Franklin Matters

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Franklin High School Student Named Finalist for National Merit Scholarship Award

Franklin High School is proud to share that senior Gavin Warnakulasooriya was recently selected as a finalist for a National Merit Scholarship Award by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Franklin High School
senior Gavin Warnakulasooriya

Gavin is one of about 15,000 students across the nation chosen as a finalist. Throughout March, NMSC will select 6,930 students from the pool of finalists to win National Merit Scholarships totaling nearly $26 million.

The journey to finalist status is lengthy, with students first entering the contest with a group of 50,000 top finishers in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, also known as the Preliminary SAT. Then, 16,000 qualifying students, or about 1% of U.S. high school seniors, earned semifinalist status and were considered as finalists.

After being named as a semifinalist last October, Gavin submitted an application and essay, received a high school official's recommendation and confirmed his PSAT score with a high SAT or ACT score to be considered as a finalist.

Gavin is an active participant in the FHS community, serving as captain of the mock trial and debate teams, president of the Science National Honor Society, member of Mu Alpha Theta (the United States mathematics honor society), and varsity member of the track and field team. He was previously a member of the math team and played soccer.

In college, Gavin plans to pursue physics and cognitive science. His passion for learning has led him to pursue personal projects and offer help to his peers.

"I love sharing knowledge in any form, which has led me to peer tutor many friends and author a handbook guide for one of FHS's physics courses, something I found especially rewarding," Gavin said. "More than anything, I would describe myself as a curious learner, and I hope to carry that spirit with me throughout my future."

He is described by faculty as a passionate learner and a humble, kind and personable young man.

"We are so proud of Gavin for being named as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship," said Principal Maria Weber. "This is a well-deserved honor that he has worked tirelessly to achieve. Gavin's dedication to his studies and passion for sharing knowledge with others has not gone unnoticed, and I am happy to see him recognized for his efforts."

"I want to congratulate Gavin on this impressive achievement," said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "It is exciting to see students recognized for their hard work, especially on a prestigious level such as the National Merit Scholarship Program. I look forward to seeing where Gavin's dedication and enthusiasm for his education will take him in the future."

About National Merit Scholarship Corporation

Since its founding, NMSC has recognized over 3.4 million students and provided some 451,000 scholarships worth over $1.8 billion. The honors awarded by NMSC to exceptionally able students are viewed as definitive marks of excellence. Recipients of Merit Scholarship® awards, Achievement Scholarship® awards, and corporate-sponsored Special Scholarships have increased the nation's respect for intellectual accomplishments and have contributed significantly to its talent pool of future leaders.

Shared from - https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11689388

Franklin HS Alum & UMass Amherst Student Mariel Ogle Recognized for Outstanding Leadership, Scholarship, and Commitment to Community

(L-R) Mariel Ogle, & Curtis Owens, Scholarship Committee Chair

Mariel Ogle, a first year student at UMass Amherst, pursuing degrees in Linguistics and Biology, was the Carol Pizzi scholarship award recipient for 2025. In recognition of her exceptional academic performance, leadership, and genuine commitment to building stronger communities, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee was proud to select Mariel as this year's winner.

A graduate of Franklin High School, Ogle distinguished herself through both academic excellence and deep extracurricular involvement. Her high school years were marked by meaningful contributions across a variety of honor societies, arts programs, and civic leadership initiatives. Ogle served as Public Relations Officer and Fundraising Director for the Spanish National Honor Society, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills.

In the Science National Honor Society, she contributed as an Anatomy Group Co-Leader, supporting peers and fostering collaborative learning. She also devoted time as a math tutor through the Math National Honor Society, reinforcing her commitment to helping others thrive academically.

Beyond the classroom, Ogle brought creativity and teamwork to her involvement in the performing arts, participating in Norwood Drama Club and the Franklin High School Theater Company as both an actor and technical assistant. Her leadership extended further when she was selected to attend the Girls State Week Leadership Program, sponsored by the American Legion—an honor reserved for students who show strong potential as future civic leaders. This dedication to service and collective empowerment is at the heart of Ogle's personal philosophy.

In her application essay, she reflected:

"According to Google, the definition of a citizen is simply 'the inhabitant of a particular town or city.' But this definition does not take into account the true significance of citizenship in a community and the true impact that a strong sense of citizenship can bring. When people of a community feel a strong sense of citizenship and civic responsibility, it allows them to forge a community where others are uplifted, and individual adversity becomes that of the collective. Simply put, being a true citizen means being an active part of a community."

This spirit of active citizenship continues to guide Ogle in her current studies at UMass Amherst, where she is driven by a passion for language, science, and community connection.

The award recognizes not only Ogle's academic achievements, but also her ongoing dedication to becoming a leader who uplifts those around her—an exemplar of resilience, empathy, and civic responsibility.

Each year, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee awards a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving High School senior who has committed to attend college in the fall. The scholarship is funded annually from fundraising activities (such as the 4th of July concessions booth that the local Dems run).

The Carol A. Pizzi scholarship is named after beloved Franklin resident Carol A. (O'Connor) Pizzi who passed away in 2010. Carol was a real estate agent in town and a passionate member of the town's Democratic committee. If you would like to learn more and/or contribute to this scholarship fund, please visit www.franklindemocrats.com.

For more information on the scholarship, students should inquire with their high school guidance office.

Finance Committee gets a good discussion on policies, and an update on the grant process yielding $112M over 10 years (video)

The Franklin Finance Committee met on Wednesday as scheduled March 11, 2026. 6 members were present, 2 absent (1 open position reportedly to be filled soon).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/UZl8H4Koptg?&t=476

Agenda (updated 3/11/26) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2189

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oxC1JQgvl3PoNs-2qaHf9vacux3JvsZY/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap

a healthy and engaging discussion on the policies, to be resumed at one of the budget hearings in April before making a recommendation on changes (if any) to the Town Council
Presentation on the grant process and the yield of $112M over 10 years, an average of $10M/year
Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:

a. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 - Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearings
b. May 28, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion - first look at health care numbers as open enrollment would have closed Apr 30
c. June 3, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion and vote to recommend budget with changes (if any) for the Town Council to vote on at their June 10 session

Photo album of the grant presentation slides shared

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kLdsxaJEHqXjYEzT7

Franklin Commission on Disability Seeking Two New Members

The Franklin Commission on Disability (COD) is excited to expand their team and is seeking two additional Franklin residents to join their efforts of advocacy, support, and education for disability in our community. Franklin Commission on Disability is seeking two new volunteer members.

Franklin Commission on Disability Seeking Two New Members

Deadline 3/25/26

Of the two available seats:

One position will begin with a one-year term expiring in 2027.
The second position will begin with a two-year term expiring in 2028. (Both positions may transition to three-year terms upon renewal.)

Applications submitted by March 25 will be prioritized for consideration.

Residents interested in serving on the Commission can apply online at: https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php

For assistance with the application process, contact COD Chairperson Alison Rheaume at COD.FranklinMA@gmail.com or (508) 455-5687.

The Town encourages residents who are passionate about improving accessibility and supporting individuals with disabilities in Franklin to consider applying.

PMC Kids returns, registration is now open

Please join us as we celebrate our 20th year for the PMC Franklin Kids Ride!

This year it will be held on Sunday, June 7th from 8 AM - Noon.

Gather your friends and let's make this the biggest ride yet! Sign up at kids.pmc.org/franklin

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FJEnwE4GU/

Franklin Police welcome Danielle Machado as our newest Co-Response Clinician

Danielle Machado

Please join us in welcoming Danielle Machado to the Franklin Police Department as our newest Co-Response Clinician!

Danielle brings a strong background in crisis response and extensive experience working alongside law enforcement. Most recently, she served as a Co-Response Clinician with the Northbridge and Douglas Police Departments, and frequently supported the Uxbridge and Blackstone Police Departments as well.

In addition to her co-response work, Danielle has experience with mobile crisis services and previously worked at Bradley Hospital, where she provided emergency behavioral health support throughout the community.

Danielle holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from William James College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University. She brings strong clinical skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine enthusiasm for getting to know and supporting the Franklin community.

We’re excited to have her join the team!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GkEMAU4cs/

Danielle backfills an open position created by someone leaving.

The Town of Franklin is currently in a level 2 Drought Condition, yes even with the snow we had

During #NationalGroundwaterAwarneesWeek, and while all of Massachusetts is still experiencing #drought conditions, it’s a good time to talk about why all this snow and melting hasn’t pulled us out of drought yet.

level 2 Drought Condition

First, the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan looks backward, so the drought declaration issued this week actually reflects conditions from February.

Second, the ground is still frozen in many places, which means snowmelt isn’t soaking into the ground yet—it’s mostly running off. (Though it is creating a great mud season—at least in my yard!)

Third, even after the ground thaws, groundwater recharge takes time. Water must slowly move through soil and rock before reaching underground aquifers.

Hopefully, when the Drought Management Task Force meets in April to review March conditions, we’ll start to see improvement. Until then, the state continues to encourage efficient water use.

For more information on the current drought conditions please visit: https://www.mass.gov/guides/drought-management-in-massachusetts

for water conservation information, go to https://www.mass.gov/conservemawater

groundwater recharge takes time

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1FiohW96dN/

BFCCPS shares results of Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair - MSEF for Middle School

We are thrilled to share the results of the recent Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair - MSEF for Middle School.

The students listed below will now incorporate feedback from judges in preparation for the Middle School State Fair which takes place May 9th at Clark University:

BFCCPS shares results of Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair - MSEF for Middle School

Romir Iyer "Using Python Code to Diagnose Genetic Disorders" 2nd Place and Citadel securities Innovation Prize
Dishita Noolu "Does a natural bandage infused with healing and antibacterial ingredients promote faster skin recovery than a regular store bought bandage" 2nd Place and Lemelson Early Inventor Prize
Shanvika Kandanuru "The Casein Polymer Project" 2nd Place and Sandra Nasrawi Award
Mansha Khatri and Poorvi Rajaboyina "Freezing of Different Water Types" 2nd Place and Aparna Narvane Memorial Award
Anagha Balagurumoorthy and Shreya Kirikera "Investigation of Pharmaceutical Waste in Public Water Systems" 3rd Place
Aagam Shah and Chittesh Patel "Selective Capture of Harmful Pathogens Using a Mucin Based Trapping Mechanism'' 3rd Place

Many thanks to Mrs Nestor and Mr Pontes-Macedo for supervising students throughout this process.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/186MTBJnxg/

Franklin Youth Hockey fundraising via Papa Gino's - Thursday, March 12

Franklin Youth Hockey fundraising via
Papa Gino's - Thursday, March 12

Skip cooking on Thursday and support the Franklin Youth Hockey Association!

— with Franklin Youth Hockey Association & Jr. Panthers Hockey Club.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19kp5QFsvs/

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, March 12, 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:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

This hour features a conversation talking about the Party for The Pantry coming up March 28 at THE BLACK BOX -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/have-you-got-your-tickets-were-talking.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"

The Turntable Show features Aerosmith's debut record and a rock n roll Vibe Playlist of studio and live recordings. Aerosmith's debut was recorded in Boston and released January 5, 1973. The album features major hits including, "Dream On", "Mama Kin", and "One Way Street".
The Vibe Aerosmith Playlist Hour mixes hits from A Little South of Sanity, Rock'n The Joint, , A Little South of Sanity, and Toys In The Attic. Turn it up and rock n roll to our legendary, rock hall of fame local band, Aerosmith

Find the playlist -> https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, March 12, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

9:30 am SecSun_PeterGlass_021526

11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:35 pm Cook with Linda: Pork Tenderloin

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Ken Bray

4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Tune It Out

5:30 pm The Black Box: Newsies

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Christel Akouri

8:00 pm Celebrate with Pride 2025: Sioo

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: The Kennedys

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

9:30 am 6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26

11:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26

2:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling v Milford 01-08-25

5:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Norwood 01-24-26

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 02-26-26

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 02-26-26

7:00 pm Conservation Commission CHAMBERS 840 4696 3959

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

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 ???

Wednesday, March 11

1:00pm Writer's Group session moved to March 18

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

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 ***

Norfolk County Commissioners Public Hearing Notice

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2159

Public view budget for Norfolk County - https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY27%20BUDGET%20PUBLIC%20VIEWING%20COPY%203%205%2026.pdf?t=202603060812320&t=202603060812320

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2167

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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

Your Brain Is Your Superpower! - Franklin Recreation offers series of Chess Classes

Your Brain Is Your Superpower! - Franklin
Recreation offers series of Chess Classes

Join us this spring for Chess Wizards at the Franklin Recreation Department! Whether your child is brand new to chess or already loves the game, this program makes learning fun with engaging lessons, group activities, and exciting challenges. Kids will build strategy, confidence, and critical thinking skills while making new friends along the way.

Wednesdays: