JOURNEYS: 2023 A Year of We

L I F E I S A J O U R N E Y , N O T A D E S T I N A T I O N .

We're with you...

...For Life's Journeys

To every season there is a purpose. This holiday season we celebrate you. A year in review for 2022 of true stories, your diligence, your passion for community and family, and the moments that matter most.

WelcometotheHolidayissueof Journeys.Holidaytimeisspecialin CentralNewYork.It'satimetorest intheknowingofayearwellspent. Thesnowymornings,hockeygames, spendingspecialtimewithfamily fromnearandfar,helpusallcherish themomentsthatmattermost.

Withtheyearclosing,we're remindedofeffortstocompletethe yearstronglywhilekeepinganeye onthehorizonof2023.Timetorest andrejuvenateisnecessary,while realizingthere'smuchworktobe done.

ThesetruestoriessharedthroughoutourJOURNEYS publicationsthisyear,tellthetrials,tribulations,joysand successesofsomeourregions'greatesttreasures:The EntrepreneursandChangemakersofCentralNY.Local businessownerstakestockofallthey'veaccomplishedsincethe pandemic,whilefocusingonthenecessaryinnovation, adaptabilityandgritthat'srequiredtocontinuetothriveand prosperinthecomingyear.

There'slittledoubtthatintoday'sworld,certainaspectsof workandlifecanseemuncertain.Buttheonethingthatalways shinesalightdownthepathistheassurancefromourfriends, ourfamily,ourneighbors,ourbusinesspartners,andcertainly, thewisdominknowingtheseasonswillreturnagainandagain. ThankYouforjoiningus,andwehopesharing,thesetrueand inspirationalstoriesoflocalpeoplemakingadifferenceand alwayslookingtothehorizon.

JOSEPH VITALE

President&CEO,SenecaSavings

SenecaSavings.com InvestSeneca.com

Share your true business or non-profit story by submitting it to info@senecasavings.com

Do you have a good story to tell? We want to hear it and celebrate with you. Because wherever you're at on your unique path, and whatever season you're enjoying, we're with you... For life's journeys. Journeys is proudly created in partnership with Angela Moonan, LLC | blue i marketing

Ho & Staff

Nhan K. Ho, DDS PLLC

Creating Smiles... Creating Smiles... to Last a Lifetime to Last a Lifetime

Beingapartofacommunityisessentialingaining one'strust,especiallywithdentalcare.Dr.Hohas donejustthatinhis10yearsofpracticingdentistryin Pulaski.Heandhisteamofcaringprofessionalsstrive forexcellencewitheachandeverypatientwhoenters theirdoors.Dr.Ho'sgoalisforpatientsto"haveanice, healthy,beautifulsmileforalifetime."

Witheverycareplan,Dr.Hoencourageshispatientsto keepupwithgooddentalhealthsotheycansmilewith joyandpride,eatthefoodstheyenjoythroughouttheir entirelifetime,andlivehealthylives.

Upon graduation from Nottingham 6, Dr. Ho earned his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Chemistry at Syracuse University in 2000 and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in Stony Brook, New York in 2004. After completing the residency program in general dentistry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, he gained his experience working for various dental practices before opening his own practice in 2012.

Dr.

DuringthePandemic

Throughoutthepandemicwhentheconditionsfor patientvisitsweresuchachallenge,Dr.Hoandhis teamwerevigilantwithessentialprotocolstokeep theirpatientssafe.Asfornearlyallbusinesses, itwasadifficulttime,buthisteamandpatients adapted.

Nowwithsomesenseofnormalcyreturning,Dr.Ho keepsthesamefocus:Thepatient'soralhealthand theirsubsequentqualityoflife.

Inspiredbythecurrentprogressintechnology,Dr.Ho makessurehekeepsupwiththeever-changing advancesinthedentalfield.Withthesenewpractices, Dr.Hoknowsintheendithelpshispatients' experienceandresults.

Dr. Ho conducts his business relationships much like he does his practice: Personal, trustworthy and helpful. This is why he enjoys working with Seneca Savings.

Dr. Ho & Laurie Ucher

KenKinseyknewatanearlyagethatifhewasgoing tosucceedinlifehehadtoworkhardandstay focused.Growingupinalarge,economically challengedfamily,Kenlearnedthevalueofmoneyby workingvariousjobs.Whetherhewascuttinggrassor deliveringthelocalnewspaper,hisdreamofowning hisownbusinesswasalwayspresent.Kenhadadrive inhimthatkepthimfocusedonhisfutureendeavors. Aftercollege,Kenandhisbrotherbegantheir journeyofentrepreneurship.Usingcreative resources,theypurchasedtheirinitialinvestment property.Oncethefinancingwasinplace,theyknew theywouldhavetoprovethemselvestoshowthey werebankable.Tosavemoney,theydidmuchofthe workthemselves,makingthechoicetoworkinstead ofplay.Thisworkethicallowedthemtopayofftheir debtsfasterandsecurefuturefunding.

“Backinthattime,youreallyhadto becreativeintryingtoputthedeal togetherbecauseyoureallydidn't havethecapital.” -Ken Despitetheirsuccess,thebrothers’businessinterests changedovertime,andKensetoutonhisown, formingTKTD.Inc,ahousinginvestmentcompany.

WordofMouth

Ken’sexcellentreputationisaresultofhishardwork anddedication;heandhiscompaniesareinhigh demand,andhisclientstrusthimtodoaqualityjob. Nowwiththreebusinesses-KinseyCarCompany, TKTD,Inc.andTKTDGeneralContracting-Kenis workingharderthaneverandlovingeveryminute ofit.

FacingandOvercomingChallenges

Whenaskedtoreflectonsurvivingthepandemicas wellastheaftereffectsKensaysthemainissuewas alwayslabor.“Tryingtokeepemployees,tokeepthem motivated,togetpeopletoactuallycometoworkwas andstillisdifficult.”It'sanissuethatheisconstantly addressingandunfortunatelyslowsdownoperations. Heishopefulthatthingswillimprove,andpeoplewill getbacktowork.

AdvicetoFutureEntrepreneurs

Forthosewishingtogointobusinessforthemselves Kenadvises“Youreallyneedtostayfocused.Just becauseyousayyouwanttostartabusiness,youaren’t guaranteedsuccess.”Kenalsosaysyouneedtoknow whatyou’redoing,whetherit’sthelegalsideofthings ortheday-to-daybusiness.“Ifyoudon’tknowhowtodo something,realizethisearlyonandfindsomeonewho canadviseyou.Youneedtodothisbeforeyoujump intosomethingyouknownothingabout.Ifnot,you’ll haveaslimchanceofmakingithappen.”

“Weprideourselvesinmakingplaces betterforpeoplethanhowwefound it.”

Inspiration

SowheredoesKengethisinspiration? “Mymomwas alwaysthereformeandworkedsohardtomakesure wehadfoodonthetable.Despitebeingalargefamily, weneverwentwithoutbecauseshealwayslookedout forus.”Recentlycelebratingher104thbirthdayinJuly, Ken’smomhasbeenabletoseehersonbecomethe successfulbusinessmanheistoday.Kenwillalways appreciateherdedicationtofamilyandbeingoneof hisbiggestsupporters.“Isawhowhardsheworked. That’swhatkeepsmefocusedandkeepsmegrounded today.”

OntheHorizon

Kenrecentlypurchasedabuildingheisconvertinginto awarehousewithofficespaceforhisbusinesses. With thebuildingnowfurnished,Kenislookingtoutilizeit forhisgeneralcontractingbusiness.

Why Seneca Savings?

A great friend of Ken who has now since passed, George Relas, introduced him to Seneca Savings. He has enjoyed his relationship with Seneca Savings over the last 20 years, saying it has grown and improved over time. “It’s a great place to do business with and they make you feel like part of the team, part of the family.” Ken likes the way he feels when entering the bank, the sense of community because they know him and appreciate him. Through all the challenges these last few years, especially with the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), Joe Vitale, Angelo Testani and their team have shown Ken that Seneca Savings genuinely cares about their customers. He appreciates their availability to him and their knowledge in all aspects that affect his business.

“Seneca Savings gives

businesses

opportunity, regardless of their size. And that’s a great opportunity for investors. People like me.”

all

an

"Luck is where hard work and preparation meet."

Bistroat1WestGeneseeStreet

WalkinginthequaintvillageofBaldwinsville,you'll discoveralovelybistro,namedforit'slocale.At 1WestGeneseeStreet,you'llfindownerandChef, CarrieLaug,alongwithherteam,servingupsmall platesanddeliciouscocktailsthatpleasethepalate. BG1openedamidstthepandemic."Therewasa previousbusinessinherethatawomanhadopened justsixmonthsprior,"saysCarrie."Shedecidedshe wantedtomovetoFloridaandwantedtoknowifIwas interestedinbuyingthebusiness.Ithoughttomyself "There'snogreattimetoopenarestaurant.Soyes,let's doit!"Carriehadalwaysthoughtshe'deventuallyopen herownplace.Itwasahugecommitment.Itwasa littlescary,alittletouchandgo,butshe'shappyshe didit."Thestarsjustaligned.Everythingwasperfect. Ihadthis,Ihadthat.Icoulddothis,Icoulddothat. So,thetiming,thecircumstances,italljustworkedout andI'msogladIwentforit.I'mhappy!

Eat.Socialize.Repeat.

Carrielovestocook.Shelovespeople'sreactiontoit. "Everytimesomeonesays'Oh,thisissogood,'Ilove that.AndIjustlovetheinteractionwiththe community.Peoplearesogreat.Peoplehavebeenso nice.Soresponsive.Soit'sbeenreallyfunsofar."

BiggestChallenge

COVIDhasbeenthenumberonechallengefor Carrie.SheboughtinDecemberof2020,atthe heightofalltherestrictions.Masksandtakeoutonly weremandated.Carriecouldn'thavepeopleinthe Bistro."Youjusthavetoadapt,youhavetoadjust. AndIhadaverysmallstaff.Istillhavesomeofthem herewithmethatthatstayed,whichI'msothankful for.Itwastough,youknow?Butwepowered through."Slowly,everythingstartedgoingbackto normalforCarrie'sindustry.Peoplestartedgoing backintorestaurants,andnow,peoplegotoBG1for anexperience.Theydinethentheystayafterdinner andhavecocktails.Thingshavegrownmucheasier. StayingInspired

OtherchefsinspireCarriebutherfondestmemoryis timeinthekitchenwithhergrandmother.Her grandmadidalotofcookingwhenCarriewas younger.Hergrandmotherwasawaitressandfrom

thesouth.So,goodsoutherncookingisinCarrie'sblood. "Iwouldspendtimewithherinherkitchen.Thesouthern cookinghasalwaysresonatedwithme,whichisawesome. Ilovecreating,Ilovethecreativesideofdifferentdishesand justmakingrandomthings.Inthelastfiveyears,Carriehas reallydoveintohercooking.Shetakesbig,heartydishesand turnsthemintosmallplatesforeveryonetoenjoy.

Joyful,HardWork

Owningarestaurantisahugecommitment.Carriesmiles andsays"It'slife,right?I'mhere12to14hourseverysingle day,sixandahalfdaysaweek.Mondayswe'reclosed,but I'mhereMondays.It'shardwork.Tobeinthisbusiness, you'vegottoloveit.Ithastobeapassion."

StayingCreative

Changingmenus,changingseasonalitemsanddrinks,keeps Carriedoingwhatshedoesbest.Beingcreative, experimenting,presentingnewthings."It'simportantto alwayskeepfreshandnewthingshappeninghere.People getbored.SoIgetbored!"Theholidaysarealwaysafuntime withalotofthingsgoingonatBG1andinthecommunity. Specialtydrinksandplateswithheartiersoupsanddishes. "TherearealotofcoolthingsyoucandoandI'mlooking forwardtoit,"Carrielaughs.

ATrueCommunity

UntilCarrieandherteamhadtheopportunitytoservethe Baldwinsvillecommunityonadailybasis,theydidn'trealize howclosethecommunityactuallywas.Carrieaddsthat "SenecaSavingsisabigpartofthat.They'realocalbankthat I'veseenalotofpeopletransitionoverto.Theygetinvolved inevents,thingswiththeChamberofCommerce,theybring theirteaminhereforteammeetingsandluncheons... they'vebeengreattoworkwithformybusiness.It'ssonice toseeeveryonesupportingeveryoneelse.AndwhenIwalk in,they'resowelcoming!They'vejustgoneaboveand beyondforme.Ifyouneedthisorthat,they'lldowhatthey cantohelpyou.SenecaSavingsreallycaresabouttheir customersandourcommunity."

Carrielivesjust20minutesfromBG1inElbridge.She's alwayslivedinthisarea."IwalkedthesestreetswhenIwas young.Andnow,Iownmyownrestauranthereandgetto servepeopleandmakethemhappy.I'mverylucky!"

"To be in this business, you've got to love it. It has to be a passion." - Carrie Laug

Carrie takes a short break to catch up with Barbara Clark, Baldwinsville Branch Manager at Seneca Savings

STELLA

Stellaisouronlineinteractivechatbotfilledwith answersformanyfrequentlyaskedquestionsShecan tellyouhowtoapplyforaloan,whattodoifyoulost yourdebitcardandhowtochangeyourpersonal information

Stellaisavailable24/7toanswerquestions.During businesshoursyoucanuseStellatospeaktoalive agentdirectlyatSenecaSavingsBecauseofthisyou willreceivethesamefriendlyserviceyouexpectfromus. Stellaisaquick,andeasysolutiontomanycustomer needsanywhere,anytime

SenecaSavings.com

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Seneca Savings University "SSU" offers FREE financial wellness tools, videos, resources online: senecasavings.com/videotutorials/

TeachingOurChildrenAboutMoney

Whyisbudgetingimportantforchildren?

Budgetingteachescriticalsavingsandspendingskillsthat kidscanusetoachievefinancialhealthinadulthood.By teachingkidsthebasicsofmoneyandhowtocontrol moneythroughabudget,you’llbepreparingthemforthe financialrealitiesofadulthood.

Howtostarttheconversation

Startbyusingreal-lifeexamplestoteachkidsabout budgetingsotheycanrelatetothelessons.Asmoney topicscomeupinyourhouseholdandyourkidsare around,talkaboutitasopenlyaspossible. Onewaytodothisistoincludeyourchildreninbasic financialdecisions,likegroceryshopping.Explainwhy you’veestablishedabudgetforgroceryshoppingandwhy it’simportanttocreateashoppinglist.Askyourkidsto helpyoucomparepricesandexamineproductclaims. Aretheresimilarproductsthatarelessexpensiveand budgetfriendly?Thisopensthedoortoconversations aboutwhysomethingscostmore.

Definewantsvsneeds

Helpyourchildrenunderstandthedifferencebetween somethingtheywantandsomethingtheyneedsothey canprioritizehowtospendmoney.Considerusingan examplesuchasclothesandtoys.Whiletoysare somethingwewantbecausetheyarefuntoplaywith, clothingissomethingweneedtostaywarmanddry.It's importantthatyourchildknowswantsarelessimportant comparedtoneeds.

Establishanallowance

Onegreatwaytoteachkidsaboutresponsiblespending istoestablishanallowance.Howmuchyougiveisup toyou,butanyamountcanbeagreatwaytoteachkids aboutmoneybasics.Anallowanceshouldbeseenlike earningapaycheck–somethingearnedratherthana

howyourchildplanstospendtheirmoney.Parentscan begintoteachlessonsaboutbudgetingandspending goals.Onewaytostartistoestablishastudentchecking andsavingsaccounts.Startbyagreeingtoasavingsplan andwhatthey'dliketosavefor.

Holdyourcellphonecameraupto thisQRCodetolearnmoreaboutchecking andsavingsaccountoptionsforyourchild

...for teaching children how to budget their money. It's more important now than ever before.

Oneideaistocreateavisionboardwithapictureof theobject.Afewideasmaybeatriptoan amusementpark,afavoritetoy,oranitemofclothing theywant(butdon’tneed).

Createachartoraledgertohelpyourchildkeep trackoftheiraccount.Everytimeyourchildearns money,allowthemtophysicallydeposititintothe bank.Askyourchildtohelpyourecordthedeposit andkeeptrackofhowmuchmoneyisintheaccount. TheJourneytoresponsiblemoneyhabitsstartsby havingconversationsathome.Therearefreeonline resources,toolsandtipstohelpyouonyourjourney.

Important Questions to Ask Yourself Today

"How do you picture your future?" Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider...

"What do you absolutely need to accomplish?" If you could only get four or five things done in retirement, what would they be? Answering this question might lead you to compile a short list of life goals, and while they may have nothing to do with money, the financial decisions you make may be integral to pursuing them.

"What would revitalize you?" Some people retire with no particular goals at all. After weeks or months of respite, ambition may return. They start to think about what pursuits or adventures they could embark on to make these years special. Others have known for decades what dreams they will follow… And yet, when the time to follow them arrives, those dreams may unfold differently than anticipated and may even be supplanted buy new ones. In retirement, time is really your most valuable asset. With more free time opportunity for reflection, you find your dreams away.

"Who should you share your time with?" Here’s another profound choice you get to make in retirement. The quick answer to this question for many retirees would be 'Family.' Today, we have nuclear families, blended families, extended families, some people think of their friends or their employees as family.

"How much do you anticipate spending?" We can’t control all retirement expenses, but we can manage some of them. The thought of downsizing your home may have crossed your mind. One benefit of downsizing is that it can potentially lead to no mortgage or a more manageable mortgage payment.

"Could you leave a legacy?" Many of us would like to give our kids or grandkids a good start in life, but leaving an inheritance can be trickier than many realize.

Greg Boshart, Program Manager Greg.Boshart@LPLFinancial.com Ethan Dolce, Financial Advisor Ethan.Dolce@LPLFinancial.com

maginingthepossibilitiesisapartofwho

JimOrlandois…it’sinhisDNA.Asthethirdowner oftheB’villeDiner,JimandhiswifeLauratookitover in2001aftergarneringareputationforrenovating severalotherbuildingsandbusinessesinthe Baldwinsvillearea.“WhenIstarted,Iwasbuying everythingIcouldgetmyhandson.I’dtakea rundownbuilding,getitlookinggood,getagood tenant,andthensellit,”saysJim.Whetheritwas B&BAutoBody,thePatisseriebakery,Bridgewater Grill,orBidwell‘s…itseemslikeJim’sbeen renovatingallhislife.“I’maguythatworks.Iloveto workwithmyhands.”

home.“Welovethepeoplethemost.Ouremployees andourcustomersarelikefamily.”

ChangingHands

Jimwouldgointothedinerallthetimeasacontractor withallofhisguys.OnedayDaveYounis(theYounis familyownedtheB’villeDinerthelongest)wantedto talktoJim.“Ifiguredhewantedmetorenovatethe place.Idon’tworksowellforotherpeople…Iknow Icanpleasemyself!ButthenDaveaskedme somethingcompletelyoutoftheblue…heaskedifI wouldbeinterestedinbuyingthediner.Ialready workedsixdaysaweeksoIsaidno.Buthekeptafter me.Iaskedhim‘Why me?’Myfamilywasin therestaurantbusiness inBuffalo,myuncle, butIwasn’tarestaurant guy.I’llneverforget whathetoldme.Hesaid ‘Myfamilyhasbeenin thisvillagesince1950 andithasn’tchangeduntilyougothere.Iknowyou’ll takecareofmybaby.’So,therestishistory.Igotto doingwhatIdo.IcreatedabucketlistandIstarted renovating.”

What'sCookin'

Thesedays,theOrlando’sownjustacoupleof buildingsalongsidetheiconicdinerthatsitsin theheartoftheBaldwinsvillecommunitythatJimand histeamhelpedshape.TheB’villeDineristheplace everyonegoesbeforeandafterthegame.It'sjust

Todayyou’llfindthateverypieceofequipmentis brand-new...there’snothinginthebackofthehouse that’soriginal.Thekitchentodayisawesome.You’ll seegranitecountertops,allnewboothsandbathrooms andfloors.Jimlaughssaying“Thefloorswearout alot.It'sok.Thatmeansyouhavecustomers!"

Jim Orlando, Owner of the iconic B'ville Diner that sits in the heart of the village of Baldwinsville, understood early on that the diner belongs to the people.

ItTakesaVillage

Jimhadrenovatedsevenoreightbuildingsbefore heboughtthedinerbuteventhen,nooneknew whohewas.Onceheboughtthediner,everyone startedtoknowwhohewas!Itdidn’ttakelongand Jimstartedtoreallyunderstandthevibeandfeelof theplaceandknewthatitwasn’thisdiner.“This villageownstheB’villeDiner”saysJim.Thesame prepchefshavebeenmakingeverythingfrom scratchfor20years.HowieandScottyhavebeen withJimsincethebeginning.“I’vealwaysdonemy besttotakecareofmyemployees.

Weinstalledanair-conditionedkitchen–theonly, ifnotoneofafew,inSyracuse.Becausethereare twoheartbeatsinanyrestaurant,thekitchen(and they’rehappywhenthey’recool,andhaveeverytool theyneed).Andinourcase,theladiesoutfront. Ourplaceisfunbecauseofthemnotbecauseof me.”Krystalrunsthefrontofthehouseandshe’s asuperstar.ShetoohasbeenwiththeOrlando’sthe wholetime.“MywifeLauraisveryinvolvedwiththe businessespeciallywithouremployees.Ifyoustay withusfor10yearswesendyouandyourfamilyto DisneyWorld.Infact,thisFall,Krystalfinallygotup thecouragetogetonaplanetogo!Ilovegoingto DisneyWorldasacontractortoseehowtheybuild everything!”

StartingOutCanBeTough

Jimstatesthatwhenhefirststartedoutinbusiness anddidn’thavemuch,itwastoughtogetthebanks tosupporthim.Butheworkedhardandcreateda

reputationforhimself.Despitethat,hewasgoingto differentbanksandlearnedveryfastthatinmostcases thedecisionswerenotmadeinthatbank.“Crazyme. Ithoughtitwouldbeacakewalktogetfinanced.ButI wouldheartimeaftertime‘I’msorryJim.Ican’thelp you.’Jimmadeadecisionthathewasdonedealing withbankswheretheydidn’tknowhimandthe decisionsweren’tmadethere.“Thosebanksknew nothingaboutmytownoraboutmydiner,"saysJim. LocalMatters

ThenJoeVitalefromSenecaSavingswalkedinto thediner."IknewhisfamilyfromAuburn becausethey’recontractors.IknewofJoebut didn’tknowhimpersonally.Butbecausehewas aVitaleIsaid‘Youknowwhat?He’sgood people…I’mgoingtotellhimmystory.Angelo Testani,Ireallylikedhimfroma previousbank. So,bothofthemandtheSenecaSavingsteam helpedmealotwithacoupleofdif projects,includingthediner."

They’re great peopl Whenever you walk into a branch, they know who you are and they know your business.

TheGoldenRule

"MywifeLauragoesintothebankallthetime.Idon’t getachancetoasmuchanymore,buttheystillknowme evenafterayearofnotgoingin.It’sthebanking relationshipI’vealwayswanted.Itfeelslikethediner! There’saphraseIuse‘Treatpeoplethewayyouwant tobetreated.’Thatgoesforwhetheryou’reinthe restaurantbusiness,theconstructionbusiness,orin banking.ThepeopleatSenecaaregoodatthat.You don’tfeellikeyouneedtobehumbleandonyourknees. They’reverygoodatwhattheydoandthey’revery respectfulofme,myfamilyandmybusiness.”

TheImpactofCOVID

Everyoneintherestaurantbusinesswashitandhit hardbythepandemic.AccordingtoJim,itwashis daughterAmyandherhusbandZachthatreallywere theoneswhodrovethedinerthroughCovid.Jimsays “Theydidagreatjob!Atfirsteveryoneofcoursewas verynervousandtheywantedtoclose, soweclosed.Afteracoupleofmonths, CrystalandDanourmanagers,askedif wecoulddoto-goorders.Theysetitall up.Theywereawesome!Theymadeit happen.”

Whenthedinerre-openeditwasimportant toJimandLaurathatcustomersfelt comfortable.Theydidn’twanttheCovid signseverywhereandeverythingseeming cold,andnotlikewhattheircustomerswere usedto.Tablesthatneededtobeclosed, theyputflowersonthetables(andyes,they didhavecustomerstakesomeflowers).ButJimsays itwasallworthit!Theyputinnewboothsthatwere tocodebecauseJimhatedtheplexiglass.Everything theB’villeDinerdoesisaboutB’villepride.The murals,theyellowthatwastheoriginalexterior colorofthediner…“Alloftheschoolteams

Happy Holidays Happy Holidays

from your local lenders! from your local lenders!

Seneca Savings has been with me and my business from Day 1. Working with a hometown bank has been beneficial for our small business. Their experience has been tremendous in difficult times. Every member of their team is appreciative, easy to get ahold of, gracious and quick to provide knowledge. I highly recommend them for both personal and business accounts. And they have the best dog treats in town!

Tom Cooney

We do a lot of volume as a commercial client with Barb at Seneca savings. She and her team are extremely responsive, offer a large portfolio of business products, like ACH, remote deposit machines, various accounts integrating into one platform but most importantly they develop relationships, which is why we chose a small bank in the first place. I highly recommend working with Seneca!

Eric Mataras

These guys are seriously the best. If amazing customer service matters to you, don’t bank anywhere else. They do a phenomenal job of getting to know each and every one of their customers, and they treat you like you’re family. Can’t recommend Seneca Savings enough! Thank you Amber, Sarah, Terry, and everyone else for all you do!

Chloe Romanyk

Really friendly and helpful people! The online banking and mobile app are easy to use!

Daniel Bellows

I cannot say enough about Seneca Savings. We opened our business over 35 years ago and no banks like to deal with two self-employed people. Seneca was the only one willing to work with us. They are the hometown, good 'ole handshake bank. They know you by name and you are not just a number as with many other banks. We have been asked multiple times by other banks to switch. NEVER would we after the amazing job they have done through the years for our businesses. Thank You for putting your clients first! Dorothy Miller

Annette and her team at the Liverpool branch, made our transition from another bank seamless. We were comfortable from the onset both with her team and knowing Seneca Savings supports our local community. Thank You for all your help!

Donald Beaudry

We've had our mortgage with Seneca Savings for years. In Nov. of 2021 we had a house fire and lost nearly everything. We could not have been more blessed to meet Barb Clark at the Baldwinsville branch. She has been an amazing support to our family as we rebuild our home! She has watched the progression of our home with us and has helped us navigate many things. We appreciate her so much and her constant positivity as we get closer to moving home almost a year later. Thank you Barb from the bottom of our hearts you've made a very difficult situation easier with your kindness!

The Healy Family

APositiveHealthyOptionFortheCommunitySheCallsHome

Amotheroffive,AllisonHandworkhaslivedinBaldwinsvillefornearly15years raisingherchildren,whorangeinagefrom2to22.WhenCOVIDshutdownher beautybusiness,Allisonputhermindtoworktodosomethingpositiveforothers duringsuchadifficulttimeinhercommunity."WhenmyoldestsonCarterjoked sayinghewantedtoownasmoothieshopsomeday,Isaid,YES,let'sdothat!It affirmedformeIwasheadedintherightdirection,"saysAllison."It'safullhouse heresothere'splentyofinspirationtogoaround.Mychildreninspiremeevery singleday.Myfatherwasahugeinspirationtome.Hewasincrediblysuccessfulin hiscareerandalwaysbelievedinme.Hepassedawayshortlybeforewedecidedto dothis.Hewaskindoftheregivingmesignsalongtheway,lettingmeknowthatthis wastherightmove."

SourcingLocally

Openingalmostayearandahalfago,Allisonwantedabusiness thatherwholefamilycouldbeinvolvedwith."Iwantedaplacein Baldwinsvillewhereallageswerewelcome,somewherethehigh schoolkidscouldcomeafterschool.IthoughtBeeYoucouldbea reallypositive,healthyoptionforkidsandbeaperfectfitforthe community."

ThePerfect,BeautifulSpace

FindingherbeautifulspaceintheheartoftheBaldwinsvillevillage, Allisonjustknewitwouldbetheperfectfit."Ilovecomingtowork hereeverysingleday.Ilovebeingunique.Ilovediscoveringwhat theneedsandthewantsofthecommunityare,beingrelevant,and stayingontopofhealthtrendsthatmattertopeople."Findingfun anduniquewaystobringdifferent,healthyoptionstothe communitybringsAllisonsuchjoy!Recently,BeeYoudida transitionwheretheymovedfromjustservingshakesandteasto offeringawidervarietyofmenuitems.Allisonalsodecidedtomove awayfromhavingaparentcompanyandwentindependent,

"My father was a huge inspiration to me. He was incredibly successful in his career and always believed in me. "

Photos by Amanda Scrivener and Rough Cut Photography: IG @Roughcutcny

incorporatinglocalcompanies."Iwantedtohaveasmanylocally sourcedproductsasIpossiblycould.Westartedwiththeproteinfor ourshakes.Wegetthatfromalocalcompany.Weuselocallysourced honey.Wehavealocallysourcedlooseleaftea,GoddessTea Company.She'samazing.Sheputsalloftheblendstogetherherself."

BeingAFoodieHasItsPerks

Thisholidayseason,BeeYouwillcontinuetoexpandtheirofferings byincludinghotcoffees."I'vealwaysbeenafoodie.Ilovefood.I thoughtstartingwiththeshakesandteaswouldbetheperfectwayto getourfeetwet.AsI'velearnedandgottenmorecomfortablewithmy ownknowledge,Ikeepgettingnewideasofwhattooffer.Likea beautifulavocadotoastwithroastedtomatoesandfetacheesewiththe perfectseasoning...that'sexcitingtome!"

WordsofSupport&Advice

Ifyou'relookingtostartabusinessorenterintoafield,Allisonhas somehelpfulwordsofadvice."Definitelysitdownandthinkabout whatexactlyitisyou'repassionateabout,andreallypinpointwhere youwanttogoandwhatyourvisionis.You'renevergoingtohavethe visionthatcantakeyoutotheveryend.Yourvisionwillalways changeandevolve,hopefully.That'sexciting,right?Ialwayssaid whenwestartedthis,Ihadnoideawhatwewouldendupbeing,but that'stheexcitingpart,tolearnandgrowandpivotwhenneedbe."

SupportandLocalConnection

Surroundingyourselfwithpeoplewhobelieveinyouisvitaltobeinga successinbusiness."ThepeopleatSenecaSavingshavebeenamazing tosaytheleast.I'dheardwonderfulthingsfromotherpeopleinthe area.LiterallyfromthemomentIopenedmybusinessaccountthey've treatedmelikefamily.Barbara,theBaldwinsvillebranchmanager,is mygo-toperson.Senecawaswillingtotakeachanceonalocal womanwhowantedtostartsomethingfromscratch.Andthatmeant somuchtome.Theyknowmychildren,theysenthomecoloring booksforthem!TheyaskaboutmyfamilyeverytimeIgoin.They havemyback.Sotome,SenecaSavingsismuchmorethanabank. It'sacommunity."

SUPPORTING THE JOURNEY HOME

CLEARPATHFORVETERAN'SALEXANDERBEHMSHARESTHECOMPELLINGSTORYOFTHEJOURNEYHOME

FORHIMSELF...ANDSOMANYVETERANSINUPSTATE NEWYORK.

ClearPathForVeteransisacommunity-basednonprofitthatservesveterans,militarymembers,their families,theircaregivers,aswellasthecommunity. Theyhaveprogramsandresourcesthatreach33 countiesthroughoutNewYorkState.InChittenango, theyhaveasanctuaryforveteranstocome,tomeetone another,toreceiveprogramsandservices,andalso connectwiththecommunitiestheylivein.

ReturningHome

"IservedintheMarineCorpsfrom2005to2010. Iwasaninfantryman,firstservingwithafleetantiterrorismsecurityteam,deployingtolocationsaround theworld.IthenservedwiththeSecondBattalionNinth MarinesoutofCampLejeune.Ideployedwithmyunit toIraq,andIcamebackhometothearea.Iama CentralNewYorknative."

MeetingOtherVeteransWhereThey'reAt

Afterreturninghome,theybeganworkingwithanonprofitthatservedhomelessveterans.Theywere meetingveteransonthestreetsandinshelters,making suretheywereawareofthebenefitsandservicesthat theynotonlydeserved,butmayneedtobeconnected with."Throughthatwork,Iactuallybroughtagroupof veteranstoClearPathForVeteransinearly2014,"says Alex."WhenIbroughtthegroupofveteranshere,not onlyweretheywelcomedwithopenarms,butIsawa groupofstaffwhowantedtodonothingmorebutmeet veteranswheretheywereat.Atthatpointintime,I knewthiswastheplaceIwantedtobetocontinueto helpservethefellowmenandwomenthatservedtothe leftandrightofnotonlymyself,butotherveteransthat liveinthiscommunity."

ChangingLives

"Myinspirationcomesfromwakingupeverymorning knowingI'mgoingtobeabletochangeaveteran'slife, directlyorindirectly."AtClearPath,servicesareforall veteransofalleras.ClearPathservesthoseveterans unconditionally.So,whetheritbeconnectingtocareer services,foremploymentsupportortoconnectwith anotherveteranontheirpeerteam,gothroughtheir canineservicedogtrainingprogram,orexperiencean amazinglaunchattheWednesdaycanteens...thoseare allthingsveteranscanexperience."Tobeapartofthat, andtoknowthatI'mabletohaveanimpacton

veterans, especially those who may just need somebody to talk to, it's a privilege. I also work with an amazing staff at Clear Path that make it happen every day. And we would not be able to do what we do every day without their dedication and strength," affirms Alex.

AlwaysGrowingThroughPartnership

Withover450volunteersthathelpthroughouttheyear, whetherit'sculinarysupportorbecomingacanine guardiantofosterapuppyforthecanineandservicedog trainingprogram,volunteersaretheheartbeatofallthat ClearPathdoes.Thesupportfromthecommunityis absolutelyvital."OurCareerServicesprogramisalways growing.Wepartnerwithlocalbusinessesand

companiesseekingveteranemployees".ClearPathhelps facilitateforaveteranwhoisenteringorre-entering theworkforcetobematchedwithaveteran-friendly employerinthecommunity.Sothey'realwayslooking toestablishnewpartnershipsandexpandthatnetwork ofsupportandopportunities.

OntheHorizon

Rightnow,thestaffisgrowing.They'rerunningout ofphysicalspacehereinthebuildingandtheircanine programisalsoexpanding.Inthe33countiesthey're serving,theyhaveveteransandfamilymembers interestedinreceiving,servicedogtrainingforexample, andareunabletomeetthecurrentneedanddemand. SoonthehorizonClearPathisinitiatingacapital campaigntobringafullyoperationalcaninefacilityto thiscampus,aswellascabinsforfolksfromoutoftown. Alexstates"They'llbeabletoexperiencenotonly retreats,butourprogramsandservicesasneeded,fora longerperiodoftime.It'sanimportanttimeforusand forourveterans".TolearnmoreaboutClearPathFor Veterans,pleasevisitthewebsiteat: ClearPath4Vets.comorcall315-687-3300 tohelpinsupportingthejourneyhome.

"The best thing that businesses in the local community can do, is to learn more about who we are by coming to visit our beautiful campus. We sit on 78 pristine acres in Chittenango. We're a true santuary for veterans and we welcome you, and invite you to events."

Forthepasttwoyears,Tillie'sTouchhas receivedloadsofbackpacksandbinders fromthegenerosityofpeoplewhovisit ourbranchesordonateonline.

Tillie'sTouchisanamazingorganization thathelpsmakechildren'sdreamsof playingasportpossiblewhilehelping themtoachieveacademicexcellence.

FoundingFather,DaleJohnsonandhis team,aredevotedtotheunder-served childrenwithinourcommunity."Each year,weorganizeaschoolsupplygive awayforlocalchildrenandtheirfamilies. Anaverageof400backpacksfilledwith schoolsuppliesaregivenawayto childreninthelocalcommunityduringa youthdaypicnic."Ourgoalistosupply thechildrenintheareawiththeproper supplies,beitforsportsorschool,in orderforthemtohavetheopportunity toparticipateandsucceedinlife,"saus Dale.

It'saprivilegetowalkthisjourneywith Dalendallwhobenefitthroughyour generosity.Ifyouwishtolearnmore aboutthiswonderful,localorganization, pleasevisitthemonlineat:

TilliesTouch.org

mmunityCalendar

Have a blessed and magical Holiday season! Point your phone camera at the QR Code below to see a full listing of seasonal events throughout the area!

10Tablespoons(2/3cup)unsaltedbutter

3/4cuppackedlightordarkbrownsugar

2/3cupunsulphuredmolasses

1largeegg,atroomtemperature

1teaspoonpurevanillaextract

3and1/2cupsall-purposeflour(spoon& 1teaspoonbakingsoda

1/2teaspoonsalt

1Tablespoongroundginger(yes,1fullTa

1Tablespoongroundcinnamon

1/2teaspoongroundallspice

1/2teaspoongroundcloves

optional:easycookieicingorroyalicing

Directions 1. 2 3. 4.

Inalargebowlusingahand-heldmixero

speeduntilcompletelysmoothandcreamy.Addthebrownsugarandmolassesandbeatonmediumhighspeeduntilcombinedand creamy-looking.Scrapedownthesidesandbottomofthebowlasneeded.Next,beatineggandvanillaonhighspeedfor2full minutes Scrapedownthesidesandbottomofthebowlasneeded Thebuttermayseparate;that’sok Inaseparatebowl,whisktheflour,bakingsoda,salt,ginger,cinnamon,allspice,andclovestogetheruntilcombined Onlowspeed, slowlymixintothewetingredientsuntilcombined Thecookiedoughwillbequitethickandslightlysticky Dividedoughinhalf andplaceeachontoalargepieceofplasticwrap.Wrapeachuptightlyandpatdowntocreateadiscshape.Pleaseseephotoand descriptionaboveinmypost.Chilldiscsforatleast3hoursandupto3days.Chillingismandatoryforthiscookiedough.Ialways chillmineovernight.

Preheatovento350°F.Line2-3largebakingsheetswithparchmentpaperorsiliconebakingmats.Setaside. Remove1discofchilledcookiedoughfromtherefrigerator.Generouslyflouraworksurface,aswellasyourhandsandtherolling pin.Rolloutdiscuntil1/4-inchthick.Tipsforrolling–thedoughmaycrackandbecrumblyasyouroll.What’shelpfulispickingit upandrotatingitasyougo.Additionally,youcanuseyourfingerstohelpmeldthecrackingedgesbacktogether.Thefirstfewrolls arealwaysthehardestsincethedoughissostiff,butre-rollingthescrapsismucheasier.Cutintoshapes.Placeshapes1inchapart onpreparedbakingsheets.Re-rolldoughscrapsuntilallthedoughisshaped.Repeatwithremainingdiscofdough.

5.Bakecookiesforabout9-10minutes.Ifyourcookiecuttersaresmallerthan4inches,bakeforabout8minutes.Ifyourcookie cuttersarelargerthan4inches,bakeforabout11minutes.Besuretorotatethepanonceduringbaketimeincaseyourovenhashot spots.Keepinmindthatthelongerthecookiesbake,theha

6.Allowcookiestocoolfor5minutesonthecookiesheet.Tra coolingracktocoolcompletely.Oncecompletelycool,dec Cookiesstayfreshcoveredatroomtemperatureforupto1week.

We're with you... for life's journeys.