Recently one of our members found this great kid’s toy outside of a Giant Food Store.  It’s a little coin-operated Ghostbusters Fire Truck!  Unfortunately it was not working, but we still couldn’t believe that it existed!  Check out the pics!

And finally, one with Ed’s son (PGB in training)…

CRYPT OF THE LIVING DEAD / Vampires Galore - Series - Episode #4. As the moment approaches FENDRED & MOMMA LIZZY enlist the efforts of the PHILADELPHIA GHOSTBUSTERS once more to help Chris deliver the final blow to destroying THE VAMPIRE HANNAH. Will they win ? Lets find out.

Fendred’s Chamber Website

PGB: Joe, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you? What do you do besides Ghostbusting? Any other hobbies or interests?

Joe: Well, I’m 27 years old, born and raised in Allentown.
occupation-wise, I’m a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewer, or (CATI) for short. My job is to conduct research surveys with respondents over the phone, and collect data for our analysts on a variety of topics ranging from the economy, to commercial products, to healthcare. I know I’m making it sound a lot more glorious than it really is. I mainly just drink tea, and read a script from a computer screen all day long.

As for my interests and hobbies… I’m a huge trekkie, I collect action figures and comics, and I’m also an artist, not yet professionally, but I hope to maybe earn some side money with it eventually.

PGB: How long have you been with the group and what made you decide to join?

Joe:  Hmmm, Y’know… I forget when I joined officially, I just know my first event was in January of 2010. What inspired me to join, was the fact that I wanted to create my own Ghostbusters franchise in the Lehigh Valley, however it didn’t really get off the ground, however Matt Burkit suggested that I join the PGB, so I sent in an inquiry e-mail, and before I knew it… Here I am, and the rest is history.

PGB: When and why did you begin building your GB uniform and gear?

Joe: I started with a custom uniform, I purchased from Ebay. This was actually sometime, prior to the PGB or even the LVGB. I was inspired by the fan-film Return of the Ghostbusters, and I figured I needed a uniform. After Joining the PGB I began developing the costume more, starting with boots and elbow pads, moving on to Ecto-Goggles, and Thanks to Paul Poole, I now have a pack in the works.

Unfortunately I am not good with my hands in terms of building things, so with that and the lack of workspace, tools and materials, the Do-it-yourself aspect of prop building is a bit out of my reach, so with the help of people like Paul, as well as my mom for sewing on my uniform patches, the costume is coming along.

PGB: So which was your favorite event so far? And Why?

Joe: Well I have to say I enjoyed all of the events, even though my arthritis, as well as the summer heat have proven to be an adversary on frequent occasions, however, I have to say my favorite was Healthy Kids Day at the Mann Center. (Did I spell that right?) I was happy to see all the kids out there having a good time, and having them recognize us. I also liked having my picture taken with the Mayor, even if only 50% of us voted for him, (Chuckles)

PGB: How about one or two of your favorite interactions with “The Straights” (For those not familiar with this expression, “Straights”was how Bill Murray as Venkman referred to the non-busters or normal citizens in Ghostbusters 2)

Joe: Well there was that old woman at Rittenhouse, that originally thought we were fascists, here to take over. I got to sit with her on a park bench and discuss the Obama Health Reform. Then the South Street Fundraiser (My first event) Some school kid walked up and wanted to touch a Ghostbuster, so I let him poke my shoulder. Awkward, but interesting. I also love how several restaurant owners and employees seem to enjoy having us around.

My favorite, I must say, though, is the door lady at Barnes and Noble, near Rittenhouse. She has watched me enter and exit the place on three occasions, not saying a word, but i can only imagine what she was thinking, when a man dressed as a ghostbuster walks in hunting for the bathroom.

PGB: What GB props do you have? Which is your favorite?

Joe: Hmmm well there is a short list…(Laughs) I have a pair of ecto-goggles that I purchased on Ebay, and as I stated earlier, Paul is building me an outstanding looking proton pack. I’m also waiting until the holidays to jump on a Mattel PKE meter, before they are sold out.

PGB: Tell us about the role of Ghostbusters in your life? Your history with the franchise? Why Ghostbusters?

Joe: I was not even a year old when the film was released in 84, but a few years later when it hit broadcast television for the first time, my parents recorded it onto a VHS tape. On top of that when the cartoon came out in 87 I loved it. I had many of the toys including the kenner proton pack. I remember running around in a gray sweat suit with the pack annoying my sister with the noise the plastic ion wand made.

The Ghostbusters are a very dear part of my childhood. I always liked the concept, It perked my interest in ghosts, and actually made me less afraid of ghosts as a kid. To me it was a time of innocence, before growing older and learning how screwed up the world really is, outside of the childhood fantasy, Not to mention, I would give almost anything to roll into the parking lot at work in the Ecto-1.Truely one of the coolest cars ever.

PGB: So who’s your favorite Ghostbuster and why?

Joe: I have to say now-a-days I like all four of them, but when I was a kid, Egon was “da man”… He wore glasses, I wore glasses, it made sense… And I was always a fan of the “smart guy” because they always seemed a step ahead for some reason. Like Spock always got Kirk out of scrapes, Egon’s knowledge always seemed to be the cornerstone of ghostbusting victory.

PGB: How long do you see yourself doing this?

Joe: That’s actually hard to say. You see Nothing lasts forever, and All good things must come to an end, but hopefully, I see myself doing this for as long as possible. As I mentioned earlier, I have arthritis pains that make it hard for me to move around, and though I am getting better at managing it, my biggest regret so far is that I often feel like I’m a killjoy to the others. We do this stuff to have fun, and do good for the community, but then here I am, grunting and moaning in silence, because I hurt so bad I just want to go home as soon as possible, after walking around in those boots.

I just don’t want the others to feel held back because of me, because despite it all, I love doing this, It’s my reason to get out on the weekends, and I gladly push through the fatigue and the pain, as much as possible just to do it.

So hopefully I will be doing this for some many good years to come, and Hopefully in time my body will let me do it better.

PGB: Well thanks Joe!

That about wraps it up for the time being. We have a few newer rookies that we’d like to get out on a few more events with us before profiling them, but check back soon!

PGB: Adam, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you? What do you do besides Ghostbusting? Any other hobbies or interests?

Adam: Hmmm…let’s see. I’m me. I’m awesome…well, at least I think so. In fact, I think I’m the last one to be featured on this ‘getting to know your PGB’ thing? If that’s the case, I guess what they say is true…’saving the best for last’… Let’s see, when I’m not doing PGB related things I’m usually working or sleeping…probably working because I sure as heck rarely get to sleep. My other hobbies include baseball, ping pong (I’m actually really good), and playing music…but I’ve got hardly any time for those things (my fantasy baseball teams have taken a little bit of a hit because of that too…bummer).

PGB: So how does it feel being the member we can actually call Doctor and not be joking?

Adam: It feels pretty good mainly because I’ve worked so incredibly hard to get to where I am right now. In reality though, I don’t feel as if my friends and family need to call me ‘doc’…I’m still the same dude I was before I graduated medical school…minus a bunch of pounds!

PGB: How long have you been with the group and what made you decide to join?

Adam: I’ve been involved with this awesome group since before it came to be if that’s believable. Nate and I actually went to the same school, and we touched base on GBfans.com way before PGB ever happened. Things just sort of fell into place after that. It was an easy thing to want to be a part of; I love Ghostbusters and it’s a lot of fun spending time with good people who enjoy it just as much as I do.

PGB: When and why did you begin building your GB uniform and gear?

Adam: To be honest, I did not build my current pack. I’m currently “building” another proton pack with Matt…I say that because Matt is doing most of the work so far…he’s a pro. I’m trying to get comfortable with the process so I can build a third pack at some point down the line…in about 20 years when I actually have the time (haha). The uniform was something a friend of mine at PITT directed me to…my friend Danielle stitched the namepatch on, and my buddy’s mom stitched the GB logo on the sleeve. In other words you could basically say that I’ve done nothing! I’m currently waiting for a more accurate flightsuit that cost way too much, but I have no doubts that it will be well worth the money.

PGB: So which was your favorite event so far? And Why?

Adam: Probably Wizard World…the first major event we did back in 2009 just because it was the first time we did something. The amount of attention we got was surprising too…it was a blast. I admittedly haven’t been able to make it to a number of events, so it’s tough for me to choose…it’s sort of a bummer that I have to miss a lot of events, but I’m lucky that it’s because of medicine, which is as cool of a reason as there is.

PGB: How about one or two of your favorite interactions with “The Straights” (For those not familiar with this expression, “Straights” was how Bill Murray as Venkman referred to the non-busters or normal citizens in Ghostbusters 2)

Adam: I guess I look at things a bit differently than most. To me, dressing up like a Ghostbuster is completely normal, and everyone else who doesn’t is weird. Ok, seriously, I don’t really have any particular answer for this one. What I’d really like to do is show up to work in my gear and round on my patients and see how they react…I’d probably have some good stories then…assuming my medical license wouldn’t be revoked, which would pretty much suck.

PGB: What GB props do you have? Which is your favorite?

Adam: I have one proton pack and I’m working on a second one with Matt as I already mentioned. I had another pack, but I just stripped it down for parts. I also have the ‘Ghost Sniffer’ that Peter uses in Dana’s apartment in GB1. I have a trap, and I also have an Iona shoe polisher which will hopefully be converted into a PKE meter at some point.

PGB: Tell us about the role of Ghostbusters in your life? Why Ghostbusters?

Adam: My life is actually very simple…it consists of 5 things. Most of these things have been important to me all of my life, and the other (medicine) has been a huge focus for the last 8 years. Well, Ghostbusters is one of the 4 things that have always been important to me (with family, friends, and baseball…namely the Toronto Blue Jays). I talk about Ghostbusters on an almost hourly basis…even at work…no joke. I just always loved the concept of ghostbusting, as well as the guys, and that is why it will always be an obsession of mine.

PGB: So who’s your favorite Ghostbuster and why?

Adam: Definitely Peter. It used to fluctuate between Ray and Egon when I was a young kid, but as I grew up a little and better understood the humor in the movies, Peter became my favorite. I guess that’s because I find myself to be kind of a wise-ass a lot of times, and I see a lot of that in Peter as a character. I realize that I’ve given love to Peter, Ray, and Egon so far…what about Winston? Well, in reality, I love all 4 of the guys…they are the reason that Ghostbusters has been such a popular thing for such a long time; I can’t imagine Ghostbusters without any of them.

PGB: How long do you see yourself doing this?

Adam: As long as we keep the group going…it’s a nice way to get away from reality. And, as I said, it’s nice hanging out with good people. That’s the best part of all - we’ve got a great group of guys and gals. It’s really cool how much I look forward to seeing you all the few times I do get to…even if it is walking through an epic monsoon like we did at the Light The Night walk.

PGB: Thanks Adam!

So next time keep your eyes open for Joe Hennessey. After that we’ll be putting this on hiatus. We already have several new recruits, but we’d like to have them get a few more events under their belts before we spotlight them here.

We have a few new ideas for some great articles so keep checking back!

See ya soon!

PGB: Anthony, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you? What do you do besides Ghostbusting? Any other hobbies or interests?

Anthony: Well, lets see, I’m pretty much your average, mild-mannered guy. I just recently turned 22, so I’m feelin’ like an old fart compared to my other friends, especially because they are all in their senior year of college, and I plan on starting my freshman year next year. UGH! I currently work at CVS as a shift supervisor. My other hobbies besides busting ghosts would be reading really old literature (Mostly Holmes stories), and delving in to forensics as I plan on pursuing a career as a Forensic Anthropologist.

PGB: How long have you been with the group and what made you decide to join?

Anthony: I’ve been with the group since about January of this year. I used to work with the Great and Mighty Paul, and he introduced me to this whole lifestyle.

PGB: When and why did you begin building your GB uniform and gear?

Anthony: I started making my uniform in October of ‘09, then slowly moved on to the pack build around February of this year. Again, a lot of my motivation came from Paul.

PGB: So which was your favorite event so far? And Why?

Anthoy: Its a toss-up between the MS Walk and Wizard World. I chose the MS walk because it was my first charity event and it just made me feel great knowing that even though I’m a major nerd, I was able to use that fact to raise money for people in need. As for Wizard World, it was my first convention I’d been to where we had a table and realized we had a somewhat big fan base. So I would like to give a shoutout to all of the fans we have out there. Everyone we’ve met on South St. or Rittenhouse Square, youse all are what keep us going. We wouldn’t be able to do all this without your generous donations and support.

PGB: How about one or two of your favorite interactions with “The Straights” (For those not familiar with this expression, “Straights” was how Bill Murray as Venkman referred to the non-busters or normal citizens in Ghostbusters 2)

Anthony: Haha! I really don’t have many favorite interactions with the Straights, but I do always laugh when old people ask me if the Proton Pack is either a jetpack or for exterminating bugs. I do have to say though, when we went to South Street a while back in like January or February (somewhere back when it had snowed), I must say I love how some random guy on the street yelled at some cops that were in their van to arrest us, and without hesitation one of the cops yells back, “Arrest them!? But they’re OUR heroes!” I thought it was really cool. Especially ‘cuz we are toting unliscensed nuclear accelerators…JK!

PGB: What GB props do you have? Which is your favorite?

Anthony: I am currently the proud owner of GB coveralls, Proton Pack (signed by Ray and Winston), Trap (signed by Winston), and Ecto-goggles. I can’t really chose a favorite. They are all my favorite.

PGB: Tell us about the role of Ghostbusters in your life? Your history with the franchise? Why Ghostbusters?

Anthony: Oh, boy. Lets see here, kids. In order to get an accurate portrayal of GB on my life, I’d first have to wear a cardigan, smoke a pipe, and sit in a rocking chair as I pour over all the old stories of when I was a lil tyke about ye tall… That may be too lengthy. So I’ll just get to the point. Ghostbusters has always been in my life. I was born in ‘88, with GB2 released in ‘89 I was only 11 months old when first exposed to it. I grew up as a lil kid having ALL the action figures, and the lil coveralls and whatnot. I used to wear the coveralls everyday 24/7 for about 5 years. Needless to say, I grew out of them and they ripped on me… But now, I got my big boy coveralls, so I’m still able to hold on to that childhood magic (Not in the MJ/Peter Pan way)

PGB: So who’s your favorite Ghostbuster and why?

Anthony: WIIIIIINNNNNSSSSSTTTTTTOOOOOONNNN! In my head I said that like the creepy voice in the subway right before the ghost train ran him over. He’s just such a great character. He kind of has experience on both sides of the fence. He used to be one of “The Straights,” and didn’t really believe in the stuff. He said he’d believe in it only if there was a steady paycheck. He then saw stuff that turned him white, then apparently back to black, and defended his fellow gang like a family. He’s a great character with a lot more depth than people gave him credit for. That and the whole line about the twinkie…

PGB: How long do you see yourself doing this?

Anthony: Hopefully, for as long as I can. I’d love to make a living out of this, but I’ve invested about $500 of my own money in to this with no signs of ever seeing it again ‘cuz it ain’t a paying gig. But I would love to be with this group for a long time. These are a bunch of some great guys and great friends. Sadly though, I’m planning on going to University of Tennessee (hopefully) next year. But if things don’t work out, I guess I’ll be staying with this group til the day I become the thing in which we bust.

PGB: Thanks Anthony! Well that’s it for this week everyone. Next week we’ll back as we begin to wind down out “Getting To Know…” series. Who will it be? Dr. Adam Marish? T.J. Becker? Stay tuned!

This time out we spotlight on our other girl Ghostbuster: Rosemary Ward!

PGB: Rose, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you? What do you do besides Ghostbusting? Any other hobbies or interests?

Rose: Besides spending with my Tony and cuddling our two black kitties..I spend a lot of time costuming, collecting toys, going to conventions, reading comics..etc. As you can tell I’m a real nerd girl, but I enjoy it. Of late I’ve also been designing and working on a ‘Retro Fan Site’ That will be mostly geared towards the eighties.

PGB: How long have you been with the group and what made you decide to join?

Rose: I’d say about a year. Tony told me about it and asked if I’d mind joining in. I’ve always enjoyed Ghostbusters, even had a Ghostbusters scrap book as a teen along with some of the Real Ghostbusters toys back in the day. So I thought it was a great idea

PGB: When and why did you begin building your GB uniform and gear?

Rose: I had the Jumpsuit with patches first, that was the easy part and I got all of that for my first outing. For the longest time my proton pack was just an old piece Tony put together from a vacuum cleaner. I use to joke about it and say “It use to suck dirt and now it sucks ghosts!”

PGB: I know you’re a big costumer, what other non GB costumes do you have?

Rose: Some of my favorites would be: The Baroness from G.I. Joe, Soundwave and Wheeljack from Transformers, Alucard from Hellsing and of course I’m always plotting more. I wouldn’t mind dressing up as a ghost sometime too, just for a ghostbuster outing, perhaps at a Con

PGB: So which was your favorite event so far? And Why?

Rose: I’d say it was any of those without rain. Most of the outdoor events we’ve had for charity have been in rain, but we’re all good sports and stick it through. The recent parade we had done was lots of fun too and I’d love to do a Dragon Con someday again and suit up as a Ghostbuster.

PGB: How about one or two of your favorite interactions with “The Straights” (For those not familiar with this expression, “Straights” was how Bill Murray as Venkman referred to the non-busters or normal citizens in Ghostbusters 2)

Rose: I’ve gotten a lot of dld looks before, but I think the oddest would have been the time someone thought Tony’s proton pack was a camera. Then on South Street that was a bit scary at times. But for the most part, whether you’re a ‘Straight’ or not, everyone knows Ghostbusters!

PGB: What GB props do you have? Which is your favorite?

Rose: Ecto goggles, proton pack, ghost trap, radio and uniform. My favorite would be the proton pack. Tony surprised me with it for my birthday this year along with much more GB gear.

PGB: Tell us about the role of Ghostbusters in your life? Your history with the franchise? Why Ghostbusters?

Rose: To show my age, I remember when the movie first came out in 84, I had wanted to go see it, but my mom was very iffy about it at the time. That hadn’t stopped me from loving the characters and seeing the movie after it came out on VHS. I remember watching the ‘Real Ghostbusters’ every Saturday morning. Eating the cereal, collecting a few of the toys, having a ‘Real Ghostbusters’ Birthday party {My parents have been looking for the pictures of that, since some were taken and I’d love to share it with the group}. As I’ve told many in the past, I’ve always been a fan of Ghostbusters, Tony just helped my relive a lot of those fond memories by having me join the group with him.

PGB: So who’s your favorite Ghostbuster and why?

Rose: Egon was always my favorite as a teen, I’d say because he had glasses and laugh as you might, but back then I wanted to grow up to be just like him and actually study ghosts. Now I’d say it’s more Ray since he’s such a big kid at heart, just like yours truly!

PGB: How long do you see yourself doing this?

Rose: I don’t plan to stop. My dad’s in his sixties and he loves this sort of thing, my parents have even talked of getting some costumes and if we lived closer I’m sure they would. It’s about enjoying life, something I always plan to do!

PGB: Thanks Rose! Well I hope you all enjoyed this tardy update! Look out this weekend, as we spotlight newer member Anthony Snow! Seeya then!

This week, Philly GB Leader and founder Nate Paro steps in to ask the questions of

Nate: Welcome once again to installment number nine of  “Getting To Know Your Ghostbusters.”  This week we sit down with our esteemed guest Mr. Paul Poole.  Paul, welcome to “getting to know your Ghostbusters.  So, you too have a theory about the end of the world?

Sorry about that.  Just a little Ghostbusters 2 humor.  Tell us a bit about yourself Paul.  Who are you? Are you a god? What do you do besides tearing up the streets with the PGB and do you have any other hobbies?

Paul: Hello! I’m 33 and I work in a grocery store. I’m in charge of specialty cheeses. So although I’ve heard this joke a thousand times already, it IS true…I cut the cheese for a living. I’m married to my beautiful wife and fellow Philly Ghostbuster Dawn.
As for other hobbies? Well before the Ghostbustin’ thing became sorta full time, I worked on making and collecting other superhero and movie related props, as well as the occasional collecting of toys, especially my massive collection of Minimates.

Nate: So rumor has it that you have a museum like collection of movie memorabilia.  What are some your more prized pieces of your collection?

Paul: Wow…yeah much like the Addams’ Family’s “..there house is a museum, where people come to see ‘em..” our house can be overwhelming upon first visits. My favorite pieces would have to be my Rocketeer helmet, full sized Vigo The Carpathian on canvas, Proton Pack of course, 1940’s Flash helmet, Green Lantern Power Battery, and 60’s Batman Catwoman costume (on a mannequin of course!)

Nate: One of the corner stones of your collection has to be your high end incredibly detailed action figures.  What were some of your favorite toys growing up?

Paul: Believe it or not….NOT Ghostbusters. I was never too impressed with the toys. I WAS however a huge fan of  Transformers, G.I. Joe, Remco Monsters, Smurfs, Star Wars, C.O.P.S. and Super Powers.

Nate: Through out the years you have met a number of celebrities that have added to your collection.  What has been your favorite interaction thus far?

Paul: Easy. Hands down..Dan Aykroyd. I was lucky enough to have met him twice. Both meetings were great. The first was when I had just put my uniform and pack together. I wasn’t part of the group yet, and there weren’t many GB’s there at all. I was the first in the line and people treated me like a rock star. It was very overwhelming. Then meeting Dan and his great reaction to me. All memories I’ll keep with me always. This was also the beginning of my seeming inability to escape the press. I ended up on TMZ with Dan telling me how accurate my pack was.
The second meeting was as a member of our group and getting to experience it all as a team.
I also have to mention Ernie Hudson. We drove to Pittsburgh to meet him, and he stayed down the hall from us at our hotel. We ran into each other in the hallway the night before the convention and he was just a very warm and funny guy.
Beyond that I can’t say enough enough kind words about Dee Wallace (everyone’s favorite 80’s mom). She’s all you could hope for in meeting an actor.

Nate: So you made your gear before joining or even knowing about the group.  What was your inspiration for taking on the task of building a UNA (unlicensed nuclear accelerator)?

Paul: Well once my wife and I decided to get married on Halloween and in costumes, the hunt was on for a truly epic costume. I’m known for throwing huge Halloween parties and wearing elaborate costumes. I decided since not only was it Halloween..but my wedding, that I needed to truly outdo my previous costumes. Once I hit on Ghostbusters..the rest was history!

Nate: You have some unique items in your Ghostbusters prop collection.  You have really taken a couple steps away from the standard equipment.  What are some of your favorites?

Paul: Well my full size Vigo The Carpathian would be my crown jewel next to the Proton Pack. There’s nothing quite like coming out of the upstairs bathroom and coming face to face with an 8 foot tall “Sorrow Of Moldavia”. Creepy at 3 a.m.!

Nate: Out of all the props you have in your collection there are still a few that you have yet to get your hands on?  What is circled in the folded over pages of your Ghostbusting Wishbook?

Paul: The P.K.E. meter would be an obvious one, but I think the highest on my want list would be a Giga Meter from Ghostbusters 2!

Nate: How exactly did you become a member of the Philadelphia Ghostbusters franchise?

Paul: Well, once I had finished putting my uniform and pack together, I travelled to Maryland with Dawn and some friends to meet Dan Aykroyd. While there I met Del. He suggested I contact you guys. I did, but I was so busy with wedding planning that it was a couple of months until I could go to an event. I met Matt, Tony, Rose, Jack and TJ at Steel City Con. Then I was hooked. I think my first official event as a member was a South Street fundraiser!

Nate: Is it true that you are one of driving forces behind the PGB’s ever-popular Facebook page?  What was your role in putting this together and why Facebook?

Paul: Yes this IS true. Soon after joining I would hear people saying that the pics they were taking with us at various locations were “going up on Facebook”. It only made sense to me that we have a fast way to interact with the people we meet, share our photos, and get news out there. Facebook made the most sense. I began badgering you and Matt. After a month or so you said I should set that up. I think it was mostly to shut me up..but I think it’s been an overwhelming success!

Nate: But Facebook is only one of the hits on your PGB wrap sheet.  Aren’t you also the originator of this very segment?  What’s it like being in the hot seat for a change?

Paul: Haha! The secret’s out. It’s me that usually asks the questions each week. As for being in the “hot seat”, I don’t mind. Your questions are putting mine to shame tho!

Nate: What has been your favorite event in your outings with the PGB?

Paul: Well it would be easy to say meeting Dan Aykroyd twice or Ernie Hudson, but the truth is my favorite events are always South Street fundraisers. I have the most fun there, and we generally get our most enthusiastic responses! My favorite South Street trip was Free Comic Book day with you and Dawn. It was our smallest outing, but the most fun I’ve had.

Nate: Over the past few weeks we have heard some interesting stories about fan interactions.  Which fan memories stick out for you?

Paul: Easy. There was this young guy named Bob I think. He “fanned” us on Facebook. Anyways it was free comic book day and he had someone dressed up as Batman sign his chest. When he saw us he insisted one of us sign his chest. No one else wanted to, so there’s photographic evidence on Facebook of me signing around Bob’s nipple. Bizarre…but funny!

Nate: You happen to be one of the few team members to have a significant other in the group.  What’s it like having a loved one involved in your hobby?

Paul: It’s one of the best parts about it. I love that my wife loves doing this crazy stuff with me. I never get the “Stay home with me” stuff. I mean she’s right out there in the uniform with me and it’s great!

Nate: Haven’t you also opened up the world of Ghostbusters to others in your family?

Paul: Well I try to brainwash any of the kids in my family as much as I can. Dawn’s niece and nephew have a Proton Pack and Slime Blower that I made for them!

Nate: So how was Ghostbusters introduced to you?  What has been its role in your life?

Paul: Well you can ask my mom…it was the first movie we recorded the first day we got a VCR. I watched it every day after school and pretty much wore the movie out. It’s a great movie in that every so many years you get something entirely new from it!

Nate: Let’s mix things up a bit this week.  Who is your favorite non Ghostbuster character in the films?

Paul: Easy! Walter Peck! Forget Gozer, Peck is the true villain of Ghostbusters, however the older I get, the more I somewhat sympathize with him. I mean if this happened in the real world and a bunch of failed academics were running around with nuclear backpacks supposedly catching “Ghosts” you’d want them investigated. Venkman can be a total dick… you start to kinda understand Peck.

Nate: Do you have a favorite line from either movie?

Paul: A favorite? Wow…probably, “I’ve seen shit that’d turn you white!” from Winston.

Nate: There are many villains within the greater Ghostbusters entertainment from the dead, to the human, and even the gelatinous.  Who or what would you pick as the best (or would it be worst) villain?

Paul: Again..Walter Peck. It’s been said the best villains are the ones who view themselves as the hero.

Nate: Lastly.  How do you see your future with the PGB?  How long do you plan on bustin with us and feeling good?

Paul: I’ll be doing this as long as I can wear a pack and have friends to wear it with. I love wearing the gear, I love seeing the great reactions, I love talking about the movies with the public and I love that I’ve finally found a way to make a positive impact on society. Doing good for others and charitable works is a great natural high. There’s not much else like it!

Nate: I would like to thank you very much for taking a moment to sit on the other side of the interrogation table Paul.  Tune in next week as we hear a tale from Rose Ward!

Hey gang! Has it been a week already?? Time flies! Well it’s time for part 8 of our “Getting To Know Your Ghostbusters“. This week is Del Aponte!

PGB: Del, tell us a little about you. Who are you? What do you do besides Ghostbusting? Do you have any other hobbies or interests?

Del: Well, I’m just someone who loves Ghostbusters and loves helping people. Luckily I’ve found a place where I could do both, and Ive made it my home.
As far as hobbies go, I’m pretty easy going. I don’t get out too much, but when I do.. I go in big. Besides Ghostbusting I collect movies and music. Specifically horror movies. I’ve also wanted to get into the autobody field for some while now and I’m glad to announce that I have started classes. I plan to convert my 89 Caprice into an Ecto for myself and the group.

PGB: So you’re the “Family Man” of the group with several kids. Do they share your love of Ghostbusters?

Del: They all love the franchise,but none more than my son Del the 4th. He’s an avid fan with his own full-fledged love for the field and the life. He also has his own jumpsuit and pack signed by “Ernie Hudson”. He also loves what I do and awaits the day he can be a “Real Ghostbuster” and kick it with the “big boys” as he says.

PGB: How long have you been with the group and what made you decide to join?

Del: Ive been around since the first day. I’m one of the original founding members. Nate got in touch with me on GBFans and we just went from there. I set up our first two events which were the comic store 80’s art show thing and the GB1 screening which sold out. I knew Nate had a great idea, it just needed to be nurtured, so in the beginning that’s what I did. I always knew we’d be a big hit. We just needed to get out there and let people know who we were. We did, and we haven’t looked back. Since the beginning others have stepped up, setting up their own events which have greatly furthered our name and cause. I’m proud to be a founding member, and will always be around in some way or another.

PGB: When and why did you begin building your GB uniform and gear?

Del: When I found GBFans and saw all the packs, I knew I wanted to have one. I had neither the resources or the know-how to build my own, so I bought an “EBay Special” which was ok. Lets just say it looked better in the pics and the price was cheap. You get what you pay for. Since then I have built a more accurate pack more to my liking. I feel it’s a magnificent piece of work and is signed by none other than Dan Akroyd and Ernie Hudson. What can I say? Having 50% of the Ghostbusters sign your pack is awesome. I long for the day I can have all 4 signatures. Till that day I’ll continue to build more props and enjoy them as I go.

PGB: So which was your favorite event so far? And Why?

Del: Wizard World 2010. Why? Well because it symbolizes 1 year of service to the community by the PGB. It also represents a one year strong relationship with my fellow brothers and sisters here in the Philadelphia Ghostbusters family. A relationship which I hope will continue to grow and flourish throughout our existence.

PGB: How about one or two of your favorite interactions with “The Straights” (For those not familiar with this expression, “Straights” was how Bill Murray as Venkman referred to the non-busters or normal citizens in Ghostbusters 2).

Del: I just love how we get alot of props for our equipment and efforts. It’s also great to have fans of the franchise drool over your equipment. It makes all the hard work, worth the effort.

PGB: Tell us about the role of Ghostbusters in your life? Your history
with the franchise? Why Ghostbusters? 

Del: Ghostbusters plays a huge role in my life as you can see. My history with the franchise I owe to my mother. I was too young to see the first move in the theaters, as it was released in 84 and I was born in 85. I did go to see part two, and when it was all said and done my mother bought me part one on tape. Let’s just say that movie was played alot on my families VCR. I loved the cartoon and all the toys, and now I have a piece of the franchise that I always wanted. A Proton Pack! lol.  My daughter asked me recently, “Do you dream at night of being a ghostbuster?”  My wife over heard her and said,  “Your daddy doesn’t have to dream about it baby, because he lives it everyday”.

PGB: So who’s your favorite Ghostbuster and why?

Del: Venkman. Without him scheming up the plot to go into business, Ray and Spengs would still
be doing pro-bono work in libraries. Without him regarding science as a dodge or hustle, none of us would be strapping on the Nuclear Accelerators that help us make five grand a pop for “Full Form Free Roaming Vapors”.

PGB: How long do you see yourself doing this?

Del: Till my back goes out from strapping on my pack! Well until I get to old, then my sons
can carry on the torch. Hey maybe they can even borrow Libby’s. That’s until she gets back from that weekend in Vegas with the Jolly Green Giant.

Thanks Del! Well we hope you enjoyed this weeks segment! Join us again next weekend when we bring you Part 9: Paul Poole!

Have a great week!

Hey friends and fans, it’s that time again! This week we bring you the seventh installment in “Getting To Know Your Ghostbusters“. This week we present CJ Lodge!

PGB: CJ, tell us a little about you. Who are you? What do you do besides Ghostbusting? Do you have any other hobbies or interests?

CJ: I am a recent Graduate of the University of Delaware. I’m a fairly regular guy, You know friends, work, girlfriend, that whole thing. I’m kind of a techno nerd, but that’s about it. I do play video games sometimes and I also dabble in other prop activities. Nothing too irregular.

PGB: How long have you been with the group and what made you decide to join?

CJ: I’m one of the first of the non original PGB’s. I submitted an application online last fall. I saw the banner on Matt’s profile on GBFans.com and clicked over, not quite sure what I was looking at. When I found that there were other guys dressing up as Ghostbusters I wanted to at least meet them. When I found out all the details of the charity work I was sold.

PGB: When and why did you begin building your GB uniform and gear?

CJ: Somewhere during Sophomore/Junior year of High school a friend of mine showed me the website Gbprops and I saw all of the great things people were building. Having been obsessed with Ghostbusters my entire childhood I did it as a Halloween costume. No pack, just a ghost trap, which was awful, and a jumpsuit and it just kind of grew from there. It was a quest to obtain the proton pack which I had idolized since my youth. I thought of it as kind of a gift to five year old me.

PGB: So is it true that you’re the founder and only member of the Delaware Ghostbusters?

CJ: Well technically I think there are like two other busters in DE, but I don’t see anybody else trying to represent the diamond state. I’m taking applications though.(please don’t send me applications)

PGB: Has your background in theater helped you in Ghostbusting?

CJ: Yeah It actually has. I have absolutely no fear dressing up as a Ghostbuster or randomly approaching complete strangers in costume. Over the years of making an ass of myself on stage it’s now quite hard to spook me. Also Improv exercises are great. I pride myself in the ability to quickly answer little kids who think we are real, that have questions about ghosts. It also helps coming up with answers to one of the most common questions we get every time “is it that real, can it really shoot?”. I just answer yes, then make up some excuse why I can’t fire it.

PGB: So which was your favorite event so far? And Why?

CJ: I honestly really enjoyed Deborah heart and lung day. It was my first event and I had a ton of fun meeting everyone for the first time. A close second would be wizard world. I had a really good time working the booth with everyone, and meeting random people.

PGB: How about one or two of your favorite interactions with “The Straights” (For those not familiar with this expression, “Straights” was how Bill Murray as Venkman referred to the non-busters or normal citizens in Ghostbusters 2).

CJ: Not to sound insensitive but I seem to attract the crazies .I think it’s because my pack can play the music. The best though was probably the crazy drunk lady that would not stop dancing around/on me. Most uncomfortable thing experience on south street of my life. At some point though she put five dollars in my front pocket. Which was kind of a mystery to me as to how it got there.

PGB: Tell us about the role of Ghostbusters in your life? Your history with the franchise? Why Ghostbusters?

CJ: Well I honestly can’t tell you why I was attracted to the movie. It came out three years before I was born. And my parents insist that I saw the movie before the cartoon. I’ve been told many a time how I would watch Ghostbusters everyday, and I have the extremely worn out VHS to prove it. It’s just always kind of been my favorite movie. I don’t really know why. I watched the cartoon religiously as a kid and it just kind of never went away.

PGB: So who’s your favorite Ghostbuster and why?

CJ: Egon. He’s this great straight man but every once and awhile you see this little funny side to him.

PGB: How long do you see yourself doing this?

CJ: Two more weeks, tops. Honestly, I see myself doing this as long as I can. I really love how we help people and get to do something geeky at the same time. It feels really good to know your helping somebody less fortunate than yourself. I also feel like the whole Ghostbuster thing helps us raise money and isn’t just us imposing a gimmick to make us happy.

Thanks CJ! Well we hope you enjoyed getting to know CJ a bit. Seeya next week as we bring you Part 8…and Del Aponte!