Ghost of Midnight

… about neighbors, community and Front Porch Forum

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

Tour de Piglet

Posted on Thursday, July 12, 2018 by • 2 comments

Another neighbor celebrates the homecoming of their family pets by sharing the story of their missing piglets on Front Porch Forum.

Christopher Carson @bhris1017 Christopher Carson @bhris1017“After enjoying a tour of the neighborhood fields, our piglets have returned home. Their human caretakers also enjoyed the tour of the neighborhood fields, getting to meet a few more neighbors along the way, before tracking the piglets back up the hill to our place, where we found them back in their pen, gorging on grain and enjoying their wallow, and wondering what took us so long to get back. Ah well, it was a nice day to be outside, and we know it was our turn to add some FPF interest!”  -Rosie in Montpelier

Ride or run to help fight hunger

Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 by • No comments yet

Front Porch Forum is proud to support the Point to Point on August 11 in Vermont!

This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the @VermontFoodbank as well as an amazing cycling, running, music and food festival for all ages!

Register to ride or run TODAY before prices go up July 12! #VTp2p

Looking for strong applicants?

Posted on Monday, July 9, 2018 by • No comments yet

Try FPF and reach people in the regions where you need help.

“We recently decided to advertise a position on Front Porch Forum for the first time. We are delighted with the results: the cost was reasonable and we found 11 great candidates!” • Lynn, Marketing & Outreach Officer at the Vermont Department for Children and Families

“In the last week I have gotten 2 inquiries about foster care in Bridgewater. Front Porch Forum is where they saw the need ““ it is definitely reaching people we were not reaching before!”
• Resource Coordinator  – Family Services Division ““ Hartford Office

Reach us at localbiz@frontporchforum.com if you’d like to learn more.

Knitting together a community at the parade

Posted on Thursday, July 5, 2018 by • No comments yet

FPF members remind us of the importance of in person connections.

“I’d love to see a float or section of the parade for NEW IN TOWN residents. How much fun would it be to meet babies born in the last year as well as any new families and other residents who moved here in the past 12 months or so!!! We could introduce ourselves during the after-parade festivities. Not all of us have the format of school activities for getting to know others, and using this idea would create another opportunity for knitting together our community.” • Susan in Westford

Have your own idea to share on meeting new people in town? Share on Front Porch Forum.

Who steals a Porto-Let?

Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 by • No comments yet

Isle La Motte’s Town Clerk reaches out on Front Porch Forum for help in finding their missing porto-let!

“The porto-let placed at the Isle La Motte Rec Field was stolen. It is tan unit, If anyone has any information, please call the Town Hall. Thank you.”

Neighbors keep each other alert on FPF when theft is apparent:

“Hello neighbors, just wanted to let you know that someone broke into my car this past Saturday night. Must have happened between 11 pm – 7 am. They ransacked looking for anything to take. Remember to lock your doors!”
• Jenny in Malletts Bay

“My home was broken into during the day earlier this week through an unlocked window. As the temperatures rise, remember to keep windows and doors locked when you’re away and report any suspicious activity.” • Claire in Burlington

Wonders in the wood

Posted on Monday, July 2, 2018 by • No comments yet

Front Porch Forum members marvel at the mysteries of local wildlife and wildflowers:

“Tonight was special when it comes to wildlife.  Saw two otters which are always a treat. As it was getting dark and the otters were aware of me and keeping their distance, I saw a large bird take flight from the opposite shore. The light was getting low so all I could see was a very large bird, consistent with a heron in the poor light, cross the pond and then turn up the shore toward us. It flew right past us and cleared the tree line directly across from me at less than 20 yards. Clear as a bell; Bald Eagle. A wonderful evening for me and proof of the wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities here.” • Robert in West Bolton

And this past Spring: “Took a walk tonight, enjoying a respite between spring showers and was enjoying the many woodland areas covered in those tiny blue flowers. Met up with a neighbor who was walking her dog and we both delighted in them but could not identify them. She suggested that I post it to FPF when I came up with it. So here it is:
Siberian Squill (scilla siberica) is the lovely, little blue flower — a deeper blue — with nodding heads, looking down. Their blooming neighbor, another tiny blue flower, but a lighter shade, and with upturned face with a white star in the center is Glory of the Snow (chionodoxa).” • Pat in Burlington

Share your observations of the Vermont beauty around us on 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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