Sadly, it's time for Cam 8 to go

Dear editor:

As Harter House Independent Television, we have been members of CAM-8 since the spring of 1999.

We produced religious programming and civic events such as meetings of the city council, town meetings, election forums, AFAD parades, Three Island Crossings, Christmas Parades, news programs, etc.

It was enjoyable work (hard at times) and we will miss it dearly.

However, we realize it's time that CAM-8 ceases.

Problems that started years ago just could not be stopped. It's a shame, but that is the reality.

Also, reality involves our ages and general health. It's time for us to stop as well.

We have a lot of thanks to offer. First of all: To St. James Episcopal Church, who had confidence in us and were such generous supporters of CAM-8.

Secondly, to manager Vance Jones, who took two rank rookies and taught them everything -- we'd never had video cameras in our hands previously. He taught scrupulous behavior and care of the equipment. He expected no less than the utmost best of everyone there. His management was frugal, always saving for the best available equipment. He gave so many, many hours to CAM-8.

Then, we thank the city council for its financial support for so many years. We "did" city council meetings for so long that each mayor and council person and other city employees have become quite dear to us. Councilman Geoff Schroeder has been a wonderful liaison from the city council.

And how do we offer thanks enough for the privilege of working with the late Lou Burden for so many years? We produced his news programs and were his control room crew for those as well as for some of his specials. We really miss him.

And Don Hill and Howard Harrison and Bob Fraser -- well, the list goes on and on; too many to mention here.

The latest manager, Lori Albright, the board of directors, and fellow members of CAM-8 are great people, too. We have always been treated well by management, fellow members, civic authorities, and the public. Thanks to all of them also.

And we owe a thank you to the Mountain Home News which provided valuable newspaper space for CAM-8's program logs whenever possible. What a great thing that was.

So, while it's a sad thing for us -- and a loss for the community as there was always so much potential if we only could have more of the general public involved, to pick up a camera and learn how themselves -- still, it's time to go.

It's just time.

Thanks to you all for many fond memories.

Denny and Jean Harter