Halloween was great this year for WCGAPS. We had media coverage from four news stations and three newspapers. We finished up the long run of investigations and interviews last night with an event at the Gilbert Historic Museum. It went okay for the most part, but there are a few things that could have been done differently. The traffic was steady all night and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Their interests in the paranormal and West Coast Ghost and Paranormal Society was fascinating. So many questions and luckily we had the group there to answer. Everyone was intrigued when we let them listen to clips of paranormal activity we’ve captured over the last two years (and yes, we will have it up on the website soon).
I want to give a shout out to FOX 10 and their crew here in Phoenix and KVOA Channel 4 in Tucson! They did great pieces on us this year and working with them was without question a great experience. It was the third year of working with Bil Osher at FOX 10 and our first year working with Faye DeHoff at Channel 4. Take a look at the stories and let us all know what you think.
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/only_on_fox/oof_haunted_hassayampa_103109
http://www.kvoa.com/news/ghosthunters-investigation/
So, November is going to be a relaxation time for the group, as far as investigations go. We’ll be working on and updating the website, finished backlogged reviews, and working on some new case management projects. Always work to do, but the knowledge of having four weekends free is such a relief. Then in December West Coast GAPS will be off to (wish I could tell you, but you’ll have to wait another couple of days).
I’m thinking of having a contest to have a guest investigator come with us. Not sure what kind of contest yet and it’s just an idea at this point. We don’t let the public into our scheduled investigations so it would be a great opportunity for someone. We are planning to investigate four locations over two days in a town in southern Arizona (hint). So if you have any ideas for a contest or think it’s a good idea, comment on the post. Your input would be a great asset because I still have to pitch the idea to the group for their approval.
It’s been a little over two years now since I started the West Coast Ghost and Paranormal Society. We have come a long way since the beginning. I still remember holding the first meeting in a small Water & Ice store in Tempe, AZ. When I look back on it all, it makes me laugh. Training at that first meeting consisted of the only piece of equipment we had, old Sony Hi8 camcorder with nightvision. I’m proud to say that we still have some of the orginal members and some great new ones in the group. We don’t always agree, but we enjoy what we do.
I wasn’t interested in starting a group, but when looking around to find another group that shares the same philosophy and goals, I came up short. So in fall of 2007 I gave up my search and put an ad out for people who wanted to become paranormal investigators. Many people ask us if there is a difference between a paranormal investigator and a ghost hunter. The answer is yes. A ghost hunter is someone who looks for paranormal activity from a subjective point of view. WCGAPS are paranormal investigators who collect data objectively by investigating claims using scientific methods and works to disprove or debunk a claim. By eliminating the reasonable, we are either left with nothing or something that can’t be explained, thus beyond normal logic or in other words “paranormal”.
In two years we have conducted 31 fascinating investigations. For everyone who isn’t part of a paranormal group, that is quite a bit. Since we do this on our own dime and are all volunteers, this can be very time consuming. We all have a passion and love for investigating and that is what drives us. So many opportunities are coming up in the near future and it makes me proud to say that I’m a member of one of the best paranormal investigating teams in the United States. I’m looking forward to a great event at the Gilbert Historical Museum this Saturday. Halloween is one of my favorite times of year.
We had a great paranormal investigation this past Saturday night at Gilbert Historical Museum in Gilbert, AZ. A crew from L.A. was here filming to pitch us to production companies for a show. By the end of the night we all were exhausted, but the slap happy humor was at it’s peak. The great thing about us all getting together is that there is no lack of me being made fun of, their great “Fearless Leader”. It’s all in good fun. Well, that’s what they tell me at least. Our investigation workload and upcoming events has me a little stressed; 6 investigations, a photoshoot, and a major event all in the next 1 1/2 months. I’m waiting impatiently right now to hear back from our case manager on another paranormal investigation for October in Las Vegas. I hoping to be the new ghost hunters from Arizona on a network before long. Everyone keep their fingers crossed! Until my next rant, have fun!
