Ghost of Midnight

An Appreciation Week Sampler

In the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, we invited members of Front Porch Forum to share what you care about in your community. “Is there a person, a program, or a place in your town or neighborhood that makes things just a little bit better? Helps your town to connect? Makes a dark day brighter?”

Well, people REALLY stepped up. Hundreds of messages spread warmth across Vermont.

Here are some snippets that were extra sweet:

“Sending a very special love note of gratitude to our dear neighbors and their exuberant galumphing dog. There are so many reasons to love this family, like shared gardening conversations over the fence, backyard fires, Halloween celebrations, watching their kiddos grow from youngins that my own kiddo looks up to into vibrant teenagers, sharing cups of flour and eggs, sips of a happy hour beverage on the porch… And then perhaps my most jubilent reason to love them, their sweet pooch, who my darling pup considers his girlfriend extraordinaire.”
• Ali, Bristol Forum

“Residents being attuned to our neighbors and community members, efforts to maintain the unique identity of a community, people demonstrating they want to share and celebrate, a resounding understanding that Community is not static- but needs to be developed, sought after, and nourished.”
• Bernie, Jericho

“I appreciate neighbors helping neighbors: sharing garden produce or baked goods, loaning a lawn mower or a tractor, shoveling a path, or running an errand. I appreciate us looking for the best in each other.”
• Margaret, Sandgate

“We were delighted to find pink and red hearts sprayed on our neighborhood snowbanks.”
• Paul, Waterbury

“I appreciate all the people with chickens that offer their spare eggs for sale during the warmer months. I love being able to buy my eggs locally from happy chickens instead of going to the grocery store. A carton of multi-colored eggs is a small joy in my day.”
• Jaylann, East Montpelier

“The other day we were driving past the Town Green and my grand daughter exclaimed: that where the sleigh with reindeer was. That’s where my dad played music! I am so grateful to the many people who help ensure that our Town Green has many wonderful and family friendly events all year long.”
• Cheryl, New Haven

The February 13 “Best of FPF” featured the following:

“Linda always has a kind smile and caring words for anyone who enters Beaudry’s Store. Open seven days a week without fail – now THAT is unwavering commitment. Thank you Linda for being a BEST friend to our town.”
• Melinda, Huntington Forum

“Deep bow of gratitude and appreciation for the Broad Brook Community Center, which hosts such wonderful community gatherings… beautiful and welcoming with its two big red doors, the old Grange is one of the vital beating hearts of Guilford.”
• Willow, Guilford Forum

“I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the staff and residents of Thompson House in Brattleboro. The staff is amazing: loving, caring, kind, and attentive. It is a real community and I feel very, very lucky to have my Dad living there.”
• Robert, Newfane Forum

“Farmer James cares so much for the bees and pollinators in our community and the whole world! He works hard to help people stay informed about what we all can do to help them and us to have a better future for everyone 🐝🐝🐝.”
• Donna, Bethel Forum

“My children and I really appreciate the skating rink in Randolph. They have wonderful employees that are happy to help and the kids absolutely love the ice time!”
• Kat, Braintree Forum

“I appreciate the Middletown Springs Volunteer Fire Department for selflessly putting their lives on the line every time that siren goes off. They’re out day or night, in all kinds of weather and out of love of neighbor and the goodness of their hearts and for no pay. Every one a hero.”
• Larry, Middletown Springs Forum

“In the early morning hours today, I was woken from sleep in my warm, comfy bed because my dogs wanted to let me know that the person driving the town plow in our neighborhood was already working hard in the cold and dark to make sure that we could safely go where we needed to go today.”
• Janan, Northfield Forum