 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIROn January 31, Scott Tower stepped down as our Board Chair. His three-year tenure ushered in more stability and development of MAC’s vision to collect, preserve, and share Meher Baba's treasures. Thank you, Scott! As a result of that change, I was asked to become the new Board Chair. Others have wondered what my vision for MAC includes. The other night I had a revealing dream in which my old, packed suitcase was carried off in a torrent of water. When I awakened I knew what the dream portended. MAC is in a cycle of change; those involved have the opportunity to grow with the organization through this dynamic time. I am assured by the diverse talent and dedication of our volunteers and staff that it is these gifts that will help us navigate forward. To that end, it is with great excitement that MAC has named its first Executive Director, John Giusto. This means that MAC is changing into an organization with a new governance structure. I’m also happy to welcome several new volunteers who bring ideas and talents to MAC (see articles below). For example, the first Dhuni was held on MAC’s lawn in February with the help of seven volunteers. I hope it will continue with further volunteer commitment. We are ushering in a new era of on-site events. As we look forward, this is the year that MAC opens its doors! It is a vision that began in 2016 with a small group of Baba lovers, followed by the purchase of an historic educational center in 2018. We have come far. MAC is becoming known as a dynamic hub for safely housing Baba's enduring legacy and some of His treasures. The opportunity to continue to expand this work will take an active, invested community. I am happy to share that each one of you can participate as a Sustainer Circle member to strengthen MAC’s future. Please read more about this new program below. Let us embrace our strength to work collaboratively, and to remember we are involved with MAC because Baba's love sustains us—always. Stay with us, stay connected, and bring your talents! In His Embrace, Evie Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org / 203.915.8017 FUNDRAISING UPDATE MAC’s |
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Jack Mormon’s recent gift of “The Final Continuation of My Last War, Peace and Manifestation Message” letter signed by Meher Baba yielded a surprise! Read Claire Barrett’s story of a special discovery.
The story behind your treasures probably seems like old news to you. After all, you were there for it! But for other loved ones, friends, and future researchers the story is worth more than gold. In the archiving world those stories are called provenance, and having provenance can elevate any item tenfold. In prior archive corners we've touched on the subject, but provenance can be much more in depth than simply writing down how you got an item. Sometimes it requires playing detective.
For example, MAC was fortunate to be gifted a letter signed by Meher Baba from Jack Mormon. That, on its own, is a fantastic addition to our growing archive collections. But we didn't know just how fantastic, until we took the letter out of its frame. Tucked away inside were two notes penned by Jack Mormon talking about the history of the letter and how it came into his possession in 1975. What a treat! And to think they could have gone undiscovered had we not decided to remove the letter from its frame.
Approaching your Baba treasures with fresh eyes can lead to all sorts of wonderful discoveries like this one. So when you next take a moment with one of your treasures, try playing detective. What small details can you find that reveal information you might not have known? You never know what hidden gems you might come across. Happy investigating friends, we at MAC can't wait to see what you uncover.
Claire.Barrett@meherarchive.org
For example, MAC was fortunate to be gifted a letter signed by Meher Baba from Jack Mormon. That, on its own, is a fantastic addition to our growing archive collections. But we didn't know just how fantastic, until we took the letter out of its frame. Tucked away inside were two notes penned by Jack Mormon talking about the history of the letter and how it came into his possession in 1975. What a treat! And to think they could have gone undiscovered had we not decided to remove the letter from its frame.
Approaching your Baba treasures with fresh eyes can lead to all sorts of wonderful discoveries like this one. So when you next take a moment with one of your treasures, try playing detective. What small details can you find that reveal information you might not have known? You never know what hidden gems you might come across. Happy investigating friends, we at MAC can't wait to see what you uncover.
Claire.Barrett@meherarchive.org
BUILDING RENOVATION PROGRESS
Excitement is Palpable as Phase 1 Nears Completion
By Hugh Huntington - MAC’s Building Committee Chair & Board Secretary
 |  North Entry Doorway (left) prepared for finishing. Framework (above) installed for Guruprasad doors. Photos by Hugh Huntington and Jeanne Felknor. |
The following lists our current progress:
- The lift (elevator) doors arrived in mid-February and are ready for installation.
- Interior painting of the 2nd Floor begins soon. Just in time for warm spring weather!
- Extensive electrical wiring is nearly complete for interior and exterior lighting, the result being that the first floor wiring (Phase 2) will be completed earlier than expected.
- Framework has been built to contain the donated Guruprasad doors on the 2nd Floor.
- The north entry doorway on the 1st Floor has been prepared for the installation of glass panels and door locks.
- Peter Nordeen (MAC’s onsite manager) is working in India for 6 weeks. During that time two of Peter's trusted long-time helpers, Tino and Terril, will be helping MAC move forward with painting and installation of bathroom tile. Jamie and Connor will continue to assist with the work.
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
MAC’s Inaugural Dhuni: A Heartfelt Gathering!
Meher Archive Collective hosted its first Dhuni event on the lawn of the MAC building on February 19th. Nearly 30 members of the community attended, sharing music, poetry, and their love for Baba. His presence was felt with humor and sincerity.
Would you like this to be a recurring program? We need your participation in planning future Dhuni events. It’s your talents and interests that will grow our on-site programs. Please contact Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Would you like this to be a recurring program? We need your participation in planning future Dhuni events. It’s your talents and interests that will grow our on-site programs. Please contact Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
VOLUNTEERS CORNER
John Dalisky - MAC’s New IT Team & Fundraising Committee Member
John will be supporting both our IT needs and working on the fundraising committee. He says “I see the great potential and future of MAC.”
John worked with Evie Lindemann in the 1970s at a teen counseling facility in California, and it was then he was introduced to Meher Baba. At that time, John was working on his MA in Counseling and Education, completing the degree in 1978. However, due to better financial prospects, John decided to begin a career in the developing IT field.
A couple of years later, John took six months off to explore other career opportunities and travel internationally. He spent over a month in India during 1981, which included a stay at Meherabad. John was particularly impressed by the genuineness of Baba’s followers.
John retired after a career of 37 years in IT. He brings a depth of experience to MAC’s IT team, as well as an understanding of how nonprofits are managed and successfully run. He is a founding member of three non-profits, most recently holding the office of president for seven years at Reaching Your Dream Foundation.
John is enjoying his retirement which includes motorcycling, bicycling, pickleball, and quantum physics as it relates to human spirituality and capability. John.Dalisky@meherarchive.org
John will be supporting both our IT needs and working on the fundraising committee. He says “I see the great potential and future of MAC.”
John worked with Evie Lindemann in the 1970s at a teen counseling facility in California, and it was then he was introduced to Meher Baba. At that time, John was working on his MA in Counseling and Education, completing the degree in 1978. However, due to better financial prospects, John decided to begin a career in the developing IT field.
A couple of years later, John took six months off to explore other career opportunities and travel internationally. He spent over a month in India during 1981, which included a stay at Meherabad. John was particularly impressed by the genuineness of Baba’s followers.
John retired after a career of 37 years in IT. He brings a depth of experience to MAC’s IT team, as well as an understanding of how nonprofits are managed and successfully run. He is a founding member of three non-profits, most recently holding the office of president for seven years at Reaching Your Dream Foundation.
John is enjoying his retirement which includes motorcycling, bicycling, pickleball, and quantum physics as it relates to human spirituality and capability. John.Dalisky@meherarchive.org
Scott O’Neil – MAC’s New Treasurer
Scott brings years of experience as a businessman, and also as a former board director of several non-profits including the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach. He and his wife, Olga, live in Asheville.
Scott was 13 years old when he saw Meher Baba’s picture. In 1973, at the age of 17, he attended his first Baba meeting. Within months, he began a cross-continental pilgrimage to Meherabad.
During Scott’s travels, he felt an urge to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum in Turkey and see the sacred relics of Mohammed, most importantly, the hair from Mohammed’s beard over which wars were purportedly fought. This began Scott’s awareness of the importance of all treasures associated with the Avatar.
Baba’s sister Mani encouraged Scott in his efforts to responsibly collect Baba’s treasures and gave him items for this purpose. Scott shared:
“Over the years I have been entrusted with many Baba treasures, so I have a strong interest in the success of MAC. My concern for Baba treasures is in the long-term care, sharing, and availability of these items. MAC was formed with archiving as the primary purpose and is naturally oriented to preservation and sharing.
Importantly, MAC is located in a geographically stable area, and there is a large and growing Baba community in the Asheville area. Another key factor is that the organization has a path for ongoing succession.
MAC is a valuable resource to other Baba centers doing archival work. Baba stressed harmony in His work. MAC complements and does not compete with other centers. Now is the time for this important focus on Baba treasures and information, and we’re the ones being called to act. I am very happy to join the MAC team in these efforts.”
Scott.Oneil@meherarchive.org
Scott brings years of experience as a businessman, and also as a former board director of several non-profits including the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach. He and his wife, Olga, live in Asheville.
Scott was 13 years old when he saw Meher Baba’s picture. In 1973, at the age of 17, he attended his first Baba meeting. Within months, he began a cross-continental pilgrimage to Meherabad.
During Scott’s travels, he felt an urge to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum in Turkey and see the sacred relics of Mohammed, most importantly, the hair from Mohammed’s beard over which wars were purportedly fought. This began Scott’s awareness of the importance of all treasures associated with the Avatar.
Baba’s sister Mani encouraged Scott in his efforts to responsibly collect Baba’s treasures and gave him items for this purpose. Scott shared:
“Over the years I have been entrusted with many Baba treasures, so I have a strong interest in the success of MAC. My concern for Baba treasures is in the long-term care, sharing, and availability of these items. MAC was formed with archiving as the primary purpose and is naturally oriented to preservation and sharing.
Importantly, MAC is located in a geographically stable area, and there is a large and growing Baba community in the Asheville area. Another key factor is that the organization has a path for ongoing succession.
MAC is a valuable resource to other Baba centers doing archival work. Baba stressed harmony in His work. MAC complements and does not compete with other centers. Now is the time for this important focus on Baba treasures and information, and we’re the ones being called to act. I am very happy to join the MAC team in these efforts.”
Scott.Oneil@meherarchive.org
Christina Riley — MAC’s New Fundraising Committee Member
& Newsletter Editor
MAC’s Fundraising Committee continues to grow, with the addition of Christina, who joins us remotely from Wilmington, NC. Christina has a lifetime with Meher Baba, and with fundraising, both professionally and for various Baba groups. She has participated in a full range of successful fundraising activities, always with a mind and heart to engaging and including.
In addition, Christina joins as MAC’s next Newsletter editor. “I’m really thrilled to work with the Communications team; there’s so much dedication and skill. Thanks to Jana (current editor) who remains on our Communications Committee. I hope to hear from those who wish to be involved and help communicate MAC’s value and purpose.”
Christina has a history of professional publication editorship, both for Meher Baba groups and in the general non-profit and profit sectors. About both her roles, she says, "MAC has a mission that I think clearly distinguishes it from other Baba groups. MAC provides a fresh pathway for a sustainable and relevant future of sharing Baba's legacy with those yet unborn—an ongoing future of remembering and loving Avatar Meher Baba. It is my top priority for offering my full commitment. To me, MAC is about sharing and caring, ever-growing toward this future vision."
& Newsletter Editor
MAC’s Fundraising Committee continues to grow, with the addition of Christina, who joins us remotely from Wilmington, NC. Christina has a lifetime with Meher Baba, and with fundraising, both professionally and for various Baba groups. She has participated in a full range of successful fundraising activities, always with a mind and heart to engaging and including.
In addition, Christina joins as MAC’s next Newsletter editor. “I’m really thrilled to work with the Communications team; there’s so much dedication and skill. Thanks to Jana (current editor) who remains on our Communications Committee. I hope to hear from those who wish to be involved and help communicate MAC’s value and purpose.”
Christina has a history of professional publication editorship, both for Meher Baba groups and in the general non-profit and profit sectors. About both her roles, she says, "MAC has a mission that I think clearly distinguishes it from other Baba groups. MAC provides a fresh pathway for a sustainable and relevant future of sharing Baba's legacy with those yet unborn—an ongoing future of remembering and loving Avatar Meher Baba. It is my top priority for offering my full commitment. To me, MAC is about sharing and caring, ever-growing toward this future vision."
BOARD NEWS
Departing Board Members Staying Engaged with MAC
From Dr. Ron Kantor . . .
Jai Baba my friends!
After 18 months of service, I am leaving MAC’s board, but still hope to contribute my time with this worthwhile organization.
First, it’s been a wonderful opportunity to get to know the talented people who willingly give of their time, energy, and financial resources to support MAC’s mission. Through the Board members’ collaborative efforts, we identified and defined various policies and procedures for MAC that will nurture and grow a nascent organization, while at the same time support the ambitious restoration of MAC’s building.
My dream, when I joined the Board, was to help build a secure Meher Baba Archive, and slowly begin using the building’s facilities to support Meher Baba educational and social programs to benefit the local Baba community, and ultimately bring Baba’s message and Universal work to the world at large. This is a BIG undertaking and one that will take time to unfold. I know it will be with love, patience, and financial support.
I see my departure as stepping away, but not stepping down. I want to actively support the evolving PEP (Programs – Events – Projects) at MAC’s building: Plays, concerts, educational programs, as well as outreach efforts to assist the less fortunate in both the Baba and local communities. As our Baba family ages, I’d like to help develop and be involved with programs that focus on older adult needs.
Let us remember that Meher Baba is with us. A better guide and coach you could never find elsewhere! Listen to the internal voice that is Baba. Follow the direction and move forward. That’s what I’m trying to do. In His Love.
______________
From Laurent Weichberger . . .
I joined MAC’s Board in 2022, after working with its directors as a Nonviolent Communication consultant. In my experience, Meher Baba has explained that even more important than what we do to serve Him, is how we serve. If we serve with love and compassion towards one another, we please Him.
I was initially attracted to MAC by the sheer scale of the project. When visiting the building and grounds, I could see the vast potential for Baba’s work to be accomplished for generations. It had a Noah’s Ark, big hairy audacious goal aspect to it, and I wanted to put my shoulder to the wheel and offer my talents.
During my tenure, I shared my fundraising experience and ideas, as well incorporated the Agile Project Management method, a focused process to speed up the building renovation. I also organized a volunteer onboarding process to streamline volunteer activity.
I envision MAC living up to its potential by reaching people who know nothing about the Avatar of the Age, and by becoming a first-class organization for the preservation of beloved Baba’s life work, and the items used by Him and His disciples and followers. I see the Baba community thriving through organized programs at the building and property, such as the recent Dhuni.
I intend to remain involved and am open to how that unfolds. One idea is to offer free seminars on Forgiveness, and Surrender, as well as Nonviolent Communication. In the future, I may rent an office at the building for the ongoing Baba work I do. May Baba bless the work of MAC.
Jai Baba my friends!
After 18 months of service, I am leaving MAC’s board, but still hope to contribute my time with this worthwhile organization.
First, it’s been a wonderful opportunity to get to know the talented people who willingly give of their time, energy, and financial resources to support MAC’s mission. Through the Board members’ collaborative efforts, we identified and defined various policies and procedures for MAC that will nurture and grow a nascent organization, while at the same time support the ambitious restoration of MAC’s building.
My dream, when I joined the Board, was to help build a secure Meher Baba Archive, and slowly begin using the building’s facilities to support Meher Baba educational and social programs to benefit the local Baba community, and ultimately bring Baba’s message and Universal work to the world at large. This is a BIG undertaking and one that will take time to unfold. I know it will be with love, patience, and financial support.
I see my departure as stepping away, but not stepping down. I want to actively support the evolving PEP (Programs – Events – Projects) at MAC’s building: Plays, concerts, educational programs, as well as outreach efforts to assist the less fortunate in both the Baba and local communities. As our Baba family ages, I’d like to help develop and be involved with programs that focus on older adult needs.
Let us remember that Meher Baba is with us. A better guide and coach you could never find elsewhere! Listen to the internal voice that is Baba. Follow the direction and move forward. That’s what I’m trying to do. In His Love.
______________
From Laurent Weichberger . . .
I joined MAC’s Board in 2022, after working with its directors as a Nonviolent Communication consultant. In my experience, Meher Baba has explained that even more important than what we do to serve Him, is how we serve. If we serve with love and compassion towards one another, we please Him.
I was initially attracted to MAC by the sheer scale of the project. When visiting the building and grounds, I could see the vast potential for Baba’s work to be accomplished for generations. It had a Noah’s Ark, big hairy audacious goal aspect to it, and I wanted to put my shoulder to the wheel and offer my talents.
During my tenure, I shared my fundraising experience and ideas, as well incorporated the Agile Project Management method, a focused process to speed up the building renovation. I also organized a volunteer onboarding process to streamline volunteer activity.
I envision MAC living up to its potential by reaching people who know nothing about the Avatar of the Age, and by becoming a first-class organization for the preservation of beloved Baba’s life work, and the items used by Him and His disciples and followers. I see the Baba community thriving through organized programs at the building and property, such as the recent Dhuni.
I intend to remain involved and am open to how that unfolds. One idea is to offer free seminars on Forgiveness, and Surrender, as well as Nonviolent Communication. In the future, I may rent an office at the building for the ongoing Baba work I do. May Baba bless the work of MAC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Evie Lindemann, President: Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Hugh Huntington, Secretary: Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Anne Barker, Director: Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org
Evie Lindemann, President: Evie.Lindemann@meherarchive.org
Hugh Huntington, Secretary: Hugh.Huntington@meherarchive.org
Anne Barker, Director: Anne.Barker@meherarchive.org