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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Lake Oswego Real Estate Market January 2023 Update

Posted on January 15, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

The holiday months are typically slow in the housing market and Lake Oswego was no exception. Add to that higher interest rates and low inventory and the word for the first couple of months of 2023 for Lake Oswego and the Portland Metro area real estate market is WATCHFUL.

The chart below tells part of the picture. Sales are down from where they were in December of last year all over the Portland metro area. While some buyers are standing back and taking a “wait and see” approach, those numbers also reflect sellers who are choosing not to list their properties at this time.

Many of them are sitting with 2.5 – 3.75% interest rates so unless they are planning on renting, significantly downsizing, or paying in cash, they’re not in a hurry to trade that low-interest rate for something in the 7.0 range.

How long do they wait? Predictions run the gamut from “mortgage rates have peaked” to “mortgage rates will remain elevated.” With so many influencers at play—inflation, the war in Ukraine, Federal Reserve policies trying to tame inflation—it’s hard to know where things are going to land. Mortgage Reports polled eight industry insiders for their 2023 mortgage rate predictions and came up with a range that varied from just under 5% to over 9% for the 30-year fixed rate and 4.5% to 8.75% for the 15-year fixed. So rather than trying to “time the market,” both buyers and sellers need to make their next move when they’re financially ready and can afford it.

The conundrum for sellers, however, is that because inventory is so low, putting their house on the market now means there is not a lot of competition for the buyers out there.

And despite what you hear, there are buyers out there. We are working with several right now looking in Lake Oswego and Portland area neighborhoods and other agents reach out to us all the time, asking if we know of anything coming on the market. They either have cash or are in a position to manage the higher interest rates, knowing that when they come down they can refinance.

I think it’s also important to look at current interest rates from a historical perspective. The chart below shows you the ride interest rates have taken since the 1970s. The 1980s saw the worst of it with the average 30-year fixed rate topping out at 18.4% in October of 1981. Double-digit rates were ushered in during 1979 at 11.2 and stayed with us for over a decade, finally dropping in late 1990 to 9.97 and have remained in the single digits since then. How’s that to make 7+% look like a bargain?!

How did people afford to buy homes in the 80s? Creative financing starting with assumable loans which meant the buyer not only got the house but also the interest rate that the seller had on his/her mortgage! Congress put the kibosh on most assumable loans in 1982 so today’s buyers and sellers have to find other ways to get creative, some of which I discuss in a previous blog.

If you’re wondering what your next move should be and when in today’s housing market, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’ve been a Realtor and Lake Oswego homeowner since the 1980s so I’ve seen it all and would love to put my experience to work helping you make sense of it all so you can move forward wisely.

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What We’re Loving About Lake Oswego in January

Posted on January 8, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

ARTS COUNCIL OF LAKE OSWEGO ART MART. This popular exhibition of donated artwork available for purchase opens January 6 and continues through February 4. In the past, the collection has included paints, sculptures, prints, ceramics, quilts, photos, mixed media and drawings. Marylhurst Commons Bookstore Building (Clark Commons) – 3162 Furman Drive, Marylhurst. Call the Arts Council for hours: 503.675.3738.

VISION BOARD WORKSHOP. Make this new year intentional with this workshop that provides all the guidance and materials for creating your own vision board. Experience aromatherapy and end the session with a guided relaxation meditation. First session was on Saturday, January 7; next one is Tuesday, January 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish. Fees are $50/Resident; $62/Non-Resident. Register online. 1060 Chandler Road.

THE GHOST OF DAVID BELASCO. The Lakewood Center for the Arts presents The Ghost of David Belasco, a clever and quick-witted farce by C.S. Whitcomb in which a group of interesting characters hire a medium to contact the long-dead theatre impresario David Belasco in a haunted theatre. What could be wrong?! The play begins January 6 and continues through February 12, 2023, playing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., one Wednesday performance (Jan. 25) at 7:30 p.m., one Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. (Feb. 4), and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. (Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 and Feb. 5, 12). On Wednesday, January 25, the theatre continues its program called WOW: 25-35. For audience-goers 35 and under, tickets are priced at $25 each. Use the code WOW25 when ordering tickets online to get this special discount. At this performance, there will be a complimentary wine tasting one hour before curtain courtesy of Willamette Vineyards. OLCC rules apply! Bring your ID for the tasting! Tickets are available online at $39/Adults; $36/Seniors 65+; $25/Students 25 and under.

FLORAL DESIGN AND WINE. Zupan’s is offering one of its popular floral design and wine workshops to create an all-white arrangement to start off your new year. January 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The class is virtual so you will need to pick up floral materials, cheese and charcuterie and wine on Sunday, January 15 prior to class. Fee is $125 and includes all supplies and treats. 16380 Boones Ferry Road.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION. Commemorate Dr. King’s legacy with a special celebration featuring D.J. Avelanche as M.C., a keynote address by Dr. Shirley Jackson, a greeting by Mayor Joe Buck, musical performances by Alonzo Chadwick, Sr., and artwork created by community members. A call rally through Lake Oswego will conclude the event. For additional information, please contact Adult Services Manager Allison Arnold at 503-534-5665 / aarnold@ci.oswego.or.us(link sends e-mail). Sunday, January 15 beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Lake Oswego High School auditorium. 2501 Country Club Road.

FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE. School may be out but the Lake Oswego library has you covered. Stop in for a family matinee complete with popcorn and plenty of room to spread out and get cozy. The movie features the last dragon in the land of Kumandra so you can guess what you’ll be watching. Friday, January 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., 706 Fourth Street. For more information, contact the Children’s desk at 503-697-6580 or visit www.lakeoswegolibrary.org/youth(link is external).

LAKE OSWEGO INDOOR TENNIS CENTER GRAND REOPENING. Celebrate the newly renovated community tennis hub complete with a new upstairs viewing area, multi-purpose room to host meetings and gatherings and lobby area. The event will feature ribbon cutting and dedication, refreshments and self-guided tours, an opportunity to meet the pros and register for activities. Saturday, January 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 2900 SW Diane Drive.

Don’t miss a reason to love Lake Oswego! Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates. And if you’re already in love with Lake Oswego and are thinking about moving here, let’s talk. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’d love to show you around.

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Celebrate National Trivia Day With Some Real Estate Trivia

Posted on January 1, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

January 4th is National Trivia Day so I’m bringing you some real estate trivia that you might find useful and/or amusing.

  • You might think Lake Oswego prices are high but Buckingham Palace is the most expensive house in the world, valued at $4.9 billion.
  • Red doors in Scotland have traditionally been the homeowner’s way of saying, “I’ve paid off my mortgage!”
  • From 1908–1940, Sears, Roebuck and Co. sold about 70,000 – 75,000 homes through their mail-order Modern Homes program. Some were no-bath cottages, for which a separate outhouse could be purchased.

If you’d like to know what your house is worth or how much it might cost you to move to Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’d love to put my 30+ years as a Lake Oswego Realtor and homeowner to work for you!

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