“A couple of months ago, a community member in my town posted on our Front Porch Forum an invitation for neighbors to gather in questioning how we can become more organized, informed and better able to rapidly respond to current social issues. From that one post, about 40 people showed up. We squeezed into the old South Newfane School House and began an important conversation. Out of this gathering, we are now defining the contours of what we want to do as a group and how to effectively connect with other grassroots efforts in our state. At the last meeting we invited our local legislators and many showed up. FPF has been instrumental by creating the infrastructure that has allowed such a level of individual activism and organization to occur.”
• Heidi, Newfane Townshend FPF
When it’s time to get organized in your community, start with FPF.
“WOW thanks you for all of the replies!!!! So glad to know there are many helping hands in our community. The bed has moved to it’s new home at the Lareau Farm Inn. Thank you all!”
Lisabeth, Innkeeper, Mad River Valley Front Porch Forum
Moving? Need help? Ask your neighbors on FPF.
“Recently our State Senator posted on FPF about a Public Hearing. I am so thankful to have an easy and bipartisan way to hear about local government issues.
“This posting was a perfect use of Front Porch Forum. No matter your political opinion, it is important to understand what is going on in our local government.
“I encourage all of our elected leaders to use FPF to announce opportunities to effect change! Remember that they are working for us and we deserve democracy. Think global, act local!”
—Chloe, Williston FPF
Ask your legislators to use FPF to keep you tuned in about what’s going on in the State house.
“I have a crack in our kitchen sink drain pipe. So now I can’t use the sink and I’m doing dishes in the bathroom. I have an 8 mo old and the dishes are piling up!!! I haven’t been able to get in touch with any plumbing services and I fear I won’t hear from anyone until Monday at this point. I tried plumbing tape, but it didn’t work. HELP would be so appreciated! Whether a number for another plumber, a suggestion for how to fix, or better yet, someone who can come help since DIY plumbing while watching a squirming baby is really hard!!!”
• Karyn, Mad River Valley Front Porch Forum
“Thank you everyone who responded to my call for plumbing help. I’m all set and have a fix underway.”
• Karyn, Mad River Valley FPF, next day
Need help in a hurry? Vermonters turn to neighbors every day on FPF.
“We read of acts of spontaneous kindness. Those instances leave me thinking how thankful they made the recipient. Well, a beautiful, kind soul with the most wonderful smile turned to me on the checkout line at the grocery store in Williston this afternoon and handed me a bouquet of flowers.
“Me? Who me? ‘Yes.’ I confess to tears bubbling just short of overflow, for so many reasons. I offered my thanks and hurried to my car.
“Those were the most wonderful few minutes of my day, of many days. Please know I hope and pray to be able to come close to mirroring this act of kindness one day.
“Many, many thanks, they are truly the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen!”
• Lisa, Richmond Front Porch Forum
“The United Way of Lamoille County has firewood available for a family in need in Belvidere, Vermont. We unfortunately do not have a truck, and are looking for anyone willing to donate their time and vehicle to deliver some. Please call if you can help. Thank you!”
• Jim, Morrisville Front Porch Forum
“Thank you for the help. We were able to get a cord of firewood out on Saturday morning! Thank you for all the suggestions and new connections for help with delivery in the future. We are truly lucky to have such a generous community!”
• Jim, Morrisville FPF, a few days later
Need volunteers? Ask neighbors on your Front Porch Forum.
“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.
“While some of you on this inaugural day (Jan. 20) might be mourning some kind of national tragedy, I’m most distraught by what my son told me: The breakfast waffle treat his class earned through safe, kind, responsible acts was served with… [deep breath, gather myself]…
Log Cabin syrup.
“While I appreciate our local education system maintaining fiscal responsibility, I think I speak for the entire universe when I say… let’s not be savages.”
• Lance, Westford Front Porch Forum
“I am wondering if other people are having this problem at home with their Xfinity WiFi. I choose my secure, private, password-encrypted non-Xfinity WiFi signal to work on my laptop and I am constantly thrown off my secure signal by Xfinity’s unsecured WiFi signal, which usually never allows me any connectivity.”
• Stephen, Montpelier FPF
“How wonderful is Front Porch Forum anyway!!?? I had seven great neighbors reply with all the information I needed to fix the problem!! Thanks to you all!”
• Stephen, Montpelier FPF, later same day
And a postscript from Stephen…
“Thanks again to so many who helped me. And to so many who are having the same problem, I offer what worked for me in my home in Montpelier. Be aware this worked for my MacBookPro (and I did the same thing on my iMac at my office just in case). I don’t know how this process works on PCs but maybe someone else does.
“A few weeks ago I posted on our Front Porch Forum seeking recommendations for XC boots in our area, and several people wrote to say Onion River Sports was the place to go. So we went there and, sure enough, my sister found the perfect boots. The salesperson patiently helped her get fitted properly, and, after years of XC skiing, she says these are the best boots she’s ever had. Yay for Onion River Sports and FPF posters. Thanks again!”
• Kathy, East Montpelier FPF
What’s your question? Ask neighbors on your FPF and shop local!
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