Hopewell Federal Credit Union, Heath, Ohio, recently opened its first branch located in Newark. The new branch features state-of-the-art technology from plasma screen marketing to a new Video Teller System.

EECU, Fort Worth, Texas, recently hosted a groundbreaking celebration to introduce the community to the future site of the Northside Branch. The opening of the newest branch is scheduled for November 2007. In order to provide member services until construction is complete, EECU has a temporary facility open on site.

DONATIONS

America First Credit Union, Salt Lake City, awarded $10,132 to the 100% For Kids Credit Union Education Foundation recently during the Utah Jazz half-time presentation. Employees at AFCU donated funds that were deposited into an account where the money was held until the presentation.

Contra Costa Federal Credit Union, Martinez, Calif., was the only financial institution to sponsor the 7th Annual West Coast Jamboree Girls High School Basketball Tournament. Considered one of the nation's premier tournaments of its kind, the West Coast Jamboree raises money for girl's basketball throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. This year's tournament included 112 teams representing high schools in California, New Jersey, New York and Texas. The tournament raised a record $89,000 in donations. After expenses each of the five host schools, Liberty High School, Freedom High School, Pittsburg High School, Heritage High School and Deer Valley High School, received $9,600 each. This year's tournament also boasts the biggest attendance to date.

Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union, Aberdeen, Md., donated $2,200 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford and Cecil counties. The donation came as a result of the inaugural efforts of the "Dollar Makes a Difference" program. For every donation received a bright yellow star with the members' name was posted and by the end of the collection period, APGFCU's eight branches were covered with stars. One hundred percent of the donations collected goes to fun music equipment, art supplies, computer upgrades, sports equipment, learning games and the everyday costs of staying open for the children in the community.

Northwest Community Credit Union, Roseburg, Ore., raised $2,500 for Doernbecher Children's Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University by selling candy. Doernbecher Children's Hopital is not only a very worthy cause, but it also has special meaning to members who have used the hospital to care for their children. The hospital provides primary and specialized care to nearly 40,000 patients each year from Oregon, southwest Washington and beyond.

Guardian Credit Union, West Milwaukee, Wis., set a new record for money raised during Children's Miracle Network's annual Chain of Hearts Campaign. All seven Guardian branches sold links in the chain of hearts for $1.00 and offered members their choice of a special "Credit Union For Kids" travel mug or water bottle with a $5.00 donation. Guardian donated the mugs and water bottles so that 100% of members' donations benefited the charity. At the close of the campaign, Guardian proudly presented a donation of $13,420.53 to Children's Miracle Network, which will directly benefit the patients of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union, Tinton Falls, N.J., recently participated in Clean Ocean Action's Annual Spring Beach Sweep at Sandy Hook. Employees, family and CU members participated in the effort. Volunteers completed data cards, which are reviewed and entered in a computer database and analyzed by COA. Data collected from the beach cleanups is used to identify and monitor pollution trends. The information helps find solutions to keep New Jersey beaches clean and healthy for citizens and marine life.

Hanscom Federal Credit Union, Hanscom AFB, Mass., recently held its first Hanscom Heroes' Homecoming with more than 500 people gathering at the air force base. The community-wide celebration welcomed back 80 service members returning from deployment. The celebration was especially meaningful for two Hanscom FCU employees whose spouses were among the returning service members.

San Jose Credit Union, San Jose, Calif., presented two checks in the amount of $6,007.82 each to the San Jose Police Activities League and the San Jose Firefighter's Burn Foundation at its annual meeting recently. SJCU employees sponsored fundraisers throughout the year to earn money for the groups, including silent auctions in the summer and in winter, plus bake sales and book sales. All proceeds from the fundraising were donated equally to the two community-focused groups.

Centra Credit Union, Columbus, Ind., awarded $3,000 in college scholarships to Centra members at its annual meeting. Two high school seniors and one returning adult student won $1,000 scholarships to the college or university of their choice. The three winners were: Alysha Kupferer, Ashley DeJohn and Sandra Cockerham.

MILESTONES

San Jose Credit Union, San Jose, Calif., recently celebrated its 75th anniversary and honored its fourth charter member and longest tenured member, Lawrence A. Campbell. The CU, the ninth oldest in California, opened on March 4, 1932 with just three members and $15 in deposits. The credit union served employees of the city of San Jose. It now has 11,600 members and assets of $115 million. It's oldest living member, Campbell turned 100 on April 25 and joined the credit union on March 5, 1932. Campbell served as the board's secretary/treasurer for more than 10 years.

Memphis Area Teachers' Credit Union, Memphis, Tenn., commemorated its 50th anniversary by making a $2.5 million cash distribution to its members. The distribution benefits thousands of members who have loans and savings accounts with MATCU. According to MATCU CFO Fred Rauch, the amounts received will vary according to loan balances and savings balances.

Altier Credit Union, Tempe, Ariz., celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. The celebration took place during the CU's annual membership breakfast at the Desert Botanical Gardens. This year's anniversary meeting included live entertainment, breakfast and two special guests. Altier recognized Harvey Watkins, an original member, for his 60-years of membership and loyalty to the credit union. Additionally, newly elected Congressman Harry Mitchell was also in attendance.

Northwest Federal Credit Union, Herndon, Va., recently kicked off its yearlong anniversary celebration to recognize 60 years of serving members. The CU unveiled a 60th Anniversary Sweepstakes that included contests giving away hundreds of dollars in prizes, a $5,000 extreme room makeover mortgage contest and a grand prize drawing for a new Toyota Camry. NWFCU employees unveiled the new 60th anniversary logo by wearing a uniform anniversary shirt to work. The anniversary sweepstakes launched with NWFCU's annual Membership Drive and all new members and their sponsors were automatically entered for the weekly $600 drawing. As a bonus members who participated in any of the 60th anniversary contests were entered for a chance to win the grand prize Toyota Camry.