The Good Neighbor Newsletter – May 2026
The Finish Line Is in Sight for Our New Winchester Branch
After months of planning, construction, preparation, and anticipation, the opening of Capon Valley Bank’s new Winchester branch is finally within reach. What once began as drawings, site work, and construction meetings has quickly transformed into a fully finished branch that is nearly ready to welcome customers through the doors.
The progress over the last several weeks has been exciting to watch. The carpet has been installed, furniture has been assembled, computers and technology systems are being set up, and the parking lot has been paved and striped. Even the flagpole is standing tall outside the branch, giving customers a glimpse of what is soon to come. Final inspections have been completed, and we are hopeful that the keys will officially be in hand by the end of May.
The next two weeks will play a major role in determining the official Grand Opening date, which will be announced in the near future. After such a long process, the excitement is building quickly as the final details come together.
Leading the new branch will be Amy Bender, Branch Manager, alongside Jeri Haines, Head Teller, both of whom are eager to begin serving customers in the Winchester area. Behind the scenes, the branch team has already spent more than six months training and preparing for opening day. Their focus has been on building the same level of personal service, professionalism, and local connection that customers have come to expect from Capon Valley Bank.
The new branch represents more than just a new building. It reflects Capon Valley Bank’s continued commitment to Frederick County and the surrounding communities. As the area continues to grow, we are excited to bring relationship-focused community banking to even more families, businesses, and individuals looking for local service and local decision-making.
For more than a century, Capon Valley Bank has grown by building relationships and supporting the communities we serve. Seeing this project move from concept to completion has been rewarding for everyone involved, and we cannot wait to officially open the doors.
We look forward to welcoming you soon and sharing more details about the Grand Opening celebration in the weeks ahead.
For more details about the branch location and services, visit: https://www.caponvalleybank.com/branch-locations/winchester
A ribbon cutting celebration is being planned, with the official date to be announced soon.
No Purchase Fee Gift Cards Are Back
Have you ever purchased a $20 gift card only to discover an activation fee that adds several extra dollars to the total? Those extra charges can quickly turn a simple gift into a more expensive purchase than expected. During Capon Valley Bank’s No Purchase Fee promotion, you can avoid those added costs and give a gift that is simple, flexible, and appreciated.
Gift cards continue to be one of the easiest and most convenient ways to celebrate special occasions. Not sure what to get Dad for Father’s Day? Let him choose exactly what he wants. Gift cards are also a great option for graduations, birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations throughout the spring and summer months. They give friends and family the flexibility to pick something they truly enjoy while helping you avoid the stress of finding the perfect gift.
In addition to convenience, gift cards can also help you stay within your budget. You choose the amount, making it easy to manage spending while still giving a thoughtful and practical gift. They are easy to carry, simple to use, and accepted at many locations nationwide.
From May 1 through June 30, qualifying gift cards purchased at Capon Valley Bank will have no purchase fee, making it the perfect time to stop by your local branch and pick one up. Whether you are shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or graduates, the No Purchase Fee promotion offers added value during one of the busiest gift-giving seasons of the year.
Gift Card is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to [a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the U.S. No cash access./license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Use anywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted Card has no cash access.
Call us or stop by your nearest branch to get started.
Meet the Winchester Team
As Capon Valley Bank prepares to open the doors to its newest branch in Winchester, excitement continues to build among both customers and staff. While construction and final preparations are quickly coming together, the heart of the new branch will be the team ready to welcome customers and provide the personal service that defines community banking.
Amy Bender Spotlight
Amy Bender, Winchester Branch Manager
As Branch Manager of Capon Valley Bank’s new Winchester location, Amy Bender is excited to help bring community banking to even more customers in Frederick County.
Amy brings 30 years of banking experience to the new branch and has been part of the Capon Valley Bank team for the past three years. A Frederick County native and graduate of James Wood High School, she looks forward to serving both new and existing customers in an area that continues to grow.
“I enjoy working for a community bank because I enjoy being involved in the community and community events, as well as being a personal banker for each customer,” Amy said.
That personal approach is one of the things she believes sets Capon Valley Bank apart. She values being accessible to customers and providing quick answers and local support without the frustration of call centers or automated systems.
“Capon Valley Bank truly is a community bank,” Amy said. “We have local decision-making, local board members, and more than 100 years of history serving our communities.”
Amy is especially excited about introducing Capon Valley Bank to customers in the northern Winchester area while also providing added convenience for existing customers who live or work nearby.
When customers walk into the new branch, Amy hopes they experience more than friendly service.
“I want customers to see that we go above and beyond,” she said.
Outside the branch, Amy looks forward to becoming involved in additional community events and building lasting relationships throughout the area.
Jeri Haines Spotlight
Jeri Haines, Winchester Branch Head Teller
As Head Teller for the Winchester branch, Jeri Haines is excited to help welcome customers into the new location and continue growing with Capon Valley Bank.
Jeri has been with Capon Valley Bank for nearly six years, beginning her banking career at the Gore, VA branch, and growing alongside the organization during that time. What she enjoys most about community banking is the personal connection customers experience every day.
“I enjoy the personalization and being able to know the customer,” Jeri said.
That relationship-focused approach is one of the things she believes makes Capon Valley Bank stand apart. She values the teamwork shared across all branches and departments and appreciates the bank’s commitment to treating customers as people, not just account numbers.
With the Winchester branch nearing completion, Jeri is looking forward to meeting new customers, helping open accounts, and being part of the new team built for the location.
“What excites me most is the new building, new faces, and continuing to grow with myself and with Capon Valley,” she said.
Outside of work, Jeri enjoys spending time at home with her husband and their three cats.
The new Winchester branch is expected to open in early June, marking an exciting milestone for Capon Valley Bank and the communities we serve. The team has spent months preparing for opening day, and the excitement continues to grow as the project nears completion. More information about the official Grand Opening celebration will be announced in the near future.
Blog: Why Strong Passwords Still Matter
May 12, 2026
In a world filled with facial recognition, fingerprint logins, and multi-factor authentication, it’s easy to assume passwords are becoming less important. The reality is quite the opposite. Strong passwords remain one of the most important defenses against fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access to personal and financial information.
Cybercriminals continue to target weak or reused passwords because they are often the easiest way to gain access to accounts. Once one password is compromised, scammers may attempt to use it across multiple websites, especially if the same login information has been reused for banking, email, shopping, or social media accounts.
What Makes a Password Strong?
A strong password is difficult to guess and hard for automated programs to crack. Security experts generally recommend:
- Using at least 12 characters
- Combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoiding names, birthdays, or common words
- Using a unique password for every account
Simple passwords such as “Password123” or reused passwords across multiple sites create significant security risks.
Why Password Reuse Is Dangerous
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the same password for several accounts. If one website experiences a data breach, scammers often test those same credentials on banking, email, and retail websites. This tactic, known as “credential stuffing,” has become increasingly common in recent years.
Using different passwords for different accounts limits the damage if one account is compromised.
The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication
Strong passwords work best when paired with multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds another layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code, authentication app, or biometric scan.
Even if a password is stolen, MFA can help prevent unauthorized access.
Small Steps Make a Big Difference
Regularly updating passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and monitoring accounts for unusual activity are simple habits that can improve online security. Password managers can also help create and store complex passwords securely.
Technology continues to evolve, but so do fraud tactics. Strong passwords remain a critical part of protecting your financial and personal information. Taking a few extra steps today can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim tomorrow.
We hope you enjoy the newly expanded format of the Good Neighbor Newsletter. Our goal is to bring you more helpful information, timely updates, and a closer look at what is happening in your community. It is one more way we stay connected and continue serving you better every day.
