The Blackstone-Millville Athletic Association celebrated its 7th annual opening day ceremonies in April. The BMAA, Inc parade started at the White Hen Panty and concluded at Roosevelt Park. Richard (Greenie) Lanctot served as Grand Marshall of the parade who was one of the original founders of the Blackstone A's. As he lead the parade in a 2010 Camero courtesy of Keigan Chevrolet in Franklin one of the sponsors.

Roosevelt Park celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year. BMAA, Inc. inducted its first class of 10 people into the B.M.A.A. Hall of Fame. First class are as follows, Eddie Eayrs , Con Dailey, Robert Delgizzi, Robert Levitre, Hurley Silbor, John Dean, Charlie Leo Gabby Hartnett, John McNamara, Tim McNamara, and Lou Lucier.

The baseball gods looked down us with a smile and the weather could not have been better. The above 10 men were inducted in the Hall of Fame for the dedication and commitment to there country, community, and to the sport of baseball. Lou Lucier was present when Roosevelt Park was opened and in fact he pitched for Grafton High against Blackstone in the first gamer played at Roosevelt. Lou is also the 4th oldest living Red Sox player and the 46th oldest major league player and the B.M.A.A. was honored to have him present along with John "Mr. Baseball "Dean, Robert "The Commissioner" Delgizzi, Robert Levitre who landed on the Normandy Beach and fought 3 years in Europe and was awarded 5 bronze battle stars. Also present was Hurley Silbor who is in several Hall of Fames including the Massachusetts coaching very please with registrations for the 2009 season. We believe that in 2009 we will have more players in our program than ever before, and as our girls fast pitch softball continues to grow we believe there is still a lot of upside in both programs. As we start to close our spring registrations and go into the summer our future is brighter than ever. The girls will again compete in the Twin Valley girls softball league, the Boys will compete in the Hopkinton Summer Sizzler and Tri-Valley Baseball and our 18 U boys in the Rhode Island Connie Mack, and The Blackstone A's in the Hocomock League. There is still a lot of baseball and softball left to play so encourage everyone to please check our web site at the bmaa.org for more information.

The B.M.A.A. is also pleased to announce that our 7th annual Memorial Day Tournament will be played in Blackstone and Millville on May 22-25 with our opening ceremonies on May 23rd at 2 pm at Goulet Field so we invite everyone to come or just come anytime to watch a great game.. This year we are expecting between 46-50 teams for all over New England with more than 150 players from Blackstone-Millville to compete all weekend. hall of fame with 400 + victories 2 division championships, one state semi-final win and one state finals loss.

The B.M.A.A. would like to thank the following, Bob Dubois, Charlie Sawyer, Margo Bik, and Joe Marchard, and Ken Bianchi. Also we would like to thanks Chief Atstupenas and Lt Chief Gilmore and a special for Representative Jennifer Callahan for taking a time out of her busy schedule to be there. I would also like to thank the BMR Marching for 7th straight year in making our opening day special, and most of all we would like to thank all of our parents, players , coaches, and sponsors for the help and support that makes our program successful.

The Blackstone Police Department is announcing it will be conducting several federally funded grant enforcement programs over the Spring and Summer. These include the Click It or Ticket Enforcement, which focuses on seat belt enforcement, and the Over the Limit - Under Arrest Enforcement, which focuses on impaired operation. These programs are funded by grants written by Lt. Gilmore that allow for overtime shifts. Officers assigned to these enforcement efforts are in addition to regularly scheduled patrols. The department has also recently applied for other federal grants that became available cue to the recent Recovery Act initiated by the federal government. Grants for additional manpower as well as new in-car computer systems have been filed and the department awaits the results.

WHITINSVILLE, MA - UniBank is dedicated to giving back to the community and offers many financial education resources for children, teens and adults. Being well-informed and financially literate is an important part of making good financial decisions and UniBank would like to remind consumers of the resources made available to them through the bank.

Online educational resources are available at UniBank.com/about/conseducation.asp and include consumer education, consumer alerts about fraudulent scams, informative newsletters from the Federal Depositor Insurance Corporation (FDIC), as well as student resources with budget worksheets and interactive games.

UniBank also offers a financial literacy program at local high schools in the towns where it has branches. The interactive lesson topics include checking and savings accounts, loans, credit, identity theft and investments. This program, developed by the bank, gives students the skills to make educated financial decisions. Recently, UniBank began offering deposit and loan products for students. BankU Student Banking introduces students to their banking products that they manage. These products help students learn how to be responsible with their own finances first-hand through actively maintaining their own accounts.

Consumers are always encouraged to use UniBank's customer service staff as an additional resource. Representatives are available answer questions during regular business hours and during extended telephone customer service hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Call 1-800-578-4270 to speak with a UniBank representative.

UniBank, with average assets in excess of $700 million, is a full-service mutual community bank with eight branches in the Blackstone Valley and Milford . UniBank is dedicated to contributing to the overall quality of life and economic health of the communities it serves, while maintaining a high level of financial soundness and integrity. It is a member of the FDIC and DIF. The company website is UniBank.com.

W.C.S.O. becomes first agency to adopt agreement West Boylston - Worcester County Sheriff Guy Glodis was proud today to welcome highly-decorated Brigadier General John Cornelius from New York for the official signing of a new Employer Partnership Initiative between the Sheriff's Office and U.S. Army Reserve. The Worcester County Sheriff's Office is the first law enforcement agency in New England to implement this new program, aimed at recruiting and retaining Army Reservists for employment at the Sheriff's Office.

"We pursued this program because we not only honor those men and women who have chosen to commit themselves to military service in the Army Reserve," Sheriff Glodis stated, "but also because we recognize and respect the exceptional training and experience each Reservist carries with them. We know that Reservists who apply for a job have already undergone a medical evaluation, physical fitness training, aptitude testing and background checks, and are fully trained in many areas of public safety."

The Employer Partnership Initiative, created in 2008, builds a unique partnership between businesses and the U.S. Army Reserve to share resources in the recruitment, retention, training, and support of Army Reservists. That includes job postings on the Army Reserve web site, referrals from the Army Reserve to the Sheriff's Office for potential candidates, participation in employer forums, and much more. Brigadier General John Cornelius, a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal ( 3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), and National Defense Service Medal, commented on the importance of this program: "The Employer Partnership Initiative is a perfect fit for the Sheriff's Office in matching well-trained, highly qualified personnel with employment opportunities that have a positive impact on their community. I commend Sheriff Glodis and everyone at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office for establishing this partnership with the Army Reserve. Their actions here today speak volumes about the support, encouragement and patriotic duty they feel towards Army Reservists." Sheriff Glodis also signed a formal Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve at the event.

WHITINSVILLE , MA - UniBank is proud to announce a series of Community Concerts sponsored by the bank that are held throughout the Blackstone Valley and Central Massachusetts . The events are free to the public. Friday, May 1, 2009 at 7:00 PM. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing "A Song for All Seasons" at the Northbridge High School auditorium. Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 6:00 PM. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at the Millbury Senior Center . The Millbury Senior Center is co-sponsor of this concert. Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 3:30 PM. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge. Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 7:00 PM. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at the Leicester Town Common. The rain date for this event is Thursday, July 2, 2009. Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 7:00 PM. Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at the Hopedale Town Park . The rain date for this event is Thursday, July 9, 2009. Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 7:00 PM. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at the Second Congregational Church in Douglas . The rain date for this event is Thursday, July 16, 2009. Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 6:30 PM.

the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at the Northbridge Town Common. The rain location for this event is the Singh Performance Center located at Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. in Whitinsville. James F. Paulhus, UniBank president and CEO said, "UniBank supports the arts and providing these concerts to the residents of the Blackstone Valley is an excellent way of meeting our community-based mission. These concerts allow families the opportunity to enjoy great entertainment for free." The Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band is a well known local group. There are over 50 band members from throughout the Blackstone Valley . They will be performing a wide variety of selections ranging from old time music to rock 'n' roll including patriotic songs, polkas, marches and show tunes. This program is also supported in part by grants from the Douglas, Hopedale, Millville, Northbridge and Uxbridge Local Cultural Councils, which are local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Be sure to check www.UniBank.com for schedule updates including additional concerts. UniBank, with average assets in excess of $800 million, is a full-service mutual community bank with eight branches in the Blackstone Valley and Milford . UniBank is dedicated to contributing to the overall quality of life and economic health of the communities it serves, while maintaining a high level of financial soundness and integrity. It is a member of the FDIC and DIF. The company website is UniBank.com.

UPTON - By applying the skills and talents needed to achieve success in today's competitive job market, the students of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, with the aid of dedicated staff, recently hosted the 15th annual Superintendent's Dinner. The fund-raiser, which was once again a rousing success, is a complete team effort between several vocational technical programs, particularly Culinary Arts and Painting & Design Technologies. The demand for tickets to the seven-course gourmet dinner and reception did not waver this year as the event sold out weeks in advance.

"We are extremely grateful those who continue to support quality vocational technical education, despite a troubled economy," Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick said. "We are exceptionally proud of our students and this event is a showcase of their impressive capabilities."

The theme for the extravaganza, in keeping with an inauguration year of the President of the United States, was a White House state dinner. The Painting & Design students, with the assistance of other programs such as Carpentry, transformed the school cafeteria into an atmosphere of the State Dining Room or a five-star restaurant. The evening began with a champagne reception which featured a variety of hors d'oeuvres. A seven-course gourmet dinner followed and all culinary delicacies were planned and prepared by students, staff, alumni and friends of Culinary Arts. Other vocational technical programs involved included Graphic Communications and Manufacturing Technologies, as well as the Facilities Department.

The dinner was attended by officials from Valley Tech's corporate and private business partners. Special guests included state legislators and local dignitaries. The Superintendent's Dinner has throughout its history matched taxpayer support to technology advancement as well as a variety of other initiatives and programs to benefit student learning and educational experiences. It is the type of cross curricular project that has earned Valley Tech recognitions from external organizations over the last several years. During the same week, Valley Tech was featured in a series by WBUR, the Boston affiliate of National Public Radio, for its statewide monitored high graduation and low dropout rates.

. Marching Uniforms are Spectacular In Competition In association with the BMMA, M.U.S.I.C. presents a Blackstone-Millville School District Concert featuring: The Middle School 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Band, Middle School Jazz Band, BMR High School Jazz Bands, under the direction of Buddy Bibeault and Russ Arnold. 8th Grade Chorus, BMR High Chorus, BMR Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Finale- High School Ensembles Spectacular. Saturday, May 30, 2009, 3:00 - 6:00 PM, Donation $5.00 at the door. $20.00 family cap, under age 5 free, at the BMR High School (Rain or Shine). Refreshments will be sold.

UPTON - Former U.S. Department of Education official Hans Meeder refers to Valley Tech as "an island of excellence," and former Massachusetts State Senator Edward Augustus says "Valley Tech is clearly not your father's vocational school." During a recent tour of its award-winning career tech center, Millville Executive Secretary Helen Coffin commented that the "attention to detail at Valley Tech is most impressive." Vocational technical education is evolving along with today's highly sophisticated and technologically advanced workforce environment. Throughout its 43-year history, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, which serves 13 municipalities including Blackstone and Millville, has provided students in the area with a rewarding and beneficial educational experience.

During a recent series by WBUR, the Boston affiliate of National Public Radio, sophomore Jeremy Lacourse said that he applied to Valley Tech because, "I wanted to have a good standing of where I would be when I got out of school." Valley Tech was featured in the two-month long series focusing upon highly successful dropout prevention models. Valley Tech was recognized for its exceptionally high completion rates and exceptionally low dropout rates of its students.

"We visited Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton, where the drop-out rate is actually under one percent, to find out what's going right," WBUR reporter Bob Oakes said. "There we met successful student after successful student." In addition to the learning environment in the classrooms and learning laboratories at Valley Tech, students and staff enhance their skills by yearly completing hundreds of learning-linked, field-based projects in the District which create savings in excess of $300,000.

Valley Tech continues to provide employers with skilled and trained individuals who are prepared to enter into today's highly competitive workforce. That job environment is constantly changing as technological advances require students to master ever more complex competencies in order to achieve success. Valley Tech has established solid partnerships with colleges, businesses and economic development agencies all focused toward enhancing the economic, social and historic strengths of the region. The vocational regional school district was formed in 1964 to provide vocational technical training as a viable career education opportunity for many area high school candidates. Blackstone was among the 13 towns (Bellingham, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge the other twelve) that entered into a partnership to form the Blackstone Valley's regional vocational school district. It is often viewed as the flagship of the 26 regional vocational technical high schools in the Commonwealth.

After completing a $36 million expansion and renovation project in 2005, Valley Tech's enrollment has increased from 850 students to 1,103. After receiving some 700 applications for 300 openings as members of the Class of 2013, the system's enrollment is likely to increase to nearly 1,150, the largest overall student population in its history. The school first offered training in eight program categories - auto body, auto mechanics, carpentry, drafting, electronics, machine shop, metal fabrication, and plant maintenance. Today it offers students training in 17 consolidated programs in its up-to-date facility. "The citizens of this district have continually supported quality vocational technical education and our system has responded via national recognition for its programs and initiatives," Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick said. "Our dedicated staff members, administration and school committee work to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve high levels of success." The Valley Tech Class of 2009 is the sixth straight to have 100 percent of its membership reach competency determination on the state-mandated MCAS tests. Valley Tech provides a rigorous academic education and the training students need to reach their goals. "It gives you a head up because you're learning not only traditional high school skills, but you're learning a job," said senior Katelyn Christiansen. "If you choose to go to college, you can work in that field and further your education in the field as well."

For this month's column, I connected to a familiar face - or at least a familiar name - Nancy Davidge, Senior Vice President at Dean Bank. Her son and I graduated from BMR the same year and were in some of the same classes. Thanks to Nancy for taking time from her busy schedule to connect with me, and also to Hailey Violette, Dean Bank's Marketing Manager for all the information and help she provided.Chartered in 1889 as a mutual bank, Dean Bank has no private owners, shareholders, or investors. It is one of only a few mutual community banks in the area. The Blackstone branch, which opened in 1997 after the Blackstone community approached the bank requesting a local branch, recently celebrated its 11 year anniversary this past October with an extensive branch expansion and renovation.

"You know the bank's reputation in the community has been recognized when you're asked to come to town," said Nancy, who opened the Blackstone branch and managed it for two years. "Our Blackstone office has proved to be the bank's fastest growing branch." "Our profits are invested directly back into the community in the form of loans, new products, services and charitable contributions. As a mutual community bank, our customers come first. We've been here for 120 years, we'll be here tomorrow." She noted the bank's leadership team has remained constant over time with most senior officers and many managers averaging over 20 years of service. Providing the financial products that customers need to reach their goals, Dean Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete range of money management products, for both individuals and businesses. Services include checking, savings, money market, CDs, and IRA accounts. "Our Free Checking account includes every standard order of checks for free and we never charge our customers a fee to use any ATM," said Nancy. Other free services include telephone banking, online banking, and online bill payment. With a strong commitment to community, "Dean Bank exists to help the individuals, families and business owners in our community live a better life." Nancy continued, "We promise to make every effort to fulfill the dreams and goals of each customer by providing outstanding financial products and customer service. Because everyone has a different vision of what they want out of life, Dean Bank encourages customers to 'Tell us…What do you see?' Our products and services are designed to help people realize their visions." One of the popular services customers enjoy is Dean Bank Rewards. "All of our customers automatically earn DeanPoints for using their debit card on non-PIN transactions. These points can be redeemed for a wide variety of merchandise, gift cards, travel, downloadable music, and more. It's our way of thanking some of our best customers for banking with us." Dean Bank also offers mortgage loans, auto loans, personal loans, lines of credit and credit cards. Unaffected by the sub-prime lending crisis, Dean Bank offers a full range of equity and mortgage loans. Online applications are available at their website. Services for business customers include credit, loans, checking, debit cards, savings, money markets, merchant credit card processing, and payroll services. Dean Bank's Financial Services Group offers retirement and college savings plans, health and life insurance, investments and small business group products, all of which are not FDIC insured. The bank's commitment to the community is demonstrated by the almost 200 local non-profit organizations, community groups, clubs and teams which it sponsors. For the past 15 years Dean Bank has sponsored the nationally acclaimed, "Save for America" program at 15 local elementary and middle schools The program helps students learn financial life skills of budgeting and planning for the future. Dean Bank is a member of both the FDIC and the Share Insurance Fund (SIF), and fully insures all its customers' deposits without limit. They are headquartered in Franklin and have branch locations in Bellingham, Blackstone and Mendon. For more information about Dean Bank visit www.deanbank.com, email info@deanbank.com, or stop by a local branch. This month's column was money-related, and in another money related matter, I am participating in a 5K to raise funds for Alternatives (www.alternativesnet.org), a local non-profit human services agency I have worked at for several years. Please visit my website, www.hung-pham.com, to learn more and make a donation. Feel free to contact me directly at hqp921@gmail.com with questions, comments, or suggestions.

In the spirit of community collaboration and teamwork taught through youth sports, KEIGAN CHEVROLET is supporting Blackstone Millville Athletic Association through the Chevy Youth Baseball program. This sponsorship will include both monetary and equipment donations during the 2009 youth baseball season. Now in its third year, Chevy Youth Baseball is a grassroots initiative that establishes a positive relationship between local dealers and the communities they serve. Keigan Chevrolet is sponsoring Blackstone Millville Athletic Association as part of Chevrolet's nationwide commitment to support youth sports, one community at a time. Over the course of the season, Keigan Chevrolet will donate equipment to the league. As a part of the program, participating leagues are encouraged to participate in the Best Picture Contest, where fans, friends and family can upload their pictures, and prizes are awarded for the winning photos in the "Best Team Spirit," "Best Drive," and "Best Defensive Play" categories. The Grand Prize for the contest is a new scoreboard for the league. "We are looking forward to a great season with BM Athletic Association that will be filled with exciting games and enhance experience for the teams through the equipment and cash donations, " said Dean Mazzola, manager of Keigan Chevrolet. Chevy Youth Baseball is just one example of how committed our dealership is to supporting the youth and families in the Franklin area."

Animal Shelter Update Everyone nowadays tries to budget. Most people use coupons and sales to their advantage. Others, like my mom, read books with titles like, How to Pinch a Penny Until It Screams. But the state and federal governments, who use your money, do not seem to understand the differences between necessities and wants. If they have the money, they will find frivolous ways to spend it, because they can. Most of us do not have that kind of freedom and have to save for everything that we really need and forget about what we can do without. Is the government supposed to be representing the people? What kind of statement does that make about us? Is this a true representation of your vote? The April 16, 2009 edition of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette headlines read: "Local Aid Down 32%" The state and federal governments do not have money. This means no help will be coming for local communities. They will need to make more cuts in basic services. As Mrs. Connie Perreault, Chair Person of the Board of Selectmen, has warned, members of the State House of Representatives predict even more cuts for 2010. There will be larger class sizes at the schools, libraries will be forced to provide less services, like story times, interlibrary loans, and training sessions for the public; DPW projects will be put off. People who keep the society safe, healthy, and educated, such as, nurses, town employees, and teachers will lose jobs. New revenues for the state may mean increased taxing of citizens. Are you wondering how all this can affect an animal shelter? The Sunday, April 12, 2009 edition of Daily News: Milford edition focused on the affect the economy has on the animal shelters. The MSPCA is closing 3 shelters in Brockton, Springfield, and Martha's Vineyard. This will increase the census, responsibilities, and expenses of many smaller shelters in Massachusetts. Because of the poor economy, people are losing their jobs, homes, and savings. Some families have to give up beloved pets, which means losing a lifelong companion. Both people and animals are victims of state and federal government mismanagement. Now, do you wonder what you can do to help this situation? Most immediately, you can call a local shelter to see how you can help, whether you begin volunteer work or just donate supplies or money. You can be an active, concerned citizen. Write letters to the newspaper, town officials, state representatives, senators, congress, even the president! Senator Moore has a website to share your ideas with others on saving money and how to deal with the loss of state and local revenues. website is: www.workingtogetherformass.com. You can also educate yourself about current issues. Are you thinking: How in the world am I supposed to do that? Go to meetings, do research over the internet or at a library, and talk to knowledgeable people. Finally, get active, get involved, and vote! If you do not vote, no one will ever know your opinion on important subjects, like the Blackstone Animal Shelter. As Mr. Bianchi stated in a previous interview: "A society is judged based on how it treats it young, old, and animals." How does Blackstone treat its young, old, and animals? That's for you to decide for yourself. We need to be an active and responsible society.