Amy Jones has a class ring she really, really wants to return.

She said she was inspired this week to broaden her search for its owner after a story about an Auburn woman who had her class ring returned by a stranger after it was stolen 28 years ago. Jones said she read it thinking, “That is what I really want to do. I really want to get it back to her.”

When Jones’ stepmother died six years ago, the South Portland woman inherited her jewelry box. One of the items inside: a 1975 McAuley High School class ring, bent as if it had been dropped. The gold ring has an emerald green stone, symbols on either side, and the initials “CAM” inside the band. Jones said she has no idea where or when her stepmother would have found it. She phoned the Portland high school and got the name of its likely owner, Catherine Annette Metcalf, but hasn’t been able to track the woman down.

“I have searched endlessly for years,” she said.

Jones has poked around the Internet and left phone messages with people she suspected might be Metcalf, or her family, and heard nothing back. She’s also tried Facebook, which was how the Auburn woman’s missing ring was returned. No luck there, either.

She thinks finding its owner means even more to her because back in high school, she couldn’t afford a class ring herself.

“It would be absolutely amazing,” Jones said. “It would be a blessing to be able to give this back.”

— Kathryn Skelton

Nestle CEO: Maine water tastes best

Kim Jeffery, CEO of Nestle Waters North America which owns Poland Spring, came to Maine this week to tour plants and speak to workers and non-profit organizations the company supports.

One of the largest bottled water beverage corporations, other bottled water brands Nestle owns are Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ozarka, Zephyrhills and Nestle Pure Life. Nestle also owns imported brands Perrier, Acqua Panna and S. Pellegrino.

Jeffery told an audience Thursday his favorite is Poland Spring. It tastes the best. He was asked later was he schmoozing, or did he mean it?

“Poland Spring is the best,” he insisted. “The reason is Maine is basically glacial till. When the glaciers receded they rubbed the mountains down to the size they are today. Maine is all sand. Sand is the best filter medium for spring water because it doesn’t pick up minerals,” Jeffery explained. “That gives it a clean and sweet taste. It’s the best tasting brand we have.”

— Bonnie Washuk