Jaycees talk about the Haunted House

“The creativeness that flows through this house is just incredible, considering that we are all “amateurs” and have careers in different fields. I always enjoy the member’s creativeness when it comes to their costumes and characters. One [night] that stands out was when Kane Hodder “Jason” showed up and gave some real positive feedback after his trip through the house, it was a proud moment for the Foxboro Jaycees to have an actor with his stature tell us, we’ve really done a great job.” — Lynda Walsh, 1999 Haunted House Chairman, “Camp Fright”

“Through the Haunted House I have seen firsthand what the money that is raises does; we have touched so many lives over the years. The people that benefit from the work we do, the friendships I have made, and the satisfaction I personally receive from entertaining people all keep me coming back every night. … By giving it 110% night after night I feel we accomplish a great show for the patrons. I enjoy the way the house has evolved from the old days and how the people are constantly striving to make both the work and the show more enjoyable.” — Derek House, 2002 Haunted House Chairman, “Nightmares on Oak Street.”

“The fact that several members have celebrated 10-year anniversaries at the Haunted House is a bit overwhelming. I do remember the year I did the “Silence of the Lambs” theme. I asked Ed Groh, my understudy for many years, to fill in for me. Ed was in the cage as expected and did a wonderful job as Dr. Hannibal Lector. However, when the lights went on they revealed the fact that Ed had put the mask on upside down! Luckily many people didn’t notice but I certainly did and made sure that Ed knew about it too!” — Fred Badger, 2000 Haunted House Chairman, “Frontier Fright”

“It’s amazing how by mid to late October one hundred or so overly exhausted human beings can exert the kind of inspired energy that can keep hundreds of people entertained night after night. And the friendship we all share just keeps growing closer and closer. Perhaps its because we know all the good things we will do for the town with the money.” — Paul O’Sullivan, (Paul has roles in nearly all Jaycee haunts)

“…Seeing the crowds was a real thrill – a thrill I still feel every night that I work the House! … Although the work is extremely tough and the nights can be long, there’s the knowledge that every single paying customer equals a portion of our community budget. I view everything we do that benefits our community as being made possible by our fund raisers, with the House being the largest contributor to our annual budget… I remember making what I assume will be life-long friendships, especially with the guy whom I have been doing a room with for the last five consecutive years. I remember all of the kids around town who came out to play with / volunteer with us out in the old Courtyard who are now grown up and still call my name when I see them around town.” — Bob Hickey, who has run a room with the honorable Mark Emery for seven years.

“It’s a chance to entertain people doing something that I really enjoy and what better way to give back to your community through a charity than doing something you enjoy. When you see people who are glued to your every word and action, smiling, hiding and especially screaming because you have tapped into their emotions and succeeded in giving them what they paid to see… that is the reward that keeps you coming back. It seems every year as an actor you want to outdo the year before by putting on a better show for the patrons.” —Tom Whiffen 2001 Haunted House Chairman, “Travel through Time”

“Whenever I see something in the press, or hear someone refer to the Jaycees, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment for what the chapter has done for our community and the respect that our community has shown to us. … Equally significant is the strong feeling of camaraderie that is felt with each house. You have to experience the joy of our guests responding with compliments or just plain, good old screams, laughs, cringing, etc. It’s very stimulating to have a group be so thrilled, so entertained…so scared!” — Paul Lanza 2003 Haunted House Chairman, “Jungle Horror”

“For one short time during the year, we allow ourselves to let loose and be someone else. Since it is for a good cause, it more or less makes it acceptable to be a kid again. So many of us live such busy, stressful, hectic lives that the release that this allows is therapeutic. I think that is why I enjoy is so much. That and the camaraderie that has developed over the years. There are people I only socialize with during that one period of time and it is like renewing old friendships once a year.” — Sandy Smith Involved with every Haunted House since 1989

“I admit it’s an obsession. I admit that I started this year’s haunted house graphics in February, that I have a crush on Holly Marie Combs and that I am a vampire wannabee. In the 10 years I have been in the Jaycees, I have learned management training, self-confidence, and true leadership skills — and I’ve made lasting friendships I treasure. I love this group, I love being a Jaycee, and for me, participating in the haunted house is not only dressing up and acting crazy — it’s making a difference in Foxboro. Besides, scaring a so-called “brave” person so badly that they shall we say, need a change of clothes or scream until they are horse, man, it doesn’t get any better than that.” — Robert Gillis Jaycee webmaster and the guide formerly known as Neo