Monthly Archives: July 2020

“What Vermont and Its History Might Teach the Nation About Handling the Coronavirus”

Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 by No comments yet

Vermont has the lowest number of cases of COVID-19 in the United States and it begs the question “why?” In Bill McKibben’s July 28 article in The New Yorker, he explains the state of Vermont’s unique history and social structures that likely pay a big part in preventing the virus’s spread throughout the Green Mountains.

In addition to Phil Scott acting quickly when the first few cases appeared, McKibben credits much of the spread slow-down to neighborliness and social trust:

“Vermonters entered the pandemic with remarkably high levels of social trust. Only thirty-eight per cent of Americans say they mostly or completely trust their neighbors, but a 2018 Vermont survey found that seventy-eight per cent of residents think that “people in my neighborhood trust each other to be good neighbors”; sixty-nine per cent of Vermonters said that they knew most of their neighbors, compared with twenty-six per cent of Americans in general…

…All that is a reminder of how social trust has been squandered across so much of our nation as we’ve divided into red and blue teams, concentrated on individual advancement, and had our worst instincts yanked at by social media. In this case, Vermont is extremely lucky to be living a little in the past. The governor didn’t immediately mandate mask-wearing because almost everyone mandated it for themselves…”

Read Bill McKibben’s full article in the New Yorker here.

FPF Got a Makeover! Access your Forum three different ways

Posted on Monday, July 20, 2020 by No comments yet

Since Front Porch Forum released the email forum redesign in June, we’ve heard lots of great feedback from members! See what some of your neighbors have to say about the new formatting:

“Way to go FPF! You are a star in our communities. As a generator of two posts a week, I find FPF an ideal forum to keep our communities informed. You Rock!!!!” • John H. from Charlotte/Shelburne, Vt.

“The great thing about FPF is anyone is welcome to post on subjects that are important to them; for some people it’s Doggy Play Dates or Free Plants, and for others it’s Community Health Issues. The new format and bold subject field enable you to peruse the page, read the posts that interest you, and skip the ones that don’t (or maybe be exposed to a different point of view.) Thanks, FPF, for the opportunity to connect and share.” • Joseph C. from Waterbury Center, Vt.

In addition to the email forum redesign, FPF has taken more steps to make the forum cleaner and easier to use. Last year, we released a mobile app, which can be download from the Apple® and Google Play® app stores. It’s changing the way many FPF members read their forums!

“Get the App…best thing since sliced bread. I will now be able to keep up with it daily. Thank you FPF”
• Tammy W. from Morrisville, Vt.

Lastly, FPF members can access their forum by logging in from our website https://frontporchforum.com. Submit a posting, search the archives, access the business directory, and more!

Finding quick responses from neighbors

Posted on Monday, July 13, 2020 by No comments yet

“Thanks for the set of Dominos, Pam! This Front Porch Forum really works!!!”  • Nancy in Jericho

There were so many people (50!) who responded to my request for shopping help, that it’s taking me awhile to reply to each person. Please know that I am quite grateful, and you will hear back from me. It’s very nice to have such good folks around.”  • Mary in Williston

Kind thanks to all who responded to my request for data entry work from home. 10 replies in 20 mins.. Project in progress. Stay healthy.”  • Jonathan in Charlotte

Hi! I started a routine of telling jokes every night to my 86-year-old mother who is quarantined alone in Florida. I’m running out of jokes and would really appreciate any help with new jokes…not too racy… Thanks so much!!!”  • Kim in Moretown

I recently added a posting to FPF for dog sitting and received quite a few responses. We successfully found someone that will take care of our shelties. Front Porch Forum has proven once again to be a wonderful resource. Thank you to all.”  • Sue in Danville

Post your need, large or small, quirky or off-beat on FPF!

Apply now for economic recovery grants!

Posted on Friday, July 10, 2020 by No comments yet

As a result of the federal CARES act, the State of Vermont has recently made available new Economic Recovery Grants for minority and women-owned businesses with 0-5 employees.  There’s also special funding for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations as part of a special allocation of funding through the Vermont Arts Council.

Learn more and apply for the economic recovery grants for Vermont small businesses owned by minorities and women.  $2.5 million has been set aside for women-owned businesses and $2.5 million for minority-owned businesses with 0-5 employees.

Vermont nonprofit arts and cultural organizations should use the same portal to apply for these grants. To learn more about what it means for Vermont’s creative sector check here.