Mike Pictured with
Marissa Michaud, Alex Brokos, Riley Dow and Morgan Dolby
Mike Timmons: Simply “Good People”
Mike Timmons is one of the more unique people I know. He is simply “good people” as we say back home.
Mike is always seeking to make whatever he is involved with better for others. Regardless of the arena he is operating in, you can be assured that with Mike involved, it will be well done and well run.
He is a former Maine Principal of the Year and Maine Agricultural Person of the Year, two distinctions that as far as we could tell, he is the only one to be selected both. These two honors epitomize his life and his commitment to excellence.
I am truly honored to call him friend.
Q: Tell us about yourself, your childhood and your family. In other words, give us a snapshot of who you are and what you care about?
A: I was born September 15, 1942, the son of Kimball and Arline Timmons. Along with my two brothers and sister, we lived in Windham Maine where we attended Windham Public Schools. I completed 13 years in the Windham school system, graduating in The Class of 1960.
After college at Orono and University of Southern Maine, I went to work at the State of Maine as vocational teacher and in 1974 was hired by Windham School system as a classroom teacher. Thirty eight years later, I had held positions as, Assistant, Superintendent, Director of Special Education, High School Principal, Cooperative Education and develop a Student Interact volunteer program. When I retired, I had spent 50 years in the Windham Schools. I enjoyed every day spent with High School students and was honored many times for making a positive impact on the students and staff. A joy that has served me well for a lifetime.
My hobby and second career has been at the Cumberland Fair where I have been involved for many years. Currently, I am the President and have had the pleasure of working with many special leaders with a variety of backgrounds, all sharing the same goal. Putting together a special annual county fair that supports Agriculture programs. Animals, 4H programs, cattle and horse events and motorized event. We end the week with a huge Fireworks program.
Q: Give us a snapshot of your professional career, including your time as a State Representative.
A: The Town of Cumberland, where Sally and I live elected me to the Maine State Legislation District Seat #45 House of Representatives. This was a special education that I will remember for a life time. If you have never served, you should give this serious consideration. I was not re-elected for a second term because I was to conservative. One relationship that I will always cherish was working with Governor Paul Le Page. Now before you pass judgment on this, I agreed to disagree if I could not support the Governor on an issue, I told him why and he could accept it or not. We got along very well. When my term ended he appointed me to the Maine Harness Racing Commission, where I still serve as Chairperson of the Committee.
Q: You have been a “Principal of the Year” and an “Agricultural Person of the Year.” Quite likely, you are the only person to hold both distinctions. What are the similarities between both fields that allowed you to succeed in each realm?
A: Holding both distinctions are very similar, both involve dealing with students, adults, visitors, business men and women. Communication is critical in the classroom, during Directors meetings and while attending to the 50,000 fair visitors annually.
Q: You are the head of the Cumberland Fair and the Cumberland Fairgrounds. You do an incredible amount of diverse activities. As an example, recently you held a four-day dog show and a spiritual revival with Reverend Franklin Graham in the same weekend. Many would sit back and rest on their well-deserved laurels, but not you. What drives you to continue to excel?
A: I am task oriented, an early riser and very ambitious. I want everyone who comes to the fairgrounds to find a very pleasant, well kept place. I work hard to provide a wide variety of programs and would like them to be inviting, entertaining and fun. We have a large, hard working staff who have a variety of skills and do an excellent job.
Q: How do you relax?
A: Between 8pm and 9 pm, you can find me getting lots of rest getting ready to meet the challenge of the next program. We have a variety of Summer programs coming up for both family and children in mind.
Q: What is your favorite type of food to eat and where do you go to get it?
A: Sally and I go out a lot. Breakfast at Cracker Barrel. For lunch we have two favorites, Olive Garden and Rose’s. At 5:30 a.m. I go for a quick breakfast with the boys at McDonald’s or J’Brothers.
Q: What is the last book you read and what did you learn from it?
A: I am currently reading “Tough as they Come”. It is the story of United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills. Travis became one of only five soldiers from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to survive a quadruple amputation. I had the honor of introducing Travis at the Maine Agriculture Zone meeting at the Samoset. If you ever start to feel sorry for your self, you need to met Travis, read his book and your troubles will be minuscule. He is amazing and a great speaker. He is my hero.
Q: Not counting family because it is too easy, if you could have coffee with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you talk about?
A: I would love to talk with my late dad and thank him for instilling in me that being kind, considerate, helping others in need, and hard work will serve you well as you go through your lifetime.
Q: Tell us three things about yourself you would like people to know.
A: I will share what my wife just handed me. I love her very much. She is a wonderful caring lady who visits her friends, some ill, on a regular bases
Sally wrote:
Michael and I have been married for close to 47 years now, although we knew each other briefly in our early teens. Michael gives 100% of himself to everything he sets his mind to. He is a “giving” man, a very responsible one, and one who is caring, going “further than the average person” to show his love and care. He works tirelessly to meet his goals and always completes what he begins, he’s trustworthy and has the integrity one can depend on. He is a great decision maker using his God given wisdom to solve many problems. People depend on him and seek him out when they have problems.
