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Begin Again & Other Valley Highlights
Arts, Eats, Nature and More...
The Farmington Valley
February 04, 2025
Table of Contents
Letter from the editor:
Oh! Welcome! If you’re new here, you made it to the right place. It’s your home for the Farmington Valley. The reality though is that you won’t find much diplomatic news, politics, or gossip.
What you will find are stories of artists, introductions to businesses you may not yet know of, nature images, places to go, things to do, and yes, some town news. Our aim is simple, creating community and unity. If you want to help create that community. Share the newsletter or message us with something you want to see.
Email: [email protected]
Enjoy!
Lifestyle Coaching and Yoga Therapeutics
If there was ever a time, the time is now.
This is a crazy place we live in these days. No matter who, or where, these days just hit a bit different.
And it’s fitting that today we introduce to you, a much needed business right here in The Farmington Valley. Lifestyle Coaching and Yoga Therapeutics.
Elise Cusimano is the owner of this remarkable and needed business. Her belief is deep rooted in assisting you through healing your body and soul. This is evident when you read one of the first statements on her website, believing that “health and wellness coaching is a collaborative conversation; less of a health Q&A and more of a deeper dialogue to sift through stories, beliefs, circumstances getting in the way of the change you want to embody.”
Lifestyle Coaching and Yoga Therapeutics - The Beginning
When asked where the inspiration to begin her business endeavor came from, her love of community shined through, and this is just more proof as to why Elise is such a great option when it comes to your own shifts and growth.
“After working in corporate coaching and wellness, serving the City of New York, I traded employee for entrepreneur to bring all that I've invested in my schooling, study and career closer to home - to the Farmington Valley. To be able to support and connect with my local community in this way is such a joy.”
And in this community, we are built to support individuals and small businesses such as Elise’s. When you think about it, one of society’s most challenging stigmas is talking. Sharing.
How Do We Change
As community, we can break this stigma, and we do this with trusting in what Elise has to offer. And with what Lifestyle Coaching and Yoga does, breaking from the norm. Especially since the reason for standing out is one that Elise is proud of, offering the tools and assistance to all.
“I'm most interested in dismantling the uppity, toxic wellness culture with my business that has limited self-care tools and practices only to the privileged few.”
You may think life coaching is just someone telling you what they would do, and yoga is just for group classes. However, it really is so much more.
“Lifestyle coaching and yoga therapeutics is for more than eating well and exercise routines. Together, we blend know-how and intuition to form new patterns in life that support long after our work together is over. If you’re looking for an approach heavy on conversation to shift changes in day-to-day thinking, eating, moving and being, coaching will be your best avenue in. If you’re experiencing more physical manifestations of stress than anything else, chronic pain, trouble sleeping and are looking for deep relief from tension…yoga therapeutics + somatic movement will aid the most.”
How Do We Help?
How can we help Elise and her business? When we asked Elise this, her honesty and belief in your health shined even brighter.
“Help me help you by investing in your care to start to shift the landscape of a society running on caffeine and chaos. Theatrics aside, the best support I could ask for as a small business owner is to know that folks are seeking support - and tapping into it. As visible as I can be to aid in this effort of increasing access and improving health equity, the better.”
Outside of running this business which is there to help you live a brighter life, Elise can be found enjoying nature and enjoying all that this area has to offer. From laying in the hammock along the Farmington River to playing interior designer. More than that, you can also find her moonlighting as a lifestyle and family. photographer.
Farmington Valley Nature Walk
Images From L. Carissimi
This week we welcome images that L. Carissimi captured, and a huge thanks goes out for sharing! From wonderful images of a cardinal and blue jay to such a great capture of bob cat carrying a mid day “snack”.
A Walk In The Woods
Winter’s Embrace at Campbell Falls
There’s something magical about a winter hike—especially one that leads to a place as stunning as Campbell Falls. Located just a short drive from the valley and nestled on the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut, this hidden gem transforms into a frozen wonderland when the temperatures drop.
Bundled in layers against the biting air, we set out on the trail, the crunch of snow beneath our boots the only sound in the quiet woods. Bare branches framed the sky, casting long shadows over the icy trail that wove through the landscape. Each breath formed clouds in the crisp air as we made my way toward the falls.
Reaching the cascade, we were met with a breathtaking sight—Campbell Falls, partially frozen, its waters tumbling through a cathedral of ice. Delicate icicles hung like chandeliers, catching the pale winter sun. The mist from the falls had coated the nearby trees, rocks, and everything else, in a shimmering frost, making the entire scene feel almost otherworldly.
Standing there, wrapped in the stillness of winter’s grip, I felt a rare sense of peace. Campbell Falls in the winter is a reminder that even in the coldest seasons, nature offers warmth in its beauty.
For those seeking solitude, adventure, or just a moment of quiet reflection, a winter hike to Campbell Falls is well worth the chill. Just don’t forget your layers—and maybe a thermos of something warm for the journey back.
A Little Granby Town News
Key Capture Energy (KCE), an Albany-based company, has proposed constructing a 4.99-megawatt battery energy storage facility at 100 Salmon Brook Street in Granby, Connecticut. The project aims to store electricity during periods of low demand and supply it back to the grid during peak times, thereby enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration. (granbydrummer.com)
However, the proposal has encountered significant opposition from local residents and town officials. Concerns have been raised about potential safety risks, particularly the possibility of a "thermal runaway" event—a scenario where the batteries could overheat and cause uncontrollable fires. Given the facility's proximity to residential areas, businesses, and a groundwater aquifer supplying much of the town's water, opponents argue that such an incident could have severe public health and environmental consequences. (ctinsider.com)
Despite these concerns, the Connecticut Siting Council, responsible for approving such projects, has indicated preliminary support for the facility. In a non-binding straw poll on January 9, 2025, a majority of council members expressed their intention to approve the project, citing its compliance with existing safety and environmental regulations. A formal vote is scheduled for January 23, 2025. (fireengineering.com)
In response, Granby's First Selectman, Mark Fiorentino, has publicly urged the council to reconsider, emphasizing the unique risks posed by the facility's location. He highlighted that the site is surrounded by a high-density residential area, is adjacent to a busy retail center, and is located on a groundwater aquifer critical to the town's water supply. (fireengineering.com)
As the situation develops, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and participate in public discussions to ensure that all perspectives are considered before a final decision is made.
This Weeks Inspiration
Beginning Again
The Power of Beginning Again
Life is not a straight path—it’s a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Sometimes, we stumble. Sometimes, we pause. And sometimes, we feel like we’ve come to a complete stop. But the truth is, no matter how many times we falter, we always have the power to begin again.
Beginning again is not a sign of failure; it’s a testament to your resilience. It means you recognize your potential, you believe in your ability to grow, and you refuse to settle for anything less than your best. Growth isn’t always a smooth climb—it’s about learning, adjusting, and having the courage to start fresh, again and again.
Hitting pause is okay. Taking a breath, reflecting, and regrouping is part of the process. But what matters most is that you don’t let the pause become permanent. Whether it’s a new goal, a fresh perspective, or simply another chance to try, every new beginning is an opportunity to move closer to the success you deserve.
So, if today feels tough, if you’re doubting your progress, remind yourself: You have the strength to start over. You have the ability to grow. You have what it takes to succeed.
No matter how many times you begin again, you are always moving forward. And that is what truly counts.
What’s one step you can take today toward your next new beginning?
Artist Highlight
Catherine Elliott
Artist & Painter
Catherine M. Elliott is a contemporary artist and teacher, whose work is evocative of the American Impressionistic Style of painting. Her work explores atmospheric and lighting conditions portraying the subject’s quality. To capture a moment of time and place by use of color and form to invoke the viewer to intimately see the sublime is evident in her paintings. Catherine revels in the challenge to create works of art that hold on to an hour or a season and magnify its wonder and peace. Each of her paintings seeks to convey the fleeting effects of sunlight and atmosphere.
Her colors are magic in a way that they capture your eye with their pastels and true colors, drawing the viewer in as if they are standing where she stood. Seeing the beauty through her eyes.
We recently asked Catherine some questions to learn more.
When did you realize you wanted to become an artist? “I decided I wanted to be an artist when I was in high school. I have artist in my family and always felt like that Is what I enjoyed doing the most.”
How has your artistic style changed over the years? “Mostly by practice. Like music if you play the violin for 40 years, hopefully he’ll evolve and change and grow deeper in your art.”
Where do you find inspiration? “I’ve always been in draw to the American impressionistic movement as well as a European impressionist such as van Gogh, Monet and Renoir.”
What is your medium of choice? “I prefer oils because they drive very slowly, and I can manipulate the painting to achieve different effects. I primarily paint landscapes and atmospherics.”
How do you know when a piece if finished? “I usually leave it on the easel or on my mantle for a few days and live with it and glance at it out of the side of my eye, and don’t really think about it, if it’s set well I leave it alone if there’s something that doesn’t seem right, I’ll fix it and then consider it done!”
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve run into on your artistic journey? “It took me a long time to develop a work schedule. There many times when I don’t feel very creative, but as soon as I get to the easel within a few minutes, I’m in the work mode and things begin to flow. I am disciplined as far as the hours I put into my work, which is more than you would think.”
What is something that is exciting right now for you, in life and or art? “I always get excited at the prospect of a new year for some reason I primarily paint outside and I’m beginning to be excited about the warmer weather coming up and the chances to seek out beautiful spots to paint.”
If you could create a dream piece with unlimited resources, what would it be? “I would probably say it would be a huge canvas maybe 12 x 30’ something like that! And endless tubes of paint and a beautiful studio to paint it in.”
What else would you like people to know about you and or your art? “That my mission for me personally is to bring the beautiful natural world into our homes and workplaces to enhance our lives.”
Do you listen to anything while creating? “I listen to music 90% of the time while I’m painting. It’s pretty much anything I really can’t pinpoint because it’s so transient right now I’m listening to Mason Jennings.”
How can people view your work? “They can go to my website and if they do not live in the area, they can purchase online and I ship. Or you’re more than welcome to contact me, schedule a time and I will confirm for a gallery visit here in Simsbury. I usually have a good selection here at my studio of my latest works, etc. also, I have print puzzles, notecards, and fine art prints.”
If you were a book, what would your title be? “Life of a forest dreamer.”
What would your theme song in life be? “Somewhere over the rainbow in a mix. By Bob Marley..”
Connect With Catherine
Bobcats & This Weeks Gift Card Winner
5 Fascinating Tips About Bobcats
Bobcats are elusive and adaptable wild cats found throughout North America. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just curious about these beautiful creatures, here are five key things to know:
They Are Stealthy Hunters 🐾
Bobcats are expert predators, relying on their keen eyesight, sharp hearing, and silent movements to stalk their prey. They primarily hunt rabbits, rodents, and birds but have been known to take down larger animals like deer when necessary.They Are Highly Adaptable 🌿🏜️❄️
From dense forests to desert landscapes, bobcats thrive in a variety of environments. They are found in almost every U.S. state and are skilled at adjusting to changing habitats—even living near suburban areas while remaining largely unseen.They Are Solitary and Territorial 🚫🐾
Unlike lions that live in prides, bobcats prefer to go solo. They mark their territory with scent markings and scratch marks on trees to warn other bobcats to stay away. Males have larger territories that may overlap with those of several females.They Are More Active at Dawn and Dusk 🌅🌙
Bobcats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the early morning and evening hours. This helps them avoid larger predators while maximizing hunting success.They Have Short but Powerful Tails 🦴
Their name comes from their distinctive “bobbed” tail, which is much shorter than most wild cats. Despite its size, their tail helps with balance and communication—sometimes flicking or twitching when they are excited or alert.
Bobcats are incredible creatures that play a vital role in their ecosystems by keeping prey populations in check. Have you ever spotted one in the wild? Share your experience! 🐱🌿
This Weeks Give Card Winner
This weeks give card winner is receiving a $20 gift card to Dom’s Coffee in Avon CT.
If you are the owner of the email address: Finn****@gmail.com email us at [email protected] so we can arrange getting you your gift card!
Do you have something you want us to share, look into, a business to highlight. Maybe wildlife photos? Reach out to [email protected]
