I have been managing the retail side of Broom’s Bloom Dairy for about 20 years. Broom’s Bloom is a small dairy farm in southern Bel Air that produces and sells ice cream, cheese and milk. We have an on farm store that also offers ice cream and lunches. I have been involved in Harford County agriculture my entire life. I grew up on a dairy farm in Churchville and my husband and I own two historic Harford County farms that have been in our families since the mid 1700,s and early 1800’s.
I love serving the public the dairy products we produce. I am quite proud of the fact that our family milks the cows, makes the ice cream and cheese, bottles the milk and sells the products to our community all on our own farm.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a wonderful husband, David and three daughters Josie, Emmy and Belle. My parents, Gene and Louise Umbarger live on my family farm in Churchville.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently, I help manage all aspects of Broom’s Bloom Dairy, especially the retail component. In the past I worked as a Soil Conservationist for the Department of Agriculture
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love independently owned restaurants. Harve de Grace has several really nice ones as well as a lovely small-town feel. We also go to the Ball Park Dinner, and the Artic Circle
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My whole life….54 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
It’s a toss up between Ed Snodgrass, who has a green roof nursery in Street and Edwin Remsberg who is a well-known photographer in Fallston. They both have very innovative ideas.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Maryland Farm and Harvest. Antiques Road Show.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
If you want to have good neighbors……be a good neighbor
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’m a fan of farm related businesses because they help keep our local ag economy strong. I love visiting our farmer’s markets, farm breweries, and small on farm stores
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?
Anthony Bourdain. I love his approach to food and culture. I would meet him at Broom’s Bloom, even though it would make me nervous.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Harford County has a strong agricultural preservation program that will leave a lasting legacy in our county. I also love all the opportunities to explore our many parks.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Exactly where I am now doing exactly what I am doing.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When I was six I wanted to be an opera star.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Harford county’s state parks. Susquehanna, Palmer, Rocks, Eden Mill. Also, the Ma and Pa trial is a wonderful asset we have here in Harford County.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My loyal customers. I’m always trying to make what we offer a little bit better.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family…Farm…..Love
