Cornerstone Bank recently honored 25 employees who reached milestone anniversaries in their tenure in 2025. The Years of Service Awards were presented on Thursday, December 4, at the Barn at Wight Farm in Sturbridge. Cornerstone employees are recognized for every five years of service.

“The longevity of our employees is very important to us,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “We’re proud to have such a dedicated and passionate team whose commitment to our customers and communities defines who we are as an organization.”

40 Years
• Karen Largesse

25 Years
• Jason Main
• Colleen Lord

20 Years
• John Jawor
• Jamey Mekal

15 Years
• Michael Pacheco
• Kyle Bourque
• Sara Seaver
• Susan Wilcox

10 Years
• Heather Dumais
• Thomas Moschos
• Rebecca Field
• Johanne Mahon
• Lisa Tucker
• Laura Pimental

5 Years
• Denise Steeves
• Erin McGinnis
• Sophie Descoteau
• Alycia Rozzen
• Makenna Obuchowski
• Caralyn Stevens
• David Harmon
• Alan Whitney
• Bonnie Kinsman
• Nicole Gaylord

“Congratulations to this year’s honorees,” Tallman added. “We’re grateful for your dedication, enthusiasm and outstanding service. You make Cornerstone stronger every day, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones together.”

Cornerstone Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing hunger in Central Massachusetts with a $20,000 donation to the Worcester County Food Bank. The contribution continues Cornerstone’s annual tradition of redirecting funds typically spent on holiday cards. The bank contributed $10,000 in both 2022 and 2023, and increased its support this year to meet rising community need.

While the recent federal government shutdown has concluded, many families continue to feel the ripple effects of temporary delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. With food costs still elevated and demand for assistance remaining high, Cornerstone Bank prioritized support for local hunger relief efforts.

“As a community bank, we believe our resources should create meaningful, measurable impact for our neighbors,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Redirecting holiday card spending allows us to invest directly in helping families access healthy meals during a season that can be especially difficult for many.”

The Worcester County Food Bank, a Feeding America member, distributes nutritious food through a network of local pantries and meal programs while working to reduce hunger through advocacy and equitable access. The Bank’s funds will be allocated directly to distribution efforts to support residents in immediate need.

“We want our community to feel supported, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year,” Tallman added. “This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the well-being of the neighbors we serve.”

Cornerstone Bank has been recognized as one of the 2025 Best Banks to Work For, ranking #15 nationwide on the annual list published by American Banker. It's the second year in a row Cornerstone has earned this honor celebrating banks that excel at creating supportive, engaging workplaces where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.

The Best Banks to Work For program, now in its 12th year, is conducted by American Banker in partnership with Best Companies Group. This year, 90 banks across the country earned a place on the list following an in-depth evaluation of workplace policies and anonymous employee surveys assessing engagement and satisfaction.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized among the best banks to work for in the nation,” said President and CEO Todd Tallman. “Our employees are the heart of Cornerstone Bank, and this recognition reflects their dedication, teamwork and commitment to our customers and communities.”

According to American Banker Editor-in-Chief Chana Schoenberger, “The banks recognized as Best Banks to Work For are institutions employees want to join and stay. They understand how to give workers reasons to find purpose in their jobs.”

To determine the rankings, each participating bank was evaluated through a two-part process: a review of workplace practices, policies and benefits (25 percent of the total score) and an anonymous employee survey (75 percent). The combined results determined the final ranking.

Cornerstone Bank has donated $2,500 to support Uplift: The Art of Resilient Recovery, a new program at The Overlook designed to enhance the overall well-being of cancer patients and survivors.

The program integrates yoga therapy, light cardio and strength training adapted to the unique needs and energy levels of cancer patients. With a focus on physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, Uplift helps participants address fatigue, pain, stress and anxiety, while improving mobility, strength and flexibility.

Developed by experienced fitness coaches with extensive backgrounds in supporting individuals affected by cancer, Uplift offers compassionate, personalized guidance throughout treatment and recovery. The program also collaborates with local organizations to ensure participants have access to a wide range of supportive services.

“Cornerstone Bank is proud to support a program that empowers cancer patients and survivors to strengthen not only their bodies but also their resilience and spirit,” said Todd Tallman, CEO of Cornerstone Bank. “Uplift reflects the kind of community care and innovation we believe makes a lasting difference in people’s lives.”

Located in Charlton, The Overlook is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community sponsored by the Masonic Health System of Massachusetts. In addition to providing senior living and health services, The Overlook offers wellness programs like Uplift that serve as valuable resources for the broader community, including cancer patients.

Cornerstone Bank has donated $5,000 to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) in support of its Learn and Save Club. This financial fitness program teaches participants how to develop healthy money habits and save toward the purchase of important assets.

“Financial literacy is the foundation for long-term success,” said Todd Tallman, CEO of Cornerstone Bank. “We are proud to support the Learn and Save Club again this year, which equips local families and individuals with the tools they need to make confident financial decisions.”

The year-long program combines financial literacy classes with matched savings to empower low-income residents of the Quaboag Valley to achieve greater financial stability. Participants attend monthly meetings, receive hands-on guidance and work toward goals such as home ownership, education or reliable transportation.

This is the second consecutive year Cornerstone Bank has contributed to the Learn and Save Club. In addition to financial support, bank employees have volunteered to help lead financial education sessions, sharing their expertise with program participants

Cornerstone Bank is once again supporting the Exchange Club of Spencer and its annual Fall Food Fest, contributing $5,000 toward this year’s event. This marks the third straight year the bank has sponsored the fundraiser.

The Fall Food Fest raises money for a designated community need each year. In 2025, proceeds will benefit the Prouty Boosters, a group that provides financial assistance to the athletic programs at David Prouty High School, serving students from Spencer and East Brookfield.

“Supporting local students and the programs that help them grow is an important part of strengthening our communities,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “The Spencer Exchange Club has a long tradition of uplifting local families, and we’re proud to continue partnering with them to ensure student-athletes have the resources they need to thrive.”

Earlier this year, Cornerstone Bank also donated $1,000 to the Spencer Exchange Club’s 18 Under 18 program, which recognizes exceptional youth leadership and community service.

The 2025 Fall Food Fest will take place on Saturday, November 15 at the Spencer Country Inn. Local restaurants will feature tastings of their signature dishes, and attendees will enjoy raffles, entertainment and opportunities to support local students. The event sells out annually, with tickets available at Sheena’s Salon & Spa or through Exchange Club members.

Cornerstone Bank has kicked off its annual can drive, inviting customers and members of the public to drop off non-perishable food donations at any Cornerstone Bank branch now through November 3.

As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, many families experience increased financial strain due to higher heating costs, holiday expenses and food needs for family gatherings. Cornerstone Bank’s can drive helps alleviate some of that burden by supporting local food pantries across Central Massachusetts.

“Every can and box donated makes a difference,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “As a community bank, we’re proud to partner with local food pantries that directly support our neighbors in need during this especially challenging time of year.”

Donations collected at the following branches will benefit these local food pantries:

• Leicester: Leicester Food Pantry
• Spencer: Mary Queen of the Rosary Food Pantry
• Holden: Wachusett Food Pantry
• Webster: Webster-Dudley Food Share
• Charlton: CHIP-IN Food Pantry
• Southbridge: St. John Paul II Food Pantry
• Park Ave. Branch, Worcester: Why Me & Sherry’s House
• Tatnuck Branch, Worcester: Jeremiah’s Food Bank
• West Boylston Street Branch, Worcester: Veterans Inc. Food Pantry
• Rutland: Rutland Food Pantry
• Shrewsbury: Shrewsbury Community Fridge

Cornerstone Bank’s Can Drive is a long-standing community tradition that began under its predecessor banks, Southbridge Savings Bank and SpencerBANK, well before Cornerstone’s formation in 2017. The drive has continued nearly every year since.

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Division of Banks

CORNERSTONE BANK, Spencer, Massachusetts has petitioned the Commissioner of Banks for permission to merge with ATHOL SAVINGS BANK, Athol, Massachusetts. Under the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, ATHOL SAVINGS BANK will merge with and into CORNERSTONE BANK under the charter, by-laws, and name of CORNERSTONE BANK. The main office of CORNERSTONE BANK would remain the main office of the continuing institution and the banking offices of ATHOL SAVINGS BANK would be retained as branch offices of CORNERSTONE BANK.

Any objections or comments relative to this proposal must be communicated in writing to the Commissioner of Banks, One Federal Street, Suite 710, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2012 or via electronic mail to dob.comments@mass.gov no later than November 12, 2025. A public hearing may be held if the response is considered significant or circumstances warrant such a hearing, as determined by the Commissioner. The application and all communications relative to this application are available from the Division by request at dob.rao@mass.gov.

MARY L. GALLAGHER
Commissioner of Banks

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