Heroes of the Week: NH Fish and Game Rescue Another Hiker in White Mountains

Last week's heroes are also this week's heroes! The New Hampshire Fish and Game folks rescued yet another person in the White Mountains.

Westwood MA Hiker Rescued From Kilkenny Ridge Trail In NH After Getting Lost In Deep Snow

Richard De Reyna of Westwood, Mass., was found Saturday about 4.5 miles from the closest road without essential gear, an officer said.

Patch.com May 5, 2025

BERLIN, NH — A hiker from Massachusetts was rescued from the Kilkenny Ridge Trail on Saturday afternoon, May 3, 2025 after becoming lost, according to the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department.

Around 3:45 p.m., conservation officers were notified about a hiker lost between the Weeks and Middle Weeks Mountains. The hiker was wet and cold, and did not possess a light source or other “essential gear,” Lt. Mark Ober of Fish & Game said.

“After the initial call to 911,” he said, “the conservation officer attempted to call the hiker back several times to try to assist him in finding the trail and hopefully resulting in a self-rescue, but was unable to make contact with him. With a level of uncertainty about the situation and with an impending forecast of heavy rain and concern for possible hypothermia, a rescue response was initiated.”

Conservation officers, as well as volunteers from the Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue and Berlin Fire Department, went to the area via two different trail systems — the York Pond Trail in East Lancaster, an old, unmaintained trail, and the York Pond Road trail in Berlin. Later, they found Richard De Reyna, 57, of Westwood, MA, about four and a half miles from the closest road, Ober said. De Reyna was found just after 9:15 p.m. after firefighters and the officers hiked off-trail and up a drainage area.

(Photo: The Kilkenny--the remote, northernmost part of the White Mountain National Forest. Credit: https://www.northeastmountainpeople.com/)

“(De Reyna) was still at the exact coordinates where he made his 911 call,” Ober said. “(he) was wet, cold, and mildly hypothermic and was provided warm, dry clothes, warm liquids, and a light source from the rescue crew.”

Everyone hiked about two and a half miles to an ATV, and De Reyna was driven out the remaining two miles. The team arrived at the staged vehicles at 1:45 a.m. on Sunday. Ober said the hiker started around 8 a.m. and after reaching the Kilkenny Ridge Trail, “he found deep snow conditions and kept losing the trail as he continued on.” While trying to relocate the trail via a cell phone map, De Reyna drained its battery to the point where he could only make a 911 call, he said.

“De Reyna has over 25 years of hiking experience,” Ober said, “but was unaware of the snow conditions still present in the upper levels of the White Mountains and was therefore not prepared for the conditions he faced.”

Fish & Game reminded all hikers to ensure they had essential materials like a map, compass, extra food and water, as well as lighting and proper clothing. More information can be found at HikeSafe.com.

Book of the Week: The Immortal Philosophers by Alexander Anthony Casillas

 Last month I had the honor of being interviewed by Author and Publisher Alexander Anthony Casillas for his LGBTQ author Video blog (click here to see the YouTube episode). We had a fun conversation, and that led to a new friendship. Alex authored and recently published his first book "Sunset in the Valley of Now and Then" in his new series The Immortal Philosophers: Chronicles of Dylan Eaglegod. The fantasy book has a couple of LGBTQ characters. One of them, Dylan is the main character.  The book includes magic and mysticism and it's a journey about how Dylan finds himself and tries to overcome a longtime villain. Today's blog is about that incredible book. Read it! 

MY NOTE TO ALEX ABOUT THE BOOK WHEN I WAS 1/6th WAY IN: Alex, I just started reading your book last night, and I'm already about 1/6th of the way through. You are an AMAZING writer. The characters, the visuals, the descriptions, the story, the developing relationship between Dylan and Antonio... It's hard to put down.

You have such a talent for writing. You paint visual pictures and as I read I can see the characters interacting, walking down the street under an umbrella in the rain, sitting across from each other visualizing the coffee house, the streets, the settings. It's truly the mark of an amazing writer who can visually bring you into each scene.

I just wanted to write now, while I was thinking of you. I'm loving this book!

AFTER I FINISHED IT - I felt the same way throughout the entire book as I did when I was 1/6th of the way in. There's also an incredibly crazy plot twist with the villain. I was so anxious to finish it and see what happened! I LOVED IT. 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Dylan Eaglegod is on the run from the monsters of his old life after spending years living closeted with homophobic friends in Manhattan. He escapes to the Jersey Shore for new adventures and the potential for romance, but is confronted with dark secrets from his past after learning that Joshua, the ringleader of his old friend group, is after him and more dangerous than ever.

Dylan has to learn from Antonio and the other Immortal Philosophers as he embraces his powers to discover how to defeat Joshua before Joshua discovers them. Everyone has a part to play, but only Dylan can save them all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ALEXANDER CASILLAS, a gay Puerto Rican author, editor, and publisher between Philadelphia and Manhattan, explores the experiences of gay characters in literary fiction and young adult fantasy through short stories and novels. He holds degrees in literature, creative writing, and philosophy & religion from Stockton University. alexandercasillas.com

ABOUT FOUR ELEMENTS PRESS -  Alex Casillas, the author, is also the founder of Four Elements Press, that helps LGBTQ authors find a spotlight. He has a videocast, and is always seeking to talk with LGBTQ authors. Four Elements Press is looking to publish work that carries readers into the odd realities of life through unique perspectives or takes us to worlds unknown. Challenge the status quo, and make us feel something until we’re tearful or delighted. He says, "Send us your: Manuscripts – Finished; Short Stories – Finished; Memoirs – Finishedm and Send completed PDF files to contact@fourelementspress.com." 

This Month in History: 1869 Transcontinental railroad completed, unifying United States

Earlier this week, I posted a blog about the history of Britain's Tea Tax/tariff on the U.S. that paved the way for the Revolution (because people don't like tariffs). Today's blog is about another significant historic event in the U.S. - this month marks the time when the U.S. Eastern and Western railroads joined making a transcontinental journey available for the first time. Takeaway: It happened at Promontory Point, Utah and you can visit the National Park there today.  Here's the story from History.com:

(Photo: The most famous photograph associated with the first transcontinental railroad is Andrew J. Russell’s “East and West Shaking Hands at Laying of Last Rail.” Commonly known as “The Champagne Photo,” Russell’s “East and West” was one of many glassplate exposures taken on May 10, 1869, by three photographers who were present at the Golden Spike Ceremony. More than any other image of that day, however, the champagne photo seems to capture a defining moment in our nation’s history. Credit: NPS/Golden Spike National Park) 

This Month in History: 1869 Transcontinental railroad completed, unifying United States

On May 10, 1869, the presidents of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads meet in Promontory, Utah, and drive a ceremonial last spike into a rail line that connects their railroads. This made transcontinental railroad travel possible for the first time in U.S. history. No longer would western-bound travelers need to take the long and dangerous journey by wagon train.

Since at least 1832, both Eastern and frontier statesmen realized a need to connect the two coasts. It was not until 1853, though, that Congress appropriated funds to survey several routes for the transcontinental railroad. The actual building of the railroad would have to wait even longer, as North-South tensions prevented Congress from reaching an agreement on where the line would begin.

One year into the Civil War, a Republican-controlled Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act (1862), guaranteeing public land grants and loans to the two railroads it chose to build the transcontinental line, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific. With these in hand, the railroads began work in 1866 from Omaha and Sacramento, forging a northern route across the country. In their eagerness for land, the two lines built right past each other, and the final meeting place had to be renegotiated.

Harsh winters, staggering summer heat and the lawless, rough-and-tumble conditions of newly settled western towns made conditions for the Union Pacific laborers—mainly Civil War veterans of Irish descent—miserable. The overwhelmingly immigrant Chinese work force of the Central Pacific also had its fair share of problems, including brutal 12-hour work days laying tracks over the Sierra Nevada Mountains (they also received lower wages than their white counterparts). On more than one occasion, whole crews would be lost to avalanches, or mishaps with explosives would leave several dead.

For all the adversity they suffered, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific workers were able to finish the railroad–laying nearly 2,000 miles of track–by 1869, ahead of schedule and under budget. 

A journey that had taken 6 months by wagon train, now took 7 days. Their work had an immediate impact: The years following the construction of the railway were years of rapid growth and expansion for the United States, due in large part to the speed and ease of travel that the railroad provided.

Video: Transcontinental Railroad and the American West 

Credit: Making Tracks/Lauren Rodriguez Kritzer 

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CdAzizWiyI

Pennhurst: My Dog Buzz's Comforting Sign, Going on Stage, Celebrities

This is the final blog about my adventures at the Pennhurst Paracon- and it's about the before and after on-stage experience, meeting a couple of celebrities, and a BIG sign from my dog Buzz in spirit. 

GOING ON STAGE -  I've been giving my lecture about how pets communicate from the afterlife for over 7 years, so I didn't have any concerns with giving it at the paracon. I wasn't nervous, because I've given the talk so many times for animal rescues up and down the U.S. East Coast as fundraisers, libraries and even adult education classes I teach. I think the waiting was the hardest part, to quote the song from Tom Petty!

HOW I MADE IT INTERACTIVE -
Although, it's an interactive lecture, where up to 40-50 people get to share their own experiences and stories. Because of the crowd of 650 people, I decided to get a show of hands whenever someone had an experience I was describing. Such as, after some cats pass, they like to walk along the end of their pet parent's bed... and many hands were raised in the audience. 

A SIGN FROM MY DOG BUZZ IN SPIRIT -  One of the signs that pets give us are repeating numbers. They are called "Angel Numbers." Although they are known to be associated with different meanings, when it comes to pets, they can use a specific number or any repeating number to indicate they are around us, like 1111, 555, 222, etc. 

On May 17, 2025, the day we were trying to secure the time for my talk, I got a sign from my late dog, Buzz that it would happen. Buzz is a Weimaraner who passed tragically as a 7 month old puppy when his leash opened and a car struck him. Buzz re-awakened my medium abilities and taught me how pets communicate from the afterlife. It's because of Buzz's mission that my journey began in 2005. 

Buzz passed on February 22, 2005, so I realized that his Angel number is 222 (as in Feb 22nd). 

On May 17th, after talking with visitors to my tent and vendor table, I happened to pick up my phone, and it was 2:22 p.m. ET. That was a sign from Buzz that everything would be okay, and that he was working from spirit to make the talk happen. He did.

MY DAD'S SPIRIT - Whenever I give talks or teach classes, I always feel my dad around in spirit. My dad taught insurance classes in the evenings after work, and I know he's there to help me out.  Whenever you are doing something that one of your parents used to do, if they've passed, they will come visit in spirit and help you out. 

CELEBRITIES - Although there were a lot of celebrities from Josh Gates to Ghost Hunters and various others, my interactions were few. I did make sure I got to see Medium Patti Negri, whom I met at the Massachusetts Paracon in 2023, thanks to Monique Toosoon,  my friend and Co-author of our book the "Haunting of Emery Estate."  Patti has such fun energy and she's an amazing medium! 

   During one of the mixers, I did get to see and hear the actors who played Michael Myers in the Halloween series of films, and Leatherface in the movie of the same name. They described their experiences and it was interesting to listen to them.   

(Photo: Rob and Patti Negri. Credit: Amanda) 

   Although there were celebrity dinners and investigations, I didn't attend them because of being sensitive to earthbound ghosts, it makes it difficult to be sociable when you're feeling pains of death from ghosts. I wrote about some of those experiences in a previous blog! 

(Photo: Actors who played Michael Myers and Leatherface describe their experiences of filming. Credit: R.G)    

FINAL THOUGHTS - This paracon was truly a wonderful experience and one that will stay with me forever. I met so many incredible people -  Matt H. the organizer, many amazing volunteers and staff, other vendors, some celebrities and of course, the dead people who still linger in the buildings. 

Pennhurst Paracon: Visitors Shared Their Own Pet Spirit Signs

Today's blog about my experiences at the Pennhurst Asylum Paracon is about a lot of the folks I got to meet at my vendor table sharing stories, hugs and happy tears. 

On Saturday, May 17th when it was 84 degrees Fahrenheit with 100% humidity and sunny, it was tough to keep cool for guests of the paracon walking around. Under my tent with my table filled with books, at least I had shade.  

On Sunday, May 18th, a cold front brought relief of a cool 74 degrees along with lower humidity, but gusty winds! The winds made it a bit of challenge with keeping books and post cards on a table, but thanks to Amanda who was helping me all weekend, it was more than fine. Unfortunately, the stand up banners couldn't be put up.

After my talk under the big tent to 650 people on May 18th, many folks came over to meet me, tell me their stories. 

They showed me photos of their pets who passed. They asked if certain things were signs.  

SIGNS THEY SHARED - One saw a rainbow after their dog passed. Another heard someone mention their dog's name when they were thinking about their dog in spirit. Another saw a cat who looked exactly like their cat who passed (and their spirit cat led them to see that cat!). Others shared dreams they had (dreams are the easiest way for spirits to communicate).

A DOUBLE SIGN -  One woman told me about the passing of her dog - a dog who was her soulmate. When she told me her dog's name was Jackson, it hit me hard. My good friend Kenny lost his Bernese Mountain dog recently, and he's been giving Kenny signs and signs to me as well. The dog's name was "Jackson." When I heard the name I couldn't help but tear up, and she did, too. I explained about my friend Kenny's dog and his recent signs. We both had to give each other a hug. 

It's not a coincidence that that particular dog mom came to me and told me her dog's same name. That's how it works. 

A CHOICE IN PASSING -  Another pet parent told me how she was away when her dog passed, and she felt guilty for not being there. I explained that pets choose to pass when they want. Some want to be surrounded by loved ones, others want to pass alone. People do the same thing. 

STOPPED BY A DACHSHUND! - I met quite a few fellow Dachshund parents, too. One couple was actually leaving the paracon and saw the large backdrop poster the paracon made for me with my photo and my dachshunds Franklin and Tyler. They turned around and came back to talk to me, because they had a red smooth-haired Dachshund like Franklin who recently passed. 

HUGS, PHOTOS, STORIES - There were so many stories, photos shared, and hugs. It was really awesome.

 

Backyard Forest Cleanup & Path Re-Routing

Our backyard consists of 30 feet of grass leading into our own little forest. As I've posted before, we made 4 parallel forest trails that are connected in the back by an old logging road. This spring we decided to clean up two areas of leaves, branches and debris to allow more natural flora and fauna to florish and do some planting. Record rainfall in May forced as to re-route one of our forest paths, too. Today's blog shows the clean up! Happy Spring cleaning! 

(Photo: Dash (left), Cody (center) and Tyler (right) checking out the trail before the leaves (far right) were cleared from one of the two areas). 

RE-ROUTING ONE PATH -  This winter and springtime have brought an over abundance of rainfall (About 10" in May alone, which is 2 1/2 times the normal). Because of all the rain, 1 of our low-lying forest paths became inundated with water. Since it is shaded by trees water doesn't evaporate quickly, and there are pools in three areas. Rob had to re-route the forest path making it more of a zig-zag! 

CLEARING AREA ONE - Between the trails were large areas filled with what seems like decades of downed leaves and a lot of falling branches and twigs. One weekend, Tom raked that large area and made several big piles of branches to either burn or discard. He also filled 15 leaf bags of leaves and twigs which we brought to the near dump/transfer station, as they accept leaves and branches. 

(Photo: Franklin's memorial with some flowers in part of Area 1 that faces trail two.) 

AREA ONE HIGHLIGHTS -There are several highlights currently in area one. One is a little granite memorial marker for our Dachshund Franklin who passed in 2020, with a little bunch of flowers. Another highlight are shrubs and flowers that face the backyard. 

Tom also moved our backyard bench to one of the sections of this area, so we could sit in the forest and enjoy peace and quiet. 

CLEARING AREA TWO - Since Tom took on the first area by himself, Rob tackled the second area when Tom was traveling. Area two was to the right of area one and on the other side of the second trail. This area was also loaded with downed leaves and a lot of falling branches and twigs. Rob spent a couple of days raking that large area and also made several big piles of branches. He  filled 17 bags of leaves and twigs.

AREA TWO HIGHLIGHT - In this area we have little granite memorial marker for our Weimaraner Dolly, who passed in 2020, with a little bunch of flowers.  In other parts of the forest are similar markers for our dogs Buzz and Sprite who passed in 2005 and 2013, respectively. 

ADDED MORE BIRD HOUSES - This spring we added three birdhouses to the backyard near the forest entrances. Our friend Jeff gave us 2 beautiful wooden birdhouses and our neighbor from across the street made us one. We painted the neighbor's bird house white with a blue roof, and as of the week of May 5th, it finally has a resident! 

A GIFT OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS- Our friends and neighbors Kim and Mike gave us a large bunch of grasses and flowers, which have been planted around the edge of the yard and beside the dog run. We are so grateful! 

TACKLING THE LEAVES AND BRANCHES - We have so many bags of leaves and piles of branches that we've amassed in our beginning forest clean up. We took 32 bags of leaves to the dump, and then 3 pick-up truck beds full of branches. Rob put down a tarp on the truck bed, piled the branches on them and when he got to the dump, opened the tailgate and pulled the tarp out bringing all the branches with it into the debris pile. Loading the branches took 30 minutes. Unloading them took 2 minutes! 

 (Photo: one truck-full of fallen branches from just the front part of our forest. There were several truck-loads!)

Idiot of the Week: American YouTuber who left a Diet Coke can for a reclusive tribe on an island, arrested in India

 This week's idiot is a YouTuber. Nothing like destroying reclusive societies by dumping American garbage among them. That's what today's idiot did.

(Image: remote North Sentinel Island, pictured in this photo-like image from the Advanced Land Imager on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite from November 20, 2009. Surrounding the forested island is a perimeter of uplifted reef. Credit: NASA)

American YouTuber who left a Diet Coke can for a reclusive tribe on an island, arrested in India

By RAJESH ROY, AP, April 7, 2025

NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian police have arrested a 24-year-old American Youtuber who visited an off-limits island in the Indian ocean and left an offering of a Diet Coke can and a coconut in an attempt to make contact with an isolated tribe known for attacking intruders.

Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, from Scottsdale, Arizona, was arrested on March 31, two days after he set foot on the restricted territory of North Sentinel Island — part of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands — in a bid to meet people from the reclusive Sentinelese tribe, police said.

A local court last week sent Polyakov to a 14-day judicial custody and he is set to appear again in the court on April 17. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine. Indian authorities said they had informed the U.S. Embassy about the case.

Visitors are banned from traveling within 3 miles (5 kilometres) of the island, whose population has been isolated from the rest of the world for thousands of years. The inhabitants use spears and bows and arrows to hunt the animals that roam the small, heavily forested island. Deeply suspicious of outsiders, they attack anyone who lands onto their beaches.

In 2018, an American missionary who landed illegally on the beach was killed by North Sentinel islanders who apparently shot him with arrows and then buried his body on the beach. In 2006, the Sentinelese had killed two fishermen who had accidentally landed on the shore.

Hero of the Week: Fish & Game conservation officers Rescue lost hiker

This week's heroes have been cited before- It's the New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation rescuers who save people hiking in the state's White Mountains. This time the rescued a hiker to took the wrong trail back and needed help finding his way back during a storm.

 

(Photo: New Hampshire Fish & Game)

Storm, Lack Of A Map Hinders Rhode Island Hiker’s Time In New Hampshire’s White Mountains

 Conservation officers say Edward Pimental of Woonsocket started his hike Wednesday night, stayed overnight, but hiked the wrong trail back.

Tony Schinella, Patch Staff , May 5, 2025  

FRANCONIA, NH — A hiker from Rhode Island was rescued last week after being caught in a storm and getting lost while trying to hike off Garfield Ridge during an overnight trip.

Around midnight on Thursday, May 1, 2025, New Hampshire Fish & Game conservation officers heard about a hiker possibly needing assistance north of the Skookumchuk Trail on Garfield Ridge. The unprepared hiker encountered snow and ice on a trail, making their progress difficult, Lt. James Kneeland of Fish & Game said. The hiker, Edward Pimental, 39, of Woonsocket, RI, started his hike on Wednesday, April 30, up Falling Waters Trail, and then spent the night. On Thursday morning, he hiked Franconia Ridge, took a wrong trail from the summit of Mount Lafayette, and hiked north toward Garfield Ridge.

“Lacking a map,” Kneeland said, “he was unsure of where he was located and how to get out. He was unable to set up his shelter and was getting cold and wet when he decided to call 911 for help.”

Around 1:30 a.m. on Friday, conservation officers and volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team hiked the Skookumchuk Trail. They reached Pimental’s location, more than four miles from the trailhead, just before 4:30 a.m.

Pimental, he said, admitted he was unprepared for this hike and failed to do the proper research and will likely be billed for the rescue effort.

Kneeland commended the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team and said, without their help, rescues in the state would not be as efficient. The team is celebrating its 20th year of service as an organized search and rescue group, he said.

Kneeland said hikers in or visiting New Hampshire should have the proper gear and may be required to pay for their rescue if they do not have a Hike Safe pass. For more information, visit this link.

The 4 Ghosts I Encountered at Pennhurst Asylum!

In today's blog about my experience at the Pennhurst Asylum Paracon in Spring City, Pennsylvania, you'll hear about the ghosts I encounterd in just one of the 32 buildings. I did not go into the other 31 buildings or take the tour because I'm a medium, and the ghosts often share with me their physical ailments or pain of death. I quickly learned one building was all I could deal with and still be able to work at my tent. 

GHOST #1 - All of the ghosts I encountered were in the building that houses the updated room called the "Speakeasy" - which has a stage and a fully functional bar, new lighting and is a good place for a gathering to hear speakers. 

After I left the Speakeasy section and walked down the main hallway, and passed two abandoned rooms. One looked like it had bookcases (See Photo) and the other had an old cot. 

Suddenly I felt as if I were being choked! I couldn't speak and there was definitely a pressure like a hand around my throat. I asked the ghost to back off because I understood they were sharing their pain of death... and they did after about 60 seconds. 

(Photo: A hallway off the main hall where I encountered ghost #2)

GHOST #2 - As soon as Ghost #1 moved on, the next ghost I encountered was a young adult male - and his energy gave me an intense crushing headache. The headache was because his energy was so strong. He was drawing energy from the emotions of all the guests. There was definitely something not right with him. He was angry and he wanted out. 

Like Ghost #1, I encountered him in the hallway. In fact, it was just a little further down the hallway from where I encountered the first ghost. 

Fortunately, after I stepped outside I was able to shake off his affects on me. He wasn't one to let go easily because of his personality. 

MY SHORT VIDEO ABOUT THE GHOSTS I ENCOUNTERED: 

https://youtube.com/shorts/6on6ePds5b8?si=BXLc8yV6CaNGqYup

GHOST #3  - After recovering from the ghost encounter that created the massive headache, I headed upstairs with Amanda, who was assigned to work with me at the conference. While up on the second floor, I heard a short, distinct scream of a young girl. Amanda told me that we were standing in the children's ward area, so it made sense. She also said children would often scream for attention because the asylum was often short staffed. I didn't see or sense a ghost, but I certainly heard her. I get the sense that the girl died there and remained behind out of confusion. 

(Photo: I don't remember taking this picture walking through one of the buildings, but it was on my phone.)

GHOST #4 - Amanda was called to a different building via walkietalkie, so I accompanied her. When we reached the door, there were two volunteers waiting outside for us. When one of them opened the door, in the middle of the floor stood a broom upright by itself. They said they had just walked out of the building not 2 minutes before we arrived, and there were no other people in that building, so they were as surprised as we were! We could only conclude that an earthbound ghost set that broom up, and somehow balanced it. We all walked by it and didn't touch it. It remained standing! 

NEXT: MEETING FOLKS AT THE TENT

Pennhurst Asylum Paracon: History of the Asylum

Pennhurst Asylum is a former institution for individuals with disabilities that operated from 1908 to 1987. On November 23, 1908, "Patient number 1" was admitted to the hospital. According to Wikipedia, within four years of operation, Pennhurst was overcrowded and under pressure to admit immigrants, orphans, and criminals. You'll read about the institution in today's blog, plus there's a Link to a Short Video I made while there.  

WHO WERE HOUSED THERE? - Residents were classified into mental categories of imbecile or insane, into physical categories of epileptic or healthy, and into dental categories of good, poor, or treated when admitted.

(Photo: one of the buildings at Pennhurst Asylum. Credit: R.Gutro)

WHAT INDUSTRIES DID SOME PATIENTS WORK? - Residents were assigned to mattress-making, shoemaking and repair, grading, farming, laundry, domestic duties, sewing, baking, butchering, painting, and working in the store 

(Photo: One of the hallways in a building I walked through. Credit: R.Gutro) 

MY VIDEO SHORT ABOUT THE PARACON AND GUESTS: https://youtube.com/shorts/Crz5aPLOMzE?si=flnFEJ7x1BBm2IFq 

 ABOUT PENNHURST- In 1903, the Pennsylvania Legislature authorized the creation of the Eastern State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic.

(Photo: A look at 2 buildings from one of the grassy areas. Credit: R. Gutro) 

From 1903 to 1908, the first buildings were constructed on 633.913 acres of Crab Hill in Spring City, PA on what was referred to as the lower campus. Buildings had different designations and functions that included: girl's dining room, kitchen and storeroom, cottages for girls,boys' dining room, teacher's home, cottages for boys, a school, laundry and sewing, and the power house which was also used as a temporary administration building until the institution's opening in 1918.

(Photo: Rob standing outside of one of the buildings at Pennhurst Asylum. Credit: R.Gutro)

 In 1921, Whitman and Wilson I and II were constructed along with Penn Hall for employee housing; in 1929, the assembly building was complete and functioned as the gymnasium and auditorium.

NEXT: The Ghosts I Encountered at Pennhurst!

Overwhelmed! Spoke to hundreds at Pennhurst about Pet Spirits

On Sunday, May 18th, 2025 I was given the  opportunity to speak at the Pennhurst Asylum paranormal conference in Pennsylvania, about how pets communicate from the afterlife. Today's blog is about that experience and how amazing it was to me.

There were so many amazing people who worked the conference. I had the pleasure of working with Amanda, Lori, Brie, Jenn, Kyle and Colleen. Matt, the conference organizer, was also wonderful.

(Photo: me with Amanda, Lori, Brie and Jen- amazing conference volunteers)

Before the conference, I connected with a couple of Matt's dogs in spirit. He's an incredible dog dad. Thanks to Matt and the coordination Amanda and Jen, I was provided a time to speak on a large stage during the conference.

I was asked to speak before Josh Gates, which was perfect timing, as so many people got seats early to see him. Josh is an explorer, producer, actor, author, and talk show host for Discovery Channel. He's known for hosting and co-executive producing the hit series Expedition: Unknown. I had a chance to talk with him briefly and learned he grew up in the same state I did!

(Photo: Rob and Amanda at Pennhurst Paracon)

At 11:30 a.m. I was briefly introduced and asked Amanda to join me on the stage. She stood to the side and took a lot of pictures, for which I am grateful. I spoke for 30 minutes.

It was a little intimidating to stand on stage and see a massive tent filled with people. The largest audiences I've spoken had been as many as 50 people, because my lectures are interactive where people share stories. I learned that there were over 650 people under the tent and more standing!

I introduced myself and explained my first experience and how my puppy Buzz, who tragically passed re-awakened my abilities as a medium and taught me how pets communicate from the afterlife.

Whenever I mentioned a certain sign that pets give from spirit, I asked folks to raise their hands and many did.

During certain topics, I could see some people tearing up in the audience (and I got choked up several times, as I usually do, talking about my dogs in spirit).

Their reaction was one I will always treasure and never forget.

Being given the ability to touch hundreds of people at a time, and bring healing and understanding was such a gift to me, too. That's why I wrote the books- to make people understand how their beloved pets communicate in spirit, and bring healing.

After I left the stage, while I stood still thinking about what just happened, Amanda took my pets and the afterlife postcards and handed them out to folks in the audience.

Later in the day, there was a line of people at my tent (see picture).

Many thanked me for validating their experiences, others told me their stories and experiences and I answered their questions. They told me of their dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc. who passed, and shared photos. There were a lot of hugs and happy tears shared, too. - It was quite and emotional day that began with the talk.

This day will stay with me forever.

****************************************

If you've had a pet who has passed, learn how to recognize their signs. Read the "Pets in the Afterlife" series of books by Rob Gutro. Available on Amazon in paperback, E-book and Audio book.