He may be referred to as the man behind the camera, but Riverside’s Don Farnham is known as well for his spirit of volunteerism and contributions to his community. In recognition of his contributions, the Riverside Township Lions Club has named Farnham as the winner of this year’s Jansky Award.
The award named in honor of the late Bill Jansky of Riverside, who served the community through his volunteerism and the Lions club as its president. Farnham exemplifies many of the attributes demonstrated by Jansky.
Farnham was for 45 years a cameraman and technical director with ABC-TV. Among some of his memorable camera work was shooting the Winter Olympics and other major sporting events and programs such as “The Wide World of Sports.”
Yes, he knows the ski jumper who was the program’s video icon as “the agony of defeat” and happily says he is OK. His work earned him two Emmy Awards.
He brought his TV talents to Riverside when he and the late Dr. Bob Novak were named founding members of the Riverside Cable Commission in 1996. Farnham stayed with the commission for decades, retiring last fall but not before bringing it up to a quality standard that can rival many professional TV stations. He was instrumental in introducing programming that highlights the Riverside area, its history and residents.
Farnham, a Lions Club member and volunteer, will receive the Jansky Award on Tuesday, March 14 at the club’s meeting, which will be held at noon at the Scottish Home located at 2800 Desplaines Ave. in North Riverside. Lunch will be served and the event is open to all who wish to attend. Cost of the luncheon is $20 and reservations may be made by calling the club’s president, Alex Gallegos, at 708 205-7425.
Farnham’s name will be added to the Jansky Award winners’ plaque, which is located in the Riverside Township Hall. A book will be given is Farnham’s honor to the Riverside Public Library.
