In a heartwarming initiative, community members in Detroit Lakes came together on March 12, 2024, to create vibrant bouquets from locally grown flowers. The event, organized by Engage and Project 412, aimed to spread joy and offer support to those in need through the gift of flowers. Participants crafted arrangements using zinnias, a colorful flower that thrives in the area, to distribute to local businesses, friends, and neighbors.
Deanna Pepper, a dedicated volunteer, was among those who gathered at Ortenstone Gardens that Tuesday afternoon. As she carefully selected stems and worked on a bouquet for her neighbor, who recently lost her husband, she expressed the sentiment behind the event. “I think it’s just so wonderful to be able to do this and to give back to the community,” said Pepper. “So many people in the community could just use a positive lift.”
Approximately a dozen community members attended the bouquet-making session, the second of its kind for the month. Participants enjoyed the therapeutic process of arranging flowers, which began with checking the stability of the stems and cutting them at an angle for optimal hydration. Teri Holehouse, director of Engage, highlighted the importance of the event, noting that while the garden serves as a community resource, it is not open for unrestricted flower picking.
The idea for the bouquet sessions originated from a discussion between Holehouse and Amy Stearns, executive director of Project 412, while planning the Engage calendar. Recognizing the abundance of zinnias, they decided to encourage community members to cut and share the flowers. Earlier this month, the group distributed 30 bouquets throughout Detroit Lakes, with participants delivering them to nursing homes and local businesses.
The gatherings serve a dual purpose: providing hands-on activities for older adults and fostering a sense of community. Holehouse, who assumed her role about a year ago, noted the growing need for connection among seniors. “Ever since stepping into the Engage role, I’ve noticed the need to have a community for older adults,” she remarked.
For many participants, including long-time member Patty Teschner, Engage has been a lifeline. Teschner, who has been involved since 2019, credits the program for helping her forge friendships and stay active after moving to Detroit Lakes. “It was a good way to meet my friends,” she said, adding that she has connected with both lifelong residents and seasonal visitors through the program.
The mission of Engage extends beyond socializing; it encompasses giving back to the community. The program actively supports various local causes, including pet shelters and initiatives for individuals experiencing homelessness. “Everybody in Detroit Lakes 50 and older is already a part of Engage. They just don’t know it,” Holehouse encouraged potential participants.
The Engage program, offered through the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center, focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining a positive outlook on life for adults aged 50 and older. “Engage is a good support system, so if you have any problems, you don’t even know where to start,” Teschner added.
For those interested in joining the Engage program or learning more about its activities, further information is available at www.dlccc.org/engage or by contacting Holehouse via email at [email protected]. Through these engaging floral arrangements, the community of Detroit Lakes continues to flourish, bringing beauty and connection to its residents.
