Category Archives: social capital

Lost cat. Big deal? You bet.

Glad to see this FPF posting in a South Burlington neighborhood today…

Roni the lost cat is home, relaxed and wondering what all the fuss is about! Thanks to all the neighbors on Simpson, Birch, Barrett , Iby et. al who kept an eye out for her.  And thanks, Front Porch Forum, for connecting neighbors with neighbors!

And here’s why it’s a big deal… lost cat postings get neighbors talking and helping each other out.  And such connections lay the groundwork for more.  For example, in Westford, VT, citizens have been struggling over school budgets, and various facts and points of view are filling up their FPF.  Today’s post from one FPF member hit home…

It’s interesting to me that one who claims to dislike Front Porch Forum seems to make use of this very forum to convey their well thought out, lengthy contribution to this budget discussion. They can be sure that their post is read and received with the respect that should be afforded all members.

I love Front Porch Forum. I wish everyone in Westford posted here [about two-thirds of the Town subscribes]. They could contribute  thoughts and opinions in their entirety, at a time that is convenient for them, which could never happen at a budget meeting. The sheer number of posts would consume more time than any meeting could allow. You can read them, or not, as you so choose.

Another recent post indicates that the person was reluctant in the past to make their thoughts and opinions public. Their first post to this forum was again, very well thought out and expressed much of what this contributor had on their mind. Awesome, in my opinion.

Just last night, I was so excited to find new towns added to the FPF service area that I emailed the info to my siblings who can now sign up. I am that impressed with the impact that Front Porch Forum has had on my town and myself. I am so much more educated about what is happening around me. This exchange of ideas is the key to change.

P.S. Don’t forget to vote!

Chopsaw Kindness

It’s great to live among neighborly folks.  Here’s Dave’s post today to Front Porch Forum in Huntington…

I was overwhelmed with seven offers to lend a chopsaw for my flooring project, so I wanted to say “thanks” and observe, as others have, that it is gratifying to live in a community in which people show kindness and concern for one another.  It’s a great place to be!!

And from Laurel in Richmond…

So thankful to have Front Porch Forum… it works!  My Mom’s camera was found.  Thanks Margo!

These kind of things happen day after day in many of the neighborhoods and small towns served by FPF.