Courtney M. Hills

Courtney M. Hills
Contact Courtney M. Hills Today For All Your Municipal & Real Estate Legal Needs

Saturday, May 1, 2021

What’s Poppin’? Cuse! (This Is That Syracuse Version Re-mix)



What's Poppin? Cuse, hope you love this one.

Sharing my love, for my home town.

I got options.

I like my apples when they’re ready for pickin’.

I like my SalsaCuse on my salsa chicken.

When I do spaghetti dinner, I like my Columbus bread.

I shop at Manny’s when I need a Cuse hat on my head.

The only hot dogs I like are them Hofmann’s Franks.

When I eat Tully’s Tenders, I give God my thanks.




I prefer my pizza whether breakfast or regular local.

When I’m in the Dome, I wear my Orange and get vocal.

I can have fun and learn about science at the MOST.

I love my frittatas whole with a side of raisin toast.

When I’m stressed, I relax on Sylvan Beach.

I listen to KROCK with my Showbro and Showgirl freaks.

I crave those burgers from the Blarney Stone.

I sing 15 Miles On The Erie Canal when I’m alone.

I laugh when Fuccillo says “that’s HUGEEE!” on TV.

I need my soft ice cream twist fix from Vicky’s Tasty Treats.

During those Cuse snow storms, I want to oversleep.

When you need a deal, check out my site Cuse Cheap.



Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Friday, June 30, 2017

Happy One Year Anniversary To Us And Thank You For Your Support Syracuse


This weekend marks the one year anniversary of Cuse Cheap! On July 1st, I had the realization I wanted to do more than just a regular blog and so I researched some ideas and on July 2nd, I posted for the first time after all the research was finished. I did Google searches, wrote down concepts and decided I was so excited that I did not want to waste time...I had found what I wanted to do and I wanted to share it now.

As a caregiver of a mom with Alzheimer's, I explored the possibilities of a caregiving blog or information about Alzheimer's. I decided quickly though that there were others doing this already and doing it well and I spend 24/7 caring for mom so I wanted something different...I wanted a mental escape of sorts.

Since approximately 2009, I have dabbled in blogging and social media and most of my stuff centered around Syracuse sports. Within many of those posts, there was always a desire to bring up other Syracuse topics I enjoyed. In fact, often times other than one blog post about Jonny Flynn that got picked up by CBS Sports website, some of my more popular posts seemed to be when discussing local products or businesses.




This time around I wanted to combine that with something different however....something more that people may enjoy or possibly benefit from if they took the time to read. I saw other cities where social media accounts advertised free or cheap things going on in the area and thought this might work if I combine it with promoting local businesses like I had in the past to some extent. and add my passion for this area and the people in it.

Over the years, I had constantly heard and saw online many who complained about the worst aspects of Syracuse. (i.e. it's too expensive, nothing to do, crime downtown, rude people, etc)  And while I am not ignoring many of those complaints (because many have valid complaints), I wanted to show that there were many positive aspects of the community. Many of those negatives are not just a Syracuse problem but a society problem and I felt like I wanted to make a positive difference.

In my experiences over the years, I learned of some great businesses throughout Syracuse and Central New York that I felt deserved some love and some business owners or social media representatives, I had interacted with and felt comfortable with. I also knew there were many small businesses who may offer some great personality to the area but maybe do not have the advertising budget that some national corporations might have and deserved a spotlight as well.


So I started CuseCheap.com thinking I would occasionally post deals when I saw them in bunches and do profiles on businesses. After a couple months, I started to realize I should change my "business model" and concentrate on social media and use the blog to still supplement that with profile posts and maybe do special features like brunch options, kids deals or happy hours. So I opened Twitter, then Facebook and then Instagram with the purpose of sharing information I shared there that need not need a full post as well as retweet or share posts I saw to spread more information for people to see. We also update our profile pictures on those platforms monthly with pictures of local businesses to help show them off as well.

What I also found was more access to other businesses, some of which I learned about myself doing this. I want you to drive down James Street or Erie Blvd and look at all the businesses (well not while you are actually driving...please watch the road first and foremost) and now imagine trying to help promote all small businesses in the area and you see one of my hurdles yet blessings doing this project. Yes, often times if you follow me you will see many of the same businesses repeated because they do offer great deals but I am always looking for other small, locally owned businesses to share deals with as well. I want to show people who live in the area or visit some of the great places that make Syracuse such a great community.

I also thought what a great way to show those people who say there is nothing to do all the fun options that exist throughout Syracuse and CNY.  Fine, this may not be Vegas or NYC but you can have fun doing many things if you open your mind up to the possibilities. Things like museums, libraries, community centers plus local charities, schools and churches who offer a chance to give back or help others as well as keep you busy and make the community a better place.


Let me also clarify my stance on things as well while I am doing this. I do not hate corporations or chains. I realize they have their place and I use them myself from time to time as well. However do I really need to tell you about the dollar menu at fast food restaurants or foot long sub deals at Subway or how cheap well known groceries stores are? I think we all know this already. What you may not know those is what many local places offer that often time is comparable to them or offers a deal occasionally worth exploring.

For example, suppose you live in Cicero and you need to save money so you head to the Wal Mart here. I won't judge you but I would like to point out that within the same area you also have places like Speras and Green Planet Grocery that have specials or offer healthy or fresh alternatives as well that maybe you could explore as well. And sure, Pizza Hut or Domino's have great deals but do does Toss 'N' Fire Wood-Fired Pizza as well as Paladino's Pizza. I am not trying to stop you from shopping anywhere but simply show there are local alternatives that can often still help you financially and in return help local businesses and businesses owners who live among us in the community. Take a look at businesses like Tully's, Dinosaur BBQ, Herb Phillipson's or Hofmann's that continue to grow in the area and for some outside of CNY as well and realize we as consumers can help other local businesses grow as well which produces more local jobs as well as money that stays in the community more.

One last thing about the businesses I share I want to say: taste is subjective. I may share a deal somewhere and people may not like it but there are others who might. We all have different styles, different things we want out of life and different taste buds so what you may not like someone else may enjoy. I personally like to keep my mind open and I do not care if you are a dive bar/ neighborhood bar or a fine dining restaurant...if there is something appealing about your business, I want to try it.


Having said all of that, I want to say thank you. I swear to you I could not do any of this without the support we have received from people and businesses. I came close to closing this thing down last year but my girlfriend (now a partner in this endeavor ) as well as others encouraged me to keep going for it and people seemed to like what I was doing. I get messages from people who have a deal I should share and I love that not because I am lazy but because I can't always see everything and I want this to be about the deals and businesses and not me. I am not here to do anything but give myself a distraction and do my best to help others if I possibly can to make life better. My priority is to care for my mother so sometimes I may have an off day or two trying to keep up or posts like this may take me hours to complete as I try to fit it into my schedule and ensure she has my undivided attention and care as needed so I thank you for your patience and understanding during those times.

I believe Cuse Cheap is a great way to help both customers find brands and deals they may like and companies find maybe some customer who otherwise maybe would not have stopped there. Maybe someone sees a special somewhere they never thought to try or thought to be too expensive but they try it and love it. Maybe they plan further visits for special occasions or change their routine to include that business regularly now because that food or customer service was so good that they can't resist and all because that one time some special caught their eye.



I also hope to soon be moved back to Syracuse (for those who not know, yes I am doing this from North Carolina with the hopes to move mom and I back near family and friends ASAP) and find more ways to make this a better tool for people to utilize and enhance your lives even if it's just the ability to find a meal when you only have $20 to last you a couple days until the next payday. Or maybe we share some local charity event and you can make a difference...as an Alzheimer's caregiver, I have seen first hand how much we can all make a difference and encourage it whenever possible (including the CNY Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association).

Thank you once again and I hope you will enjoy growing with us and helping to show why Syracuse and Central New York may not be perfect but it has many things to be proud of and many local businesses offering deals or products you will enjoy. Please feel free to tell your friends and your local business about us and tell them we want show the positives in the community and make a difference.

Life is tough sometimes but we are tougher when we spread love and positive energy and help each other find ways to improve our lives and I refuse to just sit back and complain when maybe, just maybe I can help someone even if it's just a couple dollars here or there or with simple gestures and kind words. Want Syracuse to be better? Let's make it better one person at a time and highlight the things that make Syracuse and Central NY great! Turn off the news sometimes and see there is more around you than the crime and political disputes that surround us. Let's support each other and make residents and tourists proud to be here. We can only grow and make a difference with your support and I hope we all continue for many more years to come and somehow make your day better.

:)


"If it's a fun time and/or a good deal you seek;

We'll help you find your way around CUSE CHEAP! "

WWW.CUSECHEAP.COM


Monday, May 29, 2017

Cuse Cheap Spotlight Special: Good Nature Brewing @GoodNatureBeer




Recently I received a message from Twitter friend Allan who has been very supportive of what we're doing (and we appreciate all the support we get) about profiling a place he enjoys. Of course, I said if it's local and there is enough information to do a full blog post, we could do a Spotlight Special on them. That is when Allan introduced me to Good Nature Brewing.

After doing some research myself, I found they would be a perfect fit for a blog post. I know some will likely ask, "Introduce? You didn't know about Good Nature Brewing before this?" To be completely open and honest, I knew the name but not much else and as much as I love CNY, it is hard to stay on top of every local business (but I am trying now). What I found though is a place that is not only local but offers some fun and affordable items...plus I love beer and brats! :)

Maybe you have heard the name but new to Good Nature Brewing like I was and want to become more familiar with it. Below is a video that is a bit longer than I normally share but it's a great introduction into the company and it kept my attention so check this out (plus as someone who spent 2 years serving in Germany, I can attest to her statements on German bier).




As you know, our name is Cuse Cheap so of course part of what we love to do here is sharing deals and local events throughout CNY and Good Nature has those as well. So let's start with some of their weekly occurances (many of which you can find by clicking on their calendar page here). Like Tuesdays are 2 Stamp Tuesday (get your Growler Club Card stamped twice for each growler refill) and also Pitcher Night (buy one, get the second half off), Wednesdays you can fill your 64 ounce growler and get a short of any beer for only $1, Thursdays you can get $1 off a 20 ounce cask ale while they alternate weeks between jazz and funk music, and Fridays are Hoppy Hours where you get $1 off a selected hoppy beer and a selected malt-forward beer.

On select Saturdays, you can find music including June 3rd at 9 PM when you can hear Sylvan Beach acoustic group Doug and Dave. And on Saturday June 17th, you can take part in the Good Nature Brewery Men's Health Event from 2-4 PM, though this event will be limited and requires pre-registration, which you can do on their Facebook page by clicking here.




As you can see above, they also offer an affordable brunch every Sunday and if you have followed us, you know we love sharing brunch deals. Also if you saw the opening picture, you know their Brat Stand has great deals and beer as well (which is what I plan to try first chance I get to stop in for a visit) and you can see their German Plate pictured below (along with one of their Chef's Specialty Entrees) using local sausage manufacturer Liehs and Steigerwald bratwurst or knockwurst for only $10 and most everything on their menu is sourced from local farms or purveyors, per Good Nature Brewing president and co-founder Carrie Blackmore.





Carrie has also informed me of a great deal at the Farm Brewery whether you are a regular who would like to try a different beer or maybe you are new and unsure which you would prefer. If that is the case, you can get FIVE 5 ounce tasters for only $5!

You can find a list of their year round brews here and their current specialties here or even with at least 24 hours notice, you can order a keg as well. Also check out your local retailers in 31 counties throughout New York state because you may find them on their shelves just like I did during a recent visit to a Nice-N-Easy in Cicero, which you can see pictured below.


You can find them at their website and on social media as well by clicking the links below to stay up on other deal news, to-dos and their current brews:

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Oh and did you know that in addition to the Tap Room, the Beer Garden is now open!!!




Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Cuse Cheap Spotlight Special: Courtney M. Hills ( @legalybrunetsyr ) Municipal And Real Estate Attorney



If you have followed our blog recently, you know we do a regular feature we call our Spotlight Special that focuses on local businesses who have some deals or events planned. We can also use this to profile a local product or person we think makes Syracuse and Central New York special. In this case, we wanted to introduce you to our very first VI-cheaP member to join our site and her name is Courtney M. Hills Attorney at Law.




In the past, the posts have been about profiling their events, specials or business and I just break it down for you. This time since I consider Courtney a friend, we wanted to try something different so I did this in an interview format. So below you will find 5 questions I asked her and her responses that explain why we wanted her to be a VI-cheaP member and when and why you should reach out for her services. Hereeeeee's Courtney!

1. Could you take a few minutes and introduce yourself and tell us a little more about your background and what you do?
My name is Courtney Hills, and I am an attorney with an office located in Manlius, NY. I have practiced law for more than ten years. I concentrate my practice in the representation of village and town legislative, planning, zoning, and assessment review boards, as well as the representation of buyers, sellers, developers, and lenders with both commercial and residential real estate transactions.

I am a 2001 graduate of Syracuse University colleges of Human Services and Health Professions and Arts and Sciences. I received a B.S. in psychology and a B.A. in child and family studies. Prior to and while attending law school, I worked as a social worker in the healthcare field. I received my Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 2006.

2. As a real estate attorney, at what point should I contact you if I am pursuing a real estate transaction? What other services do you provide? 

With respect to residential real estate transactions, you will want to contact me once you have a fully executed purchase offer. If realtors are involved, they typically handle the forwarding of the contract to me. This is something that should be done right away because most residential real estate contracts used here in Onondaga County only have a 3-day attorney review period written into them. Commercial real estate transactions on the other hand are more involved and your attorney should be involved in the contract writing and negotiation process from the beginning.

Being a municipal attorney I also have extensive experience with land use and zoning issues. I can assist homeowners who are seeking variances from their local city, town or village zoning ordinances for projects such as pools, sheds, fences, decks, and the like. I can also assist developers with much larger projects, such as apartments, commercial businesses, and the like. 

3. Do you have any local businesses you really love or local sports teams you enjoy rooting for? Any local places you love to visit? 

I am a fan of SU basketball. I like meeting friends out to watch the games or attending games at the Dome. As far as local places are concerned, I’m pretty much a fan of all things Italian! But my (current) absolute favorite is Delmonico’s



4. Are there any organizations, charities or local activities that you take part in?
I am an advocate for women’s health issues and women’s empowerment, and I try to align myself with organizations that focus on the education and funding for such issues. A couple of local organizations I support are Hope for Heather and Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer.

Hope for Heather is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to raise funds in support of ovarian cancer research, to promote education and awareness, and to help provide comfort to women and their families devastated by cancer.



Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer is an unconventional initiative to promote awareness, early detection, and advocacy with a special focus on how the disease impacts younger people.

In addition, I have recently become involved with the Rescue Mission, which organization provides those in need with food, housing and employment in Central New York. 


Another passion of mine is advocating for safer and more regulated personal care products. No beauty products (i.e., lotions, sunscreens, cosmetics, shampoos, etc.) require FDA approval before going to market. In fact the last time Congress passed a major law regulating cosmetics was in 1938 and currently the number of potentially harmful cosmetic ingredients banned or restricted in the U.S. is a mere 30. Meanwhile our neighbors – the European Union have banned or regulated the use of over 1,300 ingredients known to be harmful and Canada has banned or regulated over 600. I am an advocate for the Personal Care Products Safety Act which was just introduced and would give the FDA additional authority to regulate the safety of beauty products, and I have aligned myself with Beautycounter, a company that not only provides safer products but has been actively involved in informing and educating our lawmakers regarding this issue and has been lobbying Congress for the passage of this bill. 

5. I want to say thank you for your time and your support of Cuse Cheap. This is your space to say anything you would like people to know about you or your business. Is there anything you would like to add and where can they find you on the internet? 

I have a website at www.courtneyhills.com where you can find my contact information and helpful blogs regarding both real estate and municipal related matters.

I would like to thank Courtney for her time, her support and her friendship. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook if you would like to follow her and support her as she supports us and the community. And don't forget to check out her website which also features that blog she mentions in her closing statement.


Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Cuse Cheap Spotlight Special: Toss 'N' Fire Wood-Fired Pizza @tossnfirepizza



If you are like me, you love a good pizza. And if you have attended Taste of Syracuse or local food truck events, you probably already know Toss 'N' Fire Wood-Fired Pizza. But for those who may not be aware of them or their new brick and mortar location in North Syracuse, we thought we would do a Cuse Cheap Spotlight Special and share their info. Plus it's almost that season for enjoying the food trucks so we will also share some of the locations they are scheduled to be at as of this posting.

Let's start this off with their new brick and mortar/building location. Located at 315 North Main Street in North Syracuse, they have a menu filled with appetizers, salads, subs, calzones (which I hear if you like calzones, you need to try soon) and of course their famous wood-fired pizza. You can eat in, order ahead by calling (315) 458-9380 or if you would like delivery, you can find them on Grubhub here. They are closed on Mondays but open 11-9 Tuesday-Thursday, 11-10 on Friday & Saturday and noon to 8 on Sundays.



So how about the specials that are part of the reason we decided to put the spotlight on this local business? Let's start with their 8" personal pizzas (three of which are pictured above) that are available daily 11-3 starting at only $7.



And how about a large cheese or garlic pizza like the one pictured above for only $9.99 plus tax on Tuesdays and Thursdays?


Or maybe you love one of their specialty pizzas on Wednesday for only $13.99 with over 20 different pizzas to choose from including the two pictured above, their Steak N Blue pizza as well as their ever popular 'Cuse Salt Potato, which was a huge hit at the Taste of Syracuse events.

I would also recommend you follow their social media in the event they have other offers for you to choose from and stay current on any events they have planned. To follow them, just click the social media name and it will link you to their pages (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).


So as I mentioned and as you can see pictured above, they also have a food truck (and it's orange which is another reason to love them), which is what made them popular in the Syracuse area. Looking to have your event catered? Clink this link here for more information whether it's a corporate event or maybe to make that graduation party just a bit more special or maybe if you are like me and would rather have a more laid back wedding reception filled with pizza.

You can also find their truck at the following upcoming events:

Va Va Bloom Garden Show & Farmers Market at Dickman Farms Greenhouse in Auburn April 8-9

Good Samaritan Run/Walk at Long Branch Park in Liverpool April 22 at 9 AM

Earth Fest Food Truck Rodeo at Cayuga Museum of History & Art in Auburn April 22 at 2 PM

10th Annual Crawfish Clam Fest in downtown Clinton Square on May 6 at 11am

2nd Annual Syracuse Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival at the Fairgrounds on May 13 noon-6 PM

NYS Blues Festival 25th Anniversary Celebration in downtown Clinton Square on July 7 & 8

If you would like to stay current on other events, you can follow their events page on their website here or if you like to follow and even RSVP on Facebook, you can find their events page here.

Let me end this by giving it a bit of a testimonial. I could copy and print their info but instead let me tell you another reason I decided to write this and share their deals. I am an ordinary guy who loves my pizza probably the same way 80% of Americans do but there is something very cool about the originality Toss 'N' Fire brings to the pizza game. Nick Sanford and his team have done something I thought would never happen, they made me enjoy "gourmet" pizza (for me, anything not your basic, ordinary pizza is gourmet lol). They found the perfect way to embrace your local pizzeria with a more upscale feel as well but without the upscale prices.

They're also not afraid to embrace local products like the salt potato and make it into a pizza we can all love and enjoy. Also, I have never heard a negative word about them from customers I know who visited them and they offer a wide variety from fresher, healthier toppings like the Green Machine or the Little Italy to stuff like the Meatza or the Buffalo Chicken. And don't forget they also have salads, wings, Utica Greens, subs and calzones/stromobolis (one of my personal favorites as well).

So if you are craving pizza whether it's at one of the events scheduled above or you see them at other food truck events or you're near 315 North Main Street in North Syracuse, give Toss 'N' Fire Wood-Fired Pizza a try. You can experience pizza made locally, often using local farm products and with a fresh taste you will love and your wallet will appreciate.



Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The Cuse Cheap Spotlight Special: Cuse Cheap




So this week I wanted to do a little something different with our Cuse Cheap Spotlight Special and put the focus on us! It is my intention to be open and honest with you about us and this venture. I want there to be trust and maybe explain more of what we are about and our passion towards making this site and Syracuse/Central New York more enjoyable for visitors and residents alike.

Let's start with introductions. My name is Chuck Fiello Jr (or some may know me more as @OrangeChuck if you follow me on social media) and in July I started this after other blog ideas had run their course. I currently live in a small town in North Carolina where I've been full time caregiver for my mother with Alzheimer's for two years after we lost my father and have lived here since I got out of the Army in 1996. I have longed to be back in the area full time and this year I am looking to make that happen with my mother and myself hopefully around the summer time.

I started this blog because what I noticed as my time as Orange Chuck and over the years, I had heard complaints about how expensive living in NY is and often times complaints about lack of things to do.  Anyone who knows me knows despite living here for professional and personal reasons, I have always loved Syracuse and I am VERY passionate about the area and the businesses that make it up. I have built great relationships with many in the area of the years and I treasure them all.

What I also found in my frequent yearly visits and online relationships is that some aspects of living in CNY can be expensive compared to other areas but there are also many affordable options that don't just include fast food dollar menus or ramen noodles every night. I know many of the negative aspects people complain about are part of the area but I also know that stuff is going on in every town and city in our country today. I also noticed when people said they had nothing to do that I was seeing many local events or business options to keep a life happy and fulfilled.


So I thought to myself, why not showcase the things I see and show people that there are so many positives to the community as well if you remove those dark blinders and watching news filled with negative stories? I looked around and didn't see anyone really doing anything like this so I thought I would give it a try except my friend at Pizza Promos but his dealt solely with pizzerias. There are many free or affordable events to enjoy through various groups, The M.O.S.T. and other museums, libraries or other local resources whether you like family events, beer and food festivals or whatever you may seek. There are also many small, local businesses offering meals, services, products and specials for very affordable prices for those on a limited budget or just looking to save money.

Shortly after starting this blog, after talking to family, I realized I wanted to be back in Syracuse soon with mom to be closer to family and friends there and closer to the place I still call home. I also started into a relationship with a great woman named Nicki who lives in Camden, NY and has joined me in working on this site and I am grateful for her love and support.

If you are thinking to yourself that because I reside in NC, I can't be passionate about the area or lack understanding or out of touch, I would say that though you are entitled to your opinions, you are incorrect. I LOVE Syracuse whether it't rooting for the local teams, eating only Primo and Mary's Salsa or picking up some Hofmann's Hot Dogs & Hinerwadels Salt Potatoes from Spera's Market or enjoy some Empire Brewing or Disco Lemonade or making friends locally no matter their income level, occupation, race or religion.


Now I can talk all day about the area and the many positives so this is why I wanted to do this site. I want people to see that there are so many great aspects to living in or visiting the area and it's not the darkness some like to say it is. If you sit around and watch the news and talking to Negative Nelly's thinking life in Syracuse is all gloom and doom you are missing out on so much that surrounds you. We can each make a difference and it starts with us by sharing the positives and businesses that add character to Syracuse and Central New York in general. There are so many small local businesses that deliver great products and we should embrace them as part of our community and yes I say WE/OUR because as I said, no matter where my physical location is right now (though as I mentioned, there are plans to change that in the very near future), Syracuse is my HOME!!!!

You can find us not only on this website but also on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We are growing every day and I am forever grateful to every single follower...no friend we make along the way. Our goal is to support the area and businesses and find you the consumer deals that make your every day easier. We can't help you with your taxes or other costs in life but what we can do is point out any deal we can find whether it's a dive bar or five star because we know everyone's tastes varies and we want to help local businesses whether Uncle Jimmy is working out of his home office or your neighbors The Smith have opened up a business with multiple locations. Again, together we can make a difference and we can make Syracuse/Central New York a great place to live or visit if we work together to embrace it as great for everyone no matter your background or lifestyle and when we can, buy CNY.

I promise if you follow us on this journey, you will see people passionate about the Syracuse area and finding reasons for you to be as well and we will give it our all to provide you with great local content. I hope this will not deter anyone who thought I lived there but I felt I needed to be honest and hope you realize I am no less passionate about what we do here. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and we promise to do everything we can to help you enjoy the area and find your way around Cuse Cheap!