by Bea Peterson
Businesswise, the Hoosick Federal Credit Union is state of the art. Walk into the Credit Union building on Church Street with its old fashioned decor, and President Jim Martinez hopes customers will have an “It’s a Wonderful Life” feeling. “Our debit card has a picture of the Thorpe Block as it was years ago,” he said.
With that spirit in mind, and with the rich art and entertainment history of the community, the HFCU has designed a credit card that honors some of its greatest artists.
Al Eberle was proud to allow his brothers Bob and Ray to grace the new card. During the Big Band era Bob sang with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and Ray sang with the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Jud Sage, niece of Harriet Hoctor, allowed dancer Harriet’s graceful image to adorn the new card. Harriet danced with Fred Astaire in “Shall We Dance” and appeared in “The Great Ziegfeld.”
Lorrie Goulet, wife of renowned artist and sculptor Jose DeCreeft, allowed his image to be on the card as well. DeCreeft’s sculptures are known world wide.
“The Hoosick area is well known for the artists and entertainers that call this area home, in the past and today,” said Martinez. “Living is a small rural town didn’t stop, or hasn’t stopped, any of them from accomplishing big things in life.”
The Hoosick Federal Credit Union’s new credit card offers a service to its customers and pays homage to the community’s rich cultural history.