The reenactors of the New England Brigade including the 12th and the 25th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the 9th Massachusetts Battery as well as Battery B Rhode Island Light Artillery, the 32nd Massachusetts field hospital, cavalry and other units, the Town of Unity and sutlers. Come and watch history come to life and hear generals discuss and debate battles and tactics, see infantry and artillery drills, first person impressions both military and civilian, period music & recruitment stations. The Daniels Farmstead will become a Civil War encampment on June 19 & 20th Saturday 9 a.m. -4:30 and Sunday, 9 am - 2:30 p.m.

On both days northern and southern reenactors will engage in staged battles for the education of the public. The Saturday battle will be at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Additional $2.00 tickets can be purchased for a Saturday Evening Walk through Camp to observe camp life.

Food and refreshments will be sold at Doris' Kitchen: Burgers, Hot dogs, Sausage-onions and peppers, beverages, snacks and donated baked goods. All parking will be at the BMR High School located at 175 Lincoln Street, Blackstone. Visitors may purchase tickets there and then take a free shuttle to Daniels Farmstead. Sorry no dogs or alcohol is allowed. This is a rain or shine event. Tickets at the gat: Adults $7.00; Children 2 -17 / Seniors (62 +) $5.00 Tickets for Daniels Farmstead Foundation members are half price.

Save $1.00 by purchasing Advance tickets at the following location: Flamingo Flowers, 63 Main St. Blackstone The Tole Booth, 129 Main St. Blackstone, Giguere & Marchand Oil Co. 25 Montcalm Ave., Blackstone Mendon Greenhouse, Mendon, MA Southwicks Zoo, Mendon

Daniels Farmstead Foundation, Incorporated is a 501 c (3) non profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Daniels Farmstead. For additional information visit: www.danielsfarmstead.org

Blackstone-Millville Regional High School principal, Richard Porter, is pleased to announce that Ethan Hardy is the Class of 2010 Valedictorian. Ethan has earned this distinction by accumulating the highest weighted grade point average in the class, 107.06. While attending BMR, Ethan has been involved in several activities. He was elected Class President, participated in the high school Marching Band, Principal's Advisory Council, and Varsity Tennis team in grades nine through twelve. Additionally, Ethan has been a member of the National Honor Society, BMR Student Council, and the Blackstone-Millville Regional High School principal, Richard Porter, is pleased to announce that Melissa Copeland has earned the distinction of Class of 2010 Salutatorian. Melissa earned this honor by attaining the second highest weighted grade point average in her class, 102.75. While attending BMR, Melissa has been a member of the National Honor Society, BMR Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, participated in the high school Marching Band, and Winter Percussion. As the class Salutatorian, Melissa will be one of the featured speakers at the fortieth annual commencement ceremony slated to be held on Friday evening, June 4, 2010. Melissa plans to continue her studies at the University of New Hampshire. Melissa is the daughter of Richard and Paula Copeland of Blackstone.

ODD - EVEN If your house number is an even number you may water (only BEFORE 8:00 AM and AFTER 5:00 PM) on the even days of the month. If you house number is an odd number then you would water on the odd days. This is a Phase Two Ban. Violators Per Order of the Town of Blackstone Water Department 508-883-9331will be Fined.

Father Andre N. Remillard celebrated his 40th year of priesthood at St. Mary Parish in Jefferson, Massachusetts. on May 16. The celebration was hosted by St. Mary parishioners. Fr. Andy was born February 7, 1944, in Woonsocket, RI, the son of Lillian (Jobin) and the late Norman Remillard. See page 5 Fr. Andy Father Remillard Celebrates 40 Years in Priesthood Father Andre N. Remillard was born February 7, 1944, in Woonsocket, RI, the son of Lillian (Jobin) and the late Norman Remillard.

He attended St. Theresa Parish and School, where he was an altar boy until he entered the seminary. He graduated from Mount St. Charles Academy and in 1965 from Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick Neck, RI. and Our Lady of Loretto, Loretto, PA and St. Paul Seminary, Ottawa, Canada, before completing his studies for the priesthood.

Fr. Remillard was ordained a priest on May 16, 1970 by Bishop Flanagan in St. Paul Cathedral, Worcester. He served as associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Worcester before being named co-pastor in 1974. He also served as associate pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Worcester. In 1983, he completed his graduate studies at Loyola University, Chicago. On January 6, 1984, he was named chaplain of Worcester County Jail and House of Correction, and Worcester County Hospital. He was appointed pastor of St. Richard of Chichester Parish in Sterling on September 12, 1986. He was appointed pastor of St. Mary Parish, Jefferson on June 20, 1997, his present parish. Fr. Andy, as he is known, attributes his calling to the priesthood in large part to his parents, grand and great-grand parents, his aunt Sister Andree Jobin; along with the priests and Sisters of the Presentation of Mary at St. Theresa Parish. Fr. Andy recalls his desire to become a priest began as a small child. "Most kids my age, played various sports. I looked forward to spending my time in church, either serving as an altar boy or helping the Sisters in the sacristy or setting up the church for masses.

It truly was the foundation of my future life as a priest." Fr. Andy is the first and only son of St. Theresa Parish to become a priest. His mother, Lillian, of Blackstone remembers his ordination of 40 years ago, as if it were yesterday. "Andy's action spoke volumes of his desire to become a priest. Very often as a child, Andy would pretend he was a priest, and would put his black altar boy robe on and pretend he was saying mass in front of a plastic altar my husband and I gave him. During his years in the seminary, our home was the gathering place of many seminarians, singing and home masses. Words cannot express the overwhelming pride my husband and I and the entire family felt on the day of his ordination. What followed was many years of being part of every parish Andy was assigned to including his years as chaplain at the Jail. We are to this day friends with his parishioners from St. Joseph since 1970 and have become close friends with his parishioners at St. Mary's, his present parish. He was always humble. To this day, he lives a simplistic and humble life."

During his appointments at St. Joseph, St. Richard and St. Mary parishes, Fr. Andy has been responsible for the implementation of massive renovations in all three parishes. "Fr. Andy, has a unique gift of transforming a run down church into a beautiful masterpiece. He is a pastor who goes beyond the call of duty to the point of exhaustion. Never saying no to anyone. Our beautiful ceremonies with all the added special touches are the envy of many parishes, even though he insists on a rehearsal before each one," as Grace Riley, Pastoral Associate of St. Mary Parish, Jefferson, chuckles. She continues, "one of his greatest gifts is his inclusiveness of everyone, without regard to their background or circumstances. He is non-judgemental of all. Without a doubt, Christ-like in his actions. A true model for all parishioners." Fr. Andy also served as chaplain of Worcester County Jail and House of Correction under both, Sheriff Ted Herman and Mike Flynn. What can be described as a difficult appointment to some, Fr. Andy requested the assignment. "I felt a calling to this ministry after visiting many prisoners at the old Summer St. Jail many years ago. Many of the men were without hope and believed that they had no future. Many had family backgrounds where they experienced severe emotional trauma, a lack of love, leaving them as broken people. Their was a great hope for forgiveness in many prisoners, and a deep desire to be loved. The same hope and desire as I had." Forty years later, the teenagers who were part of the youth group at St. Joseph Parish, still remain in contact with Fr. Andy. "He was our parish priest in the 70's. I, to this day, have not met a priest who has had such a positive impact in my life. He was someone we could go to and pour our hearts to without feeling judged. And we knew it would never be repeated. And that holds true to this day," Donald Allery, former parishioner.

The elderly always had a special place in his heart. Having been brought up on Auclair St., and being the first-born of his generation, Andre as he was known then, was always surrounded by older family members. This holds true today. Not a day goes by that he has not called his Mother of 89 years, one to two times a day. His love of the elderly has always been part of this life. "It is no wonder that God, family and had family backgrounds where they experienced severe emotional trauma, a lack of love, leaving them as broken people. Their was a great hope for forgiveness in many prisoners, and a deep desire to be loved. The same hope and desire as I had." Forty years later, the teenagers who were part of the youth group at St. Joseph Parish, still remain in contact with Fr. Andy. "He was our parish priest in the 70's. I, to this day, have not met a priest who has had such a positive impact in my life. He was someone we could go to and pour our hearts to without feeling judged. And we knew it would never be repeated. And that holds true to this day," Donald Allery, former parishioner. The elderly always had a special place in his heart. Having been brought up on Auclair St., and being the first-born of his generation, Andre as he was known then, was always surrounded by older family members. This holds true today. Not a day goes by that he has not called his Mother of 89 years, one to two times a day. His love of the elderly has always been part of this life. "It is no wonder that God, family and priesthood are the epi-center of his life. The values and morals he was taught and em- braced as a child, are today the very fabric of his life. This is the son, the brother we know and love so much who has evolved to being the People's Priest. The one who never says no. The one who has been the shepherd and servant to three generations. And to many, the one who has tenderly comforted them at their final hour. It is Andy, that we and so many, turn to," Yvette Remillard, sister. When asked what were his thoughts in reflecting back on his 40 years of priesthood, "It has been 40 wonderful years. So many have touched my life. I have no regrets and would do it all again." Perhaps, his father, Norman said it so well of the pride of having a priest in the family, "This is my son, the priest." Fr. Andy will be celebrating an Anniversary Mass at Theresa Parish in Blackstone on June 13th at 12:30.

The Annual Meeting of the East Blackstone Quaker Meeting House & Cemetery Historical Association, Inc. was held on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at the historic Meeting House located on Elm Street in Blackstone, Massachusetts. Election of officers for the 2010-11 term was held and the following persons were elected: Brenda Fanuef Aleksandrowicz of Blackstone, president; Jonathan Steele of Blackstone, vice president, Beverley Kelly Ryan of Hopkinton, treasurer, and Harriet Chase Sharp of Rumford, RI, secretary.

In addition to the above mentioned officers, the Board of Directors will consist of Gretchen Greene and Peter Gulaiev both of Blackstone and Linda Allaire of Blackstone, MA. Mrs. Allaire was reappointed as Chair of the House and Grounds Committee. Members elected to the House & Grounds Committee are: Linda Allaire, Ann Durham and Tubby Fanuef of Blackstone, Jack Ryan of Hopkinton, and Edward Wojciechowski of Uxbridge. Linda Allaire and Meredith Wojciechowski of Uxbridge were elected to the Membership Committee. Mr. Steele will serve as chair of that committee. It was announced that grant money had been awarded to our Association by the Blackstone Cultural Council and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. It was voted to hire the architectural firm of Chenot Associates of Princeton, Massachusetts to prepare a Historic Building Assessment and Phased Master Plan. Work will commence in June of this year on the Building Assessment.

Membership in the Association is now open to all persons interested in the preservation of the historic Meeting House and cemetery. Anyone interested in information regarding the Association and its workings should contact Board member Gretchen Greene at (508) 883-1399.

On the heels of collecting over 1,000 certified signatures, State Representative Jennifer M. Callahan (D-Sutton) announces she is a candidate for re-election in November. Callahan is well known for her work on ethics reform, increased government accountability and an independent voting record.

"Since taking office, I have never forgotten it is the people that sent me to Beacon Hill to be their voice," said Callahan. "I continue to stand up to special interests and Leadership and fight for good government. I will continue to push for a wide range of policy reforms designed to restore the public's confidence in state government."

Ethics Reform
Following a series of investigative reports concerning alleged corruption and ethical misconduct by several Legislators, Callahan filed a series of legislation focused on Ethics Reform and was the only legislator to testify before the Governor's Task Force on Public Integrity. Her proposals have included measures to apply the Open Meeting Law to the Legislature, prohibit all contributions from lobbyists, strip legislators of their Leadership privileges if fined by the State Ethics Commission or the Office of Campaign Finance and eliminate "pay-to-play" loopholes.

Despite the passage of an ethics reform bill by the Legislature, Callahan continues to believe the Legislature stopped short of what is being demanded by the public. "The public has a cynical view of the Legislature and a lack of confidence in the way we conduct business," she said. "The legislation passed this session was only a starting point. We must continue to push for changes which uphold the integrity of the legislative process."

Of all her proposals, Callahan considers applying the Open Meeting Law to the Legislature as being the most important, "We need to take the legislative process out of the backroom and bring it into the daylight for all to see. As a matter of practice, legislative caucuses, budget deliberations and conference matters are routinely closed to the public. This lack of transparency only serves to fuel public mistrust and cynicism," states Callahan.

Government Accountability
With a professional background in quality improvement, she has been a staunch advocate for makingstate government more accountable and efficient. Since her first year in office, Callahan has filed legislation geared to root out inefficiency, improve speed and eliminate waste and unnecessary actions within state agencies. Some examples include eliminating budget earmarks, online reporting of state contracts and prohibiting state and quasi-public employees from "cashing in" or "selling back" unused vacation time to boost pensions. Recently, Callahan worked closely with House Leaders to pass the creation of a new Budget Transparency Website in the budget. "I have spoken many times both on the House floor as well as in meetings with House leaders on the imperative to establish a website which will have a comprehensive online database to track how taxpayer dollars are spent and to provide a transparent check for all state spending and tax credits. We will be opening the doors for all to see how taxpayer dollars are spent with the click of a mouse."

Throughout the session, Callahan repeatedly voted against bills when the legislative process was subverted. One such example was during the recent casino debate when Callahan halted the proceedings and objected to the fact there was no a public hearing on the 200 plus page bill and offered an order to suspend debate until the hearing was conducted. "Legislation is too often kicked out of Committee in the late hours of the night, with no time for review by the public or Legislators before we are asked to take a formal vote," she claimed.

Independent Voice
During her four terms, Callahan has been known for repeatedly breaking ranks with House Leadership and voting independently. On taxes she has consistently voted against the sales tax increase, alcohol tax exemption, capital gains tax increase and has never voted to increase the income tax. She was the highest rated House Democrat by the Citizens for Limited Taxation this session. She has also voted to eliminate the Bunker Hill and Evacuation Day Holidays, merge the Mass Turnpike, against subsidizing zoos, golf courses and racetracks, for Speaker term limits and for tougher drunk driving laws.

After U.S. Senator Kennedy's passing, Callahan supported an election versus appointment process. "I have long believed in and supported the accountability associated with the electoral process in which every vote counts," she said. "There is a reason we call people elected officials, and it is not because we appoint them."

Callahan's independence was further demonstrated with her back to back votes against Speaker DiMasi and current Speaker DeLeo. She was the only Democrat to vote against both Speakers. "In regards to the first Speaker vote, my vote reflected a sincere desire to see us change the way we conduct ourselves and I believed we needed new leadership committed to restoring integrity to the legislative process," she said. Of voting against DiMasi's hand picked successor, DeLeo, Callahan cited there was no room for public input or scrutiny, "I objected to anointing a Speaker behind closed doors." Delivering for Blackstone and Millville.

It's almost summer again! Everyone is excited about good weather, the longer days full of sunshine and pleasure. But there are precautions everyone should take when enjoying outdoor activities. Wild animals are everywhere at this time of year. Mr. Kevin Sullivan, the Animal Control Officer for Blackstone, offered advice for pet owners and parents to follow in order to ensure the safety of their families, pets, and the wild animals.

Though the Animal Control Officer position is only a part time job, Mr. Sullivan is on call at all times. He works with the police department and feels it is a asset to the job. He says working with the chief of police is a great pleasure. It is part of Mr. Sullivan's job to supervise the safety, licensing, and vaccines of dogs in Blackstone. He makes sure all dogs are leashed (there is a leash law in Blackstone) and that stray or loose dogs are picked up in a reasonable amount of time. In addition, he arranges the town rabies clinics twice a yearly. Dogs that are strays or lost are picked up and brought to the town shelter. They are then assessed and held for ten days. Unless they are claimed be their owner, they are turned over to another facility, normally an adoption agency.

Many wild animals are found wandering around this time of year, and some of them a threat to our domestic cats, dogs, and chinchillas. So what can you do to keep Fido and Tiger safe this summer? First, get your pets vaccinated. Pets that are attacked by a wild animal and do not have their vaccines will be held in quarantine longer those who have up to date shots. It is also dangerous to feed your pets outside... it can draw the attention of animals that might be predators of your pet. Do not let your children and animals play outside unless they are supervised. It is advisable to keep bird feeders empty for the time being in order to discourage uninvited guests to dinner.

Animals like fisher cats, coyotes, and foxes have become a major threat to domestic pets in the last five or six years. Be aware: just because an animal, like a raccoon or fox, is out during the day, it does not mean it is sick or rabid. Occasionally, animals stay out in the day to hunt. But, if you do feel there is a threat, do not panic. Call the police department at 508-883-1212.

Well, now you know how to keep your pet safe. So, how can you stay safe this summer? The best thing is to avoid them in the first place. This will not only protect you from them, but will keep the animal from harm as well. Secondly, never, never, ever feed a wild animal. At your picnic, be sure to throw away all your trash. Put a lockable lid on your garbage can at home to keep out scavengers of the night. If you see a baby wild animal do not pick it up, no matter how cute. Call the police department. If you touch it, it will have to be euthanized, it cannot be relocated. ATTENTION! ATTENTION! A black bear has been spotted in the area! The young bear might be from a bear cave in the Uxbridge State Park. This may be a yearling cub that was evicted from the den by Mommy and Daddy this spring. A seasoned cub will travel ten to twenty miles before making a den. This bear may stay in the area. As a safety precaution, stay away from the bear if you do see it. Do not feed the bear either; this will make him comfortable with humans and he will have to be removed or euthanized.

On May 13, 2010 the Blackstone Police partnered with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to conduct a survey of student driver's at the BMR High School. This survey involved police officers documenting three safety categories as students entered the school grounds. Officers looked for seat belt use, cell phone use and violations of junior operator laws (jol). During their interactions, officers distributed promotional items to remind student driver's of the importance of these issues.

Results of the survey were very good in regards to JOL violations (none) and cell phone use (one). One unfortunate discovery was the low percentage of seat belt use during the event. Officers discovered that only 67% of the student driver's were buckled up. This is 7% less than the state average. Officers were surprised at these numbers considering the significant emphasis placed on seat belt use by schools, driving academies and the police. The Blackstone Police are encouraging all drivers, regardless of age to buckle up. Furthermore parents of student drivers should really stress the importance of seat belts in the event of a car crash. Seat belts save lives. Buckle up and don't become a statistic.

After a year of hard work and unforgettable memories, the end of the school year has finally arrived. The last day of school for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will be on June 25th. As for the Class of 2010, they will be taking their final walk up the front stairs of BMR at their Graduation on Friday evening, June 4th at 6:00 pm.

Being a senior includes anxiously awaited activities that happen at the end of the school year. For starters, the seniors' last full week of school consisted of a barbeque at lunch, a senior parade, a few late night paintings at "the rock", and even a few pranks. But when the hands on the clock reached the desired time of 2:02 on Friday May 21st, reality hit the seniors. As we huddled in the halls to hear that tone one last time, it finally hit us that this familiar chapter of our life is coming to a close.

Final exams and graduation rehearsals all took place once classes were finished, leading up to "Senior Week". Our senior class trip this year is on Tuesday June 1st at Block Island in Rhode Island. Hopefully with beautiful weather, students will report to the school at 7:00 am, will take the ferry over to the island and have a full day of fun on the water. Wednesday, June 2nd, will be the Senior Banquet, held at Village Haven restaurant. This is were the class shares a final meal together, along with a night of dancing and fun with the teachers. Yearbooks are also passed out that night for the students and faculty members to sign. On Thursday June 3rd, the annual awards night will be held in the BMR Auditorium at 7:00 pm. This is the night in which academic/service awards and scholarships are given out to the senior class. And then, Friday night is graduation!

A special congratulation goes out to our Valedictorian: Ethan Hardy and Salutatorian: Melissa Copeland. Both have worked extremely hard these past four years and have involved themselves in numerous Advanced-Placement classes. Ethan will be attending Harvard University and Melissa will be attending the University of New Hampshire. Both Ethan and Melissa have written numerous drafts for their speeches, and are excited to be speaking at the commencement exercises.

I would also like to recognize Mrs. Sharon Dupre, the athletic director at BMR, who will be retiring this year. Mrs. Dupre has put in many years at BMR as a coach, gym teacher, and role model to so many! Congratulations on a wonderful career, Mrs. Dupre! You will be missed by all. I would personally like to thank Paulette Boyko for allowing me the privilege of writing in The Blackstone Enlightener for the past two years. It has been a distinct honor that I have cherished. I hope you have enjoyed my monthly columns and have gotten an appreciation for all that goes on in the hallways of the Blackstone Millville Regional High School. BMR is a wonderful school district and I feel privileged to have experienced it for the past four years. I am pleased to say that I will be attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall as a double major with Early Childhood Education and Dance. Thanks to the amazing faculty at BMR, I can honestly say that I feel well prepared for college and am ready to begin this new chapter of my life. I will always cherish the long lasting friendships, top notch education, and once in a lifetime experiences that BMR gave me. To the Class of 2010… we did it! I wish each and everyone one of you the best of luck in what life has to offer you. And to the underclassmen, good luck in the rest of your high school years. These truly are the best four years of your life, so enjoy them! William Arthur Ward once said "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it". Live your life through these words and success will be yours. Congratulations, and once again, thank you!

The Norfolk County Agricultural Summer Enrichment Program, located in Walpole, is now accepting applications for session one, July 5 - July 9 and session two, July 12 - July 16, 2010. The Aggie summer camp is safe, nurturing, fun and educational! Our beautiful 365 acre campus at the High School is the fantastic setting for a unique program for children ages 7 through 13 years old (or entering 8th grade in the fall). It is a great opportunity for your child to have a positive experience learning and working with dedicated and knowledgeable staff in a picturesque, rolling farm setting, including the school's classrooms, fields, forests, three ponds, streams and barns. If you are interested in registering or obtaining more information please contact B.J. Caouette, Camp Director, at 508-668-0268 ext. 272 or email: summercamp@norfolkaggie.org, the school's website: www.norfolkaggie.org

Aggie Education Classes

Spring adult education classes are forming now at Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole, MA. The adult education courses offered will be evening hours and will be taught by skilled vocational teachers. Some of the courses include dog training and obedience, dog grooming, basic horse care and riding, perennial and landscape gardening, and floral design. Please visit our website at www.norfolkaggie.org for a complete list of course offerings, descriptions and to register online. Class size and space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. Norfolk Aggie is a public vocational high school that concentrates on specific areas of animal and marine science, plant and environmental science, and diesel and mechanical technology. If you would like more information, please contact Kevin Bell at (508) 668-0268 extension 290 or at adulted@norfolkaggie.org

You may have seen some advertisements, saw the booth at the Blackstone Memorial Day event, seen the website at www.blackstonbusinessgroup.org, or heard about the Blackstone Business Group somewhere else. The Blackstone Business Group is a partnership of Blackstone business owners that started with the idea - much like when I started my column - that there actually is a lot to offer right here in town. Local business owners, representing diverse businesses meet on a monthly basis to discuss ways they can work together, not just to benefit themselves, but to benefit the community. Still in a "forming stage," the Blackstone Business Group adopted the following mission statement at a recent meeting: The Blackstone Business Group connects local business and business owners, bringing them together for a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas, information, products and services. Our mission is to provide leadership on issues affecting the local economy, advocate for local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for all people in the area. A lofty mission, indeed, and as a reader, you may be anxious to hear what the group can do for you. I ask you to "stay tuned." We also develop and adopted three goals: · Become known as "the business resource" in Blackstone · Be an organization that is broad in scope, ethical, and financially sound · Make the community aware of the Blackstone Business Group's existence and mission I guess in writing this, we're beginning the work of goal three. Blackstone Business Group has elected a volunteer executive team to help complete the objectives to meet the goals of the group and keep the mission moving forward. I, as a local entertainer, music instructor, and freelance designer/marketeer, am the President of the group, Dave Monsoon of Infinite Potential is Vice President, Diane Jordan of Dean Bank is Treasurer, and Mike Swain, local Attorney, is the clerk. It is the hope of the group to bring an awareness of small businesses to the people in town. As I have written over the last year, aside from running a sound business, a lot of these entrepreneurs are responsible for supporting the local music education scene, town sports leagues, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Aside from their generous contributions, they are also providing revenue to the town as well as products and services to the people of Blackstone (and beyond!).

I personally encourage you to stop in one of the fine shops on Main Street and meet and talk with the owners. You may find the personal attention and dedication you get is much different from visiting a big department store. Do those have their place? Sure they do. But there's also something personal about visiting a store when the owner knows you by name, and gift wrapping is a perk that's available year round, and not just during the holidays. Currently, the group has 18 members and we are on the lookout for more! If you are a business owner with a business in Blackstone, we invite you to join us at one of our next meetings. Our June meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 14th at 7PM at the Blackstone Town Library, and the July meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 12th at 7PM at the Blackstone Town Library. Typically, we meet on the first Monday of the month, but with June and July being busy summer months, we made a slight modification to our meeting schedule. If you have any questions about the Blackstone Business Group, please feel free to contact me at hqp921@gmail.com. If you're a local business owner, I hope to see YOU at the next Blackstone Business Group meeting.

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. Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at the Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge. This event is free to the public. Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at Hopedale Town Park. The rain date for this event is July 1, 2010. This event is free to the public.

Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra will be performing at Daniel's Farmstead in Blackstone. Grounds open at 4:00 p.m. for an evening of Patriotic celebration, food and other festivities. This event is free to the public. Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at the Second Congregational Church in Douglas. The rain date for this event is July 15, 2010. This event is free to the public. Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. in Whitinsville rain or shine. This event is free to the public. Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. The Jukebox, a Beatles tribute band, will be performing at Point Breeze Restaurant in Webster, MA. For tickets ($15 each) contact Phil Berube at 508-476-3366. Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band will be performing at Daniel's Farmstead in Blackstone. This event is free to the public.

Be sure to check www.unibank.com for schedule updates including additional concerts. James F. Paulhus, UniBank president and CEO said, "UniBank supports the arts and providing these concerts to local residents is an excellent way of meeting our community-based mission. These concerts allow families the opportunity to enjoy great entertainment with little to no cost."

Since it got warmer, how many trips have you made to the garden or home improvement center? To maintain your property and the value of your home you understand that certain repairs will be needed following a New England winter. You feel compelled to improve or at least maintain your small corner of the universe. We anticipate that "Spring Cleaning" inside and out will be an improvement when the warmth of the sun returns. Do you notice the changes taking place within you at this time of year; consciously, subconsciously, as well as, physically?! My waistline and peace of mind, not to mention my sanity can suffer during the cold, dark winter. How about you?!

Every spring we have an opportunity to begin anew; making changes or improvements to better ourselves and the world around us. Many begin with a New Year's resolution; stating openly or publicly that they're willing or interested in making some changes or living Life differently. What are you thinking of changing, now that summer's nearly upon us? Do your ideas involve changes limited to your home and its landscaping or are you thinking personally or better still, globally? Are you considering changing you, how you show-up in the world or what your potential impact could be? Have you considered what would be possible if you did make changes for the better? If not now, when? What does it mean to 'Make a Difference' in someone's life or in the world? Have you stopped to think of what you'd be missing if you didn't? How painful would that be? Talk about lost opportunities!

Am I suggesting you change? No, the question is….are you suggesting you change?! Have you considered improving yourself, your surroundings or possibly the world? Making changes to who you are is entirely up to YOU! Making a difference in the world is certainly within your capability…look inside yourself; you know that ability lives within you. You know it's there! The choices you make today can impact not only you, but those around you….now and for the foreseeable future.

Do you dream big? The most positive changes in the world begin with a simple dream. Someone has to think of something before it can be implemented and become successful at improving Life and/or living. What scares you more, the thought of failure or visualizing actually becoming successful in Life?

I believe God gave us the ability to change ourselves, to make improvements, when we know that improvements are necessary. You are human; you know what it means to be humble. What would it mean to you and the people you love, if you used your humanity and your humility to improve yourself and your surroundings (beyond landscaping)? I assert it would make a huge difference in your life, the lives of those you love and those people you've yet to meet, who WILL love you for the difference you made in their lives. Are you considering a change…how can you make a difference?