1. Lake Oswego Reads Kickoff Free Book Giveaway. This year’s community book selection is the New York Times bestseller, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson. The author provides a well-researched lens through which to examine caste systems and their impact in three societies: America, Germany and India and continues the discussion on race relations that recent events have triggered in the U.S. as well as within our own community. Following Covid-19 guidelines, the library will be giving away 800 free copies of the book to Lake Oswego library cardholders on January 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the library, 706 Fourth Street.
2. Art in the Bubble: Pablo Picasso presented by Bernie Taylor. Have you ever stared at a Picasso and wondered, “What was he thinking?” If so, here’s an opportunity to get your questions answered. International art scholar Bernie Taylor will be exploring what influenced the artwork of Pablo Picasso as part of the Lakewood Center for the Arts “Art in the Bubble” series, the revamped program lineup of the 2020 Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts in the wake of COVID-19. This Zoom event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20. Registration is free but donations are encouraged.
3. Cats 101. Unlike dogs, cats seem to prefer remaining a bit mysterious to us humans, even though we’ve been hanging around together for almost 10,000 years. If you’d like to understand your feline companion more, then sign up for this new virtual class offered through the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department. There are two sections of the class, one geared for ages 12 and older (January 11 through February 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m) and another for kids 6-11 (January 13 through February 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration is $15 for residents/$22 for non-residents and available online. AND if you’d like to learn how to train your cat (yes, it is possible), then sign up for that class, #22099 which runs from January 11 through February 22 from 7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Fee is $22 for residents/$30 for non-residents.
4. Floral Design and Wine. Zupan’s is hosting another of their popular floral design classes virtually on January 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Using flowers on the bulb and early blooming branches, your design will not only be fun to create, but also to watch as it blossoms and develops! Price is $125 and includes all materials as well as cheese, charcuterie and wine which must be picked up prior to class. Register online.
5. Green Thumb Planning. Dreaming of when you can get back out in your garden? Well, the time to start planning that garden is now and between the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department and Dennis’ 7 Dees, you should be well prepared. The city is offering Garden Planning 101 on Saturday, January 23 at Luscher Farm ($12 residents/$18 non-residents) and 7 Dees is offering a free Seed Starting for Beginners as a livestream event on January 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

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