Author Archives: Susannah

Best of FPF: You are Invited

It takes a brave and generous person to reach out to neighbors on FPF to go for a run, meet up for a game, or organize a block party. Sometimes the response is quiet, but often, new connections are created.

Steve and Laurel posted this in their Rockingham Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Because we love to sing in community, we host a monthly potluck and sing event at our home in Bellows Falls. You don’t have to be a great singer; we’re doing this for fun, not as a performance.”

We caught up with Steve, who shared that they’ve been hosting for decades, regardless of where they live. They have many regulars, but reaching out on FPF has attracted others – some who come just once to try it out and others who become a familiar face and voice.

Meanwhile, Alisa posted in the Weathersfield Forum, “I have finally realized that it is silly that I do not know most of my neighbors, so I have decided to change that. I would like to invite you to a “Meet the Neighbors/Block Party” gathering.”

Afterwards, Alisa shared, “I want to say thank you to everyone who came to my house yesterday to say hello and meet your neighbors! It was a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope we can do it again sometime.

Until then, stay healthy, enjoy the summer, and if anyone needs anything and I am around, I would be happy to help. You all have my contact information.”

Best of FPF: People-friendly cow?

Nick posted this request in the Milton Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“My suburbanite sister, Sofia, is coming into town for a few days to throw me a baby shower. She thinks cows are just about the cutest animals on god’s green earth. She’s done so much for me, and I’d love to have a little surprise for her.

Sooo… is anyone in town willing to let us pet and/or feed a reasonably people-friendly cow? A calf would be a definite bonus.”

Best of FPF: A Good Start to the Week

Carrie extended this generous offer on the Brandon Forum and Community Calendar. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Our family will be hosting a community breakfast every Monday on our front porch. This is our attempt to fill a void that many families face during summer break! Whether financially or logistically, it can be hard to shift into summer and accommodate the ten meals our kiddos usually eat at school. Also, Mondays are rough!!!

Today we had our first porch breakfast, and it was a hit! We had kids ride their bikes, families who walked down together, and others who stopped in for a quick minute to grab a bite. Some hung out and played games in the yard and listened to some uplifting music, a good start to a new week! Next week is pancakes and bacon, fresh fruit, cereal, and juice! I will have some to-go containers if people face time constraints. I’m happy to pack things up to go.”

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?”