The 10th Annual Andrew M. Bibeault Memorial Variety Show will be held Friday, April 11, 2008 at the BMR Moloney-Sullivan Auditorium 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets are $8 and are available at White Hen Pantry on Main Street in Blackstone.

All proceeds go directly to the Andrew M. Bibeault Memorial Fund Inc. The Fund is currently putting the finishing touches on the John F. Kennedy Elementary Playground. The playground renovation has been a key project for the fund for several years. The Andrew M. Bibeault Memorial Fund also provides scholarships to graduating Blackstone-Millville Regional Seniors.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Andrew M. Bibeault Memorial Fund, Please send a check to: Andrew M. Bibeault Memorial Fund Inc, C/O Dean Bank, 8 Main Street, Blackstone, MA 01504..

Every year the Greenway Challenge Steering Committee is proud to make a charitable contribution to a Blackstone Valley non-profit organization that is working to promote our mission that is to promote the recreational opportunities in the Blackstone River Valley . Working with partner organizations, the Greenway Challenge supports clean water campaigns, hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education and development of water way access.

Last year, we presented a check for $2,500 to the Blackstone River Bikeway Association that is working to advance the development of the bikeway especially in Massachusetts .

If you think your organization would benefit from a contribution from this year's Greenway Challenge and if your organization is able to host a transition site on the day of the event, please send us a letter of no more than two pages outlining what your mission is and how your organization would use this donation. A representative from your organization should then be prepared to be involved in the event's pre-planning by attending monthly logistics committee meetings along with coordinating your organization's commitment to host the transition site on the day of the event.

Please include your organization's name, the contact person's daytime phone number and e-mail address, the group's mailing address and web site URL. The submission should be mailed to Greenway Challenge Request, One Depot Square , Woonsocket , RI 02895 Attn: Barbara Dixon by May 1, 2008 .

(Boston, MA) March 4, 2008-Recently MADD Massachusetts honored thirty-one Massachusetts State Troopers, seventy-nine local police officers and sixteen local police departments for their commitment to enforcing drunk driving laws and keeping our roads safe at their 4th annual Drive for Life law enforcement recognition breakfast at Devens Common Center in Devens, MA.

Among the many award winners was the Blackstone Police Department for conducting a sobriety checkpoint in 2007. Drunk driving is the most frequently committed violent crime in the United States, affecting 3 out of every 10 Americans. In Massachusetts 137 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2006, representing 32% of all traffic fatalities in the Commonwealth. As part of their Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, MADD supports more frequent high visibility enforcement efforts, especially sobriety checkpoints. Research has shown that highly publicized, highly visible, and frequent sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-involved crashes and fatalities by an average of 20 percent.

The other elements of the Campaign include: development of advanced vehicle technology to detect and stop drunk drivers and mobilization of grassroots support. Through the Campaign, the possibility of eradicating a primary public health threat that has plagued the United States for a hundred years is now within reach.

"The Blackstone Police Department is honored to receive this award. Our department is committed to the protection and safety of our citizens and we appreciate the assis tance of the state police along with other local agencies in conducting the sobriety checkpoint. Our officers recognize the dangers of drunk driving and will continue to use all available means to identify and prosecute impaired drivers," said Chief Atstupenas Blackstone PD.

This year MADD honored nearly twice as many officer and troopers and more than double the number of local police departments as last year. This year's honorees combined to make over 2,800 drunk driving arrests in 2007. That averages out to almost eight drunk driving arrests per day in 2007.

"Keeping our roads safe is dangerous and thankless work," said Barbara Harrington, MADD state executive director. "MADD considers the men and women of Blackstone Police Department everyday heroes and Drive for Life is MADD's way of saying thank you for their commitment to enforcing our impaired driving laws." Founded in 1980, MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. Visit www.maddmass.org for more information about MADD or call 800-633-6233.

Each year thousands of local students across Massachusetts audition for the chance to perform their musical talent in instrumental and chorus division. This opportunity is sponsored by the Massachusetts Music Educational Association (MMEA) and is open competition for any student wishing to participate. The 351 cities and towns are split into 5 districts Eastern, Central, Southeastern, Northern and Western, in which Blackstone participates in the Central Region. The students are judged and scored on a variety of musical concepts (ex. melodic accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, intonation, musicianship are just a few) it is a grueling competition judged by College Music professors and professional musicians. The accumulation of this process produces students that will perform on a district and State level, it is an achievement for all who participate. In this years Central Region competition there were 1026 students in which 412 were chosen to participate in the Districts Chorus, Jazz Ensemble Band and Orchestral concert at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA on January 19, 2008. From the field 412, 50% are chosen to audition for All States which was performed March 27-29, at the Park Plaza in Boston. The following are those Blackstone-Millville students:

Ryan Biron, Jazz Band, Trumpet, Senior, Parents - Roger and Lori Biron; Kayla Cardin, Band Flute, Junior, Parents-Maurice and Nancy Cardin * Kyle Bouchard, Band, Principal Trumpet, Senior, Parents-Wayne and Carol Bouchard Rebecca Lewis, Band, Trombone, Junior, Parents- Kathleen and Todd Lewis *†Tegan Catalano, Chorus, Senior, Parents- Michael and Donna Catalano *Nicholas Marcotte, Orchestra, Trumpet, Junior, Parents- Norman and Michelle Marcotte Daniel Gautreau, Orchestta, Percussion, Senior, Parents- Ronald and Robin Gautreau Richard Frend, Band, Timpani, Sophomore, Parents- Doreen Frend *Daniel Ariel, Chorus, Junior, Parents- Kevin and Tina Ariel Maria Franciosa, Band, Principal Percussion Mallets, Freshman, Parents- Anthony and Martha Franciosa.

* Selected to participate in the all State Festival March 27-29 in Boston, MA. The Blackstone Millville Regional Musical Direction is under Ronald "Buddy" Bibeault †Attends Franklin High School under the Choral Direction of Amanda Hammond. Written for the Enlightener by Michael Catalano

Along with rain showers, baseball and Patriots Day, the month of April also brings us National Library Week, a nationwide event sponsored by the American Library Association. Thursday, April 17 from 6 - 8 p.m. - Drop by and discover the library during an Open House. Meet and speak with library staff, Trustees and Friends of the Library members. Library tours, story times with guest readers, a craft for children and refreshments will all be available.

Friday, April 18 from 6 - 9 p.m. - Tweens and teens are invited to a game night/pizza party! Challenge your friends with several popular board games while feasting on pizza and snacks. Under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent.

Saturday, April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Drop in story time with Miss Cyndee and Miss Donna.

National Library Week was first observed in 1958, and its purpose is to recognize and celebrate the contributions made by our nation's libraries and dedicated librarians. In honor of National Library Week, the Blackstone Library will be holding a number of events for both children and adults:

Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m. - Enjoy an evening of jazz with the Brett Walberg Trio, a local band from the Blackstone area. Members include Brett Walberg on saxophone and bass clarinet, Ethan Kerrigan on bass and Scott Shoen on drums. Each musician is currently studying in his respective field and playing with many other side groups. Tuesday, April 15 from 4 - 7 p.m. - Children of all ages are invited to participate in a drop in craft, no signs ups required.

In the past year, I have come to know you as citizens that share the belief that the future of this town must be built on a solid foundation. We will achieve this goal based on the generosity of volunteers and the dedication of your public servants. I would like to acknowledge the guidance and cooperation of the Blackstone Board of Selectmen for their support and guidance in my first year as your Town Administrator.

In the past 12 months the Board has instructed my office and department heads to institute best business practices, cut expenses and utilize a common sense approach in dealing with the fiscal constraints due to our present economy. Municipal government expenses have grown by less than 1% through examining all facets of fixed costs while negotiating lower fees without compromising services. We have also maintained a full level of service through the dedication of our full-time employees and department heads while implementing a reduction in municipal part-time hours.

It has been our goal to realize that there are no simple solutions as we move into the future; however, by making intelligent choices we can serve as a model government that lives under the same constraints as our citizens in managing households and small businesses. In 2007, the Town of Blackstone completed major public projects that benefited all citizens of the community and maximized the use of state dollars.

1. Representative Jennifer Callahan secured state funding in the amount of $475,000 for the reconstruction of the Lake Hiawatha Dam, which was reopened in conjunction with the Blackstone Board of Selectmen and the Lake Hiawatha Association. 2. Lincoln Street reconstruction and Blackstone Street Phase I reconstruction were completed. The Board and Water & Sewer Commission are reviewing sewer expansion in the Farm Street and upper Blackstone Street area with remaining bond funds which must be approved at the next Annual Town Meeting. 3. The new Police Dispatch Center installation has been completed. Fire Stations #2 & #3 have received long awaited new roofs and through the support of our legislators our public safety facilities have been upgraded through the office of Sheriff Guy Glodis and the Worcester County House of Corrections Community Service Program.

Our strategic planning initiatives during this period have encompassed a review of our street light audit and conversion program, with a reduction in costs, and our computer system upgrade which will make it user friendly for both information access and as a service provider for the public in utilizing town services. Finally, my office, in conjunction with the Board of Selectmen, has put a greater priority in participating with regional governmental organizations to access purchasing and community programming that delivers greater savings to the tax payers.

In closing, it will be the intent of my office to maintain an open door policy which maintains an honest dialogue with you as residents and serve as an advocate for volunteer programming in our community. I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation to my staff Sandy Nadeau-Lemoine and Kim Milliken for their patience and dedication in providing the best service to our citizens. Thank you.

Respectfully submitted, Kenneth M. Bianchi Blackstone Town Administrator

UPTON - For the sixth consecutive year, the overall student enrollment at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational High School has increased substantially while the district remains true to its commitment of reducing additional assessments to its member communities.

The Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional District School Committee has unanimously approved its Fiscal Year 2009 budget request which includes a $268,398 reduction when contrasted against FY08 in additional contributions from local municipalities. The total school enrollment increased another six percent this school year, but the budget request to the district reflects a total assessment increase of 3.93 percent.

"We are following through on our multi-year pattern of gradually increasing student enrollment and generating multiple revenue sources to assist in lowering overall assessments," Superintendent Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick said. "The generosity and consistent financial support of our district member towns have allowed us to expand our campus and provide the type of quality vocational technical education our stakeholders expect."

While many public school systems across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are seeing a reduction in population, since 2003, Valley Tech's overall student enrollment has increased 22 percent. The school received nearly 700 applications for acceptance into this coming fall's freshmen class. The district expects to accept 300 students, which would represent yet another increase of approximately six to seven percent for the 2008-09 school year. "In the past several months, the Budget Subcommittee has worked to forge a conservative fiscal plan, including applying $250,000 in self funding to offset assessment increases," Dr. Fitzpatrick said. "Our budget represents a one-time, consolidated request directly correlated to the greater number of students and will allow us to maintain industry approved and state mandated student-teacher ratios within our career technical education training areas."

The FY09 budget request has an overall increase in expenditures of 6.48 percent, which puts the operating budget at $18,094,750. Of the 13 member communities, six will see an overall assessment decrease. The debt payment for the recent expansion and renovation project also has an overall decrease of some $7,300. At the end of FY08, Valley Tech completed the reimbursement of nearly $1.8 million of stabilization funds to the district towns. Each year, Valley Tech also works in collaboration with state and local officials to seek out discretionary funding where applicable.

While education reformers and government officials are seeking additional learning time for students, FY09 will be Valley Tech's 12th year with a longer school year of 191 student contact days and 193 days for instructional staff. Seen as a model school by various external agencies, Valley Tech was recently featured on Channel 5's Chronicle news magazine for its role in workforce preparation and in the February edition of the national District Administration magazine as leader in career and technical education.

For more information on hosting a Fresh Air child, please contact Elaine Melinski at 508-278-3652 or The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003. You can also visit The Fund's Web site at www.freshair.org. To access the photo copied at the top of this release, please go to http:\\www.freshair.org\dl\hovland.jpg.

Brian Cotnoir, 18, of St. Theresa's Boy Scout Troop #59 in East Blackstone, MA earned the rank of Eagle Scout on December 6, 2007. An Eagle Court of Honor was held on Sunday, February 24, 2008 to recognize this accomplishment. Brian is the 17th scout to earn the rank of Eagle Scout since the troop was first chartered 30+ years ago.

Working with VFW Post #11519 in Woonsocket, RI, Brian designed a medallion that was placed on the graves of 100 Veterans in Blackstone. The 2" medallion is tri-colored with an American Flag and says "Thank you for your faithful service" around the parameter. Guest speakers who presented Brian with citations and letters of congratulations were Dr. Jennifer Callahan, State Representative, Margot Bik, member of the Blackstone Board of Selectmen, Commander Roger Petit and Representatives from VFW Post #11519, Thomas M. Dunayeski II, President of the Blackstone Lions, Eric Creamer, District Executive, Adam Briggs, District Commissioner, and Jacques Staelen, Jr. District Chairman of the Thunder Valley District, BSA, Arthur Keegan of the Thunder Valley District BSA, and Fred Stone, member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

He also received letters and citations from W.F/ Cronk, President of National Office of Boy Scouts of America, Deval Patrick, Gov ernor of Massachusetts, Richard T. Moore, Senator of Massachusetts, Chief Ross Atstupenas, Chief of Police - Blackstone, Michael J. Sweeney, Fire Chief, Town of Blackstone.

Brian is currently serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #59. Brian will be attending Lasell College in Newton, MA in the fall, where he plans to major in Secondary Education, teaching history.

Brian and his Troop will be continuing this project and have placed an order for additional medallions so they can continue to honor our fallen heroes. Anyone interested in obtaining more information on this project or making a donation, can contact Brian at 508-883-5449.

April Vacation at the Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club

The Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club will have registrations for their April Vacation Program during office hours. Children in grades one through five are welcome to sign-up. The program includes breakfast, lunch and a snack. Children can participate in arts and crafts, movies, games, computer time, outdoor play and tournaments. The Club also has a new Wii and Guitar Hero. These will be played on days and times set by our staff. The program cost is $25.00 per child per day and the hours are 6:45am to 6:00pm. The program starts Monday, April 21, 2008 to Friday, April 25, 2008. Any questions, please call 508-883-6363.

2nd Annual Toll Road
In celebration of National Boys and Girls Club week, the Club is conducting a toll road at the intersection of Main Street and St. Paul Street in Blackstone on Saturday, April 12th from 9:00-1:00pm. Please stop by and support your local boys and girls club and help us raise funds for our youth programs.

Once again the annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted and sponsored by the Blackstone Parks and Recreation Department was a HUGE success. Over 150 children participated by collecting as many prize filled eggs they could find. Our special guest for the day was the Easter Bunny, who handed out treats to all of the children and posed for pictures. A special thank you goes out to Joyce Corrente for her contribution.

Volunteers are needed to help establish "Friends of Blackstone Parks and Recreation". Once formed, this will be non-profit group of volunteers from Blackstone, Millville, and surrounding towns that will raise money for Parks in Blackstone. A major focus will be to raise funds to complete the Veterans Park project.

Once completed, Veterans Park will be a community facility for all to enjoy. The park will be developed to include ball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, pavilion, playground, pet area, walking track, and more. We are looking for volunteers to help raise funds to complete this much needed project!

We had our first meeting at the Blackstone Public Library. At this meeting, we looked into appointing officers, write the constitution and by-laws, and begin the filing process to become a non-profit organization. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends of Blackstone Parks and Recreation, please contact Parks and Recreation for the next scheduled meeting date.