FM #237 Jamie Barrett - "Sisu Ubuntu" 4/02/20 (audio)

FM #237 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 237 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Barrett, Franklin teacher and singer/songwriter. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We jump right into the making of “Sisu Ubuntu”, his new song, collaborated on with over 100 word suggestions, and as we find out, it came together once he picked up his guitar to work on the music to frame the lyrics.

We also talk about TuNesDay and his “Wake up with Mr Barrett” Live concert that he performs on Tuesday mornings at 8 AM. We also raise another challenge for Franklinites to help Jamie get more than 2,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. He really needs 1,000 but we believe Franklin can do better than that, so let’s go for 2,000.

This recording runs about 15 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Jamie and get some insights into the creative process for this teacher and singer/songwriter.   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyZXbC07



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If you haven't heard it, you can listen to the “Sisu Ubuntu” song here 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVP2eDzQGnQ

Please subscribe to Jamie’s YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiitAGAChXLE-lzyzPxauhg

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #237 Jamie Barrett - "Sisu Ubuntu" 4/02/20 (Twitter photo)

Road Construction Alerts

If you missed listening to DPW Director Cantoreggi's interview, there are a couple of road construction projects underway to be aware of.

1 - State paving work on RT 140

From Lewis St to the Wrentham line RT 140 is being repaved via "mill and overlay". The top surface has been ground up during overnight work the past week and should be paved this week. The work is scheduled for overnight.

State paving work on RT 140 - 1

State paving work on RT 140 - 2

2 - Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St 

From Maple St to Brook St, the water line will be replaced by a contractor for Franklin DPW using the funding plan for water line replacements.

Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 1

Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 2

Franklin waterline replacement work on Lincoln St - 3

To listen to the interview with DPW Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-231-franklin-ma-dpw-director-robert.html 
 

Once Upon a Town: Chilson Block - Downtown Franklin

Join Eamon McCarthy Earls and Joe Landry to "Find out the story of the Chilson Block, a landmark of downtown Franklin"

Video link = https://youtu.be/v4fhjIK2wAA

Senior Center Connections - April Newsletter

The April newsletter provides the latest on what is still happening (although remotely).

Get your copy at the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/apr20connection_-_copy_1.pdf

Senior Center Connections - April Newsletter

In the News: COVID-19 testing facility for first responders; how to apply for unemployment assistance

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

COVID-19 testing facility for first responders

"A COVID-19 testing facility for first responders opened Sunday in Foxborough after it was built in just four days, and Gov. Charlie Baker said conversations are underway about setting up similar sites in western Massachusetts and the Merrimack Valley. 

After visiting the new drive-through testing site, set up in a Gillette Stadium parking lot, Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito provided updates on the state’s continuing efforts to prepare for the coming surge in cases of the dangerous and contagious coronavirus. 

Baker said state officials received a shipment of 100 ventilators -- a fraction of the 1,400 requested -- from the national equipment stockpile, and those ventilators will likely be distributed “over the course of the next 24 hours.” Last Monday, Baker had predicted 1,000 ventilators would arrived by week’s end."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/mass-continues-preparations-for-surge-in-coronavirus-cases

social distancing properly (Gov Baker's Twitter image)

how to apply for unemployment assistance

"In the past two weeks, 10 million workers have filed for unemployment, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

If you’re one of those 10 million workers confused on how to apply for unemployment assistance, the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been hosting Virtual Town Halls for the past week and can help you out. 

We simplified how that process works, and answered some common questions – including some questions answered during Saturday’s virtual town hall meeting conducted in Spanish."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/confused-on-how-to-apply-for-unemployment-during-coronavirus-outbreak-heres-simplified-guide-on-how-to-do-it

“I see a lot of pink bags at the curb awaiting (pickup) that will never come”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Jillian Wilson, Natick’s sustainability coordinator, is saddened by the number of pink recycling bags she still sees on the curbs of several Natick neighborhoods. 

Those pink recycling bags are part of Simple Recycling’s curbside clothing recycling program. 

Based out of Ohio, the for-profit recycler takes donated high quality clothing and other household goods and resells them to thrift shops or international markets. The town has been using the service for two years, and close to 20,000 to 30,000 pieces of material are collected each month, according to Wilson-Martin. 

On March 23, the company had to suspend operations in the state, following Gov. Charlie Baker’s order for all non-essential businesses to seize in-person operations to minimize the spread of the coronavirus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/recycling-options-still-available-during-coronavirus-order

“I see a lot of pink bags at the curb awaiting (pickup) that will never come”

"child care providers worry they may never reopen"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Dominated by small businesses, the country’s child care “system” has long been at a breaking point. Child care is expensive to operate and to provide, yet families are largely left to pay for it themselves while providers eke out a living on meager profits.

To make it through coronavirus-era closures and the economic downturn, providers say they need help.

Without it, parents juggling child care with working from home, or unable to afford care while they’re laid off, could find their provider is closed when they return to work."

This story about child care services was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter.   https://hechingerreport.org/newsletters/

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200405/coronavirus-is-closing-day-cares-child-care-providers-worry-they-may-never-reopen