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Articles by Mike Murphy
Canandaigua park gets mysterious new sculpture. Here's when it will be unveiled
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Aug. 27, 2026, 11:36 a.m. ET Now that a new gift has been added to Gibson Street Park in Canandaigua, a bit of intrigue seems to be in the air. The gift, which city work crews installed last week, is an outdoor sculpture donated to the city by Barron Naegle, an associate professor at Finger Lakes Community College who has taught ceramics, drawing and sculpture for more than 20 years.
Canandaigua park gets mysterious new sculpture. Here's when it will be unveiled
Aug. 27, 2026, 11:36 a.m. ET Now that a new gift has been added to Gibson Street Park in Canandaigua, a bit of intrigue seems to be in the air. The gift, which city work crews installed last week, is an outdoor sculpture donated to the city by Barron Naegle, an associate professor at Finger Lakes Community College who has taught ceramics, drawing and sculpture for more than 20 years. Naegle has also created public art in Michigan and, closer to home, in Ithaca.
Canandaigua's Gallery 32 seeks artists with 'Tiny Hands'
Aug. 26, 2026, 4:49 a.m. ET The folks who run Gallery 32 in Downtown Canandaigua say you’re never too young to be an artist. But sometimes, the youngsters may need a little bit of help developing their talents and keeping those tiny hands busy. The gallery, which is a project of the Ontario County Arts Council, will be hosting the Tiny Hands Art Studio, an art studio experience for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds on Saturday mornings, beginning Sept. 12.
KiX on Main in Canandaigua could change hands in October Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Aug. 21, 2026, 1:04 p.m. ET A popular fixture in the Canandaigua culinary scene is expected to change hands at the beginning of October. KiX on Main owners Alexander “Xan” and Kimberly Vakiener Bacon have identified a potential buyer of their restaurant, which opened in 2021. Bacon declined to identify the potential buyer at this time. KiX on Main at 170 S.
Historic Shortsville site transforms into new craft brewery
Aug. 21, 2026, 3:00 a.m. ET SHORTSVILLE — Ken Johnson knows he and his partners have one opportunity to make a good impression. If all goes well, customers will get that first impression of the ambitious Wheel Works Brewing Co. in Shortsville when it’s scheduled to open Sept. 15. That would spell the symbolic end of the lengthy transformation of an old, crumbling building with historical significance to this Ontario County village, and the start of a new chapter in local history.
Canandaigua's Kershaw Park beach to close Saturday. Here's why
Aug. 20, 2026, 11:49 a.m. ET Swimming at the beach at Kershaw Park in Canandaigua will end for the season Saturday, Aug. 22. The reason is not due to the presence of harmful algal blooms, which forced its closure for several days earlier in the month. According to city officials, there is not enough staff to safely operate after this Saturday.
Canandaigua's Kershaw Park beach to close Saturday. Here's why
Swimming at the beach at Kershaw Park in Canandaigua will end for the season Saturday, Aug. 22. The reason is not due to the presence of harmful algal blooms, which forced its closure for several days earlier in the month. According to city officials, there is not enough staff to safely operate after this Saturday. “We have had a wonderful summer, and we would like to thank all of our lifeguards and beach staff for all you do to keep the public safe!” the city noted in the post on its website.
Local campers give Canandaigua Civic Center a makeover
Aug. 18, 2026, 4:05 a.m. ET The Greater Canandaigua Civic Center never looked cooler. The facility, which houses the ice rink popular with youth hockey players and skaters of all ages as well as special events, received an artful makeover over the summer, courtesy of the Paints & Rec summer camp program. The grand reveal on Aug.
Track cormorant activity in New York with new tool
Aug. 17, 2026, 12:20 p.m. ET Locally developed technology and the help of the public may result in ways to better manage a federally protected water bird and in the process, help solve issues some Wayne County residents are having with bird poop and their impact on the Lake Ontario fish stock.
Popular bakery closing after 36 years in business
Aug. 17, 2026, 4:29 a.m. ET It was a good run, and Sweet Times Bakery husband-and-wife owners Kim and Jeff Roberge met a lot of great people — and their kids and in some cases, their kids, too. But it was time for a change. Sweet Times Bakery, a popular cafe for baked goodies and lunches in Victor, will be closing its doors after 36 “wonderful years” of business. The last day of business, according to an Aug. 13 post on its Facebook page, will be Aug. 28. The Roberges opened the bakery in 1990.
Tick-borne illnesses are surging in Ontario County. What residents should know
Aug. 13, 2026, 4:05 a.m. ET A year after Canandaigua City Council took on the issue of ticks and the prevalence of tick-borne illnesses in Ontario County, the numbers of cases remain on the rise. Tick-borne illnesses have increased from 62 in 2017 to 337 in 2025, with the numbers trending 40% more this year to date than last, according to Matt Hanggi, communicable disease coordinator for Ontario County Public Health and member of a City Council ad-hoc committee.
Strangebird brewery debuts 'secret fruit' ale for festival
Aug. 11, 2026, 12:11 p.m. ET Rochester’s Strangebird brewery is providing a bit of a tropical flair for one of the Finger Lakes region’s favorite near-the-end-of-summer festivals. Clothesline State of Mind, a sour ale brewed with paw paw fruit and pink peppercorn, will be available during the two-day M&T Bank Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival at the Memorial Art Gallery. When is the Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival? The 69th annual festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug.
Canandaigua starts work on new culinary arts hub
Aug. 10, 2026, 3:19 p.m. ET The official groundbreaking for the new culinary arts center was only minutes away, but that didn’t stop Moira Tidball, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, from inviting everyone back next year for a toast to its opening.
Canandaigua gathers for massive singing bowl event
Updated Aug. 10, 2026, 4:32 p.m. ET They fell just short of the world record for the largest singing bowl ensemble. But on Saturday, the 306 people who participated in the Canandaigua Rising in Unity event may have achieved close to nirvana for at least five minutes. At 4:44 p.m., the participants — who crowded into the Central on Main and Commons Park — began to play their Himalayan singing bowls, which came in sizes large, small and medium, each with a different tone.
Canandaigua gathers for massive singing bowl event Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Aug. 10, 2026, 12:50 p.m. ET There's no official word on if they set the world record for the largest singing bowl ensemble. But on Saturday, those who participated in the Canandaigua Rising in Unity event may have achieved close to nirvana for at least five minutes.
Kershaw beach in Canandaigua closes for the weekend
Aug. 7, 2026, 7:56 p.m. ET It's not the news would-be beachgoers wanted to hear with the number of summer weekends dwindling. The beach at Kershaw Park in Canandaigua will remain closed through Monday, Aug. 10. The beach will reopen if the state Department of Health determines it's safe, based on test results.
Canandaigua seeks to set singing bowl world record Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Aug. 7, 2026, 8:19 a.m. ET After Saturday, Canandaigua may be known for something that no place else in the world has done. Canandaigua Rising in Unity, a free community celebration of connection, culture music and mindfulness scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, in Downtown Canandaigua, will culminate with an attempt at the world record for largest singing bowl ensemble.
Canandaigua Kershaw Park beaches closed due to algae bloom
Aug. 6, 2026, 3:25 p.m. ET The city of Canandaigua has closed the public beach and dog beach at Kershaw Park because harmful algal blooms, or blue-green algae, have been found in the water. As a precautionary measure, both beaches will be closed the remainder of today, Aug. 6, and Friday, Aug. 7, city officials noted in a post on its Facebook page. Harmful algal bloom conditions can change very quickly based on wind direction and water movement, city officials said.
Canandaigua hosts first combined community event. See photos
Aug. 5, 2026, 12:22 p.m. ET CANANDAIGUA — The city of Canandaigua hosted its first National Night Out and combined it with its popular Touch a Truck event, drawing many kids and their parents to Canandaigua Lake. The free event was held Tuesday afternoon and into the early evening at Kershaw Park.
Canandaigua hosts first National Night Out event. See the photos.
Canandaigua hosts first National Night Out event. See the photos. Aug. 5, 2026, 12:22 p.m. ET Canandaigua police officer Jordan Carey demonstrates the use of a drone during the city's first National Night Out event at Kershaw Park. The event held Aug. 4 is an effort to build policing and community partnerships. Mike Murphy/Canandaigua Daily Messenger Brodie Congdon seems to be a Canandaigua firefighter in the making.
Canandaigua Main Street repaving starts this month Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Aug. 5, 2026, 11:47 a.m. ET The road project many motorists have been waiting for is nearly here. Repaving of Canandaigua's Main Street (Route 332) is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 24, according to a post on the city of Canandaigua's Facebook page. Work times are subject to the weather, of course. Drivers have been venting for some time on social media with complaints of potholes and assorted bumps on the road on Main Street.
Canandaigua rezoning plan near Jefferson Park shelved after business opposition
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Aug. 4, 2026, 1:17 p.m. ET A possible rezoning of land near Jefferson Park that could have led to more housing in the city of Canandaigua appears to be dead for now after several business owners gave a collective thumbs-down to the idea.
Harmful algal blooms reported in Canandaigua Lake. What to know Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Aug. 3, 2026, 12:26 p.m. ET It’s that time of year at Canandaigua Lake. Three harmful algal blooms, or HABS, were reported July 31 and Aug. 1 as of Monday morning, on the eastern side of the lake. This comes a week after Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association volunteer shoreline monitors on July 24 reported what is believed to be the first harmful blue-green algal bloom of the summer, also on the east side of the lake.
Victor Music and Food Festival returns this August Original
VICTOR — Six bands will perform on four stages as part of the fifth annual Victor Music & Food Festival. Admission is free to the event, which will be held from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Mead Square in the village. Performers include the headliner, Tryst, and State Line, Shades of Grey, JD Blues Band, Dave Turner and Rylee Pierce. The event last year drew more than 5,000 people to the village of Victor.
Canandaigua songwriter finds success with patriotic tune 'American Troubadour'
Aug. 1, 2026, 11:18 a.m. ET Years ago, Rich Cooley first began working on the song but set it aside. Country crooner Willie Nelson beat him to the title, “On the Road Again,” as Cooley called his song then, and Cooley didn’t want anyone — most of all, Nelson — to think he was copying him. Try as he might, Cooley couldn’t work around it, at least not then. Nine years ago, he tried again, coming up with a new title and theme, and a new chorus.
Canandaigua event celebrates life of Austin Steward
A former slave who later in life would have a major impact on the Canandaigua and Rochester communities will be recognized on a day celebrating emancipation. The 1816 Farmington Quaker Meetinghouse Museum in Farmington and the Ontario County Historical Society will co-sponsor Commemorating Emancipation Day, a program marking the end of slavery in the British Empire.
Canandaigua event celebrates life of Austin Steward
July 29, 2026, 3:01 a.m. ET A former slave who later in life would have a major impact on the Canandaigua and Rochester communities will be recognized on a day celebrating emancipation. The 1816 Farmington Quaker Meetinghouse Museum in Farmington and the Ontario County Historical Society will co-sponsor Commemorating Emancipation Day, a program marking the end of slavery in the British Empire. The event will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug.
Groundbreaking for $24M culinary arts center in Canandaigua postponed Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle July 28, 2026, 7:47 a.m. ET CANANDAIGUA — Because of the rain and further threat of inclement weather, Ontario County officials have postponed a ceremonial groundbreaking on the $24 million culinary arts center of excellence in Canandaigua. The groundbreaking on this ambitious project was originally scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Canandaigua culinary arts center groundbreaking: What to know about $24M project
July 27, 2026, 4:03 p.m. ET The ambitious development project with many moving parts has been talked about for months, and various approvals have been signed off by various government agencies. Now, it’s time for action on a proposed culinary arts center of excellence near Canandaigua Lake.
Canandaigua chef finishes third in national Favorite Chef competition Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle July 27, 2026, 3:54 p.m. ET John Bard, the Lake House on Canandaigua executive pastry chef, may not have won it all, but he did finish in third place in his group in the quarter finals of a national contest. Bard competed in the Favorite Chef online competition, hosted by Carla Hall of the Food Network. Voting ended last week.
Road work on Routes 5, 20 and 332 near Canandaigua begins Monday. What drivers need to know Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle July 24, 2026, 10:42 a.m. ET Heavily trafficked state roads heading to and from the city of Canandaigua will begin seeing work on Monday, July 27. Here's what drivers can expect. Routes 5 and 20, from Geneva to Canandaigua State Route 5 and U.S. Route 20 between Canandaigua and Geneva will see slowdowns as crews begin a pavement project Monday.
Lake House Canandaigua pastry chef competes in Favorite Chef 2026 contest
July 22, 2026, 3:10 p.m. ET You may know John Bard and his work as executive pastry chef at the Lake House on Canandaigua. In addition to desserts such as s’mores crème brûlée or a Dubai chocolate-inspired brownie with cherry gelée, Bard is also largely responsible for the creative and sometimes giant gingerbread attractions at the resort on Canandaigua Lake during the holidays. Remember the gingerbread boat, Molasses Mariner?
Ontario County Chamber of Commerce seeks new leader
July 21, 2026, 10:02 a.m. ET The search is on. Krista Gleason, who serves as board chair of the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce, was appointed interim president of the Canandaigua-based business organization, effective Aug. 1. That’s when Tracey Dello Stritto, who has led the Chamber since 2023, leaves the organization to head up the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, the tourism agency of Ontario County. Dello Stritto succeeds Alicia M.
Victor storm cleanup continues after severe weather damages homes, trees
July 20, 2026, 4:13 p.m. ET Just like it was for many Victor residents and work crews over the weekend, Monday was cleanup day in the village after a devastating storm tore through the Finger Lakes region on Saturday afternoon, leaving downed tree branches and limbs and damaged homes in its wake. Ingrid Zimmermann, who lives on East Main Street in the village, was away for a time Saturday but on her return home, she saw extensive tree damage to her property.
Canandaigua honors former Mayor Ellen Polimeni Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle July 20, 2026, 9:53 a.m. ET After a warmup of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band classics — alas, fans; recorded, not live — the recognition of former Canandaigua Mayor Ellen Polimeni began. Polimeni, who is a huge fan of Springsteen, celebrated her 85th birthday on July 16, which also was declared Ellen Polimeni Day in the city.
Motorcyclist killed in Canandaigua crash identified
July 18, 2026, 5:03 p.m. ET A Rochester man has died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash Friday afternoon in the town of Canandaigua, the Ontario County Sheriff's Office said Saturday. Raymond Brown, 67, was flown by Mercy Flight helicopter to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester where he died from injuries suffered in the single-vehicle crash, sheriff's deputies said.
Canandaigua Art & Music Festival cut short by storms
July 18, 2026, 4:58 p.m. ET The second day of the three-day Downtown Canandaigua Art & Music Festival started off with fine, summery weather and included an 85th birthday celebration for former Mayor Ellen Polimeni. But around 1 p.m. Saturday, cell phones began pinging with severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings, with crowds heading for the hills. Then came the downpour, with some making it back to their cars and others hiding out under stores awnings or inside shops.
Firefighter injured battling blaze at Gorham home
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle July 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET One firefighter was taken to the hospital for treatment after battling a fire at a Ontario County town of Gorham residence on July 17. Three people in the home on state Route 364 near Kipp Road were able to flee the structure, which was fully engulfed in flames when rescue crews arrived, according to Ontario County sheriff’s deputies. The firefighter’s injuries were considered non life-threatening, deputies said.
Rochester motorcyclist suffers life-threatening injuries in Canandaigua crash
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle July 18, 2026, 9:55 a.m. ET A Rochester man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a motorcycle crash Friday afternoon in Canandaigua, according to the Ontario County Sheriff's Office. The 67-year-old man was riding on Buffalo Street Extension when the crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, sheriff's deputies said.
Trust the judges. You'll want to try Molly V's ice cream winner
VICTOR — You know you’ve hit the big time in the ice cream world when you walk into a shop and the people inside begin to cheer for you.
Cause of West Bloomfield house fire under review
Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Wed, July 15, 2026 at 2:46 PM UTC Cause of West Bloomfield house fire under review The cause of a fire that significantly damaged a home in the Ontario County town of West Bloomfield on July 14 remains under investigation. No one was home at the time of the blaze, which does not appear to be suspicious, according to Ontario County sheriff's deputies.
More than 100 classic cars roll into Manchester for annual car show
Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Sat, July 11, 2026 at 7:53 PM UTC The classic cars of yesteryear just seem to ooze character. John Tornow, who owns a burgundy 1957 Plymouth Belvedere, believes those vintage vehicles have a certain flair that modern cars simply don't. Tornow showed off his Belvedere at the sixth annual car show and swap meet at Mike Griffin Memorial Park in Manchester on July 11. The event was sponsored by the Manchester Model Railroad Association.
Catch these Finger Lakes festivals this summer Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle July 10, 2026, 4:04 a.m. ET The pizzazz of Fourth of July celebrations may have fizzled out for the most part, but the summertime fun continues in Canandaigua and the Finger Lakes until the back-to-school shopping is done. A host of family-friendly events dedicated to music, food, drinks and just plain old-fashioned fun serve as reminders of why folks choose to live here, and many others want to be here.
Tracey Dello Stritto named new head of Finger Lakes tourism agency
The Finger Lakes Visitors Connection will have a new leader, its second in a little over a year. Tracey Dello Stritto will serve as the Ontario County tourism promotion agency’s next president and CEO, effective Aug. 3. Dello Stritto, who has served as president and CEO of the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce since 2023, will succeed Alicia M. Richie.
Sip Chardonnay to support Canandaigua Lake efforts
July 7, 2026, 10:50 a.m. ET This summer, you can eat, drink and be a Canandaigua Lake steward through the Savor the Flavor program. Like they did last summer, Nolan's on Canandaigua Lake and Heron Hill Winery are pairing up to help the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association and its mission of protecting, preserving and restoring the lake through science, education and advocacy. This is how they do it. A toast to Canandaigua Lake From now through Sept.
Town of Canandaigua gets in on the Fourth of July fun
Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Sat, July 4, 2026 at 9:08 PM UTC CANANDAIGUA — Mere hours after the city of Canandaigua Fourth of July parade ended, the town of Canandaigua's holiday celebration heated up. Rain threatened but held off for the most part during the early hours of the town celebration at Richard P. Outhouse Memorial Park in the town of Canandaigua. Music and lots of lawn games helped visitors pass the time before the fireworks, which were scheduled for dusk.
Thousands line Canandaigua's Main Street for Fourth of July parade
Mark and Jodie Flick moved to Bristol Harbor over a year ago to be closer to their grandkids in Victor. And to share the holiday with family during a parade on the Fourth of July makes it an extra special occasion to them. "Family is what it's all about as far as the Fourth of July," Mark Flick said. "We're celebrating our country and our family." This year's parade in Canandaigua was extra special as it coincided with the country's 250th anniversary celebration.
See photos from the 2026 Canandaigua Fourth of July parade
See photos from the 2026 Canandaigua Fourth of July parade July 4, 2026, 1:30 p.m. ET Sean Buck of Canandaigua portrays President George Washington during the Fourth of July parade in Downtown Canandaigua. Mike Murphy/Canandaigua Daily Messenger Despite the threat of rain, a large crowd lines Main Street in Downtown Canandaigua for the annual Fourth of July parade. Mike Murphy/Canandaigua Daily Messenger Veterans lead the Fourth of July parade in Downtown Canandaigua on July 4.
Bicentennial time capsule opened in East Bloomfield. What was inside? Original
Mike Murphy Rochester Democrat and Chronicle July 3, 2026, 2:52 p.m. ET BLOOMFIELD — A 1976 Bloomfield High School yearbook and school district newsletter, remember way back when? A sheet of bicentennial postage stamps, which then cost letter writers and bill payers only 24 cents, 13 cents, 11 cents and 9 cents, respectively.
Canandaigua July 4th guide for parade and fireworks
Both the city and town of Canandaigua will be celebrating the red, white and blue in a big way. But first a note about fireworks: The display will happen at dusk July 4 at Richard P. Outhouse Memorial Park in the town of Canandaigua, not at Canandaigua Lake. Repeat; not at the lake.
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