The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks is excited to announce a Spring “Open House” series to hear from communities and share information about Department initiatives and activities.
News Archives
Please join us at our Anniversary Celebration in Oella, Maryland!
May 18 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT
Come help us celebrate:
the 30th Anniversary of the Westchester Community Center
and
the 50th Anniversary of the Greater Oella Community Association
and
the 100th Anniversary of the construction of the Westchester Consolidated School (which now houses the Community Center).
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Rain or Shine (to be moved inside in case of rain)
12 pm to 5pm
Westchester Community Center
2414 Westchester Avenue, Oella, MD 21043
Lunch 12-1:30pm
Speeches 2-2:30pm followed immediately by cake-cutting
3-5pm tours of the Community Center
Live Music (TBD) will take place throughout the day
All current and past elected officials will be introduced at 2:00pm. All are invited to deliver some brief remarks during this historic event in our community.
All questions regarding event planning and breakdown of the schedule should be directed to Steve Schreiner at [email protected].
![Westchester Community Center over the years - from GOCA 2024 Calendar](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Westchester-Community-Center-over-the-years-from-GOCA-2024-Calendar-630x350.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Here’s a little history of what we are celebrating:
In 1924 the Westchester Consolidated School was built by Baltimore County to replace several one-room schoolhouses in the area. It later became the Westchester Annex housing the lower grades for the original Westchester Elementary School (now Catonsville Middle School). It was closed by the county in 1977 and sat vacant until 1994.
In 1974 the Greater Oella Community Association was formed to advocate for and keep the community of Oella informed. At this time a large portion of the community had no indoor plumbing. This changed when water and sewer lines were finally installed in 1983. Oella is now a highly desirable part of Baltimore County in which to call home!
In 1994 the Westchester Community Center was established by a creative partnership between the Oella community and Baltimore County Government. The partnership involved county government leasing the once dilapidated, long-vacant school building to the community for $1 per year in exchange for long-term community responsibility for management, maintenance, and repair of the building.
Today, the center is run by the Westchester Center Foundation, a non-profit organization of the community which oversees operations of the facility. The county performed lead abatement and installed new windows before turning the building over to the Foundation. This is the only cooperative partnership between Baltimore County and a third-party organization that has succeeded over the long run.
Over the years the Foundation has benefited from State Bond Bills to make further improvements to the building, and it serves a thriving center for the community to this day.
![Oella Sign](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oella-Sign-225x300.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Oella Sign](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oella-Sign-225x300.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Oella Sign](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oella-Sign-225x300.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
For more information some of the residents and their impact on the community of Oella, please visit www.weloveoella.com/about-oella/oella-stories/.
Jay Patel
(410) 461-3118
jkp9491@yahoo.com
#CELEBRATE: Please join us at our Anniversary Celebration in Oella, Maryland!
Come help us celebrate:
the 30th Anniversary of the Westchester Community Center
and
the 50th Anniversary of the Greater Oella Community Association
and
the 100th Anniversary of the construction of the Westchester Consolidated School (which now houses the Community Center).
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Rain or Shine (to be moved inside in case of rain)
12 pm to 5pm
Westchester Community Center
2414 Westchester Avenue, Oella, MD 21043
Lunch 12-1:30pm
Speeches 2-2:30pm followed immediately by cake-cutting
3-5pm tours of the Community Center
Live Music from (TBD) will take place throughout the day
All questions regarding event planning and breakdown of the schedule should be directed to Steve Schreiner at [email protected].
All current and past elected officials will be introduced at 2:00pm. All are invited to deliver some brief remarks during this historic event in our community.
![Westchester Community Center over the years - from GOCA 2024 Calendar](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Westchester-Community-Center-over-the-years-from-GOCA-2024-Calendar-630x350.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Westchester Community Center over the years - from GOCA 2024 Calendar](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Westchester-Community-Center-over-the-years-from-GOCA-2024-Calendar-630x350.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Westchester Community Center over the years - from GOCA 2024 Calendar](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Westchester-Community-Center-over-the-years-from-GOCA-2024-Calendar-630x350.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Here’s a little history of what we are celebrating:
In 1924 the Westchester Consolidated School was built by Baltimore County to replace several one-room schoolhouses in the area. It later became the Westchester Annex housing the lower grades for the original Westchester Elementary School (now Catonsville Middle School). It was closed by the county in 1977 and sat vacant until 1994.
In 1974 the Greater Oella Community Association was formed to advocate for and keep the community of Oella informed. At this time a large portion of the community had no indoor plumbing. This changed when water and sewer lines were finally installed in 1983. Oella is now a highly desirable part of Baltimore County in which to call home!
In 1994 the Westchester Community Center was established by a creative partnership between the Oella community and Baltimore County Government. The partnership involved county government leasing the once dilapidated, long-vacant school building to the community for $1 per year in exchange for long-term community responsibility for management, maintenance, and repair of the building.
Today, the center is run by the Westchester Center Foundation, a non-profit organization of the community which oversees operations of the facility. The county performed lead abatement and installed new windows before turning the building over to the Foundation. This is the only cooperative partnership between Baltimore County and a third-party organization that has succeeded over the long run.
Over the years the Foundation has benefited from State Bond Bills to make further improvements to the building, and it serves a thriving center for the community to this day.
![Oella Sign](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oella-Sign-225x300.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Oella Sign](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oella-Sign-225x300.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Oella Sign](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oella-Sign-225x300.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
For more information some of the residents and their impact on the community of Oella, please visit www.weloveoella.com/about-oella/oella-stories/.
#REMINDER: Great Maryland Twister Test Set For Wednesday, April 10 at 10 a.m.
Maryland residents are invited to participate in the Great Maryland Twister Test on Wednesday, April 10, to practice what to do in case the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning. The 10 a.m. drill is being coordinated by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), NWS, and other partners as part of the 2024 Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week, April 8-14, 2024.
#UPDATE: Old Frederick Road Retaining Wall & Slope Stabilization Project
The County is making progress, and the preliminary study (which is the first phase of the design for the project) is underway. Baltimore County Department of Public Works & Traffic will announce a public meeting in the coming June to review the preliminary study report.
#Cleanup: Invasive Plant Removal at the Historic Oella Cemetery with PHG
April 20 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
![](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Patapsco-Heritage-Greenway-Logo-251x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b2980657.smushcdn.com/2980657/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Patapsco-Heritage-Greenway-Logo-251x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Join Patapsco Heritage Greenway in helping clean and take care of the Historic Oella Cemetery!
What to Bring for the Event
- Own Tools: Feel free to bring your chainsaw, shovel, machete, loppers, etc. YOU are responsible for your tools AND safety. Only YOU can use your tools!
- Layered Long Clothing: The weather is ever changing in spring so be prepared for it to be sunny, cloudy, rainy, warm, cold, or a combination of any of these. Long pants and sleeves are your friends when it comes to outdoor environmental events.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Wear comfortable, but protective shoes since there will be branches, thorns, and holes.
- Refillable Water Bottle: You will be woking hard and we want everyone to stay HYDRATED. So make sure you have water with you and you can refill when you need it.
Please continue reading below for a FULL OUTLINE of the following: Attendance Policy, Pet Policy, COVID-19 Safety Guidelines, and Waiver.
Attendance Policy:
1. Every individual who wishes to volunteer MUST register here. If your name is not on the registration list at the start of the event, you will not be allowed to participate.
2. If you are registering multiple people, please make sure to register each individual with their own name.
3. Volunteers under the age of 18 are welcome if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian to supervise. An exception to the 1:1 rule can be made for organized entities or other situations if discussed AHEAD of time with PHG staff.
Pet Policy:
1. We kindly request that your pet not attend any Patapsco Heritage Greenway led environmental event unless the event is specified as “Pet-Friendly” or is a service animal that has been previously cleared by PHG before the event.
About PHG
The Patapsco Valley Heritage Area is one of Maryland’s 13 certified Heritage Areas. Heritage Areas are places to experience the authentic heritage of Maryland. In Heritage Areas individuals, businesses, non-profits and governments form partnerships to preserve the best of Maryland’s historic sites and towns, unspoiled natural landscapes and enduring traditions.
Patapsco Valley Heritage Area programs are managed by the Patapsco Heritage Greenway and funded in part by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), Howard County Government, and Baltimore County Government. Patapsco Valley Heritage Area programs are also funded by various other organizations including but not limited to Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Forever Maryland, and Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC).
#REMINDER: Trolley Trail #9 Closure (March 11-29, 2024)
A section of the trail on Trolley Line #9 will be closed for construction from approximately March 11, 2024 to approximately March 29, 2024. The section is approximately ¼ mile in length between Oella Ave and the private driveway to the south.
#FUNDRAISER: Oella Benefit Ball
Oella Benefit Ball
March 16 @ 7:00 pm – 11:59 pm EDT
Saint Patrick’s Day Theme
Dance all night to the sounds of Oella Xpress
Suggested attire:
Luck of the Irish or Leprechaun Casual.
Ticket purchase includes:
A full course gourmet dinner catered by Mission BBQ.
Open Beer & Wine Bar.
To Benefit the Oella Fall Festival
Free Parking!
We would like to thank the following sponsors:
- The Breadery
BreaderyOnLine.com
TEL: 410.203.2221 - Mother’s Day Out of Westchester School
mdowpreschool.org
TEL: 410.465.3777 - Westchester Center Foundation
TEL: 410.465.9905 - Oella.org
- J. W. Treuth & Sons
jwtreuth.com
TEL: 410.465.4650 - Oella Mill
OellaMill.com
TEL: 410.465.7962 - W Home Group
Jessica DuLaney – Realtor
TheWHomeGroup.com
TEL: 442.901.2200 - Tech Image, Inc.
TechlmageMarketing.com
TEL: 410.203.1113
Ticket Sponsor
Follow Oella Xpress:
Website: oellaxpress.com
Instagram: @oellaxpress
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/538790316944328
Greater Oella Community Association
(410) 461-3118
Oella’s 2023 Kids Christmas Party. Meet Santa!
December 9, 2023 @ 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm EST
Sponsored by The Greater Oella Community Association and their generous contributors.
Fun for all the family. Enjoy seasonal carol music, free snacks and refreshments, and an opportunity to have your child’s photo taken with Santa!
Music by Robert (Flute) and Lindsay (Bagpipes).
All Oella residents and their kids are welcome to this free event.
We thank Southern Management and the Oella Mill for their support! If you would like to help with expenses for this event, please make a donation by writing a check to GOCA. Thank you!
GOCA-sponsored community events are funded through donations from residents and local businesses. The Oella Calendar is a major source of these donations and helps GOCA continue its work in the community. Reserve your copy of the Oella Calendar today!
Copies of the 2024 Oella Calendar will be available for pickup at the Oella Corner Country Store after Thanksgiving.
Location
Organizer
Jay Patel
(410) 461-3118
jkp9491@yahoo.com
@BaltCoFire: Baltimore County Acquires $2 Million Site for New Catonsville Fire Station
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced that Baltimore County has acquired a 6-acre parcel along Edmondson Avenue for a new, state-of-the-art Catonsville Fire Station #4. Plans call for the existing station to be preserved as a Baltimore County Fire Museum.
#TRAILS: Old Ellicott City (OEC) Connector coming soon!
The OEC Connector is a new trail that makes a natural surface connection on the Howard County side of the Patapsco River, to the lightly traveled Sylvan Lane, continuing down Church St. and then into Old Ellicott City.
#VIDEO: Maryland Celebrates Unveiling of its First Mesonet Tower
BY Barry Ard–The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and the University of Maryland (UMD) today proudly unveiled the first of more than 70 Maryland Mesonet towers yesterday. A member of the We Love Oella team was there to video record the press conference and subsequent tower-raising ceremony.
Cleanup at the Historic Oella Cemetery: Volunteers Needed!
November 11, 2023 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
Join Patapsco Heritage Greenway in helping clean and take care of the Historic Oella Cemetery!
What to Bring for the Event
- Your Own Tools: Feel free to bring your chainsaw, shovel, machete, loppers, etc. YOU are responsible for your tools AND safety. Only YOU can use your tools!
- Layered Long Clothing: The weather is ever changing during autumn so be prepared for it to be sunny, cloudy, rainy, warm, cold, or a combination of any of these. Long pants and sleeves are your friends when it comes to outdoor environmental events.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Wear comfortable, but protective shoes since there will be branches, thorns, and holes.
- Refillable Water Bottle: You will be woking hard and we want everyone to stay HYDRATED. So make sure you have water with you and you can refill when you need it.
Watch a short video from PHG’s Earth Day 2023 cleanup event:
Help PHG make the cemetery attractive and show our community support. Please consider lending a hand to help remove invasive plants, tree debris, and spread wood chips on clearer areas.
#FLOODING: Ellicott City Safe and Sound Update
County Executive Ball announced two major advancements in his comprehensive Ellicott City Safe and Sound flood mitigation plan today.
Put The Oella Entrance Garden to Bed
October 28, 2023 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Join Patapsco Heritage Greenway as PHG staff and local residents put the Oella Entrance Garden to bed. Be sure to bring an energetic and enthusiastic outlook!
Information for the Event
Located riverside, adjacent to the Ellicott City bridge and opposite 6 Oella Ave. Registration for the end of the growing season “Put the Oella Entrance Garden to Bed” event will take place in parking Lot A.
Remember to Bring:
- Favorite Gardening Tools for weeding and mulching
- Work/Gardening Gloves
- Refillable Water Bottle: You will be woking hard and we want everyone to stay HYDRATED. So make sure you have water with you and you can refill when you need it.