Monthly Archives: September 2016
Richmond good neighbors recover forgotten bike
“Reason #57 why we love Richmond: You can forget your unlocked bike at the park and find it again four days later! So grateful to the friend who called after finding the helmet with our name on it, and to the observant villager who got the mountain bike back to us after reading my Front Porch Forum post. He actually joined FPF to figure out how to get the bike back to its owner! Love this town and the people in it, as well as FPF.”
• Kathryn, Richmond FPF
Colchester daytime break-in – Two locked doors kicked in
“We came home yesterday to find that someone had jumped out 6-ft fence, kicked in two locked doors and stolen jewelry and watches. We are devastated, especially as one of the pieces was a family heirloom. Be safe and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity in the neighborhood!”
• Christie, Colchester neighborhood Front Porch Forum
FPF works in Charlotte, Montpelier and Stowe
“2001 Volvo wagon I posted sold yesterday. Thanks to Front Porch Forum and to all who inquired.”
• Marvin, Charlotte FPF
“Talk about the power of our FPF!! I had posted free a CD player, Bose speakers and TV yesterday. The items were all spoken for within 10 minutes of the posting!!! I received 30+ responses so far and have tried to respond to each to explain items were gone plus thank them for their interest. If I missed anyone my apologies. So great to have a way to reach out and repurpose items rather than add to trash. This is why I support FPF with a donation each year and urge those who can please do likewise.”
• Noah, Montpelier FPF
“We have one free twin bed left. Which is awesome since we inherited 6 unneeded beds when we bought our home. Thank you FPF!”
• Kristel, Stowe FPF
Bristol’s “Share the Road” discussion may lead to more considerate behavior
The topic of sharing the road between motorists and cyclists is heating up on the Bristol Front Porch Forum this week. FPF member Marc’s posting made a great point…
I’m feeling a bit nervous now that I have opened the door to this conversation between bicyclists and car drivers sharing the road. But the door is now open so here goes.
After reading your post Ryan I found myself agreeing with almost all your points and identifying with your irritation… It also got me thinking that all your wonderful points and my points and Debbie’s points are maybe beside the point or at least not the main point.
A story: In my early 20s I shared a house with four unrelated people. We would get irritated with each other over not doing the dishes the right way or at all, leaving a mess around, being too noisy, etc. The less time we interacted with each other the more irritated we would get. When we did things together or just hung out and talked things would improve. Somehow people did a little bit of a better job and we became more tolerant and less annoyed. I think what happened is that we saw each other more as people and less as just annoyances and wanted to be nicer to each other.
So in my mind this conversation about bicyclists and car drivers sharing the road is not about whose points are right and whose points are wrong. It’s about having the conversation, making our points in a kind way, hearing our neighbors’ concerns and being heard by our neighbors. My hope is that in some magic way a kind and considerate conversation will lead to kinder and more considerate behavior on everyone’s part and a safer road for all of us.
Lost monkey spotted in Jericho
“On Thursday, my 9-month-old grandson tossed his favorite take-along toy out of the stroller in Mills River Park. It most likely was left on the trail to the off-leash area. It is a cloth, hot pink monkey holding a banana. It has a white plastic ring on it. I believe it is Lamaze brand. If anyone picked it up or knows its whereabouts, I’d be really glad to get it back.”
• Marilyn, Jericho FPF, Sept. 1
“A reader spotted the pink monkey toy on the bridge at the park but it was gone this morning when my daughter went to retrieve it. If anyone picked it up or knows where it is now, we are still eagerly looking for it. Bright pink monkey,holding yellow banana, on a white plastic ring. Lost in Mills River Park on Thursday. Thank you!!”
• Marilyn, Jericho FPF, Sept. 3
“Thanks to everyone who emailed me about the monkey toy. We have made a connection with someone to get it back and we are very glad. Cheers to all of you and Front Porch Forum!! Such a great community and a great community resource!!”
• Marilyn, Jericho FPF, Sept. 4
Hardwick houseplants re-homed
“One Norfolk Pine: 7.5′, One Dragon Yucca: 7.5′, One large hanging Wax Plant (Hoya) (in bloom), Two large pots of Bromeliads. All of these plants are strong and healthy, requiring minimal care. They are yours for the taking. Email, or call Ron for information.”
• Ron, Hardwick Walden FPF
“WOW, We got an overwhelming response from our FPF posting yesterday! The houseplants have all found good homes. Thank you, Front Porch Forum!”
• Ron, Hardwick Walden FPF, next day
Lost necklace found and returned in Montpelier
“Sentimental value- My mother & I were walking about 4:00pm Sat. on the Hubbard Park road from the new shelter (where we parked our car) up to the tower, climbed the tower, took a selfie photo of us up there (& saw she still had her necklace on then), & walked back the same way. When she got home my mother realized her necklace was missing. If found please email me asap (It’s my mother’s birthday today, & I’d love to find that necklace for her!) *Thank-you*, *thank-you*.”
• Karen, Montpelier FPF
“Thank-you responders, you are awesome, Front Porch Forum is awesome, my mother’s lost necklace was found on the Hubbard Park road to the tower, & returned! What a wonderful community, & a wonderful end of the day surprise of lost but then found, & in time for my mother’s birthday! Yay! She was very very happy!”
• Karen, Montpelier FPF, next day
“What did we do before FPF?”
“I want to thank all of the people who responded to my need for a drying rack. I am all set but am always amazed that so many people respond and are so generous with ideas and products. What did we do before Front Porch Forum?”
• Lucy, Jerico FPF
Brookfield Chihuahua puppy slips collar and runs away
“A new resident on Bear Hill Road has lost her 1-year-old Chihuahua. She is white and brown. Her name is Carmella. She slipped her collar. If you locate her please contact the Brookfield Town Office. Thank you for your help in locating this puppy.”
• Teresa, Town Clerk, Brookfield, posted Wed.
“The owner of Carmella, the Chihuahua, just called. Carmella has been found and is back home. The owner, Barbara would like to thank all who looked for her. Your assistance was greatly appreciated! Front Porch Forum is awesome!”
• Teresa, Town Clerk, Brookfield, posted Thur.
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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