Author Archives: Michael
Duck-knapping in Weybridge; break-in in Westford; barn burglary in Warren
“Within the past week, I had 5 pet ducks stolen from a fenced-in pen, and my neighbor had building material stolen from the back of his truck. These occured on Quaker Village Rd. Both items stolen were within 40 feet of our houses. They occurred on different nights between 9pm and 6am. I have a game recording video which I’ve sent for enhancement. We will find you thugs.”
• Mark, Weybridge Front Porch Forum
“My neighbor told us today that someone broke into their home and stole a few items. They wanted the rest of their neighbors on Woods Hollow Road to be on the look-out and let the state police know if you see something happening. They would have let us know themselves, but their internet device was stolen too.”
• Julie, Westford FPF
“Hi neighbors… just wanted to let everyone know that our barn was broken into… in broad daylight mid-day. They took a lot of valueable tools, air compressor, generator and many more items… We live on Rt 100 and our house is right next to the road. These thieves are very brave, but they won’t get back into our barn, but just to let everyone know that these thieves are brave.”
• Karen, Warren FPF
Cat shot in Warren front yard… Seeking leads
“We are in search of the person who shot our neighbors’ cat on our front lawn. Our 12-year-old son found the cat. We are sad for our neighbors’ loss and we hope that the person responsible feels some remorse and sees this message. They were shooting towards our home, which has 2 young boys in it. If anyone has any information about this crime we hope you will come forward.”
• Joanna, Mad River Valley Front Porch Forum
Purse snatching in St. Albans
“My wife walked home tonight and showed up with skinned knees and a a huge red mark on her neck from her purse strap. A man on a bicycle rode up behind her and tried to take her purse off her neck. Dragging her to the ground. Thankfully she wears it across her shoulder opposite side. This happened on Main St. by Citizens Bank. Just thought all my neighbors should know. Please be careful!”
• Dustin, Saint Albans Front Porch Forum
“Senior moment” or unreliable pocket?
“Thank you so much, Mary Jane, for posting about my missing credit card. Several people saw it and let me know, and I got it back this afternoon. Usually when I frantically comb the house for something that was in my pocket yesterday, my angst is lonely. Now,I hear from a friend who heard from a friend that my unreliable pocket’s misdemeanor was made public, and I receive kindness not only from a stranger, but friends and family en masse! Not such a lonely world after all! (See what I did there where I shifted blame to my long-suffering pocket instead of to a ‘senior moment?’ Smooth right?)”
• Leslie, Middlesex Front Porch Forum
Montpelier community is awesome
“I really appreciate the many responses I had to my request for lawn mowing help, and I now have someone to do the job. Front Porch Forum and my community is Awesome!”
• Joyce, Montpelier FPF
Jericho neighbors go above and beyond
“Wonderful Front Porch Forum! How wonderful that when a neighbor posts to our FPF asking about the cost of a taxi to the airport, in addition to price estimates she also gets offers for rides to the airport! Love it!”
• Pamela, Jericho FPF
Mailbox vandalism in Middlesex
Disappointing news on the Middlesex Front Porch Forum this week…
“Did anyone else notice smashed mailboxes on Center Rd? Ours was hit and it looked like more were hit as I went down the road.”
• Cindy
“Our mailbox was damaged last night as was others on West Hill Road. Mailboxes on Marcy Road also appear to be have been targeted.”
• Ira
“Our mailbox was also hit here on west hill rd and I noticed another one on story rd. It has a blue mark on it so whatever they were using was blue.”
• Nichole
“Almost every mailbox was hit on Macey Rd! My mailbox was particularly hurting.”
• Hal
“I think our mailbox was vandalized Thursday night. It was fine on Thursday, but Friday morning it has a big dent and the door won’t shut. Hard to understand why someone would do this.”
• Scottie
“I was disgusted thus morning to see the amount of damage done to our neighborhood mailboxes. Alot of them destroyed. This is beyond the damage that has been done in the past. I truly hope those that had severe damage done have called the police. This is not acceptable… I know I will be watching even more closely. Also I saw a bear acouple nights ago on my lawn.. becareful everyone.”
• Kathie
“Our mailbox was also hit here on west hill rd. on Thursday night. The impact mark was rounded. I would guess it was a baseball bat.”
• Harold
“We noticed our mailbox was bent and the door wouldn’t shut Friday am, too. Any follow up to the rest of the roads with this vandalism? Thanks.”
• Linda
“Shady Rill across from French road was hit this weekend as well.”
• Zara
Daughter’s birthday buoyed by Hinesburg kindness
“Thank you to the many neighbors who responded to my request for lilacs today. I was moved by the generosity of so many, and feel blessed to live in such a wonderful community. I’m so grateful for Front Porch Forum as well. I don’t post very often but I read daily, and it helps me connect to the people and issues in our community. FPF serves as a wonderful reminder of the amazing thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity we are surrounded by… I started out mourning our old lilac trees and wishing we had our own trees now to supply a bouquet or two; but, honestly, I love that my daughter’s birthday celebration will be deepened not just by the beauty and fragrance of lilacs, but also by the kindness and compassion of the community she lives in. Thank you again!”
• Stephanie, Hinesburg FPF
More parked-car vandalism in Burlington
“Neighbors – The windows in my son’s car were shot out with a pellet gun a couple weeks ago. It’s been a tremendous burden… both financially and wondering when the vandals will strike again. I have friends that have been hit on DeForest, South Cove, Foster and Robinson, so they’re all over the place. My neighbors down the street had their motorbikes shoved over violently, causing damage to all three… completely and utterly senseless. Don’t park you vehicles on the street if you don’t have to, and keep a look out!”
• Tony, a Burlington neighborhood Front Porch Forum
Pressure canner and jars found new homes in Bristol
“Both the canning jars and pressure canner have found new homes… within minutes of Front Porch Forum arriving in my inbox! Thank you, FPF and neighbors!”
• Betsy, Bristol 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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