THE FOLLOWING IS A REPRODUCTION OF THE STORY BY NORMA HIGGS THAT APPEARED IN HER COLUMN IN THE NIAGARA GAZETTE.

Well, they have done it again!  The Niagara Beautification Commission Spotlight Award Committee has picked anther winner.  And what a winner it is.  Lana DeBacco of the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation and a new member of the Niagara Beautification Commission volunteered along with Mary Norton who manages the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Gift Shop to be the Spotlight Award committee members for January, February and March.  These are difficult months to scout out business owners who have made a difference with the appearance of their buildings and interiors so I was anxious to see what they had selected for the month of January.

 

I arrived early to get information to pass along to you and the windows were beautiful to look at with Christmas trees all decorated with large shiny ornaments.  When I stepped inside the door at the Evergreen Floral Shop, at 7620 Buffalo Avenue in the LaSalle section of our City, I was amazed to see all the beautiful items to look at (and buy). 

 

The owner, Lynn Safarian was there and introduced her creative arranger Debbie, who was working on a silver floral leaf display for the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  The Evergreen supplies all the flower arrangements for the hotel and these were for their New Year’s Eve celebration.    Debbie works along with Pat who also does flower and display arranging.  Lori and Jean make up the rest of the shop’s employees and sometimes Lynn’s children help out.  Evergreen’s also does all the flower and seasonal holiday décor for the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel and those of you who visit there are sure to see the handiwork of this fine shop. 

 

Lynn worked next door at Whitenight’s Fine Jewelers a few years back and when this building came up for sale on the City InRem tax foreclosure list she decided it was time for a career change.  Allport’s, another flower shop, formerly occupied the building.  They went out of business, and ultimately lost the building to bank foreclosure action.  The mortgage holder failed to sell the property so the City took it over for the unpaid taxes.

 

That was about eleven years ago and Lynn has made a success of her business.  A lot of hard work went into the interior, as it was vacant for many years.  Early on, she rented out the small space next door but has since taken it over for her own business.  The flower arranging is done at the back of the shop and there is a large glass refrigerated room where flowers are kept cool near the counter area. 

 

The front of the store is simply amazing.  There were several fully decorated Christmas trees, each one different.  One in particular stood out as it was very narrow and sparse with only a few small ornaments.  Mary was attracted by its size and shape and I called it the “skinny” tree.  It would work well in a small room or hallway and was actually on sale.  The other trees were tall, full, and just loaded with lots of great items.  Three gingerbread houses were displayed and yes, they were edible. Lots of other cute holiday items and a tabletop size white reindeer overseeing things.  Good thing I am past the decorating or I would have gone out with lots of stuff.

 

There were many other nice items not holiday related including a corner area with handbags on shelves and hanging from stands.  Anyone who knows me knows I am a purse-aholic and of course, I bought one.  That’s all I am saying about that.  Lana bought some cards in a cute box shaped like a book.  Lots of candles, flower containers,  scarves and gift items.  Lynn told me she attends the International Gift Shop show in New York City to get inventory for her shop.  Sounds like fun.  But she said it is a big show and involves a lot of walking.

 

Anyway, I totally enjoyed my visit and meeting these industrious people and wish them much success in their business. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Phone 283-4111 or visit their website evergreenflorals.net   Stop in and see for yourself.  Small business owners are the heart and soul of any community and we need to support them as much as we can. 

 

I wonder what the committee will come up with for February.