Community Involvement

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATION

July 23, 2021

Many parents and schools struggle to make sure students have all the necessary school supplies – so employees of Champlain National Bank banded together to raise money to help our local schools buy what they need. Employees who contributed also got to wear jeans to show their support for our local schools!

First Picture: Keene Branch: James Moscatello, Rachel Hofaker, Melanie Porter
Second Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: Ralitsa Livermore, Ashleigh Cook, Taylor Jarvis, Melissa LaMotte
Third Picture: Plattsburgh Branch: Kristin Cumm, Brandon Frenyea, Medara Sherman, Katherine Towne, Aubry Mauro, Julianna Dormann, Sara Rock

REFINANCING WORKSHOPS

July 22, 2021

Making sure people living in our communities understand all the financial options available to them is one of our missions.  With interest rates being at record lows, we held a series of Refinancing Workshops to explain what it means to refinance and how it may benefit homeowners.  Medara Sherman, our Mortgage Loan Specialist, explained how to take inventory of where you stand with your mortgage, and the many home loan options that are available.

FREE SHREDDING EVENTS

July 17, 2021

Thanks to our amazing staff who were on hand to help so many people shred their old paperwork at the annual Champlain National Bank Free Shredding Events!  Stay tuned for our next event dates and locations!

First Picture: Keene Branch: Dejan Loncarevic (SecurShred), Jackie Hallock, Melanie Porter, James Moscatello
Second Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: Jackie Hallock, Taylor Jarvis

WESTPORT INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

July 3, 2021

So much fun to give out treats for dogs and humans alike in front of the Champlain National Bank branch during the Westport Independence Day Parade.  Even Mr. Bankus (our piggy bank balloon) made an appearance and watched the parade go by!

Pictured: Ralitsa Livermore, Kurri Westover

FRANCISCA PAINE IRWIN AWARD

May 17, 2021

Champlain National Bank is proud to support the endowment of the Francisca (Frisky) Paine Irwin Award through the Essex Community Fund with another major financial gift.  This award is granted annually to an Essex resident who has made a meaningful contribution to enhance the quality of life in Essex, which was exemplified by Frisky.  Congratulations to the second winner of the award, Sally P. Johnson, who did so much for the community including keeping the trees along Main Street manicured and fertilized.  We’re proud to be one of the original (and long-time) supporters of the Essex Community Fund, which supports all the good work being done in Essex!

CFES BRILLIANT PATHWAYS PARTNER

March 24, 2021

Giving young people a basic understanding of money (and how to manage it) is one of Champlain National Bank’s core missions.  We’ve been so proud to partner with CFES Brilliant Pathways for many years, who are just as committed to providing this essential skill to today’s students, and who’ve helped us bring financial education into classrooms.  To learn more about CFES, visit their website at: www.brilliantpathways.org or to learn more about financial education programs at Champlain National Bank, visit our Financial Education page, or call your local branch.

STEPPING OUT FOR YOUR HEART

March 22, 2021

Champlain National Bank employees wore red to show their support for people living with heart disease and made a donation to the Heart Center at CVPH.

First Picture: Keene Branch: Rachel Hofaker, Melanie Porter, James Moscatello
Second Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: Ralitsa Livermore, Melissa LaMotte, Kristen Pulsifer, Ashleigh Cook

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATION

February 26, 2021

We donated school supplies to Keene Central School after they shared with us that some of the students and teachers could really use them.  We’re so glad we could help!  Our Branch Manager in Keene, Melanie Porter, is pictured with Cindy Summo from Keene Central School with our donated supplies.

NYSEF SNOWSPORTS SPONSORSHIP

January 25, 2021

Thanks to organizations like NYSEF Snowsports, local children and young adults are given opportunities to try snow sports for the first time, and its how many of our local athletes get access to unparalleled training.  We’re proud to support this organization as a sponsor.

MISSION OF HOPE "GOT SNEAKERS" COLLECTION

January 19, 2021

We collected several buckets, bags and boxes full of sneakers to be donated to the Mission of Hope. They will be sent to people who can’t afford to buy themselves a single pair. Thanks to our employees and clients for giving so generously.

First Picture: Willsboro Branch: Lisa Jaquish, Lena Robetoy, Tiffani Tromblee
Second Picture: Plattsburgh Branch: Sabrina Smith, Kristin Cumm
Third Picture: Willsboro Branch: Michelle Cross, Lena Robetoy
Fourth Picture: Champlain Branch: Brandon Frenyea

PROJECT WE CARE

December 18, 2020

Thank you to everyone who donated to Champlain National Bank’s Project We Care! With your help, we were able to fulfill the Christmas wishes of your neighbors, both young and old, so that everyone could have a special holiday season. We donated toys, food, and warm clothing to many local charities, schools and members of the senior community, making a real difference in their lives. The generosity of our clients and employees is truly amazing!

First Picture: Elizabethtown Branch
Second Picture: Willsboro Branch: Michelle Cross
Third Picture: Keene Branch: Rachel Hofaker, James Moscatello
Fourth Picture: Champlain Branch: Shelby Connelly, Michelle Menard (Mooers Elementary)
Fifth Picture: Crown Point Branch: Rosann Fields, Vicki Sargent, Jordan McKiernan
Sixth Picture: Lake Placid Branch
Seventh Picture: Saranac Lake Branch

HOLIDAY SWEATERS FOR PROJECT WE CARE

December 11, 2020

It was Fun Holiday Sweater Day at Champlain National Bank - all for a good cause!  Employees contributed to Project We Care (our holiday giving program) and got to choose their favorite seasonal outfit to spread a little Christmas cheer!

First Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: Ralitsa Livermore, Ashleigh Cook, Brittany Guerin, Kristen Pulsifer
Second Picture: Keene Branch: Melanie Porter, Rachel Hofaker, James Moscatello
Third Picture: Downtown Plattsburgh Branch: Brandon Frenyea, Lisa Roberts, Anne Franks, Laurie Kelsh, Tiah LaValley, Jennifer Pecore
Fourth Picture: Plattsburgh Branch: Stephanie Coulombe, Medara Sherman, Darlene Mirrer, Sabrina Smith, Sara Rock, Joshua Morrow, Taylor Jarvis
Fifth Picture: Willsboro Branch: Rosale Lewis, Marilyn Strong, Erica Cain, Adriane Holland
Sixth Picture: Champlain Branch: Brittany Faubert

PANEL DISCUSSION ON PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN STRATEGIES

December 10, 2020

Join our very own Credit Department Manager, Kristen Carmichael, along with other professionals who will be providing information on PPP/EIDL loans, Section 179, and other strategies for 2020.  It’s free to register and you’ll walk away with great tips.

EMPLOYEE DONATIONS TO LOCAL CANCER CENTERS

November 30, 2020

Champlain National Bank went pink to show love and support for those affected by breast cancer. Employees and the Bank also made donations to the cancer care centers at CVPH, Elizabethtown Community Hospital, and Adirondack Health since they provide wonderful chemotherapy and radiation care close to home for our friends and neighbors, and even some of us.

First Picture: Plattsburgh Branch: Tiah LaValley, Sabrina Smith, Katherine Towne, Taylor Jarvis
Second Picture: Downtown Plattsburgh Branch: Anne Franks, Lori Hebert, Kelsey Monette, Lisa Roberts, Taylor Sousa, Laurie Kelsh, Joshua Morrow
Third Picture: Willsboro Branch: Michelle Cross, Lena Robetoy, Lisa Jaquish, Tiffani Tromblee
Fourth Picture: Willsboro Branch: Dorene Dixon, Toni McCray, Skiler Stafford, Andrea Robare, Teresa Kaschak, Cindy Monty, Randi Swires
Fifth Picture: Willsboro Branch: Maghan MacDougal, Adriane Holland, Rosale Lewis, Erica Cain, Carol Manley
Sixth Picture: Saranac Lake Branch: Tammy Gaff, Rebecca Miner
Seventh Picture: Crown Point Branch: Vicki Sargent, Jordan McKiernan, Rosann Fields
Eighth Picture: Lake Placid Branch: Cindy Caner, Sheila Salcedo
Ninth Picture: Keene Branch: Melanie Porter, Laura Rew, James Moscatello
Tenth Picture: Champlain Branch: Stephanie Coulombe, Shelby Connelly
Eleventh Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: April Marble, Medara Sherman, Ralitsa Livermore

UNITED WAY PACESETTER

November 18, 2020

The United Way of the Adirondacks does so much for our region, so for many decades, the employees of Champlain National Bank have been Pacesetters for their annual campaign, donating money that goes directly to helping our neighbors.  Our approximately 70 employees are giving $12,000 to the United Way this year – wow!  We want to thank the United Way for their efforts during the height of the pandemic and encouraging people to participate in the Census.

Pictured: Plattsburgh Branch: Darlene Mirrer, Katherine Towne, Kevin Richard, Stephanie Coulombe, Tiah LaValley

COLLECTING SUPPLIES FOR HOMELESS PETS

November 2, 2020

We’re a pet loving bunch at Champlain National Bank – so to show some love for our local SPCAs, which is where many of us have adopted our own cats and dogs, we collected items to donate to them.  We were able to drop off lots of food, toys, blankets, and litter to the North Country SPCA and the Elmore SPCA, along with money that our employees donated themselves!

First Picture: Wendy Beeman (North Country SPCA), Medara Sherman
Second Picture: Lena Robetoy, Victoria Martorano (Elmore SPCA)
Third Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: Haley Severance, Kurri Westover, Melissa LaMotte, Amanda Grant
Fourth Picture: Willsboro Branch: Michelle Cross, Britney Aldrich, Jennifer Putnam, Tiffani Tromblee, Lena Robetoy

WESTPORT YOUTH COMMISSION TRUNK OR TREAT

October 31, 2020

Thanks to the Westport Youth Commission for putting on the first ever Trunk or Treat!  We had a blast giving out candy safely to the community, and our piggy bank balloon even made an appearance.

Pictured: Medara Sherman

CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY

October 30, 2020

Anyone who visited one of our branches on the day before Halloween was showered with treats, as a little way to say “thanks” for banking with us.  We truly love our clients!

First Picture: Keene Branch: Melanie Porter, Laura Rew, James Moscatello
Second Picture: Willsboro Branch: Michelle Cross, Lena Robetoy, Tiffani Tromblee, April Marble
Third Picture: Westport Branch
Fourth Picture: Elizabethtown Branch

SUPPORT FOR THE AUTISM ALLIANCE OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK

September 30, 2020

To support the Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York, our staff chipped in their OWN money to give in addition to the Bank being a GOLD sponsor for the virtual Autism Awareness Walk.  Thanks to the AANNY for empowering individuals and families touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders through support and education.

Pictured: Willsboro Branch: Rosale Lewis, Kevin Richard, Skiler Stafford, Andrea Robare, Erica Cain, Teresa Kaschak, Marilyn Strong, Toni McCray

RURAL ACCESS TO CAPITAL PANEL DISCUSSION

September 10, 2020

Helping rural businesses understand how to access the money they need to be successful is critical.  Our VP/Tri-Lakes Manager Renee Darrah moderated a panel discussion on access to capital in rural areas for the Upstate Capital Association of New York, which was designed to educate participants on what resources are available.

CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY - ICE CREAM GIVEAWAY

August 21, 2020

Everyone had a blast at our Client Appreciation Day – Ice Cream Giveaway!

First Picture: Willsboro Branch: Steven Cacchio
Second Picture: Willsboro Branch: Rosann Fields, Tiffani Tromblee, Lena Robetoy
Third Picture: Willsboro Branch: Peter Paine III
Fourth Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: Kristen Pulsifer, Medara Sherman, Ralitsa Livermore
Fifth Picture: Saranac Lake Branch: Rebecca Miner, Tammy Gaff
Sixth Picture: Lake Placid Branch: Maja Giambalvo, Cindy Caner
Seventh Picture: Plattsburgh Branch: Sabrina Smith, Tiah LaValley, Katherine Towne
Eighth Picture: Keene Branch: Melanie Porter, James Moscatello
Ninth Picture: Champlain Branch: Shelby Connelly, Jennifer Favro
Tenth Picture: Champlain Branch: Brittany Faubert with Brysen and Brooklyn

SUPPORT FOR ADK ACTION

August 17, 2020

We applaud the efforts of ADK Action, an organization we sponsor, that link local farm products with people in our area who would go hungry otherwise.  Their Emergency Food Packages during the pandemic was a wonderful way to provide healthy, locally grown food to low-income residents, who were also faced with limited food access.

FREE SHREDDING DAYS

July 18, 2020

The rain didn’t deter people from bringing their documents to us on our recent Free Shredding weekends.  They brought us their old personal paperwork and had it shredded right before their eyes….for FREE!  Stay tuned to our website for our next Free Shredding Day.

First Picture: Plattsburgh Branch: Jim Roy (SecurShred), Stephanie Coulombe, Leah Coulombe
Second Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: Dejan Loncarevic (SecurShred), Medara Sherman
Third Picture: Keene Branch: Melanie Porter, Brittany McKee

SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

May 4, 2020

To show support for our local restaurants, and to thank our amazing employees who are coming into work every day, Champlain National Bank has been buying ALL staff lunch once a week since the shutdown.  Thanks to our local restaurant owners for staying open – we know you are feeling the pinch - and we’ll continue to support you!

First Picture: Willsboro Branch: Michelle Cross, Jennifer Putnam, Lena Robetoy
Second Picture: Elizabethtown Branch: Amanda Grant, Kurri Westover, Dorene Dixon
Third Picture: Keene Branch: Melanie Porter
Fourth Picture: Keene Branch: Jim Moscatello, Brittany McKee
Fifth Picture: Downtown Plattsburgh Branch: Lori Hebert
Sixth Picture: Saranac Lake Branch

SUPPORT FOR THE LAKE PLACID CENTER FOR THE ARTS

March 27, 2020

Champlain National Bank is proud to be a long-time supporter of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.  Thanks to them, people living in the High Peaks get to experience big name acts like Pink Martini and David Sedaris, along with providing arts education and experiences for local children.  Thanks LPCA for all you do for Lake Placid and the surrounding communities!

First Picture: Renee Darrah, James Lemons (LPCA)
Second Picture: Joy to the Children: Darlene Mirrer, Ed Finnerty, Renee Darrah

FINANCIAL EDUCATION AT MALONE MIDDLE SCHOOL

March 11, 2020

We love working with our partners at CFES Brilliant Pathways who are helping us spread the word about the importance of financial education in our schools!  Thanks to Malone Middle School’s Amy Lavine for inviting our VP/Tri-Lakes Manager Renee Darrah into her middle school classroom to talk about money and the difference between needs and wants.  She’s pictured here with CFES Fellow Chris Picaro who worked the students on an exercise on how to spend limited funds, so they can understand the kind of choices they may need to make as adults.

PLATTSBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL CAREER DAY

March 9, 2020

Want to know what it’s like to work in banking?  Students at Plattsburgh Central School had the opportunity to hear all about the different job opportunities in banking at their Career Day.  Stephanie Coulombe (our Branch Manager in Plattsburgh and Champlain) and Michelle Lafountain (our Mortgage Loan Specialist and Branch Operations Manager) spoke to the students about their personal career paths and what essential skills students should acquire to pursue a financial career.

STEPPING OUT FOR YOUR HEART

February 24, 2020

In honor of February being American Heart Month, the staff at Champlain National Bank wore red and raised money to give to the Foundation of CVPH to be donated to the Heart Center there.  This money will directly impact the care of cardiology patients in the local region.  The Bank was also a Sponsor of the Stepping Out For Your Heart Dinner!

First Picture: Stepping Out For Your Heart Dinner: Darlene Mirrer, Michelle Lafountain, Lori Boren
Second Picture: Willsboro Branch: Marilyn Strong, Erica Cain, Adriane Holland, Rosale Lewis, Andrea Robare
Third Picture: Plattsburgh Branch: Katherine Towne, Jennifer Pecore, Darlene Mirrer, Roxanne LaClair, Brittany Faubert, Michelle Lafountain, Brandon Frenyea, Tiah LaValley, Randi Swires, Kristin Cumm
Fourth Picture: Lake Placid Branch: Ralitsa Livermore, Maja Giambalvo, Cindy Caner
Fifth Picture: Keene Branch: Brittany McKee, Melanie Porter

HOPE FOR MIRACLES

February 20, 2020

From time to time, we like to highlight some of the organizations that we support.  One of those organizations is Hope for Miracles, a non-profit that raises money to fund research to find a cure for neuroblastoma, a cancer that most commonly affects children 5 years old or younger.  Thanks to fundraisers like the Gala of Miracles, they have raised thousands of dollars for neuroblastoma research.  To learn more, visit their website: https://www.hopeformiracles.org.  Our branch manager in Keene, Melanie Porter is pictured here attending the Gala of Miracles.

BUDGETING CLASS FOR MORIAH 12TH GRADERS

February 18, 2020

Providing financial education to our communities is one of the cornerstones of what we do at Champlain National Bank – and one of the most impactful ways we do that is by teaching good money skills to our kids!  Branch Manager Medara Sherman recently visited with seniors at Moriah Central School to give them the financial tools to prepare for life after graduating including showing them how to make a budget.  Let us know if you’d like us to speak to your class or group!

FRANCISCA PAINE IRWIN AWARD

February 10, 2020

Champlain National Bank is proud to support the Francisca (Frisky) Paine Irwin Award through the Essex Community Fund, with a $1,000 gift to be put towards its endowment.  This award is granted annually to an Essex resident who has made a meaningful contribution to enhance the quality of life in Essex, which was exemplified by Frisky.  The winner gets to give the money to an non-profit of their choosing that benefits the people in Essex.  Congratulations to the first winner: Donna Lou Sonnett who gave her money to High Peaks Hospice.  We’re proud to be a long-time supporter of the Essex Community Fund, and to support all the good work that’s being done in that community!

MOOERS AVALANCHE PEE WEE SOCCER TEAM SPONSORSHIP

January 8, 2020

Champlain National Bank sponsors a number of youth sports teams – including the Mooers Avalanche Pee Wee Soccer Team.  Thanks to all the parents and volunteers who give their time to keep youth sports strong in the North Country!