Category Archives: Vermont

The Great Monday Night Dog Chase

Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 by No comments yet

It’s not uncommon to hear wild tales of animal chases and gracious shout outs on Front Porch Forum, but it never gets old!

“Thank you to everyone who helped, offered to assist, pointed us in the right direction, or simply wished us luck as we chased the very fast and wily “Rolo the dog” all over our fair city after he escaped while we were dog-sitting. His jaunt included most of North Street (twice), Spring Street, all of Weaver Street, the Winooski Circle, the Casavant trail, and ended on Platt Street.

A special thanks to Ben for assisting with our pursuit on his moped; to all of the folks who donned headlamps and searched on foot; to the kind couple on Platt Street who found one very exhausted pup in their driveway and called the Winooski PD; and to the Winooski Police Department for their kindness and prompt attention. And lastly, our sincere apologies to anyone who was offended by a silver Subaru that was driving in a less-than-courteous manner as we tried to keep Rolo the Escapee in our sights.

Rolo is home safe and sound, and we are grateful for such a caring community! ” – Charlotte A. & Chris in Winooski

Appreciation for the splendor around us

Posted on Monday, August 27, 2018 by No comments yet

A neighbor shares his love of a local trail on Front Porch Forum.

“I took my first ride under forest canopy, between wildflower meadows in full bloom with our native species, flushed out flocks of Goldfinch, travelled past pond and wildlife on paths in excellent condition. See vineyard and mountain peaks colored by the sunset and get away from it all right here!” • Larry in Charlotte

Thanks for the reminder to get out and explore where we live!

FPF’s role in “Catching Murphy”

Posted on Friday, August 17, 2018 by No comments yet

It isn’t unusual to follow stories on Front Porch Forum of owners looking for and reconnecting with their lost pets. From dogs and cats to goats, chickens and pigs, we’ve seen it all. However, the story of Murphy, a runaway golden retriever, and how he captured the hearts of Vermont communities is very special. So special, that Wilson Ring, FPF member and the state’s correspondent for the Associated Press, wrote a book about it.

“see a glimpse of how a small Vermont town rallied together to help bring Murphy home.”

Read the story of Catching Murphy, documented through local neighborhood FPF posts.

Vermont band making noise in libraries

Posted on Thursday, July 26, 2018 by No comments yet

FPF happily supports the Book of Zoo Library Benefit Tour, now in the middle of their two-month tour performing at 13 rural libraries this Summer. Come hear some great music and support our rural public libraries, an important part of our communities! All donations from the concerts go to support literacy programs for the hosting library.

“As the public storehouse of knowledge, the public library can be viewed as a free society’s insurance that all ideas will be accessible to everyone who may want them. Ideas and information are certainly available elsewhere, but no other agency or organization can guarantee such a wide accessibility to ideas of all kinds that will be free of charge to all its customers.” • Librarian at the Arvin A. Brown Public library in Richford

“I was totally unprepared for the outpouring of cards, gifts, sweet wishes, reminiscences, and hugs that have come my way as my tenure as librarian has come to an end with my retirement! I am on Front Porch Forum to say: thank you all for your wonderful kindness and generosity, and for the joy of being allowed to love your children for all these years!” • Lynne in Middlesex

Post thanks to your own librarian(s) on FPF!

A testament to Vermont teenagers

Posted on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum members routinely recognize the volunteers who give graciously in their communities.

“I managed to make a spectacular fall this past winter and ignored the pain until it was 2 AM on a very snowy night. Unable to get out of bed, I called 911 and within 10 minutes an ambulance with four young people backed down my 6” deep snow covered drive to my front door. Four young people put me on a stretcher and carried me to the waiting ambulance. 

On the way to the hospital I discovered two of my attendants were high school students. This being a Tuesday night at 3 AM, I asked about school and was told they had classes the next day at 8 O’Clock and would be there. They did this routinely as volunteers, twice a month.

I think this is an overwhelming testament to the American, (Vermont?) teenager of today.. I don’t know how many volunteer rescue services have similar programs, but I certainly appreciate this one.” • Jack in Jericho

Ride or run to help fight hunger

Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum is proud to support the Point to Point on August 11 in Vermont!

This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the @VermontFoodbank as well as an amazing cycling, running, music and food festival for all ages!

Register to ride or run TODAY before prices go up July 12! #VTp2p

Wonders in the wood

Posted on Monday, July 2, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum members marvel at the mysteries of local wildlife and wildflowers:

“Tonight was special when it comes to wildlife.  Saw two otters which are always a treat. As it was getting dark and the otters were aware of me and keeping their distance, I saw a large bird take flight from the opposite shore. The light was getting low so all I could see was a very large bird, consistent with a heron in the poor light, cross the pond and then turn up the shore toward us. It flew right past us and cleared the tree line directly across from me at less than 20 yards. Clear as a bell; Bald Eagle. A wonderful evening for me and proof of the wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities here.” • Robert in West Bolton

And this past Spring: “Took a walk tonight, enjoying a respite between spring showers and was enjoying the many woodland areas covered in those tiny blue flowers. Met up with a neighbor who was walking her dog and we both delighted in them but could not identify them. She suggested that I post it to FPF when I came up with it. So here it is:
Siberian Squill (scilla siberica) is the lovely, little blue flower — a deeper blue — with nodding heads, looking down. Their blooming neighbor, another tiny blue flower, but a lighter shade, and with upturned face with a white star in the center is Glory of the Snow (chionodoxa).” • Pat in Burlington

Share your observations of the Vermont beauty around us on FPF.

FPF Co-founder to Speak in Bennington

Posted on Friday, June 8, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum co-founder and CEO, Michael Wood-Lewis will speak in Bennington on June 21 at the Bennington Museum as part of The Lightning Jar Leadership Speaker Series. Come join us and hear how Front Porch Forum is helping to change conversations in our communities.

This Speaker Series brings entrepreneurs and business leaders to Bennington from all over to tell their stories about building and growing businesses in Vermont. The Lightning Jar is Bennington’s entrepreneurial hub and professional development community.

For more information on our upcoming visit to Bennington, click here.

Vibrant, positive, essential

Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2018 by No comments yet

Did you know Front Porch Forum has over 10,000 small businesses across the state using our Business Directory?

“A paid business directory listing on @frontporchforum matters to @clearbold because FPF is a vibrant, positive, and essential VT-based alternative to other social media platforms.” •  Clearbold, LLC

Don’t miss out! Join our Business Directory for free or learn more about becoming a FPF sponsor.

Vermont’s future generation of women

Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 by No comments yet

This year’s Girls on the Run 5k event will be unlike any other and FPF is proud to be a part of it! With hundreds of girls crossing the finish line ““ each one beaming with confidence and pride ““ it’s a community celebration of and for our local girls. We invite you to help support Girls on the Run and experience the 5k for yourself! Learn more at gotrvt.org/5k