South Station Air Rights Project: Rail and Bus Terminal Connection is Now Complete !!!

View this email in your browser The following is an update on the South Station Air Rights Project. South Station Transportation Center Direct Connection Between Rail and Bus Terminals   The long-awaited completion of the South Station Transportation Center marks the end of a decades long process, creating a new gateway to Boston with upgraded rail and bus terminals. Hines, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is pleased to announce that the South Station Transportation Center Improvements Project is now complete.   For the first time in South Station’s history, a new, direct connection allows passengers a convenient way to transfer from bus, rail and subway stations all within the Transportation Center. Customers will experience a rail terminal 67% larger than the prior concourse, which includes an accessible elevator and escalator leading to the new Bus Terminal expansion, which increased capacity by 50%. Previously, these two terminals were separated, requiring passengers to travel between two buildings.   In 1977, the BPDA (then the Boston Redevelopment Authority) sold South Station to the MBTA, but maintained ownership of the air rights, with the intent that the MBTA would transform the station into an intermodal transportation center containing bus, rail and subway connections. Progress on the Transportation Center began in 1984 with the addition of a new concourse and a connection to the Red Line, and continued in 1995 with the construction of the bus terminal.   In 2016, the BPDA approved the South Station Air Rights’ Project with Hines, which saw the construction of a 51-story tower on top of the iconic South Station headhouse. As part of this work, Hines oversaw the completion of the South Station Transportation Center Improvements Project, building on the improvements made in prior decades. Photo of the new, expanded South Station Bus Terminal Patrons and visitors of the new South Station Transportation Center will enjoy new amenities such as: A new, weather protected outdoor concourse which is 67% larger than the prior concourse A Bus Terminal expansion increasing capacity by more than 50% An architecturally significant public space at the outdoor concourse area that enhances the image of South Station as a gateway to the city A new Pedal & Park bicycle storage facility with access from Atlantic Avenue Lighting, fire and life safety and security enhancements in the rail yard and platform areas Wayfinding, access and safety enhancements for transit patrons with disabilities Hines is thrilled to have played a role in this historic process, bringing to life a vision of a thriving transportation hub in the heart of Boston. Please encourage your friends, colleagues, and neighbors who may be interested in this project to sign up for email alerts as well. Visit www.southstationairrights.com for more information.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

7:30 am      Once Upon A Town: Schools

9:00 am Metrowest Symposium: Festivals & Community Celebrations

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jason Poulos

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Breakfast

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

5:30 pm Celebrate with Pride 2025: Toby

9:00 pm Metrowest Summit: World Cup 02-26-26

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Middle School 6th Grade Concert

8:30 am Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25

10:00 am Metrowest Symposium: Festivals & Community Celebrations

11:00 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra

1:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v North Attleboro 04-08-26

3:00 pm MSTCA Track Meet Pt 1 04-28-24

8:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

9:30 pm Franklin Footlighters: High School Musical Jr.

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 03-24-26

12:00 pm Economic Development 04-02-26

2:00 pm Finance Committee 04-07-26

7:00 am School Committee  CHAMBERS  870 4937 8550  Passcode: 856678

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, April 13, 2026 ???

Monday, April 13

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting - Executive Session

Monday, April 13 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04132026-2197 

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

FHS Empty Bowls Club announce Empty Bowls Dinner, Thursday May 14, 2026

via FHS Empty Bowls Club

FHS Empty Bowls Club announce Empty
Bowls Dinner, Thursday May 14, 2026 

"We are so excited to announce our fundraiser for the Empty Bowls Night

You can purchase tickets through this link https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=105

Can’t wait to see you all there!!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DW7stoEEYKk/

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Town Administrator section

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing. 

Town Administrator

General Purpose

The Town Administrator is the chief executive officer of the Town, whose primary responsibility is to administer the policies and programs approved by the Franklin Town Council while ensuring that the provisions of the Town Charter are upheld in all areas of town management.

It is the responsibility of the Town Administrator to annually submit a balanced budget, capital improvement program, five year financial forecast, and other reports to the Town Council, per the Town Charter. This includes revenue projections, analyzing and administering use of reserves for capital acquisitions and projects, and working closely with the Franklin Public School Administration to coordinate on strategic initiatives and resources and maintain a strong partnership.

The Town Administrator is also responsible for negotiating and managing all collective bargaining agreements with employee organizations representing Town employees, and participating in the deliberations of the School Committee and School Administration in collective bargaining pertaining to school employees.

Read a general summary of the Town Administrator’s responsibilities on the website.

 

Core Functions

What does the Town Administrator do? For a partial list, read this:

● Town Administration works with the Town Council to improve the quality of life of the residents of Franklin.

● The Town Administrator is diligent in balancing the budget, keeping an eye on the Town’s future needs and maintaining its current assets.

● The Town Administrator is responsible for the management of all municipal departments and employees, under the jurisdiction of the Town Council.

● The Town Administrator, along with the administrative staff, develops all Town Council agendas and ensures that all necessary legislation is being voted on in a timely manner.

● The Town Administrator, along with the Human Resources (HR) Director, works on union negotiations with all municipal bargaining units. The TA also has a seat and vote on the teachers collective bargaining agreement.

● The Town Administrator also works closely with the Town’s local legislative delegation to advocate for legislation and earmarks that would benefit the Town of Franklin and its residents.

● In addition to working with all departments under the jurisdiction of the Town Council, Town Administration is tasked with drafting bylaws and resolutions relative to public policy, implementing economic development measures, collaborating with the Town’s internal and external partners on special projects, grants administration, licensing and permitting, management of boards & committees, and administering insurance policies and claims.

● The Operations Manager serves as the Licensing Administrator for all permits and licenses issued by Town Administration, manages public records request responses, Town boards and committees, insurance claims and policy renewals, co-chairs the Safety Committee, administers the Town website, assists the Town Administrator in carrying out goals and projects established by the Council, and supervises

day-to-day office operations.

Staffing

● One (1) Town Administrator

● One (1) Deputy Town Administrator*

● One (1) Operations Manager

● One (1) Director of Communications and Civic Engagement

● One (1) Part-Time Administrative Assistant

● One (1) Part-Time Secretary (to take minutes)

* Proposed restored Position for FY27

 

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Town Administration, working with the Finance Department, will continue working to preserve the Town’s AAA bond rating, spotless financial audits and solid financial acumen.

● In 2028, Franklin will celebrate the Town’s 250th Anniversary! In order to plan for this marked celebration, the Town has formed an official celebration committee under Massachusetts General Law and initiated the planning process.

● With the savings of the mid-year departure of the FY26 budgeted Deputy Town Administrator, the Town Administration Department added and filled a full-time Communications Specialist and a part-time Administrative Assistant.

● Town Council and Town Administrator goals are jointly agreed to and located here.

● For accomplishments, please see the Town Council & Town Administration goals archive here for the past lists of goals and accomplishments.

● A main goal for the year is integrating and onboarding the Director Communications and Civic Engagement and Administrative Assistant who were just hired in February 2026.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● The Town Administration department is requesting the position of a full-time Deputy Town Administrator with a budgeted annual salary of $190,000. Staff are currently compiling data and will share the market when we have a final list.

● Otherwise, this is a level funded budget.

● The Administrator’s Office Personnel and Expense budgets have been cut in FY24 and FY25.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qrwiPOoze_41hX3WnGuYKFvUMGEiI0bh/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 313 - Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik

Ever feel like you need a PhD and a Rosetta Stone just to pick a decent bottle of Cabernet? You aren’t alone. This week on The Wonderful World of Wine(WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Marie Cheslik, the brilliant sommelier and author behind the essential new book, “How to Read a Wine Label.”

Marie isn't your average wine expert—she’s a nurse and Sommelier who uses a stethoscope and corkscrew. We dive deep into the surprising parallels between the ICU and the cellar, proving that wine doesn't have to be intimidating; it just needs a little "triage."

Inside This Episode:

• The Nurse’s Palate: Marie shares how her background in nursing shaped her approachable, no-nonsense perspective on wine.
• Label Pet Peeves: Find out what common marketing gimmicks drive Marie crazy when she looks at a bottle.
• The "Additive" Debate: We peel back the foil on what’s actually inside your wine beyond just grapes.
• Teach a Man to Fish: Marie explains her philosophy on wine education—giving you the tools to choose for yourself rather than just following a "Top 10" list.
• Google vs. The Label: Is whipping out your phone in the wine aisle cheating? We discuss using tech to decode the glass.
• The "Body" Language of Wine: * Why Marie is officially "anti-milk" when it comes to describing wine texture.
• Kim pitches her "Soup Theory"—does it hold water (or broth)?
• Reading the Fine Print: A masterclass on the Address Statement and why the Importer might be the most important name on the back of the bottle.
• The French Connection: Marie drops an absolute gem of a line regarding the complexity (and ego) of French wine labels.
• The Tie-Breaker: Two wines. Same price. Same grape. Same region. How do you choose? Marie gives us her foolproof "shelf-side" strategy.

Connect With Us

Guest: Marie Cheslik Explore her work and grab her book at www.slikwines.com

The Wonderful World of Wine Visit us for more episodes and wine wisdom at www.thewww.wine

Episode link - https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-313-decoding-the-wine?

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 313-Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik

Outdoor track meet & ice cream truck, a great combination !!!

Outdoor track meet & ice cream truck, a great combination !!!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18GNVeXvQZ/

You Don't Have to Attend the Gala to Bid! The Virtual Auction is OPEN

The online auction for SAFE's 10th Anniversary Gala is officially OPEN and you don't have to attend the gala to participate!   Here's a sneak peek at what's up for grabs across 60+ items: Tickets to Kimberly Akimbo and Motley Crue Gift cards to BJ's Brewhouse, The Rome Restaurant, and more local favorites Vacation planning services, a Day Trip to Mystic Seaport, and a Boston Tourist package Custom portraits, jewelry, and home goods Self-care packages, custom training sessions, and an outdoor fire pit Here's how to get started:   NOT attending the gala but want to bid? Register for free at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safe2026/items/ and select "Virtual Auction Access - NO EVENT ADMISSION." This gives you access to browse and bid online only; it is NOT a ticket or admission to the gala event itself. If you'd like to attend the gala in person, select "Individual Ticket" instead, which also includes virtual auction access.   Already have a gala ticket? You already have access! Use the email address associated with your ticket to log in (please do NOT register for "Virtual Auction Access”). You can also click "Set Up Bidding" in your confirmation email (subject: "Your 2026 SAFE Gala Tickets") to log in and start browsing.  Having trouble? Email our support team at info@safecoalitionma.org All auction proceeds support SAFE Coalition's life-saving prevention, recovery, and mental health programs across southeastern Massachusetts. Happy bidding!     Thank you for your continued support of SAFE's life-saving work! Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org