Greetings to all from the mountains of North Carolina. We hope your new year is starting well and 2021 will be a year of joy and fulfilled possibilities in His Love. At MAC we are excited by the many goals and opportunities ahead for us in the coming year.
Our primary goal is completing renovations and moving MAC fully into the Meher New Life Center 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

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 – 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

Due to the overwhelming success and response to the first Women to Women Storytelling event we’re organizing a second event. So please join us for Part 2 of:

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.

SPECIAL PROJECTS TEAM:
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.

"Beloved God Prayer" —  Played During Amartithi
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! 

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM:
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

FUND DEVELOPMENT TEAM:
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

Jana Weed: Jana Weed is working with the Communications and Building teams. She and her husband moved to Asheville in 1992. They both retired in 2019 and began taking trips in their motorhome. She also enjoys hiking, biking and photography. Jana learned of Meher Baba when a friend came to visit in 1996 and gifted her with a copy Discourses. She soon learned of the Meher Center in Myrtle Beach and has visited many times. Baba's words and Love continue to inspire her. Jana.Weed@meherarchive.org

Alisa Genovese: Alisa Genovese is a psychotherapist in private practice for 30 years. She brings her skills in working with individuals and groups, as well as her strengths in communication and facilitation to the team. She has been a Baba lover for 41 years and has traveled over 20 times to India. Alisa.Genovese@meherarchive.org

Jim Tomlinson: I have worked in health care and disaster services since graduate school and I have found that volunteers are an integral component of any program's success. Not only does it provide support for those in need, but it provides a sense of well being to the volunteer. I have known of Baba for nearly 51 years. I learned of Baba while attending Georgia State.  One day I was at a friend’s home, and overheard my friend, Rick Berman, say “Jai Baba” to someone on the phone. “I asked him what that meant.  Later he told me about Baba and I replied immediately that, yes, Baba was God.  It was just a ‘relinking’ of Baba to me and Rick Berman was the messenger.” Jimisreally@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER CORNER
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 Meher New Life Center. 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

Come and contribute your skills, your passions, your time for this amazing center of Meher Baba’s Love. Consider donating your time or financial resources as a birthday gift for Him.
Contact the Volunteer team at: Volunteers@meherarchive.org or visit Volunteer Here

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.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
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 Meher New Life Center. 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

MAC TEAM
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.

HIGHLIGHTS 
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.

FUNDRAISING
$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 Meher New Life Center 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

WHAT’S NEW
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

MEHER NEW LIFE CENTER
Greetings all from the Meher New Life 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

VOLUNTEER CORNER
MAC Volunteers and Board members met for a workday at the New Life Center 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, Chair — Library Committee
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

Lynn Pace, Chair — Volunteer Services Committee
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, Interim Chair — Special Project Committee
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

MAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.

Evie Lindemann — Board Member, Liaison for the Fund Development Committee.

 
“Gathering Women’s Stories Connected with the Women Mandali.”

Please contact MAC at  MAC-Office@MeherArchive.org
Meher New Life Center, 53 Red Oak School Road, Weaverville, NC 28787 ​

Board News
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 Meher New Life Center 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! 

​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

The Mandali in India, 1970-71 
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.

Goher, Arnavaz and Mehera in Baba's Samadhi.

Pendu at Meherazad
​

Mehera and Meheru.
​

Mani and Mansari.

​Photos courtesy of Clive Adams

Who Am I?  #2 
ink on paper​  2006 
​

Save the Date - MAC Open House - Tea & Tours
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! 

Subscribe to our mailing list for updates: http://www.meherarchive.org/contact.html

THE $100,000 MAC MATCHING GRANT!
 
Thanks to the 38 and counting people who have already responded, we are on our way to our goal.
 
Please consider MAC in your year-end giving, and remember your gift will be matched, making twice the difference!
 
If you are over seventy and a half years old, and need to make a disbursement from your IRA, you can make a gift directly from your account to MAC.
 
We appreciate contributions in any form, and a big thanks to all our volunteers who have given of their time and talent! Visit our Donations Page for more details.

​Donations can also be made by wire transfer or check, payable to:
Meher Archive Collective  
PO Box 18908 
Asheville, NC 28814-0908, 
(For larger donations, checks are preferred because of Paypal fees.)
​
​To discuss how MAC can best meet your needs, including gifts of securities, legacy giving, and other vehicles available for flexible tax-deductible benefits over time, please contact  scott@meherarchive.org
Scott Tower Maloney, Treasurer
Meher Archive Collective

In just over a year into renovation of the MAC building, we want to share exciting news, offer an update, and a financial snapshot. ​

We all have an opportunity to help fund the completion of Phase 1, which will allow us to occupy and begin working out of the building. All donations between now and December 31st will be matched, up to a total of $100,000. This doubles the value of your contribution, small or large, to help complete Phase 1.  

Immediate Need       $325,000 to Complete Phase 1

With the acquisition of the Red Oak School property, MAC's initial vision has expanded to include an extensive library and resource center dedicated to Meher Baba: space for gatherings and seminars of various kinds, a museum and display area for both Baba Lovers and the general public, as well as a location for professional performances and events in the large auditorium. All this is in addition to the core mission of archive processing, storage, display, and open sharing of material related to Meher Baba’s Advent. This project is unique in scope in the Baba world at this time.
Not counting the value of the land (6 flat acres, private well) or the caretakers’ cottage, MAC was able to purchase the 25,000 sqft property for $22 a square foot. This is an extraordinary value for a building that, with the proper care, is likely to last for centuries. Its value has increased already with the work that has gone into it so far. After all three phases of renovation are complete, we expect the total cost to be less than $90/sqft, approximately a third of the cost to build, or put another way, three times the amount of space we would have had with the same investment. This space is reserved to serve Baba for many generations to come.  

Potential for Ongoing Income
We intend to rent out available space until MAC grows into the building's full footprint over time (on the ground floor, to be renovated in Phase 2, along with the auditorium in Phase 3). This rental space will provide income to offset a considerable portion of MAC’s future operating costs. 

Efficiency & Frugality
In recognizing the fiscal values that Meher Baba encouraged from his followers, we are being very careful with the use of the money that has been generously donated so far.  By Baba’s grace, we have the invaluable support of Peter Nordeen, who, along with the architects, has guided both the discovery and preparatory phase of the work, and is now overseeing the new construction that is needed. The work has progressed very efficiently and with many cost savings, such as:

The caretakers’ cottage - This building (in which Gay and Greg Dunn currently live) was completely refurbished and painted inside and out by volunteers for a total cost of only $300.  

Recycling of materials - Peter Nordeen is a master of both efficiency and economy and under his eagle eye, we have been able to reuse a great deal of the original material within the building, and waste has been minimal. Rubble such as old masonry and concrete is being kept for future grading work outside. Nothing goes to waste.

Volunteer labor – With the help of over 6,000 hours of volunteer labor, we have worked to keep costs down, as well as providing a vehicle for many people to participate directly in a project devoted to Meher Baba.  

Support -  The outpouring of love and support has been very moving. These include financial donations small and large, the dozens of volunteers who continue to give their time and expertise. 

We would like to extend a warm THANK YOU! to everyone who has participated to date – you are the reason the project is happening and progressing and will succeed!  And most importantly, we THANK MEHER BABA, who has turned the key to make all this possible. May we continue to keep our focus and devotion on You.

From August 2018 through November 2019, at a total cost of approximately $250,000:

• Major structural reinforcements and improvements, especially to roof over the classroom wing
  • Creation of eaves to extend roof line and protect windows and masonry
  • Repair and re-shingling of mansard (sloped) portions of roof
  • Removal of old roofing material on flat portion of roof (6,000 sq ft)
  • Repair of roof decking, installation of 5/8” OSB layer, then two-layers of roofing membrane; creation of cupola for attic ventilation
• Roof now extremely solid and able to support HVAC and future solar panels. Roof surface now good for 50 years, underlying structure for centuries
• Demolition of old bathrooms in preparation of future archival storage spaces
• Removal of several thousands of pounds of unneeded cast iron pipe  (reduced weight and therefore burden on building structure)
• Removal of debris that cannot be reused – 14 dumpsters avg 4,000 lbs. each
• Stripping of all original wooden doors and frames – all beautiful heart pine
• Removal of sheeting at gym ceiling to visualize areas needing work
• Opening of stage and wings

All this has been done at a fraction of the typical retail cost, and to a higher standard, because the people involved, under Peter Nordeen’s direction, are attending to absolutely every detail and anticipating the future.  

Next Steps to Complete Phase I

• • Stairs and dormers for access to both north and south portions of roof from attic
  • Stairs from second floor to attic
  • Preparation and installation of fire doors throughout building per current code
  • Installation of HVAC units for second floor (with a steep discount as a non-profit)
  • Building new walls and partitions as needed for projected use.
  • New bathrooms on second floor (and rough-in for future ground floor bathrooms)
  • Electrical – installation of new panels and wiring, new lighting
  • Creation of Archival vaults, including a dedicated HVAC system
  • Creation of archive processing and office space

An additional $325,000 is needed to complete Phase One of the project. 

Individual donations can be made via our website, with options to contribute to the Capital Fund, or set up recurring monthly donations. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to double the value of your support, at whatever level you are able (From now until Dec. 31, 2019). 

Donations can also be made by wire transfer or check, payable to:
Meher Archive Collective  
PO Box 18908 
Asheville, NC 28814-0908,

​To discuss how MAC can best meet your needs, including gifts of securities, legacy giving, and other vehicles available for flexible tax-deductible benefits over time, please contact scott@meherarchive.org
Scott Tower Maloney, Treasurer
Meher Archive Collective

The Renovation of the Roof - in Pictures...
1. Ken going after the roof with a hatchet.
2. Roofing materials being raised by crane to the roof.
3. Peter giving Jeanne some specific instructions.  New OSB layer in background.
4. A layer of OSB, laid down on top of the repaired original decking, being coated with tar before further roofing material is rolled out.​
5. Hugh, Tino and Ken unrolling the underlayment.
6. After a spate of unrelenting heavy rain, Ken, Scott and Hugh spent many late night hours chasing and catching leaks from the exposed roof. Here’s Scott in the attic after a long, damp night.
​7. After the rain - sunlight shining through the temporarily exposed spaces between roof planking.    A little Baba art in His new building!
​8. Approval from The Boss.