Marion man isn’t on the fence about sharing kindness
Stan Bradford holds his dog Goodness in front of his Kindness Wall at his property at 468 Wareham Road. Photos by Grace Roche
A table on Stan Bradford's property offers boards for people to decorate and return for his Kindness Project. 
One sign features smiling flowers with a kind message. 
Bradford has four boards on display so far. 
Two recently returned boards sit on the table. 
One submission has a 3-d element.
Stan Bradford holds his dog Goodness in front of his Kindness Wall at his property at 468 Wareham Road. Photos by Grace Roche
A table on Stan Bradford's property offers boards for people to decorate and return for his Kindness Project.
One sign features smiling flowers with a kind message.
Bradford has four boards on display so far.
Two recently returned boards sit on the table.
One submission has a 3-d element.
MARION — Stan Bradford knows that good fences make good neighbors.
That’s why the Marion resident is looking to decorate the fence of his property, at 468 Wareham Road, with artwork that spreads kindness and positivity.
Bradford began an initiative he calls the Kindness Project earlier this month, and is providing rectangular boards for people to decorate and return for display.
He has a table set up with materials for anyone to stop by and take home. He said he's also happy to drop off supplies for people in the community.
He said the project was inspired by a sign already hanging on his fence reading “Be genuine, honest, kind and humble, and above it all have empathy.” He decided to add to that signs, and is enlisting the help of artists of all ages in the community.
“In this world where we're turning empathy into apathy, I just wanted to put something on the fence that people could come by and read, and it would make people happy,” Bradford said.
He said the world needs more positivity and kindness, and he wanted to provide that while bringing the community together. Bradford grew up in Marion, and returned to the area from New Orleans, Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina hit the area. He now runs W. S. Bardford Co., a residential construction company.
Bradford estimates about a dozen school buses pass his property each day, and said he hopes the project encourages and inspires the students who see it on their daily drive.
He’s gotten several boards back so far, which are on display for anyone walking or driving down Route 6 to see. Bradford said his goal is to collect 200 pieces for the fence.
To encourage more young people to add their art to his collection, Bradford has dropped off supplies at the YMCA and several day cares in the area.
Anyone who wishes to decorate a board can take one from Bradford’s property, across from the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, and return it when it is complete. Bradford can be contacted at 508-728-3409.
