Category Archives: Vermont
Giving thanks for donuts, dinner and pretty lights
Stories of generosity abound on Front Porch Forum….
“My husband, baby and I were eating dinner tonight and when our check came the waitress said it had already been paid for. Thank you so much to the couple who bought our dinner and wished us a Merry Christmas on the way out!” • Nicole in South Burlington
“I went to the drive through window this morning and ordered coffee. When I drove around to pay, the young lady at the window told me a gentleman had left a bunch of money to pay for the next few cars’ orders until the money ran out! “ • Mary in Northfield
“The village looks so pretty at night now with all the lit Christmas trees. Thanks to the church and everyone who contributed to this lovely Christmas scenery. I don’t know who you are, but it sure is appreciated.” • Amanda in Cabot
Our disconnects in values, relationships and social fabric
danah boyd was quoted on Wired yesterday…
“[W]e have a cultural problem, one that is shaped by disconnects in values, relationships, and social fabric. Our media, our tools, and our politics are being leveraged to help breed polarization by countless actors who can leverage these systems for personal, economic, and ideological gain.”
She went on to state “How do you reknit society? Society is produced by the social connections that are knit together. The stronger those networks, the stronger the society. We have to make a concerted effort to create social ties, social relationships, social networks in the classic sense that allow for strategic bridges across the polis so that people can see themselves as one.”
“Part of what is really collapsing here is that the networks have become too fragmented and too polarized. Technology doesn’t help; it simply magnifies the poles. This is dangerous and cyclical. Polarization leads to distrust and tribalism which leads to more polarization. So for me, the path forward, which requires business and the public sector and civil society working together, is about reconstructing the networks of America.”
In our own small way, this is Front Porch Forum‘s work… helping neighbors connect and build community… reconstructing networks of neighbors across political, class, racial and other boundaries.
A love note
Good news is always appreciated by FPF members!
“Sorry, but Im not. Front Porch Forum is so great at connecting neighbors and the random Love is so fun to read so I have to share:
We are married and so excited!!!!!” • Megan & Peter in Charlotte
Young people lend a hand to elderly neighbor
Sharing kindnesses on Front Porch Forum between neighbors!
“Recently, I had a wonderful experience. In the first quarter of my eighty-first year, I was out on my front lawn picking up debris left by the big wind. Two young people on bikes stopped wondering if I needed any help cleaning up. I was stunned. I questioned them and they both said they just wanted to help. They worked steadily and with good cheer. It took the three of us just under an hour to complete a task I estimated at three hours or more. If anyone on FPF knows the family, please let their parents know they should be very proud of these two great young people.” • Carl in Essex Junction
And, in response:
“Thank you so much for the beautiful note, what a lovely surprise. We are so happy to live in a community that appreciates the same values that we do! We are very proud of our kids and made sure to tell them!” • Travis and Crystal
Home fix-it repairs made easy
Everyday, neighbors use Front Porch Forum to find the services they need.
“Thanks to FPF we had an excellent window washing experience.”
• Michelle in Williston
“Thanks to FPF and the community. We now have several names to contact for our bathroom remodeling.” • Catherine in Jericho
“Thanks to all who responded to my request for recommendations for garage door repair. AND thanks to FPF for making it so easy to get recommendations!” • Ruth in Adamant
Remember, in addition to posting your requests, you can also use FPF’s Business Directory as another tool to find what you need.
Offers of hot meals, hot showers and warmth
During last week’s wind storm that affected so many Vermonters, FPF was flooded with posts offering help to neighbors. And our town officials used Front Porch Forum to communicate needs, assistance and thanks….
“When you see our road crew and firefighters, give them a hand for their hard work throughout last nights storm. These folks were out in that crazy weather, clearing trees and trying to keep our roads open! Thanks also to all the good neighbors who have been offering to help each other out.” • Sally, Lincoln Town Clerk
“Are you still without power and running water from the recent storm? The Stowe Arena will be open from 8am-9pm for community members who would like a hot shower.”
• Emily, Program Director, Stowe Parks & Recreation
“This evening Robinson School will have a hot meal for those who are still without power. Chili, soup, sandwiches, water fill-up and community comfort will be available in the cafeteria 5:30-6:30 this evening.” • Edorah, Principal, Robinson Elementary School, Starksboro
“If anyone without power is in need or want of a warm, lit space to hang out for a bit or get some work done, or collect some water, or whatever, the Jericho UMC church next to the town hall will be open from 1-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.” • John, United Methodist Church
Organizing for community dinners
Front Porch Forum members can reach out to their neighbors to start or continue traditions that connect us in person.
“Is there anyone interested in continuing the tradition of our town’s Community Christmas Dinner? With a loyal group of volunteers, it’s been happening for more then 25+ years…. If interested contact us and if you know anyone who is not on FPF please let them know about this, we’d really appreciate it.” • Cathy in Waterbury
“We are pleased to invite you to the first Saplings’ Community Dinner….Bring your families and friends, all are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you!” • Melissa in Craftsbury
Connecting with our neighbors… it’s what Front Porch Forum is all about!
Dancing flagman brings smiles to cars in traffic
Sharing happy moments on Front Porch Forum makes us all smile!
“Most of us who have been caught in traffic have probably been somewhat frustrated at times. That certainly was not the case on Friday! As I was heading south and before I even needed to brake for traffic, I could see something brilliant yellow moving rhythmically. a dancing flagman. The closer I got to him, the more animated he became. This young man was having such a fine time and sharing his joy with those of us who were fortunate enough to be driving and yes dancing by.” • Ebeth in Charlotte
Here’s to hoping everyone experiences some joy this weekend!
A new business develops as a result of a few postings
Entrepreneurs find Front Porch Forum a valuable resource!
“I never intended to own a cell phone repair shop rather I was trying to earn extra money to help fund my other business. After a few posts on Front Porch Forum I realized the demand was there so I decided to go for it. I’ve been advertising for over a year with FPF which has helped grow 802 Mobile to one of Vermont’s leading companies for iPhone, iPad, & Android repair services. If it wasn’t for FPF my thriving business would have never existed.” – Ryan at 802 Mobile
Are you familiar with FPF’s Business Directory? You’ll find a collection of close to 10,000 Vermont businesses and nonprofits that participate.
Neighbors lend a hand across Vermont
Posting on Front Porch Forum to neighbors results in finding what you need!
“Judy answered our posting for a long ladder to do the painting of a 2 story garage behind my house. We were able to accomplish our goal and the garage is painted! Thanks to Judy and Front Porch Forum for getting us together.” • Frances in Barre
“If you ever need a pet sitter have no fear- there are plenty of qualified, animal loving entrepreneurs nearby. Also, kind neighbors willing to lend a hand. Just post to FPF!” • Caysie in Jericho
“I would like to thank everyone who offered a free cat carrier. The response was many and not expected. This Forum is great.” • Margaret in Middlebury
“Thank you all so much for the offers for a dorm fridge…..I found one! The responses were incredible…..SUCH AN AWESOME COMMUNITY and such an awesome resource FPF is.” • Michele in N. Fayston
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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