Staff Writer
Just like the verse from “ The Night Before Christmas,” ‘while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads’ there were many ladies in this area who just might have closed their eyes Feb. 11, picturing a diamond ring on their finger — the one they bought a raffle ticket on from the Maine Veterans’ Home.
Photos by Barb Scott
MVH Valentine’s Day King, Harold Corey selected the winning diamond ring raffle ticket Feb. 12 during a Valentine’s Day celebration held for the residents. The raffle, for a diamond ‘Journey’ ring, was won by John Sweetser of Presque Isle. Assisting with the drawing were, Cindy Ayotte, left, MVH director of nursing and Phyllis Baker, MVH staff member.
Sorry ladies, the winning ticket, drawn Feb.12, was held by John Sweetser of Presque Isle. Sweetser, who is employed at Sears, bought his ticket at Robert’s Jewelry in Madawaska, which donated the $3,500 diamond ring to the MVH to be used for this fund-raiser.
“I am a veteran myself,” said Sweetser, “and I just happened to be at Robert’s Jewelry in Madawaska and noticed the sign regarding the raffle tickets, so I bought one.”
Sweetser’s wife, Debbie, who works for TAMC at the North Street Health Care Clinic, stated, “We had seen the ad on television also, but John never buys things like that, so I was really surprised when we were notified he had won.”
“We’ve been married for 34 years,” added John Sweetser, “this rings makes up for a lot of Valentine’s Day things she didn’t get in the past.”
The winning raffle ticket was drawn by newly crowned MVH Valentine’s Day King, Harold Corey, a resident at the MVH.
The Valentine’s Day raffle raised $4,800 in donations that will be used, along with volunteer hands-on assistance from the MVH, Northeast Publishing and the Aroostook Republican to aid a yet-to-be-named area veteran who is in need of assistance regarding vital home repairs, appliance purchases or other needs to help improve their quality of life and independence.
Valentine’s Day King and Queen Doris Blanchette and Harold Corey enjoyed a royal dance during the afternoon celebration at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou.
Alfred Formantini and Emma Budrow, residents at the Maine Veterans’ Home were crowned MVH Valentine’s Day king and queen during a recent social afternoon which featured music, dancing, visitors and the drawing of the lucky raffle ticket for a diamond ring.
