Below are some comments from the WTIC Alumni Email Group.
From Dick Bertel:
Arlane Ross (Podeszwa) was a very special person.
I first met Arlane when she was a receptionist assigned to the
third floor entrance. I remember her as a pretty, perky and intelligent
young woman who, I'm sure, knew she was capable of more than sitting
behind a reception desk.
When the sale occurred in 1974 I was assigned a daily four
hour talk show from 10 am to 2pm. I was expected to line up the guests,
(of which there were four per day) and host the program. As the show
got underway Arlane had no idea who all these people were who were
arriving at Broadcast House between 10 and 2 each day. When she figured
it out she suggested I supply her with a guest list each day so she
could properly greet them.
Soon she was taking phone calls for me while I was on the air
from people either confirming or canceling an appearance. It saved me
from having to return calls and allowed me to concentrate on new
material.
One day she asked me if she could help book some of the
guests. I asked her how she would be able to manage that and still do
her job as a receptionist and she explained that her phone very rarely
rang. She could make phone calls and still receive and direct those
people who had business to conduct. We tried it and it worked.
I don't know exactly when management became aware of Arlane's
contribution to the show but eventually she was given two hours a day
to work exclusively on lining up guests. Soon the various publicists
were bypassing me and dealing directly with her.
Arlane would skim through books and highlight certain pages
with bookmarks. That way I could say to the guest "Well now on page 234
you say..."
Arlane had become my producer and it's no exaggeration to say that I
couldn't have continued doing that program without her.
At the Voice of America I had a producer for every show aired
- some good and some not so good. I know if Arlane had been there she
would have been considered one of the very best.
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From Chuck Albert:
Sweet, personable, lovely lady! My condolences to Bill.
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From Bob Scherago: So sorry to hear the news. Arlane was a
joy to be around, and I was delighted when I found out you two had
married. My condolences. She, and you, will always be remembered fondly
by us alumni.
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From Tony Valentino:
Arlane was a delight to see. Her sincere smile came from deep in her soul. So sad to hear of her passing.
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From Jim Thompson:
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of a vivacious lady, Arlane. My
condolences old friend, Bill. We are all fortunate to have worked and
known people like her and you.
