Yearly Archives: 2019
“I’ll stick with Front Porch Forum”
Cindy in Westford shared with her neighbors yesterday…
I recently posted a query for someone to give us quotes on a culvert installation. I was overwhelmed by the number of responses I got – both recommendations and direct outreach from providers.
Where else but FPF does this kind of neighborly conversation happen?
Please consider supporting this magic with a donation – every little bit helps.
BTW – just my opinion, but I recently gave Home Advisor a try, and, well, never again. I’ll stick with Front Porch Forum.
Thanks, neighbors.
Thank you, Cindy!
Random Acts of Kindness and Your Neighborhood FPF
It’s a tale as old as time! Random acts of kindness pop up all over Front Porch Forum: expressions of gratitude, folks organizing relief efforts for neighbors in need, and secret do-gooders surprising others with generosity. Recently, an FPF member shared the story below about a stranger coming through with heartwarming comfort and kindness, without seeking any recognition!
“A little over a year ago my dog Luke died very suddenly and unexpectedly and shortly thereafter a very caring and anonymous person left me a beautiful potted arrangement of flowers on my front porch. Just recently I had to put down my 14 year old border collie Jake. Once again a kind and truly caring person left a large beautiful potted mum on my front porch and again no signature on the hand written note. If you are this truly compassionate person either then and or now please know that your kindness means so much. Thank you.” • Christine D., Jericho FPF
Have you been inspired by the many acts of kindness shared and organized on FPF? Consider paying it forward by demonstrating acts of kindness in your neighborhood or by donating to FPF’s Supporting Member campaign to help us keep the good vibrations and community supportiveness rolling!
“Vast majority” using FPF (vs. half using social media)
The Barre Montpelier Times Argus reported today that “a survey of the Montpelier Senior Activity Center finds overwhelming satisfaction with its services among seniors.”
Additionally, “a vast majority of respondents said they had a computer and used (1) the internet, (2) email and (3) Front Porch Forum, while just over half of all respondents said they used social media.”
In town after town across Vermont we see a similar trend with seniors and local folks of all ages… the “vast majority” of people tune into their local FPF. Your neighbors are talking on FPF… join the conversation!
Poll: Two-thirds of Americans want to break up companies like Amazon and Google
Interesting article by Vox today. Some key take-aways…
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Peach theft in North Bennington… brings out the best in neighbors
An FPF member’s peach tree was stripped of fruit in Bennington County recently, so she posted to her neighbors… then followed up a couple days later:
Normally I would say North Bennington is about the nicest place to live. But today I discovered that someone stole all the peaches from my one brand new peach tree. REALLY, how lousy can one be? I do not think there were enough peaches to prevent anyone from starving, but I was looking forward to a tiny peach pie after the first year of carefully tending my tree. To make it worse, the thief broke the branches of the little tree in their haste. There are enough reasons to doubt the humanity of our world these days, and this experience is just totally disheartening. Shame on you, thief.
• Christine, North BenningtonWhat an outpouring of caring comments following my Front Porch Forum posting! I think more people wrote me wonderful notes about my peach loss, than there were actually peaches on the tree! Some thought it was a bear, some said squirrels, some said hungry people, and some just felt badly about the whole thing. But it has all come around and I feel surrounded by very special people, so thank you all. I think I”ll plant several more trees next year, and let life happen. thanks!
• Christine, North Bennington
Expressing gratitude… make it count!
See something you really appreciate in your local community? Post a “thank you” to your neighbors via FPF…
Jay, Anne, and all who contributed to the flowers in the villages. They are soooo nice, well kept, and send a welcoming invitation to anyone passing through, including us locals. Beautiful pots and lovely flowers all summer long. THANK YOU!
• Beth & Jerry, Cambridge FPFI drive through Cambridge Village on my way to work and have been admiring the yellow flowers in the pots. What a lovely welcoming combination of colors. Very unique. I was trying to decide who to send a thank you to and thought perhaps the town clerk . But what a good idea to reach a lot of people here on Front Porch Forum. Thanks so much for the colorful welcome to your village.
• Charlene, Belvidere Center
Carpool forming in the Islands via FPF
Carpools can save money and time, reduce your environmental impact, and help make friendly connections in your community. Many Vermonters use Front Porch Forum to start their carpools, like Anne below…
Just checking in to see if there’s any commuters to Plattsburgh from Alburgh or Isle La Motte area. I drove into work today and there were six Vermont cars going over the bridge to enter New York and we all got off around the same exit towards Plattsburgh. Do you want to save money and share the drive? Just let me know. It can be very flexible on days that people can’t carpool, no worries, but at least you’re saving gas and sharing the driving.
• Anne, Isle La Motte
Stolen snowblower returned thanks to FPF-reading neighbor
AUGH!! My big snapper snowblower was stolen recently from my LOCKED garage. (Thief broke in through the small side door.) If anyone saw anything, knows anything or hears anything please contact the police. I recently moved to Brattleboro – it’s an unsettling ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ to say the least. Thanks in advance for any help that comes my way…
• Susan, Brattleboro FPF
A HUGE thank you to the neighbor who saw my Front Porch Forum posting over my stolen snowblower, took a walk, saw my snowblower in the woods and called the police. I just got it back this morning! I can’t tell you how grateful I am. The police said they hardly ever see anyone get their property back, so I know how lucky I am. A very heartfelt THANK YOU. I’ll be going out to buy a lottery ticket.
• Susan, Brattleboro FPF
59th on the wait list? Ask neighbors instead!
Looking for a hard-to-find item? Use your local FPF to ask your neighbors. Cathy is glad she did!
Hi Neighbors – I am looking for the Book “Where the Crawdads Sing.” I hear it’s great! I have it on hold at our local library, but I’m 59 on the list. Thanks!
• Cathy, Underhill FPFHi Neighbors and friends! Woohoo! I just received a copy of the book that I’ve been looking for. Thanks you all for your time and trouble. I love Front Porch Forum!
• Cathy, Underhill FPF
Finding Housing in Vermont
FPF member, Katie G., tweeted this great tip for finding housing on Front Porch Forum:
“A thing I love about Vermont: on it’s face, renting is hard (especially w/a dog), but if you put a post about yourself up on Front Porch Forum (i.e. pretty much send a personal ad about yourself to the whole town), tons of people will reach out with unadvertised housing opps!”
What are you waiting for? Reach out to your neighbors on FPF today!
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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