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Rollstone Bank & Trust

Rollstone Bank gives $50K to library renovation

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FITCHBURG — Rollstone Bank & Trust has committed a total of $50,000 over a five-year period to the Fitchburg Public Library in support of The OWL Capital Campaign, a $40 million project dedicated to upgrading the Youth Library and Wallace Library.

This building plan to upgrade the existing facilities will expand the library’s ability to serve the residents of Fitchburg, draw people to downtown Fitchburg, and provide economic and cultural benefits that will enrich and enhance the quality of life for all.

“The Fitchburg Library has been a pillar in our community for 164 years and has been committed to strengthening the community,” said Martin Connors Jr., President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “The OWL Capital Campaign will not only improve the Fitchburg Library but will empower the library to continue to serve as a key community resource for people of all ages to work, learn and interact with others.”

The Youth Library, built in 1950, will be updated to provide a spacious, interactive and safe space for children and their caretakers. Along with a more efficient collection holdings system, the Children’s Room will have its own programming room that will have a greater variety of programs offered, as well as an exterior garden where children have access to educational programming outdoors.

Built and connected to the Youth Library in 1967, the renovated Wallace Library will feature a dedicated area for teens that bridges the gap between school and home, equipped with study rooms, computer access, and structured social settings such as comfortable seating and entertainment systems.

In addition, the Wallace Library will feature a technology Learning Lab to provide formal training on basic computer skills, resume building, and job searching for people of all ages.

The current 200-seat auditorium will also be recreated into a large, flexible meeting room, with moveable walls and seating to enable multiple options that are customizable. The large meeting space will be accommodated by a number of small meeting rooms to cater to community organizations, study groups, tutoring and various meetings and events.

“Rollstone Bank & Trust has always valued the services Fitchburg Public Library brings to the community, and we are grateful to have Rollstone as one of the first organizations to pledge their support of our new library project,” said Sharon Bernard, Co-Chair, OWL Capital Campaign. “Their support of the OWL Capital Campaign continues the bank’s rich tradition of ensuring people of all ages, from every walk of life, have a more welcoming and sustainable facility to engage, learn, and grow.”

To learn more about the The OWL Capital Campaign, please visit FitchburgPublicLibrary.org/1028/Building-Project.

Rollstone Bank & Trust donates to Just Understand My Potential youth program

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LEOMINSTER — Rollstone Bank & Trust donated $2,500 to Just Understand My Potential in support of their 2022-2023 $50K Grant Challenge, given by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, to be used for outdoor adventure education for area youth in grades 2 and up. The purpose of the grant is to engage disadvantaged youth and youth of color in afterschool and out-of-school activities at no charge.

Since 2010, JUMP has supported youth in need in Leominster, Fitchburg, Gardner and surrounding towns through adventure education programs. JUMP inspires young people to realize their full potential through mentorship and a variety of outdoor adventures that provide life lessons, personal insights, and confidence which serve as a foundation for taking on leadership roles in the community.

“We are so grateful to Rollstone Bank & Trust for their support that helps us give children of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to be active and a part of something bigger than themselves,” said Bill Spacciapoli, executive director of JUMP. “If we can teach our kids leadership and overcoming adversity in a safe, inclusive and fun environment, then we as an organization will have succeeded.”

“We’re honored to contribute to such an amazing organization as JUMP,” said Arthur Feehan Jr., executive vice president and chief operating officer of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “Rollstone Bank’s core mission is to help the people in our community flourish, and that aligns perfectly with JUMP’s goal of supporting the community by instilling confidence in children and giving them leadership skills that will stick with them throughout their lives.”

Fitchburg Mayor’s Energy Fund awarded $5,000

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FITCHBURG — Mayor Stephen DiNatale’s recently created energy fund has received a $5,000 boost thanks to Rollstone Bank & Trust.

The Mayor’s Energy Fund seeks to provide relief to Fitchburg citizens who may have difficulty in  dealing with the ever-increasing cost of heating their homes.

“We are honored to support Mayor DiNatale and his continuous efforts to diminish the financial  strain on our residents and keep them warm this winter,” said Martin F. Connors Jr., president &  CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “Rollstone Bank’s commitment to our communities dates back to 1846, and it is our mission to help our neighbors flourish. Providing such a basic necessity as heat will  relieve the financial burden of local families, keeping them safe and healthy.”

The Major’s Energy Fund was established in early 2023, in the midst of rising inflation and energy  costs. As the winter season was underway, Mayor DiNatale knew the importance of setting a  financial safety net for those who would be struggling to pay their bills while trying to keep their  homes warm.

“We are grateful for Rollstone’s generous support of the Mayor’s Energy Fund and the partnership  that will significantly help our residents,” DiNatale said. “They have  always stepped up to help with our community endeavors, and we’re fortunate to have them in our City.”

Rollstone Bank & Trust earns five star rating

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FITCHBURG — Rollstone Bank & Trust is once again earning high praise from bank rating agency BauerFinancial.

Recently, Rollstone Bank & Trust said it had earned the “Best of Bauer” distinction and a five star rating for the 113th fiscal quarter. The distinction is based on a banking institution’s financial strength and stability, the bank said in a press release. BauerFinancial ranks every federally-insured U.S. chartered bank.

BauerFinancial President Karen Dorway compared Rollstone Bank & Trust to having a friend in the banking business. She said the bank shows loyalty and dedication to customers not often found at larger banks.

“At Rollstone Bank & Trust, it comes naturally,” Dorway said. “A local bank means local decisions, made by people just like you.”

Spanish American Center awarded $5G by Rollstone Bank & Trust

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LEOMINSTER — Rollstone Bank & Trust has pledged $5,000 over a two-year period to the Spanish American Center, a private, nonprofit organization which responds to the needs of the Hispanic community by providing food, shelter, clothing and other necessities, as well as academic enrichment, STEM & STEAM, and youth workforce readiness programs.

“The Spanish American Center provides an invaluable service to our community, giving those in need the tools to get back on their feet,” said Oscar Moreno, senior vice president of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “We are thrilled to support them in continuing their goal of giving for children’s after school and summer programs.” Moreno oversees Rollstone’s Commercial Loan Division.

Started in 1966 by members of the Catholic clergy, the Spanish American Center began as an outreach, information and referral network. The Center is the only agency in Leominster, Fitchburg, Gardner and the surrounding north central Massachusetts communities specifically oriented towards the Spanish-speaking community, estimated at over 102,000 individuals. Today the Center offers multiple programs, has revenues in excess of a half million dollars, and is SOMWBA (State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance) certified.

“The Spanish American Center has been helping children, families, elders, displaced people, and domestic violence victims for 56 years,” said Neddy Latimer, executive director of the Spanish American Center. “We are so grateful for Rollstone’s support of our work and this partnership that celebrates our culture and history.”

New chief lending officer named at Rollstone Bank & Trust

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Rollstone Bank & Trust announced Tuesday that it had appointed a new executive vice president and chief lending officer.

Tony Rakic is set to take over the post from Mike Olson, who is retiring from Rollstone after 17 years. While he may be retiring, Olson will stay on in an advisory role, ensuring Rakic transitions to the new job smoothly. Rakic joined the bank in 2021 as senior vice president of commercial lending.

Rakic holds a Master of Business Administration from Clark University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Worcester State University. He has over 20 years of lending experience including asset based, commercial and industrial, and commercial real estate.

“Since joining Rollstone, Tony has used his years of experience and depth of expertise to benefit our customers who are seeking guidance and opportunity in order to grow and prosper,” said Rollstone President and CEO Martin Connors, Jr. “In the Chief Lending Officer position, Tony will oversee the entire lending team and portfolio, help minimize risk to the Bank, and support the Bank’s strategic initiatives. We are grateful to Mike for his years of hard work and dedication, and are confident that Tony will continue to do a great job.”