Category Archives: Borrow and Lend
One Vermonter’s Response to Inflation
A recent Front Porch Forum posting in the Northeast Kingdom…
My favorite shopping place is FPF. As we are all struggling to get by, we think we can’t afford to buy what we need. But then the generosity of an FPF neighbor comes through. They have helped me several times! Thank you Neighbors 🤗
• Randall in East Burke
Wood for Good
Front Porch Forum gives members across Vermont and parts of upstate New York and Massachusetts, a space to connect with their neighbors and communities. We see all kinds of postings, but some of our favorites are postings were people come together to help meet a need in the community.
Eric Axlerod, and FPF member from Jericho, uses his neighborhood forum to help provide firewood to neighbors in need. It started with a simple surplus of wood and has evolved into an effort to source, cut, stack, and donate cords of firewood.
Check out this excerpt from Seven Days:
“Thus far, they’ve given away 12 cords of wood. The crew is hoping to collect 20 cords to have on hand ahead of this fall. While they started collecting at their own house, they’ve also cut wood on neighbors’ properties.
The trio has dubbed the undertaking “Wood for Good,” and its mission is similar to that of organizations such as the Monkton Wood Bank in Addison County. Axelrod said he eventually wants to form a nonprofit and hopes to sign up more volunteers to help the cause. He’d consider expanding beyond Chittenden County if it takes off.”
Burlington Free Press also covered the story, sharing that many community business have pitched in to provide trees, wood-splitting and stacking equipment, and volunteers to help get firewood ready for this winter:
“Last month North Star Leasing Company in Burlington announced it was donating a portable wood conveyor to Wood for Good…
…Employees of North Star Leasing are arriving earlier to help split wood. People from the Rotary Club of Burlington and Axelrod’s men’s group have also come to help. Barrett’s Tree Services in South Burlington dropped off seven loads of trees that gave Axelrod a huge boost for 2021. Teachers Tree Service in Shelburne also donated trees.”
When people come together and give back to their community, amazing things can happen. This is a wonderful testament to how challenging times have inspired many amazing neighbors and small businesses to help support those in need of food, warmth, and support.
Read and post on FPF to brainstorm ideas for community outreach, connect with resources that may help you and your family, or organize an effort in your town!
“Can’t Find It at the Store? Try Bartering For It.”
In an Aug. 3 New York Times article by A.C. Shilton, Front Porch Forum got a shout out as a platform that people successfully use to barter. When folks have too much zucchini but really need to borrow a hedge trimmer, FPF shines as a way for neighbors to help each other access what they need. Check out the excerpt from the article below:
“Bartering hasn’t been this widespread since its days at the elementary-school lunch table. Front Porch Forum, a hyperlocal social network in Vermont and parts of New York that has long been a hub of bartering, has seen an 83 percent increase in new-member sign-ups this year over the same period last year, said Michael Wood-Lewis, who co-founded the site with his wife, Valerie, as a neighborhood listserv back in 2000. While Front Porch Forum is a way for neighbors to connect on a range of things, recently, appeals for swapping eggs for rhubarb or chicken wire for day lily bulbs have increased, Mr. Wood-Lewis said.”
Read the full article on the modern barter economy here.
Reflections on Wandering Chickens and Gardens
With many of us finding more time on our hands, what better opportunity to reflect on ourselves and how we fit into the fabric of our communities? Keep reading to take in a beautiful reflection on the past, giving items a second life, and giving and receiving as part of a close-knit community. We are so grateful to witness these kinds of exchanges on Front Porch Forum!
“I don’t know why it does, since I have known it since moving to Vermont, but I am nevertheless continually surprised by the kindness, thoughtfulness and genuine humanity of our small community of people here. I grew up in South Africa as a privileged white person in the days of the Apartheid regime. But I worked for many years before leaving, as a teacher in the indigenous community that surrounded my home. And from them I learned (amongst other things) how to make something out of very little and always reuse anything that could have another life somehow.
And so, over the years I have developed a passion of my own for finding a use for things that someone else no longer has a use for.
Each time I have posted here, looking for something that might replace going out and buying another new “whatever”, I have received such wonderful responses and I want people to know how heartwarming and reassuring this has been. Particularly now in these times of such uncertainty and personal insecurity.
So thank you to those of you who have been so forthcoming, not just with physical objects, but with ideas, suggestions and perspectives that have all been so helpful. I will probably continue to post here when I think I might need something for our new garden or chicken project.
And of course I am constantly reading the posts of other people’s searches, to see if I could be on the other end, and find a home for something I no longer need.
My wife says that this is a part of me deeply engrained and unlikely to change, something regarding leopards and spots. I think I agree with her.“ • Allen in Ferrisburgh, Vt.
Do you have an observation or reflection to share with your neighbors? Do you have something to give away or that you’re seeking for a project? Post about it on FPF!
Loneliness in Vermont
If you are ever feeling lonely in one of Vermont’s rural nooks or bustling towns, a post on FPF might just do the trick!
“If you are ever feeling lonely, just post on FPF for crutches. You’ll get lots of emails and you can roam thru the valley visiting and picking them up. And a week later you get to visit again to return them. Thank you all for the offers.” • Ken F., Warren, Vt.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
There are countless examples of neighbors helping neighbors on Front Porch Forum! See some recent examples of FPF members in need of specific items, resulting in a huge helping response from their neighbors!
“July 11, 2019: Hey Forum Fam!!!! Need a twin size or full size matress please!!! Just found a room to move into but looking for a bed. Low on cash since most my money will be toward the room. Let me know if y’all have any leads. Thanks!!!
July 13, 2019: The response to the mattress situation was astronomically great!!! I think the Forum is the best thing I’ve come across as far as people helping their community!!!” • David H., Montpelier, Vt.
“A few weeks ago, I posted an announcement about a baby boy who belongs to a young homeless couple that are “tenting” in Stowe. I asked for donations of baby items. The response was nothing short of amazing. This little boy who was born on May 3rd, he received so much love from members of our community. Diapers, formula, clothing, a stroller and so much more. Stowe Barber Shop is where he often hangs out. A rocking chair even made its way here and people waiting for haircuts will rock him and hold him. I just want everyone who contributed to know what a BLESSING you ARE!” • Regina C., Stowe, Vt.
Need some help finding an item or working on a project? In the spirit of sharing? Keep up with your local FPF!
Who needs Craig’s list?
Front Porch Forum members turn to their neighbors to find what they need, in a matter of minutes.
“WOW! I love the FPF Community! I received, almost before I finished my query, so many recommendations for local knife sharpening. Thank you all so much for your input and suggestions – who needs Craig’s list!” • Arrianna in Morrisville
“FPF is such an asset, Craigslist is great for certain things, however, FPF BLOWS CL away when it comes to really cool, random items for sale, for free or wanted to borrow and the fact that it’s SO local.” • Steven in Shelburne
From the obscure to the everyday, it’s likely a Front Porch Forum member can help!
Neighbors lend a hand… and crutches!
Front Porch Forum members are thankful for the generosity of others.
“Thank you all for your kind and prompt reply to our request for a wheelchair to borrow. This community is the best!” • Melanie and Dave in Waitsfield
“I want to thank everyone for the emails offering crutches! The generosity of our community is so amazing.” • Carly in Montpelier
“So many responses to my search for crutches, it is beyond belief! Many thanks to all of my neighbors who offered and the reassurance of how wonderful FPF is!” • Carol in Williston
“I just wanted to thank all of the people who reached out to me offering to lend a pair of crutches! I didn’t get a chance to thank everyone individually but thanks to such a wonderful community, I am all set!” • Katharine in Hinesburg
Need assistance? Ask your neighbors for help on Front Porch Forum.
“Here’s how we’ve benefited from FPF… “
Here’s FPF-member Amy’s list… what’s your’s? Please donate today to our Supporting Member Campaign!
Bought a chair.
Got a free fridge.
Learned about the town forest.
Gave away baby gear.
Bought a desk.
Got a free music stand.
Bought a suitcase.
Re-homed my houseplants.
Found out about a garage sale.
Got some wicked awesome leaves. (Thank you Dave T!)
Publicized many events for The Coop and Forest School.
Learned about Saturday morning meditation.
Found out a hundred dogs were lost. And found!
Learned about fun stuff to do at the library.
Got a free wool blanket to make a sleeping bag.
Learned about the town plan.
Complained about squirrels.
Was reminded to check for ticks.
Gave away some tools.
Bought some mud boots.
I could really go on. Thanks Richmond! We made a donation. Thanks FPF!
Our neighbors are so cool
As we prepare for unusually hot temperatures this weekend, neighbors look out for each other on Front Porch Forum.
“A BIG THANK YOU to everyone that responded to my post seeking an AC unit. We are all set now for the heatwave! Our neighbors are so cool! Thank you for taking the time to help a neighbor!” • April in Shelburne
“It looks like Vermont might hit 100 degrees this weekend! To keep cool, turn off lights, TVs, entertainment systems and computers. They use energy and add heat to your home. Also, use cooler morning or evening hours for tasks that produce heat or moisture (like dishwashing, baking, laundry, or showering). For more ways to save visit www.efficiencyvermont.com. Stay safe this weekend, drink lots of water, and if all else failsthat’s what creemees are for!” • Matt, Senior Customer Support Specialist, Efficiency Vermont
FPF member shares tips on how to stay nice and cool: “Put ice cubes and water in a small bucket — then soak a thin hand towel in the bucket — wring it out — then fold to make a 3 to 4 inch strip — place on back of neck — make sure to cover both arteries on the right and left side of your neck — cools you right away —- indoors or outdoors.” • Joe in Montpelier
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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