🌟 Finger Lakes Business & Community News

Brave North Therapy Opens Doors in Port Byron After 12 years in private practice, Kimberly Fortin has launched Brave North Therapy, a new group mental health practice at 2211 State Route 31 in Port Byron. Fortin said she saw growing demand for services in the area and wanted to create a space that's accessible, insurance-friendly, and supportive for both clients and clinicians. The practice began welcoming clients on January 2 and is already serving the Cayuga County community. 📖 Read More — FingerLakes1.com

$30K NYSEG Grant to Amplify Schuyler County Business Park Nationally FLX Gateway, the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, has secured a $30,000 grant from NYSEG to market the Schuyler County Business Park — a 51-acre, REDI Gold–designated site just outside Watkins Glen — to national site selectors and manufacturers. The funding will send county leaders to national conferences, boost visibility on site-selection platforms, and position the region for the manufacturing renaissance. "This grant allows us to take that message directly to decision-makers," said FLX Gateway CEO Judy McKinney Cherry. 📖 Read More

Geneva Mayor Creates New Committee to Champion Downtown Small Businesses Geneva Mayor Jim Cecere has announced the formation of a Downtown and Economic Vitality Ad Hoc Committee, bringing together city leaders, local entrepreneurs, and business owners — including Shawna Shell, co-owner of Anorah restaurant — to strengthen the city's approach to economic development. The committee will study current downtown conditions, review best practices from comparable communities, and deliver actionable recommendations to the mayor and City Council. "A strong downtown supports local businesses, attracts new investment, and improves quality of life," said Ward 5 Councilor Jim Petropoulos. 📖 Read More

FLCC Launches Wine Service Management Certificate to Bridge Winery–Hospitality Gap Finger Lakes Community College has unveiled a new state-approved Wine Service Management Certificate aimed at students who want careers on the sales, service, and marketing side of the wine world — not just the production side. The 27-credit program includes courses in marketing, business law, culinary and beverage fundamentals, and 300 hours of hands-on work experience at local hospitality businesses. Graduates will be positioned for roles like wine steward, food and beverage manager, and wine marketer, with credits that apply toward an FLCC associate degree. 📖 Read More

Visit Ithaca's Farm-to-Fork Microgrant Program Opens New Round for Tompkins County Farms & Restaurants Visit Ithaca's Agriculinary Microgrant Farm to Fork Program is offering up to $2,000 in funding for Tompkins County farms and food businesses looking to expand agricultural tourism and local food connections. Now in its 11th year, the program has helped producers like Danby Food & Drink become more visitor-ready while deepening ties between local farms and restaurants. "We have a lot of great agribusiness out there and potential, but a lot of farmers and producers that aren't visitor-ready," said Peggy Coleman, president of Tompkins Chamber & Visit Ithaca. 📖 Read More

ADULT PROGRAMS:  

Books Sandwiched In 

Monday, February 23 | 12:00-1:00 PM 

Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside by Nick Offerman reviewed by Julie Backus, Wood Library Associate. 

Stamping Class with Sally 

Monday, February 23 | 6:00-7:30 PM 

Craft your own greeting cards with instructor Sally. The cost is $20 per person and includes everything you need to make four cards with envelopes. Register here. 

Chosen Horror Collective 

Tuesday, February 24 | 7:00-8:00 PM 

Read and discuss Don't Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones. New members welcome. Register here. 

Computer Maintenance 

Thursday, February 26 | 5:00-7:00 PM 

Learn how to improve your computer's performance, stability, and speed with regular maintenance tasks. Funded by the Ontario County Office for the Aging. Participants must be an Ontario County resident and 60+ years of age. Register here. 

Android 101 

Friday, February 27 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM 

This beginner class will review basic smartphone hardware, software and apps. Can I use Wi-Fi to download apps? How do I delete an app? How do I transfer pictures from my phone? Learn how to take, send, and delete photos. Bring a fully charged phone to follow along and ask questions. Funded by the Ontario County Office for the Aging. Participants must be an Ontario County resident and 60+ years of age. Register here. 

CHILDREN PROGRAMS: 

Family Book Club 

Tuesday, February 24 | 5:15-6:00 PM 

A book club aimed at parents and kids with a focus on chapter books. We will be discussing Boy 2.0 by Tracey Baptiste. There are limited copies of this book in the system, but there are e- and audiobook versions available on Libby. 

Storytimes 

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

Baby Storytime 

Tuesdays, February 24 | 11:00-11:30 AM 

Fridays, February 20 & 27 | 9:30-10:00 AM 

All-Ages Storytime 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, February 24 & 26 10:15-10:45 AM 

RECURRING PROGRAMS: 

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

Tai Chi- Mondays | 10:00-10:45 AM 

Chair Yoga- Wednesdays | 10:00-11:00 AM 

Open Tech Hours- Wednesdays | 2:00-4:00 PM 

Zumba- Wednesdays | 6:00-7:00 PM 

Euchre- Thursdays | 2:00-4:00 PM 

New Yorker Discussion Group- Thursdays | 3:30-4:30 PM 

 See the full list of library programs on our calendar. 

February Newsletter DONATE OWWL Catalog Help Friends of Wood Library Membership 

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

From Our Blog:

High Blood Pressure Explained: Causes, Symptoms & DASH Diet Tips for Heart Health Month

February is Heart Health month.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. A major factor is high blood pressure (hypertension), which can result in a variety of health issues including stroke, kidney disease, and even dementia. However, blood pressure can be managed with medication as well as a healthy lifestyle. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB) recommends balanced eating, regular physical activity, (both of which should result in a healthy weight), reduction in sodium intake, limited alcohol, sufficient rest and sleep, and stress management (always a challenge). Their top recommendation is, of course, to quit smoking.. Read more.

Chinese New Year: Traditions, Foods & the Year of the Fire Horse

Another year has elapsed and we again get to celebrate the spring festival of the Lunar or Chinese New year. February 17 sees the departure of the Snake, which represented introspection. Now we enter the year of Fire Horse. The image is boldness, speed, and independent energy. Combine that with the fact that it is a fire sign, you can expect fearlessness, passion, big events and a few twists and turns. Read more.

Lunar New Year Recipes: Traditional Asian Dishes to Celebrate

Let’s celebrate with some Asian inspired foods. Read more

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.

That’s it for this week. 

Here’s to a great 2026 everyone! This year promises to be a productive year at FLC. We will have new updates, features, and promise to keep you updated on news and happenings in our area.

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

As a reminder, contact us if you'd like to advertise your1business or event.

Don Stevens,
Finger Lakes Connected