Author Archives: Susannah

Best of FPF: Democracy and a Folding Chair

Anyone looking for Democracy on Monday night could have found her
at Woodbury Town Hall, sitting on a folding chair among a group of
residents meeting with the Select Board to discuss the proposed
Woodbury Mountain Wilderness Preserve.

She sat attentively through the presentation, learning about
“belt and suspender” conservation easements, forever-wild preservation,
saw-whet owls and fingernail clams; use value appraisal program,
red spruce-cinnamon fern, carbon, fishers, American beech;
transfer tax, linkage, Worcester to the Kingdom and Eagle Ledge,
watershed divide — Lamoille, Winooksi — meeting again in
Lake Champlain; black cherry, perpetuity, blue warbler, yellow—
bellied flycatcher, pink lady slipper, Huge Meyer and E.B. Hyde,
one Mountain, four Towns, and a Family that cared for its land…

As the agenda proceeded to comments and questions,
she edged forward in her chair. The public body raised its
hands representing voices ready to speak; in turn the
moderator signaled and they spoke: proponents citing
water, wildlife, habitat, views — protecting the roots;
opponents citing hunting, logging, traverse, tradition —
protecting the roots. Strong pleadings, disputes,
assertions, rebuttals; yet civil, forbearing, keeping the
ground fertile for seeds of concession and fruits of consensus.

Democracy herself said nothing, but nodded in agreement at
points well-made on both sides. She noted the solemn and eager,
with hands raised awaiting to speak — such restraint effecting
the orderliness required by Open Meeting Law, and
the neighborliness needed to build a community.

Discussion ended, residents folded and returned their chairs to the
corners, then milled about mingling and chatting. The Chair of the Board
carefully not too soon, at last reminded his garrulous neighbors that,
although discussion on the agenda item had ended, the meeting had not —
therefore please remain, seated, or say goodnight. Then the Board
on its bedrock of creaking wood floor and folding metal chairs
resumed the essential works of democracy.

She stayed through passage of the motion to adjourn, then donned her
frayed coat and walked out the door. She passed the Firehouse, Post Office, then
crossed the bridge at the stream, and hiked the hill toward the Library and School.
On this cold, clear, starry night Democracy took heart — for though now she feels
in some parts unwelcome, she finds enduring an unlocked door, an open floor,
and a folding chair at the Town Hall in Woodbury.

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

Best of FPF: NaHaiWriMo – What!?

Lalee invited members of the Craftsbury Forum to get creative this month. We thought their posting was well worth a share:

“National Haiku Writing Month is here! Rev your pens, sharpen your pencils, get ready, get set, go! I’ll post a digested list of prompts each week, you bring your curiosity and creativity to the page. (Haiku is a short, Japanese-style poem of only three lines. It’s generally ruled by a syllable count of 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third.)

Thursday: fortitude
Friday: clarity
Saturday: gravity
Sunday: ravenous
Monday: peculiar
Tuesday: quandary
Wednesday: stampede

Craftsbury’s Third Annual Haiku Slam to follow!”

Best of FPF: A Lone Skater

Ann took solace in a lovely winter scene and shared it on the South Hero Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“To whoever was playing ice hockey alone at 5 pm today (Sunday) — pretty far out, halfway between Apple Island Marina and Paradise Bay — thank you. It was beautiful to watch and lifted my mood.”

Best of FPF: Cookie Love

Dana shared this lovely story on their Montpelier Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“We came home this evening to find a sweet surprise pinned to our mailbox: a Ziploc bag of cookies and an index card reading, ‘I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems.’ – MLK Jr., plus many hand-drawn hearts and the words ‘Peace on Earth’ in glittery gel pen.

I might have a guess as to which neighbor brought this gift, or I might not. Whoever you are, thank you for your mysterious generosity on a single-digit night.”

Best of FPF: UPS Driver? Or, Unsung Hero!?

It’s not uncommon to read “Thanks for helping me to get my car out of a ditch” appreciations on Front Porch Forum. But, we thought the responses to Rich’s posting in the Huntington Forum expressing gratitude to UPS driver, CJ, were well worth a share:

“CJ is the best delivery driver you will ever meet and a rather great human in general.” – Matthew

“CJ, our UPS driver, is indeed the best. He is also an author, check out his book ‘Palmer’s Acquisition.'” – Don

“He’s one of our unsung heroes. He’s an excellent problem solver. And even when there’s no problem to solve, I look forward to his arrival at Sleepy Hollow because he has such a warm, easy presence and knows so much about the region’s people and places.” – Carol

“He always calls us if he has to leave a package at the base of our driveway at night. Who does that?” – Melissa

“We have enjoyed his company and friendship over the last few years, He brought our son a tiny UPS truck for his birthday, I thoroughly enjoyed his book ‘Palmers Acquisition,’ and I recommend you read it!” – Casey

Best of FPF: An Early Welcome

Jeff turned to his Burlington Forum when he and his wife welcomed their baby before they expected. We thought his post was well worth a share:

“I wanted to write a quick note of gratitude; the response to our ‘Oh no, we don’t have any onesies that fit our preemie baby!’ request for help was overwhelming. So many kind people drove through the snow on short notice to give us their hand-me-downs; so many people shared stories of their own very tiny babies growing up big and strong. I’m tearful thinking of the generosity and care, and am so thankful to live in this community and city.”

Best of FPF: Christmas Trees Stacked in My Driveway?

In many towns, there’s a call to deliver Christmas trees to local farms for goats to enjoy eating. Mari, in Shelburne, invited neighbors to deliver theirs to Merrymac Farm Sanctuary in Charlotte (for the 10 rescued sheep and 14 goats who think Christmas trees are delicious) or to drop them in their driveway.

Meanwhile, her husband, Will, was not up to date on reading his FPF issues. We thought his follow up was well worth a share:

“For the record, I have no problem with the town-wide invitation sent by my wife to put all your old Christmas trees in my driveway. While we didn’t talk about it in advance, now that I understand why all these trees are stacking up; I’m fully supportive for the cause of these animals.”

Best of FPF: A Hockey Season Preview

FPF members in Calais can rely on their neighbor, Don, for year-round sports updates – but most particularly hockey. We thought this year’s season preview was well worth a share:

“With last season’s efforts behind them with a handful of wins and an early playoff exit, this year’s crop of skaters has the vision and desire to turn things around in a big way. The three lone Seniors of Max Scribner, Maddox Heise, and Colton Warren spent their summer playing with a Vermont team that more than held their own vs. all-star teams from around New England. Add to that trio a group of 9 Freshmen who are coming off a State Championship last winter, and U32 might surprise the rest of the Division 2 league.

Shock might be a better word than surprise as this Raider team knocked off CVU, 5-0 in their first game. CVU is a perennial Div. 1 power and U32 overpowered them. With Milton, Harwood, and Stowe next in line, this younger version of U32 hockey will have a good idea of where they stand very soon.

Some of the best parts of sports often get hidden behind the headlines. Last year one forward reached the rare milestone of 100 career points with his linemate just a couple points away from joining him. With 2 assists in his first game, he reached that goal only to find out after the game his 100th point was changed to a Freshman player for his first point. The Senior player refused his 100-point banner and a photo in the paper and gave the point credit to the Freshman. A class act for the younger kids to follow and, most likely a banner celebration in the next game. Who said hockey rinks are cold!”
#vermont #vermonthockey #u32 #community #highschoolhockey #frontporchforum