2011 | Ghost of Midnight

Found Money in #BTV #VT

Posted on Sunday, October 23, 2011 by Michael • 2 comments

Posted by Don today in Burlington’s South End on Front Porch Forum. May we all be blessed with such a moral compass (I wonder what her name is?)…

While walking the dog at 5 AM this morning, my faithful canine alerted me to some green paper bunched on the sidewalk. Money. Lots of money. Clearly bar money as it was in mostly small denominations and bunched into a wad. Not enough to shift the fate of nations, but enough to put a smile on my face, a song in my heart, and to thank my precious pooch for its discovery.

Later the same morning, in a classic “should have kept my mouth shut” moment, I mentioned the aforementioned booty and its finally tally. The moral compass of our family reminded me of the difference in the value of this size stash to us in our financial state and that of its most likely loser, i.e., a staggering undergraduate returning from a night of debauchery on the town. Clearly to correct thing to do would be to offer said debaucher the opportunity to reclaim the lost stash.

With this in mind I offer the following challenge. Anyone who can correctly identify the street that the cash was found on, its approximate value, an approximation of the denominations of the bills, and the maiden name of my paternal grandmother and her country of origin can claim the money. Please reply by email at your earliest convenience.

Update. The above mentioned moral compass has informed me that the “paternal grandmother” part of the challenge was unfair and should be retracted.

Patterson Foundation’s New Media Journalism Initiative

Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Michael • No comments yet

What do you get when you fill a room with 150 hyperlocal online journalists (including 3 from #VT)? That was answered a couple weeks ago at the Block by Block Community News Summit in Chicago. I learned much and was glad to share some of Front Porch Forum‘s story.

Thanks to the Patterson Foundation’s New Media Journalism initiative for its support of this event and more. Janet Coats and Kathleen Majorsky of Patterson focus on FPF on their blog today…

Front Porch Forum (FPF) is an online space that serves small towns and neighborhoods in just about a third of Vermont. Each FPF helps improve Vermont’s local community ecosystem. Hosting these neighborhood conversations leads to face-to-face interaction and ultimately improved community.

When a neighbor posts to the conversation on their local FPF, their name, street name and email address appears in their post.

“Neighbors go from being strangers to actually knowing these people through the conversations,” says Wood-Lewis.

Wood-Lewis and his family moved to Vermont in search of community, but found it difficult to come by through traditional means so they created FPF. It was created to help Wood-Lewis and his family meet the neighbors and understand what was going on around them. Its impact on communities exceeded their expectations, but it is this impact that inspires Wood-Lewis to continue to invest in FPF’s growth.

“We are motivated by the results we see. It has made our neighborhood a better place to live and raise our kids. It’s made our city a better place. It empowers people to do the great things that people do given half a chance to be good neighbors,” says Wood-Lewis.

When Hurricane Irene tore through Vermont at the end of August, FPF played a major role in local disaster relief. People started to self-organize through FPF. Residents would list their needs on FPF and groups of neighbors would gather supplies and make their way to those in need.

“We saw this happen again and again,” says Wood-Lewis, “It’s really powerful.”

More than half of Burlington, VT participates in FPF it’s incredibly vibrant and popular. The desire to know the people who live around us and to be plugged into neighborhood news is strong and growing.

This “neighbor conversation” area is a quickly emerging online space with many start-ups and existing dot.coms jumping in. It’s a close cousin to hyperlocal journalism. More here:http://to.pbs.org/oDcZAI

Stowe welcomes Front Porch Forum

Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2011 by Michael • 7 comments

Such a warm welcome! I’m pleased to share that Front Porch Forum opened for conversation today in Stowe, Vermont. Folks who live in Stowe may sign up at FrontPorchForum.com

This is an extension of the e-Vermont initiative. We’ll be bringing one element of e-Vermont — FPF — to the people of Stowe, just as we did to the citizens of two dozen e-Vermont communities over the past year. A special thanks to the Vermont Council on Rural Development, and the Evslin Family Foundation for their support.

We’re also excited to partner with The Stowe Reporter, one of the most forward-looking local publishing businesses in the state. We look forward to working together to serve the community of Stowe.

P.S. Here’s a full list of towns that FPF serves.

100 Vermonters weigh in…

Posted on Friday, October 14, 2011 by Michael • 3 comments

#VT #BTV Cheers! FPF supporting member comments are pouring in this month (read 2010 comments too). Thanks to these FPF All Stars!

Front Porch Forum… how do I appreciate thee? Let me count the ways…the puppy crate that a neighbor lent me and hadn’t known I needed, the dry wood I was offered with truck loading included, the trailer we borrowed to pick up a sugaring arch, the dog that we temporarily lost and I felt so much better being able to let my world know about, and, of course, the satisfaction of being able to SO easily organize something like a Zumba class for our town. I donate because it is the best social and economic investment I make every year. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Enid Wonnacott, Huntington

Front Porch Forum is an important tool, like glue, that keeps neighbors connected despite our busy lives. I love that in the past few months, I’ve been able to offer some support to a neighbor who had a car break-in, pass off a well-loved piece of kitchen furniture to someone for free, and share useful information about city issues as a city councilor. While the Internet will never replace human, face-to-face contact, it helps keep us glued together when we can’t see each other. Please consider supporting FPF in whatever way you can. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, City Councilor, Burlington

Buy FPF a Beer – There are few services I use as often and get as much out of as Front Porch Forum. I’m often strapped for cash, but I contribute $5 a month. It’s sort of like buying FPF a beer every month in gratitude for all it’s done. I hope everyone else out there that loves FPF as much as I do contributes what they can so we can continue to stay connected through this great service. Cheers! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Christine Hill, Burlington

Do you need baby furniture? A good auto mechanic? A painter? An acupuncturist? Want to hear about local concerts, sales, sit-ins, triathlons? Puppies needing homes? Homes needing house-sitters? A bumper crop of cherries available for the picking? Front Porch Forum has all the neighborhood news. It’s a resource worth supporting. I do — please join me! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Valerie Graham, Charlotte

Dear Williston Neighbors – In this past year, FPF has helped me find a caterer, sell a trampoline, remove valuables from my car when I learned of break-ins. It’s locally-grown, safe, helpful, and builds a sense of community. Therefore, I’ve just sent in a contribution to help keep them going and I am urging you to do the same via the link below. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Adina Panitch, Williston

Neighbor to neighbor, helping each other out. My husband and I both grew up near here & the neighborhood spirit has always been wonderful. We feel fortunate to be part of it. Front Porch Forum only feeds the growth of unity within our neighborhood. Let’s show some support towards them so they can continue their great work! I know I will. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Mary Heinrich Aloi, Burlington

Dear Neighbors…Front Porch Forum couldn’t be a better community builder. It reintroduces the richness of neighbors connecting with one another on their front porch. How often I’ve felt isolated walking in my new neighborhood. If a house has a front porch there’s no one on it! FPF offers an ingenious way for neighbors to overcome the sense of isolation that stifles the spirit of community. We cannot take this inspired resource for granted. It deserves our financial support. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Roddy O’Neil Cleary, South Burlington

For a great communication tool among community members, this is my vote of support for the continued success of Front Porch Forum.   Hats off and thanks to Michael Wood-Lewis and the FPF crew for their good work.   I am sending a check in memory of my Mom who loved new and innovative ways of “talking to people.” http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Lucinda Hill, Huntington

Hello Neighbors – If you are reading this it is because you are already a member of Front Porch Forum and share an interest in extending your sense of community. One of the things a community does is support its resources. Pioneer efforts tend to be fragile and need care and support while they take hold. We’ve yet to directly benefit from an offer; nor have we had what someone desired. But, we’re pretty sure that one day we will either have or desire something that appears in the listings as a need or an offer. We are grateful that this valuable mechanism exists and have made a donation to help insure its continued success. Will you join us? http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members Yours in the spirit of community,
– Lynette and Will Raap, Shelburne

Front Porch Forum has provided a valuable service to the people of Richmond over the past several years. It was an invaluable tool for connecting those in need of help after the flooding caused by “Irene” with those that wanted to help. It is a good way for local organizations to get notices of events out to the public. The ways it has been and can be used are countless. However, this service can not just operate on goodwill and limited advertisements. It needs your donations in order to continue. Please consider making a donation to FPF at http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Fran Thomas, Richmond

I know FPF has helped me out in many ways. We connected a lost cat with its owner, we found an advocacy group to help my mother in law when her car was stolen, we found babysitters, and a tip on how to keep my dog from devouring the cat’s food. For real! If you have found it useful, consider making a donation to insure we keep this format rolling for the future. Donation info here:   http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Katharine Montstream, Burlington

Where can you advertise for a baby sitter, report a lost kitty, warn about break-ins, ask for gardening advice, sell Aunt Tillie’s antique commode and tell your neighbors to watch for the skunks in the area? FPF, of course, and it’s worth supporting with your dollars. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Betty Little-Royer, Burlington

Please consider a gift to prop up our wonderful Front Porch [Forum]. Make a donation today; we did. FPF deserves our support. Thanks. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Bill and Kate Schubart, Hinesburg

Dear Neighbors – I bet most of you consider Front Porch Forum an incredible value to our neighborhood and one worth supporting. I hope you will join me in making a small monthly contribution to support this incredible asset. You can sign up here. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members. AT this point, I can’t imagine our neighborhood without it. We owe a lot to the Wood-Lewises for getting this going.
– Mary Sullivan, Burlington

In different ways for different people, Front Porch Forum connects us all with our neighbors and our community in a unique and powerful way. We are very fortunate to have a resource like this at our fingertips and I urge you to take a minute to show your appreciation at: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Dave Reville, Burlington

Just a quick note to say we also want to encourage anyone who can, to please donate whatever they can, to our Front Porch Forum. We are so fortunate to have such a great way to communicate among neighbors. Here is a quick link: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Sandy Wynne and Sean McKenzie, Burlington

Front Porch Forum, the site to check for so many reasons. Lost pets, free stuff, town information, church dinners and social events are just part of the things that we can find on FPF. Please, consider a generous donation to support this site: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Linda Parent, Town Clerk, Richmond

Dear Neighbors – I hope you will join me in supporting Front Porch Forum. It’s hard for any of us to imagine life before FPF now that we all have the ability to access this wonderful resource that connects us in such a unique way. I first used FPF years ago to find child care in our neighborhood when our daughter Caroline was very young and our sons, Andrew and Adam were still in grade school. Before I had time to turn around, our sons are now driving and Caroline entered middle school this fall. Through it all, I have relied on FPF to keep myself connected with our neighbors. As a City Councilor, having FPF in our community makes it possible for me to keep in touch with you on important City matters and for you to communicate easily with me. Here’s the link to supporting FPF. Please give what you can. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Karen Paul, City Councilor, Burlington

I love FPF! Every time I read about a little lost cat or dog finding its way home because of a posting on the Forum, or read recommendations for local painters or electricians or other kinds of work done well, it makes me happy. And as a small business owner, I love being able to tell people in town about upcoming events. There’s something wonderful about feeling connected to our neighbors. I think Front Porch Forum fosters community in a very real and valuable way. FPF is such a simple, brilliant idea, and I really appreciate it! If you do, too, consider supporting it with your donation: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Elizabeth Bluemle, Charlotte

Hey neighbors! It always feels good to support an organization that makes the world a better place. Two organizations I support every year are NPR and FPF. Why? Because they are the two sources that help me stay connected with my state, city, and neighborhood. We are SO LUCKY to live in a place where we can get a variety of perspectives about important local issues. Study after study shows that the American people know far too little about current affairs and are increasingly less connected with their community. Front Porch Forum is a cutting-edge innovation that is challenging this trend. Support FPF for community! Support FPF for democracy! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Dan Kent, Burlington

So where else but on FPF would you expect to find such a posting? As many of you know, I am a partner at a small, socially responsible law firm in Burlington. The firm has a proud history of representing non-profit organizations and labor unions. My practice consists primarily of estate planning and probate, and family law (both litigation and collaborative). For many of my clients, it is more convenient to meet locally, which I am happy to do, and I often meet with my clients at their homes, at On the Rise Bakery in Richmond, or at Koval’s in Hinesburg. So, if you’ve been putting off getting your Will done, my rates are very reasonable, and now you have one less excuse. And on an equally serious note, if you have never before thought about donating to Front Porch Forum to keep this unique community-based bulletin board up and running, please consider doing so. I am. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Brian K. Valentine, Huntington

This first year of Middletown being a part of Front Porch Forum has been an interesting experiment for our household. We’ve learned much about events in this town that we would not have otherwise and been able to spread the word about a couple things that are important to us. We never knew how FPF is paid for, but it looks like they need our help so they can keep us connected. We recently pledged a small amount, and we encourage all of you who appreciate this community building tool to think about donating, too. To learn more about those people who keep FPF ticking, go to: http://frontporchforum.com/about-us To donate, go to http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Ellen and Dan Secord/McKeen, Middletown Springs

Greetings, neighbors! This is the time of year when we can show our appreciation to Front Porch Forum by giving a donation of any size affordable. Just go to http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members for information on where and how to give.
– Lisa Schamberg, Burlington

You Get What You Pay For… Hi Essex West residents, This sometimes sleepy list might hide the fact that Front Porch Forum is a unique resource for us all. I’ve sold some stuff, and alerted folks to my business. I’ve been kept up to date with police and community announcements. Once a year, we’re invited to support the effort . I’d like to humbly recommend that we do!
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Steve Fuchs, Essex

Once again FPF demonstrates its worth to the community in yet one more political exchange in Colchester.

Most of the back-and-forth between the opposing positions took place in the Colchester Sun, but many of the residents of Colchester no longer have the weekly delivered so we never see what is printed. For those of us in the outlying areas FPF was our channel for sharing our opinions and thoughts. Town officials also recognized the opportunity and posted there as well.

Last week we were visited by friends from Frederick, MD. The wife inherited a daily newspaper for Frederick many years ago and has been in the business for decades. We began to discuss FPF with her and she said their paper did the same thing then we did some comparisons. Her first complaint was that people jumped on and posted some of the most rude comments. I mentioned that you will never see that on FPF. She then said that postings were “comments” to any given article in the paper. I said that FPF was a community forum where we exchanged everything from political opinions, to town notices, to window cleaning recommendations. She looked baffled and never really registered the difference between an unmonitored comment forum and the likes of FPF.

Clearly the difference is the PEOPLE. While FPF staff review the postings, determine their urgency then broadcast accordingly, most other forums remain sparsely monitored at best, dumping whatever arrives into the Ether without review or temperance. FPF is truly a thread in the fabric of our community and it is appreciated.
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Jim Minetti, Colchester

Hi Neighbors – I’m sure we all agree about how wonderfully helpful Front Porch Forum is to our lives, and I hope you all will join me in supporting this service. Just go to http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members to make a donation. Thanks.
– Mima Tipper, Burlington

I think FPF is an amazing community resource. I have been a sustaining contributor (small amount from my credit card every month) for about a year. This is a really easy way to contribute to keep FPF going strong, and it helps me feel I am doing my part. There is a button at the bottom to get you to the contributions page. If you can, won’t you consider an automatic monthly contribution?
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Lisa Barrett, Huntington

Hello neighbors! We are all very reliant on our Front Porch Forum to communicate a lot of relevant community information. Please consider a donation for this remarkable service. It is convenient to make a monthly contribution. Just set it up and you’re all set.
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Lisa Lillibridge, Burlington

Friends and Neighbors – Today is the day to put the check in the mail to support our neighborhood Front Porch Forum during their annual appeal. FPF helps us all keep connected and builds the wonderful sense of community that brings us to our neighborhood and keeps us here. If everyone gives something it ill make a real difference. The link below will make your contribution a breeze. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Suzy Comerford, Burlington

Do We Need This? YES! I am a monthly contributor to Front Porch Forum. I believe this is a great service where I can find out many things I otherwise wouldn’t hear about; and so can you. I beg any of you who can spare even a little change – especially on a monthly basis – to help in paying for FPF. Here’s the link: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members To quote Bill McKibben: “The only way to heal our increasingly broken world and communities is to come back together, to play together, think together, plan and act together.”
– Joan Knight, Burlington

Having connected to FPF since its inception, it’s the first item in my in email inbox that I open. I want to know what is happening here in the South End of Burlington and there is NO better way to find out than through FPF. I read about the good things that are happening–new neighbors joining in, happy events, and candidates running for office–and the bad things such as break-ins, thefts, vandalism, etc. that alert me to be more watchful. In order to do my share to help keep the Forum going, I’m sending a contribution and I hope everyone else will as well: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Marcia Mason, Burlington

I love the way FPF lets me stay in touch with what is going on in my neighborhood. To support FPF on an on-going basis I donate $5.00 a month. It’s not much, but it’s my small way of helping to keep it going and growing. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Susan Alden, Burlington

Wow!! Front Porch Forum #400!!! Seems like it just started a short time ago and issue 400 already!! Kudos to the FPF staff and for all of our participating neighbors!! Keep it alive.
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Martin Thompson, Bristol

Front Porch Forum has launched its annual appeal, and this is our chance to pitch in and support it. There was a time when I saw my neighbors up and down Prindle and Roscoe Roads regularly, but the increasing busyness of daily has crowded out those serendipitous face-to-face encounters. I value Front Porch Forum for providing another way to keep in touch with neighbors in East Charlotte, so I donate a little something to let the people who make this online space available know I appreciate their contribution to community-building. You can donate here: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Mel Huff, Charlotte

What Will It Be? Loaf of Bread or Tank of Gas? Support FPF!

A loaf of bread costs $5 – $7
A creemee, small with extras $3
A pound of cheese $7-$20
A full tank of gas $50-$75
A half gallon of Paul Newman’s lemonade $2
A summer pass at the beach $45
A roll of 100 stamps $47
A small bottle of Mansfield Chocolate yummy milk $.99 (At Kinney Drug)
A Bite Me Pizza $20
A custom hair cut with added color $100-$175

So how many of these do you buy in a week? Can you add just $10 a month to keep Front Porch Forum alive? For one year, that equals 2 FULL tanks of gas for your car. Or 6 Bite Me pizzas. Or my heavens, 120 bottles of yummy chocolate milk. For me, it means lots and lots of interaction between my neighbors about yard sales, lost cats, sick people in need of a meal, a house for sale, finding a good roofer, all year.

Please mail your check to:
Front Porch Forum
PO Box 64781
Burlington, VT 05406-4781

Or sign up for a monthly $10 bill on your credit card: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members

And add your testimonial to your local forum.

Thank you each and everyone for all you have given to me through FPF. It makes working at home so much more alive. It makes walking down the street so much more friendly. It makes my life so much more alive.
– Carolyn Bates, Burlington

Many thanks to Front Porch Forum. I am just about to post a pair of nice leather gloves that I found and think its great that we now have such an easy way to connect with our neighbors. This is one of my favorite fundraising posts for FPF. Let’s all pitch in and keep the service coming! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Joan Shannon, Burlington

Greetings Neighbors – It is hard to believe that FPF might be getting so established that we take it for granted. If you’re like me, you’ve found it incredibly valuable — a simple (and free!) way to connect with neighbors, find lost dogs, stay informed about local issues, get roofing and plumbing recommendations and so much more. It has certainly enriched our lives. But the Forum is not managed by elves, and we should not take it for granted. While FPF sells advertising and has some grants to support operations, it relies extensively on donations to keep on keepin’ on. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to join me in making as generous a donation as you can to support FPF. You can do that right here: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members Think of it as paying for a service or sharing the cost of a neighborhood block party!
– Deb Bouton, Cambridge

Hi Neighbors! If you find FPF as useful and helpful as I do, please consider making a contribution to keep it going. I’m encouraging everyone to make as generous a donation as you can to support the FPF. You can do that right here: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members Remember that it’s run by people, not elves, and like public radio and TV it’s free but we need to provide financial support from time to time. Thanks from all of us who love FPF!
– Julia Blake, Jericho

Dear Neighbors – Over the years, our Front Porch Forum has been such a great source of advice (contractors, fruit flies), free stuff (boots, rides) and lively discussions (politics, noise) that it’s made our neighborhood an even better place to live. It’s such a part of life, that it would be easy to take it for granted. But remember that FPF needs our financial support, as well as all the wonderful content: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Ann Curran, Burlington

Please consider joining my family in supporting this great resource. FPF is a wonderful tool, it keeps us informed about what’s going on around us, we use it to buy, sell, and give things away, and we can communicate easier and faster to our neighbors via the Forum. Even if that communication comes from Jack, reminding people that scraping dog poop out of cleats at the park is not much fun. Thanks. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Lori and Jack Myers, Burlington

I hope everyone will support FPF. It is simply the best!! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Linda Parry, Burlington

Hope you’ll join Karen and I in making a donation to the Front Porch Forum this month:
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Mike Egan and Karen Downey, Burlington

I’ll be sending my contribution today to FPF. With their help we found our son’s stolen bike, let everyone know about our missing cat (later found) and grabbed some plants for my garden. They give me the buzz on the street and keep us linked to our friends and neighbors. Thank you, thank you! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Linda Jones, Burlington

Hello Neighbors – For those of us interested in “local” it doesn’t get much better than Front Porch Forum. I have met many people at the park and walking down the street whose voices I have read on the forum. It helps me to feel connected to my community. A friend recently commented that it’s “co-housing without the meetings.” I feel blessed to live in a community with such a respectful and active community forum. Although I donate annually to many different causes, Front Porch Forum is the only organization that I support on a monthly sustaining basis. Please join me in putting our money where our mouth is to support our values. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Jasmine Walker, Burlington

Has everyone remembered to send their contribution to Front Porch Forum? It is the least we can do for all the info and connections they provide. Think about it. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Len and Bev Brown, South Burlington

I really enjoy FPF. It’s such an easy way to stay connected to the community and know what’s going on around town. It’s also an easy way to buy or sell an item. Let’s not take Front Porch Forum for granted. Support them at http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Bettyann Morse, Westford

Support FPF, Please… Front Porch Forum is a unique and painless way to participate in the neighborhood information loop. They often provide useful and interesting items that keep us up-to-date about our local happenings and issues. So, I urge my fellow FPF readers to make at least a small annual contribution now, to insure FPF’s place in our future. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Vicki Margolis, Burlington

What is free but still requires your support is our Front Porch Forum. I urge you to take a minute to show your appreciation at: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Scott Michael Mapes, Burlington

I, too, would like to encourage us all to support Front Porch Forum. Richmond South currently has 384 members, with more joining all the time – a great service to our community. I’m sure even small contributions add up to a lot for this service. Thank you FPF! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Steve Bower, Richmond

Send an annual contribution to a resource that is working to build community within our neighborhoods? You bet we did! Please join us and send yours. Thank you, Michael and Valerie… and your staff. Front Porch Forum is an asset to neighborhoods throughout northern Vermont.   http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Pam and Bruce MacPherson, South Burlington

What would we do without Front Porch Forum? Consider making a donation to keep it up and running. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Kathleen Ryan, Burlington

Am relieved to hear that our neighbor’s kitty, Jelly Bean, was not testing a new method for chasing squirrels. I am also grateful for Front Porch Forum. This fabulous “community-building service” has broadened my sense of neighborliness and deepened my appreciation of community. Thank you, Front Porch Forum!   You serve us all. Now, friends and neighbors, we have the chance to help our Forum. Please add your support to ours by clicking right here: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members It will take one minute – and your helpfulness will keep us in touch for a whole year. Thank you!
– Ralph and Kathleen Dodge, Burlington

I just made a gift to support Bristol’s Front Porch Forum…I hope my Bristol neighbors will join me! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Sue Kavanagh, Bristol

I too have recognized how great it is to have Front Porch Forum as another venue for information sharing. It is a little neighborly network, an avenue to voice, a connection. These are only a few reasons I have donated to FPF. Will you too? http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Carin Hoffman, Starksboro

Hello, Neighbors. Please join the many of us who are showing our support for FPF with a donation. Any amount is not too small to help. FPF provides a great service by allowing fast communications to each other. Centennial feels such an impact from institutional neighbors, traffic, and baseball. We are lucky enough to back up on Centennial Woods and want to know about any threats to that wonderful neighbor. FPF is the way to stay on top of what is happening. Isn’t that worth a few bucks a year? It’s so easy to donate via Paypal – just go to http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members. Thanks for your support. It takes a village.
– Jeanne Keller, Burlington

It takes a village…and Front Porch Forum is like our village. So, let’s all do our tiny part to help keep FPF sustainable!These are the ways I have benefited from Front Porch Forum over the years: spread the word about events that are important to me, found my cat who I thought I had lost forever (you know, the one stolen and dyed pink at the age of 21!), learned about cool things in my neighborhood, debated issues, and actually met my neighbors! Front Porch Forum has become a focal point in how I get and give info about everything from my own little street to the whole world.Even the smallest donation is tremendously helpful. Please ponder the importance of Front Porch Forum in the connections we make and then give today at http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Megan J. Humphrey, Burlington

Hi Neighbors – When I started our Fairview Farms neighborhood forum on FPF way back in 2007, I thought it would be a neat way to keep in touch. Four years later, every single home in our development (I believe) belongs to our forum, and we use it all the time. FPF is an essential part of my life now, keeping me up to date on what’s going on in our neighborhood and our Village. Thanks to all of you who use it. Front Porch Forum is run by an extremely dedicated and tiny little staff. All the work they do can’t happen without generous donations from FPF’s many users. If you can, please help with a small donation. You can visit http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members for information on where and how to give. It’s easy (they take PayPal), and it will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Thanks,
– Elaine Sopchak, Essex Junction

Dear Neighbors – We have appreciated being connected to you all through Front Porch Forum. In addition to hearing about interesting events and such, we have ourselves benefitted personally. One time, we put out a plea about a visitor’s lost pet, and another time about a lost set of keys (which today cost their weight in gold to replace) -““ both stories have happy endings. And so, we have contributed to FPF out of gratitude and enthusiasm, wanting to help keep this community connection alive. Please join us in offering financial support. Big, tiny, in-between, whatever. it’s all good. Here is a link http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members. Thanks,
– Nancy & Steve Wright, Hinesburg

I hope folks will consider joining Deb and me in supporting the work of Front Porch Forum. Their work brings all of us a little closer together. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Jason Cadwell, Shelburne

Let’s Get Motivated to Give to FPF. Front Porch Forum has been important to me too. I just moved to Jericho from Burlington where I also followed FPF. I want to give back too. FPF has been something I want to have stay with us. I’m a new consultant for Thirty-One, a fast growing bag/home organizing company. I want to contribute 20% of my sales to FPF. If you go to my website www.mythirtyone.com/Vermont and click on FPF – It will give both of us a chance to give. I don’t mean to advertise, it is more my desire to give back to the community. I hope I can help as that is my real intention. Lets find ways to give!! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Rebecca Lemire, Jericho

Welcome home, Boomer! Our Front Porch Forum is doing a great job connecting us these days. Thanks to all who help get the word out. I’m sending FPF a contribution in honor of Boomer and hope many more of us will, too. The new format is clear and efficient, and keeping us connected in this way takes human and material resources. Let’s contribute! It’s easy to do at http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Edorah Frazer, Charlotte

I think Front Porch Forum is a wonderful resource, so I just made a contribution to keep it going and I hope everyone will think about doing the same. Take 2 mins and go to http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members and you’ll have that same good feeling you get when you give to VPR (which you should also think about doing now because they are having a fund-drive). OK enough nagging. Have a good day.
– Michael Carrese, Jericho

As a frequent user of Front Porch Forum for myself (poetry sometimes bursts forth after gazing at the night sky), a variety of organizations (library, scouts, newspaper, farmers market, town office announcements), passing along news of others, and our family’s business (the greenhouse in the spring) – and an occasional opinion usually typed with a forceful hand- I encourage you to join me in your support of this invaluable service for “getting the word out.” Think about how much you use FPF – and read it! Surely, this is worth a monthly donation of $5 or $10 or even a one-time donation, if you are strapped for cash. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members Think about your health! Make a donation instead of buying a bag of chips once a week – your body (and neighbors) will thank you!
– Heidi Racht, Huntington

Hello Neighbors – I have for sale 4 STUDDED! p205-55-R16 Firestone snow tires for sale that have only been used 1 winter and are in excellent condition! They came off a Honda Civic which we no longer have and they are too big for my Ford. These almost new studded tires are $495 and I am going to donate 10% of this sale to FPF! (Michael and buyer will confirm this!) email query and we can set up time for viewing…thanks! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Peter Baldor, Richmond

We recently purchased a beautiful old piano that needs to be tuned and have a few sticky keys addressed. If you know of a good tuner/technician we’d love to hear about them. Also, if you know of a children’s piano teacher, we’d love to hear about them as well. We fully expect this post to result in excellent recommendations, as usual. This is just one of the wonderful services of Front Porch Forum and the reason why we donate every year to support this service. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members  If only I’d used FPF to ask the neighborhood about a mover. If I had, I probably wouldn’t have been so terrified by the process of getting the piano down the 15 steps from its old home and my lower back would probably not be as sore from having to pitch in with a lot more heavy lifting than I should have.
– Greg Fanslow, Burlington

Hello Neighbors, Just a quick post to say thank you to Michael and the staff of Front Porch Forum for all that they do, and to encourage anyone who’s thinking about it to donate to FPF. It’s a invaluable source of neighborhood news and I’d hate to lose it! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Donna Spielman, Charlotte

I have been reading all the “Support FPF” posts, and I find myself wanting to put out yet another one! Yes, yes, yes to all the others, I agree! I have been a bit shy about asking for things at times, and don’t always follow-up with events and reminders that I see on FPF – it is a process that is still evolving for me, and others too! One thing for sure, it has been a steady and reliable source of communication within our community for several years now – I think I joined two years ago exactly. I have been supporting FPF with a small monthly auto payment that I never even notice is gone from my account, and yet it gives me such a good feeling to support such a valuable tool for us here in Huntington. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Guthrie Smith, Huntington

Dear Birchcliff neighbors — By my lights we’re lucky to have a smart service like Front Porch Forum available. All we have to do is sign up. I’d be hard pressed to list all of the household conundrums FPF has helped me resolve. And it’s right in our inboxes.

Here’s a shocker: I really like the ads. These are local, often fledgling businesses that know who and where we are and they want our business. I’ve made some interesting discoveries in those ads.

FPF is another one of those “only in Vermont” stories. The point is they are young and need our support. I say send them a few dollars. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but if enough of us chipped in it would allow them to grow and become that much better.

If you have a PayPal account it’s easy to do (or send a check). It’ll take maybe 2 minutes. Here’s the link for all the details: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members

Do it. Thank you.
– Michael MacCaskey, Burlington

I hope you’ll join me in supporting our Brennan Woods “bulletin board” ~~ Front Porch Forum. I clicked on http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members to find that I could make a donation with either a credit card or a check. I did the latter, and just received a nice thank you note from Michael Wood-Lewis, one of the founders. I’m betting you’ll hear from him, too, in return for your donation, no matter the size. We never know which day it will become important to post a message to our neighbors ~~ we might hope to sell some furniture, or it could be something especially worrisome (e.g., a missing cat, or an alert to a pending neighborhood concern). Let’s keep our FPF going!!
– Patricia Read, Williston

Neighbors: I love FPF and think every community should have this service! I just thought I’d write and say please support them in their fundraising efforts. I think it’s a great way to stay aware of local activities, learn about issues that effect our towns and meet new neighbors over the fence! Thanks for all who work to get our postings in the daily digests and keep us informed! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Holly Stadtler, Huntington

Hi Neighbors, I just got my donation in before the deadline! If you haven’t done so yet, please consider it. I love this Forum and all the news we get to pass back and forth, it’s a great resource. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members Best,
– Martha Seyler, Charlotte

I just made a donation to Front Porch Forum. I read all the neighborhood posts and have found the service to be so useful. I hope you’ll consider making a donation too. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Linda Waite-Simpson, Essex Junction

We sent in a check to support Front Porch Forum. What a great service this is for our community and a wonderful way to stay connected. Please help keep this wonderful electronic bulletin board going. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Robert Compton, Bristol

FPF is worth some of our discretionary cash—hope you think so, too! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Jim and Polly Larkin, Essex Junction

Hello neighbors – I find Front Porch Forum really useful and depend upon it for information. Like my cell phone I wonder how I got along before having it. They do depend upon the public for contributions though and any amount is welcome. You can contribute by snail mail or online. The online contributions address is: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members The snail mail address to send a check to is:

Front Porch Forum
PO Box 64781
Burlington, VT 05406-4781

Sincerely,
– Jane Hendley, Burlington

It is so nice to be a part of this neighborhood and Front Porch Forum. I sent in my donation today. Thank you to all who help make this possible! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Margaret Paul, Burlington

I’m a regular supporter of Front Porch Forum because it’s such a great way to keep my finger on the pulse of the goings-on in my neighborhood. I’ve found free furniture, heard about car break-ins, and sent invitations to events. How else can you be in touch with so many people in your neighborhood so easily? It’s definitely worth paying for. Consider doing a regular payment through PayPal – it’s easy and painless! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Charlotte Norris-Brown, Burlington

I just made my annual donation to Front Porch Forum. What a great way to connect with others and other events in our community. Let’s keep it going! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Marijke Niles, Starksboro

Please help our “newspaper” keep on being published. Please send in a donation to help support our own neighborhoods. How many of you have benefited from this publication? Every little bit helps! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Lois Farnham, Burlington

Ralph and I just made a contribution to FPF. We think it is a bargain. If you can, please donate, too. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Michele Patenaude, Burlington

I’ve just made a donation to the Front Porch Forum. I recently moved to Middlesex and FPF’s been my resource for everything local. It’s a great way to get connected to the community. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Pat Hoffman, Middlesex

Please join me in making a financial contribution to support Front Porch Forum. I’ve found it to be a great networking tool. Please use the attached link: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members Cheers!
-Tom Conners, Underhill

Hate to tell you, neighbors, but the snow will be flying soon. Enosburg residents say it’s going to start this Friday! That’s okay though because the Front Porch Forum will keep us connected and informed no matter what the weather may be. FPF deserves our community’s support. Please make a donation by contacting http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Barbara Lyman, Hinesburg

It is great time to support FPF with a small or perhaps a quite large donation. I did and I can already feel the difference in my physical and spiritual well-being! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Rich Arentzen, Burlington

I feel so lucky to be part of not one but two Front Porch Forums. How else would I stay connected to community? There is nothing else like the community spirit expressed in this forum. So please give what you can in support. And, huge thanks to Michael Wood-Lewis and his support team for making this possible. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Ginger Hobbs, Burlington

I gave what I could afford because Front Porch Forum has given me information, income, and, best of all, the first real feeling of connection to this town after living here for 22 years! Please go to this link to make a donation: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Anne Howland, Middlesex

I will be dressing up as Mary Poppins this Halloween (for those of you who know me, I have been told this is a fitting costume!) and I am missing a few key elements. I am hoping to borrow these items for a few days. I will be sure to keep them in excellent condition! I am looking for a large black, sturdy umbrella (with or without a snarky talking bird head), a carpet bag with ample space for lamps and other essential items, and a pair of white (leather?) gloves. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Also, I would like to encourage all of you to become supporting members of Front Porch Forum. I give a small amount monthly via PayPal; it’s automatic, easy and secure, and I know my money is living locally, helping to maintain this awesome service! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Sarah Coonrod, Burlington

Just wanted to share the message that Front Porch Forum is worthy of your support. I just made a donation to FPF because I rely on it to connect with my neighbors and to communicate with my community about education-related issues in my role on the ETSD school board. I hope you will consider making a donation to FPF today. It took me just two minutes! http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Brendan Kinney, Essex Junction

FPF is a prize, to be sure, and will be up near the top of my list if I ever win the lottery. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Betty Little-Royer, Burlington

I LOVE getting your messages. Very informative and I always read them, no matter what. Be glad to make a donation to see this continue. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Robynn Albert, Essex Junction

I just had the privilege of signing up as a monthly supporter for Front Porch Forum. It is a privilege for me because FPF adds so much benefit to our community. FPF keeps me truly connected, and is a ready source when I want to get information dispersed. Please lend your support in whatever way you can to this vital community service. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Linda S. Cooper, Burlington

Friends – Join St. Paul’s Cathedral in supporting our local community through Front Porch Forum. Help keep the community connected and make your contribution now!
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Sarah Gallagher, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Burlington

What’s happening in the neighborhood? I bet you know a lot more about that than you did a 10 years ago. Think about it…10 years ago, where would you have gone to find used exercise equipment, a Christmas house-sit, advice on organic skunk control? Not to your neighborhood, at least not very easily. My life and the life of the neighborhood is so enriched by the sense of community that Front Porch Forum has brought. I’m proud of FPF and proud that I can support them. Think about this: Where will FPF be in 10 years if we don’t support them? http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Diane Montgomery-Logan, Burlington

As one who got involved in local gov’t out of curiosity for how it works, I rely on FPF to keep me informed of what’s going on with residents all over Essex.

As one who has stayed involved in local gov’t, believing that better communication makes for a more democratic process, I rely on FPF to keep residents informed of Town activity.

As one who joined FPF in 2008, I’m grateful to folks who serve the public by staffing FPF, as well as to my neighbors who follow the action here.

Despite the economic uncertainties facing us, I hope you will join me in sending FPF a token of thanks today. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Irene Wrenner, Essex

Sometimes it’s nice to be a follower, and we just joined many of our fellow neighbors by donating to Front Porch Forum. I recently got rid of a set of perfectly nice sliding glass doors via FPF, something I had tried to do unsuccessfully on craigslist for weeks. Coincidentally, they were picked up by a woman who gave me some very nice rhubarb plants early this spring, also via FPF. It was nice to return the favor! We have also started a Neighborhood Watch Program on our street in response to some concerns neighbors had, also a result of communication that started on FPF. Hopefully we can all find a way to help support this valuable service. Every little bit helps!
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Denise Dean, Jericho

Please support FPF They helped me find my darling dog, Willie. They are a great way to spread news of any kind FAST. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Sally Lembcke, Burlington

Hi neighbors – Please join me in supporting FPF. It’s a wonderful resource and we would be worse off without it. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Christian Verry, Burlington

We have THREE 8 foot long, 4×4 pressure treated fence posts, recycled from another project; they have decorative end-caps. Also one additional post that is a 4-foot length. Free to first taker, on our front lawn.

I’d like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for FPF over the past 11 years (has it been that long?) I have learned so much about our community, connected with neighbors, and sold, found, and given away countless items. FPF helps me feel a sense of potential and possibility in the power of connection. Thank you so much Michael, Valerie, and the rest of the FPF crew! I’m happy to be a supporting member, and encourage others to sign on with a contribution of any size.
http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members

Thanks also to all Five Sisters neighbors for your participation in FPF – it wouldn’t be the great service it is without all of us taking part in it!
– Melanie Brotz, Burlington

I really do appreciate Front Porch Forum – actually *wanted* to send them some money – how often does that happen? So I sent them a little something – which they graciously received – no laughing at the teensy amount! and asked that I point you guys to this link below to make a contribution, too – if you can afford to. http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members

There you have it.

And PS – wasn’t the Blues Brothers wicked fun? I miss it… and miss seeing my neighbors in my back yard – looking forward to next summer’s potluck season already – xo to my neighbors –
– Sam Colt, Calais

Only a few weeks ago, someone mentioned FPF, we are so glad they did. It is truly a wonderful support and service for our community, bring us all that little bit closer together as neighbors. When we saw the item on support for FPF it was a “no brainer” to contribute. Rock on FPF: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members
– Iain Fletcher, Shelley & BoBo Cat, Winooski

“Neighbor Connect” online space heating up

Posted on Thursday, October 6, 2011 by Michael • 1 comment

Congratulations to Conor White-Sullivan and the team at Localocracy… recent acquisition of Huffington Post, as reported by Kara Swisher on WSJ’s All Things D. Arianna Huffington said “[Conor and team are] pioneers in using the web to empower citizens to improve their towns, and their unique vision and talents will enable us to deepen our users’ engagement with our sites.”

This is further evidence of the “neighbor connect” online space heating up. In the past year, I’m aware of at least two dozen significant start-ups focused on facilitating conversation among people who live near each other. Some, like Localocracy, aim at niches (local ballot issues and related), while others intend to promote a general sense of community.

Huffington Post/AOL joins MSNBC.com, which acquired EveryBlock.com last year, in this space, as well as many other new VC-backed and boot-strapped entrants. Most start-ups in this area appear to be strong on tech and weak on traction. That is, they can crank out the code, but few people actually show up and use their product. To make matters worse, many attempt to open up everywhere all at once. As a friend said… “a mile wide and an inch deep.”

Front Porch Forum is an established leader in this space, with amazing traction in our state. More than half of our primary city participates. In another FPF town, 75% of members post… much higher than the 1-10% seen on many social sites. And the member success stories flow through FPF faster than we can write them down. People use FPF to reduce crime, find jobs, give away baby gear, reunite with lost pets, recommend roofers, debate ballot measures, call city hall on the carpet, and much more.

With our new web application recently launched, we look forward to bringing Front Porch Forum to communities far and wide.

Vermonters say it best… Why connecting with neighbors matters

Posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 by Michael • No comments yet

#VT #BTV – Ever wonder what’s being said on various FPF neighborhood forums?

Click to read how others use Front Porch Forum and why connecting with their neighbors makes a difference in their lives.

Here are some Vermonters talking about FPF…

Make local decisions with more than a quorum,
Send some bucks to Front Porch Forum.
– Dean Grover, Huntington, VT

The way I know Front Porch Forum is valuable to me is that I always open FPF e-mail. Always! And with winter coming on, these connections with our neighbors are ever more important. I feel good about financially supporting this wonderful thing that enriches our lives. You will too.
– Judith Raven, Shelburne

I can’t think of a worthier cause than donating to FPF. This is one of those resources not to be taken for granted. Never have I felt more connected to my neighbors, their small and large concerns as well as relevant information. We have recently moved to So. Burlington but I find myself reluctant to stop hanging out on my old front porch. Please contribute what you can.
– Roddy O’Neil Cleary, South Burlington

Friends & Neighbors, Just a brief note to encourage our South Hinesburg neighbors to help support the central nervous system of our neighborhood. Kate and I ask you to take a minute and donate what you can to this vital community link.
– Bill and Kate Schubart, Hinesburg

It is hard to believe that FPF might be getting so established that we take it for granted. Unlike public radio, which many take for granted, we all had to make a conscious choice and take a simple but specific action to join FPF. Once on I believe that we have all found something of value in connecting to neighbors, getting information and staying informed of local issues. In many cases we have met our neighbors through FPF. It has certainly enriched our lives. I want to encourage all my neighbors toconsider a simple donation to FPF. Think of it as paying for a service or sharing the cost of a neighborhood block party. We should not take for granted that FPF just happens magically or is sustained by some outside beneficent force. It is really all about us.
– Glenn McRae, Burlington

Hi, fellow Forumites”“Whether you’ve recently joined or been reading and contributing to the Front Porch Forum since its beginning, you know what a unique resource it is. You’ve found lost pets, alerted neighbors to break-ins, advertised your yard sales”“or homes for sale, apartments for rent”“groused about street conditions or noisy neighbors, and shared important information about our “˜hood and our city.

FPF is more than a resource; it’s a social network. It introduces us to neighbors we have not met, and may never meet, face to face. It links us together in a way most of us could not manage on our own. And when we need to take action or make our voices heard, the Forum can provide a virtual strength in numbers.

FPF is, in a word, invaluable. I can’t imagine living in Burlington without it. And I’m sure you’ve noticed that it’s free!

But the Forum is not managed by elves, and we should not take it for granted. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to make as generous a donation as you can afford to support the FPF. You can do that right here: http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members

Thanks for reading,
– Pamela Polston, Burlington

Why do I support Front Porch Forum? Being extremely near-sighted, I didn’t actually know that I HAD neighbors until I signed up for FPF. The forum brings the neighbors I otherwise wouldn’t know into my world and makes it a more colorful place. And it’s available in large type.
– Alex Graham, Burlington

Dear Friends and Neighbors – I’ve been reading the Front Porch Forum since it first started here giving me a convenient connection to a network of people living in Richmond. I can’t go out and meet people here, and I don’t want to search the Free Press for local news. This is the reason I supported the FPF with a cash donation, because I want it to continue to serve us. FPF helps to bring us together and discuss things that we are all interested in. Let’s collect more donations large or small so the people managing the site will meet their expenses easily. Tell your friends about the convenient service that you are enjoying, because we need to build a significant community of men and women, boys and girls who have a free and convenient connection with each other. Our conversations here are not edited by professional information broadcasters, who always sift out the things that they think aren’t really controversial or important. I’m in favor of spontaneous and uncensored communication between neighbors, and I encourage you to help keep this forum alive and vibrant with your donations. Thanks!
– Jon Landell, Richmond

I just made another contribution to FPF, and I’m feeling great! I use the forum to learn about issues that matter to the community, figure out who to vote for, voice my concerns about the neighborhood, and reach out to my neighbors. You can’t put a price on community, but you can do your part to help support it.

Also, I hope everyone will take some time to check out the North End Rotisserie on the corner of North St. and North Winooski Ave. It is owned and operated by a Burlington family, and the food is healthy, delicious, and inexpensive. It even has a great selection of vegetarian fare –Brett makes a variety of flavorful, creative sides.

Support FPF, support local businesses, and VOTE!
– Dan Kent, Burlington

For the month of October I have given up donuts… I tend to think globally and act locally, keeping an eye on the big picture while placing my meager donations into local efforts that support the larger cause. I strongly believe in local control, working with my neighbors to solve and resolve issues, instead of hoping that some huge, monolithic organization is going to do what is best for me. In my opinion, that is where Front Porch Forum has served us well.

FPF has provided us with a local platform to sound the alarm, voice our opinions, receive public notices, and learn more about the inner workings of our local government (Thanks Al !). We also use FPF for things like garage sale notices, and to alert the neighbors to traffic issues. In this way we rely on each other to band together to solve problems. It’s about as local as you can get.

FPF is launching a subdued donation drive and I’m asking those who can, to offer-up what they can. A little from many is as effective as a lot from a few.

For the month of October I have given up donuts. The financial savings will equal around $35.00 dollars, just about the monthly cost of a newspaper subscription or the yearly cost of a magazine subscription. I’m going to send the savings along to Front Porch Forum in hopes of another year’s support of our local bulletin board. My aging heart and arteries will thank me, l and I hope to fit into my Speedo by New Year’s Day (eeewww!)

I ask you to do what you can do too by clicking on the this link.
– Jim Minetti, Colchester

Hi folks ““ We all truly enjoy being members of Front Porch Forum. As a free communication tool for our community we can reach our neighbors and talk about issues like never before. There is an administrative cost to this service, and I want to send out an appeal for those of us who may want to make a donation to Front Porch Forum for use of this service. If you wish to help support the costs to manage this program, just log on to http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members and make a donation. This is NOT mandatory and not required by Front Porch Forum ““ but as a big fan, and friend of the founder, I just wanted to let you know that you could help if you wished to do so.

Cheers and Happy Autumn to All!
– Melinda Moulton, Huntington

Many more where that came from… click here to see what others are saying.

Do You Value FPF? Become a Supporting Member!

Posted on Monday, October 3, 2011 by Michael • No comments yet

#BTV #VT – We’re working hard to improve and expand Front Porch Forum in 2011-12 and we need your help to make it all happen. Please become a supporting member today and help us reach our goal of raising $30,000 by October 30! Contribute here:

http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members

Every year, members like you help fuel FPF so that we can continue to help neighbors connect and build community. More than 30,000 local households have joined and shared hundreds of thousands of postings with their neighbors through FPF!

Whether it’s flood recovery efforts, group yard sales, car break-ins, sharing perennials, election debates, block parties, town notices, or other topics, our small band of committed staff work day and night to keep this all going.

If you enjoy and value Front Porch Forum, please become a supporting member today at:

http://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members

Your contribution is critical to keeping FPF going strong — and will be enormously appreciated. We look forward to serving you and your neighbors in the coming year.

Your FPF team,
Michael, Nina, Linda, Jamie, Lynn, Gisele, Jeff, Regina, Suzie, and Jan

P.S. We also accept checks, payable to…
Front Porch Forum
PO Box 64781
Burlington, VT 05406-4781
802-540-0069

FPF is not a charity and contributions are not tax deductible. Ad sales to local businesses cover part of our expenses, and your supporting-member contributions help close the gap.

Doesn’t use a computer but depends on FPF every day…

Posted on Monday, October 3, 2011 by Michael • No comments yet

#VT – Once FPF reaches a critical mass of people in a neighborhood or small town, it has a way of reaching nearly everyone… even those who don’t subscribe. A member in Middlesex, VT, offered this testimony today…

Front Porch Forum strengthens the whole community it serves, whether every last person is on it or not. People who are on FPF make the community more connected and better informed, and they share information, and that benefits everyone. This was true during the flood [Hurricane Irene], but it’s true all year too.

I know one elderly woman in my town who doesn’t have a computer, doesn’t want one, but depends on her next-door neighbor to tell her the FPF news over the back fence every day. She took me aside at one of our bandstand concerts this summer to ask about the new FPF format, because she was so anxious to make sure there was no break in the service.

Thanks again to e-Vermont for bringing FPF to Middlesex and two dozen other Vermont towns.

DR Power Equipment puts FPF to good use in #VT

Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2011 by Michael • No comments yet

Found a gift in my inbox today…

As a Video Producer for DR Power Equipment, I need to find locations to highlight my company’s products. Front Porch Forum makes my job much easier and I get to meet really great folks. Thanks for your help!

I love being an FPF member. A friend recommended it to me and at first I thought, “no way, I don’t want any more emails” but it doesn’t take any time to go through the daily list.

FPF connects me to my community, makes the bond between us stronger, and personal conversations continue due to FPF postings. I look forward to reading it every night. I’m not a Facebook fan but I LOVE Front Porch Forum.

Marianne Eaton
Producer/Editor
Country Home Products

Sometimes it’s the little things…

Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Michael • No comments yet

Thank you to our Grand Isle neighbor for finding our keys and responding to our Front Porch Forum post! It’s been an amazing week of neighbors looking out for us. We hope to reciprocate when the opportunity arises!

Another great posting of neighbors helping neighbors.

Yearly Archives: 2011

About Blog

Yearly Archives

Post Categories

Yearly Archives: 2011

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Search the Blog

Yearly Archives

Post Categories