Category Archives: Local Search
Who needs Craig’s list?
Front Porch Forum members turn to their neighbors to find what they need, in a matter of minutes.
“WOW! I love the FPF Community! I received, almost before I finished my query, so many recommendations for local knife sharpening. Thank you all so much for your input and suggestions – who needs Craig’s list!” • Arrianna in Morrisville
“FPF is such an asset, Craigslist is great for certain things, however, FPF BLOWS CL away when it comes to really cool, random items for sale, for free or wanted to borrow and the fact that it’s SO local.” • Steven in Shelburne
From the obscure to the everyday, it’s likely a Front Porch Forum member can help!
Neighbors lend a hand… and crutches!
Front Porch Forum members are thankful for the generosity of others.
“Thank you all for your kind and prompt reply to our request for a wheelchair to borrow. This community is the best!” • Melanie and Dave in Waitsfield
“I want to thank everyone for the emails offering crutches! The generosity of our community is so amazing.” • Carly in Montpelier
“So many responses to my search for crutches, it is beyond belief! Many thanks to all of my neighbors who offered and the reassurance of how wonderful FPF is!” • Carol in Williston
“I just wanted to thank all of the people who reached out to me offering to lend a pair of crutches! I didn’t get a chance to thank everyone individually but thanks to such a wonderful community, I am all set!” • Katharine in Hinesburg
Need assistance? Ask your neighbors for help on Front Porch Forum.
Best of social media
VPR correspondent, Stephanie Green, shared her FPF experience on the radio this morning. Looking to her neighbors for recommendations on a good plumber, she was “astounded to get 13 useful replies in 24 hours…. I had no idea so many people read these posts so closely – or felt so passionately about their plumbers. And the re-connection to my neighbors was heartening. This, I think, is social media at its best, and it’s a relief when we’re daily buffeted by national headlines about social media at its very worst.”
Read or listen to her commentary at http://digital.vpr.net/post/greene-best-social-media
Trusted, local searchable recommendations
“As you seek referrals for tradespeople and other services, don’t forget that Front Porch Forum maintains an easily searchable archive of all previous postings. I’ve used the archive several times and have found it to be very user-friendly.” • Paul in Hinesburg
“Getting recommendations for local services like house cleaning and firewood is one of the benefits of FPF. When making a recommendation I encourage everyone to use the “Reply to Forum” button. This helps out your favorite local businesses and it will also add your answer into the searchable FPF archive.” • Adam in Richmond
Summer work with the help of neighbors
College students and landscapers find work with the help of FPF:
“Just wanted to let everyone know that I am booked with at least 9 people to work for this summer and will post something if I am open to more work. Thank you all to those who have replied to my Front Porch Forum as it helps a lot!” • Kyle in Moretown
“Thanks to FPF, I saw a post for landscaping, masonry, carpentry, painting, and driveway repair work when I needed help fixing our stone wall. Jeremy fixed the problems with speed and skill. He’s a clean, careful worker. I will hire him again.” • Casey in Johnson
“Thank you for all the recommendations for Lawn Care, we have someone now. I greatly appreciate all the responses and love Front Porch Forum.” • Kim in Morrisville
Looking for help with odd jobs around the house? Try FPF!
Looking for strong applicants?
Try FPF and reach people in the regions where you need help.
“We recently decided to advertise a position on Front Porch Forum for the first time. We are delighted with the results: the cost was reasonable and we found 11 great candidates!” • Lynn, Marketing & Outreach Officer at the Vermont Department for Children and Families
“In the last week I have gotten 2 inquiries about foster care in Bridgewater. Front Porch Forum is where they saw the need ““ it is definitely reaching people we were not reaching before!”
• Resource Coordinator – Family Services Division ““ Hartford Office
Reach us at localbiz@frontporchforum.com if you’d like to learn more.
Who steals a Porto-Let?
Isle La Motte’s Town Clerk reaches out on Front Porch Forum for help in finding their missing porto-let!
“The porto-let placed at the Isle La Motte Rec Field was stolen. It is tan unit, If anyone has any information, please call the Town Hall. Thank you.”
Neighbors keep each other alert on FPF when theft is apparent:
“Hello neighbors, just wanted to let you know that someone broke into my car this past Saturday night. Must have happened between 11 pm – 7 am. They ransacked looking for anything to take. Remember to lock your doors!”
• Jenny in Malletts Bay
“My home was broken into during the day earlier this week through an unlocked window. As the temperatures rise, remember to keep windows and doors locked when you’re away and report any suspicious activity.” • Claire in Burlington
Our neighbors are so cool
As we prepare for unusually hot temperatures this weekend, neighbors look out for each other on Front Porch Forum.
“A BIG THANK YOU to everyone that responded to my post seeking an AC unit. We are all set now for the heatwave! Our neighbors are so cool! Thank you for taking the time to help a neighbor!” • April in Shelburne
“It looks like Vermont might hit 100 degrees this weekend! To keep cool, turn off lights, TVs, entertainment systems and computers. They use energy and add heat to your home. Also, use cooler morning or evening hours for tasks that produce heat or moisture (like dishwashing, baking, laundry, or showering). For more ways to save visit www.efficiencyvermont.com. Stay safe this weekend, drink lots of water, and if all else failsthat’s what creemees are for!” • Matt, Senior Customer Support Specialist, Efficiency Vermont
FPF member shares tips on how to stay nice and cool: “Put ice cubes and water in a small bucket — then soak a thin hand towel in the bucket — wring it out — then fold to make a 3 to 4 inch strip — place on back of neck — make sure to cover both arteries on the right and left side of your neck — cools you right away —- indoors or outdoors.” • Joe in Montpelier
Character, Principles, Integrity
Good deeds get noticed on Front Porch Forum.
“A big thank you to all involved in helping get my husband’s lost wallet back to him! Everyone was great – so lucky we have such a wonderful community.” • Lynn and Dave in Plainfield
“To the person who found my credit card in one of Hannaford’s aisles and turned it in at customer service, I thank you. Thanks to all the people who have proven that there are many good acts happening these days.” • William in Burlington
Inspired by the kindness of someone in your community? Let people know on FPF!
A shout out to generous neighbors
“Thank you all, and, Front Porch Forum, for the ability to seek items, and the onslaught of people that responded!” • Dean in Rochester
“I am so happy that I post here before any where else cause it’s the community you live in that is always the most helpful.” • Heather in Grand Isle
“Thanks to everyone who responded so quickly with my search for Mason Jars and Glass Jugs for our wedding. I am once again overwhelmed at the outpouring of support in this community.” • Lisa in Fayston
“I was looking to borrow a Pole Saw and within ten minutes of my post my doorbell rang with my neighbor having a pole saw in his hand!” • Chris in So. Burlington
“It looks like we’ve found our hoop! What a great community this is!” • Jennifer in Middlebury
“Thanks to all who responded to our call for wood. FPF is a life saver and our friends & neighbors are beyond helpful.” • Cecile in Vergennes
“Several people responded to my search for bike wheels…I’m so stoked about this project and the community that so readily pitched in to help.” • Seth in Cambridge
“In regards to “˜Desperately Seeking Bed’, thank you to all that responded to my plea! It’s really nice knowing that I have moved to such a great place with amazing people!” • Erica in Stowe
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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