Joles retires from MPS
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
VIRGINIA “GINNY” JOLES received a meter lamp from Gerry Chasse, president of Maine Public Service/Bangor Hydro, during a celebration at UMPI’s Campus Center marking Joles’ retirement from MPS after 46 years with the company.
STORY TIME — During a celebration marking Virginia Joles’ retirement after 46 years with Maine Public Service, participants shared stories of their experiences with her. Here, Joles listens as husband Jerry Joles tells how he first met his wife. Lisa Miles, the evening’s emcee, looks on.
RICK DUNCAN thanks Virginia Joles for sharing her retirement party with his organization, Aroostook House of Comfort. Joles used the event as a fundraiser for the hospice facility.
A LEGISLATIVE sentiment was presented to Virginia Joles by Rep. Alex Willette in honor of her 46 years with Maine Public Service.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Friday marked the last official full work day for Virginia “Ginny” Joles, who’s been a fixture at Maine Public Service for over 46 years — serving most recently as senior communications specialist.
“I will continue to provide services on several projects as a consultant for Bangor Hydro Electric and Maine Public Service through the end of the year,” said Joles, noting, “My responsibilities have already been transitioned to Bangor Hydro Communications and Corporate Relations. In the meantime, Susan Faloon will handle media relations, power outage information and other concerns related to communications and corporate relations.”
In lieu of a retirement party, Joles was honored last month with a special dinner that served as a fundraiser for Aroostook House of Comfort. The gathering was held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center, with dozens turning out to honor Joles and support a worthy cause.
The evening kicked off with a social hour, followed by the initial welcome and safety message presented by Gina LeBlanc-Eggert.
Gerry Chasse, president of Bangor Hydro/MPS followed, noting that in her typical humble fashion, Joles chose to turn the attention from the evening away from herself, instead using the event to support a worthy cause in the community.
“Ginny requested any funds raised through this event benefit AHC,” said Chasse.
Rep. Alex Willette then presented Joles with a Legislative sentiment acknowledging her many decades of dedicated service to MPS and the customers it serves.
Jason Parent noted that congratulations were also received from Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins, and Congressman Mike Michaud.
Lisa Miles, serving as mistress of ceremonies, got the festivities under way with the “Ginny Jam” — an opportunity for those present to share a memory of Joles, with various themes set to music provided by DJ Bob Potts, communications specialist for Bangor Hydro. Joles’ husband, Jerry Joles, was the first of many to share fond memories, with his involving the first day they met.
The tale involved Joles speeding in her Corvette, only to be pulled over by an officer who later became her husband.
“She finally slowed down and pulled over. I saw a gorgeous blond with legs up to there. I saw on her license she also rode motorcycles. I didn’t give her a ticket and we married a year later,” said Jerry Joles. “We’ve been married 41 years.”
Co-workers, members of various groups and organizations, as well as friends shared their experiences with Joles over the years. The common theme among their comments was Joles dedication to anything she was involved with, be it MPS, the Rotary Club, Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development, Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee, Aroostook Partnership for Progress, Maine Winter Sports Center or other ventures.
Participants continued to share stories, donating “Ginny Dollars” for the cause in exchange for use of the mic.
Rick Duncan, of Aroostook House of Comfort, said of all the things Joles has done and participated in, he was looking forward to having her join his cause.
“I’m so glad you’ll be part of us. I’m pleased you’re joining our group,” said Duncan. He continued by explaining what services AHC will offer, where it’s located and how the project came about. AHC will be a facility offering a place for end-of-life care, with room for families to be together in a more comfortable setting, rather than a hospital room.
“The facility will allow loved ones to get the care they expect and the services they need. We’re excited to have someone of your (Joles’) caliber with us to bring this to fruition,” said Duncan.
Joles was then presented with a unique 1920s vintage meter lamp by Chasse.
“Not many can say they’ve worked anywhere for 46 years. That’s a feat more impressive than just the time,” said Chasse.
Joles addressed the audience, thanking everyone for attending the fundraiser.
“I’ve enjoyed helping support people — whether through the company or the community. It’s not about me; Aroostook House of Comfort is worth our support,” said Joles.
Joles said MPS was more of a family to her and she’ll miss the friendships created over the years.
“It’s been a great journey. I’ll work part-time until the end of the year,” said Joles. “Thank you again. I’m satisfied this wasn’t made about me; this is about AHC.”
Joles said she’ll now have more time for the various hobbies she enjoys, including remaining active in the community.
