Yearly Archives: 2017
Speaking together differently in order to live together differently
Front Porch Forum member, Courtney, shared this lovely piece on promoting and effectively participating in conversations that bring people in our communities together, an initiative created by On Being. There is even a PDF you can download to guide you!:
“The Civil Conversations Project seeks to renew common life in a fractured and tender world. We are a conversation-based, virtues-based resource towards hospitable, trustworthy relationship with and across difference. We honor the power of asking better questions, model reframed approaches to entrenched debates, and insist that the ruptures above the radar do not tell the whole story of our time. We aspire to amplify and cross-pollinate the generative new realities that are also being woven, one word and one life at a time.”
Friendship and mentoring over the Revolutionary war
“About three years ago I posted a FPF request asking for someone to help my daughter learn to sew a 17th century Colonial Day outfit from scratch. Much to my surprise, I received a few responses and they were all directing me to the same young woman, who was graduating that spring with a degree in historical sewing (not the official degree title). My daughter and I reached out and what started with an idea turned into 3 years of mentoring, friendship and learning. My daughter got to delve deep into the Revolutionary time period through sewing, attending reenactments and completing historical arts and crafts projects. She has developed, presumably, a life long interest in all things Revolution. If it wasn’t for FPF, my daughter would not have gained a truly important friendship and have learned so much.”
• Cathy in Richmond
Have a passion for a particular interest? Share it on Front Porch Forum and you just might make a new friend or two!
Member love for Front Porch Forum
We regularly receive appreciative notes at Front Porch Forum from our members. It’s especially warming to know that we are having a positive impact on the towns throughout Vermont.
“There really is a sense of community commitment, responsibility, and self-reliance that we’ve never seen any place else when we read FPF. It’s a wonderful on-line communication model for communities that want to effectively keep in touch, and offer something for everyone. We thoroughly enjoy the news and updates from the surrounding communities, as well as updates on the legislative meetings that are open to the public. It is not only engaging to learn about what services are available (enormously helpful!), but the social calendars are fun too.”
• Rona & Richard in Arlington
Are you using your FPF calendar?
Revitalizing a community with 8 Words
Neighbors get clever on their local Front Porch Forum to promote the new food coop opening in their town. Community members and coop members began an “8 Words for MOCO” campaign which has been running for weeks on FPF.
“MoCo is creating community and revitalizing the downtown”
“MoCo is shopping local and helping our farmers”
“Opening in August, produce from farmers you know.”
“Fresh, organic, and local – what could be better?”
“Local Products; Local People; Local Place; Can’t Wait!”
“Seed to store, look what we’ve grown together!”
“Strong communities and healthy food create positive change :)”
Have a community project you’re looking to jumpstart? Post on FPF!
Bagged Poopies
We all have pet peeves… this one resonated with us!
“One of my pet peeves: bagged dog poop just tossed wherever like a huge bagged colorful flag saying “I’m now sequesturd in a plastic bag, but I’m still poopy, and everyone can see me now.” Why in the world would someone take the trouble to bag the poop and then leave the bagged poopies all over the place? On a run with my wife the other day, I picked up 5 of them. FIVE! (am I not virtuous?) I’m really puzzled by it: why bag it and then pitch it wherever? I mean, isn’t it better to just leave it unbagged? (not that I’m suggesting that at all, no, not at all) instead of adding a bag to it? There’s got to be some logic to this widespread practice. People are generally logical by their own lights, just not by other people’s lights. Is it that the dog chooses to poop right in front of everyone, and so one just has to bag it or face massive disopprobrium, but then later one, when no one is looking, it’s easier to dump the poop? I volunteer my trash bin for bagged poopies: feel free to bag it up, tie it off, and leave it in my bin. But do tie it off, so my bin doesn’t smell like poopy.” • Jacques in Burlington
Have some thoughts to share? Post them on Front Porch Forum!
Lacrosse program gets boost from local welder
Neighbors helping neighbors and their communities. It’s what Front Porch Forum is all about!
“Harwood Youth Lacrosse posted on FPF looking for some assistance making 2 goals for our program. James quickly stepped up and offered to take the job. We provided the pipes to him and he donated his time, expertise and any additional welding materials to this job.
The lacrosse program that we put on for the kids in our area requires a lot of dedication. Our program is 100% volunteer. James stepped up and became a volunteer not because he has a kid in the program, not because he loves or even knows the game, he volunteered to help out the kids in our community. We can not thank James enough for all of his hard work!”
• Paul in Waterbury
Runaway winter tire found!
Sometimes the posts we see on Front Porch Forum, bring a chuckle and smile. Here’s yours for today!
In the morning: “While putting away my studded snows, one got away from me and rolled down the street and I can’t find it. If it landed in your yard, please let me know…”
By the afternoon: “Well, my ego and reputation may be a bit bruised, but fortunately nothing else was – thanks to the great help of neighbors and the Montpelier Police who found the lost tire that rolled a remarkable trajectory into another neighborhood. If only I could lose the spare tire around my waistline as easily!!” • Emily in Montpelier
It’s planting season! Let’s plant for good
“While planning and planting your vegetable gardens this spring, I ask that you consider planting a bit extra that I can pick up and deliver to a local charitable organization. I will be bringing the donated produce to Meals on Wheels. If we have a surplus, I will bring it to a local food shelf.” • Laura in Essex
“Most of us Vermonters care about local farms and the working landscape. I’m making a pledge to get out and buy direct from family farms as often as I can. Are other Front Porch Forum members willing to commit to deepen your support for our local farms this season?” • Paul in Montpelier
“If you’re a gardener, this is your time. Consider sharing that camaraderie with Operation Bloom, a home-grown volunteer group that has been beautifying Winooski for over 20 years. We are a small, dedicated cadre of enthusiasts who plant and landscape around the city.” • Janet in Winooski
Have an idea to help support your community? Get organized with FPF!
Green Up Day becomes more of a Green Up week
The posts started early on FPF for those looking to begin picking up and “greening up” their neighborhoods. This Saturday will find neighbors working together once again to make our communities beautiful.
“We have an amazing group of volunteer neighbors! Remember if you’re busy Saturday you really have between now and late Sunday to get it done and get your bag to the container at the Town Garage.” • Jill in Duxbury
“A group of my coworkers and I are participating in a day of service with Vermont Refugee Resettlement. We will be out “greening up” around the apartments of New Americans and hopefully planting some veggies and flowers for them to enjoy. If you have any extra seeds lying around, we would be happy to put them to good use! Or if you’re willing to lend or some basic gardening tools (gloves, trowels, etc.) for the day.”
• Haley in Burlington
Spencer in Shelburne began promoting Green-Up day early…“I think we’re going to focus on keeping it fun and accessible and getting the word out as early as possible, I’ll write silly poems and ditties on Front Porch Forum.”
Look to your neighborhood FPF to see how to “Green Up” your town!
Spring Fever hits Morrisville!
Spring is here, and FPF members are looking to get fit with their neighbors.
“Spring is Finally Here – Let’s Play Tennis! Looking for other intermediate players to get out on the courts. Can play after 4 weekdays and anytime on the weekend. Hope to see you on the courts.”
“Hello runners. I know many of us run to clear our heads and have time alone. But sometimes it’s nice to run with other people too! I want to start a little running crew to run 3-5 miles on a regular basis, 9-10 minute mile pace. The specifics may change a little depending upon who participates. I think this could be great. Happy spring.”
• Kevin and Brittain in Morrisville
Have an idea to get outside with your neighbors and enjoy Spring? Get started on Front Porch Forum!
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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