Boy Scout Troop 21 Fund Raiser

Breaking News !! We now have a Boy Scout Troop again. We had (13) Webalo's (spelling) that have graduated to Boy Scouts. They are having a Spaghetti Dinner this Saturday, 3/31 from 5pm - 7pm. Adults are $8.00 per person, kids are $5.00 each. The feed will be held at St' John's Parish Hall on Central St. All monies raised are to help fund outdoor activities, equipment & camp outs.

If you don't have anything going on, come down to St. John's Hall for a sit down meal and support your local scouts !!

Election Day this coming Monday, April 2nd

Election Day is almost upon us. Keep an eye on the local cable channels for the candidates forums. It's suppose to be airing right through Monday. Not all candidates participated. I'm not sure what the reasoning would be for not doing it. Especially for the open Selectmen seats. Seems to me it's almost your obligation to the town.

Anyway, the most important thing is to get out and vote. It's so important that everyone participates. As a town, we all need to understand, via the citizens will, which direction we want this town to head.

Please don't let apathy rule the day.

Get to the polls Monday and VOTE !!!

Seventh Annual Community Walk for Autism Awareness

A note from Dave & Lori Cotter...

To Our Family and Friends:

I am writing you this email to ask for your support. As you know, David
and I have been blessed with three beautiful children; Brianna, Cullen
and Devin. As you may know and those of you who do not, Cullen faces
the challenge of Down Syndrome and Autism. Devin faces the challenge of
Autism. As parents, David and I rely on many people and many
organizations to help us navigate the many challenges we face everyday
with two children with special needs. One such organization we rely on
is the Autism Resource Center . This center has
been an exceptional resource recently introduced into our life within
this year. This leads into the part were this email is asking for your
support. The Autism Resource is holding it's *Seventh Annual Community
Walk for Autism Awareness*. This walk helps to support the Autism
Resource Center in Central Massachusetts. David and I are attempting to
put together a team for Cullen and Devin called the Cotter Clan. We are
asking you to be part of our team. The walk takes place on: *April 22, 2007 1:00pm - 3:30pm Quinsigamond Community College Seventh Annual Community Walk for Autism Awareness*

So please join our team on Sunday, April 22nd to walk for this great
cause, or sponsor us with a donation. You can make a donation on line
at http://www.firstgiving.com/cotterclan . Please feel free to forward
this email with our blessings to any of your family and friends.

Autism Occurs 1 in 150 children born.

Please support the Cotters anyway you can.

BMR Budget Meeting - Millville Townhall - 3/28

Tomorrow night the BMR School Dept will be presenting their FY08 budget to the Millville FINCOM. The meeting is at the Longfellow Center at 7pm.

As usual the state is giving us less Chapter 70 funds and it's left to Blackstone & Millville how to bridge the gap.


As an fyi and to put it in perspective...In 2003, the state reimbursed us via Chapter 70 65% of NSS (Net School Spending, this excludes capital expenditures & transportation)...in 2008 it will be south of 57%...that is a lot of money for these (2) small towns to absorb.

When Governor Patrick was running for office, I sent him an email and asked his position on restoring proper funding to our schools...their/his response "Deval strongly supports returning local aid to cities and towns to restore services, including education". I say we hold him to it...

If you have been following the news, Governor Patrick has decided to use the website he opened for his campaign, to talk directly with the citizens of the Commonwealth. It's pretty much damage control for his rocky start. Someone has started a talking point "Chapter 70 Formula is Not Working". Citizens get to vote on this being a hot issue that should be fixed. The number of votes determines how far up the list it goes in terms of priority. Please vote !!! Let's make it #1 !!


Click the link below to vote/tell Deval Patrick the current formula
used to distribute Chapter 70 money is not working for BMR Schools -
You can view/write comments and most important VOTE!!

http://devalpatrick.com/issue.php?issue_id=7577368

Candidates Forum sponsored by the BOS

Any candidate running for any open position, is being offered the opportunity to record a message to the town of Millville, explaining their platform and what their reasons are for running for town office. Here is the message that was sent out by the BOS;

ATTENTION CANDIDATES!!

The Town has received many inquiries from residents about the individuals running for office in the upcoming Town election. The Town’s Cable Committee was not able to sponsor a Candidates Forum this year, however, the Board of Selectmen is inviting each individual running for an office in the upcoming election to come to the Town Hall on Wednesday, March 28th between 5:00pm-7:00pm to videotape a public introduction of his/herself in the Board of Selectmen Meeting Room. The tape will then be played on the Town’s cable channel daily through Election Day. If interested, please contact the Executive Secretary. Thank you.

I hope every candidate takes advantage of this opportunity.

The town has the right to know and make an informed decision .

Senior Center is taking Shape

Happy to report that the 1st section of the Senior Center was delivered. It made the corner at Hope St and the Dean tree was unscathed. A couple pair of shoes came down, but, no branches were lost. Attached are some pictures of the 1st section being installed.

Millville looks broken, we need to fix that

The town of Millville looks sick. I think it's time to get her healthy. There is a $75,000 business retention grant that has been made available to Millville. The word "retention" is kind of comical, but, I'm told the money can also be used for business start up costs. There is a stipulation. The funds need to be earmarked by 6/30/2007 so you can't wait for the bridge to be finished. We also have the bike path that's coming and talks are still ongoing to have the train stop in Millville. This helps with the timing.

There are a couple of existing buildings that could be transformed into some type of business. I believe the building boarded up is the old McCormicks Penny Candy Store. It doesn't take a visionary to see the possibilities. Maybe a hair salon or barbershop ? How about what's left of the Mug Pub ? Could it be renovated to be a Pizza Place/Pub/Sports Bar. Could an outside deck be part of it ? A place somebody riding through town, maybe on the bike trail, the train or maybe even the river, could stop and have lunch or dinner. The Post Office is rumored to be moving. Is it a stretch seeing that building made into a diner for breakfast/lunch/dinner ? Could an outside deck be built on the back overlooking the mighty Blackstone River ?? Could kayak's & canoes be rented as a side business ??

I'm not sure if the 75K could be used for infrastructure. Millville will struggle to get any business's on Main St until public water is made available. From what I hear, the fire department could use another water supply as well.

Something to think about this Sunday morning. If you have ever considered opening a business in town, getting start up assistance would be a huge help. I believe our executive secretary has more info if you have an interest. You'll need to get moving though. The cut off is 6/30/2007.

Selectmen = Board of Directors

It seems to me if you are running for selectman, it is prudent to understand, and get to know the people you may work with. I have spoken with 2 out of 3 selectmen. I hope to speak with the 3rd. I think it is important to understand what their vision is for Millville, state what mine is, and see if we can find a common vision. I'm 66% home. I think our current board truly wants what's best for Millville. They understand having (5) different, elected, independent thinking people, deciding Millville's direction, is a good thing. I'm assured a great deal of respect is given to each members belief's/opinions. That is a recipe for success. I respect the current BOS and believe I can contribute and work with them to take Millville forward.

Please vote April 2nd
Bob Baker - Candidate for Selectman

BMMA goes to Foxwoods Sat. 3/24

The Blackstone Millville Music Association (BMMA) is sponsoring a fundraiser trip to Foxwoods. Attached is the flyer with all the details (contact info included). Bus leaves BMR High School at 1pm and returns at 9pm. At last count, 15 seats were available. Go have some fun and help your world class music department !!

http://www.savefile.com/files/573079

Millvillema.net has caught on

Well I'll admit it did take me a while to figure out how to do this...but, since it's inception we have had over 3000 visits in our 1st month...I have taken advice on what to post and what not to post...I try to post town happenings...we always are open to suggestions. We have a new author coming on board. You should start to see his posts soon. I hope others take advantage of my offer. I think we needed to go through a "probation" period. I hope we passed and we get new authors on board. I get sick of reading just me.

Thanks for visiting and keep coming back to The Positive Alternative...

Senior Center Update

What's this you say ? It's Millville's new Senior Center !! It is due to be assembled, on the footings, on March 26th.

Meet the Candidates - Kim Milliken

Kim Milliken for Town Clerk

Qualified and Experienced Professional
• Legal secretary for Law Offices of Aldo A. Cipriano, Shocket & Dockser, and Gilmore, Rees & Carlson, P.C. from 1988-2004.
Responsibilities Included:
1. Preparation of real estate documents; probate, wills and estate and corporate planning.
2. Maintaining corporate books and court files.
3. Filing corporate records with the Attorney General; civil and criminal law.

Dedicated Community Member
• Member of Millville Elementary School Parent Association
• Chairperson of Millville By-Law Committee
• Created with committee the first Millville School Cookbook
• Organized with Committee the Millville Mall, which benefits the school
• Volunteer weekly in classrooms
• Volunteer to assist with the principal lunch
• Active member of St. Mary’s Parish in Uxbridge

Devoted Parent and Business Women
• Resident of Millville for almost 5 years
• Married for 14 years
• Mother of 3 children (ages 7, 8 and 9) who are currently in Millville Elementary School
• Independent Beauty Consultant (9 years)

Goals which I will accomplish if elected:
1. Provide timely information and services via the town website
2. Establish a positive relationship with fellow colleagues at Town Hall
3. Work collaboratively with all departments and Millville residents
4. Create an organized and systematic filing system for all town records
5. Maintain a professional working attitude
6. Update and utilize the computer system
7. Attend seminars and participate in training sessions

Irish Night at the Polish Hall

The Annual Irish Night at the Polish Hall was a hit as usual. The corned beef & cabbage, cooked by master chefs Roy & Wally, was truly the best I have ever eaten. It's a secret recipe that takes 2 days to put together. It was awesome. 100 people showed up and it was truly a great time. A DJ was on hand, people got to dance and burn off some calories. People got to catch up on town news and discuss the lousy weather. Attached is a photo album from the festivities. If you click on the picture, it will take you to the album. On a side note, on channel 56 WLVI, the Annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston is on this morning. A true Massachusetts tradition.

Irish Night at the Polish Hall

BMR School Budget Meeting

Tonight at the High School auditorium, 7pm. We had a good turn out a couple weeks ago, hope to see as many there tonight !! Get involved. Protect the education of your children. What could be more important.

Engineering Marvel

A little excitement in Millville today. We had the biggest crane I have ever seen lift the piece of the Big Dig we inherited and put it on a flatbed trailer. I'm told the piece of bridge weighed in excess of 100,000lbs. There was some curiousity. Attached are some pictures so you can see what you missed. It was pretty cool. Click on the picture to view the photo album.

Bridge Removal

Meet the Candidates - Karin Furno

My name is Karin Furno and I am running for the 1 year seat on the Board of Selectmen. Being new to politics, I've decided to run for the shorter term so I can see if this is right for me. I look forward to extending my tenure on the board if this is a good fit. I do not want to commit to a longer term if this is not the right direction for me, the town has seen enough resignation as of late.

I have been in Millville for almost 19 years and have served on the Millville Fire Rescue Ambulance since 1990 as a Massachusetts Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

I graduated from Douglas High School and currently work as a Medical Assistant in a cardiology office in Milford.

I live on Hope St with my husband Steve and our daughter Melissa.

Steve and I moved to Millville when we were married and we love this town. We are proud to call Millville home !!

If elected to the Board of Selectmen, I look forward to serving this town I love. I will not try to be someone that I am not. I am up front about my beliefs and feelings. I hope to be a part of Millville moving forward and being a voice for the towns people.

Sign Stealing

It appears some have made the decision that discussing the issues is not the way to go, we now have to steal signs. Apparently, some think the citizens of Millville make their decision based on who has the most signs out. I am amazed at the thought process. One of the signs was stolen from the front lawn of a candidate. I mean you have to be kidding me. A couple signs were stolen from the front of the Bowen house. I have seen this behavior in an election a few years back. Signs were stolen, tires were slashed. But in the end, you can't fool the people...they are much smarter than you think. They know the deal.

Meet the Candidates - Bob Baker

I'm Bob Baker and I'm running for Selectman-3yr term. I am happily married (almost 22 years) to my wife Denise. I have (2) children, Nicole & Erika. We have lived in Millville since Aug. 2001. I co-own a computer reseller business that is currently located in Webster, MA. I am a strong supporter of our school system. I am very involved in the world class music program and support them however I can. I am a huge Red Sox's & Patriot's fan. I also am an avid golfer.

I made the decision to run for Selectman because I believe the town has made a concerted effort to move forward. I don't want to see the town take 2 steps back. There are some that don't want to see the town move forward. It is very personal for some. If elected, I'll want to hear both sides of any issue and make decisions based on the facts and what the rules/bylaws are, not on who is bringing the issue forward. Rules & by laws should serve and apply to all the citizens of Millville. It has to be about the greater good. I think it's getting better but there is still some work to be done. I believe some recent changes are helping facilitate that. It's no secret I believe the changes that have taken place at the police station are a major move forward. MRI's Assessment of the Millville PD became public record last week. There is a link to the document (assessment) on this website. It is (62) pages, but, it clearly documents that the police department was a "department in crisis". I believe most folks didn't need the report to tell them a change was needed there.

After watching the Selectmen's Meeting last week, a citizen got up and asked about the Millville Elementary water issue. Certainly it's a question on many people's minds. The citizen claimed that no one in town knew any information about it. What came to light was that the facts are there for anyone who wants them. The BOS has the responsibility to supply the information, which they do, but they can't make you read it. I believe the answers supplied by the BOS did not match the information generated in the "rumor mill". I'd be willing to bet there's a lot of that going on. I'm hopeful this website will help keep people better informed.

There will be an article posted here shortly regarding the Millville Elementary water issue. What is posted on the Blog is pure fiction. All it took was an email to Superintendent Campbell to get updated. It was that simple. It has never been about the facts with them. It makes you wonder why any candidate would align themselves with them. I go back to the timeless story about the "boy who cried wolf". I believe there was a lesson in there. I think people are catching on.

I have been out meeting people and listening to what their concerns are. What comes across loud and clear is the feeling that there has been/is a double standard in town. And it is not well received. I am about a level playing field, period. I implore all to talk with me, be it in person or post a comment here. Let's air this all out. What also struck me was the reluctance of some to talk about issues. Some still fear reprisals. The stories are legendary. I try to assure them that I believe that chapter of Millville's past has come and gone, but there still is some reluctance.

I hope this gives all a glimpse about what I'm about. Any questions or concerns, post a comment. I will answer it.

I have left voicemails for all other candidates running for selectmen informing them they are more than welcome to post a bio about themselves and what their platform is. The offer will remain open. I have heard from 2 out of 3 candidates. I believe Karin Furno will be submitting a profile. Charlie Poulin has declined. I met Charlie for the 1st time on Sunday. What a nice guy. We shook hands and wished each other well...you know, the way it should be.

A fresh perspective on the upcoming Election

This was a comment posted by "anonymous" today...It was posted under the MRI Assessment article...I want to make sure everyone gets to read it so I'm reposting as an article...I'm comfortable it will stir some debate...read below

anonymous said...

Its’ election time people ( not to be confused with the word natives ) …

I would like to give some advise to all the candidates running … ask yourself “Why am I running ?” Is it for the Town’s benefit or for your hidden agenda ? Has someone put you up to the task to be their puppet ? Why do I ask you say ? Its’ because all candidates owe this answer to the voters come April. We have had candidates and selectman in the past that did not ask themselves this basic question. Where are they now ? I’ll tell you where they are … they are long gone from the Board of Selectman.

Let’s look at some names : Dean, Desjardins, Gikas, Pare, and Dicks to name a few. Their agenda’s were quite visible to all, and even the Village Idiot could figure them out. Luckily, our current BOS has persevered them all to lead our Town into the future. Yes people, I’m giving them recognition instead of criticizing them. Unless you have walked in their shoes, I’m sure we won’t fully understand what they have gone thru to protect the Town … and maybe will never know. They have accomplished a lot and struggled through the budget crisis to keep us out of a Prop 2 ½ over-rides. Petrowicz, McCutcheon, and Savage have reversed what other’s couldn’t do … give the Town back to the people !

Let’s look at the new candidates ..

Mrs. Furno comes with much baggage … ties to the Fire Department and Mr. Gikas’s school of thought … hates the current Fire Chief and will have to step down on any Fire related issues … will she be there as much as Mr. Gikas was … or will she be paged during a BOS meeting to handle a calls as he was ?

Mr. Laura comes with the blessing of Mother Mary, and her need for retribution against our current BOS. (Aren’t we suppose to turn the other cheek? ) He helped build the police station and supports the previous Police Chief … which says a lot to what he believes in ! Come’on now Timmy … do you think your yard sign is the best thing for his campaign. He’s their appointed yes man just like Zorn and Desjardin were in years past .. at least they didn’t put Desjardin or Pare up again !

Mr. Poulin comes with his hatred of our BOS ( well just the Chair ) and is another pawn in the game. He ran with Smith and Demato building “quality” houses in the Town years before their reputation caught up with them. One would think he would learn his lesson building with them but no … he worked with our beloved Mr. Pare who stiffed him on thousands of dollars. Is this the candidate we want ? A smart business man he is not … just chips on his shoulder from a Con Com enforcement orders !

And Mr. Baker … who endured a lot but had at least had a spine to come forward to correct a wrong. Are you just a pawn put up by Nanna & Pappa ? You see Mr. Baker … a long time ago they thought supporting the current BOS would get them somewhere. Unfortunately, our current BOS is too smart and honest for that … how many Porketta’s have they shown up for …. I don’t believe they like that taste in their mouth but others do like our Sheriff and Dr. Jenny

MRI Assessment of the Millville PD

Well, if you watched the Selectmen's meeting this past Monday night (if you haven't, I suggest you watch it on one of the rebroadcasts or TIVO/DVR it...your BOS did the town proud I thought), you know that the final report from Municipal Resources Inc. has been delivered to the town and is available to the public. For a printed copy it will cost you $6.00. Attached is a link to the pdf copy of the report. You will have to download it to read it. The download takes a couple minutes since it is (62) pages. Follow the link and click on "download".

Contrary to what has been published elsewhere, the report makes many recommendations to the town & Chief Landry. I'm happy to report it appears Chief Landry is listening to the experts and not the people who are far from it. What is striking is the initial assessment from the panel at MRI that the Millville PD was a "department in crisis". Some questioned the BOS's actions back when the suspension was implemented. I believe the resignation spoke for itself. But, I believe this report further vindicates your BOS. It took courage to do what they did and most appreciate it. For some, this is personal and nothing will make it right. For that I am truly sorry. But it has to be for the greater good...end of story.

Please review this assessment (link below). It will be interesting to hear how some will spin the facts. Please post comments. Let's air this out...it needs to happen.

http://savefile.com/files/536671

You will need Adobe Acrobat to open and read it...

BMR School Budget Discussion

Tomorrow night (Tuesday, 3/6) @ 7pm there will be a meeting at the Hartnett Middle School. In attendance will be your school administration (Superintendent, School Committee, etc) & Sen. Dick Moore & Rep. Jennifer Callahan. The purpose of the meeting is to figure out how the district is going to find the money to educate our children. As usual, the preliminary numbers paint a grim picture. Both Sen. Moore & Rep. Callahan represent many communities who are all in the same boat we are. If they plead their case and receive additional funds, their quandary becomes where to distribute those funds. That's where all of you come in. If the meeting is well attended and organized, that "Squeaky wheel" will get the grease...if it's not well attended, it will be perceived that the parents of this district are alright with the way this is going...the meeting will run from 7pm until no later than 9pm...that 2 hours could make a huge difference...the question is are you willing to gamble ?? I'm not going to...I hope to see many of you there...

PS. The National Honor Society is providing daycare services at Hartnett if that is what's holding you back...