Budget Blinds of Binghamton located in Marathon NY, has been serving the area for over 17 years.  Our franchise is backed by the largest suppliers of window treatments in the US. We market our window treatments based on our free in home consultations and personalize hands on, no pressure style sales calls and  expert installations.  All of our window treatments are backed by our exclusive no questions asked and limited lifetime warranty.

Our widow treatments include,  Roller Shades, Cellular Shades, Draperies, Wood and faux wood blinds, Mini blinds, Plantation Shutters, Zebra (Traditional ) shades, Solar Shades, Mini Blinds, and Roman shades.

All of our treatments are custom measured and made to fit your window perfectly. You won’t be disappointed with our system and hands on attention to detail.  “Style and Service for Every Budget”

Visit budgetblinds.com/binghamton to take a look at our business. You won’t be disappointed.

Have a Great Summer,
Dale & Debbie Betts

The American Bittern is a reclusive, medium-sized heron found in the dense vegetation around lakes, ponds, and wetland habitats. While not uncommon by any means, it is rarely seen, as its cryptic plumage and highly secretive nature allow it to “disappear” in the thick reeds and cattails – but its one-of-a-kind voice betrays its presence.

During breeding season, the male bittern produces a guttural territorial call: “pump-er-lunk, pumper-lunk, pumper-lunk…!” The call has an unmistakable liquid quality to it, like that of a water pump or a glugging water jug. It’s mind boggling to ponder how this mechanical-sounding vocalization comes from a bird. To produce the bizarre sound, the bittern must inflate his esophagus by drawing in several large gulps of air before using the stored air to broadcast his territory and solicit a mate. 

The low-frequency call carries farther through dense vegetation than higher-pitched sounds; so as strange as it may sound to us, the call of the American Bittern is perfectly suited to its specific habitat. Like I said, it’s “weirdly wonderful!”

Article & photo by Margie Manthey

Looking for a fun, family activity? Join us at the Berkshire Blueberry & Book Festival on Saturday, July 19, 2025, located on Route 38, corner of Jewett Hill Road, in Berkshire.  Main events run from 9:00-4:00. But early risers can begin with a blueberry pancake breakfast–locally grown blueberries and locally produced maple syrup—running from 7:00 to 10:00 in the Fire Station dining hall.  After breakfast, browse around the grounds of the Library, Community Hall, and Fire Station, and check out the varied artisan and vendor wares, including fresh blueberries. 

On the Community Hall’s top floor, enjoy listening to a variety of musicians while you view the art work of local artists. On the bottom floor and throughout the grounds you will find many interesting vendors and craftspeople as well as local authors.Have fun chatting with the local authors and learn about their books, their lives, and the world of publishing. Buy and take home an autographed copy.  

In the Fire Station truck bay, more live music is available while you look over the many raffle baskets and gift certificates. Sample delicious entries from the Blueberry Bake Off.  

By lunch time the ever-popular chicken barbecue, prepared by Berkshire Fire Department, will be ready, or choose from the  other local food vendors. 

And for the young: a Kiddie Parade, bouncy house, pony rides, games, crafts, face painting, a balloon artist, plus more.

 For history buffs, visit the Berkshire History Museum on the second floor of the library. 

There is something for everyone! So, gather your family, neighbors, and friends and visit the Berkshire Blueberry & Book Festival on July 18.  You will not be disappointed!

This event provides funding for the Berkshire Free Library, which serves both the Berkshire and Richford communities.

362 NY-13, Cortland
(607) 662-4543

31 Cortland St., Marathon
(607) 849-6898

Ron’s Body and Paint Inc. is the trusted name in collision service and auto body paint for motorists across the Cortland area. Our qualified staff provide the best in workmanship and customer service to ensure a seamless experience from beginning to end.

At Ron’s Body and Paint Inc., we want you to be confident in your decision. Our highly trained staff will answer any questions about the auto body and collision repair process. We have a reputation for excellence and endeavor to go beyond your expectations. Our collision repair center is equipped with the parts, tools, and equipment our technicians require to repair most vehicle makes and models to a pre-accident condition.

You deserve courteous customer service from a qualified team that listens and responds to your concerns. We appreciate your consideration for collision and auto body repair. Contact us today for more information.

Ron’s Body and Paint Inc. serves Cortland, Marathon, Ithaca and surrounding areas. Check out their website for services information and coupons: ronsbodyandpaint.com.

Hi, my name is Jennifer Marsaln. My Husband Mike Marsaln and I are the owners of The New 5&10. About 12 years ago we both decided it was time for a change. We had been stuck at dead end jobs and wanted to do something more in life. We had always dreamt of owning our own business. With my management background and Mike’s retail experience, we knew we would make a great team. In 2014 we finally took the plunge. We opened our first store in Greene. 

We opened a 5&10, selling a variety of discounted goods. It did not take long to realize the groceries were our biggest seller. Mike grew up with a family of entrepreneurs. His family owned dollars stores, along with a discount grocery store. He suggested we really focus on the groceries in hopes that we could keep the store afloat. The more food we added, the more our sales increased. The greatest part was hearing from our customers about how us being there was really helping them and their family. Then in December of 2019 we open our second location in Afton. 

We loved the idea of giving the community another option for their grocery needs and offering them great deals. Discount grocery stores can be found around the world. Unfortunately there are not many in our area. Not only can people save money, these stores really cut down drastically on the amount of food waste that is produced every year. Discounted groceries include, over produced items, as well as seasonal and package change. This also includes items that are close to or past the “sell by date”. 

In 2021 we opened our 3rd location at 2586 Main St. in Whitney Point. This year marks our 5th year anniversary in Whitney Point. As a thank you to our loyal customers we are having a 5 year Anniversary sale! You will get $10 OFF your purchase of $50 or more on June 6th 10am until 6pm. Can’t wait to see you there!

On May 23, 2025 we opened the doors to the Richford Diner with a dream, a lot of hope, and a deep love for serving our community. What started as an idea quickly became something so much bigger than we ever imagined. Over the past year, we’ve shared countless cups of coffee, homemade meals, laughs across the counter, and conversations that reminded us every single day why small-town diners matter.

This first year has been filled with growth, learning, challenges, and unforgettable moments. We’ve celebrated birthdays, supported local events, met travelers passing through, and watched familiar faces become family. None of it would have been possible without the incredible support from our customers, staff, friends, and community members who chose to walk through our doors day after day.

We are beyond grateful for every breakfast rush, every encouraging word, every shared post, and every person who recommended us to a friend. Your support has helped us continue building not just a business, but a place where people feel welcome, comfortable, and connected.

As we celebrate one year in business, we do so with full hearts and excitement for what lies ahead. We are committed to continuing to grow, improve, and serve this community with the same passion and appreciation that got us here in the first place.

From all of us at the Richford Diner – thank you for an unforgettable first year. Here’s to many more meals, memories, and milestones together. Stop by and say hi at 13334 NY 38, Richford or give us a call (607) 657-5120. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on daily/weekly specials! 

I am local to the town of Virgil. I was raised here and am now raising my family here. We don’t have much for families to do here outside of Greek Peak/Hope Lake Lodge Resort. I wanted some place affordable for families to be able to enjoy time together. I myself love ice cream so I thought I would share my love with others. With the help of my entire family, we made it possible to build and open Mountainside Cones & More, where I hope to spend many years making people happy; even if it’s just for a moment. The older boys are working here and the younger children are learning the ins and outs of the shop. They love to see other kids and spend much of their time playing with the guests. We have a little area inside “The Kid’s Corner” just for the kids. We have coloring books and a few games inside for families to enjoy while visiting, and we will continue to add more outdoor games as well. I love seeing people enjoying the space, the smiles, laughter and conversations, not to mention our amazing views! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram as well as search us on Google for current hours and specials. Come check us out at 1764 Route 392, Cortland (Virgil) NY 13045 and keep watch for upcoming additions to our menu and change in our hours.

Summer is just around the corner! The kids will soon be out of school, and you’ll need extra storage for all the “stuff” that comes with summer—not to mention pool toys, supplies, and more.

Need more storage than one shed or garage can provide? We’re home of the two-story barn, an excellent way to double your storage space. We offer a variety of sizes ranging from 12×48 up to 28×48.

We currently have a variety of stock sheds available for immediate delivery, but don’t wait, they’re going fast!

All sheds and garages come complete with your choice of Duratemp, Board n Batten, Lap, or Log siding, along with your choice of paint or stain color, trim color, and roof color. We offer 30-year architectural shingles with underlayment and aluminum drip edge, or metal roofing with a double-bubble vapor barrier. As always, our prices include delivery and setup on your prepared site within 30 miles of our sales lot. If you live farther than 30 miles away, just let us know, and we’ll calculate the additional delivery fee.

When you purchase a structure from Thee Amish Structures, you won’t encounter hidden charges or surprise fees. Please note that there is a 3% credit card service charge.

Sheds come complete with (1) double barn door, (2) 24×36” windows with screens, end vents, a diamond plate threshold, delivery, and placement on your prepared site. For structures 10’ wide and larger, we also include (1) ramp.

Single-wide garage structures come complete with (1) 8×7 or 9×7 insulated Clopay overhead door, (1) side door, (2) 24×36” windows with screens, end vents, diamond plate thresholds, (1) ramp if built with a floor, or anchors if placed on a concrete slab, delivery, and placement on your prepared site.

Double-wide one-story structures come complete with (1) 9-lite house door, (4) 24×36” windows with screens, (2) 8×7 or 9×7 insulated Clopay overhead doors, stairway to the 2nd floor, Metal roof with double bubble vapor barrier, diamond plate thresholds, (1) ramp if built with a floor or anchors if built floorless and placed on a concrete slab, delivery and placement on your prepared site.

Double-wide two-story structures come complete with everything included in the single-story model, plus (4) additional 24×36” windows with screens, for a total of (8) windows, (2) ramps if built with a floor or anchors if built floorless and placed on a concrete slab, delivery and placement on your prepared site.

We offer bank financing through LightStream for purchases of $5,000.00 and up, including furnishings. For more information, visit our website at theeamishstructures.com and click the Financing link. We also offer Rent to Own through SmartPay Rentals.

At Thee Amish Structures, whether you purchase a structure or simply request a quote, our pricing is complete, including the cost of the building, any extra options you choose, and delivery. You won’t have to worry about unexpected surprises.

Stop in and see us! We’re located at 32 North St. in the Village of Dryden, next to Dunkin Donuts. Visit our website at theeamishstructures.com.

Getting ready for warmer weather and summer projects? Tully Lakes Hardware has everything you need and the best brands from Ace!

From pressure washing the deck to planting a garden, or repainting the house- Nightingale’s can help you get started.

Grilling season is here and Tully Lakes Ace Hardware is your place for the best brands in barbecue! We carry a big selection of grills from Weber, Traeger, Blackstone and more, plus all the fuel and accessories you need and great bonus deals for Ace Rewards members. If you’re thinking of replacing an old grill or just wanted to expand your outdoor cooking with a smoker or pizza oven- stop by the grill department to see the expansive selection of options and newest technology in outdoor barbecue. Or even better, see some grills in action and taste the possibilities at one of Nightingale’s BBQ Demo days!

Do you have other projects to freshen up your outdoor living spaces? Nightingale’s carries a full line of Benjamin Moore paints, including Regal, and Element Guard , and Ben. So choose one of their 3500 colors and give your house a new look.  Keep your yard and garden looking their best too with lawn care products, cedar mulch, garden soils and flowers and vegetables from Nightingale’s seasonal plant tents.

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.