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 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.

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

Penny Halstead’s Block Receives a Fulton Block Builder Pride Grant to Assist the Fulton American Legion

Penny Halstead is a 2022 Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Block Leader and was moved when she heard about the work that the Fulton American Legion was looking to complete. Her Block applied for an FBB Pride Grant to help pay for the exterior improvements being made on the building at Holly Drive and Oneida Street. “My dad was an Army veteran who passed away a few months ago. It would have made him proud to know that I was involved in a project like this. Peter Allen and all the volunteers have done an amazing job. I’m happy that we could help support the American Legion with this pride grant,” said Halstead.

“The members of the Fulton American Legion have noticed all of the positive changes happening in Fulton, thanks to the Fulton Block Builder program and we wanted to be part of the transformation,” said Peter Allen, Fulton Veteran of the year. “Fulton Legion members do so much for our community, and we are proud to be able to give back to those who have done so much. Legion members selflessly serve day in and day out by supporting local events, educating children in our schools, honoring veterans in our community, placing flags in local cemeteries, and providing honor guards for funerals.”

The American Legion Post is located at 873 Oneida St in Fulton. The project work is well underway and includes paving and improving the parking lot, installing a new walkway, providing landscaping to beautify the area and prevent foundational erosion of the building, and other outdoor items such as paint, fixtures, seasonal items, etc. to improve the appearance of the property. Last week nearly a dozen Fulton Block Builder volunteers helped the Legion complete the first phase of the project, and the public is encouraged stop by and view the new landscaping and other improvements.

“The Fulton Block Builders Program is so important to Fulton’s revitalization efforts, and we are grateful to have this program in our community. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to Penny Halstead and Fulton Block Builders for their support of the Legion improvement project” said Post Commander, Larry Macner.

“We are a community that works together” said one of the many volunteers working on the Fulton American Legion facelift

FULTON BLOCK BUILDER PARTICIPANTS ELIGIBLE to RECEIVE DISCOUNTS from SEVERAL LOCAL BUSINESSES

Burkes Home Center, Northern Ace Home Center, Lakeside Roofing and Siding, Waldron’s Furniture, CNY Roof Cleaning, Premier Landscaping, JCH Seamless Gutters and Erie Materials are stepping up to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program with discounts on much needed supplies to complete home improvement projects.

“The 2022 Block Challenge applications have been completed and awards announced in May. The quality of applications for 2022 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@gmail.com

Ray Forsythe of Burkes DO IT BEST Home Center announces discounts for Fulton Block Builder participants.

Fulton Block Builders announce two-hundred 2022 Awards

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) notified 200 property owners in 23 distinct Blocks of their 2022 Awards. “This is truly another milestone for the FBB and the entire community of Fulton. FBB started in 2017 and to date, 1235 awards have been made. What’s more is that there has been a 3-million-dollar investment by residents in their properties. I’m sure we’ll see more exciting work this year” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director.

This is Patty Tyrell’s second year as a Block Leader. Not only did her group complete beautiful work on their properties, but they also cleaned up an abandoned property and took on maintenance of the “Welcome to Fulton” sign near them. All 2022 awardees have received their yard signs and Patty had some special help delivering them by Eloise Tyrell and Kiari Perkins. “The girls love to help any chance they get” said Tyrell.

The Fulton Block Builder project is dedicated to revitalizing our 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 when mailboxes and house numbers shine, when lawns are mowed, snow is shoveled, and leaves are raked. Pride comes through in washed windows, fresh coats of paint, holiday lighting and landscaped yards. 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.

Now that the awards have been made for 2022, ANY Block in the city can begin organizing for 2023. There are Target Zones but that is a starting point ALL Blocks in the city can apply for a Block Grant and FBB Ambassadors 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

Fulton Block Leader Patty Tyrell has received some big help from two of our younger residents, Eloise Tyrell and Kiari Perkins