About the Paranormal Panel
The Devil Hunters are a research organization dedicated to discovering the truth about the Jersey
Devil and its legend. Our membership is divided into two types - regular and associate. Regular
members conduct research in every way possible, which includes our outdoor excursions (aka
"Hunts"). Associate members are our online network of researchers, assisting from all over the
world.
Our organization was formed in 1999, after founder and president Laura K. Leuter met
co-founders Mike McLeer and Shawn Vogel (both now retired). The first expedition into the woods
took place in May of 1999. Since the group's birth, the teams have grown and the research fields
have broadened. The group has earned some national recognition by being featured in several
documentaries, such as TLC's Monster Hunters and Fox Family Channel's premiere week of
Scariest Places on Earth.
The Devil Hunters are in search of truth. Contrary to the group's name, this is not an organization
with the intentions of capturing or killing the Jersey Devil. Instead, the organization's goal is to
answer the questions surrounding the Jersey Devil and its legend. Our stories posted on this
website are not fabricated or exaggerated in any way; instead, they are accurate portrayals of the
events, information, and discoveries that have been made regarding the Jersey Devil. If we
discover that the legend is nothing more than a story told to keep children from wandering
through the Pine Barrens at night, then so be it. However, it is our strong belief that there is more
to the Jersey Devil than a legend, and it is our intent to gather as much information as possible to
prove what really happened and what continues to happen to this day throughout New Jersey.
S.E. Schlosser is the author of the Spooky series by Globe Pequot Press, which includes
Spooky New England, Spooky South, Spooky Southwest, Spooky New York, Spooky
California, Spooky New Jersey and Spooky Pennsylvania, Spooky Michigan, Spooky
Maryland, Spooky Canada and Spooky Campfire Tales. She has been telling stories since she
was a child, when games of "let's pretend" quickly built themselves into full-length tales acted out
with friends. A graduate of both Houghton College and the Institute of Children's Literature, Sandy
received her MLS from Rutgers University while working as a full-time music teacher and a
freelance author.
Sandy is the webmaster and writer of an award-winning, internationally-known web site called
American Folklore that features retellings of folktales from each state. This site was created as
part of a graduate study at Rutgers the State University of New Jersey in October 1997 and is
used daily by teachers throughout the world in lesson plans for students of all levels. Stories
from the site have also been used in college text books and in Masters level programs.
Sandy spends much of her time answering questions from visitors to the American Folklore web
site. Her favorite e-mails come from other folklore enthusiasts who delight in practicing the old
tradition of who can tell the tallest tale.
To learn more about our panelists, please visit, S.E. Schlosser's website at
www.americanfolklore.net and the Jersey Devil Hunters website at www.njdevilhunters.com.
The Devil Hunters are a research organization dedicated to discovering the truth about the Jersey
Devil and its legend. Our membership is divided into two types - regular and associate. Regular
members conduct research in every way possible, which includes our outdoor excursions (aka
"Hunts"). Associate members are our online network of researchers, assisting from all over the
world.
Our organization was formed in 1999, after founder and president Laura K. Leuter met
co-founders Mike McLeer and Shawn Vogel (both now retired). The first expedition into the woods
took place in May of 1999. Since the group's birth, the teams have grown and the research fields
have broadened. The group has earned some national recognition by being featured in several
documentaries, such as TLC's Monster Hunters and Fox Family Channel's premiere week of
Scariest Places on Earth.
The Devil Hunters are in search of truth. Contrary to the group's name, this is not an organization
with the intentions of capturing or killing the Jersey Devil. Instead, the organization's goal is to
answer the questions surrounding the Jersey Devil and its legend. Our stories posted on this
website are not fabricated or exaggerated in any way; instead, they are accurate portrayals of the
events, information, and discoveries that have been made regarding the Jersey Devil. If we
discover that the legend is nothing more than a story told to keep children from wandering
through the Pine Barrens at night, then so be it. However, it is our strong belief that there is more
to the Jersey Devil than a legend, and it is our intent to gather as much information as possible to
prove what really happened and what continues to happen to this day throughout New Jersey.
S.E. Schlosser is the author of the Spooky series by Globe Pequot Press, which includes
Spooky New England, Spooky South, Spooky Southwest, Spooky New York, Spooky
California, Spooky New Jersey and Spooky Pennsylvania, Spooky Michigan, Spooky
Maryland, Spooky Canada and Spooky Campfire Tales. She has been telling stories since she
was a child, when games of "let's pretend" quickly built themselves into full-length tales acted out
with friends. A graduate of both Houghton College and the Institute of Children's Literature, Sandy
received her MLS from Rutgers University while working as a full-time music teacher and a
freelance author.
Sandy is the webmaster and writer of an award-winning, internationally-known web site called
American Folklore that features retellings of folktales from each state. This site was created as
part of a graduate study at Rutgers the State University of New Jersey in October 1997 and is
used daily by teachers throughout the world in lesson plans for students of all levels. Stories
from the site have also been used in college text books and in Masters level programs.
Sandy spends much of her time answering questions from visitors to the American Folklore web
site. Her favorite e-mails come from other folklore enthusiasts who delight in practicing the old
tradition of who can tell the tallest tale.
To learn more about our panelists, please visit, S.E. Schlosser's website at
www.americanfolklore.net and the Jersey Devil Hunters website at www.njdevilhunters.com.
Paranormal Panel -- December 13, 2008
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Post Meeting Write-up
Our 2008 Face the Fiction/Holiday Dinner was truly a wonderful night. Everything was perfect.
Fantastic food (Todd rules supreme in the kitchen), amazing guest speakers (big thanks to the
Jersey Devil Hunters Group and Sandy Schlosser), a beautiful venue and great company all
made for a very special night.
The evening began with snacks and a variety of finger foods set up for people to enjoy as they
filtered in. The Book/Movie swap table was set up for people to take a look - as Peter (with his
lovely family in tow) put it, "I'm hovering to see what new things get put out because this stuff
goes fast." People milled about chatting, catching up, and enjoying the food and company.
Nancy Denker joined us and worked her way around the room catching up with friends and
bringing people up-to-date about her. Two tables and a kitchen pass-through were laden with
food, beverages and appetizers (pizza bites, cheese platter, fresh-baked bread, salad and
more). Thom Purdy even made it all the way from Baltimore. Liz Marcus very generously went
around the room taking pictures for me while I helped out in the kitchen. She even had people
smiling! Also taking pictures was Paul.
Around 7p Todd began serving homemade minestrone soup - delicious doesn't begin to cover
it. He followed the soup with sausage, meatballs, pasta w/ sausage, vegetarian pasta and
brasciole. There was enough for a small army. We were stuffed and the food was unbelievable.
Great job Todd and thank you. We were also lucky enough to have great helper, Carson
Gutierrez, keeping things in order as Todd and I served up the food and Bill sliced up
fresh-baked bread.
We sat enjoying a delicious meal while The Jersey Devil Hunters began their presentation
slightly after 8p. They were amazing! Not only did they provide an awesome visual PowerPoint
presentation, they also had audio clips. The Jersey Devil Hunters (5 in all) took turns
discussing various details about the Jersey Devil. Topics were clear, concise and quite
interesting. The pictures taken at an investigation site were cool and had many audience
members raising their hands to ask questions. The presentation was well-thought out and a lot
of fun.
The presentation began with a history of the legend and variations of the legend, moved through
sightings, investigations and investigation techniques. The members each took a turn
discussing a portion of the presentation. They provided facts, pictures, and answers for every
questions given to them. It was clear that they not only knew the material, but enjoy what they do.
Their enthusiasm made for a delightful discussion. Thorough answers to questions, great
pictures, a combination of fact-lore-history-humor (that poor painted kangaroo) kept us
completely entertained and interested. The audience was so engrossed that we couldn't wait for
the end for questions. Barry asked whether there was a particular time sightings took place (i.e.
day vs. night, with night and dusk having the most), and if a certain time of year had more
sightings (January and February have the most sightings - this January is the 100th Anniversary
of the first sighting). Peter wondered how the group sifts through 'sightings' and handles
potential hoax issues. Chris asked if they were prepared for the possibility of hoaxes in January
because of the anniversary. Thom and Bill also had some questions. The group answered
each question completely, enthusiastically and knowledgeably.
An investigation with pictures was discussed. Several pictures showing what appeared to be
cloven hoof prints in the snow on a roof top were displayed. Questions flew. How big, what was
the stride, was a cast made, what was the distance from the trees to the roof, was the landing
heard, etc. were all answered. They even had a huge binder filled with details. One of the most
appealing things about the group is the way they presented themselves. They admitted that
many think the Jersey Devil doesn't exist and think anyone 'looking' for it is a tad...off. Laura
Leuter made it a point to mention that when they investigate they are looking to confirm and will
debunk when possible, and, if when all is said and done there is no Jersey Devil, at least they've
learned a lot about Jersey history. Very cool.
Kate Landis presented the group one of her original drawings of the Jersey Devil. Kate's Jersey
Devil artwork is being used in one of Jonathan Maberry's books and the Jersey Devil group was
also quite interested.
The Devil Hunters wrapped up, answered more questions and we took a break for dessert and
coffee. The dessert table outdid itself. Donuts, cakes, fudge!, cookies, chocolates, and a slew of
tempting delights were there for the taking complete with hot coffee (decaf and regular no less).
We took our treats, sat down and Sandy was up next.
Sandy once again kept us on the edge of our seats with a completely new presentation. This
year it was a PowerPoint with pictures from the creepy places she gets to visit. Very nice touch
which added to the chill factor. Covered this time was Texas. The Alamo had its creepy side
exposed and did you know they herd cattle with big ole white pickups? A fun tale about a Texas
Ranger and chestnuts, a mine cave-in & a mule (giving Sandy her "schmaltz" fix), and a creepy
tale with the message that the handkerchief isn't worth going back for! Leave it to Sandy to scare
the heck out us on a cold, dark night. This is why we can't wait to have her back! She left us with
the pleasant thought that if the Jersey Devil didn't swoop down and get us, some creepy ghost
would. We can't get enough. There's a reason her books sell out so fast.
Sadly, we had to end the fun before we turned into pumpkins. Everyone pitched in for the
cleanup. We continued chatting while cleaning up, reluctant to end the night. Truly a wonderful
night.
Thank you to our fantastic guests the Jersey Devil Hunter Group and Sandy Schlosser. Thank
you to Dean Cartier/Chris H. for the beautiful venue. Thank you Todd for the food overdose that
would make Bacchus envious. Thank you Barry for the delicious coffee that kept us fueled.
Thanks to Steve S for his introduction (and the fudge - lol). Thanks Liz M for taking pics for me
and the goodies you brought. Thanks to everyone who brought food/goodies/books/movies/etc. -
there are too many of you to name individually - but please know your thoughtfulness and
generosity is always appreciated. You all know who you are - big THANK YOU.
Our 2008 Face the Fiction/Holiday Dinner was truly a wonderful night. Everything was perfect.
Fantastic food (Todd rules supreme in the kitchen), amazing guest speakers (big thanks to the
Jersey Devil Hunters Group and Sandy Schlosser), a beautiful venue and great company all
made for a very special night.
The evening began with snacks and a variety of finger foods set up for people to enjoy as they
filtered in. The Book/Movie swap table was set up for people to take a look - as Peter (with his
lovely family in tow) put it, "I'm hovering to see what new things get put out because this stuff
goes fast." People milled about chatting, catching up, and enjoying the food and company.
Nancy Denker joined us and worked her way around the room catching up with friends and
bringing people up-to-date about her. Two tables and a kitchen pass-through were laden with
food, beverages and appetizers (pizza bites, cheese platter, fresh-baked bread, salad and
more). Thom Purdy even made it all the way from Baltimore. Liz Marcus very generously went
around the room taking pictures for me while I helped out in the kitchen. She even had people
smiling! Also taking pictures was Paul.
Around 7p Todd began serving homemade minestrone soup - delicious doesn't begin to cover
it. He followed the soup with sausage, meatballs, pasta w/ sausage, vegetarian pasta and
brasciole. There was enough for a small army. We were stuffed and the food was unbelievable.
Great job Todd and thank you. We were also lucky enough to have great helper, Carson
Gutierrez, keeping things in order as Todd and I served up the food and Bill sliced up
fresh-baked bread.
We sat enjoying a delicious meal while The Jersey Devil Hunters began their presentation
slightly after 8p. They were amazing! Not only did they provide an awesome visual PowerPoint
presentation, they also had audio clips. The Jersey Devil Hunters (5 in all) took turns
discussing various details about the Jersey Devil. Topics were clear, concise and quite
interesting. The pictures taken at an investigation site were cool and had many audience
members raising their hands to ask questions. The presentation was well-thought out and a lot
of fun.
The presentation began with a history of the legend and variations of the legend, moved through
sightings, investigations and investigation techniques. The members each took a turn
discussing a portion of the presentation. They provided facts, pictures, and answers for every
questions given to them. It was clear that they not only knew the material, but enjoy what they do.
Their enthusiasm made for a delightful discussion. Thorough answers to questions, great
pictures, a combination of fact-lore-history-humor (that poor painted kangaroo) kept us
completely entertained and interested. The audience was so engrossed that we couldn't wait for
the end for questions. Barry asked whether there was a particular time sightings took place (i.e.
day vs. night, with night and dusk having the most), and if a certain time of year had more
sightings (January and February have the most sightings - this January is the 100th Anniversary
of the first sighting). Peter wondered how the group sifts through 'sightings' and handles
potential hoax issues. Chris asked if they were prepared for the possibility of hoaxes in January
because of the anniversary. Thom and Bill also had some questions. The group answered
each question completely, enthusiastically and knowledgeably.
An investigation with pictures was discussed. Several pictures showing what appeared to be
cloven hoof prints in the snow on a roof top were displayed. Questions flew. How big, what was
the stride, was a cast made, what was the distance from the trees to the roof, was the landing
heard, etc. were all answered. They even had a huge binder filled with details. One of the most
appealing things about the group is the way they presented themselves. They admitted that
many think the Jersey Devil doesn't exist and think anyone 'looking' for it is a tad...off. Laura
Leuter made it a point to mention that when they investigate they are looking to confirm and will
debunk when possible, and, if when all is said and done there is no Jersey Devil, at least they've
learned a lot about Jersey history. Very cool.
Kate Landis presented the group one of her original drawings of the Jersey Devil. Kate's Jersey
Devil artwork is being used in one of Jonathan Maberry's books and the Jersey Devil group was
also quite interested.
The Devil Hunters wrapped up, answered more questions and we took a break for dessert and
coffee. The dessert table outdid itself. Donuts, cakes, fudge!, cookies, chocolates, and a slew of
tempting delights were there for the taking complete with hot coffee (decaf and regular no less).
We took our treats, sat down and Sandy was up next.
Sandy once again kept us on the edge of our seats with a completely new presentation. This
year it was a PowerPoint with pictures from the creepy places she gets to visit. Very nice touch
which added to the chill factor. Covered this time was Texas. The Alamo had its creepy side
exposed and did you know they herd cattle with big ole white pickups? A fun tale about a Texas
Ranger and chestnuts, a mine cave-in & a mule (giving Sandy her "schmaltz" fix), and a creepy
tale with the message that the handkerchief isn't worth going back for! Leave it to Sandy to scare
the heck out us on a cold, dark night. This is why we can't wait to have her back! She left us with
the pleasant thought that if the Jersey Devil didn't swoop down and get us, some creepy ghost
would. We can't get enough. There's a reason her books sell out so fast.
Sadly, we had to end the fun before we turned into pumpkins. Everyone pitched in for the
cleanup. We continued chatting while cleaning up, reluctant to end the night. Truly a wonderful
night.
Thank you to our fantastic guests the Jersey Devil Hunter Group and Sandy Schlosser. Thank
you to Dean Cartier/Chris H. for the beautiful venue. Thank you Todd for the food overdose that
would make Bacchus envious. Thank you Barry for the delicious coffee that kept us fueled.
Thanks to Steve S for his introduction (and the fudge - lol). Thanks Liz M for taking pics for me
and the goodies you brought. Thanks to everyone who brought food/goodies/books/movies/etc. -
there are too many of you to name individually - but please know your thoughtfulness and
generosity is always appreciated. You all know who you are - big THANK YOU.