Rollstone Bank & Trust (RBT) has been a longtime partner with Groton Hill Music and has helped us grow our mission through generous funding since 1998. Thanks to their support, we’re able to continue offering accessible music experiences like our summer outdoor concert series, Live on the Lawn!
Rollstone is embarking on an exciting new journey. Mary Beth Jokela, currently their Chief Operating Officer, will be named President of Rollstone Bank & Trust later this year, becoming the first female president in RBT’s 179-year history. We had the opportunity to speak with Jokela about her own experience with the arts, about the importance of community, and about her future with Rollstone as President.
“I was involved in a variety of activities while I was growing up – everything from the children’s choir to the city rec softball league to cheerleading. I participated in my high school musicals which began a love of the theater,” said Jokela. “Being involved in various extracurriculars allowed me to explore different interests, learn about myself, and connect with the world around me.”
Jokela’s formative experiences with the arts and community at an early age is what Groton Hill hopes our students feel today – that they can discover a passion here, and meet others who share that same eagerness to connect and explore.
Providing access to music education programs is central to Groton Hill Music’s mission. We offer a wide range of musical experiences, focused on mentorship, personal fulfillment, and creativity. Over 2,000 students enjoy private lessons, ensembles, classes, workshops, and performances in our inspirational setting, with opportunities that bring education and performance together in ways that are uniquely possible at Groton Hill.
“The arts are so important to the mental and emotional well-being of all of us! It gives us common ground to relate to one another,” said Mary Beth Jokela. “Arts and culture are an integral part of creating a happy, healthy place to live, work, and play.”
To that end, we’re thrilled to have Rollstone Bank & Trust as the sponsor of our Live on the Lawn summer concert series this year. We’re grateful, not only for their generous funding, but for the people behind it – knowing that Jokela and the staff at Rollstone believe in the value of events like these makes our partnership even stronger.
Featuring three family-friendly late-afternoon performances, the Live on the Lawn series is designed to bring people together and expose them to diverse, multi-faceted musicians, right here in their backyard.
Jokela herself has attended shows at Groton Hill. “I was lucky enough to see Leslie Odom, Jr. recently,” said Jokela. “We’re fortunate to have venues like Groton Hill Music in our region. It gives local residents the opportunity to experience world-class culture right at home.”
Rollstone traces its history even further back than Groton Hill, which is really saying something! “Rollstone has deep roots in the region, dating all the way back to 1846, when we were founded as Fitchburg Savings Bank. It has always been a mission-driven organization, focused on supporting and bettering the communities we serve. I plan to uphold the values that make up the fabric of the Bank – a people-first approach backed by sound financial decisions. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue this vision and see the positive impact that, collectively, Rollstone can have.”
Learn how your business can partner with Groton Hill! Contact Catherine Coleman at (978) 486-9524 x201 or ccoleman@grotonhill.org.
Learn more about rollstone at https://www.rollstonebank.com/