Monthly Archives: October 2017

Kids, large and small, love Halloween!

Posted on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 by No comments yet

One of Vermont’s high school principals took to posting on Front Porch Forum to remind us to support our neighborhood teens on Halloween.

“Waves of trick-or-treaters are welcomed in our neighborhoods; it’s just a special few days in this corner of the world. Many parents have (quickly?) gone from pulling children in wagons (and eating “their” candy) to wondering if their kids will “go out” this year for the last time (again!). I found this article to be brilliant and wanted to share it…I am aware that our town has always been kind to the hordes of young ghosts, goblins, zombies and ninjas while still also welcoming to the 1/2 costumed late adolescents who (perhaps like their parents) just don’t want to let go of a fun and carefree tradition.

As Principal I often find myself thankful for the empathy our community shows toward our teens, I know my students feel supported by the community. This is very important because let’s face it, it can be an intense time for our high school age youth; they may be writing their college essay, playing in a playoff game, and volunteering to raise awareness about domestic violence all while planning (or more likely not planning) their Halloween costumes.

Thanks for supporting these amazing young people — and let’s remember to watch out for the kids on the roads (be they large or small).

Happy Halloween!” • Patrick, Principal, South Burlington High School

Kitties experience adventure on their way home

Posted on Monday, October 30, 2017 by No comments yet

“Thanks to FPF, Lola the Explorer has been found. It turns out that Lola made her way to a neighbors house during the rain the night before and, despite their cat allergies, they took her in. Moreover, they got food, a litterbox and even put flyers in the mailbox cluster at the bottom of our road to find the owner. Oh, and when the rain got heavy in the middle of the night and Lola was crying “meows” I learned that they held and pet her from 2am – 3am. I mean, who does that? Our community does, that’s who! People here are simply awesome and I’m so happy to have met a new neighbor albeit under unusual circumstances.”  • Kristin in Stowe

“Thanks to Front Porch Forum the lost Kitten that we rescued earlier today was reunited with his family! Poor little guy had been gone since yesterday morning.” • April in Swanton

“An update that the tail-less kitten I posted about earlier has been rescued by another FPF member who lives in the vicinity and found him on their porch. So a happy ending and another successful FPF story. I’ll let them decide whether they post to find him a forever-home, or cave in and keep the little adventurer for themselves (as he seems to be winning them over).” • Scott in Bristol

FPF Tech Team Expands

Posted on Friday, October 27, 2017 by No comments yet

Since 2006, Front Porch Forum has been helping neighbors connect and build community by hosting a statewide network of online local forums. Our strong tech team plays a crucial role in this work and we’re happy to announce the addition of our new in-house software engineer – Matt Barry!

Matt works closely with longtime CTO, Jan Schultz, and Toronto-based tech firm The Working Group. Together they maintain and improve FPF’s unique web application, which is used by half of the households in Vermont on a daily basis. Stay posted for new features and updates!

Matt looks forward to his new role and remarks “I really enjoy working on a special product that has a measurable positive impact, not only in the community I live in, but also across the state. I think FPF has some unique and interesting technical challenges due to the inherently geographic nature of the service.”

Organizing for community dinners

Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum members can reach out to their neighbors to start or continue traditions that connect us in person.

“Is there anyone interested in continuing the tradition of our town’s Community Christmas Dinner? With a loyal group of volunteers, it’s been happening for more then 25+ years…. If interested contact us and if you know anyone who is not on FPF please let them know about this, we’d really appreciate it.”  • Cathy in Waterbury

“We are pleased to invite you to the first Saplings’ Community Dinner….Bring your families and friends, all are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you!”  • Melissa in Craftsbury

 

Connecting with our neighbors… it’s what Front Porch Forum is all about!

What will your contribution mean?

Posted on Monday, October 23, 2017 by No comments yet

A contribution to Front Porch Forum will…

  • Sustain and improve the FPF e-newsletter.  FPF’s staff of 16 produce each issue, and provide personalized customer service seven days a week, serving 140,000 members in all 251 towns in Vermont! 
  • Deliver new features, like FPF’s online Business Directory.  More improvements to the FPF experience are under development.
  • Increase FPF membership in towns across Vermont and upstate New York. The more neighbors who participate in a Forum, the more vibrant and useful it is for all.

This recent posting from a FPF member says it all:
“I finally made my donation today, after saying I would get to it quite a while ago. It was quick and easy!”
• Maria in Barre

We’re in the homestretch of our October Supporting Member Campaign and we’re still $35,000 short of our goal. Make your contribution today to continue to bring this free service to every town in Vermont!

Thanks in advance from the Staff at FPF ““

Carolyn, Emily, Gisele, Jan, Jodi, Jonna, Linda, Lynn, Matt, Michael, Natanya, Nina, Renee, Robert, Suzie, Valerie, and Wendy


Dancing flagman brings smiles to cars in traffic

Posted on Friday, October 20, 2017 by No comments yet

Sharing happy moments on Front Porch Forum makes us all smile!

“Most of us who have been caught in traffic have probably been somewhat frustrated at times. That certainly was not the case on Friday! As I was heading south and before I even needed to brake for traffic, I could see something brilliant yellow moving rhythmically. a dancing flagman. The closer I got to him, the more animated he became. This young man was having such a fine time and sharing his joy with those of us who were fortunate enough to be driving and yes dancing by.” • Ebeth in Charlotte

Here’s to hoping everyone experiences some joy this weekend!

A new business develops as a result of a few postings

Posted on Thursday, October 19, 2017 by No comments yet

Entrepreneurs find Front Porch Forum a valuable resource!

“I never intended to own a cell phone repair shop rather I was trying to earn extra money to help fund my other business. After a few posts on Front Porch Forum I realized the demand was there so I decided to go for it. I’ve been advertising for over a year with FPF which has helped grow 802 Mobile to one of Vermont’s leading companies for iPhone, iPad, & Android repair services. If it wasn’t for FPF my thriving business would have never existed.”  – Ryan at 802 Mobile 

Are you familiar with FPF’s Business Directory? You’ll find a collection of close to 10,000 Vermont businesses and nonprofits that participate.

Nudge, nudge…. Now’s the time

Posted on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 by No comments yet

If you haven’t contributed to FPF’s Supporting Member Campaign, now’s the time! We have less than half way to go to reach our $150,000 goal.

“I just donated to Front Porch Forum because it is amazing! I have given away, gotten for free, bought things I need at much less expense, sold things at great prices, kept up with the neighborhood news… the list is long. FPF is an excellent resource for the community!”  • Sharon in Montpelier

“I read Front Porch Forum every day to find out what is happening in town – what animal is lost, what will be discussed at the next Selectboard meeting, what social events are happening for kids, families and seniors, and who is giving away something that you just cannot live without! My day is not complete without FPF, and my life is certainly easier because I can find so many things I need on FPF. Please help out if you can and support this service that helps our town stay more connected.” • Marie in Richmond

Neighbors lend a hand across Vermont

Posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 by No comments yet

Posting on Front Porch Forum to neighbors results in finding what you need!

“Judy answered our posting for a long ladder to do the painting of a 2 story garage behind my house. We were able to accomplish our goal and the garage is painted! Thanks to Judy and Front Porch Forum for getting us together.”  • Frances in Barre

“If you ever need a pet sitter have no fear- there are plenty of qualified, animal loving entrepreneurs nearby. Also, kind neighbors willing to lend a hand. Just post to FPF!” • Caysie in Jericho

“I would like to thank everyone who offered a free cat carrier. The response was many and not expected. This Forum is great.” • Margaret in Middlebury

“Thank you all so much for the offers for a dorm fridge…..I found one! The responses were incredible…..SUCH AN AWESOME COMMUNITY and such an awesome resource FPF is.”  • Michele in N. Fayston

 

Finding gratitude in the mail

Posted on Monday, October 16, 2017 by No comments yet

We’re very thankful for the nice notes we’ve been receiving in the mail along with checks from FPF Supporting Members

“My husband and I are new to Front Porch Forum and totally enjoy receiving our updates every day. It really makes us feel connected to our lovely community.” • Bernadette in Charlotte

“Thanks to Front Porch Forum rural life is so much easier. It’s all about the community connections, and FPF is the place to start, no matter what you are trying to find, fix, or do.” • Nancy in Tunbridge

“Thank you for such a great means to stay connected to our community. As seniors, we do use FPF to get household and garden help!” • Bill and Anastasia in Middlesex

“Have sold things, given things away, have gotten help finding local services – wonderful way to connect with my local community.” • Janice in Shaftsbury

Help us reach our ambitious fundraising goal and contribute to FPF’s Supporting Member Campaign today to keep this important free service coming to your community.