Chuck Rondeau: Clawson's Volunteer Cameraman For Nearly 25 Years

Clawson resident and avid volunteer Chuck Rondeau, 55, spends a lot of time behind the camera or in the control booth, working as the producer and director for ClawTV, the cable TV channel for

His role as the volunteer cameraman started in 1987. At the time, he was one of the “soccer dads” who decided to help tape footage for the council meetings to run on the local government station. He did not have any professional videotaping or editing experience prior to that, but now, he is a whiz behind the scenes.

Today, he films sporting events, pageants and other community and school events in Clawson.

“He’s just a wonderful volunteer, he’s always concerned, always willing to help out," said Clawson Schools Superintendent Cheryl Rogers. “We just really appreciate all that he does for this district, for this community, in supporting its citizens and its students.”

Rondeau said his commitment varies from week to week, depending on the event schedule, but he typically volunteers about 10 hours a week.

Not only is he unpaid, he said he buys pizzas and other goodies to lure other volunteers in to help with ClawTV productions.

“The biggest thing for me is (that) I would like to see more parents volunteer to help,” Rondeau said. “I am one small piece of the puzzle. Without the other volunteers who keep coming back, nothing would be possible.”

For Rondeau, his payment for contributing to ClawTV is the satisfaction he receives when parents and children tune in and get excited about being in one of the taped programs, he said. ClawTV is on Channel 15 for Wide Open West (WOW!) users and on Channel 19 for Comcast customers.

“What also really drives me is keeping this educational channel alive,” Rondeau said.

Between being the design group supervisor for General Motors and maintaining contact with his three adult children, he still manages to find time to volunteer — mostly on the weekends or evenings when time permits.

“He’s just a wonderful person, and he does this all out of the goodness of his heart,” Rogers said.

Clawson Patch wants to feature more great volunteers in the community. We could use your help in searching for those philanthropic folk. We’re not looking for Hercules or Superman; we’re more interested in hometown heroes. If you have a volunteer in mind, e-mail Local Editor Nicquel Terry at nicquel.terry@patch.com.