 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR As we near the year’s end, I reflect on the amazing love and devotion to Meher Baba that has flowed into this project. I am deeply moved by the dedication that Baba has inspired in everyone involved—day after day working on the long-term task of renovating this beautiful building, or actively archiving Baba treasures, or crafting a structure to support the manifestation of MAC’s vision. All of this is hard work, and joyous work. And, of course with Baba, there have been no shortages of challenges along the way, although each day has had small steps that take us toward our goal of creating a vibrant Beacon for Baba in the world. It is with a collective sigh of relief that we are in the final stretch of Phase One, and close to moving in and creating a permanent home for the Archive as well as a platform for nourishing community, both locally and virtually. We had a successful Annual General meeting on November 13th, (please see video link below) with a new component of several breakout rooms for discussions on a variety of topics. One of these was community involvement and input around future events and programs (read the Community Engagement article for more details and how you can become involved). On behalf of the Board and everyone at MAC, I would like to thank you for your support and to extend a heartfelt invitation to join us in this effort, or to get more involved in 2023.We are all joined in our hearts in our love for Baba. May we all remain steadfast in holding onto His Daaman. In His Embrace, Scott Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org / 828.290.6972 FUNDRAISING UPDATE In October an anonymous donor challenged the group with a Matching challenge of $30,000, which has been met. Subsequently, another matching campaign of $25,000 was launched in mid-November. This is an important juncture. Now, more than ever, we need those who are inspired by MAC’s vision to step forward and give their support to assure that the MAC’s Archives are housed in a permanent home for the inspiration and upliftment of humanity, from this moment on into the future. Please take this opportunity to double the impact of your gift by making a contribution below, or contact us directly to discuss how we can facilitate your participation. With love and thanks to all in Baba, Evie Lindemann, Fundraising Chair Scott Tower Jean Brunet Christina Riley BUILDING PHASE ONE MOVE-IN Clockwise: Peter Nordeen working on new plumbing. Jeanne Felknor grinding paint off the interior walls. Connor McCauley and Jamie Zimmerman installing drywall ceiling and finishing the archive vault floors. Continuous progress is being made, and with Baba’s Grace, we hope to complete Phase One of the building renovation sometime during the first quarter of 2023. This will allow the move-in of MAC’s Archive, staff and volunteers. The installation of sheetrock and insulation is complete, giving us a look at what the final second-floor rooms will look like. After installing the elevator shaft door, which is due to arrive in the next few weeks, the painting of rooms, doors and ceilings will begin. The building committee has met with a locksmith to make decisions on various types of locks needed for various levels of security. We are close to final decisions. Many finishing details continue to be focused on, such as the bathroom tile selection, paint colors, and the location of donated artwork including a large mural donated by Roger Stephens. We welcome visitors for building tours, and volunteers who would like to help us complete Phase One, and bring Baba’s treasures into their new home. VOLUNTEERS WELCOMED Volunteers are needed in December and January for ongoing general clean up of the building. And if you are comfortable climbing up on scaffolding, we need several volunteers to mask windows and doors with plastic and tape to prepare for painting. If you can help, contact Jeanne Felknor at (773) 329-7400 for more details about the tasks and schedules. ARCHIVE CORNER |
 Photo by Vanessa Weichberger |  Photo Courtesy Meher Nazar Publications |
Heidi was a part-time resident in Meherabad from 1985-2004 where she volunteered her nursing skills. Mohammed had become very ill and it was assumed that he would pass at any moment. A gravesite was dug and the mandali came to pay their last respects and say goodbye. But Mohammed didn’t pass and still the grave stood open. Residents and pilgrims walked by the open site several times a day—it was a constant reminder that soon Mohammed would drop his body. Naju was the nurse in charge of the hospital at lower Meherabad and she organized Mohammed’s care and regular watch shifts, always with two persons, and around the clock. One evening on Heidi and Bob Payne’s shift a mysterious and amusing event happened. Heidi related that Mohammed woke up during the shift and he looked curiously at Bob and herself. Apparently, to Mohammed, Bob and Heidi looked something like Laurel and Hardy. Bob Payne is very tall (6’10”) and Heidi was comparatively short. Mohammed couldn't stop himself from laughing. He sat on the edge of the bed and everytime he looked at Heidi and Bob, he roared and shook with laughter. Heidi mused that, “Baba gave him a good laugh and maybe that's why he got better. Mohammed just could have laughed his blues away!”
Before this incident, Heidi had walked past Mohammed on his porch from time to time very timidly as she was afraid he would call her. She even confessed to Mehera how nervous she was just to walk by him, and how afraid she was that he would call her and ask her a question, and she wouldn’t know how to answer or what to do. Mehera soothingly told her, “Don’t worry about him. Just say, ‘Jai Baba’ and go on.”
Time passed from this humorous incident and Mohammed made a full recovery. One evening Heidi rushed by Mohmammed’s porch for a shift for another duty. Mohammed was sitting on the porch and Erico Nadel, Mohammed’s caretaker, said to Mohammed, “Why don’t you give Heidi one of your kafnis?” Mohammed did not have a lot of expression. Erico urged Mohammed, “Why don’t you give Heidi one of your kafnis?” And so Mohammed gave a signal of agreement and Erico handed her the precious item.
_______________________________
1 Haynes, Charles, Meher Baba, the Awakener, Avatar Foundation, Inc., 2nd ed. 1993. p. 45
Before this incident, Heidi had walked past Mohammed on his porch from time to time very timidly as she was afraid he would call her. She even confessed to Mehera how nervous she was just to walk by him, and how afraid she was that he would call her and ask her a question, and she wouldn’t know how to answer or what to do. Mehera soothingly told her, “Don’t worry about him. Just say, ‘Jai Baba’ and go on.”
Time passed from this humorous incident and Mohammed made a full recovery. One evening Heidi rushed by Mohmammed’s porch for a shift for another duty. Mohammed was sitting on the porch and Erico Nadel, Mohammed’s caretaker, said to Mohammed, “Why don’t you give Heidi one of your kafnis?” Mohammed did not have a lot of expression. Erico urged Mohammed, “Why don’t you give Heidi one of your kafnis?” And so Mohammed gave a signal of agreement and Erico handed her the precious item.
_______________________________
1 Haynes, Charles, Meher Baba, the Awakener, Avatar Foundation, Inc., 2nd ed. 1993. p. 45
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Outreach & In-Reach
Ron Kantor, Ph.D. – PMP. & John Giusto, M.D.
Introduction
Hello friends. Jai Baba!
We have initiated a process for you to propose programs and projects for the Baba community as well as the greater community. On MAC’s website there is a proposal form for you to share your ideas and take the initiative on how MAC’s facilities and building can be used in the future to create engaging events, offer educational programming, and undertake service projects inspired by Meher Baba, His life and His mission.
Some Things to Consider
Obviously, no programs will take place in the MAC building until it is legal and safe to do so. However, MAC is planning for the future with the goal of fostering a strong Baba community, and thus we are reaching out to you! Perhaps your ideas will serve both the local and non-local Baba community, or those people who are not yet Baba lovers, but interested. We have created a simple proposal form that we invite you to fill out and submit. If you have more than one project in mind, you may submit multiple forms. Project Proposal Form
(PLEASE NOTE: someone from MAC will contact you via email within two weeks to discuss your idea).
Recap
We value your input! Help us understand better what community events you’d like to help organize and implement at the MAC building. If you have an idea that doesn’t require use of the building, don’t hesitate to share that too. We are open to increasing our reach in the surrounding community, so please consider including the general public in your proposal(s).
Wrap Up
Thanks very much for your interest. Every long journey begins with a single step. We have begun to investigate how to evolve the MAC archive, library, and facility into the Baba Center we all want it to become. Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai!
Introduction
Hello friends. Jai Baba!
We have initiated a process for you to propose programs and projects for the Baba community as well as the greater community. On MAC’s website there is a proposal form for you to share your ideas and take the initiative on how MAC’s facilities and building can be used in the future to create engaging events, offer educational programming, and undertake service projects inspired by Meher Baba, His life and His mission.
Some Things to Consider
Obviously, no programs will take place in the MAC building until it is legal and safe to do so. However, MAC is planning for the future with the goal of fostering a strong Baba community, and thus we are reaching out to you! Perhaps your ideas will serve both the local and non-local Baba community, or those people who are not yet Baba lovers, but interested. We have created a simple proposal form that we invite you to fill out and submit. If you have more than one project in mind, you may submit multiple forms. Project Proposal Form
(PLEASE NOTE: someone from MAC will contact you via email within two weeks to discuss your idea).
Recap
We value your input! Help us understand better what community events you’d like to help organize and implement at the MAC building. If you have an idea that doesn’t require use of the building, don’t hesitate to share that too. We are open to increasing our reach in the surrounding community, so please consider including the general public in your proposal(s).
Wrap Up
Thanks very much for your interest. Every long journey begins with a single step. We have begun to investigate how to evolve the MAC archive, library, and facility into the Baba Center we all want it to become. Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING VIDEO
The video of MAC’s AGM that occurred on November 13, 2022 is now available. If you did not get a chance to join us live, please enjoy the virtual fellowship and learn about MAC’s progress during 2022 and plans for 2023. We are a growing community that helps bring Baba’s message to the world! Every day we are expanding the opportunities to reach others and future generations to share more about the history of Baba’s Advent, life and mission. Ward Parks, our keynote speaker, speaks about the importance of archiving and Baba’s words. Board members and staff share progress updates on the building, fundraising, the archives, volunteering and the collection.
| | Please help MAC's mission by liking, sharing and subscribing! info@meherarchive.org, www.meherarchive.org |
MAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Scott Tower, Chair & MAC President: Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Evie Lindemann, Vice President: Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Hugh Huntington, Secretary: Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Anne Barker, Director: Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org
Ron Kantor, Director: Ron.Kantor@meherarchive.org
Laurent Weichberger, Director: Laurent.Weichberger@meherarchive.org
Scott Tower, Chair & MAC President: Scott.Tower@meherarchive.org
Evie Lindemann, Vice President: Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Hugh Huntington, Secretary: Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Anne Barker, Director: Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org
Ron Kantor, Director: Ron.Kantor@meherarchive.org
Laurent Weichberger, Director: Laurent.Weichberger@meherarchive.org