Fall 2025: OCA President’s Message

Dear Neighbors,

These are busy times in Overlea—and while the world around us can often feel uncertain or overwhelming, I continue to be inspired by the strength, generosity, and spirit of our community.

I’d like to share some updates and invite you to be part of what’s happening right here in our own backyard.

First, mark your calendars! The 2nd Annual Movie Night is coming up on Friday, September 20, at the Overlea Fullerton Community Center. We’ll be showing 50 First Dates—a crowd favorite—bring a chair, a friend, and maybe even a blanket to enjoy an evening under the stars with your neighbors. It’s free, fun, and an opportunity for adults to spend some time with their neighbors.

Meanwhile, our work continues to advocate for thoughtful improvements along the Belair Road corridor. In collaboration with the Baltimore Community Foundation, we are participating in the planning process to ensure the voices of Overlea’s residents are heard—on both the City and County sides of the line. We believe this is an opportunity to shape a corridor that works better for everyone— safer, greener, and more connected.

The Overlea Farmers Market is also thriving in its new location at Spruce and West Overlea Avenues. Thanks to all who continue to support the local growers and artisans! If you haven’t yet stopped by, I encourage you to check it out—it’s a great way to spend every other Saturday morning.

And right across the way, the Maryland Natural History Society is hard at work improving the exterior of the building. This long-overdue facelift is a welcome sign of the growing momentum in our community, and we can’t wait to see the finished result.

At the heart of all this progress is something deeper: the belief that we are stronger together. Whether it’s sharing a laugh at Movie Night, picking up produce at the market, or taking time to help shape the future of Belair Road, our acts of participation make a difference.

“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’  Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”

— Fred Rogers

Thank you for being one of those people.

With gratitude,
Martin Nibali President,
Overlea Community Association