December 21, 2022
Shown above, left to right, are Teresa Utter, Sam Harvick, Thomas Bird, Jeremiah Bird, Aiden Stanley, and Mason Stanley with Cub Scouts 76 on Tuesday, December 13, where they designed live wreaths at Harvick Farms.
Ezra DeVore
Lainey and Joseph Harvick, of Harvick Farms, are creating a place to “bring people back to nature through gardening,” by offering classes in a variety of sustainability methods.
Additionally, Lainey states that in this educational program, she plans to “provide quality products and plants, infiltrate food insecurity, allow marketing of local farmers and business owners, and capitalize on agritourism.” She predicts, “this all will make a direct impact on community growth.”
Harvick Farms reports that their goal for ten education classes led by farmers and local business owners was greatly surpassed, with a total of 196 people attending 22 classes covering topics such as herbs as first aid, backyard mushrooms growing, beekeeping for beginners, landscaping 101, and other related fields. Lainey states that they plan to increase classes and attendance even further in 2023, as well as build a homestead hotspot and greenspace garden nursery, with 10% of produce grown therein donated to the food pantry to secure a stock of fresh, locally grown food. Lainey states that in addition to educational ambitions, Harvick Farms strives to identify and prioritize elimination of obstacles preventing further success for area agricultural workers and owners, with a goal of igniting renewed desire for locally grown food, to therefore “encourage and foster a sustainable community where individual families can benefit. Rather than duplicating efforts, we will work together to share ideas and responsibilities to create a ‘toolbox’ that with a focus of marketing strategies.”
Harvick Farms has been involved in community events and fundraisers, but plans to cement this footing further, as the interpersonal bonds are what give Lainey some of the most satisfaction in her work. “The most rewarding aspect of community involvement is seeing the enthusiasm and joy on a person’s face when a connection is built. Doing good for others and the community provides joy for others and joy in my heart. Whether it’s working with someone to grow a tomato plant for the first time, planting at the senior center to brighten someone’s day, to creating a live wreath with kids and seeing their beautiful, cheery smiles when they finish their masterpiece. I know this is what God sent me to do: build connections and make a positive impact. We have been blessed to have a wonderful community that has continuously provided positivity and wants us to be successful. I believe our community has allowed us to be in the great state we are currently in.”
Lainey expresses a deep thank you to Cub Scout 76, stating pride in both the scouts and their families for their assistance and determination.
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