Mimi Arnstein, Farmer-in-Charge
"Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.” Despite the obvious pitfalls of pursuing a line of work in which one tries to control nature (a frustrating battle unless one learns to go with the flow), I feel grateful every day for the opportunity to grow food for my community. Now entering my seventh season on this magical land, I’m pleased to report that many aspects of farming have gotten easier. And yet, there’s never a dull moment. Thanks to all of our CSA members and community supporters for keeping this land 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.
Introducing Parker Nichols, Wellspring all-around Trouble Shooter
As the Farm Mechanic/Farmer’s husband, my responsibilities run from making home-brew kegs for staff happy-hour to purchasing screw extractor kits and tap & die sets. I can’t decide if it would be more helpful to buy a trailer for our small sailboat, or purchase a welder to work on broken equipment. When off the farm I love to hunt mushrooms and be around boats.
Jillian Abraham, Farmer Apprentice
Because who doesn't love a good transplant? As this season's Wellspring Farm apprentice, Jillian is eager to explore another beautiful pocket of Vermont soil and sunshine. A native of New Hampshire's White Mountains, Jillian studied Natural Resources and Community Development at the University of Vermont. Her passion for good food, friends, live music and all things green and growing has kept Jillian in Vermont, where her off season pursuits include telemark skiing, creating pottery, and fine dining. A rising food critic and produce connoisseur, Jillian feels at home as her hands once again enter the soil, now at Wellspring Farm. In her free time, Jillian enjoys indulging in micro greens, micro brews, and artesan cheese.
Mike Peabody, Farm Crew
Mike Peabody has been working at and with Vermont farms for the past five years. He also works for the Plainfield Co-op and the Solid Waste District. 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.
Noah Young, Farm Crew
Meet Noah Young: A strapping young Marshfield native who grew up on the Hill Farm of Vermont (located less than a mile from Wellspring Farm.) A recent graduate from Twinfield Union High School, Noah's interests include music, outdoor activities, and organic vegetable farms! He is excited to be joining the already outstanding Wellspring crew for the summer of 09, and to be working outside in such a beautiful place.
Jeff Swift, Monday working member
Jeff Swift, one of the returning Wellspring workers, lives in Plainfield. You may recognize his effusive smile and energy from the Country Book Shop, the Midnight Capers (the Morris dancers in the Fourth of July Parades), or around the village with his 20 month old son, Monroe. He and his wife, Sarah Phillips, are expecting another little Swift in September. Jeff’s passion for organic farming has led him to put in his first fruit plants this spring. He is known for his wine making and amazing rhubarb cobbler. Jeff is a friendly face at Wellspring, always willing to help.
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.
Tim Spence, Thursday working member
Tim Spence is the Thursday morning harvester and this is his first year as a member of the CSA. Tim, his partner Stefi Tucker, and her daughter Talvi are new to the neighborhood, having moved onto six prime acres just downstream from Wellspring in the fall of 2008. They are currently germinating dreams of farming at some point in the future. As a working member, Tim is excited about "playing farmer", working with Mimi and the crew, and getting to know his food source up close and personal.
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 and Zarah (and one more on the way). 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 bountiful and splendid growing season. We look forward to spending time visiting with all of you this summer. And don’t forget to grab yourself a slice of yellow watermelon.
