Kindness for the Taking - Kennedys Go Above

SHARON SPRINGS — In the Village of Sharon Springs, something special is happening. Local residents and business owners Ken & Nina Kennedy have set up a farm stand that is surprising to some but warming hearts all the same. Their small and simple sign on this community stand says it all: “Take what you need. Think of others.” 

This is the first local free farmstand available for the community and this small yet truly mighty effort has already come a long way for many. The offer of fresh produce and a healthy meal come with no price tag or judgment. This want to give back in such an immediate and selfless way is typical for the Kennedy’s, but never expected.

The farmstand is stocked daily with local fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, zucchini, squash, peppers, tomatoes, pears, watermelon, and more, and in a time when money is tight for many, this ability to take what you need can make a huge difference, particularly for struggling populations like elderly and young families. When you see a free food option like this, it is usually done by a food bank or non-profit, not from the goodness of the heart, as such in this unique and touching circumstance.

This community farm stand is the same that was vandalized in their first year open, last summer on August 21st, 2024, with the senseless act of throwing and scattering vegetables about, ruining much of the product. At this time they were charging for their produce, and offered lower prices than most. Even after the victim of what appeared to be an act of undefined emotions, the Kennedy’s persisted through that season, continuing this year with the new free community stand model. New to the community and new to everyone as this is something that is not common, showing the true outstanding efforts of this philanthropic couple.

Ken & Nina Kennedy have always gone above and beyond to support the Sharon community. Among the unseen kindness and many other acts, they have consistently: donated turkeys to Sharon Springs Central School staff (and student families in need), made donations at Holiday time to SSCS & beyond, Primary Sponsors of the Big Easter Egg Hunt at SSCS, sponsored the “Rock the Hills” Summer Concert Series that was shifted this year into a big back to school party for students at SSCS. There are countless more examples of their direct generosity to the Sharon community.

Though these acts are not done for recognition, let’s please do just that and acknowledge the positive community impacts something like this has and the lasting ‘ripples’ it can create. The kind idea of some can make the world of difference for another. Please use their selfless giving as an example of how we can all make those same efforts to be the best we can be everyday. Take the sign in the stand seriously and truly “think of others” the best you can.

The Kennedy’s run the successful KNK Landscaping that offers landscaping and snow removal services to commercial and residential customers in the area. They have worked hard on their path to success and selflessly give back to the community they love so much. For more information on their business, please visit KNK Landscaping on Facebook or call (518) 729-7410.