Keep memories blooming

Live flowers are pretty, we use them to decorate and honor people close to us. But, once the flowers start to wither and die, they lose their beauty. Now there is a way to preserve them to enjoy in the future. “Memories in Bloom is a new business, part of Innovative Industries in Creston,” said Lana Bearden, Innovative Industries employment services manager. “It’s a nonprofit organization assisting people with disabilities to identify, develop and achieve their individual life goals by providing vocational and community services.” Keepsakes Each arrangement is hand-made. “We dry flowers from life’s celebrations whether it be a funeral, wedding, anniversary, birth of a child or any other event,” said Bearden. “Once they are dried, wreaths or other arrangements are made. We have a selection of items to choose from to give a lifetime memory for that special event.” Innovative Industries is able to provide two important aspects to its clients working in Memories in Bloom said Bearden. New idea Bearden said she attended a workshop for the flower arrangement business. “Other organizations have started making the arrangements and are doing well,” said Bearden. “There is one in Atlantic and another in Davenport. We’ve started by putting sample arrangements at Powers and Pearson’s funeral homes.” The reason for adding the additional opportunity at Innovative Industries is to add more job skills for clients. “Hopefully, we will have some clients who will be able to do an entire arrangement by themselves,” said Bearden. Creativity Tammy Lowenberg, rehabilitation technician at Innovative Industries works with clients in Memories in Bloom to teach them the art of flower arrangement, said Bearden. While clients and staff work on the products, Lowenberg said she hopes more orders will provide work opportunities for additional clients. Peggy Reed, a client at Innovative Industries, has been learning how to prepare and dry flowers. “I like it,” said Reed. “It’s fun.” Lowenberg said she went to another organization in Atlantic, similar to Innovative Industries, to watch its operation, which is similar. “They showed us what they did for about an hour,” said Lowenberg. “That’s all the training we’ve had. It’s pretty much been trial and error, but we have a good process now.” Expansion Once the business is established, Bearden hopes the line of products can be enhanced to offer other arrangements, and create more opportunity for employment for clients at Innovative Industries. “We want to see the program expanded,” said Bearden. “Right now, I am looking for funding.” Clients are enthusiastic about creating something with their hands, said Bearden. “This is one project they can see through from start to finish,” she said. “It isn’t like other jobs we have here that is piece work.” Bearden dreams of a greenhouse where clients can grow plants to use in the business. She hopes to plant perennials behind Innovative Industries, 215 N. Walnut St. this spring. ____________ Valarie Allen can be reached at 782-2141, ext. 233 or vallen@crestonnews.com