Category Archives: Burlington

Lost wallet anonymously returned to Burlington man… so he joins local FPF to say thanks

Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2017 by No comments yet

“Thank you very much to whomever returned my wallet to City Market customer service. A friend of mine at Mule Bar told me today that he had seen that someone had found my wallet on Front Porch Forum.  I would like to offer a reward to this mystery person. Please contact me!”
• Daniel, joined FPF in Old North End of Burlington so he could post this

Some folks use their local FPF as a form of insurance… a safety net when things go awry.  Send Vermonters to FrontPorchForum.com to sign up.

Posting gratitude instead of obituary

Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 by 2 comments


“In the early morning hours of Monday, March 6, my life flipped upside down with the words ‘get out, get out, it’s a real fire!’ Running outdoors in one’s pajamas, into a windchill of -14, is not an experience I recommend to anyone.

“The heroes of our Burlington Fire Department were there in short order, and the Red Cross was behind them by just a few minutes. Wonderful neighbors opened their doors at once and kept them open all night through hours of the interviews, paperwork, and other mundane details of a waking nightmare. Other people’s gloves and heavy coats and bags for retrieving what we could when it was over appeared seemingly out of nowhere. A night that went badly but could have gone far, far worse was made bearable by not going through it alone. Vermonters are the best people in the world.

“I don’t know yet how long I will be displaced. There is a long period of friends’ guest rooms and daily conversations with insurance companies yet to come. There could have been a long period in a burn unit, and I am writing a Front Porch Forum post, not an obituary, so I am very grateful.

“Thanks for listening.

“P.S.–check your smoke detectors!!”

• Holly, Old North End FPF, Burlington

Tires slashed, windows shot out across Burlington’s South End

Posted on Saturday, March 4, 2017 by No comments yet

Postings like those below (this set is from March 1) have become common on Front Porch Forum across Burlington’s South End…

“The two street-side tires were slashed on a pickup truck parked in front of our house on lower Lyman, we think sometime between last night (Wed 3/1) and this morning. We didn’t notice any activity or hear anything unusual. My husband called the police and an officer stopped by to say the usual – that this type of thing has been happening all over the city and they are trying to track down the perpetrator(s). The officer also said that he had already responded to another incident up the street.”
• Laura, The Addition FPF in Burlington’s South End

“Hey folks – I woke up yesterday morning to find 3 of 4 windows smashed (both street-side, one sidewalk side) on my car parked on upper Ferguson. Nothing taken that I am aware of, however, there was a strange addition of white rice in the front seats. The responding officer was also perplexed by the rice, but did indicate, as we know, that this type of vandalism has been occurring all over Burlington for a while now. Yesterday evening I did locate two BBs inside my vehicle. Wanted to post to let folks know that this vandalism is still occurring.”
• Kristi,The Addition FPF in Burlington’s South End

“Be aware – tires slashed on upper Spruce St. night of 3/1-3/2. Car parked on street.”
• Priscilla, South Union FPF in Burlington’s South End

“My tire was also slashed, Priscilla… I’m on South Union, a couple houses from Spruce. Sad to hear someone else went through this!”
• Kevin, South Union FPF in Burlington’s South End

Same thing happened on my street in the Five Sisters neighborhood a few weeks ago.  If you have any information about these incidents, please notify the Burlington Police and post on your local FPF so neighbors can be aware.

FPF Hires, Achievements and Promotions: Sales Team Dedicated and Moving Forward!

Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 by No comments yet

As Front Porch Forum celebrates 10 years helping neighbors connect and build community, our team has grown and evolved. FPF serves every community in Vermont, and 130,000 members participate out of the 260,000 households that exist in the state. Our staff has grown and evolved to better serve our members and business community. Take a look at our dynamic sales team.

New Additions
Jodi Harrington is an 8th generation Manchester, Vermont gal and 5th generation graduate from Burr and Burton Academy. Previous owner/editor of the Winooski Eagle newspaper and marketing director for both Onion River Co-op and Opportunities Credit Union, Jodi’s small business marketing skills are a great advantage to businesses utilizing FPF. She’s a strong activist in her communities having served on both the Winooski School Board and City Council. She loves the mountains and can be often found on the slopes (she is a level 3 PSIA ski instructor who has taught at Bromley, Smuggs, Whiteface, Bolton, Stowe and Burke).

Wendy Wilson brings her 20 years of experience in marketing, public education and communications to Front Porch Forum. She’s been actively involved in the fabric of Vermont through past work with Chittenden Solid Waste District, Vermont Commons School and Energy Action Network. In addition to her role at Front Porch Forum, Wendy also works part-time for VBSR. She has two teenage daughters and lives in Bristol where she enjoys cycling, traveling, cooking, reading and walking her dog Stella.

Celebrating Five Years
Suzie McCoy has helped local businesses connect with FPF members since 2012. She’s seen FPF membership double in that time, and has a genuine enthusiasm for the important role that FPF plays in our communities. Fluent in French, Suzie earned a master’s degree in education, and has taught at the high school and college levels. She’s an active volunteer and cofounded the Vermont nonprofit Action Coalition for Media Education, and currently serves as school board vice chair. Mom to her 12-year old son, you can find her pursuing a number of outdoor activities year round.

Promotion
Congratulations to Gisele Nelson, who after six years with FPF has been promoted to Sales Team Manager. Gisele started her tenure with FPF as an intern while she was a student at UVM. Her skills were quickly put to work as she took on a role in both Member Support and as an Online Content Manager. She built a strong rapport with many local businesses while in these roles which led her into the sales realm at FPF. Gisele’s strength in balancing her work and understanding of needs from both members and local businesses, combined with her strong inter-office communication skills, led her into this newly developed role at FPF.

Front Porch Forum celebrates 10 years helping neighbors connect and build community. Using technology to bring neighbors closer together, members of a local forum submit their own messages, which FPF distributes to nearby residents as an online newsletter. Because the service is moderated and real names accompany postings, the discussions remain civil, engaging, and relevant. FPF is popular, because it works. Ask any of our sales team staff how they can help put your business in the forefront of neighborhood conversations with our active, engaged membership.

Watch your skis or snowboard… thieves strike slopes

Posted on Saturday, January 21, 2017 by No comments yet

“Just wanted to send out a quick PSA and let everyone know that there is apparently a ski/snowboard thief going around to most of the local resorts (Sugarbush, Smugg’s, Bolton, Stowe). My skis and poles were stolen last night from Bolton and the desk employee informed me there have been about 5-10 other reports just in the last 2 days. Please be cautious and lock/watch your things!”
• Jenessa, Richmond Front Porch Forum

Has your gear been stolen this season?  Pitch in by telling your neighbors on FPF.

10 Words for 10 Years – FPF annual word play and free prize drawing

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 by No comments yet

FPF is ten years old now! Help us celebrate with our annual New Year word play and free prize drawing!

Submit your entry before midnight Thursday, January 5, 2017 — any posting consisting of exactly ten (10) words submitted before the deadline will enter you into a free drawing* to win one of these 25 great prizes:

• One overnight room at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
• One K250 Coffee Maker (in Red) from Keurig
• One Tower of Treasures from Lake Champlain Chocolates
• Two cases of SAP! Maple Drinks (2 winners)
• One $100 gift certificate to Jivana Holistic Spa in Burlington
• One $100 gift certificate to Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier
• One $100 gift certificate to Prohibition Pig in Waterbury
• One $50 gift certificate to Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne
• One $100 gift certificate to Bluebird Barbecue in Burlington
• One $100 gift certificate for Troy West Carpet Cleaning in Barre
• One $100 Gift Certificate to to Farmers to You in Berlin
• 12 pints of frozen yogurt (one/month) from SoYo Frozen Yogurt
• One “Year of Free Bread” card for Great Harvest Bread Company
• One full makeover at Sequoia Salon in Burlington
• One family portrait or signed print from Carolyn L. Bates Photography
• One 5-punch treatment card to OPEN Community Acupuncture in Waterbury
• One $100 gift certificate to the Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington
• Two tickets to Joey Alexander April 22 at The Flynn Theater
• Two tickets to Bal© Folcl³rico da Bahia Jan. 27 at The Flynn Theater
• Two tickets to Cinderella, by State Ballet Theater of Russia Jan. 28, Spruce Peak Arts
• Two 1-Day Lift Tickets (no restrictions) to Sugarbush
• Two 1-Day Lift Tickets (valid mid-week, non-holiday) to Bolton Valley
• One 1-month Family Membership to The Edge
• One $125 gift certificate to the Shelburne Field House
• Pair of Buy Local coupon books and mobile apps from Local First Vermont (3 winners)

Thanks to the local Vermont businesses who donated these wonderful prizes.

Now get creative! Make your neighbors laugh, cry, smile, think! — and POST AN ENTRY:

• Go to FrontPorchForum.com and click LOGIN (if not already logged in).
• Once logged in, click MY ACCOUNT.
• Then click COMPOSE POSTING.
• Select posting category “10 Words for 10 Years – FPF Raffle,” type your posting, and click SUBMIT POSTING.

*FPF welcomes up to two entries per day per person. Post about whatever tickles your fancy. Click on the links under PAST ENTRIES for loads of great samples.

Invite your Vermont friends, family, co-workers and others to join their local FPF and enter the raffle!  They can sign up at FrontPorchForum.com. Check out flyers, social media tie-ins, and more on our Pitch In page.  Spread the word!

UPDATE:  This raffle is now CLOSED.  Here are our lucky randomly drawn winners…

One overnight room at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
Mary O’Brien, Hartland
“Front Porch communication creates community, notifies neighbors, knits strangers together.”

One K250 Coffee Maker (in Red) from Keurig
Rita Muller, Peacham
“Despite digital distraction, community and neighbors still remain incredibly important.”

One Tower of Treasures from Lake Champlain Chocolates
Alec Slater, South End, Burlington
“I’m an apple-farming physician, so I keep myself away.”

Two cases of SAP! Maple Drinks
Berta Winiker, Bennington
“Oh, schizophrenic Vermont winter, what variety might we see today?”
Theresa Butts, Tinmouth
“Palindrome love: Are we not drawn onward to new era?”

One $100 gift certificate to Jivana Holistic Spa in Burlington
Dan Elliott, New North End, Burlington
“So many engaged people; tell a friend to join FPF!”

One $100 gift certificate to Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier
Ed Leszko, Barre
“My house has no front porch; internet does; thank you!”

One $100 gift certificate to Prohibition Pig in Waterbury
Elisabeth Walton, Stowe
“What did the zero say to the eight? Nice belt!”

One $50 gift certificate to Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne
Sarah Forbes, Williston
“Oh what nice people I have met borrowing and lending!”

One $100 gift certificate to Bluebird Barbecue in Burlington
Rachelle Gould, Old North End, Burlington
“FPF, the anti-Twitter: focused on local, no Trump, limitless characters.”

One $100 gift certificate for Troy West Carpet Cleaning in Barre
Quint Welters, Cabot
“Why did the chicken cross the road?  Dunno.  Ask FPF… ”

One $100 Gift Certificate to to Farmers to You in Berlin
Lava Mueller, Randolph
“I gave up social media… except for Front Porch Forum!”

12 pints of frozen yogurt (one/month) from SoYo Frozen Yogurt
Raven Grey, South End, Burlington
“Don’t feed loons poptarts, ‘they are endangered,’ people will yell.”

One “Year of Free Bread” card for Great Harvest Bread Company
Michelle Yargeau, South Burlington
“Let your words pass through three filters:  kind, true necessary?”

One full makeover at Sequoia Salon in Burlington
Zachary Key, Winooski
“Have I ever bought milk from the same cow twice?”

One family portrait or signed print from Carolyn L. Bates Photography
Bobbie Moser, Milton
“Congratulations to Front Porch Forum! We are all better connected.”

One 5-punch treatment card to OPEN Community Acupuncture in Waterbury
Linda Jones, Warren
“A broken ankle showed me the true spirit of Vermont!”

One $100 gift certificate to the Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington
David Hobb, South Hero
“Sparks fly with impunity; Please grant immunity; Forum implies community.”

Two tickets to Joey Alexander April 22 at The Flynn Theater
Toria Reed, Salisbury
“Found a dog, lost a cat, everyone got pets back.”

Two tickets to Bal© Folcl³rico da Bahia Jan. 27 at The Flynn Theater
Leo Laforce, Westford
“President elect should learn to use FPF instead of twitter.”

Two tickets to Cinderella, by State Ballet Theater of Russia Jan. 28, Spruce Peak Arts
Richard Hamlin, Georgia
“Once a small forum; now a lifeline for many people.”

Two 1-Day Lift Tickets (no restrictions) to Sugarbush
Amanda Skull, Newfane
“Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.”  • Abraham Lincoln

Two 1-Day Lift Tickets (valid mid-week, non-holiday) to Bolton Valley
Julie Welkowitz, Richmond
“Lending a hand; selling tires; love the Vermont community spirit!”

One 1-month Family Membership to The Edge
Dale Lacroix, Essex Junction
“Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most.”

One $125 gift certificate to the Shelburne Field House
Carole Carlson, Shelburne
“This Front Porch Forum skeptic has become an avid supporter.”

Pair of Buy Local coupon books and mobile apps from Local First Vermont
Melissa Marcello, Charlotte
“You’ve outlasted the typical vacuum cleaner. FPF definitely doesn’t suck!”
Leah Pellegrini, Essex Junction
“We moved here one year ago. FPF has helped us!”
Laurie Newton, Bolton
“Bears hibernating, cats sleeping, frozen-fingered humans starting cold cars.”

Burton jacket missing from Nectars… stolen or honest mistake?

Posted on Friday, December 23, 2016 by No comments yet

“My green Burton jacket was taken from Dead Set at Nectars last night. I’m sure it was an innocent mistake but if anyone found it please please please let me know! My only Saab key was in it and I will not be able to drive to my family’s house for Christmas without it.”
• Kelsey, Old North End neighborhood Front Porch Forum in Burlington

“The person who accidentally took my jacket saw my FPF posting and will be returning it to Nectars! Best case scenario; I am so grateful. Thank you to everyone who reached out with tips and advice! Special shoutout to Rain at Parallel Justice for Victims of Crime. He contacted me and was super helpful in exploring possible solutions. Thanks to this lovely community, it looks like I’ll be making it home for Christmas! And yes, I will be getting a spare copy of my key immediately.”
• Kelsey, Old North End FPF, next day