Professional Services

Harford-Built Innovation

A Harford County company supporting missions worldwide Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Dietz and Contributing Photographers For Mike Watts, founder of AES2 (Advanced Engineering Solutions and Services), building a company was never about chasing scale or profit alone. It was about purpose and creating technology that helps people carry out critical missions. Born and raised in Baltimore County and a Bel Air resident for the past 25 years, Watts built his early career at...

Life + Culture

Writing with Heart and Purpose

How one Harford County writer balances service, storytelling, and community Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Jennifer Vido’s stories may not be set in Harford County, but the sense of community that runs through her books is shaped by life here. A longtime resident, Vido balances her work as Executive Director of the Harford County Bar Foundation with a career as a novelist, writing romance and cozy mysteries built around human connection, resilience, and...

Food + Beverage

Community Made

Local food businesses finding success through creativity, connection, and care Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers From family farms to neighborhood cafés, Harford County’s small food businesses are proof that local still matters. While national brands and large-scale operations may seem to dominate the broader marketplace, these locally owned businesses continue to thrive by staying rooted in place, prioritizing relationships, and leading with creativity. ...

Fitness

Strength, Heart, and Community

How one local gym owner is turning personal heart health into community impact Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Dietz When Kim Peters opened The Fitness Center of Havre de Grace, she wasn’t just creating a gym. She was building a space shaped by resilience, inclusion, and a deep commitment to the community she calls home, all with an eye on maintaining a healthy heart. Heart health awareness is especially personal for Peters. A heart attack survivor herself, she was just 38...

Food + Beverage

A Winter Cocktail with Flair

This locally crafted soft, fruity sip feels right for winter nights and Valentine-inspired celebrations. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Harco City Lifestyle Whether you’re simply looking to warm up from the inside with a simple yet flavorful cocktail or you’re kicking off a special meal, Barrett’s on the Pike has you covered with a solid list of libations. For the chilly months, Barrett’s bartender Scott Markham has a twist on the classic Cosmopolitan that can serve as the...

Sports + Recreation

Grounded in Harford County

Jay Witasick talks about playing in the Major League and returning to Harford County. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Courtesy of Jay Witasick Can you tell us a bit about your baseball background -- where you grew up, how you got into the sport, and which teams you played for during your major league career? I was born in Baltimore and grew up in the Loch Raven/Parkville area until my family moved to Harford County right before I started high school. I played Little League and...

Wellness

Home Care, Human Connection

Local caregiving rooted in service, dignity, and real human connection. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Dietz From an early age, JP Glynn witnessed the power of caring for aging family members at home, and his present role as owner and director at Visiting Angels reflects the lessons that he learned. In his preteen years, he watched his mother leave her full-time job as an office administrator for a dentist to take care of his paternal grandfather, providing hygiene needs as...

Health + Wellness

Independence, Community, and Care in Harford County

Where assisted living feels personal, peaceful, and uplifting. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Dietz Jarrettsville native Melissa Chaney had been practicing Occupational Therapy for over 25 years, spending the vast majority of that time as a Home Care Therapist, when she decided she wanted to branch out in a different direction and open her own assisted living facility. Along with her husband, Scott Chaney, the two moved forward, opening Broad Creek Manor in Whiteford...

Fitness

Breathing New Energy into a Beloved Community Club

How Coppermine preserved a local icon while reshaping it for today's families and athletes. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Leah Rhianne for Coppermine When Coppermine purchased the Bel Air Athletic Club, it wasn’t simply acquiring a fitness facility -- it was stepping into a place woven into Harford County’s social fabric. Bel Air members didn’t just exercise there; they built friendships, raised families, and found community. Preserving that spirit while ushering in something...

Food + Beverage

Mocktails Made for Winter

Crafted by local talent, these mocktails deliver bold flavor without the spirits, making them perfect for fresh-start season. Article by Natalie Trabbold and Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Natalie Trabbold and Steve Vilnit Award-winning chef Zack Trabbold and his wife, Natalie Trabbold, have built their two restaurants -- The Local and Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen (under the Evolved Hospitality Brand) -- from scratch. Along with their incredible team, they have put their heart and soul into...