1. Hot Books for Cold Days Winter Reading Preview. One thing we can all safely do indoors this winter is read. Join Lake Oswego librarian Chris Myers on Tuesday, November 10 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a Zoom review of over 30 new or forthcoming books in a variety of genres for yourself or to consider as gifts this holiday season. Consider it speed dating for book lovers. And while we’re talking books, let me put in a personal plug for my daughter’s book, Waiting at Hayden’s, which has been acclaimed by readers as “A pleasant feel-good love story during a time when the world feels upside down!” and “one of my new favorite love stories!”
2. Harvest Centerpiece Workshop. Here’s a classic case of “give and you shall receive.” By supporting this event, you will not only walk away with a beautiful holiday centerpiece full of texture from flowers, foliage fruits and vegetables, and vines but you’ll also be supporting the Lakewood Center for the Arts. Local professional floral designer Carol Kelly will lead a one-hour virtual Zoom workshop on Saturday, November 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon showing you how to assemble the materials provided into a stunning display. Upon signing up, you will be asked to indicate your color palette and pick up date for your workshop kit from the Lakewood Center. Color schemes are yellow/orange, red/burgundy, and white. Tickets are $100 with $50 a tax-deductible contribution. Workshop kits will be available for pickup on Friday, November 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration deadline is Monday, November 16.
3. Fall Menus at Local Restaurants. Tavern on Kruse launched its fall menu on October 22 so is in full swing this month and captures some of fall’s favorite flavors like roasted delicata squash rings featured in the Fall Splendor Salad, pumpkin in the pumpkin asiago ravioli, and cornmeal-crusted green fried tomatoes on their fall burger. The Tavern is also offering to simplify your Thanksgiving meal preparation by offering a full Thanksgiving dinner as a “Finish at Home” meal. The menu is complete with honey-roasted turkey breast, garlic mashed potatoes, apple and house-made sausage stuffing, brioche rolls, green beans, cranberry sauce, gravy and yams. Orders must be placed by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, for pickup Wednesday, November 25 between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Another option to consider for Thanksgiving dinner is Stickmen Brewery’s Pre-Ordered Thanksgiving Smoked Turkeys. Stickmen’s is taking advantage of the culinary skills of Chef Ambrosia Otto, named one of the top 25 best chefs of Louisiana by the American Culinary Federation by incorporating smoked BBQ items into their menu. A 12-14 pound brined and smoked turkey will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner if you pre-order and arrange for pickup sometime between Tuesday, November 24 through Thanksgiving morning, November 26. The cost is $65. Don’t worry—they’ve got you covered with sides as well. Check out the menu.
4. Reunion Farmers’ Market. The show must go on! The Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market found a way to thrive this summer and its fall follow-up promises to return on Saturday, November 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park. Vendors will be featuring some of your favorite autumn stars including pumpkins, sweet potatoes and mushrooms.
5. Holiday Lights at Bigelow Plaza and Millennium Plaza Park. The annual tree lighting (now in its 56^th year) will be a go, but not in the usual way. While there will not be any traditional tree lighting celebration due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, the lights will be on display and Lake Oswegans are invited to take in the sights during the season. The City of Lake Oswego will be releasing a special virtual greeting card on its website and on social media featuring some of the annual Tree Lighting favorites on November 27, the traditional day the celebration is held.
6. Lake Oswego Tree Summit. Lake Oswegans are invited to attend and participate in the second annual Tree Summit on Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. This is a chance to learn more about your role as a steward of our urban forest. In addition to listening to keynote speaker, Kristin Ramstad, Manager of the Oregon Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program for the Oregon Department of Forestry, you can register for a breakout group discussion on one of these topics: Tree Preservation and Advocacy, Actions at Home (that have a big impact), Community Science and Actions, and Habitat Enhancement and Tree Care. Register online.

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