2020 Hometown Heroes

2020 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 14, 2020 Page 105 The kids are enjoying putting the arrangements together, and several have had their photos taken and posted on Debbie’s Facebook page for everyone to enjoy. In addition to making home a special place for Easter, Debbie said that flowers are still allowed at senior living facilitates, nursing homes and hospitals (normal restrictions apply there). With the restrictions on visiting such places, Debbie said that sending flowers is a wonderful way to remind those who are unable to receive visitors that they are loved and in your thoughts and prayers. Debbie noted that with the stay at home rules in place, there is an absence of funerals right now. She said since the first rules of social distancing were announced, the number of indoor funerals have dropped to none. There have been a very few graveside services held for family members only and some of those have ordered flowers. So, that part of her business has taken a significant hit. However, she added that some folks are ordering floral arrangements and planters to be delivered to the homes of loved ones of the deceased. She has been selling some special memorial bouquets that include a nice candle that can be kept after the flowers of wilted. Like many other small businesses around the area, Debbie is working to keep things going. She’s coming up with new ideas of ways she can promote her shop and “drum up business,” and she would be happy to have more. Everyone is looking forward to this time of shelter in place to be over. Several have said that the first thing they will do when it is over is go shopping. When that happens, don’t forget to visit all the small businesses in our community. They need you and want you and right now they are all missing you very much. They will all be happy to see you coming back in their shops, including Debbie at Debbie’s Downtown Floral. [Nila Smith]