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Nevin Christensen honored for lifetime achievement

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer

Mark Scully of People’s Action for Clean Energy presents a Judi Friedman Lifetime Achievement Award to Nevin Christensen of Flamig Farm.

There is a corny, old joke that asks: “What’s the definition of a good farmer? Someone who is outstanding in their field!” In the case of Nevin Christensen of West Simsbury’s Flamig Farm, a good farmer is also a teacher, a mentor, an innovator, and someone that does not take no (or in his case, know) for an answer. He was born and raised on a farm in town, and is a 4th generation, farmer, with his sons Chadam and Peter being the 5th.

There were many times he almost lost the farm, but Christensen said they were not setbacks, but opportunities. “The hints are always there,” he said. “You have to pay attention because the answer is right there.” The summer camps for kids started when Nevin said he heard two mothers in Simsbury talking about where they were going to send their kids for a summer. As he told it, a little light came on and he thought, ‘why not to the place where I grew up, on a farm?’

On a hazy morning Christensen, 71, is in a garden at Flamig Farm surrounded by young campers eagerly filling buckets with topsoil and mulch, then gently spreading it around the plants in the garden. Other campers are off collecting chicken eggs, while others are on a hayride and learning lessons about the outdoors. These days Christensen is about growing minds more than about growing crops.

“I explain to the kids that when you feed the soil to keep it healthy, it grows the plants that you eat and you are healthier. I love it when the light goes on in their eyes with a revelation of ‘that’s how nature works.’” He tells the story of one young camper who stopped his father from applying weed killer at home because of what he learned at camp at Flamig Farm. In his commitment to sustainable farming and energy he was one of the first to add solar panels in 2006 and made his own biodiesel to power his tractors.

In addition to spreading the word via the camps that he runs all summer long, Christensen is also working with new farmers and people getting into growing their own food, teaching them the sustainable way. “We’ve learned to create double ground mulch, which everyone wants now, and that keeps the organic cycle going.”

Nevin and Julie Christensen.

Over the years the farm has had to make many changes to survive and prosper. He credits his wife Julie with keeping all the pieces of the puzzle organized and handling all the paperwork and organization. In addition to the raising money from the summer camp, they run a store that sells everything from eggs (more on the eggs later), to meat (yes from their cattle), and even T-shirts and hoodies with the now famous “EGGS” spelled backwards that has become the symbol of Flamig Farm. According to Christensen, a friend who is an artist, told him that he wanted to create something special for the chicken coops. It turned out to be a rather big sign and when town officials came to inspect it, they didn’t think it quite passed muster. Someone suggested they just spell it backwards, call it art and slap it on the buildings. From that “the hints are always there” mentality, Nevin knew he had a winner and that’s why you will see barns and buildings with the backwards EGGS on them, not to mention bumper stickers, magnets, and clothing for sale in the store.

The land belonged to Nevin’s grandfather, who thought of selling it off in the mid 1960s. He went so far as to remove the topsoil (the first step in closing out a farm) but had not sold the land before he died. Nevin decided he wanted to keep the farm and keep it in the family. He had spent part of his time in college travelling around New England, looking at how people were growing using sustainable techniques and he knew that is what he wanted to do at Flamig Farm and in his community. He struck a deal with the Town of Simsbury to help with financing and in return the land can never be used for housing – or as he likes to joke – for a mink farm.

“Someone on one of the boards added that in; I don’t know why,” he said with a laugh.

A visit to Flamig Farm today can include seeing, feeding, and even petting animals like horses, chickens, rabbits, cattle, goats, and many other farm animals. For some kids it is a first chance to get close to the animals and make a connection that Nevin said lasts a lifetime

For his efforts, Christensen was recently given the Judi Friedman Lifetime Achievement award from People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE). Named after the Canton woman who founded the organization, along with her husband Lou, in the early 1970s, the award reads, in part, “The award recognizes Nevin’s “lifetime of service dedicated to sustainable living in every aspect of his life. Nevin has been a pioneer in clean energy and sustainable farming practices at his family business Flamig Farm. Through personal example and educational programs at the farm, he has trained several generations of environmental advocates and leaders.“

Nevin Christensen and his wife Julie, daughter Ellie and family dog Otto in the 1990s.

Mark Scully, the President of PACE, said that what you see with Nevin is what he truly believes.

“It’s who he is. Nevin walks the walk,” Scully said. “Every aspect of what he does is an expression of his life.”

That life has not been an easy one, but don’t look to pity Christensen. “We could have sold in the fourth generation and that goes through my mind,” he said. “We came close to selling a few times but there was always a little something saying, ‘stay.’”

Three years ago, he suffered a stroke and said he came close to dying. While recovering he said he learned a very valuable lesson. “I don’t rush anymore. And I laugh a lot more now.”

That wasn’t always the case as the financial pressures hitting farmers across the country are no stranger to Flamig Farm. “The economics used to be terrible and the hardest part of all this was during the incredibly tough economic times.” It was the willingness to try new things that helped to literally save the farm.

“The Halloween Hayride kept us in business and my wife Julie gets a lot of credit as she picks up most of the hard work,” said Nevin.

The newest venture is a wedding/party event location with a breathtaking view across rolling fields leading to the mountains. Eldest son Peter came back to the farm after graduating college and he and Julie are running the event location as the farm continues to evolve.

“The challenges of making it run as a farm doesn’t work without economic sustainability,” Nevin said. “Education and entertainment make it work for us.”

The impact of Flamig Farm can be generational as Nevin said he has former campers who have become veterinarians, others come back as camp counselors including one who first came there at age five. “Our staff is the best and they become friends for life. Building community is what it is all about.”

Nevin Christensen speaks with pride when he talks about having his two sons learning and helping run the family business, knowing that it will be in good hands for a fifth generation. He is also full of hope that the things Flamig Farm believes in, and the lessons that they teach there and in the greater community will make a difference for generations to come.

“I tell the campers to take it as a piece of their being for the rest of their lives. We are so disconnected from nature; they need to know that we are connected with nature and we have to take care of it.”


You can’t miss the sign for Flamig Farm on their barn.

Two of the many horses that call Flamig Farm home.

Young campers work the garden at the Flamig Farm summer camp in West Simsbury.
The Flamig Farm Egg Room Farm Store on West Mountain Road in Simsbury

Getting up close with a farm and its animals is a big part of Flamig Farm










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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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