Section B · Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
Friday, February 12, 1999
Local businesses get ready for Valentine's onslaught
By Paula Spreitzer Special to the Kansan
With two days left until Valentine's Day, students may be panicking if they haven't found the perfect gift for their special someone.
But local businesses have last-minute solutions.
Susan Engle, professional Florist and co-owner of The Flower Shoppe 1101 Massachusetts St., and Englewood Florists, 939 Massachusetts St. said her businesses had prepared for the last-minute rush.
"We really started planning after last Valentine's Day." Enkle said.
She said the florists started by looking at any areas in which there were problems and then determined what could be improved for the next year.
Every year, they prepare by having additional delivery drivers on hand. They also will have extended hours on Saturday and will be open on Sunday for both pick-up and delivery.
"Last year, we had 43 extra delivery drivers on Valentine's Day. Ordinarily, we have two a day," she said.
Although additional delivery drivers will be available, there will be limited delivery on Sunday.
"Deliveries will go out early on Sunday, but drivers may not make third
and fourth runs." Engle said.
In spite of the extra help during the weekend, Engle said customers ordering flowers on Saturday or Sunday should consider picking the flowers up themselves.
"We may not be able to deliver as quickly as you could yourself," she said. "Sometimes, I think it's really romantic for someone to take their Valentine the flowers themselves."
Engle said things could get hectic with many people trying to place orders at the same time.
"Sometimes the lines get busy," she said. "Be patient with florists."
Those who do decide to have a flowering bouquet delivered to their Valentine can help eliminate delays by having the method of payment ready before calling, Engle said. In addition, customers should know the complete address and phone number of the person to whom the flowers are to be delivered.
Local restaurants, such as Teller's, 746 Massachusetts St., also are expecting an increase in business this weekend.
Johnny Johnson, dining supervisor at Teller's, said they were expecting a crowd.
He said it would be much busier than the average Sunday evening.
He said he thought that part of the
allege of the Italian restaurant was the romantic atmosphere it offered.
"It's a lover's atmosphere, if you will." Johnson said.
After the flowers are accounted for, some students may want to give their significant others a gift.
Finding the ideal gift can prove challenging enough without the pressure of time constraints when shoppers find themselves searching for that perfect item on the eve of Valentine's Day.
Parties of six or more can make reservations, he said. Otherwise, couples should expect a wait.
"It's really difficult for me to find the right gift for someone, especially if I don't have a lot of time for shopping," said Sarah Kurien, Lenexa freshman.
However, finding a personalized gift doesn't necessarily require a trip to an exclusive specialty store.
"For my boyfriend, I wrote the story of how we met, and put with pictures of us together," said Amy Randolph, Lenexa freshman. "It didn't cost any money, and it's more personal."
Emily Davis, Overland Park freshman, said she enjoyed receiving handcrafted gifts.
"It's truly from the heart that way," she said. "Of course, candy and flowers can't hurt."
SUA offers activities for the wild at heart
By Tiffany Seeman Special to the Kansan
Posing for a picture with a life-size cutout of James Dean or Xena the Warrior Princess are just two of the free activities available today at the Kansas Union.
Student Union Activities and the Kansas and Burge Unions are sponsoring "Wild at Heart," a Valentine's Day extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Union.
"Valentine's Day is a popular day for people to come out and participate in activities," said Katrina Widholm Warren, marketing and promotions coordinator for the Kansas and Burge Unions.
To the Harlem Shakes go here
The Valentine's Day celebration is
an annual activity that features free caricature drawings, astrological love forecasts, stations to make Valentines and cake and punch.
New this year to the program is karaoke.
"People can stop and sing or just listen to someone else," Widholm Warren said.
Another addition is that there will be drawings for prizes throughout the entire Kansas Union.
SUA and the Kansas and Burge Unions also are sponsoring a "Worst Date" essay contest. Students can write about their most horrific date experiences and submit them. The essays will be posted in the Union, and prizes will be awarded next
week.
The extravaganza also will offer possibilities for last minute Valentine's Day gifts. Roses, carnations, balloons and cookies will be for sale.
Watkins Memorial Health Center and the Douglas County AIDS Project also will have booths with educational material available.
"It is always a hassle to find a great Valentine's Day present and the 'Wild at Heart' day will make it a lot easier," said Chris Jones, Prairie Village service
"The day is just a fun event sponsored by SUA and the Kansas and Burge Unions," Widholm Warren said. "And we encourage everyone to come over to the Union and enjoy the activities."
This KU student is leery that her boyfriend may not have gotten her the gift she wanted. The perfect Valentine's Day present may be difficult to come by for men and women alike.
Photo illustration
by Kate
Levenson
KANSAN
Flowers, cards win out as top tokens of holiday affection
By Joe McPeek
Special to the Kansan
It is that time of year again
Time to go out and try to find the right gift for that special one in your life, the gift that could decide the future of a young relationship or the tempo of a lasting one.
in the 40 years that Bill Nye has owned the Flower Market, 826 Air St., he has found that flowers, especially roses, were a popular choice.
"I'd rather get flowers," said Morrissa Berger, Winchester, Va., freshman. "I don't know why. I guess it's because the beauty of a flower symbolizes that he sees the same thing in me without him saying anything."
Gifts can range from flowers or stuffed animals to jewelry or lingerie
Rheene Yambot, Olathe freshman, agreed.
kneene Yambet, Olathe freshman, agreed. "Flowers are more special," she said. "They show that the person cares about you and doesn't feel like they need to buy you something expensive like jewelry or something to prove that they care."
"Living here in Lawrence with the University and all, everybody's got to have roses," he said. "Of course, red is the most popular. It says, 'I love you.'"
Cards are another common gift during the Valentine's season.
"Cards always sell the best, then candy, stuffed animals and balloons," said Vicki Wilkinson, manager of Rod's Hallmark Shop, 8.E. Seventh St.
Valentine's Day cards come with a variety of messages, but Wilkinson said some types were more popular than others.
"Of course romantic sell better than fun ones, but they both sell well."
Although many students embark on a quest for a perfect gift to buy, they said when it came to receiving them,the amount of money spent did not really matter.
For many, quality time with another person was the most important part of the holiday.
"I would be happy with a phone call," Berger said.