Bellevue, IA Florists

Bellevue Flower Shop News

Outpouring of support for Bellevue flower shop after graduations canceled - KMTV - 3 News Now

BELLEVUE, Neb. (KMTV) — A Bellevue flower shop got an outpouring of support because they had a ton of flowers for graduation events.Purple Orchid Flowers says they spent $10,000 on fresh flowers for their truck for graduation ceremonies that were supposed to take place at Baxter Arena starting this weekend.On Monday, Omaha Public Schools announced summer activities and 2020 graduations were canceled.The owner took to Facebook to ask for help selling them to recoup her cost and has been overwhelmed by the response. The post has been shared about 2,000 times.“Very blessed. My favorite all-time movie even though it’s Christmas [is] It’s a Wonderful Life,” said Rachael Sjn, Owner of Purple Orchid Flowers. “Trying not to be emotional but just at the end of that movie everybody just comes in and chips in and helps him out.”Sjn says she’s getting the other half of her shipment on Wednesday and will have most of the flowers ready to pick up on Friday. If you’re interested in purchasing or for... https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/outpouring-of-support-for-flower-shop-after-graduations-canceled

Washington court rules against florist in gay wedding case - Albuquerque Journal

After the arguments in the Supreme Court case last November, at a packed theater at Bellevue College, a large crowd of Stutzman’s supporters greeted her outside, chanting her name and waving signs that said “Justice For Barronelle.”In a February 2015 ruling, Benton County Superior Court Judge Alexander Ekstrom found that Stutzman’s refusal to provide flowers because of sexual orientation violated Washington’s anti-discrimination and consumer protection laws. The following month, Ekstrom ordered Stutzman to pay a $1,000 penalty to the state and $1 in costs and fees.Stutzman entered the florist business 30 years ago, when her mother bought a flower shop.At a press conference following the ruling, Ferguson said that under Washington law, a business is not required to provide a particular service, but if it does so for couples of the opposite sex, it must provide that service equally to same-sex couples. Ferguson noted that Stutzman is not currently selling wedding flowers, but if she were to resume that side of her business, she would not be allowed to sell to only heterosexual couples.“The state Supreme Court has made that very clear,” he said.___AP writer Gene Johnson contributed from Seattle. ... https://www.abqjournal.com/951260/washington-court-rules-against-florist-in-gay-wedding-case.html

Flowers that delight and surprise: Bellevue Floral Co. offers “bespoke floral artistry” - Napa Valley Register

Christina Yan, owner of Bellevue Floral Co. and Camino Goods, holds one of her floral bouquets while standing in a Napa Valley vineyard.  A floral arrangement that Christina Yan created in her Napa home.  a href="https... https://napavalleyregister.com/business/flowers-that-delight-and-surprise-bellevue-floral-co-offers-bespoke-floral-artistry/article_166fc8e2-4030-57b5-914d-462c669cdf45.html

Retired educator, florist Sylvia Richardson dies at 76 - Richmond Free Press

Sylvia D. Richardson loved the color purple. And the bubbly woman who brimmed with enthusiasm infused that color into her dual roles as an educator and a florist. During her tenure as principal of Bellevue Elementary School, Mrs. Richardson turned the historic building in Church Hill into a purple palace. She had the school’s entry door, hallways, classroom walls and building floors painted her favorite color. Purple also was the color of the house on the corner of Brookland Park Boulevard and Edgewood Avenue from which she operated a floral business, Bouquets by Sylvia, for nearly 25 years. “Purple was her chosen color because the color signifies royalty, and that was how Sylvia carried herself and also how she treated everyone with whom she came into contact,” Adeline Clarke, a longtime friend, wrote in a tribute.Mrs. Richardson died Monday, March 18, 2019, of complications from a fall at her residence, her family said. She was 76. Family and friends celebrated her life at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 26. Born Sylvia Juanita Duncan in Cheraw, S.C., she came to Richmond to teach after graduating from Bennett College. In a career that spanned 37 year... http://richmondfreepress.com/news/2019/apr/05/retired-educator-florist-sylvia-richardson-dies-76/

Another gay wedding case that could go to the Supreme Court. This one's about flowers.

Ferguson said in a statement.Curt Freed, left, and his husband Robert Ingersoll, after a hearing before the state's Supreme Court on Nov. 15, 2016, in Bellevue, Washington.Elaine Thompson / AP fileBoth the state and the couple sued after Stutzman, the couple's longtime florist, arguing that she was in violation of a Washington law that makes it illegal for businesses to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation."Discrimination based on same-sex marriage constitutes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation," the Washington court ruled last year.Stuzman, a Southern Baptist, said providing the flowers would violate her religious beliefs and "her relationship with Jesus Christ.”She also said the law violated constitutionally protected right of free speech, asserting the flower arrangements were a form of artistic expression. Phillips had said the same about his wedding cakes."The decision to either provide or refuse to provide flowers for a wedding does not inherently express a message about the wedding," the Washington court ruled. "As Stutzman acknowledged at deposition, providing flowers for a wedding between Muslims would not necessarily constitute an endorsement of Islam, nor would providing flowers for an atheist couple endorse atheism."It also rejected her claim that the law violated her religious freedom, because it applied to the general public and was not targeted at any particular religious practice.In Monday's Supreme Court ruling, Justice Anthony Kennedy suggested that future cases would be necessary to settle the broader debate between religious rights and discrimination."The outcome of cases like this in other circumstances must await further elaboration in the courts, all in the context of recognizing that these disputes must be resolved with tolerance, without undue disrespect to sincere religious beliefs, and without subjecting gay persons to indignities when they seek goods and services in an open market," he wrote. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/other-gay-wedding-case-could-go-supreme-court-one-s-n879906

In Loving Memory: Obituaries Of The Week February 14, 2021 - Smokey Barn News

Kirk Robert Douglas of Greenbrier and Brandon Wolf of Murfreesboro, by his daughters: Karie Ann Douglas of Rowlett, TX and Kendra Douglas of Greenbirer, by his brother: Gary J. Douglas of Garwin, Iowa, and by his 2 grandchildren: Orion Wolf and Phoenix Nunn.Tribute WallRobertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.Obituary for Sherry BlackSherry Black, 60, of Springfield, passed from this life on Saturday February 13, 2021 at the home of her sister in Springfield. Graveside Entombment services will be conducted Saturday February 20, 2021 at 12 noon in the Springfield Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with Brother Patrick Nix, Tim Harris, and Chris Read officiating. Pallbearers will be Timothy Black, Bud Johnson, Robert Alan Holman, Shane Toole, Aaron Nix, Chris Read, and Jeff Benton. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Hope Center in Springfield. There will be no visitation prior to the service. The family ask that all in attendance please wear facial mask or coverings.Sherry was born August 20, 1960 in Springfield to the late L.B. and Elizabeth Jo Vanderpool Black. She was a graduate of Jo Byrns High School Class of 1978. She owned and operated Sherry’s Florist for over 39 years in Springfield. She was a member and past president of CTPA (Certified Tennessee Professional Florist). She was a member of Flewellyn Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and worked in Women’s Missions and with the Senior Adult’s. Sherry was a dedicated contributor to the Hope Center in Springfield, that has been a mission outreach ministry of Flewellyn Baptist Church. She loved traveling, her animals and pets, and spending time with her family enjoying their many culinary dining out experiences and places of travel together. Flowers were Sherry’s passion, and the love that she had for her family, customers, and many friends was always expressed in the wonderful designs and creations she did at her flower shop. Sherry not only wanted you to see the beauty of the flowers, but to also feel the warmth that they brought to your life and to the lives of others. Whether it was a fresh vase, pall, spray, basket, or one of her... https://smokeybarn.com/in-loving-memory-obituaries-of-the-week-february-14-2021/

Sugar Flower owner creates intricate cake designs in backyard of her Cedar Rapids home - The Gazette

Sugar Flower was gaining momentum when the coronavirus pandemic hit Iowa. Smith’s work-from-home model proved an unexpected advantage.“I was just getting started out to begin with, and having a low overhead I didn’t have any employees to furlough,” she said. “It was disappointing, but I tried to work with my customers. I don’t have to worry about rent and electric and things like that. So it has worked in my favor, which sounds kind of funny.”Smith’s home and studio escaped serious damage in the Aug. 10 derecho, which brought its own wave of cancellations. She hopes for a return to something like normal next year.“I really hope people start planning big weddings and they’re celebrating,” she said. “I hope that’s where the future lies.”Know a small business in the Corridor that might make for an interesting “My Biz” feature? Let us know via michaelchevy.castanova@thegazette.com.AT A GLANCE• Owner: Jennifer Smith • Business: Sugar Flower Cake Design• Address: 248 Drinkward St. NW, Cedar Rapids• Phone: (319) 491-1938• Website: sugarflowercakedesign.com... https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/business/sugar-flower-cakes-cedar-rapids-jennifer-smith-20201113

Some people using gardening as therapy during the Coronavirus Pandemic - KCRG

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Some people across Eastern Iowa are getting a green thumb during the Coronavirus pandemic. Workers at Pierson’s Flower Shop in Cedar Rapids say they have been getting calls about people wanting to start their gardens. Experts say getting some fresh air is a good way to take care of your mental health during the pandemic. Workers at Pierson's say gardening is a good way to be outside while social distancing. They say working with soil can be a form of connecting with nature. While seeing something bloom is a sign of life during these tough times. Workers say people are still ordering flowers to send to loved ones or coworkers. They say it's a way to let people know that they are appreciated. "I think it's very important to stay in touch,” said Al Pierson, owner of Pierson’s Flower Shop. “You can't get out... https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Some-people-using-gardening-as-therapy-during-the-Coronavirus-Pandemic-569918081.html

Benos Flowers and Gifts wants to bring fun, happiness - The Gazette

By Deborah Neyens, correspondent Long Para:0 Long Pra Total: 11 Total Para Total: 25-- IOWA CITY — A new Iowa City business aims to spread happiness.Long Para:1 Long Pra Total: 11 Total Para Total: 25-- Benito Ocampo Campos opened Beno’s Flowers and Gifts on Nov. 15 in downtown Iowa City, realizing a longtime goal to own his own flower shop. Long Para:2 Long Pra Total: 11 Total Para Total: 25-- “Flowers bring happiness, with their smell and their colors, when people receive them,” Ocampo said. “Everyone loves flowers.”Long Para:2 Long Pra Total: 11 Total Para Total: 25-- Ocampo, who grew up in Mexico, opened his first business in that country at the age of 19.Long Para:3 Long Pra Total: 11 Total Para Total: 25-- “It was a small gift shop — only about 300 square feet,” he recalled. “I did decorations with balloons for parties and a few weddings with flowers but not much. I had no experience.”Long Para:4 Long Pra Total: 11 Total Para Total: 25-- A year or two later, Ocampo moved to... https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/business/iowa-city-benos-flowers-floral-shop-florist-flower-20190121