- Finger Lakes Connected
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- July 17, 2025
July 17, 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 and a local giveaway!
Don Stevens
July 17, 2025
Community News
🛍️ Goodwill to Open Geneva Store August 8
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes will open a brand-new thrift store in Geneva with a ribbon-cutting at 9 a.m. on August 8. The first 100 shoppers will receive $10 gift cards to celebrate the launch.
🔗 Read the article
🏥 Geneva Medical Campus Set for September Debut
Rochester Regional Health’s new Geneva Medical Campus will open in September, consolidating multiple specialty services like cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and physical therapy into one modern facility.
🔗 Read the article
🎨 Seneca Falls Sculpture Trail Gets Major Upgrade
The Frank J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail unveiled a new trailhead, native gardens, and five new sculptures after a revitalization project funded by a Downtown Revitalization grant and the Cayuga Nation.
🔗 Read the article
🛒 Nonprofit Grocery Store Opens in Dundee
Dundee Fresh Grocery, a community-driven nonprofit market, will open July 26—restoring access to fresh, local food after the town’s only supermarket closed in 2019.
🔗 Read the article
🚂 Bath-Hammondsport Rail Line to Be Revived
Nearly 3 miles of dormant railway will be restored with $400K in grants, creating a scenic recreational corridor to draw tourists and boost economic opportunities in Steuben County.
🔗 Read the article
🎶 Auburn Launches “State St. Pulse” Downtown Series
Auburn is bringing downtown to life on Wednesday nights with live music, art, and wellness events—part of a new summer series to support small businesses and community engagement.
🔗 Read the article
Free Mental Health First Aid Class Offered by Thompson
UR Medicine Thompson Health’s Wellness Department is offering a Mental Health First Aid class for community members who are interested in learning how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
The training – created by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing – is offered free of charge and can aid adults in assisting friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers who are in need of help. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Wood Library, 134 N. Main St. in Canandaigua.
Space is limited. To register, call 585-396-6111 or email [email protected].
Emergency Department Nurse Receives DAISY Award
Registered Nurse Lauren Lovin, who works overnights in the Emergency Department, is the latest recipient of the DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence from UR Medicine Thompson Health.
Daisy Award recipient Lauren Lovin
A resident of Bloomfield who first joined Thompson in 2021, Lovin was nominated by the mother of a young patient who was impressed with her compassion and professionalism.
“From the moment she approached my son, it was evident that her caring demeanor and soothing words helped alleviate his anxiety,” the nomination said. The woman noted that Lovin demonstrated technical skills and a profound capacity for empathy, so much so that when the woman had to leave and care for a newborn at home, she felt safe knowing Lovin would be her son’s nurse overnight.
During a July 3 award presentation as she was finishing her shift, Lovin received a certificate, a pin, and a hand-carved sculpture called A Healer’s Touch. As a DAISY recipient, she is also eligible for scholarships, discounts on certifications, and medical mission grants from The DAISY Foundation.
Thompson’s quarterly DAISY award is part of a nationwide nurse recognition program. To nominate a nurse to be the next recipient, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/DAISY.
Wood Library
Where Tradition, Technology and Community Meet
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS
Watch movies the old-fashioned way, from a car! Arrive early to park and get settled in. Bring lawn chairs if you want to sit outside and don't forget your snacks!
Thursday, July 17 | 9:00-11:00 PM
Musical: Hairspray (PG, CC, 1hr 56 min)
Thursday, July 24 | 9:00-11:00 PM
Canandaigua Horror Collective: Woman in the Yard (PG-13, CC, 1hr 28 min)
Friday, July 18 | 7:00 PM & Saturday, July 19 | 12:00 PM
Experience the magic of live performance! Come watch an original play written and performed by teens.
Both performances are free and open to the public.
NEW Reading Garden Open House
Saturday, July 26 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM & Sunday, July 27 | 1:00-4:00 PM
A long-envisioned dream at Wood Library has blossomed into reality—and the community is invited to visit and explore it. Come take a stroll, discover all the hidden corners, and see firsthand how this unique space brings the library’s mission outdoors.
ADULT PROGRAMS:
Friday, July 18 | 3:30-4:30 PM
Ontario County Workforce Development will discuss ways that technology can help and harm your job search. Can’t make it to the workshop? Call 585-396-4020 for assistance. Registration required.
Monday, July 21| 4:30-7:00 PM
Learn Shibori, a traditional Japanese method to dye fabric, and work with an indigo vat to dip dye tea towels. Bring a small item to dye such as a t-shirt, pillowcase or napkin. Registration required.
Tuesday, July 22 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association discusses current threats to Canandaigua Lake and ways to protect it. Registration required.
Wednesday, July 23 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Learn how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating with family, friends and health care professionals. Registration required.
Wednesday, July 23 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Use natural materials to leave two dimensional impressions of organic flora on media. Registration required.
Wednesday, July 23 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Social media influencers are trapped in a content house—aka Wood Library—where they must uncover secrets, solve challenges, and expose a killer… before it’s too late. Registration required.
Thursday, July 24 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Learn the basics of 3D printing using Tinkercad, a free online 3D design program. Learn how to find free designs to make your own 3D print. Registration required.
Saturday, July 26 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Learn to line dance and make new friends! The cost is $10 per person. Payment due at class. Registration required.
Sunday, July 27 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Watercolor for beginners. The cost is $45 per class/person and includes all supplies and a drink of your choice. Registration required.
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Wednesday, July 23 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Discuss The Rosewood Hunt by MacKenzie Reed and do an activity! Registration required.
CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
Thursday, July 24 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Ages 5-11. Drop into the groovy, best-selling, world of Pete the Cat with the enchanting musicians of ChamberFest Canandaigua.
Friday, July 25 | 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Come and play with your child at our fun sensory stations! Sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child's senses: touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing.
Thursdays through August 28 | 6:00-7:00 PM
Grades 1-5. Practice your reading with Ivy, our tail wagging tutor! Call or stop in the library to sign up for a special 10-minute reading session.
Summer Storytimes
Baby Storytime 9:30-10:00 AM
Mondays: July 21 & 28, August 4, 11, 18 & 25
Fridays: July 18 & 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
All-Ages Storytime 10:15-10:45 AM
Mondays: July 21 & 28, August 4, 11, 18 & 25
Thursdays: July 24 & 31, August 7, 14, 21 & 28
RECURRING PROGRAMS:
Wood Walkers- Mondays | 9:00-10:00AM
Tai Chi- Mondays | 10:00-10:45AM
Chair Yoga- Wednesdays | 10:00-11:00AM
Open Tech Hours- Wednesdays | 3:00-5:00PM
New Yorker Discussion Group- Thursdays | 3:30-4:30PM
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.
Roots Café in Naples, NY is being featured on America’s Best Restaurants
Summer hours are finally here and we are just excited to see you more!! Join us Sunday for dinner, or stop in Wednesdays for a midweek pick-me up! We can’t wait to see you!
Hours: Mon and Tue Closed
Wed-Sun: 11am-3pm Lunch, 5pm-8pm Dinner
Roots Cafe - 585-374-9800 - http://rootscafenaplesny.com
Moonlight Strolls at Sonnenberg
Thursdays, July 31st through September 4th, 2025
New in 2025 – THURSDAY NIGHTS, 7pm to 9pm
Music in the moonlit gardens of Sonnenberg. Great for the whole family!
Admission $10/Members | $12/Non-members | $5.00 (3-15 years old) | Free (under 3 years old) | Pre-sale Online (online sales through the Tuesday before the stroll)
Stonecuttter's Tavern at Belhurst Castle and Winery
Local beers, Ciders, and Finger Lakes Wines are available. Click for more info
Join us for the best Happy Hour around.
Wine and Beverage News
🍻 PURE Brew 2025 Launch: Pilsner for Seneca Lake Protection
Summary: The Seneca Lake Order of Brewers, with Seneca Lake Pure Waters, has released PURE Brew 2025, a crisp New York‑style pilsner made from 100% regional ingredients—New York‑grown barley, Cornell‑brewed hops, and pure Seneca Lake water. Available from July 25 to August 3 at breweries and restaurants around Seneca Lake, it raises awareness and funds for lake conservation.
Read more: 🔗 Pure Brew 2025 launches to protect Seneca Lake FingerLakes1+1Finger Lakes Wine Alliance+1
🥃 Finger Lakes Distilling Opens 2nd Tasting Room in Newfield
Summary: Finger Lakes Distilling Co. (Burdett) has expanded with a second tasting location in Newfield, near Ithaca. This beloved craft distillery continues sharing its award‑winning whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy and more with a broader audience.
Read more: 🔗 Finger Lakes Distilling Co., a pioneer … has opened a second location in Newfield, near Ithaca
🍷 Local Wine & Beer Sales Funding Lake Health Projects
Summary: New York’s plan links wine and beer sales in the Finger Lakes to freshwater protection: a portion of proceeds from beverages sold in the region (“Canandaigua Lake & others”) will support critical lake-health initiatives.
Read more: 🔗 Wine and beer sales to improve New York lake health
🥃 Keuka Distilleries Win Big & Launch Tasting Trail
Antler Run, Black Sheep, and Krooked Tusker Distilleries took home 15 medals at the Finger Lakes International Spirits Competition and kicked off a new “Spirit of Keuka” tasting trail for visitors.
🔗 Read the article
Featured Cocktails
Firecracker $10
Cherry Wine Slushie made w/ Ghost Wine & Topped w/Popping Candy. Tastes like Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Pop Rocks.
Peachy Mimosa $12
Caché, our Sparkling Riesling, Juice & a Fresh Peach Slice
Strawberry Sunshine $12
Local Vodka, Lemonade, Strawberry Puree & a Fresh Strawberry
Seneca Gin & Tonic $12
Our Blue 618 Gin (turns pink w/mixer) and Tonic
Coolest Coffee Ever $14
Iced Coffee, Chocolate Crème Brulee Bourbon & Whipped Cream
*All prices are tax included, only in tasting room*
Miles Wine Cellars
Open Daily, 10am-5pm.
68 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742 - http://MilesWineCellars.com
From Our Blog:
Teddy Bear Picnic/Summer Safety
July 10 is Teddy Bear Picnic Day. The melody was written in 1907 and in 1932 lyrics were added. If this is a favorite song of your kids, then you should plan a picnic of your own. Choose a local park, one of the many trails around the Finger Lakes area, or even your own back yard. Here are some things to make the experience safe and accident free. Read more.
Whether you are an avid gardener or just need to keep your landscape tidy, keeping your yard tools clean is important. Dull blades, like a dull kitchen knife, can slip and cause injury. Caked dirt and mud will cause the tools to rust prematurely and will allow bacteria to grow and cross-contaminate other plants in your yard. Read More
5 Cold Soup Recipes for Summer
Sandwiches are an easy meal in the summer, or anytime really. You can even make some that are on the fancy side for guests, or just a treat for yourself. See what you think. Read more
Live and Local Events curated and submitted by Venues
Note: Please contact venue to verify events as events are subject to change. For a complete view of events, visit our calendar of events.
07/18/2025 N/A recurs every day
Waitress Book by Jessie Nelson. Music and Lyrics by Sara Bareilles. Based upon the motion picture written by Adrienne...
Hangar Theatre 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
07/18/2025 8:00 AM
Women's Rights National Historical Park invites visitors for Convention Days 2025, to be held in Seneca Falls,...
136 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA
Varies by event
07/18/2025 2:00 PM
CHAMBERFEST CANANDAIGUA ANNOUNCES 21ST SEASON LINEUP FOR SUMMER 2025 Join us this summer to experience...
ChamberFest Canandaigua
07/18/2025 5:00 PM
oin us on Main Street in Montour Falls for our second annual SUMMER BLOCK PARTY!! An indoor/outdoor pop-up vendor...
222 W Main St, Montour Falls, NY 14865, USA
$10.00
07/18/2025 5:00 PM
Josh & Chico of The Black Moods will be playing an acoustic set from 6-8 with The Endless Mountain Derelicts immediately...
39 Coach St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
07/18/2025 7:00 PM
Date: Tuesday, July 8th Where: Lafayette Park Bandstand Watkins Glen, NY (Corners of 4th and Decatur St) Time: 7pm...
Lafayette Park, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
35.00
07/18/2025 7:15 PM
GRAMMY award-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux has time and again been lauded for his “eloquent and vibrant...
Cobblestone Arts Center 1622 NY-332, Farmington, NY 14425
07/19/2025 8:30 AM
Location changed to Seneca Lake! ...
686 E 4th St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
07/19/2025 9:00 AM recurs every week
Ithaca Farmers Market is thrilled to welcome back our loyal customers and new visitors with a wide variety of products...
545 3rd St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
$27.50
07/19/2025 11:00 AM
Pre registration at link below $27.50 Day of Registration $30 Check-in/registration: 11:00 am Kickstands up: 1:00...
454 N Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
07/19/2025 4:00 PM
A NIGHT OF LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC AND FLAVOR-PACKED EATS! Live performances from The Swamp Boys and Candy. Serving pizzas,...
1133 NY-414, Waterloo, NY 13165, USA
07/19/2025 6:00 PM
Rockin Boots Live at the Seneca County Fair! Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 19th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM! The...
100 Swift St, Waterloo, NY 13165, USA
$80.00+
07/19/2025 7:00 PM
Sat Jul 19 @ 7:00 PM Constellation Brands Performing Arts Center - Canandaigua, NY Old Dominion, Ernest & Redferrin...
4355 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
$45.00
07/20/2025 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
07/20/2025 10:00 AM recurs every week
Just like our popular Saturday Market, Sundays at the Pavilion offer new customers and returning vistors a wide variety...
545 3rd St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
07/20/2025 11:00 AM
Sunday Funday Yoga at Engine 14 Brewery. Join us for outdoor yoga on the lawn. Stay for a drink in the firehouse-themed...
52 West Ave, Naples, NY 14512
07/20/2025 1:00 PM
Every Sunday from 1pm-4pm, there will be rockin’ music at Hosmer Winery! NO cover charge, rain or shine! Fun...
Ovid, NY 14521, USA
07/20/2025 1:30 PM recurs every week
May 25 – September 7 | 1:30–3:30 PM Join us for Sunday Funday all summer long with Tunes on the Terrace...
111 Liberty St, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA
45.00
07/20/2025 2:00 PM
Experience the unbeatable matching of local wine with luscious chamber music, all with the unique Tuscan setting of...
Ventosa Vineyards 3440 NY-96A, Geneva, NY 14456
07/20/2025 3:00 PM
Please join us for an evening of Live Music with the talented Jeremy James (from the Ampersand Project)! ...
29 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
07/20/2025 4:00 PM
Meg Williams & Jenny Teator trio with Nick Lord! 4-7pm at The Switz — come on out for live music, amazing...
14109 Keuka Village Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840, USA
$125.00
07/21/2025 6:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening of exquisite cuisine and award-winning wines at Sapalta, nestled on the picturesque...
3482 Plum Point Rd S, Himrod, NY 14842
$125.00
07/21/2025 6:00 PM
Save the date! Very excited to collaborate with Billsboro Winery on this one! Tickets on sale now through EventBrite! ...
3482 Plum Point Rd S, Himrod, NY 14842
by
Free Admission / Parking $10 Cars -$5 for Motorcycles/Walk-In / Grandstand Events are $15 (14 & up) and $5 (8-13)
07/22/2025 10:00 AM
Free Entertainment (Wed-Ruby Shooz Fri-McTunes, Inc Fri-Denim & Lace and Rock Jester) / Daily Animal...
Ontario County Fair 2820 Co Rd 10, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$11.21
07/22/2025 5:00 PM
Introducing Dead Dive Happy Hour! Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 5 to 8pm! Featuring touring Grateful...
415 Old Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Free
07/22/2025 6:00 PM
CareFirstNY is proud to host Butterfly Blessings in Schuyler County for the first time, bringing this meaningful event...
4024 NY-14, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
07/22/2025 6:00 PM
8U & 10U Tryouts – Join the Canandaigua Waves! We're building our 2026 8U & 10U travel softball...
3325 Marvin Sands Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424
175.00
07/22/2025 6:00 PM
Back by popular demand! This concert sold out immediately last year. We are so excited to once again host...
The Lake House on Canandaigua 770 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
07/22/2025 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
07/22/2025 7:00 PM
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd Where: Lafayette Park Bandstand Watkins Glen, NY (Corners of 4th and Decatur St) Time: 7pm...
Lafayette Park, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
07/23/2025 10:00 AM
Join the Watkins Glen Public Library, Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, and Montour Falls Library for a special...
610 S Decatur St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
07/23/2025 10:00 AM recurs every week
Join us on Wednesdays at 10:00AM for a FREE history tour, lead by our historian Dr. Chris Woodworth. These tours continue...
82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456, USA
07/23/2025 4:30 PM
Diana Leigh sings with guitarist Hugh Douglass at this beautiful tasting room. Join us for joyous jazz, cocktails,...
655 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527
07/23/2025 5:00 PM recurs every week
At the Backyard Flea, we’ve created an unforgettable experience for shoppers and vendors alike. Discover an...
202 E Falls St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
07/23/2025 5:00 PM
Join the Finger Lakes Land Trust and Skaneateles Lake Association at Skaneateles Brewing for happy hour with a mission!...
4022 Mill Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152, USA
07/23/2025 6:00 PM
Hailing from Utica, Showtime is one of the most in demand party bands to be had! CNY's Ultimate Cover/Party Band...
205 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424
07/23/2025 6:00 PM
Seneca Lake Summer Soirée 2025 Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: Watkins...
16 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
$5.00
07/23/2025 6:00 PM
Fox Run’s Grapes, Griddles & Fiddles gives you everything you need to enjoy a warm summer evening: delicious...
670 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA
$10.00
07/23/2025 7:00 PM
Lady in Red Live at Lincoln on Main! Every second and fourth Wednesday, swing by Lincoln on Main to experience Dead...
245 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
35.00
07/23/2025 7:15 PM
Don’t miss a host of Chamberfest artists performing masterwork chamber music selections. The centerpiece of...
Finger Lakes Community College - Stage 14 3325 Marvin Sands Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424
$15.00
07/24/2025 N/A recurs every day
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience A Hangar Theatre KIDDSTUFF Production Written by Mo Willems. Music...
Hangar Theatre 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Free
07/24/2025 11:00 AM
Presented in partnership with Wood Library, join us for a free, lively 30-minute musical show for the whole family!...
Wood Library 134 N. Main St Canandaigua, NY 14424
07/24/2025 6:00 PM
Drew and crew are gonna be ripping it up in town on Thursday the 24th. We're gonna be busting out 2 killer sets...
120 S Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850
07/24/2025 7:30 PM
Summer has come to the Finger Lakes and with it comes the most anticipated night of the season – the Finger...
155 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$35.00
07/25/2025 5:00 PM
Get ready to unleash your inner artist with our fabulous Mosaic Flower Garden Stake! This isn't just any ordinary...
Cortland Corset Building, 75 E Court St, Cortland, NY 13045, USA
07/25/2025 7:00 PM
The Fred Scott Feline Symposium is an annual professional development symposium offered and organized by the Cornell...
Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
07/25/2025 7:00 PM
Rock Jester heads to Canandaigua to entertain the masses in Canandaigua ! RAIN IS NOT INVITED !! ...
Canandaigua, NY 14424
That’s it for this week.
As summer hits its stride, there’s no better time to soak up everything the Finger Lakes has to offer—whether you're catching a ballgame, strolling through a local festival, or simply enjoying the sunshine by the water. Get outside, explore, and make the most of this beautiful season in our incredible region. See you out there!🏃♂️💛
As a reminder, contact us if you'd like to advertise your business or event.
Don,
Finger Lakes Connected