Attended a Medium Show- but Ed's Spirit Came to Me Instead

On Friday, May 22, 2026, Tom and I went to see New England Medium Maureen Hancock perform live at the Levitt Theatre in Ogunquit, Maine. We had never seen her before and enjoyed her live show reading various people from the audience. We were hoping for Tom's mom to come through to her, but she didn't. Instead, because I'm also a medium, Tom's late partner Ed came through to me and visibly! (This will be a chapter in an upcoming book, btw)

(Tom and Rob at the Levitt Theatre. Credit: RG)

About the Theatre

The theatre opened in the fall of 1923 and is located in downtown Ogunguit. It was built by original owners Frank and Annie Leavitt. The venue specialized in silent films, which were accompanied by live organ and piano music.  Today, the theatre has an Art Deco bar and serves American cuisine. There is a lounge on the mezzanine level, too. The theatre is fully operational and hosts music, comedy some silent films, and more. For more information, visit: https://www.leavittheatre.com/.

It’s also haunted. At least I sensed that there was at least one earthbound ghost there. But that evening it was filled with spirits of loved ones who wanted to be heard.

 (Photo: The Leavitt Theatre. Credit: R. Gutro)

There are four sections of seats in the theatre. Two of them are in the center of the theatre and are split with a wide aisle between them. There are also sections on the right and left sides of the theatre. Tom and I were seated in the first row of the second center section (farther from the stage) with the large aisle in front of us. We had the two end seats to the left aisle.

The Line Up

While we were watching the show, I developed a very strong headache which is my signature sign that there are a lot of earthbound ghosts or visiting spirits who crossed over.

When I looked to my left at the aisle next to me, I actually saw a long line of about 30 spirits lined up toward the stage!  This is very unusual for me to see spirits visibly, but they knew they had a chance to communicate with their relatives in the audience. They were waiting to connect with medium Maureen Hancock, one at a time.

Standing next to me was a large man with a very large stomach who was about 68 and had passed by a heart attack. He had a grayish beard and a ring of hair around his head which was otherwise bald. In front of him was a woman who was about 70, wearing a dark blue dress with white flecks or shapes. She had matching blue shoes, brown wavy hair piled up and black framed glasses that came to a point on the ends like were famous in the 1960s. She said she was a teacher.

(Photo: The stage of Leavitt Theatre before Ed arrived. Credit: R. Gutro)

I must have looked at the line of people two or three times while I was sitting there and Maureen Hancock was channeling them one at a time from the stage.

Tom Gets a Sudden Chill

While I was looking at the line of spirits lined up in the aisle, Tom told me he got a sudden chill that ran along his spine. He said it was the same experience that he had the month before when he was with his mom before her passing.

Earlier in the evening, medium Maureen Hancock called it the “Quickening,” and said it’s indicative of a spirit visiting. It was just a minute later I would know that chill was Ed making an appearance.

Ed Makes an Appearance

Shortly after I saw that line of spirits waiting to be “read” by the medium, Tom excused himself to go to the restroom. As soon as he got up from his seat, out of the corner of my right eye, I saw a man standing there about 5’10” or so (I don’t know how tall Ed was in life), wearing what looked like long dark green or brown slacks. Then he sat in Tom’s seat!

When I looked over at him, I immediately recognized Ed! I could clearly see his dark hair, and he looked toward the stage and grinned. He drew my attention to his left hand that he placed near his knee.

I reached over with my right hand and put my hand on his knee. Then I realized that he put his hand on top of mine because his hand took on a young appearance. Gone were the veins and wrinkles in my hand, and they were replaced with the tight skin of a 30-something year old (of Ed’s hand, because Ed passed in his mid-30s).

Ed sat still and let me hold his knee while he rested his hand on mine, for what seemed like 5 minutes but it was likely less than 30 seconds. During that time, he continued to stare forward at the stage, and he told me why he was there.

Ed’s Messages

The first thing Ed wanted to convey was what happened before Tom’s mom passed in April 2026. Tom’s mom lived in South Carolina with Tom’s sister and her husband who were caring for his mom, who was under home hospice.

Just before his mom passed, Tom flew down to be with her. On the morning she passed, Tom said he experienced a sudden and cold chill up his spine. Ed said that chill was from him. He appeared in the room with all of Tom’s family in spirit, to   welcome Tom’s mom into the light.

When I asked Tom why Ed would be there for his mom’s passing (other than for Tom), Tom explained that Ed did landscaping work for his mom and helped her out, and she loved him.

Ed told me it was he who was standing behind Tom, drawing all the energy from the air (slowing the air molecules down and creating cold air).

Ed also said two other things. One was the name “Cody,” who was our dog who passed on March 6, 2026. He was reassuring me that he had Cody in his arms. When I heard Ed say Cody’s name, I teared up.

The other thing he said was that Tom needs to monitor and watch his blood pressure. Tom said he had been having some challenges with it.

(Image: This is a AI generated image of Ed holding Cody in spirit that I created using Google Gemini. Credit: R.G.)

Ed Departs

As soon as Tom came back and walked in front of me to take his seat, I saw Ed’s brown pant leg stand up, and he turned the other way and disappeared.

When Tom sat down, I was teary eyed and couldn’t talk for several minutes. When I composed myself, I leaned over and softly told him that Ed had just visited and sat in his seat.

Making Sense of it After the Event

After we left the event and were driving home, I told Tom in detail about Ed’s appearance. He asked me about the color of the pants Ed was wearing, and I told him. That’s when I learned something else about Ed that I never knew. 

Tom recognized the color of the pants I was describing and provided an answer why I saw him wearing them. Tom said that for a period of time, Ed worked as a ranger with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. I had no idea!

Tom later searched the Internet to jar his memory and realized that Ed worked at the Potomac Overlook Regional Park at in Arlington, Virginia that borders the Potomac River.

Further, when I looked up the uniform, the pants were the SAME color of the pants I saw Ed wearing when he sat in Tom’s chair, and when I put my hand on his knee. I was astounded.

Bottom Line

This was one of the most incredible visits from Ed that I’ve ever had. He sat next to me, and I actually felt my hand on his knee and his hand on mine. It’s an experience I will never forget.

 ###

 

 

Idiot of the Week: Former 'gay cure' ministry leader accused of trying to meet with minor

This week's idiot is yet another ministry person, who is rabidly anti-gay, and was caught with a minor Do you think Conservatives know that the worst child predators are among themselves? I doubt it, but every week there seems to be an Idiot from a conservative background, who is rabidly anti gay, anti trans, anti drag queen, hates people of color, people of other ethnicities , and is the one who is abusing children. It's disgusting. I share these as a way of educating people to look in their own houses before accusing others of what's happening in your own backyard. Why this guy's bond was only set at  $15K is unimaginable. Here's the story.

Winter Park businessman, former 'gay cure' ministry leader accused of trying to meet with minor

May 20, 2026 , Gail Paschall-Brown WESH-TV, Florida

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies said Tuesday they had "stopped a predator before he had the chance to harm a child," announcing the arrest of a man accused of trying to meet with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy.

Alan Chambers, 54, faces charges of solicitation of a minor via computer, transmission of material harmful to minors, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, records show.

Chambers' arrest is part of an investigation that started in February, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. His arrest affidavit states he and the detective spoke via Snapchat and Telegram between then and May of this year, during which Chambers allegedly sent sexually-explicit messages while attempting to arrange a meetup.

Detectives shared two pages of what Chambers allegedly said he wanted to do with the minor, including sending a "picture of a white (male's) torso laying in bed where the end of their penis was visible."

The affidavit states Chambers spoke of "forbidden love" and that he wanted the boy "so much," with the undercover detective stating the accused had asked him on April 10 if he could take an Uber and meet them near their office on Park Avenue. Chambers also repeatedly expressed concerns over getting in trouble and occasionally deleted the chats, according to the affidavit.

Chambers was arrested Tuesday morning during a traffic stop at Aloma Avenue and Strathy Lane, according to the affidavit. During the arrest, deputies remarked that Chambers allegedly told them he works at John Craig Clothiers in Winter Park and currently lives with his wife and two children.

We spoke with several business owners in Winter Park who knew Chambers and said, off camera, that they were shocked.

WESH 2 News previously reported on Chambers in 2013 when he was head of Exodus International, a now-defunct Orlando-based Christian ministry that advocated and practiced so-called conversion therapy. Chambers apologized to the gay community "for years of undue suffering and judgment at the hands of the organization and the church as a whole," announcing the organization would shut down.

Further, the Park Avenue District acknowledged in a statement that Chambers served in a volunteer board leadership role, adding he was suspended from the board pending further review after the sheriff's office's announcement Tuesday.

"The Park Avenue District is aware of the matter involving Alan Chambers, who served in a volunteer Board leadership role. This matter is unrelated to the organization or its operations," the statement reads. "Following formal action by the Board of Directors, Mr. Chambers has been suspended from the Board pending further review. Out of respect for the legal process, the organization will not provide additional comment at this time. Our focus remains on supporting the Park Avenue community, local businesses, and ongoing district initiatives."

A judge set his bond at $15,000 and prohibited him from having any contact with individuals under the age of 18.

Chambers was also ordered not to use social media. He was granted online access for work only.

Anyone with information about any additional victims should call the agency's non-emergency line at 407-836-4357, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said on social media.

Hero of the Week: Our Neighbor Cody for Catching Joey and Jimmy

This week's hero is close to home. Our neighbor Cody (yes, same name as our dog who passed in March) helped corral our 4 year old, recently adopted dogs, Jimmy and Joey who ran out of our house and down the street...

(Photo: Joey and Jimmy, the runners)

WHAT HAPPENED? Tom and I came home from grocery shopping, we opened our garage door to bring in the bags. There's a door in the garage that goes directly into our kitchen, so Rob walked through it holding 2 bags of groceries. Tom was sitting in the truck on the phone with a friend, wrapping up the conversation. That's when Jimmy and Joey slipped between his legs and ran outside to the driveway, looked for 1 second for Tom and dashed down the Street!!!

I was horrified and panicked. I dropped the groceries, grabbed their leashes and ran out after them. They wouldn't listen to "Stop" and for two little Dachshund/Chihuahua mixes, they ran like hell. We're used to Dachshunds or Dachshund mixes who are older than 10 years and have short legs... Of course it was 90 degrees outside, too. 

OUR HERO STEPS IN! -  Fortunately, our neighbor Cody, who lives across the street was in her car and was driving just in front of them to pick up her kids at the bus stop, heard me shouting at Jimmy and Joey. She quickly parked the car, got out, and was able to grab Joey (the bigger one who resembles a Dachshund) while Jimmy sped off the road and into the backyard of another neighbor's house because he heard their dog barking from in the house.

Cody chased after Jimmy into the backyard while still holding Joey, and I was finally able to catch up. We cornered Jimmy, and I snapped on his leash. Then leashed Joey who was in Cody's arms. 

I had to take a few minutes because I had an asthma attack from running, panicking and it was 90 degrees (yes, here in Maine). 

Once leashed, I thanked Cody perfusely, because if she had not been there and not stopped, the boys may have run the entire 1/2 mile of our dead end street out to the main street and I shudder to think what would have happened. 

LESSON LEARNED - NOW we have a GATE in front of the kitchen door to the garage and they can't get through it. Runners are scary. I'm just thankful for our local hero and neighbor, Cody! 

Book of the Week: Murder on the Toy Town Express

 The latest mystery book I enjoyed was Murder on the Toy Town Express by Barbara Early. I had never heard of the author until she was recruited to write some books in my favorite "Murder She Wrote" series, so before I bought those, I picked up an older book of hers. 

I was pleasantly surprised and I really enjoyed it. I loved the main character, and her dad, a retired police chief, and her boyfriend, Ken, the current police chief and the other supporting characters. I was surprised by the killer's identity, and there's quite the complex web of characters. It was well done, and I enjoyed it so much I ordered the others in her "Vintage Toyshop Mystery" series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Liz McCall has come to love running her father’s vintage toyshop back home in East Aurora, NY, so when the Train and Toy Show comes to town, she’s all aboard for a fun toy-filled weekend. The only hitch is that her childhood bully Craig McFadden, now local business rival, has set up a booth next to hers. But the fun and games are over when Craig falls from the ceiling in a publicity stunt gone wrong.

What was initially thought to be a fatal accident proves much more sinister. Pulled into the case by her feelings for both Ken, the police chief, and Jack, her high school sweetheart whose brother is one the prime suspects, Liz dives headfirst into the investigation. But as she digs deeper, she’s shocked to learn her father may have been the intended target.

The trouble train is barreling down and Liz may have just bought herself a first class ticket in Murder on the Toy Town Express, Barbara Early’s delightful second installment in her Vintage Toyshop mysteries.

Pennhurst Paracon Blog #4: Others' Ghost Experiences

This is the fourth of my blogs about my experiences at the Amazing Pennhurst Asylum Paracon in Spring City, PA in May 2026. This blog is about various haunted buildings and things people shared that happened to them.

TOUCHED IN THE TERRIBLE TUNNELS - One person told me that there are tunnels that link buildings together and were used as a means to transport people between buildings during bad weather and in the winter time. Paranormal Investigations that are held by Pennhurst weekly take people into those tunnels. There are stories that terrible things happened in those tunnels like abuse, rape and killings. That person who explained this said that when she was walking through the tunnel during an investigation she felt someone put their hand on her shoulder, and felt the fingers of the ghost.

PRESENCE IN THE BUILDING - When I told someone my experience in the Devon building, they shared that they also experienced a strong headache and that their legs became shaky as mine did. They told me that happened when they were touring the first floor in what was one of the building rest rooms. I wouldn't be surprised if violence occurred in those restrooms when there were patients there, because they would be hidden from the view of others.

For more about the Pennhurst Asylum and to take your own tour of the campus, visit: https://pennhurstasylum.com/

INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOURS:

Daytime History Tours

Professional Pennhurst History Guides will lead you on a leisurely tour of the former Pennhurst State School and its grounds. You will visit the exteriors of sixteen Lower Campus buildings and hear the stories of these structures and about the people who have lived and worked there.

Guests will tour our remediated spaces, witness the artifacts we have collected and preserved and hear from Former Pennhurst State School Employees. Pennhurst State School was the catalyst for the” Disability Rights Movement.

Considering the context of the True History Of Pennhurst State School, the information shared may be triggering to some guests. Please consider that we believe it is vitally important to understand the true and uncensored past of this monument in US History. We ask that guests come with an open and respectful mind.

Each tour takes approximately three hours in order to appropriately cover all of the material.”

Pennhurst Paracon Blog #3 : A Heartwarming Story

This is another blog about my experiences at the Amazing Pennhurst Asylum Paracon in Spring City, PA in May 2026. This blog is about two people I met who brought me such joy. One was a wonderful woman named Nikki who was my event assistant and she was awesome. The other was a woman who came to me heartbroken from the passing of her dog, and I shared some messages from her dog. The after-result was heartwarming and Nikki wrote me a beautiful note - which is also included in today's blog.

NIKKI - It was such a pleasure working with Nikki during this event. It was her first time volunteering at the paracon, and she was awesome. She's been through so much in life, too, that she is an inspiration to others. I told her I would help her write a book about her life to motivate others. (she's in the top left corner of the photos with me).

THE HEARTWARMING STORY - The young lady pictured holding a 3 month old black dog puppy came to me on Saturday and told me that her support dog passed and she was devastated. She has a medical condition and her dog saved her life several times. She said she's not been able to adopt another. I asked how she would know and she said the dog would lay their head on her chest (she has a heart condition, and the perfect dog would sense that). I told her that her dog in spirit will help her find a dog very soon. The next day, she brought a puppy to my tent and told me the puppy did exactly as she hoped and she adopted him. Nikki and I were very emotional hearing this!

NIKKI'S WONDERFUL NOTE I RECEIVED AFTER THE PARACON -

Good morning, Rob~Nikki H texting you. Hope you got home safely & your trip back wasn't too stressful!.

Wanted to just say Thank you for your kindness & patience with me...that was my first time volunteering with Paracon, i had a very great time the whole weekend. Also, it was such a blessing to see what you can do for others. You gave them closure & some peace. You gift provides people answers to a part of their lives that they are struggling with.

It was a privilege & an awesome experience to witness & you are a very special person with a beautiful soul!!!!💕

Hope to keep in touch with you until the next Paracon, which I've heard that there will be another one next year👍🏼😁👻...

I came home & explained more to my hubby & my mother-in-law how much you helped other's over the weekend. And how much people were so grateful for what you did for them in that moment - talking & explaining their situation to you & how much it helped them!

I also told them about the day when the one young woman came back & showed us because of what you did for her. How she was able to open up her heart again & adopt a sweet fur baby! It still makes me cry when i think about it. That was sooo awesome that she came back & did that...💜🩷💕

💙🩵🐾...Ok,sorry the text is so long...just wanted you to know how grateful i am to have gotten to meet you!!

Take care & stay safe & good luck at your next Paracon!!!.👍🏼😁

Ttyl~Nikki💜

Pennhurst Paracon Blog #2: Speaking about Spirit Pets to Hundreds

 This is the second blog about my experiences at the Amazing Pennhurst Asylum Paracon in Spring City, PA in May 2026. This blog is about my experience speaking before hundreds of attendees. Asylum Paracon in Spring City, PA in May 2026. This blog is about my experience speaking before hundreds of attendees.

Last year, in 2025, I was given a microphone and told I had 25 minutes to address the hundreds of people sitting beneath the massive speaker tent, so I was able to tell my story about how I developed my abilities to connect with people and pets who passed, and share many ways they communicate.

This year, in 2026, there was a host who did a back and forth asking me questions. Although it did take the pressure off somewhat, I wasn't able to share as much, but it was equally as touching.

Also this year, there was an assistant bringing a microphone to people in the audience who had questions.

Someone did ask me the one question that makes me crazy. They said, "My preacher says animals don't have souls and we'll never see them after we die." I responded, "That's the dumbest, most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of, and people who cannot communicate with those who passed should never explain the afterlife." I explained, "Every living thing has a soul- it's energy with memories, personality and knowledge of this life we live, and all living energy, whether human, animal, or plant - goes to the same place: the other side/heaven/paradise/valhalla, etc." People applauded.

Many people told me afterward that they were brought to tears thinking about their own pets on the other side and acknowledging some of the same signs I spoke about.

To recognize the signs from your pets in spirit, read the "Pets and the Afterlife" series of books by Rob Gutro. Available in paperback, kindle or audiobook on Amazon.

ABOUT THE PARACON - Paracon & Oddities Expo – May 16th & 17th was held at the famous former Pennhurst State School campus for a 2 day Paranormal Enthusiast & Oddities Expo event. It featured vendors, psychics, special Guests, historical tours, & Paranormal Investigations. 

PUBLISHED TODAY!! June 1, 2026 "Haunting of Wilson Castle" by Rob Gutro and Monique Toosoon

PUBLISHED TODAY!! June 1, 2026 "Haunting of Wilson Castle" by Rob Gutro and Monique Toosoon

Rob's 15th true paranormal book published and already hit #1 on Amazon!

ABOUT THE BOOK: Investigation Uncovers Ghostly Secrets of Wilson Castle! Including a Secret Love!

Wilson Castle is an architectural masterpiece built in the middle of the 19th Century in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. It has housed several families and many people have stayed behind as earthbound ghosts who haunt it for various reasons. Monique Toosoon, paranormal tech wizard and drag queen, generated a lot of activity and in her investigation with mediums Rob Gutro and Lexi Duquette and The Digital Séance Experience. They uncovered a family secret, a man with a darker side, a child seeking truth, and other ghosts as the team worked to bring a happy haunted reunion! Come explore Wilson Castle and book your own tour for your own experience and meet the many ghosts who inhabit the castle in death. GET THE BOOK ON AMAZON : https://a.co/d/0aFmWEKT

SHORT VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iuXCKqHLwvA

Pennhurst Paracon Blog #1: My Ghost Experience at Pennhurst Asylum

In mid-May I was a speaker and vendor, selling and signing books at the Pennhurst Asylum Paracon in Spring City, PA in May 2026. This blog is about my experience walking through the Devon Building on the campus of the former Asylum.

ABOUT THE PENNHURST ASYLUM - Pennhurst Asylum (originally the Pennhurst State School and Hospital) in Spring City, Pennsylvania, was a state-run institution for individuals with disabilities. Opened as a "progressive" model facility, Pennhurst was intended to house, educate, and care for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. However, the institution quickly devolved into a human warehouse plagued by chronic overcrowding, underfunding, and systemic abuse.

Operating from 1908 to 1987, it became the subject of a landmark 1970s civil rights lawsuit that exposed horrific abuse and neglect, ultimately triggering a major shift in U.S. disability law.

WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE DEVON BUILDING - The Devon Building is a highly active and historically significant location on the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital campus. As one of the largest residential buildings on the lower campus, it is a primary hub for paranormal investigations and speaker workshops.

MY EXPERIENCE - The paracon assigned me a full-time helper named Nikki, and she was awesome. She led me through the Devon building to get to the speaker's tent and that's when things got crazy.

As soon as I walked through the front door of the building, I felt my legs get very shaky. Instantly I developed my tell-tale headache which tells me when earthbound ghosts (and spirits who crossed over) are around. The building was loaded with Earthbound ghosts who died there and wandered too long, losing their energy and getting stuck (that's how I account for the fact that ghosts can't cross themselves over after a while).

The Headache was Crushing. In fact, there were so many ghosts who came out as I walked through the main corridor, their energy was like a massive, tight vise on my head. It almost felt like a migraine, because their negative emotional energy began to affect my vision, so I knew I needed to get out of the building ASAP.

In the previous year when I took part in the paracon and I had to go through the building, I managed to go up to the second floor, where I heard children shouting.

I learned that the second floor of the Devon building was where the children's ward was located, so it made sense that I heard the shouting of ghostly children, screaming for attention.

###

Key Features of the Devon Building

• Candyland: The basement area of the Devon Building is notoriously referred to as "Candyland". It is one of the most popular and actively investigated spots during the event.
• Paranormal Hotspot: Devon is widely known in the paranormal community for high levels of residual energy, shadow figures, and unexplained audio phenomena.

Visiting & Planning -Location: 250 Commonwealth Drive, Spring City, PA. Access to the Devon Building is typically included with VIP passes and general admission tickets.

ABOUT THE PARACON - Paracon & Oddities Expo – May 16th & 17th was held at the famous former Pennhurst State School campus for a 2 day Paranormal Enthusiast & Oddities Expo event. It featured vendors, psychics, special Guests, historical tours, & Paranormal Investigations. 

Idiot of the Week: Florida pastor arrested on sexual battery charge

This week's idiot is another pastor who was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a child. What is with these pastors and conservative thinkers that do this?  They accuse others of doing these heinous things and hide behind their accusations to do it themselves. They're sick. Here's the article from a Florida newspaper.

(Caption: Randon Carroll (41) is a Florida pastor who was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a child. Deputies from the Holmes County Sheriff's Office took him into custody after a parent found explicit messages on their child's phone, and Carroll reportedly confessed during an interrogation.)

Florida pastor arrested on sexual battery charge

 By Holmes County Advertiser, Florida. Staff Report  May 19, 2026  

Investigators with the Florida Holmes County Sheriff’s Office arrested local pastor Randon Carroll early on May 19, 2026 on charges of sexual battery on a child.

According to HCSO, investigators were contacted by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office regarding an incident involving a juvenile after a parent reportedly discovered concerning messages on the child’s phone that were allegedly sent by Carroll.

Investigators met with Walton County authorities at the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center in Niceville, where the child was interviewed and disclosed inappropriate sexual conduct involving Carroll.

Following the interview, HCSO investigators traveled to Carroll’s residence and interviewed him regarding the allegations. During the interview, Carroll confessed to the incident, according to investigators.

Carroll was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a child. The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed.

Sheriff John Tate thanked the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center for their assistance in the investigation.

Heroes of the Week: 4 NH Heroes Who Saved a Boy from a Vicious Dog Attack

 This week's heroes are 4 men in New Hampshire who paid attention when they heard a dog attacking a boy and jumped into action. One was a police officer, one was the uncle of the boy, and the other two were neighbors. Sadly, two of the heroes passed later in other incidents. They were all being honored in May 2026 in New Hampshire. 

Honoring 4 NH Heroes who jumped into action to save boy from dog attack in 2025

By Gabriel Perry Union Leader Staff May 26, 2026

Matthew Buchan was sitting in his room when he heard the commotion. A woman was running and yelling, “The dog’s got the boy!”

It was April 30, 2025, and that boy — 8-year-old Camden Mathieu — was under attack from two dogs on Lake Avenue in Manchester, New Hampshire. Buchan sprang into action, exiting his home, quickly identifying the ongoing struggle and intervening.

“I just leaped over the fence, I saw them chewing on him and I just leapt into action,” Buchan said. Despite suffering serious injuries to his hand during the altercation, Buchan likely saved Camden’s life.

“I saw tendons,” Buchan said. “I saw it all.”

Buchan, kicking at the two dogs to get them away from the boy, fell back onto his back and side.

“I couldn’t push myself up,” he said. “I saw his teeth, his eyes — that pit bull was coming for me.”

That’s when Eric Harnum, who Buchan described as his stepfather, jumped in, striking the pit bull with a shovel.

Camden suffered serious injuries during the attack, but survived.

On Thursday morning, Buchan and Harnum, along with Rob DeCesare of Nashua and Manchester Police Officer Gregory Levesque, will be honored as New Hampshire Heroes at the Rex Theatre in Manchester. Each spring, the New Hampshire Union Leader, in conjunction with Citizens Bank, honors residents who have risked their lives to save or attempt to save the life of another person during the previous year.

Harnum will be honored posthumously. He died in June 2025.

DeCesare will also be honored posthumously. He was killed while shielding others from gunfire during a shooting at Nashua’s Sky Meadow Country Club on Sept. 20, 2025.

Levesque is being honored for pulling a crash victim out of a burning car on Interstate 93 in Londonderry while he was off duty June 26, 2025.

After the attack 

As Buchan walked back toward his house, Manchester Police arrived. He later went to a local hospital for treatment after experiencing pain as the adrenaline wore off. Still, he wasn’t concerned about himself, he said.

If it had been his child in that situation, he said, he hopes others would act the same.

“I went and saw (Camden) in the hospital,” Buchan said. They gifted the boy an Xbox and controllers among other things in the coming days. He still sees the child every once in a while.

“He’s my little buddy,” Buchan said. “I think he’s going to be my little buddy for life.”

Cathy Buchan, the longtime partner of Harnum, said he was a giving person and a good man who would offer the shirt off his back to someone in need.

“I’m amazed with them,” she said. “I saw my son getting mauled by a dog and I saw a little boy getting mauled by a dog. The noise was terrible. I’m very proud of them. What they did is remarkable.”

“Matt and Eric didn’t hesitate to go in there,” Cathy Buchan said. “I’m very proud of both of them.”

Book of the Week: Dark Woods, Chill Waters by Marcus LiBrizzi

If you want to read a book filled with great true ghost stories of haunted places along the northeastern coast of Maine, known to locals as the "Downeast" part of Maine, today's book of the week is the one to get. 5 of 5 stars!

I recently enjoyed "Dark Woods, Chill Waters," by Marcus LiBrizzi,a professor of English and cultural studies at the University of Maine at Machais. It's a great book, and has some really intriguing true ghost stories as relayed to him from local residents. The chapters are well-written, brief and to the point, and the stories are all interesting - All of the things that to me, make a perfect book. 

The town that appears to have the most hauntings is called Machais. Machias is a town in and the county seat of Washington County in Down East Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 2,060.  

WHY?  As I have said in my lectures about ghosts, water is an energy source. And there are some VERY creepy stories from this town... which makes sense because it's along ta river, and water provides a lot of energy for hauntings. 

(Machias, Maine. Credit: Devi Productions/ Machias Bay Chamber of Commerce)

ABOUT THE BOOK: Forgotten somewhere between Bar Harbor, Maine, and New Brunswick, Canada, lies the most remote and mysterious section of the Eastern Seaboard. It is a region rich in stark beauty—and supernatural lore. The harsh landscape, with its rocky seaside cliffs and thundering surf and miles of dark, mysterious forest farther inland, lends itself to the ghost story. Overlaying the ghost tales gathered in this book is a sense of unspeakable horror and malice.