• Kathleen, FPF in Essex Junction
Category Archives: social capital
Ice skating for Old North End kids
Posted on Monday, January 25, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet
“Hi Neighbors – I was unlacing my skates on the little ice rink in Roosevelt Park yesterday and two 11-year-old girls stopped by to twirl around in their sneakers and skirts, telling each other how much they’d like a pair of ice skates. I’d love to find a way to round up outgrown or unwanted ice skates and find new homes for them among Old North End kids. Does anyone have ideas on how to do this? What organizations might be good at distributing skates, assuming I/we could round some up? Can you think of an alternative approach might be better – e.g., more of a lending library, or an organization that lends them out? If you have any ideas, would like to help, or have skates you’d like to donate, please send me an email. I’m hoping to do something soon before the imminent snow covers our ice!”
• Amanda, Old North End Front Porch Forum in Burlington
Loving Essex Junction community
Posted on Saturday, January 23, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet
“What a wonderful tool we have in our community in Front Porch Forum! I just wanted to thank all of you who have posted or contacted me directly regarding my request for electrician recommendations. Thank you, everyone!”
Coop robberies… Central Vermont community rallies ’round the woodstove
Posted on Friday, January 22, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet
“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
Potluck to turn tables on Westford criminals
Posted on Monday, January 18, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet
“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
Posted on Monday, January 11, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet
“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
Posted on Saturday, January 9, 2016 by Michael • No comments yet
“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
One more recommendation on Weybridge-Cornwall FPF
Posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 by Michael • No comments yet
“I recommend that you have a wonderful Christmas. Front Porch Forum is a great tool for us all. Happy Holidays to all my neighbors!”
• Mary, Weybridge and Cornwall FPF
Hobby network blooming in South Burlington
Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2015 by Michael • No comments yet
“Does Front Porch Forum have any potential as a ‘hobby network’ resource? Something to help folks to connect with neighbors who have common hobby interests?”
• David, South Burlington neighborhood FPF, a few days ago
“So far, the offered hobbies include crocheting, knitting, unicycle riding, woodworking and furniture making, crafts, and all types of kite flying (single line, fighter, revs, and foils). Let’s add more. Also, if you know of people in other FPF South Burlington neighborhoods that might assist in spreading the word about this “hobby sharing” that would be welcome as well.”
• David, South Burlington neighborhood FPF, yesterday
Forgot to take meds to NYC? Panama? No problem
Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2015 by Michael • No comments yet
“I forgot some important medication in my refrigerator in Montpelier and I had left for holidays. Hannah was looking for a ride to NYC. I saw her post on Front Porch Forum and contacted her. She was able to bring the medication on the bus with her to NYC before my flight to Panama. I was reunited with my medication and I now have a new friend in Montpelier. What a wonderful community we live in!”
• Heather, Montpelier FPF
“I thought I was alone until I reached out for help… “
Posted on Monday, December 14, 2015 by Michael • No comments yet
“O wonderful Front Porch Forum – Thank you so much! I am disabled and unable to drive or shop. After much resistance (Why? Who knows?), I posted on FPF and within 24 hours was inundated with offers of help. I couldn’t believe it! What a loving community! I reconnected with old friends and have already made new ones. And my daily aching anxiety (How do I GET THERE?) is GONE! God bless you.
“I thought I was alone until I reached out for help… and found I was surrounded by friends.
“You brought light into despair and I thank you so much.”
• A treasured member of the Montpelier 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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