Category Archives: Vermont
It takes a village to find llamas on the lam
“Have you seen our llamas? They went missing from our home on Falls Hill Road this past Sunday. We have driven, and walked and searched high and low but have not had any luck. They are 6-year old females, one dark brown and one lighter blond. If you have any information, please email or call 889-3739. Thank you!”
• Amy, Tunbridge Chelsea Front Porch Forum
“They were seen yesterday morning grazing in an open pasture on the ridge above Ward Hill Rd/old 4th class Kelsey Mountain Rd. For those in this area, please keep your eyes open and let us know if you see them. They are standoffish so don’t expect to ‘catch’ them. Notifying us is the best way. We are getting closer!”
• Amy a few days later
“Dear Friends – Our llamas are home! They enjoyed themselves for nearly 2 weeks in the wild but today the party ended and we were able to corral them safely and soundly off the ridge and down Ward Hill Road and into their pen. Thank you everyone for your emails and thoughts and help and offers of help. We are grateful and relieved to have them back and appreciate the support from the community. May they stay put for the foreseeable future!”
• Amy one last time!
Bears ransack Mad River Valley garage
“I didn’t know bears opened garages, but indeed they do. I haven’t been to the transfer station in quite some time so there’s lots of trash and recyclables in my garage. I woke up to my garage door half way up and trash everywhere… each white kitchen bag of trash was methodically opened and searched. (Recyclables weren’t touched.) The bags were carried into the woods so there’s a mess everywhere… Please be aware and secure your garages. My garage door was down but wasn’t locked.”
• Valerie, Mad River Valley Front Porch Forum
Reckless drivers endangering lives… Vermont discussions heating up
The following Front Porch Forum posting sparked a lively local discussion about texting while driving…
“The past few days while entering and leaving Cambridge Elementary School I have witnessed several drivers texting while leaving the school. We all know it is against the law, but more importantly, there are children who are walking and biking to school and “you” are putting their lives at risk. The text you are responding to is not more important than their lives. Pick up and drop off times at CES is a very busy time and drivers need (and have the duty) to be alert. School officials can only do so much, we are all responsible for the safety of every CES child!”
• Sean, Cambridge FPF
Another Vermonter in Plainfield took a more direct tack…
“Speeding on Laird Pond Rd- Please Stop or I Will Throw Rocks at You… A red truck with a cap came barreling down Laird Pond Rd this afternoon right around bus drop off time 3:30 and sped by my son and honked loudly. He was off to the side, he was not in the way. He is a student walking home from school. Lots of children walk this road every day. Speeding on this road at this time, or any time is unacceptable. I’m serious about the rocks.”
• Erin, Marshfield Plainfield FPF
Given recent tragedies on Vermont roads, these conversations are as important as ever. Local FPFs are a good place to raise these concerns and gauge neighbors’ feelings as well.
Middletown Spring neighbors take good fences
• Linda, Middletown Springs Front Porch Forum
Grateful for engaged neighbors in Winooski
Thank you to the folks who dutifully post our happenings, thoughts, advertisements and questions on the Winooski Front Porch Forum. Everything I have ever desired to sell has gone quickly and safely through advertising on the FPF. And, so it was again that my sofa and chair disappeared in record time.
It is time to donate to FPF as thanks, and I intend to make good on that promise. Expect my check this week. Thanks so much!
• Lynne, Winooski FPF
Prom preparations… ask neighbors for tips
“Looking for someone to hem a prom dress. Not sure about other needs at this time. Needed prior to May 16th. Please let me know if you do tailoring/seamstress work and how much you charge.”
• Kelly, Northfield Front Porch Forum
Use FPF to organize sport leagues
“I run a large soccer league in Chittenden County. I’m expanding my league and one of the best ways I’ve found to get the word out is by Front Porch Forum. If you’re interested and would like more information, please contact me.”
• Briant, Richmond FPF
How to untangle MS Word and Outlook problems
“Once again, FPF has proven a godsend, as I am able to get some computer help from a neighbor. This is one instance in which the wretched machine is a boon! For your kindness, I am grateful.”
• Sherry, Weybridge Cornwall Front Porch Forum
Burlington vs. Boulder? Vote by April 30
Vermont’s Local Motion is neck-and-neck with a Boulder nonprofit in this national contest. Vote today… poll closes April 30.
Local Motion is one of five bike advocacy groups nationwide competing for a super-awesome “Xtracycle” cargo bike. You can help us win!
If we get the most votes , we’ll get a cargo bike worth $2,000 for our Trailside Center here in Burlington.
Then we’ll loan it out to people for free — not just for an hour, but for a few days, so that people can try out a cargo bike for real.
Vermont typically does not win these kind of online competitions, but with this one, we’ve got a real shot. Local Motion has been bouncing in and out of first place for the past week — so your vote could put us over the top!
Please pass this on to any of your networks. Voting end April 30th, so don’t wait! Here’s the link:
http://www.xtracycle.com/vote-for-your-advocacy-organization/
Thank you!
Foster child overwhelmed by neighbors’ care
“Many, many thanks for the fabulous response many of you gave to our foster child’s search for a bike. K is overwhelmed by his sense that so many people out there care and we are excited that he’ll have a bike to ride this spring (it is spring, right? As an Englishwoman, the seasons have me a little confused!!) We feel fortunate to live among you all – and thanks also to Front Porch Forum for allowing this kind of communication and community-building to take place.”
• Zoe, Underhill FPF
Above and below are a handful of the postings we get every day on Front Porch Forum. What will you post to your neighbors?
“I’ve enjoyed your comments on Front Porch Forum. They remind me of how messy and important free speech and citizen journalism are to a functioning democracy.”
• Bill, Hinesburg FPF
“Golden Retriever Found! I knew I could count on FPF. Thank you everyone for the phone calls and assistance. Lulu is home and although she looks pretty guilty, she had an eventful day! Thank you!!”
• Alison, Bristol FPF
“Hi – I’m looking for someone to roll my yard to help smooth out the bumps. I can contact lawn services in town, but FPF seems to be a better place to start. If you’ve hired someone to do this for you, and were happy with the work, i’d really appreciate the recommendation. Thank you!”
• Mary, Montpelier FPF
“My pet sitting business is a success! ‘Found you on FPF’ is the first thing I hear when a new client comes my way.”
• Deb, Middlebury FPF
Great response to post on yard clean-up… Many people responded and I’ve got someone to help. Thanks FPF! What a great way to connect!”
• Anne, Bristol FPF
“Just wanted to let you know that Andy and I secured housing in Essex this afternoon! Yippeee!! Thank you again for your help! The owners found out about us through your FPF posting – we probably never would have found an opportunity like this otherwise.”
• Karen, Essex Center FPF
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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