- Finger Lakes Connected
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- July 31, 2025
July 31, 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: Hair Growth and Regrowth, Harry Potter Birthday Party Ideas, Harry Potter Birthday Recipes.
Don Stevens
July 31, 2025
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Community News
🛍️ Judd’s Suds Boutique Opens in Downtown Penn Yan
Kelly Judd celebrated the grand opening of Judd’s Suds, a handcrafted natural soap and personal care boutique at 5 E. Main Street, Penn Yan, on July 10. The store carries Judd’s own creations—soaps, lotion bars, shampoo bars—and also features products from local makers, strengthening Finger Lakes artisan networks.
🔗 Read more
🏛️ Hammondsport Gains National Historic Register Status
The village of Hammondsport was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, unlocking access to preservation tax credits (up to 50%) and expected to encourage investment in local historic property restorations—especially benefiting downtown businesses and local heritage tourism.
🔗 Read more (see the recent Hammondsport historic register story)
🎲 Finger Lakes Edition Monopoly Game Announced in Canandaigua
Canandaigua hosted a launch event on July 29 for a new Finger Lakes-themed Monopoly board game, with Mr. Monopoly in attendance. Locals are invited to submit landmarks—winery names, parks, shops—to be featured on the board, spotlighting the region’s businesses as potential properties in the game.
🔗 Read more
🎶 Watkins Glen Hosts First-Ever Business-Sponsored Porchfest
On July 27, downtown Watkins Glen transformed for its inaugural Porchfest, featuring live music along 7th and North Porter Streets. Local small businesses—including cocktail bars, wineries, and eateries—sponsored the event and served food and drinks, reinforcing community support and business visibility.
🔗 Read more (look for Porchfest Watkins Glen coverage this week)
‘The Milk Bar’ Group for Moms Meets Aug. 6 at Thompson
UR Medicine Thompson Health’s new support group for moms, “The Milk Bar,” will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
The meeting will take place in the Birthing Center classroom on the second floor of Thompson Hospital, 350 Parrish St.
The group is intended to be “a safe and nurturing space designed for moms to come together, share experiences, and support one another on their motherhood journey.” It is hosted by Thompson’s lactation consultant, Courtney Stuhlman, but is for all moms, whether or not they are breastfeeding. Babies are welcome, as are children up to age 2.
The group meets the first Wednesday of every month. For more information, call 585-396-6295.
Regional Stroke Support Group Meets Via Zoom Aug. 7
The regional Stroke Support Group hosted by UR Medicine Thompson Health will meet at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, via Zoom.
The group is open to stroke survivors as well as their loved ones and caregivers. To be added to the invite list for the Aug. 7 meeting, email [email protected].
F.F. Thompson Hospital is a New York State Department of Health-designated Stroke Center and has advanced certification from The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. The hospital is also a recipient of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally accepted, research-based guidelines.
Wood Library
Where Tradition, Technology and Community Meet
ADULT PROGRAMS:
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.
Monday, August 4 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Search and post items for local sale just like putting a classified ad in the newspaper but with a broad and faster reach, and at no cost! Must be an Ontario County resident and 60+ years of age. Registration required.
Tuesday, August 5 | 7:00-8:00 PM
Join Preston Pierce, Ontario County Historian, to learn about the life of Austin Steward.
Wednesday, August 6 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Learn to line dance and make new friends! The cost is $10 per person. Payment due at class. Registration required.
Thursday, August 7 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Learn how to use your Chromebook efficiently and effectively with keyboard shortcuts, touchpad tips, and general navigation help. Must be an Ontario County resident and 60+ years of age. Registration required.
ADULT & TEEN PROGRAMS:
Monday, August 4 | 5:30-7:00 PM
A social gathering of fiber crafters. All skill levels welcome!
Wednesday, August 6 | 6:00-7:00 PM
Community lessons and matchplay. Free chips & guacamole! Limited seats. Reserve a seat at 585-394-9380.
Thursday, August 7 | 5:00-8:00 PM
Join us for Modern Western Square Dance, a fun social activity. Registration required.
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Tuesday, August 5 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Grades 7-12. Robot Coders is the ultimate combination of hands-on building, creativity, and programming. Work in a small group to build a Smart TRex, learn how to integrate programming components like sensors and servos, and how to control robots using block coding. No previous building or coding experience is necessary. Registration required.
Tuesday, August 5 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Join Karen Hoad from Reliant Credit Union to learn about needs, wants, and saving your money while snacking on pizza! Registration required.
Thursday, August 7 | 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Learn how to build your own mini flashlight with Bill Pealr from FLX3D. Registration required.
Thursday, August 7 | 6:30-7:30 PM
Meet local author MacKenzie Reed and dive into her path to publishing YA thrillers The Rosewood Hunt and The Wilde Trials with HarperCollins. Learn about her writing process, and the behind-the-scenes lead up that happens before a book finds its way onto a shelf. Copies of both books will be available for purchase and autographs. Registration required.
CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
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.
Tuesday, August 5 | 6:00-6:30 PM
Bring your friend to the library for a stuffed animal sleepover! Drop-off begins with a PJ storytime. Pick up your friend the next day and get a photo album of their library adventures. Registration required.
Wednesday, August 6 | 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.
Wednesday, August 6 | 2:00-4:00 PM
Grades 1-5. Explore the life of cavemen and the unusual animals that inhabited the planet. View a SABRE-TOOTH TIGER and a CAVE BEAR skull, fossils, and early tools of humans. Play the “Are You Smarter Than a Caveman” game show. Dig up a real Mastodon bone and help us build a Mastodon! Registration required.
Summer Storytimes
Baby Storytime 9:30-10:00 AM
Mondays: August 4, 11, 18 & 25
Fridays: August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
All-Ages Storytime 10:15-10:45 AM
Mondays: August 4, 11, 18 & 25
Thursdays: 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.
Wine and Beverage News
🥇 Ventosa Vineyards Wins Multiple Gold Medals at New York Wine Classic
Ventosa Vineyards (Geneva) earned two Gold medals at the 2025 New York Wine Classic for its 2020 Cabernet Franc and 2020 Merlot, further elevating its reputation in Finger Lakes winemaking excellence.
🔗 Read more
🏆 Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Named USA Today’s Best Winery Tour (4th Year)
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport) was voted the Best Winery Tour in the United States for the fourth consecutive year in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It also ranked #3 nationally for Best Tasting Room, praised for scenic views and the immersive 1886 Food & Wine Experience.
🔗 Read more
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:
Hair Growth and Regrowth
Hair. Our crowning glory! Except, have you ever known anyone who actually liked their own hair? It is too thick, too thin, too coarse, too fine, too curly, too straight. Ugh! Read more.
Harry Potter Birthday Party Ideas
Everyone knows about Harry Potter through the novels, movies, theme parks, and gaming world.
We first learn that July 31 is Harry’s birthday when Harry is spirited off by the Dursleys to avoid receiving any more Hogwarts’ letters. Interestingly, this coincides with the birthday of J. K. Rowling, the author of the book series. Imagine that?. Read More
Harry Potter’s Birthday Recipes
July 31 is Harry Potter’s birthday. If you are planning to celebrate with like-minded people, here are some recipes that are simply magical. 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.
07/31/2025 N/A
Time flies when you're having fun! Join us for a casual get-together to celebrate our being in business for ten...
Seneca Sunrise Coffee 806 N Decatur St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
07/31/2025 4:00 PM
As part of our Summer Reading Program, we're celebrating The Boy Who Lived in true wizarding style! Join us THURSDAY...
2795 E Brutus St, Weedsport, NY 13166, USA
$37.50
07/31/2025 6:00 PM
Capture the carefree spirit of lake life with us at Star Cider with bold colors and a breezy sailboat as we celebrate...
Star Cider 3365 NY-364, Canandaigua, NY 14424
07/31/2025 7:30 PM
This is your chance to hear Ruckus “the world’s only period instrument rock band” (San Francisco...
First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles 97 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
07/31/2025 8:00 PM recurs every week
Delaques lays down the sweet grooves and melodies with a weekly improv session at The Nocturnal Cafe! ...
103 S Geneva St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
$20.00 - $45.00
08/01/2025 N/A recurs every day
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B By Kate Hamill Directed by Jen Pearcy-Edwards July 26–August 2, 2025...
Hangar Theatre 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
$15.00
08/01/2025 N/A recurs every day
The Hangar Next Gen Musical Presents: Disney’s Frozen Jr. Music and Lyrics By Kristen Anderson-Lopez &...
Hangar Theatre 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
08/01/2025 10:00 AM
Let this high-energy Baroque band introduce you to the origins of fiddling! Meet Neil Gow, 18th-century Scottish fiddler,...
97 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
08/01/2025 5:00 PM
The Geneva BID is proud announce the return of First Fridays in 2025. We’ll be coming at you live from Downtown...
1 Franklin St, Geneva, NY 14456
08/01/2025 6:00 PM
Goats ride again! ...
Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Company 8931 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166
08/01/2025 6:00 PM
August 1st, 2025; 6-9pm $5 cover charge Rep Studio Players is a dynamic musical collective led by producer andmulti-instrumentalist...
4017 Hickok Rd, Interlaken, NY 14847, USA
08/01/2025 6:30 PM
FRIDAY (8/1): - Homemade Jam – Marietta, NY | 6:30 PM - The Ridge – Chittenango, NY (Later that night!)...
Binghamton, NY
08/01/2025 7:00 PM
Join us for a whimsical evening full of twinkling lights, fairy wands, and community fun! Kids’ crafts &...
Pleasant Ave, Penn Yan, NY 14527
08/01/2025 8:00 PM
Bri & Me Jammin' The Hits at LakeHouse Pub. Join us! ...
6 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
08/02/2025 6:00 AM
Tour de Keuka is a charity bike ride that takes participants around Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes of New York State....
Hammondsport Fire House 8521 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840
08/02/2025 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
08/02/2025 9:00 AM
Who doesn’t love a yard sale? Come and hunt for treasures… something for everyone!! ...
2 Chapel St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
08/02/2025 10:00 AM
Join us for an IMMERSIVE ONLINE Kundalini Yoga experience in support of our next big leap, purchasing a NEW BUILDING...
509 N Meadow St, Ithaca, NY 14850
$20.00
08/02/2025 10:00 AM
$20 per spot, vendors welcome! You keep all the proceeds from your sales. Come out and support the kids in our community....
David's Field 52 Metcalf Dr, Auburn, NY 13021
08/02/2025 10:30 AM
Ready for an educational reptile experience? Then join Dan the Snakeman on Saturday, August 2nd at Southworth Library....
24 W Main St, Dryden, NY 13053
Free
08/02/2025 11:00 AM
Stop by Farmington CountryMax on Saturday, August 2, 2025 for our Stuff the Bus Fundraiser! Purchase an item...
CountryMax 5930 Co Rd 41, Farmington, NY 14425
08/02/2025 1:00 PM
Join us for a vibrant and creative Painted Barn Quilt class where you’ll design and paint your very own 4ft...
Cortland Corset Building, 75 E Court St, Cortland, NY 13045
$66.63
08/02/2025 1:00 PM
Join us for a vibrant and creative Painted Barn Quilt class where you’ll design and paint your very own 4ft...
Cortland Corset Building, 75 E Court St, Cortland, NY 13045, USA
08/02/2025 1:00 PM
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery located in Fort Ann, will be setup Saturday, August 2, 2025 starting at 1pm. They...
Lakefront Park, 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
08/02/2025 2:00 PM recurs every 4 weeks
Back to the Basics is a monthly market focusing on community sufficiency through teaching natural wellness, homesteading,...
250 Gorham St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA
08/02/2025 4:30 PM
Steve Grills & the Roadmasters at this year's Glorious Garlic Festival! We have a new and improved stage this...
Geneva Lakefront Lakefront Park, 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
$125.00
08/02/2025 5:30 PM
The Sherwood Inn is now offering an exclusive 3-course dinner before the Skaneateles Music Festival’s summer...
Anyela's Vineyards 2433 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152
08/02/2025 6:00 PM
Sleeping Dogs are a high-energy rock trio playing classic and alternative rock. ...
Tiki Bar 3425 Salt Point Rd, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
08/02/2025 7:00 PM
I’ll be back at The Yard FLX playing solo. Come join me for some rock ‘n roll hits and fun activities!...
The Yard FLX 2374 NY-414, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
08/03/2025 7:30 AM
Join Us For A Pancake Breakfast Sunday August 3rd! We Will Be Serving Our Internationally Famous Pancakes With Eggs,...
Whitford's Airport 3027 Ditmar Rd, Weedsport, NY 13166
$45.00
08/03/2025 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
08/03/2025 9:00 AM
Gift Ride 2025 Save the Date! Kickstands up 10:30am. This will be the 8th year of this event and will allow local...
95 Ovid St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
08/03/2025 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
$35.00
08/03/2025 11:00 AM
My Place is a nonprofit early childhood education center dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment...
Watkins Glen community Center 586 E 4th St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
08/03/2025 12:00 PM
Join us for a day of creativity, community, and craftsmanship at the Eldridge Park Craft Fair! Discover one-of-a-kind,...
Eldridge Park Dr, Elmira, NY 14901
$25.00
08/03/2025 1:00 PM
Join us for an afternoon at Sunny Point ceramic studio. Local ice cream, handmade bowls created by local artists,...
119 Chapel St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
08/03/2025 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
08/05/2025 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
08/06/2025 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
08/06/2025 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
08/06/2025 6:00 PM
Cheri Giraud & Neil Cohen ...
The Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles, NY 26 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, USA
$10.75
08/06/2025 6:00 PM
The Dean’s List and an awesome buffet dinner for $10.75 ???- what else could you want on a Tuesday evening !!!...
Clam Man's Party House 67 Auburn Rd, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
$20; 18 and under are free
08/07/2025 6:00 PM
Chose either a 3 or 8 mile loop through scenic Fillmore Glen State Park. Online registration is required and is open...
Fillmore Glen State Park 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118
08/07/2025 7:30 PM
The charismatic Calidore String Quartet thrills audiences on the world’s major stages, including frequently...
First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles 97 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Free; freewill donations accepted. State Park vehicle fee.
08/08/2025 5:30 AM
This hatha class will emphasize breath and body awareness with modifications and variations to make the experience...
Fillmore Glen State Park 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118
08/08/2025 6:00 AM
Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Ithaca Yacht Club We are so excited to be back...
Ithaca Yacht Club 1090 Glenwood Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
08/08/2025 12:00 PM
Don't miss this awesome once-a-year event! A program of the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, the...
Ithaca Farmers Market 545 3rd St, Ithaca, NY 14850
08/08/2025 5:00 PM
2025 WGI Boy Scout of America Offer Watkins Glen International is excited to announce the return of our annual Scout...
Watkins Glen International 2790 Co Rte 16, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
08/08/2025 7:00 PM
IHMC Open House. ...
314 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
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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