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Uxbridge Times Established in 1991 Vol. 26 • Issue 12
Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free
Ux br Id g e • No r t h Ux br Id g e • LINw o o d • d o Ug Las • No r t h br Id g e • w h It INsVILLe • sUt t o N • MaNc h aUg
d ec eMber 2017
Spreading Christmas joy for over 20 years
the majority of the fundraising is done Saturday, December 2nd will mark right down town at the Mendon Street the 20th Anniversary of Uxbridge First Kitchen. Owned and operated by Holiday Night. The local nonprofit, Galllerani, the Mendon Street Kitchen which is comprised of a few dedicated supports Uxbridge First Holiday Night volunteers, helps the town of Uxbridge by not only serving as headquarters for kick off the holiday season each year the organization, but also donating all with parade, fireworks, and the annual proceeds to the cause. "We give money back to the community beyond First lighting of the town common. "Why do we do it? Because we're part Night," explained Gallerani. In addiof this community and it needs to get tion to supporting First Night, the comdone." those are the sentiments of mittee also provided the solar lights Holly Gallerani, chairwoman of the now present at Capron Falls Park. Dedication and love of community Uxbridge First Holiday Night board of directors. Gallerani has been involved appear to run in the family as Galwith organization since it's inception lerani's daughter, Amanda, has been in1997. "From 1912 to 1997 the town involved with UFHN since she was Fire Department held a holiday parade nine years old. "I love it. Being inevery year. We decided we wanted to volved with UFHN has shown me that grow it and Ux-bridge First Hol-iday the hard work of just a few people can Night was born," Gallerani added. make a difference. It's a positive and truly special experiToday the festivities ence in what can be include communitysuch a negative wide involvement world," she said. from businesses, The 20th year of churches and Uxbridge First Holischools with towns day Night promises spanning from to be special in it's Northbridge to Bosown right. The eventon and parts of ings festivities kick Rhode Island also off at 4:00 p.m. and participating. Festthe Santa parade ivities for the evencommences at 4:30 ing include the p.m. near Kapi's Pub annual Santa in North Uxbridge Parade, Mrs. Claus' silent auction and Holly & Amanda Gallerani; with Chuck and Jay Lynch serving as raffle, live music UFHN Committee Members. this year's Marand give-aways shalls. Over three from local businesses. "Countless hours of fundraising and thousand lights will brighten up the planning," stated Gallerani when ask common which is expected to be filled how a few volunteers plan such an with over 5,000 people. For more information on Uxbridge event each year. As far as fundraising First Holiday Night, including how to goes, Gallerani and other UFHN committee members get little rest those get involved with the Santa Parade, efforts begin every February with a please visit the Mendon Street Kitchen Pancake Breakfast. The organization located at 9 Mendon Street, or contact also generats funds from catering and the UFHN Committee through the food sales during Boston Marathon, but organization's Facebook page.
By Rich Lombardo
Blackstone Valley Tech Beavers are heading to the Super Bowl on December 2nd at 6:00 p.m.
BVT Beavers head to Super Bowl Valley Tech gets defensive in 21-18 triumph over Wahconah By KEN HAMWEY Contributing Writer Offense is exciting and entertaining but most football coaches agree that it’s defense that wins championships. Count Blackstone Valley Tech coach Jim Archibald among the defensive advocates, especially after his squad turned in three key stops against Wahconah that guaranteed the Beavers a date in the Division 7 Super Bowl where they’ll face Mashpee at Gillette Stadium. Leading 21-3 in the third quarter of their playoff final against the Warriors at Holy Cross, BVT’s defense, which had yielded only 65 points in 10 games, faced two Herculean tasks when the Warriors gambled twice on fourth down - once when Wahconah had the ball on its 44-yard line and once on its own 20. Twice, the Beavers thwarted those gambles and both times BVT scored touchdowns, taking a commanding 21-3 lead.
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“At the start of the season we were searching for an identity and our defense has been lights out all year,’’ Archibald said. “We were confident our kids could stop Wahconah because they’ve given us reason to believe they could. We’re giving up an average of just over seven points a game and there seemed to be some desperation on Wahconah’s part because they didn’t want to give up possession.’’ The third stop, coming with only 10 seconds left in the contest and the Beavers leading 21-18 after the Warriors had rallied for 15 points in the final stanza, clinched the outcome and punched BVT’s ticket to Gillette Stadium. Quarterback Tim Clayton’s pass to Dane Campbell was intercepted by senior cornerback Brandon Lira and the Beavers kept their record unblemished at 11-0. “For me, the final seconds were the most nerve-wracking,’’ Archibald said. “So much was on the line and we PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800
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weren’t that familiar with them. The final seconds seemed so long.’’ BVT’s defense also controlled the first half, primarily because it held Wahconah’s powerful running attack in check. The Warriors had compiled 393 yards rushing in their two Western Mass. playoff tilts. The Beavers, however, held them to 35 yards in the half. “The first half was hard to overcome,’’ said Wahconah coach Gary Campbell Jr. “And, those two fourth down situations, not being able to convert fourth-and-twos, played a big part in us not doing well.’’ BVT’s offense, nevertheless, held up its end of the bargain. Sophomore running back J.D. Antaya scored on a 21yard pass from quarterback Reece Hendriks in the first quarter and he registered his second TD in the third period on a 13-yard run. Senior Conner Polymeros tallied the Beavers final TD, hauling in a 6-yard pass from Hendriks. continued on page 34
Uxbridge First Holiday Night Events Listed Uxbridge First Holiday Night Santa Parade Committee will celebrate their 20th Anniversary this year with Parade Marshalls Chuck and Jay Lynch (pictured on left).
Complete list of events on page 22
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