Your votes are in! See how readers voted in the Best of Harford County Readers’ Choice poll.
Health & Wellness
ADDICTION COUNSELING: ASHLEY ADDICTION TREATMENT
Honorable mentions
Klein Family Center
Char Hope Foundation
Gorham
ALTERNATE WELLNESS CENTER: SALT WORKS SPA
Honorable mentions
Jeremy Betkey Massage Therapy
Namaste My Day
Lavish Salon & Spa
AUDIOLOGIST: BAY AREA AUDIOLOGY
424 Barnes St., Suite 102, Bel Air
410-941-3826
belairhearingaids.com
Dr. Trisha A. Bents Muth (Au.D., CCC-A) has a passion for helping patients better their lives by improving their hearing. “My job is a real joy, as I get to improve the quality of life for my patients, as well as their families and loved ones. If someone is suffering from hearing loss, my approach is, ‘Let’s make it better.’”
Dr. Muth notes that most patients experience hearing loss over several years and do not take action until the onset of symptoms. “It’s an intimate issue; people don’t want to talk about it. I call it a silent disability, as you cannot really see that anything is wrong,” she says.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to an increased risk of dementia, she notes. “Also, it affects your social and emotional health and can cause depression due to isolation. We pride ourselves on evidence-based best practices to provide the best outcomes.”
In addition to treating older adults, Dr. Muth also performs pediatric hearing evaluations.
“People with hearing loss don’t know what they are missing until they get a hearing aid. Suddenly, they have better conversations with loved ones and feel more confident,” she says.
Honorable mention
Hearing Associates Inc Harmony Hearing
CHIROPRACTOR: OPTIMAL SPINE CHIROPRACTIC
Honorable mentions
Dr. Poane
Ultimate Health Dr. Rob Reier
DAY SPA: SALT WORKS SPA
Honorable mentions
Aruba Sun and Spa
Lavish Salon & Spa
Jordan Thomas Salon & Spa
DENTAL PRACTICE: RIVER DENTAL
Honorable mentions
Laurel Bush Family Dentistry
Smile Partners
Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
DISPENSARY: RISE
Honorable mention
Four Green Fields
EYE CARE (TIE): WILMER EYE INSTITUTE (BEL AIR)
EYE CARE (TIE): MYEYEDR.
Honorable mentions
Seidenberg Protzko Eye Associates
Advanced Eye Care
Holloway Eye Care
MEDISPA: ALLURE AESTHETICS OF BEL AIR
Honorable mentions
Chesapeake Skin Solutions
Lavish Salon & Spa
ProMD Health Bel Air
OB/GYN: SUSQUEHANNA OBGYN
Honorable mention
Upper Chesapeake Women’s Health
ORTHODONTIST: BEL AIR ORTHODONTICS
Honorable mentions
Amanda Gallagher Orthodontics
Smile Partners
Isaacs, Nawy, Stern & Isaacs Orthodontics
ORTHOPEDIC: TOWSON ORTHOPAEDIC (BEL AIR)
Honorable mentions
Dr. Sean Curtin
Susquehanna Orthopedic Associates
PEDIATRIC DENTIST: GROWING SMILES PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Bel Air Office
2012 S. Tollgate Road, Suite 212
410-569-6700
White Marsh Office
11570 Crossroads Circle, Suite 116
410-697-9000
growingsmiles.com
If you ask most kids to list their favorite activities, heading to the dentist may not top the list. However, many parents have shared that their kids actually look forward to going to Growing Smiles pediatric dentistry, thanks to the fun and welcoming staff.
“We are uber-focused on providing a positive experience in a fun, caring environment. We love telling jokes. Above all else, we love smiles – those of our patients, parents and ourselves,” says Diana Capobianco, D.D.S., who started Growing Smiles over 20 years ago. “It started with just me in one location. Now we have grown to include four doctors, two locations, and 40 staff members.”
Growing Smiles is a pediatric dental office that treats patients from infancy through their teenage years, including those with special needs. “We provide all basic dental services, such as cleaning, fluoride, restorations, but we also provide services that are unique to children,” Dr. Capobianco explains. She and her staff volunteer by providing dental health screenings and education in the community.
Honorable mentions
Bel Air Pediatric Dentistry
Joseph LaPonzina Orthodontics
Chesapeake Pediatric
PEDIATRIC PRACTICE: PEDIATRIC PARTNERS
Honorable mentions
Bright Oaks Pediatric Center
Forest Hill Pediatrics
Bel Air Pediatric Dentistry
PHARMACY: CVS-TARGET (MARKET-PLACE)
Honorable mentions
Klein’s Shoprite
White Ford Pharmacy
Wegmans
PHYSICAL THERAPIST: AGAPE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Honorable mentions
McLaughlin Physical Therapy
Medstar Physical Therapy
Pivot Physical Therapy
URGENT CARE: PATIENT FIRST (ABERDEEN)
Honorable mentions
Express Care
University of Maryland Urgent Care (Fallston)
Klein Family Center
Home
ELECTRICIAN: MATTINGLY ELECTRIC
Honorable mentions
DeLuca Electric
A&J Electric
JPS Electric
FLOORING AND CARPETING: TOP NOTCH FLOORING AMERICA
Honorable mentions
Bel Air Carpet
K.C. Flooring
Adams Flooring & Handyman Services
GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY: THE MILL OF BEL AIR
Honorable mentions
Griers Nursery & Greenhouses
Kroh’s Nursery
Fritz Farm & Nursery
HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR: TAR HEEL CONSTRUCTION GROUP
Honorable mentions
Ward Home Improvements at the Ward Design Studio
Kris Konstruction
RR Projects & Design
HOMEBUILDER: BOB WARD TRADEMARK HOMES
200 Man O’War Place, Havre de Grace
443-804-9616
trademarkcustomhomes.com
While some homebuilders are focused on hitting sales goals and expanding into multiple markets, Clark Turner of Bob Ward Trademark Homes makes it clear that his focus is on the charming Chesapeake Bay town of Havre de Grace. “In our model home at Bulle Rock, all of our employees – many of whom live in Havre de Grace – are onsite,” Turner says. “By deliberately focusing on one area, we can deliver unparalleled customer service because we are onsite every day.”
Turner notes that 95% of their clients are empty nesters looking for their forever home.
Sales Manager JoAnna West notes that no two homes are designed the same at Bulle Rock. “Clark is our in-house home designer, and he will sit with the customer and sketch out a design based on their lifestyle and taste at no charge. That kind of attention to detail cannot be duplicated with a computer design program,” she says.
West adds that the company’s homes include standard high-end features and finishes that are considered upgrades by other builders, and aging in place features are also included.
Honorable mentions
Pinnacle Design and Development
Huskin Builders
Viking Construction
HOUSECLEANING SERVICE: CORNERSTONE CLEANING
Honorable mentions
Housekeeping By Susan
Two Arrows Cleaning Services
The Clean Castle
HVAC: SM MECHANICAL
Honorable mentions
Excel HVAC Services
First Response Heating & Cooling
Ground Loop Heating and Air Conditioning
INTERIOR DESIGNER/DECORATOR: HOME WITH HEATHER, HEATHER KROUT
Honorable mentions
Monica Burk – Trellis Designs
Wendy Miller – Wendmill Designs
Juniper Interiors
LANDSCAPER: LAWNSCAPE INC.
Honorable mentions
Turf Connection Inc.
Akehurst Landscape Service
Chesapeake Landscapes
MORTGAGE COMPANY: THE RICCITELLI TEAM – CROSS COUNTRY MORTGAGE
Honorable mentions
Freedom Federal Credit Union
Har-co Credit Union APGFCU
PLUMBER: AMP PLUMBING & HEATING
Honorable mentions
PlumbCrazy
Mike’s Plumbing And Heating Services
NAM Plumbing
ROOFING: HARFORD ROOFING & EXTERIORS
407 Congress Ave., Havre de Grace
443-331-4916
Shawn Whalen began working in the home remodeling business when he was 17 years old, carrying shingles and picking up nails on roofing jobs. More than 20 years later, he and his wife, Meagan, are owners of Harford Roofing & Exteriors and are dedicated to addressing pain points they have seen in their industry.
“Lack of communication and over-pricing are the two areas customers get frustrated about in this industry. If anything, I over-communicate,” he laughs. “I’ll text you to say we are five minutes away and take the time to explain every detail about how a new roof will be installed and detail each dollar of the price,” Shawn says.
In addition to roofing, the company also works on siding, windows, doors and gutters, and services Harford, Baltimore and Cecil Counties.
“We use 3-D modeling to show customers exactly what their home will look like when we are done,” says Shawn, who urges homeowners not to wait until a leak to have their roof inspected. “Regular roof maintenance is very important.”
Honorable mentions
Tar Heel Construction Group
Polk Contracting
Premier Roofing
WASTE/RECYCLING COMPANY: BARTENFELDER SANITATION SERVICES
Honorable mentions
Harford County Trash Services
Humpty Dumpsters
Maryland Pickers Junk Removal
Out & about
ANNUAL FESTIVAL/EVENT: CHESAPEAKE SHAMROCK 5K
Honorable mentions
Bel Air Festival of the Arts
Harford County Wine Festival
St. Margaret Fall Festival
ART STUDIO/GALLERY: AMAZING GLAZE
Honorable mentions
Made Me Mine
Harford Artists Gallery
Gallery 220
BREWERY: HOPKINS FARM BREWERY
Honorable mentions
Independent Brewing Co.
Slate Farm Brewery
Double Groove Brewing Co.
CHARITY/NONPROFIT: CHESAPEAKE BAY ASSOCIATION
Honorable mentions
Humane Society of Harford County
The Hero Rescue
Harford County Public Library Foundation
KIDS ACTIVITY: HARFORD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Honorable mentions
Jurassic Golf and Arcade
Young Chefs Academy
The Arena Club
MUSEUM: STEPPINGSTONE FARM MUSEUM
Honorable mentions
Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
Havre de Grace Maritime Museum
Harford Historical Society
PARK: ANNIE’S PLAYGROUND
Honorable mentions
Rocks State Park
Susquehanna State Park
Eden Mill
PRIVATE SCHOOL: THE JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL
Honorable mentions
St. Margaret School
The Highlands School
Harford Christian School
PUBLIC SCHOOL: HARFORD TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Honorable mentions
Bel Air High School
North Harford High School
Red Pump Elementary
RAINY-DAY ACTIVITY: JURASSIC GOLF AND ARCADE
Honorable mentions
Amazing Glaze
Made Me Mine
The State Theatre of Havre De Grace
SPECIAL EVENTS VENUE: ROCKFIELD MANOR
Honorable mentions
Hopkins Family Brewery
Ladew Topiary Gardens
The Liriodendron Mansion
THEATER COMPANY: THE STATE THEATRE OF HAVRE DE GRACE
Honorable mentions
Tidewater Players
Starlight Theatricals
Abingdon Community Theater
WINERY: HARFORD VINEYARD & WINERY
Honorable mentions
Fiore Winery
Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery
Personal services
ACCOUNTANT: FRANK HAJEK & ASSOCIATES
Honorable mentions
DeCapite & DeCapite
Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra
DiNatalie Accounting and Tax Services
AUTO REPAIR: BEDELL AUTOMOTIVE
Honorable mentions
Forest Hill Automotive
Rt Auto Works
Harford Tire
BANK/CREDIT UNION: APGFCU
Honorable mentions
Har-co Credit Union
Freedom Federal Credit Union
Jarrettsville Federal
BARBERSHOP: OLD LINE BARBERS
Honorable mentions
Work of Art Barbershop
Whiteford Barbershop
Box Hill Barbers
CHILD CARE: FALLSTON CHILD CARE CENTER
Honorable mentions
The Arena Club
The Goddard School of Forest Hill
Kiddie Academy Abingdon
DOG TRAINER: SITS MEANS SIT DOG TRAINING
Honorable mentions
Blue Line K-9
Polite Pooches Positive Dog Training
Best Friends Fur Ever
DOGGIE DAYCARE: BEST FRIENDS FUR EVER
Honorable mentions
Country Comfort Kennels & Camp for Pets
Jarrettsville Vet
Luna’s House
DRY CLEANER: ZIPS
Honorable mentions
Kroh’s Cleaners
Sue’s Alterations
FINANCIAL ADVISER: HARFORD FINANCIAL GROUP
Honorable mentions
Crescendo Financial Group
The Kelly Group
Akers Financial Group
FLORIST: RICHARDSON’S FLORIST, GIFTS & FLOWER DELIVERY
Honorable mentions
Electric Daisy
Dee’s Flowers
Petals ‘n Posies at Jonathans
HAIR SALON: LAVISH SALON & SPA
Honorable mentions
Bella Vita Salon
Jordan Thomas Salon & Spa
Coco Leigh Hair Boutique
INSURANCE COMPANY: GERETY INSURANCE
Honorable mentions
AAG Insurance Enterprises
State Farm Insurance
Palumbo Insurance Associates
PET GROOMER: HOME SWEET HOME DOG GROOMING
Honorable mentions
Katiedidit Grooming
Canine Couture
Grooming by Dennis
REAL ESTATE AGENT: DANIEL MCGHEE, VICTORY TEAM
1316 E. Churchville Road, Bel Air
833-888-1754
Long before he embarked on a successful career in real estate, Daniel McGhee had always focused on giving back, whether it was helping feed the homeless or taking mission trips to Costa Rica. He has taken this altruistic outlook to his real estate practice as leader of The Victory Team.
“Last year I took 700 needy children Christmas shopping. I believe giving back is so important,” McGhee shares.
McGhee and The Victory Team focus on providing luxury services at affordable prices to help homeowners and home buyers achieve their dreams. “We have lower fees and commission rates, as we want to treat real estate differently with a focus on service, not sales.”
McGhee says that his main goal is to go above and beyond to deliver for his clients and continuously checks in with clients even after the sale is complete to make sure that they are happy in their new homes.
“Clients are not just numbers to me. Buying or selling a home is the biggest transaction in your life, and I am honored that they have entrusted me,” he says.
Honorable mentions
Laura Snyder Premier Realty
Lee Tessier Team of eXp Realty
Streett Hopkins Real Estate
SENIOR CARE: KATHERINE’S KEEPERS
Honorable mentions
Visiting Angels
Lorien of Bel Air
Bel Air Assisted Living
TATTOO PARLOR: FLESH TATTOO CO.
Honorable mentions
Dark Arts Tattoo Studio
Athens Tattoo Co.
Chop Shop Tattoo Co.
TRAVEL AGENCY: BRENDA TACKETT – MARVELOUS MOUSE TRAVELS
Honorable mentions
Travelworks International
Vickie Roden, Utmost Travel by Cruise Planners
Jenn Greene, Journeys with Jenn
VETERINARIAN: CHADWELL ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Honorable mentions
Homeward Bound Veterinary Services
Greenbrier Veterinary Clinic
Jarrettsville Veterinary Center
Personalities
ACTIVIST: FRANK NEIGHOFF
Honorable mentions
Dan McGhee
Randy Geyer
Terence O. Hanley
CLERGYPERSON: FATHER KEVIN – ST MARGARET’S
Honorable mentions
Pastor Ben Cachiaras, Mountain Christian Church
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman, Hartford Chabad
Pastor Kirk Bolen, Mountain Branch
ELECTED OFFICIAL: SHERIFF JEFF GAHLER
Honorable mentions
Bob Cassilly, Harford County Executive
Tony “G” Giangiordano, councilmember
Rep. Andy Harris
PERSONAL TRAINER: TIM CAIN, THE ARENA CLUB
Honorable mentions
Heather Rockhill, Snap Fitness Cameron Ridgell,
Game Changers Fitness
Cary Barrett, Kore Bootcamp
POLICE OFFICER: SHERIFF JEFF GAHLER
Honorable mentions
Jerry Eaton, HCSO
Rick Krause, Bel Air Keith Jackson, HCSO
PRINCIPAL: RANDY GEYER, HARFORD ACADEMY
Honorable mentions
Anna Shanahan, St. Margaret School
Brad Spence, Havre de Grace Middle/High
Rob DeLeva, Bel Air High School
Recreation
DANCE LESSONS: RAGE BOX
Honorable mentions
Supernova Dance Company
Dance Conservatory of Maryland
Dance With Me School of Dance
GOLF COURSE: MOUNTAIN BRANCH GOLF CLUB
Honorable mentions
Geneva Farm Golf Course
Bulle Rock Golf Course
Winters Run Golf Club
GYM/FITNESS CENTER: THE ARENA CLUB
Honorable mentions
Coppermine
Game Changers Fitness
The Ward Y in Abingdon
MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES: U.S.TAEKWONDO ACADEMY
Honorable mentions
Empire Dojo
Method MMA
MUSIC LESSONS: MUSIC LAND
Honorable mentions
Stone House Jam Academy
Do-Re-Wee Music Academy
Bel Air Arts Academy
SWIM CLUB: THE ARENA CLUB
Honorable mentions
Fallston Swim Club
North Harford Swim Club
Coppermine
YOGA CLASSES: YOGA CENTRIC
Honorable mentions
The Arena Club
Love Evolution Yoga
Kore Barre & Yoga
Shopping
ANTIQUES: BELLE PATRI
Honorable mentions
JoRetro
Antique Mall, Havre de Grace
Tommy’s on Main
BRIDAL SHOP: K&B BRIDALS
Honorable mention
Edel’s Bridal Boutique
CAR DEALERSHIP: JONES JUNCTION
Honorable mentions
Bob Bell
Adams Chevrolet
Keene Dodge
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: BRAY & EM
Honorable mentions
Apricot Lane
Stalefish Board Co.
Boutique 44
CONSIGNMENT SHOP/RESALE SHOP: TABITHA’S HOUSE
Honorable mentions
Habitat Restore
The Mannequin On Main
The Shabby Button
FURNITURE STORE: JARRETTSVILLE FURNITURE
3743 Federal Hill Road, Jarrettsville
Jarrettsville Furniture of Bel Air
570 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air
Bel Air Town Center
jarrettsvillefurniture.com
When it comes to furniture, you want choices. Step into the Jarrettsville or Bel Air showrooms for Jarrettsville Furniture, and you’ll find endless choices for couches, end tables, chairs, lamps and more.
“With national chains, they only sell their own brands. We are a local, independent and family-owned business, and we carry over 50 brands, including 14 Amish vendors. We can order from all over the world to accommodate budgets from high-end to more affordable,” says Angie Stiars, President of Jarrettsville Furniture. Stiars is the co-owner of Jarrettsville Furniture along with her husband, James Stiars, and brother-in-law, Frank Avena.
Stiars explains that when customers visit either location – the Bel Air store opened in November – a member of the staff can give them a tour and then allow customers to browse on their own. “We don’t like to be invasive. As a family-owned business, we are here every day, and customers can ask anyone for help,” she says.
In addition to furniture, Stiars says that they have the largest mattress department of any store in Maryland. “We also have in-house designers who can assist with furniture selection and placement by coming to your home.”
Honorable mentions
Belle Patri
The Painted Mill
Restore Aberdeen
GIFT SHOP: THE NEST ON MAIN
Honorable mentions
Log Cabin Candy
Blue Heron Gifts
Schoolhouse Fallston
JEWELER: SAXON’S DIAMOND CENTER
Honorable mentions
F & L Jewelers
Moon & Sea Creations
AW Art & Design
LIQUOR STORE: BEL AIR LIQUORS
Honorable mentions
Ronnie’s Beverage
Friendship Wine & Liquor
Beards Hill Liquors
Editor’s note: Winners and honorable mentions (listed alphabetically) were determined by popular vote. Readers were invited to nominate and vote online in October, November and December. The results are generated solely by readers’ votes. The Baltimore Sun does not take responsibility for the services offered or advertised by those listed.
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