Harco, MD February 2026

Page 1


Love Local

As February unfolds, there’s a subtle shift in the air. The days begin to stretch a little longer, hearts turn toward connection, and we’re reminded that this season isn’t just about romance; it’s about care, commitment, and the people who make our community feel like home.

In this issue of Harco City Lifestyle, we’re celebrating the many ways love shows up locally. You’ll meet small business owners who are choosing purpose over scale and proving that innovation and impact can grow right here in Harford County. We’re spotlighting a local author whose work is shaped by service, storytelling, and a deep sense of belonging, along with a mission-driven engineering company quietly supporting critical work around the world, all while staying rooted close to home.

We’re also leaning into the lighter moments that make winter sweeter. A beautifully crafted cocktail from a familiar local bar sets the tone for Valentine’s or Galentine’s celebrations. It’s elegant, festive, and made for lingering conversations. On the wellness front, a local fitness center owner shares why February is the perfect time to focus on heart health, offering practical ways to stay strong and energized long after the month ends. And in a story that blends hometown pride with professional legacy, a former Major League Baseball player opens up about why Harford County felt like the right place to put down roots. Together, these stories reflect what we love most about this community: people who lead with intention, invest locally, and show up for one another in meaningful ways. Whether through business, creativity, wellness, or simply choosing to stay and build a life here, they remind us that love--especially the love of local--is something worth celebrating.

As a Harford County resident since 2003 and Maryland resident since 1990, I am proud to be the publisher of this magazine that can shine a light on all of the local goodness we love. I thank you for continuing to read, share, and support the stories that make Harford County feel connected and vibrant. We’re so glad you’re here.

With appreciation and love for all things local,

DAVE BURRIS, PUBLISHER

@HARCOCITYLIFESTYLE

February 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.scannell@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kerry Dietz, Morgan Knox, Chloe Monroe/Chloe

Marie Photography, Katelyn O'Connor, Robin Sommers, Mike Watts, Jay Witasick, Broom’s Bloom Dairy, Jeb Burchick for Maryland Farm Bureau, Town of Bel Air, AES2

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: A. Bright Idea receiving the Archer-Bull award for their commercial building at 309 George Street. 2: Citizen of the Year Award being presented to Susan Niewenhous. 3: John’s Men’s Clothing, located at 10 West Pennsylvania Avenue, taking home top honors as the 2025 Business of the Year.

4: Straight No Chaser at STAR Centre. 5: Vampire Circus at STAR Centre. 6: Dr. Rocko's Battle of the Bands at STAR Centre. 7: Harford Center's Spooky Soiree.

KERRY DIETZ
KATELYN O'CONNOR
KATELYN O'CONNOR
KATELYN O'CONNOR

business monthly

You Deserve Fresh Clean Water in your Home

Liberty Pure Solutions, Inc. is a family-owned company founded by Doug Workman in 1988, built on a commitment to honest service and personal attention. For decades, we’ve helped homeowners enjoy fresh, great-tasting water without the worries of chlorine, sediment, lead, PFAS, and other unwanted contaminants. Whether through an under-sink reverse osmosis system or wholehouse filtration, we provide reliable solutions that help ensure your home’s water is clean, safe, and something you can feel good about every day.

Scan to read more

Visit Ward Home Improvements' New Showroom

Ward Home Improvements invites you to explore our brand-new showroom! As the trusted choice for renovations in Harford County and Northern Baltimore, we bring your ambitious ideas to life, from kitchens, baths, and additions to custom decks. We don’t just renovate; we enhance the way you live. Visit us today to meet our experts and start your dream project!

Make 2026 the Year You Have a Plan to Achieve Financial Freedom

Our goal is for you to have a plan that can allow you to have true financial freedom. We create the plan for you, monitor it together, and adjust as needed. We’re local, and we don’t report to big companies on Wall Street--we report to you, our client. 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.

Photography by Chloe Monroe/ Chloe Marie Photography

Grounded in Harford County

Jay Witasick talks about playing in the Major League and returning to Harford County.

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 travel ball up until we moved. Widely known fact: I didn’t make the high school team at C. Milton Wright, my freshman year.

I really wanted to play, so I tried out again in my sophomore year, and fortunately, I made the team. After high school, I didn’t have any college offers to play baseball. Like many, I guess my baseball story could have ended right there. But after graduation, a childhood friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go to Florida with him and his dad on a junior college recruiting trip. I’ve never really traveled much, so I figured it would be a cool trip to make. We drove straight through to

Florida and arrived a bit early at Brevard Community College.

After being in the car for what seemed like forever, it was great to finally be outside. I remember it was early, and I was helping my friend warm up, just playing catch. I had to borrow a glove because I didn’t bring any baseball gear with me.  I remember the field being in immaculate condition, like nothing I’d ever seen before. Then, there was this guy who ran out of the building near the field and started yelling at us to get off the field – come to find out he was the pitching coach, and he thought we were two students just messing around on the field.  Once he understood why we were there, he watched me and my friend play some more catch, and he casually asked where I was going to college.  Once we established that I didn’t have any plans as of yet, he asked me if I wanted to throw in the bullpen while I was waiting for my friend to finish up his tryout.  I agreed –and had to now borrow a set of cleats, in addition to the already borrowed glove.

Witasick family: Jay, Jackie, Luke, and Jake.
Photo courtesy of Jay Witasick.
Jay Witasick's son Jake's 7-8u "Astros" fall baseball team.
Photo Courtesy of Jay Witasick
Jay Witasick playing baseball. Photo courtesy of Jay Witasick

After the tryout was over, the Head Coach was talking to my friend and his dad in his office. I was in the gym hanging out, waiting for them to finish up. After about an hour or so, it was clear that my friend was going to Brevard on a full scholarship. I guess my earlier bullpen went well because before we left, they offered me one also. Looking back, it’s easy to say that trip changed everything. After that season, I was drafted by the Houston Astros. I declined that offer and chose to attend The University of Maryland at Baltimore County on a baseball scholarship. I was then drafted again after my junior year in the 2nd round by the Cardinals. After a trade and three years later, I made my major league debut for Oakland in 1996.

I started my career as a starter and then converted to full time reliever in 2001.

• Oakland A’s 1996-1998

• KC Royals 1999-2000

• San Diego Padres 2000-2001

• NY Yankees 2001

• San Francisco Giants 2002

• San Diego Padres 2003 – 2004

• Colorado Rockies 2005

• Oakland A’s 2005-2007

• Tampa Bay Rays 2007

After retiring from MLB, you transitioned into new roles. Can you share what you’re currently working on and what your dayto-day looks like now?

After 15 professional seasons, 12 in the MLB, I retired at the end of the 2007 season. Shortly after retirement, I decided to use my playing career skill set to work with and represent professional athletes. I am currently an MLBPA-certified player Agent.  This certification allows me to discuss my clients with all 30 MLB teams and negotiate their player contracts.

I advise players and their families on team interactions and help them navigate all the complexities of professional baseball. With the aid of my staff, we secure NIL endorsements, marketing, equipment, licensing deals, and we help players with their brand building. We also act as a go-between for players and their financial/legal teams.  Many players appreciate

Jay Witasick's son Luke's 9-10u "Black Titans" fall baseball team. Photo courtesy of Jay Witasick

having an agent who has extensive experience both on the field and off.  The best part of my workday is that it is never the same.

I continue to be involved in the local HarCo baseball community, and I proudly coach both of my sons' youth teams.

What brought you to Harford County, and what made you decide to make it home?

Family. I’ve seen and been to a lot of nice places throughout my career. But after every baseball season, I always wanted to come back to where I felt the most comfortable, Harford County.

What do you love most about living in Harford County?

I like the Maryland seasons, and I also like living next to one of HarCo’s local dairy farms. While playing professional baseball, I spent many days and nights on the road in different cities. It’s a nice change of pace to see some cows once in a while and eat locally without all the hustle and bustle of city life.

Do you have favorite local spots, activities, or traditions that you enjoy here?

I love eating out. HarCo has many restaurants, and it seems like a new one pops up every week.  My family, Jackie, Luke (9), Jake (7), and I can often be seen at the Greek Diner for breakfast. Current favorites include Italian Sensations, La Tolteca, and Box Hill Pizzeria. Their crab cakes are mighty tasty, and their salad dressing is high on my list of favorites.

In addition to being a baseball dad, I’ve recently become a Tae Kwon Do dad - both of my sons are currently competitive green belts at ATA Maryland in Bel Air.  We love their “people first, winning matters” motto.

My father was in the military, and I’ve continued my membership with the American Legion – Harford Post 39; their pit beef on Saturdays always hits the spot.

I’m a big fan of supporting local HarCo businesses. It’s a family tradition with my wife Jackie and our two sons to visit Brad’s Farm every Halloween for pumpkins, hayrides, and locally grown produce.

What advice would you share with young athletes in Harford County who look up to you?

Play for the day. It’s easy to get caught up in what happens down the road.  What matters most is being in the moment, on the field, with your teammates.  A strong work ethic, discipline, and perseverance will always carry you further than a pair of fancy cleats or the latest and greatest bat.

“I like the Maryland seasons, and I also like living next to one of HarCo’s local dairy farms. While playing professional baseball, I spent many days and nights on the road in different cities. It’s a nice change of pace to see some cows once in a while and eat locally without all the hustle and bustle of city life.”

NEW SHOWROOM OPENING SOON

3491 MERCHANTS BOULEVARD, SUITE 106

Immersive Room Displays: Walk through curated designs to help visualize your renovation.

A "One-Stop" Resource: Browse everything you need for a full renovation in a single location.

Premium Materials: An incredible selection of cabinets, flooring, hardscape and siding.

Countertop Gallery: Featuring high-quality Quartz and Granite options.

Expert Guidance: An inspirational environment backed by the trusted Ward Home Improvements team.

COMMUNITY

MADE

Local food businesses finding success through creativity, connection, and care

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.

For Kate Dallam of Broom’s Bloom Dairy, evolution was about preservation, not expansion. “We are a small dairy farm, we’ve been a dairy farm for almost 30 years,” Dallam said. “In order to maintain our farm and keep it sustainable, we needed to look at getting into direct sales. That was the driving force to keep our small dairy farm (in the family since the early 1700s) viable and sustainable for another generation.” With limited ability to increase herd size or acreage in Harford County, direct and retail sales offered a path forward that honored the farm’s history.

David and Kate Dallam. Courtesy of Broom's Bloom Dairy.

Community involvement is equally central. Broom’s Bloom partners with nonprofits throughout the year, donating $2 from select ice cream sales to organizations including Harford Family House and Alpha’s Glory. Dallam also highlights weekly milk donations to the Harford Community Action Agency during the winter months. “We donate milk to them in January, February, and March; it was 900 gallons last year during those three months,” she said. “We’re blessed to be able to give back to the community that has supported us.”

Remaining small allows Dallam flexibility that chains can’t match. “Because we’re still considered a small business, I can source the best products I can,” she explained, describing the ability to personally select seasonal ingredients and use produce from nearby farms. Local peaches, strawberries, and corn regularly find their way into Broom’s Bloom’s ice creams and other offerings. That freedom also fuels creativity. “I make very specialized ice creams,” Dallam says, pointing to offerings like sweet corn ice cream in August and custom flavors for weddings. “That’s my favorite part--creating very specific things for very specific customers.”

Newberry Cafe & Bakery. Photo Credit: Harco City Lifestyle
Emmy Beavers and Belle Dallam (David and Kate's daughters).
Photo Credit: Jeb Burchick for Maryland Farm Bureau

At Coffee Coffee, community is built cup by cup. The café’s owners emphasize that personal service sets them apart. “The level of service and the hands-on nature of a family-owned business cannot be replicated by a chain,” said Hillary Tayson. With a strong base of regulars and a true neighborhood feel, Coffee Coffee collaborates with local farms, including Flying Plow, Broom’s Bloom, Andy’s Eggs, and Bogarty Farms, while sourcing from other regional producers and local coffee roasters.

Despite challenges like staffing and rising costs, Coffee Coffee remains focused on quality and connection. “We have such a neighborhood vibe… and it really contributes to the community cafe atmosphere that we strive to achieve,” Tayson said.

Through local sourcing and nonprofit partnerships, these homegrown startups reflect a shared belief among Harford County’s small businesses: investing locally strengthens the entire community.

That same community-first mindset defines Newberry Café & Bakery, where owner Nichol Barbes blends nostalgia with purpose. “I have fond memories of going to my local donut shop every Sunday growing up,” Barbes said while drawing inspiration from Bel Air’s longstanding bakery traditions. Menu favorites like the famous honey-dipped, rum raisin donut, and the Fat Tuesday Faschnacht donut help anchor Newberry as what Barbes said she wants to be: “the town donut shop.”

Newberry’s role extends beyond baked goods. Barbes and her team support a wide range of local organizations, from CASA and Toys for Tots to schools, libraries, arts groups, and youth programs. End-of-day donuts are donated to churches, athletic teams, and community organizations across the county. “All of this is what we call our grass roots marketing,” Barbes said. “We get our name out by supporting our community and giving donuts out everywhere we go.” With a second location planned for Havre de Grace in 2026, that mission is set to grow.

Newberry Cafe & Bakery. Photo Credit: Harco City Lifestyle
Outside of Coffee Coffee. Photo Credit: Harco City Lifestyle

STRENGTH, Heart, AND Community

How one local gym owner is turning personal heart health into community impact

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 when she was misdiagnosed for months. “I was having heart attacks on a daily basis while under doctors’ care,” she said. Eventually, her issues led to a major heart attack. Like many women, her symptoms weren't what people expect. “As women, we are misdiagnosed--our symptoms don’t present the same.”

Each February during American Heart Month, Peters channels that experience into a heart-health challenge. Members earn points through workouts, shared heart health facts, and hearthealthy recipes, with a special focus on women’s heart health. Guest speakers, who may be members themselves, help bring visibility to the issue.

After her own major heart event, Peters struggled with traditional cardiac rehab and began researching and rebuilding on her own. “I was an active person prior,” she said. Over time, lifestyle changes and movement helped her to move forward, particularly with her daughter’s support. “As my strength was building, so was my confidence in the gym, and I felt like I was capable of doing more.”

That mindset defines the gym today. With flexible memberships, inclusive programming, a dog-friendly environment, and employment opportunities for adults with special needs (which she holds dear as a prior inclusion helper in a public school in the county), the space reflects Peters’ belief that fitness should be accessible and personal. “Fitness should be what works for you,” she said. “There’s no reason you can’t live your healthiest lifestyle, whether that’s hiking, biking, or weight lifting, as long as you’re not pushing yourself to the extreme.”

For Peters, staying active is about living fully. “I’m living for my grandchildren,” she says. “You can’t do that if you let a heart attack win.”

Inside The Fitness Center of Havre de Grace. Photo Credit: Kerry Dietz Equipment at The Fitness Center of Havre de Grace. Photo Credit: Kerry Dietz

In addition to promoting heart health, Kim Peters continues to support children with special needs. Through the gym, she has raised money for two children to receive service dogs and is currently seeking a third recipient.

Equipment at The Fitness Center of Havre de Grace. Photo Credit: Kerry Dietz
Equipment at The Fitness Center of Havre de Grace. Photo Credit: Kerry Dietz
Kim Peters and her dog Logan.
Photo Credit: Kerry Dietz

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.
Photo Credit: Robin Sommers

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 belonging.

Living in a place she didn’t originally call home has influenced how she sees people and how she writes about them. “Being part of a community that I’m not originally from, you learn different things about the area and the people who live there,” Vido said. “We’re a small community, it’s a tight-knit community with people that take care of each other.” That warmth informs her fictional worlds. “Each is set in a cozy close-knit community like Harford County,” she added. “I love this place, I love the community. It’s so warm and welcoming, and it’s just like my series that I write.”

Vido and her husband met at Vanderbilt University, and she spent years teaching French, including at The John Carroll School. “I loved teaching,” she says. “Sometimes life throws you a curveball.” Severe arthritis and eventual joint replacements changed her dayto-day work and led her into a new role serving county residents through the Bar Foundation, which provides legal support ranging from notary services to full legal representation.

Jennifer Vido talks with Laura Lippman at Harford County Bar Foundation’s Cocktails and Conversation fundraiser.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Vido.
McIntosh Book Shoppe in Beaufort, S.C., regularly hosts book signings for Jennifer Vido.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Vido

Writing, meanwhile, happens after hours. “I am not a full-time writer; I’m the Executive Director of Harford County Bar Foundation,” Vido says. “I write at night.” Her routine is steady: “In the chair every night at 8 pm writing.”

The drive to tell stories grew out of her lifelong love of books. “I’ve always been a reader,” she said, crediting her mother with frequent library trips as a child. A defining moment arrived unexpectedly on Live with Regis & Kelly during a reading segment in which she was surprisingly invited on stage. “Something just clicked,” she recalled as her impetus to start writing.

Since her first book was published in 2010, Vido has gravitated toward romance and cozy mysteries. “Romance, intrigue, hope, human connection; if you’re looking for those things in a story, that’s what I write,” she says. For mystery fans who prefer comfort over shock, her approach is simple: “No blood, guts, or gore -- that’s why I write cozy mysteries.”

and love,” with a throughline she believes readers need: “We all need fresh starts.”

Her newest release, Simplicity by the Sea, hit shelves in January and continues the series with a friends-to-lovers storyline. It opens with a wedding that brings back familiar faces while introducing a single dad, a new dynamic for Vido. “What I love about the series is that there are recurring characters,” she said.

“Romance, intrigue, hope, human connection; if you’re looking for those things in a story, that’s what I write.”

Her Gull Island series reflects that inviting spirit. Inspired by decades of family vacations in the Lowcountry, the fictional island setting is, as Vido puts it, “like my love letter to Fripp Island.”

She added, “The area soothes the soul.” The books center on “uplifting romances; family, fresh starts,

“But, the books are stand-alone, so you can pick one up and not be lost.”

Her work has earned a variety of recognitions, including Baltimore Magazine’s Best Local Author in 2024 and 2025. “It was very exciting and very humbling to have my writing acknowledged in that way,” Vido said.

The launch of Vido’s newest novel will also serve as a fundraiser benefiting the Harford County Bar Foundation. “To be able to celebrate another part of me, the writing part, is so special,” Vido says.

At the heart of Vido’s work is a simple goal: to make readers feel like they belong. “Just a sense of belonging. That’s what Gull Island is,” she says. Her books offer escape and reassurance, and she’s unwavering in that. “I don’t write books with sad endings,” Vido said. “I’m always looking for that happily ever after.”

HARFORD-BUILT INNOVATION

A HARFORD COUNTY COMPANY SUPPORTING MISSIONS WORLDWIDE

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.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY DIETZ AND CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Born and raised in Baltimore County and a Bel Air resident for the past 25 years, Watts built his early career at major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and CACI. With degrees in mechanical engineering, an MBA, and program management certifications, he moved from technical roles into leadership. Along the way, he began to feel constrained. “I really enjoyed my time working at those other large companies,

AES2. Photo Credit: Kerry Dietz

but I was disappointed and struggled with working at companies so focused on the business side,” Watts said. “I got very disheartened with telling customers no, we couldn’t help them.”

That frustration led him to strike out on his own. Drawing from family experience in small business, Watts founded AES2 with a clear philosophy. “Our biggest focus was always on the mission,” he said. “Mission first, money last.”

Today, AES2 supports defense and government customers across the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security. The company operates in five core areas--engineering, fabrication, integration, training, and logistics--with a growing global footprint. At the center of its success is a next-generation hybrid On-The-Move Command and Control (OTM C2) system, which Watts describes as a defining capability. “We make the command and control vehicles; this is a real big success story for us,” he said.

Designed for real-world, dynamic environments, AES2’s OTM C2 platforms allow teams to maintain communications, situational awareness, and decision-making while in motion. These systems integrate into broader C5ISR architectures -- command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance -- supporting everything from electronic warfare and air defense to fires and maritime operations.

“We’re supporting command and control, electronic warfare, communications; everything is mostly focused around C5ISR,” Watts said.

That capability has taken AES2 around the world. “We’ve been in 100 different countries,” Watts says, noting deployments throughout South America, Europe, and including Ukraine, Poland, and Romania, as well as Taiwan, and Africa. “We respond quickly and reliably around the world.”

Speed and adaptability are intentional advantages. “What sets us apart is that we’re quick, reactive, and capable,” Watts said. “We’re able to respond to our customers with a very short, agile timeline.” As a small business, AES2 can customize solutions rather than forcing customers into fixed models.

Despite its global reach, AES2 remains firmly rooted in Harford County. Watts chose the area for its balance of rural life, accessibility, and proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground. “The fact that APG is right here is absolutely perfect,” he said.

The company employs local talent, offers internships, supports STEM education, and is expanding its footprint, growing its 10,000-square-foot facility to more than four times its size. “As we grow, it will continue to circulate and bring more to the community,” Watts said.

When he’s not working, Watts enjoys Harford County’s trails, restaurants, festivals, and wildlife. “Where we work along the Chesapeake Bay and Bush River, we see bald eagles every day,” he said. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

For Watts, the journey has always been personal. “I always said if I make a bet on anyone, I’m going to bet on myself,” he said. That belief continues to guide AES2, delivering next-generation solutions while staying deeply connected to the community it calls home.

AES2. Photo Credit: Kerry Dietz
Mike Watts with community leaders. Photo courtesy of AES2.
AES2. Photo Credit: Kerry Dietz

A Winter Cocktail with Flair

White Cosmo

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Smirnoff Blueberry

• 1 ½ oz. white cranberry juice

• Dried Blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour the Smirnoff Blueberry and white cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker.

2. Shake to combine.

3. Strain into a martini glass.

4. Garnish with dried blueberries. For a bright addition, add a lemon twist, too.

While Markham’s cocktail is spot-on, if you want to add a little festivity and fizz, Harco City Lifestyle recommends a splash of Prosecco or sparkling water.

THIS LOCALLY CRAFTED SOFT, FRUITY SIP FEELS RIGHT FOR WINTER NIGHTS AND VALENTINEINSPIRED CELEBRATIONS.

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 perfect way to infuse fruity flavor into a winter-time cocktail that’s as ideal for sipping before a meal with your valentine as it is for celebrating Galentine’s Day. Want to stay warm and cozy inside? You're in luck-Markham shared the recipe so you can make it at home, too.

Dried blueberries.
White Cosmo at Barrett's on the Pike.
Photo Credit: Harco City Lifestyle

Broad Creek Manor is where refined assisted living meets the comfort of home — a destination unlike any other.

Nestled on 23 scenic acres with sweeping views of the Susquehanna River, we offer more than care — we provide peace of mind and a true sense of home. Our boutique, family-owned community is defined by personalized attention, a low staff-to-resident ratio, a promise of luxury living, and a commitment to keeping residents independent.

Looking for reliable, start-to-finish construction services? Our company specializes in everything from precise demolition to flawless finishing. We handle every phase of the project with professionalism, clear communication, and top-quality craftsmanship. Whether you’re renovating a single room or transforming an entire property, our team delivers safe, efficient, and beautifully executed results—on time and on budget.

FEBRUARY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 5TH

Charcuterie & Conversation with Jennifer Vido

Bel Air, 111 S Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014 | 5:00 PM

Celebrate the release of Simplicity by the Sea, Book 3 in Jennifer Vido’s award-winning Gull Island series, with an evening of cocktails, charcuterie, and conversation. Each ticket includes a signed copy of the book, with proceeds benefiting the Harford County Bar Foundation. It's the perfect night for romance readers and local book lovers. JenniferVido.com

FEBRUARY 14TH

A Candlelit Evening Of Broadway with Chris Pinnela

STAR Centre, 700 Congress Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 | 7:00 PM

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of Broadway favorites with powerhouse vocalist Chris Pinnella, backed by an eight-piece orchestra and surrounded by the glow of 1,000 candles. Featuring iconic songs from Broadway’s greatest composers and a surprise guest vocalist direct from Broadway, this magical night at the STAR is a must for theater lovers. StarCentreMd.com

FEBRUARY 17TH

The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

Live! at Harford Community College

Celebrate a century of show-stopping basketball when the Harlem Globetrotters bring their 100 Year Tour to town. Expect gravity-defying dunks, jaw-dropping trick shots, and unmatched fan interaction, plus a post-game autograph session included with every ticket. Don’t miss this high-energy, family-friendly celebration of basketball history. Harford.edu

>

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction Markets available nationwide. Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

FEBRUARY 21ST

The All New Wizard of Oz on Ice

STAR Centre of Havre de Grace, 700 Congress Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 | 7:30 PM

Step into a magical world with The All New Wizard of Oz on Ice, an ice skating stage show that brings Dorothy, Toto, and the Land of Oz to life on stage. Featuring an interactive guide that adds insight into the story and characters, this family-friendly performance is part of the 2026 Havre de Grace Ice Festival. ExploreHavredeGrace.com

FEBRUARY 22ND

Shrimp and Bull Roast

Jarrettsville Gardens, 3825 Federal Hill Rd, Jarrettsville, MD 21084

Shake off the winter blues while supporting Eden Mill Nature Center at its annual Shrimp and Bull Roast, the organization’s largest fundraiser. Enjoy a catered evening at Jarrettsville Gardens with a live DJ, dancing, raffles, prizes, and games. Tickets are $55. Email edenmill@harfordcountymd. gov for ticket alerts or donation opportunities available. EdenMill.org

FEBRUARY 22ND

Havre

de Grace Ice Festival

Downtown Havre de Grace | 2:00 PM

Bundle up and head to downtown Havre de Grace for the 2025 Ice Festival, themed “Lights, Camera, Action!” Enjoy glowing ice sculptures, live carving demos, a chili cook-off, performances, family-friendly activities, fire pits with s’mores, in-store specials, and more. Plus, find vendors and entertainment inside the STAR Centre. ExploreHavredeGrace.com

February 21st

STARCENTREMD.COM

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.