Help make blankets and 9 other things to do in the Canandaigua area this week

Several years ago, Lynnora Smith wanted to donate a blanket she had made to a charity only to find out the children might be jealous of just one child getting a blanket.

Smith set out to find helpers. More blankets, more kids and most importantly, more warm kids when it’s getting cold.

“I had the material but needed the worker bees to make it happen,” Smith said, and volunteers from quilt groups, friends and the public brought their tools and sewing machines and had a great time.

The group of blanket makers almost reached their goal of 100 blankets, but still, 88 was pretty darned good. 

The people and organizations who received the homemade blankets were delighted they had something to put under the Christmas tree to give to everyone, especially the children, Smith said.

“When you see the fabric and colors you'll know why,” Smith said. “They are outstanding.” 

This year's goal is 50, which will still be a blessing to those in need, but the lower number is due to fewer volunteers. How to make more blankets?

More volunteers.

Last Saturday, Smith hosted the first of two blanket-making events. The next one is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3217 W. Cedarbush Drive, Canandaigua, near Thompson Hospital. If possible, call 585-721-9764 ahead of time.

“We make easy fleece blankets where we just cut and tie, and quilts where we iron, cut, sew and quilt the top, batting and backing together,” Smith said. “So, there is a need in each area, from easy to more advanced.”

Smith would love to have more than 50 blankets made.

"Fingers crossed,” Smith said.

Here’s what else is happening this week.

1. Finger Lakes Photography Guild opening reception

This annual exhibit, which runs through Jan. 12, 2024, showcases the works of the Finger Lakes Photography Guild. The opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Heron Hill Winery will provide samples at the reception.

2. ‘The Nutcracker’ dances into Canandaigua

Rochester City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” performances are scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, 20 Fort Hill Ave., Canandaigua. The cast includes all nine ballet company members, several guest artists and nearly 150 students from local dance schools, including three deaf children who will dance the role of Angels, thanks to scholarships provided by donors. Tickets are on sale at rochestercityballet.org/events.

3. ‘A Christmas Carol’ reprise in Geneva

Kim Tenreiro performs his one-man version of “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 on the third floor of The Dove Block Project, 465 Exchange Street, Geneva. Tenreiro brings to life over 30 characters during the show, which is presented by the Ontario County Arts Council and The Dove Block Project. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at www.ocarts.org or in person at The Dove, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Proceeds benefit projects of the Ontario County Arts Council and the Dove Block Project.

4. Folk Art Guild brings in the holidays in Middlesex

Shops and studios that are part of the Folk Art Guild will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex. All the shops and studios will have craft exhibits. In addition to the variety of crafts presented in their own workshops, a bake sale with packaged sweet goodies will be held in the Romeo building. For more information, visit folkartguild.org or call 585-554-3539.

5. Breakfast with Santa in Shortsville

Pancakes with Santa? Count most kids in for that, especially when he and the Mrs. arrive by fire truck. It happens from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at St. Dominic’s Parish Center, 97 W. Main St., Shortsville. Admission is free for 12 and under; $5 for those over 12. Admission includes pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk, a homemade ornament and cookie decorating. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to arrive at 9 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Bishop Joseph Hogan Knights of Columbus.

6. Take a hike in Victor

Victor Hiking Trails will lead a moderately paced hike of Dryer Road Park at 9 a.m. Dec. 9 at the park, 7405 Dryer Road, Victor. Dress for the weather, wear good hiking boots and bring water to stay hydrated. Hikers should meet at the south end of the parking lot. Afterward, join the group for food, drinks and social time at a local restaurant. Check the website www.victorhikingtrails.org, Facebook, Meetup or the voice message line, 585-234-8226, for additional details.

7. Christmas cookies, yum

A Christmas cookie sale is planned for 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at West Bloomfield Congregational Church, 9035 Route 5, West Bloomfield. The church’s annual sale includes cookies of all kinds, including gluten free, fudge, sweet breads, homemade candy and more. The cost is $9 a pound.

8. Food Resource Fair at Wood Library

The fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Representatives from WIC, Office for the Aging, Salvation Army, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Community Liaison Team, Foodlink Pop-up Pantries, Gleaners Community Kitchen, St. Vincent de Paul Society, The Spot, Victor Farmington Food Cupboard, The Partnership for Ontario County and Ontario County Public Health will be there for the free event. Visitors will have the opportunity to chat with reps and learn about the resources available in the area for food pantries, hot meals, delivery services and more. For details and to register for this or other Wood Library programs, visit woodlibrary.org or call 585-394-1381.

9. John Dady and Friends in concert in Hemlock

This holiday concert is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 at Little Lakes Community Center, 4705 S. Main St., Hemlock. John Dady, a guitarist, will be accompanied by John Michael Ryan on penny whistle and button accordion, mandolin virtuoso Perry Cleveland, bassist Gary Holt and Al Keltz on electric and pedal steel guitar.

If you have an event you'd like to see listed in the "Things to Do" column, email Mike Murphy at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com.

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Making blankets for the needy and 9 things to do in the Finger Lakes