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Honoring Those Who Volunteer
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National Volunteer Week - April 23 to April 29 - is a nationwide effort to urge individuals to volunteer in their communities and to recognize and appreciate those volunteers.
"This spirit of service is deeply embedded in our culture and vital to our national character... Through service, ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact," said former U.S. President Barack Obama regarding National Volunteer Week.
In the spirit of honoring those who volunteer, Board President Sam Ervin, on behalf of Meher Mount, acknowledges many current and past volunteers.
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MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK. When the new water system was being installed in 2004, a group of volunteers joined together to roll the water tank up the hill to sit beside the pool. Because so many joined the effort, it was almost effortless. (Photo: Sam Ervin)
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Appreciation for the Volunteers at Meher Mount
The focus at Meher Mount is on Avatar Meher Baba. Behind the scenes is a group of dedicated volunteers who help to make possible the preservation of Meher Mount in honor of Meher Baba.
Manager/Caretakers
On a day-to-day basis, the individuals who keep Meher Mount safe and welcoming are the Manager/Caretakers. Their dedication, vigilance and hard work are the backbone of volunteerism at Meher Mount.
Thank you to Buzz and Ginger Glasky (2013-present); Leslie and Samantha Bridger (2010-2013) and their daughters Rebecca and Georgie Bridger; Ray Johnston (2002-2005, 2006-2010); Elizabeth Arnold (2002-2005, 2006-2009); Laurent Weichberger and Lilly Weichberger (2005-2006) and their daughter Aspen; Billy and Pamela Goodrum (1999-2002) and their
daughter Annabelle; Jonathan and Kendra Crossen Burroughs (1997-1999); and Ken and Len Ceder.
There are a host of others who have also lovingly cared for Meher Mount serving as temporary or interim caretakers. They include Dorothy Hartmann and Ken Farchick, Marc Brutus, Kyle and Lisa Morrison, Yolanda Koumidou, Renate Moritz, Mark Bonnlander, Mark Swearingen, and Richard and Carol Mannis.
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AN IMPROMPTU GATHERING OF RECENT CARETAKERS. (Left to right) Ray Johnston, Samantha Bridger, Leslie Bridger, Ginger Glasky and Buzz Glasky, 2014.
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Board of Directors
The Board of Directors governs Meher Mount by setting policy, planning for the future, implementing those plans, fundraising, and providing continuity.
Thank you to the current Board members Jim Whitson (2005-present), Ron Holsey (2009-present), Richard Mannis (2013-present), Ursula Reinhart (2014-present), Robert Turnage (2015-present).
They stand on the shoulders of previous Board members who have governed Meher Mount from the time it became a non-profit. These efforts were led by Bing Heckman, who helped establish the non-profit organization and transfer the property. Other previous Board members include Ken Ceder, Earl Butler, Paul Belgum, Lola Rae Long, Gigi Driessen, Jim Auster, Bob Hazard, Jamshid Ebrahimzadeh, and Sarah Dwyer.
Meher Mount's board meetings are open to interested participants who regularly contribute to Meher Mount's success. Some of these attendees include Marta Flores, Jerry Llewellyn, Michael Markley, Ellie Azhang and Carol Mannis.
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VOLUNTEERS CLEARED THE WELL ROAD on Trim-the-Trail Day, 2015. (Left to right, back row) Buzz Glasky, Ginger Glasky, Eric Turk, Katherine Armstrong, Naresh Sharma, Sam Ervin. (Left to right, front row) Jess Maron, Bryan Drygas, Margaret Magnus and Barry Nachshon.
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Over the years, a number of individuals have helped to maintain Meher Mount's facilities and grounds. Most recently, a group gathered for a
Trim-the-Trail Day including Jess Maron, Byran Drygas, Barry Nachshon, Naresh Sharma, Katherine Armstrong, Eric Turk, Margaret Magnus, and Buzz and Ginger Glasky.
Samantha and Leslie Bridger initiated the multi-year effort to
eliminate the invasive Yellow Starthistle
. Others also joined in including Eric Turk, Ron Holsey, Michelle Choug, Dusttin Paren, Ian Dibble, Josh McGill, and Margaret Magnus.
There is the ongoing weed abatement and everyday gardening and maintenance. Recent volunteers include Jonathan Glasky, Austin Bernard, Tajuddin Glasky, Walker Gareri, Dylan Glasky, and Aaron Hemeon.
Master Plan
Meher Mount's
Master Plan was adopted May 5, 2012. It was the culmination of the efforts of a large group of people starting with a community meeting in 2004.
Thank you to the core group who kept the planning moving forward and aided in the implementation of many of the projects: Byron Pinckert (architect), Nancy Pinckert (designer), Ray Johnston and Elizabeth Arnold (Manager/Caretakers), Samantha and Leslie Bridger (Manager/Caretakers), Bing Heckman, Kanjii Miyao, Ken Pellman, Mark Swearingen, Marta Flores, and the Board of Directors.
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ONE OF MANY LONG-RANGE PLANNING MEETINGS. (Left to right) Kanji Miyao, Ray Johnston, Elizabeth Arnold, Bryon Pinckert, Ron Holsey, Ellie Azhang, Jim Auster, Jamshid Ebrahimzadeh, Nancy Pinckert, Sam Ervin and Jim Whitson. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, 2008)
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The Communications Team is responsible for helping all of Meher Mount's supporters stay connected. Thank you to Margaret Magnus (chair), Wayne Myers (proofreading and research), Tim Hurley (database updates), Nancy Pinckert (graphic design), Eric Turk (proofreading and research), Stephanie Ervin (social media), and Alan Sawyer (guest speaker filming).
Fundraising
Your donations enable all the volunteers to actively preserve Meher Mount and welcome more than 1,200 visitors per year.
Thank you to the fundraising team that includes Margaret Magnus (chair), Wayne Myers (tracking, thank you letters and pledges), and Ginger Glaksy (banking and tracking), and every member of the Board. They are joined by other volunteers - including Mark Bonnlander, Kyle Morrison, Mike Rivard, and Mahoo Shahriari - who have participated in the annual Phonathon.
Events
Over the years, Meher Mount has hosted a number of events. Thank you to the many guest speakers, musicians, and thespians. A special thank you to Fred Stankus who hosts the annual
Gutta Breakfast.
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A DRAMATIC READING commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Avatar Meher Baba's accident in Prague, OK. (Left to right) George Gerdes, Ron Holsey, Annie Potts and Sam Ervin. (Photo: Lynn Maguire, 2012).
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Thank You
The above list is not comprehensive and my apologies to anyone who was unintentionally not mentioned for his or her service to Meher Mount.
Your volunteer efforts and support make a definite difference in keeping Meher Mount in honor of Avatar Meher Baba.
To all who dedicate your time, energy, and love to this place made sacred by the presence of the Avatar of the Age, thank you.
Sincerely,
Sam Ervin
Board President (2002-present)
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General Volunteer (1968-present)
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As you can see from the above list, there are many ways to volunteer. See the following links for tips on volunteering and ways you can become a volunteer for Meher Mount.
Volunteer at Meher Mount
Benefits of Volunteering
A Guide to Being a Volunteer
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Meher Mount's Event Calendar 
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