Yearly Archives: 2017

Carbon Monoxide alarm gone off?

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017 by No comments yet

Recently, a FPF member shared their experiences and thanks for help. A good reminder for all of us to double-check your home alarms!

“My family and I are grateful to the Fire Department who came out last night when our Carbon Monoxide alarm went off. They were at our home within minutes of our calling and quickly identified the source of our problem. Please make sure to check the batteries in your fire alarm and go over your fire safety plan with all family members and babysitters. Our CO detector has a different alarm sound then the Fire alarm which caused some confusion.”
April from Ferrisburgh

 

Protecting the bees

Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 by No comments yet

Bees are endangered, and FPF members work to educate us on how to keep them healthy so they can do the huge job of pollinating our food crops.

“Only use natural pesticides and fertilizers. Avoid using herbicides or pesticides in the garden. They not only can be toxic to bees but also are best not introduced to children or adults that visit your garden. If you encounter a bee swarm, post on FPF immediately. Local bee keepers can capture and re-home honey bee swarms. Swarms are docile and non-threatening. Just keep respectful distance. They are waiting for their scouts to return with instructions, and will soon be gone.”  • Lea in Burlington

Thanks to Front Porch Forum and one avid pollinator protector, my husband and I were able to catch a honey bee swarm that had settled into the lilac bush in front of the Elementary School.  I am happy to say that they have settled into their top bar hive beautifully. We are grateful for this community forum – for without it, the school may have had to destroy this bee swarm, out of concern for the students.”   • Gerette in Hyde Park

 

Home repair help from neighbors

Posted on Monday, June 5, 2017 by 2 comments

Overwhelming support from neighbors!

“Thank you for everyone who reached out to recommend their “go to” roofers. We’ve got a lot of contractors to get in touch with, such a wonderful community to be a part of!!!” • Ashley in Ripton

Thanks so much to all the neighbors who responded to my post for help finding a person/company providing water drainage support for my basement. FPF rocks!” • Denise in Waitsfield

When in doubt go to FPF– I must have had 10 people send me names of contractors who could put foam insulation under my kitchen floor. Thank you!” • Lynda in Middlebury

I want to thank everyone who responded to my request for recommendations for painters. It was rewarding to see so many replies. Thanks Front Porch Forum. I have found a painter!”
• Joann in Burlington

Need to fix something in your home? Or have a project needing attention?  Ask your neighbors for recommendations on FPF!

Finding a way home…

Posted on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum is known for the invaluable help that members provide in reconnecting lost pets with their owners. They also go the extra step to return lost items!

Thank you to all our friends and neighbors for helping us locate our cat Maggie! Thank you too to FPF for this valuable communication network!” • Sue and Filipe in Burlington

“The scared little terrier Winston and his brother Ollie are home in large part to my great neighbors who I haven’t officially even met yet! By the time I ran home from work there was a network including this forum on the lookout. I’m moved to tears at the generosity and thoughtfulness we have found in our new community.”  • Allison in Fletcher

Thank you to whomever returned my blue walking stick! I came home to see it leaning by my front door. My granddaughter had painted it for me as a Christmas present, and I am exceedingly grateful to have it back. Thank you, Front Porch Forum!” • Earline in Montpelier

Local photographer, Dan Higgins, captures Winooski FPF story

Posted on Friday, May 26, 2017 by No comments yet

Dan hosted a FPF Winooski Photo exhibit for us a number of years ago. We’re delighted to see him at work again highlighting conversations from Front Porch Forum members!

Looking out for joggers

Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2017 by No comments yet

A FPF members concern, is a good reminder for all of us traveling Vermont roads…

“To The Gentleman Who Jogs in the Mornings: Please wear some reflective clothing! Or even a reflective headband! As a motorist and a fellow jogger and cyclist, I am keenly aware of the dangers of traveling any stretch of road. Wearing dark clothing only adds to the danger to yourself and everyone else on the road. Please, for your safety and mine, put on something reflective! Or at least light colored. 

I even have a spare reflective jogging vest… which I will give you!” • Jackson in Randolph

“PS – If The Very Tall Gentleman is not on Front Porch Forum but anyone here knows him, please pass on my concern.”

 

Neighbors help find resources for elderly mom

Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 by No comments yet

As parents begin to age, and we take them in to live with us, outfitting a home for their care can be a new challenge. Front Porch Forum members gave LOTS of resources for their neighbor:

Initial posting: “Hi FPF friends, My mother is coming to live with us tomorrow and i am seeking a walker for her. If anyone has one they are no longer using, I would love to hear from you.”  • Cyndee in Shelburne

Response one day later: “Many thanks to those who responded to my request for a walker. I want to share what i learned. 
1. Chittenden Country Agency on Aging in Essex, same shopping center as Big Lots offers walkers at no charge. 
2. Good Samaritan Network loan closet at the Fanny Allen has medical equipment (walkers, canes, crutches) available at no cost 
3. There’s a website with free/inexpensive assistive technology stuff of all sorts, which you probably have no idea even exists. It can be a great resource for people to pass on or get stuff to help make life easier for those with disabilities. It’s called: www.getATstuff.com 
4. Many other kind people on FPF are willing to loan or pass their medical equipment along :)”

 

Lending for yard and garden work

Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 by No comments yet

In need of a post hole digger, perennials, or a tiller? Front Porch Forum members are ready to help!

“My request for a post-hole digger brought 3 nearly instantaneous responses. In less than 24 hrs I had the job done and the loaner returned. Thank you, neighbors.”  • Bob in Burlington

“Thank you to everyone who replied to my request for perennials, the response was overwhelming and my flower beds are going to be so great next year! I love FPF and this community!”  • Rose in Middlebury

“I have a small tiling job to do, and am wondering if anyone has any left over thinset from a previous job that I could buy. And I’ve got a perfectly usable utility trailer sitting in my yard that I’d be happy to lend out to anyone needing one.”  Don in Craftsbury

 

You know you’re in Vermont when.

Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2017 by No comments yet

Two pounds of cheese is found and reported on Front Porch Forum!

“Did you lose your cheese on Friday or Saturday? Found: one 2-lb block of Cabot cheddar on Main Street Saturday morning. Despite adventuring by the side of the road, the packaging looks intact and the cheese looks good. If you can correctly identify whether it was Sharp, Extra Sharp, or Seriously Sharp, I would be happy to reunite it with you.”
Dana in Montpelier

We see some of the best lost and found stories on FPF!

UPDATE: The owner of the lost cheese was not found… However, it will be shared at the upcoming contra dance for all to share “in a glorious celebration of free neighborly cheese.” #DidYouLoseYourCheese