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Brandywine Hundred flower shop to close doors after decades of bouquets - The News Journal

Benarcik transformed into a flower shop long ago. RETIREMENT: Wilmington says 'Farewell Artie' as Fairfax Hardware owner bows out Dressed in a red-purple-and-gold sweater Monday as vibrant as the flowers surrounding her, it's clear Benarcik would rather spend the afternoon touring her green room than talking about herself. But her family says she deserves props for opening Breger Flowers against the odds.  During Benarcik's childhood, her father ran a cut flower shop, selling flowers he grew on 40 acres along Concord Pike. She gradually transitioned the business into a more modern operation, importing flowers from local and global sellers. Eventually, with longtime partner Nancy Migliavaca, she opened the current iteration behind her home.  "She had a hard time when she started this business because women weren’t allowed to have credit," her daughter Susan Benarcik said. "She just trudged through. She’s stubborn as hell, but that’s what made it happen — the magic happen." Breger Flowers never advertised. They simply opened their doors and let their satisfied customers do the referring.  "We just opened up and there was nobody in this area at that time that was into flowers so we started opening six days a week and we closed on Sundays and we've just been doing that," Benarcik said. CONCORD PIKE: Chipotle is adding another New Castle County location Although her family has long tried to convince her to slow down, Benarcik says now is the right time to retire. Her husband of 57 years, Daniel Benarcik, died in early September at age 96. Since, those around her say, she's lost some of the bounce in her step. Benarcik doesn't have any retirement plans, noting she traveled frequently after her kids finished college. Benarcik didn't consider passing on or selling the shop. All of the Breger Flowers' horror stories and triumphs — perhaps none greater than when her team delivered flowers to a wedding near Villanova in a snowstorm to learn upon arriving it was postponed — will be her own. "It’s really hard work and a lot of people don’t like it," she said. "And besides I think maybe they wouldn’t do a product that we would like, therefore it would be easier for us both to just take it easy for a while."... https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2019/11/15/breger-flowers-close-after-decades-bouquets-brandywine-hundred/4024810002/

1-800-Flowers.com® Introduces 2019 Local Artisan Collection - PRNewswire

Develyn's featured arrangements are Mother's Embrace™ and Sensational Spring Beauty™. Tricia Smith: 1-800-Flowers.com Twinbrook Floral Design, Fairfax, VA When she was about 12 years old, Tricia would help her mom as she created wedding flowers from their home. This experience helped her land her first job at a florist when she was 15, and her career blossomed from there. Today, Tricia owns her own floral shop together with her husband – in fact, he proposed to her there. Tricia designed the Floral Treasures Bouquet™. Ann Marie Pierce: 1-800-Flowers.com Imperial Florist, Baldwin, NY A veteran of the floral industry, Ann Marie has owned and operated her current shop for nearly 30 years. She has a thriving wedding flower business, the result of her many enthusiastic referrals. Her designs are Splendid & Sweet™ and Sunburst Bouquet™. Ashlee Roberson: Simply Roses, Ormond Beach, FL Ashlee's parents opened their shop almost 30 years ago, when she was six. Today, she is the owner and head designer of the family-owned shop, where she enjoys working alongside her mother and sister. Ashlee's featured design is the Vibrant Gem Bouquet™.           Jackie Lacey: Floriology® Institute, Jacksonville, FL A highly-accredited and award-winning floral designer, Jackie's industry experience spans 32 years. A former retail florist, today Jackie serves as Director of Education and Industry Relations for the Floriology Institute, where he shares his passion for floral design with florists across the country. His creation is the Modern Rose & Gerbera Daisy Bouquet. Margaret Fleegal: 1-800-Flowers.com Twinbrook Floral Design, Fairfax, VA Margaret began her floral career in the mass market industry, where she discovered a desire to create her own designs. She began to learn everything she could about the business and worked to develop her own unique style, eventually opening her own shop nearly 25 years ago. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1-800-flowerscom-introduces-2019-local-artisan-collection-300833340.html

Community deaths - Washington Post

Washington area in 2014.Lester ‘Ruff’ Fant, lawyer, businessmanLester “Ruff” Fant, 78, a Washington lawyer who since 1999 had operated finance and investment companies, died May 19 at a hospital in Fairfax County, Va. The cause was pulmonary failure, said a niece, Sage Hoare.Mr. Fant, a District resident, was born in Memphis and had lived in the Washington area since 1968. He was a tax specialist and former partner in the law firms of Cohen & Uretz and Sidley Austin.Byron Black, architectByron Black, 86, an architect with the firm of WDG Architecture who designed and directed plans for projects throughout the Washington area, died May 29 at his home in Oakton, Va. The cause was Parkinson’s disease, said a business partner, George Dove.Mr. Black was born in Roanoke and settled in the Washington area in the late 1950s. He retired in 2005 after 46 years with his firm. His work included design of office buildings in Washington and apartment buildings throughout the metropolitan area.Samuel Karson, psychologist Samuel Karson, 95, chief psychologist with the Federal Aviation Administration and later with the State Department, died May 13 at a hospital in Washington. The cause was respiratory failure and a bone marrow and blood disorder, said a son, Michael Karson.Dr. Karson, who lived in Bethesda, Md., was born in Baltimore. He was with the FAA from 1962 to 1975 and the State Department from 1977 to 1983. He was a psychologist at the Florida Institute of Technology from 1983 to 1989. He retired in 1995 after six years as a psychologist in Washington at Second Genesis, a substance-abuse treatment and prevention program.— From staff reports... https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/community-deaths/2019/07/15/68a915b4-a74b-11e9-86dd-d7f0e60391e9_story.html

Narcotics professor, florist found faith - Arlington Catholic Herald

Sale loved the work, but after a while was laid off. Her friend encouraged her to work withdetoxing adults at Fairfax Hospital. She told her friend, “I work with babies;I don’t know how to work with adults.’ She said, ‘Same thing, they just talk.’” So Sale became licensed through the state as a substance abuse treatmentprovider. As her interests and career aspirations grew, her time in theclassroom did, too. In 2000, she earned her bachelor’s in social work and amaster’s in counseling education in 2005, both from George Mason University inFairfax. Sale has worked in mental health, in atreatment center for youths and in an outpatient facility. One memorable jobwas working for the state with pregnant inmates in the five county jails ofNorthern Virginia. “I was doing social work and counselinggroups and case management. The stories you heard were horrific,” she said. Butshe also witnessed amazing transformations — inmates who now are married withchildren or who own businesses. “I’ve run into multiple people that I’ve helpedand they said, ‘We looked for you.’ There are three women I have known foryears,” she said.Working in jails piqued her interest inthe criminal justice system and prison management. One of her most recenteducational pursuits was attending the Drug Enforcement Administration trainingacademy at Quantico. “I can run through a range, I can break down a door,” shesaid with a laugh. She volunteers at Prince William County Adult DetentionCenter with the crisis intervention team, a group that serves inmates withmental health problems.  She’s proud ofthe way the jail guards and staff treat the inmates. Sale said that of the 1,000inmates, 35 percent have mental health issues. Soon, there will be a wing ofthe jail to accommodate them. “It is the most humane, respectful placeI’ve ever worked,” she said of the jail. She even takes her students on toursof the facility as part of the class she teaches at NOVA, Narcotics andDangerous Drugs. “I’m teaching my students that if you treat someone the rightway, you won’t have half the battles,” she said. That philosophy extends to the way sheinteracts with everyone, including her students. At the beginning of the schoolyear, she tells them she’s happy they chose to take her class. She gives out hercell phone number. Sale kno... https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Catholic_Living/Narcotics_professor,_florist_found_faith/

Narcotics professor, florist found faith

Sale loved the work, but after a while was laid off. Her friend encouraged her to work withdetoxing adults at Fairfax Hospital. She told her friend, “I work with babies;I don’t know how to work with adults.’ She said, ‘Same thing, they just talk.’” So Sale became licensed through the state as a substance abuse treatmentprovider. As her interests and career aspirations grew, her time in theclassroom did, too. In 2000, she earned her bachelor’s in social work and amaster’s in counseling education in 2005, both from George Mason University inFairfax. Sale has worked in mental health, in atreatment center for youths and in an outpatient facility. One memorable jobwas working for the state with pregnant inmates in the five county jails ofNorthern Virginia. “I was doing social work and counselinggroups and case management. The stories you heard were horrific,” she said. Butshe also witnessed amazing transformations — inmates who now are married withchildren or who own businesses. “I’ve run into multiple people that I’ve helpedand they said, ‘We looked for you.’ There are three women I have known foryears,” she said.Working in jails piqued her interest inthe criminal justice system and prison management. One of her most recenteducational pursuits was attending the Drug Enforcement Administration trainingacademy at Quantico. “I can run through a range, I can break down a door,” shesaid with a laugh. She volunteers at Prince William County Adult DetentionCenter with the crisis intervention team, a group that serves inmates withmental health problems.  She’s proud ofthe way the jail guards and staff treat the inmates. Sale said that of the 1,000inmates, 35 percent have mental health issues. Soon, there will be a wing ofthe jail to accommodate them. “It is the most humane, respectful placeI’ve ever worked,” she said of the jail. She even takes her students on toursof the facility as part of the class she teaches at NOVA, Narcotics andDangerous Drugs. “I’m teaching my students that if you treat someone the rightway, you won’t have half the battles,” she said. That philosophy extends to the way sheinteracts with everyone, including her students. At the beginning of the schoolyear, she tells them she’s happy they chose to take her class. She gives out hercell phone number. Sale kno... https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Catholic_Living/Narcotics_professor,_florist_found_faith/

If the poinsettias are ready, can Christmas be far behind? - Montreal Gazette

Roberts Poinsett, United States ambassador to Mexico from 1825 to 1829. An avid amateur botanist, he saw euphorbias with red bracts growing wild in the hills around Taxco and had samples sent to his South Carolina home. There he propagated them in his greenhouses and gave them to friends and botanical gardens. Photos: Seasonal sea of red poinsettias at Quebec's La Ferme Grover Guillaume Grover, director of production at La Ferme Grover in the Ste-Dorothée area of Laval north of Montreal, Quebec's largest grower of poinsettias.   John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Inside a sprawling greenhouse at La Ferme Grover in Ste-Dorothée, nearly 300,000 potted poinsettias have been watered and fed for months.   John Kenney /Montreal Gazette The plant owes its English name to Joel Roberts Poinsett, United States ambassador to Mexico from 1825 to 1829.   John Kenney /Montreal Gazette An avid amateur botanist, Poinsett saw euphorbias with red bracts and had samples sent to his South Carolina home, where he grew and gave them to friends and botanical gardens.   John Kenney /Montreal Gazette But what about the Christmas connection? Legend has it that a Mexican girl was walking to church on Christm... https://montrealgazette.com/news/if-ferme-grovers-poinsettias-are-ready-can-christmas-be-far-behind

Tips for holiday table decorations | Home & Garden | Journal Gazette - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

Not only are they going to smell good,” she says, “but they're going to last almost a month.”Go nontraditionalDon't worry about tradition, Stuart says. Her design firm and retail store are in South Carolina, where it's warm year-round. So while she loves using holly and pine in her Christmas decorating, sometimes she uses palm fronds from her yard.She also uses shades of pink and plum, rather than sticking only to red and green. Embrace whatever delights you, she says. Or go beautifully neutral. All three designers say silver and white are great choices.Silver and white can brighten up dark winter nights, especially if they'll be reflecting candlelight. (Candles are a key to creating a beautiful table, says Schuneman: “Candlelight mixed in glass votives, tall candlesticks and pillars will make any table glow and feel special.”)Yip also encourages creative centerpieces: “Sometimes I'll ask people to print their favorite photo from their past year. It could be a photo of a breathtaking vacation they went on or it could be a picture of their kid going back to school,” he says. “And I'll frame those photos and kind of have them scattered down the center of the table.”Another creative option: Ask each guest to bring a favorite book they've read in the past year. Arrange them on the table as decorations and conversation starters. At the end of the night, each guest can leave the party with a different book than they brought.– Melissa Rayworth, Associated Press ... https://www.journalgazette.net/features/home-garden/20191118/tips-for-holiday-table-decorations

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

Tournament of Roses Parade, and many celebrities have also called upon his expertise." data-reactid="15" 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, enlightening, and filled with years of hard work. I thank each and every member of AIFD for the trust and confidence they have placed in me.” Dinesh Popat, President of BloomNet, Napco and 1-800-Flowers Franchising, added: “BloomNet is a proud sponsor of AIFD, an esteemed organization that works tirelessly on behalf of floral designers nationwide. We are thrilled that AIFD has chosen Jackie Lacey as its president.” Prior to being named National President of AIFD, Mr. Lacey had served the organization in several capacities, including nearly a decade on AIFD’s membership committee and eight years on the board of directors. He has also served and chaired several teams in developing many of AIFD’s educational courses and programs.About BloomNet®" data-reactid="17" About BloomNet®As the floral industry’s most innovative service provider, BloomNet, Inc. (bloomnet.net), a wholly-owned subsi... https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jackie-lacey-aaf-aifd-cfd-141900919.html

Five Couples Escape the Familiar for Destination Weddings - Louisville.com

Louisville. Although several were used, we wanted to support more.”Brooke Wethington & Scott MorrisonWed on June 7, 2018?Lowndes Grove Plantation, Charleston, South CarolinaPhotographer: Firm AnchorFlowers: Out of the Garden, CharlestonHair and makeup: Meg Workman, CharlestonAttire: Dress from Robert Bullock. Suit from JoS. A. Bank.“The lifesaver to planning my wedding was Instagram,” Brooke says. “I would search hashtags of Charleston weddings. When you plan a destination wedding, you can cut costs by getting married on a weekday — venues are almost half the cost on a Thursday! I was under the impression that planning a destination wedding can be a way to cut costs — less people? — and that is false. I went significantly over my budget due to traveling and adding small details to make my guests more comfortable. And I came home with too many personalized koozies and ChapSticks, so that’s a detail I may have left out. It was the best time having all of my favorite people on the beach just relaxing for days before and after. I strongly suggest having a large area for people to hang out. We rented a large house with a pool. So fun!”Hannah Sells & Geoff LyversWed on July 21, 2018Lost River Cave, Bowling GreenPhotographer: Zoe DannenmuellerHairstylist: Kimberly Spears (and helping hand throughout the day)Attire: Ivory and stone Galina tank ball gown with layered tulle skirt from David’s Bridal and white high-top Converse. Khaki Tommy Hilfiger blazer, khaki Calvin Klein slim-fit pants, navy Roundtree and Yorke leather suspenders, chestnut Crevo Camden leather boots.Makeup: Maggie Bellamy with Makeup by Maggie and the Browtique“You don’t have to have a destination elopement to elope,” Hannah says. “You can elope somewhere cool in public in the town that you live in and skip the cost of a venue and save an incredible amount of money. If you choose somewhere in nature, you don’t even need to buy decorations. If you’re worried about celebrating with or including friends and family, just have a reception after the elopement. Your wedding day and wedding planning are both as hard and as stressful as you make them be.”Kaitlan Bondurant & Robin HerringtonWed on October 20, 2018?Cliffview Lodge, Red River Gorge, Campton, KentuckyPhotographer: Mickie WintersFlowers: Bel-Air Florist, Versailles, KentuckyAttire: Dress from Madison James. Suit from Wildfang.?Hair: Lavish Looks, Sparkle BeelerKaitlan is from Cincinnati and Robin is from Louisville, so Red River Gorge was a good meeting point between the two locations. “Standing in front of the beautiful gorge with all of our friends and family was magical,” Robin says. “We had 60 guests and it was the perfect amount for us. We were able to give all of our guests personal attention, and by the end of the weekend everybody felt like one big family.“(Instagram is) great for initial inspiration, but we started to second-guess our planning decisions after seeing a gorgeous escort card table or fun food station. Trust your instincts and believe in your vision. And get a wedding planner. For real. Jeannie Smith, our planner and coordinator (AshBy Wedding & Event Planning), knew what vendors would be appropriate for what we wanted and, more importantly, knew the vendors that would be willing to trek out into the ... https://www.louisville.com/content/five-couples-escape-familiar-destination-weddings