Fulton Block Builders Receives Support from Legislator Karasek

The Fulton Block Builders, now in its ninth year, receives support from Legislator Karasek. “I am impressed with the positive energy the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program is bringing to our residents,” Legislator Karasek said. “I make a point of supporting and sponsoring initiatives that I think are good for my District, so this decision was an easy one for me.”

 In 2017, the Oswego County Legislative body received a pay increase, but rather than keep this for himself, Legislator Karasek decided to donate his entire raise to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB). His support has continued each year.

Jim Karasek represents the 22nd District, that has part of the city of Fulton in it. Mr. Karasek serves on two Legislative Committees.  County Health Committee which deals with public health, environmental protection, preventive health, public nursing, the education for handicapped children, and serves as liaison between Board of Health and the Legislature. Jim also serves on the Human Services Committee, which deals with matters in the Departments of Social Services, Office for the Aging, Veterans' Services and the Youth Bureau. Jim announced in January that he will be running for another term in 2025.

The Fulton Block Builders are dedicated to revitalizing Fulton neighborhoods one block at a time.“Because of people like Legislator Karasek,we are able to fund more Grants and are energized by the success we are seeing,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Founder. “In 2024 Fulton Block Builders (FBB) awarded 197 Block Challenge, Paint Fulton and Pride Grants. Since its inception in 2017 FBB has awarded 1,583 grants. Awards were given to 22 blocks of neighbors in all Wards of the City of Fulton. Participating FBB property owners have invested four and a half million dollars in exterior improvements in the past 8 years.”

Legislator James Karasek, shown with his guide dog Isabell, recently presented Fulton Block Builders Founder, Linda Eagan with a check for the upcoming 2025 program.

Operation Oswego County supports Fulton Block Builders

Recently, Operation Oswego County, Inc. contributed $3,000.00 to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB). Operation Oswego County is a not-for-profit economic development organization whose mission is to establish and implement sound economic development strategies to enhance the economic vitality of Oswego County's businesses, industries, and citizens, which leads to an overall better quality of life.

“To accomplish our mission, we need strong communities that can support and improve housing for our talented workforce which in turn helps to retain, expand and attract new industries to Oswego County,” said Wheelock, Operation Oswego County's Executive Director. “The Fulton Block Builder project is a great partner in helping us to fulfill our mission.”

“Fundraising for the 2025 Grant Challenge is just getting started” said Linda Eagan, FBB Founder.  “The generosity of so many is inspirational. Our community has amazed me since the launch of Fulton Block Builders in so many ways. Operation Oswego County's donation is one more example of that amazement! FBB is hoping to meet our 2025 goal and receive the 2-to-1 match from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, which will allow FBB to have a full and robust program again this year.”

Operation Oswego County Executive Director Austin Wheelock presents Fulton Block Builders Founder, Linda Eagan with a check for $3,000.

Eastern Shore Insurance Agency Presents Fulton Block Builders with Check for 2024 Program.

Supporting Fulton Block Builders (FBB) is a natural for Eastern Shore Insurance Agency, a valued, community minded organization. Eastern Shore, a 100% employee-owned organization with over 80 insurance professionals, operates from six branch offices throughout Central and Upstate New York.

They work with over 30 insurance companies, giving them the ability to find the best solution for each of their customers; insurance needs. The employee-owners live and work in the same communities as their customers, and are dedicated to helping protect the insurance risk of our neighbors. FBB is a volunteer grass roots organization within the city of Fulton dedicated to community revitalization one block at a time. Their fundraising goal for 2024 is $50,000. If FBB is successful in raising the full amount, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation has committed $100,000 to the FBB program. “It’s our pleasure to support the FBB and be a part of its success” said Kim Allen, Director of Operations at Eastern Shore.

Fulton Block Builders is extremely grateful to Eastern Shore Insurance Agency and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation for their continued support of this program and encourages others to follow their lead. Since FBB’s start in 2017, both Eastern Shore and the Shineman Foundation have been continuous supporters. As a result Fulton has seen a 4 million dollar investment in city properties.

Kiley Loveall and Lynn Burns of Eastern Shore are seen here after presenting a

check to Fulton Block Builders (FBB).

Support continues to grow for the Fulton Block Builders

Oswego County Federal Credit Union’s (Oswego FCU), Khadijah Malone, Fulton Branch Manager recently presented Linda Eagan with a check for $5,000 for the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) project. “Oswego County Federal Credit Union is proud to be a Corporate Sponsor of this transformative initiative and thanks all those involved for their continued enthusiasm and hard work!” Malone said.

“FBB is a program that generates neighborhood pride and helps homeowners and property owners recover part of the cost of their exterior property investment,” Malone added. “At Oswego County FCU, the credit union motto of ‘People Helping People’ is not some fancy slogan; it’s something we believe in and practice every day! Supporting the Block Builder movement is a perfect partnership for us.”

Founded in 1975, Oswego County FCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative association dedicated to providing quality financial products and services delivered in a professional, courteous, and timely manner. They currently serve the financial needs of approximately 13,000 members from throughout Oswego County. “Those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Oswego County, are eligible to join the Oswego County FCU’s family” shared Malone.

 “This generous donation from the Oswego County Federal Credit Union moves FBB $5,000 closer to our fundraising goal,” Eagan said. “This means we will have the funds available for 2024 Block Challenge grants. This year close to 200 homeowners have been awarded FBB grants.”

Khadijah Malone, Branch Manager and Emily Strzelinski are proud of Oswego County Federal Credit Union’s support for Fulton Block Builder Program

ALKEGEN Joins the Fulton Block Builders Fundraising Campaign

ALKEGEN recently presented Linda Eagan with a check for $1,000 for the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) project. “ALKEGEN is proud to be a sponsor of this transformative initiative. Each year ALKEGEN looks for multiple ways to be involved in the communities where we have plants!” said Cathy Crisafulli, Assistant Controller for ALKEGEN Fulton and Lewis plants.

“The Fulton plant is one of over 60 locations, ALKEGEN brings together a fresh slate of exciting technologies that open doors to new opportunities. Most importantly, ALKEGEN is now a global family of 9,000-plus employees working together to create the world’s most innovative specialty materials platform dedicated to sustainability and human health while serving the industries tackling some of the most critical problems we face today. The Fulton plant is a fiber-based gasket material manufacturer. Three and four generations of families have worked here” continued Crisafulli.

Justin Sheppard and Paul Burgess, Alkegen Shipping and Receiving employees are with Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder founder.

Employees of Davis-Standard Support Fulton Block Builders

With the Fulton Block Builders (FBB) 2024 fundraising campaign underway, the employees at Davis-Standard banded together and held a bake sale, raising $140 in support of the FBB program.  

The suggestion to support FBB came from Davis-Standard employee Mark Green who participated in the 2023 FBB program.  “This program has been great.  I’ve seen the good it does not only to improve the look of neighborhoods, but in building the community, and wanted to do something to help keep it going” said Green.  The funding raised by Davis-Standard employees will be matched 2:1 by a grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, making the total donation worth $420. 

“The support of local businesses is vital to reaching our $50,000 fundraising goal to realize the entire Richard S. Shineman match” said Tina Eusepi, Block Builders program coordinator.  We’re so grateful for the support provided by the employees at Davis-Standard.

Davis Standard is a global leader in design, development and distribution of extrusion and converting technology.

The employees of Davis-Standard hosted a bake sale raising $140 for the Fulton Block Builders program. Representing the employees are Mark Green and Sandy Anderson.  

Community Bank Supports Fulton Block Builders

Community Bank N.A has once again donated to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB) program. “FBB is excited to have the continued support of Community Bank N.A. They’ve been with us from the start!” said FBB Founder, Linda Eagan. “FBB has received a record-breaking number of applications for 2024 and Community Bank is helping us to meet our Fundraising goal so that ALL approved Blocks can be funded. This is critical for our success. We are gratified by Community Bank’s support.”

“Community Bank N.A. slogan is Bank Happy, which is more than just advertising,” said Kayla Baker, Fulton Branch Manager “It is the core principle by which we operate.” We are a full-service financial institution, offering all the things much bigger banks offer. We have a passion for providing the highest level of customer service in whatever we do. The support for the great work FBB in bringing about is clear demonstration of this passion.”

To become a part of this exciting time of Fulton’s history anyone can donate to the 2024 Campaign today. Every dollar donated is matched 2-to-1 by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. All donations are tax deductible and go directly to the Block Challenge grants and promotion of the program!

Kayla Baker, Community Bank - Fulton Branch Manager and Shannon Phillips, Bank Teller are proud to represent Community Bank.

Pathfinder Bank continues to support Fulton Block Builders

“Pathfinder Bank supports the community in countless ways” said Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder (FBB) founder.  “This year’s donation to the program is critical in helping us reach the Fundraising goal for 2024. What’s equally important is the bank inspires its employees to be civically engaged- several employees are FBB volunteers” continued Eagan.

Fulton Block Builders is a volunteer grass roots organization dedicated to community revitalization one block at a time. If FBB is successful in reaching its goal the Richard S. Shineman Foundation has committed $100,000.00 in 2 to 1 matching funds.

Pathfinder Bank has been serving the Central New York Community since 1859. It is both their customer-focused approach to providing financial services and their innovative philosophy that have made them successful. Pathfinder Bank’s aim is to provide all the advanced conveniences the national banks have to offer, without the hassles. At Pathfinder Bank, the decision makers are dedicated local people and eager to serve the communities in which they live, work, and play.

“Our success is intertwined with the success of the communities we serve. For that reason, and because it is the right thing to do, we invest our resources, time, and talents in those communities. We want to serve our local communities for another 150 years; therefore, we must earn the trust of our customers every day. We do that by being ethical, capable, honest, reliable, and responsive. Pathfinder Bank is proud to be a corporate sponsor of the highly impactful, community driven Fulton Block Builders program” said Wyman, Marketing & Communications Specialist.

Kylie Wyman: Pathfinder Bank Marketing & Communications Specialist is seen with Linda Eagan after presenting the Fulton Block Builder donation.