Jones Junction is kicking off its 109th year the way many dealers dream of with a pair of honors that say as much about its customers and community as they do about its balance sheet. Named to the inaugural Forbes Best-in-State Companies list and voted Best of Harford for Sales and Service for the 21st consecutive year, the 12-store Bel Air campus is leaning into a simple playbook—people, community, and long-term loyalty.Walk the Jones Junction campus on any given weekday and the awards are easy to spot, Harford County Public Library is providing a wide array of programs in January, from learning about a historic structure to playing the piano, preserving prints, making soap, participating in an unplugged evening and planning for college and career prep.
“A new year brings many new programs to the Library for customers of all ages. If your child wants to learn how to play the piano, the Library can help. Do you have many photos and don’t know how to organize them? The Library can help. Looking for New Release- "Under the Bed." latest from Award winning author, James W JenkinsGet A Copy Today!https://a.co/d/4n3pBgs The Complainer and The Thinker is a powerful look at two different American lives. Jenkins draws from real life, deeper than observation. Realities that shape our lives. "The Complainer and The Thinker." What It's About?
Two mindsets- One seeking external validation leading to unfulfillment, while the another's principled approach builds lasting success and community impact.
get a copy Now- You won't regret it! https://jamesjenkins-author.store Harford County Public Library's 8th Annual Fairy Tale & Superhero Festival takes place Friday, January 16, from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Abingdon Library, 2510 Tollgate Road in Abingdon.
“The Fairy Tale & Superhero Festival is one of the best days of the year at the Library. Children and adults come together to celebrate their favorite fairy tale and superhero characters and participate in many exciting activities, from crafts to STEM play, activity stations, dance parties and more,” said Mary Hastler, Harford County Public Library Foundation has elected Brianna Stinebaugh-Blumberg and John Michael to its Board of Directors for a three-year term.
Harford County Public Library Foundation is a charitable organization that raises funds and awareness to support the Library’s services, resources and capital improvements beyond the capacity of the Library's tax-funded operating budget. The Foundation is currently working on several projects including the 3rd Annual Taste of Harford on May 17 at Vignon Chamber Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast with Army Alliance and State and National ChambersBel Air, MD – On Tuesday, December 16th, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast, in partnership with the Army Alliance and presented by Harford Community College. This year’s event featured two panel discussions focused on each organizations’ priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
Harford Chamber Board Chair, Chris Stone, E-Moxie, offered welcome remarks, Harford County Public Library’s 80th anniversary is the theme of the 2026 Winter Reading Program, “80 Winters of Wonder,” which takes place December 20 through March 20.
The 2026 Winter Reading Program was created especially for adults and high school students in grades 9-12. Register online at https://hcplonline.org/winterreading.php, or stop by any Harford County Public Library branch to sign up.
“This year’s Winter Reading Program is extra special because we are celebrating the Library’s 80th Gerety Insurance is proud to announce that they have been voted Best of Harford for the second year in a row by Harford Magazine. After being nominated among the top agencies in the county, the community once again selected them as the winner by online voting.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition for the second year running,” said Rick Gerety, President of Gerety Insurance. “Our team is dedicated to protecting our clients, and this award is a reflection of the trust our community Harford County Public Library Foundation welcomes Dr. Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO of the Sage Policy Group, Inc., to its Game Changers Business Speaker Series on January 8 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Abingdon Library, 2510 Tollgate Road in Abingdon.
Basu will discuss 2026’s key economic trends, including interest rates, global and regional shifts, labor and wage dynamics, business confidence, demographic changes and a forecast tailored to local stakeholders. The Headlining Sponsors are Jones Advisory and Aberdeen, MD— Harford Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Hans C. Abendschoen as Vice President, Manager of Retail Banking Services. Hans brings nearly three decades of experience in the financial services industry, with a proven track record of leadership in retail banking, business development, and client experience strategies.
Hans most recently served as Director of Personal Banking at York Traditions Bank, where he oversaw the retail branch network, credit card portfolio management, and Harford County Public Library has unveiled its new Rolling Reader, a mobile library offering programs, reading materials, technology and other resources to underserved communities in Harford County.
Introduced in 2001, the original Rolling Reader served the county for more than two decades before retiring in November 2023. Following its retirement, the Library undertook a comprehensive two-year effort to design, order, deliver and outfit a new vehicle that better meets the needs of today’s young learners. At its annual Staff Day on October 13, Harford County Public Library celebrated its team and honored 44 staff members for various years of service. The celebration was held at Evolved Catering & Events Center in Fallston.
“Harford County Public Library has incredible staff members who go above and beyond each and every day to provide the best possible service and resources to our customers. Their dedication and professionalism make our library system the very best,” said Mary Hastler, CEO, who also Harford County Public Library Foundation’s 21st annual gala, “Epic Rewind: Eighties in the Stacks,” raised $100,000 net the evening of November 1 at the Abingdon Library.
The gala, attended by 650 guests, is the Library’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds support the Library’s programs for early literacy, STEM resources, internet access and vital community programs across Harford County. The Presenting Sponsors were Klein’s ShopRite of Maryland and Saxon’s Diamond Centers. For a complete listing of sponsors,
Harford Chamber Announces Harford Award Recipients, Celebrates Shining Stars of Business at 33rd Annual Ceremony
Bel Air, MD – Members of the Harford County business community and local dignitaries gathered for the 33rd annual Harford Award on Monday, October 20th at Water’s Edge Events Center. The prestigious award honors companies and organizations which exemplify a strong commitment to the Harford County business community. Recipients are chosen through a nomination/application process focused on Town of Bel Air Announces Annual Award Winners
Bel Air, Maryland -- The Town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Economic & Community Development
Commission (ECDC) held its Bel Air Annual Awards event on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Bel
Air Armory in downtown Bel Air.
John’s Men’s Clothing, located at 10 West Pennsylvania Avenue, took home top honors as the 2025
Business of the Year. Owners Beth Pocalyko and Maureen Bruneau were on hand to receive the
coveted award, given by the Bel Air Board of FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Screaming Bean Launches Catering—Harford County Chamber Members Receive 10% Off
Aberdeen, MD — October 15, 2025 — The Screaming Bean, a locally owned coffee shop rooted in community service, is proud to announce full-service catering for offices, events, and team gatherings across Harford County. As a thank-you to our partners in local business, Harford County Chamber of Commerce members receive 10% off—just mention your Chamber membership when placing an order, or use promo code More than 650 people participated in Harford County Public Library Foundation’s Wheelchair Costume Workshop and Inclusive Trunk or Treat on October 3-4, an event that provided children who use wheelchairs with a fantasy Halloween costume.
“Being welcoming and accessible is at the heart of everything we do at the Library, and the Wheelchair Costume Workshop and Inclusive Trunk or Treat reflects that mission,” said Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford County Public Library. “This event celebrates creativity, joy Harford County Public Library is pleased to announce the arrival of Meg McReynolds as the cultural arts and community outreach coordinator.
In this role, she will oversee the Harford County Cultural Arts Advisory Board’s initiatives, administer Maryland State Arts Council grants and champion local arts organizations, while also enhancing the Library’s community engagement efforts. A lifelong advocate for libraries, the arts and the humanities, McReynolds brings both passion and experience to this Michael Clayton, an associate advisor at Harford Financial Group, has received the Certified Financial Planner™ certification. The Certified Financial Planner™ certification is the standard of excellence in financial planning. It is awarded to professionals who meet rigorous education, training and ethical standards. Recipients are committed to serving their clients' best interests to prepare them for a more secure future.
Clayton, who holds a degree in economics from Towson University, joined Harford
There’s a fine line between throwing money at a problem and investing in something that transforms a team. Training isn’t a cure-all, but when done for the right reasons, it becomes a catalyst. The challenge is knowing when the timing is right—and what kind of training will actually make a dent in performance or culture. Companies often rush to upskill or reskill without asking the deeper questions that separate check-the-box exercises from real development.
The Tension Between Growth and Plateau
The Harford County Cultural Arts Advisory Board is accepting applications for Community Arts Development Grants and Arts in Education Grants for Fiscal Year 2026.
The Community Arts Development Grants Program provides general operating support to local arts nonprofit organizations and arts programming support to nonprofits whose primary purpose is other than producing or presenting the arts. Applications are due by July 31 at 11:59 p.m.
The Arts in Education Grants Program is available to Harford’s Bel Air, Md. – Harford Mutual Insurance Group (HMIG) has announced changes to its Board of Directors. The changes were approved at the Annual Meeting of the Policyholders and are effective May 21, 2025.
John J. DeMartini, Sean M. Garber, and Teresa Q. McTague were reelected as board members. DeMartini and Garber became board members in 2023. McTague joined the Board of Directors in 2021.
Theodore M. Alexander III was newly elected as a board member. Alexander is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with Bel Air, Md. - The Daily Record has named Geneau M. Thames, Esq., Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Harford Mutual Insurance Group, to its 2025 list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. This is the second time Thames has received this recognition, after being named an honoree in 2020.
"I am truly grateful and humbled to receive this award for the second time and to be acknowledged among such inspiring women leaders,” said Thames.
Thirty years ago, The Daily Record founded Maryland’s Top University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH), a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), announces the rebranding of its primary care programs to “Danny and Gail Jones Primary Care.” The new name reflects local philanthropists Danny and Gail Jones’ investment in UM UCH to expand services and advance the health care of Harford County.
With this community-focused investment, UM UCH’s unwavering commitment to providing patients with the highest level of primary care Harford Financial Group, a financial services firm based in Bel Air that has a team specializing in life-centered financial planning, was voted Best Financial Adviser for the fifth year in a row by the readers of Harford Magazine. The results of the 2024 Best of Harford Awards were announced in the magazine published on February 23.
This year marks the sixth time Harford Financial Group has received the Best Financial Adviser honor, the first five being in 2018, 2020, 2021 2022 and 2023. In addition, We’re excited to announce that all of our urgent care centers are on MyChart! You can now experience a smoother check-in, view lab results, and more, with convenient access right at your fingertips. Learn more at umms.org/portal. Bel Air, Md. - Harford Mutual Insurance Group is proud to announce it donated over $560,000 to more than 80 nonprofit and charitable organizations throughout 2024.
Through its HMIG Gives Back Program, Harford Mutual has supported initiatives focused on health and human services, as well as community enrichment. This impactful philanthropy demonstrates Harford Mutual’s commitment to positively impacting the communities it serves.
The largest contributions were presented to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford Bel Air, Md. - Harford Mutual Insurance Group has announced leadership changes to strengthen and support its strategic business initiatives.Shane Crockett, CPCU, PMP, AFIS, has joined Harford Mutual as Vice President, Chief Underwriting Officer. He will be responsible for developing underwriting best practices and strategies to support all business with a focus on achieving consistent underwriting profitability.
Crockett brings over 15 years of experience in insurance underwriting and leadership. Prior to
In the competitive landscape of startups, digital marketing is not just an option but a necessity for growth. The right strategies can significantly enhance your brand’s presence and foster meaningful connections with your audience. By adopting innovative marketing tactics, startups can navigate the complexities of the digital world and position themselves for long-term success. This article delves into effective strategies that can transform your startup’s marketing efforts, ensuring you stay ahead in Kiddie Academy of North Bel Air is offering curriculum driven Full day in-person Kindergarten Program as well as FULL DAY School-Age Program with Before & After Care for Age 5-12 years! Call 410-684-3131 or Email at northbelair@kiddieacademy.net and learn more about it. Healthy breakfast, hot lunches, and snacks are provided including milk, fruits and vegetables!!!
Jones Junction Marks 109 Years with National and Local Recognition
Harford County Public Library Announces Featured Programs in January
News Release: 1/6/2026
The Complainer and The Thinker
Harford County Public Library Holds 8th Annual Fairy Tale & Superhero Festival at the Abingdon Library
Harford County Public Library Foundation Elects Two New Board Members
Chamber Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast with Army Alliance and State and National Chambers
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Harford County Public Library’s 2026 Winter Reading Program Features ‘80 Winters of Wonder’
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Gerety Insurance Named Best of Harford for the Second Consecutive Year
Dr. Anirban Basu Discusses 2026’s Key Economic Trends at Game Changers
Harford Bank Appoints Hans Abendschoen as Vice President, Manager of Retail Banking Services
Harford County Public Library Unveils New Rolling Reader
Harford County Public Library Holds Annual Staff Day, Honors 44 Staff Members for Service Anniversaries
Harford County Public Library Foundation’s 21st Annual Gala Raises $100,000 Net For Essential Resources, Services & Programs
2025 Harford Award Press Release
Town of Bel Air Announces Annual Award Winners 2025
News Release: 10/15/2025
More than 650 Participate in HCPL Foundation’s Wheelchair Costume Workshop and Inclusive Trunk or Treat at Coppermine
Harford County Public Library Announces New Cultural Arts and Community Outreach Coordinator
Harford Financial Group's Michael Clayton Receives Certified Financial Planner™ Certification
Training Isn't Optional: Knowing the Right Time to Educate Your Team
Harford County Cultural Arts Advisory Board Accepting Applications for Grants
Harford Mutual Announces Board Changes Following Annual Meeting
Harford Mutual Insurance Group's Geneau M. Thames, Esq. Named One of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for Second Time
UM Upper Chesapeake Health Announces Rebranding of Primary Care Programs to 'Danny and Gail Jones Primary Care,' Reinforcing Commitment to Patient Care
Harford Financial Group Voted Best Financial Adviser For Fifth Year in a Row
University of Maryland Urgent Care is now on MyChart
Harford Mutual Insurance Group Donates Over $560,000 to Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations in 2024
Harford Mutual Insurance Group Announces Leadership Changes
Propel Your Startup’s Success Through Savvy Digital Marketing Tactics
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
