Blackstone resident Spc.Joshua Catalano (center) and Sgt. Justine Mille with children at a Boys & Girls school while on a PRT mission in Jalalabad. Spc. Catalano serves as a combat medic with 181st. Battalion, Bravo company of the Army National Guard. He is the son of Michael and Donna Catalano of 20 Mendon Street.

BOSTON, MA- One month after being sworn in, State Representative Ryan Fattman (R- Sutton) will serve as the Republican's go-to-guy on Pension Reform, being appointed the ranking Republican on the Public Service Committee.

"Ryan brings a lot of energy and ideas to the table," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones, who made the appointment. "His passion for reforming the pension system will allow him to be a valuable member of the Public Service Committee and I have no doubt many of his ideas will be incorporated into legislation generated in this important committee."

Fattman, the youngest Republican legislator at 26, said that he will bring a 'generational' perspective to the Public Service Committee, and is excited to be the ranking minority member. The Public Service Committee is responsible for all matters concerning the salaries, civil service and retirement of public employees, and collective bargaining for state employees. Pensions reform, the primary policy that the Public Service Committee, will be a hot button issue that will be debated during the 187th General Court.

The Massachusetts unfunded pension liability is like a termite eating away at the State budget," said Fattman. "The longer we wait for reform, the more tax money will be allocated toward the liability, and even less money will be available to educate our kids, to plow our roads, and to provide local services."

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts faces a $20 billion dollar unfunded pension liability. Pensions obligations, retiree healthcare, and debt service are calculated to increase by $1 billion in fiscal year 2012 over fiscal year 2011. Increased obligations for retiree benefits have led to dramatic cuts in local aid, education, public safety and mental health services.

"The unfunded pension liability poses a severe risk to the Massachusetts economy," said Fattman. Without reform, how does a State fund it? By raising taxes that make Massachusetts expensive, hurting job creation, and send people packing. This is our generational challenge; to be fiscally responsible by reforming old systems that are not sustainable for future generations of Americans. My sleeves are rolled up, and I am anxious for this debate."

Fattman represents the 18th Worcester District, which includes Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Sutton and Uxbridge. He was also assigned to the Committee on Municipalities and County Government, and Labor and Workforce Development.

Voter Registration deadline for the Annual town election is TUE MARCH 15th. The town clerks off ice will be open unitl 8 pm on that day. Absentee Ballots must be applied for every year. Absentee ballots applications may be downloaded at www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howab.htm Or you may call the town clerk at 883-1500 ext 116 t or email mstaples@townofblackstone.org to request a ballot. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS IS NOON on FRI. APRIL If you are not going to be in town you may vote in the office.

The East Blackstone Quaker Meeting House and Cemetery Historical Association, Inc will commence the 2011 season with an Ecumenical Service on Sunday, May 22, 2011. Reverend Dr. Conrad S. Pecevich, senior pastor at Church of St Paul in Blackstone, will serve as guest pastor. The Association has sponsored ecumenical services in the historic Meeting House since 1954.

Other scheduled dates for ecumenical services are: Sunday, June 12th, Sunday, September 18th, Sunday, October 16th, and Sunday, November 20th . All services will commence at 2 p.m. John Staples of Blackstone serves as organist and music director. In addition, the Association will once again hold a Christmas Caroling service on Friday evening, December 9th at 7 p.m.

President Brenda Aleksandrowicz of Blackstone will preside at the Annual Meeting of the Association also to be held on Sunday, May 22nd. The Annual Meeting will start at 12 noon and recess, if necessary, for the Ecumenical Service and reconvene following the service.

The Association has been in existence since 1954 and is a 501c3 non-profit corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Current officers are: Brenda Aleksandrowicz, president; Jonathan Steele, vice president; Beverley Kelly Ryan, treasurer and Harriet Chase Sharp, secretary. Linda Allaire, Gretchen Greene and Peter Gulaiev also serve on the Board of Directors. For more information on the Association, please contact Linda Allaire at (508) 883-4462.

ill be out looking for impaired driver.

"Cosmos - Music from Outer Space"

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra will present a "Family Symphony Concert" on Sunday afternoon, March 27, 2011 at 3:00 PM in the Milford Town Hall Grand Ballroom, entitled "Cosmos - A Musical Journey Into Outer Space." The program will feature music depicting outer space, including the popular John Williams soundtracks from the movies "Star Wars" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The orchestra will also perform several movements from the Gustav Holst orchestral set, "The Planets."

Joining the CHSO on this concert will be the Metrowest Youth Symphony Orchestra, (Metyso), in a "Side by Side" performance with the CHSO, which serves as official "mentor orchestra" to Metyso. The young musicians of Metyso will perform the final movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony, which they have been preparing for their spring concert on May 15th.

The "Side by Side" performance with their mentors will be the world premiere of a work written by fellow student Evan Cadavieco, who is the Principal Trombone of the youth orchestra, and an aspiring conductor/composer. Cadavieco was a composition student at Tanglewood this past summer, where he composed "Cosmos" - a "tone poem overture" for full symphony orchestra. Cadavieco will conduct the combined Claflin Hill and Metrowest Youth Orchestras in this performance. A special added feature will include an "Instrument Petting Zoo" before and after the concert, where audience members will have an opportunity to try playing the orchestral instruments, with the assistance of CHSO musicians.

This concert is made possible with Claflin Hill Business Partner Sponsorships from Middlesex Savings Bank, joined by Southwick's Zoo, The Bright Insurance Agency, the Milford Rotary Club and The Milford Cultural Council. Southwick's Zoo will be donating free passes to audience members at the concert - good for one admission to the zoo.

Tickets for this and all CHSO concerts can be purchased directly through the secure website at www.claflinhill.org or by calling Claflin Hill at 508-478-5924. Ticket prices for the March 27th Family Concert are $12 adults, $8 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of the concert. The Milford Town Hall is located at 52 Main Street , (Route 16) in Downtown Milford, and is fully handicapped accessible.

The Claflin Symphony Orchestra, located in Milford , MA , is a powerful regional musical force. Through passionate performances presented by masterful musicians, the CHSO plays a leading role in the cultural enrichment and vitality of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest communities. The CHSO sponsors a remarkable outreach program that helps youth perfect their musical talents and build long-lasting appreciation for music.

Here at BMR, the students are all waiting with anticipation for more than just the impending warmer weather. The seniors, for example, have their eyes looking to the future. As passers-by catch a glimpse of the bulletin board down the hall from the office, they will invariably see the collection of universities and colleges that have accepted this year's graduating class. The multitudes of prestigious institutions of higher learning that are named attest to the dedication of our school's senior class. This is just another reminder that our seniors' time at BMR is nearing its end, with only a couple more months until their dismissal. However, a much faster-approaching date is that of the beginning of the season for spring sports, which is March 21st. Circled on the calendars of ball players and track and field stars alike, this season is sure to be a highly competitive one. With many athletes building up their endurance in the off-season, all of BMR's spring athletic teams are looking for dominance this season. With many of our school's athletes participating in more than one sport, it is important to note the conclusion of winter sports. The boys' varsity basketball team had a good season, ending it with a respectable ratio of wins to losses. The girls' program, having faced the challenge of adjusting to a new coaching staff, also exerted maximum effort. Indoor track and field had yet another impressive season, as many skilled athletes continued to qualify for meets into late February. February itself was a month full of bustling activity, though the weather was a major difficulty. One activity that unfortunately did not occur was the fundraiser for the Cancer Fundraiser Club, which is in its second year of operation. However, there is great hope that they will compose a new event that will bring in donations for such a worthy cause. The junior class is in the brainstorming stage of what would be Blackstone-Millville Regional's first Spring Fling dance. Though not official, this event would take place during March and would allow attendance from all grades as well as outside guests. The Spring Fling would help bring in funds for the junior class to spend on various expenses next year. The National Honor Society is holding it's annual Empty Bowl Dinner at the start of this month in BMR's own cafeteria. On March 3rd, guests are invited to attend a dinner that was prepared by one of the Foods and Nutrition classes, and then pottery bowls, which were handmade by members, will be raffled off. All proceeds from this event are donated to the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry. If you are interested in attending or making a donation, please contact NHS advisor Charles Swenson at cswenson@bmrsd.net. The Student Council is also scheduling a fundraiser for charity. Plans are being made for a new fundraiser that will occur at the beginning of this month. Called "Stuck for a Buck", students will be able to buy a length of duct tape for a dollar, and use it to stick a designated faculty member to the wall of the cafeteria during lunch. This innovative fundraiser is sure to be fun for all. The proceeds from this event will be donated to a local charity. If all goes well, the Student Council may repeat this fundraiser throughout next year to raise money for various causes. As this month is notorious for its heavy workload, students may look forward to the half-day on March 11th, and use this as a way to get an early start on their weekend. With spring fast-approaching, next month is sure to be full of new excitement here at BMR, and I'll be back next month to report it.

Students at the Hartnett Middle School recently concluded a successful and competitive event aimed at helping the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry. Dubbed "Soup-A-Bowl" to parallel the annual Super Bowl football championship game, members of the school's chapter of the National Junior Honor Society collected cans of soup and monetary contributions from classmates for a week. The results were the 8th Grade collecting 139 cans of soup, 6th Grade collecting 108 cans of soup, and the 7th Grade collecting 76 cans of soup.

"This is a great way for our students to support a local organization that makes a positive impact on the community" said Michele Ferrara, NJHS co-advisor who along with fellow co-advisor Jennifer Solari coordinated the event.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! And giraffes and chimpanzees and camels and rhinos and Mowgli the leopard too. But what happens to all these animals at Southwick's Zoo during the winter, when the gates are closed to the public? Mrs. Justine Southwick Brewer took the time to answer just that. Contrary to popular belief, all the animals stay at the zoo year round. During the winter, tasks include heating buildings, changing the shavings, sawdust, and hay in for the animals, in addition to cleaning, feeding, and watering the animals. Some animals are winter sports enthusiasts. The giraffes stay in, but the chimps, mandrill, and rhinos go in and out as they please. Sometimes the rhino will even go outside when it is snowing. Winter time also means year end business, like taking inventory, paying taxes, and making plans for next year.

Mrs. Brewer and her five adult children operate the zoo; it is a family business. David and Robert are Mrs. Brewer's oldest and youngest sons. They are physical plant managers and habitat developers. Her oldest daughter Betsey runs Earth Limited and the zoo's outreach programs. Mrs. Brewer's second oldest son, Peter, in the Curator of Animals. He graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine from Tufts University. Her youngest, Cindy, is the Park and Office Manager. All of her children are directors of the corporation and owners of the business.

Mrs. Brewer was born and brought up on a farm, which is now the zoo. She was the oldest, and always thought she should been a boy; after all, her father's name was Justin Adrian Southwick, and hers is Justine Adrianne! She liked the farm and did 4H projects growing up. The farm included registered dairy cattle and produce. Mrs. Brewer's grandfather, Justin F. Southwick had a collection of fancy poultry, which her father expanded. He went to numerous fairs and poultry shows and won many ribbons and trophies. In the early fifties, her father sold the dairy herd and imported one hundred Mute Swans from Holland. And so the beginnings of the zoo were in place.

The animal population does know the difference between the seasonal zoo activity. For example, when the deer forest initially opens in the spring, there are hardly any deer visible, and the first of them are timid. After two to three weeks, there are deer everywhere because they have gotten comfortable with the people...and the free food. During the winter, only zoo keepers go through the forest. By spring, the animals have become antsy because they know it is time to come out.

The primates are given a variety enrichment activities to alleviate boredom through the winter season. The zoo keepers put food and hay in PVC piping, wire boxes, cloth, paper, boxes, snow (monkeys love to eat snow), and paper bags tied shut. Once a week other treats like sunflower seeds and peanuts are also added. All the animals seem contented. Dr. Peter Brewer is proactive when it comes to keeping the animals happy and healthy. The hoof stock sometimes gets more hot food, like corn, in the winter, otherwise most animals have the same diet. There have not been any escapees from the zoo. If necessary, the veterinarian has a capture gun to tranquilize an animal.

This year, the giraffes are getting a new habitat. It will be in a area of the zoo not previously open to the public. Their barn will be 60 by 100 feet. Six giraffes will live there. In addition to 2 already in the zoo, there's a third across the street, A fourth is in New Jersey and two more are currently out west. Mrs. Brewer wants to keep making additions and improvements, like putting in a giraffe feeding station.

The last 10 to 15 years has shown an increase in zoo patronage, length of visits has extended from about three hours to almost a whole day. The Brewer's family ultimate purpose for Southwick's Zoo is for visitors to have fun as well as encourage learning at the same time. Whether you go every year, or you have never been, make an effort to explore the zoo this summer. The sky-ride that takes you over the exhibits, in the petting zoo you can interact the goats and other young animals, and a quiet walk through the enclosed forest lets you get right up to the deer and feed them. Throughout the day special learning events occur in different areas of the zoo. As Mrs. Brewer summarized it, "It's a new adventure every day."

The Blackstone Parks and Recreation Commission in conjunction with Daniels Farmstead Foundation, Inc. are pleased to present Blackstone's Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The event will be held at Daniels Farmstead located at 286 Mendon Street on Saturday, April 9th. (Rain date will be Sunday, April 10th.) Festivities will begin at 1 p.m. for children ages 3 to 8. You MUST pre-register for this event by April 1st. To register, send the child's name and age to BlackstonePandR@yahoo.com .

Financial Workshop with Chris Currie Has Been Rescheduled: Wednesday, March 2, 2011 @ 6:30 P.M. This program is ideal for young adults, especially those heading to college or the work force, and adults wanting a refresher course in basic finances. Mr. Currie will discuss the following topics: Saving money in this economy, how to balance a check book, your credit score and what it means, and credit card debt. There will also be a question and answer session.

Drumming Away The Blues-Learn to relieve stress through music. Monday, March 14, 2011 @ 6:30 P.M. Description of Program: Using hand drums, assorted percussion instruments, stories, and songs, drummer/percussionist, author, photographer and music educator, Craig Harris will lead a celebration of the music of the world, inspiring creative expression, and providing everyone from preschoolers to seniors with a key to stress relief and the tools for maintaining emotional balance.

Healthy Eating without Hassle Wednesday, March 16, 2011 @ 6:30 P.M. Presented by Heather Macera of the Beginning Years Family Network. Does your child refuse to eat many nutritious foods? Come and learn and share ways to make meal time healthier and happier.

"BOB 'N Lee" Songs of the Twentieth Century Wednesday, March 30 @ 6:30 P.M. Bob Duffy has been singing in choral groups and choirs for years, and Leo Gauthier who plays guitar, has always been musically inclined. As a duet, they bagan to perform primarily for senior audiences, reviving memories of the Big Band era, Old-Time Country Music, Show tunes and hymns.

A Night of Magic for Families This program is recommended for adults and children over 5 years of age. Friday, March 25, 2011 @ 6:30P.M. Dennis the Magician will visit the Millville Library to celebrate our On the Same Page Grant-The Glass Castle finale. This program is registration only. The above programs are made possible by a federal Institute of Museum & Library Services grant through the Library Services and Technology Act. This grant is administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library

Thursday, March 3, 2011 6:30 PM Pinz, 110 South Main Street Milford, MA Stop by and learn more about how you can make a difference in the fight against cancer by joining us for our team captain meeting for the upcoming 2011 Relay for Life. This Relay includes the towns of Milford, Hopedale, Mendon, Upton, Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge, Northbridge. If you would like more information on relay, forming or joining a team, participating as a caregiver or survivor please contact Susan Harvey at (508) 478-8347, susanmharvey@comcast.net or Bernadette Medeiros at (508)478-9682, inspirational2@excite.com or visit our website: www.relayforlife.org/milfordma

Selectman Robert J. Dubois has announced that he will seek re-election to the Board of Selectman. Mr. Dubois has served since 1986, and was Chairman from 1992 to 2002. He is presently the Chairman again. He was instrumental in bringing the ANP Power Plant to Blackstone. Mr Dubois also spearheaded many of the water sewer projects in town that were desperately needed. In 1995 the Board of Selectmen along with the Town Administrator began the process of closing and capping the landfill at NO cost to taxpayers. This past year the Board of Selectmen reorganized our municipal staff structure as recommended by our auditors. We were also able to settle all Union contracts, with four of them set to expire in 2013. We were able to utilize in-house work to solve drainage problems on Farm St and Blackstone St. We were able to to pave Federal St, Blackstone St, Farm St, Elm St and Monument Square. We were also able to procure the design and preparation of the future installation of Well # 8. We have solved the problem regarding the draw down of Well #6, which was the old Red Morse parcel. We supported and improved the Blackstone Recycling Center with the purchase of a new compactor bailer. We also supported the installation of over 1 mile of water mains. This procedure will increase our water pressure on Edgewater Drive, Castle Hill, and Main St and up to the High Rocks section of town. Mr Dubois also has served on the Capital Outlay Committee, Worcester County Selectman Association, Massachusetts Housing Opportunity Partnership and the Worcester County Advisory Board. He also serves on the Massachusetts Central Planning Commission ,Massachusetts Transportation Advisory Group, Chairman of the Blackstone Democratic Committee. Formerly served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Past President of Friends of COA. Bob is the son of the late Julien and Florida (Landreville) Dubois. He is a graduate of Blackstone Millville Regional High School (1971) He earned his Associates Degree in Business Quinsigamond Community College, and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from Bryant College. He is currently employed at the Worcester County House of Correction in West Boyleston MA. He is married to the former Patricia Maxwell of Arlington. I have always believed in finding solutions and getting results. I have no personal agenda, I just want to do the best I can for the Town of Blackstone. Only someone who has walked the walk on a day to day basis can know where the pitfalls of governing Blackstone lie. We have to work endlessly to attract some type of revenue in this town to take the burden off of the taxpayer. The mandates from the State regarding the schools and our Municipalities continue to rise, yet with less local aid. Someone told me that I could never attract new businesses to town. That is exactly what I heard before ANP came to town, and we managed to sewer many parts of town, that some thought would never happen.

Margo Bik is running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. She has served 3 years on the Board of Selectmen losing her seat in 2010. She has nine years' experience on Blackstone Finance Committee. Seven years' experience on the Blackstone Capital Outlay Committee, laying the foundation for all of Blackstone's capital projects and carrying through with commitments for future needs She was an outspoken advocate for a new Town Counsel and Town Auditors; also committed to support and promote the community through its public and private organizations and committees. "I can and will work hard to make Blackstone financially stable and provide strong, ethical leadership".

Paul Haughey has announced his candidacy for the Board of Selectmen in 2011! "Last year our campaign worked diligently to get our message out that the people of the town of Blackstone matter; and that each and every voter had a voice and a choice in the election. This year, I am running to bring forward a very simple platform for the people of this great town: o First, I promise to bring a high level of integrity to the Board of Selectmen. Character counts in leadership, especially when one is faced with making difficult decisions. To this end, I vow to always maintain a high level of integrity, communicate effectively our actions, and make sure the public is well informed on important matters of municipal government. o Second, I promise to be held accountable as a member of the Board of Selectmen. I will work diligently to make sure the public knows what is happening in its municipal center; and welcome everyone participation in local affairs. o Third, I promise to always be transparent in my decisions as a Selectman. The townspeople will know how I vote each and every time. More importantly, the townspeople will know why I voted the way I did… And to that end, let me add, that I will always work to make sure it is the public's best interest that is considered first and foremost. I am an honest, compassionate, good person who has no hidden agenda. I do not belong or owe anyone in politics. Our campaign this year is grass roots; and will remain focused upon bringing character, accountability, and transparency to our municipal affairs. I strongly encourage anyone who wants to know more about our campaign to check our Facebook Page: "Paul Haughey for Blackstone Board of Selectmen" or to give me a call at 508-928-2815. If you get my voicemail, leave a message. I will get back to you. Throughout the month of March, you will see our campaign members going door to door throughout town; holding signs in Millerville, East Blackstone and the center of town… Beep, wave or stop by to say hello. I'm trying to reach out and meet as many people in town as possible. Monday, April 4th, Election Day will be upon us before we know it… I ask for your vote on April 4th so that we may bring forward a new brand of 21st century municipal leadership for Blackstone."

Each year around March 17, the name of St. Patrick appears in every major publication in the civilized world - sometimes with honor and sometimes with scorn - often due to the conduct of those who celebrate his memory at affairs which bear his name. Of the many things written about this holy man, some are true, some misleading, and some false.

St. Patrick was Italian; St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland; St. Patrick was the first to bring Christianity to Ireland - all of these statements are false! Let's take them one at a time. Some claim St. Patrick to be Italian because he was born in Roman occupied territory, and his name was Patricius. Sadly, the mists of time have clouded the exact location of his birth, but what is concluded from available evidence is that he was born somewhere in Wales around 386 AD. Patrick himself wrote that the scene of his youth was the town of Tiburnia near Holyhead in western Wales), where his father was a member of the governing body. Other Welsh sources suggest southern Wales near the Bristol Channel at the mouth of the Severn River. Although Wales was part of the Roman Empire at that time, it was a Celtic country and its people were one race with the people of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man.

As for his Italian sounding name, it was given to him when he was consecrated Bishop and assigned to the mission in Ireland. Before that time, our patron Saint's name was Succat, a Celtic name meaning victorious. There is, therefore, more evidence to suggest that Patrick was Celtic, than any-other nationality. He even identified himself as such in his letter to the British prince, Corocticus.

As for the snakes, although a popular legend, it is geologically known that there never were any in Ireland to begin with. His connection with that legend stems from the Viking misinterpretation of his name. Paud in the Old Norse language meant a toad. When the Vikings heard of a Saint called Paud-rig, who had lived in Ireland before their coming, they concluded it meant toad-expeller. That was only the beginning, because the legend was reinforced by the Church's representation of the Devil in the form of a serpent, and Patrick driving the Devil out of Ireland in that form. The fact that there were no snakes in Ireland, led to the question, " what happened to them" and the answer was easily found in his traditional statue. ( Foot on the snake)

However, Patrick is more revered for what he brought to Ireland, than what he drove away. Yet he was not the first to bring Christianity to Ireland ... but he was by far the most effective. The story began when Patrick was about 16 years old, and Ireland's High King was Niall of the Nine Hostages. Irish warriors raided the coast of Wales, and among the hostages taken as slaves was the youth, Succat. According to tradition, he was taken to Mt. Slemish, Co. Antrim, where he tended the flocks of Miliucc Mac Boin who was believed to be either a Druid Priest or a Chieftain. A chieftain was a local strongman ruling over a few extended families.

Patrick tended to Miliucc's flocks in isolation in the hills of Antrim. For six long years, he lived the life of this shepherd- slave. Patrick was not a man of many words but the isolation brought about a need for him to pray. He had never before this time paid much attention to the teachings of religion. He tells us in his writings that he didn't really believe in God and found the priests foolish. But now there was no one to turn to but the God of his parents.

"Tending flocks was my daily work, love of God and the fear of him surrounded me more and more. My faith grew and my spirit was roused, so that in one day, I would say as many as a hundred prayers and after dark as many again. I would wake and pray before daybreak through snow frost and rain nor was there any sluggishness in me, as there is now, because then the Spirit within me was ardent".

Patrick had endured six years of this woeful isolation, and by the end of it, he had grown from a careless boy to something he would never have otherwise become - a holy man.

On the last night as Miliucc's slave, he received in sleep his first otherworldly experience. A mysterious voice said to him " Your hungers are rewarded. You are going home". Startled, he sat up and heard the second message " Look, your ship is ready". Miliucc's land was no where near the sea. Patrick set out not knowing which direction to go. He walked two hundred miles through territory that he had never been before. He was not stopped nor was he followed. He came to the southeastern shore believed to be in the area of Wexford where he saw a ship.

Sailors were loading cargo of Irish Hounds for sale on the continent. Patrick approached the Captain of the ship. After much misgivings the captain allowed him to join them on their journey. It will take three days for them to cross the sea to the continent. After a while Patrick makes his way back to Britain, where he is welcomed by his family. He is no longer the carefree roman teenager. Hardened by his physical and psychological experiences, he has difficulty settling down. He is hopelessly behind his peers in education. One night he has his third message which comes to him in a dream. It is a visit from a man he knew in Ireland. The man is holding countless letters in his arms and hands one to Patrick. It reads "VOX HIBERNACUM (The Voice of the Irish)

. Holy Youth come and walk among us again" Try though he might, he cannot get the Irish out of is mind. The visions increase and the voices continue this time about Christ. "He who gave his life for you, he it is, who speaks within you." Patricius, the escaped slave, is about to be drafted once more. As St. Patrick, apostle to the Irish Nation. Patrick leaves his home once again to begin his theological education in Gaul, Italy and the Islands of the Tytthene Sea. He is ill prepared for his studies and his main language is Welsh not Latin. Studies go poorly and are arduous but he does prevail in time and is ordained a priest by Amator, Bishop of Auxerre about 418 AD, and consecrated Bishop - receiving the name Patricius - in 432 AD. It is believed that he was the first missionary bishop in history. ( The first Christian missionary was Paul. Paul was an apostle appointed by vision. Patrick it is believed to be the second with a span of four centuries between them. Patrick remained and worked in Auxerre in 431, when St. Germanus selected Palladius, a contemporary of Patrick's, to head the first Irish mission. Palladius was sent, with full Papal authority, as the first Bishop of Ireland, but his mission was short-lived. Palladius was martyred within the year. Patrick was assigned to replace him in 432, and in view of the reported fate of the former mission, the dedication and courage of Patrick is obvious. Working to Patrick's advantage was the fact that he knew Irish customs and language from his years in captivity, and the fact that he was a Celt. Patrick never condemned the Irish as idolatrous pagans, but appealed to their pride. He addressed them on their terms, explaining their traditions in terms of Christianity, and was eventually accepted- as one of their own. He converted key people among the nobility, and recruited a native clergy. He began his missionary work in Ulster, built his first Church at Saul, two miles from Downpatrick, and from there journeyed across the land. Patrick's own writings, and the writings of his contemporaries, show him to have been a missionary of extraordinary zeal, energy, and courage, careless of his own safety in his fervor to 'spread the nets for God. In his own writings, he mentions this 'Divine impatience as well as describing himself as an Irishman. For 29 years, Patrick labored among his beloved Irish, converting and baptizing them by the thousands until his death on March 17. 461 AD. Tradition establishes that this holy man is buried at Downpatrick where he shares the same grave with Saints Bridget and Columcille. St. Patrick was recognized as a saint in the 17th century by the extension of his feast day to the universal Church calendar. This then is the man, the Saint, that we honor in March, nothing but praise and reverence are should be attached to his name. We may celebrate his memory with joy, but remember his love for the Irish and the tremendous gift of faith that he bestowed upon them, and celebrate with reverent joy. We can begin by replacing all references to Paddy's Day with the proper name of Saint Patrick's Day.

BLACKSTONE VALLEY - Historic sites, quaint shops, picturesque farms, outdoor activities and more draw visitors each season to the Blackstone River Valley in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This spring, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Collaborative will publish a premier 2011 Blackstone River Valley Visitor Guide to provide engaging, organized information on what to do and where to go for the more than 600,000 people who visit the region annually. The guide features about 20 pages with artist illustrations and includes some two-dozen sections ranging from accommodations to museums to vineyards. A map and resource guide at the front of the booklet helps visitors find their way around. Special events to celebrate in the region appear in the calendar. Businesses, colleges, cultural organizations, park and recreation managers, tourism attractions, restaurants and others are invited to promote their site in the signature guide by submitting a listing and payment of $180 by March 25. Visit www.blackstonerivervalleyvisitorguide.com for a preview of the guide and listing information or contact Martha Wetzel at BRVVisitorGuide@yahoo.com. The Tourism Collaborative will produce 50,000 guides to distribute in 80 informational kiosks throughout the area, at regional fairs and festivals including AAA of Southern New England and The Big E!, and it will be the primary piece mailed out to visitors who have requested information about the Blackstone Valley from sources such as Yankee Magazine. The guide will also be downloadable online. The Blackstone Valley Tourism Collaborative includes the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Association in Massachusetts, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in Rhode Island and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

Assessor of Taxes
Carole A. Whiteley 24 Devlin Circle Write In Blackstone

Housing Authority
Adam Pete Tellier.… 545 Summer Place

BMR District School Committee, Blackstone Rep
Diane C. Robin…Candidate for Re-Election
27 Carol Lane

BMR District School Committee, Blackstone
BMR District School Committee, Millville Representative, (4 Year Term) Vote for 1 Write In

Board of Health (3 Year Term) Vote for 1
William T. Walsh…Candidate for Re-Election 33 Federal St.

Parks & Recreation Commission (3 Yr Term) Vote for 1 Carlo Barsotti 13 Reilly Avenue

Paul J. Martinelli, Sr. 151 Lincoln St. Write In Parks & Rec Com Kevin M. Hart 8 Residential Lane

Karen A. Sergi 6 Liberty Hill Dr. Write In

Planning Board Gerald P. Rivet 12 Prospect St. #1 Write In

Board of Selectmen Robert J. Dubois…
C 56 Edgewater Dr.
Margaret Bik 132 Farm St.
Paul S. Haughey 130 Elm St.