1954

Some of the early entries in this month's column date back a few months, attesting both to the lateness of receiving items, and to the dwindling supply of news. I will not, however, make apologies. Rather, I trust some of you will be sufficiently moved to add to the class notes some contribution that would be of interest, and most anything would.

Two members of the Class have heartily embraced the theory of "charity beginning at home." Last fall George A. Haskins was named general chairman for the Webster (N. Y.) Community Chest and put the appeal on the line with the following comment that strikes quite close to all of us: "We're asking the people of Webster to support their own social services" ... and we will tell them how the money is used! George is assistant vice president of the Eastman Savings and Loan Association and manager of their HawkEye office as well as serving as the Association's senior appraiser. His contribution to the community is further evidenced by his chairmanship of the Webster Board of Appeals, his membership in the local Chamber of Commerce, and his vice presidency of the Rochester Chapter #99 of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers.

Simultaneously, Thomas D. Sayles Jr. was named chairman of the Business Division of the United Campaign of Summit (N. J.)—New Providence. No stranger to the operations of United Giving, Tom served in 1970 as chairman of the finance and banking unit of the United Fund of Greater New York, and, since last mentioned in this column, has been elected president of the Summit and Elizabeth Trust Company.

A little further downstate, but at about the same time, Roland X. Addis Jr. was appointed a councilman of the Essex Fells borough to complete the term of a member who had been transferred. "Bud" is a vice president of the Howard Savings and Loan, and serves the community additionally as president of the Fells Brook Club and a member of the Vestry of St. Peter's Church. As councilman, "Bud" will also serve as chairman Essex Fells Parks and Public Buildings Committee and on the Finance Committee.

While the three just mentioned were paying their community dues in fitting manner, the life of Rev. Robert P. Curtis was undergoing more than a few changes. I'm going to let him tell the story himself since it would only lose in the translation. "After winning the drama fellowship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in N.Y.C. (1957-'59) (well, I split it with some guy named Robert Redford of "Sundance Kid" fame—we tied and he hasn't been too friendly since)—I had a ball acting in TV, rotten films and legit theater—made a pretty decent living at it, too (even sometimes an indecent living) then went on staff of J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in NYC, became senior producer in three years of all TV commercials for R.C.A. Victor, L&M, Chesterfield, Red Cross, Savings Bonds, and lotsa junk, made much money much quick—got a penthouse, was engaged three times (officially)—and then chucked the whole ball of wax to enter the priesthood. Was ordained a Paulist priest by Cardinal Cooke in NYC 1/18/71. 10 major newspapers (from NY Times to LA Times, Variety, & Hollywood Reporter) covered the event (made me feel like Dolores Hart, except she's in a cloister making jelly, & I'm busier than hell, or heaven). The only publication which failed to use the rather elaborate church publicity was the Dartmouth Alumni Mag (not even a Give a Rouse)—So maybe you can let '54's know I'm Holy Happy. C'mon visit!" I hope that recapping this story earns us, belatedly, at least a catch-up showing with the other publications.

The recent upheavals in the business world have had some trying moments for most of us close to the action. Such is the case with Albert K. Tirrell who writes that he has been "hanging tough with the R.C.A. despite demise of the computer division. As with others in the division," Albert was "waiting for the other shoe to drop (layoff)." This was a few months back and I sincerely hope the other shoe never was heard from. Meanwhile Albert's wife Lysbeth was writing for the Burlington County Times as state political reporter and back in June of 1970, Al presented a paper on microprogramming at a conference in Grenoble, France.

Well, that's all for now, folks.

Secretary, 58 Birchwood Lane Hartsdale, N. Y. 10530

Class Agent, Reader's Digest Assoc., Inc. 200 Park Ave., New York, N. Y. 10017