It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bel Air Courthouse Historic District gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bel Air, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother passed away two months ago after”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always”
“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen”
“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in”
“I am a past client of this provider I cannot really find the words to say”
“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were”
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They are all expert and knows their job very well in all ages. I never regret that their service to take care of my grandmother. They are trustworthy, respectful, honest and passionate to their work. I highly recommend them on their work.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother passed away two months ago after nearly four years of coverage from the team members of ABC Upper Chesapeake. Mom and I were both very pleased with the coverage. ABC was most congenial to do their best to provide Mom with caretakers whom we found suited to Mom's personality and temperament. In the very few cases this was not so, we asked for someone else to care for Mom and this was promptly provided. All in all the caretakers were kind, friendly, competent and helpful, providing Mom with good care and company. Elaine G was very helpful in getting us in contact with the VA so that Mom was able to obtain a monthly benefit entitled to her because of Dad's service in the military. That was a great financial help to us in our particular situation. I strongly recommend this agency for the homebound and ill. They will work with you to do all they can to grant your reasonable requests. Thank you, Elaine and caretakers!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care for my late father during his prolonged decline at age 95. The care enabled him to live in his home with my mom during his final months of life. Elaine worked with me diligently to match my parents' difficult situation with the perfect caregiver. My father was treated with dignity and gentleness when he was no longer able to care for himself at all. It gave our family great peace of mind knowing he was so well cared for.”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Fortunately, the second location she showed us was a good fit (Dakota Paradise). I heartily recommend Always Best Care if you want help finding a loved one the proper care.”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I am a past client of this provider I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations have been invaluable. We are thankful for Always Best! It is a 5 Star Company!!”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were recommended to Elaine and ABC. It was the right move. Fortunately for us the second location she showed us was the right fit. It's been a difficult time and having their expertise eased our concerns.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bynum Run Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Pairings Bistro or visit Hays House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bel Air, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bel Air, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bel Air, MD 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
MARYLAND — The Hooters restaurant chain — best known for its all-female serving staff outfitted in orange short shorts and low-cut tight "Hootie the Owl" tops — has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company announced on Monday.Maryland has three Hooters locations: Boardwalk, Laurel and ...
MARYLAND — The Hooters restaurant chain — best known for its all-female serving staff outfitted in orange short shorts and low-cut tight "Hootie the Owl" tops — has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company announced on Monday.
Maryland has three Hooters locations: Boardwalk, Laurel and Waldorf.
The complicated bankruptcy filing has been crafted to keep many of the Hooters locations open.
"Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay," Hooters Chief Executive Officer Sal Melilli said Monday.
According to the statement, the company reached an agreement "in principle" with a group of current Hooters franchisees to acquire and operate certain company-owned locations. This buyer group, which includes original Hooters founders, currently owns and operates more than 30% of the domestic franchised Hooters locations, including 14 of the 30 highest volume restaurants.
In conjunction with the proposed sale, Hooters filed voluntary petitions for chapter 11 in a Texas court. The company said it expects to emerge from chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in approximately 90 to 120 days.
It's unclear which company-owned Hooters locations are being sold, and the chapter 11 process does not impact existing franchise locations, the company said.
Hooters restaurants currently remain open and will continue to operate in "a business-as-usual manner" during chapter 11 proceedings. However, the company said that, moving forward, it is "evaluating" its operational footprint and will invest resources in its "strongest assets."Last summer, dozens of Hooters locations across the nation permanently closed due to "pressure from market conditions," according to a company statement at the time.
On behalf of the franchisee group that is acquiring certain company-owned locations, Neil Kiefer said, "As we look toward the future, we are committed to restoring the Hooters brand back to its roots and simplifying ... operations by adopting a pure franchise model that will maximize the potential for sustainable, long-term growth."
To answer customers' questions about the path ahead for Hooters, the company launched an "Our Future" web portal.
In addition to its "Hooters Girls" servers — arguably the casual eatery's main draw — the restaurant is known for a menu that includes hamburgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood entrees, appetizers and chicken wings. Most Hooters locations hold alcoholic beverage licenses. Hooters T-shirts, sweatshirts and various souvenirs and curios are also sold at most of the company's restaurants.
Hooters was incorporated on April 1, 1983, by six businessmen, and the first restaurant opened on October 4, 1983, in Clearwater, Florida. The company now has locations around the globe and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
BEL AIR, Md. — The promise of shopping at a 152-thousand-square Costco warehouse falls on deaf ears here in the Bright Oaks sub-division of Bel Air.“You talk to anybody on this street or anybody in this neighborhood, you won’t find one person who’ll say that they want it,” said longtime resident Sam Harvin, “You won’t find anybody else, but politicians who say they want it.”Politicians haven’t said a whole lot about the project since a public hearing last July when many spok...
BEL AIR, Md. — The promise of shopping at a 152-thousand-square Costco warehouse falls on deaf ears here in the Bright Oaks sub-division of Bel Air.
“You talk to anybody on this street or anybody in this neighborhood, you won’t find one person who’ll say that they want it,” said longtime resident Sam Harvin, “You won’t find anybody else, but politicians who say they want it.”
Politicians haven’t said a whole lot about the project since a public hearing last July when many spoke out against the project, and they’re not talking now, but the State Highway Administration asked for more study to address concerns over the impact on traffic along Emmorton and Plumtree Roads, which Costco didn’t seem to balk at.
“They’re legitimate,” Costco Attorney Joseph Snee told WMAR-2 News back in July, “We’re just getting started. I want to emphasize that this process is the first step in a long process and we have a traffic engineer and they are working with the county. The county picks who the engineer is.”
VIDEO
Almost a decade ago, Walmart planned to build a new store on the same site but those plans fell through.
It, too, had to address the anticipated impact of heavier traffic on existing roads and intersections.
“They already did a traffic study, and it failed. So now, they’re putting in a bigger store, a bigger facility,” said Harvin, “Why wouldn’t that one fail? In other words, why do another one? You just did one three years ago and it failed, and it did not pass the smell test. So now you’re going to build something bigger. How does that pass the smell test?”
The county assured us today that its responsibility is “to ensure that all applicable laws and regulations are followed for this, or any other, proposed development and the Cassilly administration is committed to transparency for all concerned.”
An attorney for Costco has previously said he expected this to be a drawn out process, and even if it’s approved, the new store could be two to three years away.
Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Bel Air|Local EventSat, Mar 1, 2025 at 10:00 AMHarford County Agricultural Center, 3525 Conowingo Rd, Street, MD, 21154Learn what your garden needs to be pollinator-friendly and how to have it certified for free by the Harford County Master Gardeners. ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Bel Air|Local Event
Learn what your garden needs to be pollinator-friendly and how to have it certified for free by the Harford County Master Gardeners. Certified pollinator-friendly gardens receive a free sign courtesy of our partners, Harford Land Trust Grow Wild Harford Program. Workshop is free and you will receive a free bee plant stake for attending.
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Community CornerCounty Executive Bob Cassilly sent legislation to the County Council that approves all or part of 18 out of 65 requests for zoning changes.Alexandra Walker, Local OfficialHarford County Executive Bob Cassilly toda...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Alexandra Walker, Local Official
Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly today sent legislation to the County Council that approves all or part of 18 out of 65 requests for zoning changes under consideration in the county’s 2024/25 Comprehensive Zoning Review.
Required by the Harford County Code every eight years, Comprehensive Zoning Review allows property owners to request a change in their property’s existing zoning designation. Zoning determines a property’s permitted uses and includes agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial classifications.
The nearly year-long review process begins with applications for rezoning submitted by property owners. Each request is reviewed by the Harford County Department of Planning & Zoning to ensure consistency with the county’s land use plan; the department also solicits input from other county agencies. Planning & Zoning’s recommendations are then reviewed by the county executive. Recommendations are also made by the all-volunteer Planning Advisory Board (PAB) comprised of county residents. General public input was solicited via email, letters and two public meetings.
After careful review, the Department of Planning & Zoning formalizes recommendations into new zoning maps. The maps are sent to the County Council in the form of legislation that is subject to additional public hearings and final decisions by the council.
The 2024/25 Comprehensive Zoning Review began under County Executive Bob Cassilly in June. To ensure transparency, all applications and public comments were posted on the county website, and notices were posted on affected properties. Of the 65 applications reviewed, Planning & Zoning approved or partially approved 18 of the zoning changes requested, which largely tracked the recommendations from the PAB. All recommendations will be posted in a zoning log to be posted here on the county website once the legislation is publicly introduced.
“Our primary goal was to achieve a balance between protecting our quality of life and allowing for appropriate business development and growth,” County Executive Cassilly said. “It was also important to make our process as transparent as possible to all our citizens by posting applications, public comments, and recommendations on the county website. I would like to thank the Department of Planning & Zoning and Planning Advisory Board and all those citizens who shared their input. Their dedication and thoughtful feedback have been invaluable throughout this process.”
Klein's Family Markets started as a small general store in 1925 in rural Fallston. This year, they'll be celebrating 100 years.Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 3:45 pm ETHARFORD COUNTY, MD — All throughout 2025, Klein's Family Markets will celebrate its 100th anniversary. With six stores in Harford County, shoppers can look forward to in-store incentives, sweepstakes and mo...
Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 3:45 pm ET
HARFORD COUNTY, MD — All throughout 2025, Klein's Family Markets will celebrate its 100th anniversary. With six stores in Harford County, shoppers can look forward to in-store incentives, sweepstakes and more for their year-long celebration.
Klein’s Family Markets has six stores in Harford County, two in Baltimore County and one in Baltimore City. In 1925, Maurice and Sara Klein opened a small general store on Main Street in rural Fallston. In 1949, Maurice, Sara and their son, Ralph, purchased a general store at the old village crossroads in Forest Hill, starting their family business as “Maurice Klein and Son.”
"We started in 1925 as a small general store in Fallston and back then we sold the things that the local farming community needed. Farm and livestock supplies, clothes, hunting goods, gasoline, and, of course, food. Food was local back then; even the cans came from the canning businesses in Joppa and Baltimore. People had produce when the farms had produce to sell, it was not until much later that people could get fresh produce year-round," David Klein, Klein’s Family Markets VP of Marketing and Procurement, told Patch.
Thirty years later, Ralph, his wife, Shirley, and their sons, Andrew, Michael and Howard, relocated Klein’s to a modern supermarket in Forest Hill, according to the family.
"We've changed somewhat over the years. We no longer sell flannel clothing and shotguns, but for the most part, we've stayed true to who we are - a local grocer working with local farmers and businesses to serve the community," David Klein told Patch.
In 2008, Klein’s Family Markets joined Wakefern Food Corp., the retail merchandising and distribution company that supplies and supports ShopRite, becoming the 45th member of the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative.
"Reaching 100 years is a testament to the generations of hard work, dedication and the love our family has for our business and community,” said Klein’s Family Markets President Marshall Klein. “It’s a proud moment for all of us, and we recognize that it wouldn’t have been possible without the loyalty of our customers and the commitment of our team. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re not only looking back at what we’ve accomplished, but forward to many more years of success.”
David Klein told Patch that the family will host a grocery sweeps shopping spree event April 10 at 11 a.m. at the Festival at Bel Air location to help celebrate their 100th anniversary.
"One lucky customer will have 100 seconds to grab all the groceries they can in honor of our 100th anniversary (at no cost.) Those interested should stay tuned for details coming on our Facebook and Instagram pages," Klein told Patch.
Klein added that the family will relaunch their Festival at Bel Air store as a signature flagship store in the second half of 2025, too.
"My father’s vision was always clear: to create a family business that would serve not just our community but enrich it. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how that vision has evolved while staying true to its roots. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we’re more committed than ever to our motto: One Family. Serving Tenaciously. Executing with Excellence,” said Klein’s Family Markets Chairman Michael Klein.
As a way to give back to the communities that support their stores, Klein's Family Markets donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to initiatives through the Klein's ShopRite Charitable Fund. Klein’s Family Markets also actively participates in ShopRite’s Partners in Caring Program and annually provides more than $150,000 in direct support to community-based organizations.
"For us, being a family business means understanding the importance of connection and service. Our community has always been at the heart of everything we do. As we celebrate 100 years, we’re more dedicated than ever to supporting the neighborhoods that have supported us. We’re excited to give back in new and meaningful ways as part of this milestone,” said Klein’s Family Markets Vice President of Front-End Operations and Community Relations Sarah Klein.
David Klein explained to Patch that in recent years, the family has been working to "keep our stores up-to-date and modern" by redesigning layouts at their different locations that include initiatives to enhance their customers' experience, such as self-checkout and online ordering.
"We have been remodeling our fleet of stores to our family- and local-themed decors with high-efficiency cases and equipment, and even a solar roof - all six of our Harford County locations have been upgraded in recent years, including Main St Bel Air most recently completed in May 2024," Klein told Patch. "We upgraded Forest Hill in 2018 and subsequently added a solar roof system. Jacksonville in 2019, Aberdeen was remodeled in 2021, Riverside Belcamp in 2023 and Main St Bel Air was completed in 2024. We have also made continuous improvements in all of those stores.
"We've seen considerable response to the investment we make in our stores and the programs we run. While customer and sales information is a trade secret, we can share that traffic in our Main Street store has increased over 10% since the relaunch in May 2024. This is a testament to the service, product assortment and shopping experience we provide in our stores every day, something we are very proud of," he added. “As we look ahead, we’re focused on innovation and finding new ways to continue providing the exceptional service and quality our customers have come to expect. We look forward to commemorating the year with various events and specials. Stay tuned for exciting initiatives throughout 2025."
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