<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN"> <html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; = charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <title>I'm going to do this just once..OT</title> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> Congratulations, Phil, on those three little letters of credential behind your = name.  You may be easily amused, but I know the effort it took to climb up that = next step.  One of my mentors said, “wear your ‘RPT’ = like a flag, be proud of it, but know that it’s just another step along = the way, not the finish line” (or something like that).  I know = you’ve heard that, too, many times, and I’m not patronizing you (after = all, I look up to you……I think you’re my elder).  All of = us have a bunch of people who helped us, and are helping us, along;  = good of you to list some of them. Again……….WAY TO = GO PHIL! (no longer the ‘rook’?) Chuck   -----Original = Message----- From: = pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Phil Bondi Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 6:33 = AM To: Newtonville Subject: I'm going to do = this just once..OT   ..just because it's been a goal of mine since I started in this profession 7 = years ago. I'll admit it feels good. Obviously, I am easily = amused! I want to publicly thank the following for their continued interest, kind = words, and encouragement..in no special order: -LB Crabb and all the Associates(especially John Blick, rip). John spent A = LOT of time with me one-on-one when I use to commute to Atlanta. His = contribution is singled out here because he truly was an inspiration to this aspiring, = still, and always will be, Rook. Rest in peace John. -ALL the members of the Tampa Chapter, West Palm Chapter, and especially the = Atlanta Chapter. They have adopted me as their orphaned technician..I could do a = lot worse folks. -Paul Milde, who, when he retired from the business, gave me all of his tools, = parts, and accessories. My shop would not be what it is without his = contribution. -Bill Leach and Kevin Shipe of the Richmond Chapter. I forgot my tools in the = garage on my way to Richmond last week, and these 2 gentlemen made sure I had = the tools available to me to take the Repair Section last week. I can't say = thanks enough gentlemen. -All the contributors to this forum, past and present. I feel truly blessed = and very fortunate to be coming up in this profession during the beginning of the Information Age, and the information and knowledge obtained from this = forum has proven to be invaluable. -Jim Coleman. I will always remember his kindness and his initial "how = do you do?" in Orlando. At the time, I was learning to tune from watching = the Jim/George Defabaugh(?) tape. Meeting the person who I was watching and listening to felt good, and "Jim was Jim" when I met him.. A = nice man, a real gentleman, and someone who I look up. -Ralph Martin..'nuff said, especially if you had the chance to meet the man. = Your watch is still ticking buddy. -Sir Newton Hunt..who HASN'T he helped? -he'll hate me for this, and I don't care, but thanks Jim Bryant for your time = on the phone, your suggestions and insight, and for being a = friend. -I could go on and on. I am grateful. Phil Bondi, RPT(Fl) </div> </body> </html>