2016 | Ghost of Midnight

Newport Elks Club uses FPF to bring in a crowd to annual craft sale

Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“On behalf of Newport Elks Club#2155. I would like to thank Front Porch Forum for letting us post our annual Craft Sale last Saturday. It was very successful. Thanks again.”
• Reg, Jay Peak FPF

Walden neighbors use MealTrain.com to help family with new baby

Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“Peter and Casey welcomed in their son this week. I set up a MealTrain.com for them to help them out through that initial stretch of babyhood. If you know the Cliffords or just like to help out young families, here is a great way to do something kind for our neighbors. Thanks everybody!”
• Saveria, Hardwick Walden Front Porch Forum

P.S. Check out MealTrain.com… another great Vermont-based community-building online service!

Post about national politics on FPF: Yes or no?

Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“Thank you to the dozen or so neighbors who emailed personal notes of appreciation for my post on last week’s Really Big Thing that happened.

“I take Front Porch Forum literally for its ‘front porch-ness.’ So when a Really Big Thing happens — like a storm, crash, or national tragedy — the first place I want to go is the front porch. To look around the neighborhood and ask, ‘How’re you doing? Everybody in your house okay?’ And if possible, offer any solace or help.

“I understand why some folks wouldn’t want national politics on our local Front Porch Forum. But last Tuesday’s election left many in our community reeling.

“I think it’s important to recognize this and resist the urge to limit what can and cannot be said here. If for no other reason than to support our neighbors who might have been left feeling particularly vulnerable.”

• James, posted on a Burlington neighborhood FPF

Marlboro-ites committed to their town

Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“In our small town of approximately 350 homes, we have identified more than 140 people who have volunteered on at least one local committee. Many individuals serve on multiple committees. It simply astounds us that there is that much commitment to our small community! Please stop by our “Thank You Breakfast” Saturday at the Marlboro Town House to thank all those who work to make our community great! We’ll have coffee, tea, baked goods, a free raffle and a grateful hug or handshake! Please see our website at: www.marlboroalliance.com”
• Lynna, Marlboro Front Porch Forum

First time we’ve seen this on FPF…

Posted on Sunday, November 13, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“Hello: I have an old Scrabble set with wooden ties that I like to use. I’ve lost a “C”! It makes playing a little bit unsatisfactory. Does anyone have an incomplete Scrabble with wooden tiles that they’d be able to give me a “C” from???? Thank you.”
• Julia, Old North End Front Porch Forum in Burlington

Shelburne girl gives up birthday presents to help hungry neighbors

Posted on Friday, November 11, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“Good deeds are often overlooked. Yesterday, while working at the polls, a mother came in with her three or four children with bags and bags of food for the food shelf. They filled up two blue boxes, and, when asked why so much, the reply was that it was a birthday party that gave food instead of presents. My thought was that it must have been one of the older kids who would understand what they were giving up. When asked whose birthday it was, it was the youngest one with a big smile pointing to herself.”
• Phyllis, Shelburne Front Porch Forum

Kitten Buffy returns from South Burlington wilderness

Posted on Friday, November 11, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“Buffy, the 4-month-old cat, came home safe last night after a 36 hour adventure… After visiting his old haunts where he lived as an autonomous outdoor cat for his first 3 months, he seems to have decided that being a house cat is not such a bad gig after all… Thanks to Front Porch Forum for getting the word out fast and wide. I have no doubt that many more pets are finding their way home since FPF came into being. That’s why my husband and I are monthly supporting members.”
• Joanne, posting on a neighborhood FPF in South Burlington

Free drink for a Trump supporter

Posted on Friday, November 11, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

I know this election has shaken up a lot of people on both sides of the debate. One thing I see happening more than anything else is an inability for people to communicate and have empathy towards those with different views. It is sad, though luckily for us in Vermont it isn’t nearly as bad as some other places in this country.

I have set a goal for myself to sit down with someone with a differing perspective than my own, share a drink (whatever it may be) and to just listen a bit. I am not out to make a debate. Nor to talk at someone else. But I do want to know about what a Trump supporter sees as the biggest issues in their world, what about Trump inspires them, and what about him may be concerning. I also want that same person to hear someone who is different than them actually giving a shit about their opinion, in an effort to bridge the divide that the media says we all have.

This is an act of reconciliation and hope. I want to see us rise above our political differences. We are all in this together.

Thanks.

• Jake, Morrisville Front Porch Forum

Charlotte grandmother seeking euphonium

Posted on Friday, November 11, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“I am looking for a four valve euphonium for my granddaughter to use/rent over the thanksgiving holiday. She has a competition just after returning home to North Dakota. She will bring her own mouth piece and needs a smaller mouth. Euphonium if you can’t spell it you can’t play it. I know it is a long shot- but you never know with Front Porch Forum. Thanks.”
• Mary, Charlotte FPF

“Americans who know their neighbors embrace stronger local news habits”

Posted on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet

“A new study by Pew Research Center in association with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation reveals that, overall, the civically engaged are indeed more likely… to use and value local news.”

“Another sign of how connected one is to their local community is the extent to which a person knows their neighbors.”