However, the Facebook group “Fulton NY Rocks” has taken aim to change that entirely.
Stumbling upon a once simple, meaningless rock has taken new meaning since the more than 4,000 members of the group began using such rocks to promote kindness and positivity.
Thousands of rocks, hand painted and designed with artistic imagery, uplifting messages, or positive phrases are being found all over the city with a simple message on the back: “If found, please post a picture to Fulton NY Rocks, then keep or re-hide!”
“It’s a way to do an ‘anonymous’ kind thing for a perfect stranger – sort of like paying for the order of the person in the car behind you at Dunkin but this way, children and families can participate. It is tons of fun and a great way to be active in our community that everybody can do!” said Fulton NY Rocks founder and admin, Diane Zischke Blasczienski.
She made the Facebook group at the same time that her friend, BilliJo Blair, made a similar page for Oswego, NY.
Their inspiration was drawn after learning of another rock group in Whidbey Island, an idea that is swiftly taking over communities across the nation.
Although not an ‘original’ idea of the pair, the Fulton and Oswego Rocks groups have grown to include fun games like 21 questions regarding rock locations and even rock centered scavenger hunts with prize awards.
While finding the rocks puts a smile on the faces of young and old alike, decorating the rocks is every bit as enjoyable, Blasczienski said.
“It is so simple and so rewarding at the same time. Making the rocks is very relaxing and enjoyable, doing it with children is fun!” she exclaimed.
The rocks have served as a way to bring people together to explore the city they live in or visit.
Blasczienski recalled when her grandchildren from Texas visited Fulton. She took her children and grandchildren to hide rocks they had made and look for others.
Along their journey, they would point out historical markers of Fulton such as the former Nestle site, recalling stories from a time when the city used to smell of chocolate just before the rain.
As the Nestle site exemplifies some of the downfall the city has faced in recent years, Blasczienski said the Rocks group is helpful to bring positivity and life back to the city of Fulton.
“Personally, I feel we needed a lift here. I think it’s evident that Fultonians that have been here for years are truly missing the sense of community that we grew up with. It’s a sad time for our city and this was a great opportunity to spread some cheer,” she said.
Hunters and makers of the ever sought after rocks are grateful for the group and the positive impact it has made on their community.
Searchers are getting out into their community and into nature, promoting healthier living while receiving uplifting messages reiterating kindness and positivity.
“Rock searching has removed my son from the electronics, it’s even better that it doesn’t cost anything. It’s an outdoor adventure that involves the whole family. A simple rock could mean the world to a child or an adult, the inspirational messages can really brighten your day,” said Linda King, avid rock hunter with her six-year-old son, Karson.
The positivity is spreading from rocks to much bigger initiatives. Kimberly Rowe Cooper recently posted to the group that she and her children were inspired to pick up litter from Bullhead Point and Lake Neatahwanta.
“My family fishes at the lake all the time. We witnessed a group of men littering and decided enough is enough,” Cooper said, adding that she and her son, James Cooper, often look for rocks in this area as her husband and older children fish, picking up litter as they go.
Her daughter, Kaylee Cooper, even took to a kayak to get out on the water and collect a bag full of litter.
“Great things, unexpectedly, are happening as a result,” Blasczienski said. “Suddenly we are proud of our little town and want to make it shine. Large numbers empower people. You would not believe the conversations happening at checkout lines, and waiting rooms, etc. between total strangers who now have Rocks in common.”
The group has skyrocketed in members since a large push to get the Fulton NY Rocks presence out to the community during Fulton’s annual Memorial Day Parade took hold, as of publication garnering the support of more than 4,000 members and steadily growing.
“We were taken back a bit when the numbers suddenly began to grow so fast!” Blasczienski said. “We are really excited at all the new members and places we are seeing rocks. Fulton does not feel like an embarrassment or a sad place when you see the smiles and positive messages and encouragement in all of the posts.”
While the group has a very open approach to hiding and finding rocks, general suggestions posted to the group site ask members to keep the messages positive, to respect private property, indicate that cemeteries and burial grounds are off limits, and to be cautious of placement such as areas of high grass that may be mowed or in the winter, areas that may be plowed.
“Amazing things are blooming from this group!” Blasczienski said.
To join the Fulton NY Rocks group or Oswego NY Rocks group, visit them on Facebook or search Facebook for a Rocks group in other areas to start spreading positivity in your community.
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