PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — A $1 Sweet Million ticket paid off big for a Port Jervis, New York, father of two who won a $1 million jackpot.
Chris Johnston, 49, and his family were presented with the token giant check Thursday by the New York Lottery's Gretchen Dizer. He said he's going to use a majority of his $660,300 lump sum payment for retirement but will treat his family and himself first.
"As far as the future, I see a beach and warm weather," Johnston said.
Johnston used a combination of birthdays from his wife, Victoria, daughter Samantha and son Seth when he picked his numbers for the Sweet Million lottery game Nov. 4.
"I started to shake a little bit, sweat a little bit, and then I probably started smiling a whole bunch," Johnston said.
Johnston works as a baker at the Price Chopper in Matamoras, Pa., and as a real estate broker at Hawk's Nest Realty in Port Jervis. He said for some people, he's become a good- luck charm.
"People ask me, 'Can you rub my hand?'" said Johnston.
Victoria Johnston said she didn't believe her husband at first when he told her, but even as the reality sinks in, not much will change in their household.
"Nothing's changed — we're both working people," she said.
Johnston purchased his lucky ticket for just $1, according to store clerk Peter Patel of the Port Jervis Market on East Main Street. The market is the region's top lottery seller and according to Patel sells more than 90 types of lottery games. Patel said Johnston, who was a regular lottery customer, was one of 33 people who bought that same game that day.
Odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 3,838,380, according to the New York Lottery website.
Right before the presentation, Judy Ennis of the Town of Deerpark came in to buy a lottery ticket.
"I think it's great — wonderful. It's nice to see someone local," Ennis said.
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Fantastic decison.As we grow older,we lose energy,so plas when your you have a fantastsic opportunity to safe.learn something from this news.
Have a great day.
(look out for Abdi's predictions-on the predictions page starting from monday to sunday next week.You could be winning some real cash by playing and putting your money on my predictions.I will be posting all States 3 and and pick among other international lotteries)
Congratulations to Mr. Johnston.
So happy to hear about his win.
Now, I am going to sit back and wait for it............The market is the region's top lottery seller and according to Patel sells more than 90 types of lottery games. Patel said Johnston, who was a regular lottery customer, was one of 33 people who bought that same game that day.
Well, maybe the next stop for a winner will be Rochester...Congrats to the Johnston family.
congrat's to the Johnston on their win, saving for retirement sound good.
mr johnson seems to know what to do, retire. i just hope this money can sustain a descent lifestyle with him being only in his midlife
and with kids...maybe he has other incomes and investments. whichever way, i'm happy for him
Congrats on your win! Way to retire in style. I see a warm beach in my future too when I win the lottery.-weshar75
Congratulations to the Johnstons
Happy Retirement
Congrats!!
. . . . . .
"As far as the future, I see a beach and warm weather," Johnston said.
+ Yep, that sounds like a winner + Have fun +
I would caution him about going to beaches.
He should make sure he trims his beard real good.
Last time I went to a beach I got a bad infestation of Sand Fleas from my beard dragging in the sand.
i don't believe he meant he was going to retire now. he's only 49 and said he will continue to work. 660k would run out in 13 years so i think he is salting it away until he's 62 or older.