Author Archives: Susannah

Best of FPF: Middlebury Mayor Demands Treats

Elections can cause quite a stir, and it’s been “ruff” in Middlebury as they debate which dog would be the strongest candidate for Mayor of Middlebury (as a light-hearted fundraiser for Homeward Bound Humane Society). We thought some of the nominations were worth a share:

Johanna said, “As I watch Nat campaign, I realize how he is a Mayor for all ages. He can assure safety and comfort for the elderly and model citizenship for children and youth. Nat makes everyone feel like they are seen and heard and this builds community.” Lindsey shared, “Nat, the Yorkipoo, will be on Court Street for a Honk & Wave and hopes to make people smile while they’re creeping through school dismissal traffic!”

Melinda chimed in, “I will be voting for Reggie. If you want a capable, conscientious, hard worker, than look no further than an Australian SHEPHERD. A MAYOR cannot be buddies to everyone. An Aussie knows how to maneuver and steer the city’s ship in the right direction.”

(And, because… Vermont, “The CAT Party is opposed to restrictions on eligible candidates for Middlebury Mayor and would welcome a coalition with the Turtle Party. Also underway are negotiations with the GoldFish Party and the HousePlant Party.” Braden contributed, “I’d like to unofficially nominate an absolute unit of a snapper that lives below the Battell Falls as the head of the incumbent mayor’s secret service detail. I put her up against any would-be challengers any day of the week, and twice on Sunday.”)

Jenn reports, “Good girl Tela, golden retriever/labrador mix, has been hard on the campaign trail, meeting people, kissing babies, tail wagging the whole way!”

Congratulations, Tela, on the win. May you serve Middlebury well.

Best of FPF: Wayside Pancakes

Listen to this story shared by Carolyn in the Montpelier Forum! We thought it was well worth a share:

“For approximately 80 years, I have had bacon, eggs, and pancakes for breakfast on Sunday morning. Due to an electrical problem, my stove doesn’t work. As a result, I went to the Wayside for my traditional pancakes. I was pleasantly surprised when the waitress told me that an anonymous person had paid for my meal.

Thank you, anonymous person. In the current environment, that was a gift in so many ways.”

Best of FPF: Smiles and Miles

Sara shared a farewell message in the Stowe Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“I have been driving the school bus in Stowe for 15 years. This is my last year and I will be done in less than a month. This decision was very hard to make because I love my job. I love seeing the kids every day and watching them grow into amazing adults. From the first day of kindergarten to their high school graduation, I have enjoyed watching the children grow and change and figure out who they are.

As a lot of you know, my mother drove for 30 years and my grandfather drove before her. There has been a Percy driving the bus since the late ’60s and after the school year that will change.

I will still be around. I will continue to teach at The Current. I will be able to volunteer more at school with my own children. And I will continue to coach and teach Lego robotics through the Rec Department. So, thank you for all of the smiles and the miles and for trusting me to keep your children safe.

Thank you for an amazing 15 years.”

Best of FPF: Growing Community

Joshua turned to the Jericho Forum to make an offer, with an aim to build community. We thought it was well worth a share:

“I have a number of raised garden beds and garden space available. My wife was an avid gardener who passed away from cancer late last year. I am hoping to keep her legacy alive by keeping the gardens active – and I cannot do it on my own with a 4 and 5-year-old! I would love to meet more people who are interested in utilizing some garden space or raised beds for free and build community with you this summer.”

Best of FPF: Quiche, Coffee, and Thanks to Teachers

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week across the region. Here are just a few of the many celebrations of educators that we thought were well worth a share:

Eileen in the Montpelier Forum explained that, “Each May MRPS PIE hosts a staff appreciation breakfast featuring fresh, locally made quiches from Peg’s Pantry. This year we held an Egg Drive and collected nearly 300 eggs, mostly from backyard chickens! Many thanks to all who donated!”

In the Calais Forum, the Friends of Calais invited “all educators who live or work in Calais to enjoy a complimentary coffee. Simply visit Adamant Coop, East Calais General Store, or the Maple Corner Community Store and mention the Friends of Calais Coffee Fund!”

Moriah shared a call-to-action in the Morrisville Forum (as well as a great collection of memories tied to favorite books and the teachers who read them). “Our schools are the backbone of our communities, so if you feel inclined to give thanks for the adults who every day work diligently to care for and shape the future for our youngest community members – consider bringing in a dish tomorrow. Or, reach out to a teacher and thank them directly. Share a story of how a teacher positively impacted your life. Maybe you were a teacher? What’s a cherished memory from time with your students?”

Best of FPF: Planted! The Barre Vegetable Exchange Group

Mark reached out to the Barre Forum with visions of this summer’s bumper crop. We thought his idea was well worth a share:

“I just planted spinach, lettuce, and carrots in my tiny backyard garden. Even though it is small, I anticipate having more than my partner and I can eat. I was wondering if there was any interest in having a community garden swap a couple Saturdays a month starting in June? Folks could bring excess veggies down to Currier Park say the first and third Saturdays of the month between 9 and 11 and trade? If you don’t have any veggies but bake bread or whatever, you’d be welcome to bring that as well. This would be 100 percent barter, no money exchanged.”

Mark reported back that there was an immediate response to this proposal and the Barre Vegetable Exchange Group (BVEG) including veggies, breads, and flowers is now in full planning mode!

Best of FPF: A Tinmouth Feast

Cindy shared reflections in the Tinmouth Forum on what sounds like a Family Heritage Potluck. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Neighbors and friends gathered to share food and stories at the Tinmouth Community Center. The idea was to bring a meal and share a story about where the dish originated and why it was special to you. Among the countries represented were Germany, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Morocco, and British Columbia. US states included Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, Idaho, and Massachusetts. [selected excerpts below]

Melody … baked wacky cake cupcakes that were popular during a period of egg shortages.

Betti baked the official cookie of Nanaimo, BC. “It’s not exactly health food, but the person who gave me the recipe lived to be 105.”

Helen brought her special Greek marinated fish passed down from her father’s Greek father and his Russian wife.

Tracy brought an Italian corn pudding passed down from Chuck’s Great Aunt Josephine. It was a childhood favorite of Chuck’s and was included in the recipe box they inherited from his mother.

Robbie brought popovers for the gathering and described how he likes to bake them early in the morning for his family before he leaves for work.

Logan brought her grandmother’s famous potato bake. When her grandmother developed dementia, cousin Molly made the potato bake and brought it to every single family dinner thereafter.

Logan brought a handtowel she designed displaying the recipe that memorializes this dish and the women behind it.

This is just a taste of the evening as there were too many stories and recipes to include here!”

Best of FPF: Wave and Say Hi

William shared some reflections on the Granville Forum we thought we were worth a share:

“I found myself in a jury pool again this week. I’ve had the pleasure previously when I lived in Boston, but this has been my first experience as a Vermont resident. As is customary, the court officer begins calling names and folks file into the jury area one at a time.

The officer called a man and then after a brief pause, he called the name again, a little louder and more clearly. A voice said, “I’m comin’!” An elderly man emerged from the pool, at a full-on shuffle. He looked fit, though a little hunched. While it was clear he was a senior, there was no question he could toss a hay bale or connect an ornery implement to his tractor PTO. His response brought laughter to the room.

As part of the process, attorneys ask questions of the potential jurors to make sure they are appropriate to sit for the trial. They will ask broad questions and jurors can raise their hand if they want to answer. The attorney asked if anyone in the jury knew either party to the trial. The man raised his hand and indicated he lived a mile or so away from them both. The attorneys were of course interested in his response and asked if he had occasion to speak to them or some such thing. The man answered, “If they want to talk to me they can, and if I want to answer them, I will.” He had everyone’s attention and we were all delighted. The attorney, wanting to clarify his relationship, asked if he could be objective in his deliberations. The man showed the tiniest amount of frustration as he searched for the words and then said, “Well, I might wave and say hi, but I’m not going dancing with ’em.” The courtroom, including the judge, erupted in laughter.

This was a good reminder to connect – and listen to some stories – from seniors in our communities. All too soon we’ll be in their shoes, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.”