For Psychic Fundraiser, Success is in the Cards

GILBOA—Do you receive unexplained psychic impressions, see colors, hear sounds that you think may be coming from the spirit world, or have the ability to communicate with others without actually talking to them?

You’re not alone.

One in three Americans claims to have experienced a psychic moment. And more than a quarter of people across the world believe humans have psychic abilities.

Although she admits that her own psychic abilities are limited, Gilboa Historical Society Board Member Linda Karlsen is a true believer. “I’ve only had a few psychic experiences myself,” she said, “But my sister can see the dead and our aunt was very psychic.”

This familial connection with the paranormal and a chance visit to a regional psychic fair prompted Karlsen, a Gilboa Historical Society member for fifteen years, and a member of its Board of Directors and its Fundraising Chairperson for the last six years.

“I remember visiting a psychic fair while looking for some unique ways to fundraise for the Museum and thought, oh, this would be fun,” said Karlsen, quick to add that a belief in psychic abilities appears in all civilizations, both ancient and modern. “Astrology, geomancy (divination by means of figures or lines), or practices like reading oracle bones are so old that it’s impossible to find out when they first started. They’re ancient beliefs that have stayed with us to this day.”

Karlsen credits Cherry Valley Historian Susan Murray-Miller, a noted area psychic and author, with helping her organize and develop the first Gilboa Psychic Fair. 

“Susan helped me do what I needed to do,” said Karlsen. “She guided me every step of the way,” 

On Sunday, Sept. 15th, Karlsen will launch her fifth psychic fundraiser with appearances by seven psychics, several book authors and a variety of vendors. The appropriately-named Sass Squash Food Truck will be on-hand as well. Karlsen recommends that those who may be attending the Fair check out the event’s “exciting” roster of psychics, authors and vendors on Facebook at Gilboa Historical Society.

With a background in banking and corporate accounting, Karlsen says she enjoys putting her financial skills to work for the Gilboa Historical Society “I joined the Board because I thought I could be of help in some small way,” she said. “And I experience real joy from working with my fellow board members and our wonderful volunteers.”

Karlsen is quick to point out that she’s no stranger to the Town of Gilboa or its history. “My parents bought a summer home in Gilboa in 1958, 66 years ago, so this place has always been like home to me.”

Fundraising is an important part of Karlsen’s role as a board member and one that she enjoys. “It’s important that we show the public that we’re doing all we can to keep the doors of our museum open for the community and to keep the history of the town alive,” she explained.

Are there more Gilboa Historical Society fundraisers “in the cards”?

“We have the holiday boutique in November, a bottle auction in December. And next year, in June, we start all over again with a shopping bag auction, holiday basket raffle and a raffle in the summer.”

Meanwhile, she’d doing all she can to prepare for the Gilboa Historical Society’s Fifth Annual Fundraising Psychic & Craft Fair on the grounds of the Gilboa Museum & Nicholas J. Juried History Center on Stryker Road, in Gilboa on Sunday, Sept. 15, 11 am-4 pm, $5 general admission. 

“My favorite part of the event is meeting a lot of people and enjoying the company of the psychics. And, of course, raising money for the Museum,” said Karlsen.