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Date: 3/3/2020
HUNTINGTON – The Westfield Bank branch at 14 Russell Road officially opened Feb. 25, with new signage and new bark mulch giving the exterior a shot of new color. Inside, the office was bustling with activity, as residents came in to greet the staff and celebrate the reopening.
Westfield Bank bought the former People’s United Bank branch office after People’s United announced its intention to close the branch following its merger with United Bank in November. The Russell Road branch is the only bank in the Hilltowns between Westfield and Lee and Westfield and Northampton, and residents were not happy, gathering 600 signatures on a petition that circulated among area businesses.
In mid-December, Westfield Bank announced its intention to purchase the branch.
“It’s a natural fit,” said Westfield Bank President and CEO James C. Hagan at the announcement. “We have a lot of customers from the hilltowns already. The residents there spoke up and we wanted to be responsive.”
The Huntington location will be the bank’s most western branch.
Present at the opening on Feb. 25 was Laurie Milkalunas, branch manager for the former People’s United Bank, who will remain in her role. Branch staff members Maryann Calabrese, Kelly Holmes and Chelsea Edinger are also making the move, but are currently in training with Westfield Bank. When they return, Mikalunas will go for training. “New bank, same staff,” Mikalunas said.
Westfield Bank Regional Manager Kelly Pignatare said they are excited to be in Huntington.
“We’re settling in and ready to take care of our customers,” she said. “It’s not very often we see a bank close and open in a day.”
The regional staff including Pignatare came for a meet and greet and to answer questions from new and current customers on Feb. 20 at Stanton Hall, before the transfer took place. Pignatare said by the end of the day, 50 new customers had opened accounts.
Lobby hours for the branch are Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Drive-up hours are Monday to Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Visitors to the new branch will be able to enter two contests; one for a $500 donation to a charity of their choice, and one for a 55-inch TV or $500 VISA gift card. All entries must be received on or before March 31.
The ATM is also open. Former People’s United Bank customers will be charged $3.50, however, to use the ATM without a Westfield Bank account.