Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Event: HauntME @ McArthur Library TONIGHT!

WHAT: Haunt ME at the McArthur Library After Dark!
WHEN: TONIGHT! Weds, October 30, 2013 @ 6:00-8:00
WHERE: McArthur Public Library, 270 Main Street, Biddeford, ME
COST: Free and open to the public
FMI: (207)284-4181 http://www.mcarthurpubliclibrary.org/ or http://haunt-me.com/

Join Haunt ME at the McArthur Library in Biddeford for a special early premiere of our Season 2 episode, in which we investigate the historic library to see what spirits may be lurking amongst the shelves and reading rooms! Episode will be followed by a Q&A session with the Haunt ME team. Come meet the ghost hunters and see what they've found! A perfect way to spend a spooky pre-Halloween evening...

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

By golly, ONE MORE Halloween 2013 event!

WHAT: Shoestring Theater Annual Halloween Parade
WHEN: helpers @5:30, folks already in costume & bystanders 6:00 sharp!!!
WHERE: 155 Brackett Street, Portland, Maine
COST: Free and open to the public!
FMI: http://www.shoestringtheater.org/

Every year the residents of Portland's West End neighborhood are treated to a wild hootenanny of marching masked revelers as the Shoestring Theater's annual parade makes its winding way from its homebase at 155 Brackett Street (in the parking lot beside Fresh Approach Market) into the wilds and sidestreets of the West.

As the sun sets, the hooligans and neighbors gather. As the dark sets in, the drums start to rattle, horns trumpet out, and howls and happy yells echo from between the old houses and trees. Trick or treaters gape and interrupt their candy gathering to stare (though only briefly). Stiltwalkers strut, tricycles and wagons are welcome, and everyone should come ready for some freeform Halloween fun!!!

I talked to Nance Parker (well, our voicemails talked to eachother, haha), and she said, "Yes, the parade is on!" Every year the theater has to apply for a permit for a police escort to do the parade properly and safely.

One thing Nance wanted to make sure you all know is that "we really need people to help MAKE the parade!" In other words, if you can go early and help them organize everyone into their spots and help with handing out costume parts and instruments, and help escort everyone in the group, or assist in working some of the parade's bigger creations as the parade moves through the neighborhood, Nance says, "We would so dearly appreciate it!"

If you want to help out, come along a little early, at 5:30pm, and get everyone ready for the 6:00 departure en masse! It's a really good time no matter what you're doing.

Wondering what the parade is like? It's crazy wonderful! But check it out, starting with early preparation and going through the march itself in this great video from 2009:

Shoestring Theater's Annual Halloween Parade from Aaron Woodbury on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/26551588

For an example of what the parade sounds like, there is a video from the 2007 parade that has a live soundtrack recorded on site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6aXC1wy3NA

One last Halloween 2013 event!

Fans of Maine supernatural lore know that there are a few classic Maine ghost story books that are staples in any Mainer's library. One of those is the perennial Maine Ghosts and Legends by Thomas Verde. Well guess what? The author is re-releasing the book in time for Halloween, and is making an appearance here in Portland at Longfellow Books, TOMORROW NIGHT! Fans of the original book may want to pick a new copy up -- my old edition has 126 pages, while the new 2nd edition counts in at 160 pages, and the prior edition had 26 stories, while this one features a total of 30 tales! This means there is some new material in this edition, and maybe even some updates to the old stories (pure optimistic speculation!!!).

WHAT: Maine Ghosts & Legends by Thomas Verde
WHEN: Wednesday, October 30th @ 7:00pm
WHERE: Longfellow Books, One Monument Way, Portland, ME
COST: Free and open to the public
FMI: (207)772-4045 http://longfellow.indiebound.com/event/thomas-verde-maine-ghosts-legends-longfellow-books

Maine has a rich supernatural history and ghost stories from the state are as varied as they are prolific. Freelance writer and reporter Tom Verde first became interested in such eerie occurrences while researching first-hand encounters with ghosts for a series of public radio programs.

•The dagger-wielding shade who terrorized a Portland couple
•The murdered Indian who revisited Means’s Tavern
•Famed diva Lillian Nordica, whose voice still echoes through the Farmington auditorium named in her honor
•The hostile spirit who tried to frighten the tenants out of an Orrington house
•Even an entire phantom ship, bound eternally for Freeport

These are not fictitious creations of literary imagination. People from all walks of life—including many who were positive they would never believe in ghosts—attest to these encounters.

Join us for a spooky pre-Halloween evening reading of Maine ghost stories with author Thomas Verde! As always, Longfellow Books events are free and open to the public.

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If you are wondering which three classic Maine ghost books I'm speaking of, they are:

Ghosts on the Coast of Maine by Carol Olivieri Schulte
The Supernatural Side of Maine by C.J. Stevens
and of course Verde's Maine Ghosts and Legends: 26 Encounters with the Supernatural!

There are other books written more recently, but these 3 are the triumvirate I have had on hand for years and years. [NOTE: Quite frankly, I especially do not recommend Stansfield's Haunted Maine, unless you want to read a book by someone from away who embellished and misappropriated existing stories, some of which are not based in Maine at all, although he says they were. Take your chances with him as you wish, purely for entertainment value, but know that he wrote many of the tales with liberal misdirection.]


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Halloween 2013: Round #2!

WHAT: The Improvised Puppet Project presents: Puppets & Poe!
WHEN: Sunday, October 27, 2013 @ 6:00pm
WHERE: Acorn Theater, 90 Bridge St Westbrook, ME
COST: $10 per person, all ages
FMI: (207) 854-0065 or www.acorn-productions.org

New Hampshire's Stranger Than Fiction Improv and Comedy joins the Improvised Puppet Project for a two-in-one night of improvised horror!

Edgar Allan Bingoe
Officially Edgar Allen Poe only wrote one novel, but the cast of Stranger Than Fiction will reveal a previously unknown work, perhaps the strangest, darkest, and funniest work of his career. On a dark and stormy night, detective E. Francois Roget is mysteriously called to the crumbling House of Forsythe to deal with a terrible unknown calamity. But what is the calamity? There are so many!

Puppets of Terror
The usually charming and harmless puppets of the IPP show their dark side in this improvised tale of terror. Tell us what scares you -- if you dare! -- and we'll spin you a story that will haunt your Halloween!

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WHAT: Mysterious Destinations: Midnight Explore at Winter Street Center
WHEN: Oct. 26 from 9:00pm - 12:00 midnight
WHERE: Winter Street Center, Bath, ME
COST: $35, by reservation only. Call (207)380-4677 or email mysteriousdestinations@gmail.com
FMI: mysteriousdestinations.com

Join the Mysterious Destinations team for a Midnight Explore at the haunted Winter Street Center in Bath. Two floors of documented paranormal activity will offer plenty of chances for new evidence to be found by YOU, after a brief training about paranormal detection equipment, how to use it, and the history of the building.

Mysterious Destinations will provide a variety of equipment for guests, though participants are also encouraged to bring their own gear, with cameras and flashlights recommended. The price for the Midnight Explore is only $35 per person with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Winter Street Center. Hot coffee, bottled water and light refreshments will be provided. By reservation only, 207-380-4677, mysteriousdestinations@gmail.com.

A “Haunted Combo” is an additional option which includes a Red Cloak Haunted History Walking Tour of Bath before the Midnight Explore, only an extra $10 if you do both. For more information on the Bath walking tours, go to redcloakhauntedhistorytours.com

PLUS!!! ....

WHAT: Mysterious Destinations: Overnight with Myrtle
WHEN: 5:00pm October 26 to 11:00am October 27, 2013
WHERE: The Tipsy Butler B&B and the Newcastle Publick House, Newcastle, ME
COST: Call (207)380-4677 to inquire
FMI: mysteriousdestinations.com

Only 1 room left!!

How often do you get to spend the night at a haunted house with a history of paranormal activity? How often would you be able to do this during Halloween season? And, how often would you be able to join the adventure and use specialized equipment to document any paranormal activity? Join Mysterious Destinations at the Tipsy Butler B&B and the Newcastle Publick House, both haunted by Myrtle! Includes dinner and breakfast. By reservation only.

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WHAT: Longfellow's Haunted House: An Evening Based on the Poem Haunted Houses
WHEN: October 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, tours from 6:00-7:30pm
WHERE:
COST: $10 per person, by reservation only. Please call (207)774-1822 x212 to buy tickets.
FMI: http://www.mainehistory.org/programs_events.shtml#October

Don't miss this unique evening tour of the Longfellow House in the week leading up to Halloween! Based on Longfellow's poem, "Haunted Houses" -- "All houses wherein men have lived and died / Are haunted houses" -- the 90-minute tour will be led by seasoned guide James Horrigan. It will bring to life the various family members that died in the Wadsworth-Longfellow over its long history.

There are only five tour evenings: October 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, from 6-7:30 PM. RSVPs are required and each tour is limited to 12. Admission fee of $10 pp is payable at the door. To reserve a spot, call 207-774-1822 ext. 212.

Don't miss this unique evening tour of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House in the week leading up to Halloween! Based on Longfellow's poem, Haunted Houses -- "All houses wherein men have lived and died are haunted houses" -- the 90-minute tour will be led by seasoned guide James Horrigan. It will highlight the various family members that died in the house over its long history. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Tour times, admission, and details online.

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WHAT: Walk Among the Shadows IV: Souls at Sea
WHEN: October 24-26 & 30-31, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, and Sunday, October 27, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
WHERE: Eastern Cemetery gates, 224 Congress Street, Portland, ME
COST: $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under
FMI: http://www.spiritsalive.org/

Hear tales of long-dead residents inside the oldest resting place in Portland. Yes, folks, it's back! Walk Among the Shadows allows the brave to travel Funeral Lane at night.

Led by hooded specters, the strong of heart will hear ghosts of the past tell their eerie Civil War-time tales among the dimly lit ancient stones. Fun for the whole family! Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children 12 and under. There are no presales, so arrive early to find a parking space and get a chance to enter the gates with a group.

How does it work?

+ Dress warmly!
+ Meet at the Congress Street gate
+ The line begins to form by 6:15pm each night so the first group is ready to go through at 6:30pm
+ First-come, first-served!
+ The event is not scary and is appropriate for children of all ages
+ Groups will proceed into the site every 15 minutes led by a silent specter; groups of about 12 will go through; prepare to wait in line on busy nights!
+ Tickets are $10, children under 12 are $5
+ Tours last about 45 minutes to 1 hour
+ Wear appropriate layers and footwear — it gets chilly when the sun goes down, and you'll be trekking down Funeral Lane, a dirt pathway
+ Tours may be canceled because of rain or snow(!)
+ Our specters, gate helpers, organizers, and actors (everyone, that is) are all volunteers! Half of all proceeds raised go to Spirits Alive to help them maintain, improve, and preserve the Eastern Cemetery and the other half go to Acorn Productions, a non-profit performing arts group.

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WHAT: Wicked Walking Tours
WHEN: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8:00pm, Sundays @ 7:00pm, PLUS Weds & Thurs, Oct 30 & 31, special 8:00pm tour time!
WHERE: 72 Commercial Street, Portland, ME at Bell Buoy Park.
COST: $15, reservations required. Call ShowClix at (888)718-4253 or visit http://www.showclix.com/events/13108
FMI: wickedwalkingtours.com or (207)730-0490

Learn about Portland's dark legends and ghostly tales during a twisted tour through the Old Port.

WHEN: 8 p.m. today to Saturday and Tuesday to Oct. 29; 7 p.m. Oct. 30; 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

Meet at Bell Buoy Park near Casco Bay Lines, Portland. Look for your guide, who will be carrying a lantern -- there is no sign in the park. The park is between the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal and Ri-Ra/Flatbread restaurants.

The tour's length is LESS than half a mile. A 90-year-old grandmother with a bad leg and a cane walked the tour, and so can you! Tour ending times vary, based on size of group. Tour is suitable for all ages.

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WHAT: Junkins Haunted Estate
WHEN: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights October 25-27, and Weds & Thurs October 30-31. Doors open @6:30pm
WHERE: 87 Wilson Road, Kittery, ME
COST: Free admission (donations graciously accepted)
FMI: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Junkins-Haunted-Estate/311374879698 or email hauntedestate@aol.com

Once again, the Junkins Haunted Estate gates again swing wide open to the swamp!! At 6:30pm, meet your creepy hosts! The screaming goes on until about 9:00, weather permitting.

There will be a kid-friendly special hour for the little ones on October 30th at 5:00pm.

Families are welcome and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Over two acres of Halloween decorations grace the estate grounds. But don’t let the friendly spook decorations that you see from the safety of your car fool you. If you want any candy, it’s up to you to travel a quarter mile through the haunted swamp! Follow the luminaries towards the woods, and cross the bridge into the swamp. Darkness will surround you and the cold swamp air will chill you to your bones! Oh, and by the way... they WILL be waiting for you!

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WHAT: Haunted Campground
WHEN: October 25 and 26, 5:00-9:00pm, with an "adults only" Rocky Horror showing on the 25th at 9:30pm
WHERE: 620 Commercial St., Rockport, ME
COST: $10 per adult, $5 each for kids under 12 years old
FMI: https://www.facebook.com/events/1411665962390607/

Megunticook hosts their first annual Haunted Campground this year!

Haunted hayride...Haunted Village...Costume Contests....And an outdoor viewing of Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Its sure to be a ghoulish good time! Get ready to scream!!!

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WHAT: Ghostly Bangor walking tour
WHEN: Thurs Oct 24, Sat Oct 26, Mon Oct 28, Wed Oct 30, 2013. Tours start at 7:00pm
WHERE: Meets at the Thomas A. Hill House at 159 Union Street, Bangor, ME
COST: $10 adult non-BMHC-members, $8 BMHC members, $5 children under 12 years, those under 5 years old are FREE!
FMI: http://www.bangormuseum.org/tours.html

Tickets can be purchased here: https://visitbangormaine.com/store/index.php?product_id=65&type=&category=

Prepare for the paranormal! Follow a winding path through haunted Bangor and stop at several sites to hear tales of ghostly activity on this special tour. You may even see a spectre or two who will tell their tales of tragedy and explain why the haunting still occurs. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, one thing is for certain - some former residents of Bangor are still around, trapped here either by their own will or circumstance and have something to say to the living. Bring a friend or come alone...if you dare!

Please dress accordingly (warmly!!!) and wear comfortable walking shoes.

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WHAT: Mount Hope at Twilight walking tour
WHEN: Friday, October 25: tour starts at 5:00pm.
WHERE: Tours meet at the Mt Hope Superintendent's Office at 1048 State Street
COST: $10 adult non-BMHC-members, $5 children under 12 years, BMHC members & those under 5 years old are FREE!
FMI: http://www.bangormuseum.org/tours.html

Buy tickets here: https://visitbangormaine.com/store/index.php?product_id=67&type=&category=

Take a most unusual tour of the second oldest Garden Cemetery in the country and meet some of the lesser known residents. See the sights you would not get to see on just any given day. Hear the tales of the lost, forgotten, and murdered in Bangor's history. Walk the faint trails of the Public Grounds area, see the gravesite of Bangor's first murder victim, and listen to the tales of the city's unwanted and unknown found in Stranger's Row. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

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WHAT: The Raven, Ghouls and Renewal: Pagan Poems & Stories for Halloween
WHEN: Sunday, October 27 @ 7:30pm
WHERE: Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland
COST: $7 per person, $4 each for students and seniors
FMI: (207)233-4965

Join the Poets Theater of Maine and channel the Pagan spirit of Samhain for a night of Halloween stories and dramatic performances.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Halloween 2013: Round #1!

WHAT: The Ghosts of Smuttynose, haunted-house-style performance
WHEN: Friday, October 18, 2013 from 5:30-8:00pm
WHERE: Jeffereds Tavern, Museums of Olde York, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME
COST: $5 per person
FMI: Call (207)363-1040 or visit http://www.oldyork.org

York Parks and Recreation present "The Ghosts of Smuttynose," featuring witches, a haunted schoolhouse, folklore and the infamous Smuttynose murders!

Returning for a second year "The Ghosts of Smuttynose" has added new thrills and an expanded site to thrill and scare people of all ages. The haunted-house style performance of Maine's most famous murder will return in Jefferds Tavern alongside an expanded site that includes a haunted schoolhouse, scary true stories told in the town cemetery, a smoking witches cauldron complete with hags of yore and ghost stories, ghouls, folklore and the truth behind some of the witch's secrets.

Presented by the York Park and Recreation Department in conjunction with the Museums of Olde York, this event will kick off the haunting season in grand style.

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WHAT: Tales of Terror at Victoria Mansion!
WHEN: Friday, October 18, 2013 - two shows: 6:00pm and 8:00pm (both for teens and adults), and Saturday, October 19 at 6:00pm (for kids 10 & under) & 8:00pm (teens and adults).
WHERE: Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth Street, Portland, Maine
COST: Adults $22, Museum Members $15, 17 years old & younger $10. Please purchase tickets at link below:
FMI: http://victoriamansion.org/events_rentals/events.aspx or call (207)772-4841

Storyteller Lynne Cullen will tell two unsettling stories by two great writers of Victorian horror fiction: 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) and 'The Judge's House' by Bram Stoker (1847-1912). To link the tales, she will play haunting airs on the concertina. This is Lynne's seventh 'Tales of Terror' at Victoria Mansion.
Having been thoroughly horrified, visitors can then take a self-guided tour of the Mansion, with lights dimmed to gaslight levels. Ghostly guides will materialize to answer any questions about the house.

Space is limited. Reserving your ticket is strongly recommended (by calling phone number or via link given above).

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WHAT: "Nightmares," an evening of terrifying tales
WHEN: Monday, October 21, 7:00-9:00pm
WHERE: Bull Feeney's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 375 Fore Street, Portland, Maine
FMI: www.lynnecullen.com

To celebrate Halloween, Seanachie Nights regulars (Lynne Cullen and Kurt Kish) and three storytellers from MOOSE (Maine Organization of Storytelling Enthusiasts: Jean Armstrong, Susan Dries, and Bill Hinderer) bring you frightening tales of the supernatural from around the world.

Bill Hinderer is a father, husband, professional cook, veteran, and storyteller who was raised in a family full of tales. He also tells stories based on his experiences in the Vietnam War.

Jean Armstrong is a speech pathologist, storyteller, and founding member of MOOSE, who knows a lot of spooky folktales. For more information, please visit www.jeanarmstrong.com

Susan Dries has been telling ghost stories for over 30 years. Her dry wit and laconic style make the unbelievable believable.

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If you don't want to drive to Massachusetts or New Hampshire for a haunt attraction, Maine has its own haunts that will scare your socks off!

WHAT: Destination Haunt outdoor haunt attraction
WHEN: Evenings, Thursday-Sunday, through Nov. 2nd, 2013
WHERE: 249 Lord Rd, Lebanon, Maine
COST: Varies. See http://www.destinationhaunt.com/pricing.htm
FMI: (207)351-5171 or email destinationhaunt[at]gmail.com or visit http://www.destinationhaunt.com/

4 Attractions In One!!!

1) Twilight Trail
2) Buried Alive Cemetery
3) Execution Center
4) Lebanon Laboratory

If we told you more, you'd be too scared to go. :D

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WHAT: Fright at the Fort!
WHEN: October 19th & 20th and 26th & 27th, (Fridays and Saturdays), 5:30 to 9:00pm,
NOTE: THIS EVENT ENDS AT 9:00 EACH NIGHT, PLEASE ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 8:30 P.M.
WHERE: 711 Fort Knox Road, Prospect, ME
COST: $10 per person
FMI: (207)469-6553

Visitors are led through the dark passageways of Fort Knox where indescribable things lurk in the shadows, creating screams of fright.

October 18th, Crew Night (begins at 5:30 PM), groups of four or more will receive a free pumpkin (while they last). Be the first this century to experience the black plague!

On October 19th, Ghostport activities will be going on all day across the river in Bucksport. A radio simulcast fireworks display (rain date 10/26) can be viewed from Bucksport at 9:30pm. The display will be sponsored by the Friends of Fort Knox, Atlas Fireworks and radio station WKIT. WKIT will be broadcasting and Atlas will be timing the fireworks to music. Top off the evening with a showing of American Werewolf in London at Bucksport's Alamo Theatre at 10:00pm.

October 25th, Beat the last night crowds night...

October 26th, Come in costume and get a jump on Halloween. Random prizes will be awarded...for no better reason than...we like your outfit!!

The event takes place, rain or shine! Proceeds from Fright support Friends of Fort Knox preservation efforts.

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WHAT: The Gauntlet Haunted Night Ride
WHEN: 7:00-11:00pm Fridays and Saturdays through October 2013, plus Thurs 10/31 -- Halloween Night!!!
WHERE: Rte. 26, 125 Pigeon Hill Rd, Mechanic Falls, ME
COST: $15 per person
FMI: http://www.harvesthillfarms.com/Gauntlet.html or call (207)998-3259

If you are fortunate enough to survive the new twists and turns of the Gauntlet, don't be looking forward to end the Nightride with a well lit walk back to the safety of the farm...not a chance...just when you think its over..it's not. The end of the ride is the beginning of the next nightmare as you find yourself abandoned in the dark of the night and have to find your way through THE HAUNTED NIGHT MAZE!

Don't confuse the Haunted Night Maze with our Big Corn Maze Adventure...they are two separate and definitely not equal mazes. One is for fun and adventure and one is for gut wrenching fear.

If your looking for an evening of haunting fun and adventure,then reserve your spot any Friday or Saturday night through the end of October online at www.harvesthillfarms.com and click on the ticket icon on our Gauntlet web page. May the spirits be with you!

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

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WHAT: 7th Annual Haunting at ParSem! "A Grim Night at Par Sem"
WHEN: Fridays and Saturdays, Oct 18-19th, & Oct 25-26th 6:30-9:30pm
WHERE: Parsonsfield Seminary, 504 North Road, Parsonsfield, ME
COST: $10 per person, 12 years old & under $5.00 each
FMI: (603)539-7910 or (603)539-5233 or (207)793-8825 http://www.parsonsfieldseminary.org/

Visit and partake in our version of Grimm's Fairy Tales, Aesops's Fables, and Mother Goose's Evening School in our 42-room building and historic campus! The only question is -- are the haunters actors, or are they... the usual unearthly evening residents of the campus...? You'll have to decide for yourself!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

New Gazette is out! Plus an MGH event!

Holy moley, it's been about a million years since I updated the blog. I do apologize! I have a couple of pieces of news that I thought you all might be interested in.

First, I have a new issue of the Strange Maine Gazette out! All the dropoff locations listed on the sidebar of the blog site should have their copies within the next day or two, or if they're in Portland, they already have them now. Subscribers should also see their copies arriving in the mail, hopefully by the end of the week. Hooray!!! Now I just have to do two more issues by the end of the year and I'll be back on schedule.

The second item of interest is an upcoming Maine Ghost Hunters event which is being run as a benefit fundraiser from which ALL PROCEEDS will go to the "Lungs for Shawn" Foundation. Shawn is a young man living in Augusta, Maine who is in desperate need of a double lung transplant. The surgery itself will cost in excess of $600,000. MGH is aiming high to raise as much as we can on Shawn's behalf. Shawn needs us now more than ever, as his surgery is quite an imminent concern.

For more details see the full listing:
http://www.meetup.com/MaineGhostHunters/events/136253442/
When: Saturday, October 19, 2013 6:00 PM
Where: Mill Agent's House, 7 Priest Hill Road, Vassalboro, ME 04989
Price: $40.00 per person
-or-
Save $10 with the EARLY SIGN UP DISCOUNT (all persons who signed up already will be refunded the difference).
Tickets are $30.00 per person if you sign up by 11:59pm on Sunday October 13, 2013.