Union Savings

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#336666" TEXT="#080000" background="005b85a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Litchfield Area Business Association (LABA)</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Litchfield Area Business Association (LA"><B>home</B></A></div> <div>                                                   </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#336666" TEXT="#080000" background="006d2b83.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Litchfield Area Business Association (LA"><B>Home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="laba_corporate_sponsors.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="LABA Corporate Sponsors"><B>Corporate Members</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="about_laba.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About LABA"><B>About LABA</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="laba_members.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="LABA Members"><B>LABA Members</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="laba_application.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="LABA Application"><B>LABA Application</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="laba_business_of_the_week.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="LABA Business of the Week"><B>Business of the Week</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="laba_news.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="LABA News"><B>LABA News</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="meeting_schedule.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Meeting Schedule"><B>Meeting Schedule</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><B>Links</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="contact_info.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Info"><B>Contact Info</B></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#CCFFCC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Union Savings</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="702" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 13355 WIDTH="696"><div> <B>Announcing the New and Improved unionsavings.com</B></div> <div> Union Savings Bank is pleased to announce its website redesign. The updated interface has a sleek new look and feel, is user-friendly and contains enhanced tools and resources.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Explore the new and improved website at <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://unionsavings.com">unionsavings.com</A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B> Union Savings Bank promotes Jason M. Ginsberg</B></div> <div> <B>to vice president, corporate services</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="13eafe90.jpg" border=0 width="175" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Union Savings Bank President and CEO Jay Lent is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Ginsberg to vice president, corporate services.</div> <bR> <div> During the past four years, Ginsberg has served the bank as vice president, market manager, as assistant vice president, branch manager and as assistant branch manager, retail banking officer. Prior to joining the bank, Ginsberg managed his family's long time business, Danbury-based Ace Industrial Supply, Inc.</div> <bR> <div> In his new position, Ginsberg will be responsible for development, marketing and delivery of the bank's non-credit corporate, cash management and electronic banking services; new business development for cash management products and relationship management for existing client accounts.</div> <bR> <div> "Jason's diverse experience and contributions, both as a former independent business manager, and to the bank's retail services and branch management have made him the ideal person to join our corporate services division," said Lent. </div> <bR> <div> A resident of Brookfield, Ginsberg obtained his bachelor's degree in finance from Western Connecticut State University. He is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. He volunteers as executive board secretary with the Brookfield Fire Department, Candlewood Company; as vice chair of the emerging leaders governance board with United Way of Western Connecticut and as a classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank Wealth Management – Partners for the Long-term </B></div> <div> <U>An Interview with Rick Judd, Senior Vice President</U></div> <div> <U><IMG SRC="13f60830.png" border=0 width="96" height="131" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></div> <div> <B>How can clients identify if they're ready to </B></div> <div> <B>seek professional help in planning for their financial future?</B></div> <div> You're not alone in asking this. It's common to question the need for a wealth management partner because as individuals we're more often focused on the now, rather than the future. We're not aware of our needs for retirement or we think we're too young to start thinking about the next stage in life. Chances are, though, if you're asking yourself this question, you're ready. Now is the time to focus on the future. </div> <bR> <div> Although you may not have an identified reason to begin planning for your financial future today, there are some common occurrences that may make you want to start sooner rather than later, including the need to rollover a 401(k) plan, contemplating retirement, inheriting family assets or planning for the next generation.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>How do clients benefit from working with a local, community bank </B></div> <div> <B>for their wealth management needs, as opposed to a larger investment firm?</B></div> <div> There's a lot to gain from partnering with Union Savings Bank, a local, community bank. Our team will take the time to get to know you and develop a comprehensive plan specific to your objectives, allowing us to create the solutions that best suit your needs. It is that local perspective that makes us different and allows us to focus on being responsive to you with a broad range of resources. We administer your account with personal attention, providing the comfort and trust you expect from your wealth management partner.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>When managing your wealth, what makes a great partner?</B></div> <div> When meeting with clients for the first time, I encourage them to think of it as their interview of us. After all, investment management is about long-term planning, so you should feel confident our partnership will last the long-term. A few questions to consider include:</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>How much expertise does the team have? </B></div> <div> A tenured, capable team will give you peace of mind, knowing they have the capabilities and attributes of a trusted partner who is focused on your financial goals.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Does the team have a broad range of capabilities? </B></div> <div> Relationship managers should work with you to achieve success through consistent, sound planning strategies that provide that optimal mix of assets to maximize return potential, focusing on a holistic approach to your financial well being.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank sponsors Red Cross blood drive at Danbury’s Galleria</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="140c0070.jpg" border=0 width="448" height="263" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Union Savings Bank and the law firm of Ventura, Ribeiro and Smith worked together to host a successful blood drive that collected 28 pints of blood — the equivalent of saving 84 lives — at the bank’s downtown Galleria office on August 2. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="141c0460.jpg" border=0 width="448" height="326" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Union Savings Bank, sponsor of the drive, and Ventura, Ribiero and Smith, which made its parking lot available for the American Red Cross blood drive mobile bus, advertised and recruited participants. Employees from the bank and the law firm were joined by walk-in donors from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. </div> <bR> <div> Barbara Bryan, a bank operations employee at Union Savings Bank, coordinated the effort and served as liaison with the American Red Cross. All donors were given a coupon for a box of chocolate covered fruit from Edible Arrangements, courtesy of the Red Cross.  Bank employees were also given a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card. </div> <bR> <div> The Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross is the sole provider of blood supplies to 29 hospitals in Connecticut. Research shows that one in two people will have a need for blood during their lifetime. Currently, Connecticut residents are using more blood (600 units per day) than the Red Cross collects (450 units per day). As blood has a very short shelf life, the Red Cross needs to continually replace what they collect.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank Expands Focus on Rural Lending and Growth</B></div> <div> <B>Hosts United States Department of Agriculture </B></div> <div> <B>rural development regional seminar</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="142a8500.png" border=0 width="424" height="336" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> From left to right: Jack Healy, Southern New England director of the United States Department of Agriculture; Jen Lerch, director of business and cooperative programs, USDA; Scott Senete, VP, commercial lending, Union Savings Bank; and Gina Scherbner, VP, retail business development officer for Union Savings Bank at the USDA Rural Development regional seminar, hosted by Union Savings Bank. The seminar, which focused on programs under the USDA that help fund economic development, was attended by more than 50 officials and chamber representatives from northwest Connecticut. </div> <bR> <div> Concerned with the special economic growth challenges facing Connecticut residents and businesses located in rural areas of the state, Union Savings Bank recently hosted a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development seminar and luncheon at P. Sam’s restaurant in Torrington. The program attracted more than 50 invited guests, including chamber representatives and officials from towns in northwest Connecticut, who have an active interest in economic development within their communities. </div> <bR> <div> Southern New England Director of the USDA Jack Healy and Director of Business and Cooperative Programs Jen Lerch led the seminar. The USDA’s Rural Development group helps increase economic opportunities and improves the quality of life for rural Americans. More than 45 programs under the USDA help fund development through guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants.</div> <bR> <div> “It is critical that Union Savings Bank focuses beyond major population areas to support economic development within all of the communities it serves,” Lent said. “We support small businesses and entrepreneurship, and encourage the rural business community at large to take advantage of opportunities like this.” </div> <bR> <div> Union Savings Bank plans to continue supporting local economic development by hosting similar events in the future.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank Foundation Now Accepting </B></div> <div> <B>2011 Community Grant Applications </B></div> <div> <B>Grants support community health and human service organizations </B></div> <div> <B>serving residents of western Connecticut</B></div> <div> As part of its continuing commitment to support the evolving needs of the communities it serves, the Union Savings Bank Foundation is once again accepting community grant applications. Applications are being accepted through August 31, 2011.</div> <bR> <div> Established in 1998, the foundation makes annual donations to 501(c)(3) organizations and other non-profit causes that meet the health and human service needs of residents in western Connecticut. Particular focus is placed on funding activities that support youth development and education.</div> <bR> <div> Since the USB Foundation was created, it has awarded 208 grants totaling $1,335,910 to more than 60 not-for-profit organizations.</div> <bR> <div> In 2010, USB awarded $200,380 – a 28 percent increase from 2009 – in local grants to 33 non-profit organizations. Grants supported services and programs that promote individuals’ and families’ health; economic and personal stability; job training and professional development; meals to homeless and needy individuals; mentoring programs for youth and adults; English as a Second Language training, shelter and housing assistance; counseling for abused/battered individuals; and a variety of services to help those with mental and physical disabilities and their families.</div> <bR> <div> “Union Savings Bank is committed to providing programming and services that meet the needs of the community and enhance area residents’ quality of life,” said USB President and CEO Jay Lent. “We encourage all local organizations to learn more about this opportunity, and we urge community members to learn more about previous grant recipients through our website and find out how they can help these important organizations further their missions.”</div> <bR> <div> Complete information on eligibility requirements and application steps are available online at unionsavings.com or by calling Elizabeth Durkin at (203) 730-5005.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank and Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance</B></div> <div> <B>select local painters to create original works for bank's offices</B></div> <div> <B>Bank expects to unveil seven paintings this fall</B></div> <div> Union Savings Bank, in partnership with the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance (HVCA), has commissioned three local artists to create original landscape paintings for installation within the bank's executive offices at 225 Main Street in Danbury. Diane Dubreuil, Ruth Newquist and Karen Simmons have been selected to capture Connecticut's beauty through realistic or interpretational water or lake-inspired scenery, recognizable town greens and streetscapes or other landscapes that represent Connecticut.</div> <bR> <div> The initiative is part of a joint effort to connect local artists with the business community. Artists were invited to apply and submit up to 12 images of their work for consideration.</div> <bR> <div> We were blown away by the work we received from area artists and look forward to seeing what these three accomplished artists will create, said Union Savings Bank President & CEO Jay Lent. As a longtime supporter of the arts in our region, Union Savings is excited to extend our relationships beyond arts organizations to local working artists and showcase their incredible talent.</div> <bR> <div> Diane Dubreuil began her career as an artist in Pittsburgh. While there, she studied transparent watercolor painting with renowned watercolor artist Frank Webb and has continued with a preference for watercolor since. Dubreuil most enjoys painting en plein air, particularly during her travels across the United States and Europe. In Dinan, France, she was an invited artist-in-residence at Mus'e de la Grande Vigne. Most recently, she exhibited her work, which she describes as impressionistic realism, at the New Milford Outdoor Art Festival and is hosting a plein air workshop at The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm in October. She serves as chairwoman of the New Milford Commission on the Arts and is a juried member of the New England Watercolor Society. She is also a freelance artist for several companies and serves as art director for children's author and illustrator Mercer Mayer.</div> <bR> <div> A lot of friends encouraged me to submit my work, and I'm glad I did, said Dubreuil. I have done similar projects in the past, but mostly for private individuals. This provides me the opportunity to create art for an entirely new setting.</div> <bR> <div> Known for her New York SoHo cityscapes and New England rural and urban landscapes, Ruth Newquist first developed her love of art during childhood. She paints in both oil and watercolor and is a signature artist member of the National Watercolor Society and an elected artist member of The Allied Artists of America, the North Shore Art Association in Gloucester, Mass. and the Connecticut Watercolor Society. She has won numerous awards in national competitions and was featured in American Artist magazine, Best of Watercolor III, Splash 9: Secrets of Watercolor and Splash 12: Celebrating Artistic Vision. Newquist regularly exhibits her paintings throughout New England and New York.</div> <bR> <div> Growing up surrounded by the landscapes of St. Tropez and the South of France, Karen Simmons developed a love for light and color. Simmons studied visual arts in her undergraduate and post-graduate education, and earned a graduate degree in architecture. She has received the coveted Historic Preservation award for her work renovating a brownstone on Gramercy Place in Manhattan and was part of the winning design team for the 1992 Olympics ice skating rink. A competitive rower, Simmons gets her motivation to paint from the mists and reflections of Lake Lillinonah and Waramaug.</div> <bR> <div> I'm very excited to participate in this project, said Simmons. Upon moving to Connecticut six years ago, I was inspired by the local landscape. Through painting, I attempt to distill the essence of the land that surrounds me, on the water and in the woods, from the light and color that forms them.</div> <bR> <div> The artists' works will be complete by September 30 and presented during a public exhibition in October.</div> <bR> <div> HVCA was happy to serve as the bridge to the arts community, tapping into its members and the local arts community to help Union Savings Bank find artists who could bring the bank's vision to life," said Lisa Scails, executive director of HVCA. We look forward to partnering with USB in the future to further strengthen the connection between business and the arts.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>About the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance (HVCA)</B></div> <div> Based in Danbury, Conn., the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance (HVCA) works to connect and strengthen the region's cultural economy and enrich communities for the ten-town region it serves, including Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown, New Milford, Ridgefield, Redding, and Sherman, Conn. HVCA is a critical arts and cultural resource for those in creative professions, for business and community leaders and for the general public. HVCA advocates for networking, collaboration, and conversation within the arts, historical, and cultural community as well as among business and other interest groups to increase awareness of and access to arts programs. HVCA's constituents include independent artists of various disciplines, arts, history, and cultural organizations small and large. For more information, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://hvculturalarts.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://hvculturalarts.com">hvculturalarts.com</A></FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank Executive Vice President Joseph J. Greco</B></div> <div> <B>named president of Connecticut Community Bankers Association </B></div> <div> Union Savings Bank Executive Vice President and Corporate Development Officer Joseph J. Greco has been named president of the Connecticut Community Bankers Association (CCBA).  Appointed by CCBA’s board of directors during the organization’s annual meeting on June 11, he will serve a two-year term. Before Greco’s appointment to president, he served as CCBA’s vice president for two years.</div> <bR> <div> “CCBA is place where community banks across the state come together to discuss ways we can best serve our communities. As CCBA’s president, I will work with the association’s board and staff to continue providing our membership with relevant educational programming,” Greco said.</div> <bR> <div> “In his current role as one of Union Savings Bank’s primary community liaisons, Joe offers extensive knowledge to his role as CCBA’s new president that will greatly benefit our industry,” said Union Savings Bank President and CEO Jay Lent. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>About Connecticut Community Bankers Association</B> <B>(CCBA)</B></div> <div> The CCBA encourages sound business principles and practices for its members to help them better serve families and businesses across Connecticut. The association promotes the highest standards of professional conduct, offers a forum in which bankers can develop and exchange ideas and experience, develops programs to enhance bankers’ professional expertise, cooperates with other professional organizations and serves as a liaison with regulators in developing a mutual understanding of issues confronting our industry. Visit ctcba.com. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank names branch managers</B></div> <div> <B>for Ridgefield and Bethel offices</B></div> <div> Union Savings Bank President and CEO Jay Lent is pleased to announce that Jessica Castro has been hired as assistant vice president and senior branch manager for the bank’s Bethel office, and Karina Towne has been hired as assistant vice president and branch manager for the Ridgefield office.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="144eb510.png" border=0 width="235" height="337" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="14561500.png" border=0 width="353" height="336" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I>left to right: </I>Jessica Castro and Karina Towne</div> <bR> <div> Castro and Towne will be responsible for developing their branches’ service teams, strengthening relationships with current customers, developing new business and consumer relationships and managing the branch’s community service activities</div> <bR> <div> “Jessica and Karina bring solid branch management experience and a dedication to volunteerism that is in keeping with Union Savings Bank’s civic commitment,” said Lent. “We’re delighted to welcome them at our Ridgefield and Bethel offices.”</div> <bR> <div> Before joining Union Savings Bank, Castro was acting branch manager for Mutual Security Credit Union, a position attained after serving as the bank’s lead member service representative and assistant manager.</div> <bR> <div> A Danbury resident, Castro is a graduate of Bethel High School and Lincoln Technical Institute. She is a volunteer with Junior Achievement, an ambassador for the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and a board member of Norwalk Reads. She recently received a volunteer recognition award from Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Norwalk for her efforts with the agency’s month-long clothing drive.</div> <bR> <div> With nine years of retail bank experience, Towne previously served as branch manager of TD Bank N.A.’s Georgetown office in Redding, Conn. A Ridgefield resident, she graduated from Purchase College with a B.A. in liberal studies. She is a member of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer with Junior Achievement.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>FOUNDATION GRANT PROVIDES CULINARY EXPERIENCE FOR CJR KIDS</B></div> <div> A generous grant of $7,500 from the Union Savings Bank Foundation has made it possible for the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) to provide a Work-Based Learning Culinary Program for approximately 40 boys and girls from northwest Connecticut.</div> <bR> <div> Participating youngsters from CJR's Torrington office are transported three times a week to the Junior Republic's Litchfield campus for culinary classes taught by a professional chef in the commercial kitchen in CJR's D'Assern Dining Center.  Those enjoying the program include court-referred boys and girls from CJR's Youth Equipped for Success! (YES!) and Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) programs, as well as at-risk boys and girls referred by parents and the Torrington Public Schools who participate in the Success Always Follows Education (SAFE) Program that CJR conducts in Torrington.  To ensure appropriate educational instruction, the classes are divided by age.  Older boys and girls in their mid-teens from CJR's YES! and MST Programs attend sessions on Thursdays and younger boys and girls, ages 11 and 12, who are enrolled in CJR's SAFE Program, attend on Wednesdays and Fridays.  All classes are taught in the late afternoon following school and students earn a stipend for their participation.  Youngsters are selected for the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program based on level of interest and positive behavior.</div> <bR> <div> Students participating in the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program learn constructive and practical skills that they can use at home, or to obtain future part-time or full-time employment.  They also develop a knowledge base and interests that they can enjoy and build upon over a lifetime.  In addition, participation in the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program helps students improve their performance in the classroom, as vocational education reinforces the importance of academic subjects such as reading and math.  While preparing food from a recipe, students quickly discover the importance of reading skills.  Math skills are necessary to accurately measure ingredients and to reduce and enlarge recipes.</div> <bR> <div> "The Connecticut Junior Republic, as well as its students and their families, are very grateful to the Union Savings Bank Foundation for providing the funds necessary to conduct this program," stated Daniel Rezende, CJR Director of Programs.  "Our Torrington location is now serving more than 200 boys and girls from communities throughout Litchfield County," he continued "and this grant is making it possible for us to share the outstanding resources we have on our Litchfield Campus with a significant number of the boys and girls we help through our Torrington office," he noted.  "We could not have provided this kind of experience without the support of the Union Saving Bank Foundation," he stated.</div> <bR> <div> The students participating in the Work-Based Learning Culinary Program are enthusiastic about the program and will prepare a meal for their families and special friends on Wednesday, June 8.  The dinner will be held in CJR's D' Assern Dining Room from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and boys and girls who have been associated with the program will receive certificates and special awards at this time.</div> <bR> <div> "I have really liked everything we have done," reported Steven, age 17, a student associated with CJR's Torrington YES! Program.  He has participated in two of the eight week sessions and indicated that working with chefs on CJR's Litchfield campus has opened his eyes to the possibilities of a career in food service.</div> <bR> <div> Mya Coates, a 12 year-old student enrolled in CJR's Torrington SAFE Program was equally positive about the culinary program.  "I learned a lot," she reported.  "I loved that we actually got to make things on our own.  I was happy to finally have the experience of cooking and it was really good food," she continued.  </div> <bR> <div> SAFE student Shelby Cote, also age 12, was surprised by how much she enjoyed the culinary class sessions.  "I actually loved going to culinary every week because it is fun and it gives me something to do that I really enjoy," she stated. </div> <div> David Swearingen, age 11, also from CJR's Torrington SAFE Program agreed.  "I learned a lot in culinary, especially about cooking new and different food, and I had a really great time up there!" he said.</div> <bR> <div> Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) provides care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they can become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities.  Today, the organization's combined programs serve approximately 1,000 boys and girls annually in nine locations throughout Connecticut.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance CREATIVE CHALLENGE</B></div> <div> Unique project for Union Savings Bank: A commissioned art project of original paintings to be installed in the bank's executive offices at 225 Main Street, Danbury. The total commission is $5,000 which includes framing and all expenses.   </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>HOW IT WORKS</B></div> <div> -  Eligible applicants will submit samples of their work for review by Union Savings Bank</div> <div> -  No more than three (3) artist participants will be selected from the pool of eligible applicants and all applicants will be notified</div> <div> -  Selected applicant(s) convene for a site visit, where they will be briefed on all aspects of the project and given further details needed to complete the project. Then the creativity begins!</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>TIMETABLE</B></div> <div> -  Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 </div> <div> -  Announcement of Selected Participants: Tuesday, June 14, 2011</div> <div> -  Completion of Artwork Deadline: September 30, 2011</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>ELIGIBILITY | GUIDELINES</B></div> <div> -  Applicants are on a first come, first served basis</div> <div> -  Open to artists residing in the HVCA service areas and where USB does business, including Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Canton, Danbury, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Marble Dale, Monroe, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Sharon, Sherman, Southbury, Torrington and Washington.  </div> <div> -  Must be an HVCA member.  For membership information, please see the attached or go to <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.hvculturalarts.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hvculturalarts.org">www.hvculturalarts.org</A></FONT> and click on "<B>membership</B>" on the top menu</div> <div> -  Deadline for entries is Tuesday, May 31st at 11:59 PM</div> <div> -  Electronic submissions only</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>SAMPLE ENTRIES</B></div> <div> USB is looking for landscape paintings, so sample entries should be landscape in nature.  The bank seeks to work with an artist who paints in oil (preferred) or watercolor and is experienced in capturing Connecticut's beauty through water or lake-inspired scenery, recognizable town greens and streetscapes, and/or other landscapes that are quintessentially representative of Connecticut.   The style may be either realistic or interpretive.  Samples can include the strong and vibrant use of color and/or the use of soft colors depicting peace and tranquility.   </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>HOW DO I SUBMIT ENTRIES?</B></div> <div> -  Send a complete application and a minimum of 4 and maximum of 12 jpeg images as a sample of your work </div> <div> -  Send email to  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:info@hvculturalarts.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@hvculturalarts.org">info@hvculturalarts.org</A></FONT>  Attn: HVCA Creative Challenge, USB  by Tuesday, May 31, 2011  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>HVCA~ CREATIVE CHALLENGE APPLICATION</B></div> <div> <B>Deadline for application and images is </B><B><U>May 31st</U></B></div> <div> Send email to: <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:info@hvculturalarts.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@hvculturalarts.org">info@hvculturalarts.org</A></FONT> </div> <div> Attn: HVCA Creative Challenge, USB </div> <bR> <div> TODAY'S DATE:</div> <div> LAST NAME:           FIRST NAME:           MI:</div> <div> ADDRESS:           CITY:           STATE:           ZIP:</div> <div> BEST PHONE #       BEST EMAIL:           WEBSITE:      </div> <div> ARE YOU AN HVCA MEMBER?  </div> <div> WHAT IS YOUR FIELD OF EXPERTISE? PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF ARTIST STATEMENT (100 WORDS OR LESS):  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>PLEASE INCLUDE ALONG WITH YOUR APPLICATION 4 - 12 IMAGES (jpeg) OF YOUR WORK.</B></div> <div> <B>DIGITAL ENTRIES - JPEG IMAGES ONLY </B></div> <div> We prefer horizontal images to have a width of no less than 800 pixels, and vertical images to have a height of no less than 625 pixels. Otherwise, the images will be too small. We will resize the images if necessary.  Images must be saved in the JPEG file format (with a .jpg extension). File names should not have spaces, punctuation marks, or non-English characters. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> File names should read as follows: (EXAMPLE)</div> <div> (lastname_firstname_titleofwork_medium_size.jpg)</div> <div> -  Do not send Compressed, Zipped or Stuffed folders </div> <div> -  Do not send your submissions with links to your website or image gallery</div> <bR> <div> <B>HVCA</B> is the largest nonprofit arts service organization in Western Connecticut, serving the Greater Danbury area.  The organization is a resource and catalyst for information, services, and promotion for arts and culture in the region. HVCA's mission is to support and strengthen artistic, historical and cultural organizations through collaboration and coordination to encourage healthy cultural communities and to further economic development.   For more information about HVCA visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.hvculturalarts.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hvculturalarts.org">www.hvculturalarts.org</A></FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank’s Litchfield branch</B></div> <div> <B>teaches local Brownie Troop about nation’s currency system </B></div> <div> The 29 eight and nine-year-old girls of Litchfield’s Brownie Troop #40019 recently received fun lessons on our nation’s currency system and knowledge to help them earn their “Penny Power” badges, courtesy of Union Savings Bank.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="146c02c0.png" border=0 width="448" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> “We believe that we owe it to our young children to teach them about the value of saving and managing their money,” said Gina Scherbner, VP, business development officer for Union Savings Bank. “Showing them how our nation’s money system works is a great first step towards that goal.”</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="147c02b0.png" border=0 width="448" height="299" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> During their visit, Scherbner led the girls on a tour of the bank and told them about the history of the building. They were excited to see the vaults where most of the money is kept and enjoyed seeing samples of antique currency. Scherbner provided the girls with banking information and explained how they could each open their own savings account. </div> <bR> <div> After the tour, the Brownie troop had a chance to visit one of the bank’s boardrooms, where they worked together on an assignment about currency. Before saying goodbye, Troop #40019 members were each given a Union Savings Bank backpack to remember their visit.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank’s Green Policies Take Root </B></div> <div> <B>First Community Shred Day to be held June 25 in New Milford, Canton and Danbury</B></div> <div> During the past few years, Union Savings Bank and its employees have made the words “reduce, reuse, recycle and recover” an integral part of the bank’s internal work and external community involvement.</div> <bR> <div> “Most of our bank’s operational practices are now green,” said Union Savings Bank President and CEO Jay Lent. “We’re always looking for ways to generate less waste, recycle more and save energy. Our branch renovations use recycled construction materials. We’ve gone nearly paperless; everything is imaged. Paper checks used to fly around the country. Now we image, and then shred them. We no longer have personalized letterhead: generic letterhead means less waste. We receive almost all correspondence, catalogues and papers via email. We encourage using mugs and plates, not paper cups. We reuse office folders and hanging files whenever possible. Most coffee makers make one cup only – they’re not on all day. We use high efficiency filters in our heating and air conditioning systems.”</div> <bR> <div> Union Savings Bank is extending its green practices with a ‘Community Shred Day’ to be held this summer. The event will be held on Saturday, June 25 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at its 169 Danbury Road, New Milford branch, 188 Albany Turnpike, Canton branch and at its 126 North Street, Danbury branch. Members of the community are encouraged bring their papers to be shredded during this free event.</div> <bR> <div> As part of the community, it’s our responsibility to help share knowledge about green ‘best practices’ with adults and children,” said Lent.</div> <bR> <div> To this goal, Union Savings Bank also sponsored Naugatuck Valley Community College’s “Green Technology Homeowners Series”, a series of six instructional classes held at the school’s Waterbury and Danbury campuses held in early April. The classes teach community members, homeowners, business owners and students how to recycle and reuse, develop sustainable gardens and landscapes, weatherize their homes for maximum efficiency and conserve energy with geothermal heating and cooling systems. </div> <bR> <div> Union Savings Bank annually hosts the Housatonic Valley Association’s Still River Day event in May, which is designed to help young people learn about the importance of keeping our rivers and streams clean. In addition, Union Savings Bank partners with the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) to sponsor their annual recycling poster contest for area schools in the Housatonic region. For more information, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://unionsavings.com">unionsavings.com</A></FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Torrington resident 'scores' with Union Savings </B></div> <div> <B>Bank at Home & Business Expo </B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="14890500.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="336" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> left to right: Torrington resident John Wysocki (winner of an Xbox Kinect 360 with a Kinect Sports game) </div> <div> and Union Savings Bank's Hilltop office Vice President and Market Manager Lourena Helt</div> <div> Torrington resident John Wysocki was the lucky raffle winner of an Xbox Kinect 360 with the Kinect Sports game from Union Savings Bank during the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce's annual Home & Business Expo April 9 and 10.</div> <bR> <div> The expo, held at the Torrington Armory at 153 South Main St., featured over 70 local businesses spanning a variety of services, from gardening to financial services. In keeping with the expo's sports theme, Union Savings Bank raffled off an Xbox Kinect 360 with the Kinect Sports game along with other giveaways. For more information, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unionsavings.com">www.unionsavings.com</A></FONT>.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank Employees raise $2,055</B></div> <div> <B>for the American Cancer Society </B></div> <div> <B>through its 2011 Daffodil Days sale</B></div> <div> In their latest effort to support finding a cure for cancer, Union Savings Bank’s employees raised just over $2,000 for the American Cancer Society during its 2011 Daffodil Days event. More than 80 employees made donations towards the purchase of daffodils, raising funds and awareness to help save lives. </div> <bR> <div> “Our employees feel strongly about doing their part in helping defeat this horrible disease. We have been committed to supporting the American Cancer Society by participating in Daffodil Days for the past five years, and will continue to do so in the future,” said Union Savings Bank President Jay Lent. </div> <bR> <div> As the first flower of spring, the daffodil is the American Cancer Society’s symbol of hope. The Daffodil Days fundraising program has been taking place annually for more than 35 years. The campaign not only offers individuals the chance to exchange daffodils, but also supports the American Cancer Society to help defeat cancer. Daffodil donations enable the society to continue saving lives by offering prevention awareness, finding cures and fighting back.</div> <bR> <div> "The American Cancer Society applauds Unions Savings Bank for their participation in the Society's Daffodil Days campaign and for their dedication to help people stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer. For more than five years, Union Savings Bank has created a presence in Danbury with their Daffodil Days campaign and their continued support of the American Cancer Society," said Mary Kate Carofano, ACS program manager, special events.</div> <bR> <div> Union Savings Bank takes part in this event by establishing a volunteer coordinator who promoted and took requests for flowers in February. Logging on to the American Cancer Society’s donation web site, employees placed orders for daffodil bouquets, potted daffodils, and ‘A Bear and a Bunch’ arrangements for loved ones, friends and themselves. Employees also purchased Gifts of Hope: daffodil bouquets delivered to a cancer patient; and Bear Hugs for Hope: stuffed bears delivered to a child impacted by cancer. USB employees received and delivered the daffodils the week of March 21.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>About the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days</B></div> <div> For more than 35 years, Daffodil Days has been enabling the American Cancer Society to help people facing cancer, save lives, and empower all people to fight back against the disease. In the past 13 years alone, Daffodil Days has generated more than $200 million in an effort to defeat this disease. In addition to supporting important programs and resources, daffodil donations help the Society continue its lifesaving work to fund groundbreaking research, educate people about cancer prevention and early detection, and advocate for meaningful public policies that benefit everyone. The American Cancer Society is available to answer cancer-related questions and provide resources and support, 24/7, 365 days a year, at 1-800-227-2345 or <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cancer.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cancer.org">www.cancer.org</A></FONT>.  For more information, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unionsavings.com">www.unionsavings.com</A></FONT>.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank Advisor Recognized by Financial Planning Board</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="14acf150.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="277" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Union Savings Bank is pleased to announce that David Zavarelli, assistant vice president, has earned the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) designation by the CFP Board of Standards. He joined Union Savings Bank in 2008 and is currently a Raymond James Financial Advisor located at the Bank's North Street office.</div> <bR> <div> To earn this designation, Zavarelli needed to meet the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board after successfully completing financial planning coursework and passing the CFP Certification Examination. The exam covered a number of areas including risk management, investments, tax planning, retirement and employee benefits, estate planning and general financial planning processes. In addition to passing the exam, he is required to meet ongoing continuing education as required by the CFP Board.  </div> <bR> <div> Zavarelli's current responsibilities include assisting clients with defining their financial goals and creating strategies to obtain those goals, managing client risk and ensuring that families are provided with life, disability and long-term care insurance. He also works with business clients to help identify the best retirement plan to meet their own goals as well as providing valuable benefits and incentives to their employees.  </div> <bR> <div> Prior to joining Union Savings Bank, Zavarelli was a financial advisor with Edward Jones and Company. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor in business administration from Western Connecticut State University. He is an active member of the Brookfield, New Milford and Tribury Chambers serving Southbury, Woodbury and Middlebury. He also is active with the Make-a-Wish Foundation of CT.  Zavarelli lives in Brookfield with his wife Pamela and their two children.</div> <bR> <div> CFP Board is a nonprofit certification organization with a mission to benefit the public by granting the CFP® certification and upholding it as the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning. CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.  CFP Board currently authorizes more than 61,000 individuals to use these marks in the United States.  For more about CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net.</div> <bR> <div> Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not deposits, not insured by FDIC or any other governmental agency, not guaranteed by the financial institution and are subject to risk and may lose value. Union Savings Bank is independent of Raymond James.  For more information, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unionsavings.com">www.unionsavings.com</A></FONT>.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank Announces Person to Person (P2P)</B></div> <div> <B>Enhancement to Online Banking Service </B></div> <div> Union Savings Bank is pleased to announce the launch of a new personal money transfer feature, USB Person to Person (<I>USB P2P), </I>further expanding its convenient online banking and bill pay service, USB<I>online. </I></div> <bR> <div> Customers can easily access USB P2P through their existing USB<I>online</I> bill payment account to quickly send money to, or receive money from, anyone they know using only an email address or mobile phone number. Because it is part of USB’s Online BillPay service, P2P offers the same secure process as a regular online banking transaction.</div> <bR> <div> Funds typically move directly from a customer’s Union Savings Bank account to the bank account of whomever the customer chooses as the recipient within one business day, regardless of where they bank. </div> <bR> <div> Union Savings Bank customers will find the P2P service useful for many everyday occasions, such as paying a friend back for dinner, sending spending money to a child in college, or pitching in for an office party. </div> <bR> <div> For more information about this convenient new service, contact Union Savings Bank’s Customer Service Center at 866.719.6654 or visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unionsavings.com">www.unionsavings.com</A></FONT>..  For more information, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unionsavings.com">www.unionsavings.com</A></FONT>.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ******************************</div> <div> <B>Union Savings Bank partners with United Way Food Drive</B></div> <div> <B>Litchfield, Goshen and Torrington branches are drop-off locations </B></div> <div> Union Savings Bank is pleased to announce its participation in the United Way of Northwest Connecticut’s 8th Annual “<B>Food for Your Neighbors</B>” drive. The drive, which runs until March 9, assists needy families in Northwest Connecticut to get through the winter.</div> <bR> <div> “We are proud to support our community by partnering with United Way to help feed our hungry friends and neighbors during these tough economic times,” said Union Savings Bank President Jay Lent.</div> <bR> <div> Four of Union Savings Bank’s branches serve as drop off points: at 13 North Street in Litchfield, 4 Sharon Turnpike in Goshen, and at 1057 Torringford Street and 397 Main Street in Torrington. Community members are encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation to any one of these four branches.</div> <bR> <div> All donations remain in the towns that they were collected and will be distributed to FISH, Friendly Hands Food Bank, Fishes & Loaves in Canaan, and Winsted and Torrington Salvation Army Food Banks. For more information, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unionsavings.com">www.unionsavings.com</A></FONT>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>About Union Savings Bank</B></div> <div> Established in 1866 and headquartered in Danbury, Conn., Union Savings Bank is a $2.5 billion mutual bank dedicated to being the bank of choice in western Connecticut. As a full-service financial institution, Union Savings Bank provides banking, mortgage, investment, trust and insurance products throughout western Connecticut with 29 offices in Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Canton, Danbury, Kent, Monroe, New Fairfield, Goshen, Litchfield, Marble Dale, New Milford, Newtown, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sharon, Southbury, Torrington and Washington Depot. The bank provides financial services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and government entities through its commercial, residential and consumer lending, corporate services, retail banking and wealth management divisions. For more information, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.unionsavings.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unionsavings.com">www.unionsavings.com</A></FONT>.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>