Power of YOUth in Washington State

WSU Extension Youth Take on Media and Politics
 More than 250 4-H youth and volunteers from around Washington gathered in Olympia recently for a series of press conferences that addressed illegal immigration, year-round schools, teen violence and Internet privacy.

These events weren’t part of a candidate’s political platform or hosted by a special interest group. They were a part of the 2011 WSU Extension 4-H’s Know Your Government conference.

4-H’ers became members of the media during the four-day conference in February as they examined and reported issues that impact their communities, and gained an understanding of politics in the media. They also learned how their own views can affect the coverage of these topics.

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Leslie Bunton is Quilcene Citizen of the Year

9/19/2007 10:12:00

Leslie Bunton loves being part of the Quilcene community. Chosen as Citizen of the Year, she will be walking in the Quilcene Fair Parade, which starts at 11 a.m. Saturday. – Photo by Larry McKeehan
Leslie Bunton is Quilcene Citizen of the Year

By Mari McGrady, Leader Contributing Writer

Leslie Bunton arrived in Quilcene 14 years ago, quite by chance, she says, "after a good price on a piece of property lured me here."

Lucky for Quilcene! Leslie has become a quiet yet strong presence for all who cross her path. It's her community spirit that led her to be named 2007 Quilcene Citizen of the Year. She is being honored this Saturday, along with other dedicated volunteers, at the annual Quilcene Fair and Parade.

Leslie has volunteered in many ways for the community: working at the local food bank (filling holiday boxes is her favorite) and offering exercise classes twice each week in both Quilcene and Gardiner. She has served on the board for the Quilcene Community Center and the board to Support People with Disabilities. She has even "sneaked in" to clean the Quilcene Community Center on the occasions between janitors when the building needed cleaning.

The list could go on and on because, when it involves Leslie, when she sees something that needs doing, she's there.

"When Leslie walks into a room - no matter who is present or what is going on - something wonderful happens."

Leslie's nomination as Quilcene Citizen of the Year came about with a unanimous group decision made by Leslie's own exercise classes of Gardiner and Quilcene. The two groups got together, drafted a letter and sent it to the Quilcene Fair Board. Carol Christensen, a member of the exercise group that initiated the action, states: "Leslie is like a tree: She branches out and touches the lives of all those who come into her proximity. She is the heart of Quilcene, and to be honest, we can't live without her." READ MORE

Coupville Wharf in Penn Cove - Whidbey Island, WA

Jim Patton, Executive Director of the Port of Coupville, talks with Sophie Gilbert, 4-H Network News reporter, about the Coupville Wharf in Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, WA. Don Meehan, WSU Island County Extension Director.

Casey State Park Lighthouse, WA

Casey State Park in Washington State has a unique and beautiful lighthouse. This video shares the story of how WSU Extension of Island County, WA helped support public access to the lighthouse through locating WSU offices there and through their lighthouse license plate program. Sophie Gilbert, 4-H Network News reporter. Don Meehan, Island County Extension Director.

4-H Network News: An Overview

4-H Network News was started in Feb. 2006 by Pamela Roberts and Jack Olmsted, 4-H staff members in Jefferson County, WA. This video gives you an overview of the projects covered through this 4-H project and information related to the equipment needs and costs to start an affiliate in your county.

Movie about NGO 4-H club Zenica

Super 4-H Man

Camp Zama 4-H Members Air Weekly News Show

Zama Teen Network’s (ZTN) news show is a production of the Camp Zama (Japan) 4-H Video Club.

Camp Zama Video 4-H club members are responsible to write, direct, produce and star in the news show. The Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation channel is home to this production. The production is aired hourly on Camp Zama channels and is also available on the internet.

In the past, Camp Zama 4-H’ers have developed and shared their video production skills by producing public service announcements, videos and commercials. On on January 19, 2007, the club produced their own weekly news show.

Camp Zama Technology Coordinator and 4-H club leader, Ervin Lawrence comments about the students and the project, “It can be pretty stressful trying to shoot everything in two hours working with 10 teens and then have the finish product done in two days. But it is well worth it when you see the youth smile when they see their finished product on TV.” (Read More)

Sanyo Energy, USA Supports Rural Youth Innovation through 4-H Program Contribution

Corporate Gift Facilitates Youth Club To Develop High Tech Skills and Environmental Awareness
Port Hadlock, WA - Jefferson County (WA) 4-H has received contributions of AA and AAA eneloop batteries, plus four battery chargers from Sanyo Energy, USA. The rechargeable/recycleable AA batteries will be used to power three FujiFilm S3000 and five Kodak Z650 digital cameras that are used for the 4-H Network News club. The AAA batteries are for the RCA RP5030 Digital Voice Recorder that is used to produce podcasts of local events such as the Port Townsend Farmers Market that are published on the 4-H Network News blog.

Pamela Roberts, Jefferson County 4-H coordinator, stated, "This support from Sanyo is greatly appreciated in our community where adults are working hard to give voice to rural youth through the use of online video and podcasting technologies. Batteries are always needed to keep activities moving forward and the fact that these are rechargeable helps get the message across to kids about using the most effective equipment with the least negative environmental impact." Read More

Claire thanks Sanyo Energy for their contribution in this short podcast:

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Interview with Aaron Broder Scholastic Kids Press Corps

Photo: Aaron and Nikki Inderlied, i4U News, at CES 2007.


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Aaron Broder was one of the youngest attendees at The Consumer Electronics Show that is held every year the first week in January. He has been a Scholastic Kids Press Corps reporter for a year. Luke Turner and Jack Olmsted, 4-H Network News, talked to the eighth grader about his experience at the huge gadget conference in Las Vegas.

Kid Reporter gets a look at cutting-edge technology

By Aaron Broder

(Photo: Courtesy Aaron Broder. Scholastic Kid Reporter Aaron Broder finds a place to work in the crowded press room at CES.)

The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the biggest annual technology convention in the world. This week, nearly 3,000 companies have set up at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, to show off their latest gadgets and software, and introduce upcoming projects.

More than 140,000 attendees, hailing from over 130 countries, have gathered for the show. The Scholastic Kids Press Corps is among the 4,500 media representatives bringing you breaking news from CES.

"The 2007 International CES is the only place to be this week for consumer technology professionals," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (producer of CES).

Bill Gates, chairman of software giant Microsoft, delivered the event's keynote address on Sunday. During his speech, Gates introduced the latest developments from Microsoft.

One of the biggest announcements was Microsoft's partnership with Ford, which will bring Sync—voice-activated technology for phones and media players—to new cars. Gates also used his address to discuss his vision for the future of Microsoft. (Read More)

The Smart Family RV Tour Part 1 of 2

Nikki Inderlied, i4U News Entertainment Journalist, gets a VIP tour of the brand spanking new HP digitally equiped RV that the Smart Family will be traveling in over the next year. Jennifer Smart, 10, demos several gadgets and talks about her experience on the red carpet of Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest.

The Smart Family Show is a weekly talk radio program hosted by Maxwell, Victoria and 10-year-old Jennifer Smart. They're touring the US this year in a mobile studio, outfitted with HP computers, TVs, handhelds, cameras and printers. Visit smartfamilyshow.com for more about the show.

The Smart Family RV Tour Part 2

Nikki Inderlied, i4U News Entertainment Journalist, gets a VIP tour of the brand spanking new HP digitally equiped RV that the Smart Family will be traveling in over the next year. Jennifer Smart, 10, shows us around the outside her mobile studio and tells how she divides her money.


Jennifer, 9, reports from the Disneyland Main Street premiere red carpet of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

Interview with Youngest CES 2007 Attendant

Nikki Inderlied ran into Aaron Broder who is 13 years old and reports for Scholastic Kids. He convinced the CES organizers to let him attend. Normally you need to be at least 16 years old to get in.

Claire Turner Reads Letter From Governor Christine Gregoire

4-H Network News Ace Reporter Claire Turner reads a letter from Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire.

4-H Club's connection with `Charlotte's Web'

Peninsula Daily News: PORT TOWNSEND, WA -- The Jefferson County chapter of 4-H is providing coverage on its youth-run news Web site of the recent live-action motion picture release of ``Charlotte's Web.''

Members of the 4-H club traveled to Silverdale Cinema in Silverdale Dec. 18 to both watch the movie and interview some of those who watched it for the Jefferson County 4-H Network News Web site, http://4hcharlottesweb.blogspot.com/.

4-H Network News is an Internet multi-media service based in Jefferson County and produced in partnership with Washington State University and the WSU Extension.

Among those who reported on the film in Silverdale last week was Onna Oden, 8, of Port Townsend.

(Photo: Claire points to Onna riding in the Jefferson County 4-H van on their way to Silverdale) She and fellow members Claire Turner 4-H and Naeomie Barrow went to the movie house with microphone in hand to get the scoop on what people thought about the film.

``It was really cool and fun,'' said Oden of the experience of going to see the movie and interviewing people afterward.

What Oden learned from watching the movie: ``It's good to be nice to your friends, be loyal and keep your promises.''

4-H values

Volunteer Jack Olmsted, who accompanied the members to Silverdale, said having the kids conduct interviews and filming it for the Web site is a good way to empower the youth 4-H members.

``The press for the movie has been generated by adults, and we're giving the kids a chance to generate their own press,'' Olmsted said.

Not only does ``Charlotte's Web'' prominently feature the 4-H Club, but it also stands for what the club embodies, said 4-H Coordinator Pam Roberts.

``The movie exemplifies the life skills taught in 4-H,'' said Roberts.

“The 4-H encourages young people to use their head, heart, hands, and health to become strong confident and contributing citizens. Similarly, in ‘Charlotte's Web,’ Fern users her head, heart, hands, and health to encourage family and friends to save Wilber from the smokehouse.”

Young reporters for the news service plan to conduct interviews both before and after a special showing for 4-H members of “Charlotte’s Web” at the Rose Theater, 235 Taylor St., Port Townsend, at 10 a.m. Saturday.

A portion of the price of the tickets for 4-H members will be subsidized by the 4-H Council.

Members will pay $3 per ticket. Youth nonmembers will pay $6 and adults will pay $8.

Seating is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.

To reserve a seat, tickets must be purchased in person or by mail from the Washington State University Extension office, 201 W. Patison, Port Hadlock, WA 98339, before 5 p.m. Friday, or by phoning Pam Roberts, 4-H coordinator, at 360-379-5610.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door of Rose Theater if seats are available.

Organizers of the events are asking 4-H members to wear their bright green 4-H T-shirts for the showing.

by EVAN CAEL

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.

4-H Enlists Kids As Reporters For Web

By Evan Cael
Peninsula Daily News

Photo: Evan Cael, Peninsula Daily News interviews Claire Turner, Luke Turner and Mary Turner in the Jefferson County 4-H office.


OLYMPIA (November 13, 2006) – Gov. Christine Gregoire is used to being asked hard-hitting questions by veteran journalists, but usually the reporters aren't quite so young.

Eight-year-old Claire Turner of Port Townsend interviewed the governor in Olympia on Nov. 6 for 4-H Network News.

"Are you excited about having the Capitol Christmas tree from Washington state this year?" she asked.
"Claire, I think this is just great," said Gregoire.

"We are going to share with the entire country one of the finest trees we have in Washington state so they can see just how gorgeous Washington state is . . ."

The third grader is one of about 15 Jefferson County young people involved in the youth-run Port-Hadlock-based news station.

Claire has been reporting for the club – at http://4-hnews.blogspot.com – since May.

"People really give access to Claire where maybe they wouldn't have normally," said her mother, who helps with the production of the news spots. "She's gotten into interviews where others haven't."

According to Claire, "I'm part of this, so I must be good at it – and I'm also cute."

Turner's interview with Gregoire was set up by 4-H volunteer Jack Olmsted in connection with the Capitol Christmas tree's state tour that began last week.

The 65-foot-tall Pacific silver fir cut in the Olympic National Forest is the first tree from this state to make a trek to the other Washington – Washington, D.C. - to act as the nation's Capitol Christmas tree.

4-H Network News is planning coverage of the tree's journey, from chainsaw to being decorated with 10,000 lights and ornaments made by the state's school children.

The club is enlisting the help of other 4-H clubs across the county.

Pamela Roberts, 4-H coordinator, said the Capitol Christmas tree is a perfect symbol for what 4-H stands for, in addition to what the four H's actually stand for – head, heart, hands and health.

She said for the past 100 years, 4-H has been teaching young people about forestry education.
"The tree is a symbol of that," said Roberts.

"Claire interviewed the governor as a representative of 4-H forestry programs across the state.
"It's incredible when you think of an 8-year-old in that position."

Claire recalls waking up at 5:30 a.m. Nov. 6 to make it to the state Capitol building in Olympia in time for the interview.

She said the Capitol building and the room where she interviewed Gregoire impressed her.

"I thought the Capitol building was really cool because it was pretty huge and mostly made of marble," Claire said.

"I interviewed the governor in the meeting center and the chairs in there were huge."

To watch a video of Claire's interview, visit the 4-H Network News Web site devoted to covering the Capitol Christmas Tree's journey at http://capitolchristmastree2006.blogspot.com.

Those interested in joining the club can phone Roberts at 360-379-5610, Ext. 207.

Reporter Evan Cael can be reached at 360-385-2335 or evan.cael@peninsuladailynews.com.

D.C. Christmas tree passes through Aberdeen

Thursday, November 09, 2006
By Tom Vogt Columbian staff writer

The Main Street welcome was dampened by a downpour, but Elizabeth Horn -- under the shelter of an umbrella -- said she and her children weren't going to be deterred by bad weather. She brought her daughter, Gabriela, 12; son, Patrick, 9; and one of his friends, Kyle Hoesly, 8.

"This is part of a national celebration, and I wanted them to be part of that," the Washougal woman said.

The tree remained snug and dry on its trailer, inside a heavily tarped frame, and only its tip could be seen when the tarp was pulled back. (Read More)

Claire Turner Interviews Gov. Gregoire About the Capitol Christmas Tree

Today Claire Turner, reporter with 4-H Network News, interviewed Gov. Christine Gregoire about the recent harvesting of the Capitol Christmas Tree from the Olympic Peninsula U.S. Forest. Claire helped document this special event as this is the first time that the Capitol Christmas Tree has been donated from Washington State. The tree will now be taken on tour around Washington State and then across the country to Washington D.C. where it will stand as a symbol of the wonderful natural environment of Washington State.