Ghost of Midnight
… about neighbors, community and Front Porch Forum
Tour de Piglet
Another neighbor celebrates the homecoming of their family pets by sharing the story of their missing piglets on Front Porch Forum.
“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
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?
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.
Become better informed and more engaged
Invite your public officials not already involved on FPF to join the conversation!
Knitting together a community at the parade
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?
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
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.
Our neighbors are so cool
As we prepare for unusually hot temperatures this weekend, neighbors look out for each other on Front Porch Forum.
“A BIG THANK YOU to everyone that responded to my post seeking an AC unit. We are all set now for the heatwave! Our neighbors are so cool! Thank you for taking the time to help a neighbor!” • April in Shelburne
“It looks like Vermont might hit 100 degrees this weekend! To keep cool, turn off lights, TVs, entertainment systems and computers. They use energy and add heat to your home. Also, use cooler morning or evening hours for tasks that produce heat or moisture (like dishwashing, baking, laundry, or showering). For more ways to save visit www.efficiencyvermont.com. Stay safe this weekend, drink lots of water, and if all else failsthat’s what creemees are for!” • Matt, Senior Customer Support Specialist, Efficiency Vermont
FPF member shares tips on how to stay nice and cool: “Put ice cubes and water in a small bucket — then soak a thin hand towel in the bucket — wring it out — then fold to make a 3 to 4 inch strip — place on back of neck — make sure to cover both arteries on the right and left side of your neck — cools you right away —- indoors or outdoors.” • Joe in Montpelier
Character, Principles, Integrity
Good deeds get noticed on Front Porch Forum.
“A big thank you to all involved in helping get my husband’s lost wallet back to him! Everyone was great – so lucky we have such a wonderful community.” • Lynn and Dave in Plainfield
“To the person who found my credit card in one of Hannaford’s aisles and turned it in at customer service, I thank you. Thanks to all the people who have proven that there are many good acts happening these days.” • William in Burlington
Inspired by the kindness of someone in your community? Let people know on FPF!
Young bicyclists helped by neighbors
Letting others know when we witness random acts of kindness on Front Porch Forum has a profound impact on how we feel about our communities.
“I saw a little boy riding his bike carrying some sports equipment. He lost his balance and fell over. This random car saw it happen, pulled over and stopped to see if the boy was ok (he was). In a time when we’re so divided, it’s nice to witness these moments as a reminder that there is good in the world and that we live in a great community that cares about each other.” • Katrina in Waterbury
“I saw a young boy fall off his bicycle today. He seemed a bit shaken, but he picked himself up as two vehicles approached. Both drivers stopped to make sure the kiddo was okay. The man in the truck even took time to pull over, get out, check the bike, dust the kid off and help him get back on the bike. Witnessing this small act of kindness warmed my heart and made me feel grateful to be part of this community.” • Wendy in Bristol
Share on FPF when you witness neighborly acts.
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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