Yearly Archives: 2019
How Borrowing Things From Neighbors Strengthens Society
by: Sarah Lazarovic, Yes! Magazine
Front Porch Forum has long suspected that even small interactions among neighbors have bigger implications for the strength and resiliency of communities. Next time you need a cup of sugar, don’t be afraid to check with a neighbor!
“Research shows that small talk and casual connections create happy communities and less-lonely individuals. This illustration outlines some specifics in a fun-to-read way: https://bit.ly/2UhBQoK
This type of strength is also central to community resilience in the face of big challenges (like climate change). I’m a member of Sustainable Williston, a group that cares about both. If you want to join us sometime, our usual meeting schedule is the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:15 in the library.
Thanks to FPF for connecting us digitally. Here’s to connecting in real life as well!” • Caylin M., Williston, Vt.
See the full, wonderful infographic from Sarah Lazarovic at Yes! Magazine that Caylin shared with her neighbors on FPF here.
“How neighbourhood social networks can help communities and local businesses thrive”
Front Porch Forum is the hyper-local, neighborhood-centric social network that is having a big impact on communities and businesses. Many places are now looking to FPF as a model for community-building that empowers members to become more engaged and invested in their towns.
Mridhula Raghavan, a journalist for Ouishare Magazine, investigated FPF’s role as an alternative to Big Tech networking. Read the full article here.
“It’s not just a smiley face or thumbs up. It’s real engagement.”
Local businesses receive support on FPF
Turn to your neighbors on Front Porch Forum to find recommendations on finding local professionals!
“Thanks fellow neighbors for all of the wonderful recommendations that you shared with me regarding an Accountant for our small business. I’ve found each and every response so far so incredibly helpful! FPF is such a lovely resource and I’m glad to be a part of the community in this way.” • Ilana in Waterbury Center
“I was more than impressed that more than 12 (!!!) kind neighbors responded to my request for info about Limoge Garage Door. Everyone had good things to say, to which I add my own positive experience as a result. Thanks so much to everyone who responded, and to the FPF folks who make this kind of communication so easy, and help get the word out about ordinary people simply doing an excellent job.” • Suzi in Burlington
“Just want to say thanks for all of the recommendations I received for a local forester! FPF is awesome!” • Theresa in Waterbury
WCVR interview with Front Porch Forum
Listen to WCRV‘s short interview with FPF’s co-founder, Michael Wood-Lewis, airing this Thurs., Aug. 8 at 8:12 a.m. on 100.1 FM and 1320 AM.
To stream the interview on Thurs., Aug. 8 click here.
Visit Front Porch Forum for the latest and greatest news and announcements!
“Go West, Young Company: Front Porch Forum Expands Into New York State”
Front Porch Forum has made its first significant out-of-state expansion and is now serving parts of New York, where about 1,500 members have joined so far.
“Now the free, hyperlocal social network has 170,000 members around Vermont and is striking into new territory: upstate New York. In June, the company launched its first major expansion outside of the Green Mountain State, into New York’s Washington County, a rural stretch that borders Vermont in the Slate Valley; and Warren County, which contains Glens Falls. ”
Read the full story by Molly Walsh of Seven Days here.
Loneliness in Vermont
If you are ever feeling lonely in one of Vermont’s rural nooks or bustling towns, a post on FPF might just do the trick!
“If you are ever feeling lonely, just post on FPF for crutches. You’ll get lots of emails and you can roam thru the valley visiting and picking them up. And a week later you get to visit again to return them. Thank you all for the offers.” • Ken F., Warren, Vt.
Strawberrypocalypse
Gardeners make great use out of FPF. Are you?
“I would like to thank the residents of Stowe for the, um, overwhelming response to my posting about strawberry plants. I have never gotten quite so many emails and texts all at once. We had more people stop by in the space of an hour then we’ve seen in the past six months.
My takeaways from this experience are:
1. People read Front Porch Forum with a tremendous sense of urgency.
2. The next time the town wants to get us to vote on something or a nonprofit wants us to come to an event, clearly they need to add a note about free strawberry plants.
Those of you who did get plants, when you need to thin them next year, I know how you can get rid of the extras…” • Emily in Stowe
Kindness among strangers
Even when the world feels chaotic and life gets tough, goodness can be found in kindness among strangers. One Front Porch Forum member recently shared a story about finding help and reassurance in an unexpected way.
A Vermont resident of only one year was on her way to her last cleaning account of the day. The MapQuest directions suggested a route across a narrow and chopped-up road. When rocks hit the undercarriage of the car and fears of a gas leak forced her to pull over, the distress added up. A truck driver stopped to assist and made sure the car was not leaking gas.
“You offered to call AAA for me as well. But since the car seemed fine, you went on your way. I made it to my clients house, then dropped my car off at my mechanic just in case, and made it home safely tonight. Now that my fears have settled a bit, I find myself feeling so thankful that you were there whoever you are. I wish I could say thank you to you personally. I was so caught up in my distress and tears that I didn’t thank you while you were there but I am feeling so grateful because you were an angel to me. I hope this reaches you. Thank you for your kindness and light heartedness. It made a world of difference.” • Ro F., Montpelier, Vt.
CCTV in-depth look at FPF, now airing
CCTV Executive Director, Lauren-Glenn Davitian, is joined by Front Porch Forum co-founder Michael Wood-Lewis in a new interview that takes a closer look at FPF. Find out more about the business’s mission, behind-the-scenes insights, expansion into upstate New York, and more!
You can watch this program on Channel 17/ Town Meeting Television, on Comcast Cable and Burlington Telecom at the following times:
1 Tuesday July 16, 6:30 PM
2 Wednesday July 17, 6:00 AM
3 Wednesday July 17, 12:00 PM
4 Monday July 22, 2:30 PM
You can also watch the program here:
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
There are countless examples of neighbors helping neighbors on Front Porch Forum! See some recent examples of FPF members in need of specific items, resulting in a huge helping response from their neighbors!
“July 11, 2019: Hey Forum Fam!!!! Need a twin size or full size matress please!!! Just found a room to move into but looking for a bed. Low on cash since most my money will be toward the room. Let me know if y’all have any leads. Thanks!!!
July 13, 2019: The response to the mattress situation was astronomically great!!! I think the Forum is the best thing I’ve come across as far as people helping their community!!!” • David H., Montpelier, Vt.
“A few weeks ago, I posted an announcement about a baby boy who belongs to a young homeless couple that are “tenting” in Stowe. I asked for donations of baby items. The response was nothing short of amazing. This little boy who was born on May 3rd, he received so much love from members of our community. Diapers, formula, clothing, a stroller and so much more. Stowe Barber Shop is where he often hangs out. A rocking chair even made its way here and people waiting for haircuts will rock him and hold him. I just want everyone who contributed to know what a BLESSING you ARE!” • Regina C., Stowe, Vt.
Need some help finding an item or working on a project? In the spirit of sharing? Keep up with your local FPF!
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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