January 29, 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: February Full Moon (Snow Moon), Winter Household Checklist, and Super Bowl Foods.

Author

Don Stevens
January 29, 2026

🌟 Finger Lakes Business & Community News

  • Newark Drive-In Reopens as Lil’ Barn Grill & Cones. Bee Tee’s Drive-In in Newark (Wayne County) has been bought by longtime employee Kirstie Bulman, renovated with a barn-themed look, and reopened under the new name Lil’ Barn Grill and Cones. Bulman kept the classic menu of giant ground-steak burgers and sauce, and she’s adding new treats like over-the-top milkshakes and baked goods. Her father will be the head chef and family members are helping run the business. Read More

  • Waterloo Downtown Revitalization Projects. The Village of Waterloo announced the first round of projects funded by a new $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. Plans include upgrades to the Seneca Falls community center, streetscaping and facade improvements on the main street, better canal frontage and pedestrian connections, and expanded parking. Village officials say this state investment will spur further private reinvestment and new amenities in the downtown core. Read More

  • Ithaca Age-Friendly Business Program. Tompkins County has launched a new “Age-Friendly Business” certification to recognize local businesses that serve customers and employees of all ages. Stores and service providers that offer features like accessible restrooms, grab bars, wheelchair ramps or flexible work schedules can sign up for the program. Certified businesses will receive prominent signage and inclusion on a countywide directory, encouraging seniors and families to shop locally. Read More

  • FOUND Vintage Reopens in Ithaca. FOUND, a longtime Ithaca vintage clothing and reuse shop, has opened at a new larger location in the former SouthWorks factory on South Aurora Street. Owners Vanessa Weber and Jeremiah Cigno moved their business after the county purchased their old Cherry Street building for a social service center. The expanded space allowed FOUND to bring in more inventory, and its January opening drew an enthusiastic crowd – one report counted 75 cars outside during opening weekend. Read More

Finger Lakes Welcome Center

Not-for-Profits Encouraged to Apply for Thompson Grants

Local not-for-profit organizations with programs promoting the health and wellness of the community are encouraged to apply by April 10 for Mary Clark Thompson Community Health Grants from the F.F. Thompson Foundation.

Local philanthropist Mary Clark Thompson founded F.F. Thompson Hospital in 1904, in memory of her husband, Frederick Ferris Thompson. Her spirit of community-minded philanthropy was the motivation behind the creation of the Community Health Grants, with applications accepted annually. Due to the continued interest and need within the community, the total amount of funds available has increased by $10,000 this year.

Awarded through a competitive application process, the grants range from $500 to $2,500. Organizations within the area served by UR Medicine Thompson Health are eligible.

For complete guidelines and to apply, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/MCTGrants. For more information, call the Foundation at 585-396-6658

 

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 1 | 1:00-4:00 PM 

Bring your old puzzles and exchange them for “new to you” puzzles. If you don’t have a puzzle to exchange, you can purchase a “new to you” puzzle for $3. 

 

ADULT PROGRAMS: 

Monday, February 2 | 12:30-1:30 PM 

The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why by Amanda Ripley reviewed by Christy Richards, Senior Health Educator, Ontario County Public Health. 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 3 | 2:00-3:30 PM 

Peer or professionally-led groups for caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer's, and others dealing with the disease.  

 

Wednesday, February 4 | 6:30-8:00 PM 

Learn to play board games with Game Master John Michalko.  

 

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. 

 

ADULT & TEEN PROGRAMS: 

Monday, February 2 | 5:30-7:00 PM 

A social gathering of fiber crafters. All skill levels welcome!   

 

Wednesday, February 4 | 6:00-8:00 PM 

All skill levels welcome. Appetizers provided! 

 

TEEN PROGRAMS: 

Tuesday, February 3 | 2:00-3:00 PM 

Learn about the migration path that monarch butterflies and other migratory animals take and how humans have disrupted it. Register here. 

 

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. 

2026 Ramen Nights at Roots Cafe

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

🍷 Wine, Beer & Spirits News

  • Finger Lakes Named Best Wine Region in U.S. Travel + Leisure magazine has declared the Finger Lakes the “best wine region in the U.S.,” noting its 140+ wineries and cool-climate heritage. The January 2026 feature highlights the region’s world-class Rieslings, Chardonnays and sparkling wines and notes that Wine Enthusiast recently honored the Finger Lakes as its 2025 American Wine Region of the Year for innovation and sustainability. Read More

  • Hinny Hard Seltzer Expands Distribution. Hinny Hard Seltzer, a veteran-owned seltzer company founded in Clyde (Wayne County), announced a new distribution deal to enter northeastern Pennsylvania. Starting in 2026, Northeast Eagle Distributors will carry Hinny’s fruit-flavored hard seltzers in PA. The Pennsylvania expansion follows Hinny’s 2025 launch into Upstate New York grocery chains and festival appearances around the region. Read More

  • Prison City Brewing’s Award-Winning IPA. Auburn’s Prison City Brewing continues to rack up awards – its flagship IPA “Mass Riot” was named one of the nation’s best beers at the 2025 World Beer Championship. The bold, fruit-forward IPA earned high praise for its flavor and complexity, adding to Prison City’s growing list of medals from national competitions. Production of Mass Riot was recently expanded, making it available across the Northeast after a 2020 capacity increase. Read More

  • Weis Vineyards Wins NY Winery of the Year. Weis Vineyards (Wayne County) was named New York State Winery of the Year at the NY Wine Classic, the industry’s top statewide competition. The award honors the Finger Lakes winery’s outstanding performance across multiple categories in the 2025 competition. Owner Peter Weis said it’s the third time his family’s winery has won this honor. 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/

Lucas Vineyards

Calling all Cab Franc Lovers! 

Come taste 3 vintages of our Cabernet Franc alongside our winemakers! The wines will be paired with hard cheeses. This event is open to the public and will be on January 31 from 12-4. No charge for Captain’s Table Members. $6 per person for non-members.

From Our Blog:

February Full Moon (Snow Moon): Names, Meanings, Traditions & Simple Rituals

On February 1 we will have the next full moon. As discussed in a previous article, full moons have names. For this one, it is aptly titled Snow Moon. The same name appears in sources from Europe, Colonial America, and Native Americans. Read more.

Winter Household Checklist: Simple Home Organization & Maintenance Tips

There is always some household maintenance to be accomplished. Here in the middle of winter, let’s explore some options. Read more.

Super Bowl Foods: Easy Game Day Recipes for the Big Game Party

February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is the next Super Bowl. It is designated Super Bowl LX (60) with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Eastern and 3:30 p.m. local time. Half time entertainment will be by Bad Bunny. The National Anthem will be sung by Charlie Puth and Brandi Carlisle will sing “America the Beautiful”. It will be aired on Peacock and NBC. 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.

01/29/202611:30 AM

1651 Clark Street Rd, Auburn, NY 13021

$90pp

01/29/20267:00 PM recurs every week

$55.00 for 2.25 Hours and two teachers.

01/30/20264:00 PM

Grounded by Yoga: Bloomfield1 Wellness Wy, Bloomfield, NY 14469

01/30/20267:00 PM

Lincoln on Main245 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

$25.00

01/31/2026N/A

Geneva Public Library244 Main St, Geneva, NY 14456

01/31/20261:00 PM

23 W Main St, Waterloo, NY 13165

01/31/20263:00 PM

Birdseye Hollow Farm and Distillery8398 Co Rd 96, Hammondsport, NY 14840

$52.00

01/31/20263:00 PM

85 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002

01/31/20266:00 PM

The Gould Hotel108 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148

30.00

01/31/20267:00 PM

The Hidden Cork54 Pulteney St, Hammondsport, NY 14840

01/31/20267:00 PM

Tavern Off Main – Canandaigua, NY14 Phoenix St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

02/01/20268:00 AM

Lansing Fire Department80 Ridge Rd, Lansing, NY 14882

02/01/20268:00 PM

502 Exchange St, Geneva, NY 14456

02/03/202612:00 PM

32 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

02/03/20266:00 PM recurs every week

142 Mill St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA

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

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