Monthly Archives: March 2017

Building bridges with potlucks and in-person conversation

Posted on Friday, March 31, 2017 by No comments yet

It’s heartening to see local folks in Westford using their FPF to promote their new “Neighbor to Neighbor” program; organizing local in-person conversation of challenging topics…

“Bring a dish to share at potluck talks designed to build bridges between neighbors while talking about issues of importance to us as Vermonters. The first talk will focus on migrant workers on Vermont farms. This issue has been in the news recently and, as a farming community, is important to our town.”
Fred in Westford

Would something like this work in your town?  Give it a shot! Post on Front Porch Forum.

Scary moments turn into happy reunions

Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2017 by No comments yet

Scary moments are sometimes the moment when pet owners, discover the ultimate value of their neighborhood FPF.

“Both Zeke and Trip have been found and are safe. Thank you to everyone who has worried, searched, and sent good thoughts into the universe. This is a wonderfully happy ending. And a HUGE shout out to Front Porch Forum. The speed with which you post appeals for help in locating missing pets is astonishing…and heart-warming. Thank you!”
•  
Lynn in Stowe

“Last night I was warmed by the first two of eleven postings. The first: a plea to area residents for help finding a newly rescued Alaskan Malamute mix that had broken away from his master. And the second post? “Found – Young, Friendly, Collar-Less Malmut or Husky”. What magic! I went to bed envisioning a very happy reunion.”
•  
Linda in South Burlington

Your neighbors can be one of your best support system in times of need. Turn to your FPF and post for help.

Sharing insights with neighbors on pruning fruit trees

Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 by No comments yet

“It is my privilege to advise fruit tree owners in the time honored ability to further their orchards’ health and fertility. Thanks to FPF for bringing my neighbors insights to my attention and giving me a chance to advertise my own expertise. Please contribute to this our medium by giving to https://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members.”  

• Padma in Middlesex

Thanks Padma! Glad to see you making the most of Front Porch Forum.

FPF Reaches Million-Posting Milestone

Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 by No comments yet

2017 marked the moment when Front Porch Forum saw its one-millionth posting! Celebrating 10 years helping neighbors connect and build community, FPF has experienced tremendous growth and accomplishments to serve every community in Vermont.

Take note of these FPF Milestones:

    • More than 1 million postings made by our members
    • 3.5 million e-newsletters sent every month
    • More than 130,000 membersin a state with only 260,000 households

Co-Founder, Michael Wood-Lewis notes “we couldn’t be happier about the impact FPF has had across Vermont. Once people have an easy and safe way to communicate with neighbors, they do! And that simple act adds up. The cumulative impact is huge… after months of FPF, people often report feeling more connected to neighbors, more tuned in to local goings on, and more a part of their community. And in many cases, people then become more active… organizing a group yard sale, mentoring a local kid, volunteering for a park clean-up, voting on election day, and, most recently, helping each other during Blizzard Stella. That’s what FPF is all about!”

 

Crime? Not today. Just thanks for good people

Posted on Monday, March 27, 2017 by No comments yet

“Thank you to the resident or visitor who found my credit card on the sidewalk and returned it to the police station! It was returned before I even knew it was gone. Love this town!”
• Rachel in Stowe

It’s wonderful to see stories of neighbors helping neighbors on Front Porch Forum, instead of hearing about a stolen credit card. Lost or found something of value? Add a post in FPF!

Hyde Parkers celebrate Spring and community spirit with puppet show

Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 by No comments yet

“Thanks to lots of support throughout our community, well over 100 people attended the “No Strings Marionettes” puppet show in Hyde Park! The Hyde Park Community Circle (HPCC) received support from lots of individuals, businesses and organizations (including Front Porch Forum). It takes a village to build community, and Hyde Parkers really came through!”
• 
Judy in Hyde Park

Are you using FPF to help promote and build a neighborhood event?

Good Samaritans helps neighbors stuck in a pickle

Posted on Monday, March 20, 2017 by No comments yet

“Our car got stuck in the middle of the road right at the intersection. Thanks to the kind Good Samaritan who took his time to guide and help us out, we were able to get home safely.”
• 
Ligia in Essex

“My car slipped off the road last night and every single car that passed stopped to ask if I was alright. You do not see that degree of kindness everywhere. I feel really lucky to live here and have such thoughtful neighbors.”  • Meredith in Moretown

We love hearing the stories of the good people out there from our FPF neighbors . Have you experienced an act of kindness recently in your town? Let your neighbors know.

Our Northeast Kingdom neighbors sum it up nicely….

Posted on Friday, March 17, 2017 by No comments yet

FPF is the Closest Thing to My Favorite Past-Time: Drinking coffee on the front porch of the General Store.”  • Tim in Craftsbury

“FPF is the glue that keeps our rural conversations connected!” • Lian in Walden

“FPF keeps me informed of town and school issues thanks to posting by our town clerk and principal.”  • Rhonda in Morgan

Satisfied members tell their friends about Front Porch Forum… that’s how the word gets out. Have a neighbor in the Northeast Kingdom looking to get connected? Invite them today!

Many Acts of Kindness During Blizzard Stella

Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2017 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum newsletters saw an abundance of offers to help those in need during Vermont’s Winter Storm Stella. Here are a few reflective of our members’ gracious community spirit! 

“What an amazing community! I posted in the last issue, looking for help shoveling out because I’m disabled and can’t do it. Less than an hour after that FPF edition was sent out, I had TEN offers from folks wanting to help! I am so grateful and happy to live in an amazing community like this. Thank you!!”  • Cara in Winooski

“Thanks for working together to dig each others’ cars out of the snow. It’s fun to shovel together! It allowed those of us without driveways to park in safety. Thanks for being good neighbors!”  •  Mindy in Burlington 

“Two able bodies in town looking to help folks that need help getting shoveled out after the big storm.” • Dave & Eli in Charlotte

“I’m not a snow removal expert, nor equipped with a snowblower or plow, but if you’re in need of having your walkway or decks shoveled, I have a strong back and shovel and I’m available. Not looking to make money, just meet some neighbors in need.”  • Adam in New Haven

“Thank you to the Snowblower Angel who was walking with their snowblower Tuesday night assisting their neighbors. I was out shoveling for the third time and your help was greatly appreciated.”  • Carmen in Burlington

“From a security camera I just saw someone shoveling out our front sidewalk and deck/steps, which were buried under 26″ plus of snow. That person was our good neighbor who didn’t want my wife to shovel as I just got out of the hospital and can’t shovel.”  • Sam in Burlington

“Thanks to 6 teens who came to our assistance with snow shoveling at our home. They were eager, very polite, and dug right in. When offered payment, they refused. When offered pizza, they refused. Our hearts are full of thanks for these young men.”  • Bob in Bristol