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...

Wood Island lighthouse ghost tour!

This photo is the earliest known photo of Wood Island (c. 1858).
 Source: http://www.woodislandlighthouse.org

Join author and paranormal investigator Ron Kolek and members of the New England Ghost Project for an overnight investigation of Wood Island Lighthouse, Biddeford, on Saturday, Sept. 11th, 2010.

Ghost Hunt at Wood Island Lighthouse with the New England Ghost Project
http://neghostproject.com/
September 11th-12th

Have you ever wanted to go on a ghost hunt? Now is your chance! On the night of September 11th and the morning or the 12th, join author, radio personality and paranormal investigator Ron Kolek and members of the New England Ghost Project for an overnight investigation of Wood Island Lighthouse. This lighthouse was featured in their book Ghost Chronicles and has a history of unusual occurrences.

Former keepers, Coast Guard personnel and others have witnessed strange events associated with the island and lighthouse. In 1896, a tragic murder-suicide took place on the island. Do their spirits still inhabit the island? Or is it that of a former lighthouse keeper? Or is it something more sinister?

Join Ron and the rest of the NEGP crew for an unbelievable night as they attempt to unravel the mystery of Wood Island. The price of this overnight investigation is only $100. The Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse will be providing free transportation to the island. (All funds will be donated to the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse for preservation of the facility).

Do you have what it takes to become a ghost hunter?
Sign up and find out! CALL 207-468-8057

In addition, the New England Ghost Project will be offering two tours of the lighthouse on Saturday, September 11th, at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The cost will be $20/person. FOWIL will be providing free transportation. Reservations are required. Call our reservation line 207-286-3229

Readers may also be interested in "Maine Open Lighthouse Day," September 18th, 2010, when FOWIL will once again be participating in the 2nd annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day. Weather permitting, FOWIL will host tours of Wood Island Lighthouse. This event is sponsored by the State of Maine, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the American Lighthouse Foundation. Reservations are required and may be made after October 1st by calling the reservation line at 207-286-3229.

For information about the other Maine lighthouses participating in this event, go to http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/sightseeing_tours/lighthouse/lighthouse-day/

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The New England Ghost Project (http://neghostproject.com/) is based out of Dracut, Massachusetts. This paranormal investigation group is led by Ron Kolek, their Executive Director/Lead Investigator. According to their website:

Ron Kolek is the founder and lead investigator of The New England Ghost Project. With a degree in Environmental Science, he was the ultimate skeptic. However, a near death experience changed all that. No longer blinded by his skepticism, he now uses scientific background to seek the truth about the paranormal. In addition to hosting Ghost Chronicles on Ghostvillage Radio and ITunes, he hosts a weekly internet radio show on Toginet.com, and writes monthly paranormal newspaper columns in The Stateline Review and Food and Spirits.

[Source: http://neghostproject.com/team.htm]

The group also releases two regular podcast series: Ghost Chronicles and Ghost Chronicles International.

A lady he is not!

From the Portland Press Herald, page 8, March 20, 1951:

History From Our Files
100 Years Ago Today

We are Informed that a number of boarding houses of the Laconia Company in Biddeford have been entered recently and the trunks of the boarders broken open and rifled of the money they contained. It is thought the thief was a man disguised in female apparel. The losses are females who have labored hard in the mills.

Clandestine plate purchase!

How can you NOT read something that starts with a paragraph like this?

The deal went down in a Wendy's parking lot in Biddeford, Maine, nearly eight years ago. Huddled between a Subaru station wagon and a 1961 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, two men made a seemingly lopsided exchange: One left with $40,000, the other with an old license plate.

[Source]

The New Hampshire License Plate Museum has a nice selection of antique Maine license plates in their online display, for those of you curious about what they used to look like in the early 1900s. Click here to see some of their Maine plates. Likewise, the Plate Shack has a detailed rundown of more recent plates (boy I miss the old black and white ones).

Police blotter bonanza

I wound up with a copy of the Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier from January 18, 2007, after working on the Emptyhouse Film zombie movie "2" (the Courier had run an article about the production). I was getting ready to dispose of the rest of the issue when I noticed they have a great blotter on page 25, "Police Notes." This is some priceless stuff! The staff is to be commended for their excellent efforts in titling each item of interest.

For your enjoyment, I will transcribe the best of the bunch.

Police Notes
Biddeford
Lost laundry
Police received a call about a basket of laundry in the roadway. The caller said he picked up the laundry and moved it to the McDonald's parking lot. Officers were unable to locate the laundry.

Not a bank robber
Police responded to a call about a man that was pacing in front of the Biddeford Savings Bank for more than 10 minutes. Police approached the subject and learned he was simply waiting for a bus.
[I wonder if they offered him a ride? --M]

They're all going to laugh at you
A woman called police and claimed harassment after she alleged that a group of people were laughing at her at Common Connection.

Saco
Big money
A vehicle on Ura Street was burglarized. The owners reported $1 worth of items stolen.

Bah Humbug
The baby Jesus in a nativity scene in front of Notre Dame Church was stolen. It was valued at $100.
[Maybe it was time for him to move on? --M]

Darn teenagers
A 13-year-old girl was reported as a runaway shortly before being recovered in front of city hall on Main Street.

For those who, like myself on slow nights, enjoy the mild entertainment factor of unambitious crimes and confused call-ins about suspicious activity, the Courier has kindly made available the text files of their issues online, which you can search for Police Notes, and come up with a bumper crop of your own reading material. Here's the link:
Search the Courier for more Police Notes material!

The latest addition, as of the writing of this post, was from August 21st, and included such fabulous items as:

NIGHT SWIMMERS

Police took a report of people swimming in a resident’s pool at 2:30 a.m. The caller reported at the time they thought it may have been an animal that made a splash in the pool, but upon waking they found a table broken by a person who stepped on it.
[What?!! --M]

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES?

A person called police to report area juveniles had thrown apples at her vehicle. When police spoke with the woman, she said she was angry and admitted to making up the story about her vehicle being struck by the apples.

What are you waiting for?! Go read more!

Cryptozoology, murder, and more!

Well, it's been a great week in Strange Maine land, with some stand-out talks by local experts, from historical mill girl murders to monsters in our midst!

First we had Loren Coleman giving a great presentation at both the Belfast Library (Monday, read a terrific article about it on Cryptomundo) and the Portland Public Library (Wednesday), which resulted in an article on the Portland Phoenix's website, titled "Have You Ever Seen the Maine Mutant?"

I had the great pleasure of introducing Loren to the noontime crowd which attended the Portland Public Library talk. He gave a terrific overview of the current state of the cryptozoological field, as well as filling in the history for those curious souls in the audience who have yet to explore that field. His presentation include a wealth of pop-culture artifact examples, and plenty of intriguing slide imagery not often seen by the public. I was curious to find out what he viewed as being the most important Maine cryptid sightings. On his list are, among others, the sightings of the Casco Bay sea serpent, a.k.a. Cassie, and the Specter Moose, which I and others have pondered over the last couple of years.

Read more about the Specter Moose:

The original Specter Moose post

Cryptomundo article about Coleman's article about the moose in TAPS Paramagazine

Alex at the Museum of Hoaxes has dug up the actual newspaper articles about the moose

Second, Elizabeth De Wolfe gave a lively talk about her recent book, The Murder of Mary Bean and Other Stories, which is also the topic of a current exhibit at the Saco Museum put together by a very talented group. De Wolfe read and illustrated excerpts from the book, summarizing the sensational case, and enthusiastically answered a round of detailed questions in the intense question and answer session held following the reading. Great stuff!

The Saco Museum exhibit is titled Murder, Mystery & the Mills: The Story of Mary Bean, and it is open from Feb. 28 - May 25, 2008. We strongly recommend you both read the book and see the exhibit! The hours of the museum are Tue., Wed., Fri. Sat: 12 - 4 p.m., and Thur.: 12 - 8 p.m. Admission varies for adults ($4), seniors ($3), students/children ($2), but best of all, supervised children under 6 are FREE, and there is universal Free Admission on Thursdays from 4 - 8 p.m.

Amtrak catches fraudulent "officer"

End of the line for bogus trooper
Police say a man rode trains free, claiming to be a state police officer.
Associated Press
February 5, 2008

BIDDEFORD — State police have charged a man who they say got free train rides on Amtrak's Downeaster by impersonating a trooper.

Paul Rumery, 32, of Biddeford told Amtrak personnel that he was a state police sergeant and needed to ride from Saco to Boston for official business, authorities said.

The ploy worked four or five times starting in November, until Rumery was stopped last weekend by a real trooper outside the Saco train station, said Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Public Safety Department.

Rumery got the free rides by telling Amtrak ticketing agents that he was a state trooper riding the Downeaster to look for trouble spots along the route, McCausland said. Real troopers don't accept free rides, he added.

A search of Rumery's vehicle and his apartment turned up no police paraphernalia such as fake identification or badges, McCausland said. Rumery, a truck driver who works for Labbe Construction of Arundel, has never been a law enforcement officer.

He was free on $300 bail after being charged with impersonating a public servant and theft of service. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on March 5.

[Source]

Zombies Invade Biddeford!

Anyone who was in downtown Biddeford on Saturday night may have been alarmed to see small groups of zombies staggering down the street. Thankfully they were not ripping limbs from innocent pedestrians or causing carnage. They were on their way to the City Theatre for the premiere of the new zombie movie, "2", produced by local filmmakers,Emptyhouse Film.

For those who missed the event, here are some photos from the night, including some of the entrants in the zombie costume contest. Those who bemoan the lack of blood should keep in mind that contestants were asked not to douse themselves in blood, as it would not be a good idea to ruin the seats in the theatre.zombie poster art
Andy Davis on the mic
zombie Mr. T. pities the undead fool
zombie couples compete to be the best undead
some of the contestants in the zombie contest
all photos (c) Chris Wallace

more photos from the premiere of "2"

"2" was shot in Biddeford earlier this year involving a cast of more than 100 zombies, who gladly braved the frigid February temperatures to give their best impression of carnivorous stumbling death.

If you'd like to see behind the scenes photos of the making of "2", including makeup, zombie attacks, and lots of blood, here are some links.

photos from the zombie casting call and several days of filming

even more photos from filming

EVENT: Maine Zombie Film "2" Premiere 10/27

For those who have been following the saga of the Maine-filmed zombie movie, "2", or indeed those who are just hearing about it now, the wait is finally over!

To read more about the history of the film, see:

Post about the Fangoria article

"2" music video and trailer

Photos and stories about the filming

The fire that plagued the filming

Photos of the original zombie casting call

On Saturday, October 27th from 6:30 pm- 10:00 pm, the zombie film "2" will have it's world premiere at the City Theater in Biddeford, Maine. The event is open to the general public. Admission is $15/Adults and $10/Students and Senior Citizens.

"2" was filmed earlier this year at various Biddeford locations, including the Riverdam Millyard, Main Street, and the 3-D's Variety Store. Over 200 zombie extras helped create the eerie atmosphere of the film. "We were really surprised how many people from all walks of life came out to be zombies in our film, all the community support we received was amazing. We're very thankful", said Executive Producer John Lane.

On October 27th, the film will be shown in its entirety. The filmmakers will speak before and after the film. Those attending are asked to come dressed as "Zombies" for the pre-movie "Zombie Fashion Show". Prizes will be given for a variety of themes including "Best Zombie" "Best Zombie Couple" and more. "You don't have to come as a zombie, but when are you going to get another chance to come to a film's premiere as a zombie? We really want to make a night of it", said Producer Olin Smith.

"2" stars C. James Roberts and Molly W.B. Roberts as two survivors of a bio-terrorist attack that has turned everyone around them into Zombies. "2" is a feature-length film produced by Olin Smith of Motion Media, Executive Produced by John Lane of John Lane Films, and co-written and directed by Andy Davis of Emptyhouse Film. Music for the film was created by Portland band COVERED IN BEES. The film contains strong graphic content, adult themes and discretion is advised.

For ticket information, please call the Biddeford City Theater at: (207) 282-0849

A commercial for the event can be viewed here.
For information on "2" go to Emptyhouse Film's site.
For information on the Biddeford City Theater, visit their home page.
Email any questions to: emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com

A limited number of press tickets are available for the screening. Footage and stills are also available to the press. The film's stars and crew are available for interviews. Please contact emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com for more information.

NOTE TO ZOMBIES: DUE TO THE POTENTIAL STAINING OF FABRIC in the theatre, PLEASE DO NOT COVER YOURSELF IN FAKE BLOOD FOR THE EVENT.
-----------------------

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Doors open at 6:30 pm

Zombie Contest begins at 7:00 pm

Filmmakers speak at 7:45 pm

Film starts at 8:00 pm

Filmmakers speak at 9:30 pm


BE THERE!!!

Zombees in Action!

Well, while the rest of us who worked on the Emptyhouse Film movie "2" this February have been going into zombie withdrawal, Andy Davis has been working hard and getting some preliminary work done, including the Covered in Bees' video for their song "Zombees," which is being used on the soundtrack.

But that's not all... over twenty-three hours of footage now has to be cut down into ninety minutes. "The editing process is where we really tell the story that we caught on film. The footage really shines. We really achieved what we set out to create," said Executive Producer John Lane.

To sum up that 23+ hours, which came out of 12 days of production filming, you will want to take into account over five gallons of blood, hundreds of zombie extras, cases of makeup, frigid temperatures, and a fire.

"In the end, 2 has taken on a life of its own, and that's what I like to see with all of our films," said Co-Writer/Director
Andy Davis.

The music video for the song "Zombees" was shot during the production of the movie and can be found at the following link. While you're there, check out the other extras from the filming, including a teaser and some fine footage of zombies singing the National Anthem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5VwvwWO4oM

Photo by Michelle Souliere 2007.

Thank goodness for zombies!

Well, I've gotta say that getting Friday off from work and going down to Biddeford to slave myself to the zombie masters of Emptyhouse Films was about the best thing I've done yet this year. I've put up a ton of behind-the-scenes photos here on my Flickr.com site. Go now, and feast your eyes on this magnificent horror!


I spent about 6 hours doing makeup, putting white Mehron liquid base foundation on I'd guess around 20 zombies (I seriously lost count). My job was to make sure no sign of living flesh remained -- not an ear, not a neck, not a face, not a hand, certainly not an arm, and not even cleavage. It was a really interesting and gruelling experience. Ross and Kristina did all the fancy stuff -- he put on latex and flesh wounds and basic toning, while she finessed everything and added final shading, blending, and other effects. They kept up with the demanding pace and really worked their fingers to the bone. Bob Dipitriantonio did his own makeup on the remaining segment of the zombies, applying facial appliances to them and generally making some really gross messes out of their formerly pleasing faces. Yech!


Chris Wallace was there all day Saturday when 80+ zombies were rampaging about. She took a ton of great photos and posted many of them on her Flickr.com site as well. Many thanks to Andy Davis and Olin and all the rest of the Emptyhouse Film crowd for fostering such an open and accessible filming experience, and to all the actors and crew who really made the days come together as a whole with all their hard work, even in the most FRIGID of temperatures!


Ross Kearney lets us know that all is well in the land of zombie filmmaking.

All photos by Michelle Souliere.

Genuine Zombie Press Release

It's official!

What? Filming of mass zombie scenes for "2"
Where? 24 Pearl St. Biddeford Maine
When? 6am-9pm Saturday, February 17th, 2007
Who? Everyone who has ever wanted to be a zombie.
How?No need to do your makeup, they'll be ready for you. Wear clothes you don't mind getting gory.
For more information: Contact Andy Davis emptyhousefilm[at]gmail.com

ZOMBIES! ZOMBIES! ZOMBIES! "2" brings zombies to Biddeford!

On Saturday, February 17th over 100 zombies will attack the Riverdam Millyard in Biddeford for the shooting of the zombie horror film "2", a new feature film by Motion Media/John Lane Films/Emptyhouse Film.

The film is being co-produced by Olin Smith (Mud, I'm Sorry) and John Lane, who is currently in the pre-production on "The Novice" starring Chuck Norris. "We've been amazed by the response from the public, it really seems like we have tapped into a zombie pipeline of sorts. We've had people come from 3 hours north and south, just to be a zombie in the film. It's been a great experience." said Executive Producer John Lane.

"2" is a zombie survivalist film co written by published author Al Lamanda (Dunstan Falls) and Andy Davis (Mud, I'm Sorry). "We are a week away from production on 2. Everything has come together nicely and in many cases better than we expected. We have a great cast and crew and the locations are just mind blowing…and did we mention there will be blood?" said writer/director Andy Davis.

"2" tells the story of two survivors of a biological attack that has turned the world upside down and how they deal with their situation. "2" stars C. James Roberts (Mr.Barrington) and Molly Roberts (The Dark). "There is something about zombies that really attracts people to our film. For most of us involved, creating a zombie film is a dream come true. We're pulling out all the stops for this film, from the story and cast, to the locations and effects," said Producer Olin Smith.

The Portland based band "Covered in Bees" is creating soundtrack music. The band was featured on the "Poultrygeist" soundtrack by Troma Films last year. A music video will be shot for the release of "2". The band can be found on the web at www.coveredinbees.net

Zombie extras were pulled from all over New England. On Saturday, they will go through a major transformation under the makeup brush of Robert Dipietrantonio and other talented makeup artists, then will appear in many scenes being shot that day. "2" will be shooting from February 16th-26th in Biddeford at the Riverdam Millyard (http://www.riverdammillyard.com).

More information on "2" including cast/crew bios, a "Zombie Hunting" flash game, "Zombie Contests", pictures and video can be found at: http://emptyhouse.sabatos.net/2-index.php

All interested members of the press should email a letter of interest to: jessica.davis718[at]gmail.com

You can also find new "2" related videos at:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=emptyhousefilmbyandy