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Yarmouth children's garden opens for season - Press Herald

Call 899-5861 for more information.< PreviousJuly 4th in Freeport: Road race, parade, fireworks Next >filed under:Related StoriesLatest Articles... https://www.pressherald.com/2019/06/25/yarmouth-childrens-garden-opens-for-season/

Closure of longtime Norridgewock Christmas wreath company a sign of higher costs, industry challenges - Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel

Norridgewock company went out of business exactly, but he estimates he’s absorbed some of the product from “fir tippers” who harvest and sell boughs.At Maine Wreath & Flower in Freeport, owner Debbie Cupo said pricing by size has affected her business too, but there’s not much she can do to change the size of boxes or get a better rate.“It just affects the bottom line,” Cupo said. “I don’t make as much money.” She said she is not willing to pass on the extra cost to her customers. “They’re unconditional, so I just don’t make as much. It’s difficult.”Winter wreath making is a New England tradition, and Cupo said she sends her products to customers around the country. Most of her sales are sent out of state.Kell, of Kelco Industries, said the early winter storms this year have “kept people out of the woods who would be collecting the tips, and every wreath producer is behind by a week to 10 days.” His company produces about 5 million wreath rings annually, of which about 25 percent, or 1 million, are sold to wreath-makers in Maine, suggesting the state probably has a few thousand wreath-making operations.Kell said another small industry trend is the “buy-local” movement that has wreath-makers popping up in other parts of the country, decreasing the demand from traditional sellers in New England. Higher shipping costs cont... https://www.centralmaine.com/2018/12/08/closure-of-longtime-norridgewock-christmas-wreath-company-a-sign-of-higher-costs-industry-challenges/

Rising shipping costs spell the end of Norridgewock Christmas wreath company - Press Herald

Norridgewock company went out of business exactly, but he estimates he’s absorbed some of the product from “fir tippers” who harvest and sell boughs.At Maine Wreath & Flower in Freeport, owner Debbie Cupo said pricing by size has affected her business too, but there’s not much she can do to change the size of boxes or get a better rate.“It just affects the bottom line,” Cupo said. “I don’t make as much money.” She said she is not willing to pass on the extra cost to her customers. “They’re unconditional, so I just don’t make as much. It’s difficult.”Winter wreath making is a New England tradition, and Cupo said she sends her products to customers around the country. Most of her sales are sent out of state.Kell, of Kelco Industries, said the early winter storms this year have “kept people out of the woods who would be collecting the tips, and every wreath producer is behind by a week to 10 days.” His company produces about 5 million wreath rings annually, of which about 25 percent, or 1 million, are sold to wreath-makers in Maine, suggesting the state probably has a few thousand wreath-making operations.Kell said another small industry trend is the “buy-local” movement that has wreath-makers popping up in other parts of the country, decreasing the demand from traditional sellers in New England. Higher shipping costs cont... https://www.pressherald.com/2018/12/08/closure-of-longtime-norridgewock-christmas-wreath-company-a-sign-of-higher-costs-industry-challenges/

2017 Valentine's Day gift and travel guide - Queens Chronicle

Atlantic City. Whoopie pies are a southern treat, but the sweetest that I have ever tasted are those frmo Wicked Whoopies (wickedwhoopies.com), surprisingly made in Freeport, Maine, a Portland suburb famous for its outlet shopping. Former investment banker Liz Fife recently started a New York-based company, Batter & Cream (batterandcream.com), that specializes in whoopie pies.Cheryl’s (cheryls.com) has a Valentine’s Day gift box of its popular cookies while Harry & David’s has gift baskets of its popular Moose Munch popcorn as well as its many other confections.Couples who are coffee drinkers and who don’t mind a touch of saccharine kitsch should purchase Care Bears his and hers mugs.For the spirits industry, Valentine’s Day ranks just behind New Year’s Eve in terms of sales numbers. Liqueurs such as Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur, Baileys Old Irish Creme, Kahlua and Baileys Salted Caramel and Bailey’s recent creation, Espresso Café Creme, are safe bets. France is renowned for red wine but Calvados Boulard is a fine brandy from its Normandy region. Ireland now has competition in the cream liqueur industry as evidenced by South Africa’s Amarula Cream.Sparkling wines such as France’s Lillet Rose and Italy’s Banfi Rosa Regale are also synonymous with romance. If you want a slight sweet touch to somewhat harder alcohol, try Smirnoff Wild Honey Vodka or Balvenie Caribbean Cork.If you prefer smooth over sweet, Glenfiddich 12, Macallan, Usquaebach and Johnnie Walker Black Label (the Blue Label will cost you over $200) are great options in the scotch whisky mark... http://www.qchron.com/editions/central/valentine-s-day-gift-and-travel-guide/article_4aa66bda-ed48-11e6-bf6c-63e4ccbee247.html

Roses for Hillary: Yarmouth flower business delivers - The Forecaster

Kap Wallingford, but the recipient. The roses were being sent to Hillary Clinton.“I was so overwhelmed and honored that I instantly started to shake,” Wallingford said.Wallingford, of Freeport, and her husband Mark Ranalletti have owned Calyx Flowers for one year. They purchased it from Vermont Holding Co.The couple doesn’t have a physical flower shop, but run the online company at 305 U.S. Route 1. They work with farms and flower growers all over the country and world.Wallingford and Ranalletti have three direct employees, but between growers, marketers, and a call center, Calyx Flowers works with more than 300 people. The company uses the SaviLinx call center in Brunswick.The order for Clinton was placed on Nov. 11, three days after the former secretary of state lost the presidential election to Republican Donald Trump. The flower order was placed by UltraViolet, a nonprofit organization that works to fight sexism and expand women’s rights, as a surprise gift for Clinton.Wallingford said she doesn’t know why UltraViolet chose to place its order with Calyx Flowers. Several attempts to contact officials at UltraViolet were unsuccessful.Wallingford said SaviLinx informs her when large orders are placed, and when she was told about the order for Clinton, she became anxious and excited. She wouldn’t say who she supported in the presidentia... http://www.theforecaster.net/roses-for-hillary-yarmouth-flower-business-delivers/

Armstrong, Charlie Hugh - The Chattanoogan

Charlie Hugh Armstrong, 87, of Chattanooga, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019, in Jacksonville, Florida.  Charlie dedicated more than 50 years to the pharmacy profession, as an owner/pharmacist of Lakeside Pharmacy in Chattanooga; as a pioneer in the treatment of decubitus ulcers; and as a leader in Tennessee hospice development in the mid-80s. He was a longtime PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America) member, former PCCA pharmacy consultant, and most recently, PCCA treasurer, serving on the board of directors. Charlie went home to be with his Lord on Monday, August 5, 2019. He joined PCCA as a member in May 1984, began helping out with pharmacy consulting calls in the early 1990s, became a major PCCA shareholder and treasurer in November 1998, and then officially joined the PCCA team in September 1999. He retired from PCCA in January 2004, but continued to serve as a consultant and on the board of directors until March 2019. His son, Charles H. Armstrong, Jr., known by all as “Chick,” continued his father’s legacy by joining the PC... https://www.chattanoogan.com/2019/8/8/394276/Armstrong-Charlie-Hugh.aspx

Bridal Bliss: Keva and Leonard's Bahamian Wedding Was A Photographer's Dream - Essence

Leonard are a young God-fearing couple that wanted their wedding to be both rustic and spiritual.The couple met online in 2017 while Leo pursued his master’s degree at the University of Central Florida while working at Bethune-Cookman University. Both of them are photographers, and Keva admired his work enough to inquire about him taking some birthday photos for her. “Initially, Keva wanted to shoot in Nassau,” Leo explains, “but I was persistent insisting about shooting in her hometown Bimini because I’ve always wanted to visit.” Their connection was instant, and there were many signs from the Lord up above that told Leo he should make Keva his wife. With the help of Keva’s pastor, family and close friends, he pulled off a memorable engagement that is wife will cherish for eternity. “I felt his words with every fiber of my being and I said YES! ,” Keva remembers. “There were no tears on the outside, but inside, my heart was crying and leaping for joy.”Thanks to the help of their inner circle, Leo and Keva received help with their DIY accouterments which allowed them to stay on budget. “We were blessed with numerous family and friends who supported our union, so we didn’t have to ... https://www.essence.com/love/weddings/bridal-bliss-keva-and-leonards-bahamian-wedding-was-a-photographers-dream/

Jackie Lacey, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, Is Named National President of American Institute of Floral Designers - PerishableNews

BloomNet offers to flower shop owners and floral designers. He assisted in the launch of Floriology® Institute located in Jacksonville, Florida and he serves as an instructor at the Institute. Floriology® Institute is recognized as one of the country’s foremost centers for innovative floral design and florist-related education. Mr. Lacey also engages florists and shares his knowledge throughout the floral industry at state and regional trade shows, company sponsored events, and Floriology® “on the road” educational events.During his distinguished career, Mr. Lacey has owned flower shops in Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina and he is one of the nation’s leading authorities on retail floral operations and best practices. He has also won numerous awards and earned many accolades through floral design competitions at the national, state and local levels. He is also renowned internationally for his leading-edge approaches to design and his imaginative floral creations. In addition, he has shared the principles, elements and artistry of his craft during memorable stage presentations, wowing audiences around the world. His floral designs and educational insights have been featured in many magazines, including Floriology®, Flowers &, Modern Bride and Inside Weddings. He has provided his talents to such notable events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, and many celebrities have also called upon his expertise.“I am honored at being named President of such a prestigious industry organization as the American Institute of Floral Designers,” said Mr. Lacey. “The journey to becoming President has been educational, enlighteni... https://www.perishablenews.com/floral/jackie-lacey-aaf-aifd-cfd-pfci-is-named-national-president-of-american-institute-of-floral-designers/

Royer's Flowers and Gifts CEO talks about returning to the family business - Reading Eagle

The only thing I buy from the U.S. is some of our greens that we use to make arrangements. We get stuff from the west coast, the northwest of the United States, and we get some stuff from Florida. In the summer, we use a lot of locally grown flowers, like sunflowers. There's an Amish family that we've worked with for like 15 years that grows a lot of our sunflowers that we use during the summer. We don't get any greenhouse-grown flowers anymore."BW: How often do you or someone from Royer's travel out of the country to inspect flowers? TR: "At least two or three times a year. I go to all the farms that I buy roses from to go inspect them. While they're in the process of cutting them, harvesting them, I'm there seeing what they're doing to make sure that the cut point on the rose is right: it's not too far open, it's not too tight, I check on the head size to make sure the size of the flower is the right number of centimeters and also to make sure they're fresh. After I do that inspection, I'm there for two or three days, and then I fly into Miami where we fly our flowers and they clear customs there, and I inspect them again to make sure everything is OK, then we load them on our refrigerated trucks to ship them up here to Pennsylvania."BW: How has the internet changed the flower business? TR: "I would say about half of our business runs through the internet. It's been very helpful for us for communication and showing people what we have. One of the biggest issues we had at Valentine's Day before the advent of the internet, we couldn't handle the volume of business on Valentine's Day because we didn't have enough infrastructure to be able to deal with it. We needed 100 phone lines instead of 12. We just didn't have enough structure. People waited until the last minute. It's been a wonderful thing."BW: Are there any plans for additional Royer's locations? TR: "We're always looking at potential growth through acquisition. There are always things out there that we're aware of, nothing that I can report. We're always looking to grow."BW: Do you think your grandparents would have ever imagined the company would get as big as it is? TR: "No. My dad told me when he was younger he wanted to be the largest florist in Lebanon County. Back then, there was a lot of flower shops in Lebanon. It was very competitive. There was a lot of really good family businesses that were florists. It was a constant struggle with competition, but he eventually realized his goal of being the largest florist in Lebanon County and now we're probably the largest florist in the country because of our size. They never had an idea that it would grow to the size it is today."BW: Are you indeed the largest florist in the country? TR: "I'm pretty sure about that, because I know all the biggest florists in the country, and we're bigger than all of them. Grocery store chains sell a lot more flowers than I do by sheer numbers. But a traditional retail flower shop, we're the largest in the country."— Interview by Brad RhenFYIAge: 63Residence: Hummelstown, Dauphin CountyEducation: Penn State, 1977, business; Lebanon High School, 1973Work History: After college worked at a Whataburger in Texas for two years. Returned to Pennsylvania in 1980 and started at Royer's as a painter. Was also a store manager in Lancaster, distribution manager for about 25 years, chief operating officer and senior vice president for about 20 years, and he became CEO in January.Best Piece of Management Advice: "Six P" rule: prior proper planning prevents poor performanceFamily: He and his wife, Cindy, have six kids — five girls, one boy — who range in age from 10 to 32Hobbies: golf, yard workRoyer's Flowers and GiftsAddress: 810 S. 12th St... https://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/article/royers-flowers-and-gifts-ceo-talks-about-returning-to-the-family-business