Dear Community Members, Thank you! We greatly appreciate your donation to MHT and hope that you will continue to extend your generous support. Any donation has tax deduction advantage under 501 (C) (3). The month of January was bittersweet for Maine Hindu Temple. We learned that our board president, Mr. Deven Bhatt is leaving the state of Maine to be with his family in Virginia. We are very happy that he is going to be closer to his family, yet sad that one of the pillars of our community would be moving away. We thank Deven Bhatt for all his contributions to Maine Hindu Temple and wish him all the best for life ahead. He will be sorely missed. The Board met on January 18th and considered all option for MHT president succession plan and Devi Maganti has been unanimously elected as MHT president. Devi's commitment to the temple's well being and to the community is why she was elected to this post. Please join us in congratulating her. Deva will continue to taking care of MHT finance including Devi’s current role and Mayu will be handling all forms of communication. Venu will continue to be a vice president and assist wherever necessary. Prakash Bhai, Kiran Bhai and Avinash will continue to be advisors to the board as well as assist wherever necessary. This brings up a great opportunity for community members to step in and be part of the board. We are looking for community members to volunteer their time for the betterment of this temple and community. Please see any existing board member if you are interested. Motions below have been passed by the existing board. 1. Approved maximum of 5K for heating and other basement fittings 2. Approved funds for conducting special pooja for all 2014 MHT members and donors during upcoming festival conducted with help of Poojari 3. Allocate 5K current winder utility endowment and 4. Allocate 5K for insulation and Building rehabilitation 5. Prioritize short term plan such as renovating stage, wall mount photographs. Upcoming Events We have quite a few upcoming events in Feb Feb 1 - Ayyapa Swami Pooja Feb 3 - Vasant Panchami Saraswati Pooja Feb 10 - Bhishma Ekadashi Feb 15 - MHT 1st Anniversary Feb 22 - Bhajan Sandhya Feb 27 - Maha Shivratri Celebration Devotees are welcome to bring Flowers, Fruits and Prashad. Please check the calender for details. In addition, we have Sai Baba Bhajan every Thursday at 6:00 PM. MHT would also like to thank Dr. Praphul Joshi for volunteering to teach Carnatic Music to children. He is an accomplished musician and the community members have experienced his divine classical singing during festivals at MHT. We are very fortunate to have such talent within the community and the offer to teach our unique, heritage and culture with traditional classical lessons. First inaugural class will start on Feb 2nd. If you would like to volunteer for singing/teaching/writing/crafts for young children, please let us know. In addition, board will explore commitment from community for an in house Poojari as long term MHT sustainment and kitchen upgrade. If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@mainehindutemple.org (mailto:info@mainehindutemple.org) or call (207) 370-0475 Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to celebrating all the auspicious festivals this year with you. Sincerely, MHT Board