A regular meeting of the Long Island Nassau Chapter, PTG was held on February 11, 2014, at Frank and Camille's Keyboard Center, 229B Glen Cove Road, Carle Place, N.Y. Nine chapter members and two guests attended.

President Slavin called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m..

Minutes for the January 14, 2014 meeting were accepted as published in the February newsletter.

The Treasurer's report was given by Paul Keogler.

There was no new or old business to be discussed, and the chapter was informed of the technical presentation for the March meeting. The program proceeded directly to the guest speaker for the evening, Bill Maguire of the Long Island - Suffolk Chapter PTG. Bill discussed all aspects of cleaning a grand piano, and the many methods that are available. His approach is to work always from the "top down," letting gravity settle all the dust and debris. He demonstrated various ways to clean the strings, tuning pins, and plate webs, utilizing different types of brushes, cleaning agents, and power tools.. He attempts to clean as much as possible without creating an unhealthy dust cloud in the customer's home, but will employ a vacuum or manual air pump as necessary. Bill informed the members that just the unsightly appearance of a dirty piano is its own selling point to the customer, both for cosmetic and health reasons. A discussion of mice droppings and hanta-virus ensued, and the extreme care that must be taken when dealing with this dangerous situation. The discussion then proceeded to cleaning the soundboard, and the great variety of pads, flexible rods, cleansers and appropriate concentrations, and protective gear that may be employed for the process. The final step in a thorough cleaning is the action cavity and back-action (where all the dirt will have settled after the above procedures), and Bill demonstrated his approach to cleaning the action and keytops as well. The meeting was adjourned promptly at 8 p.m.