By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Maine’s 2012 Woman of the Year, appointed by members of the Maine Business and Professional Women (BPW), is none other than Caribou’s Margaret Kimball; she was honored on Oct. 20 during a special ceremony.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Named 2012 Woman of the Year, Margaret Kimball was honored during a special presentation ceremony on Oct. 20 at the Caribou Historical Society — one of the many organization where Kimball is a dedicated volunteer.
Though Kimball is well known throughout the region for her impeccable style, it was her substance that received praise and accolades during the ceremony. A business owner, volunteer, author, caretaker and overall remarkably strong woman, Caribou BPW member Darlene Grass nominated Kimball for the honor and used “Margaret” as an acronym for the adjectives that describe her.
A description of each letter and how Kimball embodies that attribute was read during the morning event, highlighting the ways in which she is Motivated, Affectionate, Responsible, Godly, an Author, Reliable, Empathetic and Time Conscious.
“The world would be a better place if there were more women like Margaret for us to use as role models and mentors,” Grass wrote in her nomination letter.
Kimball thanked the audience for the honor of representing Maine as Professional Woman of the Year.
“To be chosen from throughout the state of Maine is indeed special,” she said. “Womens’ role in this world culture is not easy; it is competitive and challenging, an uphill climb all the way. Nevertheless, we strive to keep our skills sharpened, and keep mind of the opportunities as they come available.”
“Our present culture states we can have it all — career, marriage, children, wealth, prestige — and it is possible, but remember: there is a price to pay,” Kimball continued. “Commitment, time, energy and loyalty to the spouse, to the job, to the children; so think thoroughly, because the many tomorrows that follow will affect the decisions you make today.”
Kimball described how she was able to build the foundation for her outlook on life based on the lessons she learned from her mother, who was herself a strong woman worth emulation.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Honoring the 2012 Woman of the Year Margaret Kimball, awarded the honor by the Maine Business and Professional Women, a crowd of supporters gathered Oct. 20 to honor the extraordinary woman. Shown above, describing one of Margaret’s attributes for each letter of her name, were, from left, Caribou BPW members Shelley O’Rourke and Leah Mazzerolle, Maine BPW Treasurer Ronda Crosson, Fort Kent BPW member Diane Fongemie, Caribou BPW member Darlene Grass, Maine BPW Secretary Jeri White, Maine BPW Co-President Susan Tardie, Caribou BPW President Rani Belanger and Maine BPW Co-President Marie Saucier.
“Her life story will fill the pages of a book I plan to write,” Kimball said. I think of her as a pioneer right out of the pages of history.”
As the crowd listened to Kimball share stories of her mother’s perseverance and hard work, Kimball offered words of wisdom fitting of someone aptly named “Woman of the Year.”
“We grow and mature by tests and trials — our attitude is so important in how we go through them. How we think, how we act, we make a statement wherever we go,” she said. “We are women of substance and purpose, with much potential to offer.”
“We need to put our best foot forward always, yet never lose our femininity,” Kimball added. “Be your best, look your best and act your best. Live life to the fullest.”
“Remember,” she concluded, “each day is an opportunity to make choices that will impact peoples’ lives.”
Her speech was met with echoing applause.
A prolific and thoughtful writer, Kimball’s next book titled “The Inheritance” is slated to hopefully be available for the Christmas season.
Aroostook Republican Photo/Lisa Wilcox
At left, Caribou Mayor Ken Murchison hands Shelley O’Rourke, the immediate past president of Caribou’s Business & Professional Women, a signed proclamation declaring Oct. 22 through 26, 2012 National Business Women’s Week. Per the proclamation, working women constitute 69 million of the nation’s work force, and female-owned businesses account for 28 percent of all U.S. business, generating $1.2 trillion in sales. Since 1928, Business and Professional Women/USA has been spotlighting the achievements and contributions of working women during National Business Women’s Week.
