Tag: Community News

Simply Saluting: Cedarcroft Home

Written by CedarStone Bank News on June 24, 2016. Posted in News & Events, Simply Saluting. No Comments on Simply Saluting: Cedarcroft Home

CedarStone’s Vice President, John Bryan pictured above with (L-R) Cedarcroft Homes COO, Peggy Zide; Cedarcroft Homes Founder and Chairman, Thomas A. Bryan; CedarStone’s President and CEO Bob McDonald

CedarStone Bank is proud to salute T. A. Bryan, Peggy Zide and Cedarcroft Home, Inc., a state licensed facility dedicated to the care and welfare of the mentally handicapped, disadvantaged and homeless men.

Mr. Bryan is no stranger to the Lebanon community. A long-time insurance agent for Transamerica Life and Ohio National, Mr. Bryan has been involved in many different charitable causes and civic events over the years.

I met Mr. Bryan over 20 years ago and he has always been a gentlemen to me and my family. That gentle kindness spills over into the mission of Cedarcroft. We see it most everyday with the operation of that facility and the outreach of support it gains from the community it serves.

Mr. Bryan, the founder & Chairman of the Board of Cedarcroft Home, Inc., describes the home as “a supportive living facility for men who otherwise might not have a place to stay”.

Established in 1974 and licensed in 1996 with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Retardation, Cedarcroft strives to meet all state and local regulations to provide the safest environment for its residents.

The local non-profit facility offers room and board with three nutritious meals a day plus evening snacks. Residents receive indirect supervision of medication, medical service referrals and transportation, laundry services, activity opportunities and much more!

The facility is housed mainly in a 119-year-old building, the former Martha Gaston Hospital, as well as an adjacent building that formerly served Lebanon as a nursing home.

Peggy Zide serves as Chief Operating Officer for the company and has been employed by Cedarcroft for over 11 years. The company is set up as a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation and is governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of Bryan, sons Tommy and John, Dr. Larry Locke, James L. White and Troy Putman. The company currently employees 35 employees.

Hats off to T. A. Bryan and the staff at Cedarcroft Home. Their contribution to our community cannot be measured and I dearly appreciate their effort to meet the needs of these men in Lebanon.

Simply Saluting: The Hermitage

Written by CedarStone Bank News on May 13, 2016. Posted in News & Events, Simply Saluting. No Comments on Simply Saluting: The Hermitage

Pictured Above Left to Right: Bob McDonald, CedarStone President and Andrew Jackson Foundation Trustee; Howard J. Kittell, Andrew Jackson Foundation President and CEO; and Willie McDonald, CedarStone Relationship Manager and former Andrew Jackson Foundation Trustee

Each month CedarStone Bank “simply salutes” an influential leader in Middle Tennessee. This month the bank is proud to recognize The Hermitage.

The Hermitage is a historical plantation, museum, and garden located in Davidson County, Tennessee, 10 miles east of downtown Nashville. The plantation was owned by Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, from 1804 until his death at the Hermitage in 1845.

The original structure of The Hermitage mansion was a brick, Federal-style house constructed between 1819 and 1821 by skilled carpenters and masons from the local area. Though this design was typical of plantation dwellings for aspiring gentlemen farmers in the Upper South it was already beginning to lose favor in more fashionable Eastern areas.

Today, the site covers 1,120 acres, which includes the original 1,050-acre tract of Jackson’s plantation. It is overseen and managed by The Andrew Jackson Foundation, formerly called the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. Howard J. Kittell, who has a long and distinguished career in historic preservation, has served as President and CEO of The Hermitage and the Andrew Jackson Foundation since 2008.

The Hermitage is your local treasure; a house so unique it has been named a National Historic Landmark. It is a beautiful place near home to stroll under the shade of its leafy trees, view collections and exhibitions that bring the past to life, and attend many educational programs and events. The Hermitage is a special resource that helps define our idea of who we are as Middle Tennesseans.

CedarStone Bank salutes The Hermitage, The Andrew Jackson Foundation, and its dedicated staff in their efforts to preserve the history of Middle Tennessee!

Simply Saluting: Two Rivers Mansion

Written by CedarStone Bank News on April 15, 2016. Posted in News & Events, Simply Saluting. No Comments on Simply Saluting: Two Rivers Mansion

Pictured Above Left to Right: CedarStone Assistant Vice President Robert McDonald, CedarStone’s Relationship Manager Willie McDonald, Two Rivers Mansion Founder/President Emeritus Phil Claiborne, Two Rivers Mansion President Phil Howard,and CedarStone Branch Manager Troy Putman.

Each month CedarStone Bank “simply salutes” an influential leader in Middle Tennessee. This month the bank is proud to recognize Two Rivers Mansion.

Two Rivers Mansion is one of the last of the elaborate antebellum country homes built in the Nashville area and one of the earliest and best preserved of the ornate Italianate houses in Middle Tennessee. Two Rivers was once part of an 1,100-acre plantation located on fertile, rolling land between the Stones and Cumberland Rivers. The junction of the two rivers suggested the name given to the property by its first owner, William Harding, whose family built the Belle Meade Plantation in west Nashville.

After acquiring the 447-acre property in 1966, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County set aside the 14-acre historic site, developing two schools, a golf course, park greenway, water park (Wave Country), skate park, frisbee golf course and picnic area for families to enjoy. Restored to the stately architectural splendor of the mansion’s early days, Two Rivers reflects the taste, textures and colors of the post-war era and today remains a centerpiece for all kinds of social gatherings – weddings, parties, anniversaries, birthdays and special events for future generations to enjoy.

CedarStone Bank salutes Two Rivers Mansion and its dedicated staff in their effort to make Middle Tennessee an even better place to live and work!

Simply Saluting: Wilson County Community Help Center

Written by CedarStone Bank News on February 12, 2016. Posted in News & Events, Simply Saluting. No Comments on Simply Saluting: Wilson County Community Help Center

Wilson County Community Help Center Executive Director Ben Spicer pictured with CedarStone Bank’s Jennifer Perry (former WCCHC board member, Tina Winfree (current WCCHC board member) and Bob McDonald (former WCCHC board member).

Each month CedarStone Bank “simply salutes” an influential leader in Wilson County. This month the bank is proud to recognize the Wilson County Community Help Center.

The Wilson County Community Help Center was formed in 1988 when three local charities came together and united as one. Project Help, Golden Harvest Food Bank and the Faith Rescue Mission had helped those in need in Lebanon and Wilson County since the mid-1960s. The Wilson County Community Help Center was a product of that merger and was first under the direction of Executive Director Dot Maxey. The objective of the Help Center is to provide food, clothing, household necessities and financial assistance for utilities; fuel to out of county doctor medical appointments; and prescription drugs for individuals, elderly and cancer patients in need in our community.

Mrs. Maxey’s original board consisted of several notable “givers” in the Lebanon community including Houston Turner, Will Allen Carpenter, Joanne Smith, Cassie Hallum, Pete Williams, Ronnie Kelly, Bob Werckle, Larry Tomlinson, Ed Blackburn, Mary Jo Cote, Sydney Berry, Wiley T. Bernard, Bobby Johnson, Fred Singleton, Marty Young, Andy Brummitt, Mike Jennings, Claudine Bissinger, Jean Reasonover and Lynn Nokes. Ronnie Doak and Gail Proctor operated the program after her retirement and now Ben Spicer is currently serving his third year as Executive Director. In 2015, the Help Center distributed more than 65,000 pounds of food to feed the hungry in Wilson County and provided more than 40,000 articles of free clothing to those in need.

CedarStone Bank salutes the Wilson County Community Help Center and its staff of workers, volunteers and current board members in their effort to make Wilson County an even better place to live and work!

McGavock Student of the Month with CedarStone Bank

McGavock High School’s Lucia Del Zotto Student of the Month

Written by CedarStone Bank News on February 2, 2016. Posted in News & Events. No Comments on McGavock High School’s Lucia Del Zotto Student of the Month

Pictured above: Robert L. McDonald, Lisa Brown, Mallory Baker, Lucia Del Zotto (SOM), Kristina Wilkerson, Marilyn Kaczmarski and Willie McDonald.

McGavock High School’s Lucia Del Zotto has been recognized as student of the month for January 2016. Lucia was selected by her teachers and peers for exemplifying the characteristics of a good student and the drive to learn. Lucia attended the Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce luncheon with CedarStone Bank President – CEO Bob McDonald, AVP Robert L. McDonald, and Willie McDonald.

CedarStone’s Bob McDonald Joins in Anniversary Celebration at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

Written by CedarStone Bank News on January 25, 2016. Posted in News & Events. No Comments on CedarStone’s Bob McDonald Joins in Anniversary Celebration at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

Event commemorates the 201st anniversary of The Battle of New Orleans

Lebanon, Tenn. (January 25, 2016) –Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage recently held a celebration event commemorating the 201st anniversary of The Battle of New Orleans.

Thousands of guests visited Jackson’s home to honor the pivotal victory for the United States in the War of 1812, led by General Jackson and his troops. The Hermitage home tour was open free to the public and there was a ceremony featuring the National Guard laying a wreath at Jackson’s tomb.

CedarStone Bank President and CEO Bob McDonald participated in the event. McDonald is a member of the Board of Trustees for The Andrew Jackson Foundation.

“The Hermitage is a national treasure and we’re fortunate to have such an historic landmark so close to home,” McDonald said. “This annual event is a welcome opportunity to gather with friends and family to celebrate the rich tradition of General Jackson and his roots in Middle Tennessee.”

The wreath ceremony included remarks from retired Lieutenant General John M. Pickler, who served 36 years in the Army, eventually assuming the role of Chief of Staff of the United States Army Forces Command. Pickler currently resides in Lebanon.

“It was fascinating to hear a recent military leader like General Pickler discuss the life and times of one of our most famous military leaders in Andrew Jackson,” McDonald said. “Both men sacrificed so much for this great country through their military service.”

For more information about The Hermitage visit www.thehermitage.com. For more information about CedarStone Bank visit www.cedarstonebank.com.

Pictured from Left to Right: Howard Kittell, Andrew Jackson Foundation President and CEO; Frances Spradley, Andrew Jackson Foundation Vice-Regent; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John Pickler, keynote speaker; Bob McDonald, CedarStone President and CEO.

Simply Saluting Dr. Paul Stumb

Written by CedarStone Bank News on January 15, 2016. Posted in News & Events, Simply Saluting. No Comments on Simply Saluting Dr. Paul Stumb

CedarStone Bank President, CEO & Chairman of the Cumberland Board of Trust, Bob McDonald with Dr. Paul Stumb.

Each month CedarStone Bank “simply salutes” an influential leader in Wilson County. This month the bank is proud to recognize Dr. Paul Stumb, President of Cumberland University.

Dr. Stumb is no stranger to Middle Tennessee and Lebanon in particular. He began his tenure at the University in 2003 as an Adjunct Professor and then later served as Dean of the Labry School, a position he has held continuously until being named President of the University in August of 2015.

Dr. Stumb has hit the ground running as President, relying on his past business experience and people skills in making a smooth and seamless transition into his new role.

A Nashville native, Dr. Stumb is a graduate of the Navy War College Strategy and Policy Course, and holds a BS from Auburn University, an MS from the University of Tennessee, a Master’s in Education from Cumberland and a PhD from the University of Tennessee. Prior to joining Cumberland, Dr. Stumb enjoyed a successful career in the business sector, serving as Director of Marketing and Business Development and later as General Manager of American Corrugated, in the Containerboard & Packaging Division of the Georgia-Pacific Corporation, and Vice President for Operations/Executive Committee Member and Owner of One Coast Network, Inc., a gift and home decor marketing firm in Atlanta.

He and his wife, Christy, reside in Lebanon, just a block from the campus. They have four children and two grandchildren.

Cumberland University is a civic jewel for Lebanon and Wilson County. Founded in 1842, Cumberland offers a variety of educational, athletic and social experiences to enhance the learning opportunities of the current student body. The University serves nearly 1,500 students. Its exceptional academic program is steeped in the liberal arts and its athletic teams regularly compete for conference and national championships.

Cumberland’s alumni includes former U.S. Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, who also was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945; James Lafayette Bomar, president of Rotary International; Thomas P. Gore, United States senator; more than 80 congressmen, including Albert Gore, Sr.; two justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, Howell Edmunds Jackson and Horace Harmon Lurton; 13 governors, including Frank G. Clement; three ambassadors, including Edward Albright, U.S. Ambassador to Finland; scores of local, state and federal judges, including Charles Dickson Clark; and 50 college/university professors, including the “Father of Political Science,” John Burgess.

While Cumberland has a distinguished past, the University is focused on the future, and on educating our next generation of leaders.

CedarStone Bank is proud of Cumberland University and the school’s leadership. We salute Dr. Paul Stumb and his efforts to lead Cumberland for years to come!

The McDonald's At CedarStone Bank - three generations of Middle Tennessee bankers

Willie McDonald Celebrating 65 Years in Banking

Written by CedarStone Bank News on September 22, 2015. Posted in News & Events. No Comments on Willie McDonald Celebrating 65 Years in Banking

CedarStone Bank executive has been helping Middle Tennessee customers since 1950

Middle Tennessee has experienced incredible economic growth over the past five years. Just imagine how much it’s grown over the past 65 years.

One man – and perhaps only one man — can tell you. William “Willie” McDonald is celebrating his 65th consecutive year in the Middle Tennessee banking industry, the last 11 of those years as Business Development Officer for CedarStone Bank, the bank founded by his son, Bob.

“It’s an honor to continue to work alongside my father,” Bob McDonald said. “Willie is a banking legend in this state. And the relationships he has cultivated and nurtured over the past 65 years have helped CedarStone grow into a bank that our customers know and trust.”

Pictured Above – Robert L. McDonald, Jr., Willie McDonald and Bob McDonald

Willie McDonald launched his banking career in Nashville in 1950 with Third National Bank, which later became SunTrust. He worked for Third National and SunTrust for 53 years, then had a brief stint at Regions Bank before coming to CedarStone when the bank opened its doors in 2004.

“I watched Third National grow in the 1950s so it’s been exciting with CedarStone to again be part of something at the very start and watch it grow,” McDonald said.

Last year McDonald was selected by the Tennessee Bankers Association for its Leadership in Banking Excellence Award. The award, which recognizes exceptional bankers throughout the state’s history, includes a permanent display in the TBA headquarters building. McDonald has twice been named the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce Business Man of the Year and in 2010, he received a proclamation from the Tennessee House of Representatives as the Honorary “Mayor of Donelson.”

The accolades are nice but what keeps McDonald coming back to his office every morning is the opportunity to help people and foster relationships that are long lasting.

“I always open a conversation by asking ‘Who’s your banker?’” McDonald said. “And I would say 80 percent of the people I ask tell me they don’t have a personal contact at their bank.

“So developing relationships is the key. Oftentimes our customers need somebody to listen to them and give counsel or advice. We not only talk about finances but we talk about life. We can be a sounding board that they know and trust.”

McDonald’s grandson, Robert L. McDonald, Jr., serves as CedarStone’s Relationship Manager in its Donelson office, giving the family three generations of Middle Tennessee bankers.

“From my grandfather I learned the value of customer service and building long-lasting relationships,” Robert McDonald said. “It’s an honor to follow in his footsteps — and my father’s footsteps — and both of them inspire me to work harder every day.”

Willie McDonald has not only helped hundreds of businesses with their financial needs but also mentored dozens of bankers over the years, including CedarStone Executive Vice President Hank Stuart, whose first job in banking was under McDonald at Third National.

“I am grateful for all that he has taught me,” Stuart said. “He continues to outwork us all and like I have always said, ‘Willie works by walking around.’”

Indeed, customers can still find McDonald walking around, whether it’s in the bank lobby, in customers’ offices or at community gatherings around the area. And McDonald is thrilled to take part in CedarStone’s latest venture, a new, state-of-the-art branch location in Donelson.

“It’s still exciting to watch a new branch open its doors for its customers,” he said. “Banking has changed in a lot of ways in 65 years but, in some ways, it hasn’t. You have to keep up with technology or it’s going to go off and leave you. But that doesn’t mean you lose the personal relationship that so many of your customers are accustomed to.

“I’m proud to be a banker. And I’m proud to call Middle Tennessee my home.”

McDonald, who was born in Monterey, moved to Nashville in 1938. He and his wife, Helen, have been married 62 years and have two sons (Bob and Bill), five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Congrats Kali Meyer Holder Wilson County Teacher of the Year

Congratulations Kali Meyer Holder, Wilson County Teacher of the Year!

Written by CedarStone Bank News on April 14, 2015. Posted in News & Events. No Comments on Congratulations Kali Meyer Holder, Wilson County Teacher of the Year!

Congrats to Kali Meyer Holder, 7th grade math teacher at Walter J. Baird Middle School for being selected as the 2014-15 Wilson County Teacher of the Year. CedarStone Bank employees gathered to congratulate her soon after the award presentation Friday night at Cumberland University.

Picture above with Kali (from left) John B. Bryan, Debbie Whited, Robert McDonald and Bob McDonald. The Teacher of the Year program was started some 18 years ago by CedarStone Bank president Bob McDonald and W.P. Bone III, owner of Wilson County Motors.

Justin Duncan completes Capstone Experience Program at CedarStone Bank Donelson Branch

Senior Completes Captstone Experience Program At CedarStone Bank

Written by CedarStone Bank News on March 17, 2015. Posted in News & Events. No Comments on Senior Completes Captstone Experience Program At CedarStone Bank

Pictured above with Justin is Donelson Branch Manager Lisa Brown and Relationship Manager Robert McDonald.

Recently Justin Duncan, senior at McGavock High School completed over 40 hours with CedarStone Bank in the Capstone Experience program. Justin has been involved in the program at the Donelson Branch since October 2014. A Capstone experience is a project that allows students to learn about themselves by moving an idea or dream toward a topic of interest, specialization, community need, or career choice.

The entire Donelson Branch congratulated McGavock senior Justin Duncan recently on his completion of the Capstone Experience program at CedarStone Bank. Pictured from left to right is Willie McDonald, Naaman Stillwell, Marilyn Kaczmarski, Kati Barbeau, Justin Duncan, Lisa Brown, Layla Hejazi and Robert McDonald.