Monthly Archives: March 2018

Shout Outs to local business people

Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum members regularly ask and receive recommendations.

“Through FPF I’ve met some wonderful people with services to give. I am grateful to have met Bev who cat sits for me, and Pete who does contracting work. Pete and Bev are honest and reliable, who I can trust in my home at any time. Thanks FPF for helping me to meet such wonderful folks.”
• Meg in Williston

“Thanks to Bennington Front Porch Forum, Allison came into my life. Allison came to our home for a mini photo session and the experience was one-in-a-million. We’re lucky to have an amazing photographer in our community!”
• Jessica in Bennington

“Looking for someone who can do just about anything, is a problem solver and is a lot of fun as well? Amanda helped with gardening projects, cleaning, cleaning gutters, installing heat cables on the roof and assisting with a party we held last October. If it can be done, she will do it.” • Sandra in Underhill

 

Vermont’s bright and confident future generation of women!

Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum believes in supporting important community causes, and nothing is more important to us than the health and well-being of the next generation.

We are excited to once again partner with Girls on the Run Vermont for their 2018 season! As proud supporters, we are helping girls in our community become Vermont’s bright and confident future generation of women!

The 5K community celebrations across the state mark the successful completion of a 10-week Girls on the Run Spring program and is unlike any other running event.

FPF is so proud to support our Vermont girls on their journey to self-confidence. Since 1999, Girls on the Run Vermont has inspired over 44,000 girls at more than 160 sites in 13 Vermont counties. This year alone, over 3,000 girls are participating in the 10-week, after-school program. Interactive lessons that integrate physical fitness help girls to effectively problem solve and remain strong during adolescence. Topics include self-image and the media, resisting peer-pressure, making healthy decisions and contributing to the community.

Our support of the Girls on the Run 5K helps further the mission of the Vermont council, an organization that encourages the young women in our community to grow up with confidence, compassion, and character. We are invested in growing the next generation of strong, skilled, and healthy leaders ““ the future role models in communities all over Vermont.

Learn more about Girls on the Run Vermont by visiting gotrvt.org.

A matter of trust

Posted on Monday, March 26, 2018 by No comments yet

A recent article from the Times Argus highlights findings from FPF survey work done in 2017.

“Members of Front Porch Forum, who are not anonymous and make a commitment to be part of the online community, are comforted by the engagement of others. Perhaps at a time when contention is rampant, the sense of community, even online, is enough of a connection for members to feel a level of comfort and trust. 

Community building takes various forms, whether that be public suppers, music, theater or meetings and discussion groups. Vermonters have always taken great pride in being good neighbors. Now we can take stock in knowing that being part of the community, even online, has merits that go far beyond chasing down lost dogs or finding a place to stay for a friend. It still means we connect.”

To read more, visit https://www.timesargus.com/articles/a-matter-of-trust/

We need … neighbors.

Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2018 by No comments yet

FPF friend and journalist Bill McKibben recently wrote a compelling article on why we need neighbors.  Here’s a nugget:

“Neighbors were optional for much of the last 50 years. We became hyper-individualists surveys show that three-quarters of Americans have no relationship with their next-door neighbors, which is a novel situation for humans. But in the next 50 years, we’re going to need our neighbors again. The fat years are past and the lean years are upon us even as we try to rebuild our planet against the predations of the rich and powerful, we’re going to require stronger communities for sheer survival. Ask the people trying to recover from Hurricane Harvey, from Maria, from the firestorm that raked California.”  –  Feb. 2018 Sojourners magazine

This speaks to our work.  Hosting Front Porch Forum across Vermont over the past decade, we’ve seen the value of neighbors during and after natural disasters and other crises.

Build your local networks of neighbors now, and then you’ll have that investment in social capital to fall back on in times of need in the future.

Furniture found for family in need

Posted on Friday, March 9, 2018 by No comments yet

Neighbors reach out through FPF to help a family:

“When we posted a request for help for a family of four, many people came through right away. Today we were able to deliver a mattress, a dresser, and a chair to them. They are very grateful. And, we are thankful for this generous community. Front Porch Forum is great.”
• Margaret and George in Middlebury

 

Know someone who could use a helpful hand? Turn to your neighbors on FPF!

Curling to support the Howard Center

Posted on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum is participating in Howard Center’s 2018 Curling Challenge to help raise money for the many Howard Center programs and services that support people in our community. Some of these include:

• 24/7/365 Crisis services
• Residential programs
• Specialized schools
• Street outreach
• Substance use treatment & recovery
• Suicide prevention
• Therapeutic camps

 

By contributing to our fundraising efforts on behalf of Howard Center, you will be making a real and lasting difference within our community. Follow This Link to donate now and help in our efforts to support Howard Center!

Uplifting moments after fires destroy homes

Posted on Monday, March 5, 2018 by No comments yet

Recent fires, while tragic, also remind us how generous our communities can be helping those in need. FPF members respond:

“The fire at my home took almost everything from me. Despite my losses, I will be able to remember it as one of the most uplifting moments as well due to the outpouring of generosity, kindness, and love from the Montpelier Community. Never have I felt more cared for, or supported.” • Lauren in Montpelier

“Big Thanks to all the folks who worked their frozen fingers to the bone making it possible to save our store, library and community. If you see or know a Fire department Volunteer, please share your gratitude for keeping our town/village intact. This includes our Village and town employees as well. Thanks to all of you who reached out, stepped up, and pitched in; it’s what makes our town resilient and a place we want to live.” • Kim in Johnson

Front Porch Forum members respond to a call for help for a family who’s house was completely destroyed:
“I would like to thank everyone for the tremendous generosity and support. Knowing the love and support the community has shown is greatly helping them through this tragic time. Let us use this as a reminder to always reach out and help our neighbors.” 
• Heidi in Monkton

Finding the right person for a household need

Posted on Thursday, March 1, 2018 by No comments yet

Need help finding the right person for a household fix or project? Many turn to Front Porch Forum for the answer.

“I was in a little jam last night and needed the help of a plumber. After researching FPF I called a local plumber and told him my issue. Over the phone he told me how to fix my immediate problem and I did it in less then 10 minutes. Because of the way I was treated, he is coming by tomorrow to look at a larger project and to fix another small leak. Good things come to folks who didn’t know me from Adam but jumped in to help.”
• Robert in Montpelier

In response to someone looking for firewood:
“Jim’s Firewood – he advertises in the business section of FPF.” • Bruce in Hinesburg

“Many thanks to Front Porch Forum for helping to bridge the gap in the digital age for promoting small, local businesses!” • Richard in Richmond

Check out the FPF local Business Directory for a host of options for your next project.