Category Archives: Stories
Stolen snowblower returned thanks to FPF-reading neighbor
AUGH!! My big snapper snowblower was stolen recently from my LOCKED garage. (Thief broke in through the small side door.) If anyone saw anything, knows anything or hears anything please contact the police. I recently moved to Brattleboro – it’s an unsettling ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ to say the least. Thanks in advance for any help that comes my way…
• Susan, Brattleboro FPF
A HUGE thank you to the neighbor who saw my Front Porch Forum posting over my stolen snowblower, took a walk, saw my snowblower in the woods and called the police. I just got it back this morning! I can’t tell you how grateful I am. The police said they hardly ever see anyone get their property back, so I know how lucky I am. A very heartfelt THANK YOU. I’ll be going out to buy a lottery ticket.
• Susan, Brattleboro FPF
59th on the wait list? Ask neighbors instead!
Looking for a hard-to-find item? Use your local FPF to ask your neighbors. Cathy is glad she did!
Hi Neighbors – I am looking for the Book “Where the Crawdads Sing.” I hear it’s great! I have it on hold at our local library, but I’m 59 on the list. Thanks!
• Cathy, Underhill FPFHi Neighbors and friends! Woohoo! I just received a copy of the book that I’ve been looking for. Thanks you all for your time and trouble. I love Front Porch Forum!
• Cathy, Underhill FPF
Finding Housing in Vermont
FPF member, Katie G., tweeted this great tip for finding housing on Front Porch Forum:
“A thing I love about Vermont: on it’s face, renting is hard (especially w/a dog), but if you put a post about yourself up on Front Porch Forum (i.e. pretty much send a personal ad about yourself to the whole town), tons of people will reach out with unadvertised housing opps!”
What are you waiting for? Reach out to your neighbors on FPF today!
How Borrowing Things From Neighbors Strengthens Society
by: Sarah Lazarovic, Yes! Magazine
Front Porch Forum has long suspected that even small interactions among neighbors have bigger implications for the strength and resiliency of communities. Next time you need a cup of sugar, don’t be afraid to check with a neighbor!
“Research shows that small talk and casual connections create happy communities and less-lonely individuals. This illustration outlines some specifics in a fun-to-read way: https://bit.ly/2UhBQoK
This type of strength is also central to community resilience in the face of big challenges (like climate change). I’m a member of Sustainable Williston, a group that cares about both. If you want to join us sometime, our usual meeting schedule is the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:15 in the library.
Thanks to FPF for connecting us digitally. Here’s to connecting in real life as well!” • Caylin M., Williston, Vt.
See the full, wonderful infographic from Sarah Lazarovic at Yes! Magazine that Caylin shared with her neighbors on FPF here.
Local businesses receive support on FPF
Turn to your neighbors on Front Porch Forum to find recommendations on finding local professionals!
“Thanks fellow neighbors for all of the wonderful recommendations that you shared with me regarding an Accountant for our small business. I’ve found each and every response so far so incredibly helpful! FPF is such a lovely resource and I’m glad to be a part of the community in this way.” • Ilana in Waterbury Center
“I was more than impressed that more than 12 (!!!) kind neighbors responded to my request for info about Limoge Garage Door. Everyone had good things to say, to which I add my own positive experience as a result. Thanks so much to everyone who responded, and to the FPF folks who make this kind of communication so easy, and help get the word out about ordinary people simply doing an excellent job.” • Suzi in Burlington
“Just want to say thanks for all of the recommendations I received for a local forester! FPF is awesome!” • Theresa in Waterbury
Loneliness in Vermont
If you are ever feeling lonely in one of Vermont’s rural nooks or bustling towns, a post on FPF might just do the trick!
“If you are ever feeling lonely, just post on FPF for crutches. You’ll get lots of emails and you can roam thru the valley visiting and picking them up. And a week later you get to visit again to return them. Thank you all for the offers.” • Ken F., Warren, Vt.
Kindness among strangers
Even when the world feels chaotic and life gets tough, goodness can be found in kindness among strangers. One Front Porch Forum member recently shared a story about finding help and reassurance in an unexpected way.
A Vermont resident of only one year was on her way to her last cleaning account of the day. The MapQuest directions suggested a route across a narrow and chopped-up road. When rocks hit the undercarriage of the car and fears of a gas leak forced her to pull over, the distress added up. A truck driver stopped to assist and made sure the car was not leaking gas.
“You offered to call AAA for me as well. But since the car seemed fine, you went on your way. I made it to my clients house, then dropped my car off at my mechanic just in case, and made it home safely tonight. Now that my fears have settled a bit, I find myself feeling so thankful that you were there whoever you are. I wish I could say thank you to you personally. I was so caught up in my distress and tears that I didn’t thank you while you were there but I am feeling so grateful because you were an angel to me. I hope this reaches you. Thank you for your kindness and light heartedness. It made a world of difference.” • Ro F., Montpelier, Vt.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
There are countless examples of neighbors helping neighbors on Front Porch Forum! See some recent examples of FPF members in need of specific items, resulting in a huge helping response from their neighbors!
“July 11, 2019: Hey Forum Fam!!!! Need a twin size or full size matress please!!! Just found a room to move into but looking for a bed. Low on cash since most my money will be toward the room. Let me know if y’all have any leads. Thanks!!!
July 13, 2019: The response to the mattress situation was astronomically great!!! I think the Forum is the best thing I’ve come across as far as people helping their community!!!” • David H., Montpelier, Vt.
“A few weeks ago, I posted an announcement about a baby boy who belongs to a young homeless couple that are “tenting” in Stowe. I asked for donations of baby items. The response was nothing short of amazing. This little boy who was born on May 3rd, he received so much love from members of our community. Diapers, formula, clothing, a stroller and so much more. Stowe Barber Shop is where he often hangs out. A rocking chair even made its way here and people waiting for haircuts will rock him and hold him. I just want everyone who contributed to know what a BLESSING you ARE!” • Regina C., Stowe, Vt.
Need some help finding an item or working on a project? In the spirit of sharing? Keep up with your local FPF!
Vermont Country Stores Reach Customers via Front Porch Forum
From Anne Wallace Allen in VTDigger yesterday…
Jack Garvin, longtime manager of the Warren Store in the Mad River Valley, which sells gifts, housewares, craft beer and other items, said that like every store, his has a group of regulars who meet every morning for coffee. Apart from participating in a huge range of events, Garvin finds it helpful to advertise on Front Porch Forum (FPF), the online bulletin board.
“Regardless of how loyal your customers are and they love the idea of having a country store in their town when it comes to bottom line and looking at your wallet and looking at your disposable income, they’ll by and large go to the better deals,” Garvin said. But he added he can see through FPF analytics that his ads reach people outside the Mad River Valley.
“We don’t know how that translates into people walking in the door, but people are paying attention,” he said.
Montpelier lost-and-found story on WDEV
A story of lost-and-found ended happily when Gary of Montpelier posted on Front Porch Forum looking for his lost car keys. A fast response from Gary’s neighbor not only led to the recovery of his car keys, but also to a face-to-face meeting with his neighbor, Jay, who he hadn’t met before.
Front Porch Forum’s co-founder, Michael Wood-Lewis, joined the Dave Gram Show on WDEV on Dec. 24, 2018to talk about how FPF serves towns across the state. Listen to Michael, Gary and Dave discuss the story and how Front Porch Forum has helped more than 160,000 households across the state of Vermont.
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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