If I May Philosophize

Can you be passionate about something without ego getting in the way? As I enter my third year as president of the OCA, the bylaws dictate that it must be my last. There are vacancies on the Overlea Community board that need to be filled in the short term, but the long term health of the association, the farmer’s market, our pocket park and neighborhood improvement projects require a long term vision as well.

I have been involved in community volunteerism and leadership for some time. I get such a great feeling out of working with my neighbors. Getting to know each others’ families. Achieving a collective goal like the Woodland Gardens on Beech, or fighting against a 7-11 on the corner of Fullerton Ave feels great. One thing I admit to not being very good at is transition planning. When I was Scoutmaster for Troop 16 I struggled to understand how to find the next person up in an all volunteer organization.

The initial sense of impending doom, that the walls will fall down if I am not here to hold them, is exactly that ego part I’m philosophizing about at the top. Have you ever left a job and thought, “This place will collapse without me”? Well, it didn’t, did it?

It Takes a Community

The Overlea Community Association is larger than one person. In fact, the real power comes from a fleet of volunteers who show up to pull ivy, or set up tents, or make hot chocolate.

I have learned that the best way to find the next right person to lead is to ask. I’ve also learned from working alongside people in Overlea is that I can trust you. That is the voice I am listening to.

The Overlea Community Association persists as a testament to the power of volunteerism and collective spirit. As the current president (that’s me) prepares to pass the torch, the Association seeks nominations for Vice President and Secretary.

The OCA thrives on the dedication of volunteers who breathe life into the farmers market, community events, and cleaning and greening initiatives. These are not mere activities; they are the threads that weave the tapestry of our community together, fostering connections and nurturing growth.

Maintaining 501c (4) nonprofit status is vital, as it opens doors to grants that fund these initiatives. The roles of Vice President and Secretary are important in upholding the mission. This invitation is being extended to bring your unique expertise and community commitment to this collective cause.

Get in Touch

Interested individuals are encouraged to share availability and the areas where they wish to make an impact. Together, the goal is to continue cultivating an Overlea where every voice is heard, and every effort counts.

The Overlea Community Association should be a reflection of the people who live in our neighborhood. If you hear a little voice in your head energized by an opportunity for service like this, reach out. It’s not scary, I promise. Call me. 410-302-4342 or drop a message on the site.

Martin Nibali,
President

Big Renovations in Overlea

Haven Coworking, which launched its first location in Towson in early 2024, is proud to open its second location at 6809 Belair Road following a multi-year renovation. The new facility offers flexible shared office spaces, meeting room rentals, and premier event spaces. Most notably, the renovation breathes new life into a space neighbors will fondly remember as “The Overlea Event Center.” The revitalized ballroom can host up to 230 guests and features an adjacent outdoor patio for seamless indoor-outdoor events.

Who is Behind It

Founded by lifelong friends and Ellicott City natives Austin Carroll and Will Bowman, as well as business partner Ramin Ziaee. Haven Coworking chose Overlea for its exceptional accessibility, seamlessly bridging Baltimore City and County for residents across the Northeast metro area. The building itself was the catalyst for opening in Overlea. This multimillion-dollar investment in Overlea offers immense potential for fantastic workspaces throughout, including an abundance of light-filled, high-ceiling offices, a large event hall with a rear patio, and tons of free parking!

What Next

The Haven Coworking team is thrilled to join the Overlea community and to reimagine a building that has long been a pillar of the neighborhood. A grand opening and official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced soon.

They will be open mid July for members, with coworking memberships starting at $125 a month, and private month to month offices starting as low as $500 per month as well as multiple event spaces that can accommodate up to 250 people! They’re looking forward to being a hub of entrepreneurial spirit in Overlea!

Text/Call 410-339-8269 or email hello@havenspace.com for a free day pass or 10% off your first event rental! Visit havenspace.com for more information

It’s Official

The biggest news to come out of this year’s legislative session in Annapolis is right here in Overlea’s backyard. The Natural History Society of Maryland has been formally named and designated as the official Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences.

This designation allows the museum to operate on the same level as other state museums, provides the bona fides needed to accept additional artifacts and specimens, strengthens fundraising efforts, and elevates the institution’s identity statewide.This milestone has been nearly a century in the making—the goal since its founding in 1929.

With a new exterior and a new name, only one major hurdle remains: finishing the new exhibit. Staff and volunteers have been working overtime to build out The Making of Maryland: 1 Billion Years and Counting, which will be joined by the new Inside the Cage Shark Education Station and Maryland’s moon rocks, gifted by President Nixon.

Key Dates

• Opening Day — August 1
• Shark Fest — August 30
• Naming Designation — October 1

Public open hours at the museum starts – August 1st

Hours: Wednesday 12-6pm, Thursday thru Saturday 10-4pm

For me, moving to Overlea wasn’t just finding a new place to live—it was a true homecoming. My grandparents originally lived nearby in Arcadia, so returning to this area feels like coming full circle. Before settling down here, my journey took me quite far from home; I’ve had the wonderful fortune of living in and visiting 45 countries around the globe. But after years of exploring the world, there is nowhere I’d rather be raising my family than right here in Overlea. One of the most incredible things about living here is that we didn’t have to leave our love for global cultures behind. We quickly discovered a wonderfully diverse community right on our streets, surrounded by neighbors from all over the world. It’s a gift to live in a neighborhood where different backgrounds and stories blend together, making our community a vibrant, welcoming tapestry where everyone belongs.

As a busy mom of five girls—and in my day job as the Executive Director for Telehealth at Johns Hopkins Medicine—life is always moving fast. However, Overlea has provided us with the perfect spaces to slow down, connect, and thrive. Our street is incredibly tight-knit; we truly watch out for one another, share fresh produce from our gardens, and our kids play together in a big, happy pack. We’ve found our people and built deep roots through so many local corners of our community, whether we are getting our morning coffee at Zeke’s, grabbing a weekend treat at Diablo Donuts, or tapping into our creative side crafting at Aunt Hazel Whichcraft. And sunny days are spent making memories at the Hillcrest Swim Club. At home, the girls and I run Five Sisters Farm, where we produce local raw honey, elderberry syrup, and passion fruit, connecting us deeply to the local bee-keeping community and our fellow local farms. Getting involved with our community association board and running the children’s booth at the Overlea Farmers Market has shown us just how dedicated and passionate our neighbors are, and our family is incredibly grateful to call Overlea home.

Dear Neighbors,

As the last vestiges of winter grudgingly retreat, we find ourselves on the cusp of another vibrant season. The promise of warmer days isn’t just about shedding layers; it’s about rekindling connections and remembering that, despite our individual quirks, we’re all part of this vibrant Overlea community.

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, there’s a renewed energy in the air. We’re particularly excited for the return of our beloved Farmers Market, kicking off its season in June. Get ready for fresh produce, local crafts, and perhaps even a friendly chat or two.

Beyond the market, we’ll have various opportunities for those inclined to lend a hand. Whether it’s sprucing up our local park or helping with an event, your efforts genuinely make a difference. It’s a chance to contribute, connect, and maybe even enjoy the sunshine before it gets too hot.

Let’s embrace the season with a healthy dose of community spirit and a dash of good humor. Looking forward to seeing you around.

With gratitude,

Martin Nibali,
President, Overlea Community Association

Sherwin-Williams, located at 7927 Belair Rd, Baltimore, MD, 21236 (410-665-5222) will accept latex and oil-based house paint, stains and varnish in containers (maximum 5 gallons in size.) This site does not accept aerosols products, containers without original labels, or containers that are leaking. Call ahead for hours and to confirm your paint drop off.

Mosquitoes transmit serious diseases—including Malaria, Dengue, West Nile virus, Zika, Chikungunya, and Yellow fever. Eliminate standing water in birdbaths, planters, buckets, and gutters. Use larvicides in water that cannot be drained, (lily ponds or birdbaths.) Abandoned swimming pools in yards, that are not being used, are a major source for mosquitoes. This is a code violation and can be reported to Baltimore City 311 or Baltimore County 311.

Maryland laws prohibit blowing or raking grass clippings and leaves into streets, gutters, or storm drains. This is considered illegal littering or dumping, violating municipal codes due to safety hazards and environmental damage.

Grass clippings on roads are hazardous to motorcyclists and bicyclists, causing a loss of traction, similar to ice or grease. Clippings blown into the street end up in storm drains, causing localized flooding, and damaging the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Homeowners may be reported or held liable for accidents or injuries resulting from grass clippings they blew onto the road. Residents are encouraged to compost, mulch, or bag clippings rather than blowing them into the street.

If you see an abandoned car or truck in the neighborhood, please report the location to the city or county agencies.

BALTIMORE CITY:

ONLINE: https://balt311.my.site.com/citizen/s/

OR PHONE: 311

BALTIMORE COUNTY

ONLINE: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/police/online-report

PHONE: Dial 3-1-1 within the county, or 410-887-0311 from outside the area.

The Cherry Heights Woodland Garden spring clean-up event was a success! We planted and mulched two dogwoods, three different oak trees, and ten native chokeberry shrubs. We removed invasive plants and lots of trash. An Eagle Scout from Troup 419, built and installed two Free Little Libraries. One for nature/gardening books, and the other for use as a dry goods food pantry and seed library for people to plant flower and vegetables. Donations are welcome! Please reach out to Muriel Cruickshank at murielcruickshank@gmail.com to coordinate donations.

By: Baltimore County Public Library

Our story trails have expanded to the east side of Baltimore County! You can now visit Holt Park, 34 Elmont Avenue, 21206, and Renaissance Park, 99 Stemmers Run, 21221, to read a picture book while walking along a path. Story trails are a great way to promote both early learning skills and health literacy, by encouraging families to get outside, read and walk trails together.

The 12-acre land of Holt Park and Center for the Arts in Overlea, was dedicated to the county by Lillian Holt in 1976 for the community to enjoy. Families are encouraged to walk along the newly paved paths and enjoy books about various forms of art.

Rosedale Bank has provided a grant to the community that will partially fund the Belair Road Flower Pot project for this year. We are so thankful for their contribution!

The second contribution is from Dan Trupia of Advantage Lawn and Landscaping who receives ads in the newsletter in trade. Thank you Dan!

The third and very important contribution has to come from the OCA operating budget. These funds come from membership, ads and the occasional donation. Currently there are only 100 people in the neighborhood who paid dues this current fiscal year (there are 1300 homes in the community). Please consider paying dues to support the Flower Pot Project and your community. It will not happen without this vital piece of funding. Donations for this project will also be appreciated.