Joles receives Lifetime Achievement Award

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Virginia “Ginny” Joles received the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award during the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on Jan. 23 — an honor recognizing her many contributions to the community of Presque Isle and Aroostook County over the years.

    “It’s an honor and a privilege to talk about and present the Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s being given to a truly wonderful person who’s touched many lives. Virginia Joles has touched young and old alike. She has mentored, guided, fostered, counseled and loved many — all the while continuing to grow herself,” said Nancy Fletcher, incoming president of the CACC, who presented the award.

    Joles, who retired last year from Maine Public Service after more than four decades with the company, has been an ambassador for the region, participating with and promoting a number of agencies and organizations.

    “Ginny has been an active member of the northern Maine community landscape, serving on a number of boards, including: United Way of Aroostook, The Aroostook Medical Center, Wintergreen Arts Center, Northern Maine Community College, and has chaired literally dozens of special projects from the World Cup Biathlon to Presque Isle’s 125th Anniversary Celebration to Rotary International. She was the first female president of the Presque Isle Rotary and has been an active member in APP (Aroostook Partnership for Progress) and LEAD (Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development),” said Fletcher.

    Joles’ achievements have spanned a lifetime.

    “While working full-time and raising two children she completed two college degrees and holds both an associate’s degree in business management and a bachelor’s degree in business management and journalism from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. In 1985 Ginny and her husband, Jerry, opened Joles School of American Combat Self Defense — a company they still own and operate today,” she said.

    Fletcher shared part of the anonymous nomination letter, which read “Though I am submitting this nomination, I foresee with the freedom of retirement, Ginny’s accomplishments have only begun. I admire and respect this woman for her humble approach, professionalism and constant persistence for what is right.”

    “Ginny is a strong advocate of Aroostook County” whose strengths include “honesty, sincerity and encouragement,” said Fletcher.

    Fletcher noted Joles’ accomplishments were too numerous to list but included helping children in education through Rotary’s distribution of thesauruses to local elementary schools and other projects; promoting recreation and self-improvement through various programs, workshops and classes, including serving as an NRA-certified instructor for basic pistol and personal protection in the homes; helping the elderly lead full and happy lives, which found her most recently joining the House of Comfort Committee, with her retirement party last year held as a fundraiser for the organization; and helping the general public in safety, education, better living or entertainment, serving as a member of: the Patriot Guard Riders, and the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club, the Downtown Revitalization Committee, and as a philanthropic lead for TAMC, working in support of various hospital projects. Joles continues to be encourage economic development in the region.

    Sen. Troy Jackson and Mike Willette, on behalf of his son, Rep. Alex Willette, were also on hand to congratulate Joles and present her with a Legislative Sentiment to mark the occasion.

    “People go above and beyond in The County. She’s someone we see a lot of. Ginny’s a great person and advocate for those in Aroostook County. This is a special honor for me too,” said Jackson.

    “Working the railroad bill, Ginny and Theresa (Fowler, CACC executive director) were two people who could work the chambers (at the Statehouse). They really persuaded stubborn legislators who didn’t care if we had a railroad,” said Willette.

    The honoree also received congratulatory letters from Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, and Congressman Mike Michaud.