Monthly Archives: September 2016
Wisdom shared on Huntington FPF
“Kindness, honesty, humor, neighborliness, concern, compassion, thoughtfulness, need, curiosity… All words that spark the desire to compose a Front Porch Forum posting. There is no need for aggression, snarkiness (I’m sure it’s a word), or rude and disrespectful comments. Huntington is my home because it’s one of the most lovely places in this country and there is no need to let a neighbors’ opinion or comment ruffle your feathers. It takes all kinds. Not one of us is just like the next.”
• Braeden, Huntington FPF
Overwhelmed with generosity of Morrisville neighbors
“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Front Porch Forum folks willing to help with my carpentry needs. Many thanks to all who offered assistance. This is a prime example of what Vermont neighbors do best. The headboard has been successfully trimmed.”
• Bill, Morrisville FPF
Kid or cockatoo calling “mama” in Richmond woods?
“I lost my white cockatoo by Christmas Hill. My bird’s name is Savannah. She has full flight feathers and flew into the woods on Wed night. She says “mama” and sounds like a child. She might respond to a cat call whistle. Please call if you see her. Thank you!”
• Jane, Richmond FPF
“Wow, this is my first experience with Front Porch Forum and I am AMAZED at the response! Thanks everyone for your concern and help! Star and her daughter found my bird and safely delivered her to Feathered Hearts Avian Rescue. I will be picking Savannah up tonight.”
• Jane, Richmond FPF, a few days later
Good suction procured in Montpelier
“Thanks to the people who responded to my request for a vacuum cleaner with good suction. We’re very happy with the one that was donated! Front Porch Forum for the win!”
• Eva, Montpelier FPF
Barre soccer team successful bottle drive
“What a success we had yesterday! Thank you to everyone who contacted me, to those in the community that donated when the boys came to your neighborhood. The middle school boys soccer team filled a storage container almost full with redeemable bottles. Thanks to Maplewood Redemption for working with the team! The boys will be able to get sweatpants this year and other team items. Love Front Porch Forum and our Barre City community ““ thank you!!”
• Cassie, Barre City FPF
Jett, the Essex cat (who doesn’t answer to his name), is home again
“Our three-year-
old totally black. slim-ish, cat has been missing for three days. His name is Jett, but he does not answer to that – he’s a cat. We’re missing him terribly and are hoping against hope that perhaps he got shut in someone’s garage by mistake.”
• Deedee, Essex Center FPF
“I’m happy to report that we have our black cat back, thanks to Front Porch Forum and some wonderful neighbors in Meadows Edge. We’re so grateful. We are remodeling… a lot of noise and strangers in and out. We think that is why he took off. Thanks again, everyone.”
• Deedee, Essex Center FPF, next day
Guitar thefts spread from Marlboro to Newfane
“The guitar/stringed instrument thefts that have been hitting Marlboro have now come to Newfane. They seem to be targeted to out-of-the-way places and, somehow, the thieves know where to find the good instruments.”
• Dan, Newfane Townshend Front Porch Forum
Looking for a used canoe? Ask neighbors on FPF
“The response to my request to buy a used canoe was incredible. I have received at least six offers – very reasonable and good condition. I have re-evaluated my time and toys and have decided to forgo the canoe. However, if any member out there is looking for a canoe, there are many to choose from. Thanks to all that responded! Front Porch Forum is great!”
• Hale, Middlesex FPF
Border-crossing Maltese rounded up in Stowe
“I just have to say how fortunate we are to have Front Porch Forum. This morning a distraught young man stopped in to say he is staying at a house near us. He is from Canada and doesn’t know the area. Their 5 lb. Maltese, Lily, ran off and had been gone all night. Tonight my husband read the Forum and there was a post for a found white dog… we were able to connect the two people and Lily is now safe at “home”. Thank you Front Porch Forum.”
• Nancy, Stowe FPF
Who sets the tone for your community?
Susan posted the following on her neighborhood FPF in Essex Junction this week. She issues a great challenge. Are you up for it in your community and on your FPF?
I’d like to offer a one-week challenge for our neighborhood Front Porch Forum. Before we get to the challenge, though, here is a brief story I heard a while ago.
Two newcomers move into town. One of their first trips is to the local grocery store. They ask the cashier, “what’s it like around here?” The cashier pauses, “what was it like where you used to live?” “Oh, we lived in a great neighborhood. People were warm and friendly, you could trust your neighbors, and we felt very safe.” “Well,” responds the cashier, “you’re in luck. Your new neighborhood is just like that!” Some time later, two more newcomers move to town, visit the same grocery store, and ask the cashier the same question. When the cashier asks how it was where they used to live, they reply, “It was an awful place. You couldn’t trust anyone, the neighbors were unfriendly and we never felt safe there.” “Well,” responds the cashier, “I’m sorry to say that you’ll find your new neighborhood is just like that!”
OK, that was the story, here’s the challenge. What if we tried to go for one full week without a single negative post or complaint on our FPF? We could see if there are enough positive and interesting things happening around here to occupy a full week of posts. And, after the week is up, what if we could find a more productive way to discuss the legitimate concerns that inevitably arise? What if our starting place is to assume good intentions on the part of our neighbors, municipal staff and elected officials? What if we could focus more on the issues on less on personalities? What if we could make an effort to ask more questions and gain more understanding before forming our opinions? What if, when we post a concern, we also include a possible solution? It’s been said, “democracy is a conversation, and how we talk to one another is as important as what we talk about and what conclusions we reach.” This is hard work sometimes, especially when the issues are complex and people hold a wide range of viewpoints.
What if we start practicing start right now with something relatively easy; a single week of positive news?
About Blog
Ghost of Midnight is an online journal about fostering community within neighborhoods, with a special focus on Front Porch Forum (FPF). My wife, Valerie, and I founded FPF in 2006... read more
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