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- July 24, 2025 (Resent)
July 24, 2025 (Resent)
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: Kitchen Renovation Concerns, PET Scans, Summer Patio Beverages.
Don Stevens
July 26, 2025
Community News
🛍️ Geneva Goodwill Store Set to Open in August
A new Goodwill of the Finger Lakes retail location will open at 381 Hamilton Street in Geneva on Friday, August 8. The first 100 shoppers receive a $10 gift card, and rewards members earn double points. This marks the chain’s 14th store in upstate New York.
🔗 Read more: Finger Lakes Daily News (Finger Lakes Daily News)
Also covered by News10NBC (WHEC) (WHEC.com)
🍷 Heron Hill Winery Debuts Wines to Support Canandaigua Lake
Heron Hill Winery has launched two limited-edition wines (Chardonnay & Cabernet Franc), donating $24 per case sold to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association. Each bottle retails for around $20. A great blend of local winemaking and environmental stewardship.
🔗 Read when: FingerLakes1.com – Local beer and wine sales now support Canandaigua Lake (Finger Lakes 1)
For broader business coverage: RBJ Daily (Rochester Business Journal)
☕ Central Sip Café Opens in Downtown Watkins Glen
Central Sip, a combination coffee shop, bagel store, sandwich café, and ice cream spot, now operates at 15 N Franklin St., Watkins Glen, opening officially on June 8. Originally a pop-up and food truck, the café is now a cozy community hub.
🔗 Read more: WENY‑TV (weny.com)
🌴 Playa Bowls Coming to Ithaca
Playa Bowls, the surf‑themed superfood café, is set to launch soon at 740 South Meadow Street in Ithaca, offering açai bowls, smoothies, cold brews, juices, and oatmeal. The owners are planning a beach‑style grand opening event for early August.
🔗 Info from official site: Playa Bowls Ithaca Location Page (playabowls.com)
Also noted locally: The Ithaca Times / Ithaca Voice social posts (Facebook)
🥛 Byrne Dairy & Deli Opens 80th Store in Skaneateles
Byrne Dairy & Deli, a well-known Central NY convenience chain, celebrated the opening of its 80th store in Skaneateles, located at 38 Jordan St. A milestone for the family-owned brand rooted in the region.
🔗 Official announcement: Byrne Dairy Facebook Post (Facebook)
F.F. Thompson Foundation Awards $22,000 in Grants
The F.F. Thompson Foundation recently awarded a total of more than $22,000 to 13 area not-for-profit organizations with Mary Clark Thompson Grants ranging from $500 to $2,500.
The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of UR Medicine Thompson Health. Each year, members of its grants committee review applications from not-for-profit organizations offering programs to improve the health and wellness of the community within Thompson’s service area.
This year’s recipients are as follows:
Bloomfield Public Library, for an automated external defibrillator (AED)
Budding Readers, for books for UPK students, kindergarteners and first-graders in eight Ontario County communities
Canandaigua Churches in Action for its Supply a Smile dental program and its Free Smile Day
The Canandaigua Emergency Squad, for a video scope
The Canandaigua Fire Department, for resuscitation equipment
Family Counseling Service of the Finger Lakes, for its Youth Connection program
Family Promise of Ontario County, for its homeless center and for eviction prevention
Happiness House, for an AED
Hospeace House, for end-of-life doula training
LeTourneau Christian Center, for its Davis Sports Facility
Mercy Flight Central, for its whole blood project
Partnership for Ontario County, for its Community Support Center
The Salvation Army, for its Golden Spot senior center
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. To review the guidelines for applications – which are due each spring – visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/MCT.
Three Receive Thompson’s Service Excellence Award
CANANDAIGUA – UR Medicine Thompson Health recently named three of its associates as the second-quarter 2025 Service Excellence Award winners.
Recipients of the quarterly award are chosen by the health system’s Service Excellence Team, which reviews compliments from patients, families, and coworkers submitted by system leaders.
Chosen for the honor were:
Human Resources Generalist Dana Kincaid. A resident of Canandaigua, Kincaid works in the health system’s Associate Services Department and was nominated by a coworker. The coworker said Kincaid was headed home for the day when she saw the coworker and the coworker’s daughter at the hospital for the daughter’s surgery. She stayed with them throughout the surgery and “brought so much calm and warmth to a stressful day.”
Registered Nurse Mitchell Miller. Miller, who works in the hospital’s ICU, is a resident of Canandaigua. The nomination of Miller said he was empathetic and compassionate, treating each person as if they were a member of his own family. It read, “Mitch doesn’t just care for patients; he walks alongside their families in their most vulnerable moments. His ability to connect on such a human level brings peace and reassurance to those facing unimaginable difficulty.”
Insurance Credentialing Coordinator Alyson Welch. A resident of Victor, Welch is on the staff of the health system’s Consolidated Business Office. She assisted in implementing processes for payer enrollment throughout UR Medicine’s southern region, positively impacting four facilities.
Each recipient of the Service Excellence Award receives points to be used on Thompson’s online shopping site and is featured in CEO presentations as well as on Thompson’s intranet site and in its internal newsletter.
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 24 | 9:00-11:00 PM
Canandaigua Horror Collective: Woman in the Yard (PG-13, CC, 1hr 28 min)
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.
ADULT PROGRAMS:
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.
Monday, July 28 | 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. Payment due at time of class. Registration required.
Tuesday, July 29 | 7:00-8:00 PM
Read and discuss The Queer Advantage by Andrew Gelwicks. This event is hybrid and is offered both in-person and virtually. Registration required.
Thursday, July 31 | 7:00-8:00 PM
Read and discuss This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer. This event is held off-site at Acquilano Wine Cellars, 143 S Main St in Canandaigua. Registration required.
Friday, August 1 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Anyone who has an interest in writing is welcome. Share original stories, poems, memoirs, and more in a supportive, learning community of fellow writers. Registration required.
Saturday, August 2 | 12:00-1:00 PM
For caregivers of neurodiverse and/or medically complex children.
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Tuesday, July 29 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Watch the Spy x Family movie Code: White. (PG-13, CC, runtime 1 hour 50 minutes). Registration required.
Wednesday, July 30 | 10:00 AM-2:30 PM
Join Rochester comic artist, Jackie Davis, for a full day comic workshop! Registration required.
Wednesday, July 30 | 2:00-3:30 PM
Do you crochet? Knit? Diamond art? Bring your craft projects and work on them in the Teen Scene or, if the weather is nice, in our Reading Garden with fellow crafters! Registration required.
Thursday, July 31 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Learn to design a cookie cutter in Tinkercad. Registration required.
Thursday, July 31 | 5:45-8:00 PM
Work together to stop the world from ending! Registration required.
CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
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.
Monday, July 28 | 4:30-6:30 PM
Anthotype printmaking uses natural chemicals and sunlight to create a crude photograph. Registration required.
Tuesday, July 29 | 5:00-6:00 PM
A book club aimed at parents and kids with a focus on chapter books. We will be discussing The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech.
Wednesday, July 30 | 12:00-1:00 PM
Grades 2-5. Learn about the fish that live in Canandaigua Lake, make a fish craft, and a "boat that floats." Registration required.
Saturday, August 2 | 10:30-11:15 AM
Let's dance! We'll start with a fun story and then dance and move to our favorite songs.
Summer Storytimes
Baby Storytime 9:30-10:00 AM
Mondays: July 28, August 4, 11, 18 & 25
Fridays: July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
All-Ages Storytime 10:15-10:45 AM
Mondays: July 28, August 4, 11, 18 & 25
Thursdays: July 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
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)
Local beers, Ciders, and Finger Lakes Wines are available. Click for more info
Stonecuttter's Tavern at Belhurst Castle and Winery
Join us for the best Happy Hour around.
Enter to Win a Naples Giveaway from the Naples Hotel!
We’re giving one lucky winner the chance to escape to the heart of the Finger Lakes with a luxurious overnight stay at the beautifully restored Naples Hotel in Naples, NY!
This exclusive getaway package (a $229 value) includes:
🏨 One-night stay in a charming room at The Naples Hotel
🥂 A complimentary welcome drink for each guest upon arrival
🌄 Access to all the beauty, food, and fun Naples has to offer!
Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat or a summer adventure, this is your chance to experience timeless elegance in a town filled with wine, waterfalls, and small-town charm.
📅 Giveaway Dates: July 17–26
🎉 One Winner. One Unforgettable Night.
And don’t forget to follow https://www.facebook.com/TheNaplesHotel/ on social media for updates about their business.
Wine and Beverage News
🍷 Weis Vineyards Named Winery of the Year at NY Wine Classic
Weis Vineyards (Hammondsport) dominated the 2025 New York Wine Classic, winning Winery of the Year, Best White Wine, and Best Pink Wine. Geneva’s Billsboro Winery took Best Dessert Wine, while Montezuma Winery (Seneca Falls) won Best Specialty Wine—a clean sweep for Finger Lakes producers.
🔗 Read the article on WHEC
🥂 FLCC Student Wine Earns Best in Class at State Competition
Finger Lakes Community College’s student-made sparkling wine “Fresca Leyenda” was awarded Best in Class in the pétillant naturel category at the NY Wine Classic. Crafted at the FLCC teaching winery in Geneva, the wine reflects the region’s winemaking talent—and even features a student-designed label.
🔗 Read the article on FingerLakes1.com
Beer and Bourbon Brunch at Miles Wine Cellars
24 August 2025 at 10am & 11:30am
Get ready for a bold, beer-inspired brunch. First beer or Bloody Mary included for those above 21. First beer or Bloody Mary included, additional wine, beer, cider and cocktails available for purchase.
*All prices are tax included, only in tasting room* More info.
Miles Wine Cellars
Open Daily, 10am-5pm.
68 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742 - http://MilesWineCellars.com
From Our Blog:
Kitchen Renovation Concerns
If you are considering renovating a part of your home, one of the best choices is the kitchen. Usually you will recoup the expenditure at resale. Even if you are planning to stay for a while, you get the benefit of a nice place to work and gather. Most kitchens are the heart of homes for meals, even if you don’t cook much. There are some things to think about as you make your decisions on upgrading this room. Read more.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a test where a person is placed under a machine that will assess human organs and tissues and is used to diagnose cancer and provide very valuable information to aid in determining the treatment options. Read More
Summer Patio Beverages
After a long, hard day it can be so relaxing to sit on your patio, deck, or porch with a refreshing drink by your side. Solo or with company, your choice. Here are some non-alcoholic choices that you might want to try. Many of them feature fresh fruits of the season and herbs that you can snip from your very own garden. Some of them are easily adapted for an ABC (Adult Beverage of Choice). 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.
Free
07/26/2025 9:00 AM
Explore Elmira’s historic role in the Civil War: Saturday, July 26 9am – 12pm Three lectures focusing...
Elmira College 1 Park Pl, Elmira, NY 14901
07/26/2025 9:00 AM
Protect your personal data by shredding old paper documents and electronics at The Shops at Ithaca Mall on Saturday,...
The Shops at Ithaca Mall Lansing, NY 14850, USA
07/26/2025 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
07/26/2025 9:00 AM
SFHS will host its traditional Attic Treasures yard sale with glassware, furniture, accessories, and much more available...
55 Cayuga St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
07/26/2025 10:00 AM
Join us for a full day of goodness. We will bask in the abundance of summer, celebrating fellowship and light. What...
1445 Upper Hill Rd, Middlesex, NY 14507
07/26/2025 10:30 AM
Get ready for a toe-tapping good time with Miss Angie at Southworth Library on Saturday, July 26th at 10:30 AM ...
24 W Main St, Dryden, NY 13053
07/26/2025 11:00 AM recurs every 2 weeks
Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of Rose Hill Mansion. These tours are not the same as our regular tour....
543 S Main St, Geneva, NY 14456, USA
07/26/2025 12:00 PM
Visit our annual Shootout for Soldiers Vendor Market. You don’t have to be a lacrosse person to enjoy our Food,...
435 East St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
07/26/2025 12:00 PM
GRAND OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING! ...
8934 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166, USA
07/26/2025 12:00 PM
Join us for another 'best day ever' on the course as we add another legend to the 18th hole and share our...
1790 E River St, Waterloo, NY 13165
07/26/2025 12:00 PM
Enjoy a selection of fine cheeses, fresh fruit, and other delicious pairings—perfect alongside a glass (or two)...
4024 NY-14, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
07/26/2025 1:00 PM
Join us for our 4th annual Pride celebration! All are welcome to celebrate & cultivate our diverse community,...
135 N Main St, Naples, NY 14512
07/26/2025 1:00 PM
Please come help our brother and his wife as he is battling cancer. Any donations for baskets or if you would like...
Dryden VFW 2272 Dryden Rd, Dryden, NY 13053
07/26/2025 2:00 PM
Get ready to sip, cruise, and celebrate! The Canandaigua Lake Margarita & Mimosa Fest is coming Saturday, July...
811 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
07/26/2025 4:00 PM
This Saturday the Decades band will be performing at the Finger Lake Beer Company from 4-7pm. Sing and dance with...
Finger Lakes Beer Company, LLC 8462 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840
07/26/2025 4:00 PM
You're invited to the Hammondsport Alumni Association's 2025 Alumni Reunion! REGISTER TODAY: https://www.hammondsportalumni.com/reunion...
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum 8419 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840
$36.56
07/26/2025 5:30 PM
Celebrating the legendary Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, The Martin Theatre presents The Restless Natives, Bonnie Blue...
109 E Ashley St, Douglas, GA 31533
07/26/2025 6:00 PM
Race 5 of the Empire Street Stock Series presented by Butler Excavating and powered by Neff Landscape LLC. Close...
Weedsport Speedway 1 Speedway Dr, Weedsport, NY 13166, USA
$10.00
07/26/2025 6:00 PM
Experience the magnificent sunsets at Boundary Breaks while you listen to one of the hottest bands in the region!...
1568 Porter Covert Rd, Lodi, NY 14860, USA
07/26/2025 7:00 PM
Join Us at The Finger Lakes Public House on Saturday, July 26th. Summertime in Canandaigua. We will be DANCING ALL...
Finger Lakes Public House 401 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$23.18
07/26/2025 7:00 PM
Join us for an amazing night with 2 fantastic bands in the outdoor event space under the stars! ALL AGES WELCOME....
8443 Spirit Run, Naples, NY 14512
07/26/2025 7:00 PM
Join Us at The Finger Lakes Public House on Saturday, July 26th. Summertime in Canandaigua. We will be DANCING ALL...
401 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$45.00
07/27/2025 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
07/27/2025 10:00 AM
Join FLY for another round of Lakeside Bliss: Immersive Yoga Retreats on Canandaigua Lake! Connect with yourself,...
811 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
07/27/2025 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
07/27/2025 1:00 PM
Join us for our annual Rhythm & Blues festival from 1pm-7pm LIVE MUSIC Diana Jacobs Band Sirsy Mere Mortals Count...
26 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, USA
07/27/2025 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
07/27/2025 4:00 PM
Come on down to the patio for a relaxing afternoon of live music by your local favorite, Nate Michaels! Cold beer,...
41 Lake St, Geneva, NY 14456
$5.00
07/27/2025 4:00 PM
Join us for an inspiring set of original music from the incredibly talented Singer/Songwriter Tenzin Chopak in our...
8443 Spirit Run, Naples, NY 14512
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.
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Finger Lakes Connected