I’m Harford County born and bred and have spent most of my life, outside of college, grad school and my first couple jobs, living in Harford County. I was fortunate to grow up on the farm that my family still operates after 5+ generations. That upbringing led to my college and career choice in agriculture. I’m a long-time Harford County and Maryland state 4-H volunteer, as well as a board member for Maryland State Fair and the Maryland 4-H Foundation. I love working with youth and animals and educating youth, their families and non-ag folks about agriculture. In my spare time I enjoy being on the farm and helping out there when I can, hanging out with my dog, baking and cooking, listening to music and reading.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m single without children other than the 4-legged kind, but I am fortunate that my parents are both still living, and I’m very close with them, my two brothers and sisters-in-law and two nephews.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My entire career has been spent in one way or another in agriculture. I worked for Maryland and Virginia Extension for 7 years total, prior to going to work for my cousin at The Mill of Bel Air, which was Bel Air Farm Supply back when I first started. I love the people in agriculture and the 4-H and FFA families and youth that I get to work with in my current job with The Mill. Animal agriculture and educating youth and adults are my passion.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Although I don’t necessarily eat out a lot, Bacco and The Lodge are two of my favorites.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in Harford County, and after being away for 13 years for college, grad school and my first couple jobs, I moved back “home”. I’ve now worked for my current employer for 25+ years since moving back.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Not sure that I can give just one, but there are a number of the older farmers and ag folks here in the county that I could visit with and listen to all day. Lawrason Sayre, Gene Umbarger to name a couple.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: The Man from Snowy River – goes way back to my college days, one that my roommate and I loved and watched together multiple times. TV shows: I enjoy the NCIS and Criminal Minds type shows, but Yellowstone is my absolute favorite.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be yourself, work hard and be kind to others.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Any of the small mom & pop businesses still operating within the community. One in particular is Scarborough’s store and garage in Darlington.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Temple Grandin. She is a gifted animal scientist who is autistic and so well known within our field of agriculture. We may just go out to the farm and picnic!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the history of Harford County and its people who have been here for generations.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Retired within 10 years, but still working in some form, still volunteering and still living in Darlington. I plan to travel and see more of the country in retirement.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am fiercely, yet quietly, competitive. If participating in sports or playing games, I absolutely hate to lose.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Spending time with family and closest friends.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
One of my closest friends who is someone who absolutely chases her dreams and has a passion for trying to help others know the good in themselves.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Friends, Togetherness.
