Category Archives: Front Porch Forum

Hello to summer!

Posted on Friday, May 25, 2018 by • No comments yet

Front Porch Forum members celebrate community in various ways this Memorial Day weekend.

“We’re going to hold an old-fashioned Block Party and celebrate in the street with games, food and fun…. so come out and play with us!” • Kate in St. Albans

Following the ceremony, the Legion Auxiliary is hosting a potluck lunch.” • John in Guilford

“Please join us for an Ice Cream Social as we say hello to summer!” • Julie in Essex Junction

FPF applauds the many communities who will be gathering together in remembrance and tribute to our veterans.

 

The unseen value of being a good neighbor

Posted on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 by • 1 comment

Our very own co-founder, Michael Wood-Lewis shares the FPF story at TEDx Stowe. “A dozen speakers told stories about the Green Mountain State, stories that, taken individually, stood solid on their own merits, but when combined into an entire evening, became a sort of warm, fuzzy, flannelly fabric.” – Tommy Gardner of the Stowe Reporter

A variety of ideas to build community connections

Posted on Friday, April 20, 2018 by • No comments yet

Front Porch Forum members reach out to their neighbors to come together in their community:

“If you are looking for more plants for your garden, come to the Neighborhood Plant Swap! This is a free plant give-away, neighbor to neighbor.” • Melanie in Burlington

“Join your friends, neighbors, and fellow residents to share YOUR vision for the future of our town. The Vermont Council on Rural Development will facilitate a Community Visit Day to ask ALL residents about opportunities, challenges, and ideas for action for the community.” • Pat in Wallingford

“There have been discussions regarding a community center to serve the needs of our diverse population. Perhaps you’d like to participate in such a conversation? If yes please get back to me through this forum and we’ll see where it leads.” • Rolf in Hinesburg

“Any other new moms/parents out there interested in getting together to share parenting advice and ideas or just have a cup of coffee with babies in tow?” •  Anna in Bristol

“Looking to meet other working professionals in their 20’s-30’s. Take turns hosting potlucks with different themes?” • Laura in Waterbury

“Wouldn’t it be fun to have a series of story-telling events? We’d hear stories from our friends, neighbors, family and strangers: real people, telling true stories from the heart. A great way to build community spirit and get to know each other better.” • Sherril in Randolph

Have an idea to connect with your neighbors? Reach out on FPF!

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/

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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