Theophrastus, a student of Plato and later Aristotle said, “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.”
When an hour or two becomes available, do we make the most of it or simply watch time go by? There is a member of AIFD who has always been one that made the most of each day, both personally and professionally. His dedication to the floral industry was recognized by AIFD in 2015 when he received the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. Years later, Richard Milteer AIFD spends his time in a most valuable way.
Richard had a profound experience after a life-altering medical procedure. He was incredibly grateful for the outstanding care received from the medical staff following open heart surgery. He felt so fortunate after his successful recovery that he wanted to find a way to give back to the health care organization that had provided him with extraordinary care.
Richard had an idea of how he could possibly use his gift of floral design. Teaching a design class to patients could help each to create an arrangement to take home and hopefully make a difference in their well being. Richard and his wife Susan met with Health Partners & Park Nicollet Director of Volunteers who immediately agreed that Richard’s idea to share his floral talent and knowledge, in a class setting, could easily be implemented in Struthers Parkinson’s Center. The Struthers Parkinson’s Center is dedicated to medical rehabilitation and support services for people with Parkinson’s disease.
With approval from the health organization, the next step was to procure the necessary products. A generous local floral wholesaler jumped at the opportunity to provide flowers, containers and supplies for each class. Richard’s relationship with the company is long standing. As time went on and classes took place, Richard provided updates on just how the classes were received, how pleased the Struthers staff were with class attendance, and how attentive the participants were!
The schedule for the past 4 years has been a class every other month. Attendance varies. There have been as many as 7 patients and as few as 2. Honestly, the entire process has been seamless. Struthers Center offers other programs for patients such as music therapy and chair exercises. The floral class is a low impact activity where patients stay seated, and Richard stops to visit with each participant about the arrangement that they are taking home.
So, just how do these classes come to be? His processes are quite simple and well organized.
• There is a supply at home of donated containers and foam.
• Flowers and foliages are picked up a few days in advance to process.
• Arriving at the venue an hour ahead of the patient’s arrival provides ample time to prep and set up.
• Prep is done for 6 patients while knowing that Struthers is uncertain of the number attending.
• Foam is previously soaked in water, cut and secured into the container.
• Each “place setting” is complete with foamed container and a selection of flowers and foliage.
• It is important to mention that NEVER EVER do they have any cutting tools.
The class is well received with strong staff support, bringing another dimension to Struthers on-going work to improve their patients’ motor skills. Struthers has also found the class to be a self-contained activity in that Susan and Richard “bring and do it all,” requiring little assistance from staff.
“Teaching floral design and assisting these Parkinson’s patients to design an arrangement to take home has brought a greater purpose to my life than I can begin tell you,” shared Richard. “I am doing what I love — teaching, encouraging and then congratulating them on their stunning floral designs! One gentleman’s wife picked him up and as she took the arrangement to carry, she THANKED ME for designing the arrangement and giving it to her husband. When I told her that he had designed it, she started to cry. That alone was reward enough for me!”
Special friends have been made at the Park Nicollet and with the Struthers staff. The involvement has led Susan and Richard to work with the volunteer staff on several recognition events that have resulted in the purchase of hundreds of flowers and Poinsettias from the wholesaler who so generously supports this incredible project.
“A special thank you to Len Busch Roses and their wonderful team who continue to provide the flowers, containers, foam and support product for each class. An ongoing project, such as this, could not be done without this level of support as well as an understanding of the importance of a project like this and the difference it makes in the lives of these Parkinson’s patients,” shared Richard.
This story is one of inspiration. May each of us continually find ways to use our floral talents to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Let’s spend our time well.
