Welcome to our town, nestled in the mountains
of Western Maryland

Oakland .........A Great Small Town

 G.O.B.A. and Main Street

Working together for a thriving downtown ---- April 2008 

Exciting things are happening in our great small town. Imagine strolling musicians, out door umbrella sheltered tables, tourists sampling regional specialties, charming restaurants, demonstrations by local artists and craftsmen, and finally an ice skating rink in winter? The possibilities are enormous and we look forward with great enthusiasm to the fulfillment of these plans. . More information on upcoming events and plans will be included in future newsletters.  In addition, here are just some of the things a few of Oakland’s organizations have been doing to truly make Oakland a better small town.

 G.O.B.A. meets the third Tuesday of every month at Oakland’s town hall beginning at 5:30 PM. At the past several meetings new and exciting things have been discussed, such as: the Implementation of the Strategic Plan, the Yough Summer Music Festival (www.littleyough.com); the maintaining of the Oakland website; the improvement of Oakland billboards (Rt. 219 & 42); The Shoppe (featuring locally made items for sale) at Heritage Square and a satellite office for a Visitors information center at the Oakland Train Station, our latest event of Winterfest, and finally, Christmas on Main Street.

 The Economic Restructuring Committee (Main street) is one of three main street committees in Oakland whose main tasks have included: Finalizing active recruitment and retention plan, with the possibilities of training/workshops; Putting together a team of business professionals (real estate, insurance, banking, business owners, experts in loan and tax credit programs) to assist existing and new businesses; Improving the Shoppe at the Train Station complex; Looking into doing new sidewalks or sidewalk repair; and working to Foster a partnership with Garrett College to bring extension services to downtown.

 The Oakland Design Committee (Main Street-Stan Mopsik, chair), has come up some with some great ideas to better Oakland, of them include: Historical markers recently put into place; Evaluation of signage and outdoor advertising with guidelines being developed for signs and murals; Long range decorating plan (new Christmas decorations were purchased); and during the summer, Wonderful Wednesday promotion “Go the Extra Mile” (from Wal-Mart to Historic Oakland)-flyers to be distributed and merchants participation enthusiastic.    Volunteers staffed the Gazebo between 10-2 on Wednesday for visitor assistance.  With the end of the summer season, this venture proved to be a huge success, with plans for next year already in the works. They purchased some new Christmas Decorations which were displayed during the Christmas Season and are looking for more exciting changes.  They are interested in assisting with community centered projects, and are interested in working on parks/playground and recreational areas.

 The Promotion Committee (Main Street-Peggy Jamison) has been working on some special promotions to bring tourists and Garrett county residents to Oakland some these promotions include: the re-printing of a beautiful walking tour brochure of Historic Oakland; Christmas on Main Street; Promoting the Little Yough Summer Concert Series as well as expanding on the Wonderful Wednesdays promotion, working up an Easter event, improving the sidewalk sale, doing a window decorating contest for holidays, setting up "May Baskets", establishing a Town-wide yard sale and numerous other exciting ideas.  The Promotion Committee is interested in developing a train station brochure and invites you to come see what makes Oakland such a great small town.

 As you can see the Oakland committees are hard at work trying to make Oakland a “Great small Town.” Feel free to contact Oakland Town Hall, 301-334-2691 if you have any questions or need information.  Come to Oakland and see for yourself our wonderful Town!!