What Do Baseball, Festivals, and Halloween Have to Do With The Harvest Foundation?
Baseball games. River festivals. Halloween costumes. Farmers’ markets.
Just another day at a foundation, right?
Okay, maybe not every foundation.
But spend a little time at Martinsville-Henry County (MHC) community events, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot the Harvest team out and about. Why? Because we genuinely enjoy being part of what’s happening here.
We’re always up for a Mustangs game under the lights, fresh finds at the farmers market, or a little Uptown trick-or-treating. And we love seeing familiar faces — and meeting new ones — at festivals and local events across MHC.
Really, we just enjoy the places, traditions, and people that make our community feel like home.
And somewhere between the ballgames, festival booths, and Halloween costumes, something pretty important happens: We get to know each other better.
Around MHC: Martinsville-Henry County Community Events with Harvest
- Harvest participates in events and activities across MHC.
- Think ballgames, festivals, farmers’ markets, and community celebrations.
- Being there gives us more chances to listen, connect, and build relationships.
- Those connections help us stay close to the community we’re part of.
- And, yes, sometimes costumes are involved!
Community Engagement (Minus the Conference Table)
“Community engagement” might sound like something that requires a meeting agenda, name tags, and a conference room.
Sometimes it does.
But sometimes it’s a conversation at the farmers’ market. A quick hello at a festival booth. Or chatting in the stands while everyone waits for the fireworks to start.
Those everyday interactions matter. They give us more opportunities to listen to the people who call MHC home and hear what they love about our community. Those conversations are just one part of how Harvest stays connected to MHC, alongside our work with community partners, research, and data.
And while we’re getting to know you, we hope you’re getting to know us, too.
After all, getting to know your neighbors works both ways.
So, Where Might You Find Us?
You never know where you might spot Harvest.
Under the Lights at Hooker Field
We’re always happy to cheer on the Martinsville Mustangs — especially when the night ends with fireworks and a win for the home team. Great baseball, a great crowd, and one of MHC’s local gems? That’s a pretty good night in our book.
Down by the River
Some days just call for getting out of the office, and Smith River Fest is one of them. We spent the day along the river and said hello to lots of familiar faces. (Tough assignment, we know.)
Wherever There’s a Festival
Festival Latino of Southern Virginia at Patrick & Henry Community College, farmers’ markets, and community celebrations of all kinds — we love a good reason to get out and about. Add some familiar faces, a few new ones, and plenty happening around us, and we’re right at home.
Possibly Uptown (and Possibly in Disguise)
We take our work seriously. Our Halloween costumes? Apparently we take those pretty seriously as well.
Around Here, Work and Home Aren’t Far Apart
When you see the Harvest team out around MHC, we’re not always there because it’s part of the job. For us, Martinsville and Henry County is home.
Take Latala Hodges. Her MHC story started long before her Harvest story. She grew up in Axton, graduated from Martinsville High School, and still calls MHC home. But that’s starting to sound suspiciously like an official bio. Let’s get to the fun stuff!
Latala Off the Clock
🏡 Her favorite place to get outside: The Smith River
☀️ Her perfect day in MHC: Breakfast at The Ground Floor or Be Wiched followed by a playdate at the library or park with her daughter. Lunch at El Palmar with shopping at Pieces Too Boutique, then a quick stop at Five Below. There’s time for a stroll along the Dick & Willie Trail, followed by dinner at Third Bay Cafe. (Her perfect day doesn’t involve cooking!)
🎉 A local event she never wants to miss: Oktoberfest is a must each year!
🍴 Her go-to local order: El Palmar street tacos with onion and cilantro. Add chips, salsa and guac. Mexican fare is her favorite!
❤️ One thing she wishes everyone knew about MHC: The folks who live in Martinsville-Henry County are some of the most amazing people in the world. They are kind and truly care for one another. Anyone can find their tribe here.
And because five questions apparently weren’t enough…
🎃 Most memorable Halloween costume: This is tough because she’s had some amazing costumes over the years! It would have to be a tie between Vermin Supreme and Fire Marshal Bill Burns. (IYKYK…)
And while we’re talking about Latala, we have to brag on her for a minute. She recently received the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award, recognizing her leadership, commitment to the Chamber Education Foundation, and dedication to the Chamber’s mission.
Way to go, Latala! We’re proud to have you on Team Harvest.
See You Around MHC!
We could probably keep adding to this list. There’s no shortage of Martinsville-Henry County community events to enjoy, and that’s part of the fun. You never quite know where you’ll spot Harvest next.
So if you see us, come say hello. No meeting invitation required. No agenda necessary.
And if you want to keep up with where we’ve been — and where we might pop up next — follow Harvest on social media at the links below.
Fair warning: October photos may include costumes!