Things We Love in April in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 26, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

TRILLIUM FESTIVAL and NATIVE PLANT SALE. Enjoy this free family event offering a suite of educational stations around the Nature Center and trails at Tryon Creek. The Native Plant sale features native plant species like camas lily, red flowering currant and our local Western White Trillium. Get your backyard questions answered from local plant experts and learn more about the regional Backyard Habitat Certification Program. Saturday, April 1, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland.

STORYWALK OPENING DAY. Take a walk through the Children’s Garden with librarian Hilary to read the newest StoryWalk® installation. All Around Us by Xelena González and illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia draws the reader in with intricately complex drawings and a movingly simple story about the circle of life. The story will be available during Luscher Farm’s open hours for the entire month. Saturday, April 1 at 2:00 p.m. Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Rd., West Linn. 503.697.6580

LAKE OSWEGO READS. The Lake Oswego Reads program has filled the April calendar with all kinds of free activities from book discussions to film screenings to craft workshops for kids. Check out my previous blog as well as the complete schedule online.

TREE PLANTING PARTY. Kick off Lake Oswego Arbor Month with a tree planting party at Iron Mountain City Park, 2401 Iron Mountain Boulevard. Parks and Recreation staff will be on hand to talk about tree selection, planting, maintenance and proper planting techniques while helping to install new trees in the park. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required with capacity limited to 25 Lake Oswego residents. Call 503.635.0290 to register. Saturday, April 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCE FAIR. In celebration of Earth Day, the City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board, Lake Oswego School District, Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, and Oswego Lake Watershed Council are holding the second annual Lake Oswego Sustainability Resource Fair. Learn what diverse organizations across our community are doing to advance sustainability, find opportunities to volunteer and participate in educational programs, connect with neighbors, and learn simple ways you can help protect the environment, save money, and live well. Saturday, April 15, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Lakeridge Middle School, 4700 Jean Road.

BUNCO BEACH NIGHT. Calling all Bunco players from beginners to pro to join in a night full of fun and prizes, all with a tropical Hawaiian theme at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center. Feel free to dress in your Luau best! Light refreshments will be provided and one drink ticket is included in the price. Reservations are $20/Resident; $25/Non-Resident for ages 21 and up.  April 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Register online or call 503.635.3758. 505 G Avenue.

DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT. Dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medicines properly at the city’s drive-through drug take-back event. Look for more information as to what’s required online. Saturday, April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue.

Keeping you informed about Lake Oswego is what I like to do, and that includes providing on-the-ground updates about the Lake Oswego real estate market. If you have questions about what your home is worth, whether this is a good time to buy or sell, or how to move to Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’m here to help and have been for over 30 years. Let me put that experience to work for you.

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Lake Oswego Reads Celebrates The Seed Keeper With a Month of Activities

Posted on March 19, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

The Lake Oswego Reads program is off and running in April with a calendar full of free activities to educate, enlighten and entertain you. This year’s book selection, The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson spans several generations as it follows a Dakhóta family’s struggle to preserve their way of life. Be sure to check out the complete schedule online but here are a few highlights:

Saturday, April 1 Kick-Off. Drop in at the library between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and enjoy an interactive loom activity, a beautiful sound bath of Native American flute music, inspirational stories of connection with Jan Michael Looking Wolf, a presentation on Indigenous foods while sampling delicious salmon, a children’s book read aloud with Karen Kitchen (Osage Nation) and pick up your pair of free, brand-new undies to learn about healthy soil in partnership with Oswego Lake Watershed Partnership Council. 706 Fourth Street.

Monday, April 10. Professor Eva Guggemos peels back the curtain on Oregon’s own boarding school system’s legacy of trauma for Indigenous children. The Chemawa Indian School was one of the first residential schools in the nation and was designed to break students’ ties to Native cultures, languages and beliefs. Learn why the school was founded, what daily life was like for its students, the work that is being done to document deaths and burials at the school, and how we weave this reality into our understanding of our history and that of the Indigenous people.  Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth Street, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 13. Join a screening of the documentary, Blood Memory, a story of removal and return that documents America’s Indian Adoption Era during which one-third of children from tribal communities nationwide were displaced from their families as part of an assimilative movement. The film runs for 1 hour and 47 minutes. Discussion guides with in-depth background information will be made available to all attendees. The Springs Theater at Lake Oswego, 3900 Kruse Way Place, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 15. Weaving Workshop for Kids. Woven baskets served many an important purpose for Native American cultures with each tribe using different materials native to the area to make their own. The library will provide paper plates and a variety of yarns and fibers so children can create woven baskets of their own. For ages 5 and up. Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth Street, 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, April 19. Westlake Oak Woodland and Native Plant Walking Tour. Join the Oswego Lake Watershed Council for a walking tour of local seeds, soils, flowers, and trees while connecting with the land and relearning local foods, plants, and medicines. On this family-friendly walking tour, you will observe wildlife, wildflowers, native flowering shrubs, snags, oak trees and more. You will also learn how this woodland fits into larger systems such as land tending, climate change, fire, active management, food systems, watershed health, upland successional processes, and partnerships. Pre-registration required. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14903 Westlake Drive, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 20. Trivia Night. Join hosts, Jamie and Carissa, for another Thursday night of good old-fashioned brain games. You’ll be challenged by trivia questions related to The Seed Keeper and have a chance to win a Powell’s gift card! Pre-registration required. Online, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 22. Seed Art with Cathy Camper. Seed Art, or what is sometimes called “crop art,” is a branch of mosaic art that is alive and well and still going strong after two-three thousand years. Camper’s iconic seed art has won awards and her work has been featured in Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People, by Amy Sedaris. Recommended for grades 3 and up. Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth St., 11 a.m.

Sunday, April 23. Gather: The Documentary Screening. Learn about the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide. Lake Oswego Theater and Café, 106 N. State Street, 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25. Author Diane Wilson will discuss her novel, The Seed Keeper, with fellow author, Robin Wall Kimmerer. Ways to Watch: Lakeridge High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. This event is free, but does require tickets which were given away last month. TVCTV will film the event for livestream and later viewing. Lakeridge High School Auditorium, 1235 Overlook Drive.

Keep track of your participation by completing the online passport and then enter the library’s drawing for a chance to win one of three gift baskets.  

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego by subscribing to this blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates to your inbox.

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Lake Oswego Housing Market Update March 2023

Posted on March 12, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

It doesn’t take much to warm up the housing market. With a slight drop in interest rates at the beginning of the year, we saw a little more activity in February than January; however, compared to last year, 37% less homes sold in Lake Oswego in February and we’re behind 48% for the year.

Because of higher mortgage rates, now hovering near 7% and a lack of inventory, the market is slow. Sellers are continuing to stay put for a variety of reasons including not wanting to trade their low-interest rate for a higher one and not having someplace else to go.

Sellers should take comfort from Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors who predicts that, “Amid the backdrop of high inflation, elevated mortgage rates and slowing sales activity, severely limited housing inventory will prevent large home price drops for most of the country next year.” As you can see in the chart below, it’s still a seller’s market in most price points in Lake Oswego, except in the $2.3M to $4.6M price ranges. Homes are still selling close to the list price (98%) on average and there is much less competition for the buyers that are out there.

And there are buyers out there for a variety of reasons from already having sold their home during the heated market to professionals relocating due to a job. Many of them have cash in hand so the interest rates are not part of their buying decision.

Buyers need to be patient and also realize that while they may be looking at higher interest rates than a year ago, they are also looking at homes that will most likely sell closer to the listing price rather than $50,000 to $100,000+ above like during the heated market. What that means is that buyers will already have that extra $50,000+ equity in the house once they move in, as opposed to having that amount be part of the loan they had to take out to buy the house a year ago. Granted, monthly payments will be higher; but if buyers can swing it, the long-term picture might be better for them. And, remember that loans taken out today at 7% can be refinanced in a year or two when rates go down, which many experts predict. By the end of the first quarter alone, Fannie Mae and Wells Fargo project the average 30-year fixed interest rate to settle in at 6.1% and 6.3% respectively.

Buyers should also take into account something else economist Lawrence Yun predicts: “a strong rebound in housing in 2024 with a 10% jump in home sales and a 5% increase in the national median home price.” That means a home purchased today has a good chance (and an even better one in Lake Oswego) of appreciating by at least 5% in a year.

If you’d like some help making sense of today’s housing market in Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area, give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. I’d be more than happy to discuss best strategies given your current situation. I’ve been a Realtor in this area for over 30 years so I have the hyperlocal insight you need when deciding your next move. I’m here to help.

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How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in and Around Lake Oswego and Portland

Posted on March 5, 2023 by lovelakeoswego
These Irish eyes were smilin’ last year when my wife and I visited Sean’s Bar, the oldest surviving bar in all of Ireland in celebration of gaining my Irish citizenship.

There are lots of reasons for Irish eyes to be smilin’ this month if you live in Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area. Here are some of the more popular ones:

THE DULLAHAN IRISH PUB ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. Our homegrown party means you don’t even have to leave town to order up your Guinness and enjoy some Irish jig. There’s a full schedule which you can find online and includes popular band favorites like the Celtic melodies of the Katie Jane Band (Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and The Stomptowners (Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) as well as performances by An Daire Academy of Irish Dance on Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and an Irish Jam Session on Saturday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Cover charges are $15/daily; $30/full weekend pass and cut the line VIP. 352 B Avenue, 503.305.8087.

KELL’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. This annual event has expanded to both its pub locations as well as the Southwest Waterfront and will be offered over the span of two weekends: March 10-12 and March 17-18. Online tickets are available until March 10 and are $20 for the 11th and 17th or $50 for a pass that gives you admission to both pubs as well as the waterfront festival (including the boxing event). Individual tickets to the Ireland vs. USA live amateur boxing event are $35. Ticketed admission begins at 5:00 p.m. at the pubs. For a complete schedule including Irish Dancing, Kell’s Pipes and Drums and other live music, check online. 112 SW 2nd Avenue, 503.227.4057; 210 NW 21st, 503.719.7175; SW Naito Parkway and SW Salmon Street.

SHAMROCK RUN. Portland’s longest-running tradition returns for its 45th year on March 12 and features multiple distances ranging from the one-mile Leprechaun Lap for kids 10 and under, to the half-marathon. All of the races start and finish at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, offering sweeping views of Portland’s skyline, Willamette River waterfront, and at least seven unique bridges. The post-race ‘Finish Line Festival’ welcomes both runners and spectators, featuring a green beer garden and live music for a St. Patrick’s Day party like no other. Register online.

PORTLAND ST. PADDY’S PARADE. This fun neighborhood tradition is sure to make you smile as everyone (officially Irish or not) gets in the spirit donning green and playing Irish music. The 1.2 mile circuitous route takes about one hour and begins and ends at the Fernwood/Cleary School, on the corner of NE 33rd and NE Hancock. Starts at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 12.

PADDY’S BAR and GRILL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. You’ll find all the usual Irish suspects here including live Irish music, bagpipers, Irish dancers, corned beef and cabbage, Guinness, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey and more. Purchase a $20 raffle ticket to win a trip to Ireland (odds of winning are 1/500!). Friday, March 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check online for ticket info. 65 SW Yamhill, 503.224.5626.

ST. PADDY’S PUB CRAWLS.  Purchase tickets for Portland pub crawls for either Friday, March 17 or Saturday, March 18 and enjoy discounted drinks and entertainment as you flash your wristband for access to popular bars on the digital map. Purchase tickets online.

I may be 99.8% Irish but I promise not to offer you any blarney when it comes to talking about buying or selling your home. With over 30 years of experience helping families move in, out, and around Lake Oswego, I’d love to do the same for you! Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com or check out my website.

Sláinte!

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What We Love About Lake Oswego in March

Posted on February 26, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego Reads Author Diane Wilson Ticket Giveaway. This year’s Lake Oswego Reads book selection is The Seed Keeper, by Diane Wilson who will be speaking on Tuesday, April 25 at the Lakeridge High School Auditorium as part of the month’s festivities. Admission is free, but tickets are required and can be picked up free (thanks to the Friends of the Library) on Saturday, May 4 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Oswego Library. A LINCC library card is required and there is a limit of two tickets per person. For more information, email Nancy Niland at nniland@lakeoswego.city. 706 Fourth Street.

Lake Oswego Public Library Visioning Community Forum. The Lake Oswego Public Library is a popular place, with one of the highest per capita usage rates in the nation. In keeping with their mission to serve our community, the library has been holding visioning forums to determine the path ahead and how they can continue addressing community challenges and meeting emerging needs. This is the third in the series and will be held on Saturday, March 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Lake Grove Elementary School, 15777 Boones Ferry Road. Come share your ideas.

Daylight Savings Time Begins. While this isn’t exclusive to Lake Oswego, it does herald our direction towards those long summer nights we are all big fans of. On March 11, sunset is at 6:11 p.m. but on March 12, the sun sets at 7:12 p.m.

Pints from the Past: Wild Attractions of the 1905 Lewis & Clark Centennial Exposition. The Lake Oswego Public Library is partnering with the Lake Theater & Café to offer this presentation by Dr. Tanya March, owner of Slabtown Tours, a Portland-based walking tour company aimed at helping to create a meaningful sense of place on Tuesday, March 14. Admission is free and no ticket is required (although food and drink purchase is encouraged to offset the cost to the Lake Theater). Doors open at 6:30 with the presentation starting at 7:00 p.m. 106 North State Street. For more information contact Carissa Barrett at cmbarrett@lakeoswego.city or 503.534.4237.

Cherry Blossoms, Daffodils and Tulips. The color of spring starts popping up everywhere thanks to the abundance of trees lining our streets and flowers planted by the city’s maintenance department in public spaces, not to mention by green-thumb neighbors who remember to plant and dig up bulbs all at the right times (unfortunately I can’t say I’m one of them).

Fire and Ice Family Dance. This annual themed gala is open to all children (ages 3-12) and their guardians and includes dinner, a live DJ, dancing and a professional photographer. Tickets are $32/residents; $48/non-residents. Saturday, March 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Purchase tickets online.

Family Movie Matinee. Home for Spring Break? Put this family event on your calendar for Friday, March 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Library. Popcorn will be provided and although licensing rules prevent the library from saying which movie you’ll be watching, it is based on a classic crocodile picture book. 706 Fourth Street.

Craft Night: Upcycled Origami Paper Boxes. Learn how to turn old maps or leftover wrapping paper into boxes with matching lids after watching a short video from Creativebug and following printed instructions provided by the Lake Oswego Library. The program is free and includes all materials; however, space is limited to 10 people (ages 13+) so be sure to register by emailing April Younglove at ayounglove@ci.oswego.or.us or calling 503.534.5667. Tuesday, March 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 706 Fourth Street.

We also love that March is the kickoff to the spring home buying and selling season. If you’re considering moving, please give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. I’d love to sit down and discuss the current market and how your plans might fit into that.

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Why Lake Oswego Is a Good Place to Celebrate National Tennis Day

Posted on February 19, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

There seems to be a day for everything and February 23 is National Tennis Day. Turns out it’s a sport to be celebrated here in Lake Oswego with our newly renovated Indoor Tennis Center at 2900 Diane Drive as well as three outdoor tennis court sites, two at Westlake Park (14164 Bunick Drive) and one at 1850 South Shore Blvd next to the South Shore Fire Station. In addition, you’ll find two courts at Lakeridge Middle School, six at Lakeridge High School, seven at Lake Oswego High School, and 9 indoor and 6 outdoor (four of which are lighted) at the Mountain Park Racquet Club (membership required).

The Lake Oswego Indoor Tennis Center is a four-court facility open year-round to players of all ages and ability levels with courts available every day for hourly rental at $24/hour. In addition, Parks & Recreation offers tennis lessons for ages five and up.

Adults have lots of opportunities to play including lessons, drill and play, leagues and weekly ladders. Kids also have the opportunity for both competitive and non-competitive play. AND the Lake Oswego Tennis Center, with sponsorship from the Greater Portland Tennis Council, provides the only Special Olympics tennis program in Oregon.

Other opportunities for play include Greater Portland City League and USTA league play. The Tennis Center is also the proud home of the only Special Olympics tennis program in the Pacific Northwest.

The Mountain Park Racquet and Fitness Club at 3 Botticelli Street is actually a two-for-one club membership. By joining, you also become a member of the West Hills Racquet and Fitness Club at 2200 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard in Portland. The Mountain Park facility features 9 indoor courts, 6 outdoor courts, 4 lighted outdoor courts, a spacious lobby viewing area, summer slam tournament ladies’ city league, mixed doubles nights, USTA leagues and weekly drop-in programs. The fitness side of things includes functional training equipment, certified personal trainers and group fitness classes. The West Hills facility has 8 indoor courts, 6 outdoor, 4 indoor pickleball courts and 4 outdoor pickleball courts as well as fitness offerings and a year-round outdoor swimming pool. Check online for membership fees.

Recreational opportunities are just one of the many reasons to love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog to find out more! Just click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.

Kevin Costello, Realtor, 503.939.9801, kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

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10 Things I Have in Common with Patrick Mahomes

Posted on February 12, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

In getting ready for today’s big Super Bowl game, I did some reading up on the players. Since I’m a born-and-raised 49er fan, I’m not as up-to-speed on the talent we’ll be watching. I ran across this article about “18 things you may not have known about Patrick Mahomes,” and I thought, “Wow, we actually have a lot in common.”

See for yourself.

1. Patrick Mahomes is one of the most popular players currently in the NFL.

I was once again named one of the Top Agents in my company, joined this year by my daughter, Riley Costello, as part of the Costello Real Estate Group.

2. When Mahomes was growing up, his father nicknamed him “Showtime” because of his athletic skill.

After playing tour guide to my college friends in Hawaii one winter break, they nicknamed me “Duke” after Duke Kahanamoku, the Hawaiian Olympic champion and Ambassador of Aloha.

3. Before he was drafted to the NFL, Mahomes was selected in the MLB draft.

Before I became a Realtor, I had a successful career as a wholesale produce salesman in the San Francisco Bay Area.

4. As a kid, Mahomes obsessed over MLB player Alex Rodriguez.

As a kid, I obsessed over Jimmy Davenport, #12 for the San Francisco Giants and his teammate, Willie Mays.

5. Mahomes was robbed at gunpoint during his rookie season.

During one of my Realtor open houses in my rookie season, another Realtor stole some things from my client’s house. She was later apprehended and everything returned.

6. Although he chose football over baseball, Mahomes is still involved in the sport.

Although I chose real estate over the produce industry, I still eat fruits and vegetables.

7. Mahomes is married to his high school sweetheart.

I’m married to my college sweetheart.

8. Patrick Mahomes has an impressive sneaker collection.

My favorite shoes as a kid were black low-top Converse. Today I don’t wear socks when I’m wearing dress shoes.

9. Mahomes is the first Kansas City Chiefs player to appear on the cover of “Madden.”

I appeared on the front cover of the Lake Oswego Review when I was honored as the Community Leader of the Year in 1995.

10. The superstar quarterback is slightly obsessed with ketchup.

Much to my family’s dismay, I’m slightly obsessed with mayonnaise.

Since the 49ers aren’t in it, may the best team win!

And if you’re looking for the best team to help you navigate your home buying or selling journey, give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. Working with the right agent can be a real game changer in today’s housing market.

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Valentine’s Day and Spring Break Activities in and Around Lake Oswego

Posted on February 5, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

VALENTINE’S DAY

West Linn is offering a couple fun Valentine’s options to choose from this year:

Family Valentine’s Day Dance will be taking place on Friday, February 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the West Linn Adult Community Center for ages 4-12 and their parents and guardians. Enjoy music, dancing, refreshments and photo opportunities Be sure to register beforehand online. Tickets are $15.

Sip & Shop Valentine’s Market is being hosted by Triskelee Farm in West Linn from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February. 11. The event will include the opportunity to purchase goods from local vendors, treats, massages, bottle service, food and more. For more information, visit triskeleefarm.com/events.

SPRING BREAK CAMPS

Spring Break may be seven weeks away but it’s never too early to register your kids for activities that week if you’re planning to stay home.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL. In the past, the Community School has offered programs during Spring Break. Information was not available at press time so check their website and/or call 503.534.2302.

LAKE OSWEGO PARKS AND RECREATION. Register by calling 503.675.2549 or on their website.
■ Mighty Hawks Multi-Sport Camp for ages 5-7 and 7-12. This Skyhawks camp will have your kids enjoying soccer and baseball. Monday, March 27 through Friday, March 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at East Waluga Park, 15505 Quarry Road for 5-7-year-old’s and Hazelia Field at 17800 SW Stafford Rd. for ages 7-12. Fee is $159 for both residents and non-residents. Register by visiting the Skyhawks site or calling 1.800.804.3509.
■ Intro to Fencing Camp for ages 7-12. Learn the basic skills of this Olympic sport that challenges quick thinking, coordination, strength and agility. All equipment provided. Monday, March 27 through Thursday, March 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #25672: $116/Resident; $133/Non-Resident.
■In My Backyard Camp for ages 5-12. Kids get to explore Lake Oswego’s very own Luscher Farm and its surroundings on daily nature hikes where they’ll learn about birds, bugs, bees and what makes a garden grow. Science experiments and games round out a lineup of fun activities. Monday, March 27 through Friday, March 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fee for Course #25614: $194/Resident; $223 Non-Resident. (At posting time, this camp was already full but you can request to be put on the waitlist.)
■Minecraft Engineering with LEGO® Materials for ages 5-7. Play-Well Teknologies staff will be the guides as kids venture into the world of Minecraft building their base, crafting their tools, using their Minecart to harvest raw resources and battling to stop the Ender Dragon from ending the world. Monday, March 27 through Friday, March 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #225326: $160/Resident; $184/Non-Resident.


■PEAKE ACADEMY/PLAY BOUTIQUE.  Check their website or try calling for information. 464 First Street. 503.675.7529.

MOUNTAIN PARK KIDZONE. Mountain Park Rec Center was still in the planning stages and hoping to know the status of Spring Break Camps by the end of this week so call 503.635.3561 or email kidzone@mtparkhoa.com for updated information at that time. In the past, the spring break camps have been offered for ages 5-12 and included sports, swimming, arts and crafts, science experiments, engineering projects, group games and more at Mountain Park Clubhouse. Fees varied depending on whether for the full week or full day. Mt. Jefferson Terrace.

THE LITTLE GYM. Due to short staffing, Lake Oswego’s Little Gym will not be offering Spring Break camps this year.

Spring Break can be a good time to look at homes for sale in Lake Oswego if you’re thinking of moving. I’ll be around so give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. Would love to show you around.
I update this post every year so be sure to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss out on the latest edition!

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Open House This Weekend on NEW Construction in Lake Oswego with Deeded Rights to 4 Lake Easements

Posted on January 29, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Low inventory is one of the factors slowing down the Lake Oswego housing market so I wanted to share one of my new listings at 17173 Cedar Road in the Blue Heron neighborhood.

Built by award-winning Blazer Development, LLC, this 4 bedroom, 5 bath newly built contemporary home at 3,996 square feet offers the best in luxury living with loads of lifestyle amenities including rights to four Oswego Lake easements!

Move right in with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths upstairs, den on the main and a large family room in the basement along with flex spaces for wine collection and reading. Schools are Westridge Elementary, Lakeridge Junior High and Lakeridge High School. As is true throughout Lake Oswego, you can’t go wrong when it comes to schools.

Outdoor living is made easy here with a patio and covered deck, large fully-fenced backyard, plumbing for an outdoor fireplace and 8-foot sliding glass doors that bring the outside in.

Lake easements are a coveted amenity in Lake Oswego, as they deed access to the lake for approximately 3,000 homes, even if they’re not waterfront. Each easement has its own set of rate structures and facilities so merely having deeded rights to one does not mean you would want to or can use them. And it’s important to remember that some amenities at the easements have waiting lists to use them so it’s good to check how long those waiting lists are when you’re doing your research. You can read some previous blogs to learn more about how easements work on Oswego Lake here and here.

Here’s the info on the four easements this home has deeded rights to:

ALDER POINT at 16848 Alder Circle.

Initiation Fee: $2,750

Annual Membership Fee: $450

Boat Slip: $200

Kayak/Canoe Rack: $20

Paddleboard Rack: $20

Boat slips: 6

Canoe Racks: 12

Paddleboard Racks: 12

There is a large lawn area for picnicking and separate swim dock. It’s a perfect spot for watching the 4th of July fireworks over the lake. Restrooms, Electricity and Water available.

BLUE HERON at 3215 South Shore Boulevard

Initiation Fee: $650

Annual Membership Fee: $155

Boat Slip: $375

Kayak/Canoe Rack: $100

Paddleboard Rack: $50

Boat slips: 24

Canoe/Paddleboard Racks: 6

Restrooms and Electricity available.

LAKEVIEW RECREATION CLUB at 3951 South Shore Boulevard

Initiation Fee: $1,000

Annual Membership Fee: $100

Boat Slip: $250

Kayak/Canoe Rack: $25

Paddleboard Rack: $15

Boat Slips: 16

Canoe Racks: 18

Paddleboard Racks: 25

Restrooms and Electricity are available.

MAPLE CIRCLE at 16902 Maple Circle

Initiation Fee: $1,000

Annual Membership Fee: $250

Canoe/kayak/paddleboard Racks: $20

Canoe/kayak/paddleboard racks: 18

Restrooms/Shower, Electricity and Storage are available as well as picnic tables, benches, chairs and a low-level launch site.

If you’d like to tour this home, please give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or stop by our open house this Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29 from 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and meet my daughter/partner, Riley Costello who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

You can view the listing here.

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5 Things We’re Loving About Lake Oswego in February

Posted on January 22, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

DISPLACING BLACK PORTLAND: A HISTORY OF HOUSING DISCRIMINATION. In honor of Black History Month, the Lake Oswego library is offering a presentation by Zachary Stocks from Oregon’s Black Pioneers, about the history of housing discrimination in Portland. Wednesday, February 1 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 706 Fourth Street.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER ENGRAVING EVENT. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018 to more than 52,000 in 2021. To help prevent a catalytic converter from being stolen, it is recommended that you have it engraved with your vehicle identification number (VIN) or at least the last 8 digits/letters of the VIN, or with your vehicle’s license plate number with the state/province. 

To assist, the Lake Oswego Police Department is offering a free catalytic converter engraving event for Lake Oswego residents. To participate, bring your vehicle to the City’s Maintenance Center, 17601 Pilkington Rd, on Saturday, February 4, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. For questions, please contact Officer Tony Sparling(link sends e-mail) at 503-635-0221.

THE HAPPY TIME SIDE DOOR STAGE PERFORMANCES. Enjoy this play about a world-traveling prize-winning photographer who returns to his 1920s French Canadian village after a five-year absence in search of happier times he experienced as a child there. Only three performances in February 17 (at 7:00 p.m.) and February 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available online.

THE GIN GAME. Enjoy the intimacy of the side door stage for this performance of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by D.L. Coburn in which two sharp-witted residents of a retirement home are drawn together over a game of gin. Runs February 24 through March 4 with Thursday through Saturday performances at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available online.

LAKE OSWEGO READS BOOK GIVEAWAY AND KICKOFF. Bring your Lake Oswego Library card or number (and your friend’s card if picking up multiple books) to receive a free copy of The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. 800 free books will be distributed to Lake Oswego Public Library cardholders, thanks to the ongoing support of the Friends of the Lake Oswego Library. Books will be distributed through the parking lot starting at 11: 00 a.m. Please do not line up beforehand. Walk-up service will also be available starting at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 706 Fourth Street.

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column. You’ll receive weekly updates in your inbox. And if you’d like to know more about the Lake Oswego housing market, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com.

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