Ghost of Midnight

… about neighbors, community and Front Porch Forum

Meet the Artist Behind the Merch

Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2025 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum reached out to local artist, Christine Tyler Hill, to commission a piece to mark 25 years since our first neighborhood newsletter and leading up to the launch of our store. Our ask was a big one – to represent FPF in just one illustration. She was patient with us as we threw requests her way, “What about a porch with lots of activity?” and “Can you represent the urban, suburban, and rural parts of the state?”

We knew Christine’s work from her illustrations for City Market and NOFA-VT, among others. We were confident that she would capture what’s special about Front Porch Forum – neighbors connecting with other neighbors. 

While we’ve had her artwork in hand for months, we thought it was time for you to get to take a closer look at the piece (and the fun motifs from within, such as the chicken chase, plant community, and wood stackers) and also to get to know her better. 


Christine, what Forum are you in? And, what’s the conversation like there?

I’m in Burlington’s Old North End. Our classic posts: missing cat, stop-feeding-my-cat, keep-your-cat-inside, free hostas, complaint about jet noise, city council meeting recap, stolen bike, found bike… I’m here for all of it! 

Since becoming a homeowner a few years ago I’ve used FPF to borrow and procure a lot of things: a free table saw, a loaner wallpaper steamer, and a whole bunch of asters that bloom in my front garden bed late into the fall and bring me (and the bees!) a lot of joy.

What was the process of telling the story of Front Porch Forum in just one illustration?

There are as many uses of Front Porch Forum as there are users of Front Porch Forum. Illustrating the diversity of experiences people have with FPF while keeping the composition balanced, graphic, and attractive was a real challenge! I didn’t want to overwhelm the eye with detail, but the staff at Front Porch Forum shared so many beautiful stories about neighbors connecting with one another, I couldn’t help but include as many as possible.

Do you have a favorite interaction featured in the piece?

I love the raccoon with the pear! Apparently that was a multiweek saga in a forum, inspiring many “RE: Racoon with pear” subject lines, over and over. Those are my favorite kinds of events on FPF: uniting and entertaining neighbors around something silly of no consequence.

A few weeks ago a friend of mine saw the illustration and she texted me to share that last winter she brought warm rice krispies treats out to her snowplow guy, so that made me appreciate the figure serving the snowplow guy cookies even more.

What advice would you give to neighbors using FPF?

Gmail users: get that daily FPF email digest out of your Updates folder and into your main inbox! I was missing so many good posts before I moved the email into my main inbox. 

Where can we find and follow your work?

Instagram: @tenderwarriorco

Website: tenderwarriorco.com

Substack: tenderwarriorco.substack.com

Best of FPF: You are Invited

Posted on Friday, July 18, 2025 by No comments yet

It takes a brave and generous person to reach out to neighbors on FPF to go for a run, meet up for a game, or organize a block party. Sometimes the response is quiet, but often, new connections are created.

Steve and Laurel posted this in their Rockingham Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Because we love to sing in community, we host a monthly potluck and sing event at our home in Bellows Falls. You don’t have to be a great singer; we’re doing this for fun, not as a performance.”

We caught up with Steve, who shared that they’ve been hosting for decades, regardless of where they live. They have many regulars, but reaching out on FPF has attracted others – some who come just once to try it out and others who become a familiar face and voice.

Meanwhile, Alisa posted in the Weathersfield Forum, “I have finally realized that it is silly that I do not know most of my neighbors, so I have decided to change that. I would like to invite you to a “Meet the Neighbors/Block Party” gathering.”

Afterwards, Alisa shared, “I want to say thank you to everyone who came to my house yesterday to say hello and meet your neighbors! It was a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope we can do it again sometime.

Until then, stay healthy, enjoy the summer, and if anyone needs anything and I am around, I would be happy to help. You all have my contact information.”

Best of FPF: People-friendly cow?

Posted on Friday, July 11, 2025 by No comments yet

Nick posted this request in the Milton Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“My suburbanite sister, Sofia, is coming into town for a few days to throw me a baby shower. She thinks cows are just about the cutest animals on god’s green earth. She’s done so much for me, and I’d love to have a little surprise for her.

Sooo… is anyone in town willing to let us pet and/or feed a reasonably people-friendly cow? A calf would be a definite bonus.”

Best of FPF: A Good Start to the Week

Posted on Friday, June 27, 2025 by No comments yet

Carrie extended this generous offer on the Brandon Forum and Community Calendar. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Our family will be hosting a community breakfast every Monday on our front porch. This is our attempt to fill a void that many families face during summer break! Whether financially or logistically, it can be hard to shift into summer and accommodate the ten meals our kiddos usually eat at school. Also, Mondays are rough!!!

Today we had our first porch breakfast, and it was a hit! We had kids ride their bikes, families who walked down together, and others who stopped in for a quick minute to grab a bite. Some hung out and played games in the yard and listened to some uplifting music, a good start to a new week! Next week is pancakes and bacon, fresh fruit, cereal, and juice! I will have some to-go containers if people face time constraints. I’m happy to pack things up to go.”

Best of FPF: Middlebury Mayor Demands Treats

Posted on Friday, June 20, 2025 by No comments yet

Elections can cause quite a stir, and it’s been “ruff” in Middlebury as they debate which dog would be the strongest candidate for Mayor of Middlebury (as a light-hearted fundraiser for Homeward Bound Humane Society). We thought some of the nominations were worth a share:

Johanna said, “As I watch Nat campaign, I realize how he is a Mayor for all ages. He can assure safety and comfort for the elderly and model citizenship for children and youth. Nat makes everyone feel like they are seen and heard and this builds community.” Lindsey shared, “Nat, the Yorkipoo, will be on Court Street for a Honk & Wave and hopes to make people smile while they’re creeping through school dismissal traffic!”

Melinda chimed in, “I will be voting for Reggie. If you want a capable, conscientious, hard worker, than look no further than an Australian SHEPHERD. A MAYOR cannot be buddies to everyone. An Aussie knows how to maneuver and steer the city’s ship in the right direction.”

(And, because… Vermont, “The CAT Party is opposed to restrictions on eligible candidates for Middlebury Mayor and would welcome a coalition with the Turtle Party. Also underway are negotiations with the GoldFish Party and the HousePlant Party.” Braden contributed, “I’d like to unofficially nominate an absolute unit of a snapper that lives below the Battell Falls as the head of the incumbent mayor’s secret service detail. I put her up against any would-be challengers any day of the week, and twice on Sunday.”)

Jenn reports, “Good girl Tela, golden retriever/labrador mix, has been hard on the campaign trail, meeting people, kissing babies, tail wagging the whole way!”

Congratulations, Tela, on the win. May you serve Middlebury well.

Best of FPF: Wayside Pancakes

Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2025 by No comments yet

Listen to this story shared by Carolyn in the Montpelier Forum! We thought it was well worth a share:

“For approximately 80 years, I have had bacon, eggs, and pancakes for breakfast on Sunday morning. Due to an electrical problem, my stove doesn’t work. As a result, I went to the Wayside for my traditional pancakes. I was pleasantly surprised when the waitress told me that an anonymous person had paid for my meal.

Thank you, anonymous person. In the current environment, that was a gift in so many ways.”

Best of FPF: Smiles and Miles

Posted on Thursday, June 5, 2025 by No comments yet

Sara shared a farewell message in the Stowe Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“I have been driving the school bus in Stowe for 15 years. This is my last year and I will be done in less than a month. This decision was very hard to make because I love my job. I love seeing the kids every day and watching them grow into amazing adults. From the first day of kindergarten to their high school graduation, I have enjoyed watching the children grow and change and figure out who they are.

As a lot of you know, my mother drove for 30 years and my grandfather drove before her. There has been a Percy driving the bus since the late ’60s and after the school year that will change.

I will still be around. I will continue to teach at The Current. I will be able to volunteer more at school with my own children. And I will continue to coach and teach Lego robotics through the Rec Department. So, thank you for all of the smiles and the miles and for trusting me to keep your children safe.

Thank you for an amazing 15 years.”

Best of FPF: Growing Community

Posted on Friday, May 30, 2025 by No comments yet

Joshua turned to the Jericho Forum to make an offer, with an aim to build community. We thought it was well worth a share:

“I have a number of raised garden beds and garden space available. My wife was an avid gardener who passed away from cancer late last year. I am hoping to keep her legacy alive by keeping the gardens active – and I cannot do it on my own with a 4 and 5-year-old! I would love to meet more people who are interested in utilizing some garden space or raised beds for free and build community with you this summer.”

Best of FPF: Remembered by Friends

Posted on Friday, May 23, 2025 by No comments yet

Becky posted an appeal for support in the Greensboro Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“A granite bench in memory of Tom Hurst is being readied for August 2025 installation on the Greensboro Historical Society front lawn. Your support is greatly appreciated. Tom is remembered by many as our friend, storekeeper, firefighter, historian, UCC minister of faith, and dedicated community steward. Growing up in Greensboro, he worked at the store and became a fourth-generation Willey’s storekeeper.

Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2000. He persevered with courage and good humor, and in 2016, Merrill and he moved to Trumansburg, NY, to be near their daughter Emily and family. Tom died in November 2024 of complications from a new diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Tom walked around Caspian Lake over 600 times in his Parkinson’s journey. Many of us remember times he stopped to say hello, and on finding himself temporarily “frozen,” he asked for a small “kick” at the back of his boot to help restart his walk, and with a smile and a wave, he’d be on his way.

Tom famously showed up at meetings with a generous cache of his just-baked chocolate chip cookies, enjoyed by all.

The reverse side of the bench will read: “Remembered by friends – 2025.”