Ali Kilpatrick

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Neighbors Coffee Roasters

Local Business Spreads Joy and Stress Relief, Two Bouquets at a Time 

Rockville, MD, October 12, 2026 -- Calluna Flower Truck is joining dozens of floral businesses nationwide to surprise visitors at Neighbors Coffee in Rockville with two free mini bouquets — one to keep and one to give to a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 14, from 8 a.m. to noon, or while supplies last.
The random act of kindness initiative, called Petal It Forward and organized by the Society of American Florists (SAF), is designed to help people start their day with more joy and less stress. The effort also highlights research from the University of North Florida (UNF) showing that living with flowers can reduce stress.
“Petal It Forward is the floral industry’s way of giving back,” said Elizabeth Daly, SAF’s manager of marketing and communications, citing the effort was purposefully planned for a Wednesday to help the mid-week slump. Elissa Abod, of Calluna Flower Truckwanted to be a part of the mood-boosting effort, and make a difference in the community. “People light up the moment they see the flower truck, and I want to share that feeling with as many people as possible”, said Abod.

The research findings on flowers and stress relief, and the need for mood-boosting gestures, seem timely: A survey by Wakefield Research in July showed that 68 percent of Americans experience stress weekly, and 32 percent report feeling stressed daily. Women are even more affected, with 25 percent reporting feeling stress multiple times a day.

Abod says the original idea behind Petal It Forward’s ‘keep one, share one’ concept, which started in 2015, came after looking at statistics that showed while 80 percent of people reported receiving flowers makes them happy, even more (88 percent) said that giving flowers makes them happy. “We want to give people the chance to experience both,” said Abod. 

In addition to the research on stress, previous behavioral studies conducted by Rutgers<a href="https://aboutflowers.com/quick-links/health-benefits-research/emotional-impact-of-flowers-study/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>and<a href="https://aboutflowers.com/quick-links/health-benefits-research/home-ecology-of-flowers-study/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>Harvard scientifically demonstrate the positive impact flowers have on emotional wellbeing. 
For information on the effects of flowers on stress research, visit <a href="https://safnow.org/health-benefits-research/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">safnow.org/health-benefits-research/</a>



About Calluna Flower Truck 
Founded in 2022, Calluna Flower Truck is a woman-owned mobile floral business serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Featuring "Alice," a charming 1951 Tiffany-blue pickup truck, Calluna brings flowers directly to people through community pop-ups, interactive flower bars, private celebrations, and corporate brand activations. Guided by its mission of "Spreading joy one flower at a time," Calluna creates memorable experiences that bring people together.

<h2>About the Society of American Florists</h2>
The Society of American Florists is the national trade association to the floral industry, representing growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations.

Local Event: Calluna Flower Truck Joins Nationwide Effort to ‘Petal It Forward’

Calluna Flower Truck Joins Nationwide Effort to...

Local Business Spreads Joy and Stress Relief, Two Bouquets at a Time 

Rockville, MD, October 12, 2026 -- Calluna Flower Truck...

Calluna Flower Truck Joins Nationwide Effort to ‘Petal It Forward’

The free JSSA<a href="https://virtualexpos.accessjca.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> </a><a href="https://jssa.org/virtualexpos/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Northern Virginia, MD Virtual 50+ Employment Expo</a> is designed to connect jobseekers aged 50 and over with age-friendly employers.
Expo program:
<ul>
 <li>Workshops (10 - 11:45 a.m.) Start your day with two engaging workshops tailored to jobseekers aged 50 and above. These sessions provide valuable strategies, tools, and insights to support your career journey.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>Employer Presentations (12 - 3:30 p.m.*) Employers share information about their current full- and part-time job openings. Jobseekers can ask employers questions via Zoom chat, making the expo a dynamic and interactive experience.</li>
</ul>
Jobseekers: Whether you are re-entering the workforce, changing careers, or seeking new opportunities, you are invited to
join us for the expo on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Register today at <a href="https://www.jssa.org/services/career-services/virtual-50-employment-expos/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">jssa.org/virtualexpos/</a>.
Employers: If your organization has at least three job openings, this is your opportunity to meet talented and experienced professionals. Learn more and register today at <a href="https://www.jssa.org/services/career-services/virtual-50-employment-expos/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">jssa.org/virtualexpos/</a>. Registration is free and required.
*The expo end time will be extended to accommodate additional employers. You may join, exit, and rejoin the expo as your schedule permits.
The free JSSA Northern Virginia Virtual 50+ Employment Expos are generously funded by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
As of July 1, 2026, JCA and JSSA merged. Find the same service programs you relied on throughout the years, just under the JSSA name.
JSSA serves people of all faiths, races, ethnicities, and income levels.

Local Event: Registration is Open - JSSA Northern Virginia Virtual 50+ Employment Expo 

Registration is Open - JSSA Northern Virginia...

The free JSSA Northern Virginia, MD Virtual 50+ Employment Expo is designed to connect jobseekers aged 50 and over with...

Registration is Open - JSSA Northern Virginia Virtual 50+ Employment Expo 

Howard Community College

It’s fall, y’all! Grab your family, round up your friends, and head to Howard Community College for Fall for All—a fun-filled celebration to kick off your weekend!There’s something for everyone, including pumpkin-themed activities, a pumpkin patch, face painting, moon bounces, candy, an inflatable corn maze, food trucks, and plenty more fall fun. Family friendly costumes are encouraged! Plus, Howard County Public Schools students have the day off, so it’s the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family out for an afternoon of fun. We’ll see you at Fall for All!

Local Event: Howard Community College Presents Fall for All! 

Howard County

Columbia

Howard Community College Presents Fall for All! 

It’s fall, y’all! Grab your family, round up your friends, and head to Howard Community College for Fall for All—a fun-filled...

Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse

Saturday November 7, 2026VIP&nbsp;Hour = 9am-10amGeneral Admission = 10am-5pmBringing together artisan chocolatiers, specialty coffee roasters, gourmet food vendors, and thousands of passionate attendees, this annual celebration showcases the best flavors, products, and experiences from across the region. Discover unique treats, support small businesses, and indulge in a weekend dedicated to chocolate and coffee.Sip, Sample, and Shop from over 120 unique artisans Mascot Photo Opportunities, Seminars, Onsite Activities and more

Local Event: DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland Edition 

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland...

Saturday November 7, 2026VIP Hour = 9am-10amGeneral Admission = 10am-5pmBringing together artisan chocolatiers, specialty...

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland Edition 

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Ali Kilpatrick, Neighbor

Posting Activity

Calluna Flower Truck Joins Nationwide Effort to ‘Petal It Forward’

Registration is Open - JSSA Northern Virginia Virtual 50+ Employment Expo

Howard Community College Presents Fall for All!

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland Edition