Category Archives: Front Porch Forum
Delightfully Vermonty and enriching our communities
Our members remind us of the value of our mission: Helping Neighbors Connect
“Our Front Porch Forum is delightfully Vermonty AND useful, so we urge you to join up!” • Roger in Warren
“FPF is a wonderful resource and way to stay in touch with what is happening in our community.” • Judy in Barre
“This forum is great – it has helped me find things and answer questions.” • Mary in Bennington
“Front Porch Forum is a fun means of staying in touch with my neighborhood and a resource when I want to offer something (usually a freebie) that I do not want to take to the landfill. It makes my life better.” • Sandy in South Burlington
“As a long time user of FPF I have used this forum to sell things, search for needed items, and even find a tutor. I am sending a small donation to show my appreciation and gratitude and to personally thank you for starting this forum!!!!” • Anne-Marie in Isle La Motte
Thanks to our FPF Supporting Members across the state! And if you’ve been meaning to make a year-end contribution… now’s the time!
Tales of the Christmas Spirit
Tis the season to share on Front Porch Forum…..
“The other day a young man arrived with his son and spotted a book he held reverently in his hands as out loud he wished he had some money to put this book on lay-away. Suddenly there was a small voice added to our conversation. His son asked me if one dollar would be enough to hold the book for his father. The father said to the boy, “This is why I love you so much.” And the bookseller agreed to hold the rare book for one dollar down. The youngster reached into his pocket, pulled out 4 quarters, and we sealed the agreement. If this isn’t a spiritual time of year I don’t know what is…..”
“Eleven folks who read my story came forward and wanted to help this family purchase the books on hold. We have a truly generous and thoughtful community and I am proud to be a part of it.”
• Ben at the Country Bookshop in Plainfield
From the outpouring of generosity in this community of book-lovers an idea developed to generate a fund to help other needy families to purchase books. What tales can you share on FPF that can help others?
Saved from a mountain of marshmallows!
A sweet story to share from the conversations on Front Porch Forum:
“My friend pranked me with bags and bags of marshmallows (don’t ask) but now that the hilarity is over, I have about 20 bags of mini marshmallows. I’m thinking they would be great for making an army of snowmen. Or for the worlds largest cup of cocoa. Or an indoor igloo for the kids? Start your own gingerbread housing development? Or maybe you dreamed of jumping into a pile of marshmallows (I don’t judge). Either way, I’m hoping a kind neighbor will save me from diabetes and take them away soon.”
And FPF neighbors responded!
“Holy roller coasters, Batman! Waterbury loves marshmallows! Thank you all who responded–I had an avalanche of interested folks, so I apologize if I didn’t answer you directly. The marshmallows are re-homed, and my pancreas thanks you for saving me from diabetes.” • Zarin in Waterbury
Boxes of love
Winter weather has Front Porch Forum members showing their care for the homeless in our communities.
“I’d like to say Thank you to FPF for giving me a way to reach out to people to get rid of items they may not want anymore for the homeless. Each year I put out a post telling my story of our “boxes of love” and our winter clothing giveaway to the homeless. Ever since my post, I’ve been getting emails regularly and items dropped off at my house. The collection is growing and I’m so thankful that FPF has such amazing kind hearted folks.” • Tricia in Shelburne
“My family and I bring food to local homeless people every week and I’ve noticed that many of them do not have proper winter attire. I am planning to make “Homeless Care Packages” and I am hoping you will consider donating some items.” • Amber in Williston
“The 13th Annual Gifts of Kindness toy and clothing drive was created to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the holidays. We seek to collect new and gently used toys, clothing, outerwear, boots, hats, and mittens to make the holidays brighter and people warmer in our harsh winter months.” • Jennifer in Waitsfield
Our disconnects in values, relationships and social fabric
danah boyd was quoted on Wired yesterday…
“[W]e have a cultural problem, one that is shaped by disconnects in values, relationships, and social fabric. Our media, our tools, and our politics are being leveraged to help breed polarization by countless actors who can leverage these systems for personal, economic, and ideological gain.”
She went on to state “How do you reknit society? Society is produced by the social connections that are knit together. The stronger those networks, the stronger the society. We have to make a concerted effort to create social ties, social relationships, social networks in the classic sense that allow for strategic bridges across the polis so that people can see themselves as one.”
“Part of what is really collapsing here is that the networks have become too fragmented and too polarized. Technology doesn’t help; it simply magnifies the poles. This is dangerous and cyclical. Polarization leads to distrust and tribalism which leads to more polarization. So for me, the path forward, which requires business and the public sector and civil society working together, is about reconstructing the networks of America.”
In our own small way, this is Front Porch Forum‘s work… helping neighbors connect and build community… reconstructing networks of neighbors across political, class, racial and other boundaries.
A love note
Good news is always appreciated by FPF members!
“Sorry, but Im not. Front Porch Forum is so great at connecting neighbors and the random Love is so fun to read so I have to share:
We are married and so excited!!!!!” • Megan & Peter in Charlotte
Man’s best friend, found!
Missing pets get an immediate reaction from FPF members! Just ask these dog owners:
“A genuine Thank You to the kind folks of Jeffersonville and Front Porch Forum for the concern and information provided. If Schwartz was hiding, it was hopeless. I got calls, and picked him up before the frost was off the lawn. Much appreciated.” • Stephen in Jeffersonville
“I’m happy to say that my lost dog Haley is back home. A good Samaritan found my name and number on the collar and kept her there until I could retrieve her. Thanks to those on the Forum who offered me good advice on how to look for the dog.” • Keith in Northfield
“Due to FPF and Tony, a wonderful neighbor, Boggie is back at home resting from his adventure. I can’t thank Tony for the concern and wonderful care he gave Boggie!! Thank you to the people that sent emails of concern!” • Andy in Colchester
“Thanks to all those who helped Otis find his way home! Very grateful to our community forum and our supportive neighbors.” • Selina in Hyde Park
“Thanks to the power of FPF, the sweet little jack russell that followed my wife home has been reunited with her owner. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with that sweet pup, but we enjoyed seeing owner and dog back together again even more.” • Billy in Huntington
How to use FPF to help your neighbors
STEPS:
- Post to organize several neighbors to volunteer at your local soup kitchen or community meal.
- Post an announcement two weeks prior to the event to invite neighbors in need AND to encourage volunteer help.
- Post a reminder message three days before.
- Choose the “Event” category so that your posting also shows up in the FPF Community Calendar.
- Check the share box to include neighboring towns.
Front Porch Forum examples:
“Pies for People is back! We are seeking volunteers to help roll out pie crust for holiday pies for our neighbors. These pies go to the Food Pantry, free community dinners, schools and nursing homes. A home made pumpkin pie is something everyone should be able to experience for Thanksgiving! If you’d like to help, please sign up” • Allison in Craftsbury
“Every year, in Brattleboro, for 40 years, there has been a community dinner where people can gather for a free meal. This year continues a great tradition. There is an opening for someone (can be more than one) to play some music to contribute to the meal’s general environment.” • Breeze in Williamsville
“Nobody in town should go hungry, especially at the holidays. To make this happen we really need your help! We are collecting food to feed local families in need. Please help us by bringing in a grocery gift card or item listed. Your generosity is affording every local family the opportunity to have a warm and hearty Thanksgiving together.” • Marianna in Stowe
Staying locally connected while traveling
Planning to be out of the state over the holidays or even for the winter? FPF will continue to keep you connected while you’re gone!
“After being gone for more than 4 months, Front Porch Forum has kept me in touch. Found me a ride home from the train station in Waterbury, found me a car, mine died the day I left , and found me a possible roommate for the winter.. So great to have a local place to help all of us. AND I DID IT ALL FROM PORTUGAL AND SCOTLAND !!” • Rich in Fayston
Young people lend a hand to elderly neighbor
Sharing kindnesses on Front Porch Forum between neighbors!
“Recently, I had a wonderful experience. In the first quarter of my eighty-first year, I was out on my front lawn picking up debris left by the big wind. Two young people on bikes stopped wondering if I needed any help cleaning up. I was stunned. I questioned them and they both said they just wanted to help. They worked steadily and with good cheer. It took the three of us just under an hour to complete a task I estimated at three hours or more. If anyone on FPF knows the family, please let their parents know they should be very proud of these two great young people.” • Carl in Essex Junction
And, in response:
“Thank you so much for the beautiful note, what a lovely surprise. We are so happy to live in a community that appreciates the same values that we do! We are very proud of our kids and made sure to tell them!” • Travis and Crystal
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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