In late January, or early February, my renter showed me a picture of a theatre pipe organ for sale on Facebook Marketplace. I immediately sent the link to Marco Ramirez and within a few minutes received notification from Marco he had managed to purchase the entire organ and console for the unheard of sum of $1,500. The organ cost was split between Marco and another VOTS Chapter member. Even more remarkable is the fact this instrument is the Misel & Sullivan organ at the Fizzell house in South Phoenix. Let’s go one step further and let everyone know this is the original organ from the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix where our Wurlitzer now resides. While Marco and Ben have the pipes and the “guts” of the console, the Orpheum Theatre now has the original console (sans any working parts) on display on the lower level of the lobby. What a find… and what a 3 week rush to dismantle and move this instrument. Congratulations to Marco, Ben, and the Orpheum for saving this piece of history.

A special congratulation goes out to Mark Mackeben who, in January, was able to make a long-held dream come true with the purchase of the former Dale house and it’s working, Barton 3/10 Theatre Pipe Organ. To the best of my knowledge, this is the ONLY Barton Theatre Pipe Organ in Arizona. Congratulations, Mark!!

The February 27th Social held at Mark’s new home was filled with excitement and growth. 

Brett Valliant joined Valley of the Sun Chapter, and we extend our sincere “Thanks” for his membership. We also gained two additional new members: Luis De La Torre and Glenn Taller. I am not sure the Valley of the Sun Chapter has ever had the entire Organ Stop Pizza Organist Staff as members. Well… we do now. Likewise, Johnny Sharp and his wife Denise rejoined the Chapter after a long absence. We’re looking forward to working with all our members to bring about new projects and events. Again, a most sincere THANK YOU for joining us to all our new, and coming back into the Chapter, members. 

On February 27, 2026 Mark opened his home to VOTS-ATOS for a “housewarming” and VOTS-ATOS social. No Board Meeting, just a fun time with a great turn-out and a couple of surprise, celebrity, guests. Did you know Brett Valliant was a highly accomplished accordion musician? Brett and Marco played a couple of duets with Marco on the Barton and Brett on the accordion. 

Brett and Marco

One of the many highlights of the evening Natsuki playing the Barton, Marco playing along with Natsuki on the Rodgers 321 Trio, and Johnny Sharp playing the accordion. These three gave us an unforgettable evening’s entertainment of polkas, marches, and who knows what the other pieces were! I am going to call them the Polka Trio! (Guys, you should take this show on the road. 

Polka Trio

Earlier in the evening, Brett entertained us as well. 

Brett Valliant at the Barton

 What an evening, and what a way to close out February 2026!! So much talent, skill, and entertainment packed into one location at the same time should probably be “a crime”; at least this is a saying I grew up with.

If you have been away from the Chapter for a while, yet are still a member, please consider becoming an ACTIVE member once again. The Chapter Leadership is looking forward to increased activity; a renewed website; more merchandise available; more open console socials at Mark’s home as well as a few other locations in the works; and a surprise project we’re just starting to work on which will need a great deal of membership support in the form of logistics and restoration skills. It’s a secret until the details are completely worked out; however, it is a project the membership has been wanting to happen for several years.

I would like to leave everyone with an invitation to an open board meeting at Mark Mackeben’s home - 2349 E Pueblo Ave, Mesa AZ 85204 – on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM SHARP! If you have not attended an open board meeting in the past – I guarantee this is an entirely new experience and we would love to see you. Moreover, this is YOUR Chapter and the Board exists to serve you – not the other way around. However, to keep the Chapter alive and moving ahead with high energy… we need, and welcome, your input. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending. RSVP to Richard Hockett, President via email at:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Thanks for being a member of Valley of the Sun Chapter – ATOS and continuing to support the Chapter.

 Respectfully,

Richard S Hockett

Richard S Hockett, MBA
President – Valley of the Sun Chapter | ATOS