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- December 4, 2025
December 4, 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: Holiday Plant Legends, Roasting Vegetables, and 6 Delicious Roasted Vegetable Recipes.
Don Stevens
December 04, 2025
In partnership with
🌟 Finger Lakes Business & Community News
🍔 Smoke N Griddle Opens in Downtown Lyons
Former food truck Smoke N Griddle has opened a brick-and-mortar spot at 32 William St. in Lyons, serving smoked meats, house-made sides, and bar-style favorites. Live music and events are planned for spring.
👉 Read More
🧿 Mystic Mermaid Boutique Launches in Canandaigua
Mystic Mermaid Artisan Collective opened at 87 S. Main St. in Canandaigua, offering handmade items from 17+ regional artists—ranging from jewelry to fine art and soaps.
👉 Read More
☕ 7 Brew Coffee Sets Auburn Opening, Teases Freebies
7 Brew Coffee will officially open Dec. 17 in Auburn with a charity event and free drink giveaways leading up to launch. The drive-thru stand plans to employ 50 locals and operate as early as 5:30 a.m.
👉 Read More
🚗 Auburn Hyundai Dealership Holds Grand Opening
Auburn Auto Group opened its fifth dealership in the city—Auburn Hyundai—offering Hyundai’s full lineup and low-payment financing. A modern showroom is under development at the Grant Avenue location.
👉 Read More
Thompson’s Grief Support Group to Meet Dec. 12
On Friday, Dec. 12, UR Medicine Thompson Health will host its monthly Grief Support Group from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the George M. Ewing Jr. Conference Room, located on the ground floor of the Constellation Center for Health and Healing at Thompson Hospital, 350 Parrish St.
Rev. Janice Lum, Thompson’s chaplain and manager of Spiritual Care, co-facilitates the group with Jan DiDuro, bereavement and volunteer coordinator for UR Medicine Home Care. The group meets on the second Friday of each month.
For information, call Thompson’s Spiritual Care office at 585-396-6486.
Lymphedema Support Group Meets Dec. 16
UR Medicine Thompson Health is hosting its Lymphedema Support Group on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 6 p.m. at its Canandaigua Rehabilitation Center, 699 S. Main St.
The group is facilitated by Occupational Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist Angela Kiklowicz, whose certifications include Complete Decongestive Therapy for the treatment of lymphedema and other chronic swelling disorders. This month’s topic will be “Dietary Considerations for Lymphedema Management.”
RSVPs are required. Call 585-396-6050 to RSVP.
Wood Library
Where Tradition, Technology and Community Meet
Pursapalooza Pop Up Sale!
Saturday, December 6 | 10AM-2PM
No entry fee!
ADULT PROGRAMS:
Friday, December 5 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
The Canandaigua Writers Group welcomes anyone who has an interest in writing. Share original stories, poems, memoirs, and more in a supportive, learning community of fellow writers.
Tuesday, December 9 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Is it the thrill of a real-life mystery? Is it the search for understanding and justice? Or is it the desire to feel more prepared for potential dangers? Whatever the reason, Jenny and Carrie will discuss crimes that are sure to pique your interest.
Wednesday, December 10 | 1:00-2:00 PM
Discuss classic books. This month we will discuss The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. New members welcome. Register Here.
Thursday, December 11 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Ontario County residents 60+. Gain knowledge about the advantages of telehealth, how to securely communicate with a healthcare provider, the technology required for a telehealth appointment, and tips for a successful telehealth appointment. Register Here.
Thursday, December 11 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Ontario County residents 60+. Learn how to improve your computer's performance, stability, and speed with regular maintenance tasks. Register Here.
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Monday, December 8 | 3:45-4:45 PM
Read and discuss Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter. Register Here.
Thursday, December 11 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Eat pizza and watch The Muppet Christmas Carol with friends! (G, CC, 1 hr 25 min)
CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
Saturday, December 13 | 10:30-11:15 AM
Let's dance! Start with a fun story and then dance and move to our favorite songs.
Baby Storytime
Mondays & Fridays, December 5, 12, 15, 19 & 29 | 9:30-10:00 AM
Ages 0-2 with caregiver. Stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and other activities.
All-Ages Storytime
Mondays & Thursdays, December 4, 11, 15, 18 & 29 | 10:15-10:45 AM
Stories, songs, and fingerplays make up this fun program for children of all ages. The storytime program may repeat within the week.
RECURRING PROGRAMS:
Wood Walkers- Mondays | 9:00-10:00 AM
Tai Chi- Mondays | 10:00-10:45 AM
Zumba- Tuesdays, December 2, 9 & 16 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Open Tech Hours- Wednesdays, December 3, 10 & 17 | 3:00-5:00 PM
New Yorker Discussion Group- Thursdays, December 4, 11 & 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.
 Specials |  Dinner |  Fresh Pasta |
Fresh pasta is on the menu at Roots Café.
Mon and Tue Closed
Wed-Sun: 11am-3pm Lunch, 5pm-8pm Dinner
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
🍻 Prison City Brewing’s IPA Earns National Praise
Auburn-based Prison City Brewing’s “Mass Riot” IPA was named one of the nation’s top beers at the 2025 World Beer Championships, gaining accolades for flavor and complexity.
👉 Read More
🎉 Ithaca Beer Co. Celebrates 27 Years
Ithaca Beer Co. is marking 27 years with an anniversary party at its taproom, featuring live music, exclusive beer releases, and raffles benefiting Meals on Wheels.
👉 Read More
🎄 Holiday Pairings from Miles Wine Cellars 🍷
Make hosting easier this season with three simple, reliable choices your guests and family will love.
🦃 Unoaked Chardonnay + Roast Turkey
Bright and crisp — perfect alongside classic turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the traditional sides.
🍖 Cabernet Franc + Glazed Ham or Roast Pork
Smooth red-fruit notes and a subtle structure make it a great match for ham, herb stuffing, or savory pork dishes.
🥂 Ghost White (a lighter white wine) + Holiday Appetizers or Light Fare
Crisp and versatile, ideal with cheese platters, greens salads or lighter starters — a great way to start your holiday meal before the main course.
Which of these will you uncork first? 👇
#HolidayPairings #WineAndDine #WineLovers
Miles Wine Cellars
Open Daily, 10am-5pm.
68 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742 - http://MilesWineCellars.com/
From Our Blog:
Holiday Plant Legends: History & Yuletide Traditions
As the end of the calendar year approaches, there are a number of plants that we associate with the holidays we celebrate. Read more.
Roasting Vegetables: Tips for Oven, Grill & Air Fryer
You may have noticed that a raw vegetable tastes different than one that has been cooked, like carrots and sweet potatoes. This is called the Maillard reaction. This is what happens between amino acids (proteins) and reduced sugars (glucose and fructose) during the heating process. Sometimes it makes the food taste better and sometimes not. Think of roasting coffee beans as opposed to dry milk products that are improperly stored. Read more
6 Delicious Roasted Vegetable Recipes
In this issue there is a companion piece about how to best roast vegetables. Here are a few recipes to go along. As you will see, there are a number of variations including herbs and vegetable combinations. If you have lots of vegetables, cook them in two pans to accelerate the process. 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.
12/03/2025 6:15 PM
Hold onto your antlers: Ithaca favorites Karl Gregory and Erica Steinhagen star in this hilariously unhinged new holiday...
417 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
$5.00
12/04/2025 7:00 PM
The laughs are coming to Auburn when Homebrewed Comedy hits the stage in the speakeasy at Prison City Brewery on ...
Prison City Pub & Brewery 28 State St, Auburn, NY 13021
12/05/2025 9:00 AM recurs every day
SHOP, DINE & EXPLORE over 100 Shops, Restaurants & Galleries in Downtown Canandaigua during our Holiday Open...
115 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$18
12/05/2025 11:00 AM
LeTourneau Christian Center’s Blessed Hope Annual Christmas Luncheon will be held on Friday, December...
LeTourneau Christian Center 4950 East Lake Road, Rushville, NY 14544
12/05/2025 1:00 PM recurs every day
The library’s Dickens Book Sale is held within the library during the Dickens Christmas Festival. You'll...
Skaneateles Library 49 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
12/05/2025 2:45 PM
We’re bringing all the fun: Hydrafacial Lip Perks, (book ahead- text 315-291-9111) yummy drinks & bites,...
590 Pre Emption Rd, Geneva, NY 14456
$70 - $210
12/05/2025 5:00 PM
We are honored to welcome women in recovery to our Noel Retreat: “Acting in Stillness” from December 5th–7th,...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
12/06/2025 9:15 AM
Bring your festive best for the YMCA Jingle Jog 5K and Family Fun Mile, on Saturday, December 6th at Stewart Park,...
Stewart Park, 1 James L Gibbs Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
$135.00 /pp
12/06/2025 10:00 AM
Learn how to cure UV resin to create jewelry. Mix epoxy resin for trinket trays, coasters, bookmarkers and larger...
171 Cedar Arts Center 171 Cedar St, Corning, NY 14830
12/06/2025 10:00 AM
Join us for our 3rd annual cookies and cocoa ***Santa is coming to Teaze Salon*** Stop in for… - Signed picture...
76 Ovid St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
12/06/2025 10:00 AM
Get ready to for lots of fun! Our favorite dual-fundraiser event is back: the annual Cookie Walk and Kids Holiday...
Seneca Falls Library 47 Cayuga St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
12/06/2025 10:00 AM recurs every week
Join us for the 4th Annual "Geneva Jingle Markets" shopping event on, December 6th, 10:00am-3:00pm. Support...
35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
12/06/2025 10:00 AM
Join us at lifelong for Handcrafted foods, drinks, and crafts from local artisans. FREE and Open to the public! Saturday,...
119 W Court St, Ithaca, NY 14850
12/06/2025 11:00 AM
Stroll through downtown and enjoy Artist Pop-ups, Free craft workshops, Coloring contest, handmade local items featured...
Geneva Business Improvement District 1 Franklin St, Geneva, NY 14456
12/06/2025 11:00 AM
Our 3rd Annual Holiday Market is back at The Federal Building! Saturday, Dec. 6th | 11am–3pm - 50+ vendors...
200 E Church St, Elmira, NY 14901
12/06/2025 12:00 PM
Get ready to jingle all the way into the spotlight in Sangertown Square! Join us for a fun, family event full of cheer,...
Sangertown Sq, New Hartford, NY 13413, USA
12/06/2025 1:00 PM
Get into the holiday spirit at Lake Drum Brewing on December 6th from 1–3PM for our Free Wreath Making Event!...
16 E Castle St, Geneva, NY 14456
12/06/2025 3:00 PM
ick off the holiday season in the heart of downtown Penn Yan at StarShine, a beloved small-town tradition that brings...
Yates County Chamber of Commerce E Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
12/06/2025 3:00 PM
Enjoy our annual Open House during StarShine, Saturday, December 6, 3:00-6:00 pm. There will be refreshments and music...
200 Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
12/06/2025 3:00 PM recurs every week
**Holiday Market & Village at Prison City Brewing Make magical memories this holiday season with us at Prison...
251 North St, Auburn, NY 13021
12/06/2025 5:00 PM
Come Enjoy the 52nd Year of Merry TubaChristmas ® in Downtown Canandaigua! Presented in over 300 cities throughout...
The Central on Main 111 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
12/06/2025 6:30 PM
Experience Main Street Penn Yan come alive with a vibrant and festive procession of all different vehicles, tractors,...
Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
$45.00
12/07/2025 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
$45.00
12/07/2025 10:00 AM
The Artists Lounge hosts another Create FLX event - Get in the holiday spirit and craft your own set of 3 rustic wooden...
116 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
12/07/2025 4:00 PM
Praised for his “electrifying voice and commanding stage presence”, tenor Limmie Pulliam brings his artistry...
Ithaca College Ford Hall 953 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
12/07/2025 8:30 PM
Open to all Seneca falls families. Come join us for breakfast and meet Mr and Mrs Claus. Presents for all good boys...
Seneca Falls Community Center 35 Water St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
12/09/2025 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
12/12/2025 9:00 PM
Caviar & Grits returns to The Belmar with funky, soulful, original grooves and powerhouse vocals! Opening set...
Belmar Pub 95 Main St, Binghamton, NY 13905
$60
12/13/2025 9:00 AM
We are joyfully preparing for our Advent Retreat Day, “Blessed are They that Hope in the Lord: Advent Meditations...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$10.00
12/13/2025 9:00 AM
Come check out the Grinch and Friends!! Doors open at 9am. Plenty of picture opportunities and fun to be had...
7811 State Rte 21, Naples, NY 14512
12/13/2025 11:00 AM
Get ready to shop local, sip something warm, and soak up the holiday spirit — all while supporting Tompkins...
615 Willow Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850
12/13/2025 2:00 PM recurs every 4 weeks
Back to the Basics is a monthly market focusing on community sufficiency through teaching natural wellness, homesteading,...
250 Gorham St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
12/13/2025 4:00 PM
Join us on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in Pulteney Square for one of Hammondsport’s most magical traditions!...
Hammondsport, NY 14840, USA
12/14/2025 9:00 AM
***PAY WHAT YOU CAN GROOMING EVENT!*** Get your pets holiday-ready while spreading the cheer! Join Barber of the...
108 Water St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
12/14/2025 10:00 AM
***Breakfast with Santa is back!*** Join us Sunday, December 14th from 10AM–1PM for a magical morning full...
200 E Church St, Elmira, NY 14901
$15.00
12/14/2025 3:00 PM
There's no magic like the magic of the holiday season, and there's no concert like a Finger Lakes Community...
215 Granger St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$10 - $35
12/14/2025 3:00 PM
Geneva Concerts presents The Syracuse Orchestra at the Smith Opera House on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 3:00PM. ...
82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456
12/14/2025 6:00 PM recurs every day
Join us for our annual Live Nativity! This free, drive thru event will take you through the Nativity story, from the...
First United Methodist Church of Canandaigua 100 N Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$35
12/15/2025 8:30 AM
We invite you to join us for our Advent – Sacred Stillness Day on Monday, December 15th. As the season of Advent...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
FREE
12/19/2025 11:30 AM
We are thrilled to welcome the Canandaigua Middle School Choral Group as they lead us in a joyful and heartwarming...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd. Canandaigua, NY 14424
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
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