Author Archives: Michael
Burlington community engagement survey results
#BTV #VT – Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) just released the results of a new survey that shows that “sense of community” is highly valued by Burlington citizens. About 44% liked their neighborhood because of friendly neighbors and a strong sense of community. And 10% said that an even stronger sense of community would improve their neighborhood more.
The average respondent (588 total) uses Front Porch Forum, is an English-speaking homeowner age 30 to 60, lives with one other adult and no children, works full-time, and has an annual household income greater than $50,000.
Some other tidbits…
Q: How did you find out about your Neighborhood Planning Assembly?
38% Front Porch Forum
22% Word of mouth
5% Newspaper
35% Other
Q: What do you like about your neighborhood?
52% Proximity to amenities
44% Friendly neighbors/strong sense of community
Lots of other options
Q: What would you change about your neighborhood?
13% Less traffic and speeding
11% Nothing
10% More connection to neighbors
Lots of other options
Q: Are you subscribed to Front Porch Forum?
93% Yes
Q: Which (other) social media do you use?
92% Email
69% Facebook
33% YouTube
21% Twitter
17% Google+
4% None
1% LinkedIn
Several others listed
Q: How did you find out about survey?
69% Front Porch Forum
10% CEDO e-newsletter
4% NPA
4% Friend/co-worker
3% Facebook
2% email
2% Bulletin board
1% Twitter
1% Service provider
0.2% Business
Q: Languages spoken in household?
99% English
6% French
4% Spanish
16 other languages selected by respondents
Q: Rent or own your housing?
30% Rent
70% Own
Q: Number of adults (18 or older) living in household?
20% 1
66% 2
9% 3
3% 4
1% 5
0.4% 6-7
Q: Children under 18 in household?
68% 0
14% 1
14% 2
2% 3
1% 4
Q: Your age?
1% Under 18
18% 18-29
34% 30-44
32% 45-61
13% 62-74
3% 75 and over
Q: Your employment?
58% Work full-time
16% Work part-time
11% Retired
5% Student full-time
4% Unemployed
2% Self-employed
1% Disabled
1% More than 1 job
1% Attending school and working
1% Stay-at-home parent
0.4% Student part-time
0.2% Sabbatical
Q: Your annual household income?
13% Less than $20,000
12% $20,000 to $30,000
10% $30,000 to $40,000
10% $40,000 to $50,000
14% $50,000 to $65,000
9% $65,000 to $80,000
15% $80,000 to $100,000
15% More than $100,000
Who’s organizing your block party?
#VT – People increasingly use their Front Porch Forum to organize block parties, group yard sales, and community potlucks. That’s great! Here’s an example…
I am a young professional who just moved into the area from Southern Vermont. My boyfriend and I live in South Starksboro and are interested in getting to know community. Does anyone have suggestions?
Also, I would love to find somewhere to volunteer and meet people. Are there upcoming events, community groups or organizations that could use an extra hand?
This posting was followed today by the wonderful response below…
I would like to propose a potluck at our gardens and invite other ‘New’ neighbors as well as ‘Old’ neighbors. How about Sunday June 24 at 4. Any other suggestions neighbors?
AWOL kitty discovers beach bum lifestyle…
#VT – Thanks to Front Porch Forum one of my neighbors responded to my post and reported seeing our cat, Colby, at the neighborhood beach this past weekend. I went down this morning and called his name and low and behold, he came out from behind the hedges…
Thank you Lucie for responding to my post.. My family, particularly my 4 year old granddaughter, is very grateful to you.
We are so very happy to have him home again.
Posted by Cathy today on her Colchester FPF.
Winooski Girl Scout Cookies… SOLD OUT
#VT – I would like to thank Front Porch Forum and the overwhelming response to the left over Girl Scout Cookies. We have sold the remaining amount. Our troop thanks you for your support! I will be sure to post next year when our cookie sales begin.
Posted by Bonnie on FPF this week. Well done Winooski cookie eaters!
Green beans for IT help
#VT – For a while now I have been helping people in and around Duxbury with IT/computer issues. As times are tough for most of us, I trade my services for services/products… I have received green beans, maple syrup and even wonderful cakes as payment. If you need advice, repairs or a whole network set up let me know.
Posted on the Duxbury Front Porch Forum by Keith recently.
Neighbor Love…
#VT – I posted a request yesterday for a truck and help moving a couch from Burlington to Middlesex. Many people responded and the work will be done today! I love Front Porch Forum and the people in Middlesex. Many thanks!
That’s from Pat today on her Middlesex FPF.
Vermont Wildlife
#VT – Front Porch Forum is choke full of unusual wildlife sightings this weekend…
- Mama bear and cubs in the South End of Burlington
- Porcupine near Five Corners in Essex Junction
- Loads of hummingbirds all over
- And turtles on the roads near Lake Iroquois, including this note just posted by Kathleen…
I moved a little turtle today, too, about the size of a baseball. She and I worked together, with the help of an envelope I had, to encourage her to move. I was surprised by the noise her feet made when she literally RAN to the side of the road. I had no idea that turtles could RUN. They can.
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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