Harco, MD April 2026

The Investment Issue

There’s something about April that feels full of possibility. The days are lighter, the air feels more open, and there’s a renewed sense that this is a good time to take steps forward, big or small. Whether that means planning ahead, trying something new, or simply making space for what matters most, this season naturally invites growth.

In this Investment issue of Harco City Lifestyle, we explore the many ways people across Harford County are investing in their futures, their well-being, and their community. You’ll meet a retirement planning advisor who is transforming how clients approach financial preparation, combining thoughtful strategy with contemporary tools to create plans that feel both personalized and empowering.

We also spotlight local businesses dedicated to self-care, reminding us that prioritizing our health, energy, and balance isn’t indulgent, it’s essential. From wellness services to restorative experiences, these local resources make it easier to take care of yourself close to home.

Education is another powerful investment, and our feature on a renowned local school highlights an organization that has spent decades partnering with families and the community to support students who learn differently. It’s a story of trust, commitment, and the ripple effect that happens when children gain confidence in how they learn.

You’ll also step inside a dynamic new downtown development inspired by both personal vision and community collaboration. Designed to bring new energy, connection, and opportunity to Bel Air, the project reflects what can happen when people believe deeply in a place and its future.

Of course, investing in life also means enjoying it. Inside, you’ll find home advice to support your spaces, a timeless cocktail recipe to elevate gatherings, and a gallery from a recent local book launch celebrating creativity right here in our community.

At its heart, this issue is about intention and choosing where to place your time, energy, and resources in ways that create lasting value. Thank you for being part of the Harford County community and for continuing to support the people, businesses, and stories that make it thrive. We’re so glad to share this April with you.

DAVE

BURRIS, PUBLISHER @HARCOCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Dave Burris | Dave.Burris@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kerry Dietz | kerry.dietz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Margarita Scannell | margarita@genevapass.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Alisha Garlie

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kerry Paradis Photography, Keyanna Bowen - East & Lane, Beverly Funkhouser, Breanna Kuhlmann, Claudia Nachtigal, Kim Van Bergen, Mark Robinson, Chole Monroe/Chloe Marie Photography, CHEP Inc., MidAtlantic Photographic LLC, One Eleven Main, Vandiver Inn, Harford County Bar Association, Harford County Bar Foundation

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Just-In Home Care Celebrates a Meaningful Milestone

Just-In Home Care is proud to announce the opening of its new brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Jarrettsville, marking an exciting milestone for the growing company. Known for providing compassionate companion and personal care services in clients’ homes, the team is thrilled to expand its presence and continue to serve families in the community. This new space reflects their continued commitment to quality care, connection, and supporting clients where they feel most comfortable -- at home. JustinHomeCare.com

business in Harford County!

Brian A. Akers, CFP®, and the Akers Financial Group team are here to create personalized retirement plans to both grow and protect your wealth. Akers Financial Group offers securities through Arkadios Capital, a SIPC and FINRA member firm. Advisory services are provided through Arkadios Wealth. Akers Financial Group and Arkadios do not share any common ownership.

Scan to read more

A New Destination for Home Inspiration

After celebrating its grand opening in March, Ward Home Improvements’ new design studio is now open and ready to welcome homeowners. The expansive showroom offers an inspiring, hands-on space to explore materials, finishes, fixtures, and more while working with the company’s experienced design team. Known for high-quality renovations backed by decades of expertise, Ward Home Improvements invites the community to stop in, get inspired, and start planning their next home transformation. WardHomeImprovements.com

Scan to read more

Join us in celebrating 30 years of hope and transformation!

May 2, 2026 • 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

VIP Reception at 5:30 pm at Bonita Farm

Dinner, Drinks & Dancing Featuring The Klassix

Scan to learn more.

TURNING RETIREMENT GOALS into Reality

MODERN TOOLS MEET PERSONALIZED RETIREMENT STRATEGIES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY PARADIS PHOTOGRAPHY

For Eric Bowser, Retirement Planning Advisor at Safe Harbor Retirement Planners since 2007, helping clients prepare for the future is about far more than numbers. It’s about clarity, confidence, and building a plan designed to weather what lies ahead.

“Even when I was young, I always had a fascination with the monetary side of this world,” Bowser said. “I was incredibly fortunate to already have this structure in place. The investment advisory was already set up years ago, and we’ve been running with it ever since.” Joining the firm founded by his father allowed him to grow within an established foundation while focusing on advancing retirement strategies using modern tools.

Bowser finds the most value in guiding clients as they gain understanding and move through the process. “Typically, when we first meet with someone, it’s a very confusing world for them,” he said. “I really enjoy meeting with someone in that phase and helping them get through that, then seeing them become incredibly confident and relieved that they can focus on retirement.”

At the core of his approach is personalization powered by technology. “The software is what allows us to put together that personalized plan,” he explained. “We put goals and objectives in first… then we can design the investments.”

Overall, Bowser advises individuals to be mindful of the fact that not all retirement planners are the same. “There’s a huge difference in the quality of planning and how it will hold up in different economic environments,” he said. “You’ve got to put a plan together, and it has to be done with the right systems and tools.”

The Great Hall The Great Hall

Pediatric dental care for infants to teens, including those with special needs

OUR DENTISTS

Diana Capobianco, D.D.S.*

Todd Lyman, D.D.S.*

Chris Bailey, D.D.S.*

Shira Caplan, D.D.S

Jack Lyss, D.D.S.

*Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIDATLANTIC PHOTOGRAPHIC LLC AND CLAUDIA NACHTIGAL

A SHARED Investment

Local commitment creating lasting educational change

As the Highlands School enters its 30th year, Head of School Claudia Nachtigal talked with Harco City Lifestyle about the joint investment between the community and the school and the lasting impact of a Highlands School education.

Please share a brief overview of The Highlands School:

The Highlands School was founded 30 years ago in response to a very real and unmet need in our community: bright, capable children who were not thriving in traditional classrooms because of language-based learning differences. From the beginning, Highlands was built on the belief that how students learn matters just as much as what they learn. The school was intentionally designed to provide structured literacy, small class sizes, and explicit instruction in executive functioning. That foundational commitment remains at the heart of who we are today.

Highlands is entering its 30th year---when you look back, what stands out most about the way this community has consistently invested in the school over the decades?

What stands out most is the consistency and loyalty of that investment. Highlands has grown not because of a single benefactor or defining moment, but because families, educators, and community members have shown up year after year, often quietly and without fanfare. Many supporters were first introduced to Highlands through a board member, a child they knew, a family connection, or a personal understanding of learning differences. Those relationships built trust. Trust grew into belief. That belief became long-term commitment.

Highlands has never received government funding, yet it has thrived for three decades. What do you think that says about the power of local, mission-driven investment in education?

Highlands has thrived by teaching students how to learn, even when it has not always thrived financially. The school is here today

because when a community deeply understands and believes in a mission, it chooses to protect and sustain it. Highlands exists because families and supporters choose it, not because it is mandated or subsidized. That kind of investment is intentional and values-based. It reflects trust in the school’s educators and outcomes and underscores the idea that meaningful educational innovation often begins at the local level.

Much of the community’s support has come from Harford County businesses, civic leaders, and philanthropic partners. How have those relationships shaped the school’s growth and stability over time?

Highlands’ growth and stability have been shaped largely by the support of the local business community and philanthropic partners. Many business owners in Harford County have personal experience with learning differences, and research continues to show a strong connection between dyslexic thinking and entrepreneurship. Having struggled in traditional academic settings themselves, these leaders recognize the need for a school that teaches students how to learn.

That shared understanding has translated into more than financial support. Business leaders have served as advocates, champions, and connectors, helping raise visibility, strengthen credibility, and sustain the school through challenging economic periods. Their partnership has allowed Highlands to invest strategically in people, programs, and facilities that directly benefit students. Ultimately, this support reflects a shared belief that investing in Highlands is an investment in both students and the future workforce of Harford County.

Beyond financial support, what does “investment” look like in day-to-day terms--relationships, trust, and shared belief in the school’s mission?

Investment shows up most clearly in relationships. It looks like families trusting us with their children, educators committing

deeply to their craft, alumni and their parents staying connected, and community members continuing to champion the school. In many ways, it is similar to the idea of six degrees of separation. Once you begin tracing connections to The Highlands School, you quickly see how far its impact reaches across our county.

That web of relationships fosters a collective willingness to do what is best for students, even when it is hard or requires sacrifice. This kind of relational investment creates a culture of trust and hope, and that culture is foundational to meaningful, lasting student growth.

Highlands places a strong emphasis on how students learn through structured literacy, executive-function development, and individualized instruction.

Why is investing in learning processes--not just outcomes--so critical for long-term success?

For 30 years, The Highlands School has remained steadfast in its commitment to structured literacy delivered in small, 3:1 instructional groups. This model is expensive. On average, it costs approximately $10,000 more per student than our tuition covers. Yet we continue to invest in it because the evidence of its effectiveness is clear in our students’ outcomes.

When students understand how they learn, they develop independence, resilience, and confidence. They gain tools they can apply across subjects and settings long after they leave Highlands. By investing in learning processes, not just short-term results, we are building skills for life and setting students up for sustained success.

When you think about return on investment, what changes do you see most clearly in students--academically, emotionally, and in their confidence as learners?

The most visible change is confidence. Students who once believed they were “bad at school” or “dumb” begin to see themselves as capable learners. Academically, we see growth in reading, writing, and organization. Just as important, we see students take intellectual risks, advocate for themselves, and engage more fully in learning. That emotional shift often becomes the turning point in a child’s educational journey.

How does that investment ripple outward to families, particularly across generations, as parents watch their children develop stronger study habits and a healthier relationship with learning?

When one child’s experience changes, an entire family’s story begins to change. We hear this consistently from parents and siblings. Homes that were once defined by nightly homework battles and tears become places of connection, conversation, and calm. Parents stop bracing themselves for schoolwork and start enjoying their children again.

When a child who has carried years of academic shame begins to understand how they learn, something profound happens. Confidence replaces fear. Hope replaces frustration. This shift reaches far beyond study habits or grades. It reshapes a child’s sense of self. When a child stops believing they are broken and starts believing they are capable, it does not just change their education. It changes the trajectory of an entire family.

From the beginning, Highlands was built on the belief that how students learn matters just as much as what they learn.

As Highlands looks toward its next 30 years, how do you hope the community continues to invest--and what do you believe that long-term commitment can make possible for the next generation of learners?

The Highlands School is in a remarkable season. Enrollment is strong, our workplace culture is thriving, and our financial position has changed dramatically. My hope is that we move beyond simply sustaining the school year to year and instead secure its future in perpetuity.

Over the past 30 years, countless lives in Harford County have been changed because Highlands exists. The opportunity before us now is to ensure that this remains true not just for today’s students, but for generations to come.

Anything else you’d like readers to know:

If one in five students has a learning difference, that means roughly 7,500 to 8,100 students in Harford County could benefit from a Highlands-style learning model. That is exactly why we exist. Each year, we provide approximately $450,000 in financial assistance to help make this education accessible to families. If you know a child who may benefit from a school that truly understands how they learn, we encourage you to reach out. Highlands is here to help.

Renew Restore, Refresh,

A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPOTS WHERE YOU CAN INVEST IN YOURSELF THIS SEASON

LifeMed Institute

LifeMed Institute in Bel Air offers a welcoming space for anyone ready to feel more energized, balanced, and in tune with their health. With personalized testing, hormone support, regenerative therapies, and tailored wellness plans, the focus is on understanding your body and creating meaningful, lasting improvements. Clients often come seeking answers and leave with clarity, confidence, and practical steps forward. It’s an inviting way to prioritize yourself, whether your goal is more energy, better balance, or simply feeling like the best version of you again!

Massage and NeuroFascial Therapies of Bel Air

With more than a decade of experience, Kim Van Bergen has built her career around one goal: helping people move beyond chronic pain when other treatments have fallen short. Inspired by chiropractors she once worked with and her husband’s experience navigating autoimmune-related pain, she continues to pursue advanced training, including Rapid Neurofascial Reset, a specialized technique focused on the nervous system. Now, with demand growing, she hopes to inspire other therapists to expand their skills and step into this important work. For those willing to commit time and resources, it’s an opportunity to elevate both their impact and their careers.

Sorella Skincare and Aesthetics

Sorella Skincare & Aesthetics in Hickory blends medical expertise with a warm, family-centered approach to confidence and care. Founded by lifelong Harford County resident Kelly Canatella, a family nurse practitioner and certified aesthetic nurse specialist, the practice focuses on natural, refreshed results that help clients feel like the best version of themselves. With roots in dermatology and plastic surgery, treatments are thoughtfully personalized to support both skin health and self-confidence. The atmosphere is intentionally welcoming and unintimidating, creating a space where clients feel cared for, supported, and empowered. Plus, Canatella's sisters Rachel, Jessie, and Sarah also participate in the practice in various roles. "We are incredibly close," Canatella said. "Sorella is actually Italian for sister."

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA

Willow and Waves

Willow and Waves Salon in Bel Air offers more than hair services. It creates a calming retreat designed to nurture both confidence and well-being. Since Gretchen Amrein opened the salon on Main Street in Bel Air, it has focused on building a welcoming space where guests feel relaxed, cared for, and truly seen. With eco-conscious practices, personalized services, and innovative offerings like a dedicated scalp facial room featuring holistic treatments, every detail is thoughtfully curated. It’s an inviting place to pause, recharge, and leave feeling refreshed, inside and out.

One Love Mind Body

One Love Mind Body in Aberdeen offers a welcoming, judgment-free approach to movement and wellness, designed for real life rather than perfection. Founded by Nicole Valan, the yoga studio focuses on small classes, nervous system regulation, and meeting clients exactly where they are, whether they’re managing stress, health challenges, or simply seeking balance. The experience encourages listening to your body instead of pushing past it, helping clients build confidence, calm, and connection. It’s a supportive space to slow down, reset, and prioritize well-being in a way that feels sustainable.

Crescent Moon Esthetics

Kyleigh Klein's Crescent Moon Esthetics and Moonlight Collective Studios in Abingdon offers more than traditional beauty or wellness services. They create space to slow down, reconnect, and feel supported. Founded on a desire to build something more personal, the experience centers on relationships, education, and long-term confidence rather than quick fixes. Whether through skincare, coaching, or community events, clients are invited to pause and prioritize themselves. The goal is simple but powerful: to leave feeling cared for, more confident, and reminded that taking time for yourself is not selfish. It’s essential.

WHERE VISION MEETS COMMUNITY

INVESTING IN VIBRANCY, WALKABILITY, AND COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

KERRY PARADIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Sometimes the biggest ideas begin with something deeply personal. For Wayne Goddard, the vision behind The Standard on Bond started during a visit to Greenville, South Carolina, where his daughter was attending Clemson University. The city’s vibrant downtown, walkable lifestyle, and modern mixed-use buildings made an impression on both of them, and his daughter loved the energy and envisioned herself living there after graduation. That moment sparked a realization. If that kind of lifestyle existed elsewhere, why not bring it to Bel Air?

After seeing a building that combined residential living, restaurants, and gathering spaces, Goddard recalls, “I said to myself, ‘Well, looks like I’ve found my next project,' with a keen eye on creating a space that would be welcoming to people like his daughter. That idea would eventually become The Standard on Bond, a mixed-use development designed to create a similar sense of energy and connection in the heart of Harford County. In a full-circle turn of events, his daughter Sabrina, now a local fourth-grade teacher, will be the building’s first residential tenant.

The project is the result of strong partnerships and collaboration. Goddard serves as Project Executive, working alongside co-developer Jason Watts of UrbanBuilt, whose team is leading construction. Partners Dave Linsalata, Damon Pross, and Dave Vanicky each bring expertise in project management, financial modeling, and strategic support.

The development blends residential apartments, office space, retail, dining, and a public pocket park into a destination centered on convenience and connection. “We believe in the ‘live, work and play’ model,” said Goddard, President and General Counsel of Goddard Companies, LLC. “I believe that TSOB is the only project in Harford County that truly offers a ‘park the car’ and walk everywhere lifestyle.”

Community input influenced the project significantly. Originally planned at nearly twice the size, the building was redesigned multiple times to address neighborhood concerns about density, parking, and architectural style. “We wanted to work with the community in hopes of achieving a project that would really serve as a catalyst for other development in the Town,” Goddard explained.

The name itself reflects intention and ambition. Inspired by Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney, Goddard said that he recalled an interview in which Swinney said, “At Clemson, our standard is the best.” Goddard continued, “That is how I feel about our projects. Everything at TSOB is the best; we have the best views, the best elevators… the highest quality materials, the highest quality finishes, and an overall luxury experience when you walk in the front door. This building sets the standard for safety, security, energy efficiency, design, and tenant experience.”

The Standard on Bond will also include penthouse office tenants such as RBC Wealth Management, along with additional professional firms, fitness offerings, and dining concepts at street level.

With phased openings beginning in 2026, The Standard on Bond represents more than development. It reflects vision, partnership, and a shared belief in Bel Air’s future. As Chris Streett of Streett Hopkins, a friend of Goddard’s and an integral part of propelling the project forward with Goddard, said, “Hopefully it’s a litmus test for more properties like this in the future. Hopefully, a project like this will inspire more vibrancy.”

Your Curated Home

The Five-Star Wellness Retreat: Designing a Home That Restores You

Wellness begins at home. In a fast-paced world, your environment should calm your mind, improve sleep, and help you recharge. Thoughtful design transforms your home into a daily retreat -- a refined escape from noise, pressure, and constant demands. Research shows that people feel emotionally and physically better in a thoughtfully designed space, and that serene bedrooms can significantly improve sleep. These are just a few ways to invest in your home for a more peaceful setting.

Plush Comfort That Welcomes You In

Five-star hotels calm the senses with soft layers and warm lighting. Your home should offer that same feeling the moment you walk in.

• Upgrade to high-thread-count bedding and soft textures. Choose quality linens and natural fabrics for elevated, hotel-level comfort.

• Layer throws and pillows to create inviting seating. Opt for large pillows in the back, smaller in front, all finished with a lumbar. Keep tones cohesive.

• Use essential oils or candles to signal calm. Incorporate lavender or sandalwood, or install a whole-home HVAC diffuser for consistent fragrance.

Intentional Spaces That Flow

• A well-planned layout reduces stress and makes daily living effortless.

• Use rugs and furniture placement to define zones. A well-planned layout reduces stress and makes daily living effortless.

ARTICLE BY ALISHA GARLIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

• Prioritize clear walkways and balanced layouts. Leave two to three feet between furniture for easy movement.

• Keep visual clutter to a minimum. Display only meaningful, wellcurated pieces.

Effortless Living, Thoughtfully Designed True luxury is a home that works beautifully for you.

• Automate lighting and window treatments. Control ambiance with one touch.

• Choose quality over quantity. Invest in timeless, well-crafted furnishings.

• Use warm neutrals and natural textures. Layer soft beiges, warm woods, linen, and stone for a calm, inviting feel.

Your home should feel like a private retreat -- a place to unwind, gather with those you love, and enjoy the life you’ve built, with every detail supporting comfort and well-being.

EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINING STARTS WITH THIS SOPHISITICATED SIP.

CLASSIC COCKTAIL INSPIRATION FROM ONE ELEVEN MAIN

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY

One Eleven Main in Bel Air is known for its upscale yet approachable menu crafted with locally sourced ingredients. While a visit to the elegant dining room promises fine dining paired with warm ambiance and a curated list of seasonal cocktails, Kristen Oktavec of One Eleven Main has also shared the recipe for the restaurant’s version of this timeless cocktail that you can make at home any time of the year.

CLASSIC OLD-FASHIONED

• 2 oz Old Overholt Rye

• 1 sugar cube

• 3 dashes Angostura bitters

• 2 splashes of orange bitters

• Splash of water

1. Add a sugar cube to an oldfashioned glass.

2. Soak the cube with water and bitters and muddle until dissolved.

3. Add whiskey and four ice cubes.

4. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry and an expressed orange peel.

One Eleven Main, 111 S Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014, oneelevenbelair.com

PAGES, PAIRINGS, AND POURS

Local Flavor + Local Talent = Local Celebration

On Saturday, February 7, the award-winning Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace welcomed The Vineyard Wine Bar owner Joe Lertch and photographer Mark Robinson for a wine and spice pairing event to celebrate their recently released co-authored book "The Art of Spice & Wine Pairing: Simple Recipes to Enjoy Everyday." Guests

were invited to visit four stations featuring a total of eight savory, sweet, and spiced dishes with expertly curated wine selections in the Inn's pavilion while enjoying speeches from Lertch and Robinson as well as purchasing signed copies of the hardback cookbook that any wine enthusiast will appreciate.

events

APRIL 17TH

The STAR Centre presents: The Amazing Bubble Factory - Star Centre

The STAR Centre, 700 Congress Ave., Havre de Grace | 7:00 PM

Experience an evening of wonder as The Amazing Bubble Factory brings interactive bubble artistry to life with humor, music, and audience participation. From tiny bubbles to massive creations, this family-friendly performance offers a playful, high-energy show designed to entertain guests of all ages.

APRIL 18TH

Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago

The STAR Centre, 700 Congress Ave., Havre de Grace | 8:00 PM

Relive the iconic sound of Chicago with this high-energy tribute concert featuring beloved hits spanning decades. From powerhouse horns to classic ballads, the performance captures the excitement of a live arena show and delivers an unforgettable evening for music lovers of all ages.

APRIL 25TH

GAIN Conference

McFaul Activities Center, 525 W MacPhail Rd., Bel Air, MD 21014 | 8:00 AM

Discover valuable resources and strategies for aging well at this free community event designed for seniors, families, and caregivers. Meet local organizations, explore supportive services, and gain insights to help navigate the journey ahead with confidence. Open to the public.

PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TOUR

SATURDAY, JULY 18TH SATURDAY, JULY 18TH