“As I look back on this past year, I am so grateful to Front Porch Forum for their posting of our many Community Senior Center events, and so happy about the community’s response to our activities! Participation in events and activities is now approaching 400, and we receive new ideas and suggestions on a weekly basis.”
• Martha, Richmond FPF
“My husband and I like to drive around the neighborhood on Christmas and deliver our leftover flowers to people who may be alone or lonely on the holiday. We would like our neighbors to please help us by giving us names and addresses of people who would appreciate a little pick-me-up. Please do not post them on the Forum for safety reasons. You can contact me at Victory Gardens. Thank you.”
• Linda, Jericho Front Porch Forum
“Hey neighbors! I live in the flats down by River Street and there is enough furniture cast outside to furnish a two-bedroom apartment! Mallett’s Bay corner has like 3 couches… drive a little way past Chick’s on River and you’ve got the abandoned lot with mattresses and tires. Then a little further down is a television that’s been there for weeks. Anyone have any idea why our code enforcement allows our city to look like this? Let’s have a little more pride of place! It’s really quite embarrassing when hosting visitors. Anyone want to organize a clean up? I don’t have a truck, but I just got a tetanus shot so I’m up for it! Maybe the city will reimburse our dump payment? Please contact me and let’s get this crap out of our streets!”
• Allyson, Winooski FPF
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease and I’m happy to report the mattresses and tires have been removed from the lot on River Street! I’m not sure who is responsible for the clean-up but I’d wager my calls, e-mails and Front Porch Forum discussion was a help to expedite the process! I’m so glad to live in a community where action is taken once the problem is addressed. Let’s stay engaged and keep our streets clean! Thank you to everyone who reached out in solidarity on this issue.”
• Allyson, Winooski FPF, a few days later
“I am trying to help out a brother and sister in their 70’s who live together in poverty in Morrisville. Their hot water heater just broke and they have no money to get another one. Does anyone happen to be replacing theirs or have one around that still works? I wanted to try to help them out. Thanks!”
• Lyndall, Stowe FPF, Day 1
“Great news – found a hot water heater… And am getting it installed with the financial help of a couple of anonymous angels from Stowe. My friends are thrilled – even though their pipes are now frozen! Great response to my plea! Thanks everyone who answered my post. That’s the way it is done in Vermont!”
• Lyndall, Stowe FPF, Day 2
“I got more help today from a Front Porch Forum member, and it turns out it was needed. The house needs insulation work before the heater goes in. County Plumbing and Heating went there today, unfroze the pipes, trouble shot the problem areas and brought over an entire bale of insulation! They only charged me about 1/2 price, but were there for 3 hours. So now I have a bigger project than I thought. I am going to also try to work with the state fuel assistance/weatherization program as well. The family already gets fuel assistance, but no one has helped them with the weatherization part, which is key. So, I have FPF angels to thank for the insulation work, the heater, and the installation work to come! Crossing my fingers. And my friends are amazed that their plea has been answered!”
• Lyndall, Stowe FPF, Day 3
“Thank you to Front Porch Forum for connecting us with the person who found our dog before the posting even came out! We are so relieved to have her back home, and we really appreciate FPF and all the neighbors who emailed us to make sure we saw that someone had found her. She is home safe and happy; thank you everyone!”
• Rachel, Underhill FPF
“Words can not express how grateful I am to Newt and all the other people who helped keep my little dog safe on Tuesday, when she was terrified from ice falling off the house and managed not only to get out but also to run a mile down to RT 15! She is my best friend and I am just so thankful she was alright. Newt drove her all the way to Jericho Cafe and Tavern where I work to ensure her comfort. This act of compassion for my little white dog restores my faith in humanity and confirms how incredibly great our neighbors and communities are. Thank you all!!!!!”
• Suzanne, Westford Front Porch Forum
“Thanks to all who chimed in with advice and offers of fairly priced, used AT&T Microcells . My co-worker picked one up for free from his FPF post in Hardwick… And we’re pursing the “Supplied for free from AT&T” options many of you wrote to share! Isn’t Front Porch Forum great? Thanks again.”
• Mary, Morrisville FPF
“The holidays are difficult for some. Our family is very blessed, and we traditionally share Christmas Eve dinner with those who will be alone. A simple time to share a meal and our friendship. If you are alone, and would like to join us, you would be most welcome. Please email me for details.”
• Margo, Underhill Front Porch Forum
“I am helping to support a 23 year old mom and her 1 year old son this Christmas. In addition to a few new items, I am trying to round out their wardrobes with some gently used items. Mom is looking for clothes to help her find work and has requested black pants, size 0. (A size I don’t think I ever wore!) Does anyone out there have any in good condition they’d like to pass on? Also casual business tops, size small. A slightly dressy coat? The baby wears 18 months clothes and could use both indoor and outdoor wear, socks, hat, boots, a few books. These items will be delivered at the end of this coming week. Thanks.”
• Kristen, Richmond Front Porch Forum
“Thank you to all the people who provided gently used clothes to help the young family in need of support this season. Both mom and baby now have some nice outfits, and thanks to a generous gift card donation, they will be able to choose other fun and helpful items. There was also help from Miscellany Mart and even a possible job suggestion.
“It’s so nice to know that Vermont has such caring wonderful people. I was in Rite Aid one day and couldn’t find enough money to pay for my pictures. A nice fellow behind me said not to worry — he would pay for them — and he did. I didn’t know him. The clerk told me the same thing happened to her in Duncan Donuts! I think it must have been good Samaritan week. I just thank the nice guy who paid for them. Bless you!”
• Joyce, Barre Town Front Porch Forum
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