NEWS

2009:

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With Halloween just a few days away, there's still time to take in a few haunted houses.

One in Malvern, Iowa is particularly interesting.

Malvern is about 30 minutes southeast of the metro area; just about everyone in Malvern is taking part.

Inside Bowley's Bistro you can get a great cup of coffee that always comes with a smile.

But there's a little secret here that's starting to spread.

It's called the “Gateway of Chaos”, a haunted house that covers two buildings with a trip to an outdoor graveyard.

It's sponsored by the Malvern Area Betterment Association and the creation of director Spencer Terry.

"The youth wanted to do it, the adults wanted to do it our volunteers wanted to do it,” Terry said. “We have almost 35 volunteers that are here and we have sponsors that stepped up."

This community fundraiser supports projects for community betterment, beautification, and youth programs, along with cultural and family events.

"When Spencer came and started talking and he's newer to town and talking about the revitalization of our town I was like, I don't know where he's coming from,” Actor John Bainter said. “The more I listened to him the more excited I got and knowing that the kids were wanting to be involved in this was just one of the greatest things."

"One of the things I was really very glad about was getting young people involved, however it has been a community effort,” actor Harold Torquist said.

The haunt offers a lot of scary rooms with hanging things and strobe lights that mix with a room of dots.

And Doctor Gore is definitely in.

Few know the good doctor is actually volunteer firefighter John Bainter.

"Unless my daughter's their tour guide,” he said. “My daughter's gone though it a few times and she's like this is my dad's room, but I have figured out ways to scare her even, even though she knows what is going to happen in that room."

The “Gateway of Chaos” has attracted regional attention.

14-hundred people from 40 cities have passed through here.

"We may be a small town but we're operating an Omaha-sized haunt,” Terry said. “This is a big deal. We're putting in a lot of time and a lot of money and it'll continue year after year."

Just a little frightful fun in the back of a coffee shop in a small Iowa town.

The “Gateway of Chaos” only runs on Saturday nights.

There are two more chances to check it out --- Halloween night and November 7th.

The haunt is open from 8 to 10:30pm.

Cost is five dollars.

There's also a children's flashlight tour both nights from 7 to 8.

Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 11:12 AM CDT

MALVERN – Early cold snaps aren’t keeping thrill seekers away from Malvern.

According to Gateway of Chaos director Spencer Terry, the haunted house attraction has seen more than 1,400 visitors since opening Oct. 3.

“I anticipated this year to have minimal turnout since it’s our first year,” Terry said. “Quite the opposite has happened, and we anticipate going above the 2,000-patron mark.”

Gateway of Chaos is Malvern’s first professional haunted house and a project sponsored by the nonprofit Malvern Area Betterment Association and Malvern Trust and Savings Bank. Terry credited the support of sponsors and community as well as the volunteers who put in thousands of hours of work.

People ages 7 to 70 have stepped into the Gateway of Chaos. Photos and a Youtube photo can be viewed on the Web site, www.gatewayofchaos.com.

There are two more chances to enter the chaos. Saturdays, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7, the haunt will be open from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Cost is $5. Halloween will also offer a children’s flashlight tour from 7 to 8 p.m.

Funds raised throughout the season will be used for operational costs and support MABA. The nonprofit supports community causes like youth empowerment, community development, civic engagement, cultural and family events, preservation, beautification and more. The next MABA event will be Malvern’s citywide Festival of Trees Dec. 5.

Plans are in the works for next year’s haunt, Terry said. Those who want to volunteer can e-mail him at spencerterry@hotmail.com.

Reporter Emily Kesten can be reached at (712) 325-5732 or e-mail emily.kesten@nonpareilonline.com.

MALVERN LEADER

Malvern haunt brings thousands

The season isn't even over yet, but Gateway of Chaos has already pushed over 1,400 visitors through their haunted house attraction.

"I anticipated this year to have minimal turn out since it's our first year.  Quite the opposite has happened and we anticipate going above the 2,000 patron mark" said Spencer Terry, haunt director.  "I think it shows just how hard we've worked, the thousands of hours that went into building and marketing the event and more than ever, it shows that South West Iowa is proud to have such an incredible professional haunted attraction in their own back yard" he added.

Terry said "I also know this event wouldn't have gotten this big, let alone off the ground, if it weren't for folks in the community who trusted me and my expertise, as well as our GRAND SPONSORS like Malvern Trust and Savings Bank, Menards, Office Max and our many other donors and sponsors."  Indeed, the community has been behind the project since the beginning.  Businesses are staying open later and it's near impossible to find a parking spot on Main Street on any Saturday night the haunt is operating.

All ages have dared to enter the gates of chaos too.  From 7-70 they're all leaving with their heart pounding...some more than others! Photo's of the volunteers and video's of frightened guests and more can be found at their website, www.gatewayofchaos.com.  Plenty of people interviewed in line said they wouldn't go anywhere else in the area.  The price is very low, they're supporting great local causes, and as one haunted house enthusiast patron put it: 'other haunts can't match what Gateway of Chaos does...it's amazing.'

They're gearing up for Halloween too.  From 7-8pm all ages can enter the haunt with flashlights.  You'll get to see all the work, lighting, music, props, effects and more, but without the scary actors - all for just $5.  They may even have a few actors in costume out front for photo's!  Then from 8-10:30 it's the scariest night of the year and Terry admits he and the MABA volunteers still have a few tricks up their  sleeves.  "After the trick or treaters have stopped coming to your house, come trick-or-treat at ours" Terry joked.

November 7 is the last operating night of 2009.  "Keep an eye on our website!  We might offer a discount of some sort, so you'll want to be ready to get your final scare in of the year" Terry added.  Many believe it'll be a great night, as the haunt promises to go out with a bang!  Don't worry though, plans have already begun for the 2010 attraction and anyone wanting to volunteer next year can email spencerterry@hotmail.com for next year's recruiting cycle.

Funds raised throughout the season will be used to pay operational costs, but the majority of it will go back to supporting Malvern Area Betterment Association (MABA) causes like youth empowerment, community development, civic engagement, cultural and family events, preservation and beautification and more.  The next  less scarier MABA event will be its city-wide Festival of Tree's event, all day December 5, 2009.  Don't miss out on another incredible Malvern, Iowa event.

http://www.southwestiowanews.com/articles/2009/09/16/council_bluffs/doc4ab1053ceac2b776483741.txt

THE DAILY NONPAREIL

Something Spooky: Gateway to Chaos benefits Malvern

By Emily Kesten, Staff Writer
ekesten@nonpareilonline.com

Published: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 11:00 AM CDT

MALVERN – There’s something spooky in Malvern.

Main Street is busy on a weekday afternoon. High school students are volunteering. And the Gateway of Chaos – a professional haunted house attraction – will open in a month.

What do businesses, teenage students and a haunted house have in common? The Malvern Area Betterment Association, a nonprofit group of individuals and businesses that have created a citywide initiative to put time and money back into the community, according to president Spencer Terry.

“It’s incredible,” said Terry of the initiative and MABA’s latest project.

Gateway of Chaos has doubled in size and scope from its origins in the 1882 Victorian home of Spencer and Kimmy Terry – the very home that drew them to Malvern. The couple moved there from Utah in 2006 and decided to stage a haunted house.

“Attendance went up 500 percent from then to now,” said Spencer Terry. “We had people coming from Omaha and Plattsmouth (Neb.).”

Spencer Terry calls himself a manager by trade. He used to be an operational manager for Marriot, then turned his attention the National Federation for Just Communities, a social nonprofit “on every level.” But he gave it up in April – “a hard but good decision” – and has concentrated his energies on Gateway of Chaos.

The haunted attraction was outgrowing their home. When high school students said they wanted to help make it bigger and better, Spencer Terry thought, “No way. We can’t afford this.”

But MABA members and businesses moved the haunt downtown with donations of space and money. The haunted attraction will cover 4,000 square feet – double the Victorian – $30,000 worth of investment. Sponsors such as the Malvern Trust and Savings Bank have helped foot the bill.

But, a bigger budget isn’t the best part. It’s the volunteers behind it.

“The students from East Mills (High School) aren’t getting credit,” he said. “I hope to work it into the curriculum as service learning, but right now it is all volunteer.”

Even if the students are not getting credit, they are getting real work experience. They work with an actual budget, construction, props and design, plastic molding, make-up and technical operations.

“My goal is to be able to send three or four students to Hollywood for jobs if they want,” Spencer Terry said.

On average, eight to 10 students work four hours a week, but that will increase in October, said Spencer Terry. Schedules depend on school activities and other jobs. He estimated the project has more than 30 volunteers. A core group of four to five adults make up the construction team, and come scare time, youth and adults alike will spook anyone who steps into the dark halls.

“Even the mayor is doing it,” Spencer Terry said.

Gateway of Chaos is more than blood and guts. Designers and actors are learning about the psychology of fear, and the rooms, hallways and outside areas will disorient and spook – but there will also be some old-fashioned gore, too.

The haunted attraction will run Saturdays from Oct. 3 through Nov. 7 from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Children’s nights will be Oct. 10 and 31 from 7 to 8 p.m., where a flashlight tour without actors will allow the more faint of heart in on the fun. Cost is $5 per person.

MABA is also working with businesses such as Bowley’s Bistro, the entrance to Gateway, to stay open later so the spooked can enjoy Malvern’s bars and restaurants either before or after they run through the dark halls.

Opening weekend will be big, because MABA will also hold its third En Plein Air Festival.

“It’s a big deal for the art scene,” Terry said.

Artists will paint and turn in their work at a specified time. Artwork will be judged and put up for bid, with 60 percent of the proceeds going to the artist and 40 percent to MABA. Throughout the festival, (Oct. 3 and 4), live music and food will be available – rain or shine.

“We basically shut down Main Street,” Terry said.

Proceeds from Gateway and EPA go toward historical preservation, renovation of older buildings in town, youth activities and the city park. While events might raise funds, Spencer Terry admits, “Sometimes, it’s just an excuse for a party.”

To learn more about Gateway of Chaos, visit the Web site at www.gatewayofchaos.com. For EPA, go online to www.malvernIA.com.

Gateway of Chaos Haunted Attraction nears completion

Since August 21st, nearly 800 volunteer hours have been invested into South West Iowa's newest Haunted House Attraction, Gateway of Chaos.  'The construction phase was our biggest time consumer' said Spencer Terry, Malvern Area Betterment Association President who is sponsoring the event in collaboration with their youth leadership group from East Mills High School.  'We've had volunteers of all ages and skills sets stopping by or scheduling time to help get this building constructed' Terry added.

With over $30,000 invested into the attraction, it's a sure bet patrons won't be disappointed.  From formal mansion-like hallways,  horrifying  Dr. Gore rooms, bondage chambers, dot rooms, cemeteries, glowing rooms, chainsaw's and more, folks are already purchasing tickets at the $5 price, just to be sure they get a chance to see what all the commotion is about.

'We've had folks as far as Kearny, Des Moines, Sioux City and Kansas City contact us wanting more details' Terry said.  'Some are even bringing groups in for dinner after the haunt!'  Local businesses are also planning on catching some late nighters who will be traveling through downtown historic Malvern on the Saturday's the haunt is open in October and November 7. 

Our grand opening is October 3, the same night as our Arts Festival, so be sure to enjoy the night of food, music and of course, and come support a great cause: COMMUNITY! 

For more information, visit www.gatewayofchaos.com or www.malvernia.com

Haunted attraction gains national recognition, momentum

Just recently, Gateway of Chaos, Malvern's soon to be haunted attraction, was added to the national listings of haunted houses.  "This means that folks all over the nation can access our website through over eight nationally known websites, like www.hauntworld.com.  This will expand our advertising coverage to bring haunted house enthusiasts to our city" said haunt director and Malvern Area Betterment Association (MABA) President Spencer Terry.

It doesn't stop there either. 

The haunt is also working with local groups in giving up to $300 for marketing assistance.  "Why spend lots of money on marketing, when we can ask local groups, youth clubs, church groups, and non-profits to help us with that, and if they can bring in over 150 people on a night they select, we'll give them .50 cents of EVERY admission price, up to $300!  150 people isn't that hard if you think about your clients, customers, contacts and their families and friends.  It adds up fast and is easy to do!  That's some easy money and since most area people will attend the haunt or bring their kids, it makes sense" said Terry.  Groups interested in signing up for this opportunity must contact spencerterry@hotmail.com or 801.510.3955 ASAP, as slots are filling up!

Materials were just ordered and will be delivered next week.  A construction crew has been assembled and will begin construction Aug 24 and 25.  EMHS/MABA youth have already been building props and other working displays for two weeks now.  Volunteers and electric staple guns are needed from 5:30-9pm.  Contact Spencer Terry for more info. 

They've recently received donations of large props, clothing, masks and costumes from local agencies and individuals who all share in the excitement of Malvern doing something 'out of the box'.  Donations are still being accepted.

"We're still in great need of some ADULT volunteers as well.  These positions are for security and haunting positions.  We simply can't run the haunt without security, so we're asking everyone to consider helping...even if it's only one or two Saturday nights in October" Terry added.  "Please contact me ASAP either by phone at 801.510.3955 or email: spencerterry@hotmail.com or at www.gatewayofchaos.com

And don't forget that Oct 3rd is not only the Gateway of Chaos Grand Opening from 8:00-10:30pm, but is also Malvern's En Plein Air Arts Festival!  Come downtown for music, food, a beer garden and more!  It'll be a great night!

Malvern's professional haunted house gains benefactor            

If you haven't heard the buzz yet, Malvern Iowa will soon be South West Iowa's magnet for adults and children wishing to enjoy some frightening entertainment.  A collaboration of the Malvern Area Betterment Association and East Mills High School, along with the direction of professional haunter Spencer Terry, has spawned excitement throughout the region.

Just recently, Malvern Trust and Savings Bank signed on as the attraction's benefactor, donating over $1,000 to the Gateway of Chaos event.  “We are very excited to be a part of Malvern’s very first professional haunted house attraction!  Kim and Spence Terry are known for their haunts, and when we found out that several East Mills students are also involved with the project, we just couldn’t resist" Jay Burdic, Bank President stated.  "Plus, as a sponsor we can now have the words “bank” and “chaos” in the same sentence and it won’t require a government bailout” Burdic joked.   Other sponsors can be found by visiting www.gatewayofchaos.com, where additional information can also be found.  

The Gateway of Chaos attraction will be open every Saturday in October and November 7.  Children's flashlight tours with NO ACTORS will also be offered October 10 and 31.  Visit the website below for more details.

Donations and sponsorships are still available ranging from $100-$1,000, but the deadline is closing in quickly to be added to their posters and print materials.