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- October 2, 2025
October 2, 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: How to Plant For Now, Fashion Faux Pas, and 5 Easy Casserole Recipes.
Don Stevens
October 02, 2025
Finger Lakes Community News
🌱 Watkins Glen Advocate Honored Nationally
Yvonne Taylor of Watkins Glen was named to Grist’s list of the top 50 climate leaders in the U.S., recognizing her grassroots work to protect the Finger Lakes.
đź”— Read the article
🏛️ Auburn Downtown Revitalization Nears Completion
Seven years after winning a $10 million state grant, Auburn has finished 10 of 12 major downtown projects — including the historic Willard Chapel — with just two left to complete.
đź”— Read the article
đźš’ Genoa Fire Department Upgrades Rescue Gear
The Genoa Volunteer Fire Department in Cayuga County purchased a new Jaws of Life tool thanks to a $10,000 grant, boosting emergency response capabilities for the community.
đź”— Read the article
👩‍⚕️ Finger Lakes Health Expands Primary Care
UR Medicine’s Finger Lakes Health added two new physicians and three physician assistants across Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties, improving access and cutting wait times.
đź”— Read the article
Prong Geiger Joins Canandaigua Medical Group’s Pediatrics and Internal Medicine Departments
Dr. Michelle Prong Geiger recently joined UR Medicine Thompson Health’s Canandaigua Medical Group.
Dr. Michelle Prong Geiger
Prong Geiger completed her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where she also received her medical degree. She holds a master’s in public health from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and University in Blacksburg, Va., and a bachelor’s in human biology from Stanford University in Stanford, California.
Board eligible in both internal medicine and pediatrics, Prong Geiger previously worked in the resident clinic at the Culver Medical Group Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Clinic in Rochester. She sees patients of all ages at the Canandaigua Medical Group, which is an affiliate of F.F. Thompson Hospital.
Located at 335 Parrish St. in Canandaigua, the medical group can be reached at 585-393-2811.
For information about all of Thompson’s primary care locations – including those accepting new patients – visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/PrimaryCare.
Better Breathers Group Meets Oct. 10 at Thompson
UR Medicine Thompson Health is hosting a support group on Friday, Oct. 10, for individuals with lung disease or breathing difficulties who are looking to improve their quality of life.
Called Thompson Better Breathers, the group focuses on discussion, education, and behavioral modifications, with Thompson Health Respiratory Therapist Gerald Dilgard facilitating.
The Oct. 10 meeting will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the George M. Ewing Jr. Conference Room on the ground floor of the Constellation Center for Health and Healing, located at the back of Thompson Hospital, 350 Parrish St. Enter the campus via The Thompson Way, a private drive off West Street, to the right of The Eye Care Center. There is no charge to attend.
For more information on this support group, call 585-396-6253.
Wood Library
Where Tradition, Technology and Community Meet
Saturday, October 4
Wood Library invites community members of all ages to a special haunted house event!
10 AM-1 PM: Families can enjoy a special “lights on” tour of the haunted house with fun Halloween activities for kids along with festive music.
3-6 PM: The library transforms into a truly spooky space. Brave visitors can walk through our darkened hallways and explore each of the themed areas filled with eerie surprises.
DONATION DAYS
Wednesday, October 8 & Thursday, October 9
10 AM-6 PM
SALE DAYS
Friends' Morning
Saturday, October 11
10 AM-12 PM
*membership required
Open to the Public
Saturday, October 11
12 PM
through Sunday, October 19
during regular library hours
Saturday, October 18- $5 Bag Day
Sunday, October 19- $2 Bag Day
ADULT PROGRAMS:
Friday, October 3 | 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. Registration required.
Monday, October 6 | 2:00-4:00 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. Registration required.
Tuesday, October 7 | 2:00-3:30 PM
Peer or professionally-led groups for caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer's, and others dealing with the disease.
Wednesday, October 8 | 1:00-2:00 PM
Discuss classic books. This month we will discuss Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. New members welcome. Registration required.
Saturday, October 11 | 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. Registration required.
ADULT & TEEN PROGRAMS:
Monday, October 6 | 5:30-7:00 PM
A social gathering of fiber crafters. All skill levels welcome!
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Thursday, October 9 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Eat pizza and watch Scooby Doo with friends! (PG, CC, 1 hr 26 min) Registration required.
CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
Tuesday, October 7 | 4:00-5:00 PM
Fall is a time of preparation - for hibernation, if you're a bear. Join us for a Fat Bear Fiesta to celebrate Katmai National Park's Fat Bear Week with a bear livestream, bear crafts, and bear snacks. This event is aimed at ages 0-5, but all bear fans are welcome.
Storytimes
Baby Storytime
Mondays: October 6, 13, 20 & 27
Fridays: October 3, 10, 17 & 24
9:30-10:00 AM
All-Ages Storytime
Mondays: October 6, 13, 20 & 27
Thursdays: October 9, 16 & 23
10:15-10:45 AM
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.
The Roots Cafe team is thrilled to share our feature on America’s Best Restaurants!
Fall Hours: Mon and Tue Closed
Wed-Sun: 11am-3pm Lunch, 5pm-8pm Dinner
Roots Cafe - 585-374-9800 - http://rootscafenaplesny.com
15th Annual Fall Garden Symposium at Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion
Stone Cutter’s at Belhurst Castle and Winery
Fall Harvest Festival
Celebrate the harvest with family-friendly fun and local craft and food vendors. End the night by a bonfire & watch the spectacular fireworks finale over Shequaga Falls!
Saturday, Oct 4th, 12:00-7:30 pm on Main Street, Montour Falls. Proudly presented by Schuyler Hospital & Cayuga Health.
10053 Short Cut Rd, Weedsport, NY 13166-9740, United States
Fun for all ages, so bring the family. Our fantastic fairy trails and petting zoo will be free with admission. We will also have unicorn rides and food available. Come take a look at our beautiful Blue Fairy Emporium for apparel, gifts, and horse tack.
Adults free, kids $10.00
Admission includes the petting zoo and fairy trails
Food available. Unicorn rides are $10.00 extra.
Blue Fairy Equestrian Emporium tack & gift shop will be open, featuring fall and Halloween gifts and fairy costumes. Parking free in front lot.
Message or email [email protected] for application and payment details. All vendors must be paid in advance to be confirmed a spot.
Email Paul Harvey for $75 tickets at [email protected]
Wine and Beverage News
🍇 Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Celebrates 40 Years
Hector’s Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, best known for its iconic Red Cat wine, marked its 40th anniversary with a lively harvest party featuring live music, tastings, and even helicopter rides.
đź”— Read the article
🎉 Ventosa Vineyards Marks 20 Years with Fiesta for a Cause
Ventosa Vineyards in Geneva will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sept. 26 with the “Frank Cecere Memorial Fiesta” — a night of BBQ, live bands, auctions, and raffles, raising funds for local student tuition.
đź”— Read the article
🥂 Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Toasts 40 Years of Sparkling Wine
Hammondsport’s Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is celebrating four decades of sparkling wine with the release of a rare Brut Cuvée that blends its 2021 vintage with a touch of the original 1985 bottling — the first Champagne-style wine made on the East Coast.
đź”— Read the article
The Ghost Affair at Miles - Save the Date! October 25, 2025
Miles Wine Cellars
Open Daily, 10am-5pm.
68 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742 - http://MilesWineCellars.com
From Our Blog:
How to Plant Spring Blooming Bulbs for a Stunning Garden
That first sign of spring, tulips and daffodils peeking up through the mulch and soil. But in order to get them, you need to plant now. These flowers need to overwinter in the soil in order to bloom in six months. The best time to plant is pretty much now, between September and November, while the soil is still soft enough to dig and it is moist and cool. They will establish themselves with roots before the freeze. If you miss this year, hold them over until next fall.
Read more
Fashion Faux Pas: What Not to Wear at Weddings, Funerals, and Beyond
Don’t wear white after Labor Day. We have certainly all seen or heard that admonition, especially from an older generation. Okay, white in the summer makes you look great and certainly will keep you cooler (depending on the fabric) than dark colors. But no one really knows when the “rule” came into being. The best guess is during the post Civil War era into the early turn to the Twentieth Century. Read More
5 Easy & Delicious Casserole Recipes: Cheesy, Veggie & Protein-Packed Comfort Meals
Casseroles are a staple in many households. Frequently they can be made in advance. These are a few and most of them are vegetable forward. 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.
10/03/2025 11:00 AM
LeTourneau Christian Center’s Blessed Hope October Ladies Luncheon will be held on Friday, October 3 at 11:00...
LeTourneau Christian Center 4950 E Lake Rd, Rushville, NY 14544
10/03/2025 11:00 AM recurs every day
Food Vendors, Craft Vendors and entertainment for the family. ...
Jefferson Park E Jefferson St, Salamanca, NY 14779
10/04/2025 N/A
Join us at Business After Hours! We are excited to join our host, State Theatre of Ithaca! Register here: https://business.tompkinschamber.org/.../business-after...
State Theatre of Ithaca 107 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
10/04/2025 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
10/04/2025 10:00 AM
SAVE THE DATE!!!Saturday, October 4, from 10am to 5pm. Our 37th year of hosting our Annual Hunt Country Harvest Fest...
4021 Italy Hill Rd, Branchport, NY 14418
10/04/2025 10:00 AM
Join us for bingo and a show with Miss Viola! Doors open at 10:00 am for a meet and greet. Bingo runs 10:30 am - noon....
101 E Church St, Elmira, NY 14901
10/04/2025 10:00 AM
This year I'm reducing prices because I think everyone should have their favorite piece of art. Paintings, Prints,...
49 East Ave, Naples, NY 14512
10/04/2025 10:00 AM
Looking for Craft Vendors/ Direct Sales for Fall Craft Fair on Saturday October 4th 2025 at the S. Corning American...
8 River Rd #9315, South Corning, NY 14830
by
FREE
10/04/2025 10:00 AM
Join us for FREE fall fun at Lima’s Pumpkin & AG Day Festival on Saturday Oct 4th! Giant pumpkin weigh-ins,...
Mark Tubbs Memorial Park 7384 Ziegler Dr, Lima, NY 14485
10/04/2025 10:00 AM
We couldn’t celebrate two amazing years of our boutique (at our new location) without all of you! Join us for...
8934 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166
10/04/2025 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
10/04/2025 11:00 AM
Fun for all ages, so bring the family. Our fantastic fairy trails and petting zoo will be free with admission. We...
10053 Short Cut Rd, Weedsport, NY 13166
10/04/2025 12:00 PM
Create unforgettable fall memories at the 18th Annual Falls Harvest Festival! Celebrate the harvest with family-friendly...
Main St, Montour Falls, NY 14865, USA
10/04/2025 4:00 PM
Keuka Farmers Market ...
8462 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840
10/04/2025 5:00 PM
Saturday Night Fun with ROCKIN BOOTS!! Ready to dance the night away with Rockin Boots?! Join us at FLX live for a...
427 Exchange St, Geneva, NY 14456
10/04/2025 7:00 PM
"The Eaglez Tribute Band" is Western New York's original, longest running, premier Eagles' tribute...
20 Fort Hill Ave, Canandaigua, NY 14424
10/04/2025 7:30 PM
Clemens Center presents BEATLEGACY Saturday, October 4, 2025 @ 7:30pm Tickets: $35/$30/$25/$20. Group Rates available...
207 Clemens Center Pkwy, Elmira, NY 14901
10/04/2025 8:00 PM
DSP Shows & The State Theatre of Ithaca Present: Steve Hackett Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo North...
State Theatre of Ithaca 107 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
$45.00
10/05/2025 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
10/05/2025 10:00 AM
The Elmira Heights Auxiliary is having a Craft Fair this October . The information is here please reach out to the...
266 Scottwood Ave, Elmira Heights, NY 14903
10/05/2025 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
10/05/2025 11:00 AM
Get ready for a vibrant celebration at the 4th Annual Heritage Fiesta, happening in the Press Bay Parking Lot on Sunday,...
118 W Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850
$5/PP
10/05/2025 2:00 PM
Join Historic Geneva curator John Marks for a guided tour of select burials at St. Mary's Cemetery. The cemetery...
2858 Co Rd 6, Geneva, NY 14456
$25.00 /PP
10/06/2025 6:30 PM
It’s time for our annual pumpkin paint party! Come join us at Britches' Dance Bar to become a pumpkin Picasso...
192 State St, Auburn, NY 13021
10/07/2025 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
10/09/2025 5:30 PM
You are invited! Melody's Co-working EmpowerHER program is collaborating with Kareef Stokes-Rufus, a son of Auburn,...
Melody's 128 Genesee St, Auburn, NY 13021
10/10/2025 11:00 AM
Join Remi Reads October 10th-12th as we celebrate the freedom to read and spotlight the stories that some all over...
8934 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166
$175 - $250
10/10/2025 5:00 PM
Notre Dame Retreat House will have a women’s retreat entitled “Walking in Friendship with God: Pilgrims...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$27.00
10/10/2025 6:00 PM
Join artist instructor Josh Lopez for a step-by-step canvas painting experience—no art skills required! Our...
351 North St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
10/10/2025 8:00 PM
Rocket Boyz back at The Pour House, 72 Geneva St. Lyons, NY, 8pm start. Members of ROCK DOLL, CRAZY NEIGHBOURS and...
The Pour House Bar and Grill 72 Geneva St, Lyons, NY 14489
$39.56
10/10/2025 8:00 PM
“One Night in Memphis” is a rocking concert tribute to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins,...
82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456
$35.00
10/11/2025 10:00 AM
October 11th 10am - 3pm 15th Annual Fall Garden Symposium Presenter Vincent A. Simeone Sonnenberg Gardens non-profit...
250 Gibson St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$38.00
10/11/2025 10:00 AM
Fall Cacao Ceremony & Sound BathA Journey of Letting Go & Surrender Join us for a heart-opening evening of...
250 Gorham St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
10/11/2025 10:00 AM
USW Local 1000 Annual Fall Craft Fair Saturday 10/11/2025 Open to the Public! Now accepting vendor applications! 100...
USW Local 1000 Union Hall 112 NY-352, Corning, NY 14830
Free!
10/11/2025 10:00 AM
Ladies Craft Day, Come join us for a day filled with FUN, FOOD, & FELLOWSHIP, making Harvest Pumpkin Centerpieces....
Ingleside Christian Church 11528 Babcock Rd, Naples, NY 14512
10/11/2025 11:00 AM
Sunday Funday just got tastier! Join Cousins Maine Lobster at Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars on 10/12 for lobster rolls and...
1 Lake Niagara Ln, Naples, NY 14512
10/11/2025 11:30 AM
We are reaching out to our wonderful community for support once again. Mark Dean and Richard Slack have tragically...
26 Coach St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
10/11/2025 12:00 PM
The Weller Farm is hosting hay wagon rides from 12-4 pm on Saturday, October 11th, 2025.We will be offering bucket...
W Brutus St Rd, Brutus, NY 13166
10/11/2025 1:00 PM
Join us Saturday, October 11th from 1-4 pm for our second annual Harvest Fest! Grapes are coming in day after day...
7020 NY-89, Ovid, NY 14521
10/11/2025 2:30 PM
Save the date!!! October 11th! Our Annual End of Summer is Coming! Do you sing. Do you play Corn Hole? Food truck,...
3554 Darbys Corners Rd, Branchport, NY 14418
10/11/2025 4:00 PM
Full Contact Promotions is a combat sports promotion company based in Rochester, NY, specializing in high-energy,...
Holiday Inn 75 North St, Auburn, NY 13021
10/11/2025 7:00 PM
Seconds Out: A Tribute to the Music of Genesis will be performing the music of Genesis on the Fort Hill stage! The...
20 Fort Hill Ave, Canandaigua, NY 14424
10/11/2025 7:30 PM
The ULTIMATE trip back to the 70's is coming to State Theatre of Ithaca! Dust off your flared jeans, break out...
State Theatre of Ithaca 107 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
$39.56
10/12/2025 7:00 PM
For over a decade Tuba Skinny has grown steadily in popularity, releasing twelve albums and touring all over the world....
82 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456
$35
10/14/2025 8:15 AM
Fill Your Soul Day – "Our Lady, the Angels and Their Mission for Our Time" - Join us for a grace-filled...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Emerson Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$0.00
10/17/2025 11:30 AM
Join us for our Senior Luncheon! Friday, October 17th - Luncheon begins at 11:30 am | Presentation at 12:15 pm Our...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
That’s it for this week.
A Note on the Fall Season 🍂
Hello from the Finger Lakes,
As the air turns crisp and our hillsides blaze with color, we're savoring every moment of this beautiful fall season. It's the perfect time for a scenic drive, a glass of local cider, wine, or beer or spirit, and enjoying the quiet magic that settles over our lakes.
We'll be sharing our favorite autumn finds and hidden gems to help you make the most of it.
As a reminder, contact us if you'd like to advertise your business or event.
Don,
Finger Lakes Connected