.
They have these marvelous hurnrningbirdfreders all over the property.
At the Baba Tree, the group said Baba’s three prayers and afterward Dr. Mahmoud Ajang sang the Persian Arti. Sam Ervin, master of ceremonies and member of the Meher Mount Board of Directors, read his poem, “Meher Baba, the Tree andThe Hawk.” On hand to join in the musical festivities were Raine Eastman and Charles Gibson. The day ended with music and singing led by Billy Goodrum accompanied by Mia Campagna,Josh Lee, Deborah Ashe and Annabel Goodrum. Caretakers, Ray Johnston and Elizabeth Arnold, who have been lovingly tending Meher Mount since April, 2002 spoke about the special Meher Mount exhibit at the Ojai Val ley Museum as part of the “Essence of Ojai.” The exhibit, which runs through December 15, 2003, highlights Meher Baba, Meher Mount and Agnes Baron. After the program on Meher Mount, many people attended a special opening of the Ojai Valley Museum for the Meher Baba group. J oin us for the third annual celebration of Meher Baba’s Anniversary Next year, it will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2004. The celebrations will always be on the ftrst Saturday in August. Be sure to mark your Baba calendars! Meher Mount always welcomes groups and individuals. Please contact RayJohnston or Elizabeth Arnold at: Meher Mount 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road Ojai, California 93023 Telephone: (805) 640-0000 E-mail: onenessworldwide@aol.com Website: wwcmehermount.org 64 (3
48
)
Esfandiar Vèsali gave a wondeiful talk—Efindiar was a boy in Meher Babac Prern Ashram
loney for 4 oiuntcers Raise J }7 eeds.
‘
/t7:
: :
7j4jj J 14.ount 1
hroughout its history Meher Mount’s minimal infrastructure has been patched and re-patched. However Meher Mount can no longer support the levels ofuse desired by more and more people seeking to connect with significance in this special place. It is time to build an infrastructure that goes beyond piecemeal and temporary Meher Mount is blessed with a productive well, but the water quality is terrible. It has high levels of sulfur, manganese, iron and other chemicals and minerals. In the 57-year history of Meher Mount, the water system has never produced drinkable water. This situation continually creates great hardship for the caretakers and inconvenience and limitations for visitors. Ongoing weed abatement is the second issue. Mowing around the buildings and the path to the Baba tree and other important paths must be done year round, especially during the rainy season. Continual weed abatement is critical for making Meher Mount welcoming and usable by visitors and for reducing the danger of fire, rattlesnakes and other problems. Finally, many have expressed a desire to stay overnight. Accommodations are limited. One short-term option is to create a tent pad near the facilities but with sufficient privacy for all. To address these issues, Meher Mount has launched a “Weeds ‘n’ Water” fund-raising drive to purchase a water treatment system to provide potable water, to purchase an industrial quality mower and to build a tent pad. Many people believe the potential ofMeher Mount is yet to be realized. However for the hundreds of people who have intentionally and unintentionally found their way to the top of Sulphur Mountain, it ftilfills its potential every day. Meher Mount is a place ofbeauty. It’s a place ofrefuge. It’s place ofwork, meditation, and losing oneself in service. Most of all, it’s a place where the Avatar of the Age walked, rested and worked. Meher Mount carries a special feeling and significance because of His presence. Please help support this Baba treasure. Learn more about the Weeds ‘n’ Water fuind raising by calling Sam Ervin or Margaret Magnus at 562-498-0883. Or you can send your donations to: Meher Mount Inc. Weeds ‘n’ Water 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai California, 93023-9374
T
3