By Ben Rayner, Sound Senior Staff Writer:
BRANFORD:
With all of her activities, jobs, clubs, volunteer hours,
swim team practices, and another dozen organizations to which she devotes time,
Branford High School (BHS) senior Shari Stelzer still wanted to produce a TV
talk show, but didn’t think the opportunity would ever present itself. That’s
until she found out she already owns a TV station–BCTV–and now she has her own
show airing on channel 18.
BHS places an emphasis on community service and often that
carries over into the senior exhibition project, a graduation requirement. Shari says she had the idea of a talk show since last
year but didn’t think there would be any chance to implement such a plan, so
the BCTV public station was a true surprise.
“I was always interested in the environment and the planet. Last
summer I had the idea that it would be cool to have a TV talk show about the
environment. I wanted something where I could simply give information and
address specific problems in Branford, but I didn’t think it was feasible
because there was no studio available,” Shari
says. “Then I started to volunteer at BCTV and found out any resident can have
a go at the studio. I got very excited. It was the perfect thing for me.”
Shari says her idea was to
keep the program, Branford’s Green, simple and give quick, uncomplicated
information to the audience. However, Shari
doesn’t recite data, she carefully prepares every show with guests, including
State Senate Environmental Committee Chair Ed Meyer.
“I didn’t want to learn just for myself and wanted to teach
others as well. You can have a big impact in a positive way. I want to help
educate the people of Branford about the simple and easy ways they can help,”
says Shari. “Like just using major appliances
during off-peak hours. Waiting until after 8 p.m. to run a washing machine or
dishwasher is a simple thing we all can do that makes a difference.
Conservation is just a good idea, whether you have enough energy or not.”
There’s a lot of work to accomplish a show. Shari has had a crash course in writing, editing, graphics,
public speaking, and interviewing since taking on this assignment.
“They are great at BCTV,” says Shari.
“I learned a lot about TV production in general, what goes into making [a
show]. I learned how speak well, to be patient. I learned editing, graphics. I
learned a lot through this.
“BCTV needs support,” she adds. “Anyone can got there and do
a show free of charge or volunteer–go to the BCTV site to find out about that.”
Shari says she’s busy with
college exams and applications, but is still unsure which path to follow. She
is interested in film and media production and also in a “green” career.
“I am working on college applications now, but I am still
undecided on my major,” Shari says. “I am
interested in film, maybe cinematography, but I’m also interested in
environmental engineering.”
Shari says that many
teenagers are environmentally aware and the issue is something that resonates
with students who are eager to make a difference in the seemingly constant
shifting of global political landscape. She adds that despite their zeal,
students are cautious of Internet information and still ask the hard questions
about sources and validity.
“In some ways it’s become kind of a cool thing to do, but it
is definitely a big thing for students,” says Shari
of environmentalism. “I interviewed members of the school’s Green Scene Club
and they have done a lot at the school. They advocated for a paper recycling
program, they do clean ups, and raise awareness.
“You have be very careful where you get your info from and
make sure you are giving out the correct information,” she says. “I want to
make sure my program is helpful and not harmful. I am really careful to
research everything we talk about. We need to use our own judgment and
carefully compare results.”
Despite her busy schedule, Shari
says she wants to continue doing her show on BCTV even after the exhibition is
completed.
“I’m interested in any suggestions comments or questions,”
says Shari. “I have come to see how gorgeous
this planet is and I don’t want to make a mess of it. There are simple things
we all can do. It’s a lot easier to prevent pollution than to clean it up.
Anyone who has suggestions can email me.”
For more information about Branford’s Green and volunteer
opportunities, visit www.branfordtv.org.
Branford’s Green will air on channel 18 of BCTV on Friday, Oct. 3 at 1 and 7
p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2:30, 7, and 11 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 6 at 1 and 8 p.m.;
and Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.
Shari Stelzer can be reached via her school email at
sstelzer@branford.k12.ct.us .
Pictured: Branford
High School senior Shari
Stelzer is the middle of a busy year but has found time to create and host her
own TV talk show, Branford’s Green, on BCTV as part of her graduation
requirements.
Photo by Ben Rayner