George- The man in charge, George makes all of this happen. I am consistently baffled by his knowledge of every square inch of SunSmile, and his ability to rattle off what’s happening, what has happened, and what probably will happen to each one of those inches. George worked on this farm (then his Uncle Joel’s) as a kid, and now cares for it with a passion that is evident through his
perpetual energy and long workdays. If you don’t already know him, you can pick him out by listening for his frequent end-of-task proclamations: “It’s a beautiful thing.”
George was driving a tractor before he was driving a car and fondly recalls driving into town on the old John Deere that is still used for certain farm projects today! In his free time, you can usually find George driving his water craft ski boat or more likely skiing behind the boat while one of his friends drives. George is incredibly proud of his family’s heritage in SunSmile Farms and is thrilled to be able to continue the farm’s success!
Barrett- This will be Barrett’s third season at SunSmile. Although growing up in the Grass Valley area, it was not until after college that Barrett was lured back to work at SunSmile by the promise of good friends, hard work, and of course the most delicious peaches that she had ever tasted! You may know her from her witty writing as the voice of the weekly CSA farm newsletter (she was an English major in college!).
Luckily, Barrett shares a love for skiing (snow, that is) and is currently working as a skiing instructor at Heavenly Ski Resort. She’ll be back this season as her other work commitments allow. Barrett has become an integral part of the SunSmile team and is looking to make this season her best one yet!
Barb - Barb will be returning for her third season at SunSmile. Since visiting the farm while staying with family in the area, Barb has fallen in love with the landscape and awesome people at SunSmile. She brings a background in nutrition (she served as the nutrition and meal planner for a large hospital for a number of years) and above all else a zest for working with people. Barb (along with George) is a master preserver and canner and looks forward to sharing these skills with others through SunSmile canning classes.
Barb, like most of the SunSmile family, works in many avenues, but she really shines as the face of the farm at farmer’s markets and the farmstand.
Molly- Molly grew up on fourteen-acres in Chicago Park cared for entirely by her brilliant father and his children. Although we can’t have her everyday as her other two jobs keep her pretty busy, Molly comes in for long days of heavy planting and berry picking. She’ll be around all summer, which is great as her specialties are hard work and keeping me laughing all day long.
Sam- Sam is the designated tractor driver and mower. He is also the man who broke this very land in the forties with a horse and plough. As an octogenarian, he pleasantly cruises along sporting one of his many hats.
Leda- Leda just started working at SunSmile in January 2011. After receiving her BA in psychology from Trinity University in 2008 and conducting research for a couple of years, Leda was ready for some fresh air (both figuratively and literally, I think). She came to Nevada County last spring and worked as a Four Frog Farm intern, and after the end of the season, she was hooked on farming. Over the past few months she’s worked on multiple farms throughout the county (including Riverhill Farm and Fowler Family Farm), and she’s come to SunSmile with a wealth of knowledge, a great attitude, and a work ethic that matches our crew’s.
Ashley- Ashley joins the farm for her first season in 2011. She brings a background in medicinal herbs and whole lot of enthusiasm for farming! She is looking forward to diversifying her knowledge and is not afraid to jump in and get her hands dirty no matter what is needed. Ashley will be splitting time between SunSmile and a local business we love: Peaceful Valley Farm Supply.