Happy Holidays! From 4-H Network News

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Gabcast! 4-H Network News #2

Heart (and eye) of a champion

By Mary Rothschild, Leader Contributing Writer

Jane Champion wanted to be the first woman astronaut.

But during college the math major was introduced to foreign cinema by a professor in the English Department, and she became just as starry-eyed as if she'd rocketed off into outer space.

Today the CEO of Champion Video Productions in Port Townsend remains an explorer, pushing the limits of video storytelling with creative approaches that combine music, dance, art and literature.

She began this journey making 16 mm movies, the first a tribute to Hiroshi Teshigara's classic "Woman in the Dunes" and another based on the poet Sylvia Plath. A request to shoot and edit news footage for a local TV station led to a three-year job working for an ABC affiliate in Iowa. (Read More)

Big Quil Enterprises

By Evan Cael
Peninsula Daily News

QUILCENE – It's a Tuesday afternoon in a Quilcene High School classroom, and students sit circled around their entrepreneurial mentors, Joe and Joy Baisch.

The students, most of them freshmen and sophomores, are hearing a lesson plan that most 15 and 16 year olds won't hear for several years, if ever.

"We didn't do too bad money-wise," says Joy Baisch of a recent shellfish dinner hosted by the Quilcene School student-run shellfish company, Big Quil Enterprises.

"We were down $300 from last year. But $300 is $300."

The atmosphere in the room appears similar to a board meeting led by a chief executive officer except that business suits are replaced by frayed jeans and T-shirts.

For the past three years, with help from a $220,000 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant, the Baisch's, acting as business managers, have been shepherding Quilcene School District students through the dollars and sense of operating a shellfish company, coined Big Quil Enterprises.

Joy was an original stockholder and gereral manager of Red Robbin Restaurant in 1967, which now has locations up and down the West Coast.

Joe and Joy started the first document shredding company in Seattle in 1981 called American Data Guard and sold it in 1992 when they moved to Brinnon.

They now own and run a bed and breakfast in Brinnon.

Big Quil Enterprises, comprised of about 50 students, operates in partnership with the Quilcene School District and the 4-H Club, which is an extension of the Washington State University Learning Center.

The business leases a beach on Quilcene Bay, and the students involved harvest oysters and clams.
The harvested shellfish, of which Quilcene is nationally and internationally famous for producing, are then processed by Shelton-based Taylor Shellfish Co.

The students then prepare and sell the shellfish at various festivals throughout the region, such as the Brinnon Shrimp Fest and the Quilcene Fair, and other dining events.

Pamela Roberts, 4-H coordinator and former Principal of Quilcene School District, works closely with the business and sees it as broadening the scope of the students' perspectives and making available to them enhanced opportunities.
"We're hoping that through this initiative that these kids who live in a remote location realize they can be players on an international scale," said Roberts.

Because of the partnership with Taylor Shellfish Co., many of the shellfish, in great demand throughout the world, make it to the far reaches of the globe.

"It's been pretty cool, because our oysters that we harvest get shipped around the world, and to Europe and stuff," said Big Quil Enterprises Shelbi Thompson, 15.

Like any business, the time the students put into harvesting and working on the operation, they are paid for.
"It gives the community a different look at how students are, that we're not all trouble makers," said Big Quil Enterprises Co-President Marissa Suarez, 15.

"It's an opportunity to get out and get involved in the community, and it looks good on a college resume."
The Baisches agree and see the company as a way to teach and inspire the students to realize they can go to college and become successful in business or any field they are interested in.

"The hardest part is getting the kids to realize their opinions really do matter," said Joy.

Quilcene School District Assistant Principal Jim Betteley says Big Quil Enterprises is an extremely positive opportunity for the kids, many of whom come from an economically depressed background.

He said the business and the school district have formed a symbiotic relationship.

"We're integrating it into the fabric of the learning opportunity," Betteley said of the business education of Big Quil Enterprises.

"It's exposing them to a career path that pays a pretty good wage."
Joe and Joy Baisch do not see Big Quil Enterprises as being limited to shellfish.
That's only the beginning, they explain.

Quilcene, with I-5 running through it, is on the way to many North Olympic Peninsula tourist stops.
An estimated 2.1 million vehicles speed by Quilcene on I-5 every year, said Joe Baisch.

"As we continue our work with Big Quil Enterprises, we're going to expand into this tourist thing," said Joe.
"We'll make an organized effort of stopping tourists and getting dollars out of them."

In the Quilcene High School classroom, Joe picks the brains of the students sitting around him, running through ideas of how to accomplish this.

"One of the things that we all have to internalize is our community is a year-round playground," Joe tells the students.
"You can't just think of the spring and summer. We've got to seize the opportunity on this, guys, and we've got to put our heads together."

They discussed renting mountain bikes and kayaks and other outdoor-related rentals.
Joe asked the students if they thought it was about time to join the Brinnon-Quilcene Chamber of Commerce.
"What do they discuss there?" asked Suarez.

"Some of the same stuff that we've been discussing," replied Joe.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant expires this year, which would run the risk of crippling the operation of Big Quil Enterprises.

But with the business just getting off the ground, the Baisches aren't letting that happen.
On Friday, representatives of Northwest Area Foundation, based in St. Paul, Minn., were in Quilcene interviewing those involved with Big Quil Enterprises.

The business is being looked at to receive a $100,000 grant that will allow Big Quil Enterprise to expand and eventually become self-sufficient.

The Baisches are hoping the Northwest Area Foundation, an organization focused on reducing community poverty, sees something valuable in the work Big Quil Enterprises is doing.

Regardless, the students realize they are part of something unique.
"There aren't very many schools that have anything like this," said Suarez.

Article for State Education Newsletter

Dr. Terry Bergeson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (left), Micah Joe (Ornament Drawing Winner), and his parents, Chief Petty Officer Alvin Joe and mom Jennifer Joe, "First Mike Gregoire", in WA DC in front of the Capitol Christmas Tree.

4-H Network News, a youth-run multimedia afterschool club based at the Washington State University (WSU) Extension office in Jefferson County, Washington has video blogged the 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree. The youth news crew has covered the
cutting of the 65-foot Pacific Silver Fir in the Olympic National Forest, several dedication ceremonies, an interview
with Washington’s Governor at the state capitol and discussions with key individuals associated with the project.

One key video featured in the coverage is the speech given by Superintendent of Public Instruction,Terry Bergeson, at the state capitol during the presentation ceremonies (See Video Below).

4-H Network News activities help youth learn skills as reporters, camera operators, photographers, script writers, video editors, and community representatives. The 4-H website for the Capitol Christmas Tree
coverage is http://capitolchristmastree2006.blogspot.com.

For questions about the project call Pamela Roberts, 4-H coordinator, or Jack Olmsted, 4-H leader, at 360-379-5610.


Video: Capitol Christmas Tree 2006 - Dr. Terry Bergeson

4-H Network News Creates Charlotte’s Web PSAs For Radio, Newspapers And Blogs

Press Release:

4-H Network News Creates Charlotte’s Web PSAs For Radio, Newspapers And Blogs

A Half Dozen Public Service Announcements Promote $1 Donation To 4-H Through Online Movie Ticket Sales

PORT HADLOCK, WA - 4-H Network News, a youth-run multimedia club based at the Washington State University (WSU) Extension office in Jefferson County, has produced six public service announcements to promote Hollywood Movie Money donation of a $1 from online ticket sales through the 4-H Council website (www.fourhcouncil.edu) to help support 4-H youth development programs.

Script Sample: PSA #3
“In the new LIVE-ACTION film Charlotte’s Web featuring 12-your old screen veteran Dakota Fanning, Fern uses her head, heart, hands and health to encourage family and friends to save Wilbur from the smokehouse. With help from Wilbur’s barn friends, especially Charlotte, Fern’s dream comes true when she is able to take Wilbur to her town’s 4-H Fair…”
http://odeo.com/audio/3674023/view

Listen to all PSAs here: http://4hcharlottesweb.blogspot.com/

All the public service announcements were recorded in the Washington State University Learning Center – North Olympic Peninsula multimedia lab by eight-year old 4-H Network News correspondent, Claire Turner.

Pamela Roberts, 4-H coordinator, stated, “These PSAs are a great example of how 4-H Network News helps rural youth like Claire make a positive contribution on a national and international stage. Claire’s mature communication skills and devotion to her news craft really come through on these recordings. It is obvious that she has a real love for the Wilbur story.”

In Charlotte's Web, the best-selling children's book of all time, Wilbur the pig, the runt of the litter, has a youthful manner that makes him seem naive to the other animals in his new barn, but to Charlotte -- the spider who lives in the rafters -- he is a welcome friend. Their friendship is shown to be a lasting one when the other animals reveal that the pig's days are numbered. It seems that only a miracle will save Wilbur's life. A determined Charlotte spins words into her web in an effort to convince the farmer that Wilbur is "some pig" and worth saving. Charlotte's Web's Wilbur finds that the most powerful force in the world is the bond of friendship.

A Paramount Pictures and Walden Media presentation of a Kerner Entertainment Company/Nickelodeon Movies production, Charlotte's Web is directed by Gary Winick, stars Dakota Fanning and features the voices of Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Oprah Winfrey, Cedric the Entertainer, Andre Benjamin, Thomas Haden Church, Robert Redford, Reba McEntire, and Kathy Bates. The film has been rated G by the MPAA and will be in theaters nationwide Friday. http://www.charlotteswebmovie.com

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a unit of Viacom, is a global entertainment company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment through the Paramount Motion Picture Group which includes Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nick Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution

Walden Media LLC specializes in entertainment that sparks imagination and engages young people in the learning process. Producing both original works and adaptations of acclaimed children's literature, Walden Media projects are enhanced by comprehensive outreach and supplemental programs for teachers, librarians, and parents. Walden Media is a division of Anschutz Film Group (AFG).

For more information contact:

Pamela Roberts & Jack Olmsted
4-H Network News
360/379-5610 X 208
4hnews@gmail.com
http://4-hnews.blogspot.com

Wire Services

PR Log
Press-World

Charlotte's Web - 4-H Public Service Announcements

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CW/PSA #1 (60 Seconds -without Music)


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CW/PSA #1 (63 Seconds -with Music)

Help Support 4-H at the Movies!

You, your family and friends and their family and friends can help support 4-H by buying tickets to see the new live action version of Charlotte’s Web that features an all star cast:

12-year old Dakota Fanning
Julia Roberts
Oprah Winfrey
Robert Redford
Reba McEntire
and Outcasts “Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture”- Andre 3000.

For every movie ticket purchased through the four h council website, Hollywood Movie Money will donate a dollar to help support 4-H Youth Development Programs.

In 4-H, youth have fun, make friends, and learn leadership and life skills. Learn more at four h council dot edu

I’m Claire Turner with 4-H Network News. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!




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PSA #2 (30 Seconds) Download MP3 File

Charlotte’s Web is a classic tale of dedication, friendship and loyalty. Those values are intrinsic to the 4-H Youth Development Program. (Cut out)

For every ticket sold through four h council dot edu Hollywood Movie Money will make a $1 donation to 4-H. (sentence changed)

I'm Claire Turner with 4-H Network News.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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PSA #3 (45 Seconds) Download MP3 File

In the new LIVE-ACTION film Charlotte’s Web featuring 12-your old screen vetran Dakota Fanning, Fern uses her head, heart, hands and health to encourage family and friends to save Wilbur from the smokehouse. With help from Wilbur’s barn friends, especially Charlotte, Fern’s dream comes true when she is able to take Wilbur to her town’s 4-H Fair.

To learn how a dollar of your admission ticket to the new live action version of Charlotte's Web can be a donation to 4-H programs, go to four h council dot edu.

I'm Claire Turner with 4-H Network News.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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PSA #4 (45 Seconds) Download MP3 File

In Charlotte's Web, Fern’s hard work and dedication to Wilbur shows exactly the level of commitment young people make in 4-H – whether they are raising a pig, producing a national video blog or
participating in local community service activities, they give their best in whatever they do.

For every ticket sold through four h council dot edu Hollywood Movie Money will make a $1 donation to 4-H.

I'm Claire Turner with 4-H Network News.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

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PSA #5 (49 Seconds) Download MP3 File

Visit four h council dot edu to HELP support 4-H by purchasing your movie tickets online to see Charlotte’s Web, a new LIVE ACTION film adaptation of the E.B. White classic novel.

You will be helping more than 6.5 million young people in 4-H who are learning to give to others just like Fern does in this heartwarming tale.

For every ticket sold through four h council dot edu Hollywood Movie Money will make a $1 donation to 4-H.

I’m Claire Turner with 4-H Network News.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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PSA #6 (64 seconds) Download MP3 File

Charlotte’s Web features an all-star cast:
Julia Roberts, provides the voice of Charlotte the spider,
Oprah Winfrey,
Kathy Bates,
Robert Redford
John Cleese
Outcast Andre 3000
provide the voices for the beloved animal characters in the fashion of the movie Babe.

12-year old screen vetran Dakota Fanning plays Fern, the daughter who adaptes Wilber, the runt of the litter that developes a barn-yard of supportive friends.

To learn how a dollar of your admission ticket to the new live action version of Charlotte's Web can be a donation to 4-H programs, go to four h council dot edu.

Claire Turner with 4-H Network News.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Charlotte's Web Plush Collection by FAO Schwarz

FAO Schwarz created stuffed animals for Charlotte's Web.

Character line: Wilbur, Charlotte, Templeton, Bitsy the Cow, Ike the Horse, Samuel the Sheep, and Gussy Goose.

WSU Helps Choose, Care For And Cover Capitol Christmas Tree

PULLMAN, Wash. -- For 35 years, the Capitol Christmas tree has been harvested from one of the 50 states and transported to Washington D.C. This year, Washington State is providing a majestic, picture-perfect, 45-year-old tree that will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. during the holidays.

Washington State University scientist Gary Chastagner (Photo) played a role in its selection and care. WSU Extension's 4-H Network News crew is chronicling the 65.5-foot-tall tree's cross-country journey.

Contacted last spring, Chastagner advised the U.S. Forest Service and the Washington Department of Natural Resources on the post-harvest moisture and needle retention characteristics of the types of trees on the Olympic National Forest. He also is providing advice about the tree's care while it is on the road.

He and technician Kathy Riley attached a device on the flatbed truck that is transporting the tree to monitor the environmental conditions the tree is exposed to during its trip. They also collected foliage samples to measure the initial moisture of the tree, which will be compared to foliage samples collected once the tree arrives in the Nation's capitol.

So far, the tree is doing well, Chastagner said. The first samples to monitor moisture content, taken when the tree was harvested on Nov. 1, averaged just above 112 percent, which means that over half the weight of the tree was water. The samples that were taken two weeks later showed moisture content at 110 percent. (Read More)

Charlette's Web 4-H Poster: WSU Jefferson County Bulletin Board

For every ticket purchased for Paramount Pictures and Walden Media's production of Charlotte's Web through www.fourhcouncil.edu, Hollywood Movie Money will make a $1 donation to 4-H to help support your state's 4-H program.

Tell your family, tell your friends.