As many of you now know, Columbus Chapter Member Cliff Maurer passed away recently. He had battled cancer in recent years with a courage and positive attitude that impressed us all. In addition to being a devoted family man. Cliff was also a superb technician whose skills were appreciated wherever he worked. Maybe it is appropriate that our most recent Chapter Meeting was held at The Piano Gallery, the primary place of Cliff's employment. We wish the very best for Cliff's family.
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 The Piano Gallery is more than just an establishment that sells pianos- In recent months, it has additionally become an art gallery. There are numerous paintings hung on the walls- many done by local artists, and there are also vases, glasswork and many other forms of artistic work displaced on shelves and in cabinets throughout the store. The idea to incorporate these artistic endeavors with the musical instruments is an excellent one, and it not only supports the artists who display there- it also adds to the visual array of pianos-

 The meeting was noteworthy in that a Chapter photograph was taken. We wish more members could have been present for this group picture, but sometimes the logistics of going from A to B in time C are a little stifling. So be it. We thank Lance Parker for taking the time to shoot a number of pictures of the group for a very fair price. I've looked at the results, and there are a number of excellent pictures. Believe me, his work far exceeds what anyone could accomplish on the modest Chapter digital camera!
 
 

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This group photo was taken by photographer Lance Parker at The Piano Gallery. Front, left to right: Mitch Staples, Dave Gorsuch, Kim Hoessly, Ron Kenreich, Bob Grubb, and Ben Wiant. Rear, left to right: Chris Purdy, Doug Brandt, Mark Ritchie, Bryan Hartzler, Victor Wolfe, and Chris Altenburg.

Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that a copy of one of the group pictures was incorporated into a greeting card for our fellow member. Cliff Maurer. The purpose of the card was to inform Cliff and his family that a Chapter scholarship had been designated in his name: The Cliff Maurer Scholarship Fund.

 Associates wishing to test at the Nationals to seek RPT status will benefit financially from this fund. The card was also signed by all members present, and it was hand delivered to Cliff by Chris Altenburg and Norwin Mergler, shortly before Cliffs passing in late October

Meeting Minutes (excerpts)

Old Business: 
It was reported that flowers were sent by the Chapter in behalf of Gene Hechesky. 
The status of prospective members Mike Varrone, Sam Stahl and Dale Logan was discussed. 
Ben Wiant will assume control of the Chapter Library. An up-to-date list of library items will be obtained and published in the newsletter.

New Business: 
Don Carle from Zanesville, OH, is interested in becoming a member of the PTG. 
Initial details on the development of the CliffMaurer Scholarship Fund were discussed.

Announcements: Christina Kauffman, Director of Institutional Sales for Graves Piano & Organ, has informed us that Graves is planning to have Charles Walters speak in the future. Bob Bussell will be a future guest at one of our meetings, too. 

The next meeting will be held Weds.. Nov. 13, at The Piano Gallery with LaRoy Edwards as the guest speaker. LaRoy will also be available at the same locale earlier in the afternoon to speak to those interested. Damper regulation is a suggested topic.

Technicals for the upcoming year were also discussed, Suggested speakers to be invited include Regional Vice President Bob Bussell, Ben Wiant, Ben Mcldveen of the Cincinnati Chapter and Charles Walters.

 Chris Altenburg concluded by giving a talk on the Yamaha Disklavier, on which Norwin Mergler elaborated further. 

Of Note...

Many of you may have received a notice from Oberlin College inviting piano technicians to apply for the position of Piano Technician in the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. This is a full-time, 12-month Administrative and Professional Staff appointment reporting to the Director of Piano Technology. Oberlin, which was founded in 1865, is the oldest school dedicated to the training of professional musicians in the Country. It has 194 Steinways- 174 of which are grands. Reportedly, most of these instruments are kept under humidity control.  Those who are interested should submit a letter of application, resume, and three references with telephone numbers to: Michael Lynn, Associate Dean, Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, OH 44074. Although the official cut-off date for application is October 18th, late applications will be accepted until the position is filled.