My Editor/Camera Man and Friend has left this world. We pray he is in heaven surrounded by good souls and hanging out near all the animals in heaven. His creative eye is the big camera on the world right now. Perhaps he can help God edit all the ugly scenes on earth. We pray everything is perfect and beautiful for him in heaven. We pray his soul is at peace.

He had such a big heart. He used his talent to help Public Access Producers make their visions a reality. He could have made a lot of money in the industry with his Editing and Camera skills but worked for minuscule amounts of money to help others. He bought all his own equipment. He took such great care of it and it was everything to him yet he lent it to me to do away shoots for my kids’ races.

He worked with me for a few years. He was so happy my show made it to Fairfax County Public Schools as a guest for a year or so before Covid. He said, ” not everyone at Public Access can do that. We have to keep working at it.” I could not have done it without him! He inspired me and kept me accountable when I didn’t want to do a show or edit. He believed in Producers that followed their passion to make a difference in the world even though they did not get paid for their work. He was happy to eat a meal with you as payment if he was not paid. He would say, “they bought me dinner.”

I always tried to get him to work for big companies, they wanted him during the election especially. I told him he could still do his show – “Bad Driving Chicken” and help all the Producers he worked with. I felt bad he worked from the heart. Tom had talent and a creative mind. He made such a big difference for so many of us. He was so dedicated and reliable. He was always on time, early! He was always prepared! He was so kind! He always had ideas to make things better!

He wanted to create his own Puppet shows and make people laugh. He did “Bad Driving Chicken” on Channel 10 – Public Access for years. He would laugh and laugh at the jokes he wrote. He made me laugh at him laughing at the jokes. He wanted to write a movie script last we spoke and shoot that movie. I was excited for him. He said, his work was more important than money.

He loved animals and would do anything for them. He had a cat he adored. She has a heart condition and he took great care of her. He talked to her and would pause editing to take care of her dinner and medicine promptly at 5 pm. He loved walking at Great Falls to enjoy nature. Nature was his camera to earth. Nature and animals or puppets made an ugly world beautiful for him. There are a lot of people that will never forget him and are hurting right now. We must watch his shows and laugh. He would want that! His adorable Puppets will not come to life without him. Watch, “Bad Driving Chicken.”

I cannot hear the word editor for a while. We will never be able to replace him. He was amazing. He had talent, skills, and made many dreams come true.

“Bad Driving Chicken” was his biggest love and lifeline.

He loved Teen Say too. He said, “We get to educate teens and not sell out.”

Tom loved giving teens and parents the facts to resolve confusion or find a new path during Teen Say. He did an excellent job on “High School Football, Why and How?” He really enjoyed meeting Ed Weiner and learning about Jazz for Justice and doing the “Attorney Journey.”

He had patience during covid. He did not want to stop doing the show. He inspired me to keep going. We interviewed Priests, Social Workers, and others over zoom. He made my dining room a studio of lights, Mics, and cameras. He was excited to set up for Stan Livingston’s Zoom and thrilled to edit the Childhood Star’s Interview. Of course, his favorite stories were about Stan’s dog. We did a second video for Stan Livingston, “Adopting Dogs for Unconditional Love.” He loved my 3 dogs and played with them every time he came here.

He loved taking a few steps towards tomorrow during our video for Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul, and Mary during the election. He was honestly so happy to be in it. 🙂 He was awesome! He loved the work we were doing! His work on my videos will remain on Youtube.

In the beginning of Covid, we drove around trying to find teens to interview and see what they were feeling. He was awesome! “Stop the Spread” was our kid video before the term populated. Check out our videos on Youtube.

We did interviews with Doctors to discuss the Cardiologist’s Journey and Chiropractor cracking teens for the first time and his journey for HOSA because kids could not go to school and hear doctors talk during Covid. He worked so hard! He was so happy to do videos to help HOSA.

He was so happy we did 3 shows for Poison Control. He wanted to help me make a difference for scared or confused teens that needed to call Poison Control and get Free, Confidential Advice.

Tom could not wait to be vaccinated so he could work with people again. He tried so hard to protect his Mom and Dad. We did lots of zooms and editing online. It kept us going. He loved his work.

Tom was really great at saving the day or making us feel better. He wanted to do his Puppet Show, “BAD DRIVING CHICKEN” and air it for the world to laugh. He loved his show and did it for Channel 10 – Public Access for years.

I wish I could turn back time and do more work with him. I will try and remember everything he taught me. I will forever remember him as the editor that really turned Teen Say around. He kept pushing me to try and get things going when no one wanted to do shows or be near people due to Covid. Tom loved working.

We did our Last Show at Frying Pan Park. I wish I knew. He made my Mother’s Day morning special. I love horses and was super excited when I got a last-minute invite to do a show there. Tom was thrilled and just as excited to do it. He beat me there like usual. 🙂 We did horse vaulting for the National Horse Vaulting Association. He was an awesome Camera Man and followed those riders and horses perfectly. He loved the animals and shot many videos of them at Frying Pan Park that day. He smiled so much and was truly happy there. He was so patient when we did several takes after not being out for a year. He understood when people were nervous and tried to put them at ease. We went out the next day to continue the interviews after 4 or 5 hours. I needed to go celebrate Mother’s Day with my kids and he was happy to go home and celebrate with his Mother.

Tom loved working with the Teen Say Family. He really was a diamond in my world – he made the show incredible. He was so excited and enthusiastic about every possible show. He inspired us when we thought shows were awful. He edited for hours and hours sometimes through the night to make a deadline for Public Access because it was important for him to air his show “BAD DRIVING CHICKEN” on time. He did not want to let fans or crew down. He did the same for Teen Say, it became his baby too. He was not just a Camera Man or Editor, he was an inspiration and motivated me to do better.

The first time I met Tom, he came to edit a JMU show I did. I was thrilled with the interview but the camera people did not get the shots I needed. I called Tom very upset. I knew he was a great editor. He came to my door and asked which way to the computers we would be editing from. He went straight to the edit suite and said, let’s get to work. Do you have the footage? I thought we would plan it or view it first but he came ready to work and make a difference. I thought, who is this? He is amazing! He is just going to get to it. He got right to it! He saved a great show still on Youtube with D1 Soccer – Adam Peron from JMU. “D1 Soccer Coach gives Parents and Kids the Facts.” He came up with a box that we used as a TV to highlight other things because the camera person focused on a Soccer Poster. He made us so happy and we actually created that kind of box on another show on purpose.

He loved our animal shows. We did a “Wildlife Resue show” still on Teen Say’s Youtube. We did, “Police and Firefighters rescue a Blue Herring.”

He loved walking at Great Falls to enjoy nature. There are a lot of people that will never forget him and are hurting right now. Perhaps they can go to Great Falls and take a breath – take a minute to see the waterfall and think of him. Walk every day and meditate to nature as he did. Take a breath before your big show – your daily life. We/I will never, ever forget you, Tom. I’m so sorry you got sick. We will miss you. Until we meet again….try and help God edit this world to peace.

Mariann was the Producer for Top Washingtonian Doctors for 8 years. She was the Producer for Dr. Libby’s World of Medicine. She started Teen Say in 1990. She took it from a show for misunderstood/rebel teens that needed to communicate and vent with their parents to an educational show for Teens and Parents. Teen Say was on Channel 25 -FCPS as a gust for a few years. Mariann has had a Public Access show for years. Catch her shows on Youtube if you hit the button on this site. Channel 10 FPA airs her shows 3x every month. She has interviewed her best friend Stan Livingston- Chip from “My Three Sons” and her Mentor/Dear Friend/Uncle – Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul and Mary.

Mariann would like to educate the public but make money now. She has hired an incredible camera man/editor and would like to help you make a video to educate the public and help your business grow.

Who are you? What is your story? Why is your office or business special?

We MISS our studio audiences, schools and teams. We know we will be back to normal soon. We will find a new norm for now.

Let us know if we can help…in any way. We can Zoom or do outside shoots.

www.suited4success.org

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these teens Regina Robinson.

Suited 4 Success is recognized for its expertise, excellent track record and collaborative counseling approach in motivating and empowering students to reach their academic and personal goals while eliminating the stress commonly associated with the college admissions process. The ultimate gift is watching each student thrive and resonate as a young adult when they attend their “Right Fit School!”

Do you know any of the survivors or parents from school shootings? Do you hear their cries? Can you imagine their nightmares? Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul, and Mary has given the Parkland Survivors a platform to be heard. The teens have taken their tears and put them to songs. They are singing loud and they are marching Proud. They are asking adults in power to hear them. The teens and children have voices and are using them. People need to listen to them! The School Shootings including Virginia Tech in 2007 where 27 Students and 5 Faculty Members were shot to 2012 when 20 babies – first graders were gunned down including 6 Employees and the killer’s Mom that morning and Parkland where 17 students were killed on Valentine’s Day in 2018. Will Valentine’s Day ever be the same for Parkland Survivors and their families? Their hearts are broken let’s fill them with love and get justice for their pain. Listen to their songs! Hear their cries!

Thank you, Peter Yarrow, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Garth Brooks, Katy Perry, Tim McGraw, and Tyler Hubbard. “Singers Unite the World.”

“Undivided” is how America must stand. Famous Singers and Bands gave us that strength once more. They woke up our souls. They united our pounding hearts with excitement. They gave us hope for a new tomorrow. The Singers united Politics to the youth. Everyone “Bold or Broken” trusts their favorite singers to express the joy or sadness they feel. The Inauguration Day of 2021 created Strength, Excitement and Hope for Young and Old.

Peter, Paul & Mary were the voices of yesterday for many Civil Right Marches. They stood on the stage with Martin Luther King, John F Kennedy and created sing-alongs for the World. They hammered out Love for their brothers and sisters. Peter Yarrow asked us all to take a literal step towards a new tomorrow. Mariann from Teen Say took a step and thanked the Great Artists of today and yesterday. Peter, thank you for inspiring us to perform a Uniting and Exciting task of our own on Inauguration Day.

Today more than ever, people needed songs to sing together. They needed people they trusted on a daily basis to come forward and give them hope. The Singers came out. They sang Loud and Proud from the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial! The after-party and the Previous Presidents coming out to give advice should be a new tradition. Great Job – Tom Hanks. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for including Americans in the Celebration.

The Pandemic created loneliness, dim financial situations, death, fear, and heartbreak. But…it has also taught us “Together America can do anything.” It has taught us Family is more important than Work. It has taught us Health is more important than Money. The World needed a Miracle; God gave us many. The Entertainers, Gate Keepers and Staff that created a harmonic Inauguration Day gave America a “New Beginning.” Januray is now celebrating a New Year of New Beginnings.

Americans have a choice. We could unite and understand each Political Party has disagreements about certain things or we could go to war against our family, friends, and neighbors over things that don’t make up or destroy our existence. Why do we act as it does? If someone you love is dying with Covid…will you discuss Politics or care who is President? Covid should be our biggest battle right now! People need to help one another get through this terrible, long year of sickness and stress. Americans need to Unite and show God we love one another. We need to make the World Covid Free and beg God for a Miracle each time someone we love gets sick! Let’s not take tomorrow for granted.

We need to rebuild our Country. We need to rebuild our minds and children. This Pandemic has hurt us! People are broken and some are broke.

Toddlers, young children, and teens have suffered terribly with the socialization and learning issues affiliated with Covid 19. People with social issues have been away from people for almost a year. They have to learn to socialize again.

Sometimes our vote for something wins and sometimes it loses. Did you have Pizza last night or go fancy? When our kids want something and they don’t get it, can they break into the store and steal it? Can they beat up their friends if their friends have what they want? Can they make fun of their friends for not having what they want? Can people cause chaos and pain to innocent people and get away with it? What would you tell teens if they were not voted President at their school? What would you tell their friends? Should the other group destroy the school and everyone stop talking? NO! That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it?

Mom and Pop businesses have been destroyed during riots. Laws have been broken! Innocent children have been shot in the streets by mistake. Presidents and Presidents-Elect have been made fun of and bullied. Their families have been hurt and made fun of. Throwing dirt at one another does not make either party cleaner. If our parties can’t unite in peace and speak like adults …perhaps our country will change for the worst. Perhaps another country with dictators or dictators here will try and take over. Let’s act like adults for our future generations. Take a step towards tomorrow for Peter Yarrow. Sing with Lady Gaga, enjoy Jennifer Lopez.

The Stars are here. They are asking you to enjoy their show and play nice. At 8:30 pm watch Tom Hanks, John Legend, Justin Biever and many other stars celebrate a new 4-year term for a different party. It’s their turn. Let’s be fair people. Each team gets a turn to make the world a better place. Thank your last Presidents, Respect and Value your new Presidents. Be thankful we have the Freedom to Vote and stand together when we need one another.

God Bless America. Let’s Unite!

Hello out there! It’s been a while. What have you been doing? I have been enjoying the fun of the season. There is lots to do and see. Christmas is Jesus’s big debut and party but getting there is all the fun. You think of others, you want to make them feel special. You want to say, I love you. I know what you need or dreamed of or here is something to make you feel special. I love personalizing gifts and people love getting them. My daughter’s big present this year for all she loves is blankets with photo collages. I better get one. Ha, ha Moms and girl friends usually love those guys.

So speaking to the guys. How many guys would ever cheat on Gwen Stefani? I think if her husband was stupid enough to cheat on her it says something to the girls. Guys can be really stupid and take you for granted -no matter how great you are. Am I right?

In my eyes, the couple of the year is Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton. They give the world hope. One can find the love they never knew could exist… A love so powerful that it can make you change the world. Their love ignites the world with love, hope and excitement. The world is dancing and singing with them. They are a powerful duo. Remember in my Artist Poem, I said God gave people talent – gifts to help the world.

We often hear…this too shall pass. Look at these “2” they do make it feel like Christmas. Couples all over are the world are dancing and singing these songs to each other.

Gwen and Blake’s true love for one another tells you to sing, dance and love with all your soul. Don’t give up…you can and will find that love that never you imagined. Don’t settle! I told my sister that for years and she didn’t believe me and then her prince walked into her life.

Merry Christmas Friends and Family. I love you all! Jesus is here… Covid is on it’s way out and we have learned so much about the simple things we took for granted. It’s like God hit the re-set button on the world.

Jesus is love and Love is what we need to survive in the chaos of life. God created partners for us. Have faith. “Believe” Love is what we want to share with our family and friends this Christmas. Time is the best gift you can give someone. Someone on FB said Moms should lay under the Christmas Tree and Say I am your greatest gift. Ha, ha. Do it Moms! Ha, Ha. Watch Hallmark together. It’s addicting. One night we watched 3 movies in a row. Up TV is amazing too! Ice Skate at a distance, bake cookies, decorate the tree together even if it’s on the day of…as an activity, go see lights and enjoy the snow. I hear we might get snow in the DC area on Christmas. Build Snowmen and have snowball fights no matter how old you are. Be Creative? Go get some arts and crafts. Play games again. It’s old fashion fun this year. It’s what the world needed. It’s the innocence we loved as children.

Have you seen the houses with their own radio stations and lights working together? It’s like Disney around my neck of the woods. Teens love it! Get ice cream and watch it together. What a great date night. Enjoy these special times. We will never take them for granted again. Will we? We have spent the year trying to help one another and show our love to our family and friends. Santa said we have all been good boys and girls and are on the nice list for sure.

Love yourself…love the person in the mirror. God made you! Treat his gift well! Remember if you’re lonely. Love is out there. If you are with the love of your life…never take them for granted. Make it exciting in the simplest way.

Merry Christmas! Alexa, play Christmas songs by Gwen Stefani….all of you start dancing and singing around that kitchen…right Mom? 🙂

Teen Say will be aired on Channel 10 – Fairfax Public Access on Wednesday, November 18th at 6 pm and Saturday, November 21st at 10:30 am. Enjoy our shows!

Happy Thanksgiving One and All! Make a Difference Out there. Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul and Mary always taught me…”It’s not the number of people you touch, as long as you help a few.” 

Channel 10 Fairfax Public Access will air the following shows:

Teen Say will air the Wildlife Rescue Special on October 17th at 10:30 am.

Teen Say will air the Poison Control Journey and Advice for Teens on October 20th at 12 am and October 21st at 6pm.

David Welch was a man who spent years doing research on his brain tumor. He started a website called David Welch and 38lemon.com. He was 38 when he got a lemon-sized brain tumor. This show was David’s last chance to educate the public on what he learned during his research. He was in great spirits and going through Chemo at the time of the Pre-Interviews. He would say, “excuse me” throw up, come back,  apologize and continue. He was an amazing man that really touched our hearts. He died soon after the show aired but was very happy with the show. The TV show was his dream come true. It was the last piece of his site he wanted to complete. His show was the reason Dr. Libby and I continued giving patients and caregivers a chance to teach, vent and share. I will never forget David Welch. He wanted May to be MRI month as a preventative measure all should be entitled to. Thank you to all the volunteers at public access that made our shows possible.

Once again, Pela Soto helped Teen Say out with a video to help teens. HOSA Students, teens or college students considering a career as a Poison Control Specialist or Toxicologist should hear the future Toxicologist’s story. Her journey is unique and her advice is incredible. Let us know what you think…

We will be sharing a new show with our viewers. If your family wants to Zoom or Skype with Mariann from anywhere in the world,  we will highlight your family on “Today’s Famous Family.” The picture above is a Proud Moment from Mariann’s Kids. They think their family is special because of how close they are. They all believe Family comes First. They have done many Spartan Races together. They train together, study together, help prepare one another for interviews, troubleshoot challenges together and try to share every birthday and holiday together. They believe their significant others need to be best friends with their siblings. Mom and Dad love their kids and tell other families about them. Tell us about your family.

Every Family is Special. Tell us why your family is Special. Share your routines with us before and during the Pandemic. Perhaps another family will incorporate some of the great things you do. Mariann hopes siblings are getting closer during the Pandemic. Every Family deserves the Opportunity to Share their Video, routines, values, and Be Famous for a day. What a memorable experience to look back on during the Pandemic.

College Students Mixing Illegal Drugs or their own Medications and Alcohol get Free Advice from Poison Control. Doctors of Pharmacy that the ER calls when someone mixes the wrong drugs together. Specialists are there day or night for you to call.  The call is free to the students and the advice could save your life.  They can help college students studying abroad as well through the 800 number. No one will be arrested for underage drinking or drugs. The goal is to help you and keep you out of the ER if possible – which is most of the time. They call back. They stay on the phone with you. They calm you down by answering your questions and telling you what to do or how to put up with the rest of the bad ride. They check on you the next day. The doctor of pharmacy will help you when your heart is racing or you are throwing up.  Free! Call them if you need them! Dedicated to Patrick who died studying abroad. I wish he would have called. They know when medicines prescribed by doctors don’t agree with your symptoms. Just call! They know what medicines you need for your symptoms when you are away at college and don’t want to worry Mom or Dad in the middle of the night. They are up! SOMEONE IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOUR EMERGENCY!    1-800-222-1222

Every day I walk and see this beautiful bird. He has gotten used to me taking his picture. However, the other day he was flying about, catching fish, walking, looking at the water when… boom, he fell in a hole. I told the firefighter I was with to run into the hotel and grab a sheet. He remembered the goose rescue and took off in a hurry. I had helped with a goose rescue a few weeks prior. However, in a crunch, I still did not know who to call. It’s 911 – for the Police – who are Police Officers with additional training to become Animal Protection Officers. The Wildlife Rescue was pleased with what we said. The rehabilitators will be notified by the veterinarians or Animal Protection Officers if they are needed. The tag team firefighter and Police Officer were great. They rescued my beautiful friend. I wish I was brave enough to have gone over and pulled out his feet but he was flapping those big wings pretty hard and squawking. We like each other from afar. The 911 Operator explained the Police were on their way just to hang on as the bird laid his head down. I did see him yesterday, he squawked at me. Did he know it was me? Did he thank me? Look to the sky, you may see him. He is beautiful and free.