In 1801, if you lived in Penn Yan and somebody sent you a letter, here's how you got it. A man named Dan Brown rode over from Canandaigua with the mail in his saddlebags. He stopped at a tree, put everything into a covered hole in the trunk, and kept going. That was the post office. You went to the tree.
Later on, steamboats ran the mail up and down Seneca Lake and dropped it at farmhouses on both shores. Your letter arrived by boat.
Which is a roundabout way of saying the Finger Lakes Effect Quarterly Vol. 1 goes in the mail later this week. Thankfully there’s no tree and no steamboat involved. Just that feeling of excitement, knowing something special is on the way.
📮 SNAIL MAIL HEADING OUT 📮
Grab the first-ever Finger Lakes Effect Quarterly and get something worthwhile delivered to your door. Shipping starts later this week!
I’m still working out how much I can fit in. Between the recipe card, sticker, historical notes, and more, it’s going to be a full envelope!
Limited-time pricing while this edition is in preorder, after July 30th it’ll be a few more bucks.
📫 MORE POSTCARDS 📫
Thanks to fellow reader Liz for sending me some great postcards. The post souvenir shown below was sent in 1909 and features double-sided, fold-out images of Watkins Glen and waterfalls in the area.
These are incredible little “time capsules” and have some great shots from way back when. Thanks again for sharing, Liz, and I’m happy everyone gets to check this out!
🏭 FINGER LAKES HISTORY BOOK LAUNCH 🏭
A fascinating piece of Finger Lakes history is being told by Harry Littell in his latest book, Factory Stories. The book is a collection of first-hand experiences of former employees, and those with deep connections to the Emerson Power Transmission/Morse Chain manufacturing facility in Ithaca, accompanied by his captivating photography.
Join Harry and other interested locals at FOUND in Ithaca on August 6th from 4 to 7 pm to enjoy some refreshments and meet some of the interviewees, or share your connection to the site as well.
If you’d like to get a copy of the book for free, I’ve got you covered.
Correctly answer this one question quiz and be entered to win a copy reserved just for Finger Lakes Effect subscribers!
The Bulletin
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Got a community event or shout-out? Submit it here.
Mill Creek Cafe - At the top of Honeoye is Mill Creek Cafe, and if you’re in the area between Thursday and Sunday, stop by and try out the hearty and delicious food they’ve got going on.
Lucky Hare Run Club - Rain or shine, join in every Wednesday evening. Family & furry friends encouraged to come. Run, jog, or walk. Meet between 5:30-5:50pm at the Lucky Hare Watkins Glen Bar & Grill in the Marina behind the Harbor Hotel.
The Quarterly - The first Finger Lakes Effect Quarterly snail mail will be going out starting this Thursday. 100 total editions, when they’re gone, they’re gone. Grab yours with the pre-order discount in place until Thursday.
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise: 5:55 AM
Moonrise: 8:47 PM (Full Moon)
Air Quality: 52 Moderate
Sunset: 8:29 PM
Moonset: 6:46 AM
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
Live from Linden @ Linden Street (Geneva - Saturday)
Mindful Botany Walks @ Cornell Botanic Gardens (Ithaca - Friday)
Ithaca Rotary Road Rally @ The Plantsmen Nursery (Groton - Sunday)
Wednesday, July 29
Cornell & NY Cider Field Days – Summer Tour @ Cornell Orchards (Ithaca) – Explore Cornell cider research, orchard trials, laboratory testing, and notable cider producers throughout the Finger Lakes.
Chess Club @ Modeste Bedient Memorial Library (Branchport) – Meet fellow chess enthusiasts for friendly games welcoming players of every age and ability level.
She Sings Wednesdays: Jess Novak @ Potters Farm to Fork (Port Byron) – Celebrate Central New York women musicians with local talent, refreshing drinks, and relaxed summer evening vibes.
Annie @ Cortland Repertory Theatre (Preble) – Follow optimistic orphan Annie through a joyful musical adventure filled with iconic songs, laughter, and theatrical magic.
Thursday, July 30
Circus Culture Summer Tour 2026 @ Press Bay Alley (Ithaca) – A lively outdoor circus showcase featuring family-friendly acts created and performed by local students, teachers, and community members.
Christmas in July @ It’s a Wonderful Life Museum (Seneca Falls) – Celebrate the beloved holiday classic with special appearances, screenings, historic programs, literary presentations, and live theater.
Hazard Library Book Sale @ Poplar Ridge Fire Department (Poplar Ridge) – Browse a giant selection of affordable books while supporting programs and services at the local Hazard Library.
Beginnings Summer Concert Series @ Ithaca Commons (Ithaca) – Enjoy live music and summer energy in the heart of downtown Ithaca through September 3.
A Cappella! – The Binghamton Vibes @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Hear timeless hits reimagined through lively a cappella arrangements, creative mashups, and memorable medleys.
Tuesday & Thursday Tunes on the Terrace @ Outlet 111 (Penn Yan) – Enjoy live local music, handcrafted drinks, and relaxing summer evenings overlooking the scenic Keuka Outlet.
Teal Park Benefit Picnic @ Teal Park (Horseheads) – Enjoy a community picnic, live music, and prize drawing while supporting local animal shelter and control services.
Sip & Paint Class – Sunset Scene @ Gorham Free Library (Gorham) – Follow step-by-step guidance to paint a glowing sunset scene on canvas in a welcoming library class.
Thursday Night Sunset Music Series @ Six Mile Creek Vineyards (Ithaca) – Enjoy local live music, award-winning wines, and spectacular sunset views from the vineyard deck.
Monsters University (2013) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Enjoy Pixar’s playful prequel featuring monster costumes, fresh popcorn, a vintage cartoon, and big-screen fun.
Friday, July 31
Mindful Botany Walks @ Cornell Botanic Gardens (Ithaca) – Slow down and observe seasonal plant transformations while practicing mindfulness along the gardens’ peaceful paths.
Modafferi Live @ K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub (Ithaca) – A lively indie performance featuring catchy original songs and seldom-heard favorite covers from the Syracuse band.
The Hangar Next Gen Musical: Beetlejuice JR. @ Hangar Theatre (Ithaca) – A frightfully funny musical adventure with catchy songs, supernatural mischief, memorable characters, and a heartfelt family story.
Women on the Water Walking Tour @ Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse) – Explore Syracuse landmarks connected to women’s rights and local contributions to the suffrage movement along the Erie Canal.
The Seven Wonders Live @ Treleaven Wines (King Ferry) – Celebrate Fleetwood Mac’s timeless hits with an energetic tribute performance beneath the stars at Treleaven’s outdoor stage.
10 Square Miles with Annie Burns & Friends @ Diamond on Seneca (Hector) – Enjoy live music, refreshing drinks, and a special dinner menu during this lively evening concert in Hector.
Brian Tomaszewski @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Enjoy an evening of live music from Brian Tomaszewski in Abandon Brewing Company’s scenic countryside setting.
Ella Langley: The Dandelion Tour @ CMAC (Canandaigua) – A dynamic country concert showcasing Ella Langley’s powerful vocals, candid storytelling, and rising-star energy.
The Wizard of Oz @ Bath-Haverling High Auditorium (Bath) – Keuka Lake Players celebrates 40 years with a family-friendly community production of the beloved journey through magical Oz.
Saturday, August 1
Live from Linden @ Linden Street (Geneva) – A lively summer street series featuring live entertainment and a welcoming pedestrian atmosphere in downtown Geneva.
Hosmer Winery Celebrates 41 Years! @ Hosmer Winery (Ovid) – Celebrate with live music, barbecue, wine, refreshing slushies, and family-friendly festivities at this anniversary gathering.
Tour de Keuka @ Hammondsport Fire Station (Hammondsport) – A scenic charity cycling event offering multiple routes around Keuka Lake while supporting the United Way.
Summer Concert Series @ Schwartz Plaza (Ithaca) – Enjoy free live music, food and drink booths, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere in the heart of Collegetown.
Guided Nature Paddles 2026 @ Dorchester Park (Whitney Point) – A guided lake paddle exploring local flora, fauna, history, and natural beauty by kayak or canoe.
TREES Crew @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – A hands-on volunteer gathering focused on invasive species management, native plant restoration, and environmental stewardship.
Sunflower Art Drop-In Craft @ Penn Yan Public Library (Penn Yan) – A cheerful drop-in craft turning everyday egg cartons and simple supplies into colorful sunflower wall art.
Wild Mushroom Identification Class @ Enfield Community Center (Enfield) – An in-depth foraging class teaching participants to confidently recognize fourteen delicious and easy-to-identify wild mushrooms.
Concert – Sunshine & Whiskey @ Eldridge Park (Elmira) – Sunshine & Whiskey bring lively music and relaxed summer vibes to Eldridge Park’s outdoor stage.
Live Music and Fireworks Celebrating Lodi’s Bicentennial @ Wagner Vineyards (Lodi) – Gabe Stillman brings energetic American roots music to Lodi’s bicentennial celebration, followed by a dazzling fireworks display.
Summer Jam 2026: Jeremy Kennedy’s Sacred Medicine @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Jeremy Kennedy’s Sacred Medicine brings live music and relaxed summer energy to this welcoming Tully brewery.
Public Sunset Cruise @ Allan H. Treman Marina (Ithaca) – A relaxing evening cruise featuring beautiful sunset views, light narration, and informal conversations with the crew.
Broadway by the Lake with Norm Lewis @ Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Vineyard (Skaneateles) – Broadway star Norm Lewis performs a versatile revue spanning jazz, blues, soul, pop, and classic American favorites.
Trashy Art Exhibition – Call for Creatives @ Friends of the Chemung River Watershed (Elmira) – A creative call inviting artists to transform discarded materials into meaningful artwork celebrating sustainability and cleaner waterways.
Sunday, August 2
Ithaca Rotary Road Rally @ The Plantsmen Nursery (Groton) – A scenic scavenger hunt on wheels featuring clues, teamwork, photos, and friendly competition along country roads.
Sunday Botanic Gardens Highlights Tour @ Cornell Botanic Gardens (Ithaca) – Discover diverse cultivated plant collections and seasonal garden transformations during a relaxing guided stroll.
Sunday Soiree with The Dart Brothers @ Ice Cream Bar (Trumansburg) – Enjoy heartland rock, upstate twang, and indie grit from this acclaimed Finger Lakes Americana band.
Jazz Brunch with Wayne Gottlieb & Harry Aceto @ Stonecat Café (Hector) – A leisurely café brunch accompanied by live jazz from Wayne Gottlieb and Harry Aceto.
Suncatcher Extravaganza @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – A cheerful crafting event invites guests to create colorful suncatchers while enjoying the relaxed brewery setting.
Recurring Events
Limited Duration - click here
Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
See you out there!
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect.
Adam Moody
