 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRLoving greetings to each one of you, We are nearing the end of the year, and as I look back, what I am experiencing is a group of dedicated volunteers extending their talents and love for Meher Baba, and shaping them into activities to move Meher Archive Collective forward. And I am deeply appreciative to all of you who have taken an interest in MAC and its development! One of the most fascinating things for me is to witness MAC's worldwide reach, which includes inquiries and donations from India, Dubai, Europe, and from various parts of the United States. This seems to be the time in Baba's advent when His messages of love and spirituality need to go farther than ever. This requires cooperation across the globe between various centers and groups. It is MAC's mission to "collect, preserve, and share" items related to Meher Baba, and we look forward to working with other centers and groups in service to Him. We hope you will help us with this most important task. In His Embrace, Evie [email protected] / 203.915.8017 FUNDRAISING UPDATE End-of-Year Matching Campaign goal is $10,000. Act now to maximize your donation! As we are in the holiday season of giving and celebration, we want to express our gratitude to all the MAC donors, contributors and supporters, and to those volunteers who give their time and efforts to making MAC successful. Many thanks to all of you! We are happy to report a successful conclusion to MAC’s Springtide fundraising campaign at the end of September 2023. The final tally of donations was nearly $39,000, which was then matched by one of MAC’s generous patrons, totaling approximately $78,000! These monies provide support for MAC’s archiving operations, which help pay for the needed tools, supplies, utilities, shipping, and IT software and hardware. We cannot do this without your support! MAC will be closing out 2023 with an End-of-Year fundraising campaign, with a goal of $10,000. Happily, we again have matching funds of each dollar donated, up to $10,000, and are hopeful many of you can find a way to donate to MAC before year-end! Let’s take advantage of our matching donor opportunity! I invite you to enjoy the short video in the link below, which will introduce you to the new archival spaces at the MAC building. It is exciting to imagine the work that will be accomplished here in preserving the legacy of the Avatar. You can help us do that. We wish happiness, well-being, and fulfillment in the coming year to all in our community! With love and thanks to all in Baba, John Dalisky, Fundraising Chair Jean Brunet Evie Lindemann Scott Tower BUILDING RENOVATION PROGRESS |
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Photos by Rabia Zalewski, Jeanne Felknor & Jana Weed
This has been a busy year at the MAC building for the work crew, volunteers, and board members. The building’s renovation could not be accomplished without Meher Baba’s love and inner support and the dedication of those volunteers who give their time. As you read through the following list, we hope you will share in our deep appreciation for what has occurred since this time last year.
The following tasks have been accomplished:
In His Service,
Hugh Huntington
[email protected]
The following tasks have been accomplished:
- Installation of insulation and sheetrock
- Replastering, priming and painting of north and south stairwells
- Replastering of second-floor ceilings
- Installation of repurposed second-floor ceiling tiles
- Installation of second-floor lights
- Priming and painting of all second-floor rooms, hallways, and doors
- Replacement of 56 windowsills and the painting of window frames
- Finishing of archive workroom and office
- Installation of plumbing, tiles and fixtures for second-floor restrooms
- Sanding of second-floor maple floors in preparation for staining
- Installation of elevator/lift
- Construction of door framework to house Guruprasad doors
- Completion of north entry doorway with glass panels and locks
- Installation of Fire doors and completion of safe storage on floors one and two
- Installation of copper cable conductor wiring
In His Service,
Hugh Huntington
[email protected]
ARCHIVES CORNER
Restoration Station: repairing precious books
by Claire Barrett MLIS, Archives Manager
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God Speaks binding repair being done by Judith Beers
Walking through the rows of any library, you’ll notice the wear that can take place on a book. Each time it is handled and the pages are turned, the book ages imperceptibly. Over time that wear starts to show, and many people find themselves looking at their favorite books and thinking “how am I supposed to fix this?” Caring for books, particularly precious and rare ones, can be a daunting task.
Recently, MAC received a donation from Philip Creager that contained an especially precious book in need of repair. Philip graciously donated a copy of God Speaks signed by Meher Baba Himself. It was clear immediately how many times the book had been read as the binding was very loose. But it was also clear how much love had gone into keeping the book safe. Before reaching MAC, staff at the State Library in Columbia, SC, custom-made an archival box specifically for this treasure.
After receiving this priceless donation, our librarian and board member Anne Barker took it to a local bookbinder, Judith Beers. She was able to repair the binding and keep the cover attached to the book. We’re grateful to Judith for not only handling God Speaks so gently, but also for walking Anne through the entire process. Now MAC will be able to add this book to its collection, knowing it will last for years to come.
Recently, MAC received a donation from Philip Creager that contained an especially precious book in need of repair. Philip graciously donated a copy of God Speaks signed by Meher Baba Himself. It was clear immediately how many times the book had been read as the binding was very loose. But it was also clear how much love had gone into keeping the book safe. Before reaching MAC, staff at the State Library in Columbia, SC, custom-made an archival box specifically for this treasure.
After receiving this priceless donation, our librarian and board member Anne Barker took it to a local bookbinder, Judith Beers. She was able to repair the binding and keep the cover attached to the book. We’re grateful to Judith for not only handling God Speaks so gently, but also for walking Anne through the entire process. Now MAC will be able to add this book to its collection, knowing it will last for years to come.
Meher Archive Collective’s Oral History Archive
Ward Parks and Peter Nordeen have closely contemplated Meher Baba's life and work for over fifty years. Ward is the editor of Creation and its Causes, a remarkable collection of early lectures by Meher Baba. Peter is the writer and producer of the biographical documentary, God in Human Form - the life and work of Avatar Meher Baba.
Enjoy this invigorating, informative session which was hosted in Asheville, NC, on July 22, 2023. The event was shared live on Baba Zoom, and was recorded for MAC’s Oral History Archive.
Enjoy this invigorating, informative session which was hosted in Asheville, NC, on July 22, 2023. The event was shared live on Baba Zoom, and was recorded for MAC’s Oral History Archive.
Meher Baba's Life: Q & A with Ward Parks & Peter Nordeen
- Part 2 -
BECOME INVOLVED with MAC's MISSION
Volunteers are essential to carrying forward Meher Baba’s Legacy
We are 100% donor and volunteer supported, and there are many ways you can become involved, both locally and from a distance!
ARCHIVES: Are you interested in assisting in the work of preserving Meher Baba’s legacy? Consider joining our archive team as there are immediate opportunities for doing Baba work and learning new skills, too.
The archives are working on two large-scale projects, the first can be accomplished remotely and the second worked on in-person:
COMMUNICATIONS: MAC’s Communications team wishes to expand. Those who have skills in writing, editing, videography, website design & management, and social media are needed. As MAC becomes more active in the public arena and as well as in other Baba communities, we are seeking a volunteer who has interest and experience in Public Relations & Marketing.
IT: Are computers and programming your passion? The IT team can benefit by one or two more members.
To discover more about these volunteer opportunities or others, contact: [email protected]
Lastly, supporter engagement on MAC’s Social Media platforms is extremely important and helps share Baba’s legacy with the world. You can help by following MAC’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and subscribing to our YouTube Channel (see links below).
ARCHIVES: Are you interested in assisting in the work of preserving Meher Baba’s legacy? Consider joining our archive team as there are immediate opportunities for doing Baba work and learning new skills, too.
The archives are working on two large-scale projects, the first can be accomplished remotely and the second worked on in-person:
- Transcribing audio tapes in the Betty Grant collection - includes talks by Kitty Davy and recordings from the Midwest gathering of May, 2000.
- Scanning and photographing of letters, documents, and other tangible treasures. MAC is currently working on the Wolf and Sheep collection donated by Ursula Reinhart. Following its completion, work will commence on the Theus Malmberg collection.
COMMUNICATIONS: MAC’s Communications team wishes to expand. Those who have skills in writing, editing, videography, website design & management, and social media are needed. As MAC becomes more active in the public arena and as well as in other Baba communities, we are seeking a volunteer who has interest and experience in Public Relations & Marketing.
IT: Are computers and programming your passion? The IT team can benefit by one or two more members.
To discover more about these volunteer opportunities or others, contact: [email protected]
Lastly, supporter engagement on MAC’s Social Media platforms is extremely important and helps share Baba’s legacy with the world. You can help by following MAC’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and subscribing to our YouTube Channel (see links below).
IN TOUCH with MEHER ARCHIVE COLLECTIVE
— CHERISHING MEHER BABA’S LEGACY
In October our program on Baba Zoom featured Roger Stephens, a Meher Baba artist in Western North Carolina. He discussed painting, restoration, and creative uses for photographs of Baba. Roger is the son of long-time Baba lovers, Bill and Peggy Stephens.
In Touch with MAC - Roger Stephens, Baba Zoom, Oct 14, 2023
Our most recent “In Touch with Meher Archive Collective” program on December 9th featured poetry readings by a number of community poets. It will be available soon on MAC’s YouTube channel. Look for an announcement in February for the next “In Touch with MAC” program.
MEHER NEW LIFE LIBRARY
The Library Collection continues to expand
Currently, the Meher New Life Library has 50 boxes of books, journals, booklets and audiovisual materials, and more are being added. Our deepest thanks to those who have contributed to the library including: Gordon Neale, Susan Paul, Philip Creager, Theus Malmberg, Steve Klein, and many others.
If we find that we have too many copies of one title, we will make these available for sale as used books. It is sometimes a challenge to find out-of-print Baba books.
The library volunteers thank you for generously donating your books. Please contact me if you have questions about the library or want to donate materials!
In the Loving Service of Meher Baba,
Anne Barker
[email protected]
If we find that we have too many copies of one title, we will make these available for sale as used books. It is sometimes a challenge to find out-of-print Baba books.
The library volunteers thank you for generously donating your books. Please contact me if you have questions about the library or want to donate materials!
In the Loving Service of Meher Baba,
Anne Barker
[email protected]
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Monthly Dhuni Brings the Baba Community Together in His Name
Meher Archive Collective is continuing to host a Dhuni on the lawn of the MAC building every month on the 2nd Sunday at an earlier time of 3:00 pm during the winter months. Watch for MAC’s monthly emails and Social Media posts about this sacred event.
FUNDRAISING DINNER HAD A FULL HOUSE
Chaat & Chat Chai Pani dinner was a great success
We couldn’t be more grateful to Meherwan Irani and Chai Pani for a delightful and inspirational evening that took place on September 29th. The Chaat & Chat dinner raised more than $5,000 for MAC’s mission!
More than 100 awesome guests were in attendance who were regaled by Meherwan’s talk that focused on living and working with Baba’s teaching of Mastery in Servitude. (Watch for an updated video soon to be available on MAC’s YouTube channel.)
Thank you to the Meher Baba and local communities for your participation. And heartfelt appreciation to Meherwan, Chai Pani and the volunteers for creating a fantastic night!
More than 100 awesome guests were in attendance who were regaled by Meherwan’s talk that focused on living and working with Baba’s teaching of Mastery in Servitude. (Watch for an updated video soon to be available on MAC’s YouTube channel.)
Thank you to the Meher Baba and local communities for your participation. And heartfelt appreciation to Meherwan, Chai Pani and the volunteers for creating a fantastic night!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Evie Lindemann, President: [email protected]
Hugh Huntington, Secretary: [email protected]
Anne Barker, Director: [email protected]
Evie Lindemann, President: [email protected]
Hugh Huntington, Secretary: [email protected]
Anne Barker, Director: [email protected]