AMITY - Many minds were put at ease, and avid toursits of Amity can take a sigh of relief in knowing that the giant killer shark who has been blammed for the two gruesome deaths this week has been caught and killed.

With the disruptance of the normal, tranquil island life at Amity put to a close, all beaches will reopen tomorrow for the celebrations of Fourth of July.

Fisherman, Mike Swenson of Medford Mass. caught this shark in waters one mile sout-southwest of Amity and will be rewarded $3,000 for his heroic and selfless efforts.

Matt Hooper, marine biologist from Woods Hole, Mass., Oceanographis Institute, inspected the shark when it was brought ashore. He labeld this shark who allegedy attacked two innocent individuals as a nurse shark.

Nurse sharks are among the most brutal and dangerous of all sharks and have been responsible for various swimmers' deaths along the East Coast of the United States. The shark was approximate 11 feet in length and 1.5 tons according to Hooper.

Amity officials urge all residents and visitors to recreate at the beaches in order to encourage the participation of new and returning tourists in the wonderful water sports that will take place at Amity beaches throughout the summer.

Brody wants to assure islanders and guests to not be alarmed by the presence of shark spotters in the water.

This included the Coast Guard, the Marine Patrol, the Massachusetts State Police the U.S. Navy and FBI, and homeland security. "They are simply a safety precaution that we hope will put our vistors at ease," said Brody.

While law enforcement officials urge vigilance on the part of all citizens, Amity town officials believe the danger of further shark attacks has "probably" passed.

Everyone can be pleased to know that the presence of the numerous shark spotters is working. At midday of the day the beaches reopened, officials rushed all visitors of the beach out of the water and sped towards shore where they witnessed what appeared to be a shark.

What appeared to be a shark was only the harmless prank of two young boys of Amity, Wayned Winston and Brad Kaplan. The two mischevious pranksters remain in custody with their parents. No injuries occured during this prank, only a few scrapes of individuals rushing out of the water.

Winston appears to be the perpatrator of such event, and Kaplan the follower. Any witnesses of the event or beach visitors should be reassured that no live shark was found.

Any shark sightings or suspicions should be reported to authorities at the toll-free shark hotline, 1-800-sharksee.

Jaws - Second Follow Up Story

AMITY - A special meeting was held last night by deputy police, Brody and the Amity Board of Selectman at Amity's Town Hall to discuss the two recent deaths that have occured on Amity's beaches. Many are being led to believe that a shark attack is the leading cause of these deaths, but no definite conclusions have yet been made.

$3,000 was offered to the individual who found and killed the shark that took the life of 6-year-old boy, Alex Kitner yesterday at one of Amity's finest beaches. The offer was made by MaryAnne Kitner, mother of Alex Kitner.

The first victim was 17-year-old, Christine Watson who was found dead early Monday morning. Although a shark attack has not been announced as the cause of death to Watson, it is not completely ruled out of the picture.

Chif Brody began the meeting by discussing plans for the town of Amity. Body planned to bring shark spotters onto all beaches, as well as getting more deputy police men on the case.

"Are you going to close the beaches," one Amity motel owner firmly asked to Brody. "Yes, we are," was Brody's response to which the crown seemed to object with.

Ben Quint, one of Amity's head fisherman, made a strong offer to find and kill the shark of the alleged attack. But this offer was anything but cheap. "I'll do it by myself alone for $10,000," said Quint.

His price was set on the basis that this job will not be easy, but for this amount he would be able to get the job done quickly in order to bring back the tourists, which is Mayor Vaughns main concern. "Pay up to stay alive," said Quint.

Quints proposal was later discussed between Brody, Vaughn and other officials but a final decision has yet to be made.
The meeting adjurned by Mayor Vaughn thanking Quint for his request and the presence of all members. A concerned, chattering crowd left the meeting hall.

New York Times Reading Log 11/29/11

I found todays paper very informative. There was a wide variety of news included, which kept me interested in reading many different parts. With many Occupy movements taking place nationally, it is interesting to hear about the differences between each one. The article, Los Angeles Police Withdraw After Occupy Eviction Deadline Passes caught my attention. It was interesting to see why the Occupy Los Angles movement was given more leeway by police and other officials compared to the Occupy movements in other parts of the country. Police failed to make an effort to break up the commotion, and their only goal was to make sure traffic was kept moving smoothly. Why can't more Occupy movements be handled in such a way? I believe that sometimes, police exhibit too much force and power in our country which is meant to be free.

Press Release COLOR Story In Class COntinued Exercise

Less Questions Than Last Death, Apparent Shark Attack in Amity

After receiving reports earler today of Christine W. Watson's death about various cirsumstances that may have caused her death late last night at Amity Beach, one other is found dead but with less questions attached.

Amity Police Cheif, Martin Brody announced one hour prior, Alex B. Kintner, age 10 of Mayfair Court in Amity, was killed in what appeared to him and witnesses to be a vicious and unprovoked shark attack, while he was playing with his friends in waters off shore at Village Beach.

Witnesses indicated and Brody solidified that Kinter had been floating on a rubber raft at what appeared to be a crowded beach. The attack occured at approximate 2 p.m. this afternoon. His body has yet to be recovered by police and investigators.

The damaged raft he was seen swimming with floated ashore shortly after the incident with what appeared to be a bite taken out of it and blood surrounding the float. Brody and other press members are hesitant to jump to any definate conclusions. No other injuries surrounded this tragic incident.

Marion Kinter, Alex's mother was at the beach at the time her son disappeared. She is currently at Amity General Hospital being treated for shock and is said to currently be in fair condition.

It is believed by Brody and other officials that is is possible that the Watson death could have maybe been linked to the possible shark activities in the vicinity of various Amity beaches. That investigation continues to be ongoing.

Brody makes a statement regarding the two too many unfortunate deaths that have occured in Amity. "I join Amity Mayor Bob Farley in expressing the town's deepest and most sincere condolences to the Kinter family."

Brody said, "Now we know that these random acts of senseless violence, who victimize helpless and innocent citizens do not just happen in the city."

A special meeting is set to be held by Brody, Farley and the Amity Board of Selectman at 6 p.m. this evening in Amity's Town Hall.

The meeting's agenda will include the reading of the minutes of the previos meeting followed by old and new business. Top on the list for new businss is a duscussion og Chief Brody's plan to close the beaches on July 4.

The Kintner family will then be rewarded $3,000 for capture of perpetrators. Ben Quint will then make a offer to the town to hunt down the shark who is thought to be the vile perpetrator of this tragic event.

The meeting will conclude with a closing prayer. All are welcome to join in.

Press Release Exercise

Various Causes of Death Being Investigated At Amity Beach When Body Was Found Washed Up On Shore

AMITY - The body of a 17-year-old girl was found washed up on South Beach in Amity Mass. early this morning. Her cause of death is being investigated as police and other officials are failing to rule out a possible shark attack.

The body has been identified as Chistine W. Watson, of 23 Sharstooth St. in Amity Mass. Watson was last seen leaving a beach party at one of Amity's fine beaches at around 11 p.m Sunday evening with another male teen who has been identified as Christopher P. Hoggenbottam III.

At a press conference that took place earler today, Robert Nevin, Amity's Medical Director commented on the autopsy already consucted on Watson. He said "The autopsy showed wounds that seem to be consistent with other moter boating accidents seen on our beaches."

With it being a clear night of 72 degrees F with calm waters, it is likely that many fisherman and others in moterboats were out off shore.

Larry Vaughan, Amity's mayor followed up on Nevin's statement by indicating that all who keep moter boats in the harbor are being investigated. All other causes of death are being considered as well.

Hoggenbottam discussed the events leading up to the tragic incident earlier today. Watson was "a member of the varsity swim team at Amity High School," said Hoggenbottam. "Her and a lifeguard at the Amity Island YMCA pool in Oak Bluffs decided to go swimming." The two entered the water at a remote section of South Beach near the South Beach bell buoy.

Hoggenbottam notified police at appoximately 6 a.m. Monday morning when Watson had not returned from the water. A brief search was conducted when Watson's mangled body was found early on washed up on the beach. Amity Police Cheif, Martin Brody indicated that she had been severely mauled by an attacker of an unknown origin.

Watson's body has already been transported to the coroner's office for autopsy. Police have failed to yet make any charges regarding this case as they continue their investigation into the incident.

Brody along with other police investigators learned from witnesses that both teenagers had been drinking heavily and possibly smoking marijuana throughout the evening.

With a shark attack being only one of many possible causes of death, Amity officials wish to assure all residents and visitors that they believe them to be in no danger. Amity's lovely beaches remain open to the public for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation.

Blissful Beginnings Cover Letter

Alyssa R. Petchonka

UNH GSS Box 9815 ~ Durham N.H. 03824 ~ 203 731 7026 ~ alyssa.petchonka@gmail.com

Melanie Voros

President and Director

Blissful Beginnings

56 Islington St.

Portsmouth, NH 03801

Dear Mrs. Voros,

I am writing to you in hopes of gaining a job at Blissful Beginnings as an Event Coordinator or in any openings you wish to be filled in a relating field. My forte and passion has always been event coordination, and more specifically, wedding coordination. Reading and learning about your organization via Blissful Beginnings website, was not only exciting to me, but also inspirational. I too believe that no one event should be the same as it is vital to cater each persons needs. Beauty is in fact in the eye of the beholder, and I see the importance in listening to every client’s request.

I understand as a soon to be college graduate with a Bachelors in Communication, Business Application I lack direct experience in the field, but I promise I do not lack the passion and dedication to succeed in the wedding industry, especially with Blissful Beginnings. Throughout my four years at the University of New Hampshire, I have learned through hard work in academic classes and internships the knowledge of business and the logistics that go into it. But as something that cannot be learned but innate, it is through my entire life that I have practiced and exhibited my creativity. I believe that it is my unique creativity and desire to aid and guide others in taking their leap of faith that will contribute positively to Blissful Beginnings.

It was just last summer that I interned with the Boston Bruins Foundation, and assisted the organization in the planning and execution of their charitable events. I am an avid believe that with every experience dealt to you, there is something to learn from it. It was then that I solidified my love for the planning of events, yet learned that it needed to be in the wedding industry. I promise I am a committed and devoted worker to anything I set my mind to. In believing in Blissful Beginnings mission, I do not doubt that I would be anything other than a vital asset to your business.

I would be delighted to discuss my application and resume with you further in person or via phone or e-mail. Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration.

Best Regards,

Alyssa Petchonka

New York Times Reading Log - November 8 2011

When going through the Times today, I was immediately caught by the article, "A Wedding Planner Has Many Big Days, and Flights." There is never much in the paper discussing the job I am trying to pursue. This article was additionally interesting because it was also very similar to a profile story, a story in which I wrote this week. I liked hearing about all of the travel this wedding planner does for his job because that is one side of the industry that one does not typically hear about. The few stories out there about wedding planning look at the glamourous side to it, but I enjoy hearing all aspects of work involved. The anecdotes in this story were fantastic and worked really well to produce an entertaining story. I especially liked the one that said, "I once had to transport 300 pairs of flip flops to a wedding in Jamaica." It adds character to the story. Reading this after I wrote my profile story, I definitely see things that I would have done differently.

New York Times Reading Log - Monday October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween! Or happy snow fall? The New York Times had intreguing first page stories in todays paper. The story regarding the winter storm that most of the East Coast experienced this weekend definitely caught my attention, mostly because it has had an impact on me. The article stated that 280,000 New Hampshire residents are without power still from the storms damage, and I am part of that number. The article had some really great insight about the storm that I was unaware of, such as how it has already caused 9 deaths. It was said that one 20 year old man got electricuted, which to me seemed like the most important part of the story. The story however, focused mostly on how Halloween festivites were cancelled. Although it gave me insight to what happened with the first storm of "winter," I wonder where their information came from since most went unquoted. This is a prime example of what he discussed in class - the signifcance of giving recognition to all of your sources in our weekly stories.

Rare, Dangerous Leopard Goes Missing From Durham Zoo

DURHAM, N.H. - Early this morning, officials of the Durham Zoo noticed that fluffy, the Zoo's very rare, 10-year-old female spotted leopard was missing from its cage. Fluffy is a Romanian spotted leopard and one of 5 in existance, which is why this creature is so important to the Zoo.
James Petronkis, a 36 year-old visitor of the Zoo made the discovery of the missing Leopard  at 7:30 a.m. and made two attempts to contact security of the Zoo, both of which went unresponded.

It was an hour and a half later that a search for Fluffy began when security finally went into Fluffy's house and saw that she was in fact not there.

"Police cars came from every direction and within minutes they were roughly pushing visitors to exits," said Petronkis. Petronkis was later forced to leave the zoo by security, but stayed to see large amounts of police and security in the search process.

Gerry Durrell, the director of the Zoo spoke at press conference that took place at 9 a.m. this morning and said that Fluffy was last seen in his cage when the Zoo closed at 9 p.m. last night.

"We have no idea what time Fluffy escaped or where she went," said Durrell. "She may have left the area and she could be walkiing around Durham at this point. We just don't know."

Before turning the press conference over to Kitty Smith, the zoo's chief biologist, Durrell said that officials are doing everything possible to find Fluffy and bring her back. Smith takes over talking to reporters about the significance of finiding Fluffy as soon as possible.

"Fluffy is extremely dangerous and these lleopards are driven to the brink of extinction in Romania because of their appetite for young children," said Smith.

Smith continues to mention that Fluffy is a sweet cat, whom has never harmed anyone, but they are cornered and feel threatened on a dark night, their defense mechanism tells them to kill quickly.

The Durham zoo said right before ending the press conference that New Hampshire State Police along with the state wildlife department are helping with the search of Fluffy. Additionally, the National Guard will be supplying five helicopters with infrared sensors.

Police Chief, William Blair outlined the search for Fluffy and emphasized the importance of finding Fluffy before children of this residential neighborhood are released from school.

"If we cannot find her in the zoo, we will begin searching the neighborhood, moving farther and farther away from the zoo," said Blair. "We have got to find her before 3 p.m. These cats are nearly impossible to find in the dark -- they can see everything."

Smith describes Fluffy for anyone that is to come in contact with her. She said Fluffy is black with white spots, weighs 146 pounds, and can run 60 miles per hour. "Fluffy is a wonderful, warm gentle cat... we miss her and want her back safe and sound," said smith.

Meeting Story Exercise

Saturday Morning Cartoons Or Saturday Morning School -- Who Decides?
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - A Portsmouth School Board discussion that took place at 7:30 p.m. yesterday evening raised the issue of Saturday morning school for troubled children. Is the biggest trouble of them all not allowing them their Saturday morning cartoons and family time?

When the board brought up new business, new issues were raised. Time Steele, a School Board member, made a motion to approve a new policy that would require students who have disciplinary problems during the week to return to school for a special Saturday morning session. He noted the session would run from 8 a.m. until noon, several weekends in a row.

But what will happen to those who miss the Saturday morning session? This question was on many of the meeting members minds. "If a student skips Saturday School, he or she would not be allowed to return to school until the detention has been served," Steele said.

Many were outraged. Peggy Bacon, a parent of a child in the Portsmouth School district was less than satisfied with this idea. "I work six days a week -- including Saturday morning -- and it's bad enough to get my son off to school Monday through Friday." Many concerns were raised if Steele was to get his way. "I just don't think it is going to make any difference -- and the parents are going to have to pay for it -- in higher taxes as well as ruined Saturdays," Bacon said.

Lisa Gallagher, a senior at Portsmouth High School agrees with Bacon. "I think it's just being done to make life easier for the faculty, so they don't have to deal with detentions during the week." Many others were outraged as well at this idea, but that doesn't mean all were. Every story has two sides.

Steele expressed the reason that the new disciplinary measure is being proposed is in an effort to reduce the number of in-house suspensions. He said that in-house suspensions are given automatically to students whom are caught smoking and that maybe this discipinary board will reduce the amount of students breaking the rules.

Bob Farley, a resident to the town of Portsmouth stood up in Steeles deffence. "Parents can whine all they want about this, but maybe it's time parents in America were made to take a little responsibility for their kids." Farley goes on to explain that parents have not been teaching their kids any discipline, which is why some kids fail to have respect in the classroom. "Maybe if they have to miss a few Saturday morning cartoons they'll start wising up," said Farley.

A heated discussion of this issue occupied 30 minutes of the Monday night meeting. The conclusion of the discussion was brought about when the board voted 5-3, with one member abstaining, to table the issue until their next meeting on March 7. With this, Steele was instructed to return on March 7 with figures on in-school detentions so far this year.

Other issues were as well discussed. Superintendent of Schools, Nathan Greenberg delivered an administrative report detailing the Schools effort to push forward a $21 million budget for the next school year. A special citizens committee was formed to review how other communities fund education with their tax dollars since the $21 million budget represents an increse of 5.5 percent over the current year's spending.

The impact of the schools decision to bring about Saturday morning school will just have to wait until next month and after other issues are discussed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

New York Times, Thursday October 13 2011

I like seeing more and more in the papers about the campaign and election that will be here before we know it. Can you believe that President Obama's campaign raised over $42 million in the third quarter of the year, outdoing his republican rivals. The article tells us that 606,207 people donated to Obama online.. that is more than ever before. I'm definitely going to be keeping up with election news as it will make for a good news story of mine later on in the semester. I just have to think of a good spin to put on it. It's also interesting to see how more sports stories are entering the NYT. You definitely become aware of Hockey and Football starting up. The range and depth the paper continuously offers never ceases to surprise me.

New York Times Reading Log, Tuesday Oct.11 2011

A lot of news in todays paper. I was especially interested in one story regarding a ship disaster in Miami. It was a heart-felt story describing the disaster that happened leading to the boat sinking and its passangers being left in the water. Seven of the eight members were saved, including a young child. One member, the captains mother unfortunately went under when the boat sank. The other members were left in the water for twenty hours before rescue crews saved them. All they had to hang on to was a blue cooler for boyancy and two life jackets. This is news that you sometimes hear about, but never believe to be true. I found it a unique story to the New York Times. What first grabbed my attention about this story was the lead. It was an expanded summary lead in which I attempted to immatete on our in class exercise. (See post below for the in class exercise).

Disaster Almost Strikes Old Man Unconscious On Train Tracks

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, MAINE - "I never thought about it. I just knew I couldn't let that man get crushed by a trian" says James Laboke of the old man whom he found unconscious in his car that was parked in the middle of the train tracks.

Early this morning, a police report came in when the young boy [Laboke] ran into the police station at Old Orchard Beach proclaiming to the officers that there was a man stuck in a car that seemed to be stalled in the middle of the Downeaster train tracks. The doors were locked and the man was slumped over the steering wheel.

After getting no response from the 80-year-old man when pounding on the car window, the boy new he had no other choice but to run 100 yards to the nearest police station.

Janet Paradiso, a captain on the town police force was in her police cruiser when she heard the call come in on the radio regarding the old man and stranded vehicle. "I knew there was no time," Paradiso said, "I had to do something." She arrived at the scene, a mile and a hald from where she was parked at 6:05 a.m. today; just in time to hear the trains whistles.

Chief Brian Paul, the chief of police in Old Orchard Beach, states that Paradiso rammed her cruiser into the mans 1987 pink Cadillac Seville and pushed it from the tracks. Not more than 30 seconds later, the train passed the crossing of the incident at 40 miles per hour. "It was that close," said Paul.

The man in the car was later identified as Francois Truffaut, a tourist originating from Quebec City, Canada. Ever since he was a young child, he has been visiting Old Orchard Beach every summer. "I dont remember a thing," Truffaut said from where he was being hospitalized at Southern Maine Medical Center.

Truffaut is listed as a diabetic and is currently in stable condition where he is expected to make a full recovery. The report states that Truffaut may have gone into insulin shock, just as he reached the railroad crossing.

The young hero who is given full credit for the life of Truffaut is Laboke, a 17-year-old Afghan refugee who has been living in Old Orchard Beach for three years. Every morning he gets up at 5 a.m. only to walk four miles to his job as a waiter at the Eezy Breezy Restaurant on East Grand St., which is why he passed by Truffaut on the train tracks.

The Eezy Breezy Restaurant is located right on Old Orchard Beach in Maine, a popular summer toursit community. Here, Laboke reports to Charles Champaigne, the restaurant owner who hired Laboke about 8 months prior.

The passenger train operated by Amtrak runs from Portland, Maine, to Boston. It is called the Downeaster, and it was the Downeaster tracks that Truffaut's Cadillac was stalled on. The first train of the day is southbound that hits Old Orchard Beach at 6:10 a.m., which explains for the close call when Paradiso arrived at the scene.

After Laboke reported what he saw to the police, he went straight to work where he arrived ontime and spoke nothing of the incident to Champaigne."It doesn't surprise me at all," Champaigne said of Laboke. "That young man is one of my most responsible employees. He's just a great kid."

New York Times, Tuesday October 4th 2011

I love finding front page stories that I can directly relate to. At this day in age, many woman are on some form of contraception. And to hear that there is a form of contraception being used amongst African woman that is causing increasing risks of H.I.V. is quite scary. This form of contraception is an injection that happens every 3 months, a form that is proven to be one of the highest in preventing childbirth. It makes me question why this information is just being learned. As I continue to flip through Tuesday's paper, I am looking out for stories that directly relate to class. I am intrigued by the personal profile piece that has to be written this semester. With this being said, I spent some time reading about Gov. Rick Perry and the controversy with the hunting camp. I did find that I think this story could have used a summary lead instead of a delayed lead. I will have to keep that in mind in doing my profile story.

Scent Of A Woman Exercise

Emotions rose high at the Baird School Disciplinary Comity after Charlie Simms refused to disclose the names of students involved in a prank against headmaster Trask.

“I am just getting started,” exclaims Army Ranger Lt. George Willis in response to Trask asking him to stand down.   Lt. Willis launched a passionate defense in front of the entire student body and disciplinary comity in hopes to keep Simms from getting expelled from the school.

It was apparent to all that many were outraged by the injustice that was taking place amongst the Baird School. Simms was harshly criticized by Trask for being a liar and untrustworthy in regards to his refusal  to explain the situation at hand.

New York Times- Monday, Sept. 26 2011

Much of my time reading the Times today was being caught up on the front page stories. Part of the reason I found, was due to the location of the stories. "In a Bronx Complex, Doing Good Mixes With Looking Good" appealed to me since I have family in the Bronx and I like being educated on news that relates to me. Other stories however, such as the one in Washington about Labor Unions and the 2012 election appealed to me on pure interest. Lately I have been trying to read up more on Politics since it was never a focus of mine in the past. Interestingly enough, while flippling through the Times, I found at times the Communication and advertising interest of mine emerged. I tend to notice and be weary of how many Ads are strategically placed in a paper for consumer digest. I am always intregued when different classes of mine within a given semester can relate to each other. Going back on what I said before about the proximitey or location of a story appealing to me, I was held up reading the article about the mixture of gangs and teachers in schools in Acapulco Mexico. Although nowhere near us, my family and I have visited there, with another trip there coming up in the future. This was a powerful stories as I hear that it is not just about money for the teachers, for them it is a matter of life and death. I found that this story provided strong insight with the interviewees. I know now this is something I would like to work on for this weeks story- finding the right people to interview to make my story more powerful.

New York Times- Friday September 23rd 2011

It was interesting to see an article on the growth of Facebook. As its recent changes have been apparent to all of its users, this is not a technological medium that I perceived would make national news. It caught my eye in the Newspaper because of the many times Facebooks changes have made televised news. I enjoyed the Times giving insight on what Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook had to say, such as the new changes that are happening (an application called Timeline to keep track of your activity over the years on Facebook). On the contrary, it is funny to see what people qualify as news nowadays. A lot of it definitely comes unexpected. For example, there was another story explaining the origin and history of the Hollywood sign. As interesting as I found it, I question how it compares to other, larger scale news stories in the paper.

New York Times- Tuesday, September 20 2011

I found Tuesday's paper to be filled with many intriguing stories. After Monday's class, I noticed myself being caught by the leads of many of these stories. I enjoyed reading many and trying to indicate if they were delayed leads or summary leads. I do find that I continued on reading the majority of stories that started with summary leads, which is beneficial to understand when it comes to my writing. The "In Small Towns, Gossip Moves To the Web, and Turns Vicious" story was one that I spent much of my time reading and thinking about. It was definitely a devastating story, but I am unsure if I would qualify it as news due to it lacking most elements of news (based off the list that was generated in class). Overall, this was a good paper.

RYE, N.H.- Five swimmers at Wallis Sands Beach were rushed to Portsmouth Regional hospital earlier today after a 50 pound jellyfish attacked over 100 people in the water. The attack happened while the jellyfish was dead, due to its tentacles that reached 100 feet in length.  

Although there were no serious injuries, many came flooding out of the water in fear and pain of what just happened. This led many to being treated in the beaches bathhouse. Soon after, Rye closed its beach as six surrounding towns responded to the emergency in order to fish the jelly out of the water with a pitchfork. “It was as big as a turkey platter,” Ken Loughlin, manager of the park explains. “I’ve never seen such a thing.”

When talking to Robert Royer, an aquarist at the Seacoast Science Center, he discloses that the creature was most likely a lion’s mane jellyfish. He says that such jellyfish are common in New England Waters and can in fact sting while dead, due to the fact that their tentacles have barbs.

Alysia Bennett of Hampstead, N.H. was disappointed with this day that was meant to be spent relaxing on the beach with her three young children. All of her children simultaneously came screaming out of the water, complaining of the attack. “They were terrified,” she says.

The beach will re-open as soon as the incident has been taken care of. As common as it may be, it does not seem likely that a jellyfish of that size will cause the same tragedy again. “That’s the largest we have around here,” Royer exclaims. “I’ve never heard of them getting 50 pounds.”