🌟 Finger Lakes Business & Community News

• Swedish Hill Winery Gets a Fresh New Name and a Renovation. Swedish Hill, the beloved Cayuga Lake winery in Romulus, is entering an exciting new chapter under the Martin Family, who took ownership in spring 2025. Now rebranded as Swedish Hill Winery + Cider Co., the tasting room is being renovated with an expanded bar, more natural light, and additional seating. New wines and canned hard ciders are on the way, with updated packaging rolling out throughout the year. Read More

• New Boat Club Sets Sail on Canandaigua Lake. Canandaigua Boatworks has launched a Carefree Boat Club membership program at its marina, giving locals and visitors access to a fleet of boats without the expense and hassle of ownership. Members can get out on the water all season long while the marina handles all maintenance and storage. It's a fun new way to enjoy one of the Finger Lakes' most beautiful lakes. Read More

• Penn Yan Named a Must-Visit Finger Lakes Destination by World Atlas. Penn Yan just earned a well-deserved national spotlight — World Atlas named the Yates County village the one Finger Lakes town everyone should visit at least once. The article highlights Penn Yan's charming walkable downtown, stunning lakeside setting on Keuka Lake, local wineries, and the scenic Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. It's a wonderful boost for the shops, restaurants, and small businesses that make this community so special. Read More

• Auburn's Brave Brews Festival Returns for Its Fifth Year. Auburn's Brave Brews: Celebrating Women in Craft Beverage Festival is back March 6–8 for its fifth annual celebration, centered at Prison City Brewing's North Street location. The weekend features specialty tours, guest speakers, and the marquee FIRE & ICE Craft Beverage Festival, honoring women and non-binary individuals across New York's craft beverage industry. Brave Brews earned a No. 5 national ranking from USA TODAY readers in 2025 — proof that Auburn is putting the Finger Lakes on the craft beverage map. Read More

• Historic Downtown Ithaca Building Sold for Renovation. A landmark three-story building from 1885 in the heart of downtown Ithaca has new ownership and a bright future ahead. Local developer John Guttridge — known for transformative projects like Press Bay Alley and the Exchange Building — purchased the Fury Block at 126–130 S. Cayuga St. for $540,000 and plans a full renovation. The building previously housed Pizza Aroma and several apartments, and its revival is another sign of the continued investment and energy flowing through Ithaca's downtown core. Read More

Winter Market @ Wood Library 

Sunday, March 8 | 1:00-4:00 PM 

Shop local vendors and artisans! 

Grimble Hill Farm and Forest, The Health Habit, PennyRose Farm, Duclinea Art, CorinoRock, Little Village Sourdough, TnT Craft & Cards, Mariposas Baked Goods, Avenida Nossara, Scents by Radiance, Elizabeth's Crafts, Sweet Pea's Pastries , The Spice Project, Talun Art, Crochet-Jewlery, Syd's Granny Chic, Fae Fibres 

ADULT PROGRAMS:  

Canandaigua Writers Group 

Friday, March 6 | 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. Register here. 

Books Sandwiched In 

Monday, March 9 | 12:00-1:00 PM 

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner reviewed by Jenn Yerden, owner of Sights & Shades and Wood Library trustee. 

Streaming Services 

Tuesday, March 10 | 4:00-6:00 PM 

Find out what streaming is, how it works, and what technology you need to “cut the cable cord.” Review some of the most popular streaming services on the market right now (Roku, Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc.) and their costs. Participants must be an Ontario County resident and 60+ years of age. Register here. 

Mayhem, Murder, and Mocktails 

Tuesday, March 10 | 5:30-6:30 PM 

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

All Things Google 

Thursday, March 12 | 2:00-4:00 PM 

Learn how to access, use, and move files within Google Drive and scan documents from your cell phone. Explore Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets (similar to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel). Participants must be an Ontario County resident and 60+ years of age. Register here. 

Understanding Brain Injury: What Everyone Should Know 

Thursday, March 12 | 5:30-6:30 PM 

Brain injury is often an invisible condition that can affect individuals and families in different ways. This educational presentation provides a clear, accessible overview of what brain injury is, common causes, signs and symptoms, and how it can impact daily life. Learn about available support, resources, and what to do if you or someone you care about is affected by a brain injury. Register here. 

Swoon and Suspense Book Club 

Thursday, March 12 | 7:00-8:00 PM 

Read and discuss One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Held off-site at Acquilano Wine Cellars, 143 S Main St, Canandaigua. Register here. 

Stamping Class with Sally 

Saturday, March 14 | 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. 

TEEN PROGRAMS: 

Whodunnit Teen Mystery Book Club 

Monday, March 9 | 3:45-4:45 PM 

Read and discuss Ten by Gretchen McNeil. Register here. 

Teen Pizza and Movie Night 

Thursday, March 12 | 6:00-8:00 PM 

Eat pizza and watch Now You See Me with friends! (PG-13, CC, 1 hr 55 min) 

Lucky Shakes and Fort Night 

Friday, March 13 | 12:00-2:00 PM 

Make a lucky milk shake, and watch Brave! Wear comfy clothes and bring blankets to build a fort to watch the movie. (PG, CC, 1 hr 33 min). Register here. 

CHILDREN PROGRAMS: 

Music Makers with the Local Sound Collaborative 

Wednesday, March 11 | 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. 

Baby Storytime 

Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24 & 31 | 11:00-11:30 AM 

Fridays, March 6, 13 & 27 | 9:30-10:00 AM 

All-Ages Storytime 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 10, 12, 17, 24, 26 & 31 | 10:15-10:45 AM 

RECURRING PROGRAMS: 

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

Tai Chi- Mondays | 10:00-10:45 AM 

Chair Yoga- Wednesdays | 10:00-11:00 AM 

Open Tech Hours- Wednesdays | 2:00-4:00 PM 

Zumba- Wednesdays | 6:00-7:00 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. 

March Newsletter DONATE OWWL Catalog Help 

 Friends of Wood Library Membership

Find Wood Library at 134 N Main St, Canandaigua. 
Visit woodlibrary.org and look for us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

From Our Blog:

How to Start Plants From Seed: Timing, Tips & Best Varieties

After a long, hard winter, it’s natural to start dreaming about spring and nothing helps that feeling like planning a garden. Starting plants from seed gives you more choices, saves money, and lets you get a jump on the season. Here’s a clearer, friendlier guide to doing it well. Read more.

History of State of the Union Address: From George Washington’s Annual Message to Today

This year’s State of the Union is in the books a big moment whatever your politics. But where did the address come from, and what traditions shape it today? Read more.

4 Easy Muffin Recipes: Zucchini, Hummingbird, Lemon Ricotta & Cottage Cheese

Muffins are single-serving baked goods, usually made in a cup-shaped tin. They can be sweet or savory, simple or fancy. If you’re tired of the usual bran or blueberry, try one of these four crowd-pleasing options: Zucchini Chocolate-Chip, Hummingbird, Lemon Ricotta, and a quick Cottage-Cheese (blender) muffin. 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.

_{That's a wrap on this week's Finger Lakes Connected!}

Every grand opening, every award, every new venture is a reminder of just how much heart and hustle lives in this region. Know a local business doing something worth celebrating? We'd love to hear about it — drop us a line and it could be featured in a future issue. Until next week, keep supporting the shops, restaurants, farms, and makers that make the Finger Lakes so special. See you next Thursday! 🍷🌱

As a reminder, contact us if you'd like to advertise your1business or event.

Don Stevens,
Finger Lakes Connected