The Oak Leaf is a monthly newsletter for residents created by residents with support from Oak Hammock staff. A tradition since Oak Hammock’s opening in 2004, it features introductions of new residents, coverage of resident events and outings, accomplishments and community updates—always accompanied by color photographs. The engaging content provides important updates, reminders and timely information, as well as photos from the numerous social gatherings of community members and encourages an endearing community spirit!
Past issues are carefully cataloged, forming a valuable and informative historical record of life at Oak Hammock. The Oak Leaf is widely appreciated by all readers, including residents and staff alike. Friends and family often praise the newsletter content when residents share copies. Many find the resident spotlight section a wonderful way to learn personal information about their new neighbors and encourage community engagement. The Oak Leaf is considered one of the best community newsletters in the region! New contributors are always welcome.
Additional Information
The Oak Leaf committee meets on the third Friday of each month at 9 a.m. to plan the next issue and finalize the current one, which is published both electronically and in print.
Each issue averages 16 pages, and contributions from residents-at-large are always encouraged. Committee writers are assigned topics or events to cover, while the editor reviews and edits all submissions, and the photo editor ensures that only high-quality images are included. Articles are limited to 250 words, supporting the belief that brevity enhances readability and allows space for a broader variety of engaging, photo-rich content.
Submissions are due by the first Friday of each month, with a final deadline on the second Friday. The editor uses a standard format for submissions, and an electronic filing system streamlines communication between contributors and layout staff. Layout and printing are handled by Oak Hammock staff, with the same designer—now an independent contractor—responsible for production since the very first issue.
Printed copies are available at the reception desk. On publication day, resident volunteers distribute copies to the Health Pavilion (one per resident), offices and apartment building lobbies (two per atrium). A committee volunteer also posts the electronic version on ICON and distributes it via the OH E-Team email list.
Past issues are archived on ICON under Publication Archives, indexed by subject and year back to October 2004. Printed copies are also kept in binders in the non-fiction library on the lower-level commons.