Category Archives: Best of FPF

Best of FPF: Quick Response

Stan shared this appreciation on the New Haven Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“On this past Sunday afternoon, our three-bay shed structure burned to the ground. It housed a lawnmower, a garden tractor/snowblower, many tools, and much, much more. It was also very near our house and automobiles. With the strong wind, we could have lost them, too, if not for the quick response of the men and women of the New Haven and Bristol Volunteer Fire Departments. We are filled with gratitude for their dedication and professionalism throughout the entirety of the fire.

We are thankful, too, for neighbors who were passing by and spotted the flames, quickly called 911, and then drove in and alerted us. Other neighbors came offering hope and hugs and hospitality throughout a very scary time. Also, since the snowstorm this week, another neighbor has plowed our driveway twice.

New Haven became our hometown only three years ago. We have been happy to find a welcoming and caring community here, and the generosity we have experienced this week is an example of that spirit.”

Best of FPF: A Delicious Meal and Molly Malone

Dan shared this appreciation in the Winooski Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Just wanted to share a quick thanks to Papa Frank’s! They are an amazing family-run business on a side street in Winooski. When I first moved up here years ago, I was greeted by an amazing woman with a beautiful smile. Sadly, she has passed, but her family continues to run the business well. Food is amazing and delicious.

Today on Thanksgiving was no exception. Much of the family was there, and as usual, super friendly and helpful. They generously offered a free Thanksgiving dinner. Food was delicious to no surprise. Generosity like this has become so rare. Almost can’t be thankful enough.

As a former service member, I can remember spending many holidays alone. As an only child, I can handle it better than most. Many can’t. I have an amazing service dog named Molly Malone. I can’t be thankful enough for her. She is the only reason I get out of bed most days.

I can only hope everyone takes a moment today to reflect on their families and thank them no matter what differences they may have. Be thankful today for family, friends, service men and women who have served, are currently serving and have given their lives for us in service to our country…”

Best of FPF: Intergenerational Relationships

Isobel turned to neighbors in her Burlington Forum with an invitation. We thought it was well worth a share:

“I’ve been missing some of the intergenerational friendships I had back where I used to live, and I’d love to make more connections with folks here — especially any older neighbors who might appreciate a hand or some company.

If you (or someone you know) could use help walking a dog, running a small errand, or simply want someone to chat with over tea or a walk, I’d be glad to lend a hand or an ear!

I’m 25, live in your neighborhood, and have a flexible schedule!”

Best of FPF: Duke and Charlie

William shared the following tale in the Granville Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Tonight I was working in my office. It is typically very dark and quiet here, except for the sound of the White River and the wind. Some strange lights caught my eye, and I thought maybe some guests had arrived at one of my cottages. After a while, I heard a noise and thought maybe I should go investigate. Sure enough, a gent named Juan, hailing from the Bronx, had gotten lost.

Juan was pulling a 48′ mobile dental unit to a VA facility in Middlebury. He obviously got lost, drove up West Hill in Granville for who knows what reason, decided to turn around in my driveway, and got hopelessly stuck on the side of my mountain. He had a 4WD dually RAM, but it was useless. He had tried to back down my steep, narrow driveway (with a pond on one side and a steep bank on the other – unsuccessfully, I might add.)

Juan found his truck stuck deep in the mud over the embankment leading to the pond, with his trailer high-centered on the crown of the road and the tail end wedged 15′ out into the woods in a bank. I tried in vain to pull him out with my tractor. No dice.

I decided to call in the cavalry. I called up my buddies, Duke and Charlie. Being the Samaritans they are – they dropped what they were doing and came to help a neighbor in need. First Duke tried pulling the trailer back into the road with his Ford. He broke my logging chain in half and almost went for a swim in my pond. Strike two.

Charlie decided to call in the heavy artillery and fetched his front-end loader. Duke and Charlie worked together and picked that dental office up like it was a child’s toy and gently deposited it back on the roadbed, only somewhat worse for wear. Charlie then respectfully asked the former pilot if he might take a shot at backing it down the driveway for him. Juan accepted gladly. Well, the boys got everything pointed in the right direction, and Juan went on his way to Middlebury. I hope he made it.

I’m proud of my friends and my state. I’m not even sure if Juan understands just how stuck he was and just how much this would have cost him if he had to call the enormous wrecker required. Not to mention he probably would have been here for hours at best.

This wasn’t the first time either. Both of these fine gentlemen have gotten me unstuck, taught me important lessons, and generally delivered the education with good humor. They always reserve the right to give you a good ribbing first and at each subsequent meeting for quite some time.”

Best of FPF: Dear Hunters

Dave shared this advice in the Essex Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“As a senior citizen who hunted deer for 65 years of my life, but physically can not any longer, I pass along some advice to successful deer hunters this season…

During the last 25 years of my favorite season of the year, I donated all but a couple of meals of my venison take to the Salvation Army kitchen, then to the Burlington Food Shelf, to help feed those who truly needed it. This year, with all the problems for those in need severely increased, I’m recommending that those deer hunters who are successful during the coming weeks consider donating 50% of your venison to one of many organizations that will help feed those who genuinely need the food.

To get me started, the head chef at the Salvation Army in Burlington told me that given 50 pounds of venison, he could make enough venison stew to feed 300 people. Give it some thought prior to the beginning of rifle season!”

After reading this posting, Cory mentioned a special donation program in the Westmore Forum. To learn more about Venison for Vermonters, go to: https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/donate/venison-for-vermonters

Best of FPF: Well Done

Recently, Johanna made a generous offer on her Stannard Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“I heard a story on the radio today about a local farmer who has run out of water and is trying to figure out how to keep his animals alive until he can get a well drilled. While I did contact him directly, I also thought I’d post here to offer access to others in need of water or fenced pasture. Fingers crossed my well holds out, but I have not had issues so far and have put some demand on it in the past.”

Best of FPF: I Love Lucy

“One of our neighbors walks by every morning and afternoon with her daughter and a friend to and from school. When she stopped by our fence this morning, our young friend said, ‘I love you, Lucy.’

Some of you know that we adopted our rescue dog, Lucy, about two and a half years ago. We came close to rehoming her in the fall of 2023. She can be reactive to other dogs, it was hard walking her on a leash, and she was loud with barking at our fence. Her transformation since that fall is nothing short of a miracle, and in part happened because of so many of you. Our trainer recommended that we put a jar of treats on the outside of the fence, inviting people to get a treat for their own dog and throw one to Lucy once she sits and stops barking.

So what we have seen over these last months is Lucy forming friendships with so many people (from behind the fence.) It is as though Lucy has her own cheering squad. One group that walks by every day says ‘she is doing SO well’ and will even stop me in a store and tell me that. Big high school boys stop and talk so sweetly to Lucy and send her treats over the fence. She has forged friendships with kids walking to and from school, groups of people walking with or without dogs, and of course, our wonderful mail carrier, Nick, who is very patient with her. She has special little noises she makes for particular people and runs along the fence in great anticipation of the loving words and, of course, the treats thrown over the fence.

Lucy, Bob, and I are so very grateful to live in a community that cares for a little rescue dog from South Carolina. Thank you.”

Best of FPF: Sam’s Stones

Amber shared the following discovery in the Stowe Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“This week, while moving a mounted TV in the Spruce Peak Arts lobby, Bill discovered something unexpected tucked behind it — a small stone, simple at first glance, but carrying a powerful story. It was one of Sam’s Stones (http://samstones.org).

Sam’s Stones are placed quietly in communities as reminders of connection, kindness, and memory. They honor Sam, a young Vermonter who loved music deeply, and whose spirit continues to inspire others through this project.

How fitting that one found its way into a performing arts center — a place where music and stories connect us, where we come together to make memories with our families, friends, and neighbors. Sam loved music, and in a way, his stone reminds us that music is more than performance — it’s about the bonds it creates, the joy it sparks, and the healing it brings.

We’ve decided to keep the stone on display in our lobby. It feels like a reminder that every note played on our stage, every story told, every shared experience here adds another layer of memory and meaning.”

Best of FPF: Chalk Town

Gail shared the following appreciation in the South End Forum of Burlington. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Thanks to the creative and talented artists in our neighborhood. I enjoy walking my dog early in the day and seeing wonderful drawings, games, and notes in pastel chalk colors along the sidewalk. This past week, there’s been no mistaking where the artistry starts. The chalk sign on the sidewalk reads ‘Now Entering Chalk Town.’

What a fun way to start the day!”

Best of FPF: Third Place Connection

After noticing an intriguing event on the FPF Starksboro Community Calendar and then deciding to attend, Kara shared this appreciation in the Starksboro Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Thank you so much to Evelyn and Jaime for organizing the Saturday AM coffee/tea neighborhood gathering at the Jerusalem schoolhouse. It was such fun to meet neighbors for the first time, learn more about acquaintances, and see the schoolhouse interior. What a great idea! Delighted to hear it may become a monthly opportunity to gather.

It takes courage to start something new, and I really appreciate that you took the leap of faith and went for it! The schoolhouse seems like the perfect place to create a ‘third place’ connection point for the community.”