Ghost of Midnight

… about neighbors, community and Front Porch Forum

Trusted, local searchable recommendations

Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 by No comments yet

“As you seek referrals for tradespeople and other services, don’t forget that Front Porch Forum maintains an easily searchable archive of all previous postings. I’ve used the archive several times and have found it to be very user-friendly.”  • Paul in Hinesburg

“Getting recommendations for local services like house cleaning and firewood is one of the benefits of FPF. When making a recommendation I encourage everyone to use the “Reply to Forum” button. This helps out your favorite local businesses and it will also add your answer into the searchable FPF archive.” • Adam in Richmond

Free rhubarb. Swap for pie.

Posted on Monday, August 20, 2018 by 1 comment

A beautiful example of using Front Porch Forum

“I harvested my large rhubarb plant.  However my baking skills do not match my gardening skills, so I posted: “Free rhubarb. Will consider swap for a pie.”  I swapped the rhubarb, got a luscious pie and a new friend who will get my crop annually.  I look forward to years of pies.” • Renee in Warren

Have an abundance of vegetables in your garden? Share them with neighbors on FPF!

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.

A community gathering place

Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 by No comments yet

“I am so grateful to Front Porch ForumIt strikes me how casually we use this gathering place, how satisfying it is even if we’re just looking for a Phillip’s head screwdriver, and how much more important many of our needs and generosity and community support have become.

And the tenderness of this community always comes through.

But it does need a forum, and thankfully we have one.

I just expressed my gratitude by pledging a monthly donation to keep it all going. When you think of what we receive; the discussions we have; the friends we make; the help that comes our way, it does seem appropriate to say thank you.”
• 
Tami in Montpelier

And we are grateful for our FPF members as well!

Trampolines and Fog Machines

Posted on Friday, August 10, 2018 by No comments yet

Front Porch Forum is the ultimate resource for creative members- from trampolines to fog machines!

“Thanks to the many trampoline owners willing to part with their…Now I need a fog machine- FPF is a super resource!”  • Alex in Warren

“I want to thank the donor who responded to a call on FPF for shirts and aprons to use for kids’ art classes by bringing in a dozen kid-sized aprons. We are using them this week with kids from Kamp Iwannahavfun who are learning to create batik-style flags and a group wax resist painting with teaching artist Marci Bostic – perfect fit! Catamount Arts loves Front Porch Forum!” • Anne in St. Johnsbury

“Hey Montpelier! I got a sewing machine last night (FPF is soooo cool, thank you to everyone who responded to my post) and I’m so excited to start crafting. Does anyone have scrap fabrics lying around they’d love to get rid of?” • Mollie in Montpelier

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!

Blockchain, bitcoin, stormy dangles, yada yada

Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 by No comments yet

Everyday items are bought and sold on FPF.  Some of our members do it with humor:

“I have a table. I have run out of places to put it. You need a table. Or maybe you would if you got rid of that piece of crap you are using for one now and took mine! Plywood and blocks are OK for a college student, but at your age, you should move up to real wood. Old wood. Wood made before Hawaii was a state. Before plastics were invented. Wood. Oak, in fact. Such oaky goodness like you never see anymore. The kind that will make you want to wake up in the morning just to go sit in front of it, but please, use a coaster? I am dropping the price. I will deliver it. And I’ll carry off your plywood and cinderblock thing. Email me, but be fast. The last stuff I posted is all gone and it had a much worse ad. I expect a deluge of emails. (I’m hoping people will quit with the marriage proposals already!) You snooze, you lose! Oh yeah, blockchain, bitcoin, stormy dangles, yada yada. Buy the table.”  • Forrest in Randolph

“Whooee! Forrest, you did us all a favor. I am still laughing. Talk about livening up the culture here on Front Porch Forum!  I would gladly reward your fine on-line behavior by buying your table, but I really don’t need a table. Too bad. But anyway, it must be on its way to new owners this weekend after razzle-dazzle like that.”
• Josie in Randolph Center

Neighborhood surveys bring communities together

Posted on Friday, July 20, 2018 by No comments yet

From community projects to block parties, many are using surveys on Front Porch Forum:

“Just a quick reminder to take the White Church survey – what do you want the church to become? Let’s hear peoples ideas!”  • Eric in Westford

“In an effort to strengthen the safety and health of our neighborhood, we have created a survey to get a sense of what people would like to see updated or improved, and what people might be able to do to help make these things happen.” • Kate and Matt in South Burlington

“Is there any interest in having a casual neighborhood social / block party to get to know each other? Willing to do most of the legwork organizing if others are interested. I put together this survey, and hope you’ll take a minute to fill it out and let me know!” • Sara in South Burlington

“We recently did a survey and FPF came in as one of the most reliable sources of info for seniors.” • Patricia in Winooski

Want to get your neighbors input through FPF? Here’s how:

STEPS:

  1. Create a survey. Research which platform will work best for your needs.
  2. Create a post with a link to the survey on FPF. Explain the intent of the survey.
  3. Post a reminder post prior to your deadline for input.
  4. Have others in the neighborhood also post reminders.
  5. Check the share box to include neighboring towns if appropriate.

Summer work with the help of neighbors

Posted on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 by 2 comments

College students and landscapers find work with the help of FPF:

“Just wanted to let everyone know that I am booked with at least 9 people to work for this summer and will post something if I am open to more work. Thank you all to those who have replied to my Front Porch Forum as it helps a lot!” • Kyle in Moretown

“Thanks to FPF, I saw a post for landscaping, masonry, carpentry, painting, and driveway repair work when I needed help fixing our stone wall. Jeremy fixed the problems with speed and skill. He’s a clean, careful worker. I will hire him again.” • Casey in Johnson

“Thank you for all the recommendations for Lawn Care, we have someone now. I greatly appreciate all the responses and love Front Porch Forum.” • Kim in Morrisville

Looking for help with odd jobs around the house? Try 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