Guestbook Archive 2011
submitted on December 20, 2011 8:58 AM EST
Name:Tina Marie Nagle
Comments: My younger daughter Samantha and I participated in the surprise St Thomas More Church Nativity "procession of the animals" this past Sunday morning. As the animals entered the church to process down the center aisle, I could see the joy on the faces (young & old) of the parishioners. It was truly an up-lifting experience to watch/hear reactions as Monsignor Murphy introduced each creature, relating the animals to the Nativity. The church was filled with happiness, joy, excitement and peace. Long-live God's creatures!
submitted on December 7, 2011 11:49 AM EST
Name: Jessica
Comments: Our organization has been volunteering at the Gress Mountain Ranch for over 2 years. Kathryn has always been extremely accomodating to us and the needs of our consumers. I would recommend the Gress Mountain Ranch for anyone who loves to be around animals and is looking to be in a great, caring environment.
submitted on December 3, 2011 4:28 PM EST
Name: chelsea
Comments: I think it is really helpful. It helps me think straight.I love all the animals at gress mountain ranch.I like ben and kathryn.
submitted on November 22, 2011 4:49 PM EST
Name: Pam Wakabayashi
Comments:
It has been a blessing for me to volunteer at the ranch. I wish I hadn't waited so long! Kathryn is a truly remarkable person and the beautiful animals are so blessed to be on the ranch and in her genuine kindness and caring hands. I feel such peace when I am there and privileged to be a small part of the lives of such magnificent creatures. Thank you for the opportunity, thank you for all you do at the ranch.
submitted on November 22, 2011 12:19 PM EST
Name: Allie and Alan from Via of the Lehigh Valley
Comments:
Via of the Lehigh Valley is an agency that helps adults with special needs adapt and get involved in their communities. Gress Mountain Ranch was recommended as a volunteer site for some of our consumers. Gress Mountain is definitely a hit with our consumers and they look forward to coming here to help out. The ranch is full of fun and loving animals that leave you with stories to tell friends and family. Staff at the ranch is extremely helpful and willing to find any job that fits into our consumers' goals and interests. Gress Mountain Ranch is a wonderful place to volunteer due to its kind staff and cool animals. I would recommend this site to anyone who is looking for a place where you are not only helping animals, they help to put a smile on your face too!
submitted on November 20, 2011 6:03 PM EST
Name: Jen Weinstein
Comments:
I love volunteering at The Gress Mountain Ranch... I need the animals as much as they need volunteers. Working with Le Roy Piggy and the ducks, turkeys, Nataliee really help me take the focus off of my concerns - The Ranch is such an amazing place. Kathryn is very supportive and is helping me cope with some difficult family "grief" issues.
submitted on October 20, 2011 6:19 PM EST
Name: Tammy Biehl
Comments: I had the privilege of helping at TGMR and can't stop thinking about the love and care each animal gets from Kathryn, Ben and all the volunteers. I look forward to my next visit.
submitted on October 18, 2011 10:58 AM EST
Name: Lizzie Brinn
Comments: Kathy, It's Lizzie, brenda's daughter. I was on your site trying to figure out how to post a testimonial reflection of my visit, but didn't know where to post it. I figured I would just email it to you and you can post it wherever you choose. I recently visited the Gress Mountain Ranch while I was in Pennsylvania for the weekend. I had heard about it through family and friends, and it seemed like it would be "my" mind of place. It turns out, it was. When I arrived at the ranch I was overcome by the sense of serenity and calmness that exists there--it's a working ranch, yet the atmosphere was so peaceful. The views are spectacular and it made me feel very much at one with my surroundings. Volunteers worked tirelessly and happily while I was there. They tended to the animals, cleaned stalls, pens and cages. They knew the animals' temperaments and personalities and really strived to make sure the animals were taken care of. Kathy led me around the ranch and explained the story of each animal. The animals come from all different backgrounds of neglect, abuse, mistreatment and hardship. Even so, the animals were all extremely trusting and sweet, especially toward Kathy. I believe they truly recognize her heart is with them and she is a beyond kind human being. I loved my visit to the ranch and I have been telling as many people about it as I possibly can. I wish there were more people like Kathy in the world who would devote their lives - emotionally, mentally and physically - to the welfare of animals. It was truly a unique experience and I would recommend it 1,000 times! I hope this is okay, Kathy. You really impressed me! And changed a part of my life :) With love and admiration. Lizzie
submitted on June 21, 2011 12:40 PM EST
Name:
Comments: Overall Experience 5***** Makes my day. No matter what type of day one is having working at the ranch is very uplifting. The animals are our earthly charges and we are to take care and not abuse them. Kathryn and Ben Gress have devoted their lives to helping animals and animals helping people. What a noble cause. It is not a play date but a dedication to helping the Gress' continue their worhwhile effort. You will received more than you are giving. So forget your troubles by giving your time and talents at the Gress Mtn. Ranch posted by merkelsy on June 3, 2009
submitted on June 5, 2011 7:15 PM EST
Name: Tena Rapp
Comments:
Thank you for coming to our church today and bringing along some of your animal friends. It's wonderful what you and your husband are doing. Helen, my daughter (soon to be 10) and I would like to help out with some of your duties. Let me know if you could use us.
submitted on April 9, 2011 9:08 AM EST
Name: Alexa Kline
Comments: i cant go a day without missing it here at Gress Mountain Ranch!!! thanks for making this place so SPECIAL!!!:) there is always so much to do, and i love to help do it!!!! i LOVE all the animals at Gress. i came to Gress as a horseback rider so i only really knew about horses and dogs . i only have been there for about a month and i leaned sooooo much all from Kathy and Mia!!!! :) this is my favorite place to be !! so far my 2 favorite animals have been Sassy (horse) and Target (goat) but i LOVE them all!
submitted on March 16, 2011 12:05 PM EST
Name: DORANNA YOST
Comments: Kathryn, my husband and I came to offer help because of seeing your story in the MCall. We totally enjoyed helping but I rec'd much more in return. My life long pain disappeared the two hours we were there. I related to the plow horse and he related to me. He moved his head as we were leaving and touched my cheek, like saying, keep the faith. I'll never forget that. He seemed to sense my pain also.
submitted on February 23, 2011 8:40 AM EST
Name: JoAnn Eberle
Comments: I truly enjoyed my volunteering experience at the ranch this winter. Learned lots about all of the different farm animals. I will treasure the time spent there. Hopefully more volunteers searching for a "special" purpose will come knocking on the barn doors!!
submitted on January 21, 2011 10:02 PM EST
Name: Geraldine Liguori
Comments: If I can get a ride from Allentown, I would like to donate my services in any way needed. Cell is 646-744-7501. I am retired (age 58) but very spry. I relocated to PA from NY and I do not drive. So, if I can hitch a ride from an Allentown volunteer, I will split the transportation costs. Thanks.
submitted on January 19, 2011 12:05 AM EST
Name: Kayla Escobedo
Comments: kayla escobedo my favorite animal is the alpaca and donkey i am in 8th grade and go to springhouse middle school i help with alot of events i came here wanting to learn about how to run a ranch like kathy kathy is letting me assist in medical care syco is my favorite cat i cheerlead for north parkland i have been coming here for 8 months i organize/clean the office and barn i am teaching kathy how to use their cell phones i plan on staying and voulenteering here untill i finish high school and hopefully longer i am trying to teach pearl tricks i know how to clip and groom some of the animals me and mia are friends very patient with elle and i tend to go crazy with applesauce i helped with leroy piggy hypothermia crises i do computer work jewlia is going to teach me how to ride sassy i enjoy drawing. i love the gress mountain ranch:)
