COLUMBUS, Ohio — Father’s Day is a time to honor the dads in our lives, but sending flowers like you do on Mother’s Day may not be the first idea on your list. 

One florist in Ohio is trying to change the norm. 

What You Need To Know

• Florists across the country team up with the Black Men Flower Project to send flowers to Black dads
• Ayana Crump is the project’s florist in Ohio
• The Black Men Flower Project is all about celebrating Black masculinity

Ayana Crump is the owner of Bloom Boutique 614 in Columbus. 

“I always arrange flowers weekly in my home,” she said, “and I would post them on social media and everybody was like, ‘oh, so beautiful. I love them. Can you make me some of them?’ And I’m like, ‘Wait, I can make money off of this, so let’s do it’.”

As a florist, she partners with the Black Men Flower Project, helping Black dads bloom one arrangement at a time. 

“The CEO and owner of the nonprofit Robert Washington-Vaughns presented the idea to me of the Black Man Floral Project just to say, ‘give black man their flowers while they’re still alive. You know, so many times it’s not until a funeral or a sad occasion when you actually receive flowers,’” Crump said. “I thought it was like the best idea ever.”

Crump is one of the many florists across the country partnering with the project. She arranges and delivers them herself.

Each delivery is a surprise, and Black fathers can nominate one another for a free flower arrangement. Crump said it’s all about celebrating Black masculinity.

“With the history of Black men in America, it’s more depressing than them being celebrated,” Crump said. “So, I just think that just giving them a little something to brighten up their day or to say, ‘hey, you’re seen, we see you, we hear you, we feel for you,’ that just the disparities that you go through day to day, just being a Black man. I’m all for it!”

Meeting the dads she delivers to tops it all, especially on Father’s Day.

To help donate toward the Black Men Flower Project or to nominate a dad for Father’s Day or any time of the year, go here. 

Staff report

COLUMBUS — As Ohioans prepare for fun and adventure during the upcoming summer boating season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Divisions of Liquor Control and Cannabis Control and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) are emphasizing the importance of adhering to alcohol, cannabis and boating laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on Ohio’s waterways.
Alcohol consumption and cannabis use while operating a boat pose a serious risk to both the operator and passengers. In Ohio, it is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or be under the influence of marijuana, just as it is illegal to drive a car. The consequences of boating under the influence can be severe, leading to accidents, injuries and even fatalities.
“We make safety a top priority so people can enjoy Ohio’s rivers and lakes,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “We urge every Ohioan and visitor to follow the law by boating sober and wearing a life jacket this summer. Those simple steps will help keep you, your loved ones, and fellow boaters safe.”
The Division of Liquor Control and Division of Cannabis Control emphasize responsible alcohol and cannabis consumption both on land and on the water, and remind Ohioans that open container laws still apply on publicly owned waterways. Boaters are encouraged to designate a sober operator if substances will be consumed during their outing that could cause impairment, ensuring that everyone on board can enjoy the day responsibly.
“Alcohol and boating do not mix,” said Jaqueline DeGenova, superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control. “We urge all boaters to prioritize safety by staying sober while operating a vessel and responsibly enjoying Ohio’s waterways.”
“With the legalization of non-medical cannabis use in Ohio following the passage of Issue 2 last November, it is critically important that individuals who choose to consume cannabis products fully understand the unique impact these products have on them,” said Jim Canepa, superintendent of the Division of Cannabis Control. “Anyone who chooses to use these products are urged to do so in a safe and responsible manner, and should never operate a boat or any other kind of vehicle while under the influence.”
ODNR is highlighting enforcement efforts to crack down on boating while under the influence. Patrols will be vigilant in monitoring watercraft for any signs of impairment and will take swift action to remove impaired operators from the water to prevent accidents and safeguard the public.
The Division of Liquor Control is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio’s chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans.
To learn more about what the agency does, visit its website at www.com.ohio.gov.

For more information on Ohio’s alcohol and boating laws, please review the following resources:

SALEM, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Elena “Helen” Guiler, 90, of Salem, went to our Lord’s home on June 14, 2024.

She was born May 20, 1934, in Sibiel, Romania, Europe. She was the daughter of the late John and Maria Dicu.

Helen was a 1954 graduate of Salem High School.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, where she served as captain of the women’s usher team, was a member of the Home Builder’s Sunday School Class, the Fadley Women’s Group and United Methodist Women. Helen also served on many church operation committees. Her love for her family was her passion in life.

She leaves behind her son, Scott Guiler and daughter-in-law, Diane; grandsons, JP and Scott Jr.; granddaughter-in-law, Sarah; great-granddaughter, Ellie Nicole and great-grandson, Scott Alan III.

She believed in giving back and helping others. She served on the Columbiana County Citizens Welfare Committee as well as the YWCA Board of Directors. Helen was also a member of the Salem Garden Club. She volunteered for over 40 years for A.I.D. (Aid, Information, Direction) for the Salem Regional Medical Center and the Salem Food Pantry. She worked at Mullins Manufacturing in the accounting department, Firestone Health Center and Sanor Insurance Agency.

Her husband, John P. Guiler, whom she married July 2, 1955, and two sisters preceded her in death.

At her request, there will be no calling hours. A private celebration of her life will be held for immediate family only. Arrangements are being made by Stark Memorial Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Hope Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 244 S. Broadway, Salem, Ohio.

Arrangements handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen (Dicu) Guiler, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Monday, June 17 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.