Kids & Family
Cable Access TV Manager Wins Rotary's Silver Eagle Award
Award recipient Dick Schuster has managed JCTV Channel 6, Joliet's cable access channel, since 1984.
The Rotary Club of Joliet issued this news release:
A true pillar of society. That was one of the many admirable qualities used to describe Dick Schuster as recipient of the Rotary Club of Joliet’s 2013 Silver Eagle Award during the Dec. 17 meeting. The award is given annually to honor a senior resident of the community who exemplifies the motto of Rotary International, “Service Above Self”.
“We were fortunate to receive many nominations for this year’s Silver Eagle Award,” said Mark Griglione, chairman of the selection committee. “Dick Schuster’s endless contributions to the Joliet area made him an excellent choice for this award.”
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“Anytime I call Dick and ask him to help with taping an event, he agrees,” Las said. “That support is priceless.”
Schuster owned and operated Schuster and Sons Plumbing and Heating for more than 30 years. Since 1984, he has managed the Joliet cable access station, JCTV Channel 6. Schuster is responsible for programming, production, and supervising a crew of 30 volunteers. He is busier now than when he was working full time with his company.
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“Dick must work at least 50 hours each week down in his studio in our basement,” said Millie, Schuster’s wife of 52 years. “Sometimes he only comes up for meals and then he is right back at it.”
Millie said she doesn’t mind because she said she is proud Schuster found a hobby that he enjoys and keeps him active.Former Joliet City Manager Tom Thanas credits Schuster for maintaining the sustainability of the local cable access channel, JCTV, and expanding its coverage of public meetings and key events.
“Dick Schuster is a worthy recipient of the Silver Eagle award for his many years of volunteer service to Joliet residents and his commitment to JCTV,” Thanas said. “The Silver Eagle award from Joliet Rotary acknowledges that it's Dick's turn to take a bow on the other side of the camera lens.”
Schuster was visibly moved when he talked about the wonderful opportunities he has had in filming local events for JCTV. Especially the tapings with the World War II veterans who had special flights on a restored B2 bomber at Lewis University and the events at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Elwood.
Schuster expressed his appreciation with the award and said he has no plans to slow down.
“You’ll still see me around town with a camera rolling at one time or another. This is a job I truly enjoy.”Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
