Video from Greenwich credit union groundbreaking
Also: Stefanik mocked in AI ad
By Darren Johnson
Journal & Press
Click above to watch the video of the groundbreaking event, led by HRCCU CEO Sue Commanda.
I attended the groundbreaking yesterday for the new Hudson River Community Credit Union branch expected to open in Greenwich by early next year.
In my five and a half years of ownership of The Greenwich Journal newspaper, I don’t think there’s been a formal groundbreaking of any sort in town, so considered this noteworthy. The site of the new HRCCU branch will be between CVS and Hannaford via a special access road from Route 29.
I’ll write this up in a journalistic style for the next edition of The Journal & Press, but thought you’d want to see the video sooner. My iPhone recorded the video and photography.
Here is the actual ceremonial shoveling:
Here are some still photos:
Here’s the formal press release from the credit union:
Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) is excited to announce the upcoming construction of a new full-service branch in Greenwich, NY. The branch is expected to be completed in early 2026 and will expand HRCCU’s reach in Washington County, providing affordable, accessible, and community-focused financial services to local residents and businesses.
The new Greenwich location will provide a full range of banking services, including auto and personal loans, checking and savings accounts, mortgage and home equity lending, and state-of-the-art Live Teller machines. These services will be guided by the member-first philosophy that defines the credit union experience.
“Our mission is to improve the well-being of our members and the communities we serve,” said Charles Pasquarell, Board President of HRCCU. “Expanding into Greenwich allows us to better support individuals and families in this growing region by offering financial products and services that are designed with their needs in mind.”
As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, HRCCU differs from traditional banks by putting members first. Credit union members are part-owners and share in the success of the organization through lower loan rates, higher savings returns, and fewer fees. Decisions are made locally by people who understand and support the community.
“This new branch is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of our commitment to being a true partner in the Greenwich community and surrounding areas. We want to be there for life’s big milestones and everyday moments alike, offering guidance and financial solutions that help our members succeed,” said Sue Commanda, CEO of HRCCU.
HRCCU will also provide the community with financial education resources, youth savings accounts, and community development initiatives, further reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in advancing financial wellness throughout the community. The new branch will also feature a hitching post and water spigot to accommodate the Amish community members.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 11, 2025, to mark the start of construction on the new branch, which will be built by Munter Enterprises, Inc. The branch is expected to open to the public in early 2026.
About Hudson River Community Credit Union
Hudson River Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1954. HRCCU is dedicated to improving the lives of its members through personalized financial solutions and community development. With branches in Corinth, Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, Cohoes, and soon, Greenwich, HRCCU proudly serves residents throughout the Capital Region. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Saratoga, Warren, Washington, or Rensselaer counties, as well as the Towns of Cohoes, Watervliet, or Green Island and their immediate families.
For more information, visit www.hrccu.org.
OK, now for something else…
I got a mass email from Rep. Elise Stefanik’s campaign senior adviser yesterday decrying this X/Twitter AI video posted by NY-21 declared Democratic challenger Blake Gendebien.
AI videos aren’t copyright protected, and these are public figures, so I guess it’s fair use to post it here:
Here what the email said:
House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik's Senior Adviser Alex deGrasse released the following statement:
“After releasing a widely panned sexist AI video smearing Congresswoman Stefanik, the failing NY21 Democrat Congressional candidate was then caught refusing to endorse Kathy Hochul for Governor. New York voters are smart, they know a liar when they see one. He will vote for Hochul but refuses to say so because she’s politically toxic.”
A bit of a Streisand effect, as I wouldn’t have seen this video if not for Mr. deGrasse’s message, but I’m in general opposed to AI use like this for creative reasons.
It’s way too easy to make videos like these now — there’s no barrier to entry — so soon they will devolve into people creating more and more outlandish scenarios about their enemies. AI is already ruining the Internet experience, as nothing seems real anymore.
I guess this is just where we are now, politically, in 2025…
It’s also interesting that Gendebien feels the media embraces Stefanik, as stated in the video. Has he not heard reporter roundtables on WAMC or read local journalism Substacks?
I would think 90% of NY-21 journalists probably would vote for him. If he’s not getting enough free press — a complaint the previous Stefanik opponent also had — maybe it’s on him for not resonating?
Or, maybe, instead of just posting on Twitter/X, stop begging for free press and just buy some ads in these struggling Upstate newspapers? The ads cost much less than these high priced adviser salaries.
Though this AI video appears to have gotten the Congresswoman’s attention.
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I think what any Democratic challenger to Stefanik has to do is find a way to break through the “hereditary Republican” shell that surrounds her. To the people who pay close attention, the reasons to be disgusted by her or to approve of her are already known to them and they aren’t likely to change their minds. But there’s a lot of people in this area who do NOT pay close attention, but come election day they (I was about to say pull the lever, but that’s outdated now, isn’t it?) fill in the circle for the Republican because that’s what they’ve always done. I agree with you that AI seems like poison for our society, politically speaking. But maybe this will force a few shafts of light into people’s minds, since it seems to be what reaches them.
After watching the video again, I’m not sure if it was generated by his campaign itself, or by a group of supporters. But if he posted it, I guess that gives it his stamp of approval. Honestly, her waffling will she or won’t she about running for governor is the least of why I think she is just the worst representative ever. If you were going to go to the minimal trouble of making an AI ad, there are many worse things you could choose to highlight!