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- 1. LLIIFFEESSTTYYLLEE WILLIAMSPORT SUN-GAZETTE Sunday, October 13, 2013 EE Milestones, Pages E-4 and 5 Lovells celebrate 50 years Soul Searchers — paranormal group takes the young and curious under their wing By JESSICA WELSHANS Sun-Gazette Correspondent Kevin Bamonte, of South Williamsport, was visiting the battlefields of historic Gettysburg, where he thought, why not try “ghost hunting” with the group he was vis- iting with? “We all met up and went to the Sachs bridge, a Confederate retreat point after the battle that was supposedly very haunted,” he said. “It was freezing cold and the six of us huddled close together and began ask- ing questions.” He said the whole “hunting” thing was for fun. “Well this fun, relaxing trip soon took an eerie turn when later that night I listened to the cheap voice recorder I had along on the hunt. I remember playing it back and jumping out of my seat when I heard a spirit clearly state his full name, ‘Paul Wheaton,’ on the recording ... my life changed forever,” he said. After sharing this experience with others, everyone found it fasci- nating. So began the paranormal group called Soul Searchers. In early October, the group’s seven members, who all are friends, met at what they refer to as the Snyder House, on the property of Snyder Farm in Montoursville. That evening, about 10 children joined the inves- tigators, who mentor paranormal investiga- tions. With a huge interest blooming about the para- normal and ghost hunt- ing, it seemed like a good idea to Bamonte to get children who are interest- ed in the paranormal, involved and help mentor them. “We all have kids and some of us have coached kids in the past. The men- toring idea I guess grew from that; it’s such an incredible location and it’s great to see the excite- ment when the kids are investigating,” he said. Unlike what is seen on TV ghost hunting shows, a night-long investigation is a lot of hard work. Bamonte said some- times, much of the time that is spent researching and prepping, can pro- duce very few tangible results. Though, occasionally, there is an investigation that produces a lot of hits of paranormal activity, and Bamonte said when that happens, the excite- ment is beyond descrip- tion. “We wanted the kids to experience this along with teaching them some of the ‘do’s and dont’s’ of good investigating as well as working with the many pieces of equipment that we use,” Bamonte said He said the group also shows the rookie ghost hunters that spirits or An empty place at the table Not much feels more like family than setting a table and sitting down to a meal together. It’s a ritu- al marking completeness, connectedness and a calm relaxation at the end of hectic day. It’s what is so special about the holidays — family gathering together to smile, laugh and share a special moment. But what if just one member of that family is miss- ing? There’s an empty place at your table. A void. A loss. Brokenness. That’s exactly the reality for 12 families in Lycoming County. Children, parents, cousins and friends sit down at a table missing its final piece every day as a result of domestic violence. “The Empty Place At the Table” is a tangible rep- resentation of loss. Plates, cups and flatware repre- sent just how much is missing when a family is incomplete. The places stand for each mother who isn’t listening to her teenage daughter talk about her classmates and ask for advice. They represent children who aren’t telling jokes and scrunching their noses up at the lima beans; a father who never got to meet his daughter; a young wife who will never experience too many of life’s joys. As you read this list of names, think about your dinner table and remember these families who are incomplete as a result of domestic violence. DDeeee WWiillssoonn —— 1954-1996, 42 years old, mother of three children. JJeenniiffeerr PPoowweellll —— 1976-1997, 21 years old. JJeennnniiffeerr WWiittmmeerr —— 1965-1998, 32 years old, moth- er of three. MMiirriiaamm IIlllleess —— 1951-1999, 48-years-old, mother of one. TTrraammaaiinn GGlliissssoonn —— 1978-1999, 21 years old, father of one. SSuussaann YYaassiippoouurr —— 1996-2001, 4 years old. She liked Barney, cherry tomatoes and Little People toys. SStteepphhaanniiee SSeeeess,, 1970-2002, 32-year old, mother of one. KKaalliibb NNaasshh BBllaassee —— 1997-2002, 5 years old. He liked flowers, the History Channel and playing Bingo with his grandmother. TTrraaccii WWeerrttzz —— 1970-2004, 34 years old, mother of five. MMeellaanniiee SSaallggaaddoo,, 1969-2004, 34 years old, mother of two. CChhrriissttiinnee MMoonnttggoommeerryy —— 1972-2005, 32 years old, mother of two and stepmother to three. CChheerriillyynn KKeepphhaarrtt —— 1974-2013, 38 years old, mother of two. By LYNDSEY HEWITT lhewitt@sungazette.com Becoming a model is not an uncommon dream for many girls and women in the world to have. The flashing lights and cameras; being paid to be perfectly pam- pered and cosmetized by the best fashion designers in the industry; and ultimately becoming a face of fashion, all contribute to a lifestyle that seems appealing, at least on the surface. Though a common dream, it is a unique reality. Only a few, of the thousands who try, actually end up sitting in front of a vanity mirror with fashion designers and their cosmetic contrap- tions surrounding; fashion is one of the most competitive industries in the world and tops many lists in being the toughest industry to break into. Furthermore, even after mak- ing a break, staying concreted in fashion is just as troublesome. Height, age, weight, money and constant criticism regarding what is supposed to be a private temple — one’s body — cause many to quit, starve themselves, take drugs or initiate severe depression. Also, it’s an industry that arguably ends up consum- ing one’s life — traveling, appointments, publicists, inter- views, etc.; it makes it difficult to Despite having a busy schedule — travelling nationally and internationally for model- ing gigs and bartending in between — the Sun-Gazette was able to catch up with Brittani Kline. Lyndsey Hewitt: Do you still talk to some of the models that were with you on America’s Next Top Model (Cycle 16)? Brittani Kline: I talk to almost everyone from the show, including production. Tyra (Banks, the show’s host) recently followed me on Twitter, but we haven’t spoke since the finale. I often text Molly, Sara, Mikaela and other girls from the show. We try our best to stay in touch. (See BRITTANI, Page E-3) (See Q&A, Page E-3) PHOTOS PROVIDED Brittani Kline, who now resides in Lock Haven, won “Americaʼs Next Top Model” in 2011 and has had a wild ride since. At top is a photo of Kline from a recent photoshoot. At far left is Kline (left) and Tyra Banks, supermodel, after her win in 2011. At left is Kline and her cat, Roscoe. After many ups and downs, she has found she favors a more conventional lifestyle, as opposed to her orig- inal dream of becoming a super- model. (See AN EMPTY, Page E-3) JESSICA WELSHANS/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Members of the Soul Searchers paranormal group use their technology during a recent paranormal investigation. (See SOUL, Page E-3) Snyder House: Old abandoned house comes with history and hauntings By JESSICA WELSHANS Sun-Gazette Correspondent The paranormal group, Soul Searchers, have been investigating the Snyder House for nearly a year. “We have been going there for about a year and what started as more of a investigative ‘party’ has turned into a full blown passion with every piece of evidence we’ve gathered there,” Bamonte said. The group uses the home for such seminars because they have proven paranormal experiences (See SNYDER, Page E-3)