This blog will feature highlights of programming by Falls Cable Access, a not-for-profit organization located in Menomonee Falls High School.
Well it's that time of year again...or to be more precise, "Has it been two years already?". I'm talking about the Menomonee Falls Scholarship Foundation Telethon "Dialing for Scholars" which will air "LIVE" on Sunday April 1st at 1:00 pm.
In the Fall of 1998, Rick Rechlicz the President of the Scholarship Foundation came to me and asked, if it was possible to do a live broadcast of a telethon featuring students performing live and on tape, while hosts and a crew of phone volunteers raised funds for the foundation. I knew that we could technically wire the high school auditorium for a live broadcast out onto the system. I also knew that producing a show with an entire crew of amateur camera operators, staqe crew, sound personnel, technical directors and graphic artists would be impossible. So I said..."Sure!". To this day, I am still amazed at what this community pulled off on that Sunday in March 1999. You really need to sit behind the scenes of a live broadcast at a TV station to completely appreciate their accomplishment. And they raised almost $40,000 for graduating seniors of Menomonee Falls High School.
Since then there have been 4 telethons, usually in March every 2 years. They have become not only a great community fund raiser but also a showcase for the talent in our schools. All acts are now performed live, and the show has ended on time every year, (Not like the nationally televised awards show that usually go over by an hour).
The stage hands are now masters at changing sets, while the hosts and floor director keep thinks moving for the TV audience. Beth Harwood will be hosting her 5th telethon and will be joined by John Mercure from WTMJ-TV. In the past she has worked with Robb Edwards, and our own Dick Woosencraft to enlighten the crowd and get the phones ringing. On the technical end a few professionals have donated their time for audio and video delivery, but the camera operators and support staff still consists of high school students and access volunteers. This year will prove to be the best ever with a new format and some surprises for our viewers. By the way, if you don't have cable you have two options available to you to see the telethon. 1. Stop by the high school auditorium between 12 and 4 pm on April 1st and be a part of the studio audience or 2. Get Cable!
The school District has also planned the "Ground Breaking Ceremony" for the high school renovation on that Sunday. Superintendent Keith Marty asked if we could telecast the ceremony live for the telethon. I said..."Sure!". Well we haven't figured out the logistics on that one yet, but we have a month. We will have more information on the telethon in upcoming weeks.
THIS WEEK ON CHANNEL 14
FOCUS on Our CHILDREN has 2 new shows scheduled on the Power School and Older Adult Volunteer.
VILLAGE VOICES also has 2 shows planned with guest from patio Players, Village Hall, MF Fire Dept and our own 10 year old hero.
Also airing is a lost concert from last summer featuring Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate and the Falls Boys Bsketball game vs Sussex.
As always...Stay Tuned.
