Category Archives: Front Porch Forum

Boosting attendance at local events

Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 by No comments yet

Event organizers find using FPF for promotion increases attendance:

“The turnout was the best yet. We asked a lot of the attendees as they were leaving where they heard about the show and many said Front Porch Forum. Thanks for you support and sponsorship, it did really help us get the people through the door.”  • John with Made in Vermont Marketplace

“2017’s Open Farm Week event saw increased reach through partnership marketing with the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and Front Porch Forum, drawing visitors from Vermont and beyond to the many participating farms throughout the state.”  Reported in the Bennington Banner

Post your event on FPF or contact us to learn how to broaden your reach at localbiz@frontporchforum.com!

In-person conversations lift the spirit

Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 by 1 comment

Front Porch Forum members spend time connecting with their neighbors in person.

“Waiting at the DMV I met Mr Congeniality himself: 4-year old Isaac. He and I quickly struck up a friendly conversation. He was thoughtful and creative and funny. And to be honest, I’ve had a pretty crummy week otherwise, but chatting with that bright-eyed kid was a lovely distraction.” • Morgen in Montpelier

Let’s start being more real, more in-person. Stop living so much of life in cyberspace. Commit to replacing some screen time with real time. Quality time. Our world will be better as a result of every in-person connection we have.” • John in Barre

“With all the sad news happening around the world, I just feel the strong desire to spread happiness & positivity, and Front Porch Forum seems the perfect place to do it!” • Elaine in Northfield

Feel free to continue spreading happiness on FPF!

Penguin now has a home

Posted on Friday, April 13, 2018 by No comments yet

Witnessing daily small acts of neighborliness on Front Porch Forum

“What an amazing community we all live within! Thank you very much to the dozens of people who offered Penguin the hen a home after the fisher cat attack on her coop. She is now happily ensconced in a neighbor’s coop, and I feel very happily ensconced among this amazingly generous and caring community.”
• Zoe in Underhill


FPF
‘s recent survey shows that 89% of respondents say their neighbors help others. How true!

 

Vacation tips from neighbors

Posted on Thursday, April 5, 2018 by No comments yet

Traveling soon? Your neighbors on Front Porch Forum just might have some stellar recommendations!

“I reached out on FPF for tips on places to visit and things to do while in Florida. I was looking forward to seeing family but dreading the Florida part of the trip. However, thanks to kind and seasoned travelers on FPF, I got a lot of tips that had me eating in a Greek restaurant in a sponge-diving community, kayaking down the Weeki Wachee River, and swimming with manatees. What a helpful community!” • Carl in East Montpelier

Picked up this morning after posted yesterday

Posted on Monday, April 2, 2018 by No comments yet

Looking to sell or give-away household items…. or a car? Some success stories:

“Kitchen Aid Mixer & Toddler Bed Sold. Thanks for ALL the interest! Thank you to Front Porch Forum!” • Elizabeth in Danville

FPF came out at 4:30 ish and by 6:00 I had 6 people contact me about the carpet!” • Gerry in Fayston

“The flooring is gone. Picked up this morning after posted yesterday. Way to go FPF.” • Noah in Montpelier


“Subaru sold! Thanks for ALL the inquires. 
Amazing the Power of FPF!!!” • Ginny in Stowe

“I’ve never received bogus calls or offers from anything posted here on FPF. Can’t say that for Craigslist!”
• John in Barre

Are you using Front Porch Forum to move some items?

 

A matter of trust

Posted on Monday, March 26, 2018 by No comments yet

A recent article from the Times Argus highlights findings from FPF survey work done in 2017.

“Members of Front Porch Forum, who are not anonymous and make a commitment to be part of the online community, are comforted by the engagement of others. Perhaps at a time when contention is rampant, the sense of community, even online, is enough of a connection for members to feel a level of comfort and trust. 

Community building takes various forms, whether that be public suppers, music, theater or meetings and discussion groups. Vermonters have always taken great pride in being good neighbors. Now we can take stock in knowing that being part of the community, even online, has merits that go far beyond chasing down lost dogs or finding a place to stay for a friend. It still means we connect.”

To read more, visit https://www.timesargus.com/articles/a-matter-of-trust/

Curling to support the Howard Center

Posted on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum is participating in Howard Center’s 2018 Curling Challenge to help raise money for the many Howard Center programs and services that support people in our community. Some of these include:

• 24/7/365 Crisis services
• Residential programs
• Specialized schools
• Street outreach
• Substance use treatment & recovery
• Suicide prevention
• Therapeutic camps

 

By contributing to our fundraising efforts on behalf of Howard Center, you will be making a real and lasting difference within our community. Follow This Link to donate now and help in our efforts to support Howard Center!

Uplifting moments after fires destroy homes

Posted on Monday, March 5, 2018 by No comments yet

Recent fires, while tragic, also remind us how generous our communities can be helping those in need. FPF members respond:

“The fire at my home took almost everything from me. Despite my losses, I will be able to remember it as one of the most uplifting moments as well due to the outpouring of generosity, kindness, and love from the Montpelier Community. Never have I felt more cared for, or supported.” • Lauren in Montpelier

“Big Thanks to all the folks who worked their frozen fingers to the bone making it possible to save our store, library and community. If you see or know a Fire department Volunteer, please share your gratitude for keeping our town/village intact. This includes our Village and town employees as well. Thanks to all of you who reached out, stepped up, and pitched in; it’s what makes our town resilient and a place we want to live.” • Kim in Johnson

Front Porch Forum members respond to a call for help for a family who’s house was completely destroyed:
“I would like to thank everyone for the tremendous generosity and support. Knowing the love and support the community has shown is greatly helping them through this tragic time. Let us use this as a reminder to always reach out and help our neighbors.” 
• Heidi in Monkton

Hibernating bear wakes up

Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 by 1 comment

“A Front Porch Forum post (from Kim in Shelburne) warning neighbors about the possible wandering bear yielded almost twenty email responses. Though she was the only one to actually see evidence of the animal, she said people were very interested in her experience.

Early spring flooding and warmer weather can bring the bears out, but colder weather will drive them back to sleep until an extended period of warmth spring occurs.

If you see a bear, or signs of a bear, there’s no need to panic or call Fish and Wildlife. Mary (with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department) said, “It’s cool to see them. Be careful that animals don’t get in the way of the bear, and enjoy seeing wildlife.”  • As reported in the Shelburne News

Will the recent warmer temps awaken more bears? Keep your neighbors updated on FPF!