New Hero program helps crucial workers buy homes

Wisconsin heroes looking for new homes now have a friend in North Shore Bank, with this week’s launch of our Hero Lending Program, which offers affordable mortgages to qualifying first responders, healthcare and emergency workers, educators, and military personnel.

The housing market is especially tight right now, and the purpose of the program is to give these workers — who have made vital contributions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic — a better chance of buying homes. The Hero Lending Program offers a set interest rate of 2.99 percent and requires a down payment of only 2.99 percent of the purchase price. The down payment can be a gift.

“We saw through the pandemic that heroes come in all forms, and we wanted to create a low-interest, low–down payment program that would help them,” vice president consumer lending manager Chris Boland said. “We’re hoping this program can help our heroes get into the home of their choice.”

To qualify, a homebuyer must work at a medical care facility, fire department, public or private educational institution, or federal, state, or local law enforcement agency. Nurses, EMTs and paramedics, and active or former military personnel also qualify.

As with all of our lending services, applicants do need to meet underwriting qualifications. To get preapproved or learn more, visit northshorebank.com/HEROES. •••

10 simple ways to alleviate stress
For many of us, the question right now is not “Are you stressed?” but “How stressed are you?” Fortunately, the American Heart Association has ten tips to help alleviate some of that unhealthy tension and anxiety:

Even when the world hasn’t been turned upside down, these are useful hints to remember. If it’s helpful, click on the graphic to download a printable PDF, which you can hang up in your workspace as a reminder. •••

Free coin counting is back!

America needs coinage, and North Shore Bank is stepping up to help again. Through June, we are offering free coin counting, as an incentive to get people to bring in change that can then be redistributed to local businesses.

Last summer, when a similar coin shortage affected the country several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, our free coin-counting drive got nearly $1 million in coins back into circulation. “Last year we saw the community rally together to help recirculate coin, and we hope to see that again,” senior vice president Sue Doyle said.

The Federal Reserve says coin orders increased dramatically in April, with more people getting out into the world as covid vaccination rates have risen and the weather has gotten warmer.

Anyone with coins to count and exchange can simply visit any North Shore Bank branch. No appointment is necessary. •••

Seymour Salutes and Rising Stars for April 2021
Last month’s winners of our SOAR awards are Megan Wick, Amber Gruhlke, Elise Lueneberg, and Danny Slattery. Read more about their achievements here!

Keep spreading word about “For the Love of Animals”
This month’s “For the Love of Animals” Bank on Kindness campaign continues — spread the word that critter lovers can donate to Wisconsin zoos and humane societies by texting “KINDNESS” to 77948 or clicking here. The bank is matching donations throughout the month, up to $500 per organization. A list of our partner organizations is here.

And start thinking ahead! In honor of National Endangered Species Day, next Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22, if you post a picture of your favorite zoo animal on social media and tag North Shore Bank, we’ll donate another $2 to our partner nonprofits, up to a total of $1,000 more. We’ll remind you next Thursday! •••

When you’re feeling stuck, ask what you need

Feel stuck? Ask yourself how you’re feeling — do you need rest, food, a short walk? Take time to meet that need. When you return to your task, the work may flow more easily.

Try this meditation for one minute every day, or longer if you want to:

DON’T FORCE YOURSELF into relaxing. Just take time to breathe, and pay attention to that breath. Let the peace come!

This meditation was adapted from A Mindful Day: 365 Ways to Live Life With Peace, Clarity, and an Open Heart, by David Dillard-Wright. How did it go for you? Share your thoughts and feelings in Shorelines and you’ll be entered to win a copy of the book!

If you’d like a daily email reminder to do one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject “Mindfulness reminder.” —Pat Ingelse, AVP and PMP •••

Through June, no purchase fee on gift cards

With graduation season upon us and Father’s Day coming up, the bank has a special deal on a perfect, low-stress gift option: Through June 30, there’s no purchase fee on a North Shore Bank gift card. These customizable cards can be given in any amount and used wherever credit cards are accepted. Need one today? They’re available at every branch. Happy gifting! •••

Service Anniversaries for May 2021
The following employees celebrate a milestone anniversary with North Shore Bank this month.

25 years
Roberta Woodard, Secondary Market Manager

20 years
Marie Cruz, Assistant Branch Manager, Forest Home

15 years
Renee Machado, Checking Services Representative

5 years
JoEllen Brisk, Consumer Loan Specialist
Erica Kuik, Senior Deposit Operations Specialist
Shannan Mahloch, Loan Servicing Specialist–Consumer
Tiffany Porter, Assistant Branch Manager, Sister Bay
James Shook, Branch Manager, Union Grove

Leave a comment to congratulate them!

New Hires for May 13
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.

Jackson Park universal banker Claudia Rubio is from Mexico and previously worked for three years at Tri City National Bank. “I’m a very outgoing person,” she says. “I love to help people understand banking terms and what is best for their financial goals. And I’m funny, short, and beautiful!”

Northland teller Fabio Zane was born in São Paulo, Brazil, but has lived in Appleton most of his life. He was previously a supervisor at Rogan’s Shoes for three and a half years. “I like to go foraging and hiking in my free time,” he says. “I know how to identify several plants and fungi that are edible. My favorite edible mushrooms are chanterelles and morels! I also love to travel around the world and have been to several other countries, including Brazil, Japan, Canada, Argentina, and Paraguay.” •••