Category Archives: Local Online
Reckless drivers endangering lives… Vermont discussions heating up
The following Front Porch Forum posting sparked a lively local discussion about texting while driving…
“The past few days while entering and leaving Cambridge Elementary School I have witnessed several drivers texting while leaving the school. We all know it is against the law, but more importantly, there are children who are walking and biking to school and “you” are putting their lives at risk. The text you are responding to is not more important than their lives. Pick up and drop off times at CES is a very busy time and drivers need (and have the duty) to be alert. School officials can only do so much, we are all responsible for the safety of every CES child!”
• Sean, Cambridge FPF
Another Vermonter in Plainfield took a more direct tack…
“Speeding on Laird Pond Rd- Please Stop or I Will Throw Rocks at You… A red truck with a cap came barreling down Laird Pond Rd this afternoon right around bus drop off time 3:30 and sped by my son and honked loudly. He was off to the side, he was not in the way. He is a student walking home from school. Lots of children walk this road every day. Speeding on this road at this time, or any time is unacceptable. I’m serious about the rocks.”
• Erin, Marshfield Plainfield FPF
Given recent tragedies on Vermont roads, these conversations are as important as ever. Local FPFs are a good place to raise these concerns and gauge neighbors’ feelings as well.
Middletown Spring neighbors take good fences
• Linda, Middletown Springs Front Porch Forum
Grateful for engaged neighbors in Winooski
Thank you to the folks who dutifully post our happenings, thoughts, advertisements and questions on the Winooski Front Porch Forum. Everything I have ever desired to sell has gone quickly and safely through advertising on the FPF. And, so it was again that my sofa and chair disappeared in record time.
It is time to donate to FPF as thanks, and I intend to make good on that promise. Expect my check this week. Thanks so much!
• Lynne, Winooski FPF
Prom preparations… ask neighbors for tips
“Looking for someone to hem a prom dress. Not sure about other needs at this time. Needed prior to May 16th. Please let me know if you do tailoring/seamstress work and how much you charge.”
• Kelly, Northfield Front Porch Forum
Use FPF to organize sport leagues
“I run a large soccer league in Chittenden County. I’m expanding my league and one of the best ways I’ve found to get the word out is by Front Porch Forum. If you’re interested and would like more information, please contact me.”
• Briant, Richmond FPF
How to untangle MS Word and Outlook problems
“Once again, FPF has proven a godsend, as I am able to get some computer help from a neighbor. This is one instance in which the wretched machine is a boon! For your kindness, I am grateful.”
• Sherry, Weybridge Cornwall Front Porch Forum
Foster child overwhelmed by neighbors’ care
“Many, many thanks for the fabulous response many of you gave to our foster child’s search for a bike. K is overwhelmed by his sense that so many people out there care and we are excited that he’ll have a bike to ride this spring (it is spring, right? As an Englishwoman, the seasons have me a little confused!!) We feel fortunate to live among you all – and thanks also to Front Porch Forum for allowing this kind of communication and community-building to take place.”
• Zoe, Underhill FPF
Above and below are a handful of the postings we get every day on Front Porch Forum. What will you post to your neighbors?
“I’ve enjoyed your comments on Front Porch Forum. They remind me of how messy and important free speech and citizen journalism are to a functioning democracy.”
• Bill, Hinesburg FPF
“Golden Retriever Found! I knew I could count on FPF. Thank you everyone for the phone calls and assistance. Lulu is home and although she looks pretty guilty, she had an eventful day! Thank you!!”
• Alison, Bristol FPF
“Hi – I’m looking for someone to roll my yard to help smooth out the bumps. I can contact lawn services in town, but FPF seems to be a better place to start. If you’ve hired someone to do this for you, and were happy with the work, i’d really appreciate the recommendation. Thank you!”
• Mary, Montpelier FPF
“My pet sitting business is a success! ‘Found you on FPF’ is the first thing I hear when a new client comes my way.”
• Deb, Middlebury FPF
Great response to post on yard clean-up… Many people responded and I’ve got someone to help. Thanks FPF! What a great way to connect!”
• Anne, Bristol FPF
“Just wanted to let you know that Andy and I secured housing in Essex this afternoon! Yippeee!! Thank you again for your help! The owners found out about us through your FPF posting – we probably never would have found an opportunity like this otherwise.”
• Karen, Essex Center FPF
Need local survey respondents?
A Burlington business reached out to the community with a survey this month and got more than 500 responses. They used social media, their own popular e-newsletter and Front Porch Forum to get the word out. Here’s where they got their respondents:
45% Front Porch Forum
40% Company’s e-newsletter
8% Facebook
7% Twitter
Middlebury nudist colony?
Peg shared on her Middlebury Front Porch Forum today…
What a wonderful community Front Porchers are! Thank you all for your many responses to my request for a shower bench for my husband. We had enough offers to provide for a disabled nudist colony and now have a bench that was delivered in person to our homestead. You are the best!
It will make life much easier for husband and the wonderful Home Health folks who come to help in the shower.
Discerning the needs of a community
Susan posted on her Underhill Front Porch Forum over the weekend…
In a conversation with my pastor a mere week ago, we were making mention of the various topics of conversation on FPF. He viewed FPF as a way of discerning the needs of the community. I appreciated that perspective since I had never thought of the postings in that way.
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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