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| Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet Entrepreneur, volunteer, author — it’s easy to see why Caribou’s Margaret Kimball has been named “Woman of the Year” by not only the local chapter of Business and Professional Women, but also statewide by the organization. Kimball is shown here with a copy of her book “The Neighborhood Store,” a fictional account of her experiences and observations running Kimball’s Store in the 1950s through the early ‘70s. |
By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — A local businesswoman and avid volunteer has recently been selected as the Maine Business and Professional Women’s “Woman of the Year.”
Margaret Kimball, of Caribou, was also named Caribou’s Business and Professional Woman during the group’s April luncheon and said she was very pleased to be honored at both the local and state level.
Nominating her for the accomplishment was Darlene Grass, secretary of the Caribou BPW. In an acrostic-styled letter, Grass used the letters of “Margaret” to describe the positive qualities Kimball possesses as well as her accomplishments that make her worthy of the title “Woman of the Year.”
“If I were to break Margaret’s name down into an acronym it would include words such as “motivated, affectionate, responsible, Godly, author, reliable, empathetic and time conscious,” Grass wrote.
Modestly, Kimball wonders what specifically the judges saw in Grass’s nomination letter that resulted in her being awarded the statewide honor; a quick peruse through Grass’ letter speaks volumes of Kimball’s volunteerism, compassion and accomplishments.
Recently, for example, Kimball is going on her seventeenth year as greater Caribou area coordinator for Aroostook RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).
“During 2010, the volunteers in the county had donated more than 85,000 hours of service,” Grass explained in her nomination letter. “Margaret’s work within this organization has been instrumental in providing transportation to the elderly and ill to medical appointments, providing encouragement to shut-ins and just inviting an extra friend out for that cup of Tim Horton’s coffee.”
Caribou BPW President Rani Belanger is just one of many individuals excited to see Kimball honored as “Woman of the Year.”
“I think that Margaret is a true pioneer and was decades ahead of her time,” Belanger said. “She took risks that many women did not dare to take. Her selfless commitment to her community at to her ‘neighbors’ continues to this day with her volunteer work both with the RSVP agency and the Historical Society.”
“Margaret is never too busy to lend a hand, share a smile or a kind word,” Belanger added. “I think that all of these things speak volumes that transcend all women, no matter the age, socioeconomic status or background; I can not think of anyone more deserving of the honor.”
Aside from her always-impeccable presentation, which frequently includes a timelessly-fashionable hat with matching gloves, Kimball is known for the many theoretical hats she wears in the community, like entrepreneur, writer, volunteer and non-profit organizer.
Kimball’s writing has graced many Aroostook publications, like Echoes magazine, and she’s currently working toward completing her third book.
“Hopefully it will be ready for Christmas,” Kimball said.
Her first book remains untitled and unpublished, but none the less proof that Kimball has the dedication to be a serious writer.
With a knack for fiction, Kimball tells wonderful stories about life in Aroostook County; her second book, “The Neighborhood Store” was a tremendous success. Self published in 1998, its first printing sold out. Of the second printing, Kimball has just about 25 copies of the popular book left.
A series of short stories captures the spirit and nature of the little neighborhood store; Kimball tells the tales of her customers, herself and her mother as the two of them ran the business for 22 years.
Kimball’s Store was a staple in the Caribou community, where children would convene every day after school to spend their pennies on candy.
Kimball’s parents, father Charles and mother also named Margaret, purchased the store in 1948; three years later, Charles passed away. It was a unique situation for the two, as few women were business owners in the 1950s, but Kimball described it as a pleasant experience; they ran the store for 22 years.
Business savvy must have run in the family, because it was Kimball’s responsibility to maintain the books for Kimball’s Store while helping her mother run the business.
Kimball’s mother had a significant influence on her life; Margaret senior passed away in 1995 at the age of 96.
“Margaret’s mother set a wonderful example for her and taught her that women are powerful and strong and can succeed, even in a time when society did not expect that they would,” Belanger said. “Margaret in turn has been a strong force in the community and has influenced the lives of many women (and men) in our area for decades and continues to do so.”
Kimball remembers her mother as a strict disciplinarian who required respect and honesty; while the “buddy” approach to parenting has currently become pretty mainstream, Kimball remembers that her mother was always there for her as a parent as well as a protector, “and I think that was important,” she said.
“She really was the wind beneath my wings,” Kimball said; coincidentally, that song was sung during the Caribou BPW luncheon where Kimble was announced as Caribou’s BPW Woman of the Year.
Smiling, Kimball remembered just one of the memorable things her mother would say, reciting the phrase as if she could hear her mother saying the words herself.
“Hang on to the coat tails of God and never let go,” Kimball said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t have trials, but He’s there to take us through them.”
Being “Woman of the Year” isn’t the first time Kimball has been honored for her lifetime of accomplishments; in 2010, the Bangor Metro ran a story on her during their May issue, featuring “Super Seniors;” in 2001, Women, Work and Community selected Kimball as one of 12 featured women for their calendar. Her February feature is headlined “Margaret Kimball … considerate strength, faith and determination.”
Kimball was also selected as a contributing writer for the 1996 publication of “Old Women’s Wisdom,” during which she composed a story about the life of Edwidge Pelletier Saucier — one of Aroostook’s remarkable women.
Kimball, who’s earned her spot among Maine’s notable women, shared a few memorable words of her own.
“Attitude is so important; how we think is how we act. We are women of substance, of purpose with much potential to offer. We need to put our best foot forward always” she said, “let us not lose our femininity. Wherever we go we make a statement, therefore, do you best, look your best and be your best — it’s living life in its fullest.”
While the date has yet to be announced, as part of Kimball’s honor of Maine BPW’s “Woman of the Year,” she will be a guest speaker at the annual fall workshop; while Belanger has always admired Kimball’s grace, poise and professionalism, she is looking forward to the fall workshop and learning more about Kimball and her journey.
“I think that Margaret’s thought-providing quote best sums up how she has chosen to live her life,” Belanger said, and quoted Kimball, saying, “‘Each day is an opportunity to make choices that will impact people’s lives. Will you help to meet the need?’”
