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- November 20, 2025
November 20, 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: Food Safety Essentials, Essential Guide to Host Gifts, and 4 Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes.
Don Stevens
November 20, 2025
In partnership with
🌟 Finger Lakes Business & Community News
🎉 Beginnings Credit Union Rebrands with Downtown Ithaca Ribbon Cutting
Beginnings Credit Union (formerly CFCU) unveiled its new brand at the Ithaca Commons branch with a ribbon cutting attended by city leaders and the Tompkins Chamber. The rebrand reflects their expanded mission across 15 locations.
đź”— Read the article
🍕 Coho Pizza & Wine Bar Expanding in Canandaigua
The Canandaigua Planning Commission approved Coho Pizza & Wine Bar’s expansion at the lakefront. Despite some parking discussions, the move was seen as a boost to downtown dining and tourism.
đź”— Read the article
🏡 Quail Summit Celebrates 25 Years of Senior Care in Canandaigua
Quail Summit marked 25 years of service with a celebration joined by State Senator Pam Helming and local families, recognizing the community's trust in the long-standing senior living provider.
đź”— Read the article
đź’ˇ Grow-NY Awards $1M Grand Prize to Ag Tech Startup at Canandaigua Summit
Brooklyn-based Brekland won $1 million at the Grow-NY summit for their biodegradable crop-protection foam. They’ll expand operations in the region, reinforcing the Finger Lakes’ ag-tech leadership.
đź”— Read the article
🏗️ Geneva Plaza Set for Demolition After Fire, Clearing Way for Downtown Renewal
Three years after a fire, Geneva’s Castle Street plaza is being demolished, opening the door for long-awaited redevelopment plans that aim to revitalize the city’s core.
đź”— Read the article
Tree of Lights Ceremony Set for Dec. 8 at Thompson
The Thompson Health Guild is inviting community members to honor and celebrate those they love through the annual Tree of Lights this holiday season.
Tree of Lights
With a minimum donation of $10, individuals can sponsor a light in honor or in memory of someone special. Those who are honored receive a notification, letting them know of the gesture. For lights designated in memory of someone, a family member or friend may be designated to receive the email notification. Proceeds benefit the Thompson Health Guild Scholarship Fund.
This year’s tree lighting ceremony is dedicated to Mina Drake and Shirley Ketcham, both longtime volunteers with the Guild Gallery Gift Shops in the hospital. The ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, just outside the Thompson Professional Building at 395 West St. in Canandaigua. The event will include refreshments in the hospital cafeteria, a visit from Santa, and caroling.
To sponsor a light, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/Tree. To learn more about the Guild, which raises money to benefit the nonprofit organization of UR Medicine Thompson Health, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/Guild.
Thompson Health Again Awarded Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission
UR Medicine Thompson Health has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.
The Joint Commission is the nation’s largest healthcare accrediting body. Its Gold Seal is a symbol of quality, reflecting a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. The certification, which Thompson first received in 2015, is offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Thompson underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on Aug. 19. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
Prior to August’s unannounced survey, the surveyor reviewed Thompson’s submitted paperwork, including clinical practice guidelines, data, policies, education materials, and meeting minutes.
“Our surgeons, nurses, and therapists are truly second to none. This Joint Commission award is another outside validation of the care our associates give every day,” said Thompson Health Executive Vice President/COO Kurt Koczent. “As our service area grows, new patients to Thompson can be confident they are receiving the excellent care.
Wood Library
Where Tradition, Technology and Community Meet
Closing Early
Closing at 1 PM Saturday, November 22
Holiday Hours
Closing at 6 PM Wednesday, November 26
Closed Thursday & Friday, November 27 & 28
ADULT PROGRAMS: 
Saturday, November 22 | 5:30-7:00 PM
Grab some friends and shop for great deals on an assortment of purses and jewelry! There is something for every occasion and budget. Purchase Tickets
CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
Friday, November 21 | 9:30-10:00 AM
Stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and other activities.
Monday, November 24 | 7:00-7:30 PM
Bedtime stories and rhymes for the entire family. Wear your PJs!
Tuesday, November 25 | 5:15-6:00 PM
A book club aimed at parents and kids with a focus on chapter books. We will be discussing The Picasso Curse by Dan Gutman.
RECURRING PROGRAMS:
Wood Walkers- Mondays | 9:00-10:00 AM
Tai Chi- Mondays | 10:00-10:45 AM
Zumba- Tuesdays | 5:30-6:30 PM
Chair Yoga- Wednesdays | 10:00-11:00 AM
Open Tech Hours- Wednesdays | 3:00-5:00 PM
New Yorker Discussion Group- Thursdays | 3:30-4:30 PM
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.
Fall Hours: Mon and Tue Closed
Wed-Sun: 11am-3pm Lunch, 5pm-8pm Dinner
Roots Cafe - 585-374-9800 - http://rootscafenaplesny.com
Gift certificates for Belhurst is an ideal year round gift for any occasion! Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays or Just Because!
Belhurst gift certificates may be used in all areas of our property:
Chambers in the Castle, Vinifera Inn, White Springs Manor, Edgar’s Restaurant in the Castle, Stonecutter’s Tavern, Isabella Spa~Salon and Belhurst Estate Winery and Gift Shop.
You can purchase a gift certificate in person at Belhurst’s front desk, over the phone by calling 315-781-0201 Ext. 2, or online below, and we’ll take care of the details. We’ll even mail the gift certificate to the recipient at your request.
We appreciate your patronage!
Belhurst Castle and Winery
🍷 Wine, Beer & Spirits News
🏆 Lucas Vineyards Wins Big at International Wine Competition
Lucas Vineyards earned Best Sparkling, Dessert, Dry Riesling, and Red Wine at the International Eastern Wine Competition. With 17 gold medals in 2025, it’s a banner year for this Cayuga Lake pioneer.
đź”— Read the article
🌟 Ravines Riesling Named to Wine Spectator Top 100 List
Ravines Wine Cellars’ 2022 Dry Riesling made Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025—highlighting the Finger Lakes as a globally respected wine region.
đź”— Read the article
November just got delicious.
Join us at Miles Wine Cellars for A November to Remember — where every weekend unlocks a new experience (and serious savings).
Freedom Fridays — Liberate yourself from the tyranny of the work week–BOGO on select glasses of wine.
Secret Sale Saturdays — Show our staff the Facebook or Instagram post with the secret word for surprise discounts.
Show Your Spirit Sundays — Wear your NFL jersey for a free beer or cider with the purchase of any tasting.
Bonus: Visitors in Bills gear get a special gift.
But here’s the catch — these offers vanish at the end of each weekend.
Miles Wine Cellars
Open Daily, 10am-5pm.
68 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742 - http://MilesWineCellars.com/
From Our Blog:
Food Safety Essentials: The Expert Guide to Safely Handling Chicken & Fish
Foodborne illness is a serious public health concern, and two of the most common kitchen ingredients—chicken(poultry) and fish (seafood)—are primary sources if not handled correctly. Preventing illness starts with understanding basic food safety guidelines. This expert guide breaks down exactly how to handle, prepare, and store these items to keep your family safe.. Read more.
The Essential Guide to Host/Hostess Gifts: Etiquette, Ideas, and What to Avoid
The season of invitations is here! Whether you're attending a casual get-together, a formal dinner, or staying a weekend, arriving with a thoughtful host or hostess gift is a mark of appreciation and good manners. The perfect present isn't about the price; it’s about choosing something the host will genuinely appreciate and use. Read More
4 Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes You Need to Try
Sweet potatoes are very popular, especially at this time of the year. Store them in a cool, dry area with good ventilation. The fridge is not a good place to put them since the cooler can harden the center and give them an unpleasant taste. Yes, they will last longer, but not taste as good. Once cooked, however, they are fine for refrigeration in an airtight container or bag for up to five days. After they are cooked, if you leave them out for more than two hours, you risk bacteria growth. Read more
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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.
11/20/2025 10:00 AM
Saturday November 22nd, 10-3 pm Glenn H Curtiss Museum, 8419 State Rt 54 Hammondsport NY, 14840 Vendors selling crafts,...
8419 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840
$20.00
11/20/2025 6:00 PM
- Pilgrim Party & Boozy Bingo - This Thanksgiving season, we’re turning up the fun with a night of Boozy...
427 Exchange St, Geneva, NY 14456
FREE
11/21/2025 11:30 AM
Join us for a FREE Senior Luncheon on Friday, November 21st at 11:30 am! This month, we’ll be welcoming a special...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
11/21/2025 12:00 PM
Join us for 3 or 4 days of crafting fun at this weekend retreat in Corning, NY. Enjoy eating and shopping on Market...
Radisson Hotel Corning 125 Denison Pkwy E, Corning, NY 14830
11/21/2025 6:00 PM
Come for a night of music, art, food, and wine! After five years of holding on to my artwork, it's time for the...
308 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850
$45.00
11/21/2025 6:00 PM
The Waterways and Wine Event is back for 2025! Taste a selection of fine wines from around The Finger Lakes while...
89 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
11/21/2025 6:00 PM
Join us for craft night at Live A Little Boutique & Remi Reads at 6PM. We will be making snow globes and a book...
8934 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166
11/22/2025 10:00 AM
Free Grocery Giveaway! Come down to Calvary Chapel and get a free bag of groceries for your thanksgiving dinner! Everyone...
2291 NY-89, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
$35.00
11/22/2025 10:00 AM
More info coming soon.. Program Details : Date: Saturday, November 22nd @ 10:00AM Ages/Grades: Open to 8-12U Softball...
1382 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
11/22/2025 10:00 AM recurs every week
Show the secret word (posted each Friday in November) and receive a secret sale! ...
168 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
11/22/2025 10:00 AM
What: Ithaca NY – NY LP Vinyl Record and CD Fair When: Saturday November 22nd 2025 Where: Ithaca Downtown Conference...
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center 116 E Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850
11/22/2025 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
11/22/2025 3:00 PM recurs every week
**Holiday Market & Village at Prison City Brewing Make magical memories this holiday season with us at Prison...
251 North St, Auburn, NY 13021
11/22/2025 3:00 PM
If you are a fan of wine walks, beer trails or spirit strolls, you will want to be a part of this event! Downtown...
Canandaigua Business Improvement District 115 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
11/22/2025 3:00 PM
Get into the holiday spirit and support local! Join us at the Downtown Visitor Center for our Pop-Up Market, featuring...
Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce 214 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
11/22/2025 8:00 PM
SOLD OUT! Zakk Sabbath is the Black Sabbath cover band featuring guitarist/vocalist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society,...
1133 NY-414, Waterloo, NY 13165
$45.00
11/23/2025 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
11/23/2025 11:00 AM
pop. rock. soul. love. choice covers. soulful originals. www.jessrocknovak.com ...
Bluewater Grill Skaneateles 11 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
11/23/2025 2:00 PM
Tim Chaapel (bass, fiddle, vocals), John Shulte (lead guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Ben Gordner (guitar, harmonica,...
Peacemaker Brewing Company 39 Coach St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
11/23/2025 2:00 PM
Join Travis Prinzi, Brian Ayers, Lauren Faggiano, Justin Williams, Rick Constantino, and others in their tribute to...
151 N Main St, Naples, NY 14512
11/23/2025 2:30 PM
Join us for our Annual Holiday Wreath Workshop featuring Calla & Rose Floral Studio on Sunday November 23rd, 2025...
192 State St, Auburn, NY 13021
11/23/2025 7:00 PM
DSP Shows & The State Theatre of Ithaca Present: Dark Star Orchestra Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 Doors: 6pm, Show:...
State Theater Ithaca 107 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
11/25/2025 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
11/27/2025 7:00 PM
Don’t you miss the old ways of Black Friday? We are bringing it back this year! Join us at Live A Little Boutique...
8934 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166
11/28/2025 10:00 AM
Shop Small is BIG in Canandaigua! When you support your local community, you support your local economy. Shopping...
Canandaigua Business Improvement District 115 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
11/28/2025 10:00 AM
Did you know that Plaid Friday was born out of a recognition that the frenzied nature of Black Friday may not be for...
Canandaigua Business Improvement District 115 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$50 per family
11/28/2025 12:00 PM
Santa at Sage Grove Sessions are one day only!!! Friday, Nov 28, right after the Elmira Holiday Parade! I was lucky...
311 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
$25.00
11/28/2025 5:00 PM
**Kids Holiday Craft Night! Join us November 28th from 5:00–7:00 PM for a festive evening of creativity and...
116 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
$35.00
11/29/2025 10:00 AM
Just in time for Holiday shopping. join us at the South Corning American Legion at 8 River Rd. Saturday November 29th...
8 River Rd #9315, South Corning, NY 14830
$20.00
11/29/2025 12:00 PM
Join us for our first blind draw dart tournament on Saturday November 29th, 2025 to benefit our friends, the Brezee...
192 State St, Auburn, NY 13021
11/29/2025 12:00 PM
Clemens Center presents Glitter & Garland: Holiday Drag Brunch in Mandeville Hall Sunday, November 30, 2025 at...
207 Clemens Center Pkwy, Elmira, NY 14901
$25.00
11/29/2025 1:00 PM
Get your little artists into the holiday spirit with this hands-on workshop where creativity shines--litterally! In...
116 Fall St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
11/29/2025 2:00 PM
LET'S GET STUFFED — Pierogie Pop-Up + Beer Pairing Event Saturday, November 29, 2025 0 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM...
15 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
$18.05
11/29/2025 3:00 PM
The 2025 Ithaca Ballet Nutcracker launches the holiday season at the Smith Center for the Arts. This year will feature...
The Smith Opera House 82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456
11/29/2025 4:30 PM
Take to the rink at the LECOM Event Center with Rock and Skate! ...
155 N Main St, Elmira, NY 14901
$5.00 /pp
11/29/2025 7:00 PM
Join us for our Harvest Jam Dance party! We’ll be doing all the fun line dances as well as being able to bust...
1570 Lake St, Elmira, NY 14901
11/30/2025 2:00 PM
We are so excited to begin our holiday season again! It’s a very joyous time of year for us as we get see our...
Market Street, Corning NY 24 South Bridge St, Corning, NY 14830
$35
12/01/2025 8:30 AM
We invite you to join us for our Advent – Sacred Stillness Day on Monday, December 1st. As the season of Advent...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$18
12/05/2025 11:00 AM
LeTourneau Christian Center’s Blessed Hope Annual Christmas Luncheon will be held on Friday, December...
LeTourneau Christian Center 4950 East Lake Road, Rushville, NY 14544
$70 - $210
12/05/2025 5:00 PM
We are honored to welcome women in recovery to our Noel Retreat: “Acting in Stillness” from December 5th–7th,...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$60
12/13/2025 9:00 AM
We are joyfully preparing for our Advent Retreat Day, “Blessed are They that Hope in the Lord: Advent Meditations...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$35
12/15/2025 8:30 AM
We invite you to join us for our Advent – Sacred Stillness Day on Monday, December 15th. As the season of Advent...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
That’s it for this week.
Until next time, enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes – whether you're watching the sun set over the water, exploring a new trail, or savoring a glass of local wine. We're grateful to share this special corner of New York with you.
Stay connected, stay curious, and we'll see you in the next issue!
As a reminder, contact us if you'd like to advertise your business or event.
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Finger Lakes Connected