“Eye on Oshkosh” tapes its last show, after 10+ years

On Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, local cable access program, “Eye on Oshkosh” taped its last show and dimmed the lights on the set for the last time, ending a successful, multiple award-winning run that began in September 2002. The program has been a staple in the Oshkosh community and on cable access channel 2 since then – usually airing one new, original program each week – although there were times that scheduling, weather, illness, etc., forced shows to be re-run.

In many ways it seems like only yesterday that the show began, while in other ways, it feels like Eye on Oshkosh has been a part of the local cable access line-up forever. While the show was always fun to do and viewers continued to tell us what a vital service we provided to the community, there have been some recent changes in not only my life, but the lives of some of my crew members, that would have made a continuation of the show more challenging. It probably could have continued, but it would have been difficult to maintain our usual production schedule. So, after a lot of prayerful soul-searching and much discussion with the crew and those closest to me, I felt bringing this chapter of my community service to a close was the best decision to make – at least at this time. And while some of the crew moves on to new professional and educational ventures, this also gives me a chance to focus on some professional endeavors that I’ve wanted to pursue, but have put off for awhile.

This decision certainly was not made easily, or quickly. And though there is sadness about the show ending, I am also filled with excitement and hopeful anticipation about what the future holds. Meanwhile, the last 10 years have been a tremendous journey – one that I will always cherish and remember with great fondness and pride.

I want to thank the staff at Oshkosh Community Media Services (OCMS) for their assistance along the way. They were always very responsive to our needs and concerns – whether from a production assistance standpoint, scheduling, or by providing technical training and guidance. For anyone wanting to pursue a show on cable access, know that there is tremendous talent at OCMS and they can help you with whatever you need, or point you in the right direction if they can’t.

Thanks to the various crew members I’ve had over the years – not only to those who were with me to the last show, but to those who were part of the show at an earlier time and who moved on to other things. Some had career changes; some moved out of the area; some had personal issues come up requiring them to step aside; and one fell ill and later passed on. But I have a deep appreciation to each one and feel honored to have worked with every one of them. This show would never have been possible without them working their magic each week. They are as follows: Mary Helen Casper, Mike Domke, Amy Locke, James Locke, Thomas Locke, Nick Jurgella, Dustin White, Darlene Hengels, Tracy Edwards, Michael Hengels, Joseph Sonntag, and Ken and Cindy Walker.

Thanks to the co-hosts I’ve been privileged and honored to have over the years, Melanie Bloechl, Tony Palmeri and Dan Rylance, in particular Dan who was part of this show for more than half of its time on-the-air. I think we have each learned something from the other, and I have become a better host and interviewer as a result of working with these folks. And again, the show would not have become what it did without their talent and insights.

Thank to the dozens of guests we've been honored to have on during the last 10 years. While we didn’t always see eye-to-eye with some - especially those either running for or serving in an elected position - every guest we ever had on contributed something special and unique, and helped make Eye on Oshkosh what it is;

Last, but certainly not least, thanks to the viewers who tuned in – whether for one, some, or all of the episodes.  With every show we sought to inform, educate, enlighten and/or entertain, and I think we accomplished that – at least I hope we have. And I think that we all, myself included, learned many things along the way.

I would also be remiss if I didn't say that many new acquaintances and some very close friendships were formed as a result of Eye on Oshkosh. I am grateful for those relationships and have every hope that they will last a lifetime.   

Our last show will air in the Oshkosh area beginning the week of December 31, 2012 and will run through Saturday, Feb. 2. Replay times for Time Warner Cable subscribers are Mondays at 7 pm, Thursday at 1 pm and Saturdays at 6 pm. Replay times will be different for Charter Communications subscribers, and unfortunately, I do not know what those are at this time. If I am able to find out, I will post them as an update or a comment to this piece.

I am leaving open the possibility that from time to time we may be back with a special TV edition as situations or events warrant. I can't promise that will definitely happen, but even though I'm closing one door I am certainly not slamming it shut on other possibilities. Eye on Oshkosh just won't be a part of the regular weekly line-up at cable access Channel 2.

Please keep in mind that even though the weekly show in coming to an end, it is just one chapter of Eye on Oshkosh that is closing. There will continue to be an Eye on Oshkosh presence on the Internet via Facebook (www.facebook.com/eyeonoshkosh) and our blog site (www.eyeonoshkosh.com), and I’m hoping I’ll have even a little more time to devote to those things in the future. So as news or events come up that you want us to help promote, please email it to me at eyeonoshkosh@gmail.com, or post it yourself on those sites. You are also welcome to send us your editorials and commentaries if there’s something you’re really passionate or upset about, and we’ll publish those, as well.

Again, many deep thanks to everyone for the last 10 years and the contributions you've each made in your own way to making this show a success. Happy New Year and best wishes in the future to you all. Take care, God bless, and remember, just because we won’t be in your home on TV each week, we’ll still be around and we’ll still have, in one way or another, our Eye on Oshkosh.

With deep appreciation and thanks,

Cheryl Hentz

Co-host/Producer/Co-creator