Category Archives: Front Porch Forum
FPF Tech Team Expands
Since 2006, Front Porch Forum has been helping neighbors connect and build community by hosting a statewide network of online local forums. Our strong tech team plays a crucial role in this work and we’re happy to announce the addition of our new in-house software engineer – Matt Barry!
Matt works closely with longtime CTO, Jan Schultz, and Toronto-based tech firm The Working Group. Together they maintain and improve FPF’s unique web application, which is used by half of the households in Vermont on a daily basis. Stay posted for new features and updates!
Matt looks forward to his new role and remarks “I really enjoy working on a special product that has a measurable positive impact, not only in the community I live in, but also across the state. I think FPF has some unique and interesting technical challenges due to the inherently geographic nature of the service.”
Organizing for community dinners
Front Porch Forum members can reach out to their neighbors to start or continue traditions that connect us in person.
“Is there anyone interested in continuing the tradition of our town’s Community Christmas Dinner? With a loyal group of volunteers, it’s been happening for more then 25+ years…. If interested contact us and if you know anyone who is not on FPF please let them know about this, we’d really appreciate it.” • Cathy in Waterbury
“We are pleased to invite you to the first Saplings’ Community Dinner….Bring your families and friends, all are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you!” • Melissa in Craftsbury
Connecting with our neighbors… it’s what Front Porch Forum is all about!
What will your contribution mean?
A contribution to Front Porch Forum will…
- Sustain and improve the FPF e-newsletter. FPF’s staff of 16 produce each issue, and provide personalized customer service seven days a week, serving 140,000 members in all 251 towns in Vermont!
- Deliver new features, like FPF’s online Business Directory. More improvements to the FPF experience are under development.
- Increase FPF membership in towns across Vermont and upstate New York. The more neighbors who participate in a Forum, the more vibrant and useful it is for all.
This recent posting from a FPF member says it all:
“I finally made my donation today, after saying I would get to it quite a while ago. It was quick and easy!”
• Maria in Barre
We’re in the homestretch of our October Supporting Member Campaign and we’re still $35,000 short of our goal. Make your contribution today to continue to bring this free service to every town in Vermont!
Thanks in advance from the Staff at FPF ““
Carolyn, Emily, Gisele, Jan, Jodi, Jonna, Linda, Lynn, Matt, Michael, Natanya, Nina, Renee, Robert, Suzie, Valerie, and Wendy
Dancing flagman brings smiles to cars in traffic
Sharing happy moments on Front Porch Forum makes us all smile!
“Most of us who have been caught in traffic have probably been somewhat frustrated at times. That certainly was not the case on Friday! As I was heading south and before I even needed to brake for traffic, I could see something brilliant yellow moving rhythmically. a dancing flagman. The closer I got to him, the more animated he became. This young man was having such a fine time and sharing his joy with those of us who were fortunate enough to be driving and yes dancing by.” • Ebeth in Charlotte
Here’s to hoping everyone experiences some joy this weekend!
Nudge, nudge…. Now’s the time
If you haven’t contributed to FPF’s Supporting Member Campaign, now’s the time! We have less than half way to go to reach our $150,000 goal.
“I just donated to Front Porch Forum because it is amazing! I have given away, gotten for free, bought things I need at much less expense, sold things at great prices, kept up with the neighborhood news… the list is long. FPF is an excellent resource for the community!” • Sharon in Montpelier
“I read Front Porch Forum every day to find out what is happening in town – what animal is lost, what will be discussed at the next Selectboard meeting, what social events are happening for kids, families and seniors, and who is giving away something that you just cannot live without! My day is not complete without FPF, and my life is certainly easier because I can find so many things I need on FPF. Please help out if you can and support this service that helps our town stay more connected.” • Marie in Richmond
Finding gratitude in the mail
We’re very thankful for the nice notes we’ve been receiving in the mail along with checks from FPF Supporting Members.
“My husband and I are new to Front Porch Forum and totally enjoy receiving our updates every day. It really makes us feel connected to our lovely community.” • Bernadette in Charlotte
“Thanks to Front Porch Forum rural life is so much easier. It’s all about the community connections, and FPF is the place to start, no matter what you are trying to find, fix, or do.” • Nancy in Tunbridge
“Thank you for such a great means to stay connected to our community. As seniors, we do use FPF to get household and garden help!” • Bill and Anastasia in Middlesex
“Have sold things, given things away, have gotten help finding local services – wonderful way to connect with my local community.” • Janice in Shaftsbury
Help us reach our ambitious fundraising goal and contribute to FPF’s Supporting Member Campaign today to keep this important free service coming to your community.
Keeping abreast of local happenings
“I made my donation this morning. Join me? In a world where so many things are unpredictable I appreciate seeing FPF in my inbox each night. This service keeps us informed about community events and issues important to us and that directly affect our lives. I spend so much of my day rushing around and navigating the wider world ““ it’s nice to come home and catch up on local happenings. I hope you feel the same way.” • Roni in East Calais
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and difficult to explain, the best thing we can do is come together. Front Porch Forum is here to make stronger communities more achievable. Help us reach our goal and make a contribution by becoming a supporting member today.
Experiencing kindness at the beach
A Front Porch Forum member expresses gratitude after posting about the loss of her shoes at the beach.
“An amazingly grateful update on my missing shoes that I posted yesterday. I went back to the beach today and found my shoes in a bag with a nice note! Many thanks to the person who made my day! I very much appreciate your humble return. Today, at the beach, I also met a man who was pleased to see that the extended beach area is still as clean as when he took it upon himself to clean it last season. And one more kindness; a woman stopped by my car to see if I needed help taking my board off the rack. Three kindnesses today that I was a part of. It would be great if every day each of us could be a party to the generosity of others and also give some kindness away. Thank you all!” • Nancy in Shelburne
Thanks for helpful, kind neighbors
Front Porch Forum members can often be counted on to help their neighbors in need…..
“Thank you to our neighborhood for helping mow our lawn while we are at the hospital all day with our son. There is a lot in the news about the divisions in this country and a tiny fraction of individuals with hatred in their hearts. But overwhelmingly, we are living in a community of people who are good, and helpful and kind. This is just one example. Thank you to my dear neighbors and community” • Matt in Williston
Generosity from others helps confirm the value of nurturing community relationships. Reach out to your neighbors with FPF.
Chickens have sold!
As have a multitude of other offerings on Front Porch Forum. Members share their success stories:
“My chickens have sold! I’m anticipating total hip replacement and could not maintain the chickens. I received interest for the chickens from many individuals, through FPF. One just to take the chickens to help me. I am so encouraged through this process and the generosity of “neighbors “. I am blessed! Thanks to all.” • Mary Anne in St. Johnsbury
“I never thought I’d get so many responses. This FPF is magic! Thank you FPF for this wonderful service, and to the nice ladies who came and bought the vacuum cleaner!” • Mary Jane in St. Johnsbury
“Stuff from yesterday’s posting went really fast! Thanks FPF and all who replied.” • Gene in Bristol
“Whew! Front Porch Forum is bizarrely effective! The Victrola was paid for and gone in less than an hour after posting. THANK YOU FPF!” • Sarah in Montpelier
What do you need to sell or give-away? Post it in FPF! And if you’ve experienced success, consider a contribution to Front Porch Forum.
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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