Lynne Leach and her granddaughter Julianna Bidwell are thrilled with their Fulton Block Builder project this year. No more worrying if the stairs are safe and no more cats using the lower entry as a litter box! "We can't wait to paint the stairs next year, and are having a great time watching all of the improvements in our neighborhood," said Lynne. " Fulton Block Builders is making a big difference all over the city!"
Doug and Pat Hart received the first Fulton Block Builder check of the 2023 season. They are seen here standing behind their newly designed landscaping.
The Harts have participated in the Fulton Block Builders program a few times and say while the reimbursement for home improvements is great, they have really developed an appreciation for the community aspect of the program.
“It’s been wonderful to really get to know the neighbors and work together on our community projects’” Hart said. The Dewey Drive group installed and maintain a landscape design to mark the Duck Hollow neighborhood. In addition, the group is planning a neighborhood garage sale and donating a percentage of profits to the Blessings in a Backpack program. “It’s so great to be part of these efforts and give back to our community” Hart said.
Doug & Pat Hart receiving their Fulton Block Builder reimbursement check from Dewey Drive Block Leader Peggy Donnelly.
The Health Foundation for Western and Central New York (HFWCNY) has awarded Fulton Block Builders (FBB) a grant for a Living History Tour on South 1st Street in Fulton. “In 2021, HFWCNY awarded a $10,000 grant to FBB and we are pleased to announce that we were selected by the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York @hfwcny, in partnership with The New York Academy of Medicine @nyamnyc, as one of 18 new grantee partnerships through their Age-friendly: Go Local program!” said Linda Eagan FBB Director. “Go Local supports neighborhood-level groups and organizations in building equitable communities through locally focused healthy-aging projects.”
As Eagan explained, “This is a very exciting project that goes beyond FBB’s original mission. A new group, inspired by the success of FBB, came together last winter. They named themselves the ‘Reimagine Fulton Group’ and are working to support the city in its endeavors and helping out where needed. The group decided to highlight the historical prominence of Fulton and came up with the idea of a Living History Tour.”
The tour will guide participants through some of the city of Fulton’s proud past. Once a thriving, industry-based community, like many cities in the Northeastern United States, Fulton suffered as factories with good-paying jobs left the area. Reminders of what made Fulton a great place to live still stand, especially along the Oswego River, a powerful natural resource that flows through the city.
Using the format of a narrated tour, those participating will have the option to walk or travel by bus as a historian provides information about key monuments and moments in Fulton’s past. Some stops along the tour will feature senior citizens sharing stories, enhancing the historian’s narrative with their unique memories. Other stops will feature members from Fulton’s high school and city-based theatre troupes acting out historical moments described in the narration. At the tour’s conclusion, a restaurant on the tour path will provide refreshments for the participants to enjoy, while reminiscing, exchanging stories and discovering connections with one another through a shared past.
Tours will take place on Saturday, September 30; Sunday, October 1 and Sunday, October 8 from 1:00 to 3:00. Information on how to register for the Living History Tour will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fulton Block Builders (FBB), on behalf of the newly formed Fulton Garden Club is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 310 grantees selected out of 3,600+ applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this quick-action grant we will be making improvements to the Fulton east side gazebo where Junes in Tunes are held as well as many other community events. The Fulton Garden Club, in conjunction with the City of Fulton Parks and Recreation department identified this area as one that, if improved, would be a great asset to the city. This project will create a community garden by turning a neglected gazebo into a showpiece of Fulton’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Volunteers will plant flowers, weed and water, paint the gazebo and display colorful banners. The project also launches a Fulton Garden Club, an all-volunteer group dedicated to beautifying public spaces. With strong support from seniors, many with a lifetime of gardening experience, the Club will restore pride in our city by improving existing garden spaces.
“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Fulton Block Builders for this investment to make the City of Fulton more livable for residents of all ages,” stated Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”
About the Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in projects that improve mobility innovation and transportation options.
This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 310 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.
“We did it, Fulton! Once again, you came through to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “FBB has received the full $125,000 matching grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation presented at the FBB Kick Off Dinner on June 7th at River Vista.”
The Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s vision is to act as a “catalyst for change” to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County and Shineman’s Foundation Director Chena Tucker shared that the foundation’s board members are very encouraged by the increasing and unprecedented collaborations they see happening among groups like the Fulton Block Builders in our communities. “Fulton Block Builders has continued to exceed expectations for its very successful Healthy Neighborhoods revitalization program and our foundation is proud to continue its support of FBB by awarding another $125,000 for its Block Challenge program,” she said.
“From the moment we started the FBB program, I have been amazed at the support and care there is for the Fulton community,” said Eagan. “Fulton businesses, individuals, service groups and, of course, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation all contributed to make what I believe will be our best year yet. As a result, in 2023, FBB has been able to make 169 awards in 21 Blocks throughout the city. The support for the program is fantastic. Since our start in 2017, The Shineman Foundation has awarded FBB $866,000. WOW!”
FBB awards grants to community participants in three different ways. Block Challenge grants are awarded to groups of neighbors who come together and complete an application as a block. It is important that the neighbors involved be in close proximity to one another, share resources and plan celebratory events. Anyone in the city can organize their neighbors each year. FBB encourages neighbors to start talking to each other now about applying for next year’s Block Challenge Grants.
A second grant option often involves groups that have completed a Block Challenge grant who then go on to apply for a Pride Grant. Pride Grants are used for community improvements and can range from $100 to $3,000. This year, FBB Pride Grants will be used to support the exciting Porchfest being planned for July 9, support work on our local churches, install benches on popular walking routes, and install welcome signs to neighborhoods in the city. Pride grants can be applied for at any time during the year.
The third grant opportunity is Paint Fulton grants; seven have been awarded for 2023. These provide Fulton residents with a selection of historic color schemes to use for painting their homes. Awards are $500 and can be combined with the Block Challenge awards.
The Richard S. Shineman Foundation presents Fulton Block Builders with a donation. From left to right are FBB volunteers Ann Casey, Linda Eagan, Penny Halstead, David Phares, Kelly Niccoli, Greg Bailey, Tina Eusepi, Chris Weaver, Shannon Sawyer, Shineman Foundation Director Chena Tucker and Mike Peterson.
On June 7th, Fulton Block Builders (FBB) held its 2023 Kick Off dinner at River Vista Event Center. One hundred forty people, including block awardees and major donors, were in attendance to celebrate the start of the 2023 season. Attendees were inspired and energized by speeches from Mayor Deana Michaels; Mark Luciano, Brookfield Renewables Community Relations; Pamela Caraccioli, Fulton Savings Bank President; Calvin Corriders, Pathfinder Bank’s Regional President; and Chena Tucker, Richard S. Shineman Foundation Director.
The theme of the evening was “Fulton: The City of YOUR Future” All of the speakers shared ways the FBB participants can and are making Fulton a destination to live, work and play. Mayor Michaels started off the night by explaining how FBB has been a part of every grant the city has written and received because FBB demonstrates that as a city we are ready and willing to work towards an improved future. Mr. Luciano explained how Brookfield Renewables wants to be an active supportive part of our community. Each year they support one group located along the river that is participating in FBB. Last year they sponsored the Riverview group, and this year Brookfield has chosen the Forest Avenue group.
Ms. Caraccioli explained how easy it is for Fulton Savings Bank’s Board to give to the FBB program because they see the dramatic changes that are occurring in Fulton, not only in how the city looks but in how we are interacting with each other. Mr. Corriders explained that Micron is coming and because of the work the grantees are doing, we are making Fulton an attractive place to move to. He noted that grantees are being intentional about shaping the future.
Ms. Tucker brought everything full circle by explaining the concept of social contagion. We can choose to stay disinvested, not talk with each other and wait for someone else to fix things- that’s a negative social contagion. Or we can become invested, be neighborly, step up and help- that’s a positive social contagion. Fulton Block Builders is bringing positive social contagion to the city.
Linda Eagan, FBB’s Director, thanked the speakers for inspiring us to keep going, all the awardees for being part of something so big and for the many FBB volunteers for their endless commitment to the program.
The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program has many opportunities for people to serve their community through this exciting new initiative. In 2023, FBB begins its seventh year, and more growth is expected. This year, Alan Baker, Shannon Sawyer, Vicki Hohman and Tracy Cavalier have stepped up to help the Fulton Block Builders. Each has been a participant in the program in the past and feel “It is time to give back!”
“The excitement in the city is strong, the pride is growing, and work is being done in every Ward,” said Linda Eagan, Administrative Director. “From the start of this program, I have been amazed by the residents and businesses support. Every lofty goal we have set has been achieved and surpassed. I expect 2023 to continue in this manner and that’s why we are seeking more volunteers.”
Fulton Block Builders is proud to be a grassroots initiative. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Eagan at fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com or call 315-529-9181.
Fulton Block Builders welcomes four new volunteers for 2023. From left to right- Alan Baker, Shannon Sawyer, Vicki Hohman and Tracy Cavalier
The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) fundraising committee has announced the start of its 2023 Fundraising Campaign. Once again, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation has approved matching funds for FBB in the spring of 2023 following completion of the Campaign. In order to secure the entire Shineman award, FBB will strive to raise $50,000 by April 30,2023.
“2022 was another fantastic year for the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program,” commented Reyne Pierce, FBB Fundraising Chair. “Nearly $625,000 was invested in Fulton’s participating properties! For every dollar invested by Fulton Block Builders, property owners invested four times that amount. Twenty-five Blocks were awarded Block Challenge Grants and Pride Grants. FBB supported 201 properties spread throughout the six wards of the city, 16 Landlords participated, and 11 homeowners used the historical color palettes available through Paint Fulton Grants. Pride Grants flourished to bring about age-friendly cultural events, beautification projects, park improvements and safe entries.
“Confidence is growing in the city, and it once again makes sense for residents to invest. FBB promotes pride of property ownership, incentivizes resident investment, and breaks the disinvestment cycle by reconnecting neighbors to each another. In the six short years FBB has been in existence, Fulton residents’ confidence has grown so quickly that in total, residents have invested $3.3 million in their properties and families are once again choosing Fulton as a place to live, work, and play.”
“You can keep that momentum going by supporting Fulton Block Builders in its aim to reach our $50,000 goal,” said Eagan. “Every dollar goes toward a reimbursement fund for property owners who qualify for eligible improvements and for promotion of the program. Your contribution is tax deductible, thanks to our partnership with CenterState CEO Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Please join all Fultonians by making your donation to rebuild our neighborhoods. Become a part of this exciting piece of Fulton’s history by donating to the 2022 Campaign today.
FBB donations can be made on the website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/
Or by mail, send checks to:
CenterState CEO Foundation, Inc.
Fulton Block Builders
115 W. Fayette Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
Reyne Pierce, Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Fundraising Chair, and Linda Eagan, FBB Director, announce the start of the 2023 Campaign.
This program works! You can be the difference in your neighborhood. Join us and help ripples of improvement become waves of pride!