Two three year terms on the Board of Selectmen expire in April. These seats are presently held by Margaret Bik and Joseph Marchand. Both are seeking re-election and have returned their papers. Robert Kluchevitz has also pulled nomination papers. Kluchevitz stepped down in 2008 from the Board of Selectmen and as a member of the Blackstone Millville Regional School Committee due to family obligations and work restraints. Also running for Selectmen are John M.Wozniak, Kimberly D. Peloquin, Paul S. Haughey, and Jesse Bousquet.

Nomination papers for the April 5th Annual Town Election became available on January 14, 2010. Deadline for filing nomination papers is 5:00PM on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

The following is a list of present list of candidates and potential candidates for office:

Assessor of Taxes (3 Year Term) Vote for 1
Robert A. Gilbert, Returned Nomination Papers

Blackstone Housing Authority (5 Year Term) Vote 1
Gary Kellenberger BMR District School Committee,

Blackstone Representative (4 Year Term) Vote for 1 Michael J. Buckley Collector/Treasurer (3 Year Term) Vote for 1 Diane A. Warren, Returned Nomination Papers Constable (3 Year Term) Vote for 5 Emil J. Kosior-Returned Nomination Papers Frederick S. Gremza-Returned Nomination Papers Frederick J. Stone Gerald G. Lapierre, Sr. Cheryl A. Marino-Page-Returned Nomination Papers Paul G. Beaulieu Board of Health (3 Year Term) Vote for 1 Frederick S. Gremza-Returned Nomination Papers Parks & Recreation Commission (3 Year Term) Vote for 2 James A. Laren-Retuned Nomination Papers Celeste M. Langlois-Nomination Papers Planning Board (5 Year Term) Vote for 1 No Candidates Board of Selectmen (3 Year Term) Vote for 2 Margaret Bik, Returned Nomination Papers Robert J. Kluchevitz John M. Wozniak Joseph Marchand, Returned Nomination Papers Kimberly D. Peloquin-Returned Nominaiton papers Paul S. Haughey-Returned Nomination Papers Jesse Bousquet Town Clerk (3 Year Term) Vote for 1 Marianne E. Staples, Returned Nomination Papers

On February 24 at 6:30, the Blackstone Millville High School Auditorium will host one of the world's largest, award-winning magic/illusion shows. Tickets are only $10. Carson Entertainment's "Reality Magic Show" combines its award-winning comedy/magic/grand illusion production with a live reality show! This unique Reality Magic Show transforms individuals sitting in the audience into stars of the show! Watch as an audience member is levitated before your eyes! See the awe in a five-year old boy's or girl's eyes as he or she becomes the star magician. Like a TV reality show, you never know what will happen next- and it happens live, right before your eyes! Las Vegas-based Carson Entertainment, with professional magician Garry Carson, has performed worldwide and been featured on numerous TV specials in the US, Europe, and Australia. He most recently appeared on Fox TV's special "Masters of Illusion". While performing over 8000 shows at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, he was voted "Family Entertainer of the Year" for two consecutive years In these tough economic times, how can families afford live Las Vegas entertainment, donate to a worthy cause, and stimulate the local economy all at the same time? The Blackstone Millville Music Association's Project M.U.S.I.C.'s upcoming fundraiser is making it a reality with MAGIC! For approximately the price of a movie ticket, families can experience the excitement of a live Las Vegas family-oriented show in their own town and know that they are supporting a worthy cause. Proceeds from this event will be used to help purchase new uniforms for the BMR award winning marching band. The band has been chosen to perform in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in April in Washington, D.C. For ticket information call Sue at 508-883-1291 or email maureen.vasquez@comcast.com. For information on Carson Entertainment visit www.CarsonEntertainment.com

The Blackstone Millville Music Association (BMMA) will hold its Annual Winter Percussion/Winter Guard Show on Sunday February 28, 2010 at 12:00 pm at the Blackstone Millville Regional High School, 175 Lincoln St. Blackstone, MA. The doors will open at 11:00 am, so you can get your seat early! At that time, 50/50 raffle tickets will be available and the kitchen will be open. We will also have a variety of music/guard merchandise available for your favorite musician or guard member! The first percussion ensemble takes the floor at 12 pm. This year, there are 11 percussion ensembles performing from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. BMR will be performing at 1:28. The Winter Guard Show will begin at 2:44. This year, there are 14 Guard groups performing from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. BMR will perform at 4:19 pm. Hope you will join us for what will prove to be a very entertaining evening!

"After an arbitration hearing before a three-member panel of the Joint-Labor Management Committee ("JLMC"), the JLMC has issued its decision/award concerning the contract between the Town of Blackstone and the union representing the Blackstone firefighters. Arbitration was required to resolve the issues between the Town and the union when both parties, after nearly a full year of earnest negotiations, determined that they were unable to agree on the number of hours per firefighter work week and the firefighters' hourly wage figure. In light of this stalemate on these material terms, the parties declared their negotiations to be at an impasse. After the hearing before the JLMC panel, the JLMC determined that the firefighters' work week would be changed from a 56 hour to 42 hour work week, and that the hourly rate for a firefighter with two years of employment with the Town would increase from $18.01 per hour to $22.24 per hour. The decision/award provides that these changes to the agreement shall become effective at the start of Fiscal Year 2011 (July 1, 2010), subject to the approval of funding for implementation of the decision/award by the Blackstone Town Meeting; no retroactive modifications were ordered.

In accordance with the requirements of Chapter 589 of the Acts of 1987, the Town will be submitting for Town Meeting approval at the May Annual Town Meeting a budget article which incorporates the JLMC's award. Should the Town Meeting approve the budget, as submitted, the terms of the decision/award will be implemented as of July 1, 2010. In the event that Town Meeting fails to appropriate funding for implementation of the decision/award, the parties will be required to commence a new round of negotiations relative to the subject union contract." Tentative Agreements: The parties tentatively agreed to five issues in negotiations which are incorporated as part of this award: 1. EMT pay (Intermediates and Paramedics) Effective 7/1/08 no increase. Effective 7/1/09 a $100 increase for Intermediates, a $250 increase for Paramedics. Effective 7/1/10 a $100 increase for Intermediates, a $250 increase for Paramedics. 2. Out of Grade Pay Effective 7/1/10 establish out of grade pay at $7.50 per shift. 3. Extra Duty Assignment Effective upon funding of the agreement increase the outside detail rate to $34. per hour and the municipal detail rate to $35 per hour. 4. Health Insurance co-pays Although both sides indicated that this was a tentative agreement the language and numbers were not provided to the panel. This award thereby references that the copays (and any other changes agreed to by the union) will be implemented the same date that they are instituted with the other union groups in town. Duration: A three year agreement, effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2011. Hours of Work- Effective July 1, 2010 the regular work schedule will be changed from 56 hours per week to 42 hours per week on a 1 on-2 off-1on-4 off schedule. Overtime will be paid for all hours worked in a work week beyond the 42 hour regular schedule. Effective July 1, 2010 Holiday pay compensation for hours actually worked between 7 am and 7 pm shall be reduced from double time to time and one half. Overtime- Effective July 1, 2010 bargaining unit members shall have the right of first refusal for all overtime resulting from shift vacancies of less than sever 7 days. Wages- Effective 7/1/08, no increase. Effective 7/1/09, no increase. Effective 7/1/10, the firefighters regular hourly rate is changed to $22.24 per hour.

Alfred R. Grenon
Woonsocket- Alfred R. Grenon, 48, of Poplar St., died peacefully at home, following a long battle with Bladder Cancer, on Friday, January 22, 2010 surrounded by his devoted family. A lifelong city resident, he was the son of Yvette (Petrin) Grenon of Woonsocket and the late Alfred M. Grenon. Al, following in his father's footsteps, was the owner of the former Pinault Hardware Company in Woonsocket, retiring in late 2009 due to illness. Dedicated to his community, he was a member of the Elks Lodge, the Autumnfest Steering Committee, the Rotary Club, the Shriners and served on the Board of Directors for the Stadium Theatre and the YMCA. He established the Old-Fashioned Christmas in Vermont Program and was committed to its cause for the past twenty-three years. Al belonged to the Road Back Alumni Association and volunteered for the Big Brother program. He was also a communicant of St. Joseph's Church. Besides his mother, he is survived by three sisters, Rachel Chudy of Charlestown, RI, Yvonne Benelli of Acton, MA and Renee Gould of Woonsocket and his nieces and nephews, Ryan and Russell Chudy, Jessica and Calvin Benelli and Carissa, Brett and Dan Gould. A Mass of Christian burial was held in St. Joseph's Church, 1200 Mendon Rd., Woonsocket, followed in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Bellingham. Funeral arraingements were under the direction of Holt Funeral Home, Woonsocket.

Diane Gauthier
Diane B. Gauthier, 58, of Lincoln St., passed peacefully Sunday, January 17, 2010 in St. Antoine Residence, No. Smithfield. Born in Woonsocket, she was the daughter of Rene and Pearl (Plante) Gauthier of Blackstone. Diane worked as a Registered Nurse for over thirty-five years and was a former Assistant Director of Nursing at St. Antoine Residence. She was a member of the Friends Meeting House of No. Smithfield. Besides her parents, she is survived by two daughters, Andrea Barbrie of Blackstone and Natalie Barbrie of Hollywood, CA, her husband, David Barbrie of Millville, two brothers, David Gauthier of Uxbridge and Gary Gauthier of Pawtucket and her sister, Celeste Johnson of Deltona, FL. Her service was conducted in the Manor of Friends in Slatersville Congregational Church, On the Common, Slatersville, RI. Burial was private. Arrangements were under the direction of Holt Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Education Fund at St. Antoine Residence for Aspiring Nurses, 10 Rhodes Ave., No. Smithfield, RI 02896.

Claire I. Hardy
Claire I. (Belisle) Hardy, 74, of Blackstone, MA passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010 at her daughter's home with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Marcel E. Hardy. Born in Woonsocket, RI on May 6, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Merena (Lessard) Belisle. She is the loving mother of Donald M. Hardy and his wife, Natalie, of Blackstone, MA, Richard D. Hardy and his wife, Mary Ann, of New Canaan, CT, Denise C. Daignault and her husband, James, of Blackstone, MA; and her six loving grandchildren. She is the sister of Paul Belisle of Manville, RI, Roger Belisle of Rockridge, FL, Cecile Judson of Rockridge, FL, Doris Hooper of Orange, CA, Lillian Boucher of Greene, RI and the late Lorraine Belisle.A resident of Blackstone for 53 years formerly of Woonsocket and she was a teacher in the Blackstone Millville Regional District for 22 years until retiring in 1995. She was communicant of St. Theresa Church and member of St. Joseph Senior Citizens. Devoted to her family, she will be greatly missed. Funeral was held from Cartier's Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Theresa Church, Blackstone, MA. Interment followed in St. Charles Cemetery, Blackstone. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Claire I. Hardy may be sent to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 and would be appreciated.

Cyndee Marcoux, the Blackstone Public Library Director, is leaving the second week of February. She will be working as the library director in Auburn, Massachusetts. Miss Cyndee is excited because a new job means new challenges! Miss Cyndee started working in the library 16 years ago, working only 6 hours a week. Throughout her career in Blackstone, she has taken courses to develop the skills she utilizes as a librarian and to learn new technological skills. She watched the library evolve and move to the new building on Main Street. She has held the position of director of the library for 3 1/2 years. Miss Cyndee has overseen many projects during her tenure as director of the Blackstone Library. She started using the Equal Access Grant for lifelong learning and adult programming. Over the course of the year, the library utilizes 14 programs. Miss Cyndee hired a Young Adult librarian for a summer. She also developed the library website which can be found at: www.blackstonepubliclibrary.org. The library has wireless internet thanks to her. Library patrons can sign up for computer literacy classes and one- on- one computer training. There is delivery for seniors and homebound citizens that occurs biweekly. Miss Cyndee organized special programs at the library, including a Celtic music program, a Boston Jazz Christmas program, the Thrill- Killers forensics presentation, and "Lost in Woonsocket" screening. Miss Cyndee has a wish list for the Blackstone Library in the future. One wish dear to her heart is a librarian for the young adult section of the library, along with more young adult programs. A technology librarian and tech classes would also be something she would like to see. Right now, the Blackstone Library is trying to do more with less because of the budget cuts. The library staff has been reduced. The operating expense budget was cut, but the Friends of the Library and various sponsors help with assorted programs. The library recycles, reuses, and does with less. Miss Cyndee said she always uses recycled paper unless it is being used for an official document. Though she is both nervous and excited to be going to Auburn, Miss Cyndee says it is hard to be leaving. The most difficult part of accepting the new position is saying goodbye to all the trustees, staff, and people of Blackstone that supported her and helped her throughout her career here in Blackstone. Miss Cyndee strongly feels a library is the community center of a town. Through working in the larger library in Auburn, Miss Cyndee is expanding her knowledge and making the most of her skills with technology. Thank you, Miss Cyndee for all you have done in the community for all of us. You will be missed. We hope you find success and happiness in your new job!

The Blackstone-Millville Education Foundation (BMEF) is a non-profit organization, which supports educational programs in the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District. Founded in 1996, BMEF has awarded approximately $85,000 in grants to fund projects from all schools in the District. Each project is chosen because it adds to the quality of education for the children the BMR School District. Projects must be in-line with the school curriculum and school improvement plan. For the 2009-10 school year, over $6,500.00 was awarded to fully or partially fund 17 individual projects. At the John F. Kennedy and A. F. Maloney schools, 5 grants were awarded: "Around the World with Puppets", "Traveling Art Exhibit", "Story time Reading Rug", "Author Program of Alaska", and "African Drumming". Millville Elementary School was selected to receive 3 awards: "Author Visit", "Closing the Gap on Fluency", and "Fitness Skillastics". At the F. W .Hartnett Middle School, 3 grants were given: "The Inside Scoop", "Using Guided Math Centers", and "Connecting Children's Literature". The largest number of grants was awarded to the High School. Six projects were funded: "Motion Detector Classroom", "Understanding Modern Printing", "Treadmill", "Quick Fire Cook-off", "Keeping BMR in Bloom", and "Literary Magazine", You can help BMEF earn money anytime you shop or book a vacation online through Charity Blast. Some of the stores include: Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Dell, Dick's, Kohl's, Old Navy, Orbitz, Staples and Target to name a few! Go to www.CharityBlast.com, select Blackstone-Millville Education Foundation from the menu, click on a store or vendor's ad, and shop. BMEF will receive a percentage of every sale. The main source of revenue has been through an annual golf tournament held in the summer. This year's event is scheduled for Friday, August 6th at Crystal Lake Golf Course. It includes 18 holes of golf, followed by dinner and a raffle. Check the foundation's website, www.thebmefcom, for information which will be posted this spring or email Keith Ducharme at kducharme@bmrsd.net with any questions.

Create a Valentine's Day treat for your sweet! On Thursday, February 11, drop in from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. to create a Hershey's Kiss rose! No sign ups are required. Please note that this craft is geared for ages six and up. Use your free time on February vacation to find your inner rock star! On Tuesday, February 16, Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, the Blackstone Public Library will have the Rock Band video game available to play. Similar to Guitar Hero, Rock Band enables you to play guitar, drums, or sing your heart out to your favorite songs! Up to three people can play at once, so bring a friend or two! Players will be permitted to sign up for two a 30-minute time slot. Appropriate for ages eight and up.

Thomas Wheeler '13 of Blackstone has been recognized at the state level of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2010. Wheeler's printmaking, reduction block print, and self portrait received a Silver Key for distinction at the state level. More than 48 public, private, and parochial secondary schools in Rhode Island participated by submitting artwork to the judged. The top 75 pieces were awarded Gold Key Awards and will advance to the national competition, and 125 pieces received Silver Keys. At the national competition, the Alliance for Young Writers & Artists and its 81 Regional Affiliates will review more than 100,000 submissions of art and writing by creative teenagers from across the country. Last year, Matt Rotondo '08 was nationally recognized for this talents in printmaking. The Providence Country Day School, established in 1923, a college preparatory school serving 300 students in grades 5 - 12. The diverse student population draws from more than 30 communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Our educational program balances rigorous academics, visual and performing arts, and competitive athletics. Our mission and values are upheld a faculty distinguished by a faculty distinguished by academic excellence and deep personal commitment.