Fulton Block Builders receive support from Fulton Sunrise Rotary

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) is proud to receive continued support from Fulton Sunrise Rotary. Patrick Waite shared, “I am honored to support the Fulton Block Builders program. The work this group has accomplished is outstanding. I believe the potential for year ten will exceed expectations once again. It is my understanding that FBB has supported over 1,700 properties and inspired more than $5 million in resident investment. That is a lot to be proud of! I encourage businesses and individuals to learn more and support this momentum.”

Fulton Sunrise Rotary has been a strong advocate for the City of Fulton and its growing grassroots efforts. “Sunrise Rotary has supported FBB every year since we began. I am so proud of this collaboration and their continued commitment,” said Linda Eagan, founder of Fulton Block Builders. Sunrise Rotary meets Fridays at 7:00AM at Mimi’s diner.

Patrick Waite of Fulton Sunrise Rotary presents Linda Eagan of Fulton Block Builders with a donation from Fulton Sunrise Rotary.

Fulton Block Builders Receives Support from Ken and Kelly Niccoli

Fulton Block Builders is grateful for the generous support of Ken and Kelly Niccoli, longtime residents of Fulton, whose commitment to community continues to make a meaningful impact.

“We are honored to support the Block Builder program. The work that this group has been able to accomplish is outstanding,” said the Niccoli’s. “We believe the potential for year ten will far exceed the work that has been done up until now. We love working with such a dedicated group of people volunteering for this program. We encourage businesses and individuals to learn all they can and support this momentum!”

“The Niccoli’s are strong advocates for the City of Fulton and its residents,” said Linda Eagan. “As President of the Fulton Polish Home, Ken can be seen volunteering at nearly every event—even climbing into the rafters to repair malfunctioning heating and air conditioning units. No job is too small for Ken. Kelly serves as an active board member at both the Fulton YMCA and the Fulton Polish Home, and together they are also involved in the Fulton Garden Club. Kelly and Ken are excellent examples of community activism, and we are deeply grateful for their support”

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2026 Fulton Block Builders:

·        Wednesday, March 3, 2026 – Community Information Meeting

·        Friday, March 20, 2026 – Neighborhood Recruitment Forms (pre-applications) are due

·        Friday, April 24, 2026 – Final applications are due

·        Friday May 8, 2026 – FBB grant awardees announced & home improvements begin

·        Saturday, October 31, 2026 – awardees must complete their work

Ken and Kelly Niccoli of Fulton proudly support Fulton Block Builders.

FULTON BLOCK BUILDERS RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR ARDUINI

Oswego County Legislator Joseph Arduini recently presented Fulton Block Builders (FBB) with a donation to support neighborhood revitalization efforts in the City of Fulton.

“I represent the 22nd District, which includes parts of Fulton, and I am impressed with the positive energy FBB is bringing to our residents,” said Arduini. “I have personally been a Block Leader and can testify that FBB is a great way to meet your neighbors and become actively involved in the community. My wife, Deb and I are happy to show our dedication to the city of Fulton and our appreciation to the Fulton Block Builders with this donation of $850. We are honored to support their important work and believe that our contribution will help further their mission in meaningful ways. We look forward to fostering growth and positive change within the community by supporting these initiatives and strengthening the partnership between this organization and the people of Fulton.”

“As Fulton Block Builders celebrates our 10th Anniversary in 2026, we are excited to offer Anniversary Pride Grants of up to $10,000 — an incredible opportunity for residents and organizations to make BIG impacts in our city. It is because of people like Legislator Arduini that we are able to fund more Block Challenge Grants and Pride Grants” said FBB Founder, Linda Eagan. “We are energized again this year by the number of quality applications we are receiving. Remember the deadline to submit a Block Challenge Pre Application is March 20, 2026”

Oswego County Legislator Joseph Arduini presents Fulton Block Builders Founder, Linda Eagan, with a check for $850 in support of neighborhood revitalization efforts in the City of Fulton.

Shineman Foundation Awards Fulton Block Builders Matching $100,000 Grant for 2025 Block Challenge Program

“We did it, Fulton! Once again, you came through to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program,” said Tina Eusepi, FBB Director. “FBB has received the full $100,000 matching grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, thanks to all the community support. Most recently Brookfield Renewables donated $2,000, putting FBB over its $50,000 fundraising goal”

 The Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s vision is to act as a “catalyst for change” to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County. 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 revitalization program, and our foundation is proud to continue its support of FBB by awarding another $100,000 for its Block Challenge program,” said Tucker.

“From the moment we started the FBB program, I have been amazed at the support and care there is for the Fulton community,” said Eusepi. “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 2025, FBB has been able to make 145 awards in 20 Blocks throughout the city. The support for the program is fantastic.”

Sue Collins purchased her Riverview home only a few years ago and has been able to make great improvements thanks to FBB. “Equally important are the relationships I’ve made with so many neighbors thanks to FBB. I work outside of Fulton and my co-works are always amazed at the FBB stories I tell and wish they had a similar program where they live,” said Sue.

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation presents Fulton Block Builders with a $100,000 grant. Shineman Foundation Director Chena Tucker and Kelly Green; Grant Program and Event Coordinator present Tina Eusepi; FBB Executive Director with a check while admiring the improvements Sue Collins has made to her home.

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

Foster Funeral Home recently presented Linda Eagan Fulton Block Builder (FBB), Founder 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 Stellingwerf.

“Since FBB’s start in 2017, FBB has awarded 1,583 Block Challenge, Paint Fulton, and Pride Grants,” said Eagan. “$4.5 million dollars has been invested in Fulton’s participating properties since our start! Last year was another fantastic year for the FBB program. Twenty-two blocks were awarded Block Challenge Grants and Pride Grants, with FBB supporting 165 properties spread throughout the city. For every dollar invested by FBB, property owners invested 4.2 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.

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

Fulton Block Builder receives support from Menter Ambulance, taking them closer to their fundraising goal

Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Director received a $1,650.00 donation from Zachary Menter, President. “Menter Ambulance has always had great commitment to the Fulton community,” said Eagan.

Oswego County Ambulance & Hearse Service Inc., locally known as Menter Ambulance Service, is a private ambulance service whose main headquarters is in Fulton, NY. Menter Ambulance currently owns and operates 16 Advanced Life Support Ambulances.

“The company has over 140 employees. Menter is the primary EMS provider for the City of Fulton, Town of Granby, Town of Volney, Town and Village of Hannibal, Town of Schroeppel, Village of Phoenix, Town of Oswego, Town of Minetto, Town of Scriba, Town of Hastings, Village of Central Square, and Town of West Monroe” commented Zachary Menter. “We also answer a large number of EMS calls in the City of Oswego as the Secondary Ambulance Service Provider. Our service posts ambulances throughout our large territory to ensure our patients receive the best possible response times. We have been watching the changes brought about by the Fulton Block Builder program and are pleased to continue our support”

Every dollar FBB raises is matched 2-to-1 by the Shineman Foundation.

Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder Founder receives a donation from Zachary Menter, President, and CEO of Oswego County Ambulance Service

Canal View Travel Supports Fulton Block Builders

Canalview Travel helps Fulton Block Builders reach their fundraising goal with a generous check.

Canalview Travel is locally owned and operated, Canalview Travel has established a global presence. Over 40 years in the Travel Business, Canalview Travel prides itself in being competitive in both commercial and leisure markets. “This donation to FBB is another commitment to their community. Since FBB’s start in 2017, we have seen so many positive actions by individuals and businesses. Canalview Travel is another encouraging demonstration,” said Eagan.

Lynn Kistner, Michele Cummins and Sandy Shue of Canalview Travel are seen here after presenting a Fulton Block Builder donation.

Fulton Savings Bank Pledges Corporate Support for Fulton Block Builders

As the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program winds down its Fundraising Campaign, businesses and individuals have again been showing their ongoing support. Recently, one of the city’s oldest financial institutions, Fulton Savings Bank, again stepped up to help assure FBB’s success.

According to Fulton Savings Banks’ historical archives, in 1871, a group of civic leaders organized Fulton Savings Bank to receive deposits from tradesmen, clerks, mechanics, laborers, minors, servants and others.  The first bank location was in a rented room at the northeast corner of Second and Oneida Streets.  Since then, Fulton Savings Bank has been serving the greater Fulton community and continues to Build Trust for Generations.

“Fulton Savings Bank’s donation to FBB is another commitment to their philosophy. Since FBB’s start in 2017, we have seen this community come together in so many positive ways and the corporate support of Fulton Savings Bank is another positive demonstration,” said Eagan.

“Fulton Savings Bank is proud to be an ongoing Corporate Sponsor of this exciting initiative,” said Laurie Smith, Vice President of HR & Marketing of Fulton Savings Bank. “We are thankful to all of those involved with Fulton Block Builders for their continued work to revitalize our community.”

Tina Stephens and Laurie Smith, Fulton Savings Bank Vice Presidents, present Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder Founder, with a check for $10,000 for the organization’s 2025 Fundraising Campaign