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- July 31, 2025 (Resent)
July 31, 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: Hair Growth and Regrowth, Harry Potter Birthday Party Ideas, Harry Potter Birthday Recipes.
Don Stevens
August 02, 2025
Community News
đď¸âŻJuddâs Suds Boutique Opens in Downtown Penn Yan
Kelly Judd celebrated the grand opening of Juddâs Suds, a handcrafted natural soap and personal care boutique at 5âŻE. Main Street, Penn Yan, on JulyâŻ10. The store carries Juddâs own creationsâsoaps, lotion bars, shampoo barsâand also features products from local makers, strengthening Finger Lakes artisan networks.
đ Read more
đď¸âŻHammondsport 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 restorationsâespecially benefiting downtown businesses and local heritage tourism.
đ Read more (see the recent Hammondsport historic register story)
đ˛âŻFinger 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 landmarksâwinery names, parks, shopsâto be featured on the board, spotlighting the regionâs businesses as potential properties in the game.
đ Read more
đśâŻWatkins 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 businessesâincluding cocktail bars, wineries, and eateriesâsponsored the event and served food and drinks, reinforcing community support and business visibility.
đ Read more (look for Porchfest Watkins Glen coverage this week)
âThe Milk Barâ Group for Moms Meets Aug. 6 at Thompson
UR Medicine Thompson Healthâs new support group for moms, âThe Milk Bar,â 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 âa safe and nurturing space designed for moms to come together, share experiences, and support one another on their motherhood journey.â It is hosted by Thompsonâs 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 Associationâs Get With The GuidelinesÂŽ Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospitalâs 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 âAre You Smarter Than a Cavemanâ 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 | 9:00-10:00AMďťż
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 CafĂŠ in Naples, NY is being featured on Americaâs 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 â 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
đĽâŻVentosa Vineyards Wins Multiple Gold Medals at New York Wine Classic
Ventosa Vineyards (Geneva) earned two Gold medals at the 2025âŻNew York Wine Classic for its 2020 Cabernet Franc and 2020 Merlot, further elevating its reputation in Finger Lakes winemaking excellence.
đ Read more
đâŻDr. Konstantin Frank Winery Named USA Todayâs 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 Todayâs 10Best Readersâ Choice Awards. It also ranked #3 nationally for Best Tasting Room, praised for scenic views and the immersive 1886 Food & Wine Experience.
đ Read more
Miles Wine Cellars would love to welcome your group for a wine tasting! We offer group tastings seven days a week:
Groups of 9 or fewer people are welcome WITHOUT reservations, any time between 10 AM and 4:30 PM.
Groups of 10 -19 , please call ahead so we can accommodate you properly between 9 AM to 12 PM.
Groups of 20+ people, we offer tastings between 9 AM to 10:30 AM.
Tastings are $12 per person and include a sample of four wines and a taste of our slushie.
After your tasting, grab a beverage and move to our dock to enjoy the perfect location for a group photo and dock seating! Our Boathouse Bar is open Friday through Tuesday (weather permitting), serving wine by the glass, beer on tap, and fun cocktails.
Please call 607-243-7742 or email [email protected] to reserve your group's experience!
* Groups are by reservation only
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 Harryâs birthday when Harry is spirited off by the Dursleys to avoid receiving any more Hogwartsâ letters. Interestingly, this coincides with the birthday of J. K. Rowling, the author of the book series. Imagine that?. Read More
Harry Potterâs Birthday Recipes
July 31 is Harry Potterâs 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.
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 doesnât 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 youâll 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 youâll 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 Festivalâs 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
Iâll be back at The Yard FLX playing solo. Come join me for some rock ân 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 savoringâjoin 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 â September 7 | 1:30â3:30 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, weâve 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 Deanâs 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 worldâs 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 Swimminâ 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
Thatâs it for this week.
As summer hits its stride, thereâs no better time to soak up everything the Finger Lakes has to offerâwhether 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!đââď¸đ
As a reminder, contact us if you'd like to advertise your business or event.
Don,
Finger Lakes Connected