Mimi Arnstein, Farm Manager
“Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.” Despite the obvious pitfalls of pursuing a line of work in which one relies on nature, I feel grateful every day for the opportunity to grow food for my community. Now entering my ninth season on this land, I’m pleased to report that many aspects of farming have gotten easier. Thanks to our CSA members and community supporters for keeping our farm in active agriculture and for enjoying the fruits of our labor. Mimi’s favorite tools: large cheater bars, mini sledgehammer, Allis Chalmers G cultivating tractor, wood-fired hot tub at the end of a long day.
Molly Willard, Assistant Manager
I grew up in Peacham, Vermont with my dear siblings: Abbey, Calvin and Seth. My mom, Nedra is the local school nurse and health/Lamaze educator. My dad, David is a forester, sawyer and logger. As, a family we manage a sugaring operation. I studied botany at Humboldt State, CA and University of Vermont. I’ve worked as an educator, environmentalist, landscaper and farm manger. I love Vermont and remain tied to the area by family, friends and quality of life.
Caroline Rose, Farmer Apprentice
Returning for her second year at Wellspring Farm. The product of a Southern belle and a Yankee, split between the city and the country, and a lover of both cats and dogs, there are always two sides to Caroline Rose. A recent graduate of Wellesley College, Caroline is fixing to take a break from the textbooks and get her hands dirty in some good ol' Vermont soil. After recording a CD in the Vermont countryside two years ago, Caroline fell in love with the state and its way of life and, may or may not, ever go back to her home on Long Island. Her other interests, passions, and/or hobbies include writing music, street busking, fire truck red, Southern fiction, the sound of an Irish fiddle, and taking trips without any maps, plans, or money. She likes to wake up to Johnny Cash and finds that the key to life lies somewhere in this motto: "Good food, good beer, good music, good people."
Collin Parliman, Farmer Apprentice
I grew up in the wilds of Jamaica VT and have spent many recent years among the Douglas firs of Oregon. I like to ponder ideas about sustainability, music, art, creative cooking and fermenting. I love a good bonfire with good people. I think all food should come from a mere stone’s throw away and hope to one day reestablish the family farm and contribute to this reality.
Richard Oathout, Farm Crew & Mechanic
Grew up in Granville MA. Moved to Vermont this winter. Love working at the farm because of all the positive people and being outside. Hobbies are bass guitar and almost anything outside. I have a pet duck named Little Girl.
Mike Peabody, Monday working member
Mike Peabody has been working at and with Vermont farms for the past five years. He is the produce manager at Plainfield Co-op. He originally lived in Williamstown, migrated to Johnson, Belvidere, Swanton and finally settled with his wife in Plainfield. He holds a degree in Music Studies from Johnson State College. Please feel free to rap with him about plants, music, dinosaurs, postmodernism and recycling.
Flora Jestice, Wednesday working member
I live in Worcester with my two sons, Liam and Seamus. I work as a registered nurse, a gardener and I looove playing music. I play the bagpipes and the fiddle. I also enjoy baking bread and brewing beer.
Julia Chafets, Thursday working member
A few years ago, I apprenticed at a CSA farm in Maine, and fell in love with farming. I'm thrilled to have the chance to spend some time this summer around the veggies, the weeds and the company. I run the afterschool program at Rumney Elementary School and I'm also just starting on as the principal of the Sunday school at Temple Beth Jacob in Montpelier. I teach yoga, play guitar and like to show off my biceps. I'll share the veggies I earn with my partner, Will, and maybe even our cat, Mouse.
Mike Keenan and daughter Lilah, Montpelier Distribution working member
My name is Mike Keenan and my wife is Jeri. We live in the village of Plainfield with our children, Bob, Lilah, Zarah and Moriah. We have been members of Wellspring Farm since 2004 and enjoy the people and the awesome organic vegetables that the farm provides for us. Lilah and I thoroughly enjoy distributing the vegetables to the Montpelier site on Thursdays. We look forward to a splendid growing season and to spending time visiting with all of you this summer. Don’t forget to grab yourself a slice of yellow watermelon.
