Ghost of Midnight
… about neighbors, community and Front Porch Forum
Dancing flagman brings smiles to cars in traffic
Sharing happy moments on Front Porch Forum makes us all smile!
“Most of us who have been caught in traffic have probably been somewhat frustrated at times. That certainly was not the case on Friday! As I was heading south and before I even needed to brake for traffic, I could see something brilliant yellow moving rhythmically. a dancing flagman. The closer I got to him, the more animated he became. This young man was having such a fine time and sharing his joy with those of us who were fortunate enough to be driving and yes dancing by.” • Ebeth in Charlotte
Here’s to hoping everyone experiences some joy this weekend!
A new business develops as a result of a few postings
Entrepreneurs find Front Porch Forum a valuable resource!
“I never intended to own a cell phone repair shop rather I was trying to earn extra money to help fund my other business. After a few posts on Front Porch Forum I realized the demand was there so I decided to go for it. I’ve been advertising for over a year with FPF which has helped grow 802 Mobile to one of Vermont’s leading companies for iPhone, iPad, & Android repair services. If it wasn’t for FPF my thriving business would have never existed.” – Ryan at 802 Mobile
Are you familiar with FPF’s Business Directory? You’ll find a collection of close to 10,000 Vermont businesses and nonprofits that participate.
Nudge, nudge…. Now’s the time
If you haven’t contributed to FPF’s Supporting Member Campaign, now’s the time! We have less than half way to go to reach our $150,000 goal.
“I just donated to Front Porch Forum because it is amazing! I have given away, gotten for free, bought things I need at much less expense, sold things at great prices, kept up with the neighborhood news… the list is long. FPF is an excellent resource for the community!” • Sharon in Montpelier
“I read Front Porch Forum every day to find out what is happening in town – what animal is lost, what will be discussed at the next Selectboard meeting, what social events are happening for kids, families and seniors, and who is giving away something that you just cannot live without! My day is not complete without FPF, and my life is certainly easier because I can find so many things I need on FPF. Please help out if you can and support this service that helps our town stay more connected.” • Marie in Richmond
Neighbors lend a hand across Vermont
Posting on Front Porch Forum to neighbors results in finding what you need!
“Judy answered our posting for a long ladder to do the painting of a 2 story garage behind my house. We were able to accomplish our goal and the garage is painted! Thanks to Judy and Front Porch Forum for getting us together.” • Frances in Barre
“If you ever need a pet sitter have no fear- there are plenty of qualified, animal loving entrepreneurs nearby. Also, kind neighbors willing to lend a hand. Just post to FPF!” • Caysie in Jericho
“I would like to thank everyone who offered a free cat carrier. The response was many and not expected. This Forum is great.” • Margaret in Middlebury
“Thank you all so much for the offers for a dorm fridge…..I found one! The responses were incredible…..SUCH AN AWESOME COMMUNITY and such an awesome resource FPF is.” • Michele in N. Fayston
Finding gratitude in the mail
We’re very thankful for the nice notes we’ve been receiving in the mail along with checks from FPF Supporting Members.
“My husband and I are new to Front Porch Forum and totally enjoy receiving our updates every day. It really makes us feel connected to our lovely community.” • Bernadette in Charlotte
“Thanks to Front Porch Forum rural life is so much easier. It’s all about the community connections, and FPF is the place to start, no matter what you are trying to find, fix, or do.” • Nancy in Tunbridge
“Thank you for such a great means to stay connected to our community. As seniors, we do use FPF to get household and garden help!” • Bill and Anastasia in Middlesex
“Have sold things, given things away, have gotten help finding local services – wonderful way to connect with my local community.” • Janice in Shaftsbury
Help us reach our ambitious fundraising goal and contribute to FPF’s Supporting Member Campaign today to keep this important free service coming to your community.
Keeping abreast of local happenings
“I made my donation this morning. Join me? In a world where so many things are unpredictable I appreciate seeing FPF in my inbox each night. This service keeps us informed about community events and issues important to us and that directly affect our lives. I spend so much of my day rushing around and navigating the wider world ““ it’s nice to come home and catch up on local happenings. I hope you feel the same way.” • Roni in East Calais
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and difficult to explain, the best thing we can do is come together. Front Porch Forum is here to make stronger communities more achievable. Help us reach our goal and make a contribution by becoming a supporting member today.
Experiencing kindness at the beach
A Front Porch Forum member expresses gratitude after posting about the loss of her shoes at the beach.
“An amazingly grateful update on my missing shoes that I posted yesterday. I went back to the beach today and found my shoes in a bag with a nice note! Many thanks to the person who made my day! I very much appreciate your humble return. Today, at the beach, I also met a man who was pleased to see that the extended beach area is still as clean as when he took it upon himself to clean it last season. And one more kindness; a woman stopped by my car to see if I needed help taking my board off the rack. Three kindnesses today that I was a part of. It would be great if every day each of us could be a party to the generosity of others and also give some kindness away. Thank you all!” • Nancy in Shelburne
Thanks for helpful, kind neighbors
Front Porch Forum members can often be counted on to help their neighbors in need…..
“Thank you to our neighborhood for helping mow our lawn while we are at the hospital all day with our son. There is a lot in the news about the divisions in this country and a tiny fraction of individuals with hatred in their hearts. But overwhelmingly, we are living in a community of people who are good, and helpful and kind. This is just one example. Thank you to my dear neighbors and community” • Matt in Williston
Generosity from others helps confirm the value of nurturing community relationships. Reach out to your neighbors with FPF.
Chickens have sold!
As have a multitude of other offerings on Front Porch Forum. Members share their success stories:
“My chickens have sold! I’m anticipating total hip replacement and could not maintain the chickens. I received interest for the chickens from many individuals, through FPF. One just to take the chickens to help me. I am so encouraged through this process and the generosity of “neighbors “. I am blessed! Thanks to all.” • Mary Anne in St. Johnsbury
“I never thought I’d get so many responses. This FPF is magic! Thank you FPF for this wonderful service, and to the nice ladies who came and bought the vacuum cleaner!” • Mary Jane in St. Johnsbury
“Stuff from yesterday’s posting went really fast! Thanks FPF and all who replied.” • Gene in Bristol
“Whew! Front Porch Forum is bizarrely effective! The Victrola was paid for and gone in less than an hour after posting. THANK YOU FPF!” • Sarah in Montpelier
What do you need to sell or give-away? Post it in FPF! And if you’ve experienced success, consider a contribution to Front Porch Forum.
Finding civil discourse, compassion, and encouragement
Many Front Porch Forum members have expressed their gratitude for having this communication tool to connect with neighbors.
“As I have traveled from our beautiful state, I have realized what a jewel our FPF is whenever we need or want to connect with neighbors. Other people just don’t have this. So many times that FPF has been there when we needed it: There was the time I needed equipment following my mother’s hip operation. My husband and I were able to round out our furnishings after we moved in. I was able to get people engaged in Yoga for the local Food Shelf. I have watched people reunited with beloved pets and have been warned of issues that might impact us. Shared plants and recipes and notification of events nearby…
There has been the occasional drama, but it also has been a place of civil discourse, compassion, and encouragement. I recommend becoming a sustaining member – it is easy and then you won’t forget to give if you are busy during the FPF appeal.
Your neighbor in this great state of ours” • Lynn in St. George
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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