- Finger Lakes Connected
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- February 5, 2026
February 5, 2026
This week's newsletter features updates from local businesses and numerous local events for art, music, food, and wine. Plus life and wellness articles: 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, How to Choose a Tax Preparer in the Finger Lakes, and Winter Breakfast Ideas.
Don Stevens
February 05, 2026
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🌟 Finger Lakes Business & Community News
Torrey Celebrates 175 Years: The small town of Torrey in Yates County is marking its 175th anniversary by digging into its past – and planning for the future. A special committee is organizing commemorative events and assembling a time capsule filled with town records, maps, photos, and even mementos from local businesses to preserve a slice of 2026 for the town’s tricentennial in 2051. Read More
Honors at Chamber Gala: The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce recognized local excellence at its annual awards dinner. A charitable foundation earned Project of the Year for creating vibrant new murals celebrating Seneca Falls’ history, a project that boosted community pride and tourism. Meanwhile, Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery took home Business of the Year after expanding its tasting room and earning multiple industry awards – a bright spot amid a challenging year for the sector. Read More
Boost for Geneva Hospital: Geneva General Hospital received an $855,000 state grant to modernize its aging HVAC systems. The funding will upgrade heating and cooling infrastructure over the next three years, improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions. Hospital officials say the project will lower operating costs and advance their sustainability goals – all while keeping patients and staff comfortable year-round. Read More
Finger Lakes Welcome Center
Ferris Hills Hosting Great Decisions Series
Ferris Hills at West Lake is once again hosting the Foreign Policy Association’s “Great Decisions,” the nation’s longest-running global affairs education program.
The eight-week series will take place at 10 a.m. on Fridays, beginning Feb. 6 and concluding March 27. Each week involves a DVD lecture followed by discussion, and there is no cost to attend.
Topics are as follows:
Feb. 6: “America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy,” by G. John Ikenberry
Feb. 13: “Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy,” by Michael Mastanduno
Feb. 20: “U.S.-China Relations,” by Oriana Mastro
Feb. 27: “Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation,” by Gideon Rose
March 6: “Ukraine and the Future of European Security,” by Thomas Wright
March 13: “Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order,” by Scott Bessent
March 20: “U.S. Engagement of Africa,” by Jendayi E. Frazer
March 27: The Future of Human Rights and International Law,” by Jose Enrique Alvarez
Ferris Hills is located at 1 Ferris Hills in Canandaigua. The campus is accessible via Peg Rayburn Drive, from the 3300 block of West Lake Road (County Road 16) or the 3300 block of Middle Cheshire Road.
For more information, call 585-393-0410 or visit www.FerrisHills.com.
Thompson Birthing Center Offering Free Classes
F.F. Thompson Hospital is offering upcoming classes for expecting parents to help them find the best choice and strategies for ensuring their newborns are well nourished.
“Feeding Your Newborn” will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Feb. 8, in the Birthing Center classroom on the second floor of the hospital, which is located at 350 Parrish St. in Canandaigua. This class is designed for parents who are deciding how to feed their baby and will cover all the options – providing human milk (whether directly at the breast/chest or through pumping), formula feeding, or any combination of these methods. There is no cost to attend.
“Breastmilk for Your Newborn” is from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Feb. 15, also in the Birthing Center classroom on the second floor of the hospital. This course is described as “a supportive space for parents who want to feel confident and empowered” in feeding their newborn with human milk. There is no cost associated with this class, either.
“Feeding Your Newborn” is held the second Sunday of each month and “Breastmilk for Your Newborn” is held the third Sunday. For both, RSVPs are appreciated but not required. To RSVP or for more information, call 585-396-6295.
Wood Library
Where Tradition, Technology and Community Meet
Sunday, February 8 | 1:00-4:00 PM
Shop local vendors and artisans!
Grimble Hill Farm and Forest, The Health Habit, PennyRose Farm, Duclinea Art, CorinoRock, Little Village Sourdough, TnT Craft & Cards, Mariposas Baked Goods, Avenida Nossara, Scents by Radiance, Stegalville Raw Honey, Elizabeth’s Crafts, Full Moon Mystics, Soller Maple Farms, Sweet Pea's Pastries & Talun Art
ADULT PROGRAMS:
Friday, February 6 | 10:30 AM-5:30 PM
Learn proven driving techniques to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Register here.
Friday, February 6 | 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.
Monday, February 9 | 12:30-1:30 PM
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen reviewed by Keith Caughlin, community member. Bring lunch if you wish. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be available at the library. Thank you to the Centerfield Homemakers for providing cookies!
Tuesday, February 10 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Join true crime enthusiasts Jenny Goodemote and Carrie Magnan to discuss crimes that have caught their attention.
Thursday, February 12 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Canva is a free online creation tool. Make flyers, brochures, resumes, social media graphics, wedding invitations, infographics, postcards, certificates, and more. Learn the basics, walk through a guided design, and then work on your own. Bring an idea for a project and photos if desired. Funded by the Ontario County Office for the Aging. Participants must be an Ontario County resident and 60+ years of age. Register here.
Thursday, February 12 | 3:30-4:30 PM
Play fun, low-stress games like Taboo, Charades, Life: The Game, Connect 4, and puzzles. Prefer to watch quietly? Enjoy coloring sheets and fidgets in our Quiet Spectator Corner. All are welcome to join, socialize, and engage in activities at their own pace. Register here.
Thursday, February 12 | 7:00-8:00 PM
Read and discuss The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Held off-site at Acquilano Wine Cellars, 143 S Main St, Canandaigua. Register here.
Saturday, February 14 | 10:30 AM-12:30 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.
Saturday, February 14 | 1:00-2:00 PM
BINGO for adults, teens, and tweens. Sorry, no one under 10 is allowed at this event. Come play BINGO and win purses or jewelry. Register here.
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Monday, February 9 | 3:45-4:45 PM
Read and discuss A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Register here.
Thursday, February 12 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Eat pizza and watch Frozen with friends! (PG, CC, 1 hr 42 min)
Saturday, February 14 | 1:00-2:00 PM
BINGO for adults, teens, and tweens. Sorry, no one under 10 is allowed at this event. Come play BINGO and win purses or jewelry. Register here.
CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
Storytimes
*Please check the online calendar for up-to-date information.
Baby Storytime
Tuesdays, February 10, 17 & 24 | 11:00-11:30 AM
Fridays, February 13, 20 & 27 | 9:30-10:00 AM
All-Ages Storytime
Tuesdays & Thursdays, February 10, 12, 17, 19, 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 *cancelled on 1/26
Zumba- Tuesdays | 5:30-6:30 PM
Chair Yoga- Wednesdays | 10:00-11:00 AM
Open Tech Hours- Wednesdays | 2:00-4:00 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.
Find Wood Library at 134 N Main St, Canandaigua.
Visit woodlibrary.org and look for us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
HOURS:
Thursday to Saturday: LUNCH 11-3, Dinner 5-8
SUNDAY BRUNCH: 10-2pm
Roots Cafe - 585-374-9800 - http://rootscafenaplesny.com
Belhurst Castle and Winery
Happy Hour at Stonecutters, Belhurst Castle
Sonnenberg Gardens
🍷 Wine, Beer & Spirits News
Ithaca Brewery Brews Big: What started as a backyard homebrew operation now pours hundreds of barrels in Ithaca. Personal Best Brewing – opened 2023 in downtown Ithaca – has grown to produce about 625 barrels a year while bucking beer trends with a focus on crisp lagers and pilsners. Its 18-tap brewhouse doubles as a community hub, hosting local events and partnerships that have firmly rooted this young brewery in the Finger Lakes craft scene. Read More
Winery Earns Business of the Year: Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery in Seneca Falls is toasting a major accolade after being named Business of the Year by the local chamber. The family-run winery defied industry headwinds by expanding its tasting room and growing sales even during a craft beverage downturn. Montezuma’s continued innovation – along with a haul of state and regional awards – helped it clinch the honor as a Finger Lakes success story worth celebrating. Read More
Ventosa Wins Wedding Kudos: Geneva’s Ventosa Vineyards has been selected as a 2026 winner of The Knot Best of Weddings – an honor reserved for the top 5% of wedding professionals nationwide. It’s the second year in a row Ventosa earned this award, thanks to perfect 5-star reviews from couples. Known for its scenic lakeside setting and exceptional service as a winery wedding venue, Ventosa is helping put the Finger Lakes on the map as a premier destination for celebrations. Read More
Miles Wine Cellars
Winter Hours:
Open Friday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm.
Closed Monday - Thursday.
68 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742 - http://MilesWineCellars.com/
Ventosa Vineyards Awarded Best of Weddings 2026 by The Knot
Award-Winning Finger Lakes Venue Recognized for Exceptional Service and Unforgettable Wedding Experiences
Geneva, NY - January 30, 2026-- Geneva, NY — Ventosa Vineyards is honored to announce it has been named a 2026 Best of Weddings® Award winner by The Knot, a leading wedding planning platform trusted by couples nationwide. This recognition highlights venues that consistently deliver outstanding service and exceptional wedding experiences based on reviews from real couples. Read more
From Our Blog:
2026 Winter Olympics & Paralympics: Milan–Cortina Venues, Sports, Dates, and Athletes to Watch
This year the winter Olympics and Paralympic games will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina is a winter resort in the Dolomite mountains and is about 250 miles from Milan by road. The closing ceremony will be in Verona (of Romeo and Juliet fame), about 100 miles east of Milan. Read more.
How to Choose a Tax Preparer in the Finger Lakes: Credentials, Fees & Questions to Ask
It is getting time to take care of your annual taxes. Yes, you can do it on your own, but it is so much easier and safer to have a qualified professional to take care of these matters for you. The Finger Lakes area has a number of individuals and companies that are able and willing to help you with this odious task. If you are looking for a new service, here are some things to consider. Read more.
Winter Breakfast Ideas: Easy Make-Ahead Recipes for Cozy Mornings
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.
$25.00 ( Application fee )
06/27/202610:00 AM recurs every day
Sonnenberg Gardens250 Gibson St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
02/05/20266:45 PM
Serven Fire Co. Border City NyBorder City, Waterloo, NY 14456
$90pp
02/05/20267:00 PM recurs every week
02/06/202611:00 AM
LeTourneau Christian Center4950 East Lake Road, Rushville, NY 14544, USA
$14.42
02/06/20266:00 PM
Photo City Music Hall543 Atlantic Ave #2, Rochester, NY 14609
$55 per couple
02/06/20266:30 PM
Britches' Dance Bar192 State St, Auburn, NY 13021
02/07/20269:00 AM
The Lake House on Canandaigua770 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$20 per person per
02/07/202610:00 AM
The Naples Hotel111 S Main St, Naples, NY 14512
02/07/202610:00 AM
Finger Lakes Welcome Center35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
$30 per person
02/07/202611:30 AM
The Naples Hotel111 S Main St, Naples, NY 14512
02/07/202612:00 PM
Fall Street Brewing97 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
02/07/20261:00 PM
87 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$5 per person | $15 per family
02/07/20263:00 PM
Ithaca Children's Garden121 Turtle Ln, Ithaca, NY 14850
Please see the website!
02/07/20267:00 PM
Mynderse Academy High School Auditorium105 Troy St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
$18.00 - $30.00
02/07/20267:30 PM
State Theatre of Ithaca107 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
02/08/20262:00 PM
87 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$12.93
02/09/20268:00 PM
The Smith Opera House82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456
$5.00 Per Person
02/10/20268:30 AM
The Auburn - The Residences at Auburn Trail160 School St, Victor, NY 14564
02/10/20265:30 PM
The Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles, NY26 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
02/10/20266:00 PM recurs every week
142 Mill St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
$35
02/11/20269:00 AM
Notre Dame Retreat House5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
02/11/20268:00 PM
State Theatre of Ithaca107 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Free admission
02/12/20265:00 PM
Ventosa Vineyards3440 NY-96A, Geneva, NY 14456
$65.00
02/13/202612:45 PM
Hammondsport, NY 14840, USA
$325 / Couple
02/13/20265:00 PM
Notre Dame Retreat House5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$10.00 /pp
02/13/20266:00 PM
351 North St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
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