Ghost of Midnight
… about neighbors, community and Front Porch Forum
Learn something, even if it’s only to disagree
Thoughtful discussion from Front Porch Forum members allows us to learn and connect with our neighbors.
“I have to admit, my favorite bits of FPF are the disagreements. I think arguments on FPF are really helpful. They bring to the surface issues that we don’t always talk about. Everyone gets a chance to gauge the opinions of their neighbors. It’s not hard to chime in. Every time there’s a chain of discussion posts–about panhandling, or dogs, or pedestrians and drivers, I learn something. For me, it’s good to know just how much I disagree, and why, and who I might occasionally agree with.
Consensus might be best, but disagreement is way better than silence. Thanks, to Front Porch Forum and everyone who takes the time to post their arguments.” • Glen, City Councilor in Montpelier
FPF Co-founder to Speak in Bennington
Front Porch Forum co-founder and CEO, Michael Wood-Lewis will speak in Bennington on June 21 at the Bennington Museum as part of The Lightning Jar Leadership Speaker Series. Come join us and hear how Front Porch Forum is helping to change conversations in our communities.
This Speaker Series brings entrepreneurs and business leaders to Bennington from all over to tell their stories about building and growing businesses in Vermont. The Lightning Jar is Bennington’s entrepreneurial hub and professional development community.
For more information on our upcoming visit to Bennington, click here.
A shout out to generous neighbors
“Thank you all, and, Front Porch Forum, for the ability to seek items, and the onslaught of people that responded!” • Dean in Rochester
“I am so happy that I post here before any where else cause it’s the community you live in that is always the most helpful.” • Heather in Grand Isle
“Thanks to everyone who responded so quickly with my search for Mason Jars and Glass Jugs for our wedding. I am once again overwhelmed at the outpouring of support in this community.” • Lisa in Fayston
“I was looking to borrow a Pole Saw and within ten minutes of my post my doorbell rang with my neighbor having a pole saw in his hand!” • Chris in So. Burlington
“It looks like we’ve found our hoop! What a great community this is!” • Jennifer in Middlebury
“Thanks to all who responded to our call for wood. FPF is a life saver and our friends & neighbors are beyond helpful.” • Cecile in Vergennes
“Several people responded to my search for bike wheels…I’m so stoked about this project and the community that so readily pitched in to help.” • Seth in Cambridge
“In regards to “˜Desperately Seeking Bed’, thank you to all that responded to my plea! It’s really nice knowing that I have moved to such a great place with amazing people!” • Erica in Stowe
Hello to summer!
Front Porch Forum members celebrate community in various ways this Memorial Day weekend.
“We’re going to hold an old-fashioned Block Party and celebrate in the street with games, food and fun…. so come out and play with us!” • Kate in St. Albans
Following the ceremony, the Legion Auxiliary is hosting a potluck lunch.” • John in Guilford
“Please join us for an Ice Cream Social as we say hello to summer!” • Julie in Essex Junction
FPF applauds the many communities who will be gathering together in remembrance and tribute to our veterans.
Vibrant, positive, essential
Did you know Front Porch Forum has over 10,000 small businesses across the state using our Business Directory?
“A paid business directory listing on @frontporchforum matters to @clearbold because FPF is a vibrant, positive, and essential VT-based alternative to other social media platforms.” • Clearbold, LLC
Don’t miss out! Join our Business Directory for free or learn more about becoming a FPF sponsor.
Raising awareness about ticks
FPF members are sharing news in their neighborhoods on how to deal with ticks.
“After talking to area residents we think reporting tick bites will help us know and get a feel for our local situation. It would be helpful to answer all or some of these questions.
– When were you bitten?
– Where do you think you picked up the tick?
– Were you wearing repellent?
– Do you know what kind it was? (Example – Deer Tick/Black Legged Tick, Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, etc. Google to identify.)
– Did you take the tick to a health center or send it in to be tested (University Of Mass is one place that tests)?
Please report onto your neighborhood Front Porch Forum to help raise awareness. See a very interesting and informative graph for Vermont that updates Every week.” • Susan in Waitsfield
Keep alert and informed during tick season!
Escape From Facebookistan
Can a public sphere worth living in ever be built online? Micah Sifry includes an interview with FPF Co-Founder, Michael Wood-Lewis, in his article appearing in The New Republic, Escape From Facebookistan
“In the same way people need banks to hold their money safely and to help it circulate, creating businesses and jobs, they also need trustworthy online digital forums to hold their social identities and help foster beneficial connections between friends, neighbors, and the larger society.” • Micah Sifry
Alternatives exist! Thanks for recognizing Front Porch Forum in your article!
Vermont’s future generation of women
This year’s Girls on the Run 5k event will be unlike any other and FPF is proud to be a part of it! With hundreds of girls crossing the finish line ““ each one beaming with confidence and pride ““ it’s a community celebration of and for our local girls. We invite you to help support Girls on the Run and experience the 5k for yourself! Learn more at gotrvt.org/5k
Thanks for friends and neighbors
Neighbors and friends continue to support the work we do.
“We are so grateful for this great way to reach you! We use Front Porch Forum a lot to let folks know about our rental cottage and we always find GREAT people through FPF. It feels safe and fun to rent our place this way and we have just become contributing members on a monthly basis to help keep FPF available to us all! It’s super easy to do, and you can choose the payment amount that works for you!” • Peg in Calais
Learn more here how you can join Peg and Indigo as supporting members!
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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