Los Alamos Reporter

What Spirits And Energy Inefficiencies Are Lurking At The Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center?

Thermal image of a ghost couple from the 2024 Ghost Hunt. Courtesy LAC

COUNTY NEWS RELEASE

This Halloweekend’s chills just leveled up, and this one’s ready to haunt your dreams. The Ghost Hunt is Saturday, October 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the lower level of the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center. Participants can follow footprints winding from the Pumpkin Glow at the Fuller Lodge lawn to the lower-level entrance of the Senior Center.

This event is traditionally held in partnership with the Los Alamos Little Theatre, the Public Library, and the Department of Public Utilities (DPU); however, the performance center is undergoing renovations, so new spirits are being sought out. The Ghost Hunt was launched in 2023 to debut thermal cameras as part of the expanding collection of items in the Public Library’s Library of Things.

Thermal cameras use infrared technology to show areas of poor insulation in walls and ceilings, sources of air leaks in doors and windows, and even appliances that are operating inefficiently. When paired with the DIY Energy Assessment checklist (ladpu.com/DIYenergy), occupants can improve the comfort, health, and efficiency of living and working spaces.

The Ghost Hunt is not a haunted house. It is designed as a walk-around event for individuals and groups to try out paranormal-detecting equipment thermal cameras. Those who would prefer to avoid stairs, should take the walking path along Bathtub Row or park in the parking lot on the northeast side of the Senior Center from Peach Street.

Participants who are interested in handling thermal cameras during the hunt will be required to download the FLIR ONE app to their smart phones, iPads, or tablets. While the thermal cameras operate in tandem with these devices, it is not necessary to create individual accounts to use them.

Infrared cameras will be available for checkout at both the Mesa Public Library and the White Rock Branch Library. Other items provided by DPU for checkout through the Library of Things initiative are induction cooktop kits and Kill-A-Watt power meters.