January 8, 2026 (1)

This week's newsletter features updates from local businesses and numerous local events for art, music, food, and wine. Plus there are also life and wellness articles: Bird Feeding Mistakes, January Full Moon and Comfort Food Recipe.

Author

Don Stevens
January 08, 2026

🌟 Finger Lakes Business & Community News

  • Millions Awarded to Finger Lakes Development Projects – A new round of state economic development grants is sending millions of dollars into projects across the Finger Lakes, from lakefront redevelopment in Canandaigua to housing infrastructure upgrades. Projects in several counties secured funding as part of New York’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Read More

  • Museum of the Earth Saved by Donors – The Museum of the Earth in Ithaca narrowly avoided foreclosure after raising millions in donations. A last-minute fundraising push helped the museum pay off a $3 million mortgage debt just before a New Year’s Eve deadline, keeping its vast fossil collection intact. Read More

  • Luxury Cat Retreat Opens in Cayuga County – The King Ferry Cat Retreat in southern Cayuga County offers high-end cat boarding with private suites, balconies, TVs, and handmade climbing towers. Owner Paula Larsen created this calm, home-like alternative to traditional kennels, aligning with new state pet-boarding regulations that took effect in December. Read More

  • Expanded Amtrak Service to Finger Lakes – New York State officials announced expanded Amtrak service connecting the Finger Lakes region to major hubs, so travelers through Geneva, Auburn, and Syracuse can explore the area without a car. The plan includes new rail routes and station upgrades backed by $8.4 million in state funding to improve accessibility and boost tourism. Read More

Finger Lakes Welcome Center

Several Thompson Providers Accepting New Patients

Having successfully recruited several primary care physicians and advanced practice providers over the course of 2025, UR Medicine Thompson Health currently has providers at multiple locations who are accepting new patients.

For a list accurate as of Jan. 1, visit the press release in Thompson’s online newsroom at http://bit.ly/452PAHn

 

‘Breastmilk for Your Newborn’ Class Jan. 18

A free class called  â€œBreastmilk for Your Newborn” will be held Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon in the second-floor Birthing Center classroom at F.F. Thompson Hospital, 350 Parrish St. in Canandaigua.

Held the third Sunday of every month, this class is all about providing human milk to your baby, whether through breastfeeding (latching at the breast/ chest) or pumping and feeding expressed milk. It’s designed to be a supportive space for parents who want to feel confident and empowered in giving their little one the best start with human milk.

For more information, call 585-396-6295.

Wood Library

Where Tradition, Technology and Community Meet

Winter Market @ Wood Library 

Sunday, January 11 | 1:00-4:00 PM 

Come shop with local vendors! 

 

The Arcade @ Wood Library 

Friday, January 16 | 3:00-6:00 PM 

Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM 

Sunday, January 18 | 1:00-4:00 PM 

Monday, January 19 | 9:00 AM-9:00 PM 

Indulge in classic arcade games! Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just curious about the golden age of arcades, we have a game for you. Free event sponsored by The Friends of Wood Library. 

 

ADULT PROGRAMS: 

Friday, January 9 | 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. 

 

Saturday, January 10 | 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. 

 

Tuesday, January 13 | 5:30-6:30 PM 

Join true crime enthusiasts Jenny Goodemote and Carrie Magnan to discuss crimes that have caught their attention. 

 

Wednesday, January 14 | 9:00-11:30 AM 

Learn strategies for living well with chronic pain. ONYA-funded program for women and girls 16+. 

Thursday, January 15 | 7:00-8:00 PM 

Read and discuss The Light we Lost by Jill Santopolo. Held off-site at Acquilano Wine Cellars, 143 S Main St, Canandaigua. 

 

TEEN PROGRAMS: 

Monday, January 12 | 3:45-4:45 PM 

Read and discuss A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro. Register here. 

 

Wednesday, January 14 | 6:00-7:30 PM 

Retired Middle School creative writing teacher John Michalko offers a workshop to help you break through writer's block and build on your story ideas. Register here. 

 

CHILDREN PROGRAMS:  

Monday, January 12 | 4:00-5:00 PM 

You know about hibernation and migration, but how do all the animals who don't do either survive the winter? Learn about animal adaptations for cold weather with the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association and do a craft. Register here. 

 

Tuesday, January 13 | 4:00-5:00 PM Ages 6-12 

In this frosty-fun workshop, young makers will hand sew their very own felt snowman — or snow-friend — using soft wintery fabrics, simple stitches, and a sprinkle of imagination. Register here. 

 

Wednesday, January 14 | 10:00-10:30 AM 

Ages 1-6. Join Mr. Ray from The Local Sound Collaborative for a fun and festive music session! Bring your dancing feet and get ready to sing along. 

 

Storytimes 

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

Fridays, January 9, 16 & 23 | 9:30-10:00 AM 

Thursdays, January 15 & 22 | 10:15-10:45 AM 

 

RECURRING PROGRAMS: 

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

Tai Chi- Mondays | 10:00-10:45 AM 

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. 

Join us for our popular brunch!

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

January Special Offer

40% discount on Vinifera Rooms. No restrictions on stay.

Call our front desk at 315-781-0201 ext. 2

🍷 Wine, Beer & Spirits News

  • Seneca Chamber to Honor Montezuma Winery – The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce will recognize Montezuma Winery as Business of the Year at its 57th Annual Awards Dinner on January 22. The event at Ventosa Vineyards will also honor the Town of Ovid with a humanitarian award and the Bonafiglia Family Foundation for its community impact. Read More

  • Two Longtime Beer Hubs Closing Doors – Rochester’s craft beer scene took a hit as two longstanding beer establishments announced they will close. Beers of the World is shutting down its Henrietta store in February after 40+ years, and Fifth Frame Brewing Co. will close its Irondequoit brewery – moves that highlight the challenges facing local brewers. Read More

Bourbon Brunch at Miles Wine Cellars

Enjoy a Bourbon themed brunch at Miles Wine Cellars February 15, 2026. Elevate your day by adding on a Bourbon Tasting for $25. This is a perfect gift for Valentine's day! Read more

Moss Art Workshop at Miles Wine Cellars Plants on Main is heading to Miles Wine Cellars for a cozy, creative afternoon!...by The Smith Center for the Arts, hosted at Miles Wine Cellars.

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

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

From Our Blog:

Bird Feeding Mistakes

This is the time of year we often think of our avian friends who stay around for the winter season. To be kind, we feed them. To satisfy ourselves, we sit in the comfort of our warm home and watch them. Sometimes we wonder why there are not as many birds as we would expect. That is generally because we humans have made some errors. Read more.

January Full Moon

Indigenous peoples often named common or repetitive occurrences. This year we will explore the various names given to the full moon. Generally these titles were related to nature. Different sources used different names. What was common in Europe was not necessarily what was used in Africa.  In fact, in what is now the United States, the various Native American tribes had different names for these events. There are many more to choose from. Do your own research and see which ones you favor. Remember that these are all interpretations. Read more.

Comfort Food Recipes

The new year is here and with the holidays over, it seems like everything is returning to routine chaos. This is a great time to look toward comfort food to sustain you and your family. 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.

01/08/2026 6:00 PM

Open Mic Night for Musicians | Weedsport Taproom Are you a musician who loves to perform live? Join us for Open...

Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Company8931 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166

01/08/2026 6:00 PM

- 6:15-7 Dara Anissi serenades us with strings - 7:15-8 Angela Marion becomes our loop mommy - 8:15-9 Tc Owens and...

208 Farm St, Ithaca, NY 14850

$90pp

01/08/2026 7:00 PM recurs every week

$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

01/09/2026 5:30 PM

St. Baldrick’s Green-Out Basketball Game | Corning Hawks vs. Horseheads Blue Raiders Get ready for an exciting...

Corning Painted Post High School 201 Cantigney St, Corning, NY 14830

$8.00/adult, $6.00/ seniors & $4.00/ children

01/10/2026 11:00 AM recurs every week

Discover a unique, immersive experience with Orbital – Digital Dome Show at the Digital Dome Theater ...

1 Academic Dr, Corning, NY 14830

01/10/2026 3:00 PM

It’s an Open Mic Birthday Party, and everyone’s invited! Join us at The Moose Lodge for a lively night...

Canandaigua Moose Lodge 305 Ontario St Exd, Canandaigua, NY 14424

01/10/2026 4:00 PM

Chill Weekend Fundraiser | Geneva Breathes (3rd Annual) Join Geneva Breathes for its Third Annual Chill Weekend Fundraiser,...

Temple Beth El 755 S Main St, Geneva, NY 14456

01/10/2026 5:00 PM

Come on out for some great Beer, food, music and great view of Canandaigua Lake! ...

Twisted Rail Brewing Canandaigua Lake169 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424

01/10/2026 6:00 PM

FREE live music, a joint show with Brian Ayers & Rocco Sole at Lincoln on Main. Show 6-8pm. All ages. ...

Lincoln On Main 245 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

01/10/2026 6:00 PM

Oliver Burdo has gained a reputation as a unique folk/ blues musician with a base in a lyrical focus. You won’t...

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

01/10/2026 7:00 PM

Step into a 90-minute journey of meditation and sound designed to calm the nervous system, expand awareness, and restore...

129 W Falls St, Ithaca, NY 14850

$44.18

01/10/2026 7:00 PM

Neko Case's authenticity, lyrical storytelling, and sly wit have endeared her to a legion of critics, musicians,...

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

01/11/2026 10:00 AM

2026 NY Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Larry Sharpe at Hyde's Diner in Cortland NY. Come support a local...

259 Tompkins St, Cortland, NY 13045

01/11/2026 1:00 PM

Oliver Burdo will be live at LCBC from 1-4:00 ...

8931 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166

01/13/2026 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

01/16/2026 12:00 AM recurs every day

Downtown Ithaca’s Comfort Food Trail is a cozy winter event running January 16 – February 1 that invites...

171 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

FREE

01/16/2026 11:30 AM

Join us for an informative and empowering presentation featuring Triciajean Jones, Director of the Ontario County...

Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424

$175 - $255

01/16/2026 5:00 PM

Men from all walks of life are invited to join us as we begin our 2026 retreats. This year’s theme, “Holy...

Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424

$15.00

01/17/2026 8:00 AM

Get ready for a full day of outdoor adventure at Yeti Games 2026 , a high-energy winter community event hosted...

7131 Gulick Rd, Naples, NY 14512

$45 per car plus $20 for weekend membership

01/17/2026 2:00 PM

A rally of approx. 170 rally miles using mostly unpaved roads in the southern part of Central New York. Equipped,...

Chili's Grill & Bar (Ithaca, NY) 608 S Meadow St, Ithaca, NY 14850

$40 per person

01/18/2026 2:00 PM

Join us for a Succulent Terrarium Workshop at The Sherwood Inn! During this workshop, your host, Lindsay, will walk...

The Sherwood Inn 26 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

$10.00

01/18/2026 3:00 PM

The World-Famous Harlem Wizards want to invite you and the whole family to join them for a night of tricks, hoops,...

Watkins Glen Central High School 33 Watkins Ave, Perry, NY 14530

$18.05 per child, fees included

01/18/2026 4:30 PM

Looking for unique things to do in Geneva, NY with kids this winter? The Stuffed Animal Slumber Party at The...

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

$18.05

01/18/2026 8:30 PM recurs every day

Wear your PJs, bring a stuffed friend and spend the evening at The Smith! Take a short tour of the theatre, hear a...

82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456, USA

$35

01/20/2026 9:00 AM

The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are the definitive moments of human history. But did these foundational...

Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424

01/23/2026 4:30 PM

That's right folks, we are taking a little break from wine this week to showcase some of our favorite craft spirits...

Bottleland Wine & Spirits 162 William St, Geneva, NY 14456, USA

$175 - $255

01/23/2026 5:00 PM

Men are invited to gather for a weekend of prayer, reflection, and renewal as we continue our 2026 retreats. Centered...

Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Tickets start at $10.38

01/24/2026 1:00 PM

Frost & Fire: A Winter Gathering Rooted in Community, Warmth, and Giving Back Hammondsport, NY — Winter...

Hammondsport Fire Dept 8521 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840

adults & seniors $12.93, students & youth $8.95

01/24/2026 7:00 PM

The Smith's Staff Pick film for the month of January. Stake Your Claim to the Musical Goldmine of ’69! In...

The Smith Opera House 82 Seneca Street Geneva, NY 14456

$55 per person

01/25/2026 1:00 PM

Moss Art Workshop at Miles Wine Cellars Plants on Main is heading to Miles Wine Cellars for a cozy, creative afternoon!...

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

$12.93

01/26/2026 8:00 PM

Experience an intimate night of live music in Geneva, NY as the Smith Winter Cabaret Series continues...

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

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

02/06/2026 11:00 AM

LeTourneau Christian Center’s Blessed Hope February Ladies Luncheon will be held on Friday, February 6 at 11:00...

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

$12.93

02/09/2026 8:00 PM

Immerse yourself in local talent brought to you by the Finger Lakes! Athena Rajnai is a keenly observant poet whose...

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

$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

$15.00 - $20.00

02/21/2026 10:00 AM

Winter Cycle Therapy at the Curtiss Museum roars back this February for an unforgettable weekend celebrating motorcycles,...

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum 8419 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840

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 3325 Marvin Sands Dr, 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 your business or event.

Don Stevens,
Finger Lakes Connected