After Dundalk's Bunky Bartlett hit the Mega Millions jackpot in 2007, he said he planned to help a new age gift shop expand. He also said he would continue teaching people about his Wiccan beliefs. Bartlett has been true to his word.
The Mystical Voyage store in Nottingham used to occupy 2500 square feet of space. When the expanded store opens next month, it will occupy 6500 square feet -- enough space for several new holistic healing rooms, and a large yoga studio.
Lori and Mick Purdue own Mystickal Voyage. They say Bartlett's help with the expansion is filling a need in the community. "People have been e-mailing all the time. People have been calling all the time -- 'Is it open yet? Is it open yet?' Yes, lots of interest," said Mick Purdue.
Bartlett's wife bought the winning ticket at Walther Liquors back on August 31. At the time, the Mega Millions jackpot had grown to $330-million. Four tickets matched all the numbers, including Bartlett's. He chose the lump sum payment, which after taxes came to about $33-million.
Mystickal Voyage now has more space for Bartlett to teach classes about his Wicca beliefs, which was already doing when he won Mega Millions. "I've tried to stay the same person I was back then. I think I'm accomplishing that," he said. "I'm just able to do more things now than I could before."
