Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Author: VillageFreeville

Share Your Village Stories and Snapshots!

We’re excited to invite our residents to help us celebrate life in Freeville by submitting photos and stories for future blog posts! Whether it’s a quiet moment on a tree-lined street, a bustling village event, or a neighbor whose kindness deserves recognition—your contributions help us tell the story of our community.

We welcome everything from seasonal scenery to snapshots of daily life. If it matters to you, it matters to us—and we’d be super delighted to hear more about what our residents have going on!

To help us maintain consistency and relevance, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • All story submissions should be accompanied by a photo or graphic that complements the narrative.
  • Photos must be taken within the Village of Freeville or within a quarter-mile of village boundaries.
  • If you have photos but no accompanying story, that’s perfectly fine—we’re happy to accept standalone photo submissions. These may be featured on our website homepage or included in general update blog posts.

Your submissions help us celebrate the people, places, and moments that make our community special. We look forward to seeing what you share. Any and all submissions should be sent directly to clerk@freevilleny.org.

⚠️ A Quick Note on Safety

While capturing the beauty of our village, please remember to stay aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of traffic, private property, and weather conditions. Safety always comes first—your well-being is more important than any photo.

To submit your photo or story, simply email or drop it off at the Village Office. We can’t wait to see Freeville through your eyes!

Fall Beauty in Annee Lane, Freeville—Captured by Glenn Hughes

Wintery Walks with Wagging Tails on the Freeville Rail Trail

As the air gets colder and falling leaves give way to falling snow, the rail trail remains a favorite destination for dog walkers looking to stay active, warm, and connected. Every day, familiar faces-both human and canine-come to walk the trail and enjoy the sense of community that can be found while doing something as routine as taking a walk with your pet. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or new to the path, you’re bound to exchange friendly greetings, share stories, and maybe find a playmate for your pup!

We feel so much joy in knowing the rail trail is being put to good use, but we’d like to remind residents and their pets alike to be safe in the icier season. Watch out for icy patches that may form along shaded stretches of the trail. Good footwear and a watchful eye can help keep you and your furry companion safe.

We’d love to invite our residents to continue to share your trail adventures with us. Please feel free to send in photos of your pet, your walking route, or the friends you meet along the way. These snapshots help us celebrate the vibrant pet-loving spirit of our community.

A photo submitted by Mr. William Hughes featuring furry friends and their owners enjoying a brisk walk on the rail trail

Welcoming Shortline Bakery to Freeville

On November 1, 2025, the heart of Freeville got a little warmer — and a whole lot more fragrant — as Shortline Bakery opened its doors for the very first time. The scent of fresh-baked bread drifted down the street, drawing in curious passersby and longtime neighbors alike. Inside, they were greeted not just by golden loaves and flaky pastries, but by the friendly smile of Mark Croft, owner, baker, and the hands behind every handmade treat.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to stop in for a cozy bite or a thoughtful gift. Whether you’re picking up a crusty sourdough for dinner, a box of cookies for a friend, or simply craving the comfort of something warm from the oven, Shortline Bakery is ready to welcome you.

Come say hello, support a local dream, and taste the beginning of something special in Freeville.

Mr. Mark Croft posing with Freeville Residents on Opening Day

FCC History Night

The Freeville Community Council is bringing back the popular village history night event!   

Freeville is surrounded by natural beauty, from our creeks and beaver ponds to the bucolic views across pastures and fields. But just how natural is this landscape? What did it look like in the past? And what does North America’s largest rodent have to do with it all? Join us for a slide presentation by Village Historian Kristen Olson to hear about the history of farming and land use in Tompkins County, with a focus on the former Genung Farm in Freeville.

Light refreshments and drinks will be provided. Come for a little village history and good company.  

We would like to host this event at the Freeville Literary Society, and here having a general estimate of how many people would like to attend would be very helpful. If the interest is far greater than that space can support we will find another space nearby to host it.  If you know you’d like to come please let us know asap by responding to freeville.community@gmail.com

Thank You,

The FCC

Ryan, Hugh, Cinta, and Lea