During May and June we’ll automatically enroll you into a contest to win $5,000 each time you pay a bill using our FREE online bill pay service!

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No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. For complete rules and additional important information, visit https://secure.orcc.com/promo/Q22012/rules or ask for additional details.

Established by the American Bankers Association Education Foundation in 1997, “Teach Children To Save” has reached more than 5 million young people through the commitment of more than 120,000 banker volunteers.  “This program gives us the opportunity to use our life experiences and banking knowledge to motivate students to become lifelong savers,” said Kevin C. Merchant, President & CEO of Jewett City Savings Bank.  The Bank offers these savings education programs throughout the year, not only to area schools but also to local libraries and youth groups.

Jewett City Savings Bank offers the following tips for money-savvy parents raising money-smart kids:

•     Set the example of a responsible money manager by paying bills on time, being a conscientious spender and an active saver. Children tend to emulate their parents’ personal finance habits.

•     Talk openly about money with your kids. Communicate your values and experiences with money. Encourage them to ask you questions, and be prepared to answer them – even the tough ones.

•     Explain the difference between needs and wants, the value of saving and budgeting and the consequences of not doing so.

•     Open a savings account for your children and take them with you to make deposits, so they can learn how to be hands-on in their money management.

•     Let friends and family know about your child’s savings goal.  They’ll be more likely to give cash for special occasions, which means more trips to the bank.

•     Engage your community.  Many schools, banks and community organizations share your commitment to creating a money-savvy generation.  Engage a coalition of support to provide youth with the education they need to succeed.

The ABA Education Foundation, a nonprofit subsidiary of the American Bankers Association, provides financial education programs and resources that help bankers make their communities better.  The foundation’s signature programs, Teach Children to Save and Get Smart About Credit, bring bankers and students together to increase financial literacy.  Visit the ABA Education Foundation web site for resources to “Teach Children To Save” at www.ABA.com/ABAEF/TCTS.htm

This year’s show, “Anything Goes,” was held on April 18-21, superbly directed by Raymond Churchill and organized, staged, produced and performed by scores of talented Griswold High students.

Kevin C. Merchant, president and CEO of Jewett City Savings Bank, expressed high praise for the popular Griswold Drama program and the Bank’s pleasure in being a major sponsor.

“It’s all about the kids,” Merchant said. “As the hometown bank, we are honored and thrilled to help support our Griswold students and Griswold Drama with their annual production, which has become such a wonderful ‘must see’ event for our entire community.”

REPEAT PERFORMANCE – Griswold Drama director Raymond Churchill (left) accepts a platinum sponsor donation from Jewett City Savings Bank’s Kevin C. Merchant, president & CEO. The is the second consecutive year the Bank has been a major sponsor of the Griswold High School Drama’s annual theatrical production.

The safest bet is to know which card to use in different situations. Here are some helpful hints.

Use your debit card:

For convenience
Why? Carrying a debit card is a lot safer than carrying a lot of cash and quicker than writing checks. A debit card is great for smaller, everyday purchases. But, be sure you don’t spend more than you have in your account, or it could end up costing you.

For controlling your spending
Why? Because a debit card withdraws money directly from your account, checking your balance frequently (via online or mobile banking) provides an instant peek at how well you’re managing your money. Remember, when you pay by credit card, you’re spending future money, and interest on top of that if you don’t pay the balance in full.

For easy “cash back” and ATM cash withdrawals
Why? Using your debit card at the grocery store (where you can usually even get cash back) or ATM is as easy as pie. (But, pass them right by if anything about the machine seems suspicious. Crooks have been known to “hot wire” machines in order to steal your card information, PIN included.)

Use a credit card:

When purchasing items such as a television, electronics or other big-ticket items
Why? The money comes straight out of your account when you pay by debit card. Pay with a credit card and, if there’s a problem after the sale, you can dispute the charge and, by law, the credit card company will pursue the matter. On the other hand, a debit card transaction means the money has left your account; it’s up to you to resolve the problem and get your money back. Meanwhile, that money is no longer in your account.

When you’re buying online
Why? A debit card is connected directly to your bank account. If the seller turns out to be less than reputable, or the site is a hoax, you could lose much more than the cost of your purchase.

When you’re dining out.
Why? This is one time when you offer your card and it leaves your sight — and leaves you, and your bank account, extremely vulnerable.

When you’re paying “in advance”
Why? Hotels, car rental agencies and self-serve gas stations take your card information upfront, but traditionally “block” a larger amount than you’re expecting to pay – just in case you end up spending more! This “blocking” freezes that amount of money in your account, reducing the total you may have counted on access to for other purposes. The “block” may remain in effect for days.

When you’re trying to build up your credit history
Why? Debit card usage has no effect on your credit history or credit score. Using a credit card and paying your balance in full and on time can help build a positive credit rating.

One final warning. Whether it’s a debit card or a credit card, be sure to cancel it immediately if it’s lost or stolen. And, if you notice anything suspicious about your account, contact your bank or the issuer of the card as soon as possible, to prevent further damage.

Although it’s just a little piece of plastic, each card represents your hard-earned money. We want to help you keep it safe.

“We are pleased to welcome Brian and Theresa to Jewett City Savings Bank as our newest corporators,” said Merchant. “They are a perfect choice for their new roles as additional resources for our management team, and as ambassadors of the Bank out in the community, where they are well-known and highly regarded.”

Andstrom
Brian Andstrom, a broker associate with the Partner Network, is a partner of B.E.B.E. Company, a land development organization. He is a licensed real estate broker in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

He began his career in real estate sales with the Petrowsky Real Estate Company, where he gained experience in residential, commercial, industrial, sub-division, new construction and foreclosure sales. He purchased the Company in 1985 and then purchased Realty World Quintal a decade later. He was the owner/broker of Realty World Petrowsky-Quintal prior to joining the Partner Network in 2008.

Andstrom is a member and previously served on the board of directors of the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors. He also served as chairman of the Northeast Board of Realtors Professional Standards Committee for eight years.

He is a six-time recipient of the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors “Top 5% Sales” Award, and he received the award for multimillion dollar sales and listings for 21 consecutive years. In 2000, he received the “Business Person of the Year” award from the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce.

Andstrom is a 1975 graduate of Vermont Technical College, where he received an associate’s degree in civil/survey engineering.

A member of the Mohegan Striders running club, he is a volunteer leader for summer running programs through the Plainfield Recreation Department. He serves as the chaplain of the Plainfield VFW men’s auxiliary and is also a member of the Finnish American Heritage Society. He has also been prominent in the Plainfield business community, having served as a member of the Plainfield Lions Club and the Plainfield Jaycees. He was also a member of the Plainfield Economic Development Commission, and he served for four years on the Plainfield Recreation Commission.

Madonna
Theresa Madonna has been a solo practitioner of law with an office in Jewett City since 2007. Her general law practice handles estate planning, elder law, probate matters, consumer bankruptcy and small business matters. She is a member of the American and Federal Bar Associations, the Connecticut Bar Association, the New London and Windham County Bar Associations, and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Prior to her law practice, she was the vice president for academic affairs and the dean of the college at Fisher College in Boston, MA. In her academic career, she also held the positions of vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty after serving as dean of graduate studies and continuing education at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI; and she was the academic director of graduate programs, College of Business following 10 years as a professor of management at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.

Madonna received her Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law; a doctor of science degree in management systems from the University of New Haven; an MBA from the University of New Haven; a master of science degree in criminal justice from the University of New Haven; and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ohio Dominican College.

Active in the community, she currently serves as a board member of Thames River Family Program and Martin House, both located in Norwich, and also as a board member of A Reason to Ride in Griswold, serving needy veterans. She is a member of the State of Connecticut Planning Commission for Higher Education, and she recently served on the State of Connecticut Governor’s Task Force on CHFA Loss Mitigation. She is on the board of trustees for St. Vincent’s College in Bridgeport, is a board member of the Rotary Club of Norwich, and a member of the Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce. In the Town of Griswold, she served on the board of selectmen from 2009 to 2011, and also as a member of the board of education from 2003 to 2011.

In 2009, she was the recipient of the Pro-Bono Service Award from the Connecticut Bar Foundation and the Foreclosure Prevention Pro-Bono Service Award from the Connecticut Fair Housing Authority. She is also a past recipient of the Leadership Award from Sacred Heart University.

Lisa Legler

Lisa Legler is the branch manager of the bank’s main office in Jewett City, a position she has held since 2009.  Legler joined the bank in 2006 and served as the retail operations manager of the bank’s Dayville office upon its opening in 2007.

This year we took our hometown banking lessons to heart and into the community. We are proud to share our “report card”.  These are the lessons we live by in community banking; they define our culture, brand and express our values.

Provoking lessons such as, “Supporting local businesses helps grow our local economy”, collective opinion, “A real person should answer the phone” and good reminders, “Customers are friends and neighbors too”. These, and more, are actionable, foundational lessons that combine to define who we are to you, the customer and further establish our place within the greater community.

There is a growing national trend to bank-locally, but this is not why our customer base is growing – we aren’t trendy. Our customers are rediscovering the security and comfort of trusted hometown institutions. We’ve been serving the local community since 1873. This years Annual Report represents our history of prudent management, demonstrating that we are as financially solid as ever.

As always, we welcome your feedback.

Here is an example of the text message:

“JEWETT CITY SAVINGS BANK ALERT: Your CARD has been DEACTIVATED. Please contact us at 860-556-4887″

Cyber criminals are using email messages (phishing) and text messages (SMiShing) to attempt to get consumers to divulge account numbers, debit and credit card numbers, and other personal confidential information.  Never respond to the message or use the telephone number or website link provided.  When there is a question about your account information, you should always contact the bank at a telephone number or website that you know to be legitimate (from a statement or receipt).

If you called the number included in the text or email message and provided your debit card number, IMMEDIATELY call a branch office near you for assistance during business hours.  After business hours, notify our HOT CARD Lost & Stolen Service at 1-800-264-5578.

If you received a text or email message, you can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTCcomplaintassistant.gov.

The Borough of Jewett City had requested donations from the general public for the work when Jewett City Savings Bank President & CEO Kevin C. Merchant announced that the Bank would like to cover the entire cost of the project. It has been approximately 25 years since similar restoration work has taken place at the Park, which is located at the intersection of North and East Main streets. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the dedication of Fanning Park.

The restoration work will be done by Mercer Lettering and Monument Works of Sterling, CT.

Weather permitting, the project will begin the first week of April and be completed in time for the traditional veteran ceremonies at the Park on Memorial Day.

“Fanning Park and its monuments represent sacrifices made on our behalf by legions of local citizens over the years,” said Merchant. “Restoring the monuments to their original beauty is one small way Jewett City Savings Bank can honor those who fought to protect our freedom. We are proud to have that privilege.”

Borough officials plan to meet with local veterans’ organizations to discuss the addition of monuments to honor veterans of more recent conflicts. Additional donations received will be used for those monuments and can be sent to Borough of Jewett City, P.O. Box 486, Jewett City, CT 06351.

FANNING PARK RESTORATION — Community leaders who met at Fanning Park recently to review restoration plans with project sponsor Kevin Merchant, President & CEO of Jewett City Savings Bank (far right), included (l to r) Richard Ouillette, Jewett City Veterans Council; Alan Geer, Burgess, Borough of Jewett City; Timothy Sharkey, Burgess, Borough of Jewett City; and John Connelly, Warden, Borough of Jewett City.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Jewett City Savings Bank, 32 Norwich Road, Central Village

Our guest speaker is Phil Boyle, Vice President with Health Consultants Group.  The presentation will include a federal and state health care reform update, an explanation of the new fees and taxes, and a summary of the new compliance and reporting requirements.  You can learn more about the Health Consultants Group at www.myhcg.com.

During the seminar, Laure Welch, a Wellness Life Coach with Health Consultants Group, will be available to conduct a “quick read” clinical grade biometric screening for those interested.  Be sure to bring your business card to enter a drawing for a Wellness Package for your company.

The meeting will be held at our Central Village Office in the second floor meeting room (not handicap accessible).  Seating is limited.  To register to attend this seminar, please RSVP to sjones@jcsbank.com no later than March 16, 2012.