Brookfield Renewable Partners with Fulton Block Builders to Sponsor Riverside Avenue Block

The Riverside Avenue Fulton Block Builder (FBB) group had some special guests at their celebration picnic. Mark Luciano Brookfield Renewable’s Stakeholder Relations Manager, traveled from Saratoga, N.Y. to present the group with a check for $5,500. Riverside is located on the west side of the Oswego River between Mill Apartments and the Polish Home.

“Brookfield is dedicated to making positive economic, social and environmental impacts within the communities that host our facilities” Luciano said. “We are very pleased to be able to support the residents of Riverside Avenue, a wonderful neighborhood a short distance away from a Brookfield hydro plant. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Fulton Block Builders and choosing another block to support next year.”

Assemblyman Will Barclay’s Community Relation Director, Brittany Jerred, was thankful for the invitation and commented, “What a great turnout for the picnic. It looks like all the neighbors are here. And Block Leaders Annie Noel and Toni Ross are such great hosts. Very uplifting to see. It was nice to meet Mark Luciano too.  Assemblyman Barclay continues to be amazed at ALL the great things FBB has done.”

Fulton 2nd Ward Councilor Doug Chapman congratulated the group on all the work they have completed and welcomed all the residents to reach out to him at any time. Linda Eagan thanked the speakers for their amazing support and all of the Block participants for their hard work. “It’s very noticeable and impressive,” said Eagan.

The Block leaders presented all of the participants with an American Eagle yard flag. Annie Noel said “People from all around come to our block to watch the eagles fly over the river. Toni and I thought it would be great if we all had eagle flags to show our unity.”

Mark Luciano, Brookfield Renewable Relations Manager, joins Brittany Jerred, NYS Assemblyman Barclay’s Community Relations Manager; Doug Chapman, Fulton Second Ward Councilor; Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder Director and all the participants of the 2022 Fulton Riverside Avenue Block

Fulton Block Builder Neighborhood Block Celebrations Continue

As part of the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program, in addition to working together and sharing resources to improve the exteriors of their homes, participating homeowners plan a celebratory event. Shannon Sawyer is the Block leader for a very active group on Batavia and Fulton Avenues     had this to say about her neighborhood's celebration. “Even though we cannot apply for FBB next year (we’re completing our 2nd year now), we are still planning to continue our neighborhood get togethers. I will make sure everyone gets lots of invites! Our neighborhood looks soooo good, FBB is such an amazing project!”

This neighborhood group also took up a playground collection for Granby School, raising money to support the school’s purchase of more playground equipment. “Our Block Builder Neighborhood is thrilled to offer the Granby PTG a $415 donation to improve the playground area” continued Sawyer. “Our neighborhood chose to donate to the Granby PTG, since the PTG and the school have played such a big part in our lives, and our neighborhood. We understand that the playground is not only used by the students, but also the children and families of our community.”

Gladys Daniels another homeowner in this neighborhood, told Linda Eagan, FBB Director, that FBB has helped her so much these past two years. She was able to repair eaves, install gutters and doors, rebuild her entrance steps and seal her driveway. Plus, she got to meet more neighbors! Len and Wanda Langdon purchased their house last year after it had sat vacant for 5 years. “It is exhilarating to see this house so full of love and care,” said Eagan. “If we had a most improved award, the Langdons would certainly be top runners. All of the changes on this block are beautiful. I agree with Shannon, the neighborhood looks soooo good.”

The Sawyer Block has lots to celebrate. Back Row: Stephanie Donnelly, Heidi Pafumi, Matthew Sawyer, Shannon Sawyer, Todd Sawyer, Brenda Tomlinson, Cindy Garrett, Tony Pafumi, Mike Smith. Front Row: Gladys Daniels, Brandi Donnelly, Pat Kerr, Becca Smith, Sharon Hoadley

Fulton Block Builders Working with 56 Landlords to Improve Their Rental Properties

Each year since the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program began in 2017, landlords have been encouraged to participate in the blocks that organize. “FBB feels strongly that tenants and landlords are important aspects of a healthy city and therefore encourages landlords to participate and tenants to join the celebratory events,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “A good landlord not only makes sure their property is clean, tidy and well presented, but is quick to repair and maintain anything that goes wrong. Having the sense that you are a valued part of the community is more likely to make one a good tenant.”

Fulton Block Builders is built on the theories and practices outlined in Healthy Neighborhoods by Donald Boehlke. Boehlke states “Neighborhoods can’t thrive unless houses retain or increase their value and unless enough residents are committed to maintaining their homes and overseeing their communities.” Here in the city of Fulton, landlords like Dean Distin are doing just that. In 2022, twelve landlords are making improvements to their rental properties. Improvements like new porches and entries as Distin has done. Other upgrades this year include painting, landscaping, house washing, new windows, roof cleaning/repair and improved doors and walkways.

ANY Block in the city can begin organizing for 2023 and apply for a Block Challenge Grant. Call (315) 529-9181 to learn HOW or find more information at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/ or on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fultonblockbuilders/

Dean Distin improved his rental property with the help of the Fulton Block Builder program.

Fulton Block Builders Celebrate 2022 Awards with Picnic

On August 7, organizers for Fulton Block Builders (FBB) invited 200 property owners in 23 distinct Blocks to a celebration picnic. “Normally we would host a dinner at River Vista or Virgilio’s Banquet Centers, but Covid has prevented us from doing that,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “This year, FBB Social Events co-chairs, Kelly Niccoli and Chris Weaver, suggested that we host an outdoor picnic, allowing us to still celebrate as a group while staying safe.”

The Fulton Block Builder project is dedicated to revitalizing Fulton’s neighborhoods one block at a time. A key piece of the program is having neighbors come together as a group. By applying together, neighbors know that their investment in their home will pay off because so many around them are doing the same. They get to know each other, share resources, and plan celebrations. In doing so, blocks increase community engagement, pride in their neighborhood and attract new residents to Fulton.

“We have missed our large group dinner these past few years,” said Niccoli. “It’s important that the blocks come together as a whole. It’s a visual for each property owner to know it’s not just their house or their block, it’s BIG and BIG is good for our city.”

“The picnic was great fun for all ages,” Eagan continued.  “We had delicious food from Mr. Mikes, bounce houses and obstacle courses for the kids, comfortable seating under the shade of tents from Rupert’s Rentals and a sound system from Joe Cortini. I can’t thank Kelly and Chris enough for the excellent planning. Everything was great!”

Now that the awards have been made for 2022, ANY Block in the city can begin organizing for 2023. There are Target Zones that FBB will identify, but that is only the starting point. ALL Blocks in the city can apply for a Block Grant and FBB Ambassadors, who guide neighborhoods through the process, are ready to help. Call (315) 529-9181 to learn HOW or find more information at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/ or on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/fultonblockbuilders/posts/?ref=page_internal

The 2022 Fulton Block Builder Awardees celebrated with a picnic at Recreation Park

Fulton Block Builder Block Celebrations Begin

As part of the Fulton Block Builder program, participating homeowners are asked to work together, share resources, and plan a celebratory event in addition to the exterior improvements they make on their homes. Michelle Narad is the Block leader for a very active group near Lanigan School and they recently had a celebration dinner at the home of Tom and Sue Brown. The occasion also gave the group an opportunity to support local businesses, including food from Mimi’s, Mama Gina’s and Kathy’s Cakes. The group agreed that everything was delicious.

This neighborhood group also held a garage sale at Lanigan School in July, raising $1,100 to purchase picnic tables for the students and teachers. “The teachers expressed an interest in holding class sessions outside in the good weather but would have to sit on the ground, which was not inclusive for all students” said Narad. “Picnic tables seemed like a natural solution, so we got on it. What’s more, when Councilor Ethan Parkhurst heard what our Block was doing, he volunteered his time to paint and seal the tables. The result is beautiful.”

With efforts such as this, the seeds for reclaiming Fulton have been planted and now they are blooming. The community involvement that is brought about through Fulton Block Builders positively weaves the economic, cultural, civic, and societal fabric of our community. The volunteer staff and leaders of Fulton Block Builders couldn’t have asked for a stronger support from everyone in the area.

Tom and Sue Brown host the Block party to celebrate the great work their neighborhood has completed.

FOX Pest Control is the newest donor to Fulton Block Builders

Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builders (FBB) Director was surprised to receive a phone call from Grayson Thiel of FOX Pest Control wanting to donate $300 to FBB. “FOX Pest Control has a location in Syracuse (Fox Pest Control-Syracuse) and each month we like to sponsor local organizations that are making a difference in the community. I recently came across your website and love what you are doing to reshape Fulton one block at a time. That is a great mission!” said Thiel.

After working in the pest control industry for years, brothers-in-law Mike Romney and Bryant White opened the first Fox Pest Control branch in 2012. They founded their company on the belief that hard work and integrity would enable them to grow their business successfully -- and they were right! Fox now numbers more than 30 branches, all owned and operated by local residents, small families who take pride in working hard, serving their community, and living the Fox Core Values.

“At Fox, our mission is to develop confident leaders and empower individuals to provide strong, outstanding service. We aren't just a pest control company that provides top-quality service. Our number one priority is to develop and strengthen lasting relationships. By building up leaders and maintaining positive relationships with our customers, we work to make a difference in the lives of our employees and our community. Fulton Block Builders aligns well with this mission” said Steve Fisher, Syracuse Branch Manager.

For the past 6 years, FBB and its financial supporters have provided matching grants and related programs to improve the housing stock and streets in the Fulton 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 FOX Pest Control for their support of our program and community” said Eagan.

Steve Fisher, FOX Pest Control Branch Manager makes a corporate donation to Fulton Block Builders

Fulton Block Builders partners with Fulton Porchfest through a Pride Grant

Fulton Block Builders will once again partner with Fulton Porchfest and Fulton Chalkfest, helping to present Downbeat Percussion, and purchase much needed supplies for the event, like chalk! Both events will take place simultaneously in and around Voorhees Park on July 10, 2022 from Noon to 5.

Porchfest is a grassroots community music festival where front porches become stages, yards become venues and generosity and good will rule the day. Rain or shine, attendees will see musical performances, free of charge. All are urged to bring your own chair to take with you as you move from porch to porch. Food and water will be offered for purchase.

“We want this to be a fun day for all ages” said organizer Tonya Crisafulli. “Chalk will be available throughout the Porchfest venue, and all are encouraged to be creative. Downbeat Percussion will lead everyone in a drum circle for the Porchfest finale. Buckets and drumstick will be on hand, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own drums, bongos, and tambourines to join in the fun.”

If you’d like to learn more visit:

Fulton Porchfest: www.fultonporchfest.com

Fulton Porchfest drum circle was great fun in 2021 and will be again in 2022

N.E.T. & Die contributes to the Fulton Block Builder Program

N.E.T. & Die President and CEO, Michelle Shatrau has noticed the positive changes happening in the city of Fulton and wanted N.E.T. & Die to be a part of this success. “We are pleased to make a donation of $500 and support the Fulton Block Builderr (FBB) transformation initiative. We are proud to be a part of the City of Fulton and want to support projects that make the city a better place to live and work. “

N.E.T. & Die, Inc. is a third generation family-owned and operated CNC machine shop located in Fulton since the 1960s.  They provide custom, prototype, low volume production and repair machined products. They have manufactured large items such as staging equipment for cruise ships and Las Vegas casinos and small items like tank scopes for the military. With over 500 years of manufacturing experience, their team can provide unparalleled engineering support and machining expertise.

Linda Eagan, FBB Director said “the support of our local businesses has been heartwarming and inspiring. We welcome N.E.T. & Die’s support and thank them for their confidence in the work FBB is doing.”

The Fulton Block Builder project is dedicated to revitalizing Fulton’s neighborhoods one block at a time. The core feature of this approach is to build on strengths rather than just fix weaknesses. Property owners working together in one block builds community and generates confidence.  Pride is what comes through. Pride is the name of the game. It is the essence of stability which in turn is the backbone of good schools, a strong tax base, a vibrant civic and cultural life, and a thriving downtown.

Fulton family-owned business N.E.T. & Die support Fulton Block Builders. From left to right are cousins Patrick Poyneer, Supply Chain Lead; Michelle Shatrau, President and CEO; and Robert “Boog” Shatrau, General Manager.