Ghost of Midnight
… about neighbors, community and Front Porch Forum
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.
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
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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