Friday Special Blend
Friday November 25th, 2022 with Susan Johnston
Poetry in Motion with Sridaya Srivatsan, and Community Connections, featuring Wilson Lo in conversation with Synapcity's Nick Hebb. Music by Bad Missionary

In today's episode, Susan speaks with musician and choreographer Sridaya Srivastan about her newest work, Poetry in Motion (available for viewing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QKPG2gPwkE). Poetry in Motion takes the works of two Tamil poets from different centuries, describing divinity through nature imagery. As the pandemic came upon us, many took to the forests and wilderness to cope with the inability to connect with other humans in person. This project is a venture and a plea, for us to not forget the vital role Mother Nature plays, to not forget the divinity we witness in this world. A reminder that even the storms of life can bring us closer to one-ness and the supreme energy source; it all depends on perspective. This work is also a token of gratitude to the urban centers of the world which still prioritize green space. This project had its music and filming completed in the City of Ottawa (Odawa, the unceded territory of the Anishnaabe people). As we return to a new normal, let us not forget our duty to this planet. We're also delighted to introduce a new segment, in partnership with Synapcity. Nick Hebb hosts Community Connections, featuring civic-minded people and leaders in our community. Today, we'll feature Wilson Low, who was recently elected to Ottawa City Council. Wilson Lo recently worked as a customer communications officer at OC Transpo on a team responsible for communicating transit service disruptions and managing public concerns, ideas, and feedback on social media and emails to their city councilors. He was a bus operator for seven years before that. Wilson grew up north of Toronto in Markham, where he lived through the pressures of rapid suburban growth and its effects on infrastructure and services, communities, and people. Wilson came to Ottawa in 2009 for university and stayed. He lives with his wife in Barrhaven East, a community he has grown to love during his time as a bus operator and resident. Raised by his mom, Wilson knows the demands of providing for a family in the face of rising costs of living, but also the joy of knowing where you live is somewhere your family thrives. He and his wife want to raise a family here, so shaping the community’s future together is a matter dear to him.