Located at 411 Butternut Drive in Newfield, CJ Morse Painting and Construction continues a tradition of quality workmanship and community service.

For nearly five decades, Carl Morse has been a familiar and trusted name throughout the local community. Through hard work, experience, and dedication to his customers, he has built more than a business—he has built a lasting reputation.

Carl established CJ Morse Painting in 1978 at just 18 years old, although his love of the trade began much earlier. As a young boy, he gained experience painting his family’s historic Victorian home, both inside and out. By age 14, word of his work had spread throughout the neighborhood, and he was painting an average of four to five houses each year. In 1985, he expanded the business to include construction.

Today, CJ Morse Painting and Construction offers interior and exterior painting, staining, light plumbing and electrical work, carpentry, masonry, and general repairs. Carl takes pride in his workmanship and believes in standing behind every job. His philosophy is simple: “No job is too big or too small” and “We stand by what we do.”

As a longtime local business owner, Carl is a valued asset to the communities, bringing decades of experience, dependable service, and hometown craftsmanship to the people he serves. His story is a reminder of the value of hard work, personal commitment, and a business built on trust.

Free estimates, senior discounts, and scheduling discounts are available. Weekly projects can be viewed on the company’s Facebook page.

To learn more or request an estimate, contact Carl Morse at CJ Morse Painting and Construction. Call his office at (607) 564-0620 or call or text his cell at (607) 342-4516. You can also reach him by email at cjmorsepainting@gmail.com or visit his website at cjmorsepainting.com.

Located at 411 Butternut Drive in Newfield, CJ Morse Painting and Construction continues a tradition of quality workmanship and community service.

While scientists continue to study marcescence, there are some theories as to why it occurs, one being that the dry, crunchy leaves may deter winter browsing from hungry white-tailed deer to better protect the developing trees’ twigs and buds. Another theory suggests that when the beech trees finally drop their leaves in springtime, the ensuing piles around their base work to block sunlight and reduce the occurrence of competing understory plants — a sensible theory, as marcescence is more often observed on younger, smaller beech trees than on older, mature trees that have outgrown the risk of competition. Yet another theory purports that the retention of old leaves can help protect dormant buds and twigs from drying out in harsh winter winds. 

Beech trees may use marcescence for any or all of these reasons — or perhaps others we have yet to consider. Regardless of the factors at play, their persisting, pale leaves add visual interest to the bare late-autumn forest.

Article & photo by Margie Manthey

Running a business in the Cortland and Ithaca area of New York State means operating in a unique, vibrant economy. Between the bustling energy of local colleges and universities and our many restaurants, vineyards, farms and shops, Central New York business owners wear a lot of hats. But let’s be honest: keeping up with payroll probably isn’t your favorite part of the day. Between tracking hours for your employees and navigating labor laws, it can quickly feel overwhelming.

That is where Equus Advisors comes in. Think of us as your local payroll partners. We handle the heavy lifting—onboarding your new hires, entering weekly hours, and ensuring tax compliance—while providing your team with modern perks. Your employees will love the convenience of direct deposit and a handy smartphone app where they can instantly access their paystubs and W-2s.

By teaming up with us, you get the best of both worlds. Your business benefits from a robust, secure backend payroll engine, combined with the personal touch of a local team who knows you by name and answers your questions. You can stop into our office, call us, email us, or upload your timesheets to our secure client portal. There are no automated hotlines here—just neighbors helping neighbors succeed right here in a beautiful part of Upstate New York.

Let us take the administrative headaches off your plate so you can focus on growing your business and serving our community. Contact Equus Advisors today to simplify your payroll and reclaim your time!

We at Valley View Gardens and the Cinnamon Apple Cottage are very thankful for you, our wonderful customers! As the gardening season draws to its natural conclusion, our gift shop, The Cinnamon Apple Cottage comes alive! Showing love and appreciation for our family and friends is a big part of who we all are and what better time than during the Christmas holiday season? The Cinnamon Apple Cottage contains a wide-ranging selection of quality giftware perfect for all the people in your life. Musical clocks, artwork, fragrances, whimsical and holiday décor; edibles, holiday music; and unique gifts for men, women and children. 

Polish pottery and exotic Turkish Lamps and dishware have spiced up our home décor lines with their vibrant, colorful patterns. Good Night books, popular “first books” for your children and grandchildren! Dozens of fun titles from which to choose, such as: “Good Night Farm!”, “Good Night Dinosaur!” and “Good Night New Baby!” make choosing a first book for young children a rewarding experience. Plush puppets designed to spur the imaginations of our young people are popular gift items! Animal puppets such as pigs, calves, monkeys, frogs, cats, dogs, hedgehogs and much more are waiting to be adopted! Some even oink and squeak! Mini puppets for tiny hands are available too! 

Check out our signature giftware, Amish Jams, soups and salsas for your holiday table! Primitive and contemporary artwork, holiday and everyday wreaths and garlands, figurines, classic annotative literature, inspirational music cd’s, Christmas ornaments, musical clocks, window-mirrors, inspirational plaques and much more, await your shopping needs! We will also have Cinnamon Apple coupons; Lang calendars; cookie, mixes, and soups; Fall and Christmas decor, Willow Tree figurines, ornaments; candles, and potpourri; Inis fragrances, and so much more!

Our hours during November are Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 4pm; closed on Sunday; closed Thanksgiving day; open Black Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Come and experience the enchanting atmosphere and wonderful gift items in our ten-room, quaint gift shop, The Cinnamon Apple Cottage! You will love it, as do so many of the regular customers! Please call if you have any questions: 607-749-3130. We are located at 3797 Luker Rd in Cortland! See you soon!

We are in our 17th year of holding the Holiday Extravaganza Craft Show on Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 10am-3pm.   The event takes place every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and is held at the Willet Town Hall and Church (1425-1427 Route 41, Willet). This community event directly benefits the Cincinnatus Community Foundation to Support Education, a phenomenal group that provides valuable grants to programs that allow for the enrichment and cultivation of enhanced educational opportunities in the Cincinnatus School District. Each vendor donates an item to be raffled off for the foundation. Tickets are sold throughout the event, and prizes drawn at the conclusion. We are fortunate to enjoy amazing vendors who have a wide variety of items for sale. There are fresh kissing balls, ornaments, garlands, amazing baked goods, jewelry, wreaths, signs, spirits, handmade items, clothing, hats, maple syrup, goat milk soaps and lotions, hand blown glass and so much more. Doug’s Fish Fry is present from 11am-4pm serving up some fantastic food and a percentage of the proceeds benefit the foundation. This is an amazing local show comprised of local community vendors supporting our local community students.  Let us help you with all your holiday shopping needs where you can find unique thoughtful items all while shopping local.

The Crown at Cortland Welcomes the Community for Celebrations, Meetings and Memorable Gatherings

A familiar address in Cortland has a new reason to bring people together. The Crown at Cortland, a newly renovated banquet hall inside HomeTowne Studios & Conference Center Cortland at 2 River Street, opened in 2026 and is now welcoming bookings for weddings, celebrations, business events and community gatherings.

Formerly known as the Ramada Inn, the property has been thoughtfully renovated into a stunning, modern hotel, bringing a fresh look and renewed vitality to a familiar Cortland landmark. Hotel renovations began in 2021, and HomeTowne Studios & Conference Center Cortland opened its doors in March 2024. Renovations to the once-popular ballroom followed in 2025, creating the event space now known as The Crown at Cortland.

The redesigned ballroom features a striking 22-foot-high exposed ceiling and elegant chandeliers, offering a distinctive setting for occasions both personal and professional. Options for a stage, dance floor and event-specific arrangements allow the space to accommodate a variety of gatherings, from wedding receptions and milestone birthdays to conferences, banquets, business meetings and holiday parties. A private terrace and courtyard provide additional space for guests to gather and enjoy outdoor seating or cocktail hours, weather permitting.

Above the ballroom, a luxurious private suite offers an elegant setting to prepare, unwind and gather. Tinted windows overlook the ballroom, allowing guests to enjoy a discreet view of the occasion while retreating to their own secluded space. Beautiful décor, plush sofas and chairs, coffee tables, and a dining and conference table make the suite equally inviting for intimate celebrations and professional gatherings.

A staircase accented with tall plants and elegant décor leads to the suite, where a large floor mirror provides the perfect spot for a final look before a grand entrance. Inside, a beautifully appointed dressing room offers a salon-inspired setting with space for a makeup artist or hairstylist, complemented by a spacious private bathroom. From wedding preparations and private dinners to business meetings and gatherings before or after an event, this versatile suite brings comfort, privacy and a touch of luxury to any occasion.

Your Event. Your Stay. All in One Place.

With The Crown at Cortland located inside the HomeTowne Studios & Conference Center Cortland, celebrations and comfortable accommodations are just steps apart. The award-winning hotel offers 99 spacious guest rooms with kitchenettes and full-size refrigerators, making it easy for visitors to settle in and feel at home.

Amenities include a beautifully renovated lobby, indoor pool, fitness room, guest laundry facilities, conference rooms and a treat shop stocked with snacks, drinks and everyday essentials. 

Special room rates are available for event hosts and their guests, with additional discounts for larger room blocks. The team can coordinate event arrangements and accommodations together, simplifying planning from arrival to departure.

Together, The Crown at Cortland and HomeTowne Studios & Conference Center Cortland offer a welcoming destination for local residents, visiting family and friends, businesses and organizations to gather under one roof.

Plan Your Visit or Next Event

The Crown at Cortland is booking events for 2026 and beyond. To ask about availability, discuss your plans or arrange a visit, call or text 607-662-3504, email info@thecrownatcortland.com, or visit thecrownatcortland.com for inquiries and online booking. Follow The Crown at Cortland on Facebook and @thecrownatcortland on Instagram for photos and updates.

For hotel reservations or room blocks, call HomeTowne Studios & Conference Center Cortland at 607-756-4431. Follow the hotel on Facebook at HomeTowne Studios & Conference Center Cortland and on Instagram at @htscortland.

The Crown at Cortland—where Cortland comes together to celebrate elevated moments and timeless memories.

Richford, New York, has a place where familiar faces, hearty meals, and small-town hospitality come together around the table. 

Welcome to The Richford Diner!

Taking ownership at the end of May 2025, the team behind The Richford Diner began a new chapter for a familiar local restaurant location previously known as the Red Rooster and Country Folk Diner. While the name has changed over the years, the importance of bringing people together over a good meal remains at the heart of the experience.

And what a first year it has been! In 2026, The Richford Diner earned Gold in the Diner category in the Finger Lakes Favorites awards — an exciting achievement in the first year of ownership and a reflection of the support and enthusiasm of the surrounding community.

The menu brings classic diner comfort food together with creative specials and something for everyone. Guests can start their morning with fluffy pancakes, hearty breakfast bowls, omelets, or Eggs Benedict. Lunch brings satisfying burgers, sandwiches, homemade soups, and daily specials, while Thursday and Friday evenings offer even more reasons to gather around the table. Traditional fish fries, sweet treats, seasonal favorites, and real maple syrup from nearby SweeTrees Maple Products add to the experience.

But The Richford Diner is about more than what comes out of the kitchen. It’s about creating a welcoming place for local families, students, longtime residents, and visitors passing through. It’s about supporting neighbors, celebrating community, and finding ways to give back to the people who make Richford special.

With a growing menu, a dedicated team, and a community-first spirit, The Richford Diner is building on the history of this familiar location while creating a story of its own.

Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, catching up with friends over lunch, or joining us for dinner, you’ll find good food, hometown hospitality, and a seat waiting for you.

Hours

• Monday: 7 AM – 2 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 7 AM – 2 PM
• Thursday & Friday: 7 AM – 7:30 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 7 AM – 4 PM

Dine in or take out. Follow The Richford Diner on Facebook for daily specials, announcements, laughter and community events.

Come hungry. Leave Full AND Happy. 

We welcome YOU to be part of our story.

From winterization projects to backyard cleanup– Autumn is a busy time to get both indoor and outdoor projects done before the snow starts flying! 

This Fall Save on Stihl Equipment

Did you know that Nightingale’s carries Stihl battery and gas outdoor equipment? If you haven’t checked out the new and growing Stihl department yet- Fall is the perfect time to stop in and check out the Fall sales on chainsaws and leaf blowers!

Fall Decorating & Outdoor Living

Nightingale’s has locally grown pumpkins- just in time for Halloween! Inside there is also an assortment of Halloween decorations, lights, fall-themed mailbox covers and garden flags, decorative porch pillows, fit pits and lawn chairs.

Autumn Grilling

Cooler, crisp fall days are perfect for long slow cooks on the smoker or pre-game cookouts on the grill. Check out Nightingale’s wide selection of Traeger, Weber, and Blackstone grills and accessories. You’ll also find some delicious seasonings, rubs and sauces- from Meat Church, BluesHog, Treager, Kosmos, Meat Mitch and more!

Winter Readiness & Wood Pellets

As Fall temperatures arrive, keep your home warm and comfortable– Nightingale’s has everything you need to weatherize your windows and doors to better insulate your home for winter weather.  Dry Creek hardwood stove pellets are stocked and available by the ton and by the bag.   Call for current pellet pricing and delivery options.  As colder weather sets in– you can also find the latest styles in winter boots from Dry Shod, energy-efficient space heaters, humidifiers, bagged firewood, fireplace and woodstove supplies, and winter gloves! 

Stop in and let Nightingale’s friendly staff help you tackle all your Fall projects! Located in the Village Plaza, next to the Tully Post Office. Nightingale’s is open seven days a week. Monday–Friday 8am–7pm, Saturday 8am–6pm, Sunday 8am–5pm.

Owned by Judy June and her son Adam, June’s Cafe and Pizzeria, opened in 2025. The restaurant is run by daughter Alysha June and son-in-law Danny Bleck. And grandson Karter Bleck, works the front taking orders and cashing people out. Enjoy a taste of home at their family style restaurant! They specialize in NY-style thin crust pizza, Buffalo Style wings, Italian-inspired appetizers and fresh salads. All salads are made fresh daily, plus they also serve calzones and Stromboli’s. Kids menu available and dessert includes cannolis and newly added “fried dough” – a new must try treat! June’s Cafe has amazing pizza and a welcoming atmosphere. Gluten free crust available. Located on 22 West Main Street, in Dryden, their phone number is (607) 708-4025 0r (607) 708-4026. Enjoy your food in their relaxing eating area and watch the game on their TV. Follow them on their Facebook page for daily specials and a link to their website junescafeandpizzeria.com. They are open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday 11 am through 8 pm and open till 9 pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the option for dine-in, delivery (starting at 5 pm up to 10 miles), or carryout. June’s Café and Pizzeria also offers catering menus for any special occasion. Call and ask for details for your next get-together. Come check out June’s Cafe and Pizzeria for an enjoyable experience.

Halloween is filled with costumes, candy, decorations, and trick-or-treaters. As your local insurance agency, we’re sharing five simple reminders to help keep the evening safe and enjoyable.

1. Keep Walkways Safe and Well-Lit

Clear sidewalks, steps, and driveways of leaves, decorations, and other tripping hazards. Turn on outdoor lights to help visitors arrive safely and reduce the risk of injuries or homeowners insurance claims.

2. Remember, Your Dog Doesn’t Know It’s Halloween!

Costumes and frequent doorbell rings can frighten or excite pets. Keep your dog in a quiet room away from visitors to help prevent bites and potential liability claims.

3. Keep Decorations Fun, Not Dangerous

Use battery-operated candles when possible, keep decorations away from walkways and stairs, and secure extension cords to prevent trips, fires, and injuries.

4. Slow Down and Watch for Trick-or-Treaters

Drivers should slow down and watch for children, especially after dark and between parked cars. Children should use sidewalks, cross at intersections, and carry flashlights or wear reflective items.

5. Know What Your Homeowners Insurance Covers

If someone is injured on your property, homeowners insurance may provide liability protection, depending on the circumstances and your policy. Review your coverage to make sure you’re adequately protected.

A Safe Halloween Is a Happy Halloween!

A little extra caution can help make October 31st a night of sweet treats and happy memories.

From all of us at Seven Valley Agency, we wish you and your family a safe, fun, and Happy Halloween!