"Thinking Models" & "Coding"

Writeup

Hypothesis tested

GenAI may be useful for summarizing a daily feed of forum posts with local news, government activity, and community comments.

Outcome

GenAI really amazingly productive and awesome at giving me code to pull emails from gmail with a particular label, parse out the relevant parts (though the code initially defaulted to only taking plaintext content if present, which did not contain all of the information -- instead needed to consume the multipart/html, and I had to figure out this was the issue and direct it to ignore the plaintext myself), prompt GCP's Vertex AI Gemini endpoint and display the result.

GenAI was not as useful at generating actionable summaries, though the one comment about a potential business opportunity in used furniture & tools is probably a decent idea for the area.

Artifacts

Code generated: https://github.com/Rkiouak/gemini-experiments

Sample output from my small Vermont town's Front Porch Forum feed for the past ~5 months:

Okay, here is a summary of the major civic and business topics discussed on the Middlesex Front Porch Forum, broken down by approximate weeks, along with potential community needs and business opportunities identified from the emails provided (spanning roughly late December 2024 to early May 2025).

**Weekly Summaries (Approximate)**

*   **Late December 2024:** Discussions included missing/misdelivered packages, seeking heating service recommendations, bear sightings, gratitude for community support (FPF), donations needed for flood victims (out-of-state), and numerous postings for free or for-sale household items and vehicles.
*   **Early January 2025:** Focus continued on package delivery issues, seeking plumbers, Town Clerk announcements (dog license fees), road crew gratitude, and items for sale/free. FPF anniversary/value highlighted.
*   **Mid-January 2025:** Topics included property appraisals, furniture refinishing needs, wood chip sourcing, Select Board meeting agendas (tax rate setting, personnel), community fund activities (grants, board members needed), road repairs, school tax discussions, and local events. Package delivery issues persist.
*   **Late January 2025:** Significant discussion on road closures/repairs due to infrastructure work (post-flood related?), school board reconfiguration, job openings (Office Assistant, Cat adoption), Middlesex history, and community events. Recycling center changes/closures announced. Concerns about town hall bond vote failure and its implications.
*   **Early February 2025:** School budget/taxation debate is a major topic, including calls for fairer tax systems. CV Fiber expansion and internet alternatives discussed. Appliance repair and firewood/kindling needs mentioned. Town Clerk staffing concerns ("Do or Die Time") highlighted. Septic/plowing recommendations sought. FPF fundraising campaign active.
*   **Mid-February 2025:** Continuation of Town Clerk staffing concerns. Seeking plowing, handyman, and septic services. School funding/configuration debate ongoing. Discussions on well pump issues and roof shoveling needs. Job openings (CVCOA, WEC) and local business updates (bait shop). FPF fundraising campaign active.
*   **Late February 2025:** Road work updates, flood recovery resources (SOS-VT), school configuration discussions, Town Meeting reminders, local job openings (FPF). Seeking lawn/garden help and rototiller. FPF fundraising campaign active.
*   **Early March 2025 (Town Meeting Week):** Major focus on Town Meeting: discussions leading up to it, reminders, results (budget passage, Town Clerk resignation announced/successor elected, new Select Board members), school budget passage/impact. Gratitude for road crews and town officials. Political commentary on state-level education funding and elections. Septic/plowing recommendations sought. FPF fundraising campaign wraps up.
*   **Mid-March 2025:** School board exploring potential merger with MRPS. Town government vacancies posted (Select Board, Lister, Budget Committee). Need for volunteers for community festival. Job openings announced (WEC Lineworker, Church Pianist). Seeking tradespeople (carpentry, tiling, appliance repair), tree services, and caregivers. Discussions on state education bill H.454. Community health survey launched.
*   **Late March 2025:** Road crew appreciation. Planning for Mad River Path extension. Septic system workshop announced. Broadband technician training opportunity highlighted (CVFiber). Amphibian migration alerts begin. Seeking contractors/painters and plowing/gardening help. Rumney Pie Breakfast planning (volunteers/pies needed).
*   **Early April 2025:** Political rallies/protests announced (Democracy, Workers' Rights). Recycling center changes/temporary closure detailed. Town volunteer needed for FEMA buyout process. Seeking plowing, chimney repair, upholstery services, and tire disposal options. Road work updates continue.
*   **Mid-April 2025:** Continued focus on road repairs and updates. School configuration/merger discussions ongoing. Legislative updates shared (H.454, education funding). Seeking tradespeople (plowing, roofing), pallet breakers, and information on health needs & school configuration. CV Fiber hiring mentioned.
*   **Late April 2025:** Green Up Day planning and coordination. Volunteering opportunities (Wrightsville Beach cleanup, PHWC clinic). Community Energy Fair planning (seeking volunteers, exhibitors). Seeking various services (contractors, painters, plumbers, butcher, seamstress), internet providers (CV Fiber focus), and building materials (siding, lumber). Job openings (CVFiber, WEC Member Services Rep). Amphibian migration discussions continue. Health information shared (MMR vaccine booster). Rallies/protests announced (Rule of Law). WCUUSD/Turtle Island Childcare partnership forum announced. FPF fundraising drive active.
*   **Early May 2025:** Road work updates continue (culverts, ditching). Reminders about Green Up Day and community events (U32 play, Cemetery Commission meeting, Community Energy Fair). Ongoing discussion/requests for internet service providers (CV Fiber highly recommended). Seeking various services and items (tortilla press, piano moving). Free items offered (cockerels, piano, washer). FPF fundraising drive prominent.

**Potential Community Needs**

*   **Skilled Trades & Labor:** Frequent requests for plumbers, painters, roofers, carpenters, electricians, chimney sweeps/repair, septic services, appliance repair, small engine repair, general handypeople, roof/deck shovelers, firewood stackers, lawn mowing/gardening help, tree removal/pruning, excavation/driveway repair.
*   **Road Infrastructure:** Major, ongoing concern about road conditions (potholes, washouts, mud season), culvert maintenance/replacement, and funding for repairs (especially post-flood). Desire for better communication on closures/work schedules. Concerns about speeding and safe walking routes (esp. near Rumney School).
*   **Internet Service:** Dissatisfaction with Comcast pricing/service; strong interest and positive recommendations for CV Fiber, though installation sometimes requires homeowner costs (conduit).
*   **Package Delivery:** Recurring issues with misdelivered packages (FedEx, UPS, USPS, Amazon).
*   **Waste Management:** Information needed on disposal of specific items (tires, appliances, hazardous waste). Need for awareness about upcoming changes to ARCC/recycling center location and services.
*   **Childcare:** Need for babysitters (daytime, evenings, summer), nannies, mother's helpers. Discussion around potential WCUUSD/Turtle Island partnership indicates demand. Summer camp openings advertised.
*   **Housing:** Requests for rentals (apartments, houses, short-term sublets, office space), house swaps, and affordable housing options (including rent-to-own/FSBO).
*   **Elder Care/Support:** Need for caregivers for seniors, information on senior center activities (MSAC petition), and Council on Aging (CVCOA) services/volunteer needs. Requests for specific items like shower chairs.
*   **Animal Care:** Need for pet sitters/walkers, dog daycare, rehoming animals (cockerels, hens, cats), foster homes (dogs, cats), help finding lost pets, information on dealing with nuisance wildlife (bears, groundhogs), concerns about hunting practices (coyotes), need for specific pet supplies (crates, dog food). Need for vet/groomer recommendations.
*   **Community Engagement/Volunteering:** Calls for volunteers for Green Up Day, Wrightsville Beach, PHWC, Energy Fair, school events (Pie Breakfast, refs), town committees (esp. Select Board, Budget, Cemetery, Planning), emergency management, trail work, mentoring programs, Meals on Wheels drivers. Need for poll workers.
*   **School System:** Significant community discussion and concern regarding WCUUSD budget, potential school closures/reconfiguration (Doty/Calais), merger explorations (MRPS), state-level education funding/tax reform (H.454, Act 127 impact). Need for clear communication and community input.
*   **Health & Safety:** Information shared on vaccines (MMR), tick prevention, radon testing, flood safety (water testing, swimming), mental health resources (flood-related stress), prescription drug take-back, CO detector safety, road safety (speeding, jake braking). Requests for specific health items (crutches, hand weights).
*   **Flood Recovery:** Ongoing need for resources, information (FEMA, EWP program, 211 reporting), volunteer help (muck-outs, repairs), financial assistance, and mental health support. Specific needs like driveway repair, silt cleanup, foundation work mentioned.
*   **Item Borrowing/Sharing:** Requests to borrow specific tools (tortilla press, pallet breaker, metal detector, rototiller, auger, CD player, bundt pan, etc.), ladders, event items (tables, chairs), baby gear (crib mattress, pack-n-play), wheelchair, dog ramp, staging.

**Potential Business Opportunities**

*   **Home Repair & Trades:** High demand for reliable plumbers, painters, roofers, carpenters, electricians, handypeople, appliance repair technicians, septic services, chimney sweeps, masons, drywallers/tapers. Specialized services like foundation repair, small engine repair, well pump service could thrive.
*   **Landscaping & Property Maintenance:** Opportunities for lawn mowing, gardening help, brush hogging, tree work (pruning, removal), driveway grading/repair, snow plowing/roof shoveling, wood stacking, gutter cleaning, pressure washing.
*   **Internet Service Providers:** Clear opportunity for CV Fiber (already capitalizing) and potentially other alternative ISPs given dissatisfaction with incumbents. Installation support services (trenching for conduit) needed.
*   **Delivery Services:** Potential for a local, reliable courier or package verification/holding service given frequent misdeliveries.
*   **Waste Removal/Recycling:** Specialized disposal services (tires, hazardous waste, scrap metal, appliances) or hauling services, especially with ARCC changes.
*   **Childcare Services:** Nanny placement, babysitting services, summer camp programs, potential for new daycare/preschool (especially if school closures occur).
*   **Pet Care:** Dog walking, pet sitting (in-home or facility), doggy daycare, grooming services, pet supply store/delivery, potential for specialized services like animal acupressure.
*   **Elder Care/Home Assistance:** In-home care services, companionship, transportation, handyman services tailored for seniors.
*   **Event Rentals & Support:** Party rentals (tables, chairs, speakers, screens), event planning/coordination assistance (for community events).
*   **Tutoring & Education:** Subject-specific tutoring (math, languages), music lessons, potentially specialized educational support services.
*   **Used Goods/Consignment:** Market for used furniture, appliances, tools, baby/kids gear, sporting goods, building materials.
*   **Food Businesses:** Catering services, local food production/sales (eggs, meat, honey, produce, baked goods - several mentioned). Potential for niche food items (unpasteurized cream).
*   **Local Craftspeople:** Demand for specific handmade items (bow & arrow set), furniture refinishing/upholstery, custom work.
*   **Vehicle Repair & Maintenance:** Auto mechanics, car detailing (especially mobile), tire sales/service.
*   **Consulting/Admin Support:** Grant writing/management for town/nonprofits, bookkeeping/office support for small businesses or individuals.
*   **Wellness Services:** Reiki, massage, yoga, fitness training.
*   **Disaster Recovery Services:** Flood cleanup, mold remediation, structural repairs, potentially consulting on FEMA/insurance claims.
*   **Renewable Energy/Efficiency:** Installation/maintenance of solar hot water, heat pumps, weatherization services (already supported by Efficiency VT rebates).

Bonus

Front Porch Forum is a cool example of a software company doing really well in a niche, with social good: Washington Post article on Front Porch Forum