Harco, MD July 2026 by City Lifestyle

LIFE + CULTURE

DISCOVER 250 YEARS LOCAL AND BEYOND

SPORTS + RECREATION DELVE INTO A SCENIC COURSE

ARTS + CULTURE

A LIFETIME BEHIND THE EASEL

Clean You Deserve Fresh

The Explore Issue

July invites us to look a little closer, venture a little farther, and rediscover the places and people that make our community worth exploring. In this issue of Harco City Lifestyle, we’re celebrating curiosity in all its forms, from uncovering local stories to experiencing familiar places in unexpected ways.

Inside these pages, you'll meet some of the people helping to shape Harford County's ongoing role in MD Two Fifty and the broader commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a shared appreciation for history, they are re-creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with the stories, milestones, and moments that continue to define our region.

You'll also get to know a longtime Harford County artist whose work reflects both creativity and connection to place. After years of building a meaningful artistic presence in the community, this feature explores the inspiration behind his many years of work and the perspective gained along the way.

For readers looking to experience Harford County from a different angle, we take a closer look at one of the county's most beautiful and highly regarded golf destinations. More than just a place to play, it offers scenic views, memorable experiences, and another reminder that exploration can happen close to home.

Finally, because summer is made for getting away, we’re highlighting adventures at a coastal escape that go beyond the expected. From interesting excursions and local flavors to a celebration of seafood, discover a different side of one of Maryland's favorite destinations.

Whether your version of exploration means learning something new, revisiting local history, finding inspiration through art, or planning your next getaway, we hope this issue encourages you to enjoy the season with curiosity and a sense of discovery. Thank you for being part of Harco City Lifestyle and for continuing to celebrate the people, places, and experiences that make this community such a remarkable place to call home.

DAVE BURRIS, PUBLISHER @HARCOCITYLIFESTYLE

July 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 PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kerry Paradis Photography, Jen Connolly, Jennifer Sawyer Hathaway, Trevor Joppich, Emma Knight, Nathan Rhodes, Michele Sauers, Bill RettbergMidAtlantic Photographic LLC, Bulle Rock Golf Course, Hello Harford, Highview Memorial Gardens, Vandiver Inn

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 Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN JULY

1: Attendees enjoying the Harco City Lifestyle Launch Party. 2: Paul Mills, Jeffrey Buck, and Izak Battle at the Harco City Lifestyle Launch Party. 3: Katie Ramirez, Karen Glynn, Patty Jarrell, and Julie Sullivan Shetter at the Harco City Lifestyle Launch Party. 4: Production Assistant Margarita Scannell, Publisher Dave Burris, Photographer and Executive Sales Manager Kerry Paradis at Harco City Lifestyle Launch Party. 5: Pairings Bistro team members at the Harco City Lifestyle Launch Party. 6: Attendees at the Derby Day Gala at The Highlands School. 7: The Derby Day Gala at The Highlands School.

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Fifty Years of Care and Compassion

Celebrating 50 years in 2026, Highview Memorial remains family-owned and operated while serving as the area’s only full-service funeral home, crematory, and cemetery on one property. Recent additions include a chapel mausoleum and The Preserve at Highview, Harford County’s only green burial garden. Highview also offers special memorial gardens for military service members, Fallen Heroes, and pets, along with personalized cremation options. Their compassionate team provides guidance and support for meaningful funeral, cremation, and pre-planning services tailored to HighviewMemorial.com

Photography Courtesy of Highview Memorial Gardens

A Very Merry July

The town of Bel Air will be hosting Christmas in July, a Christmasthemed shopping and dining event on July 25th. Shoppers are encouraged to dress festively and enjoy all that downtown has to offer. Many shops are featuring special discounts, deals, and giveaways, while some bars and restaurants will be offering themed cocktails and other specials. DowntownBelAir.com

Photography by Emma Knight

Big Celebration, Boutique Style

Join Bray & Em Boutique on Saturday, July 11, from 10-4 pm to celebrate the Grand Opening of its new location at 331 Bel Air Road, Unit 4, Bel Air, MD 21014. The first 20 customers will receive exclusive products and the first 50 customers with purchases over $50 will get swag bags. Shoppers who visit neighboring stores will also receive stamps to qualify for a grand prize. BrayAndEmBoutique.com

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Photography by Jennifer Sawyer Hathaway

First Class F ! 4 Locations!

Scan QR Code for Details 102 N i treet Bel Air, 21014 5 E Churchville Rd Ste 108 Bel Air, 21014

ART, PLACE, AND Perspective

ONE AWARD-WINNING ARTIST'S ENDURING CONNECTION TO ART, NATURE, AND CONSERVATION

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELE SAUERS (ARTWORK BY JOHN FRANKLIN SAUERS)

Artwork by John Franklin Sauers. Photo Credit: Michele Sauers

At 93 years old, John Franklin Sauers still loads up his easel, heads outdoors, and paints plein air. For the Harford County native, making art has never been about simply recording what he sees. Instead, his work explores something deeper: the relationship between people, landscape, and the responsibility that comes with both.

Over decades of painting, sketching, teaching, and observing, Sauers has built a body of work rooted in place, shaped by curiosity, and guided by a quiet philosophy that has remained remarkably consistent. “My main theme, which I still pursue, is the concept of God in nature,” Sauers said.

That idea has become the foundation of a career spanning more than seven decades and multiple creative chapters, from graphic design and urban sketching to plein-air painting, museum exhibitions, and mentorship.

Born and raised in Harford County and now living in Darlington, Sauers developed an appreciation early for open landscapes and the rhythms of rural life. Though he later spent years living and working elsewhere, including a significant chapter in Southwestern Virginia, his connection to Maryland remained a constant influence.

Sauers’ artistic path began early. After earning a scholarship to the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1951 and later serving in the Army before returning to complete his education, Sauers launched what he jokingly describes as one of two careers. “There are three ways to survive as a fine artist,” Sauers said. “Be born wealthy, marry money, or get a day job. I chose the latter.”

That day job became a 35-year career with Baltimore Gas and Electric, where he

John Franklin Sauers at the CRAA event.

Photo Credit: Michele Sauers

John Franklin Sauers' artwork at CRAA.

Photo Credit: Michele Sauers

worked to create advertising layouts, illustrations, and presentation materials. At the same time, he continued developing as a fine artist.

During his lunch breaks, Sauers would walk through downtown Baltimore with a sketchbook in hand, documenting streets and neighborhoods as the city transformed. His charcoal studies eventually became what he calls “The Vintage Series,” preserving scenes that no longer exist.

Yet regardless of whether he was sketching city blocks or mountain views, nature remained central. Sauers’ paintings are known for vibrant landscapes, bold composition, and recurring imagery drawn from agricultural life, including barns, fields, woodlands, and one of his most recognizable symbols: round hay bales. “I use the round hay bales as a circular form and represent basically the fecundity of the earth,” Sauers said.

You live within the spirit of place, and out of the spirit of place something develops, and that’s the beauty of art.

That philosophy has shaped both his artwork and his broader perspective on conservation and stewardship. After retiring in 1990, Sauers and his wife moved to Virginia, where he became a resident artist at the Arts Depot and later received artist residencies at the renowned William King Museum in Abingdon. Teaching and mentoring became an important part of his life as he instructed painting and drawing while continuing to build his own artistic practice. Eventually, he returned to Maryland and to the landscapes that first inspired him.

— John Franklin Sauers

For him, the subject goes far beyond farming and represents his views on preservation. “Hay is used for feed for livestock, and then that livestock becomes part of the food chain for humans,” he said. “We’ve been given something. Let’s protect something because we depend on that for our survival.”

Over the years, his work has appeared in museums and galleries across the region and earned recognition nationally. Recent honors include being named a Harford Living Treasure, recognition from the State of Maryland for his artistic contributions, and the 2024 Harford Land Trust Conservationist of the Year Award.

Despite the accolades, Sauers remains focused less on achievement than on continuing to create. “You live within the spirit of place, and out of the spirit of place something develops, and that’s the beauty of art,” Sauers said. “It opens up questions. This is my life.”

For Sauers, that work continues, one sketch, one landscape, and one moment of wonder and appreciation at a time.

An Elevated Golf Experience

Scenic views, thoughtful design, and unforgettable rounds

For nearly three decades, Bulle Rock golf course has built a reputation as one of Maryland’s premier public golf experiences, drawing visitors from across the region for its scenery, playability, and championship-level atmosphere.

According to Damon Klepczynski, Director of Operations, that reputation is well-deserved. “Bulle Rock has been ranked as the number one daily fee golf course in Maryland since 1998 in any major golf publication,” Klepczynski said.

But for him, those accolades tell only part of the story. Spread across 264 acres, the property offered an unusually strong foundation for legendary golf course designer Pete Dye to create something memorable on the property. “One of his quotes was: I did not undo God’s work,” Klepczynski said of Dye’s reflection on designing the course. “That fits really what Bulle Rock is about.”

The result is a course that feels intentional without feeling overworked, allowing the natural contours and landscape to remain central to the experience. For golf enthusiasts, the Pete Dye name immediately carries weight. Known for creating courses that challenge players both strategically and mentally, Dye’s work often includes dramatic visual elements and difficult features. But Klepczynski believes Bulle Rock occupies an unparalleled place within that portfolio.

“What’s unique is that Pete Dye generally has some design features in his courses that

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

are not always revered by golfers because they are typically difficult,” he said. “You could argue that Bulle Rock is one of his more playable designs.”

That balance has become one of the course’s defining characteristics. Golfers can recognize Dye’s signature design elements while still feeling welcomed, whether they are experienced players or stepping onto a championship-level course for the first time. That approachability has become even more intentional over the years.

Klepczynski explained that the team continues refining the experience annually with an eye toward making the game more accessible and enjoyable for a broader range of players. “We need to get new players into the game,” he said. “They become the golfers of tomorrow.”

One major change has been expanding tee options. While many courses offer four tee placements, Bulle Rock now offers seven, along with combination tees that allow golfers to find distances better suited to their skill level. Players can choose layouts ranging from roughly

Bulle Rock Golf Course.

Photo courtesy of Bulle Rock Golf Course.

4,500 yards to approximately 7,500 yards, creating flexibility for both newer golfers and experienced players.

The team has also adjusted portions of the course to improve playability. “We’re doing things to make it a little more palatable for newer and seasoned players,” Klepczynski said. The goal is simple: create an experience where players can enjoy the challenge without feeling overwhelmed.

Still, golf is only part of what leaves an impression; Klepczynski believes the setting itself plays a major role in shaping the experience. “It’s tough to beat,” he said. “Sun coming up or sun coming down, you’d be hard-pressed as a first-time visitor to not take more pictures than you did golf shots.”

That sense of place extends beyond the fairways. The course’s name itself carries historic significance. Bulle Rock was named after the first thoroughbred brought to America, a nod to the area’s strong ties to horse racing and the property’s earlier life as farmland and orchard land before becoming a golf destination. That equestrian influence continues throughout the surrounding community, where roads and design details still reflect that heritage.

Bulle Rock has hosted major events, including the LPGA Championship, and continues to serve as a destination for significant regional golf tournaments. According to Klepczynski, the property was conceived with that level of competition in mind from the beginning, from the scale of the practice facilities to the layout of the clubhouse and surrounding grounds. Today, that championship mindset shows up in smaller ways.

“We try to make every guest feel that they’re teeing up at a major,” Klepczynski said. “We’re trying to do it for them as affordably as possible.”

Visitors can also linger after their round at the recently refreshed Bulle Rock Gourmet Pub & Grill, which features updated interiors, a wraparound terrace overlooking the course,

Bulle Rock Golf Course.

Photo courtesy of Bulle Rock Golf Course.

Bulle Rock Golf Course.

Photo courtesy of Bulle Rock Golf Course.

and a menu that ranges from casual favorites to elevated options alongside craft cocktails. Additional updates, including new golf carts and continued investment in course maintenance, reflect the team’s ongoing focus on keeping the experience fresh.

Klepczynski also pointed to another standout feature visitors should not overlook: the golf shop. Led by Director of Golf Matt Summers and his team, the operation has earned recognition as one of the country’s best, receiving top golf shop honors in

the Maryland and Virginia section (one out of 41 sections) three times in the last five years.

“It’s not a typical golf shop,” Klepczynski said. “We sell lifestyle gear to people who don’t play golf. It’s like a boutique.”

Whether golfers arrive with scorecards in hand or simply want to enjoy the scenery during their time there, Bulle Rock continues to offer something increasingly rare: a destination experience that feels both elevated and welcoming.

Bulle Rock Golf Course.

Photo courtesy of Bulle Rock Golf Course.

CELEBRATING 250 Years

Harford County is bringing America 250 to life.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

As Harford County joins communities across the country in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, local leaders saw an opportunity to create something that would extend beyond a single celebration. Rather than simply marking a historic milestone, the goal became creating meaningful ways for residents and visitors to connect with the people, places, and stories that shaped the county and continue to define it today.

That vision became Harford 250, a collaborative countywide initiative built around the themes of history, service, and civics. “2026 is the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but this isn’t the first celebration or commemoration,” said Jacob Bensen, Historic Preservation Planner for Harford County and co-chair of the Harford 250 committee. “We started several years ago celebrating Harford County’s 250.”

Bensen explained that earlier commemorations helped lay the groundwork for this moment, including celebrations tied to Harford County’s founding, the anniversary of the Bush Declaration, which pledged local support to the Continental Congress, and the 250th anniversary of General Lafayette’s return to the United States. Those experiences sparked bigger conversations about what America 250 could mean locally.

In summer 2025, Harford County partnered with the Historical Society of Harford County and other organizations across the region to formally establish the Harford 250 committee. Representatives from museums, historic sites, libraries, municipalities, and educational institutions came together with the shared goal of building programming that would engage both residents and visitors. The committee continues to meet regularly, and subcommittees are focusing on advancing projects and initiatives.

Scene from the presentation on the Revolutionary Harford County militia with training officers Don Eberhardt and William Smithson. Photo Credit: Nathan Rhodes

One early priority was creating a central place where people could discover everything happening throughout the county. “We wanted to create a central calendar for all of the events so anyone in the county could find everything,” Bensen said

That effort came together through Hello Harford. Jodi Marschhauser, Tourism Manager for Hello Harford, offered the use of the existing tourism platform, allowing organizers to create a resource that was both accessible and easy to maintain while also extending visibility beyond Harford County. “We wanted to provide something that was easily used by all,

Reenactment at the Hays House.

Photo courtesy of Hello Harford.

Mission statement at the Historical Society of Harford County. Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography

Artwork displayed at the Historical Society of Harford County. Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography

[so that people] wouldn’t need to go anywhere to get a map,” Marschhauser said.

The calendar brings together exhibits, community programs, and commemorative events while helping connect local efforts to broader statewide celebrations. But organizers wanted to create something that would live beyond individual event dates.

That idea led to the creation of the Celebration Trail, a self-guided experience available through the Let’s Rallie app that encourages users to explore more than 60 sites across Harford County. Participants can visit locations on their own schedule, check into sites, track progress, and discover stories connected to different eras of local history.

For Sandy Wallis, Historical Society Trustee and member of the history subcommittee, the Celebration Trail fills a different role than the calendar. “The calendar is event-specific. The Celebration Trail is site-specific,” Wallis said. “The real strength of the trail is that there are a lot of places to visit and learn history.”

Wallis noted that the sites reflect a broad view of Harford County’s story. Rather than focusing exclusively on the Revolutionary period, the experience highlights agriculture, mills, hunting traditions, historic homes, and the many ways everyday life evolved over generations. She also sees long-term value in the relationships formed during the process. “The longterm strength of the project is that people see rich history and that sites will see the benefit in co-promoting each other and making history vibrant in Harford County,” Wallis said.

That broader perspective was intentional. “We’re not just celebrating the American Revolution, but also 250 plus years in Harford County,” Bensen said. “We are celebrating the whole history of human settlement in Harford County, not just the Revolution.”

The committee also recognized that accessibility via the Let’s Rallie app would be essential to participation. “It’s the wave of the present,” said Chris Potts, Executive Director of the Historical Society of Harford County and member and co-chair of the Harford 250 committee. “We are acknowledging that’s the way a lot of people plan their vacation and travel,” she said. “We want to capture the interest of younger people… Everyone can get excited about history, and we want to go where people are.”

Marschhauser added that the digital format allows people to engage on their own terms, exploring when they want and returning to the experience over time. Fortunately, local sites were also eager to participate.“Collaboration was not a challenge,” Marschhauser said. “People were excited to come

More Ways to Join the Celebration

Harford 250 was designed to encourage people to experience local history in unexpected ways. Beyond signature commemorations, the year includes opportunities to participate through public readings of the Declaration of Independence at local libraries, Revolutionary baseball, a public art installation at the Historical Society, July 4th parades in Darlington, Bel Air, Aberdeen, and Havre de Grace, and special events across the county and beyond. Organizers also hope the initiative helps visitors look beyond familiar landmarks and uncover stories tied to agriculture, local industry, historic communities, and everyday life. Whether attending an event or creating your own route, the invitation is simple: get involved and explore.

Members of the team organizing the MD 250 activities in Harford County. Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography

together.” That spirit of participation and connection is also what county leaders hope continues long after the anniversary year.

Bob Cassilly, County Executive for Harford County, reflected on the significance of the moment and the values behind the commemoration. “Harford County citizens and my own relatives have defended our nation in every major conflict since the American Revolution, and as a lifelong resident and U.S. Army veteran, I know that patriotism runs deep in our community,” Cassilly said. “We are excited to celebrate America 250 and the founding principles of freedom, equality, limited government, the rule of law, and individual responsibility that make our country great.”

For organizers, success will not be measured only by attendance numbers. Through events, shared experiences, and the Celebration Trail, Harford 250 aims to invite people to explore not only local history but also the connections that make community meaningful.

“Moments like this are a great opportunity for community building,” Potts said. “When you discover a shared history in community, that’s a way of bringing people together. I hope that we will have that kind of result. It’s something that will resonate not just now but into the future.”

A variety of historical material on display at the Historical Society of Harford County. Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography

Reproduction of the Bush Declaration mural, painted by Marion Ewald in 1934, showing the thirty-four Bush Declaration signers. Photo Credit: Nathan Rhodes

The Historical Society of Harford County. Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography

Bush 250th event. Photo courtesy of Hello Harford.

Inspiration for your best local life.

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Inside scoop on all things local.

Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.

SAILS, SIPS,

and Seafood

Fresh ways to experience one of Maryland's favorite beach destinations

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ocean City, Maryland.

Horses at Assateague Island.

For many Marylanders, a trip to Ocean City is nearly essential during the warmer months, and there’s no shortage of places to explore, including shops, dining destinations, and more. But if you’re looking for activities beyond the beach and boardwalk, there are a few ways to enjoy Ocean City from a different perspective.

For travelers looking for water-based experiences, look no further than Sail Alyosha, which offers a wide range of options for any interest. Often led by Captains Steve and Lisa Butz, tours on the couple’s 50-foot sailing catamaran range from morning, sunset, and happy hour cruises on the bay or the ocean (depending on weather) to hands-on sailing for budding sailors, private sails, and more. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the water and shoreline, learn about the area, and even potentially spot wild ponies on Assateague Island, depending on the route. With the exception of two, cruises typically range from two to three hours, and most are suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers. For active guests who want to stay closer to land, Sail Alyosha also offers yoga led by Yoga Centric at the Beach on the anchored boat.

If exploring flavor is on your getaway agenda, booking a reservation with OC Foodie Tours is a must. Over the course of a few hours, an upbeat and entertaining tour guide leads the way to several local restaurants throughout Downtown or Midtown Ocean City to sample local delicacies and drinks, all while sharing history of the area that even lifelong visitors to the town may find surprising. Additionally, those looking for waterside libations can sign up for the Happy Hour Tour for an afternoon of bar-hopping and learning, too.

Finally, for more food-based fun in Ocean City, plan to travel to the beach on Saturday, August 29th, when B Scene Events will be hosting the Ocean City, MD Seafood Festival. Check out cooking demos, taste your way through a wide variety of seafood dishes, crack into some steamed crabs, and sip on cocktails, beer, and wine, all to the backdrop of live music.

To learn more, visit: SailAlyosha.com

OCFoodieTour.com

OCMDSeafoodFest.com

Sunset over the bay as seen from the sunset cruise on The Alyosha.

Photo Credit: Trevor Joppich

Horses at Assateague Island.

Juicy peaches, sparkling wine, and fresh mint come together in this crowd-friendly cocktail.

A FRESH Peachy POUR FOR Summer

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY VANDIVER INN

At the award-winning Vandiver Inn, owners John and Susan Muldoon serve up a variety of crafty housemade cocktails. This one is a fruity, seasonal sangria that will be the signature drink for the “Stop #2 on the Harco City Lifestyle Tour” event on Thursday, July 23, but you can also whip up this batched recipe at home for nearly effortless summer entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of any off-dry sparkling wine (prosecco is good)

• 1 bottle dry white wine

• 2 cups frozen, sliced peaches or canned peaches, drained, with peach juice reserved

• 1 cup peach nectar or peach puree/juice

• 2 shots orange liquor (any)

• 8 mint leaves, muddled + extra mint for garnishing

Directions:

1. Mix together sparkling wine, dry white wine, peach nectar, peaches, orange liquor, and muddled mint.

2. Taste and adjust the sweetness with peach nectar/juice.

3. Garnish with fresh mint.

The Vandiver Inn hosts private parties and weddings, but it also opens up to the public for events like Bite Nite. The weekly gathering, held on Tuesdays, features dishes from around the globe that can be paired with wine, beer, or craft cocktails. To see each week’s freshly curated menu or to make a reservation, visit VandiverInn.com

301 S Union Ave, Havre De Grace, MD 21078

Peach Sangria. Photo Credit: Vandiver Inn

www.saltworksspa.com

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN

Summer Seafood Gazpacho

This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.

Website: alyssalavy.com

Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)

• 8 large tomatoes

• 1 large cucumber

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small sweet onion

• 1 jalapeño pepper

• ½ tsp hot sauce

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

• 8 oz lump crab meat

• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)

*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley

Directions:

1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.

2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.

3. Mince garlic. Set aside.

4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.

5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.

6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.

7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.

8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!

Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.

A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!

events

SEE LOCAL WEBSITES FOR DATES AND TIMES

July 4th Parades

Various Locations in Harford County

Few summer traditions feel more classic than grabbing a folding chair and lining Main Street for an Independence Day Parade. Across Harford County, communities including Bel Air, Havre de Grace, Aberdeen, and Darlington will be celebrating with processions for the holiday featuring decorated floats, marching bands, community groups, and plenty of patriotic spirit. Whether you stay local or make a day of exploring multiple celebrations, these parades offer a festive way to experience summer in Harford County. Check local sites for days and times.

JULY 5TH

Havre de Grace Fireworks

Havre De Grace

Enjoy Independence Day celebrations in Havre de Grace on Sunday, July 5th. The fun starts with a 2 pm parade on Union Avenue, followed by a 7:30 concert at Concord Point Park and fireworks at 9:15 over the Susquehanna River. ExploreHavredeGrace.com

JULY 11TH

Saturday on the Farm

461 Quaker Bottom Rd, Havre De Grace, MD 21078 | 11:00 AM

Step back in time and experience a slower pace at Saturday on the Farm at Steppingstone Farm Museum. Explore historic buildings, watch traditional skills and demonstrations come to life, and discover the stories that shaped rural Harford County. It’s a hands-on way to spend a summer day with family while experiencing local history in action. SteppingstoneMuseum.org

JULY 12TH

Sip & Paint: Pet Edition

Harford Vineyard & Winery 1311 W Jarrettsville Rd Forest Hill, Maryland 21050 | 1:00 PM

Unwind with a glass in hand and turn your favorite furry friend into a work of art at this creative afternoon event at Harford Vineyard & Winery. During this guided Sip & Paint experience, guests will create a custom pre-sketched pet portrait on canvas with personalized colors and step-by-step instruction. Admission includes supplies and a glass of wine or spirit. 21+. HarfordVineyard.com

JULY 18TH

Adoption Event

1659 Robin Cir Suite D, Forest Hill, MD 21050 | 12:30 PM

Grab a drink and meet some four-legged guests looking for their next home at this feel-good afternoon at Double Groove Brewing Company. Hosted with Saving Grace Animal Rescue, the event gives visitors a chance to connect with adoptable dogs in a relaxed setting while enjoying the brewery atmosphere. Thinking of adopting? Approved applicants may be eligible for same-day adoptions. DoubleGrooveBrewing.com

JULY 20TH

Summer Swing Golf Tournament

Maryland Golf and Country Clubs 1335 East MacPhail Rd., Bel Air, MD 21015

Hit the course for a day of friendly competition and community impact at Harford’s Summer Swing Golf Tournament. This annual favorite brings together golfers, sponsors, and volunteers before wrapping up with the lively 19th Hole Reception. Bonus: Every swing supports scholarships for Harford Community College students. Register early; this event fills quickly. MarylandGCC.org