Together With
Hello Friends—
Welcome to the 174 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community!
I’m also happy to share the Bel Air Brief team is growing! Natalie Davis, a local journalist, will be sharing occasional pieces on upcoming events, businesses & community spotlights. Please check out her piece this week on volunteers needed for Bel Air’s Winter Wonderland…
This week: Made Me Mine’s grand opening and ribbon cutting is Friday… the Breathe 379 Fall Fest & Chili Cookoff is happening on Saturday… and 7 Brew Coffee is planning to expand to Bel Air.
Scroll down, make plans, and enjoy your weekend!
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Call (410) 638-7021 or click here to schedule your free, no-pressure inspection with Tar Heel Construction Group today.
P.S. Tell them “Matt from Bel Air Brief” sent you!
Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas
Food & Drink
🍗 Raising Cane’s Fundraiser for Harford Cheerleading (Free)
📅 Friday, November 14th | 4–10 PM
📍 Raising Cane’s, 336 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air
Grab dinner at Raising Cane’s and mention Harford Cheerleading at the register — 15% of sales will be donated to support the team’s fundraising efforts.
🌶️ The Breathe 379 Fall Fest & Chili Cookoff Fundraiser ($)
📅 Saturday, November 15th | 12–4 PM
📍 The Breathe 379, 2124 Nuttal Ave, Edgewood
Enjoy a full day of live music, fall treats, face painting, and a friendly chili competition—all to support Breathe 379’s Thanksgiving and Christmas community programs. Tickets include lunch, a scarecrow craft, and plenty of family fun.
🦪 Bull & Oyster Fest @ Hopkins Farm Brewery (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 15th | 12–9:30 PM
📍 Hopkins Farm Brewery, 3833 Rider Ln, Havre de Grace
Hopkins Farm’s annual Bull & Oyster Fest returns with food trucks from Level Eats, Old Line Grill, and Black Tie Oysters — plus plenty of brews, live music, and countryside views.
🍷 Autumn Trucks ’n’ Tunes @ Boordy Vineyards (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 15th | 11 AM–6 PM
📍 Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes
Sip seasonal wines, enjoy live music, and take in the fall scenery at Boordy’s harvest celebration with local food and cozy firepits.
Family Fun
🎀 Made Me Mine Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening (Free)
📅 Friday, November 14th | 3–8:30 PM
📍 Made Me Mine, 3474 Emmorton Rd, Abingdon
Celebrate Made Me Mine’s new ownership and refreshed studio with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy light refreshments, giveaways, special discounts, and hands-on crafting fun as the studio kicks off its next creative chapter.
🍦 Sweet Frog Fundraiser
📅 Friday, November 14th | 5–9 PM
📍 Sweet Frog, 531 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air
Enjoy frozen yogurt for a cause — mention The Hero Rescue at checkout and a portion of proceeds will help support local animals in need.
🧇 Pajama Party Family Fun Night (Free)
📅 Friday, November 14th | 5–8 PM
📍 Jarrettsville Creamery & Deli, 1747 Jarrettsville Rd, Jarrettsville
Throw on your coziest PJs and head to Jarrettsville Creamery for Belgian waffle sundaes, family fun, and a good cause — donations will be collected for the Casey Cares Foundation to support local families in need.
🎖️ Veterans & Family Resource Fair (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 15th | 10 AM–1 PM
📍 Bel Air Armory, 1200 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air
An event free for all, veterans, currently serving servicemembers, and their families are encouraged to attend — meet representatives from the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other local organizations offering services for claims, healthcare, employment, housing and more. There will be activities for children, a raffle for Ravens tickets and gift cards, and a free lunch will be served from 11-12:45.
👜 Forest Hill Dance Designer Bag Bingo ($)
📅 Saturday, November 15th | Doors 5 PM, Bingo 6 PM
📍 St. Matthews, 1200 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air
Try your luck for a cause at Forest Hill Dance’s Designer Bag Bingo — featuring prizes from Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, plus raffles, door prizes, and food for sale. All proceeds benefit local dance programs and productions.
🍓 Bel Air Farmers Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 15th | 8AM–12PM
📍 2 South Bond St, Bel Air
8AM: Dejon Vineyard & Independent Brewing Co… 9AM: Brandon Yeager, Live music guest… Shop fresh local produce, breads, meats, and crafts.
🥕 Havre de Grace Farmers Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 15th | 8:30AM–12PM
📍 700 Block of Pennington Ave, Havre de Grace
Support local vendors and pick up artisan eats and goods.
Music & Entertainment
The Replicates @ Independent Brewing Co
📅 Friday, November 14th | 6-9PM
📍 Independent Brewing Co, 418 N Main St Bel Air
Mood Swings Big Band: Polar Caps ($)
📅 Saturday, November 15th | Doors 6 PM, Show 7 PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House Live, 2403 Bel Air Rd, Fallston
Cool Change @ Hickory Lodge
📅 Saturday, November 15th | 6PM
📍 Hickory Lodge, 2119 Conowingo Rd, Hickory
Crushing Day @ Looney’s Pub
📅 Saturday, November 15th | 8PM-12AM
📍 Looney’s Pub, 312 S Main St, Bel Air
For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Live Music In Harford County” facebook group…
Save the dates:
The Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K, Nov 27th, McComas Funeral Home
Opening Night of Winter Wonderland Bel Air, Nov 29th, Bel Air
Mistletoe Mayhem Happy Hour & Toy Drive, Dec 2nd, Fallston Barrel House
Harford Holidays @ Ripken Stadium, Dec 4-6 & 12-13, Aberdeen
Bel Air ChristKindl Market, Dec 6th, Bel Air
Locals Know Best
Each week, we feature a few local Bel Air & Harford County experts sharing quick, practical advice to make your life a little easier — straight from the people who know this community best.
Financial Services
Paul Applegate | Financial Advisor | Serving Harford County
Edward Jones, Member of SIPC
Consider These Moves When Considering a Career Transition
If you are navigating a career transition, what financial moves should you consider? Here are five things you need to know before making a move.
Know the money involved. If your transition is due to a layoff or early retirement package, you need to understand how much money you'll receive and for how long.
Know your benefits package. Many companies and organizations offer extended benefit packages for those transitioning into retirement or being laid off.
Know your retirement plan options. Many Americans have retirement savings in 401Ks and similar programs. Government employees use the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). You should work with a financial professional who can explain how you’ll be taxed on withdrawals from these accounts, should you need them.
Review your finances and budget. What sources of income can you count on during this transition? If you have built an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, you may need to tap into it.
Get some answers — and some help. You may want to consult with a financial professional, who can provide advice and guidance and help you work toward your short- and long-term goals.
This can unquestionably be a challenging time for you. But by looking at all your options, drawing on all your resources and getting some financial advice and guidance, you can make decisions that can help you be prepared for whatever life throws at you.
*Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Pro Tip from Paul:
“The key is being intentional — know where your money’s going, understand your options, and build a plan before you act.”
Special Offer for Bel Air Brief Readers:
Paul Applegate is a former First Responder turned Financial Advisor. Paul loves helping Veterans, First Responders and Hardworking Harford County Residents navigate their financial life and help them be intentional with their money. Paul offers No Cost No Obligation Retirement Check Ups and Consultations. Call or Email Paul at (410) 939-5270 or [email protected] to schedule your Retirement Check Up today
This Week in the Community…
Volunteers Needed for Bel Air’s Winter Wonderland
Are you excited about the winter holiday season coming up? If so, you are in luck as the seventh annual Winter Wonderland celebration is preparing to return to the streets of Bel Air this year starting on November 29th. Did you know that the Christmas lights require the help of many volunteers to set them up?
There is still one day left of the setup process and you can join in on the action this Saturday November 15th from 10am-2pm just outside of the Bel Air Armory. According to Donna Dickey, Winter Wonderland Inc's President, “Whether you’re making new memories or revisiting old ones, Bel Air’s Winter Wonderland is the perfect way to celebrate the joy and warmth of the holiday season.”
All of this year’s festivities are free of charge thanks to the main event sponsors which include the Greater Bel Air Foundation, Independent Brewing Co, Maryland American Water Co, and many more. In future editions of the Bel Air Brief we will cover more specifics of events coming up this winter and what you can look forward to seeing at Winter Wonderland in Bel Air on November 29th, December 6th and December 13th.
7 Brew Coffee Plans Third Harford County Location
Popular drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew is planning its third Harford County location — this time in Bel Air at the former Pizza Hut site on Churchville and Moores Mill Road. The proposed shop would feature a dual-lane drive-thru designed for fast service and minimal wait times. With successful openings already in Abingdon and Edgewood, 7 Brew continues to expand its footprint across Harford County. Read more…
Harford County Public Library Foundation’s 21st Annual Gala Raises $100,000
The Foundation’s “Epic Rewind: Eighties in the Stacks” gala on Nov. 1 at the Harford County Public Library-Abingdon branch drew 650 guests and netted $100,000 to support early-literacy, STEM and community-access programs. Read more…
Pet Of The Week: Presented by Our Friends at Shannon’s Pretty Paws Pet Grooming
We are more than just groomers, we’re a family!
Give your pet the 5-star treatment & book a grooming session at Shannon’s Pretty Paws today. Your furry friend will thank you (and so will your furniture).
This week’s reader submission is: Ollie
“This is Ollie! He’s a gentle, goofy cuddlebug who loves belly rubs, long walks, and greeting everyone he meets with his signature tail wag.”
Ollie, a very good boy!
Have a furry, feathered, or scaly friend you’re proud of? Send a photo and a few fun facts, and we might feature them in an upcoming issue. It’s a fun way to share smiles with the community and discover local pet resources along the way.
Real Estate Corner
Are you a realtor (or know one) who is looking to expand your local visibility & feature your active listings in this section to 4,900+ locals? Click here to submit your interest.
Date Spot Of The Week
Box Hill Pizzeria & Crab Cakes (Abingdon)
📍 2915 Emmorton Rd, Abingdon, MD 21009
This week’s date night pick takes us to Box Hill Pizzeria & Crab Cakes, a Harford County institution where old-school pizza comfort meets one of Maryland’s most legendary crab cakes. It’s relaxed, familiar, and perfect for couples who want an easygoing night with seriously good food. Split a classic cheese or pepperoni pie, or lean into their famous 8-oz. crab cake — golden, jumbo-lump, and the star of the show for a reason.
Round things out with a Greek salad, mozzarella sticks, or a slice of cheesecake, then linger over sodas or a cold beer while you talk about how you’re definitely ordering a crab cake to-go next time.
👉 Check the full menu & order ahead: boxhillpizzarestaurant.com
Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today! Share this with the person you know who loves a good fundraiser.
Matt | Bel Air Brief
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