Ghost of Midnight

Best of FPF: Dear Hunters

Dave shared this advice in the Essex Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“As a senior citizen who hunted deer for 65 years of my life, but physically can not any longer, I pass along some advice to successful deer hunters this season…

During the last 25 years of my favorite season of the year, I donated all but a couple of meals of my venison take to the Salvation Army kitchen, then to the Burlington Food Shelf, to help feed those who truly needed it. This year, with all the problems for those in need severely increased, I’m recommending that those deer hunters who are successful during the coming weeks consider donating 50% of your venison to one of many organizations that will help feed those who genuinely need the food.

To get me started, the head chef at the Salvation Army in Burlington told me that given 50 pounds of venison, he could make enough venison stew to feed 300 people. Give it some thought prior to the beginning of rifle season!”

After reading this posting, Cory mentioned a special donation program in the Westmore Forum. To learn more about Venison for Vermonters, go to: https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/donate/venison-for-vermonters

Best of FPF: Well Done

Recently, Johanna made a generous offer on her Stannard Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“I heard a story on the radio today about a local farmer who has run out of water and is trying to figure out how to keep his animals alive until he can get a well drilled. While I did contact him directly, I also thought I’d post here to offer access to others in need of water or fenced pasture. Fingers crossed my well holds out, but I have not had issues so far and have put some demand on it in the past.”

Best of FPF: I Love Lucy

“One of our neighbors walks by every morning and afternoon with her daughter and a friend to and from school. When she stopped by our fence this morning, our young friend said, ‘I love you, Lucy.’

Some of you know that we adopted our rescue dog, Lucy, about two and a half years ago. We came close to rehoming her in the fall of 2023. She can be reactive to other dogs, it was hard walking her on a leash, and she was loud with barking at our fence. Her transformation since that fall is nothing short of a miracle, and in part happened because of so many of you. Our trainer recommended that we put a jar of treats on the outside of the fence, inviting people to get a treat for their own dog and throw one to Lucy once she sits and stops barking.

So what we have seen over these last months is Lucy forming friendships with so many people (from behind the fence.) It is as though Lucy has her own cheering squad. One group that walks by every day says ‘she is doing SO well’ and will even stop me in a store and tell me that. Big high school boys stop and talk so sweetly to Lucy and send her treats over the fence. She has forged friendships with kids walking to and from school, groups of people walking with or without dogs, and of course, our wonderful mail carrier, Nick, who is very patient with her. She has special little noises she makes for particular people and runs along the fence in great anticipation of the loving words and, of course, the treats thrown over the fence.

Lucy, Bob, and I are so very grateful to live in a community that cares for a little rescue dog from South Carolina. Thank you.”

Best of FPF: Sam’s Stones

Amber shared the following discovery in the Stowe Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“This week, while moving a mounted TV in the Spruce Peak Arts lobby, Bill discovered something unexpected tucked behind it — a small stone, simple at first glance, but carrying a powerful story. It was one of Sam’s Stones (http://samstones.org).

Sam’s Stones are placed quietly in communities as reminders of connection, kindness, and memory. They honor Sam, a young Vermonter who loved music deeply, and whose spirit continues to inspire others through this project.

How fitting that one found its way into a performing arts center — a place where music and stories connect us, where we come together to make memories with our families, friends, and neighbors. Sam loved music, and in a way, his stone reminds us that music is more than performance — it’s about the bonds it creates, the joy it sparks, and the healing it brings.

We’ve decided to keep the stone on display in our lobby. It feels like a reminder that every note played on our stage, every story told, every shared experience here adds another layer of memory and meaning.”

Best of FPF: Chalk Town

Gail shared the following appreciation in the South End Forum of Burlington. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Thanks to the creative and talented artists in our neighborhood. I enjoy walking my dog early in the day and seeing wonderful drawings, games, and notes in pastel chalk colors along the sidewalk. This past week, there’s been no mistaking where the artistry starts. The chalk sign on the sidewalk reads ‘Now Entering Chalk Town.’

What a fun way to start the day!”

Best of FPF: Third Place Connection

After noticing an intriguing event on the FPF Starksboro Community Calendar and then deciding to attend, Kara shared this appreciation in the Starksboro Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Thank you so much to Evelyn and Jaime for organizing the Saturday AM coffee/tea neighborhood gathering at the Jerusalem schoolhouse. It was such fun to meet neighbors for the first time, learn more about acquaintances, and see the schoolhouse interior. What a great idea! Delighted to hear it may become a monthly opportunity to gather.

It takes courage to start something new, and I really appreciate that you took the leap of faith and went for it! The schoolhouse seems like the perfect place to create a ‘third place’ connection point for the community.”