Harco, MD August 2026

Clean You Deserve Fresh

The Kids & Pets Issue

The Kids & Pets Issue of Harco City Lifestyle celebrates the curiosity, compassion, and connections that make our community such a special place to grow up and grow together.

In these pages, you’ll meet people and organizations helping shape brighter futures for the next generation. One local couple shares how their experience as parents inspired them to create a nurturing environment where young learners can build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Another feature introduces a program opening doors for students interested in technology and cybersecurity, connecting them with mentors and real-world opportunities that are already changing lives.

You’ll also meet a young woman who stepped outside her comfort zone and became the first Miss Bel Air’s Teen. Her story is a reminder that leadership often begins with simply being willing to put yourself out there.

Of course, no Kids & Pets issue would be complete without our four-legged family members. We visit a local dog training business whose foundation has always centered on strengthening the bond between pets and the people who love them. Through education, patience, and relationships, the team continues to help families build happier lives together. And because some of the best memories are made simply by spending time together, we’ve also rounded up places throughout the area where kids and pets are welcome, making it easy to plan your next outing with every member of the family in mind.

Whether they have two legs or four, the young people and beloved pets in our lives call for us to be more patient, more present, and more connected. They remind us that growth often happens in the little moments, and that the relationships we nurture today help shape tomorrow.

Thank you for being part of Harco City Lifestyle and for continuing to support the people, families, and stories that make our community feel special.

DAVE BURRIS, PUBLISHER

@HARCOCITYLIFESTYLE

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Dave Burris | dave.burris@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kerry Paradis | kerry.paradis@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Margarita Scannell | margarita@genevapass.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ange/@theharfordcountymom

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kerry Paradis Photography, Ange/@ theharfordcountymom, Mike Conroy, Donna Kreis, Alex Kruger, Aaron Nachtigal, Robin SommerMidAtlantic Photographic LLC, The Vandiver Inn, Water Street Seafood & The Driftwood Lounge

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Award Winning Crab Cakes

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.

Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: HCPL Foundation’s Third Annual Taste of Harford. Chuck Green, Suzanne Green, Kim Belardo, Joe Belardo, Angie Tilley, and Ed Tilley. 2: Chesapeake Cancer Alliance volunteers Mimi Maliszewski, Carol Mallon, and Michelle Karczeski at the 13th Annual Amanda Hichkad CCA Celebration Walk. 3: Women’s Giving Circle makes a grant presentation to Sharon Jacobs, founder of New-Service Training Employment Program, Inc. 4: Linda Aluoch, Owner of Non-profit HopeWorks Global Inc., with her children and handmade goods at Taste of Harford. 5: Voices of Hope “A Decade of Hope.” Banquet. Aaron Wright, Jennifer Dupkancik, Bob Cassilly. 6: Bel Air Farmers Market. 7: Mann House Golf Outing. Sonny Askew and the team from American Design & Build.

Strengthening Service Across the Region

Complete Mechanical Solutions continues to expand its capabilities with the launch of a new Rigging Division and the acquisition of two cranes, enhancing its ability to serve complex commercial projects throughout the region for large commercial clients, including MGM National Harbor, Royal Farms, and Mattress Discounters. The company is also known for deploying intricate temporary climate-control solutions during urgent and emergency situations. As summer demand peaks, CMS encourages customers to enroll in preventative maintenance agreements, which provide priority scheduling. CMSHVACMD.com

by Mike Conroy

Recognition for Leadership and Impact

Please join us in congratulating Claudia Nachtigal, Head of School at The Highlands School, on being named one of The Daily Record’s 2026 Top 100 Women in Maryland. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding leadership, community service, and mentorship. Since joining Highlands, Claudia’s vision and dedication to students with learning differences have strengthened our school community. Her commitment to ensuring every child is understood, empowered, and inspired to succeed is reflected in her leadership each day. HighlandsSchool.net

Breakfast with Historic Charm

The award-winning chefs at the Vandiver Inn in historic Havre de Grace are proud to announce that they've added mid-week gourmet breakfast to their popular Bites public dining programs. In addition to its popular Tuesday Night BiteNites, guests can now enjoy bottomless coffee and juices, fresh pastries, awesome breakfast entrees, and complimentary wireless in the Mansion and on the grand porch. A comfortable, elegant, and tasty way to start your day!  Reservations are required.  VandiverInn.com

BUILDING TOMORROW'S WORKFORCE

DEFENSE INTERNS HELPS HARFORD COUNTY STUDENTS GAIN EXPERIENCE, CONFIDENCE, AND CAREER CONNECTIONS.

Watching students learn and grow confidence has become one of founder Dondre Lawson’s favorite parts of running Defense Interns. The organization partners with Harford County Public Schools to offer apprentice programs that provide hands-on, real-world opportunities for students to explore the defense industry.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY PARADIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Lawson, a Maryland native, entrepreneur, technology leader, and senior enlisted noncommissioned officer in the Maryland National Guard, launched Defense Interns after seeing the potential of students coming through Harford

County Public Schools’ early apprenticeship programs. “We started working with Harford County Public Schools through a mutual friend, and the students they sent were phenomenal,” Lawson said. “We like to work with the youth.”

What started as a way to provide opportunities evolved into a program connecting local talent with contractors and businesses in cybersecurity, information technology, operations, project management, and other fields. Over the past three years, about 20 students have participated. Lawson said the experience extended far beyond technical skills.

“The kids are super-smart,” said Lawson, founder of the Harford Countybased nonprofit. “A lot are very introverted and seeing them break out [of that] is the best for me.”

That growth, he believes, happens when young people are given opportunities to learn alongside professionals, ask questions, and realize they belong in rooms they might never have imagined entering.

“The impact is tremendous,” he said. “These kids are working with CEOs and COOs and VPs at a young age.”

Creating a secure, educational environment is central to the organization. “We are able to give the interns a safe workspace,” Lawson said. “It’s a very training, learning-centric environment.”

One student who benefited from that environment was Franzy Servano. While participating in the Pathways in Technology Early College High School program at Joppatowne High School, she discovered a passion for cybersecurity and began searching for real-world experience. “Defense Interns opened many doors for me,” Servano said. “It gave me connections, knowledge, and experience. It helped me greatly to kickstart my career and build a resume.”

During her internship, Servano gained technical experience managing

devices through Intune, ensuring compliance, and taking help desk calls. Rotating among four companies also exposed her to different workplace cultures and strengthened her communication and problem-solving skills.

“Defense Interns gave me many opportunities to connect with people that were in the industry and have the experience that many people starting in college don’t have,” she said. Ultimately, those experiences had helped her secure a position with the Office of Information Technology at Stevenson University.

“I’m glad that Defense Interns accepted me into their program,” Servano said. “I greatly benefited from everything I learned. Defense Interns is an amazing program, and I do [think] every aspiring student who is interested in Cybersecurity and Information Systems should apply.”

Lawson hopes to one day scale the model nationally, but the impact close to home remains especially meaningful. Seeing students develop confidence, build relationships, and discover new possibilities has become the greatest reward.

“Our mission is to connect local talent with contractors,” Lawson said. For students like Servano, those connections have already become the foundation for a promising future.

Building

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY

BY KERRY PARADIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Blue Line K-9's founder and successor share a passion for education and connection.

Better Bonds

What began in 2007 as a way for Mike Soler to supplement his income grew into one of Harford County’s longtime dog training businesses: Blue Line K-9 Dog Training.

“I had no idea that the brand would become what it became,” said Soler, who served in the Marine Corps and worked as a deputy sheriff before launching the company that has since expanded to North Carolina and Texas. “It’s been an amazing journey because it was started just to give me an outlet [for my PTSD] and supplement my income. It kept taking off.”

In the early years, Soler relied largely on trial and error, traveling across the country to learn from trainers and focusing on one guiding principle. “Everything

we’re doing is about building relationships between people and their pet,” Soler said. “It’s one hundred percent focused on education.”

Along the way, Soler met Hollie Kelly, who volunteered before becoming a trainer in 2012. Over the years, Kelly rose from trainer to manager, then general manager, overseeing multiple locations. In 2022, she and her husband, Jason Carroll, took over the operation in Harford County. “It’s a huge pride moment,” Soler said. “Hollie was my right hand when she took over, and it’s amazing to see how she’s making an impact in Harford County.”

Growing up in Baltimore County, Kelly had experience in animal care and husbandry and developed a passion for the psychology behind dog training. “I love the psychology of education behind dog training and sharing that with others,” she said.

Kelly’s philosophy aligns with Soler’s, centering on strengthening the bond between dogs and their families. “Training can’t really occur and be sustainable without having a relationship between the family and the dog,” she said.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all programs, she has tailored training to each family. Common challenges include reactivity and

puppy education, but the ultimate goal remains simple: always to keep the pets in their homes.

One success story involved a severely traumatized dog that couldn’t be touched or even looked at from across a parking lot. Four years later, the dog now thrives and can be handled by multiple people.

Looking ahead, Hollie hopes to continue expanding enrichment opportunities and empowering owners. “Training should always be fun,” she said. “It shouldn’t feel like a chore.”

A Crown and a Cause

The first-ever Miss Bel Air's Teen shares her goals, growth, and advocacy

After applying in March of 2026 and undergoing the required processes, on April 15, Evelyn Brush won the first-ever Miss Teen Bel Air competition. “I was awarded four days before my 15th birthday,” she said. “[It was] the best present I received!” Brush talked with Harco City Lifestyle to share how she plans to move forward in the role, including important community service work that she’s enthusiastic about spearheading.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO COMPETE FOR THE TITLE OF MISS BEL AIR’S TEEN 2026?

At a local meeting for the Fire Prevention Association, the mother of my local executive director, Gabrielle Brady, spoke up about the Miss Bel Air program and how they had newly added a teen portion. After the meeting, my mother and I spoke to her further about the program, and hearing about the amazing scholarship opportunities, I was inspired to give it a try.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER PREVIOUS PAGEANTS OR OTHER RELATED COMPETITIONS YOU’VE PARTICIPATED IN?

Before my title of Miss Bel Air’s Teen, I had never competed in any pageant. However, I was Harford County’s Junior Miss Fire Prevention First Runner Up for the 2024-2025 year and the 2025-2026 year, representing Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY PARADIS PHOTOGRAPHY

DID YOU HAVE ANY MENTORS OR ANYONE WHO GAVE IMPORTANT GUIDANCE ALONG THE WAY?

My local executive director, Gabrielle Brady, has been with me through everything. Gabby has attended multiple events with me. Not only that -- she has [also] walked me through the ins and outs of pageants. She has truly been the best mentor through this whole experience.

WHAT WERE SOME TAKEAWAYS FROM THE COMPETITION?

In my interview, I found I was a little nervous. Over time, I’ve become so much more confident, and my talking skills have improved tremendously. Not only has it given me confidence, but I’ve also become more principled.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE PLANS AND HOW YOU PLAN TO IMPLEMENT THEM:

Balance Beyond Standing is my community service initiative. It focuses on advocating for teens with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) by educating others on how POTS affects a patient beyond the physical aspects. I aspire to continue educating the Maryland community, and more, by attending events and teaching about POTS.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN TERMS OF FULFILLING THE ROLE OF MISS BEL AIR’S TEEN 2026?

I am most excited about making POTS a more widespread and understood diagnosis. As someone diagnosed with POTS, I understand how difficult it is for doctors struggling to give answers and those around you to mistake how you feel for other things, such as anxiety. I aspire to change the way POTS is perceived, and I am excited to give patients hope and a feeling of acknowledgement.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

As I am currently in high school, I plan to attend college after graduation. Currently, I am deciding between pursuing a degree in neuroscience or marine biology. I would love to go to college somewhere in the South!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE READERS TO KNOW:

At my first event I attended, Countdown to the Crown, I was so nervous. I felt as if I wouldn’t fit in. I learned that it’s okay to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. I believe that’s the best thing you can do. Most importantly, be you and dream big; dreams do come true if you want them to.

I've had the privilege of serving the Harford County community as a photographer for over 16 years. Bringing Calm to Chaos to those overwhelming events in a timely manner Through my lens, I've been blessed to capture some of life's most meaningful moments weddings, families, newborns, businesses, community events, and milestones that tell the stories of the people who make our community so special

EXPLORE TOGETHER

A local mom's guide to the spots that welcome every member of the family.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGE, @THEHARFORDCOUNTYMOM

Finding places that truly work for both kids and dogs can feel like a challenge, but Harford County has more options than you might think. These are a few of the spots our family returns to again and again, each one offering a welcoming, easygoing experience for every member of the crew.

Falling Branch Brewery always tops our list for a family and pet-friendly destination. With a dedicated playground area, friendly farm animals, and a packed calendar of family-friendly and dog-friendly events throughout the year, it is so much more than a brewery. Their annual Pumpkin Fest begins next month and has become a fall tradition for families across the county.

The Bear Legacy Adventure Trail in Bel Air is one of our absolute favorites. This free, nature-based trail was designed to be kidfriendly and features a treehouse, climbing structures, fairy gardens, and so much more. It makes for a perfect outdoor adventure for kids of every age, and dogs will enjoy the adventurous trail as well.

In northern Harford County, Eden Mill Nature Center is a hidden gem worth the drive, offering hiking trails, waterfront access along Deer Creek, and hands-on nature exhibits inside, all completely free. Nearby Poplar Grove Park is another standout, featuring a charming farm-themed playground, a StoryWalk® trail that makes reading an outdoor adventure, and beautiful, easy-to-navigate trails the whole family and furry friends will love.

For more family-friendly adventures across Harford County, follow along with Ange at @theharfordcountymom and visit theharfordcountymom.com.

4. WATERSIDE GEMS

Kilgore Falls in Pylesville is one of those places every HarCo family needs to experience at least once. Maryland’s second-highest vertical waterfall is just a half-mile hike to a place where both kids and pets can wade and splash at the base while everyone soaks in the scenery. Mariner Point Park in Joppa is another go-to for waterfront adventures, with fishing piers, playgrounds, paved walking trails, and beautiful views of the Gunpowder River.

5. TOWN TRAIL

Closer to town, the MA & PA Trail connects directly to Annie’s Playground, Friends Community Park, and includes a dedicated dog park, making it an easy all-in-one outing for families.

PURPOSE, PASSION, and Play

A family's experience inspires a new chapter in early childhood education.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY PARADIS PHOTOGRAPHY

For Seena and Vivek Parikh, opening Primrose School of Forest Hill was never just about opening a school. It was about giving other Harford County families access to the kind of early education experience that had shaped their own son and, ultimately, their family’s future.

“Our journey with Primrose began as Primrose parents,” said Seena Parikh. “When our son attended Primrose School of Bel Air, we experienced firsthand how powerful a nurturing, high-quality early education can be. We watched his confidence grow, his curiosity flourish, and his love for learning truly come alive, and [we] can see how he is [now] excelling in elementary school.”

That experience became an inspiration for the couple and after more than five years of planning, the couple brought it to life with the opening of Primrose School of Forest Hill. “Opening Primrose School of Forest Hill felt like the natural next chapter for our family,” said Parikh. “This school was built with purpose, passion, and love. It reflects everything we believe about children, families, education, and community.”

Longtime Harford County residents, the Parikhs viewed the school as a way to invest in the place they call home, citing that they feel they’ve benefitted from living in the county for years. in “Opening Primrose School of Forest Hill is our way of giving back by supporting families, creating opportunities, and building something that will positively impact children and our community for years to come,” said Parikh.

Serving children from six weeks old through Pre-K, the school follows the Primrose Balanced Learning® approach, which combines purposeful play, teacher-guided instruction, and

hands-on exploration. Lessons incorporate early literacy, STEM concepts, music, art, and social-emotional development. Characterbuilding also plays an important role through the Primrose Friends® program, which introduces values such as kindness, empathy, generosity, and teamwork. “We are so much more than a daycare,” Parikh explained. “The early years are some of the most important years in a child’s life. This is where confidence is built, emotional security develops, social skills begin to form, and a lifelong love of learning starts.”

That philosophy shaped every aspect of the school, from the thoughtful classroom design and outdoor spaces to the relationships teachers build with students. “Children deserve a place where they feel safe, inspired, supported, and genuinely loved,” said Parikh. “When you invest in early education, you are investing in a child’s future.”

Primrose also focuses on families’ experiences -the warmth parents experience when walking through the doors is intentional. “We want families to feel joy, peace, comfort, and belonging the moment they walk through our doors,” she said. “Our goal is for every child to feel celebrated, valued, supported, and genuinely loved every single day.”

The school’s leadership also places a strong emphasis on creating an environment that honors the diversity of the community. “We want every family who walks through our doors to feel welcomed, valued, respected, and at home,” said Parikh. “This is everyone’s school. We celebrate every child, every family, and the unique backgrounds and experiences that make our community so special.”

While milestones and academic growth bring plenty of pride, Parikh said some of the most meaningful moments come in different forms. “Watching children gain confidence, reach milestones, and develop a love for learning is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It feels amazing to make a small difference.”

That difference, Parikh believes, extends far beyond the classroom. “To us, this school is about more than education,” she said. “It is about building brighter futures, stronger families, and a stronger community, one child at a time.”

Primrose School of Forest Hill

Primrose School was founded in 1982 and now boasts hundreds of accredited locations across the United States.

Primrose School of Forest Hill is now accepting applications for enrollment of children 6 weeks old through Pre-K (up to 5 years old). Interested families who schedule a tour at Primrose School or Forest Hill can receive one week’s free tuition upon enrollment.

Primrose School of Forest Hill

1657 B Robin Circle, Forest Hill, MD 21050

Phone: (443) 567-6746 Website: www.primroseforesthill.com

TROPICAL SPICE in a Glass

This waterfront favorite pairs tropical fruit flavors with a surprising touch of spice.

Steamy summer afternoons in August call for a tropical cocktail, and Water Street Seafood & The Driftwood Lounge delivers with this Curry Mango Colada. Crafted by the restaurant’s bartender, Trish Stampone, the bold drink brings together sweet fruit with warm spices and is finished with a silky coconut cream. Stop into the waterside restaurant to sip on it, or impress guests by shaking it up at home.

CURRY MANGO COLADA

Ingredients

• 2 oz Madras curry-infused dark rum

• ½  oz mango puree

• 1 oz heavy cream

• ¾ oz coconut puree

• Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Add the Madras curry-infused dark rum and mango puree to a rocks glass over ice and stir.

2. Pour the heavy cream and coconut puree into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.

3. Strain the mixture into the glass with the rum and mango puree.

4. Top with a light dusting of cinnamon.

Visit Water Street Seafood & The Driftwood Lounge, where casual meets classy by the river, at 654 Water St, Havre De Grace, MD 21078. WaterStreetSeafoodHdG.com

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

JANIE

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY