While I’ve been unusually “quiet” since April, there has been much going on behind the scenes for you, the VOTS membership. This Notes from the President issue will hopefully bring everyone up to date and ready for a great end to 2026. I’m going to put things in a list format to help me keep it all straight… UGH!! This getting older bit kind of – stinks!!

THE NITTY-GRITTY DETAIL UPDATES

1. Natsuki Saballos (VOTS Secretary) and Sharon Spinner attended the ATOS Summer Youth Adventure. Make sure to read more in the upcoming Stop Rail.
2. Marco Ramirez (VOTS Vice President) competed in the 2026 Young Theatre Organ Competition (YTOC) held in July 2026. Marco placed second in the competition. Congratulations, Marco. I believe, if I remember correctly, Marco and Natsuki will both be competing in 2027.
3. On August 9, 2026 Marco Ramirez, VOTS Vice President; Richard Hockett, VOTS President; and Natsuki Saballos, VOTS Secretary met and went through the existing VOTS by-laws. For the most part, they were okay; however, there were several items we addressed and made minor changes as needed. There were, in fact, at least two (2) items in the by-laws which were blatantly in violation of ATOS National and worse, federal discrimination laws. These are in the process of either being removed or changed. Some highlights:
1. In checking with ATOS, it was discovered there is NO NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT to vote in regards to Chapter issues. Any Valley of the Sun Chapter, Inc. member in good standing is eligible to vote in elections, on the new by-laws which will be presented, etc. This will give the members back their voice.
2. The Board’s terms of office will henceforth (beginning in November 2026) be a two-year (2 year) term.
3. The Immediate Past President (in this case, Zach Everson) will oversee Board Member nominations.
4. Nomination information will be e-mailed to ALL members in by October 15^th
5. Mail-in ballots will be mailed via USPS and must be returned by October 30^th.
4. The changes in the by-laws will be presented to the Board via e-mail; then once approved, will be e-mailed to the membership for your vote.
5. In addition to our Annual Member & Open Console meeting in November of each year, we are currently waiting for the new Orpheum Schedule to be announced. Richard, and others, are working to schedule three (3) additional Member/Open Console days throughout the year. In other words, once/quarter. These will be held on a day during the week in order to have free use of the theatre. This all hinges on the Orpheum’s schedule, however. Stay tuned for updates on this as things are fluid.

HERE IS THE BIG NEWS!!!

Phoenix College and the MCCCD has graciously donated the 2/9 Wurlitzer to Valley of the Sun Chapter, Inc. Richard S. Hockett, MBA, VOTS President and Adrian Phillips of Phillips Organ Company have been in negotiations with Phoenix College since May, In July 2026 a request for donation by VOTS was submitted to the MCCCD with the help of Rose Gilbert and Angela Buchele, VP of Administrative Services. The MCCCD approved the donation of the instrument in August.

On September 2, 2026 Adrian Phillips and Richard Hockett did a walk-through of the facility and took a detailed inventory of the organ and console in its present, and non-functional condition. Needless to say, it is worse than terrible shape as too many hands were in the pot over the years. Market valuation for the donation – a valuation the college has accepted -  is (I’m being generous, here) $2000. Phillips Organ Company has entered a NO-COST contract with Richard as the client (i.e., VOTS) representative. Additionally, a contract has been entered into between Phoenix College, MCCCD, and Richard as the VOTS President and Representative of the Chapter. This is a binding contract for removal between Phoenix College, VOTS, and between VOTS and Phillips Organ Company which spells out the fact the unit will be stored at 1067 E Pima Ave., Apache Junction, Arizona until a new home is found for this historic instrument.

LET ME BE CLEAR: THERE ARE NO MEMBERS AUTHORIZED TO CONTACT PHOENIX COLLEGE, OR MCCCD, OTHER THAN RICHARD S HOCKETT, MBA, VOTS PRESIDENT and ADRIAN PHILLIPS, PHILLIPS ORGAN COMPANY! The storage facility is being offered free to VOTS, as is the dismantling and moving of the instrument to the CONTRACTED STORAGE LOCATION at 1067 E Pima Ave., Apache Junction, Arizona! This is now a legally binding matter and the case is closed.

Next Phase:

Once the instrument has been completely removed and safely stored, the next phase is where the VOTS Membership comes. This is a NEW project and the Chapter respectfully asks our members to help us:

• Find a new home for this 2/9 Wurlitzer Unit Orchestra where VOTS members have access to practice and play. Perhaps even do a charity concert once the organ is put together and fully operational.
• Help us fund the repairs and installation with donations whenever possible
• Possibly provide physical help
• Fund-raising ideas

I’m sure there are a lot more items for this list; however, I’m running long on this article and it’s time for me to wish everyone a great day. As always, feel free to contact me via email, phone call, or text. The contact information is in the signature line.

More information coming in another Notes from the President as things develop.

Respectfully,

Richard S Hockett

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