Monthly Archives: November 2019

The unfiltered story of FPF on “Start Here”

Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum co-founder, Michael Wood-Lewis, was recently interviewed on the Vermont Centers for Emerging Technologies (VCET), “Start Here” podcast, which shares the stories of active, aspiring and accidental entrepreneurs.

“Featuring Vermont’s most influential business leaders, Start Here bridges the gap between entertainment and inspiration by presenting the unfiltered stories of today’s top innovators. Everybody starts somewhere – why not Start Here?”

Click below and have a listen!

 

Small businesses do well using FPF

Posted on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 by No comments yet

Locally owned businesses get support from their neighbors on Front Porch Forum:

“Thank you everyone on FPF who has recommended and or used SR Kiely Design-Build Inc. This has resulted in a fantastic year for our company.”  • Stephen in Bristol

“At last Saturday’s Farmers Market a nurse walked by our spot and said you sure use Front Porch Forum a lot aren’t you doing very well. We are doing well because we use FPF.”  • Charlie at Floating Bridge Family Farm

“We are getting a wonderful response to our pop ups. We’ve had vendors signing up through the ads from FPF. And then they spread the word to others, which is great for everyone.”  • Vicki at the River Garden, Brattleboro

The cold is here…. let’s Button Up Vermont!

Posted on Monday, November 18, 2019 by No comments yet

Temperatures are falling, snow is on the ground and the forecast calls for slick roads.  That means it’s weatherization season, too. Button up your home this year and stop heating the outdoors.

Have you heard about the incentives? Vermonters can get 50% off weatherization projects (up to $4,000) and cover the rest with free 0% interest financing on a Home Energy Loan from Efficiency Vermont.

Attend a local Button Up VT workshop and learn how to lower your heating bill, save energy, and make your home more comfortable at ButtonUpVermont.org.

Front Porch Forum is proud to be Button Up Vermont’s Community Partner, helping our neighbors be ready for winter.

Paying it forward

Posted on Monday, November 11, 2019 by 1 comment

The Holiday Season is fast approaching, but on Front Porch Forum we see neighbors paying it forward year-round. See this very generous posting from a Montpelier neighbor looking to pass on the goodwill in her life:

“Hi neighbors! I’ve just been to Costco for the first time since moving to Central Vermont a couple of years ago, and am super happy with the nutritious and relatively inexpensive food I was able to purchase!

As I’ve been experiencing some stressful food, fuel, and housing insecurity this past year, I’ve been incredibly grateful to local friends and organizations who have generously helped me fill up a tank of gas so I could get to work, share some of their shelf-stable food so I wouldn’t go hungry, and more!

I’d like to pay it forward please let me know if any or all of the following (fresh, refrigerated) would be helpful to you, and when and where I could bring it to you…” 

Get inspired to connect with your neighbors and you might find surprising ways to support one another!

Our Leaf Bag is Full!

Posted on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 by No comments yet

With help from thousands of Vermont and upstate NY neighbors… we made it! Thank you to the many Front Porch Forum members for chipping in to reach our October Supporting Member Campaign goal of $200,000.

If you meant to make your contribution and haven’t yet had a chance, there’s still time. Donate today!

“FPF has become the fabric of our communities, keeping each one abreast of the local to dos and stuff for sale and meetings to attend, and events coming up and information and gratitude for the great place we live here in Vermont.”   • Dave in Jericho

“I certainly agree with comments made about the important services provided by FPF. Vermont should never be without this kind of forum, providing an easy way for our communities to stay connected.”   • Roberta in West Bolton

FPF is a Public Benefit Corporation and not a charity. Contributions are not tax deductible. Ad sales to Vermont businesses cover most of our expenses, and your Supporting Member contribution helps close the gap.

Who needs Uber when you’ve got great neighbors?

Posted on Friday, November 1, 2019 by No comments yet

Neighbors ask and receive help for rides regularly on Front Porch Forum.

“I am in awe of this community I live in! I received 7 offers, and 2 more responses, to my last FPF posting requesting a ride to an upcoming medical appointment.  It’s easy to ask for referrals for roofers, gardeners, etc., but- at least for me- not that easy to ask for more personal help. This was an exercise in acceptance for me, and an uplifting belief in the goodness that exists in the world, and especially in our little corner of the world. Thank you all. I am deeply touched.”  • Jane in Burlington

“I am still in the midst of seeking transportation to a series of appointments. I’ve been able to find the help I need, so far. It was heartwarming to read Jane’s posting. If I need these rides again I will post on FPF. Kindness is everything. Thank-you everyone for your help.”  • Judy in Burlington

“Due to the generosity of so many in this amazing community, I was emailed no less than 7 times by locals offering to run me up to the airport tomorrow. This is actually no surprise at all; this community ROCKS !! I’m all set – and I thank all of you so much for the offers of assistance…Cheers!”  • George in Stowe