MJ Zafis-Garcia

Montgomery County

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Potomac

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Gaby Arancibia

Bethesda-Chevy Chase

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Michael O'Connell

McLean

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Rockville

Patch AM Team

Great Falls

Kensington

Fairfax

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Tysons Corner

North Potomac-Darnestown

Wolf Trap

Pimmit Hills

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’

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...

St. Francis Episcopal Church

Come join your community for a fun-filled day where neighbors become friends! This exciting event features live music, moonbounces, blow-up slides, face painting, and various games, plus a selection of local vendors, a used book sale, a bake sale, and a plant sale. Admission is free, with $5 activity passes available for participants ages 2 and up to enjoy games and inflatables.

Local Event: Family Fall Festival

Family Fall Festival

Come join your community for a fun-filled day where neighbors become friends! This exciting event features live music,...

Get ready for one of the region's most anticipated arts events! Ch/Art (Chevy Chase Art), the only nonprofit community arts organization serving Chevy Chase, DC and Maryland, invites the public to its 7th Annual Art Walk on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;
Over two inspiring afternoons, 86 talented local artists will welcome visitors to 35 homes throughout Chevy Chase to meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and discover unique pieces available for purchase.&nbsp; Visitors are invited to stroll, bike, or drive using our Art Walk<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=1rI_Hlm5UGMQWi1DlbaBmodLwz2h4F5M&amp;ll=38.97139604416001%2C-77.07365895000001&amp;z=14" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> map</a> to navigate.
Whether you're an avid collector, looking for the perfect gift, or simply seeking a fun weekend outing, the Art Walk offers something for everyone. Explore an impressive variety of artistic styles and media, including abstract and representational painting, sculpture, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, photography, fiber art, and mixed media.&nbsp;
Along the way, collect stamps in your Art Walk Passport for a chance to win a prize while experiencing the creativity that makes this one of Chevy Chase's signature community events.&nbsp;
Event Details:
Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026 - 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;
Admission: Free and open to the public - Weather: Rain or shine
Founded in 2018, Ch/Art is a nonprofit organization with more than 150 member artists. Its mission is to strengthen the community by making art accessible through exhibitions, educational programs, and hands-on creative experiences.&nbsp; For more information about the Art Walk, email chevychaseartgroup@gmail.com or visit<a href="https://www.chevychaseart.org/art-walk-info" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> Art Walk Info — Ch/Art</a> .

Local Event: 7th Annual Ch/Art Art Walk

7th Annual Ch/Art Art Walk

Get ready for one of the region's most anticipated arts events! Ch/Art (Chevy Chase Art), the only nonprofit community arts...

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 

Germantown

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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MJ Zafis-Garcia, Neighbor

Posting Activity

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

Howard Community College Presents Fall for All!

Family Fall Festival

7th Annual Ch/Art Art Walk

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland Edition