Fulton Thanks Volunteers for Hundreds of Hours of Help

by Contributor | December 29, 2010 8:58 am

You might be surprised to know that the city of Fulton’s largest workforce belongs to no union and draws no pay.

More than 200 people have volunteered their time on behalf of the city in the last year, and officials paused recently to say thanks.

The city’s Parks and Recreation chief, Barry Ostrander, said the volunteers put in 700 – 800 hours in the past year.  “They made a huge impact and ask for nothing in return,” he said, as he thanked them for their work on projects such as:

• The community Christmas tree lighting event, on which 70 volunteers worked, with more than 1,500 people attending the event;
• Maintaining and improving the War Memorial building, in which he said various youth groups have participated;
• North Bay campground, where the Friends of North Bay have helped to build a playground and install more electrical service for campsites;
• The ice arena, where Fulton Youth Hockey is working to improve the warming room, along with creating better lighting and a better entrance;
• Oswego Falls Park, where the Lions Club has cleaned out weeds and fixed up the basketball court, and Upstate Tree Company has provided free wood chips;
• C.V. Abbott Park, where the United Way’s Success By 6 has created a trail and homeschooled classes, along with Alderman Jay Foster, have helped to maintain the city’s busiest playground;
• Voorhees Park, where volunteers from State St. Methodist Church and others have helped to maintain the park.

Ostrander said the list of volunteers and projects was not complete, that many other people and groups participate in many other city parks and projects.

Ostrander shared the story of one volunteer, who asked what he could do.  Ostrander asked him to oversee the weekly summer concerts at Bullhead Point park.  This person, he said, now volunteers five days a week for various things.

Aldermen also took a moment to thank the volunteers.  “Without them, we wouldn’t have the beautiful things that we have,” said Alderman Dan Knopp.

“People who are looking for a way to give back to your city,” said Alderman Peter Franco, “the best way is to give your time.”

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/fulton/fulton-thanks-volunteers-for-hundreds-of-hours-of-help/

---