October 16, 2020

COVID Silver Linings

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From leading a healthier lifestyle to building out the perfect backyard, get a peek at what your favorite banking team has accomplished during this pandemic.

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Elena Moore | Administrative Assistant

This quarantine has allowed me to focus on physical health and regain confidence. So far, I have lost 26lbs and have more to go! My husband and I have helped many family members get on a similar routine as us during this quarantine and have seen so many positive changes to their physical and mental health. We are excited that this time has allowed us to improve our lives and the lives of our loved ones while facing such unpredictable worldly circumstances.

We have also enjoyed the simple things like trying new recipes, adopting two kittens, having more time for one another, silly creative dates. All in all, we are just so grateful that this quarantine slowed us down and reminded us that if you take a look at the life you’ve built and truly appreciate all the bits and pieces, good and bad, you’re bound to find absolute joy.

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Pat Lewis | COO

Before the pandemic, we were always trying to “find family time.” We definitely have more quality time to connect versus doing everything “on the go.” The best thing ever is to have your teenager and his friends (we made our own small cohort) stop by your office to invite you to take a break and chat. Not only music to my ears, but they must like me since they didn’t ask for food or money!

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Elizabeth Woolridge | BSA Specialist

Since vacation and event plans were pretty much canceled this summer, my husband and I have been able to focus a lot of our attention on our house, specifically the backyard. (It was a rental when we purchased it and had so many different things going on with it, but nothing functional). We laid brick down for our patio – first time ever! Built a retaining wall, a pergola for our super huge grape, and installed a small fence. The backyard still has a long way to go, but now we are starting to see results and have clear plans of what we want to do next.

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Donna Sutherland | Premier Relationship Manager

For me, I can think of several, but the biggest is that this is my daughter’s senior year of high school, and while I wish she could be with her classmates, I do enjoy occasionally getting to have lunch with her during the week! Usually, we part ways in the morning, and we are lucky if we see each other before bedtime! The dog is also VERY happy!

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Janette Moynier | Premier Banking Manager

I rekindled a favorite past time, and that was sewing! I dusted off my Singer sewing machine, which was given to me as a teenager by my mom and hasn’t been used in a very long time. I watched YouTube and created face masks for my entire family, including my parents from old T-shirts! I enjoyed my time reliving a favorite hobby and reminiscing with my grandmother, who is 103, about making suits together.

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Tess Gee | Marketing Manager

I started to cook. I mean, really cook. During SIP, I learned how to make challah bread, perfected my dim sum folding techniques, and, most importantly, found my love for cooking Filipino food. Because we never kept recipes for many family favorites, Face Timing sessions with my mom and the rest of the family has been crucial in my quest to find the right ingredients and cooking techniques. I can now make a mean chicken and pork adobo, bake a soft and buttery pan de sal, and stepped up my halo-halo game. It was a great way to learn while staying connected to the special people in my life.

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