Ghost hunter in Oswego spooks locals with haunted tales

<span class="body">The air was filled with uncertainty and excitement as Anna Borick, local ghost hunter, told tales of various hauntings and sightings Friday night at Mexico Point Park. Borick has been ghost hunting for the past 10 years and showed those brave enough to show up, how common household items can used to detect a spirit presence.</span>

<span class="body">"Ghosts are people. They were people when they died and they're people now," Borick said. She said ghost hunting isn't like TAPS, referencing Ghost Hunters, the popular show aired on the Sci Fi Channel, and that people should not try to instigate spirits. "Always treat them with respect," cautioned Borick.</span>

<span class="body">Borick said that spirits can sometimes be caught on film in the form of orbs. She explained the difference between a spirit orb and a moisture orb. Spirits orbs are always very solid and cannot be seen through in the photograph. Borick said she has seen a variety of colored orbs and that the spirit orbs are not always white. Moisture orbs are gray and transparent said Borick.</span>

<span class="body">The veteran ghost hunter also defined what a haunting is. Borick said that strange noises, footsteps, hot and cold spots, prickles, strange odors, voices on tape and even dreams are considered to be hauntings. They can also be history replaying itself, a ghost or an interactive ghost. Borick said that ghosts can be found anywhere and that there are no proven ways to get rid of a spirit if it happens to inhabit one's home or business. She also noted that spirits can inhabit land and objects as well.</span>

<span class="body">Borick is the founder of the History Buffers and the Paranormal, a ghost hunting group that holds a keen interest in history and paranormal activity. The group was formed in 2001 and since then have conducted numerous ghost investigations for people throughout Oswego County. The group is willing to investigate people's homes free of charge. "As ghost hunters, we're out to prove ghosts exist," Borick said. She continued, "We want to educate the public and provide them with pictures and information." She noted that the group also tries to rule out discrepency and only wants to present solid evidence to the public.</span>

<span class="body">There are a variety of common household items that one can use to determine if there is a spirit present in their home or business. Some of these simple items include cotton balls, chalk and a compass. Borick said that if it is suspected that there is a ghost in a home, then cotton balls should be placed on top of a door or window before leaving the house. If no one was in the house and upon return the cotton ball is on the ground, Borick said that there most likely is a ghost present because they enjoy moving objects around.</span>

<span class="body">Similar detection of spirits can be used with chalk. Before leaving the residence, mark on the floor with chalk where a piece of furniture is. If the furniture has moved beyond the chalk line when no one is home, then most likely there is a ghost haunting the home. Borick also said that ghosts can make compasses go haywire if they are present. The compass will appear not to work and the needle will spin in all directions.</span>

<span class="body">Borick told the story of The Calamity shipwreck off of Mexico Point. On dark and stormy nights, like the night The Calamity wrecked, two lights can be seen from Stony Island, even though there is no explanation where the source of the light is coming from. The Twice Told Hotel used to stand in the park until it burned down. Borick told of a young couple that were married under a tree in the park and the wife had her ashes buried under the same tree. Many have claimed to see a white, floating figure by the tree. Borick also told the legend of the Mexico witch who used to cut dead children's hearts out and present them to a corpse in the cemetery. Borick had a photograph that depicted a shadowy figure in the old chimney of the hotel, who she said is the witch of Mexico.</span>

<span class="body">Not only is Borick a certified ghost hunter, but she has worked with many reputable people in the field. She has conducted an investigation with the crew from TAPS at the Rolling Hills Asylum in Bethany, N.Y. She has also worked with demonologist, John Zaffis, who has appeared on the Discovery Channel.</span>

<span class="body">History Buffers and the Paranormal is always accepting new members, but Borick noted that trust is extremely important with the group. Borick said that the reason she originally became interested in ghost hunting was her grandmother's death. She said that she can say out loud, "Grandma, I love you" and knows that her grandmother will hear her.</span>

<span class="body">Anyone interested in joining History Buffers and the Paranormal or having their home or business investigated, contact Borick at (315) 342-9365.</span>