Bob Edgett has been a volunteer for PAC-B TV since 2004. He came on board as an instructor, teaching a class on how to convert video from analog to digital.
“I did start out holding a few classes and the theory at that time was I would take care of the technical part,” said Edgett, a former IBM employee.
Soon, however, he would begin filling in for volunteers in other roles when needed, such as covering events and town board meetings. In fact, that’s how he became the regular cameraman for Lysander town board meetings.
“What they asked me to do gets boring after awhile,” he said about tech work. “Getting out and meeting people is really more enjoyable. The enthusiasm in the music department in the Baldwinsville schools makes you want to do those — just because of the attitude of the students and the teachers. They’re really into it and that makes you into it.”
Edgett, who is originally from Hornell, located about 50 miles south of Rochester, moved to Baldwinsville in 1960. He worked for 35 years at IBM before retiring in 1993. His wife, Waneta, is an active volunteer in the Syracuse Home Auxiliary. For about four years, she too volunteered at PAC-B TV alongside her husband, covering school band and orchestra concerts. She would pan the overall picture while he would capture the close-ups.
“It takes a lot more time editing when you have two cameras because you have to make sure [the videos] line up,” Edgett said.
Not all assignments are time-consuming, however, and Edgett said it’s best when volunteers have a hobby or interest they want to share with viewers.
“We’ve had several volunteers [who] would tape sports while their kids were in sports. When the kids move on and you lose interest, turn the camera back in,” he said. “[We’re] very flexible. Some people might do one thing a year, others contribute more regularly.”
“The more people, the better,” Edgett added.
PAC-B’s core group of volunteers don’t expect anyone to know all the ins and outs of editing, and anticipate helping and training all who come on board. Volunteers are needed to provide content and or website management. For more information on how to become a volunteer, call 638-2768 or go to pacbtv.org.
