into the MAC building, a dynamic hub devoted to Meher Baba.
Our achievements so far have included more than two years of physical labor, tirelessly and meticulously overseen by Peter Nordeen and Ken Blackman. For additional information about the building process itself, please reach out to Ken.Blackman@meherarchive.org
The completion of Phase One includes MAC’s new home, where archive processing and storage will take place, and will also include the New Life Library, meeting room/s, offices, a children’s space and a Baba room for contemplation and reflection.
Please consider making a donation to help MAC move-in through our on-going Capital Campaign
You can also reach out to scott.tower@meherarchive.org or evie.lindemann@meherarchive.org with questions or to discuss your donation.
In Baba,
Evie
Board Member, Liaison to Fund Development Committee / Evie.Lindemann@MeherArchive.org
New Caretaker
We are pleased to welcome and announce that Jamie Zimmerman is our new caretaker at the Meher New Life Center. Jamie grew up in a Baba family and is very knowledgeable about Baba. He brings many skills that we will need as we anticipate being in the facility soon. He is also one of the construction workers assisting Ken and Peter so he will have a thorough understanding of the building.
Hugh
Board Member, Liaison to Building Ops Committee / Hugh.Huntington@Meherarchive.org
Greetings all from the Meher Archive Collective Construction Center
We could use a printer out here; nothing fancy, just a black and white capable of syncing up to a basic HP laptop; having scanning potential would be nice but not critical. Call Ken at 520.907.8056
Jai Baba,
Ken
Vice President, Board of Directors, Building Project Manager / Ken.Blackman@MeherArchive.org
MAC Volunteers and Board members met for a workday at the MAC building two weeks ago to help with important clean up and paint prep under Jeanne Felknor’s direction. Our plan is to have regular opportunities to work alongside (but with masks and at appropriate distancing!) each other as we move the project along. We all enjoyed tea and cake and seeing one another in a safe space.
Every hour that volunteers help with the renovation part of the work—parts that do not require expert or professional people—saves money for MAC. As the detailed professional and construction work comes closer to being completed, the opportunities for volunteers to pitch in grow. So far thousands of hours have been donated and we gratefully thank everyone for helping to grow the Archive and future event site.
Look for the announcement coming soon about the next Board and Volunteer day at MAC—hope to see you there then, or any day you may have to donate some hours. If you wish to help out, please call Ken Blackman at 520-907-8056 or Jeanne Felknor at 773-329-7400. We are also looking for help from time to time with other skills in our community and will be reaching out to you, asking about your interests and experience. If you want to discuss opportunities for future involvement or have any questions, please call Lynn Pace at 828-702-2899.
Renee
Board Secretary, Liaison for HR & Volunteer Services Committees / Renee.Bussanich@Meherarchive.org
Debby Blackman is the new chairperson for the Meher New Life Center Library. Her main qualification is her lifelong love of books and reading. As a special education teacher and owner of Desert Willow Educational Center in Tucson, Arizona, Debby taught students to read and started a high school for kids with learning disabilities, autism and addictions. Her enthusiasm for learning and her ability to relate to the individual needs of her students will carry over into her position on the library committee. Debby was the Chairperson for the Womansong Choir of Asheville’s board here in Asheville. She became a Baba liker and then a Baba lover starting in 1978 through her then boyfriend and now husband Ken Blackman.
Debbie.Blackman@meherarchive.org
My professional experience includes years as a social worker, leading to creating and managing large volunteer programs, training volunteers for faith communities, colleges and other community groups. I delight in working with others to develop programs, to watch them unfold successfully. I chaired the Asheville Music Sahavas team for several years.
When I was a teenager, Baba came to me in a powerful vision, telling me that He was taking care of me and I never needed to worry (of course, I did!) I see His thread through all my life. Now, I bring it all back to Him–weaving His gifts into this work at the New Life Center.
My other interests include hiking, photography, travel and deep sharing with friends. I ask you all to bring your strengths, passions and ideas in the manifestation of Baba’s Center here. Please let me know your desires.
Lynn.Pace@meherarchive.org
Debbie Nordeen first heard Meher Baba’s name in 1976 and visited India for the first time in 1979. During most winters since 1984, Debbie and her husband, Peter, have been living in Meherabad, where she directs special event Baba choirs, and works in the Meherabad Welcome Office helping coordinate events. Debbie is a community music facilitator who enjoys leading Baba choruses at various events in North Carolina, like the Meher Baba Asheville Music Sahavas. Debbie loves to dance to Baba's tune, and currently she is interested in learning more about video and music production.
Debbie.Nordeen@meherarchive.org
Board Contacts: Anne.Barker@Meherarchive.org; Evie.Lindemann@Meherarchive.org; Hugh.Huntington@Meherarchive.org; Jean.Brunet@Meherarchive.org; Ken.Blackman@Meherarchive.org; Renee.Bussanich@Meherarhive.org; Scott.Tower@Meherarchive.org
MAC’s Mission Statement
To collect, preserve, and share Meher Baba’s Divine legacy of materials, artifacts, and words with integrity, love and transparency for the benefit of humanity.
Meher Archive Collective (MAC) Newsletter — October 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
With hopes that this finds you well in His Embrace,
Scott Tower, Board Chair and MAC President
scott.tower@meherarchive.org / 828.290.6972
$50,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, financial contributions made between Oct. 01 - Nov. 30, 2020 will be matched up to $50,000.
Please join our Board of Directors in our commitment to 100% participation for this match.
A donation at this time means your funds will double in value; $10,000 raised becomes $20,000. With your help raising $50,000, MAC will receive a total of $100,000 towards the goal of getting MAC settled into our new home in the Meher New Life Center by January.
We hope you can join us by donating here: Matching_Challenge
Checks can be mailed to: Meher Archive Collective, PO Box 18908 Asheville, NC 28814-0908
In Baba,
Evie Lindemann
Board Member, Liaison to Fund Development Committee
Evie.Lindemann@MeherArchive.org
VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS
The purpose of the Technology Committee is to oversee all network and communications systems, maintain the website and provide technical support to staff and volunteers as needed.
Greg Dunn is a retired software developer, trainer, and writer. He has an M.S. in Operations Research from the University of Texas at Austin and is co-holder of a U.S. patent for a software program that forecasts developing micro-markets in the telecommunications industry by local geography. Greg heard about Meher Baba “from the inside” in 1971 while reading William Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming” aloud in Berkeley’s beautiful and semi-wild Tilden Park. A year later he put the face and the name to the inner presence, and he has been gratefully in Baba’s fold ever since. In his retirement he has authored or co-authored several plays and two musicals about Meher Baba, and has composed more than 150 separate additional musical pieces. He is married to cellist and graphic artist Gay Dunn, with whom he joyfully collaborates on music, websites, home improvement projects, and streamed entertainment binging. He is delighted to be able to contribute technical skills he developed over a long career in information technology to the wonderful work of preserving the Avatar’s legacy.
Greg can be reached at Greg.Dunn@MeherArchive.org
Reporting to the Board Chair, Katherine will assist the Board of Directors with administrative tasks, support the Committee Chairs on a variety of projects as desired, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the office.
Katherine arrived in Asheville in the spring of 2018; coming home to the Carolinas after 22 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, she loves being part of the Baba community here. She learned about Meher Baba in the fall of 1989 and thought of herself as a “Baba appreciator” for many months. It wasn’t until she read Margaret Craske’s book, The Dance of Love and was introduced to Baba’s sense of humor that she let down her guard, let Baba in, and became a “Baba lover.” Katherine has an M.S. in Mathematics and has studied financial and management accounting. As the owner of Katherine Grace Organizing, LLC, she consults with small businesses on increasing productivity and gaining a clearer understanding of the financial picture of their businesses. She has two sons, 21 and 24, who live in the San Francisco area. She enjoys traveling, hiking, camping and whitewater rafting.Katherine can be reached at: Katherine.Dadachanji@MeherArchive.org
HIGHLIGHTS
“Gathering Women’s Stories Connected with the Women Mandali.”
If you are a woman who has been impacted by meeting the women mandali from the East or the West please consider participating in our project: “Gathering Women’s Stories Connected with Women Mandali.”
We are developing an archive of these stories to preserve and share items related to Baba’s advent for future generations who will not have met the women mandali. Please connect with us if you have a story to share: Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org and/or Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org
S A V E T H E D A T E
“Woman to Woman — Sharing Stories Connected with the Women Mandali.”
Zoom Webinar
Hosted by Evie Lindemann & Anne Barker
Board of Directors
Watch for details out October 19th via email and website.
https://www.meherarchive.org/jean-adriel.html
WHAT’S NEW
The Meher New Life Center has been an enormous undertaking and was divided into 3 phases, each of which comprised its own stages of development. From the beginning it was clear that refurbishing a 1928 massive 25,000 square foot building was going to be an exciting challenge, the results of which promised to be a meaningful addition to the many places of significance in the Baba world.
Phase one consists of the entire second floor of the classroom wing, which will house MAC’s archival spaces, offices, New Life Library, reading room, meeting room, meditative/reflection on Baba space and possibly display room and research spaces. After doing extensive repairs and refurbishing of major elements including the attic, roof, flooring, walls etc., we are now in a very intensified stage of establishing new rooms, doorways, archival storage rooms with new doors, floors walls and ceilings (ensuring them to be fire and water proof and properly air conditioned). We have expanded our crew size significantly and are presently installing a totally new electrical system, to be followed by plumbing and then the mechanical HVAC systems. While many detailed items remain on our list, we are progressing at a significantly heightened pace and hope to be able to reach our target date of phase one completion by December 22nd.
Join Ken for a 4 minute tour of the 2nd floor: ConstructionVideo09.11.20
This is a collaborative undertaking—it is heartening that to date we have realized more than $250,00 in sweat equity from volunteers who are invested in seeing this endeavor materialize. We invite everyone to participate in this project in any way that resonates with their own inclinations (volunteer labor, financially, thinking positive thoughts, and sharing with others our visions and plans).Please feel free to contact me or any of those associated with this project to learn more about our ongoing efforts and discover ways that you might be able to participate.
Jai Baba,
Ken
Vice President, Board of Directors, Building Project Manager; Ken.Blackman@MeherArchive.org
VOLUNTEER CORNER
The area is large and social distancing is easy. Ken Blackman and Jeannie Felknor work together to direct the clean up and volunteer efforts. We will put together a list of possible volunteers who have some time and would like to join the team at the beautiful site of the MAC/MNLC. We would let you know what is happening—when and what kind of help is needed—what fits best for you.
If you have other interests or skills that you can offer, such as phone calling, outreach, fundraising, computer scanning, data entering, events etc., please let us know and we can connect with you when the time comes. Just respond to volunteers@meherarchive.org
We welcome your ideas for bringing the community together around work in service for Meher Baba.
As always, thanks for your support and while we miss seeing everyone, we want you to know the work goes on at the MAC and you are welcome to come and visit and jump in.
Looking forward to days when we can all gather again for community events!
Rene
Renee Bussanich, Board Secretary, Liaison for HR and Volunteer Committees
Renee.Bussanich@Meherarchive.org
MAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Hugh.Huntington@Meherarchive.org; Jean.Brunet@Meherarchive.org;
Ken.Blackman@Meherarchive.org; Renee.Bussanich@Meherarhive.org; Scott.Tower@Meherarchive.org
To collect, preserve, and share Meher Baba’s Divine legacy of materials, artifacts, and words with integrity, love and transparency for the benefit of humanity.
Meher Archive Collective
Meher New Life Center - 53 Red Oak School Road, Weaverville NC 28787
Info@MeherArchive.org
How's MAC?
through a culture of Integrity, Transparency and Trust;
we take this Responsibility seriously, as we continue to build Expertise,
and pledge to be of Service to all those invested in protecting Baba’s legacy.
In these uncertain times, MAC continues to pursue its mission and to build community.
Renovations continue at the Meher Archive Collective facility. The recently expanded Board of Directors has come together as a vibrant team. Irma Sheppard and Winnie Barrett have stepped into chair positions and Greg Dunn has joined us to assist with the Technology Committee.
We have engaged the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for advice and support. If you have not seen our video page with a talk by Peter Nordeen—please see the link below. Our Sustaining Donor campaign is progressing and we are developing a Legacy Giving program. Please contact me directly to discuss how your long-term planning could support MAC.
With hopes that you are all happy and healthy in His Love,
Scott Tower
828.290.6972 / Scott@meherarchive.org
MAC’s Video Page
Last month MAC launched a video page with “Pilgrimage After the Time of the Mandali”, a recent talk given by Peter Nordeen. This is the first in a series of talks by Peter that will be featured on our website going forward. This wonderful talk was professionally recorded, and includes extensive Q&A. If you have not yet seen it, we highly recommend it and you can find it on MAC’s video page.
It’s a pleasure to announce that MAC has a new Communications Chair, Irma Sheppard, replacing Diane Tower-Jones, who is stepping aside and visiting England for a while. Irma has already been part of the Communications, Marketing & PR Committee, along with her husband, Karl, so she has some familiarity with this committee. Thank you to Diane, who dedicated herself to MAC and did an outstanding job as our first Committee Chair.
Irma Sheppard taught French, English and ESL in Michigan. In Tucson, AZ from 1994-2016 she was in private practice as a psychotherapist. In 2000 she won the Martingale Literary Award for a short story. Her poems and vignettes have been published in journals and in books. With the publishing help of her husband, Karl Moeller, she has collected and edited 6 books of Baba lovers’ experiences of the Beloved.
Irma has been a Baba lover for 40 years—coming to Meher Baba in Venice Beach, CA in 1980. She was an active member of the Baba community in Tucson, AZ for 33 years, hosting many events. Active in Asheville for four years now, she adapted and directed a short play for Baba’s birthday in February 2020.
Winnie Barrett, a Baba lover since 1967, helped start the Denver Baba group, was a founding editor of the “Journal for Psychological and Spiritual Integration” and was an editor on the Denver newsletter, “Broken Down Furniture News.” As a Clinical Social Worker, she won 2 awards for contributions to her field. As a Denver shop owner, she created monthly events with different cultural themes around entertainment, refreshments, and displays of fine arts and crafts for sale. Winnie has been in Asheville for 25 years now, organizing weekly meetings for the Baba community here as schedulewalla. Her book, Baba Does the Impossible and other stories, relates her life with Baba. Winnie has served on 3 non-profit boards over the years and she is skilled in discovering resources for projects.
Welcome Irma and Winnie to the MAC team!
Website - work is in progress: MAC is engaging with web professionals to assist us in upgrading our website. An entirely new website experience represents time and sizeable technical challenges; we appreciate your patience and understanding regarding any temporary glitches you may encounter on the current site as we navigate this process.
Library - the MAC Board voted to call the library the New Life Library since it will be in the Meher Archive Collective building. Plans for the New Life Library are moving forward under the direction of Anne Barker and her team, who continue to work on an inventory of the collection.
Archiving from Home
In July, MAC launched a new section of the website called Archiving from Home (AFH), an idea presented by Renee Bussanich years ago, to help people take care of their own Baba-related materials at home—old letters, photos, hair in a locket, manuscripts, slides, etc. Why not offer pointers on how to protect these items most effectively? Think about sorting your collection—write a history of how they came to be, label and store them in boxes. Our next section will offer guidelines for scanning documents and photos. Archiving from Home
Sustaining Donor Campaign
Thank you to the 27 members of the Baba Community who have so far committed to a monthly donation of $25 or more. We’re almost halfway through our campaign goal of at least 200 Sustaining Donors; we very much need your support and help to reach our goal.
Please consider taking the opportunity to become a Sustaining Donor between now and November 1st 2020. Your participation will make a real difference in furthering MAC's vision of creating an environment for the preservation of Meher Baba's precious artifacts.
Help us to keep the energy moving forward by making your pledge today - Sustaining Donor
Progress continues on MAC’s new home inside the new MAC facility.
Central to MAC's grand vision is establishing the capacity to ensure the safe preservation of sacred items associated with The Beloved. Also central to this is the building of Archival Storage spaces which are fireproof, waterproof and secure. Many loving hands and hearts have been laboring for months to bring this to fruition. After extensive demolition, building new walls and pillars, the pouring of new floors and ceilings, and bricking in of windows; we are close to completion of the major components for the two rooms designated for this purpose. It is with great excitement that we see these spaces evolving into the home of our sacred treasures, and part of Baba's divine legacy for all creation.
Meher New Life Center, 53 Red Oak School Road, Weaverville, NC 28787
To collect, preserve, and share Meher Baba’s Divine legacy of materials, artifacts, and words
with integrity, love and transparency for the benefit of humanity.
How's MAC?
Meher Archive Collective is committed to honoring Meher Baba
through a culture of Integrity, Transparency and Trust;
we take this Responsibility seriously, as we continue to build Expertise,
and pledge to be of Service to all those invested in protecting Baba’s legacy.
We are delighted that Hugh Huntington, MAC’s previous President and BOD Chair, is continuing his active participation on the Board. Meanwhile, MAC’s new President and Chair, Scott Tower (Maloney), has stepped into this leadership role with excitement and enthusiasm.
An Update from Scott
Stepping into the role of Chair and President, I feel both humbled and excited—both by the scope of this project along with the opportunity to serve Him through this work, and to be welcoming our new Board Members, each of whom brings an additional richness of talent and dedication to MAC.
In my leadership role I am continuing the work of solidifying the Board’s structure, maintaining transparency, fostering greater community engagement, and establishing sound financial support for MAC’s near and long term goals.
As our vision expands, we are clarifying our budgets—both for our ongoing archival work and for the Meher New Life Center—a soon-to-be dynamic hub and shining beacon for Meher Baba.
A major goal is to complete the building renovations necessary for MAC to move into the MAC facility by the end of the year. As a board we are working to expand awareness of MAC and its vision, both nationally and internationally. MAC continues to build community: physically, through increased volunteer involvement, events and seminars; and virtually, through the online sharing of Baba’s message and treasures.
We are working to fashion our fundraising efforts with respect for the challenging times in which we all find ourselves. Ultimately, it is all for Him, and for the desire to preserve the cherished fragrance of the Beloved for those who will follow.
Meanwhile, we are delighted to introduce our three new Board members—Anne Barker, Evie Lindemann and Arthur Trupp.
Anne Barker
Anne has been serving as MAC's Library Committee Chair. She has a Masters Degree in Library Science and has worked in various positions as director of a public library, director of an alcohol and drug abuse resource center, and as outreach librarian over nine branch libraries and a four county bookmobile service. The library received national attention based on its response in assisting evacuees during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Anne worked closely with community organizations in setting up ongoing collaborations following the disasters. Anne brings library administrative skills in support of organizing collections for the MAC community. From assessing donations to writing policies and procedures, she continues to be involved in library operations. Anne enjoys helping people find the right book and searching for information on a wide range of topics.
She is married to Chris Barker and is a proud grandmother. Since 1978 she has followed Meher Baba. Anne is delighted to be in Asheville, and is happy to offer service to the MAC Board.
Evie Lindemann
Until recently Evie was a professor in a graduate program of art therapy in Connecticut; she moved to Asheville five months ago. Evie is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a board-certified art therapist. She teaches courses on the use of mandalas, journal writing, and art making, as a pathway to personal integration. In recent years Evie has organized humanitarian art therapy projects in the United States, India, and Jamaica. She currently has an active practice as a printmaking artist, working from a studio in the River Arts District of Asheville.
Evie’s journey to Meher Baba began after she graduated from UC Berkeley, when she began a two-year odyssey across Europe and Asia, eventually leading to Meherabad. She has traveled to India very often and is deeply inspired by the unique ways in which the Mandali embodied Baba's teachings. Evie had the good fortune to spend six months in India working with Dr. Goher at the medical clinic in Meherazad, as well as assisting Arnavaz Dadachanji with her spiritual autobiography. She has served on the board at Meherana for a number of years in the nineties, and again in 2014-2015.
Arthur Trupp
After a lifetime of work, study, and play as residents of New York, Arthur and his wife moved to Asheville in 2010. In New York, for twenty-five years up until retirement, Arthur forged a living as an owner and operator of several Natural Food Markets.
To his surprise and delight, Arthur was asked to be Treasurer for MAC; he is honored to offer his financial wiles to the terrific mix of officers currently lending so much energy and talent to such an exciting endeavor.
Back in 1971 at the age of 19, a much-beloved professor by the name of Dr. Bruce Hoffman offered Arthur a photo of his own beatific, smiling guru, introducing Him as Meher Baba. That was 49 years ago.
Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai!
Timeframe: June 1st - November 1st, 2020
Goal: 200 donors contributing $25 or more per month
At Meher Archive Collective, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve Meher Baba. As we honor His wish for us all to spread His Love far and wide, we thank you for supporting our vision in whatever way you can.
On June 1st we launched our Sustaining Donor Campaign; please consider taking the opportunity to become a sustaining donor between now and November 1st, 2020.
The upkeep of facilities and storage systems, along with the preservation of a wide range of treasures, is costly. Your monthly contribution will help us budget for supplies, equipment, a growing workforce, the expansion of storage and work spaces, and general operational costs—all in support of the ongoing preservation of Meher Baba’s legacy.
As we receive a growing number of collections from around the country, and the volume of treasures continues to grow, MAC depends upon the support of our Sustaining Donors, both now and as we prepare to move into the MAC facility. Our goal is to have at least 200 Sustaining Donors by November 1st.
Can we count on you to commit to a minimum donation of $25.00 per month for one, three or five years?
To become a Sustaining Donor in support of MAC’s ongoing vision, please go to our website.
If you have any questions, please email us at: Accounting@MeherArchive.org or contact any of the Board members. Alternatively, you can write to us at Meher Archive Collective, PO Box 18908, Asheville NC 28814.
We are always available to help in the care, preservation and documentation of your Baba treasures. Please consider donating or bequeathing your precious collections to Meher Archive Collective. Over the last year we have received a growing number of personal collections including photo prints, slides, audio-tapes, documents, manuscripts and letters to and from Baba and His Mandali. We are always ready to receive personal collections of Baba related artifacts in the event of relocation, illness, or as a last will and testament.
If you have any questions about donating some or all of your collection, now or down the road, please email us at:
MAC-Office@MeherArchive.org or contact Scott Tower at 828.290.6972
It’s never too soon to begin thinking about the destiny of your Baba treasures!
MAC’s Remote Library continues to be hosted by Debby Blackman. Please contact her if you would like to check out any of the books or DVDs in the collection.
The Chicago Baba Group has generously shared a number of books that have already been delivered to Debby by Fereshteh Azad. The task of entering these book titles into a spreadsheet has begun.
Asheville Music Sahavas has been rescheduled for October 23rd - 24th 2020 at Odyssey School, Asheville.
For further details, please click here.
The Southeast Gathering has been rescheduled for April 2021.
For more information, please click here.
The Homans are natives of Louisiana. They discovered Meher Baba largely through their own spiritual search and first came to a formal Baba-gathering when they attended the SE Gathering in 2015. Their desire to be part of a Baba community and the encouragement of several Asheville Baba lovers led to their move to Asheville in August of 2016.
Many of you know Jason as an extremely talented musician and music producer. He also served as a Marine in the first Gulf War. Currently he’s working with the renovation crew at the MAC building. Betsy is a teacher with multiple certifications and almost 20 years’ experience. She currently teaches through the Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville. Before moving to Asheville, the Homans operated an independent school of their own, providing teaching services to a variety of students with unusual needs and circumstances.
Caleb, Joliene and Sheppard love the schools that they attend here. They are lovers of nature and are very happy to now have such a large “front yard” in which to roam.
The Homans say that they are thrilled to begin life at the MAC building, believing that Baba has guided them every step of the way. They express deep gratitude to be placed in such a way that they are serving the Avatar’s manifestation and to daily feel His presence in their lives.
In talking with them, I discovered a little “Baba-miracle” (coincidence) that indicates that they are in the right place at the right time. As Jason was re-forming his music production business last year, he needed to think of a new name for it. It so happens that Jason’s birthday is the same day of the year on which Baba began His New Life phase in 1949–October 16. So the name that Jason chose for his business was “New Life Studio.” He chose that name several months before MAC’s Board renamed the Red Oak School property the MAC building, having no idea that he would be living there in the future.
So, as of this month, Jason’s “New Life Studio” is located at the MAC building!
Eruch Adams and Elaine Cox, MAC’s Archive Director and Archivist respectively, along with the support of the Communications Committee, have been working on a new online project entitled Archiving from Home. This will be launched towards the end of June and will include detailed descriptions and photos of how to begin caring for and preserving your Baba treasures at home.
Our goal is to periodically add more information in the form of tutorials, both video and written.
As soon as Archiving from Home goes live on our website, you’ll receive an email from MAC’s Communications Team— Communications@meherarchive.org
Until then, here's a glimpse of what’s to come...
Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai!
Exciting News...
The Meher Archive Collective Building Takes Form
In the short term our plans for the use of the building include extensive archiving space; library with display areas; a Baba room; meeting room(s); and space for contemplation and reflection. In time, we anticipate that the Meher Archive Collective building will attract visitors from near and far for research and study, classes and workshops, recreation, fellowship and celebration. One of our key ambitions is to create a world-class spiritual library and media center available to everyone. We see the potential for spiritual seekers previously unaware of Meher Baba and His teachings, to be drawn to the library as a resource and, as a result, to discover Baba.
By fostering creative thinking and offering the opportunity for artistic expression, we see that the MAC building will serve to support the flourishing of community. We are consciously bringing new life to this venture; namely repurposing and revitalizing the building and the land, tapping into community resources, and in turn providing an opportunity to serve the greater good.
MAC remains the same - a professional archive for the purpose of preserving and sharing Baba’s legacy; we’re happy to report that the archiving work continues to expand and we expect MAC to take up residence in the MAC building by the end of this year!
We will keep you posted on our progress, in our bi-monthly newsletters, regular bulletins and on our website www.meherarchive.org
If you have any thoughts, ideas or questions, please email us at mac-office@meherarchive.org
Events
With the current restrictions on socializing, this is a good time to appreciate more, and still yet more, about Meher Baba. The Remote Library has many books, CDs and DVDs about The Beloved that are available for checkout. Debby Blackman has the materials at her home in Asheville and will bag your requests for you to pick up from her porch. Call her at 828-505-0334 between noon and 7:00pm to make an appointment.
Meanwhile, thank you in advance for any donations you might have for the library.
Open House - Tea & Tours Update
Due to the present pandemic, we have unfortunately had to cancel this event. We will let you know when we are free to reschedule.
Southeast Gathering
Like numerous other events around the world, this too has been cancelled. Please go to https://www.southeastgathering.com/ for updates.
Annual Picnic
To be scheduled for later this year - we’ll keep you posted.
MAC’s Archive Director
MAC’s Library Committee
Anne is the committee chair; she has a Masters in Library Science along with many years of experience, and is now retired from the role of director of a public library. The committee has produced draft versions of a budget, timeline, job descriptions, mission statement and donation policy. In the near future, a collection policy will be formulated and the greater task of creating an inventory will begin.
Communications, Marketing and PR Committee
To date we have a chair, Diane Tower-Jones, and two other members, Irma Sheppard and Karl Moeller. Diane has been instrumental in co-producing MAC’s newsletter since its inception, and is excited to play a growing role in letting the world know what MAC is up to through the written word. She has many years experience writing and editing for various projects in a range of genres. Irma, as many of you know, is a published author; she is our copy editor extraordinaire! Karl, a man of many skills, is standing by to do layout and graphic design.
Jean Brunet is board liaison for the Communications, Marketing and PR Committee, as well as for Community Outreach; she ensures that communication keeps flowing and that MAC keeps in touch with the community. Thank you Jean!
We are in the process of finding additional committee members, specifically with IT and Social Media skills. If you, or anyone you know, would like to find out more about MAC and Messaging, please contact DianeTowerJones@gmail.com
Building Report
Interim Chair of MAC and Project Manager for Meher New Life Center
Greetings all,
Just a few updates and reflections on our work here at the newly named Meher New Life Center. We have finished the stairways from the attic to the roof in the north and south wings, each is complete with a beautiful dormer and provides easy access to the entire roof. I can picture the stairs being used to bring solar and HVAC systems up onto the roof as we continue our trajectory towards being off grid, independent and sustainable.
The North end of the roof has been decked out with new eaves; the older roofing has been removed; the decking has been totally repaired; new shingles have been put on the sloped areas; and bitumen has been applied to the flat roof. This extensive refurbishment has been accomplished by our crew and many volunteers, resulting in what Peter Nordeen refers to as a fabulous accomplishment ensuring a substantial, long-lasting, completely refurbished attic and roof system. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
We presently have two crews building the stairs from the second floor up to the attic, as well as preparing the archival storage area to receive new floors, ceilings and walls. Many tons of concrete will soon be flowing in preparation for housing numerous precious artifacts—all being archived for posterity and, ultimately, for availability to the world. Peter has now returned from India and is already working on the plumbing, fire door installation, and a host of other exciting projects awaiting our attention.
In His Grace,
Ken.
Update from the Archive
ON THURSDAY MORNING, March 25th, [1937] Baba took the Westerners for a picnic at Trimbak, the source of the Godavari River, sixteen miles from Nasik. The group left Nasik at 5:00am in three cars. At the base of the hill, they got out and began ascending seven hundred stone carved steps. Baba had Jean, Nonny and a few others, who were not well, carried up on seats swung between two poles. At the top, Baba showed them the source of the river. He then directed them to a shady spot to unpack the picnic lunches and eat a snack. It was still morning and afterward Baba motioned for them to repack the uneaten food and be ready to move. Then he took them on a walk.
After an hour's walk, the group was noticeably tired. Baba then asked Delia to make tea and indicated that he was hungry. "Why don't you all eat?" he then asked. But Delia objected because there would be nothing left for dinner. "Never mind, we will eat", and he motioned everyone to be seated. The baskets were again unpacked, the food was distributed and tea was served.
It was only 10:00 A.M. and they had already eaten their lunch, tea and dinner. Baba spelled out, "Since there is nothing else to do and the food is finished, we should go home." The sun was high by then, but nevertheless they descended by a different route. Once they reached the road, they returned promptly to Meher Retreat.
"Places and physical conditions do not matter where longing and determination are deep and strong. It is not a question of patient, endless walking. It matters how and where you walk – in which direction. You may walk and walk for years, but if it is in the wrong direction it is a waste of energy and time. If you go further away, of course you do come back when the time comes, but it is such a long process."
From Lord Meher, page 2142 of this online edition:-
http://www.fwb104.org/searchengine/site1/page2142.html
Regarding these extraordinary, unprecedented times...
MAC’s administrative protocols now include limiting office hours to essential admin tasks, and video conferencing. Some work is continuing at The Meher New Life Center, with everyone practicing social distancing.
Meanwhile, many of us will be taking this time to sort through our own collections of Baba treasures. As we all do what we can to embrace physical seclusion, perhaps this is the perfect time for us to focus on our personal collections in remembrance of Him!
Please feel free to contact us at mac-office@meherarchive.org
In Baba’s embrace,
MAC Board of Directors.
Hugh Huntington, Board Chair
Over the last year the Meher Archive Collective (MAC) has seen a lot of action and had a whole load of fun!
We began stripping out the old Red Oak School building in late 2018. With the help of many volunteers and skilled professionals, demolition continued throughout 2019. A number of walls were removed, flooring was pulled up, and both large bathrooms were gutted and now await new plumbing. Plans for rewiring the building have been drawn up and the heating and air conditioning systems are set to be installed this year. Peter Nordeen did a fabulous job of leading a skilled crew and dedicated volunteers in the total replacement of the roof surfaces on the classroom wing of the building.
MAC received various archive materials from seven donors during the year, which brings our overall total to twenty collections. Last year’s donations included libraries, films and artifacts. Later in the newsletter you’ll be hearing from Eruch Adams with an update from The Archive Department.
Meanwhile, I am delighted to report that donations received in 2019 for the building came to over $186,000 which includes a total of $33,000 raised through our year-end matching grant.
In addition, I’m excited to welcome Tracey Lilly as our business adviser. Details of what Tracey brings to MAC are outlined below.
On behalf of the MAC board, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have poured their time, treasures, love and support into this extraordinary endeavor - The Meher Archive Collective!
MAC has been gifted with a grant earmarked for professional business services in support of the organization. As such, Tracey Lilly has been hired as a business advisor on a temporary basis. As the organization continues to expand into its vision, we find ourselves in need of guidance – and that’s where Tracey comes in. Over the next several months she will be supporting the MAC team as we expand sustainably and improve upon our operations accordingly.
Under Tracey’s coaching we have embarked upon the following: growing the MAC Board; implementing a Fundraising Plan; defining Operational Process and HR Guidelines; and establishing a Volunteer Program. In addition, Tracey will oversee the recruitment and organization of volunteers, beginning now.
Prior to our meeting Tracey, she was not familiar with either Meher Baba or the Baba community. We see this as an advantage - Tracey's focus is on MAC, the organization; as a result we are all benefiting from being professionally guided to do our best. This, as we know, is the path to happiness, and ultimately to Baba!
Eruch Adams
Did you know that MAC has a growing library of audio tape recordings? Recently we received large collections of tapes and we anticipate more to come. A short while ago, MAC was given digital copies of the Andy Muir audio collection. This extensive array of material includes a number of speakers across many years; fortunately for us, the time-consuming work of digitizing the collection was already completed.
About a year and a half ago, I began the Meher Archive Audio Library Podcast as a way of sharing these treasures in a limited, curated way. This is not yet the complete, searchable library - that will be created over time. However, using a podcast format, we feature one recording at a time that you can listen to from Apple iTunes Podcasts or on our website. If, like me, you may find yourself listening to more and more audio content in the form of podcasts and audio books. The opportunities are endless - while driving, doing chores around the house, and even shopping at the grocery store. If you subscribe to our podcast, each new recording of one of the Mandali telling a Baba story will automatically download to your smart device and you can listen to it at your leisure. And, even better, the podcast will save your place if you only have a limited amount of time to listen.
Our most recent episode is a clear recording from the Andy Muir collection. Recorded in 1972, we hear Mehera Irani telling us all about how she met Baba and Upasni Maharaj, along with several other stories. Past episodes include Eruch Jessawala, Adi K Irani, Jal and Behram, and a couple of classics from Filis Frederick.
Subscribe to the Meher Archive Collective Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meher-archive-collective-podcast/id1406104172
or visit our podcast page to listen from your computer: http://www.meherarchive.org/podcast
In October 1970, Clive Adams traveled to India for his first trip after attending the 1969 Darshan. He stayed for many months, into 1971, and took numerous wonderful photos. Here are just a few of the photos he donated to MAC that we scanned for a talk he gave about the early days in Meherabad and Meherazad. The larger slide show was recently presented in Myrtle Beach and Asheville.
Jean Brunet
A lively meeting was held at Jeanne Felknor’s home on January 17th attended by around 20 seasoned and potential volunteers. Short presentations were given by Board members, in addition Eruch talked about volunteering with archiving, for example scanning or transcribing audio tapes.
Thank you to our wonderful hostess Jeanne, who provided an abundance of pizza, snacks and drinks!
If you're interested in volunteering for MAC, there is something for everyone; many tasks require no previous experience, where necessary however, we will provide training.
Below, you will see the breakdown of various volunteer opportunities.
Unless otherwise stated, please contact our Volunteer Services Committee Chair, Renee Bussanich, for further details: ReneeBussan1894@gmail.com / 828.989.3351
General Office:
Office duties as needed, database entry, addressing and mailing letters (2-3 hours bi-monthly)
Day-Of-Event Host:
Assisting at MAC events, community activities and fundraisers (project based)
Volunteer Program:
Assisting with recruitment, training and engagement of interns and volunteers
Communications & Marketing:
Assisting with Facebook, blog, website and bi-monthly newsletter (project based)
Contact: Diane Tower-Jones / DianeTowerJones@gmail.com / 828.290.6975
Archive Department
Please contact Eruch Adams for further details: eruch@meherarchive.org / 828.301.2791
Location: 15 Golf Street, Asheville NC 28801
Audio - digitizing audio cassettes onto a computer. This will be a growing need; at the moment we are in the early stages of organizing.
Rehousing Documents - handling physical letters, photos and objects, cleaning and sorting.
Scanning - scan the rehoused documents and photographs using scanner and computer.
Transcribing - read documents (e.g. handwritten letters from Mehera) or listen to audio
tapes and digitally transcribe what is said in a clear format that will be easy to search and share. (Can possibly be done from home.)
Red Oak School, Construction and Remodeling
Project Manager: Ken Blackman ken@meherarchive.org / 520.907.8056
Volunteer Lead: Jeanne Felknor Jeanne.Felknor@gmail.com / 773.329.7400
Location: 53 Red Oak School Road, Weaverville NC 28787
Construction Zone Tasks: cleaning and organizing; hauling furniture and debris; organizing tools & materials
Ongoing Work January-April: carpentry; flooring; landscaping; masonry; painting;
Plastering
Skilled Trades: electrician, plumber, welder
Renee Bussanich
We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Rita Barnes! Our Rita has shown up every Wednesday since volunteer days began in late 2017, tirelessly working on archive activities under the guidance and training of Elaine Cox.
ink on paper 2006
Rita describes the process of working with these materials as a wonderful opportunity to spend time in a quiet and slow-paced environment in a world where most work is typically pressured and fast-paced. She loves taking the time to focus on getting things done just right for Baba. Thank you Rita!
* If you would like to find out more about Gabriel Pascal, his life, his career and his love for Baba, please follow these links:
https://www.meherbabatravels.com/his-close-ones/men/gabriel-pascal/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Pascal
Jean Brunet
A wonderful meeting was held at Hugh Huntington’s home on Sunday, January 12th. Everyone was invited to bring something to share in the form of a special Baba treasure and its story. About 25 people attended, many of whom were old-time Baba Lovers.
When I began looking for something to share, I went straight to a big wooden box living at the top of a closet. It had not been opened for years and I was amazed at how much I have collected since the early 70’s. At least 100 letters, telegrams and notes; scarves; and numerous other items. To my surprise nothing was properly preserved and there were no stories written down to go with all these precious items. I had no idea that I was “guilty” of not taking care to rehouse and protect my precious Baba treasures. Imagine my further surprise when, at the meeting, several people said the same thing! A valuable lesson for all of us.
Please write down all pertinent information regarding your treasures and make sure all letters and paper artifacts are housed properly in a mylar sleeve. You may want to keep these items for your heirs or donate them to an archive - either way, they need to be protected.
A number of people were moved to tears during this most heartfelt meeting, and there was much gratitude for the opportunity to remember Baba through sharing our treasures.
For health reasons Hugh Huntington is taking a 90-day sabbatical from his role as chair of the Meher Archive Collective. Hugh is delighted that Ken Blackman has agreed to be the interim chair; he is also fully supportive of Ken as he steps into this role, and is confident in his leadership skills.
Hugh is grateful for his ongoing relationship with MAC, and will continue his unwavering support of the organization and its mission from behind the scenes. In addition, Hugh would like to thank the Board for their support and encouragement at this time.
In support of Hugh Huntington, I am honored to be able to step into the role of interim chair of the Meher Archive Collective.
Having been on the board since its inception, I have been involved in every aspect of the functioning of the organization. More recently my primary role has been that of Project Manager, overseeing the renovation of the Red Oak School building.
I look forward to working creatively and productively with the MAC team; together we will continue our mission of collecting, preserving and sharing Meher Baba’s Divine legacy with integrity, love and transparency for the benefit of humanity.
ken@meherarchive.org
Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 2:00-4:00pm
Meher Archive Collective, 53 Red Oak School Road, Weaverville
- Tea & Cookies
- See the newest Archive collection
- Spend time in the Quiet Room
- Take a tour of the building - see work in progress and the latest project timeline
- Share your ideas for future use of the building
- Re-gift items to the Treasure Table (all resale funds to MAC)
- Learn how to preserve your own Baba Treasures
- Find out what needs doing, and how you can help!
MAC
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