A Flower Basket celebrates first anniversary in Bellefonte

BELLEFONTE — Susan Munnell, the owner of A Flower Basket in Bellefonte, is celebrating her store’s first year in business with a special sale slated through Thursday, Sept. 1.

Munnell and her husband, Craig, opened the doors at the 633 E. Howard St. business last September, and new customers soon became friends. The couple also employed a special greeter from the start. Lucy, the store’s resident feline, is celebrating her first birthday in conjunction with the store’s anniversary.

“Lucy was one of five cats that were bottle-fed by a woman in Madisonburg after their mother was killed,” said Munnell. “A neighbor has a sister to Lucy named Bella. My step-daughter has a brother cat named Franklin. The Madisonburg woman kept two of the tiny cats, which are exact copies of each other and of Lucy.”

A Flower Basket, featuring an end-of-summer theme, will offer many items for sale related to gardening, flowers and seasonal décor, but nearly everything in the store will be included in the sale.

According to Munnell, greeter Lucy has requested that shoppers bring donations for the animal shelters in the area. These items can include, food, toys, litter and money. Lucy feels these donations would be a “purr-fect” gesture to honor her birthday.

A Flower Basket carries a unique and varied inventory of giftware for babies, children, pets and others, along with a wide selection of greeting cards. Munnell said many of her gift items are locally made. When possible, she likes to feature crafters, jam and jelly makers and others from the region.

Of course, the store offers flowers for all occasions. Five part-time employees help Munnell get orders out in a timely manner.