The Richard S. Shineman Foundation awards Fulton Block Builders a matching $125,000 grant for its 2022 Block Challenge program

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s vision is to act as a “catalyst for change” to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County. Executive Director, Karen Goetz 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 (FBB), in our community. “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 2022 Block Challenge program. This brings the Shineman investment in FBB to $741,000 since FBBs beginning in 2017” she said.

The $125,000 award is a matching grant paid following a successful FBB fundraising campaign. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, civic groups, and individuals, FBB raised nearly $75,000. “From the moment we started the Fulton Block Builder program, I have been amazed at the support and care there is for the Fulton community. Pride is here. We just needed a way to put a voice to those feelings. Raising $75,000 in our small community is a testament to that pride,” said Eagan, FBB Director.

“The 2022 applications have been submitted and I am thrilled to announce 200 homes in 23 Blocks have been awarded $195,000 in FBB Block Challenge and Paint Fulton Grants. Thirteen rental properties are participating, six homes will be using the historical colors and several businesses have been granted awards. The FBB scoring committee commends all who applied. The applications were very competitive and complete. Better narratives than in the past, great “before” pictures and maps made it easy to clearly see clustering. Overall, there were more comments about FBB's successes and more neighborhood empowerment! CONGRATULATIONS ALL.”

If any resident is interested in applying for a grant in the future, Eagan suggests they talk with anyone who has a sign displayed in their yard or contact her directly at fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com.

Karen Goetz, Shineman Foundation Executive Director with Board Member, Margaret Barclay, present Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder Administrative Director, with the grant award check.

Fulton Block Builders Continues to Receive Donations

FBB recently received a generous donation from the Fulton Teachers Association. Their president, Kerrie Phillips, said, “The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program has been making significant positive changes in our community, changes that support healthy living for all our residents including our children and youth. The Teachers Association strives to be a positive influence in our schools, community, state and country and we are proud to support Fulton Block Builders.”

“The generosity of so many is inspirational” said Linda Eagan, FBB founder “Our community has amazed me since the launch of Fulton Block Builders in so many ways. This is one more example of that amazement!”

Block Challenge Grants are given to residents on neighborhood blocks who all commit to completing exterior “street appeal” improvements on their homes. Each resident works on their own home and once the work is completed and pictures and receipts are submitted, they are reimbursed by FBB for half the cost of the improvements, up to $1,000. These grants require at least 50% of the houses within a block to come together and apply as a group, which creates a compound effect of multiple, simultaneous investments signaling to those inside and outside of these neighborhoods that the market has changed in a fundamental way. In its first five years, participating properties have invested nearly $3million in their homes, supporting dozens of new doors, windows, sidewalk repair, painting, landscaping, and much more.

Fulton Teachers Association donate $400 to Fulton Block Builders. Pictured from left to right are Kerrie Phillips, Karen Noel and Ann Casey

Fulton Block Builders receive support from Fulton Noon & Sunrise Rotaries, WD Malone and Dental Health Solutions

As the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) fundraising campaign is drawing to a close, several civic groups and businesses have pledged their support. Nancy Kush Ellis from Fulton Noon Rotary said “I am honored to support the Block Challenge program. The work that this group has been able to accomplish is outstanding! I believe the potential for year six will continue exceed expectations. It is my understanding that FBB has awarded over 1000 properties and realized a resident investment of three million dollars. That is a lot to be proud of! I encourage businesses and individuals to learn all they can and support this momentum!”

Fulton Sunrise Rotary is a powerful advocate and has great love for the city of Fulton and the new grassroots organizations popping up in the city. “Sunrise Rotary has supported FBB every year since we began. I am so proud of this collaboration and support” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director.

“Fulton Block Builders are very happy to announce W.D. Malone’s and Dental Health Solutions’ support” said Ann Casey of the FBB Fundraising Committee. “The support of local businesses is so important for us to reach our $50,000 goal and realize the entire Richard S. Shineman match.”

Dr. Juan Lopez and Ryan Malone are excited to see the changes FBB is bringing to Fulton. Much like both businesses that strive to bring about improved natural beauty to the landscape and your smile, FBB is beautifying life in Fulton.

If you’d like to learn more about Fulton Block Builders or donate, go to https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/

Jerry Seguin, Steve Osborne and Nancy Kush Ellis represent Fulton Noon Rotary’s support of Fulton Block Builders

Lakeside Roofing and Siding Sees Fulton Block Builders as a Solid Investment

“At Lakeside Roofing and Siding, our team has a commitment to assist each customer with high quality, personalized service,” said Mark Blowers, Lakeside store manager. “Our commitment to the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program is an extension of that commitment. We are impressed with the work that is being done throughout the city and the neighborly relationships forming. We are happy to offer FBB participants discounts and wanted to do more. Donating $500 is just one more way Lakeside can support this solid investment in the city of Fulton.”

“The community support for Fulton Block Builders is amazing in so many ways,” said Linda Eagan FBB Director. “Not only are businesses like Lakeside supporting the FBB movement, but residents are making a point of shopping locally for their home improvements. It’s definitely a win-win!

“In just a few short years, residents are realizing the value of Lakeside Roofing and Siding to our community. The store can be found in Hannibal in the old Scott’s Hardware location on Auburn Street. You’ll see facilities that are clean inside and out. Warehouses, with well-organized inventory and knowledgeable staff ready to meet your needs.”

If your business is interested in providing discounts to participants or make a donation for the FBB fundraising campaign, please e-mail Eagan at fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com.

Mark Blowers, Lakeside Roofing and Siding Store Manager and Brett Holbrook, Sales recently presented Fulton Block Builders with a check to continue Lakeside’s support of the program’s participants.

Fulton Block Builders continue to receive support and donations from the community

Cassandra Nelson, Funeral Director, and General Manager at Foster Funeral Home recently presented Linda Eagan Fulton Block Builder (FBB), Director with a generous donation of $1,500. “Foster Funeral Home has been watching the enthusiasm grow in the city and believes in trust, honesty and commitment to our community.  FBB’s mission to Restore City Pride -One Block at a Time is a program Foster Funeral Home is proud to support” said Nelson.

“Since FBB’s start in 2017, FBB has awarded 1,035 Block Challenge, Paint Fulton, and Pride Grants,” said Eagan. “Nearly 3 million dollars has been invested in Fulton’s participating properties since our start! Last year was another fantastic year for the FBB program. Thirty-two blocks were awarded Block Challenge Grants and Pride Grants, with FBB supporting 236 properties spread throughout the city. For every dollar invested by FBB, property owners invested four times that amount.”

Since 1919 Rudolph P. Foster, Clifford C. Foster, and Paul E. Foster have been serving the Fulton-Hannibal and Central New York Community. During that time, they have established one of the most reliable funeral homes. Oswego County and the surrounding area families benefit from several services provided by the professional directors and staff at Foster Funeral Home. There is always a licensed funeral director available to respond to your family's needs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's the way things started here in 1919, and it's still reflected at Foster Funeral Home today.

Donations can be made on the FBB website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/or by mailing a check to:

CenterState CEO Foundation Inc.-Fulton Block Builders

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, New York 13202

Jody Ann Morgan, Funeral Director; Heather Sturges, Funeral Director, Cassandra Nelson, General Manager and Funeral Director and Klara Stellingwerf, Office Manager for Foster Funeral Home support Fulton Block Builders.

Eastern Shore Associates Support Fulton Block Builders for the 2022 season

Eastern Shore Associates is a 100% employee-owned, client-focused agency with over 80 insurance professionals operating 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 to 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 homes, automobiles, and businesses of our neighbors. Supporting the FBB project is a natural for the entire Eastern Shore team.

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) is a local non-profit program that focuses investment in Fulton neighborhoods. For the past 5 years, FBB and its financial supporters have provided matching grants and related programs to improve the housing stock and streets in these neighborhoods. FBB provides neighborhood grants to clusters of residents who apply together to complete exterior improvements on their properties. As a result, Fulton has benefited from an almost 3-million-dollar investment by property owners.

When asked why, residents said, “once they got going, they couldn’t stop, everything was looking so nice in the neighborhood!” Many reported being inspired by what took place in the city since FBB started and wanted to keep the positive momentum going. Others said there is a real pride and change being demonstrated in the city and they wanted to be a part of something so good! And still others, just like last year, said they hadn’t noticed how poor their property was looking until now. FBB gave them the reason to notice and complete.

FBB is extremely grateful to the Eastern Shore Associates and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation for their support of this program and encourages others to follow their lead. Whether you are an individual, a business or a community group FBB asks that you help support this energizing program by donating today. Every dollar helps FBB reach this goal!

Becky Bennink and Bridgette Seguin, of Eastern Shore Associates are seen here after presenting a $500.00 check to Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Director, Linda Eagan.

Fulton Block Builders and the City of Fulton Parks & Recreation Host Plant Swap on May 21, 2022

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) will host an outdoor Plant Swap in conjunction with Fulton Parks and Rec. On Saturday, May 21, from 10am until noon, at Bullhead Point in Fulton, gardeners are invited to bring labeled plants and take-home new plants. Here is how you can be involved:

1.    While you are working in your yards and cleaning out your flower beds, take some time to divide your plants and make room for new varieties.

2.    Put your extra plants in disposable containers and/or bags.

3.    Mark the plant with its common name.

4.    Indicate if it is a shade or sun lover.

5.    If possible, add a picture of what it looks like blooming.

6.    Remember to look for any parasites - we want to be sure we don’t share these!

“Fulton Block Builders is all about creating a thriving community for all who live, visit and work in Fulton,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director, “and beautifying our yards is a great way to demonstrate your Fulton PRIDE. This plant swap provides free opportunities to make our gardens green again, promote neighborly relationships and build community. Together, we are truly Reshaping Fulton One Block at a Time!”

 For more information about the Plant Swap, visit Fulton Block Builders’ Facebook page at: (20+) Fulton Block Builders | Facebook 

Or the city’s website at:

(20+) City of Fulton - Parks & Recreation | Facebook

Reyne Pierce and Chris Weaver discuss plants at the 2021 Fulton Plant Swap

Fulton Block Builders Receives Support from Brookfield Renewable U.S.

Recently, Brookfield Renewable donated $5,500.00 to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB) program. Brookfield Renewable U.S., is a leading owner, operator, and developer of renewable power, delivering innovative renewable power solutions that accelerate the world towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. Their diversified portfolio of hydropower, wind, solar and storage facilities extend across 34 states, including Fulton, New York.

“It is a pleasure to once again be able to collaborate with Fulton Block Builders. As partners in this community Brookfield supports the Block Builders mission and is proud to contribute to a project that makes a difference in the lives of a new group of families every year,” said Mark Luciano, Brookfield representative.

“Since FBB’s start in 2017, FBB has awarded 1,035 Block Challenge, Paint Fulton, and Pride Grants” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “2021 was another fantastic year for the FBB program. Thirty-two blocks were awarded Block Challenge Grants and Pride Grants, with FBB supporting 236 properties spread throughout the six wards of the city. Nearly 700 thousand dollars was invested in Fulton’s participating properties! For every dollar invested by FBB, property owners invested four times that amount.”

Businesses and individuals can become part of this exciting time in Fulton’s history by donating to the 2022 campaign. Every dollar donated is matched 2-to-1 by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. All donations are tax deductible and, since FBB is entirely volunteer run, all financial support goes directly to the Block Challenge grants and promotion of the program!

Mark Luciano, Brookfield Renewable U.S. - Stakeholder Relations Manager presents Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder Director with a check for the 2022 program.