Category Archives: Vermont

Today’s Good Neighbor Example

Here’s my favorite use of Front Porch Forum out of today’s batch of neighbor-to-neighbor messages…

On Friday July 20, our neighborhood hosted lunch for folks at the COTS Daystation!  People there expressed surprise and appreciation when I brought in cooler after cooler of bag lunches.  One face in particular brightened when I said there was everything from PBJ to Roast Beef and Pastrami sandwiches in the bags.  (It was the roast beef that got his attention.)

I know at our house, I had ambitious children separating grapes, wrapping sandwiches, packing and decorating the paper bags.  Next time we saw a person begging at the exit ramp of I-189, we all felt better about doing our part to help a person in need.  We have decided to carry some decent snack foods with us that we can donate when we drive by;  we, like most, worry some about unhealthy choices people can make with cash, and it prevents us from reaching out.

Food showed up on my doorstep Thursday night and Friday morning not magically but with care and effort, which is better than magic.  5 different households pitched in to the 40-lunch effort.  Thanks to all who did… you know who you are.

I will contact COTS and find a date in August we can do it again.  I’ve learned a few things to help streamline the process and perhaps make it better for next time.  I hope we can continue on a monthly basis.

Great job Maggie and Prospect Parkway Neighborhood Forum members!  Not only are these folks using Front Porch Forum to pitch in and help their larger community, but by these very actions they are enhancing the sense of community within their own neighborhood… win-win.

Community seeds just waiting to sprout

Bob of the Starr Farm Neighborhood Forum wrote on July 13…

Softball, Soccer, Frisbee (Ultimate)… Is anyone in the “Neighborhood” interested in putting together a neighborhood game of some sort? Nothing ultra-competitive, keeping it fun, maybe even playing against another neighborhood. Any ideas?

Not much response. Then, some wonderful volunteers happened to distribute Front Porch Forum flyers and another 30 households signed up for this forum! So Bob tried again on July 23 and found a different reception…

Neighborhood softball Friday August 3rd at 6:45. I have a few bats I can bring one is a smaller one for kids. If anyone else has a favorite bat ball or glove they can bring that too.

We’ve had a good response, and everyone is welcome. I hope to see and meet many of you there. Feel free to invite anyone else that you want to bring.

That’s great! It’s wonderful to watch this kind of thing in one neighborhood after another… block parties, babysitting coops, neighborhood watches, walking clubs. There seems to be a pent up desire to connect with neighbors. Almost as soon as a critical mass of neighbors join FPF in one neighborhood, someone starts organizing a community activity through it there… that’s what FPF’s all about!

North vs South – The Rumble at the Ramble

This sounds fun. From a posting on today’s ONE Central Neighborhood Forum.  I’m pulling for the South End!

Field Days – North End Ramble – South End vs North End

Hey folks – as many of you know the North End Ramble is taking place this next coming weekend. JULY 28th. I believe the Studio STK people know a lot about the events – and the Crombie Street Block Party always rocks.

My particular part is helping to organize the Field Day Event. Where the North End hosts the South End in what is called “The Rumble at the Ramble” – or “War of the Wards” – whichever you like. Don’t let the names scare you though, last year was one of the most friendly competitions I have ever seen – water balloon toss – 100 (aprox) yard dash – hula hoop perseverance – standing long jump – shotput with a bowling ball – the mile – sack race – a race I invented called “20-20” where you spin around 20 times and have to run 20 yards and back – arm wrestling – possibly more events – and all culminating in a giant tug-of-war.

Last year the South End won – the trophy is at the Muddy Waters. Could the North End win this year and see the trophy displayed at the Radio Bean?

Details – meet and sign up and High Noon at Battery Park on Saturday. We will do some warm up exercise and get going around One. Stay for as long or as little as you want. To volunteer to help email me – ( we do need some things brought to the event still). Bring some watermelon! Last year it all took about two hours, was a ginormous amount of fun, and everyone went on the enjoy the North End Ramble, which is what we are shooting for this year too.

Will the South End rise again? Will the North End bring its “side pride”?

Confused about which End of Burlington you live in? Bank Street is the deciding line we decided on. Also – out of town guest are welcome – which side of (44°28’N) Longitude they live decides what team they are on.

Thanks!
Michael J. Nedell

“Why I Love Front Porch Forum”

A wonderful note from Rosemary to her Starr Farm Neighborhood Forum today…

To all in Starr Farm neighborhood: While browsing one day I discovered FrontPorchForum.com when it was just the “Five Sisters” of the South End. I was curious because I was born there (Catherine Street) and lived there with my children later. I expressed an interest in Starr Farm neighborhood, and lo and behold, became the founding member!

I was ready to begin my contribution if, and when, the sidewalk snowplows once again tore up the front lawns, but it didn’t happen this year!

Meanwhile I love hearing how many neighbors have joined and love watching the “happenings” of this end of town. It is reassuring in this day that people are still generous, kind and caring about the people who live in this town. In short they are still “Neighborly.”

Hope I can someday be of real help to someone in need.

Thank you, Rosemary… what a lovely sentiment.