Category Archives: Stories
Coop robberies… Central Vermont community rallies ’round the woodstove
“The Coop was broken into last night and the cash register was stolen. This is the second robbery the Coop has experienced in three weeks. The first time, the register was also stolen, but we were still open. No money was in the register last night, but since that first robbery our sense of safety has been compromised.
“Since that first robbery, the community has rallied around the Coop in such a fabulous way. Every evening for the last couple hour we’re open, community members have been gathering around the wood stove to keep the cashier company and to deter potential robbers. Music and poetry readings happen, conversations flourish and friends are made. Thank you, so much, to everyone who has rallied around the Coop.”
• Liz, Front Porch Forum member in Central Vermont
Burst water pipe in South Burlington… who ya gonna call?
“When my water main burst, my first response, after shutting off the water, was to race upstairs and type “plumber” into the Front Porch Forum archive. I called the guy whose name came up most often, and now he’s here now working to solve the problem! I still don’t know the end of this story, but I’m glad my immediate reaction was to turn to FPF.”
Yestermorrow tuition scholarship turned down… almost!
“I am overwhelmed by all of the kind offers for rooms to rent in response to my post here two days ago. Yestermorrow offers an amazing education, but with a housing budget of $500/month, I thought I would have to turn down my tuition scholarship… especially during ski season. Luckily someone directed me to Front Porch Forum, and I’ve had about 20 responses in two days.”
• Christina, Mad River Valley FPF
Potluck to turn tables on Westford criminals
“20 years past there was hardly any talk about break ins on our road. In 2015, as far as I know, there have been 4. I feel if there was only one that would be too many. If you feel the same, I invite you to a Pot Luck Night… visit and get to know neighbors on our road. I would like to have some help planning. If you think this is a good idea and want to help, send me a note or call.”
• Daniel, Westford Front Porch Forum
Middlebury College students find ASL help from neighbors
“We are two Middlebury College students doing a play that requires a bit of sign language – we need someone to help us learn two pages of ASL and would love to film you as well so we can practice. Thanks in advance!”
• Caitlin, Middlebury FPF, Jan. 6
“I hadn’t used Front Porch Forum before last week and posted on a whim because I was desperately searching for someone to help with a quickly approaching project. I was shocked by how many people reached out. It was really incredible. Thank you all for being such a wonderful, nurturing community!”
• Caitlin, Middlebury FPF, Jan. 8
Passersby rescue wheelchair-using man from St. Albans railroad tracks
“Thanks to the two utility workers (Vermont Gas?) and the Green Mount Transportation bus driver who stopped and helped a man with his electric wheelchair when it was stuck on the train tracks Wednesday, at lunch time. Your thoughtfulness and help getting him unstuck and back in the chair was heart warming and wonderful. I would like to encourage everyone to pass on just one act of kindness to bring a spark to your day… These gentlemen went out of their way to make a difference; it did not go unnoticed! Thank you again!”
• Mary, Saint Albans Front Porch Forum
Use your FPF to find those about to rock
“I’m new to FPF and am looking for some people to play music with. I’m 30, have played guitar on and off for 18 years and am pretty decent. I’m looking to get back into a band for fun/small gigs. I play almost everything and anything. Shoot me a note with any suggestions or if you’d like to play!”
• Ryan, Stowe Front Porch Froum
Montpelier Melissa’s menagerie munches… on Christmas trees
“My animals couldn’t be happier with their new selection of christmas trees. The goats and alpacas eat the needles, the chickens hang out in the branches and the ducks find privacy to lay eggs under the propped up trees. AND it makes the barnyard smell great. Recycling at its best. I love Front Porch Forum!”
• Melissa, Montpelier FPF
Home energy audit recommendations in Vermont
“Thanks to the 20(!) people who responded to my question about home energy audits. You provided several different recommendations and a few very helpful caveats, and I feel much clearer about how to proceed. This is a great example of how Front Porch Forum rocks!”
• Lawrence, Montpelier FPF
Colchester accident victim full of praise
“I was one of the drivers in a car a
ccident in front of the Maplefields/Shaws on Route 7 in Colchester last Wednesday. There were at least four good samaritans who stopped to help, and I am so thankful for those kind people. From the professional Colchester Police staff to the compassionate ambulance crew, I am truly thankful to live in a community that takes care of each other. I know that the good samaritans may not be part of this particular Front Porch Forum, but if you are, thank you. I hope you have a peaceful new year.”
• Heather, Colchester Village FPF
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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