Cool People for the week of December 2nd-8th, 2007….

Miss Rhiannon Asch.

Jennifer Affa & Kim Samarelli, planning their Monsignor Donovan Class of 1988 reunion in June 2008.

The Patterson family of Kearney Avenue.

Mike Ehrenkranz and Jim Andren from Seaside Heights Public Works.

SANTA’S HELPERS Lucille Kindangen and Barbara LaStella, who helped put up these snowflakes at the Community Center.

Deana Bruton.

Nancy Corsaro, Seaside Heights Art teacher, who is shown preparing a display of student work at the Upper Shores Library in Lavallette.

Todd Wacha, with loyal On Top of Spaghetti diners Mr. and Mrs. Anderson.

John Praznic, Pat Canavan, Lou Nardone of Station 44.

Pete’s dog and cats, who eat, sleep and play together daily.

Station 44 reports to Structure Fire at 131 Franklin Avenue…

Station 44 members quickly extinguished this structure fire at 131 Franklin Avenue just before 8 a.m. on Sunday December 2, 2007.

Smoke from the fire at 131 Franklin Avenue could be seen for blocks.

Station 44 firefighters quickly extinguished an early morning fire at a single family home at 131 Franklin Avenue in Seaside Heights. The fire was reported at about 7:45 a.m. on the morning of Sunday December 2nd. Initially dispatched to a possible structure fire at 31 Franklin Avenue, a second dispatch was quickly updated to a fully involved structure fire at 131 Franklin. A large cloud of black smoke could be seen rising from the small yellow-sided home, and it was visible for blocks. Our cameras arrived just as the firefighters had knocked down the flames that had been coming out of every window in the front of the house. Because of the home’s very small size, the entire structure sustained severe damage. Firefighters had to cut into the roof to exhaust smoke from the interior of the structure. Commanding the scene was SHFD Chief James Samarelli, and leading fireground was 1st Assistant Chief Billy Rumbolo. Also responding to the scene was the Point Pleasant Beach FAST team, which often responds to calls in Seaside Heights. After the fire was extinguished, representatives from the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the scene. This is the second time Station 44 has been to this property in 2007. In September, the SHFD reported to a problem with the home’s gas meter. The home was said to have been occupied by a group of Mexican immigrant tenants. 3 of the occupants of the home were treated for burns. 2 were treated on scene, and one went to the hospital. Luckily, the eastern side of 131 Franklin consists of a vacant lot, and a neighboring house on its west side was not threatened. This is a far different story then the last big structure fire Station 44 fought in late October at 113 Carteret. In that case, flames licked at an adjacent structure, one of the buildings of the complex of the new Oceana Villa luxury condos, and completely melted the siding of that building.

See Al Poane’s latest creation…

Al Poane, artist of local renown, is shown with one of his latest creations, a 13-year old sign, now refurbished for use in 2007.

See Al’s latest creation: About 13 years ago according to estimates, local artist Al Poane made a sign for the Borough Hall lawn, wishing holiday greetings from the Seaside Heights Mayor and Council. This sign was used for years, and was stored in the attic at the Public Works Department. Although the sign was in great shape physically, the paint job was badly scratched, and the design dated. So it was decided that this sign would be recycled, and repainted. Al prepared the surface and returned the paint job to its original luster. Now, instead of painted letters, the design in made of cut vinyl, allowing more flexibility in design and color. Everyone involved is very proud of the sign, which is now displayed on the lawn at Borough Hall. In addition to this project, Al was also involved in a top secret, over the top lawn display project this year, which will be unveiled at the December 3rd tree lighting. Although we cannot give exact details this week, expect to see this latest treasure in next week’s edition.

See Lance and Nova…

SHPD Patrolman Lance DiFabio is seen with his new dog Nova, a Presa Canario, which will one day be over 100 pounds.

Recently, our cameras caught up with Seaside Heights Police Patrolman Lance DiFabio and new dog Nova. Nova is a Perro de Presa Canario. It’s hard to believe that such a cute, small puppy will one day grow into a huge dog over 100 pounds. According to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, a Perro de Presa Canario is, “a Molosser type dog from the Canary Islands. This large breed was originally bred as a multi-purpose farm dog, being used as a cattle drover and guard dog. The name means the “Canarian Dog of Prey” and is sometimes simply called “Presa.” Lance did not have to look far to find a trainer for Nova. Nova is currently in classes with Lance’s fellow SHPD Patrolman Rob Hanlon, who is also a dog trainer.

Ashley among many Class I Applicants

Miss Ashley Lefevre, who has worked for the Seaside Heights Office of Public Relations, is one of the hopefuls to become a Class I Police Officer in Seaside Heights. Here, Ashley is seen with the $20 money order needed to pick-up the application.

Ashley among many Class I Applicants: Once again, it is the time of year when Class I Police Officer applications are being distributed in Seaside Heights. Becoming a Class I in Seaside Heights is a very important step for many local young hopefuls who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement. In many cases, after a successful summer as a Class I, Seaside Heights PD will sponsor an individual through the Ocean County Police Academy where they can attain Class II (gun carrying) status and are eligible to apply for full-time police jobs as well. Miss Ashley Lefevre, who readers might remember as a loyal employee of the Seaside Heights Office of Public Relations, has filled out one of these applications. Ashley will be competing with nearly 200 other applicants for about 20 spots.