This past January, my wife Noreen and I took a trip to Norway to spend time with our nephew. Many people responded the same way when I told them where we were going. “January!?!” It was cold. But we were prepared. We sorted through our Merino wool clothing. I bought new hiking boots. We dressed in layers that we could stack or peel off as frigid outdoor temperatures met toasty inside spaces. We had a great time. It was below freezing almost the entire trip. Covered in snow. The sun went down at 3:00 pm. How could we imagine that upon our return Overlea would be gripped by an extended cold snap that even rivaled Oslo. It is often said that the Nordic countries are the happiest. Maybe not the most extroverted. But there seems to be something about dealing with the adversity of cold weather and narrow sidewalks and shuffling winter boots that brings us to a place of common humanity. For every story about fights over parking spots, I heard and saw just as many instances of neighbors helping each other out in our neighborhood.

There is a lot on the horizon, even as that stubborn groundhog taunts us with a delayed start to warmer Spring weather. The Hillendale-Overlea-Parkville task force has approved State and County grant funding to give many businesses along Belair and Harford roads a facelift. That work should begin soon. We expect an invigoration of entrepreneurial activity based in Haven’s coworking space. And one of our favorite neighbors, the Natural History Society of Maryland should be unveiling their architectural updates this spring. There is also an effort on the part of communities on both sides of the City-County line to smooth out the barriers that separate us as neighbors along Route 1.

I am looking forward to the times when we can get outside together again. The Farmers Market, Overlea Artsfest, park cleanups, outdoor movies. I really love our community and am eager to see what we can all do together this year.

With gratitude,
Martin Nibali, President, Overlea Community Association

Line Replacement Updates

Cory Scott – Infrastructure Volunteer

Fullerton Waterline

The county contractor is still working on Willowdale and intersecting streets. Recent temperatures and snow have slowed progress. The main pipe work is complete on Beech with tie-ins remaining. No new progress on Fullerton Ave. while work continues on design changes and a BGE conflict to complete the rest. Street paving will begin in the spring and hopefully will be finished by the end of 2026 or the spring of 2027. Community representatives will need to meet with contractors to review the paving needs as discussed in February 2025. If any neighbors are having access or housekeeping issues caused by the contractor or their equipment, feel free to email me (corsco@gmail.com) and I can bring it to the inspector’s attention to have it addressed promptly. I’ll remain in contact with Paul Smith, the east side chief as they progress.

Belair Rd. Gasline

There is no new information on this project completion. They have also been impacted by recent weather and waterline breaks on or near Belair Rd. Work should resume in the same manner as last fall, closing one side of Belair Rd overnight after 9pm. They will repave the left northbound lane when complete, as well as, most of the right lane and wherever they cross.

More Than $300,000 to Baltimore County Businesses

The Baltimore County planning department and Sharon Kihn from the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce helped to shepherd more than $300,000 in grants to local businesses. The Overlea Community Association had previously received a $50,000 grant which was folded into State funds to administer to businesses looking to help improve and develop our neighborhoods.

We live along Belair Road which is a Commercial Revitalization District. This designation helps to direct actions including attracting new businesses, upgrading commercial facades, enhancing public safety, improving pedestrian infrastructure, and rebranding the district to encourage patronage. It is the reason the MDOT is pushing to improve traffic, pedestrian safety and business accessibility along the main artery route. It was exciting to see businesses as diverse as a veterinarian clinic, a lounge, a dance studio and a health food store submitting proposals for creative improvements. Signage, lighting, repairs and improvements will be coming to our main streets, making things look nicer around here. An important aspect, aside from the financial investment, is the vision residents and businesses in Overlea have for a brighter future. Daring to imagine the future includes commitment and responsibility. To imagine a future you must commit to your part of it and see it through to completion.

The Hillendale Overlea-Parkville task force meets once a month to listen to the voices of motivated members of our communities to help shape that future. What kind of businesses would we like to attract? Can we establish design standards to help unify our apperance throughout the corridor? Is additional funding available to make this vision achievable? If you have optimism and vision and want to be part of a mission, contact Sharon.Kihn@chesapeakechamber.org to attend our next meeting.

Stay Vigilant Regarding Telephone Scams

The Baltimore County Police Department is urging residents to remain vigilant regarding telephone scams in which individuals falsely claim affiliation with the Police Department to solicit funds. These imposters often use caller ID spoofing to imitate local police precincts; however such calls are not from law enforcement authorities. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal information or payment details. Call the local precinct to verify any claims and to make a report if needed.

What to Do

From the website: aclu-md.org

If you are NOT a U.S. citizen and are stopped or questioned by the police or ICE, you should: Remain silent. Remain calm. Say “no” when asked to search. Never show false documents. Never lie about being a U.S. citizen. You DO NOT have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born or how you entered the country.

AT YOUR HOME

If ICE or the police come to your home:

• Stay calm.
• Do not open the door and do not invite them into your home
• If they have a warrant for your arrest, ask them to show it to you through the peephole or slip it under the door.
• An ICE Warrant (Form 1-200) does NOT give them permission to enter your home. They must show a Judicial Warrant signed by a judge.
• You have the right to remain silent.
• Do not lie and do not show false documents (driver’s license, social security card, or immigration paperwork).

IN A CAR

If you are pulled over while driving or as a passenger, pull over safely and quickly. Turn off the engine, turn on the internal light, and open the window enough to speak with officers.

• Upon request, give the police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you do not have one of these, do not give false documents.
• Do not give the officer permission to search your car.
• If they search your car after you tell them “no,” do not resist.
• Do not answer questions about your immigration status.
• If they are the police, you should ask for their name and badge number and write it down.
• If they are ICE and ask you for a green card or proof of status, if you have it, you must show it to the officer. If you do not, remain silent.

On January 29, 2026, NHSM was honored to accept the 2026 Revitalization Award from the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce at A Night for Legacy and Leadership. The award is given to an outstanding organization which has contributed to the aesthetic improvement, preservation and/ or renovation of the community.

“This year the Chamber recognizes and appreciates that, for many years, the Museum has done a tremendous job of conserving natural history collections, educating both youth and adults, and generating enthusiasm for the natural sciences. We applaud your work to become the state’s official natural science museum, your ability to raise the necessary funds to make extensive renovations to your building to enhance the visitor experience, and your determination to continue your education program by taking it on the road while the building is under construction. In addition, the Chamber sees the Museum building as a pivotal project toward the revitalization of the Overlea community.”

OCA Monthly Board Meetings

Overlea Sign Garden

Last summer the OCA was awarded a State Safety Grant that was used to replace the Overlea sign located on Walther Avenue at Fleetwood. The volunteers did a lovely job with the design. It is a double sign facing in two directions. A garden bed needs to be created around the sign this spring, before lawn cutting season. This flower bed will mitigate any futher damage to the sign posts from grass cutting crews who trimmed around the posts with weed trimmers.

Your help is needed to assist in pulling back the sod, shaping the area into a garden bed and planting annuals. A willingness to get dirty one Saturday morning is all that is required. Contact Martin Nibali at president@overleaonline.org

Thank You

Since 1973, the Overlea Community Association has published and distributed a printed newsletter to 1300 homes in the neighborhood. In the early days it was monthly, now quarterly. It takes many volunteers: newsletter editors, contributors, and distributors who get the newsletters to the 16 volunteers who deliver it to doorsteps. The community association is committed to maintaining the printed word and getting the newsletter out to our neighbors. While it is emailed to members and on the website, home delivery ensures everyone gets a copy, even those who are not on the internet.

We needed a new printer and the newsletter runs on a tight budget. We asked Don Quinn, owner of Advance Printing and he has graciously agreed! As a family-run business in Parkville for more than 80 years, Don prides himself on excellent customer service, high quality work and being community minded. We are very grateful to Advance Printing located at 6836 Harford Road. For all your printing needs visit www.advanceprintingonline.com

As the year winds down and the air turns crisp, it’s a good time to reflect on what makes Overlea special — neighbors who care for one another. Whether you’re checking in on someone, helping with a project, or sharing a smile, those small acts strengthen our community. I’m proud to share that the Hillendale/Overlea/Parkville Task Force has been hard at work with Sharon Kihn from the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce and the Baltimore County Planning Department. Together, we’re moving forward on Community Improvement, Facade Improvement, and Commercial Revitalization grant projects that will make our neighborhoods shine. If you’d like to be part of this effort, please attend the Task Force meeting on January 28th. For details please email me at president@ overleaonline.org — your voice matters. The Farmers Market wrapped up another successful season, thanks to our wonderful vendors and volunteers.

And as we look ahead, we’re excited to gather again for the Holiday Tree Lighting. Bring the family for gifts, treats, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. We’ll also be collecting food donations to support our neighbors in need. Let’s keep building the caring, connected Overlea we all love.

With gratitude,
Martin Nibali
President, Overlea Community Association

Scott Fischer grew up on Virginia Avenue, just down the street from Casper Sippel Electric. At 14 years old, he began working there after school cleaning the shop. In some ways it became his second home.

Scott started with the company in 1993. More than 30 years later, he was presented with the opportunity to purchase the business in December 2024. His wife, Brandy, has joined him working side-by-side overseeing the office responsibilities.

Keeping the Sippel name was an easy decision for Scott. It’s his way of honoring the Sippel family and the impact they’ve had on the community. Casper Sippel Electric employs 30 full-time employees. Scott and Brandy’s long-term goal is to continue growing the business while serving the community with the same commitment and integrity it was founded on. It is because of Casper Sippel Electric that the Annual Tree Lighting event has been able to take place.

They have hung the tree lights for 12 years. A heartfelt thank you from the community to the Fischer’s for keeping this beloved tradition alive.

The beloved community arts festival that started as a 1-day event has evolved over the past 10 years. It quickly grew into a 3-day multi-media festival, then branched out into the Youth Art Show showcasing kids and teens. This year the Short Films Festival breaks off into its own event in partnership with CCBC Essex, which will host it in Spring of 2026.

As we pass our 10-year milestone and look ahead to the future, we are exploring fresh ideas and perspectives. The next Overlea ArtsFest events will move to the Fall with a narrower focus on specific genres. The 2026 ArtsFest will showcase Sculpture and 3D mixed media work and will return to Holt Park & Center for the Arts. We also hope to assist with plans for a permanent sculpture garden installation project at Holt Park in the near future. We are looking for volunteers to help with event planning, fundraising, grant writing, social media, accounting and day-of support work. If you’ve ever considered joining a grassroots team of community members for a good cause, we invite you to reach out. Come meet with our board to learn how you can share your talents and be a part of something fun! Contact Carol Stover at president@overleaartsfest.org. And check us out at https://OverleaArtsFest.org and @overleaartsfest on social media.