VOA – CONNECT
EPISODE 101
AIR DATE 12 20 2019
TRANSCRIPT
OPEN ((VO/NAT))
((Banner))
Holidays with Heart
((SOT))
((Daniel Woodridge-Williams, Volunteer))
You don’t have to have immediate family. You have people
that come together to do something to support somebody
else. And that’s why I love here. I don’t complain about it. I
do complain a lot. I complain. But it gets better. It gets
better.
((NATS))
((Animation Transition))
((Banner))
Chocolate with a Purpose
((SOT))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
I love everything about chocolate. Making it, working with it
and especially the reaction I get from people when they try
my chocolate.
((Animation Transition))
((Banner))
Trees with an Afterlife
((SOT))
It’s just a great way for me to express my art form and get
these ideas out of my head and I get to put them into a big
chunk of wood.
((Open Animation))
BLOCK A
((PKG)) THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY MEALS
((Banner: Delivering Kindess))
((Reporter/Camera: Gabrielle Weiss))
((Map: Washington, D.C.))
((Popup Banner: After weeks of shopping and cooking, a
family and a small army of volunteers prepare to deliver
holiday meals.))
((NATS))
Gravy…..quick, before my pot starts burning…..
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Get this gravy going and then we’re going to pray and then
we can start serving, I mean packaging the food. We all
have a lot to be thankful for. We are alive and among the
living and I thank God that we have the opportunity to help
someone this day. You know, people that, some of the
seniors, this may be the only meal they have this week, I
understand. Let us all be in unity and let us all have fun as
we put together these meals. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
((Volunteers))
Amen, Amen, Amen.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
So between my sister and I, we cooked 30 turkeys for the
holiday. My mother started the organization and it’s just
something that’s a part of me now, it’s part of my life. I can’t
imagine doing anything else on the holiday but preparing
meals for the less fortunate. So, I like doing it.
((NATS))
((Volunteer))
Volunteering is free. It costs you nothing but time.
((Volunteer))
I was forced into volunteering when I was young. I didn’t
come kicking and screaming this time. I didn’t come kicking
and screaming.
((NATS))
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
I’m ready to go home. I’m past my shift. My shift was over
at 6 o’clock. I’m still here.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
So these are the routes. I need to tally and see just how
many meals total we have. Because we have 60 some
drivers. So, I have to make a route for each driver. I haven’t
had that many drivers in a long, very long time.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
That’s the 8’oclock shift. Good morning. How are you?
((Volunteer))
Good morning. How’re you doing this morning?
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
I am good. Welcome, welcome, welcome.
((Volunteer))
No, it’s my first time. I’ve never been here, never done this.
Very exciting.
((Volunteer))
Good morning.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn’s sister))
Alright. Here’s your apron.
((Volunteer))
Alright. Thank you. I got it.
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
You going to be a server?
((Volunteer))
And driver.
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
We’ll get you back here and get you all gloved up, aproned
up and get you going.
((Volunteer))
Alrighty.
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
Put you to work.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Well, he doesn’t need a hairnet.
((Volunteer))
Ms. Carolyn, how are you this morning. I should have
known that was you.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
He doesn’t need a hairnet.
((NATS))
((Volunteer))
Not by any stretch of the imagination.
((NATS))
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
Are you doing packing? Ok.
((Volunteers))
Whatever you need.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
I’ll tell you what, you want to pack?
((Volunteers))
Yes.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
Alright.
((Volunteer))
We’re just ready to do something. Just do it. Just do it.
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
I’ve been here since 11 o’clock yesterday. Now I’m going
home. Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye. Happy Thanksgiving
to everybody.
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
You better take it, scrape it, oh, scrape the ends of that
ma’am. We’re not throwing that away. Oh no, you could put
that in a plate and I’ll eat it.
((Daniel Woodridge-Williams, Carolyn Marshall’s
nephew))
This is the most workout I get every year. Like, being in the
house period. This is the most workout I get. And I don’t
even like to cook. You don’t have to have immediate family.
You have people that come together to do something to
support somebody else. And that’s what I like so, that’s why
I love it. I don’t complain about it. I do complain a lot. I
complain. But it gets better. It gets better.
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Hi. That’s my son. That’s my baby.
((Tavon Brown, Carolyn Marshall’s son))
How you doing? Hi mom.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
He’s my baby. This is Tavon. This is Stephanie. I didn’t get
her name or your name, you two.
((Volunteer))
Kladies.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Kladies. Kladies sounds sassy. Oh Tavon, there’s Stan.
Oh no, there’s Stanley right here. Hey Rob, I was pointing at
you for Stan. I’m sorry.
((Volunteer))
Well, we look a lot alike.
((Volunteer))
That’s right.
((Tavon Brown, Carolyn Marshall’s son))
I can go deliver something right now.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
You want to deliver? Ok. Come on let me give you a route.
I have route 2. It’s 23 meals.
((Tavon Brown, Carolyn Marshall’s son))
I was around my grandmother when she started this and that
was like in the early 80s. And then when she passed away,
my aunt and my mother took over. And we’re just still in to it.
Sometimes I had no choice when I was younger. There’s no
parking around there. All the parking spaces are taken.
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
They’re writing him a ticket. I can’t understand that. That is
really crazy. Daniel, come move your car. They’re going to
give you a ticket.
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Drivers are coming every fifteen minutes. So when I finish,
I’m going to finish the headcount and then I’m coming in to
help pack.
((NATS))
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Good morning.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Good morning. Are we ready?
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Old faithful here, thirty years coming here. Thirty years.
Well here’s your list.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Alright.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
I kept it warm for you. You have 56 meals.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
And they’re all counted out in the box?
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Yup.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We’re good. I’ll take both of these.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
You have it?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Yeah.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Bye Brian. Bye Doris.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We’re going to the Regency House. It’s a residential
counsel. And these people are usually elderly or either they
have a disability or something like that so, I’ve been doing
this over 30 years so, most of them know us. This is the
building here called the Regency House. So, we’re going to
get out and do what we do, babe.
((NATS))
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Mother Dear’s Community Center. Happy holidays, Mr.
Daly. Mother Dear’s. We have a meal for you, Mr. Daly.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Happy holidays. Mother Dear’s Community Center.
((Resident))
Oh, how y’all doing?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Yeah, you remember us?
((Resident))
Bless y’all.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We be here at the same time, see that?
((Resident))
Thank you, thank you.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Alright, happy holidays now.
((Resident))
Alright, y’all have a good one.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Alright brother.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Ok, thanks.
((NATS))
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Happy holidays.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Happy holidays.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Mother Dear’s Community Center. We have a meal for you.
((Resident))
Oh, hi. Thank you. Mom?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You’re welcome. Happy holidays.
((Resident))
Thank you. Come inside. Come and say hi to her.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Ok, let me say hi.
((Resident))
Mom? You have a visitor.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
How are you?
((Resident))
They are here. They are taking your picture.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We’re right here.
((Resident))
Thank you.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You’re welcome. You’re welcome.
((Resident))
Thank you very much.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You’re welcome.
((Resident))
Want to see them?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Hey!
((Resident))
She’s all the way in Africa.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Oh wow. How are you?
((Resident))
I’m just fine.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Good. We deliver dinners every Christmas and the holidays,
any holidays, Thanksgiving.
((Resident))
Thank you so much.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Alright, we’ll see you the next time.
((Resident))
Alright.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Take care.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Bye-bye.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Bye-bye.
((NATS))
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
How are you? Happy holidays.
((Resident))
Happy holidays.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
How are you?
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Come on, I’ll hold it for you. You’re coming in?
((Resident))
I’m looking somebody. My television not working.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Oh no. He’s supposed to come and fix it? Ok, what’s your
apartment number?
((Resident))
Right here.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
But what number is it?
((Resident))
315.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Yes, Ms. Small?
((Resident))
Yes.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Hi, Ms. Small.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Hi, Ms. Small. We got a meal for you. Mother Dear’s
Community Center. I’ll set it right there.
((Resident))
Could you look at my television for me?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You want me to look at it, come on.
((Resident))
Could you look on my television for me?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You want me to look, ok. Come on, I’ll look at it, come on.
Alright. Let’s me see what I can do.
((Resident))
Push the door.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Come on. Let’s go see what we can do. Your box not on.
What channel you want to look at?
((Resident))
294.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
294.
((Resident))
Yeah, that’s my Christian station.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
It should come on because…..Voilá!
((Resident))
It’s something me touch.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I fixed it. See I told you I know about
TV’s.
((Resident))
Yes.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
I know all about TV’s and everything else. There you go.
((Resident))
Thank you.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You’re welcome.
((Resident))
God bless.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
God bless.
((Resident))
I want you to come have Thanksgiving with me. I don’t have
much but…..
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
I got a meal for you right here.
((Resident))
I’ve been so lonely. No friends, I got big family, but
everybody living…..
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
All different places.
((Resident))
…..with their families.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Yes. Don’t worry about it.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We come here every year, twice a year.
((Resident))
And I had a beer, trying to go to sleep.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Well look, put some food on it too.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Now you got food. Don’t cry.
((Resident))
You better come back and see me.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
I’m going to come back and see you.
((Resident))
Bye.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Bye.
((Resident))
Happy holidays!
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Keep going with the food because we have 423 more meals
and we’re going to need drivers. Four hundred and twenty
three.
((Volunteer))
423 meals?
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
We need drivers.
((Volunteer))
With a car or just a driver?
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
And a car to drive. You’re going to drive for me, Joseph?
((Volunteer))
I’ll drive for you if you want, yeah.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
You can drive?
((Volunteer))
I’m a good driver.
((Daniel Woodridge-Williams, Carolyn Marshall’s
nephew))
It’s a hustle but we’re getting through it, we’re getting
through it.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
We’ve done over 800 meals so far today. We’ll do it all
again next year. It might be more. It may be less. We’ll
see.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
You needed three more? Here, three more.
((Volunteer))
Three more. Three more. Thank you.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
There you are. Everybody has their list.
((NATS))
TEASE ((VO/NAT))
Coming up…..
((Banner))
The Magic of Cacao
((SOT))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
I allowed myself to dream of a plan to take the art of
chocolate making to Mexico because that’s where cacao
originated.
BREAK ONE
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
BLOCK B
((PKG)) CHOCOLATE MAKER
((Banner: Sculpting Chocolate))
((Executive Producer: Marsha James))
((Camera: Kaveh Rezaei))
((Map: Tucson, Arizona))
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
When I work with chocolate, I feel like a passion just take
over me. The connection I have with chocolate feels really
ancient like it goes back lifetimes. I love everything about
chocolate. Making it, working with it and especially the
reaction I get from people when they try my chocolate.
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
My name is Juliana Desmond and I am a chocolate artist.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
I became inspired to work with chocolate after seven trips
that I had taken to Mexico.
((Courtesy: Ramon Garcia))
During my travels, I had a lot of ideas for art that I wanted to
create. I do hand-building, mostly sculptures because I was
traveling so much, I didn't have the opportunity to create.
((end courtesy))
When I came back to Tucson and was a little more
grounded, I got the idea why not make molds that are food
safe and I can pour chocolate in them.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
So first, we're going to start with making a mold with a
thermo-forming machine. This is typically used by dentists
for making dental implants. I use it for making chocolate
molds. Turn the heat on. In this top part will heat up.
It's going to get pretty loud once I turn it on the vacuum.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
And that's the mold.
Originally, I was doing the chocolate art as a business and I
realized that it wasn't bringing me as much joy. I was losing
my passion and enthusiasm for it as an art. It became
repetitive and realized that I had to shift my perspective. I
allowed myself to dream up a plan to take the art of
chocolate making to Mexico because that's where cocoa
originated, but the people there don't have access to
equipment, to the practices of fine chocolate making. Those
were all developed in Europe and never made it back to the
land where cacao originated.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
So now that it's cooled, take the tray out of there and pop the
design out and there's your mold. This here is a silicone
mold that I made of some cactus. And this is the thermal
formed mold that we just made. Now I'm going to pour the
chocolate into the molds. Now put it in the fridge.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
Besides learning techniques for chocolate making, I also
learned about many unjust practices in the cacao industry.
((Courtesy: Ramon Garcia))
I planned a trip to Tabasco, Mexico where most of the cacao
grown in Mexico comes from and I reached out to a co-op
that helps farmers process their beans dry and ferment
them. I took with me a thermal-forming machine that I
donated to them so they could create their own culturally-
inspired custom molds. They gave me a tour of their co-op
and that's when I realized I could make a difference. And I
taught a two-day workshop so they could learn how to make
truffles themselves. The class that I taught was mostly
women
((end courtesy))
and they were all very excited and enthusiastic
((Courtesy: Ramon Garcia))
about learning new methods of processing their cacao and
new recipes to make with it, because typically in that region
of Mexico, what they make is a beverage and they were very
excited to learn how to make more than just beverages.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
My favorite chocolate is a truffle because it has cream and
butter. As far as tempering and chocolate art goes, dark
chocolate is the easiest to work with.
((NATS))
Oh, wow.
I like the way you pack them because it’s a single serving, I
like that.
Gorgeous.
Yeah, they are.
Awesome.
Thank you so much.
You’re welcome.
We've got desserts for the whole weekend.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
Now I only make chocolate occasionally for friends and
family and I take orders on my web site seasonally and for
the holidays.
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
I keep in contact with the ladies and they've told me that
((Courtesy: Ramon Garcia))
the melanger has revolutionized the way that they make
chocolate. Seeing the reaction brought so much fulfillment
and I felt like it was my calling as an artist. It gave me a lot
of satisfaction.
((end courtesy))
My hope is to empower the women with work opportunities
that preserve their culture and they can pass on to their
future generations.
((NATS))
((PKG)) BOTANICAL GARDEN TRAINS
((Banner: Holiday at the Gardens))
((Reporter/Camera: Deborah Block))
((Adapted by: Martin Secrest))
((Map: Washington, D.C.))
TEASE ((VO/NAT))
Coming up…..
((Banner))
Working with Nature
((SOT))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I also use a blowtorch for a lot of my color to get shade and
contrast. So, I’ll go up and I’ll burn the project and then I’ll
come back and sand a lot of that burn off or leave some burn
in darker areas.
BREAK TWO
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
BLOCK C
((PKG)) CHAINSAW ARTIST
((Banner: Sculpting Trees))
((Reporter: Faiza Elmasry))
((Camera: Adam Greenbaum))
((Map: Arlington, Virginia))
((NATS: Artist Andrew starts up chainsaw))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I’m Andrew Mallon. I’m a chainsaw artist. I’ve been doing it
for about eight years now. I’ve been doing it full time for
about four years. I love it. It’s just a great way for me to
express my art form and get these ideas out of my head and
I get to put them into a big chunk of wood.
((NATS: Chainsaw cutting))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
With the chainsaw, you’ve got to do it outside. That’s one of
the challenges. Sometimes you’re out in really cold weather
or really hot weather. Keeping that saw running at a high
volume. For me to keep working is a big challenge. Trying to
keep those saws in tip-top shape so I am not wasting time
out here, keeping the chains sharp, keeping up with all the
maintenance is very tough.
((NATS: Andrew places chainsaw on step))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
Most of my customers are people that are losing an old tree
in their yard they’ve had forever and they don’t want to lose
it. So, they ask me to come in and make something
interesting and beautiful for them.
((NATS: Chainsaw cutting))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
Here, I am carving this large oak tree. This family hired me
to come in and carve two little bears on the tree and try to
make it playful and fun. They’ve got two young children.
They want each bear to represent their children. And I am
also trying to put little notches on the tree so they can climb
and kind of play on and have some fun and interact with it.
((NATS: Andrew cutting with chainsaw))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I try to do majority of my work with the chainsaw. It’s a lot
faster.
((NATS: Andrew opening tool box))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I do use some little dremels and die grinders and they’ll do
details for me like the eyeballs and like around the mouth
and inside an ear or something. So, I have grinders and
sanders also to smooth out the projects.
((NATS: Andrew firing up torch))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I also use a blowtorch for a lot of my color to get shade and
contrast. So, I’ll go up and I’ll burn the project and then I’ll
come back and sand a lot of that burn off or leave some burn
in darker areas. That helps me with the shading so you can
see the project.
I do a lot of animals because it is just an easy thing to
capture beautiful animals in their environment.
I just did a large tulip poplar (tree) at Hidden Oaks Nature
Center in Annandale, Virginia.
There is about 12 different animals on the tree, about 9
different species of animals. There is an owl really up high
and then another owl behind it and a baby owl in the crevice.
There is a squirrel. There is a raccoon. There is opossum.
The raccoon is popping out of a little hole in the tree.
((NAT: Suzanne Holland))
So you tell me the names of these animals in German.
((Suzanne Holland, Spokeswoman, Hidden Oak Nature
Center))
We had literally hundreds of people come by the Nature
Center for the first time, of all ages, to enjoy the tree. And
you can see how people get drawn in and want to pet the
sculpture and engage directly.
((NAT: Suzanne Holland))
Thank you for teaching me all the new names for the
animals. I appreciate that!!
((Suzanne Holland, Spokeswoman, Hidden Oak Nature
Center))
We use this now as a cornerstone for our animal habitat
programs for school groups.
((NATS: Andrew using chainsaw))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
The neighbors appreciate it and everybody gets to enjoy it,
really.
((NATS: Andrew with chainsaw))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
Every now and then, I get a little complaint, “when you are
going to be finished? It’s really loud and I am working in my
office.” So, every now and then I get that but generally it’s a
pretty quick process. So, people enjoy it most of the time.
((NATS: Chainsaw Sculpting))
((PKG)) NATIONALS PARK
((Banner: Holiday at the Stadium))
((Reporter/Camera: Deborah Block))
((Additional Camera: Martin Secrest))
((Adapted by: Martin Secrest))
((Map: Washington, D.C.))
((Music, NATS))
CLOSING ((ANIM))
voanews.com/connect
((PKG)) FREE PRESS MATTERS
((NATS))
((Popup captions over B Roll))
We make a difference
When we unmask terror
When we explain the impossible
When we confront an uncertain future
When we give voice to the voiceless
The difference is Freedom of the Press
We are the Voice of America where
A Free Press Matters
BREAK
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
((PKG)) FREE PRESS MATTERS
((NATS))
((Popup captions over B Roll))
Near the Turkish Embassy
Washington, D.C.
May 16, 2017
President Erdogan’s bodyguard attacks peaceful protesters
“Those terrorists deserved to be beaten”
“They should not be protesting our president”
“They got what they asked for”
While some people may turn away from the news
We cover it
reliably
accurately
objectively
comprehensively
wherever the news matters
VOA
A Free Press Matters
CLOSING ((ANIM))
voanews.com/connect
SHOW ENDS
EPISODE 101
AIR DATE 12 20 2019
TRANSCRIPT
OPEN ((VO/NAT))
((Banner))
Holidays with Heart
((SOT))
((Daniel Woodridge-Williams, Volunteer))
You don’t have to have immediate family. You have people
that come together to do something to support somebody
else. And that’s why I love here. I don’t complain about it. I
do complain a lot. I complain. But it gets better. It gets
better.
((NATS))
((Animation Transition))
((Banner))
Chocolate with a Purpose
((SOT))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
I love everything about chocolate. Making it, working with it
and especially the reaction I get from people when they try
my chocolate.
((Animation Transition))
((Banner))
Trees with an Afterlife
((SOT))
It’s just a great way for me to express my art form and get
these ideas out of my head and I get to put them into a big
chunk of wood.
((Open Animation))
BLOCK A
((PKG)) THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY MEALS
((Banner: Delivering Kindess))
((Reporter/Camera: Gabrielle Weiss))
((Map: Washington, D.C.))
((Popup Banner: After weeks of shopping and cooking, a
family and a small army of volunteers prepare to deliver
holiday meals.))
((NATS))
Gravy…..quick, before my pot starts burning…..
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Get this gravy going and then we’re going to pray and then
we can start serving, I mean packaging the food. We all
have a lot to be thankful for. We are alive and among the
living and I thank God that we have the opportunity to help
someone this day. You know, people that, some of the
seniors, this may be the only meal they have this week, I
understand. Let us all be in unity and let us all have fun as
we put together these meals. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
((Volunteers))
Amen, Amen, Amen.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
So between my sister and I, we cooked 30 turkeys for the
holiday. My mother started the organization and it’s just
something that’s a part of me now, it’s part of my life. I can’t
imagine doing anything else on the holiday but preparing
meals for the less fortunate. So, I like doing it.
((NATS))
((Volunteer))
Volunteering is free. It costs you nothing but time.
((Volunteer))
I was forced into volunteering when I was young. I didn’t
come kicking and screaming this time. I didn’t come kicking
and screaming.
((NATS))
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
I’m ready to go home. I’m past my shift. My shift was over
at 6 o’clock. I’m still here.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
So these are the routes. I need to tally and see just how
many meals total we have. Because we have 60 some
drivers. So, I have to make a route for each driver. I haven’t
had that many drivers in a long, very long time.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
That’s the 8’oclock shift. Good morning. How are you?
((Volunteer))
Good morning. How’re you doing this morning?
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
I am good. Welcome, welcome, welcome.
((Volunteer))
No, it’s my first time. I’ve never been here, never done this.
Very exciting.
((Volunteer))
Good morning.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn’s sister))
Alright. Here’s your apron.
((Volunteer))
Alright. Thank you. I got it.
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
You going to be a server?
((Volunteer))
And driver.
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
We’ll get you back here and get you all gloved up, aproned
up and get you going.
((Volunteer))
Alrighty.
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
Put you to work.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Well, he doesn’t need a hairnet.
((Volunteer))
Ms. Carolyn, how are you this morning. I should have
known that was you.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
He doesn’t need a hairnet.
((NATS))
((Volunteer))
Not by any stretch of the imagination.
((NATS))
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
Are you doing packing? Ok.
((Volunteers))
Whatever you need.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
I’ll tell you what, you want to pack?
((Volunteers))
Yes.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
Alright.
((Volunteer))
We’re just ready to do something. Just do it. Just do it.
((Annie Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
I’ve been here since 11 o’clock yesterday. Now I’m going
home. Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye. Happy Thanksgiving
to everybody.
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
You better take it, scrape it, oh, scrape the ends of that
ma’am. We’re not throwing that away. Oh no, you could put
that in a plate and I’ll eat it.
((Daniel Woodridge-Williams, Carolyn Marshall’s
nephew))
This is the most workout I get every year. Like, being in the
house period. This is the most workout I get. And I don’t
even like to cook. You don’t have to have immediate family.
You have people that come together to do something to
support somebody else. And that’s what I like so, that’s why
I love it. I don’t complain about it. I do complain a lot. I
complain. But it gets better. It gets better.
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Hi. That’s my son. That’s my baby.
((Tavon Brown, Carolyn Marshall’s son))
How you doing? Hi mom.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
He’s my baby. This is Tavon. This is Stephanie. I didn’t get
her name or your name, you two.
((Volunteer))
Kladies.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Kladies. Kladies sounds sassy. Oh Tavon, there’s Stan.
Oh no, there’s Stanley right here. Hey Rob, I was pointing at
you for Stan. I’m sorry.
((Volunteer))
Well, we look a lot alike.
((Volunteer))
That’s right.
((Tavon Brown, Carolyn Marshall’s son))
I can go deliver something right now.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
You want to deliver? Ok. Come on let me give you a route.
I have route 2. It’s 23 meals.
((Tavon Brown, Carolyn Marshall’s son))
I was around my grandmother when she started this and that
was like in the early 80s. And then when she passed away,
my aunt and my mother took over. And we’re just still in to it.
Sometimes I had no choice when I was younger. There’s no
parking around there. All the parking spaces are taken.
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
They’re writing him a ticket. I can’t understand that. That is
really crazy. Daniel, come move your car. They’re going to
give you a ticket.
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Drivers are coming every fifteen minutes. So when I finish,
I’m going to finish the headcount and then I’m coming in to
help pack.
((NATS))
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Good morning.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Good morning. Are we ready?
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Old faithful here, thirty years coming here. Thirty years.
Well here’s your list.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Alright.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
I kept it warm for you. You have 56 meals.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
And they’re all counted out in the box?
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Yup.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We’re good. I’ll take both of these.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
You have it?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Yeah.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Bye Brian. Bye Doris.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We’re going to the Regency House. It’s a residential
counsel. And these people are usually elderly or either they
have a disability or something like that so, I’ve been doing
this over 30 years so, most of them know us. This is the
building here called the Regency House. So, we’re going to
get out and do what we do, babe.
((NATS))
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Mother Dear’s Community Center. Happy holidays, Mr.
Daly. Mother Dear’s. We have a meal for you, Mr. Daly.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Happy holidays. Mother Dear’s Community Center.
((Resident))
Oh, how y’all doing?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Yeah, you remember us?
((Resident))
Bless y’all.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We be here at the same time, see that?
((Resident))
Thank you, thank you.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Alright, happy holidays now.
((Resident))
Alright, y’all have a good one.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Alright brother.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Ok, thanks.
((NATS))
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Happy holidays.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Happy holidays.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Mother Dear’s Community Center. We have a meal for you.
((Resident))
Oh, hi. Thank you. Mom?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You’re welcome. Happy holidays.
((Resident))
Thank you. Come inside. Come and say hi to her.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Ok, let me say hi.
((Resident))
Mom? You have a visitor.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
How are you?
((Resident))
They are here. They are taking your picture.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We’re right here.
((Resident))
Thank you.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You’re welcome. You’re welcome.
((Resident))
Thank you very much.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You’re welcome.
((Resident))
Want to see them?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Hey!
((Resident))
She’s all the way in Africa.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Oh wow. How are you?
((Resident))
I’m just fine.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Good. We deliver dinners every Christmas and the holidays,
any holidays, Thanksgiving.
((Resident))
Thank you so much.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Alright, we’ll see you the next time.
((Resident))
Alright.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Take care.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Bye-bye.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Bye-bye.
((NATS))
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
How are you? Happy holidays.
((Resident))
Happy holidays.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
How are you?
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Come on, I’ll hold it for you. You’re coming in?
((Resident))
I’m looking somebody. My television not working.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Oh no. He’s supposed to come and fix it? Ok, what’s your
apartment number?
((Resident))
Right here.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
But what number is it?
((Resident))
315.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Yes, Ms. Small?
((Resident))
Yes.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Hi, Ms. Small.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Hi, Ms. Small. We got a meal for you. Mother Dear’s
Community Center. I’ll set it right there.
((Resident))
Could you look at my television for me?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You want me to look at it, come on.
((Resident))
Could you look on my television for me?
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You want me to look, ok. Come on, I’ll look at it, come on.
Alright. Let’s me see what I can do.
((Resident))
Push the door.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Come on. Let’s go see what we can do. Your box not on.
What channel you want to look at?
((Resident))
294.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
294.
((Resident))
Yeah, that’s my Christian station.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
It should come on because…..Voilá!
((Resident))
It’s something me touch.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I fixed it. See I told you I know about
TV’s.
((Resident))
Yes.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
I know all about TV’s and everything else. There you go.
((Resident))
Thank you.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
You’re welcome.
((Resident))
God bless.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
God bless.
((Resident))
I want you to come have Thanksgiving with me. I don’t have
much but…..
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
I got a meal for you right here.
((Resident))
I’ve been so lonely. No friends, I got big family, but
everybody living…..
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
All different places.
((Resident))
…..with their families.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Yes. Don’t worry about it.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
We come here every year, twice a year.
((Resident))
And I had a beer, trying to go to sleep.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Well look, put some food on it too.
((Dawn Person, Volunteer))
Now you got food. Don’t cry.
((Resident))
You better come back and see me.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
I’m going to come back and see you.
((Resident))
Bye.
((Brian Person, Volunteer))
Bye.
((Resident))
Happy holidays!
((NATS))
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
Keep going with the food because we have 423 more meals
and we’re going to need drivers. Four hundred and twenty
three.
((Volunteer))
423 meals?
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
We need drivers.
((Volunteer))
With a car or just a driver?
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
And a car to drive. You’re going to drive for me, Joseph?
((Volunteer))
I’ll drive for you if you want, yeah.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
You can drive?
((Volunteer))
I’m a good driver.
((Daniel Woodridge-Williams, Carolyn Marshall’s
nephew))
It’s a hustle but we’re getting through it, we’re getting
through it.
((Carolyn Marshall, Mother Dear’s Community Center))
We’ve done over 800 meals so far today. We’ll do it all
again next year. It might be more. It may be less. We’ll
see.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
You needed three more? Here, three more.
((Volunteer))
Three more. Three more. Thank you.
((Iris Woodridge, Carolyn Marshall’s sister))
There you are. Everybody has their list.
((NATS))
TEASE ((VO/NAT))
Coming up…..
((Banner))
The Magic of Cacao
((SOT))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
I allowed myself to dream of a plan to take the art of
chocolate making to Mexico because that’s where cacao
originated.
BREAK ONE
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
BLOCK B
((PKG)) CHOCOLATE MAKER
((Banner: Sculpting Chocolate))
((Executive Producer: Marsha James))
((Camera: Kaveh Rezaei))
((Map: Tucson, Arizona))
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
When I work with chocolate, I feel like a passion just take
over me. The connection I have with chocolate feels really
ancient like it goes back lifetimes. I love everything about
chocolate. Making it, working with it and especially the
reaction I get from people when they try my chocolate.
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
My name is Juliana Desmond and I am a chocolate artist.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
I became inspired to work with chocolate after seven trips
that I had taken to Mexico.
((Courtesy: Ramon Garcia))
During my travels, I had a lot of ideas for art that I wanted to
create. I do hand-building, mostly sculptures because I was
traveling so much, I didn't have the opportunity to create.
((end courtesy))
When I came back to Tucson and was a little more
grounded, I got the idea why not make molds that are food
safe and I can pour chocolate in them.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
So first, we're going to start with making a mold with a
thermo-forming machine. This is typically used by dentists
for making dental implants. I use it for making chocolate
molds. Turn the heat on. In this top part will heat up.
It's going to get pretty loud once I turn it on the vacuum.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
And that's the mold.
Originally, I was doing the chocolate art as a business and I
realized that it wasn't bringing me as much joy. I was losing
my passion and enthusiasm for it as an art. It became
repetitive and realized that I had to shift my perspective. I
allowed myself to dream up a plan to take the art of
chocolate making to Mexico because that's where cocoa
originated, but the people there don't have access to
equipment, to the practices of fine chocolate making. Those
were all developed in Europe and never made it back to the
land where cacao originated.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
So now that it's cooled, take the tray out of there and pop the
design out and there's your mold. This here is a silicone
mold that I made of some cactus. And this is the thermal
formed mold that we just made. Now I'm going to pour the
chocolate into the molds. Now put it in the fridge.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
Besides learning techniques for chocolate making, I also
learned about many unjust practices in the cacao industry.
((Courtesy: Ramon Garcia))
I planned a trip to Tabasco, Mexico where most of the cacao
grown in Mexico comes from and I reached out to a co-op
that helps farmers process their beans dry and ferment
them. I took with me a thermal-forming machine that I
donated to them so they could create their own culturally-
inspired custom molds. They gave me a tour of their co-op
and that's when I realized I could make a difference. And I
taught a two-day workshop so they could learn how to make
truffles themselves. The class that I taught was mostly
women
((end courtesy))
and they were all very excited and enthusiastic
((Courtesy: Ramon Garcia))
about learning new methods of processing their cacao and
new recipes to make with it, because typically in that region
of Mexico, what they make is a beverage and they were very
excited to learn how to make more than just beverages.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
My favorite chocolate is a truffle because it has cream and
butter. As far as tempering and chocolate art goes, dark
chocolate is the easiest to work with.
((NATS))
Oh, wow.
I like the way you pack them because it’s a single serving, I
like that.
Gorgeous.
Yeah, they are.
Awesome.
Thank you so much.
You’re welcome.
We've got desserts for the whole weekend.
((NATS))
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
Now I only make chocolate occasionally for friends and
family and I take orders on my web site seasonally and for
the holidays.
((Juliana Desmond, Chocolate Artist))
I keep in contact with the ladies and they've told me that
((Courtesy: Ramon Garcia))
the melanger has revolutionized the way that they make
chocolate. Seeing the reaction brought so much fulfillment
and I felt like it was my calling as an artist. It gave me a lot
of satisfaction.
((end courtesy))
My hope is to empower the women with work opportunities
that preserve their culture and they can pass on to their
future generations.
((NATS))
((PKG)) BOTANICAL GARDEN TRAINS
((Banner: Holiday at the Gardens))
((Reporter/Camera: Deborah Block))
((Adapted by: Martin Secrest))
((Map: Washington, D.C.))
TEASE ((VO/NAT))
Coming up…..
((Banner))
Working with Nature
((SOT))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I also use a blowtorch for a lot of my color to get shade and
contrast. So, I’ll go up and I’ll burn the project and then I’ll
come back and sand a lot of that burn off or leave some burn
in darker areas.
BREAK TWO
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
BLOCK C
((PKG)) CHAINSAW ARTIST
((Banner: Sculpting Trees))
((Reporter: Faiza Elmasry))
((Camera: Adam Greenbaum))
((Map: Arlington, Virginia))
((NATS: Artist Andrew starts up chainsaw))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I’m Andrew Mallon. I’m a chainsaw artist. I’ve been doing it
for about eight years now. I’ve been doing it full time for
about four years. I love it. It’s just a great way for me to
express my art form and get these ideas out of my head and
I get to put them into a big chunk of wood.
((NATS: Chainsaw cutting))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
With the chainsaw, you’ve got to do it outside. That’s one of
the challenges. Sometimes you’re out in really cold weather
or really hot weather. Keeping that saw running at a high
volume. For me to keep working is a big challenge. Trying to
keep those saws in tip-top shape so I am not wasting time
out here, keeping the chains sharp, keeping up with all the
maintenance is very tough.
((NATS: Andrew places chainsaw on step))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
Most of my customers are people that are losing an old tree
in their yard they’ve had forever and they don’t want to lose
it. So, they ask me to come in and make something
interesting and beautiful for them.
((NATS: Chainsaw cutting))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
Here, I am carving this large oak tree. This family hired me
to come in and carve two little bears on the tree and try to
make it playful and fun. They’ve got two young children.
They want each bear to represent their children. And I am
also trying to put little notches on the tree so they can climb
and kind of play on and have some fun and interact with it.
((NATS: Andrew cutting with chainsaw))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I try to do majority of my work with the chainsaw. It’s a lot
faster.
((NATS: Andrew opening tool box))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I do use some little dremels and die grinders and they’ll do
details for me like the eyeballs and like around the mouth
and inside an ear or something. So, I have grinders and
sanders also to smooth out the projects.
((NATS: Andrew firing up torch))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
I also use a blowtorch for a lot of my color to get shade and
contrast. So, I’ll go up and I’ll burn the project and then I’ll
come back and sand a lot of that burn off or leave some burn
in darker areas. That helps me with the shading so you can
see the project.
I do a lot of animals because it is just an easy thing to
capture beautiful animals in their environment.
I just did a large tulip poplar (tree) at Hidden Oaks Nature
Center in Annandale, Virginia.
There is about 12 different animals on the tree, about 9
different species of animals. There is an owl really up high
and then another owl behind it and a baby owl in the crevice.
There is a squirrel. There is a raccoon. There is opossum.
The raccoon is popping out of a little hole in the tree.
((NAT: Suzanne Holland))
So you tell me the names of these animals in German.
((Suzanne Holland, Spokeswoman, Hidden Oak Nature
Center))
We had literally hundreds of people come by the Nature
Center for the first time, of all ages, to enjoy the tree. And
you can see how people get drawn in and want to pet the
sculpture and engage directly.
((NAT: Suzanne Holland))
Thank you for teaching me all the new names for the
animals. I appreciate that!!
((Suzanne Holland, Spokeswoman, Hidden Oak Nature
Center))
We use this now as a cornerstone for our animal habitat
programs for school groups.
((NATS: Andrew using chainsaw))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
The neighbors appreciate it and everybody gets to enjoy it,
really.
((NATS: Andrew with chainsaw))
((Andrew Mallon, Chainsaw Artist))
Every now and then, I get a little complaint, “when you are
going to be finished? It’s really loud and I am working in my
office.” So, every now and then I get that but generally it’s a
pretty quick process. So, people enjoy it most of the time.
((NATS: Chainsaw Sculpting))
((PKG)) NATIONALS PARK
((Banner: Holiday at the Stadium))
((Reporter/Camera: Deborah Block))
((Additional Camera: Martin Secrest))
((Adapted by: Martin Secrest))
((Map: Washington, D.C.))
((Music, NATS))
CLOSING ((ANIM))
voanews.com/connect
((PKG)) FREE PRESS MATTERS
((NATS))
((Popup captions over B Roll))
We make a difference
When we unmask terror
When we explain the impossible
When we confront an uncertain future
When we give voice to the voiceless
The difference is Freedom of the Press
We are the Voice of America where
A Free Press Matters
BREAK
BUMP IN ((ANIM))
((PKG)) FREE PRESS MATTERS
((NATS))
((Popup captions over B Roll))
Near the Turkish Embassy
Washington, D.C.
May 16, 2017
President Erdogan’s bodyguard attacks peaceful protesters
“Those terrorists deserved to be beaten”
“They should not be protesting our president”
“They got what they asked for”
While some people may turn away from the news
We cover it
reliably
accurately
objectively
comprehensively
wherever the news matters
VOA
A Free Press Matters
CLOSING ((ANIM))
voanews.com/connect
SHOW ENDS
