A Place to Turn “Healthy Learners” initiative

A $5,000 grant to A Place to Turn from the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation will help improve the quantity and quality of the nonprofit’s food offerings to families in social and economic need who have school-age children.

The “Healthy Learners: Feed the Body, Feed the Mind” initiative introduced recently by A Place to Turn in Natick specifically targets those local families with school-age children served by the agency. It emphasizes food essential to a healthy diet, which in turn impacts the preparedness of students in school, according to Joanne Barry, executive director of A Place to Turn.

“Numerous studies link low income to poor nutrition and related performance issues in school,” Barry stated.

“The Charitable Foundation can appreciate the connection between a healthy diet and success in the schoolroom,” said Mark R. Haranas, president of Framingham Co-operative Bank. “We were pleased to offer our support for this particular program.”

HEALTHY CHECK – Joanne Barry (center), executive director of A Place to Turn, accepts a ceremonial check representing a $5,000 donation to the organization’s Healthy Learners program from the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation. With Barry are Rachel Stewart, administrative director of the Foundation, and Steven Sousa, senior vice president of the Bank and Foundation board member.

A Place to Turn assisted over 6,000 people in fiscal 2008, and that number has increased by 15% for the current fiscal year. The organization currently serves 800 families with school-aged children. Because WIC, the federally funded nutritional supplement program, ends for families when children turn five, many families receive fewer resources and nutritional support when their children begin schooling. The “Healthy Learners: Feed the Body, Feed the Mind” initiative specifically focuses on those families, providing children with nutrition-rich foods that can lead to improved school attendance, academic performance, and  the overall health of the children.

Kimberly Sambuchi, Electronic Banking Manager, announced that you can now open some of our most popular accounts right from your own computer - ONLINE. It's all about giving new and existing customers more options and more convenience. So check out the "eBranch" on our home page. The account opening process lasts about 10 minutes.
And YES, you can still stop by or call us with any questions, that part won't change at FCB.

 

A $2,500 gift from the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation to A Suitable Image in Framingham will support that organization’s mission of helping low-income individuals successfully transition into the workforce.

The clothing distribution program provides unemployed, disadvantaged men and women with a free, suitable work-related wardrobe to help them “start over.”

According to Mark R. Haranas, president of Framingham Co-operative Bank, the award to A Suitable Image was among those made in the most recent round of funding by the Charitable Foundation, where nearly $40,000 in grants were distributed to benefit the community in a variety of ways.


WELL-SUITED — Linda Brooks (center), executive director of A Suitable Image, with Rachel Stewart, administrative director of the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation, and Mark R. Haranas, president of Framingham Co-operative Bank, with a ceremonial check representing the Foundation’s recent $2,500 donation to the Framingham-based nonprofit organization.

Since it was established in 1998, the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation has donated over $1.4 million to community causes as part of its commitment to improve and enhance quality of life for local residents. Throughout its 120-year history, the Bank has been consistently responsive to the needs of the community.

Mark R. Haranas, president of Framingham Co-operative Bank, announces that the Bank’s Charitable Foundation has donated $10,000 in support of programs offered by Project Just Because that serve the needs of individuals and families throughout the greater Framingham area.

Based in Hopkinton, Project Just Because activities include their own food bank; community service, hospital, domestic abuse, and career programs; services for seniors and students; and a holiday Wish List toy program.

“The Charitable Foundation’s grant to Project Just Because allows us to touch the lives of hundreds of local residents in a variety of ways,” said Haranas, “and allows us to reach many more people through one gift than we might be able to do otherwise.”

Since it was established in 1998, the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation has donated over $1.4 million to community causes as part of its commitment to improve and enhance quality of life for local residents.


JUST BECAUSE – The Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation recently awarded $10,000 to Project Just Because in Hopkinton, in support of programs to meet the needs of area individuals and families. Project Just Because President/Founder Cherylann Walsh, second from left, accepts a ceremonial check presented by (from left) Board and Charitable Foundation member Clem Lambert, Foundation Administrative Director Rachel Stewart, and Bank President Mark R. Haranas.

Framingham Co-operative Bank and its advertising agency, Sundin Associates of Natick, together have received one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for financial marketing by winning an American Bankers Association (ABA) 2009 Financial Marketing Award.

The Bank’s recent Checking for Charity campaign was the second-place winner among institutions of similar size in the Impact category of the ABA competition. Financial service marketers and advertising professionals across the country judged each entry based on execution of the communication strategy, message and positioning, and the campaign’s overall results. Entrants included banks, savings and loans, insurance companies, brokerage firms, investment firms, and credit companies.

CHARITY CHECK — Framingham Co-operative Bank’s Steven Sousa, senior vice president, and Rachel Stewart (far right), assistant vice president marketing, present a check representing the Bank’s Checking for Charity donation to (from left) Nancy Prevost, Amanda Starkel and Kate Glynn of the New England Division of the American Cancer Society.

“Winning this recognition is a wonderful honor,” said Steven Sousa, senior vice president of Framingham Co-operative Bank. “We are thrilled to be recognized for the creativity and ingenuity that went into this campaign, and with our customers’ response to it.”

Each new checking account opened at Framingham Co-operative Bank during the Checking for Charity campaign netted a $10 donation to the American Cancer Society. In addition, all Bank locations displayed and distributed informative cancer prevention, treatment, and research information to the public.

Sousa reported that nearly 500 new accounts were opened during the Checking for Charity campaign. The Bank directed its $5,000 Checking for Charity donation to the local office of the American Cancer Society and to the Natick-based Ovations for a Cure, to benefit ovarian cancer research and that organization’s community-based awareness events and programs.
 

SUM “Buddy”, the walking, talking ATM machine, has been traveling around informing people about surcharge-free ATMs available through the SUM program.

Now, you can follow his adventures, and enter to win through the “Win SUM Money” sweepstakes.

As a participating member of the SUM Network, our customers can avoid ATM surcharges by using nearly 1,600 ATMs in Massachusetts and nationwide at over 3,000 SUM ATM machines in 29 states and Puerto Rico.

Click here to learn more about the SUM Program and to enter the sweepstakes.

“Framingham Co-operative Bank always makes us feel right at home.”
- Gina Richard and Rick Ricciardi, owners of Carby’s Lumber and The Corner Cabinet, Framingham

At Carby’s Lumber and The Corner Cabinet in Framingham, they have what it takes to make any home a showpiece. When father and daughter owners Rick Ricciardi and Gina Richard needed financing to buy and expand their businesses, they turned to Framingham Co-operative Bank.

“They were instrumental in getting us up and running,” Gina says. “We love dealing with Framingham Co-operative Bank. They have all the financing programs we need, together with a personal touch that makes us feel right at home.”

Need a local partner for your business?
Call Nicholas Kefalas at (508) 820-4043 or Michael Bilinsky at (508) 532-8305.

“Framingham Co-operative Bank is a key ingredient of our success.”
- Michael O’Neil, Owner of North End Treats & Dan Torchio, Manager, Framingham

North End Treats cooks up some of the best pizza and pastries around. When owner Mike O’Neil cooks up new plans for his business, he relies on Framingham Co-operative Bank.

“They really listen to what I want to do and provide solutions to help me accomplish my business goals,” Mike says. “They always get me where I’m going with my business.”

Need a local partner for your business?
Call Nicholas Kefalas at (508) 820-4043 or Michael Bilinsky at (508) 532-8305.

Mark R. Haranas, president of Framingham Co-operative Bank, has announced the promotion of Kimberly Sambuchi to the position of electronic banking manager.

In this newly created position, Sambuchi will manage the Bank’s “E-Branch,” a new department within the retail banking division headed by Steven Sousa, senior vice president.

Sambuchi’s areas of responsibility will encompass online banking, online bill pay and presentment, mobile banking, and online account opening. Also, ATM/debit card support management, telephone banking, telephone and online live support, and training and personnel development. Electronic banking specialists from within the Bank will support E-Branch activities.

A Framingham resident, Sambuchi joined the Bank in 2002 as a teller. She was promoted to customer service representative the following year and has served as a retail banking analyst since 2007.

She has been actively involved in Ashland High School’s Life Skills student workshops, and was honored by the Framingham School Committee in 2007 for initiating what is now an annual Patriot’s Day Essay Contest held in 10 fifth-grade classrooms in three local schools.

Sambuchi is a graduate of Framingham High School, and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston University and a master of arts degree in business from Framingham State College.

From now until the end of the year, we will be randomly rewarding Fans on the Framingham Co-operative Bank Facebook Page with $10 Dunkin Donut gift cards.

Winners will be selected from all of our Fans, plus those Fans who leave comments or questions on our Page. The more you comment, the more changes you will have to win! (Winner to be selected at random and will be contacted through Facebook. No purchase necessary).

If you have a checking account with us, you know how rewarding it is to be a Framingham Co-operative Bank customer. Now, we’re making it even more rewarding with our Checking Referral Program!

Simply refer a friend (or friends) to us, and we’ll give both of you $25 when they open a new Framingham Co-operative Bank checking account. Plus, if your friend signs up for Direct Deposit when they open the account, you’ll both receive an additional $25!

It’s easy to get started  – Download our Referral Form, and have your friend present it when they open an Ultimate Free Checking Account or Advantage Interest Checking Account. Once the new account has been open for 90 days, we’ll credit your account and do the same for your friend.

Don’t have a Framingham Bank checking account? Now’s a great time to open your account, and to bring a friend with you! Find out more about our accounts.

Please note:

• You must have a Framingham Co-operative Bank checking account to refer a friend.
• New checking accounts must remain open for 90 days to qualify for referral reward.
• Referrals of members of your own household do not qualify for reward.
• Limit one referral per customer.
  

Summer is (finally) here, and most of us are hitting the road to visit family, play on the beach or check out our favorite amusement parks.

So what do you do when you are away from home and need to check your balance? If you use Online Banking from Framingham Co-operative Bank, you can now access your accounts quickly, easily and securely with your web-ready cell phone or mobile device!

With Mobile Banking you can:

• Check your account balances
• View account history
• Transfer funds between accounts
• Pay bills or cancel scheduled payments
  

Start using Mobile Banking today!
Mobile Banking is ready and waiting for all Online Banking customers – no additional sign up, no additional charge, and no hassles! Just use your web-ready mobile device to visit our web site – FraminghamBank.com – to try it today. Your phone will be automatically redirected to the mobile banking log-in page.

Looking for a surcharge-free ATM? If you use an iPhone or iPod Touch, finding one of the over 37,000 surcharge-free Allpoint ATMs just got easier.

With the free Allpoint application you can use find a list of participating locations (either by GPS or by inputting an address), including overview map and directions.

Please join us for an ice cream treat. Stop by either of our branch locations Monday, August 10th – Friday, August 14th as we celebrate our 120th year of service to the residents and businesses of our community.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone birthday with you!

Thursday, July 23rd was a magical night at Framingham's AMC theater. It was family movie night and over 250 Club Advantage members were entertained by Radio Disney Boston. Music, games, trivia and tons of prizes were given away before seeing "Harry Potter and the Half- Blood Prince."

www.flickr.com

When fire strikes, you can count on the Framingham Fire Department to answer the call. Their skill, courage and unwavering dedication make our community a safer place.

In celebration of our 120th Anniversary, we salute the professionals of the Framingham Fire Department and the many other public servants we count on every day.

Members of Fire Company Engine 3 and Ladder 3 at Framingham Fire Department Headquarters with (l to r) Assistant Chief John Magri, Assistant Chief William Norton, and Fire Chief Gary Daugherty.

We are proud to call Framingham our hometown.

For an example of responsive government at its best, look no further than Framingham Town Hall. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to serve the community and make Framingham a great place to live and work.

In celebration of our 120th Anniversary, we salute our town’s leaders and administrators for their commitment to our community.

Framingham Town officials include (front, from left): CFO Mary Ellen Kelley, Director of Parks & Recreation Robert Merusi, Town Clerk Valerie Mulvey, and Selectman Jason Smith. Also (rear, from left): Council on Aging Director Mary Parcher, Director of Buildings Jim Egan, Assistant Town Manager Timothy Goddard, and Director of Inspectional Services/Building Commissioner Michael Foley, CBO.

We are proud to call Framingham our hometown.

Mark R. Haranas, president of Framingham Co-operative Bank, has announced the promotion of Richard M. Reder to credit officer of the commercial loan department. His responsibilities will include assessing credit and credit risk, as well as loan review.

Reder has been with the Bank since 2007 and previously served as a commercial credit analyst. He has over 12 years of experience in lending.
 
A Belmont resident, he is a graduate of Bentley College and the New England College of Finance.

December 3, 2009

Join us at The Hanover Theater for a fun and festive holiday show featuring talented singers Sharon Zee and Stephen McNulty. Plus enjoy a delicious lunch buffet at Indian Meadows Country Club.     

Our trip will include:

• Round-trip motorcoach transportation
• Reserved seating at the holiday show
• Buffet Luncheon

$69 for members
$79 for non-members

To register: Use our online registration form or call Rachel Stewart at 508.532.8326.

Dedicated to excellence in public service, the members of the Framingham Police Department work around-the-clock to protect and serve those who live, work, and travel in Framingham.

In celebration of our 120th Anniversary, we salute them for all they do to keep our community and its citizens safe from harm.

Framingham’s finest include (from left) Deputy Chief Kenneth Ferguson, Deputy Chief Steven Trask, Deputy Chief Craig Davis and Chief Steven Carl.

We are proud to call Framingham our hometown.

December 5 - 7, 2009

Who needs to watch a football game in December New England weather? Join us in Sunny Miami to watch the New England Patirots vs. the Miami Dolphins. Stay in the sun a little longer by adding a 5 Day/4 Night cruise to the Bahamas.

Our trip will include:

• Round-trip motorcoach transportation
• Round-trip airfare to Miami
• Hotel accommodations
• Poolside dinner buffet
• Two breakfasts
• Tailgate party
• Ticket to the game
  

$899 per person based on double occupancy

Add an optional 5 Day/4 Night Cruise to the Bahamas
December 7 - 11, 2009

Our trip will include all of the above plus:

• 5 Day/4 Night Cruise to the Bahamas
  

As low as $1,299 per person based on double occupancy

To register: Use our online registration form or call Rachel Stewart at 508.532.8326.

December 5 - 9, 2009
5 days

Come with us to San Antonio for some holiday cheer. It's sure to be a great time as we visit The Alamo, Fredericksburg and the Bandera Dude Ranch. 

Our trip will include:

• Round-trip airfare from Logan Airport
• Hotel accommodations and transfers
• Air taxes and fees
• Four breakfasts
• Three dinners

$1,599 per person based on double occupancy.

To register: Use our online registration form or call Rachel Stewart at 508.532.8326.

“Framingham Co-operative Bank is local and reliable. Just like us.”
- Jim & Joann Green, Owners Automatic Appliance, Framingham

At Automatic Appliance, they understand the value of dependability. That’s why they rely on Framingham Co-operative Bank for their commercial financing.

“They know us, they know our business and they make financing easy,” Jim says. “Their rates are competitive. Plus, they provide a level of service and reliability you can’t put a price on.”

Need a local partner for your business?
Call Nicholas Kefalas at (508) 820-4043 or Michael Bilinsky at (508) 532-8305.

You may not know it, but you have round-the-clock protection against debit card fraud. That’s because debit cards from Framingham Co-operative Bank are protected by FraudWatch® Plus.

With FraudWatch Plus, we provide industry leading technology, tools and the expertise to protect your card, and your accounts, from fraud. Experienced fraud analysts work around-the-clock, watching for any suspicious card activity, ready to contact our customers if they detect potential fraud on your card.

If you have a debit card from Framingham Co-operative Bank, you are already protected by FraudWatch. Plus. There is no sign up, and no fee, for this service.

If we detect potential fraud on your card, you will receive a call from “Fraud Prevention Services.”

At Framingham Co-operative Bank, we take fraud seriously. If you have any questions about FraudWatch Plus, please contact a member of our staff.

February 21 - March 1, 2010
9 days

Join us as we travel to China. On this fantastic trip, you will be able to walk along a section of The Great Wall, see panda bears at the Bejing Zoo, see a Peking Opera show and experience ancient Bejing on a rickshaw tour.

Our trip will include:

• Round-trip airfare from Logan Airport
• Hotel accommodations and transfers
• Air taxes and fees
• Seven breakfasts
• Four lunches
• Four dinners

$2,329 per person based on double occupancy.

To register: Use our online registration form or call Rachel Stewart at 508.532.8326.

The staff of the Framingham History Center is devoted to connecting us with our community’s rich heritage by collecting, preserving and sharing our stories, our historic buildings, and our local artifacts. Learn more at www.framinghamhistory.org

In celebration of our 120th Anniversary, we salute the Center for connecting the past and the present for the benefit of the future.

Framingham History Center personnel (from left): Volunteer and Research Librarian Kevin Swope, Curator Dana Ricciardi, Town Historian Fred Wallace, and Executive Director Annie Murphy.

We are proud to call Framingham our hometown.

According to Robert P. Lamprey, chairman, the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation recently awarded college scholarships totaling $18,000 to six 2009 graduates of Framingham’s three high schools.

Three of the scholarships, in the amount of $5,000 each, were established in 2005 to honor the memory of Roland J. Bunnell II, a past trustee of the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation. Mr. Bunnell was also a member of the Framingham Co-operative Bank board of directors and senior vice president at the time of his death in 2004. He had served the Bank for more than 15 years.

The Bunnell Memorial Scholarship recipients were Jesse Mitchell, Framingham High School, who will be attending Northeastern University; Alisha Sparling, Marian High School, who plans to attend Stonehill College in the fall; and Catherine Griffin, Joseph P. Keefe Technical School, who will continue her education at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science.


The Charitable Foundation also funded three $1,000 awards made through the Edwin Alexis Marin Memorial Scholarship program at Framingham High School. The Scholarships are named for a student who died in a car accident following his sophomore year at Framingham High. The program encourages Latino students at the High School to continue on to college, by providing one means of financial support.

Recipients of the Edwin Alexis Marin scholarships were Alma Garcia, who will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst in September to study nursing; Alexis Rivera, who will study criminal justice  at Westfield State College; and Melinda Alves, who will attend Bridgewater State College, where she will major in education.

“By investing in the education of today’s youth, we are hopeful that they will be among those who give back in ways that will further strengthen the fabric of our community in years to come,” said Lamprey.

Featuring the Sacred Valley, Cuzco & a 5-day Galapagos Islands cruise
March 3 - 16, 2010
14 days

Come with us on this breathtaking adventure. We will visit marvelous sites such as, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, the ancient capital city Cuzco, and Quito Equador.  The trip will end with an incredible five-day cruise of the Galapagos Islands.

Our trip will include:

• Round-trip airfare from Logan Airport
• Hotel accommodations and transfers
• Air taxes and fees
• Twelve breakfasts
• Five lunches
• Nine dinners

$7,599 per person based on double occupancy.

To register: Use our online registration form or call Rachel Stewart at 508.532.8326.

March 16, 2010

Come spend the day with us at the Venus De Milo for a delicious meal and to see the incredible show Four Celtic Women. The show will feature traditional Celtic instruments and a performance of songs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Northern Spain and France.

Our trip will include:

• Round-trip motorcoach transportation
• Luncheon at Venus De Milo with a choice of either Corned Beef & Cabbage or Baked Haddock
• Reserved seating to see Four Celtic Women
  

$69 for members
$79 for non-members

To register: Use our online registration form or call Rachel Stewart at 508.532.8326.

According to Chairman Robert P. Lamprey, the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation recently granted more than $26,000 to benefit the community.

The largest award, in the amount of $10,000 was to the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest. The grant was made to help support the out-of-school programs at the Framingham Clubhouse on Pearl Street, which serves an average of 150 youngsters each day. In part, the Foundation’s gift will help the Boys & Girls Club keep its annual membership fee at just $25 per child per year. This is the sixth consecutive year the Club has received support from the Bank’s Charitable Foundation.

Framingham’s Joseph P. Keefe Technical School received an award in the amount of $8,495 from the Foundation for the purchase of a Point of Sale (POS) computer/register system. The state-of-the-art equipment will be used in the student-run dining room that serves as the hospitality component of the school’s Culinary Arts program, and will provide students with the technical skills necessary to compete in the industry, according to James M. Lynch, superintendent/director.

The Foundation also awarded the sum of $3,600 to the MetroWest Jewish Day School to expand community service curriculum in the classroom and expand its annual community service event, Mitzvah Day. Involving parent and community volunteers, Mitzvah Day takes place at Metrowest social service organizations, for the benefit of the entire community.

The First Baptist Church in Framingham received an award of $2,000 in support of its volunteer “Happy birthday, Baby” project, which provides baby care essentials for low-income mothers and pregnant teens in greater Metrowest. The sum of $1,000 was awarded to the Framingham Baseball League to help fund that organization’s scholarship program. An additional $1,000 was granted to the Association of Small Foundations, which provides programs, publications and resources for member organizations.

Whether you need help on a school research project or a tip on a great summer read, you can count on the folks at the Framingham Public Library.

Their personal dedication to literacy enriches our entire community.
In celebration of our 120th Anniversary, we salute the professionals of the Framingham Public Library and the many other dedicated individuals in the community we count on every day.


Framingham Public Library staffers with Director Mark Contois (second from right) and Assistant Director Jeanne Kelley, (second from left).

We are proud to call Framingham our hometown.

The Framingham School Committee has commended Framingham Co-operative Bank for its third annual sponsorship of a student essay contest in two Framingham elementary schools.

A total of 182 students in 9 fifth-grade classrooms at the McCarthy and Hemenway schools competed for first-place honors for essays reflecting their personal thoughts on: “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?”

The competition was sponsored by Framingham Co-operative Bank in conjunction with Partners in Education. The contest is incorporated into the classroom curriculum as practice for MCAS testing.

At a recent Framingham School Committee meeting, board members recognized and applauded the students and participating teachers. The board also thanked Partners in Education and the Bank, and specifically Kimberly Sambuchi, retail banking analyst, for providing Framingham students with the opportunity to participate.

One winning essay was selected from each participating classroom. Essay winners were awarded $75 Series I Savings Bonds from Framingham Co-operative Bank. All of the contest participants received certificates of appreciation from the Bank, as well.

Front row, from left to right, Hemenway Elementary students Noel Shay, Chris Barone, and Priyanka Roy. Second row, from left to right, Hemenway Elementary teachers Mrs. Denise Nolan, Mrs. Deb Nazzaro, Mrs. Mandy Marrella, and Mr. Stephen Wiltshire.

If you use Online Banking from Framingham Co-operative Bank, you know how convenient it is to be able to access your accounts online. Now, we’ve made banking even easier with the introduction of Mobile Banking!

Using your web-ready cell phone or mobile device, you can:

• Check your account balances
• View account history
• Transfer funds between accounts
• Pay bills or cancel scheduled payments
  

Start using Mobile Banking today!
Mobile Banking is ready and waiting for all Online Banking customers – no additional sign up, no additional charge, and no hassles! Just use your web-ready mobile device to visit our web site – FraminghamBank.com – to try it today. Your phone will be automatically redirected to the mobile banking log-in page.

Not sure if your phone is web-ready? Visit the CNET cell phone buying guide page for information about your phone (listed by manufacturer). Don’t forget to also check with your phone provider to confirm your plan allows for web surfing.

Recently, Framingham Co-operative Bank launched a Page on the popular social networking web site, Facebook. Through the new Page, we will be sharing news, insights, photos, favorite links, and much more. We will also be using the Page to offer “Facebook-only” specials and announce new products and services.

Become a Fan and you would win an Apple iPod Touch!
Become a Fan of our Facebook page and receive up-to-the-minute news from Framingham Co-operative Bank.

It’s easy! Just visit our page, then click on “Become a Fan” at the top of the page.

Plus, if you are a Fan as of August 31, 2009, you will be automatically entered into our drawing to win an Apple iPod Touch! (Winner to be selected at random and will be contacted through Facebook. No purchase necessary).

Haven’t tried Facebook yet? It’s free to join! Click here to sign up today.