In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans celebrated motherhood with festivals in the Spring. It was a time of new life, when the world overflowed with an abundance of Mother Nature’s gifts. It was President Woodrow Wilson who established a national holiday in recognition of modern mothers in 1914. Today, the second Sunday in May is celebrated as Mother’s Day in the United States.
Yes, there are many ways to celebrate this special day but the love and values that are passed from one generation to another remain constant. On pages 6 and 8, discover what Resident photojournalists found when they asked the question: What is the most important lesson you learned from your mother?
Arbor Day is a national holiday to honor the beautiful trees that cover our Earth. Since the holiday started in 1872, there are sadly fewer trees on our planet. Due to deforestation, forest fires, disease and other causes, many species of trees are declining in population. Linda Lillie, owner, Sprigs & Twigs Landscaping, with permission from Ledyard Mayor Fred B Allyn, Jr., celebrated by planting another Oak Tree near Ledyard’s big old oak tree. This historic white oak is the largest white oak in the State of CT. It’s estimated to be 400 years old. Making history by planting a tree on page 15.
Like the great Oak, Louise Neistat is still tapping at 89+ years young! Louise’s students will perform at the Garde Arts on June 20th…shake a leg on page 8.
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Interview with Warren Scholl,
CEO, CorePlus Federal Credit Union
What is a Credit Union?
A credit union is a group of people who save together and lend to each other at a fair and reasonable rate of interest. Credit unions offer members the chance to have control over their own finances by making their own savings work for them. Regular savings form a common pool of money, which in turn provides many benefits for members.
The definition most commonly seen is: A financial cooperative organization of individuals with a common affiliation (such as employment, labor union membership, or place of residence). Credit unions accept deposits of members, pay interest (dividends) on them out of earnings, and primarily provide consumer installment credit to members.
Core Plus Credit Union, chartered in 1936, has seven branches in Southeastern Connecticut with its corporate headquarters in Norwich. Warren P. Scholl, CEO, talks about history of the credit union, “On Monday, March 30, 1936, an organizational meeting took place in the Wauregan Hotel by the Norwich Teachers League and the Norwich Federal Teachers Federal Credit Union was founded by 27 members and $15.00.”
“Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in New London or Windham Counties.”
“Today, membership is over 21,000 and over $200M in assets,” states Warren. “CorePlus is a federally chartered, member owned, not for profit cooperative. We are a not for profit, not for charity, but for service Credit Union.”
“We’re here as a financial cooperative. The savers provide us with money to lend to our borrowers. And, the borrowers pay us a return that allows us to keep savers. There have been times when money was tight that we’ve had to say, ‘Nobody borrows until somebody saves.’ There is a direct relationship between the saver and borrower at a credit union. They are members and owners of the credit union and essentially, my boss.”
CorePlus benefits from unusual stability and vision in its leadership. A board of directors democratically elected by the membership runs the credit union. “All board members are volunteers and members,” explains Warren.
Alexis: “What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?”
Warren: “Unlike some banks who are in business to turn a profit for the stockholders, our primary beneficiaries are the members-the owners. Not for profit. Not for charity but for the service aspect. So, when we look at branching we’re considering deployment of atms, or points of access for people, which equates to member service.”
Alexis:“Are your rates lower than bank rates?”
Warren: “Generally, our loan rates are lower than banks but not always, depending on the products. The general rule of thumb is that credit unions offer lower loan rates and higher rates on savings. Mortgages are based on national rates and trends. We get prices for our mortgages everyday. Clearly, the government wants us to go down to 4% on mortgage rates. I’m expecting that that’s going to happen. Now, the opposite side of the coin is, as those loan rates go down, the deposit rates are going down, too. Those people who are depending upon returns from their savings are feeling a pinch. I struggle with how to balance the responsibility to our borrowers and the responsibility to our savers.”
Alexis:“Is there a formula for that?”
Warren: “It’s a basic spread between cost of deposits and the returns on investments or loans to members. Our best investment is always in loans to members. We want to make sure we get the money out to our members.”
“We’ve been on a refinancing boom for the past couple of months or so. The rates are attractive for re-financing.”
“Credit unions developed from a social movement of people helping people. We are a consumer-based financial cooperative. Our capital is 9.2%, which is a good position for our members. Our overall membership increased by 7.8% last year. CorePlus is safe, sound and secure.”
Alexis:“How does CorePlus compare to other credit unions?”
Warren: “Our focus on the individualized personalized service sets us apart from other credit unions. We have more of an infrastructure, more of a branch network than a lot of other local credit unions. We have a great staff and provide better service. Also, we are access focused. Five of our seven locations are in former bank properties. What does this tell you?”
Alexis:“How are you regulated?”
Warren: “We are regulated through the National Credit Union Administration. The regulations are similar to those of banks. We are a highly rated credit union and our cycle is every 18 months. We’re very proud of our high marks. We continue to earn a five star rating from the Bauer Financial each year and we’re very happy with that.”
“Our members are the community so their needs are the same as our needs. CorePlus believes in giving back to the community where we work, live and play. As written in our mission statement, ‘Furthermore, we recognize our responsibility to be involved in our community and the credit union movement.’
“CorePlus and our employees donate money to local needy organizations. We donate hundreds of hours serving on boards and committees. Many of our volunteers help support and improve the quality of life in the communities we live and work in. For example, Angela Arnold, director of marketing, is very active in the community and we’re proud that on May 5th, she will be the award recipient of Citizen of the Year.”
“We are very proud of our intern program. A good percentage of our interns from NFA end up working for us. Our shred days are an example of our continued commitment to our local schools and our strong CorePlus team’s desire to help.”
It was a perfect day for a parade, a perfect way to end a perfect season.
“It couldn’t have been more perfect this afternoon. The weather was absolutely gorgeous,” said Shana Segal, Glastonbury, one of the estimated 25,000 people who attended a parade and rally at the Capitol on Sunday to honor the 2009 National Champions, the undefeated UConn Women’s Basketball team.
Shana was at Bushnell Park with her children and her parents, three generations of Husky fans all basking in the glow of an unforgettable string of 39 victories.
“We’re all huge UConn fans,” said Shana who said she watched every game this season with her dad, Marshall Yudin, Mystic, who was at the parade with his wife, Diane.
The modest parade through downtown Hartford featured Governor M. Jodi Rell, Dr. Michael Hogan, president, UConn, and several other dignitaries riding in open cars followed by UConn musicians and cheerleaders, local marching and drill units and, of course, the National Champs themselves, riding astride the top of an open double-decker sightseeing bus.
The team ended the season at 39-0, the third unbeaten campaign and the sixth national championship under head coach Geno Auriemma.
After the parade, during a 25-minute rally on the steps of the state capitol, emcee Bob Joyce, the voice of the Huskies on WTIC Radio, praised the Hall of Fame coach for the continued success of the team.
“He recruits talented and headstrong players and he gets the best out of them,” Bob said, adding that most of the women “are better people” for their effort because of the coach’s concern for not only the players’ physical welfare but their mental and emotional well-being as well.
Geno received a loud reception when he walked to the podium but it didn’t move the audiometer quite as much as the roar from the crowd when departing senior Renee Montgomery took her turn at the mic.
“No offense to Minnesota but this is why I don’t want to leave CT,” said Renee who was recently drafted by the Minnesota Lynx of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WBNA).
Renee should be returning to Eastern CT on a regular basis when her new team travels here to take on the local WBNA franchise at the Mohegan Sun.
There was a touching moment as the women were about to get back on the team bus after the festivities, working their way through the crowds of fans, when a little girl approached Renee for an autograph and the captain eagerly obliged.
Moments later, after Renee boarded the bus, the nine-year-old burst into tears of joy for having the chance to meet her favorite player.
Perhaps that’s what Gov. Rell was referring to when she told the team during Sunday’s rally that “you have represented CT in the best possible way.”
Gov. Rell thanked this talented troupe for providing a bit of brightness and cheer during a New England winter made even more dreary than usual thanks to a faltering economy.
“During this past winter, when the weather wasn’t the greatest, when we all had a lot of things weighing on our minds, we were looking for a little diversion and, thanks to you, we got it,” Gov. Rell said.
And, as soon as she praised the team, she then turned around and gave the fans their due as well.
“I just told Geno, ‘This is the greatest fan base any team could ask for,’” she said.
According to a University spokesman, the parade was primarily planned by representatives from the Governor’s office, the Hartford Business Improvement District and the MetroHartford Alliance. The event was funded through donations from the State of CT, the city of Hartford, several civic organizations and local businesses.
“This was a great idea. It was an excellent day, well organized, lots of friendly people and Mother Nature cooperated too,” said Dorene Willey, Willington, an administrative assistant with the UConn Plant Sciences Department. “Where it all began,” Dorene quipped, referring to the original purpose for which the university was created.
Dorene’s husband, Victor, summed up what was no doubt the thoughts of many UConn fans, “Hope to be back here again next year.”
Some heroes aren’t measured by their great strength or incredible skills, but instead by their big hearts and acts of kindness. Ten local hunger-fighting heroes are featured on the front panel of a limited-edition Cheerios box which will be on shelves this spring exclusively at ShopRite stores. The box was unveiled in a special ceremony at the ShopRite of New London on Wednesday, April 22, honoring local hero, Bill Pere, Mystic.
In marking the anniversary of the program, ShopRite teamed up with General Mills in a “10 Years – 10 Heroes” contest, a search for ten local heroes – five children and five adults - who actively engage in the fight against hunger.
Bill, songwriter and founder of Local United Network to Combat Hunger (LUNCH), raised almost $1,000,000 for community outreach programs through his benefit concerts involving local kids. “LUNCH uses the power of pop music to channel positive social action,” said Bill. “It’s good to know that large organizations like ShopRite and General Mills are appreciative of the work we do and are willing to support grassroots efforts to fight hunger.”
During the ceremony, Bill received a poster version of the box and 1,000 Box Tops for Education. Bill’s wife, Kay, was presented with a $500 donation to the LUNCH organization.
For more information please visit www.lunchensemble.com. Check out Bill and Kay Pere, LUNCH, Larry Batter, CT Idol Finalist Denise LeVassuer at their next concert at 7 pm, Union Baptist Church, Mystic, on May 16. The concert is a benefit for a Katrina mission trip. Tickets are $10.
Everyone’s a winner when they join the fight against childhood cancer from Massachusett to Virginia. Join Edy’s, Stop&Shop and Giant stores for a special Triple Winner® fundraising day on Saturday, May 2 to benefit local cancer research centers.
Edy’s Dibs® Bite Sized Snacks are a great snack anytime, but on May 2nd you can enjoy them free while donating to Triple Winner charities. Donate $1 and receive a free Edy’s Dibs Bite Sized Snack Bag and a Triple Winner scratch-off ticket. Every ticket offers a chance to win free products, prizes and up to $10,000 cash. Donate $3 and you’ll receive the free snack bag, a limited edition Triple Winner keepsake and three Triple Winner scratch-off tickets.
Stop&Shop and Giant will donate 100% of the money raised during this event to benefit the Triple Winner charities providing children’s cancer research and treatment. Proceeds from New England area Stop&Shop stores benefit The Jimmy Fund. In addition, Edy’s will donate $25,000 to Triple Winner from sales of it’s specially marked, limited edition Edy’s Dibs® Nestle Crunch® Bite Sized Snack Bag Singles.
“Since 2006, Edy’s has helped raised over $288,000 for children’s cancer research with the help of caring people throughout it’s partnership with Stop & Shop/Giant Stores. This year, we hope to raise even more than previous year’s with the community’s help. We urge everyone to come in to their local Stop & Shop on May 2nd and join us in the fight against childhood cancer by donating to Triple Winner charities,” said Larry Walker, Senior Account Executive, Edy’s Grand Ice Cream.
In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans celebrated motherhood with festivals in the Spring. It was a time of new life, when the world overflowed with an abundance of Mother Nature’s gifts. It was President Woodrow Wilson who established a national holiday in recognition of modern mothers in 1914. Today, the second Sunday in May is celebrated as Mother’s Day in the United States.
