Over the years I’ve provided more than 600 reasons to love Lake Oswego and consider moving here. But our recent Arctic blast with heavy winds followed by an ice storm made one of the many reasons really stand out….

THE PEOPLE.

With more than 100 trees falling across the city, many of us were left without power which on any winter day can be uncomfortable but when the highs only hit 18, miserable is more like it. One Lake Oswegan was killed after a tree fell through his house so fear added to the cold to make the situation challenging for many residents.

Calls for help started flooding social media sites.

“Can a neighbor do a check? My mom’s house had a tree fall on it and it busted the window. Her phone is dead and we can’t get there. Nor can she leave. Anyone in the area able to do a check? Her house is the blue one with 2 Volvos in front on Pomona.”

The offers of help came flooding in, at least 30, and someone was able to confirm that this person’s mom was okay.

“We’ve noticed a few posts where people are requesting firewood. We have a large stack available in our backyard if anyone needs to take any.”

People chimed in thanking these Lake Oswegans for their generosity, even those who weren’t in need of firewood.

“Anyone know how to start a fire or have wood? Me and my roommate are stuck at home with three kitties and one small dog with no power. We can see our breath in our bedrooms. If anyone has wood and stuff to start a fire in an indoor fireplace and could bring it please let us know. We’ll pay you whatever you need for the wood.”

Here were some of the responses:

“We would love to help! We have a little firewood plus some kindling and dryer lint and can even help you light it.”

“Is your flue open on your fireplace? Ride Aid will have bundles of wood. Do you have a lighter? Dryer lint lights really fast to get a fire started. Go outside in your neighborhood to find dead branches that have fallen. You should be able to find plenty.”

“I’m going to be in the neighborhood for the next 10 minutes. I’m not sure if you’re able to message me directly but if you still need some wood, let me know. I’m happy to drop some off.”  

Another woman was asking for any spare firewood for a 77-year-old friend of hers in Mountain Park in preparation for the ice storm. She too got flooded with offers of help, including one neighbor who said to contact her anytime for help as she lives nearby and is always happy to lend a hand.

One resident in Lake Grove noticed all the calls for firewood and offered what she had in her yard. “It’s under plastic and dry. Anyone who wants to come get it is welcome to it. DM me for address.”

Another neighbor cried out, “We are running out of firewood! No electricity! Is there anyone with wood we can get right away?”

In addition to offers of firewood, one resident in the Oswego Point apartments offered “a place to hang out, take a shower, cook some food, etc.”

Many others piped in and offered something similar along the lines of: “I would like to offer a place to come warm up, fill a thermos with coffee/hot water, charge some phones, borrow a camp stove. I am also totally cool if you just want to come make a hot meal, grab our French presss, toss some laundry in.”

Yet another said: “Offering up my home in Lake Grove if anyone needs to warm up. I still have power and hot water. PM me if you need a break from your freezing house today.”

More residents flooded sites with offers to stop by a take a break from the cold: “Offer: I would like to offer a place to come warm up, fill a thermos with coffee/hot water, charge some phones, borrow a camp stove. I am also totally cool if you just want to come make a hot meal, grab our French press or toss some laundry in.”

Another similar post from a resident in Bryant said: “We have no power, but we do have a generator to warm up the house. If you live within walking distance, you are welcome to stop by to charge the phone, have a tea and warm up.”

Yet another resident off of Carman cleverly thought to offer shelter for animals so those with pets and no power could stay in a hotel. “If animals are stopping you from going to a hotel or family’s house to stay warm, I can take in a couple kitties and small animals.”

And in Marylhurst, a Lake Oswegan was willing to take in another family for several days saying: “We have heat, power, food and space for a family lacking these things to hunker down with us. We have a guest room with a queen bed and a separate bathroom and a playroom with sleeping surfaces for multiple kids!” Talk about going above and beyond!

Even in the midst of the chaos, some Lake Oswegans still had a sense of humor. One resident on Buy Nothing Lake Oswego posted, “Premium quality ice available for pick up. Delivered by mistake and my family does not like it. We would like to see it gone ASAP. Serious interest only, prompt pick up in McVey/Southshore is highly appreciated.”

So yes, Lake Oswego has a beautiful lake, excellent school district, natural beauty, recreational opportunities, art and culture offerings, great dining and coffee options, swim parks, hiking trails, thriving farmer’s market, shopping districts and more….but not to be overlooked are the people which give it a great sense of community – people who will look out for you when you find yourself in need.

We can personally attest to this as our basement flooded back in 1996.  Without even putting out any calls for help (social media didn’t exist back then), neighbors just showed up at our door, moving furniture and belongings up to higher elevation and forming a relay line to move sandbags from the street to our backyard. The water may have been rising but our spirits were lifted by the kindness shown by the community we proudly call our own.

And THAT, is one of the most compelling reasons to love Lake Oswego – the community you’ll find here.

Thinking of moving in, out or around Lake Oswego? Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’d love to put my 30+ years of experience as a Realtor in Lake Oswego to work for you!