Phoenix’s Sweet-Woods Memorial Shows Support for Fulton Block Builders

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) has been receiving strong support from within the Fulton city limits, but for the sixth year in a row, business support has also come from outside of the city with a donation from Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix. Recently, Dennis Goss, owner/operator of Sweet-Woods Memorial presented Linda Eagan with a check for the Fulton Block Builder project.

“I am honored to support the Block Builder program,” Goss said. “The work that this group has been able to accomplish is outstanding! I believe the potential for year six will continue far exceed expectations. There is a lot to be proud of! I encourage businesses and individuals to learn all they can and support this momentum!”

Since 1932, Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. has provided thousands of families all over Central New York with premium quality memorials, bronze plaques, and mausoleums.  With locations in Phoenix, Brewerton and Camillus, the business was founded with one philosophy in mind: to provide the best quality material and craftsmanship available, at a reasonable price.

“Dennis is a powerful advocate and has great love for the city of Fulton and its surrounding communities,” Eagan said. “He has supported FBB every year and helped us to reach our fundraising goals. I am so proud of this collaboration and support.”

FBB donations can be made on the website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/

Or by mail, send checks to:

CenterState CEO Foundation-Fulton Block Builders; 115 West Fayette Street; Syracuse, NY 13202

Sweet-Woods Memorial Company in Phoenix, NY once again supports Fulton Block Builders

Community Bank Supports Fulton Block Builders, Encourages Others to Do So

Kayla Baker, Savannah Norton, Ashly Jewell and Danaia Terramiggi from Community Bank-Fulton Branch, are seen here after presenting Linda Eagan, FBB Administrative Director with the check

Community Bank N.A has once again donated $5,000.00 to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB) program.

“FBB is thrilled to have the continued support of Community Bank,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Administrative Director. “This year, the fundraising committee seeks to raise $50,000 in order to realize the full Richard S. Shineman Foundation matching grant. Community Bank’s support of this program is greatly appreciated.

“FBB is making significant differences in our community,” Eagan continued. “In 2021, there was nearly 700K invested in Fulton’s participating properties! For every dollar invested by Fulton Block Builders, property owners invested four times that amount.”

“This is the 6th year Community Bank has donated to the Fulton Block Builders program and we’re honored to support them,” said Kayla Baker, Fulton Branch Manager. “Their neighborhood revitalization program is an important initiative that builds the Fulton community now and for the future.”

“The support for the FBB is clear demonstration of this passion” Baker continued.

Become part of this exciting chapter of Fulton’s history by donating to the 2022 Campaign today. What’s even more exhilarating is that every dollar you donate is matched 2-to-1 by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. Remember, donations are tax deductible and, since FBB operates with an all-volunteer staff, 100 percent of financial support goes directly to the Block Challenge grants and promotion of the program.

FBB donations can be made on the website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/

Or make checks should be made payable to: CenterState CEO Foundation Inc.-Fulton Block Builders, 115 W. Fayette Street, Syracuse, New York 13202

Fulton Block Builders receives a $500 donation from Davis-Standard

Chris Weaver, Fulton Block Builder volunteer, receives a check from Jessica Q. Kolenda, Davis-Standard HR Manager for the 2022 program.

“The fundraising has started for the 2022 Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program, and we are very happy to announce Davis-Standard’s support” said Weaver of the FBB Fundraising Committee. “The support of local businesses is so important for us reach our $50,000 goal and realize the entire Richard S. Shineman match.”

Davis-Standard is a global leader in design, development and distribution of extrusion and converting technology. “We believe the future is bright because it is full of promise. Evolving demands are reshaping the way organizations compete and stimulating a new wave of thinking and product innovation. Davis Standard is proud to be a world leader in making product-ideas-real-business” Kolenda shared. “We think FBB is an innovative leader in community revitalization and are happy to support this transformative program.”

The FBB Block Challenge application process encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate, build confidence in Fulton’s neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest. FBB does not approach groups and ask them to apply. Deciding to submit an application is a neighborhood decision. FBB encourages all neighborhoods to apply by completing the first application due on March 4th.  To learn more about the program visit the FBB website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/ .

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

Fulton Block Builders Accepting Applications for 2022 Block Challenge

The Fulton Block Builders (FBB) has announced details for the 2022 Block Challenge, a program that offers matching funds to each participating home for exterior home improvements. The program encourages and rewards neighborhood groups to work together in an effort to reinvest in their own neighborhood.

City residents who would like to participate in a Block Challenge need to have a Block Leader and form a neighborhood cluster with a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 15 property owners in their block. (A single property owner application will not be considered.) The closer clusters are grouped, the more viable the application becomes. The group can include homeowners or landlords.

Taking part in the Block Challenge begins with a Grant Pre-Application, which must be submitted by March 4, 2022. All interested neighbors sign the Pre-Application form. The Pre-Application does not commit anyone to the program but is required to submit a Final Application.

Once submitted, FBB Ambassadors—FBB leaders who help neighborhoods through the process— meet with the group to start the Final Application, which requires detailed plans for each homeowner project and a neighborhood celebratory event. Final Applications are due April 13, 2021. They are then reviewed by an independent review panel, and awarded blocks are announced by May 7, 2022.

Applications can be found on the FBB webpage https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2022 Fulton Block Builders:

• Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 4, 2022 (Required in order to submit a Final Application) Applications can be dropped off at 125 West Broadway OR directly to your Ambassador OR scanned and emailed to fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com)

• Final applications due by Wednesday, April 13, 2022

• Awards announced Saturday, May 7, 2022

• Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees July (if possible)

• Improvement projects must be completed by October 31, 2022

Shannon Sawyer’s block had a lot of fun and success with the 2021 Block Challenge. From Left to right, standing Mike Peterson-FBB Ambassador, Tony & Heidi Pafumi, Jeff & Vicki Hohman, Dennis Deland, Todd & Shannon Sawyer. Sitting LaVerne Deland, Gladys Daniels & Cindy Garrett.

Fulton Block Builders Pride Grants Used to Enhance City

Neighborhood Pride Grants provide an opportunity for groups of neighbors to work together on a community project. Pride Grants between $100 and $3,000 are awarded for projects and activities that sow seeds of revitalization by engaging residents in the resurgence of their neighborhoods. Examples of successful Grant projects include welcoming lamp lighting throughout a neighborhood, gateway signage greeting people to an area, and park adoptions.

 Pride Grants require coordination with neighbors to improve the community as at least five neighborhood households must apply together for the grant. Pride grants do not necessarily have to be tied to Fulton Block Builders’ other grants, but oftentimes, residents who got to know each other through a Block Challenge Grant apply for a Pride Grant to further enhance their community/neighborhood. This year, three groups came together with an interest in enhancing the Holiday Lighting in Veterans Park.

 Block Leader David Phares and his neighbors Randy Bartlett, Nick Nesbit, Nancie and Ed Miller, Kelly Coffee, and Gail Henrie, along with Block Leader Greg Beasely and his neighbors Mark and Colleen Caza, Maynard and Ashley Williams, David and Carrol Fisher worked with Block co-leaders Kathy Smith and Cindy MacDougal and their neighbors Kathy Aluzzo, Andrea Cianfarano, Michelle Baker, Sue Fiorini , Rose LaFrate to use the FBB Pride Grant process to purchase two industrial grade reindeer for the park. The purchase of the reindeer did not require neighbors physically working together, but due to the price of the reindeer it did require more than one group to actively show their support of the purchase.

 These three groups strongly supported FBB efforts with Pride Grants earmarked to help the city enhance the holiday decorations! For more information on Fulton Block Builders and Pride Grants, visit the website https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com

Fulton Block Leader David Phares was one of three Block Leaders that supported the Holiday Reindeer purchase through Fulton Block Builders Pride Grants

Fulton Block Builders Seeking Volunteers for 2022

The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program has many opportunities for people to serve their community 2022 will be FBB’s sixth year and, with excitement and pride in the city growing, more neighborhood involvement is expected. Work is being done in every Ward and many people are already contacting FBB volunteers requesting information to organize their block for next year.

“FBB Volunteers do NOT need to live in the city, they just need to have a love for Fulton” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “From the start of this program I have been amazed by the community and businesses support. Every lofty goal we have set has been achieved and surpassed. I expect 2022 to continue in this manner and that’s why we are seeking more volunteers.”

Volunteers are needed for:

Community Ambassadors- These are the face of FBB in neighborhoods. Between January and April, Ambassadors work with the neighborhood blocks interested in submitting pre-applications and guide each to submit strong final applications. New Ambassadors will be paired with past Ambassadors throughout their first season.

Fundraising Committee- FBB has been fortunate to receive a matching grants from the Shineman Foundation, but they require us to raise local funds. Volunteers on this committee help identify possible sponsors and contact corporations, businesses, individuals, banks, service groups, etc.  Fundraising takes place from January through April.

Community Event Committee- These volunteers work with local venues to prepare and organize two large events, one in January and the other is in May.

Data Entry Volunteers- FBB has databases to track the grant awards, work to be done, progress of each awardee and contact information. Volunteers are needed in April to input information from the applications into the database(s).

PR Volunteers- Throughout the year FBB makes a point of writing press releases to help keep the community informed. Volunteers are need all year for this

Financial Receipt Processors- From August through October, large numbers of receipts need to be reviewed, tallied, and processed for grant payment. Volunteers are needed to help with this process one or two days a week.

Fulton Block Builders is proud to be a grassroots initiative with no paid staff. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Linda Eagan at fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com or call 315-529-9181.

Fulton Fall Festival Will Highlight Local Manufacturing

Fulton’s first Fall Festival “Cider and Sweaters” will be held on October 9th from 10:00am to 4:00pm at C.W. Barrett Drive (road along the lake near the War Memorial) including Recreation Park, War Memorial & Ice Rink.

“The festival will be a fun family event, featuring food, games for youth of all ages, over 70 vendors, live music and highlight the numerous manufacturers that call Fulton home. The committee has been working hard to bring a great fall event to Fulton” said Chris Waldron, Director of Fulton Parks and Recreation.

Along with a variety of festivities, this event will have a strong emphasis on local manufacturing. Since taking office Mayor Michaels has been meeting with local manufacturers to discuss how the city can be stronger partners. The common theme shared is that our young people do not realize how many well-paying jobs there are right here in Fulton. Each participating business such as Huhtamaki, Universal Metal, NET & Die and others will have their products, services and job opportunities on display. “Showcasing our robust manufacturing sector and exposing our youth and their families to the great jobs available in Fulton is so important. While honoring our rich history, this festival will also highlight the many local products and services and the wealth of local job opportunities” said Mayor Michaels.

“Universal Metal Works appreciates the opportunity the city is providing at the October 9th Fulton Fall Festival. We are seeking to hire a number of positions. This kind of exposure will help” said Universal Metal Works, president, John Sharkey IV.

Fulton Fall Festival Committee recently met at Universal Metal Works. From left to right are Lorrie Poyneer, Mallori Stoia, John Sharkey IV (Universal Metal Works - President), Chris Waldron, Caroline Shue, Crystal Bracy and Marissa Hanlon

Fulton Block Builder Participants Eligible to Receive Discounts from Several Local Businesses

Ontario Orchards, Burkes Home Supply, Northern Ace Home Center, Lakeside Roofing and Siding, Cloverleaf Garage Doors Inc., Waldron’s Furniture, CNY Roof Cleaning, Baldwin Masonry, Premier Landscaping and USA Insulation of Syracuse are stepping up to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program with discounts on much needed supplies to complete home improvement projects.

“The 2021 Block Challenge applications have been completed and awards will be announced in May. The quality of applications for 2021 was the best that the FBB independent scoring committee has seen,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “I think this is testimony to the seriousness our residents are about bringing back the PRIDE in our community. Each year more businesses offer discounts to FBB participants and each year they make a point of shopping local. This is a recipe for success on all levels. FBB is so grateful to the participating businesses and our residents for their support.”

If your business is interested in providing discounts to participants, please e-mail FBB at fultonblockbuilders.com.

Dennis and Cathy Ouellette, owners of Ontario Orchards, are just one of many businesses offering discounts to Fulton Block Builder participants.