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- September 4, 2025
September 4, 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: Fall 2025 Decorating Tips, Smart Tips Reducing Food Waste, and Delicious Fruit Cake Recipes.
Don Stevens
September 04, 2025
In partnership with
Finger Lakes Community News
Working Class Coffee Expanding to Geneva
Canandaigua’s beloved Working Class Coffee is opening a second location in Geneva this September at 486 Exchange St. The new café will serve their signature small-batch brews, breakfast, lunch, and brick-oven pizza. Owner Derrick DePorter hopes it embodies a “Cheers-style” community atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
🔗 Read more on FingerLakes1.com
Dundee Fresh Grocery Celebrates Grand Opening
After five years without a grocery store, the nonprofit Dundee Fresh Grocery is open! The grand opening drew a big crowd, and the store now offers fresh produce, pantry staples, a hot bar, deli, and bakery—powered by strong community effort and a $560K grant.
🔗 Read more on FingerLakes1.com
Rochester Fringe Festival Delivers for Local Businesses
The 12-day Rochester Fringe Festival gave a significant boost to Finger Lakes–area businesses—especially hotels, restaurants, and downtown shops—solidifying its role in Monroe County’s $1 billion tourism economy, say local economic analysts.
🔗 Read more on RBJ.net
$4M State Funding for Finger Lakes Youth Employment Program
Governor Hochul announced a $4.12 million allocation to the Finger Lakes region for the Youth Employment Program, providing year-round paid work and training for at-risk and low-income youth (ages 14–20). The initiative supports local workforce development while helping reduce youth involvement in violence.
🔗 Read more on News10NBC / WHEC
Thompson’s Community Flu Clinics Start Sept. 18
UR Medicine Thompson Health has scheduled six community flu clinics in the region.
Administered to those 9 and older at these clinics, the standard 2024-2025 vaccine provides protection against three flu virus strains. There also is a high-dose flu vaccine for those 65 and older. This contains additional antigen designed to create a stronger immune response for the recipient.
The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, Sept. 18, noon to 4 p.m. at Thompson Health Canandaigua Urgent Care, 699 S. Main St., Canandaigua
Thursday, Sept. 25, 3 to 6 p.m., Farmington Town Hall, 1000 County Road 8, Farmington
Monday, Sept. 29, 3 to 6 p.m., Hopewell Fire Station #2, 4018 Routes 5 & 20, Canandaigua
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 3 to 6 p.m., Thompson Health Farmington Urgent Care, 1160 Corporate Drive, Farmington
Monday, Oct. 13, 3 to 6 p.m., Veterans Park, 6910 Routes 5 & 20, Bloomfield
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 3 to 6 p.m., Victor Fire Department, 34 Maple Ave., Victor
The flu shots are free to patients with insurance (patients must present an insurance card at the time of the visit). The self-pay cost for those without insurance is $45, and $80 for the high-dose vaccine (cash, check, MasterCard, or Visa). Visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/flu or call 585-924-1550 for more information.
Better Breathers Group Meets Sept. 12 at Thompson
UR Medicine Thompson Health is hosting a support group on Friday, Sept. 12, 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 Sept. 12 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
ADULT PROGRAMS:
Friday, September 5 | 10:30 AM-5:30 PM
Learn proven driving techniques to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. The cost is $25 for AARP Members or $30 for non-members. Registration required.
Friday, September 5 | 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.
Saturday, September 6 | 12:00-1:00 PM
For caregivers of neurodiverse and/or medically complex children.
Wednesday, September 10 | 1:00-2:00 PM
Discuss classic books. This month we will discuss The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. New members welcome. Registration required.
Saturday, September 13 | 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.
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Monday, September 8 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Read and discuss Hollow by Shannon Watters. Registration required.
CHILDREN PROGRAMS:
Saturday, September 6 | 10:30-11:15 AM
Let's dance! Start with a fun story and then dance and move to our favorite songs.
Mondays, September 8, 15, 22 & 29, October 6 & 13 | 4:00-5:00 PM
Grades 3-5. Instructor Pam Viggiani returns to teach a six-week art class! Students will broaden their design and drawing skills with a variety of media, techniques, and compositional devices. This class is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. The cost is $10 per person. Registration required.
Thursday, September 11 | 11:00-11:45 AM
Ages 3-5 with caregiver. A themed program featuring a story, poses, games, a craft, and relaxation which introduce children to the physical and mental benefits of yoga in a fun and developmentally appropriate way. Registration required.
Storytimes
Baby Storytime 9:30-10:00 AM
Fridays: September 5, 19 & 26
All-Ages Storytime 10:15-10:45 AM
Thursdays: September 11, 18 & 25
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.
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
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.
The Energy You’ve Been Missing
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Wine and Beverage News
🍺 Genesee Brewery Brings Back Cran Orange Fall Favorite
Rochester’s historic Genesee Brewery is reviving its seasonal Cran Orange Kellerbier after a one-year break. The fruity German-style lager returns in 12-packs across NY and the Northeast through October—just in time for fall festivities.
🔗 Read more
Downtown Geneva has morphed into a hub for wine pros
One might wonder why downtown Geneva is positively teeming with talented sommeliers — some of whom also make wine — within a square-mile radius.
While the Finger Lakes Region is steadfastly transforming into a globally recognized, world-class wine producer, downtown appears to be the chosen hub for wine and spirit experts to put down roots.
🔗 Read more
Featured Cocktails available in tasting room only, for a limited time.
Fall Slushie $10:
Our Ghost Wine as a Slushie. Tastes just Like an Orange Creamsicle.
Milo Mule $12
Our Grape Based Vodka Ginger Beer & a Fresh Lime
Seneca Gin & Tonic $12
Our Blue 618 Gin (turns pink w/mixer) and Tonic
Drunkin’ Donut $14
Our Sparkling Caché & Local Apple Cider. Topped with a Local Cider Donut
Coffee with Class $14
Hot Coffee, Chocolate Creme Brûlée Bourbon & Whipped Cream
Miles Wine Cellars
Open Daily, 10am-5pm.
68 Randall Crossing Rd, Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742 - http://MilesWineCellars.com
From Our Blog:
Fall 2025 Decorating Trends: Cozy Colors, Accents & Home Styling Ideas
September is here and the weather is still acceptable. Fall is just around the corner and if you have the itch to be creative with your interior designs, colors, and materials, this is a good time to start. Don’t feel you need to throw out everything. Just look at what you can do to refresh or brighten your space. Read more
Smart Tips to Reducing Food Waste
Every once in a while, or on a regular basis, you go through the fridge and get rid of the dead stuff. That includes the leftovers that got stuck in the back as well as some items that you intended to use but somehow just didn’t. Okay, it isn’t very economical because you are really just throwing money away but the disappointment in losing edibles, not to mention the effect it has on the planet. Read More
Delicious Fruit Cake Recipes
Fruits are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, so why not combine them with a traditional dessert, cake? The addition of fruit will provide a natural sweetness and be a surprise to your guests. After all, with fruit in the picture, you can justify that extra piece of cake before bedtime. Read more
Live and Local Events curated and submitted by Venues
09/04/2025 7:00 PM
7pm – 9pm Moonlight Strolls New in 2025 – THURSDAY NIGHTS - Music in the moonlit gardens of Sonnenberg....
250 Gibson St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
09/05/2025 9:00 AM
Get ready to race into history! Since 1993, the Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen, presented by Chemung Canal Trust...
N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
09/05/2025 6:00 PM
Join us Friday, September 5 for Shakey-An evening with Neil Young almost as Briz performs all of your favorite Neil...
8931 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166
09/06/2025 6:00 AM
***Join Us for the 27th AIDS Ride for Life!*** Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Southern Tier AIDS...
1 James L Gibbs Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850
09/06/2025 8:00 AM
4th annual car show. All makes and models of vehicles, food trucks, live DJ, vendors fire & police departments,...
1 Speedway Dr, Weedsport, NY 13166
09/06/2025 9:00 AM
We are sad to announce we have to cancel this event due to being purchased! We will be back next year bigger and better!...
Ford of Seneca Falls 2024 NY-5 #20, Waterloo, NY 13165, USA
09/06/2025 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
09/06/2025 10:00 AM
Got a sweet tooth? Bad Batch Bakery & Brews is bringing their famous Cake Pop Bar to Ember + Edit for one delicious...
1400 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
09/06/2025 10:00 AM
Register Now: https://www.ticketleap.events/.../girl-scout-pet-field-trip Come meet the pets at CountryMax! This...
1651 Clark Street Rd, Auburn, NY 13021
$20.00
09/06/2025 11:00 AM
Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at FLX Unity Center Inc.'s fundraising...
79 Middle St, Geneva, NY 14456
09/06/2025 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
09/06/2025 12:00 PM
Let’s Raise a Glass to 35 Years! Come celebrate with the team that made it all possible — YOU! Bring your...
1020 Anthony Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
09/06/2025 12:00 PM
Celebrate our 10th Annual Purses for Paws! Held once again at Phoebe's K9 Resort in Seneca Falls! Everyone’s...
92 Garden St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
09/06/2025 3:00 PM
From 50’s do-wop to Motown, classic rock, country, alternative and pop, The Decades Band has something for everyone!...
8398 Birdseye Hollow Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
09/06/2025 4:00 PM
Join us for Celebrate Naples 2025! 4pm Parade 5pm-9pm Street Dance (Band announcement coming soon) with vendors, family...
125 S Main St, Naples, NY 14512
09/06/2025 4:00 PM
Join us for the 5th installment of Modelo Fest. As always this is a community based, free event. We'll have live...
106 Bemis St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
09/06/2025 6:00 PM
Join us for our summer finale of shows Saturday, Sept 6th at Twisted Rail in Canandaigua!! We missed out on the first...
Twisted Rail Brewing Canandaigua 169 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424
09/06/2025 6:00 PM
Come welcome us to Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Club! More details to come. ...
Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Association 200 Camp Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
09/06/2025 7:00 PM
Mojo Combo CNY will be at Moondogs in Auburn on September 6th. Doors open at 7 music 8-11. Reservations are appreciated...
24 State St, Auburn, NY 13021
$15.00
09/06/2025 7:30 PM
Stevie Tombstone is back at the Carriage House Theater to support his latest release “Live Troubadour Blues.”...
203 Genesee St REAR, Auburn, NY 13021
09/06/2025 7:30 PM
DSP Shows Presents: KALEO: Mixed Emotions Tour w/ Quarters Of Change & Júníus Meyvant State Theatre...
State Theatre of Ithaca 107 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
$10.00
09/06/2025 8:00 PM
Whistlin’ Dyl + Spice Rack Saturday, September 6th 8pm $10/pwyc Support The Downstairs! Become a member or...
121 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
$45.00
09/07/2025 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
09/07/2025 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
$40.00
09/07/2025 11:00 AM
Outdoor Harvest Class – Learn to Harvest, Dry, Cure & Trim (21+) - Saturday, September 7th at 11:00 AM ...
2477 Rochester Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
09/07/2025 12:00 PM
Station 3 BBQ will be at the Weedsport tap room from noon until they sell out. Stop in and try some pulled pork and...
8931 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166
09/07/2025 1:00 PM
Sydney Irving will be performing at the Weedsport tap room on 9/7 from 1-3pm. ...
8931 N Seneca St, Weedsport, NY 13166
09/07/2025 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
$35
09/09/2025 9:00 AM
Fill Your Soul Day - "Incredible Journeys: Reflections on Pilgrimage" - On the Road to Find Out: The Meaning...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
09/09/2025 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
09/11/2025 6:30 PM
Experience the wonder of fall bird migration! Join Kayla Fisk of Onondaga Audubon for a fascinating look at the incredible...
49 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
09/11/2025 12:00 PM
You are invited for 3 or 4 days of scrapbooking and crafting! Enjoy 6' of table space to yourself, surrounded...
74 State St, Auburn, NY 13021
09/11/2025 2:45 PM recurs every day
Join us for the fifth annual Ithaca is Books Festival, running from September 11th through 14th, 2025! ...
171 E M.L.K. Jr. St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
09/11/2025 7:00 PM
One Thursday a month appearance at the TreeHouse Studio & Lounge in Ithaca! Open dance and line dance class! Come...
119 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850
09/12/2025 10:00 AM
This year we are honoring 50 years since the first SNI Fall Festival Princess was crowned. It is with great excitement...
Cattaraugus Reservation 12798 Burning Spring Rd, Perrysburg, NY 14129
09/12/2025 4:00 PM
We're wrapping up our Summer Reading Program with a splash of color and creativity! Join us at the Weedsport Free...
2795 E Brutus St, Weedsport, NY 13166, USA
$175 - $250
09/12/2025 5:00 PM
Men’s Retreat – “Walking in Friendship with God: Pilgrims of Hope” - We are excited to welcome...
Notre Dame Retreat House 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
$10.00
09/12/2025 9:00 PM
FABI x PROPER PHILTH ELECTRO~WORLD DANCE PARTY Friday, September 12th 9pm $10/pwyc 9pm: PROPER PHILT 10:15pm: FABI...
121 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
09/13/2025 7:00 AM
Exciting News! St. James' will be rolling out their new Sunday morning schedule on Sunday, Sept. 14. The new schedule...
96 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
09/13/2025 9:00 AM
Trade show and watch party from 4pm-9pm. Come check it out and make some deals! $25 a table, $5 at the door ...
1602 Vinces Pk Dr, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
09/13/2025 10:00 AM
Over 30 crafters & direct sales vendors ready to offer you a little bit of everything! ...
Trolley Park 8868 South St, Weedsport, NY 13166
09/13/2025 12:00 PM
3rd Annual BBQ for Vets!! Saturday, September 13, 2025 12 - 5 PM Weedsport Speedway ...
Weedsport Speedway 1 Speedway Dr #415, Weedsport, NY 13166
09/13/2025 2:00 PM
Save the day : Saturday September 13, 2025 Seneca Lake State Park, Geneva, NY 14456 Pavilion 2 Looking forward to...
Seneca Lake State Park 1 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
$15.00
09/13/2025 3:00 PM
Learn how to make a grape pie from former Grape Festival Pie Contest winner Meghanne Freivald. This is excellent practice...
119 N Main St, Naples, NY 14512
$5.00
09/13/2025 6:00 PM
We're bringing three hours of pop punk, rock, emo, and pop classics to Geneva! Join us at The Hideout for their...
38 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456
09/13/2025 8:00 PM
Louiston As a solo performer, Louiston—the moniker of Trumansburg-based Lou DiPietro— shows out with...
121 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
09/13/2025 8:00 PM
DSP Shows Presents: Bob Mould Solo Electric: Here We Go Crazy w/ J. Robbins (solo) Saturday, September 13, 2025 Hangar...
Hangar Theatre 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
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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Finger Lakes Connected