NJ/PA August Meeting

[trishaanne]

I know that we have a "set" meeting date, but if you would like to be flexible, I have 2 Saturdays available in August. The first is August 6, which is only a week after the meeting at Sharon's. The only other Saturday we have is August 27. If you would like to move the date and make it a pool party/planning session/simple prop build, let me know.

[niblique71]

It's OK with me. See what everyone else thinks for those two choices. IT would be nice to have at least one more pool party before the end of the season.

[Joiseygal]

August 6th I have to babysit! :( I'm not sure about August 27th, but I will check my calendar when I get home and let you know.

[GhoulishCop]

August 6th is no good for me...I've got a big wedding to help with (no, not mine. I think I've had my fill of weddings...and divorces. The get 'spensive!).

Any other weekend is good for me so far.

Rich

[trishaanne]

Let's just plan for the 27th....keep it simple. That will give folks a chance to get some project ideas together too.

[Joiseygal]

Just remember we are still having the July 30th meeting! If anyone needs my address again that I haven't already sent it to than please let me know. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. Oh and Pattie I'm glad you are available for the next meeting. I think August 27th should work out. I think I'm coming back from LBI, so I can hit your house on the way home like last year.

[Vlad]

Works for me Pattie. Try not to hit the house again this year Sharon, they're trying to sell it.

[GhoulishCop]

I posted a note over on the July Carnival thread about what I want to be doing at the August meeting, and said I'd repost my thoughts here.

I want to work on an rigid foam obelisk for my graveyard. I have a few design ideas I've picked up from wandering around some real graveyards lately (boy, I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time amongst the dead these days). One I want is a Washington Monument looking thing, but another is to have an urn secured on top, possibly draped with some Monster Mud-coated fabric.

I've been in such a funk this summer I haven't really accomplished anything, other than starting a bunch of different projects and finishing none: cemetery entrance pillars, gravedigger, grave grabber, tombstones, etc. Hmmm. Looking at my unfinished basement remodeling project I'm sensing a pattern here.

So the goal between now and August 27 is to finish all of these projects (sans the gravedigger, because that's just going to take longer) and then work on -- and complete -- a single project. Why, I might not even have a beer on the 27th! Horrors!

Of course, we've been ruminating on the idea of pneumatics, and though there is some concern about the use of PVC for the parts, I've yet to hear of a single haunter that's had anything explode on them. Yes, there's the potential for danger, but for the low-pressure props I'm envisioning and the fact that we don't live in arctic regions where we have to worry about the PVC getting brittle from exposure, I plan on going that route. There are plenty of haunters who've used PVC for years and years and years without so much as a hiccup.

Making the PVC pistons and such could also be an M&T project for anyone who wanted to walk on the wild and dark side with me. Not all of us are so fortunate like Greg to have a neighbor just give us a truckload of "real" pistons. :p (note smiley face)

Anyway, that's my idea for next month.

Cheers,
Rich

[FRIGHTGUY]

Haha!! I don't know when I'll every be able to come to a M&T again! I put August 27th on my calendar but this is mine and my wife's 3 year anniversary (the 31st to be exact.) We may be going away to Cape May that weekend but we'll see as no plans are set in stone as of yet. I am sure one if not more of you will rag on me (Sharon!) I do miss seeing you all and Halloween is coming quick so props need to get done!!

[niblique71]

I want to work on an rigid foam obelisk for my graveyard. I have a few design ideas I've picked up from wandering around some real graveyards lately (boy, I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time amongst the dead these days). One I want is a Washington Monument looking thing, but another is to have an urn secured on top, possibly draped with some Monster Mud-coated fabric.

Rich

Rich, I built 2 of those obelisks for my graveyard. They are a GREAT Project for the group, and really do add a lot of virtical dimension to a graveyard. I built mine using some EXCELLENT plans online. I'll see if I can find that link again. There are some complicated cuts, but well within our groups capabilities.

On a Side note, I sensed some "Concern" from Ken about having a set date for our meetings every month (The second saturday). The "Concern" was that it could adversely affect attendance. I Whole heartedly disagree. As I began to think about it, our group was dwindling LONG before this idea. We went an ungodly long amount of months (5-6?) without a single meeting before this idea was even concieved. As far as I know, that's the first time in the groups history to miss more than one meeting in a row. We missed at least 5 over the winter months. The Idea would now give all of our members the opportunity to put our meetings on thier schedule for a year in advance. Yes, people will have conflicts, but the dedicated will come Ray.

I've now been in the group for 1-1/2 years, for better or worse. When I first started, Attendance was very high and enthusiam was very apparent, especially within our thread. Well, since October of last year, I've noticed a HUGE Decline in posting and general interest in our group. I'm sure there are a ton of reasons for this including the economy, Flooding, and general ebb and flow of human activity. I say we just plug along and see how it goes. If everyone wants to change the meeting dates, Feel free to do so. I am NOT in charge Nor do I want to be in charge. But I still think thayt a regular meeing date will be good for our group in the long run. BUT whatever works to reinvigorate interest in the group is a good thing.

Another thing, when I first joined the group, if we got 3 posts in the thread, that was a SLOW day, Nowadays we regularly go many days without anyone posting. I think two things are going on here. One is the economy, and the other is that there are only so many projects we can do that will satisfy everyone. I think the general skill of our group has grown IMMENSELY! And there is a general feeling of "Been there, Done that" for many of the oldtimers, which is conflicting with the newer members who want to revisit some old projects that the group did a few years ago. Sooo what do we do about that?? My only interest is that we keep the spirit of our group alive. I think this is (or was?) the greatest halloween group around. I really hope we can keep it going. And now that Ken and Patty are leaving the state, it feels like we are entering uncharted waters.

Soo with that said. What do we want to do for our August meeting???
Do we want to attempt the Boris skull hack?? Or do an obelisk?? or another project?? Or have a free for all again? I truely feel that having a specific project to accomplish is one of the beauties of having a MnT group. We've had WAY to many "Free for all's" lately which seems to really create a lack of unity and enthusiasm. We've only had one build-specific meeting in almost a year, and that was the One armed grave Grabber.

Comments anyone??? Lets keep this going STRONG. I LOVE seeing all of you! And I miss the ones that haven't been able to attend lately.

Greg

[FRIGHTGUY]

So Greg does that mean you miss me since I haven't attended lately? Lol! Ahh man...how to respond to all of that? As still a generally new member of the group I do like the fact that there are set dates in which the M&T's take place because when we didn't have a set date it was murder trying to follow the thread and figure out when the make and take would be, the dates kept changing and it was a pain in the butt.

Regardless of that other things aka "life" will always get in the way here and there so not everyone is always going to be able to attend even if we do have the M&T's penciled in on our calendars every second Saturday. My schedule has been jam packed with weddings and other family and friend events making it hard for me to attend but even if I cannot make it I still like knowing exactly when the next M&T is going to be so my vote (if it even counts) is to keep the set schedule, I don't think it scares anyone away.

The second topic seems to be what to make and how to determine that. I don't want to assume but I am going to anyways that at this point most of us are building props that cater to our haunt and it's theme and are also trying to fill in the holes where we need to. I think the later it gets in the game we tend to focus more on our individual projects rather than group ones. (Now I didn't attend) but I thought when you all worked on your own stuff that one meeting it was pretty cool because everyone had something different going on and if you wanted to you could walk around and see peoples techniques and learn from everyone..not a bad thing to do every now and again. As far as picking projects to do...

I loved the one arm grave grabber build. That was my first ever build that incorporated a motor and moving part and I was thrilled to leaved that day with it completed. It felt good. Figuring out something to build that will gain everyones interest is a tough one and that is where I think as a group we need to see where everyone interests lie. I'd also like to learn a little something from everyone since our groups skill set is so diverse. It may just be a matter of everyone bringing a project to the table each and every meeting and voting on them, majority rules. We could keep a binder with all the project ideas and the ones we don't do right away we can always revisit. Maybe we aim to do a harder project for one or two M&T's and when that project is complete we do something a bit simpler the following M&T as a cool down??

[trishaanne]

Just for the record, we aren't leaving the state any time soon...sheesh. Are you trying to get rid of us? The house isn't on the market yet and the way things are going, we may NEVER get it sold!!! The good thing is that we are planning on getting a storage facility soon to start emptying the house to paint, redo the floors, etc. and the garage stuff will go into storage. Well, after Halloween anyway, because now I'm thinking of doing the yard after all since the house isn't listed yet. And some of the props are going to the party with us, but by the end of November, the garage should be ready to work in. That means that come the winter months, all we should have to do is plus a space heater or 2 in there and we can work inside WITHOUT having to take all the furniture out of the living room!

[Joiseygal]

I would love to make a foam obelisk. What do we need before the August 27th meeting? Since I don't have to answer to anyone I usually can get out of what I'm doing and go to the Make and Takes. I know most of you have a ball and chain, so you aren't so lucky! :) The only time I have an issue is when I have to babysit. Anyway it is always nice to have a big group for the meetings, so if that means setting a date or finding a day that will work for everyone than what ever works go for it! Since Pattie's wedding schedule is slowing down than sometimes the set dates doesn't work for her. I figure since she host most of the meetings than it helps to work around her schedule. I am happy to be the back up host for times that her schedule doesn't allow her to host. I have a feeling that this next meeting will be the same people that has been showing up for the last three meetings. At least since it will be at Pattie's house than we know Boo Bunny and Pattie will be there! :)

[niblique71]

I found the original Plans for this monumental Monument. All of the materials, tools, and instructions can be found here, Obelisk Instructions (http://usersites.horrorfind.com/home/halloween/juggernaut/oblsk1.html). This was one of my first ever props that I built. We should have NO Problem building the basic prop within one meeting.

So, "Is" this our project this month?? I already have two of em, but would be more than happy to assist with the build. This is a pink (or blue) foam project and will cost approx $40 in foam unless we buddy up for the 2" stuff. I recall using ALL of the 1" based on his plans. With the glue he recommends (and I would follow his plans explicitly except for Rich's Urn), total cost will be around $50.

It's a Stunning piece of art and well worth it if we all agree to do it. It's probably a perfect project for our group since I don't think many of us have one and it can accent anyones haunt.

[MizLiz]

I love the Obelisk! That would be a fun project. Meeting on the 27th this month, right? Sorry i missed you all last month, it was my birthday :)

[trishaanne]

Hi MizLiz..yes, the 27th. I'm not sure if the group has decided to build the obelisk or not, so I would suggest following the thread if that's what you want to work on. However, if you want to just bring a prop to work on and finish up, feel free. My invitation build has taken a serious turn backwards, so I'm no longer making a million mini tombstones. The invitations are nowhere near what I planned, but since the time is ticking away, I'll have to concede and replace them with something less "flashy!" Sorry!

[Vlad]

I think we all need to talk about things in person.Myself, I'm a proponent of keeping the dates flexible. It always made for the most # of people able to attend. Do our threads get lengthy and involved and fun, oh hell yes they do. That was a part of the fun, the back and forth banter. We are a social Make and Take group. It's not just about the props, it's about establishing the human bond between people who often don't have anyone in their daily circles to talk haunting with.
The purpose of the NJ/Pa/NY make and take group was always a teaching group. that was explained to everyone as they signed up. It was never as much about moving forward faster and faster into more complicated props, as it was in teaching each member new skills enabling them to make better and better props with the group, and on their own. It shouldn't be about finishing a prop guaranteed in one session, homework was always expected. It shouldn't be about showing up with the dimensions for a prop in hand, it should be about teaching someone how to read a how to, make measurements on their own, learn how to use new tools. A very start from scratch thing with each project.
There's been a constant tug of war since day one with moving forward, and also having to step back once in awhile to repeat things for new members. If we lose that, we lose new members. Anyone who doesn't get that concept should speak to Pattie and Kenny about the other NJ make and take group that folded a few years ago.
There's also been a trend lately towards people each doing their own thing during the meetings from what I hear. While once in awhile it's necessary for help on some, and catch up time for others. everyone working on the same project builds group unity. I'm glad to hear that the obelisk project is on the table, it sounds like fun.
See you all at Patties where we can open the giant can of "lighten up" together and get back to what we do best, teaching, building, and being a family.

[Vlad]

And a belated Happy Birthday MizLiz, looking forward to meeting you there!

[Joiseygal]

I was checking out Obelisks and found one for under $6. I sent Frankie's Girl an email to see how it is holding up, but it looks pretty nice for the money. I still have foam board left that Pattie gave us, so I would love to give this a try. Not that I didn't like the other plan, but money is a little tight and $50 for a prop is expensive right now. Anyway it was just a suggestion. Than again why couldn't we do it the expensive way and the cheap way in the same meeting? Here is the link: http://www.halloweenforum.com/halloween-props/69352-obelisk-under-6-a.html Make sure you scroll down so you can see the actual finished product.

[trishaanne]

Can we have cake? :D

[Joiseygal]

Can we have cake? :D

Do you seriously have to ask? LOL...asking if we can have cake is like asking if our group wants beer! :D

I just wanted to let the group know that we might have a visitor at our next make and take. IMU and his wife Pirate Lady might be able to make the August meeting. IMU is the one that did the awesome Pirate Prop from monster mud. I met them at the National Haunters Convention and they are so nice. Anyway Pattie if you could send him your address just in case he can make this meeting than that would be great!

[FRIGHTGUY]

Beer, Cake, "Lighten Up"...they all sound great! The Obelisk sounds like a great project. Sharon, I took a look at the Fankies's Girl Obelisk...pretty cool for $6! Im up for that one for sure and for $6 I can make more than one! (though just one is fine.) AC Moore has the same styrofoam Frankie used so I am going to pick some up.

[FRIGHTGUY]

Cool! IMU and Pirate Lady! They were both very nice, fun to talk with them at NHC, it be nice to see them again for sure!

[niblique71]

First, I'm excited at the prospect of seeing IMU and Pirate lady at uour MnT.

Second, That foam board you speak of for making the $6 obelisk might work. It's pretty ridgid, but it's also very thin, which will make gluing it and pinning it together a little interesting, as we are all planning on bringing our projects home at the end of the day. Hey if it works??? Then we've once again built the Taj Mahal with duct tape and bubblegum and used monster mud to hold it all together. A success for sure.

ALL I can say is that my obelisks have been through hell and back, Blown over 25 times or more (each) in high winds and they are still relatively in good shape. But if this 1/4" stuff worlks and Sharon get's a positive response about how it held up, then 1/4" foamboard is always an option.

Third, if we had enough people, the overal cost would be cheaper for the original design since we could share the extra "Half sheets" that won't be used for the build. I just figured that most of us would like an extra full size tombstone or two.

[Joiseygal]

Frankie Girl said it is still holding up and she keeps it out all month. That post is about 2 years old, so that is about 60 days in the elements. If I can get 3 to 4 years out of it for that price than it will be well worth it. I just got done with my vlog from our last Make and Take, so if you want to check it out than here is the link: ‪Joiseygal's Halloween Vlog 8th episode - Welding, Gutting a refrigerator and upcoming props‬‏ - YouTube

[trishaanne]

I'll forward the information Sharon. That would be so cool meeting them, since I missed the convention. I LOVED the pirate, and since Rich is working on, and tearing apart, and working on, and tearing apart, and working on something similar (:p) it may help to have some input from the designer. (Rich, I added a smiley so you can tell I'm just kidding)

Kenny and Karen's birthday will be the occasion for cake! As always, bring your own beverages and a covered dish or snax or something. Well, except for IMU and wife, because new people get a free pass on food!!!

[FRIGHTGUY]

Greg..this is off topic but congrats on your "mad props for props" on this months Hauntcast! Very cool and much deserving! If you havent listened then check it outin this months Hauntcast 33 airing today.

[IMU]

Yes ... it is true ... we MIGHT be able to make it! So far, we have NOTHING scheduled for the 27th and are going to try and keep it that way. :D

It would be great to see some 'old' friends and meet some new ones too! I'm going to check and see how well the pirate prop fits in the back of my truck. Again ... I'm not an expert in MM props, but I'm willing to offer what I know to the group.

I'll update when the date gets closer!

[BobC]

Hello everyone, long time no post, my job keeps me busy in the summer. I am interested in the Aug 27th meeting. Just checked no party's weddings or overtime wheew! I haven't been totally out of the Halloween picture though I have been going to Joel Levinson who did the sculpting demo for the group twice a month for lessons for about 5 months . I am learning a lot and hopefully it will help my prop building in the future. Hope to see you all soon. :jol:

[trishaanne]

WOW....Bob is still alive...WOOOHOOO. I wanted to take classes with Joel but I passed broke months ago! This month, from what I can tell, the project is an obelisk. Sharon had directions on here for one that cost maybe 6 bucks to make, or there are directions for one that costs around 50 bucks. Pool is open if you want to jump in...we;ll be closing it around the beginning of September. Hope to see you then.

[BobC]

What Should I bring?

[trishaanne]

Whatever you want to drink and maybe something for dinner if you'll be sticking around that long. Just please, to anyone that brings food, PLEASE do NOT bring anything that I need to stay inside to cook. I have NO AIR CONDITIONING and it's hot in here. I do not want to have to turn the oven on or stand in front of a hot stove to cook. Please understand and once it gets a little cooler, we can go back to the old way. I guess we'll throw something on the grill, keep all the heat outside.

[BobC]

If your grilling we will bring something for the grill like hot dogs and rolls or something like that.

[diggerc]

Hmmm

[Vlad]

Looks good to me Sharon, my average headstone cost is about $1 each so $50 is way more than I'm willing to spend on one lol. I already have several obelisks that I built from stacking blocks of foam, but this should be fun.

Pattie put me down for one of the cakes (yes I can bake lol). I'll also try and think up something else for one of the courses.

Imu, good news that you might be coming along, can't wait to meet you and Pirate Lady! I loved your pirate and it would be great to see it in person, but please don't risk damaging it.

Yes, please remember EVERYONE, to bring along some kind of food for the feast, and BYOB if you're intending to drink. Cold salads, grill food etc. Even chips and dips for the afternoon. Let's keep Pattie out of the kitchen, it's bad enough Kenny keeps her barefoot. heehee

If anyone is interested in going to the flea market before the meeting or in carpooling down to Pattie's let me know. (That means you Sharon).

I'm really looking forward to getting together and burning down parts of Patties house.

[niblique71]

For those that are building the obelisk (Either one), don't forget to print out the instructions on the link I posted a page or two ago. You WILL Need them for either obelisk.

Tools that aren't mandatory, but highly recommended:
-Compound Miter saw
-circular saw
-4' level (For a straight edge) or straight piece of wood
-Markers
-Clamps
-Small nails to pin everything together while the glue sets up
-A square, the larger the better.

I'm sure there is more that I'm forgetting.

I will be working on other projects since I already have two obelisks, but will be available for assistance.

[Joiseygal]

LOL yes I will be at the flea market Ken! Oh crap you are baking a cake that could be scary! I prefer my cake with spam! :) Anyway looking forward to the make and take as always! I will have to see what supplies are needed for the obelisk. I will post it as soon as I find out.

[Eldritch_Horror]

Unfortunately, all my weekends in August booked up fast on me. I miss you guys!!!

[IMU]

Imu, good news that you might be coming along, can't wait to meet you and Pirate Lady! I loved your pirate and it would be great to see it in person, but please don't risk damaging it.


Yeah, that's a big worry of mine as well BUT I'm going to do a test fit and figure out IF it will work and can travel safely. I know I can remove the head if he is a little long but I can't do anything about the arms. :googly:

[trishaanne]

I'd love to see it but I would hate for it to get ruined. Please don't risk it.

[IMU]

I'd love to see it but I would hate for it to get ruined. Please don't risk it.

Trust me, after 6 months of building it I'm not going to take any chances BUT I am going to see how it fits in the pickup this weekend. We are going to line the bed of the truck with comforters and whatever else type of soft materials I can find to keep him safe and cushioned. :D

The only thing that would be a definite no is rain. I have an old beat up cover for the bed of the truck that doesn't fit well enough to keep water out. So, lets all hope for clear skies and no rain! :)

[GhoulishCop]

IMU,

after 6 months of building it...

Ah, well the explains the difference between what you built and what I tried, or as Pattie put it:

"since Rich is working on, and tearing apart, and working on, and tearing apart, and working on something similar"

I'm all for seeing it up close and personal!

Rich

[IMU]

IMU,

after 6 months of building it...

Ah, well the explains the difference between what you built and what I tried, or as Pattie put it:

"since Rich is working on, and tearing apart, and working on, and tearing apart, and working on something similar"

I'm all for seeing it up close and personal!

Rich

Thanks Rich ... I am looking forward to having him make the trip too and visiting with you fine folks!

Just in case anyone missed the build thread, here it is: Super Dooper Photo-Op Pirate Prop (http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=20175).

I couldn't believe how much fun (and posting) went into this guy:
01-26-10 - Idea Posted
01-31-10 - Build Started
06-09-10 - Build Completed

The wall didn't take as long and most people already carve foamboard so it wasn't too involved.

I'll let everyone know how well he fits this weekend.

[Joiseygal]

If anyone is interested in going to the flea market before the meeting or in carpooling down to Pattie's let me know. (That means you Sharon).

Oh crap I just remembered I will be in LBI, so I might not be at Pattie's until 12. So that means no flea market! :( I will try to get to Pattie's earlier.

[IMU]

OK ... the prop fits in my pickup truck so ... everything is on schedule for us! :D

[Vlad]

I'd love to see it but I would hate for it to get ruined.

I'd be more worried about it getting stolen..... hehehehe lol

Oh crap I just remembered I will be in LBI

Long Beach IHOP ?

[IMU]

I'd be more worried about it getting stolen..... hehehehe lol

LOL With the number of Vloggers attending, I'm sure SOMEBODY would catch the "criminal" in action! :eek: :googly:

[Vlad]

Don't be so sure IMU, some haunters are very stealthy. And Tell Pirate Lady the price of admission is one jar of homemade jelly lol mmmmmmmm

[Vlad]

Ok, So I can keep everyone busy making obelisks while I make off with IMU's pirate and Pirate Lady's jelly (did I mention mmmmmm) I found these sites to start looking at. I'll be making the rounds tomorrow after work looking for suitable foam unless someone knows where already. The obelisk Frankie's Girl made is indeed awesome, and there are some must read finishing tips there for everyone. However, there's no dimensions or step by step pics included, it was a "wing it" project. I thought you might all want to start looking at these sites, and please post any others you find.

First, this one for Sharon>>> http://www.tomspinadesigns.com/obelisk-monument-theme-prop.html

Some random ones>>>>>>>>>
http://www.hellhousecemetery.com/Obelisk.html

http://www.freewebs.com/stevene/Obelisk/obelisk.htm

[Vlad]

Rainy day, I'm stopping in to check on my new kittens, then it's off in search of usable foam as soon as the rush hour traffic dies down.

[Joiseygal]

Ok, So I can keep everyone busy making obelisks while I make off with IMU's pirate and Pirate Lady's jelly (did I mention mmmmmm) I found these sites to start looking at. I'll be making the rounds tomorrow after work looking for suitable foam unless someone knows where already. The obelisk Frankie's Girl made is indeed awesome, and there are some must read finishing tips there for everyone. However, there's no dimensions or step by step pics included, it was a "wing it" project. I thought you might all want to start looking at these sites, and please post any others you find.

First, this one for Sharon>>> http://www.tomspinadesigns.com/obelisk-monument-theme-prop.html

Some random ones>>>>>>>>>
http://www.hellhousecemetery.com/Obelisk.html

http://www.freewebs.com/stevene/Obelisk/obelisk.htm

So I would have to pay $300 dollars for a piece of cut foam I still have to assemble? That sounds like too much work! Thanks for the websites Ken. I still think I'm going with the styrofoam Pattie gave us, but I will try to go with the measurements from the websites.

[Vlad]

I have some that I'm thinking of using also, just feel like getting out of the house later, and stopping at the ooops paint counter is always fun.

[hpropman]

Hey guys It looks like this month is a wash for me - too many functions going on - between the parties and the BBQ competitions I will not be able to make it this month. I am sorry that I will not get to meet IMU and pirate lady I would have liked to have met you. Another time perhaps. Maybe we will come down to see you guys sometime. Have fun anyway and take a lot of pictures.

[niblique71]

I posted this earlier in the thread. This is the instructions for the Original Obelisk (http://usersites.horrorfind.com/home/halloween/juggernaut/oblsk1.html) and can be adapted for different foam. I think it would be useful for everyone to print this version out even if you change your design. It has some measurements that are critical for building the little pyramid cap if you choose to go that route.

When I went back and read the instructions, I was a little puzzled at the supply list. I don't remember using more than 1 sheet of 1" foam (1" X 2' X 8'), and 1/2 a sheet of 2" foam. The 1" is about $10 and the 2" is about $15. So my estimate of the cost might have been high.

Either way, $25 in foam might be a little more than some of us might want to spend. I just thought I'd throw it out there.

The 1/4" hobby foamboard would also work quite well.

[Vlad]

Sorry to hear you can't make it Joe, I need to talk over some electrical projects for make and takes when you're with us next.

[Vlad]

In an ongoing effort to keep Pattie out of the kitchen so I can annoy her all day long, and to avoid all bringing the same thing, and to know how many are coming, let's hear from y'all if you're coming and what you're bringing for food. I'll modify and update this as people reply here.

Ken: Cake and a as yet undecided main dish.

[Joiseygal]

I will bring hot dogs and hot dog buns!

[Vlad]

Ken: Cake and a as yet undecided main dish.
Joiseygal:hot dogs and hot dog buns

Cool, at least two of us are coming, lol

[niblique71]

Potato Salad

[MizLiz]

Original obelisk instructions copied, pasted into word, converted into a PDF. I hope the attachment works.

2178

John and I will bring some sort of pasta salad, our drinks, and maybe something else.

Looking forward to the 27th!

[trishaanne]

Not exactly sure what I'll be making yet. I think I'll wait a little longer and see what we still need.

[Joiseygal]

Not exactly sure what I'll be making yet. I think I'll wait a little longer and see what we still need.

No one is bringing lobster yet? :D

Ok just wanted to let everyone know I just had a blonde moment. I packed the car to go to the Make and Take this Saturday! If Karen didn't mention that it is next Saturday than I would of been at Pattie's door this Saturday. I'm slowly losing it! Anyway I can go to the flea market now because I'm going to LBI this Saturday. I think I need a drink!

[trishaanne]

Time to stop carving tombstones in the house...lol. Anyway, you know that if you showed up this Saturday you'd be welcome. We have a wedding to do but you could stay and hang out in the pool...lol.

Speaking of the pool, anyone planning on going swimming, please bring a towel. Just for the record, the temps at night have been getting cooler, and therefore, the water is cooling down too. Oh, and BATHING SUITS ARE MANDATORY!!!!!

As for the lobster.....I wouldn't hold your breath. However, I am working on trying to get some for the party!!!

[PirateLady]

Hello all... just a quick question....not sure if I missed it anywhere but what time do you guys usually start this party?? Just wondering what time we need to leave to get there and looking forward to meeting all of you........ Not that you will want to with the pirate and IMU coming... LOL.... see ya guys....

[trishaanne]

We have been known to start at 7:00 at times and once they showed up Friday night and stayed until Sunday afternoon. HOWEVER, we usually get going between 10-11:00 , work till dinner and then hang out till whenever. Dinner is usually around 5 or 6 but that's not set in stone either. Can't wait to meet you. If you need directions just give me a call.

[Joiseygal]

Hello all... just a quick question....not sure if I missed it anywhere but what time do you guys usually start this party?? Just wondering what time we need to leave to get there and looking forward to meeting all of you........ Not that you will want to with the pirate and IMU coming... LOL.... see ya guys....

If you guys want to join us for the flea market than I would suggest getting to Pattie's at 9 am. Who else is going to the flea market?

[BobC]

Cant wait to see everyone Saturday. I am in the process of putting together a head popper for my cemetery there are a lot of how-to's out there but I don't think the head swinging over the back of the tomb stone from right to left is natural. I remember Noahfentz designing one that the head would just pop up and down from behind the grave. Is there a how to for this anywhere or can someone give me some tips? Thanks see you all soon. :jol:

[hpropman]

Bob Is this what you are looking for?

http://hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=18903

Please contact me if you have any questions. BTW I have power supplies that you can use for this motor. I will bring some to the Sept M & T.

[BobC]

Yeah, wow that is exactly what I was looking for. Very awesome prop. Thanks for the help I'm so damn excited now... =) :jol:

[diggerc]

BATHING SUITS ARE MANDATORY!!!!!
I own some. is that close enough?
I can bring one. is that close enough?
or should I wear it also?
All day?

[doggieshop]

Hey Gang, coming to see you guys on Saturday! I don't really need an Oblique, I don't think I'm haunting this year again and I already have one. I'll just come and help someone else, unless there is going to be someone there who can get me back on track with my LED spots that I never finished. Can't wait to see everybody!

[trishaanne]

Carl, with the temperatures at night getting as cool as they have been, it MAY be OK to skip the bathing suit. You will, however, need a wetsuit....that water is CHILLY!!! At least you can float your beer cans around and keep them cold!

[niblique71]

Doggie, Glad to know that you're comming. LONG TIME no see!

As far as this weekend, Hopefully the Hurricane blows out to sea. It's supposed to be arriving right around Saturday. It could make for an Interesting swimming experiance.

[IMU]

Oh great, the one time we are planning on making the trip up to visit and a Hurricane is forecasted! :mad:

[trishaanne]

Not supposed to hit here until Sunday or Monday and when, or if, it does, it's supposed to come in as a Nor'Easter. That could change, but as of now that's what we're expecting.

[MizLiz]

Hurricane, earthquake, what else?

[trishaanne]

Hehehe...seems everyone is asking the same thing..what's next? Well, let's see, a houseful of drunken haunters? working with power tools under a leaky tent? the grill blowing out from the wind so I can't cook? drunken haunters with too much free time on their hands? oh, and worst of all....VLAD's BACK!!! :D

[GhoulishCop]

I think it's just the second time in more than a year and a half I'm going to have to miss a make-and-take. And I think it's for the same reason: I have to move my daughter into her dorm room this weekend. With a potential hurricane bearing down on Maryland around that time, I'm not looking forward to it, but more because I'll be missing the obelisk build. Damn kids!

Anyway, I'll make sure to drink copious amounts of alcohol regardless, pass out, snore, and wear my bikini.

See you all next month, if not before then.

Rich

[BobC]

I desperately need to make some LED spot lights for this year. Since I missed the build can anyone recommend a good how-to? and The best place to buy the LED's? I think if I can get this made I'll be in good shape for Oct.

[BobC]

Ohh and we will be bringing Hamburgers, Buns and Evacuation kit..lol

[niblique71]

I desperately need to make some LED spot lights for this year. Since I missed the build can anyone recommend a good how-to? and The best place to buy the LED's? I think if I can get this made I'll be in good shape for Oct.

I cover all of that in my LED Tutorial (http://hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=25530) . It's the exact same build that we did 1-1/2 years ago. I just modified the mounting system. In the original build we just bent the tubing using sand and a torch so they could be sunk directly in the ground.

If you want a simpler build (But not as bright), Use Allen H's LED tutorial. (http://hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=27525). He uses Prewired (With resistors) LED's, but only uses one in each fixture. I hope that helps.

If I remember, I can bring a few of mine down to the MnT.

Greg

[trishaanne]

Even though there is a storm headed our way, because I love you guys, I'll be leaving the carport tarp up so we have a place to work. I can't guarantee you that you won't get wet though, because it tends to leak a bit. All I ask is that someone please help us take it back down before you leave....we are a bit too short to reach it easily..lol. OH, and I wouldn't plan on getting in the pool. The water is cold again now, the leaves are blowing in it and it turned a funky shade of green with all this rain we've had. I need to chlorine the hell out of it and then close it back up. SORRY

[Joiseygal]

So are we having a Make and Take? I heard it will be a State of Emergency?

[niblique71]

So are we having a Make and Take? I heard it will be a State of Emergency?

New Jersey doesn't need a hurricane, or an earthquake to be in a state of emergency. It's in a constant of state of emergency. So proceed as normal.

[niblique71]

I shouldn't have said that, this is NOT a Nor'easter. It's a serious storm with serious consequences if it follows the projected path. I will wait to see if there is a change in forcast, but if the forcast doesn't change I will not be attending. I think the Gov's warning will have WAY more people evacuating than a normal Nor'easter.

[trishaanne]

I'm under the assumption that you guys are all still coming. I didn't hear anything about a state of emergency, and with the way the hurricanes have hit in the past, it will be nothing but a small gust of wind and a rain drop. However, if you'd like to bring sleeping bags, just in case, feel free...lol.

If we decide not to meet, if we are told we can't by some dumba** politician, I won't see any of you until, well, I don't know when. We have no more free weekends until the 3rd week of October. If the meeting is off, I'll drop invitations in the mail within the next few weeks. Since I had to change the design, AGAIN, at least I can mail them now..lol.

[Tinman]

Hopefully there will be a meeting this Saturday. I am hoping to be there.I have a wedding to go to tomorrow, but have left this Saturday open. Maybe we can do a tombstone test for the winds and rain of NJ's October.

[IMU]

Well ... I'm afraid we won't be able to make the trip up to this make-n-take. :( Even if nothing happens during the gathering, we'd still have to drive back and most likely into the storm. I appriciate the offer to stay the night but we can't leave the pooches alone in our house.

We'll try again sometime ... good luck everyone!

[BobC]

So is the meeting Canceled? Everyone seems to be dropping out.

[IMU]

So is the meeting Canceled? Everyone seems to be dropping out.

We are cancelling our trip since we were traveling 2 1/2 hrs up for the MnT. The storm is going to hit MD before it reaches you guys so you might be able to have it before the storm hits NJ.

I think there are a few who are still planning on attending the MnT.

[trishaanne]

OK, latest tracking of the hurricane shows that it will pass 5-10 miles off the coast. I guess that means that we really are in for some serious weather by Saturday afternoon and lasting straight through till Sunday night. So may areas around here are evacuating parts of the town and we just got a a call from the township telling us to make sure all vehicles are removed from the street to help prevent flooding by water being blocked by cars. There's nothing to be found in the stores AT ALL and Walmart is closing at 6:30 tomorrow. Atlantic City casinos are shutting down for the weekend too!!!!! Keansburg, (north of us) has a mandatory evacuation by 3:00 this afternoon.

Now....the $64,000 questions is....do you guys want to risk it? I'm only a few miles from the coast so we're due for a semi-direct hit. Roads will be bad, you may get ticketed for being out on the roads since there is a state of emergency called. I need to start taking stuff in off the patio, so if you aren't going to come, I can do it today and get it over with. If you are coming, I'll have to do it tomorrow. That would include the grill (which we'll need to use for cooking the burgers) and chairs and tables, the carport tarp and all the other stuff.

Please start checking in and let me know what's going on. Personally, I think we should skip it to keep everyone safe, because by the time you guys leave, we'll be getting at least heavy rain. I'm listening to the news now and the parkway southbound will be closed at 8 PM tonight one exit south of us. If they move that up, you won't be able to get here anyway. OK...my vote is CANCEL. You guys can meet next month at Sharons or someplace. I'll mail out the invitations that I was going to hand out, but other than that, I don't plan on seeing you guys,..lol. Everyone stay safe.

[BobC]

I was thinking the same thing I vote cancel. Safety is key And traffic is going to be crazy with the evacuations and all. I'm not sure if I heard right but someone told me they are changing south bound lanes on the parkway to north bound lanes to move traffic... is that right?..lol I don't think we should risk it. This way you can tie down your yard while its nice out. We can always meet up here on crypt chat during the storm as long as we all have power and alcohol =) be safe everyone. :jol:

[GhoulishCop]

Well, gee, they just cancelled my daughters dorm move-in (go figure), so I was available to go to the M&T too. Not that I wish any flooding or damage on any of you, but with so many plans being disrupted this better be a good storm! :eek:

I've got a ton of things to do and build between now and Halloween. In addition to all my half-finished props, I have some Secret Reaper stuff to make on that other discussion forum, a few groundbreakers from family members who've been asking for one forever, and a whole mess of props for a Sweet 16 birthday party that's themed after Alice in Wonderland. Maybe if I start rightthissecond I'll get them all done.

So what I'm saying is, if we do have a M&T again before Halloween, I may or may not be able to make it. Of course, if I go and actually work on stuff instead of drinking beer and passing out, I could probably complete some of these projects too.

Anyway, miss you, love you. See you soon.

Rich

[doggieshop]

I agree with Pattie, I think we should postpone the meeting. I think travel is going to be difficult. They are evacuating the beaches near me, (Toms River ) Tonight. My husband just left to assist with his fire company. I think there will be just to many people needing to get places, making for unsafe roads. Darn!

[trishaanne]

Cancelled! Just to be safe! The only one I haven't spoken to is Tom, so if anyone has his number, please contact him. Talk to you all soon...I think it may actually hit here! WOOHOOO...bring it on!

[hpropman]

Patti do not take any chances if they say to evacuate then better to be safe then sorry. Everyone please be safe and I hope we all get through this without any issues.

[niblique71]

I'm glad that everyone came to thier senses. I hate the parkway when the traffic is normal. Add 80mph winds, torrential rains, and A**holes that don't know how to drive and a monumental evacuation, and I really doubt that many of us could even get there without taking side roads.

Do we want to schedule a meeting for next month??? Second Saturday??? LOLOLOL. Seriously I don't care when we have a meeting, as long as we can have one.

[Joiseygal]

If Pattie isn't available to have a meeting at her house than next month I'm available just let me know. So get ready to hold on tight because here comes IRENE!!!!!

[trishaanne]

Pattie's not available until the 3rd weekend of October, so go ahead and meet and I'll catch up to you all later. Everyone be safe.

[Terrormaster]

You guys should go if they tell you to go. I grew up with these things back home. I've rode out as intense as Cat 3 storms but that was in Louisiana which is lot more prepared with levees (when they're working) and such. Up here in New England there's little to no protection from storm surge. You guys are right up on the coast. If they say go then GTFO!

Kaoru, Evelyn and I are hunkering down here for the time being because it's supposedly not gonna be anything more than a tropical storm by the time it gets inland CT. But if that changes and they say go we're gone.

Take care and everyone please keep dry and safe.

[FRIGHTGUY]

Be safe everyone! And stock up the booze!! I hope everyone will still be working on your props in the comfort of your own homes! Sharon, it would be cool to come to your place for the next M&T. When do you think you would host it?? Im in full force working on my haunt so I would probably just bring something that I am working on with me since everything I am doing now is specific to my carnival freakshow.

[FRIGHTGUY]

I will bring the make and take to our thread! Seeing how we aren't meeting, here is something I have been working on. I've got some more to show to but I will post it all in the prop section on the site.

Working on The Minion.mov - YouTube

[trishaanne]

Mary...if you are online and see this, PLEASE BE SAFE. Mary is due to take a bigger hit than we are.







'Y

[Tinman]

OK, Looks like I will miss you guys tomorrow. Lucky the weather held up for the wedding we went to tonight. Hopefully everyone will ride out the storm safely and snug at home. Guess I should bring in a log for the fireplace before the rain starts.

[madmomma]

Hi everyone! We're already prepared for Irene whenever she strikes. I'm more worried about my two outdoor cats than anything else even though we have two houses for them. Hopefully they're smart enough to stay in them!
I just (11am Sat) heard she's hugging the coast so NJ will be hit hard as well as NYC and here on Long Island. PLEASE everyone, don't go riding about - hunker down and stay away from windows. Our driveway floods in bad storms so I'm hoping the town cleaned out the sewer drain recently. We'll have to wait and see. Right now I'm busy finishing major essays for school so I hope I don't lose electricity. Can't function without the computer, you know...LOL
I miss everyone and all the cool things you have been making. Will really try and get to the next M&T. Until then, stay safe.

[trishaanne]

Just came back from the beach and let me tell you, the waves and wind are stronger every other day than they are today. What a JOKE! Just heard that when it hits it will be BARELY a hurricane, if it still has any power left. All this prep for nothing. Most houses on the ocean didn't even board up windows or tape them. Looks like we could have had a meeting after all.

[niblique71]

Just came back from the beach and let me tell you, the waves and wind are stronger every other day than they are today. What a JOKE! Just heard that when it hits it will be BARELY a hurricane, if it still has any power left. All this prep for nothing. Most houses on the ocean didn't even board up windows or tape them. Looks like we could have had a meeting after all.

I seem to remember an old phrase "THe calm before the storm". The eyewall is still 700 miles away.

I wasn't worried at all about the actual weather as far as our meeting, in fact I'm a little jealous. I LOVE "BIG" weather. I was more worried about the mass exodus which is clogging the parkway weather or not the storm lives up to it's hype.

Since we can't be "There", perhaps we can get a report in 18-24 hours. We can experiance the heavy surf, driving rain, surge flooding, and sandblasting through your eyes. ;)

[Terrormaster]

I hadn't seen a real hurricane first hand in over 11 years. It amazes me how many people I hear still talking about taping windows and/or leaving them open to equalize pressure. I grew up with the whole taping thing. But a word of caution... BOTH are old wives tales.

Taping does ZERO to prevent shattered glass from flying into the room. One trick that actually does I hear is covering the window on the inside with fabric (as haunters I know we all have spare fabric around).

And leaving your window open will have the exact opposite of the desired effect. It actually lets wind and pressure into the house which needs to escape. Your roof will turn into a sail as the air creates lift underneath like an airplane.

It may not look too bad now and trust me I HAVE seen worse. Stay safe please.

[BobC]

Here we go....good luck hope everyone stays safe.

[Tinman]

Post storm... a little water in the cellar and some minor branches down here. We missed the flooding that was nearby. I hope everyone else pulled through with minimum damage.

[FRIGHTGUY]

Hope everyone survived! We had some flooding and no power through the end of the day Sunday. Also, though today was beautiful most of mass transit was still effected. All of the NJ Transit trains were down so I had the day off which I can't complain about...it was a good prop building day.

I have been posting prop updates and videos in the prop section of the Forum if anyone wants to see some of what I have going on. I hope to get to see everyones haunts this year...maybe we can schedule some type of haunt crawl...or a behind the scenes of everyones haunts?? I know it' s a hard thing to do but it be cool.

I will be opening my haunt up October 22 with a big party so if anyone is free and would like to come see what I put up this year please PM me and let me know and I will send you out an invite with directions.

[hpropman]

Power is finally back on no damage and I was able to kept the water at bay by battery operated marine bilge pump. It was an interesting fight but I was able to keep the water out of the basement. My neighbors did not fair so well next door 7 inches in the basement and 5 trees came down and clobbered his yard and fences and scrapped the house. Lots of wet rugs out on the street. Other than that that everyone is OK. We had a big BBQ on the street last nigh because everyone's meat was defrosted and then power came back on and it turn it to a party - the music got going - and we made a camp file, the kids had smores. then we relaxed around the fire tired and glad that the power was back and things will start to get back to normal.

[trishaanne]

Glad you made it through Joe. Hmmm...scoop up all those moldy wet rugs and use them as "atmosphere" through your haunt...lol. The perfect smell for an old haunted house!

I've been keeping an eye on Carl and Deb through facebook. The water IN their house was up to Carl's NECK!!! Maybe the next make and take should be at their house helping them put it back together!

[BobC]

We were lucky. Everything here was good no loss of power. A little water in the basement nothing sizable just a tiny steam to my pump. We had a lot of big branches come down in the yard. But other then that A-OK. So now that this is over. September Meeting? :jol:

[BobC]

I hope to get to see everyones haunts this year...maybe we can schedule some type of haunt crawl...or a behind the scenes of everyones haunts?? I know it' s a hard thing to do but it be cool.

I am up for that. I work for Woodbridge Twp on the road Dept. So I can swing by your display anytime and I live right in Sayreville on Main St. So very very close to Fords..lol

[GhoulishCop]

Pattie,

"The water IN their house was up to Carl's NECK!!!"

Day-um! Maybe FEMA will finally come through for them on that relocation. That's gotta be really depressing.

Three years ago I had under a foot of water in my basement and after using I don't know how many Shop-Vac-fuls I finally got it cleared, I saw it coming in at another spot. After cleaning that up it was coming in again at the other place. For about an hour I was running back and forth between the two spots before it finally relented. I was just about to give up it was so depressing. I ended up having a French drain installed in my basement and haven't had a problem since (so long as I have electricity to power the sump pump...gotta get me a generator as soon as they're back in stock).

I can't even begin to imagine having water 5' to 6' deep in my house. That's just crazy. Hope they're doing well.

Fortunately, I had no issues this storm whatsoever, other than one rather large branch falling from a rather large pine, and one branch of my butterfly bush somehow breaking. I did drive around a lot of the neighboring towns during what should have been the "eye" (though it was all eye at that point, just winds afterwards) and some places like Bergenfield and New Milford were wrecked. Teaneck I heard, also had a lot of trees down.

My block, which usually loses power when someone sneezes, maintained power throughout. I think our block was also the cleanest in terms of debris left behind. In short, we dodged a bullet here. Unfortunately for those like Carl, some did not.

Rich

[GhoulishCop]

Jay,

"I hope to get to see everyones haunts this year...maybe we can schedule some type of haunt crawl...or a behind the scenes of everyones haunts??"

Sounds good to me! I was already planning on inviting myself to a bunch of people's houses this year to see their haunts (those of you, anyway, who don't just set up the day before or the day of [damn you!]). A group of us trouping through would be a blast!

FWIW, I also plan on hitting some professional haunts this year too. Sharon recommends Penhurst Asylum in Pennsylvania, and Johnny Thunder from Hauntcast will be acting there, so that's on my list. So is a return trip to the Headless Horseman haunt in Ulster, NY.

You may remember that was the place I was completely unable to enjoy because I was with three females -- 1 adult and 2 kids -- who were screaming and crying through the entire haunt. It was also the one in which my wife decided to lose the car keys in the corn maze and it cost me $200 for a cab ride back to Teaneck so that I could jump in my truck and drive back to Ulster and look for the keys after it shut down (they actually found them just as we arrived).

So I remember the sets looking really cool and well worth the $35 pp they charged. There were 5 or 7 different houses to go through and I want to go back and take it in without all the screaming and yelling.

I'd also like to take a trip out to Pittsburgh one day and visit Terror Syndicate's set up, but I'm still trying to justify an overnight trip to visit a home haunt. Now if there were a few of us going, that could be fun!

If anyone has some ideas on other professional haunts within driving distance that are worthwhile, I'd like to hear them. My wife likes visiting them and we've been to a bunch, some worthwhile some not so much.

But visiting y'all haunts would be cool. And I know this guy Jeff who has a haunt in his basement. I bet I could arrange to get us in. I hear after Irene he's added a swamp feature to it.

Rich

[niblique71]

Jay,

"I hope to get to see everyones haunts this year...maybe we can schedule some type of haunt crawl...or a behind the scenes of everyones haunts??"

Sounds good to me! I was already planning on inviting myself to a bunch of people's houses this year to see their haunts (those of you, anyway, who don't just set up the day before or the day of [damn you!]). A group of us trouping through would be a blast!

FWIW, I also plan on hitting some professional haunts this year too. Sharon recommends Penhurst Asylum in Pennsylvania, and Johnny Thunder from Hauntcast will be acting there, so that's on my list. So is a return trip to the Headless Horseman haunt in Ulster, NY.

You may remember that was the place I was completely unable to enjoy because I was with three females -- 1 adult and 2 kids -- who were screaming and crying through the entire haunt. It was also the one in which my wife decided to lose the car keys in the corn maze and it cost me $200 for a cab ride back to Teaneck so that I could jump in my truck and drive back to Ulster and look for the keys after it shut down (they actually found them just as we arrived).

So I remember the sets looking really cool and well worth the $35 pp they charged. There were 5 or 7 different houses to go through and I want to go back and take it in without all the screaming and yelling.

I'd also like to take a trip out to Pittsburgh one day and visit Terror Syndicate's set up, but I'm still trying to justify an overnight trip to visit a home haunt. Now if there were a few of us going, that could be fun!

If anyone has some ideas on other professional haunts within driving distance that are worthwhile, I'd like to hear them. My wife likes visiting them and we've been to a bunch, some worthwhile some not so much.

But visiting y'all haunts would be cool. And I know this guy Jeff who has a haunt in his basement. I bet I could arrange to get us in. I hear after Irene he's added a swamp feature to it.

Rich

Rich... Thank you for expressing yourself!!! .... No I really MEan it.!! Damn the ONE thing that could really make this group shine is ACTUALLY appreciating our fellow members....

I say this.... and... So far when I say... "I say this"... there are ALWAYS "Yo Yo Ma" Crickets playing in the background.. SXo with due Diligence, We should make a concerted effort to make group rounds... Get a limo..( or a van with a designated drive for christ sake).... start "Somewhere" and see all of our haunts". This is the PERFECT year to do this...... Saturday being an open house for me (and many others) Sunday would be great for a scheduled go around, and then sunday is halloween. It's RARE that I can leave my haunt up for 3 days in a row...As Usual... I don;t have High hopes.... But I can Now say I tried...



I KNOW this would be difficult.... BUT.... Imagine.... actually being able to appreciate each others crafts.... Maybe not everyones.... THIS year??? But...we should do this.... We have to STOP BEING SO SELF ABSORBED.... (Excluding those who are in distress from the recent storm).


Anyone else see the HUGE Potential in this Idea???

[FRIGHTGUY]

Of course I see the potential...I mentioned doing it haha! I would love to see everyones haunts and if we can make that possible that would be great. Again, I am opening up with a huge party on October 22nd. I will have my carnival of souls ready, plenty to drink and eat and well...what else do you need except for some warm bodies..oh and a few dead ones too! My haunt is not really a walkthrough this year and will be more like a "wander around." All are welcome so if you would like to make it a part of the haunt crawl feel free.

So how are we gonna do this? Start at one of our fellow haunters house and then from there begin to caravan around to everyone elses? This could be fun and it would be great to be able to appreciate all of your haunts up close and personal. I'd love to see everyones grave grabbers in their set ups!

Oh and Rich...I am up for going to some pro haunts without a doubt! I went to Blood Manor in NYC last year and that place with awesome! I also went to Casola Farms which is a tracktor ride..it was ok and finally Terror Behind the walls which I always like.

I would LOVE to see pennhurst and the Bates Motel so if anyone is in for that then lets set something up!

[niblique71]

I mentioned this last year with a resounding 0.0% interest...The 3 of us can get something together.... For those that don't want to participate.. Fine...Yea , we're all busy that weekend... but if we get set up a day early and Plan for the event... then those that want to participate will be ready and willing to share.... Sure, I won't have a few thing ready for my Friends to see... but more or less the spirit of my display will be ready as will the rest of yours.... This is do-able by those that want to participate... It just takes a different mindset than our goup is currently used to. And I'm saying this knowing that it will be a MAJOR PIA for me.... but I still think it would be WORTH IT.

My current schedle is: Friday-Full prop display.. till Halloween... Saturday-Open house saturday/Party ...... Sunday is open for the "Haunt crawl" Monday: halloween. Tuesday" everything is DOWN and away. Jay/ Rich... what is your weekend schedule so we can get the ball rolling for those that want to participate? My only request is that we visit mine at dusk or later since I rely heavily on lighting for my atmosphere... It'll be worth it, I promise

On a Side note. I'd be willing to leave everything up for an extra day for the group.... IF that worked better to do a crawel after halloween... but somehow I can't see the energy level being as high. But it's On the Table.

here's MY view on this: I spend 2-3 THOUSAND hours a year on my display... THinking, Doing, Creating. If I can't show it off... than why do this for a 3 hour halloween event... Yea it's for the Kids... but it's gone beyond that now....Not to exclude the kids... but heck.... that a SHITLOAD of time to spend building something for Just 3 hours of candy whoredom.

[NoahFentz]

Hey Haunters!! What did I miss?

[GhoulishCop]

Jeff,

"Hey Haunters!! What did I miss?"

The October make & take is going to be in your basement on October 31.

Rich

[GhoulishCop]

Greg,

My calendar is clear pretty much, though I'll be having my party too on Saturday (you're all invited! ;>). While Sunday is fine for me, for those who run their haunts for a couple of days (Sharon?) it might be difficult. From prior talks with Ken, I think that's his major build day. Others might wait till the last minute to put their haunts up too (why? WHY?!).

Anyway, I'm under orders from the boss to start setting up my display on October 1st. Usually within a couple of days everything is up, though there's always tweaking going on and additions right up till the 31st as I finish more props.

This year I have the added problem of my wife having three weddings to coordinate, though fortunately they're all in the first week of October (but it does cut down on the number of haunts [pro and otherwise] I'll be able to visit this year).

I'd also add that since we're such a far-flung group, a lot of the time will be spent driving from spot-to-spot if we try to do it all on one day (count me out as the designated driver! :D).

So, in general, I'm pretty much available anytime after October 8 to make the rounds. It'd be fun to see this happen though.

Rich

[GhoulishCop]

Jay,

From my understanding, we don't have a M&T in October, but maybe we can start having a "meeting" each year where we take a group trip to a pro haunt. Maybe a little early to start talking about the October meetup when we haven't descended yet on Sharon's for the September one (we are meeting at Sharon's right?), I nominate Penhurst/Bates Motel for a group trip (I think they're pretty much right next door to one another).

FWIW, I've been to Macabre Manor in Keyport, which was so-so; the real Sleepy Hollow wagon ride in Tarrytown which sucked; the Headless Horseman in Ulster, which was pretty awesome; Terror Behind the Walls, at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philly, which was pretty good; one at the Gingerbread Castle in Sussex, that was really, really good (other than the wait in line), but it's defunct now (or was the last two years); a few haunted corn mazes out in western New Jersey of varying goodness; and one in Hightstown that was okay. There's a humongous corn maze in (I think) Chester that takes a couple of hours to get through. Not haunted, just fun.

So feel free to add your own recommendations to the list.

And Sharon, you better get the thread started for the September M&T pronto! Second Saturday right? What are we building? :)

Rich

[trishaanne]

We decided to set up the yard again this year since the house isn't on the market yet. I would take myself out of the visits because of the distance involved. I start setting up around the third week or so of September. If all goes according to plan, and the weather finally cooperates one year, it will be all up and ready to go a week or two before Halloween with just the last minute tweaking of details to be done. However, without the actors out there, it's not much of anything. I mean, the sets are there but no scares because the actors are only there Mischief Night and Halloween.

I'll be going with the same theme as last year, since we didn't plan on doing this and I still have alot of the stuff. The theme will be "Horray for Horrorwood" (that's the theme for the party too). I'll have the cemetery of dead horror movie stars, the drive in theater and concession stand for the kids area and then we'll be setting up the back again as scene from 6 or so different horror movies. I'll change up the movies this year but the ones that stay the same I'll add more details to.

We have weddings every weekend in September and the first 3 weekends of October, so things are going to get kind of hectic. I'll try to make some of your haunts but please understand if I can't make it.

[FRIGHTGUY]

Im starting my setup september 1st. I usually do my basement first, its a small room but I add most if my special fx in it. This year its going to be a seaunce room with a leota projection as the center piece. My circus section which will be outside will take the most time but I will be done by oct 22 which is the night of my party so from that night on my display will be set and you are welcome to come. Like Greg it would be best to come at night because I have a lot of lighting which sets the mood but I suppose that ciuld be said for us all?? So october 22 through Halloween mine will be up and after halloween ill start to tear down so qhich of those nights work for you guys? I guess we dint have to do the crawl all in one day but I do want to see your haunts..lets start throwing some exact dates out there. By october 1st my leota room will be ready. October 22 my entire haunt will be ready. So let me know.

As for pro haunts.Rich, im a go for Bates and Pennhurst. Do they have a schedule up yet? Lets ouck a weekend where most of us who are interested can go. Im also going to go to Blood Manor in NYC again this year and im aiming to do State Scare which I believe is somewhere around lyndhurst but I have to look it up.

[FRIGHTGUY]

Sorry for the spelling mistakes..im not drinking I swear haha! Im typing this from my phone and it sucks because I miss the right keys sometimes. Damn smart phones...not so smart now are they!

[hpropman]

I am game with that haunt visitations. when we get to my house but because of all the electronics I may have to spend a little time plugging things in to show you. I have been thinking about bringing back the skeleton queen this year anyway the only thing is because it is a school night there will not be much traffic at night. Maybe I will use my greeter instead I will control the head movement and the jaw from behind the wall by using a camera. this way the kids can get up close and personal.

[trishaanne]

There was a comment made on here that bothered me and I opted to just let it go. As I was out cutting the grass, it started bothering me, ALOT, and I feel the need to comment. I apologize in advance for sounding like a bitch.

Greg, you called the trick or treaters "candy whores". I think that's kind of harsh. On Halloween, a trick or treaters JOB is to go out and collect as much candy before curfew. Think about when you were a kid going trick or treating...I'm sure you didn't stop and check out every little detail of the cool houses. Yeah, you may look around and say, "wow, this is cool." But as far as taking the time to look at the details, I'm sure it was probably more like a hit and run. I don't know why this bothered me so much...but it did.

If ANY of us build Halloween displays for the "oohs" and "ahs" and the "this is the best thing I ever saw!", we're doing it for the wrong reasons. We should do it because we love it, not for the recognition.

Sorry for pissing anyone off, or sounding bitchy....I just had to say this because it was fermenting in my brain...lol. OK, back to the Halloween discussion...I'll disappear now!

[NoahFentz]

Ummm...what did I miss?...LOL

Anyhoo...yeah...I wasnt able to go to the last Make and Take anyway. The store I worked for closed down for two days because of no MTA. The only reason. That saturday I mowed the back lawn...(not the front because that will be part of the haunt) and finally repaired that back gutter which was coming off. Glad I did. We got some water in the basement but I was able to shop vac it. eight shop vac full. The swamp theme did cross my mind. It should smell quite nicely by Halloween though. We had power thru the whole thing and no trees falling on the house....damn. All in all we lucked out. Sorry for the others who did not.

I do like the idea of seeing everyones haunt...just dont know when. I have been working six days because of fill ins of vacation....that leaves me one day each week to work on haunt. Yes I'm in panic mode. I have some ideas that I would like to try to get done. the basement is pretty much set up just tweaking. I could do a lights on tour without yard in September. I might be not around that last weekend though. I usually set up the yard the second weekend of Oct. That Saturday before is open for invite too. My daughter is planning a party on the saturday on the first weekend of November so that is open also without pumpkins. Whatever give me a call and I will let you know yes or no if I will be able to do a roadtrip. I would love to see other haunts though...

[BobC]

Hey all, we are up for the group Haunt tour and the Pro haunt visit. I have been to tons in NJ and PA but not pennhurst yet. We Usually go to Universal Orlando for Halloween horror nights but scrapped it for this year. There is a really great Pro haunt in Belleville called "State Scare Factory" its not to expensive and its about a 15-20 min walk through. The makeup is outstanding the guy that runs it supposedly came from movie work in Holly wood. he has worked on big films like spider man etc. http://statescare.com/ good stuff. Let me know a date and time and Ill make it open. :jol:

p.s. maybe when we get a date and time we can contact an owner and get a lights on tour of a pro haunt????

[niblique71]

There was a comment made on here that bothered me and I opted to just let it go. As I was out cutting the grass, it started bothering me, ALOT, and I feel the need to comment. I apologize in advance for sounding like a bitch.

Greg, you called the trick or treaters "candy whores". I think that's kind of harsh. On Halloween, a trick or treaters JOB is to go out and collect as much candy before curfew. Think about when you were a kid going trick or treating...I'm sure you didn't stop and check out every little detail of the cool houses. Yeah, you may look around and say, "wow, this is cool." But as far as taking the time to look at the details, I'm sure it was probably more like a hit and run. I don't know why this bothered me so much...but it did.

If ANY of us build Halloween displays for the "oohs" and "ahs" and the "this is the best thing I ever saw!", we're doing it for the wrong reasons. We should do it because we love it, not for the recognition.

Sorry for pissing anyone off, or sounding bitchy....I just had to say this because it was fermenting in my brain...lol. OK, back to the Halloween discussion...I'll disappear now!

Actually I didn't call ANYONE by that name....I used a similar Phrase to describe an activity, NOT People. Funny how people only see what they want to see. I actually thought it was rather humorous and described the mayhem of a busy evening quite well.

Here is my exact quote from the previous page"

"Here's MY view on this: I spend 2-3 THOUSAND hours a year on my display... THinking, Doing, Creating. If I can't show it off... than why do this for a 3 hour halloween event... Yea it's for the Kids... but it's gone beyond that now....Not to exclude the kids... but heck.... that a SHITLOAD of time to spend building something for Just 3 hours of candy whoredom".

Ok, yea I could have chosen my words a little better, but that was the best I could do on a tankfull of beer and having Nicotine withdrawels (yes I am quitting smoking).

First, it was a lighthearted comment bacause we ALL Know that is the Job of ToT's To collect as much candy as possible.

Second, at my house I get at least 20 high school girls that dress rather prevocative, Some in fact dress as Whores.

3rd, our town only has a 3 hour window for halloween and that from 5pm to 8pm. With the recent change in daylight savings time, the full grandure of my display is only visable for 1.5 hours. Last year I got HORRIBLY depressed after halloween.
My apologies if ANYONE took offense to my comment, but I refuse to ever be politically correct. I stand by my statement as I thought it was a lighthearted view of the mass hysteria that happens on Halloween evening (at least at my place). Enough on that topic.


Also, The ONLY way anyone will get to see my haunt set up is for the Few days before and Halloween. It TOTALLY Blocks my driveway, which I happen to need to get my business vehicles in and out of.


Finally, I have been TERRIBLY depressed about our group and Hallowen in general lately. When I fist visited 19 months ago, I was in AWE that so many people could unite and join together in such wonderful banter and creativity. Since I joined, our group has steadily gone downhill (as far as attendance), AND this year, we've had a RECORD LOW amount of MnT's with only ONE actual group project. There are other things going on that I need to resolve before I can feel good about halloween again. Hopefully, it will come together, and I'll feel good about hanging with the group again.

[FRIGHTGUY]

@ bobc, State Scare is one of the haunts I was talking about in my last post. Ive heard great things about it as well. I meant to go there last year and missed out so id luke to go this year. I think pennhurst is a must. Id like to go early in the month. Ill look at their schedual and maybe we can plan a trip for anyone in the group that wants to go. I can connact JT of hauntcast since he is acting there and knows the owners well and see if it is possible to do a lights on tour but we will need a pretty big group (id assume) in order for them to consider.

As for our home haunt tours I think we need to figure out if we intend on doing them all in one day in which case we wont get the full effect of everyones haunt or do we space them out over one weekend and do two or three each night?

Id love to show everyone my haunt at night or just have u all come to my party the 22 but if a lights on walkthrough is all anyone can do then im fine with.that. If u want to show ur haunt maybe we can each post one or two dates that work for us, see which dates match up with others than take it from there? Sound like a plan??

[Joiseygal]

I can't commit to a September Make and Take at my house yet because I might be working at a pro haunt this year again. If that is the case than I will most likely be working every weekend, but I won't know any details until tomorrow night. If that is the case than I have to try to use any available time to work on my haunt to have it ready for October 30th and October 31st. I would love to go to Pennhurst and Bates Hotel, but I have to try to work it out with my schedule. I also would love to check out local haunters displays, but it would have to be close by like Jay, Rich, Ken and Jeff. I don't believe I'm being self absorbed, but I am a single mom who needs to make money to pay my bills and working at the pro haunt would help with expenses! Anyway I will let you know in a few days!

[GhoulishCop]

Nice, Sharon, put yourself and your family's needs over those of the group. Hmph! Just like a woman. Paying bills? Pshaw! That's why there are extra months in a year, to pay the bills we were supposed to pay last month!

However, it's very cool that you might be working at a pro haunt. Do tell, when you're able, which one it is. Maybe I can put that on my haunt tour list too.

Rich

[niblique71]

I'm Out.......

[FRIGHTGUY]

Greg, sorry to hear your out it would be nice to see your haunt in person

Sharon, awesome news on working at the pro haunt. Where will it be located? I wouldnt mind coming out to see it especially if its close by us.

And Rich...get your ass back to work on your props already!!

So here it is, open invite for all you guys. October 22 is my party. If you would like to come see the display and hang out to have some drinks than just PM me and ill forward my address and info to you.

Im starting my setup this weekend and every weekend up till the 22 so if you want to come by to see the progress your more than welcome and hey, if you help ill throw in a free meal and some beer as well...free labor is great!

If anyone wants to go to pennhurst together just give me a shout, im in. Otherwise I will probably go at the start of october.

[Vlad]

Hello all, sorry to be mia since Irene. I had two inches of water in the garage and the top of a tree snap off. I also lost power and internet for the weekend. I'm not sure about the haunt tour, I'm not even sure what's going on this Halloween, lol.
On speaking with Sharon, I feel I might have to agree this group is in her words "self absorbent", I know as I think I've pretty much spilled drinks on everyone. heehee