Category Archives: Local Search
Local Meet Ups
People make great use of their local Front Porch Forum every day. Check out this recent posting from a mother on the Wallingford Forum:
- “As nicer weather comes, I’m wondering if anyone would be interested in joining a semi-official playground meetup? I have an almost-3-year-old who loves swinging and 9-month-old who loves hanging out.”
And another from a neighbor in the Wimington forum:
- “Wow! I received so many recommendations for local in-person book clubs! I plan to attend most of them. The support of this Forum is really wonderful. Thank you so much!”
Here’s to more real in-person connections in our increasingly online lives!
“We’ve been googling but I trust my neighbors’ thoughts more…”
The internet is an amazing tool, but sometimes you just want advice from the folks who live in your community! Here’s 2 recent of examples of members turning to Front Porch Forum instead of Big Tech:
- “We had a new 8’x10′ shed installed on our property this fall. We erroneously assumed it would remain level if set on some cinderblocks and wood on gravel. The beginning of mud season has shown us otherwise! If you step one foot into the shed the whole thing rocks forward because the mud has sucked the back corner in so deep. What should we do? How do we fix this? We’ve been googling but I trust my neighbors’ thoughts more. Open to any and all suggestions! Thank you!” • Molly in Middlesex
- “We had our third or fourth dogsitter move out-of-state, so we are looking for someone else to watch our tribe (four dogs of different shapes, sizes, and ages – all healthy!) We are looking for someone who is very experienced with dogs/ does this for a living. … If this sounds like you or someone you know, please be in touch! I have had way more luck on here than through any app like Rover, so I appreciate the help!“ • Erin in Moretown
Recommendations and help from neighbors
Front Porch Forum members share their knowledge and recommendations with neighbors.
“A couple of months ago there was a posting recommending Brian S. to wash windows. It was so complimentary I immediately contacted Brian, who did my windows today. As promised he did a beautiful, thorough job. Which gets me thinking about FPF and the great service it provides to our community. Thank you FPF for giving us the ability to converse as a community and to support each other.“ • Ellen in Ferrisburgh
“Hi Conrad: Thank you for posting the results of your request for dairy farm recommendations! This is very helpful. What a great community we have of FPF members willing to share their knowledge & experiences.” • Madeline in St. Johnsbury
“What an amazing and generous community this is! I’d like to thank all the women who responded to my urgent, pre-surgical need for a house cleaner, everyone who offered help and recommendations. It astonishes me that I found the Perfect Person on the very same day I sent out my posting! As usual with Front Porch Forum, I seem to have found not only a helper but a new and delightful friend. And how many other friends are out there, just waiting to be met! A dip into FPF always reminds me of this. So gratitude to all.” • Tami in Montpelier
“Dear FPF friends, I had asked for an electrician who would call me back. I was overwhelmed by the volume of responses, both privately and on the Forum–far too many of you wonderful folks responded for me to thank you individually. But, I am beyond grateful for your kindness. Thank you, FPF!!!” • Elizabeth in Middlebury
“Thanks to all who sent recommendations for a good HVAC company, it was most appreciated. I love FPF and this is why I contribute yearly.” • Jackie in Williston
Did you find something helpful from a neighbor on Front Porch Forum? Remember to share your findings on FPF!
Finding quick responses from neighbors
“Thanks for the set of Dominos, Pam! This Front Porch Forum really works!!!” • Nancy in Jericho
“There were so many people (50!) who responded to my request for shopping help, that it’s taking me awhile to reply to each person. Please know that I am quite grateful, and you will hear back from me. It’s very nice to have such good folks around.” • Mary in Williston
“Kind thanks to all who responded to my request for data entry work from home. 10 replies in 20 mins.. Project in progress. Stay healthy.” • Jonathan in Charlotte
“Hi! I started a routine of telling jokes every night to my 86-year-old mother who is quarantined alone in Florida. I’m running out of jokes and would really appreciate any help with new jokes…not too racy… Thanks so much!!!” • Kim in Moretown
“I recently added a posting to FPF for dog sitting and received quite a few responses. We successfully found someone that will take care of our shelties. Front Porch Forum has proven once again to be a wonderful resource. Thank you to all.” • Sue in Danville
Post your need, large or small, quirky or off-beat on FPF!
A Win-win-win
Are you looking for scrap wood for a backyard project, a treadmill, or a kitchen appliance? Posting in the “Seeking Items” category on Front Porch Forum can often have multiple positive outcomes, beyond just getting the item or information you need!
“Hello; Looking for 1/2″ or 3/8” red and/or blue PEX tubing lying around from a finished project? Fittings? If so, what style fittings? Will happily borrow the connector tool too. Thinking I need 70′ of each or so.
Yup, looking for bits and pieces for renovation to:
A) Save $$$
B) help people get stuff out of their garages and basements and put to good use
C) Make more community connections” • Wayne in Hinesburg, Vt.
If you’re looking for an item, try asking your neighbors first on FPF! It may just turn out that everyone wins!
Softening the rough edges
FPF members share how employees and volunteers are going the extra step to provide shopping experiences that now take place by phone and online.
“Yesterday I needed a sympathy card to send to a friend whose husband had died over the weekend. A generic sympathy card wouldn’t do. I called the Adamant Coop and explained what I was looking for. The volunteer who answered the phone talked me through a selection (I had a local artist in mind), walking around the store with phone in hand, describing the images. When I asked her to choose for me, she ran her ideas past a staff member, who concurred. The cards went on my account, the bag on the porch, and half an hour later, they were on my desk.
I am so grateful for these acts of kindness — for the time, the careful listening, the enthusiasm. Gesture by gesture, people are softening the rough edges of our fear and our pain.” • Karen in East Montpelier
“I am floored by how many of you took the time to make recommendations to me for a tree removal service. Thanks so much. I very much appreciate it.” • Bob in Barnet
“Front Porch Forum is the place where you can find everything you need and then some. Recent postings and recommendations have lead me to take advantage of our local talent.” • Barbara in Waterbury Center
Going on a Bear Hunt
“This just makes me so happy. My @frontporchforum has never seen this much action.” • Whitney in Burlington
Front Porch Forum members are creating local scavenger hunts. The popular “Bear Hunt” is fun for kids. Neighbors put teddy bears (and other stuffed animals) in their own windows for children to spot when they walk or ride around their neighborhoods.
“Would folks like to create a bear hunt? We will definitely have some bears in our windows and are curious if other neighbors would like to join in the “hunt”. Members of a number of communities across the globe are placing teddy bears and other stuffed animals in their homes’ windows to create a scavenger hunt-esque activity for kids who are stuck at home. While taking walks or drives around the neighborhood with their parents, kids in participating communities can have some fun by keeping an eye out for any number of stuffed animals that have been put on display at other houses.” • Judy in Burlington
Start one in your neighborhood with a post on FPF!
A mistakenly taken lawn mower
Frequently neighbors post on Front Porch Forum offering free items. What happens when the wrong item is taken?
“I am hoping this is a misunderstanding, but I posted a listing on FPF advertising free lawn mowers to give away. Several folks contacted me and one gentleman came and picked up 2 while I was here (those mowers are NOT in question). However, 2 mowers were taken that WERE NOT available to take because they are our running mowers. I am asking that if you took them thinking they were free, contact me and return them, no questions asked.”
Shortly after this post, a neighbor responds!
“The mowers were returned and my faith in my neighbors has been confirmed!! Thank you to the person that returned them and, again, I am sorry for the confusion!!! Thank God for good people and Front Porch Forum!!!“ • Bill in Hyde Park
“I’ll stick with Front Porch Forum”
Cindy in Westford shared with her neighbors yesterday…
I recently posted a query for someone to give us quotes on a culvert installation. I was overwhelmed by the number of responses I got – both recommendations and direct outreach from providers.
Where else but FPF does this kind of neighborly conversation happen?
Please consider supporting this magic with a donation – every little bit helps.
BTW – just my opinion, but I recently gave Home Advisor a try, and, well, never again. I’ll stick with Front Porch Forum.
Thanks, neighbors.
Thank you, Cindy!
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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