Successful communities don’t happen by accident. They require many things—such as strong leadership, an effective vision, and a great sense of place. But maybe most importantly, they require community members who love a place and its people not for what they are or what they can do for them, but just because they are theirs.
Tara and Andrew Smith have been exemplars of the kind of community members who have made Kennett Square special. As the Writer and Special Projects Manager for Kennett Collaborative, Tara has written hundreds of stories about local people, events, and organizations and has been responsible for the Around the Square newsletter. Andrew has been the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square since the family arrived here from Dublin, Ireland over 14 years ago. As some of you know, Tara and Andrew moved to New York City last week for an exciting opportunity that will allow Andrew to take what he has learned over a long career in ministry and pour into the next generation of pastors. Though she is no longer a full-time staff member, Tara will continue to write and produce Kennett Collaborative’s Around the Square newsletter each week.
Kennett Square is a better place because of their time here. They have been great listeners and storytellers, faithful friends and neighbors, celebrating the best of this town and its people and investing their time and energy in everything from pulling weeds and picking up trash to creating and supporting community programs and events for all ages at the Presbyterian Church. Their service to Kennett has been big and small, sometimes unseen, but always driven by a selfless love for this community.
Kennett Collaborative will miss them greatly, even though we know they will continue to be a part of our extended community. We look forward to catching up with them on their visits back to our special small town and to keeping up with the Kennett stories and happenings that Tara shares each week in Around the Square. Please join me in wishing them all the best in the big city!
