Advice, Thoughts & Inspiration from 1-800-Flowers.com Founder Jim McCann

Halloween Memories: The Stories That Tie Together Generations

Written by our Founder and CEO, the Celebrations Pulse letters aim to engage with our community. By welcoming your ideas and sharing your stories, we want to help you strengthen your relationships with the most important people in your life.

Happy Halloween! The actual day isn’t until Tuesday, but I suspect many of you have been celebrating the season of spookiness for weeks now. As I wrote in last week’s Celebrations Pulse, the holiday has greatly changed since my days of trick-or-treating in Queens, New York.

These days, Halloween is much more than an evening of knocking on neighbors’ doors and collecting candy. It’s about whole communities coming together to deck the porches with coordinated cobwebs, graveyards, and skeletons. It’s about entire downtowns opening their doors to trick-or-treaters. And it’s about people connecting and strengthening their relationships.

Above all, Halloween is – and has always been – about creating memories that become the stories you share with your children and grandchildren. That was clear in the dozens of stories you shared with me over the past couple of weeks.

I’d like to share some of the stories from the community. I hope you find these as enjoyable and inspiring as I do.

Trek for treat

Kitty, a community member from Florida, shared a tale that read like a classic Halloween ghost story. A fan of the holiday for as long as she remembers, she recounted a particularly harrowing time when she and her friends ventured into a new neighborhood to trick-or-treat.

The first house was an old Victorian, where they went all out with their decorating. They had tombstones in a graveyard, skeletons, and cobwebs. They played scary music as well!

When we finally got the courage to ring the doorbell, a very nice man dressed as Lurch from The Addams Family came to the door. As he attempted to project a low-volume Lurch grumble, he reached into a hinged ‘Thing Box,’ and pulled out full-size candy bars for each of us!

After Kitty and her friends ignored Lurch’s warnings to go home, they rode their bikes to the next house. It was tiny and in disrepair, with only one lit pumpkin on the porch. The doorbell went unanswered, so they turned around to go home.

We had not even gotten to the driveway when all of a sudden, a group of scary-looking characters came out from around the house grunting and howling at us. We ran like we were running the 100-yard dash down that dark road, screaming ‘HELP!’ with every step!

Eventually, Lurch appeared in the street, and everyone had a good laugh. It turned out that the two houses were owned by the same family of farmers, and they had coordinated the entire thing.

The incident didn’t scare Kitty out of loving Halloween. In fact, she passed her passion on to her daughter, who insisted on buying a home in a “Halloween friendly” neighborhood. “It is a boo-ti-ful thing to behold!” Kitty says.

A Halloween legacy

Another Linda in our community recalled how she and her friends won first prize at their middle school costume contest in 1979. They dressed as characters from the TV show The Munsters, and Linda was Lily with long black hair and a strip of cotton for the character’s iconic white streak.

But Halloween didn’t come alive for her until she met her husband, Jon. Linda recounted how they lived near Anoka, Minnesota, the Halloween capital of the world. “There was no shortage of events and activities to share with my beloved Halloween partner,” Linda writes.

Today, she relishes the memories.

I no longer need that white cotton in my hair to look like Lily, since it has its own white streaks. And Jon is gone now. I miss him so much. This year, I have a new great-niece in Virginia, and I sent her first Halloween gifts.

I also wrote her stories about her great uncle she will never meet. I told her about his carved pumpkin masterpieces and how he bravely walked through the scariest haunted houses, with his arms folded across his chest, and me cowering behind his broad shoulders.

Thank you, Linda, for sharing such special stories with your great-niece – and with our community.

May this year bring you all your favorite treats, lots of warm smiles with your family and friends, and plenty of new memories to share.

All the best,

Jim

The Tricks, Treats & Rituals of Halloween

Halloween was always fun growing up, but back then, the holiday had a different vibe. We carved pumpkins, of course, and carefully placed them on our porch. Then we’d borrow some sheets and whatever else we could find around the house to become ghosts, goblins, mummies, and more.

Then, for a few hours on Oct. 31, crowds of costumed kids roamed the streets of my Queens, New York, neighborhood, trick-or-treating for a mix of apples, candy, and homemade treats. Afterward, we traded with friends and gorged on the haul in our pillowcases. By the next day, it was over (except for the occasional bellyache).

Halloween feels like a much bigger affair today. Entire neighborhoods work for weeks to festoon yards, not only with expertly carved jack-o’-lanterns, but also well-dressed and positioned skeletons, customized tombstones, and massive inflatable monsters. Towns have parades and costume competitions. Downtown shops open their doors to trick-or-treaters. Police even close streets due to the sheer number of people walking around at night.

Halloween is not just for kids anymore, either – it’s become an occasion for people of all ages.

As a parent and grandparent, I can’t wait to hear about the increasingly elaborate costumes, office parties, and decoration plans. At least for my circle of family and friends, it seems the planning starts earlier and earlier each year.

Embracing Halloween rituals

The rituals of Halloween may have grown more elaborate over the years, but at its heart, the occasion remains an opportunity to connect with other people before the weather turns and attention shifts to the cozy, family-focused holidays of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas.

Now, Halloween is a community-wide event that requires friends, neighbors, block associations, and strangers to work together on a common goal of outdoing last year’s festivities. The result is more and bigger jack-o’-lanterns, fancier displays, and, yes, even stronger relationships.

For anyone who still thinks Halloween is just for kids, give it a try and roll with it! Join the fun by wearing a pirate hat at the office or decorating your cubicle with cobwebs and pumpkins. Or challenge your neighbor to a porch-decorating contest. Others around you will have fun – and I promise you’ll enjoy it too.

A Halloween trendsetter

Over the summer, our team started looking for an individual who epitomized the spirit of Halloween, especially how it helps build relationships. We searched for someone who obsessed over every detail, including home décor, entertaining, costumes for adults and children, neighborhood decorations, and community events.

We found Liz Henderson, an Amazing Mom and lifestyle expert who was already planning for Halloween in August! She was already picking the costumes for her three children, ages 20 months to seven years. She was also planning to move into a new home this fall in northern Indiana, so she and her husband, Mike, planned to use Halloween as a networking opportunity.

Our family enjoys Halloween because it’s a great time to get to know our neighbors! We love seeing kids in cute costumes, handing out treats, and making the day fun for everyone.”

Like me, Liz has fond memories of Halloween growing up. She shared that her most memorable Oct. 31 took place when she turned 13 and her mom allowed her to host her first Halloween party. She planned a costume contest, s’mores around a bonfire, and games. “It was also the first night I wore a LOT of makeup – and I’m sure that was quite the frightening scene in and of itself!” she says.

How has Halloween changed for you?

I’d love to hear your Halloween stories about how it’s changed since you were young. How is your family and your community celebrating Halloween this year? We’ll pick a few to share in a special Halloween Celebrations Pulse next week. Send me an email today!

A lot has changed since I used to trick-or-treat with nothing but a sheet and a sack. Yes, the holiday has gone from modest and simple to a bit more commercial, but so what?! It is an opportunity for the old and young alike to have some fun and get to know each other better.

All the best,

Jim

Our favorite Halloween Treats

My assistant, Patty, is a legend around our office for her incredible administrative skills – and the stories she brings back to the office the day after Halloween.

For years, she’s been ordering a box of 100 Cheryl’s cookies, which are individually sealed and perfect for dropping into the plastic pumpkins and cauldrons of her neighborhood’s trick-or-treaters. She told me last year that the kids (and their parents) are now regularly returning to her door for seconds and thirds!

Vote for your favorites

Pick yours from the list below. In Patty’s honor, we’ll randomly select one entry and send a box of 100 cookies to surprise and delight the ghouls and goblins who show up on your porch on Oct. 31. Be sure to be quick. Voting closes at 5 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Chocolate Bars
Gummy Worms
Cookies
Candy Corn
Peanut Butter Cups
Lollipops

Email your vote to celebrationspulse@1800flowers.com.

Reflections on the War in Israel and Our Collective Grief

When I sat down last weekend to begin writing today’s Celebrations Pulse, I had planned to focus on Boss’s Day, which is tomorrow. Then I turned on my TV and saw the horrific images coming out of Israel.

The violence was thousands of miles away, but that didn’t matter. It struck me – as I’m sure it did many of you – like a gut punch. Innocent people were slaughtered at a music festival. Women and children were taken from their homes. Even babies were among the hundreds of innocent people murdered.

The senseless tragedy has left much of the world with a profound sense of loss. It’s the same feeling we had after 9/11, the atrocities of Russia’s Ukraine invasion, school shootings, and other unfathomable events we’ve increasingly experienced in this country and abroad.

What we’re feeling – and now need to process – is collective grief.

What is collective grief?

After a public tragedy, intense feelings of shock, sadness, anger, frustration, and helplessness often follow. You may not know anyone involved in the event, but you can imagine the grief their families and communities feel. This is collective grief.

In addition, your experiences with personal grief can resurface at these times. If you’ve lost someone to violence, it’s not uncommon for the raw emotions to return as personal grief and collective grief coexist.

The psychologists who make up the 1-800-Flowers.com Connectivity Council point out that the grief we feel is valid. And, like any source of grief, collective grief can be consuming unless it’s processed.

Ideas for coping with collective grief

Processing collective grief begins with recognizing what we are feeling. If we can recognize it, we can start to manage it. The Connectivity Council offers four suggestions:

1. Channel feelings into action

When a sense of helplessness follows in the wake of a public tragedy, it can be useful to channel those feelings into action. Our experts encourage those who are grieving to see where they can get involved if that’s something that feels right for them. Perhaps that means attending a march, donating to a cause, or finding ways to get involved at the local, national, or international level.

Sometimes feeling like you’re an active part of something can make you feel like you have a bit of control in a situation that feels very uncontrollable.

2. Bring it back to now

During periods of collective grief, we may experience moments when we feel like our thoughts are spiraling out of control or we’re going through a physical change (e.g., rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating). When this happens, try a few grounding techniques that can help bring you back to the present moment. While these may look different to different people, meditation, drawing, or spending time in nature are good places to start.

3. If needed, take control of your newsfeed

During a public tragedy, we often turn to the news for information. But sometimes all the information becomes too much. If you feel like you’re overwhelmed by the events, you should consider limiting how much or how often you check the news. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try limiting the news checks to once or twice a day – and make sure you are getting information from a trustworthy source.

4. Seek support

Even when we’re collectively experiencing the same event, grief can still feel incredibly isolating. Having the right support system in place — whether that’s a licensed professional or simply a friend or family member you can talk to when you’re feeling overwhelmed — can help.

Online communities for grief, such as private peer-to-peer support groups, are also widely available. Joining or creating a space where you can share stories, give suggestions for coping, and generally assure one another that you’re not alone can bring heaps of comfort.

Community is the salve we need, especially in times of collective grief. Being part of something greater than us, and knowing we are not alone in experiencing these feelings, provides us with a certain sense of comfort during an otherwise isolating time.

All the best,

Jim

Improving Our Relationships with the Words We Choose

Written by our Founder and CEO, our Celebrations Pulse letters aim to engage with our community. By welcoming your ideas and sharing your stories, we want to help you strengthen your relationships with the most important people in your life.

Words play a critical role in nearly every aspect of our lives. Whether we’re writing an email, talking on the phone, attending a work meeting, or chatting with family or friends, words are the building blocks of how we influence, convey messages, and – most importantly – build relationships.

The way we construct words and phrases can make the difference between empty and meaningful conversations. But most of our choices are made in the flash of a second and usually with very little thought.

I recently chatted with someone who thinks a lot about words. Dr. Jonah Berger, a marketing professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Magic Words, studies the impact of certain words and their ability to boost or detract from our ability to persuade others, think creatively, and build stronger relationships.

I’ve written many times about how we all have the power to spread happiness and joy by connecting with people in ways big and small. In the conversation with Jonah, I learned how a few small adjustments to language can make a huge difference, effectively turning our power into a superpower.

Word magic

The secret to more effective communication often doesn’t require learning a new set of words. Sometimes, switching a few letters will do the trick. Jonah pointed to a study from Stanford University to illustrate this point.

Researchers split a class of preschoolers into two groups: One was asked to help clean up their playroom; the other was asked to be a helper. The group who were asked to be helpers were far more likely to pick up their crayons than those who were just asked to help.

The effect also applies to adults. Jonah called out other research that showed people who were asked to be a voter were 15% more likely to participate in an election than those who were just asked “to vote.”

What’s going on here? The subtle shift in letters turns a desired action into a desirable identity. People aspire to be helpers, voters, leaders, listeners, and more, and that aspiration overpowers any reluctance to help, to vote, to lead, to listen, etc.

Small changes make a difference

The conversation around subtle language changes reminded me of something we did years ago at 1-800-Flowers.com. Customers used to call our service center to check on a flower delivery, and our representatives would say, “I’ll check on that and call you right back.”

We realized that we weren’t managing our customer’s expectations properly. The customer would hang up the phone, and more than likely, sit there and wait because they were told we’d get right back to them. We knew this wasn’t right.

So, we changed a few words and started telling customers we’d get back to them within an hour. With that updated response, customers knew they had 60 minutes and could go on about their day. Not only did we free customers from waiting by their phone, but if we got back to them in less than an hour, we exceeded their expectations. Customer satisfaction soared.

Asking questions

Questions are another powerful tool in our language arsenal. Often, we’re reluctant to ask questions out of fear of sounding unprepared or stupid. Jonah says the opposite is true. Questions not only can make us look smart but also help people feel valued. He says:

Asking questions allows us to collect information. Too often as leaders or simple communicators, we don’t know enough about the audience, or person, whose mind we’re trying to influence. Questions allow us to collect information that increases our knowledge, and asking questions gives the other party an opportunity to participate in conversations by sharing their knowledge.

The questions we ask others can also be ones we ask ourselves, particularly when we are stymied by a tough problem. We often ask ourselves, “What should I do in this situation?” Instead, by making a very subtle shift we should ask, “What could I do in this situation?” That shift encourages us to think more broadly, and more creatively, and allows us to explore more possibilities and come up with a better solution.

Emotional investment

In addition to asking questions, Jonah suggests inserting emotion into conversations to better connect. We should not treat personal conversations like social media feeds, where we highlight snippets about our lives and provide a checklist of our successes.

Interacting with others who share both positive and negative information, makes us like and relate to them more intimately, since it’s more inline with our own lives that are not all about success.

Being more emotive also means showing a bit of vulnerability, such as a recent setback or challenge. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, Jonah says:

Asking for advice makes us seem more competent and more skilled because everyone likes to think they give good advice. When we ask someone for their advice, the person can regard us as being a smart person, because of all the people we could have asked for advice, we asked them. They come away impressed that we sought their advice.

By exposing yourself and your emotions in a conversation, you’re making an investment in a relationship, which will pay off when the other person opens up to you.

Continuous learning

Most people do not think of themselves as public speakers and storytellers, but, if you think about it, all of us are exactly that. It starts when we utter our first words and continues throughout our lives. The challenge for everyone is figuring out a way to improve.

When I was in college studying to be a policeman, I had a reputation for being shy and introverted. I knew I had to do something to break out of my shell so I took a job as a bartender, which put me at the center of conversations, oftentimes initiating them.

Every night was a lesson in how to become a better listener and communicator. Yes, I was uncomfortable at first, but eventually I got better at carrying conversations and making connections. Those little investments not only helped me break out of my shell but also helped set the stage for new career ambitions – and a life of never-ending education.

All the best,

Jim

Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Growing up, I was blessed to live in a family with five brothers and sisters. The greatest blessing of all was Kevin, who was born with a developmental disability and taught me and my siblings countless lessons about life, relationships, and how to treat people different from ourselves.

Some of my earliest memories involve how my parents – who were by no means wealthy – made sure that Kevin was included in all family activities. They pulled together what resources they had to rent spaces where they invited other parents who had children with disabilities. Everyone enjoyed socializing in a judgment-free zone.

Back then, the rest of the community was far from “judgment free.” It would be decades before legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act began to level the playing field for people like Kevin in terms of employment, transportation, and public accommodations.

I often think about my parents and how they were kept awake at night wondering what would happen to Kevin after they were gone. At the time, it was common for people with developmental disabilities to be institutionalized and treated inhumanely. (This only began to change in the 1970s after investigative reporter Geraldo Rivera exposed the wretched conditions at New York’s Willowbrook facility.)

I wish my parents could see Kevin today. He lives with friends in a supportive home near our family and attends – actually, is the star of – family birthdays, anniversaries, dance recitals, and all other family activities. Most of all, I wish Mom and Dad could see how they and Kevin inspired the whole family to do what we can to help people of all abilities lead happy and meaningful lives.

Opportunity for everyone

Today marks the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is a time to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce – and reflect on how we can do more to provide opportunities to those who are differently abled.

Why is work important? The answers are the same for everyone: Besides income, a job teaches us new skills, offers lessons in responsibility, and helps us build relationships beyond family and immediate friends. Work is key to living a life of dignity.

That’s why in 2015, my family and I helped start Smile Farms, a non-profit organization that provides meaningful work training and opportunities for adults with disabilities.

And it all started with Kevin and a phone call from Walter Stockton, who ran IGHL, the home where Kevin lives. Walter thought IGHL and 1-800-Flowers.com could work together to train residents in horticulture, giving them important and marketable work skills and a source of employment. (You can learn more about the history of Smile Farms and my partnership with Walter in this week’s Celebrations Chatter podcast.)

Fast forward many years, the program that would become Smile Farms has blossomed across the New York metro area. Smile Farmers now grow peppers that they also bottle and sell under the “Heat with Heart” brand (with label artwork created by people with disabilities). They’re also growing other vegetables and making pickles, selling them at local farmers markets. And, in a natural progression, Smile Farms is working with local restaurants to create job opportunities in hospitality.

Fostering a more inclusive workplace

My experience growing up with Kevin has influenced me in other ways. At every opportunity, I ask how we as a company can be more inclusive of people with disabilities. It’s one of the reasons we work with organizations like the Fuse Network, an Ohio organization that partners with local businesses (like our distribution facility in Hebron) to find employment for people with developmental disabilities.

On a recent visit, I met Mikey, a seasonal associate who has been returning to the job every year since 2013. He was grateful for having the opportunity; I was more than grateful for the excellent work he does in our gift-packaging operations.

Remembering all that my parents did for Kevin and the community, we try to create a workplace that is welcoming to all families, including those with children with disabilities. Every April for Bring Your Child to Work Day, our HR department partners with Smile Farms to organize activities just for children with special needs.

Shortly after this year’s event, I received a letter from Eric in our technology department. His two sons, Mylo and Izzy, are on the autism spectrum and both have participated in recent Bring Your Child to Work Day events. Eric let me know how much it means to the family that everyone is included.

“You all have opened your arms and hearts to my boys, and I see it. I appreciate it. I am truly touched by the acceptance and love you all have shown to my boys. And your teams generate that positivity as well, and it is amazing to see how much they all care.”

Eric also shared that his son Mylo has found a passion in photography, and his work has been featured in newspapers, libraries, and art galleries across New York. He’s also received recognition on social media from executives from Disney, Lego, Play-Doh, and Mattel. Eric sent me and my team several signed photos that we will all cherish for the rest of our lives.

How you can help

The simplest way to make a difference is to buy from companies and organizations like Smile Farms, which support or are even run by people with disabilities. The 1-800-Flowers.com Marketplace is also proud to team up with these organizations:

John’s Crazy Socks
Co-founded by Mark X. Cronin and his son, John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, the company was inspired by John’s love of fun, colorful socks, or what he calls his “crazy socks.” The father-and-son team started the company seven years ago as a social enterprise with a mission of “spreading happiness.”

Collettey’s Cookies
After high school, Collette Divitto, who was born with Down syndrome, sought employment, but after going on numerous job interviews, and not being able to find work, she decided to start her own business baking cookies.

One For All Gifts
A company that features a range of items – from artwork to jewelry to pottery – made exclusively by neurodiverse entrepreneurs and social enterprises actively employing differently abled adults. Sean DeMarco, a young man on the autism spectrum, and his mother, Theresa DeMarco started the company three years ago this month.

These entrepreneurs show the world the power of people with disabilities, while also raising money for and awareness of their businesses. I hope this letter inspires you to reach out, connect with, and support people who are differently abled in your community.

All the best,
Jim

Three Cheers for the Arrival of Fall!

With autumn’s arrival, something stirs within me. Is it the realization that there will be fewer beach parties, barbecues, or other fun-in-the-sun activities in the months ahead? Is it excitement as nature reveals a magical mix of golden colors and cooler temperatures that serve as the perfect backdrop to harvests, hayrides, and apple picking?

Or is it the return of peak sports season, when football, hockey, and basketball snap back to life, as the boys of summer compete for their pennants and the fellas on the pitch play for a cup?

Fall offers something of everything for everyone. For me, the excitement of sports is high on my list, both for the competition and for the opportunity to strengthen relationships with my friends and family.

It all culminates next month, a sports aficionado’s paradise. It’s the only month when all the major professional sports leagues are in full swing alongside college football. And the highlight in October, for me at least, is the Fall Classic, Major League Baseball’s World Series (unfortunately, my family’s beloved New York Mets will not be playing in it this year).

Strength training for relationships

Whether you’re surrounded by friends and family in front of a large screen TV or surrounding a grill with fans in a stadium parking lot, sports bring people together regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, or any other factors that pull us apart.

Besides sharing the common goal of victory, we are given the sense that we belong to something that’s greater than any single person. We’re all fans! The teamwork we cheer for on the field extends to the stands and beyond. Look no further than the waves of cheers at the stadium or the high fives at bars and restaurants during games.

When the game is over, sports keep giving. Just look at Monday at the office. I’ve noticed it’s always quiet until someone breaks the ice with a simple question: “Can you believe what the (Mets, Jets, Giants, etc.) did yesterday?”

Sports are important icebreakers in other ways. My friend John talks about being a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, moving to New York City, and going every Sunday to a bar called Ship of Fools on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where fans of the team gathered. He gets an instant sense of community when he walks in the door.

I went from not knowing anyone in the city, to making so many friends from that shared experience. It makes you feel like you are a part of something bigger. It sure beats sitting at home alone.

Food, parties, and sports

The joy of victory and the agony of defeat are not the only factors in sports’ ability to connect us. As we enjoy the games and our fellow fans, we often do so with food and drink in our hands.

Tailgating parties take place in parking lots outside of professional and college stadiums across the country. Even when we’re not attending games, my family often brings the tailgating spirit to our living room, foam fingers and all!

Harry & David offers some winning at-home tailgating tips for planning, menus, and setting up. The team also provided some advice about the best wine and food pairings for your tailgate, like pinot noir, pulled pork, and chopped brisket sandwiches. And be sure to check out their party ideas that include a homemade jumbotron and putting on your own halftime show.

Whether it’s at home, or on the road, tailgaters should never show up to party empty-handed. Bringing a sports-themed gift or food will help enliven the game-time festivities.

Lots to look forward to …

Of course, fall offers a lot more than just sports. Even if you’re not a sports enthusiast (or are just a Mets fan), there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season (viewing the foliage, hot apple cider, pumpkin patches) and continue to build your relationships without a whisp of sadness over the end of summer.

Above all, autumn symbolizes a feeling of eager anticipation as we await the arrival of some of our most cherished holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas.

The bottom line with fall is that there’s so much to look forward to, and so many opportunities to be with the people, and at the places, you love the most.

All the best,

Jim

My Personal Journey to Learn About Climate Change

We are in a climate crisis, and it’s only getting worse.

This summer, wildfires raged on Maui and claimed the lives of over 100 people. Extreme heat baked a large part of the country while a rare tropical storm pounded the Southwest. And as I write this, Hurricane Lee – one of the most powerful storms in history – is swirling off the East Coast.

I’ve been on a journey for the last several years to learn as much as I can about climate change. A few years ago, I wasn’t so sure about it, but my thinking changed after speaking with friends and colleagues who study the environment and sustainability issues. I now realize that climate change is happening now, and we must do all that we can to address it.

Why do I care? For starters, I love my seven grandchildren and the lives they will lead. As they grow older, I think a lot about where the road of life will take them and whether they will have a healthy planet, or even a healthy New York. They’re thinking this summer represents the new normal – and that’s not a good thing.

Taking care of the Earth

Modern agriculture is one of the largest contributors to climate change. And farming practices have led to a deterioration in soil quality that’s impacted the level of nutrients in food. In fact, studies have shown that fruits, vegetables, and grains grown today carry significantly fewer vitamins than those grown just 70 years ago.

I learned of this first-hand while visiting Farmer Lee Jones and his family at The Chef’s Garden in Huron, Ohio. For over 30 years, their family farm has embraced sustainable farming practices that replenish the soil, resulting in vitamin-rich vegetables, microgreens, herbs, and more.

During my visit, Farmer Lee proudly showed some of the techniques, such as the use of cover crops like alfalfa, buckwheat, oats, rye, and sorghum. They’re not grown for human consumption, but rather to feed the soil and control weeds without pesticides. They’re planted as soon as the main crop is harvested, and at any given time, two-thirds of the Jones’ fields are growing cover crops.

What’s more, cover crops capture carbon in the atmosphere and store it in the plants and soil. Researchers have found that if such crops were planted across 20 million acres, it would offset the emissions from nearly 13 million passenger vehicles – that’s nearly equivalent to every registered automobile in the entire state of California (14.2 million).

Farmer Lee notes that while The Chef’s Garden is pioneering regenerative farming today, it’s not the first to do so. In fact, many of the techniques were developed hundreds of years ago before mass food production took off. The goal of The Chef’s Garden is to build a template that can be used by future farmers.

“We want to be as good as farmers were 100 years ago.”
Farmer Lee Jones

A difference in taste

The Chef’s Garden is world-renowned for supplying vegetables to many of the country’s finest restaurants, and I’m proud Harry & David has partnered with them to make the same selection available to our customers.

During my visit, I not only had a chance to tour the fields but also taste the results. In one greenhouse, I sampled a variety of flavorful microgreens that had just been plucked from the soil. Later, I sat down with the Jones family for a dinner that included equally delicious vegetables and a selection of grass-fed beef from Harry & David and Vital Choice.

The visit to Ohio reminded me of why I was also attracted to (and we acquired) Vital Choice. From its beginning in 2001, it has supported sustainable, wild-caught fish and seafood and advocates for strong ocean protections. Clean seas are vital to the health of the seafood we consume.

My continuing education

This week, I’m participating in the annual Techonomy climate conference in New York City. It’ll focus on how governments, investors, businesses, and other groups can work together on solutions to the climate crisis. It’s also a chance for me to learn more about this critical issue, and ways where we, as a company, can help by doing our part to help.

It won’t get better until we start doing something collectively, even if that’s taking baby steps at first. For me, the soil and the sea are good places to start.

All the best,

Jim

Grandparents Day: Celebrating the Special Relationship Between Grandparents & Grandkids

Every time I drive on Ocean Parkway, a road that crosses the south shore of Long Island, I think of my grandfather and taking the same route with him on our fishing trips many years ago. For a few seconds, the rush of excitement that I felt as a child returns to my now grown-up self.

In these moments, I wonder if he knew that I’d remember our summertime excursions decades later. Did he realize he was teaching life lessons or planting the seeds of a lifelong love of the water? Or was Grandpa’s grand plan just to spend time with me outside my universe of Queens, New York? It’s probably all the above.

As a grandfather now, I imagine that the joy I feel with my seven grandchildren is the same joy my grandpa felt with his. The grandparent-grandchild relationship is a special one that generates lifelong memories. And it’s a two-way gift: Grandparents and grandchildren both benefit when they spend time together. Whether it’s the grandparents being more physically active or the kids learning something new (that’s actually old), we all need to cherish these moments.

Especially today, Grandparents Day, because there is a lot to celebrate!

Lessons from our grandparents

Everyone lucky enough to have one or more grandparents in their lives growing up is likely to have a story to tell about their influence. The topic has come up repeatedly during Celebrations Chatter podcasts and conversations around the office.

A few weeks ago, I spoke with celebrity chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio, and he shared memories of his grandparents. He told me that not only did his grandfather teach him how to fish, but also how to garden. In fact, in an interview with Wine Spectator, Tom said: “I get up in the morning at six. I’m out in the garden for two hours and then my day starts, and it’s just a much better day. It makes me so happy.”

What a special gift from his grandpa!

I also recently spoke with Oscar Munoz, the former CEO of United Airlines. He told me about how he was raised by his grandmother for about seven years when he was young, and that while she didn’t have a job or a home, the two of them traveled through Mexico, staying with various family members, and relying on their love and support.

My grandmother was always so bright and cheery and joyful, and sweet and giving. And she passed those values on to me. When I have faced issues and had to make tough decisions about certain things, those values come up, and it’s very much helped form my leadership style, which is one of outreach and of bridging gaps, listening, and learning. All of those came directly from her.

Hear more of my conversation with Oscar in this week’s Celebrations Chatter podcast.

My wife, Marylou, and I are so fortunate that all our kids and grandkids (ages 23 months to 14) live nearby because we get to see them a lot. We go to their sporting events, dance recitals, and social activities without any of the responsibility of getting them there. We just get to go and enjoy it. Marylou and I also do things with them individually and all these activities provide us with such special memories.

At our recent family reunion, for instance, our granddaughters Abby, 14, and Emma, 9, joined Marylou and me in the kitchen to make pizzas, chop lettuce, and get everything ready. It was great to talk about baking and food. It was even greater to catch up on their lives and hear their excitement for a new school year.

Recently, I took Abby to a corporate event in New York City. And what I remember most about that day is how it opened up the world for her. She met several women who are leaders in their fields. And during the ride on the train, she experienced for the first time someone reading a newspaper – me!

And Kurt, our 5-year-old grandson, loves to go fishing on the boat, like my grandfather and I did. I’m hoping these moments are impactful for them as I know they have been for me.

Sometimes I surprise them. One of my favorite memories involved taking them to a concert of one of my favorite bands. They weren’t expecting Coldplay! I guess they thought I was too old to appreciate a band that was outside my generation.

Ways to celebrate Grandparents Day

There are so many things you can do on Grandparents Day to show them your appreciation for how much they’ve shaped your life. Just the simple act of setting aside some time for them and letting them know you care has numerous benefits, for young and old alike. Tend to their yard or garden. Take them out to lunch, during which you can ask them to share stories of their youth. Send them a handwritten note if they’re far away.

As we get older and start to lose our grandparents, we recall them fondly, and the life lessons they taught us. On Grandparents Day, it’s important to remember them and all the memories they gave us, and, if you’re a grandparent now, aim to provide meaningful memories for your grandkids so that they can remember you lovingly as they get older.

All the best,

Jim

Celebrating Workers & Relationships on Labor Day

As Labor Day approaches, I’ve been thinking about all the jobs I’ve had over the years, the people who’ve guided me, and the lessons I’ve learned.

One of the first stops on my career journey involved running the St. John’s Home for Boys in Queens, New York. It sharpened my skills of persuasion as I helped the boys find summer jobs. I saw first-hand how work gave them a sense of purpose and taught them the value of money.

Though my job was to help the boys, they also guided me. One of them, Norman, was hired by a local hardware store that was owned by a man with a similar background. Norman honed his skills to help customers, and by the end of the summer, he had earned a promotion. Before long, a future revealed itself to Norman: He could now contemplate the possibilities for his life.

The story had such an impact on me that I’ve always encouraged my children to consider service jobs so that they could experience the relationships they create and the skills that they develop.

Relationships at work

As my career progressed, I learned a lot about the value of teamwork. Not long after buying my first flower shop, I learned that working together is far more powerful than someone toiling alone. Our success – especially during the Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day seasons – would have been impossible without the clerks, drivers, and other employees.

Each member of a team holds a valuable place in the company. Think about all the people you work with, and just imagine if one member of the team was suddenly missing, and how that would affect all the other team members.

This Labor Day week, take a moment to reach out to those you work with. Let them know – whether it’s in person or via email or text – how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate all that they do at work and beyond. When you use your power of connection, you will make their day – and yours.

A labor of love and salad

I recently visited our facilities in Melrose Park, Illinois, where several of our brands – Simply Chocolate, 1-800-Baskets, The Popcorn Factory, and DesignPac – are based. It’s always fascinating to see the teamwork that takes place in the offices, warehouses, and kitchens of our brands.

This time, however, I was most struck by what was happening in the breakroom. My visit was on a Wednesday that coincided with the team’s potluck salad bar. Once a month for nearly a decade, employees bring lettuce, dressings, and other fixings to enjoy a healthy meal together.

Bob Nathan, who organizes the events, shared a bit of the history:

Nearly 10 years ago, three of us thought that we should try setting up a salad bar in the kitchen, where anyone interested would bring an appropriate item. We set up a sign-up sheet and it was a big success. A couple of months later, everyone was asking when we would do it again… so we did!

After another couple months, due to popular demand, I decided to assume the responsibility as the organizer and coordinator.  Like any other Melrose Park success, it takes a village!

Thank you, Bob, for organizing Salad Wednesdays and inspiring all of us!

If you’d like to try it at your company, here is a link to the signs and sign-up forms Bob and the team have created for their event. It works for both large and small companies. To keep group sizes small, larger ones might consider having individual departments invite another team that they do not work with every day. We’ll even try assigned seating to give people an opportunity to get to know one another.

Let us know when you try your own version of Salad Wednesdays – or what similar activities employees have organized at your businesses. I’ll share your stories in an upcoming Celebrations Pulse.

More than a paycheck

Over the years, I’ve learned that work is more than a paycheck and more than “something to do” between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. It’s a chance to express yourself, learn new skills, and build relationships with people you’d otherwise never meet.

It’s one of the reasons that we started Smile Farms, which helps people with disabilities find meaningful work in agriculture and hospitality. Historically, they have struggled in the job market and have not been given an opportunity to enjoy everything employment has to offer.

It’s often said that our jobs form a major part of our identity, but it’s not just the work that makes us. It’s also the relationships we build in the workplace and how we choose to maintain them.

Lessons from our grandparents

Next Sunday, Sept. 10, is Grandparents Day. If you’re lucky enough to still have a grandma or grandpa, it’s a great opportunity to reach out and show your appreciation for everything they’ve done for you over the years. If you’ve lost your grandparents, it’s a time to remember them and share stories with your family and friends.

My grandmother, Margaret McCann, is a legend in our family. When her husband died unexpectedly in 1949, she took over his painting business while my 22-year-old dad learned the ropes. He was the public face of the company, but it was Margaret who knew how to price products and services, write up estimates, and manage the budgets.

The story of her keeping the family business alive has stuck with me and my siblings over the years and helped inspire me to build my own business.

How have your grandparents inspired you in life? Share your story with us for a chance to be included in next Sunday’s Celebrations Pulse.

All the best,

Jim

Trek for treat

More memorable Halloween stories – and birthdays

A Halloween legacy

Embracing Halloween rituals

A Halloween trendsetter

How has Halloween changed for you?

Our favorite Halloween Treats

Vote for your favorites

What is collective grief?

Ideas for coping with collective grief

1. Channel feelings into action

2. Bring it back to now

3. If needed, take control of your newsfeed

4. Seek support

Word magic

Small changes make a difference

Asking questions

Emotional investment

Continuous learning

Opportunity for everyone

Fostering a more inclusive workplace

How you can help

Strength training for relationships

Food, parties, and sports

Lots to look forward to …

Taking care of the Earth

A difference in taste

My continuing education

Lessons from our grandparents

Sharing the love of grandparenting

Ways to celebrate Grandparents Day

Relationships at work

A labor of love and salad

More than a paycheck

Lessons from our grandparents