 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Greetings from Asheville. This is the first newsletter in our new quarterly format. With only four issues, we will be sharing more content and hope that you find it of interest. Just as many of us were anticipating a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, we are now faced with what many thought to be the unthinkable happening in Europe, with its worldwide implications. While watching the suffering unfold on the news, we may struggle to accept it all as His will. May we all remember Meher Baba even more and continue holding onto His daaman. We have had glimpses of spring-like weather here, but at the time of this writing, it is snowing and heading toward 10 degrees tonight. The magnolia and other blossoms will freeze and will have to try again. And we know that the fullness of spring will indeed follow. We have had similar cold snaps in the renovation process, both literally and figuratively. Many of you may wonder why this is taking so long, and our patience has also been stretched at times. We are nevertheless making steady progress and do see a light at the end of this tunnel. More details follow in the construction update and video below. Meanwhile, we are continuing the work of processing collections and moving forward with creating an archive database that will be modeled after what is in use in both India and Australia, with the long term goal of linking different archives in a way that preserves the independence of each. This is an exciting development, and one we hope pleases Baba. In His Embrace, Scott Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org / 828.290.6972 BUILDING NEWS |
| Sally was born into a family of artists in Chicago. Her mother and father met as students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Sally, who attended Catholic school, loved paintings of angels, saints and cherubs rendered in pastels. Today, many of her nearly 50 paintings reflect her early tastes. Her father, Robert Amft, was a well-known artist of the 1950-1970s. Interestingly, he attended the Institute of Chicago under the guidance of Francis Chapin, a cousin of Elizabeth Patterson. Sally is excited about MAC’s presence. “It is thrilling to see what MAC is doing with the preservation work and archives. And I had such a strong feeling from Baba about giving this particular painting to MAC.” |  Sally Amft Gerke at Sheriar Bookstore |
MAC TEAMS
Volunteer Community
From a Committee to a Volunteer Community With a Shared Purpose
One word, a seemingly small change, can have a significant impact. We are shifting from a concept of a committee to one of community.
As such, we are affirming that we are one body, a community of volunteers, united in our love for Meher Baba. We are also unique individuals with our own life experiences and sanskaras.
Nonetheless, we are dedicated to MAC’s mission of preserving the legacy of Baba for future generations by establishing an archive for His treasures that Baba Lovers have accumulated and want to see safeguarded. Preservation of such materials will allow MAC to share knowledge about Baba’s historic advent for generations to come.
All of us, board members, committee leaders, full-time and occasional volunteers make up a community of dedicated volunteers. We share the common vision that MAC will be a future focal point for Baba’s archives, as well as a place to hold events that celebrate Baba’s life and His ongoing presence and grace.
As a community, we can manifest this vision through our shared love for Baba and the recognition that He is God, the Avatar of the age. This is a most worthy endeavor—the dedication of time and energy to help make the Archive safe and functioning, and to develop a center for the growing Baba Community that will honor His legacy, and enrich our lives, and those of our children and our children’s children.
The Board is working to strengthen MAC’s Volunteer Community by engaging with current volunteers and the various teams to discover more efficient ways to support one another and work together with loving kindness during these extraordinary times.
We are also expanding our conversations and outreach to learn about your interests and talents that could support MAC. If you would like to join our Volunteer Community, please begin by filling out MAC’s volunteer application or contact info@meherarchive.org
One word, a seemingly small change, can have a significant impact. We are shifting from a concept of a committee to one of community.
As such, we are affirming that we are one body, a community of volunteers, united in our love for Meher Baba. We are also unique individuals with our own life experiences and sanskaras.
Nonetheless, we are dedicated to MAC’s mission of preserving the legacy of Baba for future generations by establishing an archive for His treasures that Baba Lovers have accumulated and want to see safeguarded. Preservation of such materials will allow MAC to share knowledge about Baba’s historic advent for generations to come.
All of us, board members, committee leaders, full-time and occasional volunteers make up a community of dedicated volunteers. We share the common vision that MAC will be a future focal point for Baba’s archives, as well as a place to hold events that celebrate Baba’s life and His ongoing presence and grace.
As a community, we can manifest this vision through our shared love for Baba and the recognition that He is God, the Avatar of the age. This is a most worthy endeavor—the dedication of time and energy to help make the Archive safe and functioning, and to develop a center for the growing Baba Community that will honor His legacy, and enrich our lives, and those of our children and our children’s children.
The Board is working to strengthen MAC’s Volunteer Community by engaging with current volunteers and the various teams to discover more efficient ways to support one another and work together with loving kindness during these extraordinary times.
We are also expanding our conversations and outreach to learn about your interests and talents that could support MAC. If you would like to join our Volunteer Community, please begin by filling out MAC’s volunteer application or contact info@meherarchive.org
“Selfless service and love are twin divine qualities. Only the one who loves can serve. Serve your beloved God-Man and you are serving your own Self in every other self.”
Courtesy of Lord Meher Online Edition Page 1855, © AMBPPCT
Programs & Activities Committee
(formerly the Social Committee)
A wonderful play, as told by Eruch Jessawala, is planned as the first “live” outdoor event in 2022. We are excited to announce that it will be held at MAC. Please come and bring a friend.
(formerly the Social Committee)
A wonderful play, as told by Eruch Jessawala, is planned as the first “live” outdoor event in 2022. We are excited to announce that it will be held at MAC. Please come and bring a friend.
SUNDAY April 24 or May 1 at 2pm (weather dependent)
“Castles in Heaven”
presented on the MAC lawn (please bring a chair or blanket)
53 Red Oak School Rd, Weaverville
Donations accepted on behalf of MAC
The Programs and Activities Committee continues to explore events that can be held safely this year as we carefully watch the local pandemic situation. We welcome your creativity and ideas. Contact Winnie.Barrett@meherarchive.org
Library Committee
The Meher New Life Library has books, DVDs and CDs to borrow. Let us know if you want to check out a book, CD or DVD. We will deliver items to you or arrange for pickup. Send an email with your materials request to Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org
The Meher New Life Library has books, DVDs and CDs to borrow. Let us know if you want to check out a book, CD or DVD. We will deliver items to you or arrange for pickup. Send an email with your materials request to Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org
VOLUNTEER CORNER
Meet Wilson Van Winkle …
 | Wilson Van Winkle begins his mornings reading a Meher Baba book. Then he leaves his camper which is parked nearby, and enters the building to lend his handyman skills to the renovations several days a week. “I’ve been given so much. Now, I’m in a place where I’ve simplified my life and want to give back.” Wilson first heard about MAC two years ago when he was employed as the on-site caretaker at Meherana in Mariposa, California. When Wilson arrived in Asheville in late 2021, he contacted friends Greg and Gay Dunn. “They drove me to MAC, and Jeanne Felknor took us on a complete tour. I realized that this is a really good project!” |
Wilson grew up in Florida but later moved to Georgia where he received his Master’s of Divinity from Emory University, Atlanta. It was there he met his wife, Jovanna, and it was she who introduced him to Baba in 1998. Eventually they moved to the West Coast. Jovanna has since passed away.
Wilson decided to move back East to be nearer his sons in Atlanta. He chose Asheville as his new home because of its proximity to Atlanta, its large Baba lover population, and the opportunity to volunteer at MAC. “I love having a project like this!”
When asked about his favorite Baba book, Wilson shows a bookmark printed with a Baba quote: “The book I shall make people read is the book of the Heart, which holds the key to the mystery of life.”
Wilson decided to move back East to be nearer his sons in Atlanta. He chose Asheville as his new home because of its proximity to Atlanta, its large Baba lover population, and the opportunity to volunteer at MAC. “I love having a project like this!”
When asked about his favorite Baba book, Wilson shows a bookmark printed with a Baba quote: “The book I shall make people read is the book of the Heart, which holds the key to the mystery of life.”
MAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Contacts: Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org; Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org; Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org; Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org; Ron.Kantor@meherarchive.org; Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Board Contacts: Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org; Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org; Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org; Jean.Brunet@meherarchive.org; Ron.Kantor@meherarchive.org; Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
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Copyright © 2022 Meher Archive Collective, All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2022 Meher Archive Collective, All rights reserved.