Assessor of Taxes 3 Year Term (Expires ATE 2011)
Carole A. Whiteley, Incumbent Obtained and returned papers

BMR School Committee, Blackstone Representative, 4 Year Term (Expires ATE 2012)
Lynn M. Landry, Incumbent Obtained and returned papers
BMR School Committee, Blackstone Representative, Unexpired 4 Year Term (Expires ATE 2010)
Peter J. Olson Obtained and returned papers
Catherine A. Frend Obtained and returned papers
Michael J. Buckley Obtained and returned papers
Diane C. Robin Obtained papers-has indicated that she will not return papers for this seat

BMR School Committee,Blackstone Representative,Unexpired 4 Year Term (Expires ATE 2011)
Daniel T. Doyle Obtained and returned papers
Michael J. Buckley Obtained and returned papers
Diane C. Robin Obtained and returned papers

Blackstone Housing Authority 5 Year Term (Expires ATE 2013)
Lynn J. Morin, Incumbent Obtained and returned papers

Board of Health 3 Year Term (Expires ATE 2011)
William T. Walsh, Incumbent Obtained and returned papers

Board of Health Unexpired 3 Year Term (Expires ATE 2009)
Yvette G. Remillard Obtained and returned papers

Moderator 3 Year Term (Expires ATE 2011)
Frederick J. Stone, Incumbent Obtained and returned papers

Parks & Recreation Commission 3 Year Term (Expires ATE 2011)
Kathleen Joyce, Incumbent Obtained and returned papers
Gary James DelGizzi Obtained and returned papers

Planning Board 5 Year Term (Expires ATE 2013)
Paul E. Marvelle Obtained and returned papers

Board of Selectmen TWO POSITIONS OPEN Year Term (Expires ATE 2011)
Robert J. Dubois, Incumbent Obtained and returned papers
Constance D. Perreault, Incumbent Obtained and returned papers
Jacalyn G. Miner Obtained and returned papers
John M. Wozniak Obtained and returned papers

Board of Selectmen Unexpired 3 Year Term (Expires ATE 2009)
Hubert N. Arsenault Obtained and returned papers
Charles J. Sawyer Obtained and returned papers
Thomas J. Bik Obtained and returned papers

Yvette Remillard

I am announcing my candidacy for the Board of Health. I was born and raised on Rathbun St. in Blackstone. I am the daughter of Lillian M. Remillard and the late Norman A. Remillard. I have three brothers, Fr. Andy, Leo and Denis. I attended St. Theresa's Elementary School and St. Mary's High School in Milford. I left Blackstone in the mid 70's to pursue my nursing career and returned to town when my elderly mother and her sister could no longer live on their own and now reside with me on Bellingham Rd. It is without a doubt, that these and many members of my family have instilled in me the importance of integrity, responsibility and accountability in any endeavor I wished to pursue.

I have been a practicing Registered Nurse for 28 years. I graduated with honors from Quinsigamond Community College with an Associate Degree in Nursing and with high honors from Assumption College in Worcester with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. While attending Assumption College, I held 2 elected positions of President and Vice-President of the Nursing Honor Society. Upon graduating from Quinsigamond College, I pursued a dream to help the poor and moved to Appalachia to work and live among the poor in Kentucky and was very active in my parish and the community.

My nursing career continued to evolve at UMass Medical Center in Worcester for the next 12 years in Surgical Trauma, Pediatric Psych, Cardiac and Human Resource. During my 12 years at UMass, I was Chairman of the Primary Nurse Committee, Vice-Chair of the Recruitment and Retention Committee, member of the counseling team for the hospital-wide reallocation process. During this time, I was very active in St. Joseph's Parish in Worcester as Eucharistic Minister, Lector, two-term elected parish council member, and Diocesan Renew Chair for the parish.

I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to Ghana, West Africa, where again I was able to utilize my nursing skills to administer to the poorest of the poor. And, in conjunction with an organization in Washington, D.C., was able to make presentations to various local organizations in order to raise money that was sent directly to the people of Tamale, Ghana.

After my return, I knew it was time for change, and pursued another goal. For the next ten years, I was a Visiting Nurse in Southern Worcester County. It was through this nursing practice that I witnessed many clients, young and elderly, living in deplorable conditions. Many of the elderly could not afford both food and medication. My role was pivotal in advocating for the clients against insurance companies, agencies and individuals whose priorities did not necessarily include that of my clients.

Seven years ago, my career led me to Milford Medical Center where I am presently a Registered Nurse on a Medical-Surgical Unit. It has been a blessing for me as, unfortunately, I have had many family members who have fallen ill and I have had the responsibility to advocate for them as their health care proxy in a health care system that has become so complicated.

No, I have never held a political office and have no personal agendas except to serve the public. However, anyone who has ever held a political office, had to initially start without experience. I believe that my experience on various committees in my career is as important and the same as being a member on a board. The agenda may be different, however, the process of a committee/board is the same.

A Board of Health, by its virtual title, should have a member with a medical background. Like many issues, health related issues are ever changing. We are now dealing on a daily basis with viruses that were unimaginable just a few years ago. From our children to our beloved elderly, no one should be exempt to quality health care and quality living conditions. Foremost, no one should be exempt to be informed on the health care issues that affect us as individuals and as a community. It is vital that vaccines, wellness clinics and health care information be available for our residents of Blackstone. I do not claim to have all the answers to all health care issues, as today's health care providers practice as specialist. However, I do have access to network and many resources in my practice of nursing which are readily available to me. And this means that it is readily available to you. In nursing, we are taught to organize, prioritize, implement and evaluate our actions in a professional and ethical manner. This is the philosophy I have adopted in any endeavor I have pursued and plan to continue to do so. I take this opportunity to serve on this Board very seriously. I was brought up in an environment where we took care of our elderly and anyone in need. As a public servant for many years, I have had the awesome privilege of being a change-agent in many lives and wish to give back as much as I am given. I am asking you for the privilege to serve you as a member of the Board of Health.

Michael Buckley

Mike Buckley, has announced his intention to seek the uxexpired term on the BMR District School Committee. A resident of Blackstone and a native of Millville, he previously served on the Committee from 1985 to 2004. Serving as Chairman for seven years.

He also served as the Millville Town Meeting Moderator for 24 years. He is Married to Lisa (Perreault) Buckley, they are the proud parents of two daughters (Kate - BMR '09, and Lauren - BVT '11) who have benefited from the fine educational programs offered in the BMR District. The Regional School District is experiencing tremendous change in the coming weeks and months. While two members from Blackstone have decided to leave this year, along with a new member to be elected in Millville means a 40% turnover in the membership of the committee. The district is also about to embark in the first public search for a superintendent in nearly 40 years. Meanwhile the district faces many other important decisions in the coming weeks and months including labor negotiations, and also the annual budget process and approval by member towns.

My experience in budgeting, negotiations, and district operation make me ready to contribute on day one.

The District is facing interesting and important issues in the coming year. One of the most important is the selection of a new Superintendent of Schools This decision will be a most important one. The successful candidate will lead our school district into the next decade. Our children's future depends on decisions made now. This is the time that both towns need to decide what type of school district it wants for its' future, and the future of our children.

While revenue and resources will play a major role in our decisions, it is important that we deliver the message that we are all stakeholders in this endeavor. Our schools are the center of our Community. It is what identifies us as a community. While we need to be ever vigilant to manage our resources and revenue effectively - keeping the taxpayers in mind - we must all work to provide a well-rounded program of educational excellence for our children.

These are themes and ideas that we have heard before. Now is the time to re-focus our attention on this mission. It is important we investigate all plans for programs fully, and make a wise, and educated choice for our towns, based on the benefits as well as the ability of the two towns to fund these initiatives.

There are many other important issues that the district will face in the coming weeks and months. I look forward to working with our community to make sure all of the issues are discussed, and examined.

Please see my campaign website at http://www.mjbuckley.org for more details on my positions on other issues. Together we can all make a difference, and make the BMRSD the best it can be.

Catherine Frend

My name is Catherine Anne Frend (Reynolds). I live at 6 Ascension Street in Blackstone. I have been a resident of Blackstone since September of 1999. I have 2 children in the school district one in sixth grade and one in kindergarten. I am a Professional Groomer here in town at Animal Arts. I also am affiliated with the SEPAC chapter here in town i.e..help with fundraisers and attend meetings and workshops. I chaperone dances at the middle school when needed. On a personal level I am associated with the American Kennel Club as well as the National German Shepherd Club of America. I raised a litter of German Shepherds recently and have one of my beautiful puppies in training to be a service dog. As for why I would like to become a member of the school committee ... I would like to see some changes brought about for our children. In the times of today our children need to come first. We must make the commitment to better their education to make the future brighter for them. We need to find ways to improve their readiness skills starting pre-k and following thru to pre-college. Not all children learn in the same manner so we need to find diverse ways to accomplish this goal. In todays world if our children have to pass state mandates to graduate high school then we must break it down and teach it. This means pooling resources of all types and putting them into play to benefit the children of this school district now and in the coming years. I am not a lawyer or an accountant or by any means a politician. But I am a concerned parent that wants to help bring about positive change to this school district. Thank You.

Peter Olson

I am announcing my candidacy for a seat on the BMR School Committee. I have been a resident of Blackstone for 7 years with my wife Kerry and 3 sons: Ryan 9, Sean 5, and Nicholas 3. I have been actively involved with the Blackstone Millville Youth Soccer Organization as a coach for 5 years and a member of the Board of Directors for the past 2 years. I am currently employed as a teacher at the Dudley Middle School which is a part of the Dudley Charlton Regional School District. I look forward to the challenge of providing the schools with the resources needed to best educate the children of Blackstone and Millville within our current financial constraints. I am running for school committee to be an advocate for the students of Blackstone and Millville so they are provided with a challenging academic environment while they attend our district schools. All decisions on policy should be made with the students' best interest in mind. It is the responsibility of the school committee to adopt budgets which will provide sufficient funds to operate the school system economically and effectively to the extent possible given fiscal constraints. It is extremely important that we invest in our most important resource, our children. As a relatively new resident in the town of Blackstone I have no relatives that work in either the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District or the Town of Blackstone.

Daniel Doyle

Daniel T. Doyle, is a candidate for the BMR School Committee. A resident of Blackstone for over 24 years. He has served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Blackstone Valley Boys & Girls Club since 1995. For the past 8 years he has served as president and historian of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17. He is an attorney with his office in Blackstone. His wife Mary Lou Branchard serves as the Chair of the Library Trustees for the Blackstone Library.

Diane Robin

Diane Robin announces she is a candidate for a seat on the BMR school committee. She is married to William Robin and they have 3 children. She has a BS in Business, and MA in Education, and is currently working towards a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies Educational Leadership. She is employed at Uxbridge High School as a Technology Teacher. Diane served on the Finance Committee from 1998-2001, Zoning board of Appeals 1991-2001. Since 2001 she is co-host on the Eldridge Robin cable show.

UPTON - The Blackstone Valley's vocational technical system continues to flourish as a sophisticated training center for students seeking expanded learning opportunities and that interest is extremely evident with the growing interest amongst the general public.

An overflow crowd estimated at more than 2,000 people filled Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in January during the system's annual Open House for prospective students, parents, guardians, and family members. The annual Parent Applicant Night is an occasion for everyone to gain at least a preliminary perspective of the proven career pathways available at Valley Tech.

"We are most pleased that so many people in our district took advantage of the opportunity to see what we have to offer to their children and are honored that an increasing number of parents entrust us with their child's education," Beth Hennessy, Director of Guidance at Valley Tech, said. "We are always available to answer any questions regarding our daily operations. In addition, parents and students should be aware of upcoming deadlines for admission consideration."

Sending district schools may have an earlier submission deadline, but all applications for admission of students interested in becoming members of the Valley Tech Class of 2012 must be received by Feb. 1, 2008. Notification letters of acceptance are expected to be sent out on March 28, 2008. After students are accepted they are required to take a placement examination on April 12, 2008. Student transfers also are encouraged to adhere to the same deadlines.

Valley Tech, a nationally recognized and award-winning high school, services 13 connected towns throughout the Blackstone Valley, including Blackstone and Millville. With a recently completed $36 million expansion and renovation of its Upton-based campus, the system's total student enrollment has risen more than 22 percent since 2003 and likely will increase another 5 percent for the fall of 2008.

The high levels of achievements by Valley Tech students during the past several years have resulted in numerous recognitions, including center stage featuring within an upcoming edition of the popular Channel 5 television magazine show Chronicle and a 2008 article in District Administration, a national educational magazine.

Valley Tech also recently received the prestigious Markham Award as part of the Boston Globe Scholastic Awards. The Valley Tech athletic program recorded the highest game winning percentage (70.70) of all Division 2 vocational technical schools in the Commonwealth in all sports during the 2006-07 school year. This fall, Valley Tech's football team won the MIAA Division 3A Central/Western Mass. Super Bowl and its girls volleyball team won the Large School State Vocational Title after finishing the regular season with a 20-0 mark.

Valley Tech has been designated as a 2007-2010 Pacesetter School by the High Schools That Work network, a 2005 Vanguard Model School by Mass Insight Education, a 2004 National School Change Award winner by Pearson Education, and a 2003 Compass School by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

The Blackstone Public Library will be hosting a Red Cross Babysitter Course. Participants must be between the ages of 11 thru 14. If you enjoy working with younger children then this is a great opportunity for you to increase your earning potential. On Tuesday, February 19th from 9 am - 4 pm there will be a Red Cross Babysitter Course at the Blackstone Public Library.

This program will provide you with the skills and confidence you need to become a certified babysitter. Topics covered will be first aid, injury prevention, and basic care skills. In addition, you will learn decision making and leadership skills. The fee for the program is $45.00 per participant; attendees will receive the Babysitter's Training Handbook and Babysitter Certification. The Handbook includes a course review and 30 easy-to-follow first aid action plans to use during an emergency.

Certification allows you to advertise yourself as a trained babysitter and begin making spending money of your own. Melanie Berchtold, a certified Red Cross Instructor will lead the program. Space is limited and will be scheduled on a first come/ first paid basis so call the library to register today. (508) 883-1931. Bring a bag lunch.

. WHITINSVILLE, MA - Kenneth J. Redding, president and CEO of UniBank, is pleased to announce UniBank's fourteenth annual scholarship program, providing $2,000 each to nine graduating seniors, one at each high school in the towns of Northbridge, Uxbridge, Blackstone, Douglas, Upton, Grafton and Sutton. These scholarships are a part of UniBank's commitment to the Blackstone Valley in supporting the educational endeavors of exceptional students, selected on the basis of character, involvement in school or community activities, financial need and academic achievement. Scholarship applications are available in the guidance departments of: Northbridge High School , Uxbridge High School, Douglas High School , Blackstone-Millville Regional High School, Nipmuc Regional High School, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, Whitinsville Christian High School, Grafton High School and Sutton High School . Schools are awarded the scholarships and form their own committees to select recipients. Applicants are required to be enrolled, as undergraduate students, in an accredited four-year institution of higher learning.

UniBank serves the Blackstone Valley with seven full-service branches in Whitinsville, Uxbridge, Douglas, Blackstone, Upton, Sutton, and a loan office in Milford . A full-service, mutual community savings bank, it is a member of the FDIC, DIF and SUMSM program. Its website is UniBank.com.

February Vacation The Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club will have registrations for their February Vacation Program during office hours. The program includes breakfast, lunch and a snack and themed days that consist of arts and crafts, movies, ball games, tag games, computer time and tournaments. Children will be allowed to play outdoors but they must have a winter jacket, mittens/gloves, hat and scarf. Summer Program 2008 The Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club is taking registrations for the 2008 Summer Program starting February 4th during office hours. The program runs Monday through Friday and starts June 16, 2008 and ends August 22, 2008. Children can enjoy a skate park, fishing area, daily events, field trips and much more. There are two programs to choose from. The Extended program is $670 per child and runs from 7am to 6pm. The Basic program is $420 per child and runs from 9am to 4pm. The first 250 registered will receive a $20 discount off the registration fee, so hurry and sign-up. There is a LIMITED ENROLLMENT! The age requirement is children must be entering 1st grade in September, 2008 and 13 years or younger through August 22, 2008. Payment plans are available and payments must be paid in full by May 30, 2008 and are non-refundable after the start of the program. For more information, please call the office at 508-883-6363 or visit our website at www.bvbgc.com.

Evidently, in town, there are parties interested in creating a skate park for local skateboarders and rollerbladers to use. There was a strong showing (demonstration) on November 17, at Town Hall demanding that such a facility be built for the kids. The Parks and Recreation Department has never been approached by anyone interested in such a facility for information, direction or consulting. It seems to me, if it is going to be a "town park" then the Parks Department should be involved. Town Administrator Bianchi basically "promised" that there would be a park in town for such use. Mr. Bianchi, alone, has evidently taken this project under his wing. The "non-profit" Blackstone Boys and Girls Club has "generously" offered up some of their property except during school vacations and summer break; times when the park would be used the most. If the proposed soccer/softball complex known as Veterans Park ever comes to fruition within the next few years, this would open up a good amount of cleared land where a skate park/BMX park could be built. However, without the Veterans Park complex construction, a permanent skate/bike park most likely, will never be. The Parks and Recreation Board would love to be part of building a skate park. If there is a formal committee who is representing the interested individuals, PLEASE come to our next meeting which is on February 14, 2008 at 6pm in the Senior Center. Together, we might just be able to make both complexes come to life. With the New Year under way and the spring sports seasons right around the corner, Parks and Recreation has a lot of work to do. All leagues in town will be receiving notices regarding their spring field requests. As usual, Parks and Rec will do everything possible to accommodate everyone. March 15th will be the annual Easter Egg Hunt.April 23rd at 6pm will be the spring Craft Day. It will be held at the Senior Center. Congratulations go out to our Parks caretaker, Al Corrente on his recent marriage to Joyce; we wish nothing but the best to you both.

MILFORD, Mass.-Community leaders, patients and their families, and hospital staff were on hand for the ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the Dana-Farber/Brigham & Women's Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center. The Cancer Center opened for patients on Monday, Jan. 14. The Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center combines the strengths of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Milford Regional Medical Center in an expanded, collaborative, ambulatory oncology service. The newly constructed 54,000-square foot, two-floor center will provide comprehensive cancer services, including radiation therapy and imaging on the first floor, and medical oncology care and support services, such as social work and nutrition, on the second floor.

Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony, said that the Cancer Cen ter is "a really, really bright spot for the community," a sentiment shared by several others who spoke at the event, including Francis M. Saba, CEO of Milford Regional Medical Center, and Michael Constantine, MD, director of medical oncology at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center. For more information about the Cancer Center, call (508) 488-3710 or go to the Cancer Center's web page, www.milfordregional.org/Site/pages/News/cancer_center1106.cfm.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four day event in which thousands of adults and children participate every year. Held February 15 - 18, the count helps to determine what types of birds can be found in winter and where they can be found. It also helps determine whether there are more or fewer birds compared to last year's count. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a fun and easy activity that adults and children of all ages can participate in! To start, plan on watching birds for at least 15 minutes every day during the four day event. Count the number of birds you see and write down your tallies. You can count birds in your backyard, at school, at the park, anywhere! At the end of the four days, enter your results on-line at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. On the website, you can also find a printable regional checklist of birds most likely to be found in your area, in addition to an online bird identification guide, coloring pages, quizzes and more. Regional checklists will also be available at the Blackstone Public Library.

In accordance with this program, the Blackstone Public Library will be hosting a drop in craft on Thursday, February 14. From 3:30 to 5:30 P.M.., children of all ages can drop in to make an ice-cream cone bird feeder (no peanut butter used). Your bird feeder will be sure to attract all types of birds, so have those checklists ready!

You don't have to wait until the summer to make a difference in a Fresh Air child's life! Volunteer now with The Fresh Air Fund's Blackstone Valley, MA area committee and ensure that summer 2008 is special for New York City children. Each summer, close to 5,000 children, ages 6 to 18, enjoy two-week vacation with volunteer host families in suburban and small town communities across 13 northeastern states and Ontario, Canada. Local Fresh Air Fund committee members recruit host families, reach out to the community and coordinate fun activities for families and children. As one committee member explains, "I love giving to The Fresh Air Fund by using my leadership and organizational skills. The time spent preparing for each visit is nothing compared to the difference the experience means to a Fresh Air child." Blackstone Valley, MA area volunteers need your help to create another fun-filled summer for children from New York City's low-income communities, such as 9-year-old Joshua from the Bronx. "My favorite thing to do is swim when I'm there. If I could, I would swim all day!" For more information on how you can join your local Fresh Air volunteer team, call Elaine Melinski at 508-278-3652, or The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003. You can also learn more about the host family program by visiting www.freshair.org.