Freeville Blog

As the winter months settle in, we know that getting out of the house isn’t always easy. Snow, ice, and cold weather can make even simple errands a challenge. That’s why I am beginning to offer wintertime house calls– a service designed to make getting through the winter season a little easier on our residents.

This service only applies to residents living within the Village. Whether a snowstorm is keeping you stuck indoors or holiday shopping has got your schedule overbooked, feel free to let our office deliver what you need to your doorstep! To coordinate a house call, either call the office phone during business hours or send me an email at clerk@freevilleny.org. House calls will be completed in a timely manner during weekdays. House calls will not be available on weekends or holidays.

Please remember: house calls do not apply to tax payments. It is the responsibility of residents to drop off or mail in their tax payments and/or late fees. We cannot pick up tax payments as a part of this service. Additionally, the clerk is happy to come to you, but is not obligated to enter any residence.

For more details regarding the kinds of visits I am able to make, please refer to the poster below. It outlines the specific services available through wintertime house calls.

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!

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.

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.