NBC chimes (Jan 1955-Oct 1956)

The latest youngster arrived on March 29. This ties Jack Connolly of the WRC newsroom, who also has three, and David Brinkley who has three sons. Earl Godwin, "Dean of Washington commentators", notes that his own record seems secure for the moment. Earl's record: Three sons, one daughter, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren! Visit of "Home" to Washington in April was a big success from a program and public relations standpoint. Capital ad agencies, newspapermen, WRC-WRC-TV clients had a chance to meet Arlene and found her just as gracious as eveyone expected she would be. "Home" originated from Washington for five days, and WRC-TV technical crews did a wonderful job of handling the remote pick-ups . . . in addition to the station's regular full schedule of local shows! Pacific Division The third floor at Sunset & Vine just ain't what it used to be. It sounds a little different, and it smells a little different. Bob Armbruster and his piano have moved up so that now, all too infrequently, we are treated to faint wisps of melody which drift out from the tightly closed doors. As for the smell, well, Billy Gilcher, everybody's favorite boyfriend, and bis "seegar" came with Bob. Of course, pretty Mary Leahy, Bob's secretary, has also improved the looks of the third floor. Speaking of the third floor, we are rolling out the red velvet carpet to welcome Bill Craig who was transferred here from New York on April 25 to work with Oscar Turner and Kay Hardesty in Personnel. We won't be seeing the familiar figures of Fibber McGee and Molly coming in for their regular taping sessions every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday after this week. They've finished for the season and can now go back out to their place in Chatsworth and settle down to the serious business of ranching. Pretty Phyllis Krebs, Press and Publicity, was awarded a special little Emmy for "Courtesy and Friendliness Over and Above the Call of Duty" by Pasadena City College. Atta girl, Phyl. You just can't beat a sweet smile. From all signs, the rash of broken legs produced by the deep snows at Big Bear and Arrowhead this past winter is not likely to abate, because the ski-maniacs are all making plans to transfer their activities to water skiing. Public Relations Division Continuity Acceptance — Stockton Helffrich and Carl Watson have just returned from a flying visit to our counterparts in Hollywood and Chicago. Vacation time is coming again, and as usual, Kay Henderson is the first to depart. She leaves at the end of May for a visit to the British Isles. Wedding bells will soon be ringing for Riva Feister, secretary to Carl Watson and Percy Smith, and Michael Drechsler of the Guest Relations Department. They plan to be married on May 22nd and then leave on a motor trip cross country to Arizona and points West. National Advertising and Promotion— Al Sherman of the Art Department gave up single-blessedness on April 9, when he married Mary Farnberg at the Ethical Culture Society. Welcome to Bob Zeller, our new promotion presentation writer. When not beating out copy, Bob is interested in fire engines and his boy scout troop. Greetings, too, to Pat Dorland, formerly of San Francisco, as Bob Zeller's secretary. By the time this reaches print, Thaine Engle and his attractive wife will have enjoyed a vacation in Florida and Cuba. Mel (Schlessel) Howard and Nancy Kugel are planning a June wedding. These two popular members of Broadcast Promotion are rejoicing over their good luck in finding a brand new apartment just off lower Fifth Avenue. Ann Allsopp vacationed recently in Jacksonville, Florida. Ray Johnson, whose taste in furniture is as avant-garde as it is flawless, is stopping traffic with a bright red office desk. Press — The Press Dept. extends its welcome to Mort Hochstein and Gene Luchbaugh who have recently joined the staff. Our best wishes go to Joan Ganz and Bob MacDonald in their new positions outside the company. Latest news from press personnel is: Peggy and Harry McCrystal expecting their first. . . . Secretary Gina Johnson leaving in June will be replaced by Carol Gommi. . . . Recent addition to Sam Kaufman s family, a BOY (Steven Gary). . . . The Ernie Otto's expect ing soon — their second. . . . Alec "Peter Pan" Nyary is examining the old bank roll for his annual tour of Europe. . Jack Haney has been pitching in with the magazine section for the past 3 months. Research and Planning — A belated but hearty welcome to Bernie Lipsky who joined our Markets and Media section replacing Mitch Lipman; Mitch left us for the Sales Development Department. Vacations got off to an early start this year; Laura Graham visited New Orleans for the Mardi Gras celebration and before returning home she made stops at Biloxi, Mobile and Atlanta — love that southern fried chicken! Jean Patterson took to the hills of New Hampshire for a ski weekend in April and returned all in one piece, much to everyone's surprise. This is her second try, and we hear she is almost ready to enter the Olympic tryouts. We bid farewell to Don Brown of Ratings who left us May 6 to don the Air Force Blue, having been called up by Uncle Sam; best of luck from us all, Don. Carol Burton had a veryexciting experience in April when she was accompanist for opera singer Jerome Hines, who gave a concert at the Salvation Army Headquarters on the Bowery. If you see a rosy glow emanating from the Ratings Section it's just that Arlene Urbanovsky became the April bride of Arthur (Jim) Rittereiser. The happy couple took a motor trip to Lake George and upper New York State. Arlene was feted by her co-workers at Town & Country and presented with a beautiful toaster. Station Relations Our very best to Tom Knode, who has left us to join the Edward Petry Company; and to Irene Dmock, who continues as his secretary. A farewell party was given in Mr. Knode's honor at the St. Regis on March 23. Don Mercer has succeeded Mr. Knode as Director of the department; and Kathy Walker remains his secretary. We skiers have been on various trips to Canada and upper New England. Joan Oury visited Stowe, Vt., Mary Mercer to the Poconos, Ann Culbert to Mass., and Spike Knapp to Mount Tremblant. Joyce Higbee Rasmussen attended the NBC Spring Dance, where she won a door prize of two silver trays! NBC Chimes 21