Ridgewood Saving Bank’s Grand Avenue Branch, located at 74-25 Grand Ave. on the Elmhurst/Maspeth boundary, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, kicking off a series of month-long events to commemorate the special occasion.
LouAnn Mannino, first vice president and director of branch operations, previously served as the branch’s manager, and said that the location’s big celebration aims to bring the community and the bank closer together.
Every Saturday throughout May, there will be a prize wheel and free giveaways. Ahead of Mother’s Day, on Saturday, May 13, the bank will give flowers to moms who pay a visit; and the following Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the branch will present a family fun day.
The Grand Avenue branch will also offer a sweepstakes in which one lucky winner will receive the grand prize being worth $250. Two other winners will get a second prize of $150 or a $100 third prize.
The branch opened on Jan. 20, 1998 in the mall now known as the Shops on Grand Avenue, becoming the 15th member of the Ridgewood Savings Bank chain. Mannino, who was a part of the branch opening serving as a manager, says the location holds a special place for her.
“We’ve come a long way in the past 25 years,” Mannino said. “I opened that location; I was the branch manager at the time who opened the site. January 20th is an extraordinary day for me.”
Since then, the branch has been a staple in the community, building up a loyal customer base and doing tons of community outreach.
“We have several thousand customers at that location, and we’re a staple there now,” Mannino said. “Our outreach to the local schools and the local community organizations. That’s all critical to us. We continue trying to make that difference.”
She invites all residents living in the Maspeth and Elmhurst area to come and join in the festivities Branch is holding throughout the month.
“So I invite everybody to come and help us celebrate our 25 years and continue our long-standing relationship in the Maspeth/Elmhurst community,” Mannino says.
