Remember San Juan County Bank?

The SJCB alums gather at Jackson’s Beach last August: (L to R): Ramona Jones, Joyce Buffum (Lopez), Jan Champlin, Brian Brown, Linda Begnal, Maya Corrie (seated), Carma Avey, Leslie Brennan, Diane Buganski (hidden), Judy Cornell, Marlene Crosby, Marilyn Corrie

The island’s oldest bank merged with Key Bank twenty years ago, but it’s been a custom of the former employees to have periodic reunions to stay in touch. Here’s the scoop from Marilyn Corrie:

We thought your readers might enjoy this little bit of community trivia.

Many will remember San Juan County Bank (SJCB), which became KeyBank in 1993.  The staff members of SJCB were not only co-workers and a big part of the island communities, but are close friends.  With the KeyBank merger, many employees were retired out, laid off, and/or took jobs elsewhere.  Even though it has now been twenty years since the existence of SJCB, the group has remained close, gathering together for dinner every other month.  Sometimes with a special guest from off island, it is usually a potluck hosted at one of the homes, or a seasonal beach picnic, with an average of twenty or so in attendance.  Invitees span employment from the 1950’s through a few current day SJCB/KeyBank employees.

In 2003, which would have been the 110th anniversary of SJCB, a large reunion was held, with nearly 100 past employees and guests coming from as far away as Georgia, Hawaii, California, and Oregon.  We’ve supported, encouraged, and cheered each other through nearly every event life can offer.

You may be surprised to learn how many of the folks greeting you at your local retail store, professional office, county office, community service organization, and yes, banks are members of this special alumni.

Here are a few pictures of the last few gatherings.  Perhaps we’ll share more as time marches on.

Thanks!
Marilyn

Here’s are some more shots:

Everybody, together for Christmas last month: (L-R)  standing: Marlene Crosby, Beth Phillips, Carma Avey, Brian Brown, Maya Corrie, Marilyn Corrie, Cindy Mullis. Middle: Jackie Scherer, Linda Begnal, Diane Buganski. Front kneeling; Ramona Jones, Debbie Sutliff, Judy Cornell.

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The grooup meets at people’s houses….here’s everyone in the kitchen last April: (L to R) Jerry Mullis, Walt Cornell, Tony Fyrqvist, Lisa Fyrqvist, Maya Corrie, Marilyn Corrie, Cindy Mullis, Marlene Crosby, Gloria Ridge (seated), John Ridge, Brian Brown, Ted Buganski, Judy Cornell.

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Last June’s potluck: (L to R): Cindy Mullis, Walt Cornell, Judy Cornell, Diane Buganski, Ted Buganski, Sandy Roe, Linda Begnal, Marilyn Corrie, Debbie Sutliff, Ramona Jones, Brian Brown, Maya Corrie, Laurie Wangenheim, Marlene Crosby, John Ridge, Gloria Ridge.

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