Fulton Block Builders receive support from Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix, New York

Fulton Block Builders has been receiving strong support from within the Fulton city limits. But for the second year in a row, business support has come from outside of the city with a donation from Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix. Dennis Goss, owner/operator of Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix is shown here presenting Linda Eagan with a check for the Fulton Block Builder project. “I am honored to support the Block Builder program. The work that this group has been able to accomplish is outstanding! I believe the potential for year two will far exceed the work that was done in the inaugural year. The city is lucky to have such a dedicated group of people volunteering for this program. I encourage businesses and individuals to learn all they can and support this momentum!” said Goss.

“Dennis is a strong advocate for the city and residents in Fulton. As a Rotarian he can be seen volunteering in Fulton Youth Soccer, Fulton YMCA, OCO Bowl-A-Thon, ARC of Oswego County, Fulton Public Library, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Fulton Polish Home, Fulton American Legion, Literacy Volunteers, the Salvation Army and filling Blizzard Bags for shut-ins throughout Oswego County. Dennis is an excellent example of community activism, we can’t thank him enough for this support.” Eagan said.

The Pre-Application deadline is March 16th. It is very important for blocks to get organized and gather signatures from their neighbors.  This first step does not commit a home owner - it simply states that they want to learn more. Block Builder Ambassadors will meet with each block that submits a pre-application to explain the fine details of the program. It is after that meeting that homeowners will decide if they want to submit a final application to be considered for a Block Challenge Award. Eagan did stress, however, that without the Pre-Application being submitted a block cannot submit a Final Application, so don’t let March 16th slip by. Learn more about FBB on the website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/ or follow them on Facebook.

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.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2018 Fulton Block Builders:

• Friday, March 16, 2018 – Neighborhood Recruitment Forms (pre-applications) are due
• Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – Final applications are due
• Monday April 30, 2018 – Fundraising match for the Shineman grant must be raised
• Tuesday May 1, 2018 – FBB grant awardees announced & home improvements begin
• Wednesday October 31, 2018 – awardees must complete their work

Dennis Goss from Sweet-Woods Memorial Company in Phoenix, NY presents Linda Eagan with a check in support of the Fulton Block Builders

Community Bank N.A Brings Fulton Block Builders to 92% of the Matching Goal Needed to Realize the Full $100,000.00 Grant from the Shineman Foundation

Community Bank N.A recently donated $5,000.00 to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB). Branch Manager, Tina Stephens is seen here with Linda Eagan, FBB administrative Director. “The Fulton Block Builders have announced Target Areas and are accepting Pre-Applications for the 2017 Block Challenge matching grant program. Homeowners are encouraged to go to fultonblockbuilders.com to download the pre-application form and sample letter to organize your neighbors. It is a very simple process and any block in the city can apply, however preference will be given to blocks in the Target Areas. FBB is thrilled to have the support of Community Bank N.A. With this 5K check, FBB has now raised 92% of the match needed to realize the full $100,000.00 matching grant from the Shineman Foundation.” Eagan said

Branch Manager, Tina Stephens (left) with Linda Eagan, FBB administrative Director

Each participating property owner in a Challenge Block is eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on exterior improvements (visible from the street), up to $1,000. If $500 is spent, a $250 match will be made. If $2,000 or more is spent the match will be $1,000. (minus taxes). Funding is competitive please see Tips for a Competitive Application.

To receive the matching funds, participants must submit all receipts and invoices at the conclusion of their project. Fulton Block Builders will review the materials, take a picture of the completed work, and send a reimbursement check to the participant. (Note sales tax on purchases cannot be matched only the before tax purchase price.)

In addition to matching funds, participants will be eligible to receive special discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. (A list of sponsors and the applicable discounts will be available when the Challenge Blocks are designated).

What improvements are eligible?

• Painting                                  
• Mailboxes                                          
• Porch repair                          
• Exterior lights
• Soffit repair                            
• Front yard landscaping       
• Sidewalk repair                    
• Front doors/screen doors
• Flower boxes                         
• Shutters
• And more...

“Community Bank N.A. slogan is Bank Happy which is more than just advertising it is the core principle by which we operate” said Stephens. We are a full service financial institution, offering all the things much bigger banks offer. But we also have one thing they don’t -a passion for providing the highest level of customer service in whatever we do. “The support for the FBB is clear demonstration of this passion” Stephens said.

Support continues to grow for the Fulton Block Builders

Nancy Kush Ellis, Vice President of Fulton Savings Bank is shown here after presenting Linda Eagan with a check for $10,000.00 for the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) project. “Fulton Savings Bank is proud to be a Corporate Sponsor of this new initiative and thanks all those involved for their continued enthusiasm and hard work.!” Ellis said.

Bringing homeowners together in one block builds community and generates confidence. “Residents of the city are encouraged to start organizing their blocks as pre applications will be accepted from March 1st through April 1st. Home owners are asked to go the FBB website for help with this organization. On the website residents will find: sample letters, tips, frequently asked questions and application forms.” Eagan said.

Fulton Block Builders is a program that generates neighborhood pride and helps homeowners and property owners recover part of the cost of their exterior property investment. The core feature of this approach is to build on strengths rather than just fix weaknesses.

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.  The Bank has been serving the greater Fulton community ever since and continues to Build Trust for Generations. This donation to FBB is another commitment to that philosophy.
 

Fulton Lions Club Donates $1,000 to Fulton Block Builders

FULTON, NY – The Fulton Lions Club recently donated $1,000 to Fulton Block Builders, (FBB), it was announced by President David Guyer. “The Fulton Block Challenge neighborhood revitalization program is a critical step forward in reshaping our city and restoring pride, one block at a time,” Guyer said. “Fulton Lions is proud to be a supporter.” Guyer is shown with Linda Egan, FBB administrative director.

Fulton’s Lions Club, also known for their Lions Loot Sweepstakes, (April 30, 2017), and Lions Mane Event Comedy Night, provides financial assistance for those in need of eyeglasses, eye exams, and hearing aids to residents in the Greater Fulton area. For further information on Fulton Lions, visit their Facebook page under “Fulton NY Lions.”