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Is there something strange happening in a Quincy neighborhood?
Posted on June 9, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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There might be something strange in our neighborhood — but we’ll have to wait until September to find out for sure.
Around 4 p.m. last Tuesday, Rhode Island Roto-Rooter plumbers turned reality stars Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, known for their popular Sci-Fi Channel Ghost Hunters television show, pulled their large black SUVS alongside the USS Salem in Quincy to investigate reports of paranormal activity aboard the ship.
Tom Ventosi of Quincy-based Mass Paranormal has been conducting investigations aboard the ship for over a year, and was on hand during the four-day filming to answer any questions the TV team had about the ship.
He said they investigated the first night until 4 a.m.; the next day from about 5 p.m. to 4 a.m.; on Thursday they conducted interviews with others who have investigated the ship; and on Friday Hawes and Wilson discussed their findings with the the ship’s coordinator, Michael Condon, who has been sworn to secrecy until footage they shot is televised in September.
They made the trek each day back to their Rhode Island homes.
The TV stars maintain a paranormal office based in Warwick, Rhode Island called TAPS, and they were joined during their investigation in Quincy by other show regulars, including Kris Williams, Dave Tango and Steve Gonsalves, as well as Joe Cheng from Ghost Hunters International, which also airs on the Sci-Fi channel.
After filming was complete on Friday, Hawes and Wilson treated the TAPS and Mass Paranormal crews to lunch fetched from local eateries Mandarin King and Cronin’s.
Ventosi said it’s not uncommon for team members from Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International to join the Mass Paranormal crew for investigations aboard the Salem, many of which are fundraisers open to the public.
They ar planning an investigation on June 19, with special guests Serenity Moore, Carl Johnson and Michael Robinson. Members of the public can purchase tickets for $85 to join them.
On July 31 they will be investigating with Robbie Thomas, Shannon Sylvia and Brian Harnois, from Ghost Hunters fame.
For more information on these events, visit their Web site.
Above are two videos I shot of investigations aboard the USS Salem with Mass Paranormal and some of their special guests, as well as a video I shot of Hawes and Wilson.
Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com.
Congratulations!
Posted on March 14, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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It seems the country just can’t get enough of New England’s very’s own Ghost Hunters.
Congratulations to Jason and Grant for delivering what Nielsen refers to as “stellar” ratings with the season premier of Ghost Hunters, attracting some 2.7 million viewers. being the No. 1 cable telecast for the day in adults 25-54 and making the Sci Fi channel the No. 1 cable network, sweeping all major demographics in adults 18-34.
Paranormal teams investigate Quincy ship
Posted on March 10, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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It had the makings of a Martin Scorsese movie.
Under the cover of darkness Friday night, several big, black SUVs quietly drove down a deserted road near the Fore River Shipyard, and parked next to the closed USS Salem.
Each team exited their vehicles, many wearing dark baseball caps and dressed in dark clothing.
Without much fanfare, they shook each others’ hands, exchanged a few words and quietly began unloading a large black trunk and various pieces of equipment that they carried up the plank onto the dark ship.
They unlocked hatches, climbed down steep ladder-type stairs, went about turning on heat in certain sections of the ship and began sprawling out computer equipment, state-of-the-art walkie-talkies, cameras, recorders and K-II Meters on tables in a room one floor below the ship’s main deck.
The latter piece of equipment is the telltale sign that you’re not dealing with any ordinary group of investigators — rather these teams are gathered to investigate just the opposite — the paranormal.
Though this night’s investigation is being led by the Quincy-based Mass Paranormal team, led by co-founder husband and wife team, Tom and Julie Ventosi, other New England paranormal groups, including NightFall Paranormal from the North Shore, have gathered to hone their skills and learn what tips they can pick up from each other.
Tom explained they started the group about five years ago.
Having been the first paranormal team to request permission to conduct an investigation aboard the Salem — and falling in love with the spirits that reside there — they are now on a mission to help save the financially struggling ship.
Although Tom may get involved with searching for the meaning behind things that go bump in the night, he clearly states that his main role is the technical manager, while Julie, with a lot more years experience under her belt investigating the paranormal, is the lead investigator.
They currently have 13 members on their team.
Tom explained that some members of NightFall Paranormal were originally members of the Quincy team, and they often join together on investigations.
It’s not uncommon for paranormal research teams from throughout New England to assist each other, as they tend to be a tight-nit group.
Having previously joined Shannon Sylvia of Ghost Hunters International television fame for a previous investigation of the ship with Mass Paranormal, which was open to the public and attracted hundreds of guests, I took advantage of Tom’s invitation to join the teams for a private investigation where new members were being taught skills from the more seasoned paranormal researchers.
Although the K-II Meter, which some paranormal teams believe has the ability to answer “yes” or “no” questions by lighting up, wasn’t cooperating with Julie that evening, we did hear a whistle on the ship, which we quickly realized via the use of high-powered walkie-talkies that other teams on the ship had heard, as well.
And though the investigators told of activity they had captured on the ship during previous investigations, I can’t say I fully believe — or dis-believe for that matter — the existence of ghosts and spirits, although I’ll admit that standing in the spacious dark mess hall and hearing stories of a ghost known to frequent this area — I did begin to get the sensation that someone was standing in a doorway, but no one was there when I went to look.
At one point I also felt someone give me a little push, but all the members of my team swore it wasn’t them.
For now I’ll have to file my judgment under the heading of “skeptical-but-keeping-an-open-mind about the existence of the unexplained.”
However, it was a fun time, and with a gracious open invitation from Tom to join them on future investigations — you can count on more reports of paranormal outings with this group.
If you have an interest in taking a closer look at the paranormal, consider joining the teams for some upcoming investigations they are hosting aboard the USS Salem, where all profits after expenses will go towards keeping the USS Salem afloat in Quincy:
On April 19, the teams will be joined by Brian Harnois and Shannon Sylvia, stars of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International for an investigation of the ship.
On June 19 the teams will be joined by Serenity Moore, Michael Robinson and Shannon Sylvia.
On July 4, the teams are sponsoring a special day at the ship featuring a clam bake and a trip on the Harbor Express Ferry to see the fireworks in Boston.
On July 19, they will be hosting a “battle of the wings” competition aboard the ship.
On July 31, Harnois and Sylvia return, joined by Robbie Thomas, to conduct another investigation.
In addition to their events at the Salem, Mass Paranormal and NightFall will be hosting a special investigation at the infamous Shanley Hotel in Napanoch, New York on August 15.
Visit Mass Paranormal’s Web site for more details on these events.
Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com
Message from NightFall Paranormal
Posted on March 10, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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Sometimes the format of this site, which I have no control over, wipes out all the comments. I apologize to all those who take the time to post and have your messages hidden — it is not intentional on my part. To circumvent this same problem on another site I oversee, I occasionally post newer comments that get blocked in this space. It was a pleasure meeting you, too, Gary — and please keep me updated on your groups activities.
From: Gary
Response to “Mass Paranormal And Nightfall Paranormal Presents The Haunted USS Salem”
As a heads up NightFall Paranormal will be featured on Haverhill Cable network we will be interviewed on March 11 as well we will be featured several times on the network. Air date will be announced.
Thank You Cathleen will be seeing you again on the ship…
Psychic/Tarot Readings
Posted on March 7, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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Bay State Paranormal Center
Greetings!
Bay State Paranormal Center will be offering psychic/tarot readings this Saturday and Sunday from 12pm - 6pm. Come in and see Elizabeth, Renee or John to discover your future before it’s your past!
Reading Prices
15 minutes $25, in person
30 minutes $45, in person
15 minutes $32, via phone
30 minutes, $52, via phone
I look forward to you stopping by or calling in to share your weekend with BSPC!
Love all, haunt all,
Elizabeth
Bay State Paranormal Center
18 Broadway, 2nd Floor (route 138)
Taunton, MA 02780
508-880-8696
www.baystateparanormalcenter.com
Save 20% Bring this coupon in to save 20% of merchandise this weekend. Offer valid Saturday, March 7, 2009 and Sunday, March 8, 2009
COUPON MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT
My Spooky Valentine
Posted on February 12, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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PRESS RELEASE:
My Spooky Valentine
When: Friday, Feb. 13 at 7 PM
Location: River Falls Restaurant & Lounge
74 South Main St.
Woonsocket, RI 02895
401-235-9026
How to find us
“We will be located in the Piano Lounge”
Sidestep the black cats and bypass the ladders to celebrate Friday the 13th (of February) with stories and sounds that will give you chills.
Join Believe It tour for “My Spooky Valentine,” an evening of spine-tingling tales of events that have happened right here in New England.
Guest speaker, Paul Eno, and his son, Ben, will kick off the night with a talk about sightings, stories, and investigations across the region, followed by a question and answer session. Paul brings over 30 years experience as a paranormal investigator, he is an award-winning journalist, author, and psychic-intuitive.
Stick around after dinner to meet Maribeth, also known as the “Happy Medium”, who will be providing complementary psychic Tarot Card Readings.
The evening includes dinner (cash bar), fortune telling, opportunities to shop for books and chat with the authors, and the fun of mingling with others interested in the paranormal, extraterrestrial and cryptozoology.
Members of several other New England paranormal groups will be part of the mix, so if you’re interested in ghost hunting or just hearing about their adventures, this is the place to be.
Dinner / Speaker Tickets are NOW CLOSED.
Please note Tickets must be purchased by Tuesday Feb. 10 at 8pm for the final head count at the restaurant. No Dinner / Speaker tickets will be sold at the door.
Last Minute Option
After Hours Tickets - $10 per person
Admission AFTER 9:30pm
Meet the speaker and hang out with the other guests. Plus access to the book signing, Tarot Card reader and cash bar.
>> Click to Purchase After Hours Tickets
“Comedian Medium” visiting Taunton on Valentine’s Day
Posted on February 9, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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PRESS RELEASE:
Maureen Hancock Comes to Taunton
TAUNTON – Maureen Hancock is the “Comedian Medium” who connects folks with their loved ones that have passed on to the afterlife. Hancock is so good at what she does she is able to sell prove her abilities to sell out crowds all over southern Massachusetts.
Sixteen years ago, Hancock experienced a life changing car accident from which her intuitive abilities began to emerge. Through time, she has learned to focus her intuition enough to get specific messages and images. Maureen Hancock will be making a local appearance in Taunton at the Bay State Paranormal Center on Saturday, February 14, 2009. During this event Hancock will connect living with their deceased loved ones. For more information call 508-880-8696.
Contact Information
Elizabeth Russell
20 Broadway (route 138)
Taunton, MA 02780
Business 508-880-8696
baystatepc@aol.com
www.baystateparanormalcenter.com
http://www.myspace.com/mugshotlizzie
Open House at Bay State Paranormal Center on Feb. 14
Posted on January 29, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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PRESS RELEASE:
Bay State Paranormal Center Open House
Saturday, February 14, 2009; 11am - 6pm; $40, prepay by February 12, 2009 $25
In one day get a taste of what Bay State Paranormal is all about. Mini-talks will be given all day with a new speaker every hour on the hour. Linda Marie Weibrecht will be discussing different types of entities encountered in the paranormal. Maureen Hancock will give a mini Postcards from Heaven session. Derek Gunn will connect the god, Hermes, with symbolism and synchronicity. Sci Fi channel’s Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International’s Brian Harnois will regale you with tales of paranormal investigations. Anne Kerrigan will enlighten you with what all those symbols really mean on tombstones. Beth O’Connor will take you on a journey to lives lived and then give you a demonstration on EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Elizabeth Russell will give a demonstration on quick tarot spreads for those of all levels.
11am What’s Haunting Me? with Linda Marie Weibrecht
Different types of entities that can be encountered when investigation the paranormal such as spirits, elementals, demons, incubus, succubus, poltergeists and many more will be discussed.
12pm Mini Postcards from Heaven With Maureen Hancock
Maureen, working as part of the God Squad, will assist spirit in delivering messages from those on the other side to those on this side with humor and compassion.
12pm Hermes, Symbolism and Synchronicity With Derek Gunn
Go on a journey to the curious intersection where standing stones, the ancient god Hermes, Massachusetts’ prehistory, secret societies, popular culture, radio pioneers, spiritualism, and the Jungian concept of synchronicity meet.
1pm The Investigating Overseas vs. the U.S.A With Brian Harnois
Brian will discuss how challenging it is to go overseas and how different the spirits themselves are over there as well as compared with his extensive experience investigating in the states.
2pm Cemeteries - Symbolism and Architecture With Anne Kerrigan
Ever wander through a cemetery and wondered about the significance of the carvings on the stones, the shape of the monuments, or how some strange things even end up there. This is a chance to see that there more to know about those buried below.
3pm Stories from the Other Side With Beth O’Connor
Beth O’Connor has worked with hundreds of clients for years doing past life regression via hypnosis. Through her work, she’s compiled many, many interesting stories of days gone by.
4pm EFT Tapping Group All Levels welcome! With Beth O’Connor
EFT is based on the simple belief that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system. Anything negative that you are experiencing is the result of your energy system. Change the energy system and you WILL change your life.
5pm Quick Tarot Spreads With Elizabeth Russell
Learn quick tarot spreads to divine short answer and yes/no questions. You don’t need to already know how to read a tarot deck or be psychic. Only the major arcana of a standard a Rider-Waite tarot deck will be use. Bring a notebook and pen for notes.
Get your tickets today!
Where & When
20 Broadway
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
February 14, 2009
11:00AM-6:00PM
Bay State Paranormal Center
20 Broadway
Taunton, MA 02780
508-880-8696
www.baystateparanormalcenter.com
email: baystatepc@aol.com
Save 20% Bring this coupon the day of the Open House, Saturday, February 14, 2009 and save 20% off any merchandise purchase. This coupon is only valid on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 11am to 6pm. Bay State Paranormal Center!
Mass Paranormal And Nightfall Paranormal Presents The Haunted USS Salem
Posted on January 26, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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(Below is a press release from Mass Paranormal, the group I tagged along with to shoot this video during their investigation of the USS Salem with Shannon Sylvia, whom some of you may remember from Ghost Hunters International. With special thanks to Tom, who helps run the team, I may be tagging along with them again down the road for another investigation.)
Quincy, ma - jan, 21 2009 - Mass Paranormal in conjunction with Nightfall Paranormal will be holding 4 fund raising paranormal events for the USS Salem this year. Last year Mass Paranormal ran 2 successful events aboard the USS Salem.
The USS Salem is located under the Fore River Bridge at 739 Washington Street in Quincy, MA. The events are scheduled for April 10, May 15, June 19, and July 31 from 7 PM until 3 AM. Mass Paranormal and Nightfall Paranormal have scheduled some special guests for these events. On June 19th they will have World renowned psychic/medium Serenity Moore, Spiritual advisor Michael Robinson and Shannon Sylvia from SCi-Fi channels Ghost Hunters International. On July 31 they will have world renowned psychic/medium Robbie Thomas and Shannon Sylvia. The cost for each event is $85 per person. You must be at least 16 years old and accompanied by an adult to attend. The price includes meet and greet with special guests, coffee, water, snacks, and sandwiches. Mass Paranormal and Nightfall Paranormal will discuss with you proper paranormal investigation techniques. You will then be led on an investigation with one of the members of Mass Paranormal or Nightfall Paranormal around this very historical and haunted ship.
The USS Salem receives no outside funding to keep up and running. It relies mainly on outside donations. Proceeds from all 4 of these events will go right back into the ship for its up keep.
The USS Salem is a floating Naval Museum. It has a very rich history. Mass Paranormal is a Quincy Based paranormal team who has investigated many homes and businesses over the years and is well respected in the paranormal community. They started investigating the USS Salem about a year ago and have documented many spirits aboard the ship. Nightfall Paranormal is the sister team of Mass Paranormal. They are based out of Methuen, MA. The founders of Nightfall Paranormal started out as an investigator and advisor for Mass Paranormal and recently broke off and formed their own team. For more information or to book into one of these events go to www.massparanormal.net click on the events page.
Stars of Ghost Hunters give a list of their do’s and don’ts
Posted on January 23, 2009 by Cathleen Jeffrey
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In part two of the video series on Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, stars of the Sci-Fi Channel’s popular Ghost Hunters show, they provide a list of their do’s and don’ts.
As Hawes points out, “We’re not psychic haters,” Wilson quickly adds in a comical tone, “Although if you’re psychic, you know this already — so we’re good,” illiciting laughter from the large crowd gathered at Taunton High School for an event sponsored by the Bay State Paranormal Center on Jan. 10.
Playing the straight guy to Wilson’s quick-wit, Hawes explained that because they don’t use psychics on the show, they would often encounter hecklers in their audiences asking why this was so.
He said, “The main thing is, how can I expect you all to believe what they’re feeling? You know, if I catch it on film, I can put it out there and let you all make your own decisions, but I never want to make it where you have to base your assumptions on what somebody thinks is in the room.”
Wilson said they have worked with a lot of psychics off the show, but they don’t rely on them, explaining they find that most people who believe they are psychic are really just hyper-sensitive.
Hawes said, “We try to help people,” and Wilson quickly chimes in with a chuckle, “Try — some people can’t be helped.”
As the crowd roars, Hawes said, “Hey, he’s got a point.”
Continuing with an overview of what they do, Hawes continues, “We enjoy what we’re doing, and we pull pranks on each other, and we have a blast. Hopefully, we’ll see a ghost.”
Explaining they are equal opportunity ghost hunters, Hawes said, “We don’t charge for our services. The main reason behind that is, first of all, if we charged, we could only help people who could afford our services; and, respectively, the rich, the poor and everybody in between has paranormal issues — so everybody needs help. And how can we charge for something scientifically, we can’t even prove exists in the first place? So we just don’t feel it’s right”
Providing another example of what they won’t do, Wilson said, “We do not trespass. A lot of people think it’s cool to kick down the door of an abandoned house and investigate it, or go into the graveyard that they’re not supposed to. And we don’t do this, obviously, because we have too many people who need help legitimately — we don’t have to kick down a door.”
They also explain why they don’t use Ouija boards — but you’ll have to watch the video to learn why.
(Cathleen Jeffrey can be reached at cjeffrey@ledger.com)
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