“Thank you to the many neighbors who responded to my request for lilacs today. I was moved by the generosity of so many, and feel blessed to live in such a wonderful community. I’m so grateful for Front Porch Forum as well. I don’t post very often but I read daily, and it helps me connect to the people and issues in our community. FPF serves as a wonderful reminder of the amazing thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity we are surrounded by… I started out mourning our old lilac trees and wishing we had our own trees now to supply a bouquet or two; but, honestly, I love that my daughter’s birthday celebration will be deepened not just by the beauty and fragrance of lilacs, but also by the kindness and compassion of the community she lives in. Thank you again!”
• Stephanie, Hinesburg FPF
Search Results for: "hinesburg"
Community policing history in Hinesburg
The good people of Hinesburg are grappling with the question of continuing their community police program. It’s an active topic on their Front Porch Forum. Many people were moved by the posting below that appeared yesterday…
Reading Rob’s comments about Hinesburg’s community police history has moved me to share an experience I had in 2004 that truly describes what community police service means to me. I was caring for my very ill Mother at home following recent surgery. I came downstairs early one morning to check on her and her dogs and found that she had died during the night. In a state of shock I immediately called 911. The first responder was a Hinesburg police officer (I regret that I can’t remember his name). He was at my house immediately and went to my Mother’s side. The paramedics came next, and then a coroner. But it was that police officer who really made the difference for me that day. He sat with me, helped me find a funeral home, and made the arrangements to have them come for my Mother. After my Mother was taken away, all of the others left, but not this police officer. He wouldn’t leave until I could get a friend to come by. That is what I call community police service, and I am grateful every day for what that Hinesburg police officer did for me.
I also want to commend the community-oriented services provided by Chief Morrell and extend my best wishes to him as he moves to a new location. When one of Chief Morrell’s service dogs died I sent him a card with a donation to help support future police service dogs in our community. Soon after I got a personal telephone call from Chief Morrell, telling me how much he appreciated my recognition of these very special dogs.
As far as I am concerned a strong community ethic is vital to any town, and it has been demonstrated many ways in Hinesburg. Thanks to all our local businesses for friendly service and making it possible to get much of what we need without going far from home. And, for heavens sake, look what Front Porch Forum is able to do to hold a community together. As an example, I can’t believe how many lost pets have been found just because community members care for each other and stay in touch. I feel lucky to be part of this community.
Remarkable demonstration of open-mindedness in Hinesburg
Paul posted on the Hinesburg Front Porch Forum the other day that opinions should be kept out of FPF postings, asking neighbors to “keep things kind and helpful.”
A neighbor Frank replied…
There are few forums for expressing opinions, besides at coffee shops, hair salons/barber shops and… on our front porches. I say, keep ’em coming [on our Front Porch Forum]. It’s part of what makes us a community. Indeed, as I am writing this on the 4th of July, I dare say the freedom to express ourselves is uniquely American.
Followed by another perspective from Craig…
I cannot disagree enough that we should not express our opinions or share news & information that affects us as community members on Front Porch Forum. The word “forum” itself expresses the goal of open discussion on matters that affect us on a broad level. It’s disappointing to see people suggesting that one of the only forum left to us to discuss community issues be limited to the innocuous and unimportant.
It sure would be sad if we had to rely only on government official announcements and the so-called “news” for information impacting us as citizens. Most of the important issues don’t get aired through those one-sided and for-profit venues. Democracy and freedom need a channel unfettered by government and corporate interests, like Front Porch Forum.
I find some of the most cogent and important information tome as a Hinesburgian on this site…
In days of yore, it was the public space — the Common or the Green — that was the place we gathered and expressed (and heard) uncomfortable opinions. In Providence, you can still see the speaker’s pulpit (the soapbox). In Boston, 200 acres were set aside for the purpose. And, yes, some of those viewpoints are potentialy offfensive to some, even repugnant. In the vaccuum of true journalism in mass media today, we need an electronic version of the public forum, and I am thankful a channel like Front Porch Forum exists to provide it.
I give money regularly to FPF to keep alive a public forum. I would not provide financial support to a non-forum where no ideas or opinions are shared.
Like all other media… if you don’t like it, don’t consume it. If you don’t like what the guy on the soapbox is saying, take another path, or block your ears. Hide your kids’ eyes. But don’t inhibit his freedom.
Then Jane posted…
I agree with [Craig] about Front Porch Forum being a valuable venue to express our opinions and ideas and I thank him for taking the time to express his feelings.
And it ended with a remarkable follow-up posting by Paul… a rare act of open-mindedness in this era of partisanship….
Sigh, still growing and learning. As I read posts and REALLY thought about it, I realized this IS a forum for ideas and opinions. Thanks for making me think again. It just caught me on a day when I was really tired, had read too many negative things in different forums, and I let those feelings spill out before thoroughly considering. Unfortunately, I wrote before fully thinking it through and realize that is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping others would not do. Hmmm, still growing and learning. Thanks, everyone.
Good neighbors in Hinesburg, VT… how about Asheville, NC?
Penny posted this in the Hinesburg FPF yesterday…
I love the Neighborhood Forum! We are moving near Asheville, NC. I hope they have something like Front Porch Forum there! The free freezer has been removed. It is amazing how many responses we received! I went with the first email. We will miss you Hinesburg! The best place in the world to raise a family!
Chive blossoms flowing in Hinesburg
#VT – Nancy posted on the Hinesburg Front Porch Forum yesterday…
Making chive vinegar and need chive blossoms. If your chives are flowering and you would like to share, please contact me and I will come cut them. Thanks.
Followed today by…
Thank you to the over twenty people that responded. I have tried to answer everyone, but if I missed you, know that I really appreciated the generous offers. Planning to cut more in the next couple of days. Husband is off buying more vinegar.
How do Vermonters find trusted Realtors?
“We are hoping to find a realtor that comes highly recommended and trusted to come to our home for advice on possibly selling it in the future. Wondering what should be done to help sell it and get information on comparable priced homes in the area”.
• Lisa, Hinesburg FPF
“I have never had so many passionate responses – so quickly from Front Porch Forum. Thanks!”
• Lisa, Hinesburg FPF, next day
Estate sale re-homes cherished family items
Thanks to Front Porch Forum for helping us sell several items from my parents’ and grandparents’ estates. It feels good to find new homes for our cherished items. I have also met such lovely people through these efforts!
We have vowed to gift 10% of all selling profits to FPF since they are the main vehicle for safe and cordial communication. THANKS so much for all the work you do for our communities.
It is easy to donate… using this link: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
• Linda, Hinesburg FPF
Foster child overwhelmed by neighbors’ care
“Many, many thanks for the fabulous response many of you gave to our foster child’s search for a bike. K is overwhelmed by his sense that so many people out there care and we are excited that he’ll have a bike to ride this spring (it is spring, right? As an Englishwoman, the seasons have me a little confused!!) We feel fortunate to live among you all – and thanks also to Front Porch Forum for allowing this kind of communication and community-building to take place.”
• Zoe, Underhill FPF
Above and below are a handful of the postings we get every day on Front Porch Forum. What will you post to your neighbors?
“I’ve enjoyed your comments on Front Porch Forum. They remind me of how messy and important free speech and citizen journalism are to a functioning democracy.”
• Bill, Hinesburg FPF
“Golden Retriever Found! I knew I could count on FPF. Thank you everyone for the phone calls and assistance. Lulu is home and although she looks pretty guilty, she had an eventful day! Thank you!!”
• Alison, Bristol FPF
“Hi – I’m looking for someone to roll my yard to help smooth out the bumps. I can contact lawn services in town, but FPF seems to be a better place to start. If you’ve hired someone to do this for you, and were happy with the work, i’d really appreciate the recommendation. Thank you!”
• Mary, Montpelier FPF
“My pet sitting business is a success! ‘Found you on FPF’ is the first thing I hear when a new client comes my way.”
• Deb, Middlebury FPF
Great response to post on yard clean-up… Many people responded and I’ve got someone to help. Thanks FPF! What a great way to connect!”
• Anne, Bristol FPF
“Just wanted to let you know that Andy and I secured housing in Essex this afternoon! Yippeee!! Thank you again for your help! The owners found out about us through your FPF posting – we probably never would have found an opportunity like this otherwise.”
• Karen, Essex Center FPF
Contractors, doctors, house painters and… muskrats
Shared yesterday across various local Front Porch Forums… first from Jim on the Middlebury FPF…
WOW! I posted yesterday that I was looking for suggestions for contractors who could enclose a deck we have on our house and within a half hour of FPF coming out, my email box was blowing up with responses! At last count I think I got about 15 suggestions! Looks like I am going to have alot of phone calls to make! FPF is the best!
From Carolyn on her FPF in Essex Junction…
Boy! Was my mailbox full! Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond to my request re a family doctor. I will compile them all and pass the info on to my friend on Thursday. FPF is a terrific resource – but it is really all you neighbors who are great.
William on the South Hero FPF…
The response from our neighbors has been fantastic! We’ve received over a dozen replies to our request for interior painter recommendations and have narrowed our list to 3 candidates to whom we’ve reached out. Thanks for demonstrating once again that FPF is a great community resource and for your valuable input.
And, finally today, from Julie on the Hinesburg FPF…
Thanks so much for the amazing replies regarding our need to trap a muskrat. I love Front Porch Forum and am so grateful to be in such a generous and helpful community.