December 25, 2025

This week's newsletter features updates from local businesses and numerous local events for art, music, food, and wine. There are also life and wellness articles: Breathing Exercises for Better Lung Function, Holiday Cleaning, and Honey Recipes.

Author

Don Stevens
December 25, 2025

In partnership with

🌟 Finger Lakes Business & Community News

  • Finger Lakes FCU Builds New Branch in Webster: Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union has broken ground on a new office along Ridge Road in Webster, signaling long-term growth and a deeper community investment. The permanent branch (near its current leased site) is set to open in fall 2026 and will enhance member services. FLFCU serves ~22,000 members with $250 million in assets, and leaders say the new building will improve customer experience and allow expansion for local consumers and businesses.

  • 🎂 Chamber Mixer Celebrates Broadband Milestone: The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a festive Holiday Open House in downtown Geneva, which doubled as the final Business After Hours mixer of the year. Local business leaders enjoyed food, wine, beer, and live music while celebrating the 5th anniversary of Community Broadband Networks – a Geneva-based internet provider that grew from a 3-person startup to 40+ employees with $121 million in grants to expand rural high-speed internet. Guests toured the company’s newly expanded office at One Franklin Square and donated over 200 pounds of food to support the Geneva Center of Concern’s holiday food drive.

  • NY Invests $42.6 M in Finger Lakes Projects: New York State is directing $42.6 million to fund 48 economic development, housing, infrastructure, and tourism projects across the Finger Lakes. The grants will boost housing and utilities in growing communities – for example, Phelps will extend water/sewer service to support a new 144-home development (increasing the village’s housing stock by ~25%), and Honeoye Falls will upgrade its wastewater plant to enable over 400 new housing units. Additional awards will revitalize waterfronts, upgrade infrastructure, and fund regional marketing, aligning with the region’s strategy to pair economic growth with improved housing and vibrant communities.

  • Local Radio Group Changes Hands: After 23 years under Alan Bishop’s ownership, the Finger Lakes Radio Group– which operates seven local stations (serving communities like Geneva, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls, Auburn and more) – has been sold to media entrepreneur Scott Swanson. Bishop chose a buyer he felt would be a good long-term steward of the stations, prioritizing local connection over a high-price sale. The new owner, Swanson, says listeners can expect stability: the same team will continue running the stations with the same community-focused approach, ensuring these trusted local voices remain strong for years to come.

  • Banker Turns Manufacturer in Wayne County: A longtime Wayne County manufacturer has a new leader as former commercial banker Tim Levine left a 15-year finance career to buy Ruspak Corp., a specialty packaging company founded in 1959. Levine was drawn by Ruspak’s solid profits and loyal customers, calling the move “worth the risk.” He plans to grow the business steadily – focusing on keeping its employees and customers happy – rather than pursuing rapid expansion. The sale attracted multiple offers, underscoring strong buyer interest in thriving local manufacturers and the importance of finding owners who value long-term continuity and cultural fit.

  • 🛒 New Wood-Fired Pizzeria in Canandaigua: Canandaigua’s Main Street just welcomed a new artisanal pizza spot as Ardor Park Pizza opened its second location downtown. The shop features an open kitchen with a blazing wood-fired oven where diners can watch their pies cook. Owner Kody Derhak, who runs the original Ardor Park in Rochester, offers a menu that blends classic pizzas with creative twists – think hot honey and jalapeños or fire-roasted pineapple – plus vegan and gluten-free options. The restaurant is encouraging walk-ins and plans to rotate specialty toppings as chefs experiment with new flavors to keep things fresh.

‘Feeding Your Newborn’ Class Jan. 11 at Thompson

Held the second Sunday of every month, Thompson Health’s “Feeding Your Newborn” class is designed for parents deciding how to feed their baby.

The next class is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Jan. 11, in the second-floor Birthing Center classroom at Thompson Hospital, 350 Parrish St. in Canandaigua.

According to instructor, who is both a registered nurse and a certified lactation consultant, the class will empower participants to make an informed choice by covering all options: providing human milk — whether directly at the breast/chest or through pumping — as well as formula feeding, or any combination of these methods.

For more information, call 585-396-6295.

 

‘Healing Within: Grief & Yoga’ Set for Jan. 14 at Thompson

Guided by Jennifer Muscato of UR Medicine Thompson Health’s Wellness Department, “Healing Within: Grief & Yoga” will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, at F.F. Thompson Hospital, 350 Parrish St. in Canandaigua.

With gentle and intentional movements, this free session is hosted by Thompson’s Spiritual Care Department and designed for anyone navigating grief. According to organizers, participants will “gently move through the tension, anxiety and restlessness that are often associated with grief to embrace healing and peace.”

The session will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Thompson Conference Center (commonly called the TCC) on the ground floor of the hospital. Enter from Parrish Street.

No yoga experience is necessary, and chair yoga options will be available. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle.

Wood Library

Where Tradition, Technology and Community Meet

HOLIDAY HOURS 

Closing at 6 PM Tuesday, December 23 

Closed Wednesday, December 24-Thursday, December 25 

Closed Wednesday, December 31-Thursday, January 1 

 

 CHILDREN PROGRAMS: 

Monday, December 22 | 4:00-5:00 PM 

Ages 5-10. Kids can complete a challenge or explore creativity through free building. 

 

Storytimes 

*Please check the online calendar for up-to-date information. 

Mondays & Fridays, December 19 & 29 | 9:30-10:00 AM 

Mondays & Thursdays, December 18 & 29 | 10:15-10:45 AM 

 

RECURRING PROGRAMS: 

Wood Walkers- Mondays | 9:00-10:00 AM 

Tai Chi- Mondays | 10:00-10:45 AM 

Zumba- Tuesday, December 16 | 5:30-6:30 PM 

Open Tech Hours- Wednesday, December 17 | 3:00-5:00 PM 

New Yorker Discussion Group- Thursday, December 18 | 3:30-4:30 PM 

 

 See the full list of library programs on our calendar. 

 

Find Wood Library at 134 N Main St, Canandaigua. 
Visit woodlibrary.org and look for us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Give the gift of Roots Cafe this Christmas and help support small business in our home town!!
Merry Christmas ❣️

Roots Cafe - 585-374-9800 - http://rootscafenaplesny.com

Christmas at Belhurst Castle

Celebrate the Holidays at Belhurst Castle!
Reserve your spot today- call 315-781-0201 ext.3

Belhurst Castle and Winery

🍷 Wine, Beer & Spirits News

  • Linden Street Winter Wine Series Returns for 2025–26: The Geneva-based Linden Wine Series announced its winter calendar, entering the fourth year of a collaborative tasting tour. Over five themed evenings (Dec–Apr), six Linden Street venues will offer flights of Finger Lakes wines, craft cocktails, and local beers. Event organizers say the series showcases Geneva’s vibrant food & drink scene in the off-season and supports downtown restaurants, bars and wineries.

  • Seneca Lake Sips & Suds Tasting Pass Debuts: A new joint pass for wine and beer fans will launch this January around Seneca Lake. The “Sips & Suds” Tasting Pass (just $35) covers 18 wineries and 13 breweries, giving holders 50% off a flight, glass of wine or pint at each stop. Passes also include a prize game: participants collect stamps at locations to unlock rewards and enter grand-prize drawings as they explore the lake’s beverage trail.

  • Finger Lakes Named 2025 Wine Enthusiast “Region of the Year”: Wine Enthusiast magazine honored the Finger Lakes as its 2025 American Wine Region of the Year. The award cites the region’s world-class winemaking, sustainability efforts, and community spirit, praising upstate New York for putting the area “on the global map”. Gov. Hochul noted this recognition is a major boost for the state’s wine economy and tourism.

Available for a limited time, in tasting room only.

🎄 Featured Cocktails from Miles Wine Cellars 🍷

Tours of the Inn

$20 a person, includes a glass of wine after the tour.
Available Fri, Sat & Sunday afternoons (pending occupancy).
Call (607) 243-7742 or email: [email protected] to book your tour.

Miles Wine Cellars
Open Daily, 10am-5pm.
68 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742 - http://MilesWineCellars.com/

From Our Blog:

Breathing Exercises for Improved Lung Health & Recovery

Breathing. We do it every day, mostly unmindful that it is happening. There are times, with exertion or illness, that we become acutely aware. For those with difficulties, a pulmonologist and/or respiratory therapist will be able to guide individuals through breathing exercises to improve the conditions causing problems. Read more.

Holiday Cleaning: What to Clean and What to Skip

Drat!  You just dusted yesterday and now the place looks like a desert again.  That floor you just mopped got orange juice spilled in front of the fridge! With all the pre-holiday cleaning you need to do before family and friends descend, you just feel overwhelmed. Read more.

Honey Recipes: Sweet & Savory Ideas for Every Meal

Honey is the only food that never goes bad.  It has been found stored in Egyptian tombs and was completely edible.

It is a sweet substance that bees make from gathering nectar and refining it for food for its hive members. Read more

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Live and Local Events Curated and Submitted by Venues

Please check business or venue for accuracy. You can see more local events at our online calendar.

No Fee

12/12/2025 5:00 PM

Meet StorySprout™ Tucked just beyond the treetops above Keuka Lake lives StorySprout™ — a tiny,...

12/21/2025 5:00 PM

Meg Williams live at Finger Lakes Beer Company in Hammondsport, Ny! 4-7pm. Come on out for live music &...

Finger Lakes Beer Company, LLC 8462 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840

12/25/2025 12:00 AM recurs every day

12/27/2025 1:00 PM

Holiday Art Programs 2025 Explore your creative side this holiday season with daily art programs at the Museum of...

Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution1259 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850

Adults & Seniors $12.93, Students & Youth $8.95

12/27/2025 7:00 PM

The Worlds #1 Cat Video Festival comes to Geneva! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CatVideoFest 2025, a compilation...

The Smith Opera House 82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456, USA

12/27/2025 9:00 PM

Join us for a festive evening of song and cheer! **On December 27th at 9 PM, head over to WMC for an unforgettable...

WMC North 221-223 W Water St, Elmira, NY 14901

$45.00

12/28/2025 9:00 AM recurs every week

Sundays are meant for savoring—join us for a delightful Sunday Jazz Brunch overlooking the beauty of Geneva...

1001 Lochland Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, USA

12/30/2025 6:00 PM recurs every week

Join Brenda every Tuesday evening from 6pm-7pm for a Beginner Friendly Kundalini Yoga Practice Kundalini Yoga is...

142 Mill St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA

$25/ pp

01/02/2026 5:00 PM

Join us for New Year's Eve as we celebrate our restaurant's 10-year anniversary with great food, great company,...

Kindred Fare 512 Hamilton St, Geneva, NY 14456

01/02/2026 5:00 PM

Ithaca Gallery Night is a once monthly event where Ithaca galleries and venues present exhibits on the first Friday...

110 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850

01/02/2026 6:00 PM

The Ende Brothers will be performing in Weedsport on 1/2/25 from 6-9:00PM You may also like the following events...

Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Company 8931 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166

$150.00

01/03/2026 6:00 PM

Welcome the new year with intention and balance during our two day New Year Wellness Retreat, held in celebration...

The Lake House on Canandaigua 770 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

$18

01/09/2026 11:00 AM

LeTourneau Christian Center’s Blessed Hope January Ladies Luncheon will be held on Friday, January 9 at 11:00...

LeTourneau Christian Center 4950 East Lake Road, Rushville, NY 14544

30.00

01/31/2026 7:00 PM

A perfect winter outing for book clubs, friend groups, and anyone who is a lover of literary escapes — those...

The Hidden Cork 54 Pulteney St, Hammondsport, NY 14840

$25.00 - $75.00

02/15/2026 10:30 AM

Enjoy a Bourbon themed brunch at Miles Wine Cellars February 15, 2026. Elevate your day by adding on a Bourbon...

Miles Wine Cellars 168 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842

02/26/2026 3:45 PM

Join us for a fun evening with Weis Vineyards from Keuka Lake! They’ll be pouring some of their favorite wines....

301 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891

04/25/2026 8:00 AM

REGISTER BY MARCH 6th! Join us for the “Be A Light Walk-a-thon!” where community members can create or...

FLCC

That’s it for this week. 

Until next time, enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes – whether you're watching the sun set over the water, exploring a new trail, or savoring a glass of local wine. We're grateful to share this special corner of New York with you.

Stay connected, stay curious, and we'll see you in the next issue!

As a reminder, contact us if you'd like to advertise your business or event.

Don,
Finger Lakes Connected