Posted onJuly 21, 2024|Comments Off on How Do Your Flowers Grow?
Westport is filled with flowers, all spring and summer long.
They’re everywhere: gardens, roadsides, farm stands and stores.
But 80% of flowers sold in the US are imported. That’s not good news, for florists and designers who want to support local growers.
Local flowers, after all — those sold within a few days of harvesting — are fresher and more fragrant than those flown in, then trucked around from overseas.
Local flowers last longer in vases, and are untreated by harsh preservatives. (They also usually cost less.)
From April through November, Westporters have access to a huge range of local flowers.
That means a lot to Michele Sinacore. The owner of Blossom + Stem Floral Design is dedicated to supporting local growers. (Many are female-owned businesses, which is also important to her.)
Michele works through the Connecticut Flower Collective. Based in Meriden, it enables florists and designers to order local flowers from over 100 growers each week, for delivery or in-person pickup.
Michele Sinacore, shopping at the Connecticut Flower Collective.
In addition, local growers like the Westport Flower Garden sell to both florists and customers. Marisa Zer’s “home micro flower farm” in Greens Farms grows sustainably, and sells flowers to local customers and florists for weddings, events and bouquets.
The Westport Flower Garden can tell a florist like Michele what they have ready to harvest each week, and how many bunches. Varieties change each week.
They include peony style double tulips, Italian ranunculus, anemones, Iceland poppies, garden roses, various hydrangeas, and (coming soon through the fall) dahlias.
Think globally. But grow — and buy flowers — locally.
(Blossom + Stem also offers a subscription program, and private workshops. Click here for details, or email hello@blossomstem.com, or call 203-293-4275. Follow Michele on social media: @blossomstem. Click here to learn more about Westport Flower Garden, or follow on social media: @westportflowergarden.
This year, she partnered with Chocolatieree and Yozo Studio — 2 other Westport businesses — to offer bundles of Valentine’s gifts, at a variety of price points.
Flowers, chocolates and letterpress cards are available to pre-order now, for pickup or delivery. (Click below to see options.)
Michele notes that Valentine’s Day gifts are not just for couples. They’re great for children, grandchildren, teachers and others.
She also says she speaks for all florists and chocolate shop owners in town, when she urges Westporters to pre-order. (For Blossom + Stem, pre-orders end Monday at noon.)
Of course, not everyone will. So Michele plans a pop-up shop for Monday (2 to 7 p.m., 1835 Post Road East).
Happy Valentine’s Day. One more reminder: It’s Wednesday!
Say it with flowers — and chocolates, and a card.
(Happy Valentine’s Day. We’d LOVE you to click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
The Long Lots Elementary School project moved one important step forward last night.
The Board of Finance voted unanimously to appropriate $6.8 million, for the design phase.
As reported in the Westport Journal, the funds include $6.2 million for a design consultant, architect, engineers and other professionals; $190,000 for a construction manager; $175,000 for a town project managers; $195,000 for testing, studies and borings, and $40,000 for printing and miscellaneous.
The cost per square foot is projected to be $727. Geothermal heating and cooling could raise that to $777 per square foot.
The appropriation request now goes to the Representative Town Meeting.
The Finance Board pushed 2 other requests to its next meeting, the Journal reports: $630,000 in design money to upgrade the Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking lots, and $110,000 to update conceptual plans for a new Fire Department headquarters, to possibly include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service.
A replacement for 70-year-old Long Lots School moved closer to reality last night.
The Westport Rotary Club turns 100 years old this year.
And on March 7 — 100 years to the day that they received their charter from Rotary International — the civic-and-service-and-more organization will celebrate.
Their “First 100 Years” Centennial Gala (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) includes cocktails, a great meal, and entertainment, with a multimedia presentation of that first century (photos by Dave Matlow, a new video, and MC Jeff Wieser).
Everyone receives a commemorative book too, highlighting Rotary’s 100 years.
You don’t have to be a Rotarian to attend. The event is open to all.
Tickets are $100 (Venmo @Thomas-Carey-73046, or mail checks to Westport Rotary PO Box 743, Westport, CT 06881). Email: rsvp.WestportRotary@gmail.com.
The Centennial Gala is not the only way for Rotary to mark their milestone. They’re also the lead sponsor for the Compo Beach playground renovation project. It’s planned for late September — just a few days after their annual LobsterFest.
Meanwhile, members of Westport’s other Rotary — the Sunrise Club — will be out in force this Saturday (February 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stop & Shop) for their annual “Souper Bowl Food Drive.”
It’s a team effort, with the Westport Police Department and others. They’ll collect non-perishable food and personal care items — and cash donations — to support Homes with Hope’s food pantry at the Gillespie Center.
Among the items needed: canned tuna, chicken, meat, vegetables and fruit; hearty soup, beef stew and chili; pasta and pasta sauce; peanut butter and jelly; crackers; granola and protein bars; rice; mac and cheese; cereal; shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between January 31 and February 7.
A man was arrested for evading responsibility (hit and run), driving under the influence and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, following a crash near M&T Bank. The suspect was found passed out behind the wheel, in the bank parking lot.
A man was arrested for assault with serious injury, strangulation/suffocation and unlawful restraint. Following a traffic stop for no headlights and a bumper dragging on the ground, the officer observed the driver and passengers with injuries, blood and scratches. The man had gone through the female’s phone, found messages he believed to be suspicious, assaulted her, and refused to let her get out of the car.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
School zone violation: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Traveling at unreasonable speed: 1
Passing a motor vehicle stopped in a crosswalk: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Driving with a foreign license for more than 60 days: 1
Improper turn/no signal: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Homebuyers comparing counties know that the downside to Westchester’s closer proximity to New York City is its much higher property taxes.
But there’s another element of Westchester real estate that buyers may not realize: higher closing costs too.
Refinance costs for mortgages are much higher too.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say that the reason is differences in state and county regulations and requirements, along with added taxes and fees.
New York state imposes a mansion tax of 1% on purchases over $1,000,000. There is also a mortgage tax of roughly 1% in Westchester County.
Today (Thursday, February 8, 2 to 4 p.m.), they offer a “Blossom + Stem Floral Design Workshop.”
The local florists will help you design your own centerpiece, for you to take home. Bring your own vase (up to 6 inches wide and 1 foot tall), or purchase a Blossom + Stem vase on-site for $25. All other supplies are covered. Click here to register.
On Saturday (February 10, 5 to 6 p.m., and 7 to 8 p.m.), there’s a “Romantic Evening” chocolate workshop.
Couples can create treats under the guidance of Le Rouge by Aarti chocolatiers — while sipping their signature hot cocoa, Champagne or a BYO beverage. Click here to register.
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Immerse yourself in the art of chocolate-making with your loved one in a romantic setting. Create delectable treats under the guidance of expert chocolatiers from Le Rouge Chocolates while sipping on Le Rouge’s signature hot cocoa, a glass of champagne, or a byo beverage.
The Westport Representative Town Meeting is seeking candidates from District 3 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Lyn Hogan. I
No party affiliation is required, as Westport’s RTM is non-partisan. The term expires November 18, 2025.
Residents of RTM District 3 interested in being considered for vacancy should invited to send a resume by February 21 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: JDunkerton@westportct.gov.
Sustainable Westport co-directors Gately Ross and Johanna Martell attended the recent Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Environmental Summit in Hartford.
They joined environmental leaders, lawmakers and policy experts to discuss priorities and challenges for the 2024 legislative session, and better understand their impact on Westport.
Sustainable Westport’s Gately Ross and Johanna Martell flank State Representative Jonathan Steinberg at the environmental summit in Hartford.
Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “food left by a tree along the Library Riverwalk, for ducks, geese and seagulls.”
And, we’re sure, any other creature that comes along.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … James Dean was born on this day, in 1931. He died in a car crash in 1955, age 24. Had he lived, the star of “Rebel Without a Cause” would be celebrating his 93rd birthday.
LOCAL CONNECTION: Phil Ochs was giving a concert in Westport on March 31, 1968. He was handed a note on stage — and told the audience that President Johnson had just announced he would not seek re-election that fall.
(“06880” is your place for hyper-local news, upcoming events — and weekly Police Reports. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Posted onFebruary 6, 2022|Comments Off on Roses Are Red, The Supply Chain Is Blue …
Valentine’s Day could not come at a better time. Roads are slushy, nights remain too long, the fresh breath of spring still elusive.
In fact, all of us should think of flowers, all winter long.
Michele Sinacore does.
Michele Sinacore
A year ago — under the grand name Bloom + Stem Floral Design — she was creating Valentine’s florals in her Greens Farms basement. Masked (and socially distanced) volunteers helped her prune, water tube and wrap roses; they added messages of support from donors to each,
Michele delivered them to frontline employees at Connecticut and New York hospitals, and The Residence in Westport. All were among the first healthcare workers to receive vaccines.
Blossom + Stem, in Sconset Square.
Michele just opened her second Blossom + Stem store in Sconset Square. Beyond supplying custom bouquets, seasonally fresh arrangements and floral tablescapes of all kinds. for all occasions, she surprises blooms for both “buddies” and businesses.
Those are bouquets, delivered randomly, on Fridays to unexpected recipients. A mom with 4 kids — all home with COVID — received flowers, and cried.
Blossom + Stem also donates to the Norma Pfriem Breast Center, and partners with local businesses like Allium Eatery and Winged Monkey to boost their own customers’ moods.
Michele has done it all despite a very uncertain global supply chain. (Look outside: See any fresh flowers there?!)
Most people don’t think about flower farmers around the globe who are short of staff, or dealing with weather extremes, canceled freight flights, wildfires or vases stuck on cargo ships.
Michele does. The joy that fresh bouquets can provide keeps her going.
So, she warns Westporters: Order early for Valentine’s Day. Red rose shortages are possible.
Don’t be left out in the cold.
Michele’s roses.
Comments Off on Roses Are Red, The Supply Chain Is Blue …
But this week she’s in a crazy rush to deliver 1,500 roses, ordered by people for loved ones they’ve never met.
They’ll brighten the days of front line workers all around Fairfield County.
Michele — a Westport mom and former New York event producer — started Blossom + Stem Floral Design just over a year ago, at home. She’s succeeded during the pandemic with creativity, talent and persistence.
Yet even in the toughest times, she gives back to the community.
In June, Michele donated hundreds of boxed lunches (with flowers) to Yale New Haven Hospital. A former competitive triathlete and current avid runner who was diagnosed in 2019 with a very rare tumor, she’d been touched by the care she received their after intensive surgery.
Michele Sinacore (Photo/Tamira Wilcox)
That experience — and the grateful thanks for her gift — sparked an idea.
A longtime admirer of (and volunteer with) Al’s Angels, she approached founder Al DiGuido with an idea: asking residents to donate roses to local front liners.
Al went right to work. Norwalk, Bridgeport and Stamford Hospitals jumped at the idea of showing love to their staff.
Al’s network of donors came through too. In the first 10 minutes, 250 roses were promised. Within 72 hours, 600 flowers had been been donated.
Michele and Al added The Residence at Westport and Montefiore to their list of recipients. Soon, they’d sold 1,500 roses. People donated on behalf of their children, friends, even pets.
Local businesses like Performance Physical Therapy became supporters too.
On Monday, East Coast Whole Flowers delivered those 1,500 flowers to Michele’s garage. Teams of (masked and socially distanced) volunteers began pruning, water tubing and wrapping them in a temperature-friendly (cold) setting. They added messages of support, written by donors, to each rose.
A few of the 1,500 roses in Michele’s garage.
The next day, Michele made her first delivery: 65 flowers to The Residence. Employees were getting vaccinated — and, as an extra treat, given a rose.
Yesterday, Bridgeport and Montefiore Hospitals got 250 to 400 roses. They’ll hand them to staffs in their ICU, COVID, ER and children’s units.
Still ahead: Norwalk and Stamford Hospitals.
Michele Sinacore, surrounded by roses in her garage.
It’s Michele and Al’s way of spreading love and thanks.
Now all you need to do is order your own rose (or dozen) for your loved one, from Blossom + Stem. They deliver to our front liners — and to you.
We’ll miss a lot this holiday season: Family. Friends. Fun.
But we can still have flowers.
Brightly colored, lovingly arranged and fresh smelling, bouquets lift the lowest spirits. Michele Sinacore makes sure we all enjoy those ephemeral joys.
Michele Sinacore (Photo/Tamira Wilcox)
The Westport mom (and former Ironman triathlete) spent many years as a New York event producer, for clients like ESPN, Yahoo and the NBA. Four years ago — after her 2nd child was born — she pivoted, and went to floral school.
A year ago, Michele started Blossom + Stem Floral Design at home. Working on weddings, events and corporate projects, and offering custom arrangements, classes and consulting, she was looking for studio space when the pandemic hit.
For 8 weeks, Michele was frozen. She could not find fresh flowers anywhere.
But floral designers around the world formed an online community. They shared sources. advice and encouragement.
Michele took classes. She learned new skills, networked, and gained confidence.
She branched out into staging and personal bouquets. Her flowers brightened an otherwise dark time.
It’s the nature of the business to have extra flowers. One day Michele took a bouquet to Joey’s by the Shore, not far from her home. Did they want fresh flowers? she asked.
Did they ever!
Soon, Michele was delivering bouquets — free — all over town. Manna Toast, Kneads, Shearwater Coffee, Restore Cryotherapy, the Fire Department after Tropical Storm Isaias — all received her gifts.
Arrangement by Michele Sinacore. (Photo/Melani Lust)
Last week she partnered with a new group, Design Port, and awarded a very appreciative mom a bouquet as part of “Fresh Flower Friday.”
Michele continues to seek out recipients for her extra flowers. She’s busy now with holiday bouquets, Thanksgiving tablescape decor, and virtual make-your-own wreath and arranging classes. Customers get a box of fresh florals and supplies delivered to their door, then learn techniques.
“Flowers make people happy,” Michele says. “As a mom, I have a lot of empathy for what people are going through. I’m grateful to be doing what I love, and be part of the community. It’s so important now to feel good.”
Westporters know: This will be a long, dark winter. In its midst, Michele Sinacore will bring color and light to our lives.
(To learn more, click here or email hello@blossomstem.com.)
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You made your restaurant or catering reservations long ago. Those bookings go fast.
Michele — a Westport mom and former New York event producer — started 
