The Thomas Merton Center owes a debt of gratitude to Missy Monsour, friends and co-workers from M&M Painting who volunteered many hours of their time to plaster and repaint the first floor of the Merton Center. The work of decorating the walls with photos and a possible mural, organizing the space for the best and most user-friendly displays of our members in action and providing a cozy, hospitable environment for walk-ins has begun. We still need your help! We are over half way toward accomplish our goal of renovating the center AND eliminating the mortgage on 5125 Penn Ave.

Campaign goal is $ 30,000.00 (for renovations + eliminating $13,000.00 debt)

Collected thus far: $ 15,416.27

Spent thus far: $ 15,157.57

Balance remaining to meet campaign goal $ 14,583.73

We have collected $1,000 thus far in pledges toward the $ 5,000 matching donation. If four people can contribute $ 1,000 each, this will go a long way toward meeting our goal! Are you one of the four we are looking for?

When I initially began the job as TMC Executive Director on September 4, 2001, I had dreams of working with the Board to develop a 5-year strategic plan, laying the ground work for the Center’s future. One of my personal goals was to meet individually and in small groups with TMC members and friends who have supported the work of the center over its first thirty years, to get input and guidance in formulating a long-range plan. Then, one week later, we witnessed the tragedy of 9/11 and the local peace community turned its eyes to the TMC, expecting us to take a leading role in building a movement for peace based on justice. Things happened quickly and world events still require that we be flexible and on constant alert to respond timely and appropriately. I hope we have not let too many down in our feeble attempts to present a nonviolent alternative to Bush’s "war on terrorism."

At this point, over two and a half years into my position as Executive Director, I would like to extend an open invitation to meet with as many individuals and groups as possible for in-depth, constructive input outside of the setting of a large rally, march or public forum. But again, your help is necessary to make this happen! If anyone is able and willing to organize house meetings of TMC members and friends throughout the region, please let me know. Some of these meetings have already begun as part of the building renovations campaign. One goal is to ensure that such meetings are conducted throughout the Tri-State region and among various "constituencies" or "affinities" that are part of the Thomas Merton Center. So, if there is anyone out there in the North Hills, South Hills, East End, Johnstown, Erie, Morgantown, Youngstown, Greene County, etc. willing to arrange such a house party call Tim at 412-361-3022 or email tim@thomasmertoncenter.org. I am also hoping to meet with members who represent allies in the academic community, attorney supporters, labor, religious, youth and student groups. Also, consider this an open invitation to all TMC projects to include me on the agenda at one of your upcoming meetings to discuss the status of the center and how we can all move forward in a way that includes as many as possible.

Peace,
Tim Vining, Executive Director

Barney Oursler of the Mon Valley Unemployed Committee helps put on a coat of paint. (Photo by Tim Vining)