Neighborhood OIA Resident Resources


The Log
The Log is Oakenshawe’s newsletter. It reports neighborhood events, the work of the Oakenshawe Improvement Association (OIA), and City bulletins. It is delivered to your doorstep by dedicated volunteers. 

Past logs:
October 2006 log
October 2005 log

To submit a posting, please call Becky Bridger at 410-662-9672 or becksbridge@yahoo.com.

Neighborhood Meetings
There is an Annual Community Meeting in the spring to which all residents are invited. Notification is through The Log, posted signs, and on our website.)  All residents are encouraged to attend. 

House Tour
Ever wonder what neighbors have done inside their Oakenshawe homes? How they have been renovated, restored or decorated?  The Oakenshawe Renovation and Restoration Club has sponsored House Tours. Architectural details are spotlighted and owners comment on their projects and plans. Tickets are sold in advance and benefit the Oakenshawe Improvement Association. For more information contact Becky Bridger at becksbridge@yahoo.com or 410-662-9672.

Oakenshawe Snowblowers
Oakenshawe owns a couple of snowblowers. To use them, please contact George Atkinson
208 Homewood Terrace
410-467-8611 (Home)
410-375-4076 (Cell Daytime)

Halloween in Oakenshawe
On the Sunday before Halloween, Oakenshawe children (and some adults) transform themselves into princesses, clowns, cowboys or pumpkins. After a grand parade through the streets of Oakenshawe, the children trick-or-treat at neighbors’ homes.  Daylight makes this a very family-friendly event!

Terrace Party
A much anticipated annual event is the Oakenshawe Terrace Party. Held in September, our block party is a time for residents to have some fun! Kids enjoy live music by Milkshake Music while adults mingle on a beautifully decorated street. The Oakenshawe Improvement Association provides beverages, grills and BBQ items.  Neighbors pitch in with appetizers, desserts, or main dishes.

Tree Committee
We're proud of Oakenshawe's charming tree lined streets. The Tree Committee works with the city to keep our street trees pruned and to remove any dying trees before they pose a hazard. We've been planting new trees and helping to mulch and protect our trees.

Street trees, the ones growing between the sidewalk and the street, belong to the city; report problems by calling 311. By compiling Oakenshawe's forestry requests and working directly with the city forester, our city councilwoman and the Mayor's office, we've been able to expedite tree work. Please call or email us if you have a street tree issue or question.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now. We're replacing trees that have been lost, and fill in gaps where we could use additional tree cover. We can help purchase new trees and with tree planting. Let us know if you would like a tree planted near your house.

Maryland native trees & shrubs
Benefits of urban trees

Contact:
Mark Counselman
(410) 366-1229

Renovation Club
This quarterly forum is an opportunity for neighbors to share ideas regarding current renovations, future plans, and referrals for craftspeople. It is hosted by a neighbor and includes a tour of the host’s home. 

The club is currently restructuring. For information, contact:

Christine Layton-Sacktor
Phone: (410) 467-2907


Wine Tasting
A spring event hosted by a resident, this sampling includes 4-6 wines from different regions around the world. Look for more information on upcoming events, contact Becky Bridger at becksbridge@yahoo.com or 410-662-9672.

Yard Sale
Each year there is a community-wide yard sale on the Oakenshawe Greenspace.

Children of the World Coop
A wonderful cooperative playgroup is only a short walk away from Oakenshawe. Housed in the Cathedral of the Incarnation on the corner of St. Paul and Charles Streets, the playgroup (cotwcoop.org) entertains young children while teaching socialization skills. With a parent or childcare provider, children enjoy free play, singing, and outdoor recreation. It is a terrific way to meet other local families or international families affiliated with Johns Hopkins University.