Over 40 years, Deb Cumming has embraced change
Menasha branch manager Deb Cumming just celebrated 40 years with North Shore Bank and is looking forward to more. “I started the year after savings and loans were approved to open checking accounts,” she recalls. “It’s exciting that North Shore Bank is very forward-thinking — it keeps us a top financial institution to do business with — and I’m eager for what I can learn next.” Deb spoke with Shorelines about her long career here — read more now!

Vaccinated employees share stories about getting shots

With COVID-19 vaccinations now open to anyone 16 or older in Wisconsin, more and more North Shore Bank employees are getting their shots. Some of our leaders and team members were happy to share their vaccination stories. See their vaccine selfies and what they had to say!

Garcia kids enjoy Racine Zoo Eggstravaganza

Video teller Erika Garcia took her kids to the Racine Zoo last Saturday for a little Easter fun at the annual Eggstravaganza. “They had booths with candy all around the zoo, and crafts and activities for kids,” she said. Her son and daughter gave the day a thumbs-up. “They loved it! We didn’t go to any events last year, so it’s nice to get back out there a little more this year.” •••

Kenosha’s Shalom Center collects food pantry donation

Here’s one last pic from our very successful February food pantry drive. Kenosha’s Shalom Center was pleased to receive their big Bank on Kindness check for $2,330. •••

Cool Cash winner tears up after winning $500

Customer Vernita recently won $500 in the Cool Cash sweepstakes at Milwaukee Capitol — held to encourage people to use the new interactive teller machines at the branch — and was very appreciative. “She was so happy, she teared up,” video teller Lisa Gagliardi said. “She let me know she would tell everyone she knows about how amazing North Shore Bank is! Vernita has had her account with us since 2008, and she assured me she would never imagine leaving.”

Milwaukee Capitol also got a nice comment card from a longtime customer that simply read, “I love my bank.”

And Brookfield Square assistant branch manager Mariella Zarb also received some complimentary feedback. “Mariella was great,” the card said. “Thank you.” •••

Our experts can help with the right retirement plan
You may not be thinking about retirement, but perhaps someone you know is — so don’t forget that North Shore Bank is here! Our team of expert investment professionals can help with wealth management and retirement planning, developing an approach that makes sense for each customer’s particular situation and goals.

We have a number of resources online for people just starting to think about the logistics of retiring, including videos, articles, and calculators. Take a look and share these links with anyone you know who is facing life after work. Our advisers understand that retirement planning is a big, even overwhelming challenge, and know how to put our customers’ minds at ease. •••

Focus on one task at a time, and work more calmly

We run into problems when we try to do too many things at a time. Ask: “What do I need to do right now?” Once that is identified, place your full concentration there. Things become much easier when your focus is solely on the task at hand.

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

I RESOLVE to do only one thing at a time to the best of my ability. I resolve to concentrate only on that which is most important. Properly ordering my priorities, my life becomes more peaceful.

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 would like a FREE daily email reminder to do one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject line “Mindfulness reminder.” •••

Promotions for March 2021
The following employees were promoted in March:

• Ryan Alfaro was promoted from Teller to Universal Banker.
• Jessica Cranley was promoted from Teller at Westgate to Video Teller.
• Erin Hunsberger was promoted from Teller to Universal Banker at Brookfield Square.
• Cynthia Sandrone was promoted from Teller to Teller Supervisor at Franklin.
• Kattia Xiong was promoted from Residential Loan Admin to Residential Loan Specialist.

Leave a comment to congratulate them!

New Hires for April 8
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.

Senior loan funding rep Dana Durocher lives in Oconomowoc with her two daughters, husband, two cats, and two dogs. She previously worked at nonprofit Pantheon Industries as a job developer, working as a job coach for adults with special needs. “I attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan,” she says. “Our family has property in Gwinn, Michigan, 20 miles south of there, and we love to enjoy both summer and winter activities that the U.P. has to offer.”

Kenosha Main universal banker LeShana English was born and raised in New York and has about 21 years of banking experience, having started at U.S. Bank in 2000 and joined BMO Harris in 2019 before coming here. “I am just a normal, down-to-earth woman who loves to sing, dance, and just enjoy my life,” she says. “I also recently became certified as a personal trainer and nutritionist and am so happy to be a part of the North Shore Bank team.”

Senior mortgage lender David Gehringer is from Brookfield and was previously an AVP/senior mortgage lender at Associated Bank. An outdoor enthusiast, Dave can be found biking, golfing, kayaking, and playing tennis with his fiancée, Shannon.

Wauwatosa teller Ashlyn Hassler is from Colgate and previously worked for Amazon in Sussex. “I was a competitive cheerleader for six years,” she says. “I also cheered for the Milwaukee Bucks from 2018 to 2020. It was a great experience. I enjoyed the new experience of cheerleading for a big sports team, and the behind-the-scenes part was just as fun. There is nothing like a Bucks crowd!”

Grafton universal banker Steve Kamke is from Grafton and previously worked as an optician for Wisconsin Vision. “I love playing video games in my spare time,” he says. “And I recently found out I have a deep passion for sugary carbs, as it seems I ate nothing but doughnuts and six boxes of assorted Oreo flavors — with help — over a weekend, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie being the best.” •••

Pulaski drive, Racine Kenosha home show
The Pulaski branch food drive continues through this Saturday, April 10. The branch is matching 50 cents per item donated up to $250. Bring in nonperishable items; proteins like canned meat and peanut butter are particularly needed right now.

And the Racine Kenosha Builders Association holds its annual Home Building and Remodeling Show on Saturday, April 17, at Fountain Banquet Hall in Sturtevant. See all of the association’s local contractors under one roof, check out valuable seminars, and stop by North Shore Bank’s booth too! More info here. •••