A quote from a 9/9/2008 article by Sun Chronicle staff member, Peter Gobis, entitled "McCarthy the heart of Big Blue":
"He's the heart and soul of the program," without hesitation said Deschenes. It wasn't that McCarthy added more body muscle, more speed. "He had a fantastic summer. He's a hammer on both sides of the ball and above all, he's a gentleman."
How so? Instead of wearing his dad's No. 34 as a Warrior, McCarthy has taken No. 7, the number worn by the late Bombardier field hockey player Rebeckha Whitefield, daughter of AHS assistant coach Mike Whitefield.
"To me, it's a big deal," said McCarthy in respect.
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Read the full article here or click on the link to this article in the "Articles" section of the sidebar on the right.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield Scholarship Fund "Closest-to-the-Pin" Tournament on 9/6/2008
The next fundraiser, on Sept. 6, is being held at Stone-E-Lea Golf Club in Attleboro, Rehoboth Country Club, and Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville and is a closest to the pin tournament.
To donate, send a check to: Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield Scholarship Fund/Foundation, 55 Pioneer Circle, Attleboro, MA, 02703.
To donate, send a check to: Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield Scholarship Fund/Foundation, 55 Pioneer Circle, Attleboro, MA, 02703.
Hitting the Links in Becky's Memory.
The following is from an 8/17/2008 article in the Sun Chronicle. You may also access this article at the Sun Chronicle website from the "Articles" section in the sidebar:
In Attleboro, hundreds hit the links in memory of AHS student
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In Attleboro, hundreds hit the links in memory of AHS student
Jordan Croteau, left, and her twin brother Shane, 4 1/2, of Attleboro, putt their way to the hole while golfing with their dad, John, during Saturday’s mini-golf and pitch and putt golf fundraiser at Atlantic Golf in South Attleboro to help raise money for the Rebeckha Whitefield Scholarship Fund. (Staff photo by Mark Stockwell)
Top Headlines
Money raised for Rebeckha Whitefield scholarship
ATTLEBORO -- With blue and yellow shirts matching a clear summer sky and the sun's glow, more than 400 participants hit the mini-golf links or the pitch and putt Saturday morning to support the Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield fundraiser at the Atlantic Golf Center in South Attleboro.The 17-year-old Attleboro High School student died on May 16 in a car accident on Oakhill Avenue in Attleboro, near the Seekonk line.
"She was just a true teammate She was just a true blue. She loved her friends and her high school. She just supported all the organizations and that's why we created this fund. When we started seeing the amount of outpouring from friends and community, we knew we could do more than a scholarship," her father Michael said Saturday.
The effort raised $6,600 from the tournament and an estimated $900 from the sale of shirts, ribbons, and stickers towards the foundation. This will bring the total amount in the fund close to $47,000. All the proceeds go towards scholarships, young people and youth organizations in Attleboro, according to Michael Whitefield.
Mark Parsons, Rebeckha's indoor field hockey coach, said, "This is about healing. It's a long process." Karen Whitefield, Michael's sister, considered Rebeckha a daughter. Tearing up, she said, "All the support; I can't put it into words."
'Really good, but really hard'
"It's a tough day. This is all really good, but it's really hard," Michael Whitefield said.
Helping out the family at the fundraiser were over 100 volunteers.
The large number of participants included several of Rebeckha's best friends.
"She's a sister to me," Nicole Tremblay said of Rebeckha. "She was one of the best people anyone has ever known."
Another field hockey teammate, Brittany Carr, said Rebeckha "was always smiling. She was never upset. She always wanted to make sure you were happy."
Anthony Rongione, owner of Atlantic Golf Center, said he donated the time and course to the fundraiser because he thought it was a good cause. "We are glad to help out especially as this is a local family."
The next fundraiser, on Sept. 6, is being held at Stone-E-Lea Golf Club in Attleboro, Rehoboth Country Club, and Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville and is a closest to the pin tournament.
To donate, send a check to: Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield Scholarship Fund/Foundation, 55 Pioneer Circle, Attleboro, MA, 02703.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield Scholarship Fund Mini-Golf Tournament on 8/16/2008
Today, the Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield Scholarship Fund/Foundation held a Mini-Golf tournament at Atlantic Golf Center in South Attleboro, between 8 AM and 1 PM. A sign was posted inside the entrance to Briggs Corner Pizzeria.
The Whitefield "family" came in for a lunch time meal. The "family" included the Whitefields themselves, and the friends of Rebeckha, all wearing shirts designed and created by Rebeckha's field hockey team, some in yellow, some in blue, and all the shirts had the "Whitefield" name in the back, and Rebeckha's number 7. It was a loving tribute to a great girl.
Below is a 8/11/2008 article by MATT ROCHELEAU in the Sun Chronicle:
ATTLEBORO - Those who knew her say they'll never get over the death of 17-year-old Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield, but they're working to turn the tragedy into a living legacy.
Whitefield was killed in a car crash in May on Oakhill Avenue in Attleboro.
"Becky was a giving person and her father wanted Becky to keep giving even though she is not with us physically anymore. It is his way of keeping her memory alive with all of us," said Mark Parsons, Whitefield's indoor field hockey coach. "She had a way of making everyone smile and enjoy life. She always had a smile on her face and loved to make people laugh."
To that end, friends and family have established the Rebeckha Whitefield Scholarship Fund in support of Attleboro youth.
The fund has raised about $40,000 since May, with hopes of collecting $100,000 over the next three years. Proceeds from a mini-golf and pitch and putt tournament Saturday at Atlantic Golf, 754 Newport Ave. in South Attleboro, will go toward the fund.
The tournament will be from 8 a.m. to noon. The cost is $6 per player, and includes refreshments and trophies.
Parsons, whose daughter was a friend of Whitefield, is helping coordinate the tournament.
The event is still in need of sponsors for about 10 of the 27 total holes, he said.
Sponsorship is $100 per hole or $500 to sponsor the tournament, which has a fundrasing goal of $5,000 goal.
Parsons said the golf course has been one of the fund's biggest supporters.
"They didn't even blink," he said of Atlantic Golf's decision to help out.
The tournament features 18 holes of mini-golf and 9 of pitch and putt for more experienced players.
"Mike, the father, wanted it to be about the family," Parsons said of the event. "We don't want anybody to be turned away."
Foursomes as well as single players are welcome, said Christine Chapman, who helps with the foundation. Participants can register the day of the event and are encouraging people to arrive early.
Those seeking more information or interested in sponsoring a hole or the event can contact Mike Whitefield at 508-226-7464 or Mark Parsons at 508-369-9056 or email at mparsons@winning-moves.com.
Whitefield's dedication as a high school field hockey player and track athlete is remembered through the fund established in her name.
The foundation, started by Rebeckha Whitefield's dad, Michael Whitefield and managed by a board of directors of 11 family and friends, supports youth organizations in the Attleboro area that Whitefield had played or was interest in.
So far, the foundation has donated to the Attleboro High football team for equipment, Parsons said.
The fund also has committed to the Attleboro High field hockey team and South Attleboro Whitehawks youth football organization, Chapman said.
Scholarships will be given out starting with the Class of 2009.
Looking ahead, the foundation's next event on Sept. 6 will be a closest to the pin tournament at Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville, Stone-E-Lea Golf Club in Attleboro and Rehoboth Country Club.
Parsons said he is handling the loss of Whitefield one day at a time.
"This special 17-year-old girl has touched the whole city of Attleboro and we will never get over it," he said.
Whitefield was killed just after 11 p.m. on May 16, when the vehicle she was driving crashed into a tree on rain-slick Oakhill Avenue, near the Seekonk line.
Along with her father, Rebeckha left her stepmother, Jen, and three stepsisters.
Donations can be sent to: Rebeckha Whitefield Scholarship Fund, 55 Pioneer Circle, Attleboro, MA 02703.
The Whitefield "family" came in for a lunch time meal. The "family" included the Whitefields themselves, and the friends of Rebeckha, all wearing shirts designed and created by Rebeckha's field hockey team, some in yellow, some in blue, and all the shirts had the "Whitefield" name in the back, and Rebeckha's number 7. It was a loving tribute to a great girl.
Below is a 8/11/2008 article by MATT ROCHELEAU in the Sun Chronicle:
$100,000 in memory of Becky
ATTLEBORO - Those who knew her say they'll never get over the death of 17-year-old Rebeckha Lynn Whitefield, but they're working to turn the tragedy into a living legacy.
Whitefield was killed in a car crash in May on Oakhill Avenue in Attleboro.
"Becky was a giving person and her father wanted Becky to keep giving even though she is not with us physically anymore. It is his way of keeping her memory alive with all of us," said Mark Parsons, Whitefield's indoor field hockey coach. "She had a way of making everyone smile and enjoy life. She always had a smile on her face and loved to make people laugh."
To that end, friends and family have established the Rebeckha Whitefield Scholarship Fund in support of Attleboro youth.
The fund has raised about $40,000 since May, with hopes of collecting $100,000 over the next three years. Proceeds from a mini-golf and pitch and putt tournament Saturday at Atlantic Golf, 754 Newport Ave. in South Attleboro, will go toward the fund.
The tournament will be from 8 a.m. to noon. The cost is $6 per player, and includes refreshments and trophies.
Parsons, whose daughter was a friend of Whitefield, is helping coordinate the tournament.
The event is still in need of sponsors for about 10 of the 27 total holes, he said.
Sponsorship is $100 per hole or $500 to sponsor the tournament, which has a fundrasing goal of $5,000 goal.
Parsons said the golf course has been one of the fund's biggest supporters.
"They didn't even blink," he said of Atlantic Golf's decision to help out.
The tournament features 18 holes of mini-golf and 9 of pitch and putt for more experienced players.
"Mike, the father, wanted it to be about the family," Parsons said of the event. "We don't want anybody to be turned away."
Foursomes as well as single players are welcome, said Christine Chapman, who helps with the foundation. Participants can register the day of the event and are encouraging people to arrive early.
Those seeking more information or interested in sponsoring a hole or the event can contact Mike Whitefield at 508-226-7464 or Mark Parsons at 508-369-9056 or email at mparsons@winning-moves.com.
Whitefield's dedication as a high school field hockey player and track athlete is remembered through the fund established in her name.
The foundation, started by Rebeckha Whitefield's dad, Michael Whitefield and managed by a board of directors of 11 family and friends, supports youth organizations in the Attleboro area that Whitefield had played or was interest in.
So far, the foundation has donated to the Attleboro High football team for equipment, Parsons said.
The fund also has committed to the Attleboro High field hockey team and South Attleboro Whitehawks youth football organization, Chapman said.
Scholarships will be given out starting with the Class of 2009.
Looking ahead, the foundation's next event on Sept. 6 will be a closest to the pin tournament at Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville, Stone-E-Lea Golf Club in Attleboro and Rehoboth Country Club.
Parsons said he is handling the loss of Whitefield one day at a time.
"This special 17-year-old girl has touched the whole city of Attleboro and we will never get over it," he said.
Whitefield was killed just after 11 p.m. on May 16, when the vehicle she was driving crashed into a tree on rain-slick Oakhill Avenue, near the Seekonk line.
Along with her father, Rebeckha left her stepmother, Jen, and three stepsisters.
Donations can be sent to: Rebeckha Whitefield Scholarship Fund, 55 Pioneer Circle, Attleboro, MA 02703.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Rome Boulevard Road Race on 10/5/2008
Click here for more information from the website.
NEW TEAM PRIZES FOR 2008
Teams will be made up of 5 people. We will average their finishing times and
the fastest AVERAGE wins the following prize:
• FIVE MILE RACE OPEN DIVISION $250 CASH
• FIVE MILE RACE HIGH SCHOOL AND YOUNGER will win a pizza party (pizza and drinks)
on a Monday or Tuesday at Briggs Corner Pizzeria for THIRTY FIVE people
• TWO MILE RACE MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE 8 AND YOUNGER will win the first annual
Martin Tighe “Go The Distance” trophy
• WE WILL DONATE AN ADDITIONAL $500 to the Rebeckha Whitefield Scholarship Fund if any of these prizes are won by a team from Attleboro teachers,Attleboro Students, Attleboro Police Running Team,Attleboro Firefighers,Wampanoag Road Runners,
Attleboro Bluefish Swim Club,Attleboro YMCA Jaguars, or a group of all Attleboro residents.
NEW TEAM PRIZES FOR 2008
Teams will be made up of 5 people. We will average their finishing times and
the fastest AVERAGE wins the following prize:
• FIVE MILE RACE OPEN DIVISION $250 CASH
• FIVE MILE RACE HIGH SCHOOL AND YOUNGER will win a pizza party (pizza and drinks)
on a Monday or Tuesday at Briggs Corner Pizzeria for THIRTY FIVE people
• TWO MILE RACE MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE 8 AND YOUNGER will win the first annual
Martin Tighe “Go The Distance” trophy
• WE WILL DONATE AN ADDITIONAL $500 to the Rebeckha Whitefield Scholarship Fund if any of these prizes are won by a team from Attleboro teachers,Attleboro Students, Attleboro Police Running Team,Attleboro Firefighers,Wampanoag Road Runners,
Attleboro Bluefish Swim Club,Attleboro YMCA Jaguars, or a group of all Attleboro residents.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The "Briggs For Becky" Plaque.
A commemorative plaque has been presented to Briggs Corner Pizzeria, for its part in sponsoring the "Briggs For Becky" Night.
TO OUR
BRIGGS CORNER
PIZZERIA FAMILY
WITH HEARTFELT APPRECIATION
FOR YOUR SOLE SPONSORSHIP OF THE
"BRIGGS FOR BECKY NIGHT 2008"
SINCERE THANKS
THE REBECKHA LYNN WHITEFIELD
SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND FOUNDATION
THE WHITEFIELD FAMILY
AND ALL OF BECKY'S FRIENDS
TO OURBRIGGS CORNER
PIZZERIA FAMILY
WITH HEARTFELT APPRECIATION
FOR YOUR SOLE SPONSORSHIP OF THE
"BRIGGS FOR BECKY NIGHT 2008"
SINCERE THANKS
THE REBECKHA LYNN WHITEFIELD
SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND FOUNDATION
THE WHITEFIELD FAMILY
AND ALL OF BECKY'S FRIENDS
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Rebeckha's Cousin, a Respected Police Officer.
The following article is from The Jamestown Press, May 22, 2008. A link to this online article can also be found on the Articles sidebar:
John Areson, 36, has been a Jamestown police officer since December 2003. Hired by now retired Lt. Paul Balzer, Areson attended the Rhode Island Police Academy in Lincoln, with fellow officer Derek Carlino.
Police officer started out as a teacher
By Sam Bari
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Areson is a native Rhode Islander who has lived in Warwick all his life. He graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School with his twin brother Jay, who is six minutes younger. After graduation, the twin brothers attended Tarkio College in Missouri on football scholarships. John returned to Rhode Island after two years and earned his bachelors' degree in criminal justice from Rhode Island College in Providence.
After graduation, Areson was hired by the Adult Correctional Institute in Cranston where he was the substance abuse councilor in the maximum-security section. He worked at the ACI for five years and furthered his education while he was there. Areson earned a masters' degree at Providence College as a state certified teacher in special education.
"I then got a job at Valley Community Schools," Areson said. "I taught all subjects to boys with behavioral problems. The classes were small, which gave me an opportunity to give them the personal attention they needed. The idea was to get them to integrate back into the mainstream of the public school system."
He then decided he wanted to put his criminal justice skills to work and answered a newspaper ad for police officers in Jamestown. He was hired and sent to the police academy in December of 2003, and began work as an officer in 2004. Since, Areson has become the elderly affairs officer and a training officer for his colleagues in the department.
"I always wanted to be a policeman," Areson said. "I enjoy working in the community more than in the prison system, although that had its rewards. I think everything from helping the elderly to training other officers makes the job interesting. Every day is a different challenge. That's what makes me look forward to going to work in the morning, or whatever shift I happen to be working," he said.
He also said the department is staffed with well-trained people who are good to work with. "And that makes the job a lot easier," Areson added.
When he is off duty, Areson spends his time boating and fishing. "I love to sail," Areson said, "and I play basketball at least three times a week.
"I spend a lot of time with my family," Areson said. "My parents have been married for more than 40 years. Most of us live in Rhode Island. Those who don't are scattered around New England. My older brother is a social studies teacher at Veterans Memorial, the same high school we all graduated from. My twin is a special education teacher at Johnston High School."
Officer John Areson is single and lives in Warwick.
This past weekend, Officer Areson's 17-year-old cousin, Rebecca Whitefield, tragically died in an automobile accident in Attleboro, Mass. The passenger riding with her was critically injured. Neither were wearing seatbelts.
Areson said Rebecca was a beautiful young girl with promise of a rewarding future. He reminds all drivers to always wear their seatbelts because there is so much to lose should an accident happen.
For the next couple of weeks, the "Click it or Ticket" program will be in effect, Areson said. He hopes everyone will take the intent of the program seriously, and remember to buckle up.
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