OXFORD, Mass. — bankHometown was recently honored for overall quality and commitment to the community.
The bank earned several distinctions in the 2020 New England Banking Choice Awards, earning a spot among the top three banks in Massachusetts and top five banks in central/eastern Connecticut in Overall Quality, as well as among the top three banks in Community Contribution in its Connecticut region. The awards are presented annually by American Business Media, publishers of “Banking New England,” and are based on the results of the Rivel Banking Benchmarks, the largest and most comprehensive measure of banking customer experience in the world. The 2020 results are based on more than 17,000 interviews and nearly 500,000 reviews of more than 400 Massachusetts and Connecticut institutions.
The bank also was named an honoree by The Boston Business Journal in its annual 2020 Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognition of the region’s top corporate charitable contributors. The Business Journal annually publishes this list to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. Companies qualify for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities and social-service nonprofits last year.
“We’re honored to be named among the best banks for quality and community commitment in New England, and then to be recognized among the most benevolent companies in Massachusetts is just icing on the cake,” said President and CEO Robert J. Morton. “Being here for our customers and giving back to our communities is what we’re all about.”
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Town of Pomfret
POSITION OPENING
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Qualified self-starter wanted for Town of Pomfret Highway Department. Must hold Class B CDL license/valid medical card, have a background in operating heavy equipment, and possess knowledge of equipment repair. Position includes, but is not limited to, assignments on all municipal road work including snowplowing, various equipment repairs, landscaping, building maintenance, and any other duties as needed and assigned. Five years of driving/equipment operation experience is preferred. Must be available to work nights and weekends as needed, able to lift up to 100 pounds, possess mechanical aptitude in equipment repair, and pass a DOT physical and drug screen. Salary dependent upon qualifications and experience. Interested persons should forward resume/application and three references to the Selectman’s Office, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 on or before October 14, 2020. Application form available at www.pomfretct.gov/first-selectmans-office . EEO/AA
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‘Mask It Up’ strikes a chord
Fresh off the paws of creating Norm, the COVID-19 Community Watch Dog, a hip-hop song has been created to also help kids pre-K through 5th grade develop and maintain healthy habits and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
The Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH) and Generations Family Health Center teamed up again to produce a hip-hop song and music video to promote mask-wearing among middle- school to college-age youths.
According to NDDH Education and Communications Coordinator Linda Colangelo, “Mask-wearing is one of the most important prevention strategies we currently have in reducing the risk of COVID-19, but it’s also the most challenging behavior to convince people to adopt. We wanted to find a platform that would be appealing to teens and young adults – and we found it in artist Zack Kindall and ‘Mask It Up’.”
Kindall, a 20-year-old Connecticut-based recording artist, is a former student-athlete at Eastern Connecticut State University. His creativity and growing popularity as a social media influencer crossed paths with Generations and NDDH at a perfect time.
A Generations spokesperson said they hope adapting original lyrics written by Linda Colangelo, Zack created a new version that would resonate with the middle-school to college-age demographic for use in the song and music video. They hope ‘Mask It Up’ will become a theme song throughout the pandemic and that its message, catchy lyrics and beat will stay with people.
Kindall said: “I am inspired to use my music as a platform to uplift people and bring more joy to this world just like other artists have done for me. I love being able to see people smile from my music – especially during these stressful times - and I want to have a positive impact on them. At the end of the day that is what matters most to me. I hope people like the song, but more importantly, I hope they take the message seriously and ‘Mask It Up’.”
The “Mask It Up” music video can be viewed for free at: ttp://bit.ly/GenHealthMaskItUp.
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’Steve’s River Blossoms’
will grace the Quinebaug
PUTNAM — The Town of Putnam, along with Bousquet’s Appliance, announced a new fall 2020 display that will bring vibrant beauty to the Quinebaug River, “Steve’s River Blossoms.”
In memory of Steve Bousquet, former resident of Putnam and community advocate, the Town of Putnam will create colorful flower arrangements on the floating river fire pots.
This will bring an array of color to the river for the fall season.
The display will be placed in the river Sept. 29 and will remain until Nov. 5 for all to enjoy.
Town officials said they are grateful to Bousquet’s Appliance for funding this uplifting project.
The display has been officially named “Steve’s River Blossoms” in memory of Steve Bousquet because this was his dream many years ago, said Willie Bousquet, Parks and Recreation director. “And now we have the opportunity to make it happen during this fall season. We seek to bring some joy to people’s lives as Steve did with his generous acts of kindness during his life.” The town also thanked the Public Works Department and the Putnam Recreation Department for helping.
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