SUPPORT LAKE OSWEGO RESTAURANTS OPEN FOR TAKEOUT DURING COVID-19 (AND CELEBRATE ARBOR WEEK)

Posted on April 5, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

One of the hardest-hit industries during this COVID-19 epidemic has been the restaurant business.

But here in Lake Oswego, many food establishments are doing their best to stay open on a takeout/delivery basis.

And many of them are supporting each other like Deno’s Pizzeria which has been ordering lunch for its staff from local restaurants.

Here is a roundup of what to expect from some of your favorite go-to café’s, pizza parlors, restaurants and burger joints. As you’ve come to experience, things can change rapidly in this environment so be sure to check the website or better yet, social media for the latest updates. This information is based on my research the week of March 30.

ADISAYA THAI is open for takeout or delivery from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. 1235 McVey Avenue, 503.635.0813.

AJI TRAM is open for takeout from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Orders can be placed from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. by either texting 503.701.6909 or calling 503.342.6249. Payment must be made over the phone—cash is not being accepted at this time. 4477 SW Lakeview Blvd.

AVA ROASTERIA is open for takeout or delivery seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Kruse Village 4847 Meadows Road, #147, 503.305.6328.

BABICA HEN AND GUBANC’S. Both establishments are offering curbside takeout from noon to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Place your order by calling and paying over the phone. Babica: 15964 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.636.4012. Gubanc’s: 16008 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.635.2102.

BAIRD’S ON B BAR AND GRILL. Call in after 3:00 p.m. for pickup orders 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 503.303.4771. 485 Second Street.

BAJA FRESH is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for takeout. Order online. 17805 SW 65th Avenue, 503.620.6732.

BAMBOO SUSHI is open for takeout or delivery from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. (The first delivery fee is on them!) Order online. 380 First Street. 503.387.6565.

BAMBUZA is open for takeout 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Order online. 4811 Meadows Road, #113. 503.635.3716.

BELLAGIO’S PIZZA is open for delivery or takeout from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 1399 McVey Avenue, 503.635.8700.

CAFÉ MARZOCCA ITALIAN ESPRESSO BAR is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for takeout. 16045 Boones Ferry Road, 503.636.5001.

CASA DEL POLLO is keeping normal hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and offering their complete menu. Just call in your order at 503.344.4354. They’ll deliver curbside once you arrive or you can arrange for free delivery on orders over $20 or use UberEats or GrubHub. 15088 Bangy Rd., 503.344.4354.

CHA CHA CHA TAQUERIA is open for touch-free delivery only (the driver will call on their way and leave your order at your front door). Hours: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday. Order online. 4823 Meadows Road, 503.305.6225.

CHUCKIE PIES is open for takeout 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 370 First Street, 503.342.6207. Follow their Instagram account for updates: @chuckiepies

COFFEE PLUS is open for takeout from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sundays. 17777 Pilkington Road, #200, 503.699.8614.

DENO’S PIZZERIA is open for takeout from 11:00 a..m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. In addition to pizza, you can order a bottle of their fresh-made Caesar and Balsamic Dressings and/or one of their fresh-made pizza dough balls to make your own at home. 4475 Lakeview Blvd., 503.635.6219,

DOMAINE SERENE WINE LOUNGE will continue to update their menu for takeout and curbside pickup from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 300 1st Street. Call to place your order: 503.664.7030.

DOMINO’S PIZZA is offering “contactless delivery” where the delivery person will notify you when they arrive instead of meeting you at the door. Takeout also available. Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. 1235 McVey Avenue, 503.908.7605.

DUKE’S PUBLIC HOUSE has a To-go menu posted on their website and asks that payments be made over the phone. No cash at this time. Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Please place your orders from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 506 A Avenue, 503.387.5771.

ELEPHANTS DELICATESSEN is open for takeout, delivery and curbside pickup (free delivery on orders over $50). 5885 SW Meadows Road, 503.620.2444.

FIVE SPICE. To-go orders are available here from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week for both curbside pickup as well as delivery through GrubHub. Visit their website to see the menu offerings, then call to place your order at 503.697.8889.

FLYING PIE PIZZA is open on a takeout basis only from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Call ahead to place your order so it will be ready upon arrival. They also over “Par-baked” pizzas which you can finish at home as long as your oven is large enough to accommodate the size. 3 Monroe Parkway, Suite S, 503.675.7377.

FRESHII is open for takeout from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 4811 Meadows Road, Suite 111, 503.908.8124.

GIANT DRIVE-IN is staying open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call to place your order so it’s ready when you come in: 503.636.0255. 15840 Boones Ferry Road.

GUBANC’S AND BABICA HEN. Both establishments are offering curbside takeout from noon to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Place your order by calling and paying over the phone. Babica: 15964 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.636.4012. Gubanc’s: 16008 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.635.2102.

HANKO’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Order from their full menu, including filling your growlers. 4 Monroe Parkway, #F, 503.697.7819.

HAPPY SPARROW, featuring “kolaches” –sweet yeasty dough buns filled with sweet and savory ingredients, is open for takeout from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 5405 Jean Road, 503.305.5968.

HOP N CORK is making sure beer lovers are well supplied, filling cans and growlers. No takeout food at this time. Check their Facebook page for updated hours. 17450 Lower Boones Ferry Road, 503.305.5903.

KURATA’S is open for takeout from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 450 5th Street, 503.675.4496.

KYRA’S. Lake Oswego’s only dedicated gluten-free restaurant is currently only offering next day pre-order done in quantities of 1 dozen unless otherwise specified. Offerings include cookies, galettes, muffins, vegan sandwich bread, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, whole quiche, truffles. Pickup hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. 599 A Avenue, 503.212.2979.

LA PROVENCE is open for takeout or delivery (GrubHub) breakfast, lunch and bakery goods from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. All tips and donations are going towards hourly employees who have been temporarily laid off. There is also a link to a GoFundMe fundraiser for laid-off restaurant staff. AND they are offering a special Easter Sunday Dinner menu, fully prepared and packaged — all you have to do is take home and reheat. Place your order by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10th, and pick up on April 11 or 12 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 16350 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.635.4533.

LAKE OSWEGO ICE CREAMERY & RESTAURANT is open for takeout from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. 37 A Avenue, 503.636.4933.

LITTLE BIG BURGER is open for takeout from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Order online for pickup or delivery through DoorDash. 3 Monroe Parkway, Suite T, 503.744.0792.

MALEE’S THAI KITCHEN is open for takeout from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 15902 Boones Ferry Road, 503.636.4384.

MANZANA ROTISSERIE GRILL. Online ordering and curbside pickup is now available from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Delivery is also available through GrubHub. Check their website for discounts. When I checked, they were offering 10% off orders. 305 1st Street Lake Oswego, OR 97034, 503.675.3322.

MOD PIZZA can be ordered through their app, online or on the phone to be picked up at their Grab&Go station, curbside or at-home delivery. Available 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. 4811 Meadows Rd., Suite 115, 971.233.7103.

MOMO SUSHI is open for takeout from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 (ish)p.m. Monday through Friday and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call to place your order. 3970 Mercantile Drive, 180-A, 503.387.5118.

MY FIT FOODS is open for in-store and curbside pickup as well as delivery (free on orders over $50). Use the code STAYHEALTHY for 20% off your next order for home delivery. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Become a member for $10/month and receive 20% off all meals. Kruse Village, 4835 SW Meadows Drive, #137, 503.305.5038.

NEXT LEVEL BURGER is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily for both takeout and delivery through DoorDash, Postmates and GrubHub. Order online for pickup or delivery. 11 S. State Street, 503.305.6146.

NICOLETTA’S TABLE AND MARKETPLACE. Nicoletta’s is open for business on a takeout/delivery basis. The takeout menu features a limited selection of their popular offerings. Orders can be picked up curbside or delivered using their own local delivery service to ensure sanitation standards are being met. The dedicated online ordering number if 971.252.8100. Revised hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays. They are also offering onsite catering in your home or office. 333 South State Street, Suite M.  503.699.2927 – main line; 971-252-8100 – takeout and delivery.

OSWEGO GRILL is open for curbside pickup takeout business from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Check their featured online menu and then call to place your order. 7 Centerpointe Drive, 503.352.4750.

PAPA MURPHY’S PIZZA is open 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the weekdays; until 9:00 p.m. on weekends. 15630 Boones Ferry Road, 503.636.1785.

PHO’ LAVANG is open for takeout 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can request curbside delivery when you call in your order and pay over the phone. 16120 Boones Ferry Road, 503.697.6253. https://pholavangpdx.com/

PINE SHED RIBS AND BARBECUE. After being closed for almost three weeks, this popular local spot re-opened on Friday, April 3 and will be open seven days a week from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for takeout and delivery. Place your order by calling 503.635.7427. 17730 Pilkington Road.

PIZZERIA SUL LAGO is open for delivery (GrubHub) and takeout from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 8:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 315 1st St., Suite 101, 503.305.8088.

PIZZICATO PIZZA is open for takeout (including curbside pickup so you can stay in your vehicle) and delivery from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. You can call in your order and pay over the phone or place your order online. The delivery fee is currently being waived. They also offer par-baked pizzas you can take home to finish. 15180 SW Bangy Road, 503.670.8388.

RICCARDO’S RISTORANTE is serving lunch from noon until 4:00 p.m. and dinner from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday on a takeout basis. Call to place your order and if you pay over the phone, they can bring your order out curbside. 16035 SW Boones Ferry Rd., 503.636.4104. https://www.riccardoslo.com/

SALT & STRAW is now offering local delivery and pick-up via Postmates and UberEats. Flavors are a bit limited right now but it looks like you can get favorites like Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Double Fold Vanilla, Pots of Gold & Rainbows, Pear and Blue Cheese, Bone Marrow and Smoked Cherries, Strawberry and Coconut Water Sherbet as well as some holiday throwbacks like Peppermint Cocoa and Cinnamon Chai Spiced Eggnog. They are also offering shipped packs with a minimum order of 5 pints. Currently, you can choose from the “Treat Yourself” Series featuring one pint each of Pots of Gold and Rainbows, Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Strawberry Coconut Water Sherbet (vegan) and Double Fold Vanilla or the “Seeing Rainbows” pack featuring, you guessed it—five pints of Pots of Gold and Rainbows. Both options are scheduled to ship out April 13. Order online. It appears that the shipping cost to Lake Oswego is $10.

SEÑOR TACO is open for takeout from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 333 S. State Street, 503.635.8226.

ST. HONORE is open for takeout and delivery through DoorDash or Postmate from 6:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and then, depending on business, they could close any time before 7:00 p.m. 315 1st St., Suite 103, 503.496.5596.

STANFORD’S is offering 10% off to-go orders that can be placed online and picked up curbside or delivered from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. 14801 Kruse Oaks Blvd., 503.620.3541.

STARBUCKS is open for takeout and delivery (limited time offering: free delivery on Uber Eats for orders over $10 in certain locations) at some of the Lake Oswego locations. They include: 16398 Boones Ferry Road (503.699.3000), 15645 Boones Ferry Road (503.635.2266), and the in-store locations at Albertsons, 16199 Boones Ferry Road (503.635.3429) and Safeway , 401 A Avenue (503.675.4480).  Temporarily closed locations are 1175 McVey, 8 Centerpointe Drive, 5800 Meadows, 47 N. State Street, and 3 Monroe Parkway.

STAR TERIYAKI opens Monday through Saturday at 11:00 a.m., closing at 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. 15572 SW Boones Ferry Road, 503.636.9491.

SZECHUAN KITCHEN is open for takeout Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to @8:30 p.m., 12:00 p.m. to @7:30-ish on the weekends. Call: 503.699.5056 for pickup or place delivery order with GrubHub. 15450 Boones Ferry Road.

TADA SUSHI STUDIO offers free delivery for Lake Oswego customers who live within 3 miles. Open for takeout 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 455 Second Street, 503.882.2865.

TAVERN ON KRUSE is offering paid takeout meals and bottles of wine on Tuesdays and Fridays to help support free meals for restaurant workers who have been laid off. Meals can be ordered online ahead of time (they sell out) and then picked up from 4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the scheduled day. At press time, the meal for Tuesday, April 7 was Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shank. 4835 Meadows Rd., Suite 133, 503.303.5280.

THAI BASIL is open for takeout from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 4:0 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 6328 SW Meadows Road, 503.601.8424.

TOO SWEET CAKES, a new bakery in town, is open for takeout from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily. 5755 Willow Lane, 503.305.8381.

TUCCI. Dinner is being served nightly here on a takeout basis. You can walk in and place your orders personally (honoring the social distancing guidelines), call it in and pick it up (they’ll provide curbside service if requested) or place your order through Postmates for delivery. They open at 4:00 with closing hours subject to change; however, at the moment they are open until 8:00 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  220 A Avenue, 503.697.3383.

TEMPORARILY CLOSED:

CASA PEQUENA TAQUERIA – plans to reopen in May

GEMINI BAR AND GRILL

HOLY TACO

JEFE’S

NOLA DOUGHNUTS

PEET’S COFFEE AND TEA

STARBUCKS LOCATIONS: 1175 McVey, 8 Centerpointe Drive, 5800 Meadows, 47 N. State Street, and 3 Monroe Parkway

STICKMEN’S BREWERY (Their Tualatin location is open)

THE DULLAHAN IRISH PUB

WESTLAKE PUBLIC HOUSE

If I missed any of your favorites, please chime in with what you know! Leave a comment and I’ll be sure to add it to the list. And if you have questions about how COVID-19 is affecting the Lake Oswego real estate market or how that impacts your home, please check out a recent blog, give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. I’m here as your real estate expert and would love to put my knowledge to work for you!

CELEBRATE ARBOR WEEK IN LAKE OSWEGO

One of the things you’re bound to notice on all the social isolation walks you’ve been taking in Lake Oswego is the enormous tree canopy that graces out neighborhoods. They’ve been especially beautiful with all the blossoms heralding the arrival of spring.

So it should come as no surprise that for 31 years, the City of Lake Oswego has earned Tree City USA (TCUSA) designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation.

The TCUSA program recognizes cities for demonstrating a strong commitment to managing and caring for trees. Cities earn TCUSA status by meeting four standards: maintaining a tree board (the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board), having a tree ordinance, spending a minimum $2 per capita on urban forest management, and proclaiming and celebrating Arbor Day annually. There are currently 67 TCUSA cities across Oregon. Visit www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/ to learn more.

Arbor Day is America’s National Tree Holiday, observed on the last Friday of April to celebrate the role of trees in our lives and to promote tree planting and care. In Lake Oswego, we celebrate an entire Arbor Week during the first full week in April. The City Council has proclaimed April 5-11, 2020 as Lake Oswego Arbor Week.

In light of efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City has temporarily postponed Arbor Week group activities and tentatively scheduled Urban & Community Forestry Workshops. Keep checking back to my blog and the City’s online community calendar and visit www.ci.oswego.or.us/planning, for events to be announced as they are rescheduled.

Here are some suggestions for ways to celebrate Arbor Week while still observing social distancing guidelines.

  • Be a Forest Hero by protecting neighborhood trees from invasive ivy.

The Oswego Lake Watershed Council (OLWC) is encouraging community members to make a difference by removing tree ivy in their neighborhood. Being an “urban forest superhero” is hard work and the City wants to ensure that they recognize the efforts of their community stewards. Here’s what they ask you to do:

  1. Find out how to remove tree ivy at https://www.oswegowatershed.org/arbor-week-community-ivy-pull/
  2. Please be sure you have permission from the property owner before you attack that ivy.
  3. Take a photo of trees that you saved from ivy.
  4. Send them our way by tagging @oswegolakewcon Facebook or Instagram by using #LOTreeHero. You can also email your pictures to Kat Maloney, Outreach Specialist with OLWC, at kat@oswegowatershed.org.

At the end of the week, the City will post how many trees the community saved from ivy during Arbor Week!

  • 2020 Heritage Tree Designations

The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board recently designated two new Heritage Trees, a 68-inch diameter redwood towering 117-feet in height with a 60-foot crown spread at 905 Laurel Street and a 53-inch diameter Douglas-fir soaring 125-feet in height with a 50-foot crown spread at 937 F Avenue. Dedication celebrations will be held at each tree later this year but you can incorporate a few on one of your walks. View the Heritage Tree Guide and browse the online Story Map.

LOOKING AHEAD:

FORESTRY AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET

Saturday, May 16, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street

Celebrate forestry at the Farmers’ Market on opening day! Activities include Urban & Community Forestry booths and activities for children and adults. Spin the prize wheel, do a craft, watch a tree pruning demonstration, receive a free tree seedling, answer tree trivia, win raffle prizes and learn about stewardship opportunities in your neighborhood.

WORKSHOP SERIES

For the 14th consecutive year, the City will offer a series of free Urban and Community Forestry Workshops for the public. Please call 503-635-0290 or email planning@lakeoswego.city for free registration. Space is limited and preference is given to Lake Oswego residents. Dates are subject to change. This year’s lineup includes:

  • Tree Pruning

Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Foothills Park Pavilion, 199 Foothills Road

Understand why, what, and how to prune to develop healthy, strong, and attractive trees and shrubs. Explore pruning types, proper cutting tools and techniques, and tree responses to pruning. Bring pruning tools, if you have them, and wear appropriate clothing for working outside in this hands-on workshop led by ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Damon Schrosk of Treecology, Inc. Refreshments will be provided.

  • Native & Invasive Tree Identification Walking Tour

Saturday, August 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m., meet at Forest Hills Elementary School, 1133 Andrews Road

Identify and discuss common native and invasive tree species with ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Todd Prager of Teragan & Associates on a neighborhood walking tour. Todd will explain common terms, concepts, and techniques used in tree identification, and help you become familiar with how to identify a tree by looking at leaves, fruit, bark, twigs, and form. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring your own water.

  • Understanding the Tree Code: Removal & Protection Permits

Thursday, August 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Lake Oswego City Hall, Council Chambers (380 A Avenue)

Explore the City’s tree code requirements for tree protection and tree removal permits. This workshop includes an indoor presentation to explain the various types of tree removal permits and requirements for tree protection, with a focus on recent tree code amendments, and an outdoor demonstration with examples of measuring tree diameter, tree protection fencing, and techniques for protecting trees during construction.

  • Landscaping for Wildlife

Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Tryon State Natural Area (Meet in the Classroom)

Birdbaths to mason bees – how to add habitat value to your yard using the wildlife stewardship options from the Backyard Habitat Certification program. Join Friends of Tryon Creek Education Director Gabe Sheoships and Backyard Habitat Certification Program Site Technician Cindy Ellison to learn about creating natural habitat in your own yard space. Consider the benefits of the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, which is conducted in partnership with the Audubon Society of Portland and the Columbia Land Trust, to support urban stewards and their efforts to create and enhance native habitats. This workshop will include an indoor presentation, discussion, and native plant hike.

Other Workshops to be Scheduled This Year:

  • Pollinators: Gardening for Bees
  • Right Tree in the Right Place: Selection, Planting and Care

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego and all the reasons to love living here by subscribing to my blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column to receive weekly updates. If you are thinking about moving here, please give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to answer any questions you may have. And be sure to check out my website.

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How Challenging Times Bring Out the Good in Lake Oswegans

Posted on March 29, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

The outbreak of COVID-19 has changed life for Lake Oswegans as well as all Americans.

Headlines are filled with more closings, more confirmed cases, more deaths and more economic woes.

I’d like to interrupt the programming for an important message: In spite of the myth that crisis brings out the worst in people, Lake Oswegans are reaching out to help their neighbors.

Research tells us we shouldn’t be surprised by that fact. In looking at how the local community responded to Hurricane Katrina, researchers concluded that “While there are isolated cases of antisocial behavior, which tend to be highlighted by the media, most people respond positively and generously.”

Part of the reason for that is our need for human connection. We are wired to be social creatures—cut us off from that and we will find a way to feel connected, even it’s virtually or from six feet away.

Another reason, science tells us, is our need to tap into some other form of control when we feel so out of control. Depending on our thinking, we may look to government, God, or the universe. Scientists suggest that we make “karmic investments” in helping behaviors in hopes of improving our outcomes by working ourselves into the good graces of the powers that be.

Whatever the motivation, I can speak from my own experience that bad times bring out the good in Lake Oswegans.

During the flood of 1996, our canal front home was threatened with water flowing over the Oswego Canal headgate. Without picking up a phone and calling for help, friends, neighbors and even strangers showed up in our backyard to form a sandbag assembly line. They showed up after the threat was gone, to do the same thing, in reverse.

So to offer a bright spot in the steady dose of bad news the headlines seem to be carrying daily, I’d like to shine the light on some examples of neighbors helping neighbors.

• Like the friend I ran into (honoring our six feet social distance) while on a walk who said she was picking up coffee at the downtown Peet’s store for a neighbor whose compromised health prevented him from doing so. “All of us neighbors keep checking in to see how we can help,” she explained.

• Tavern on Kruse has gotten creative in order to stay open on a takeout basis while supporting the unemployed. On Tuesdays and Fridays, patrons can take home partially prepared meals which they can finish off at home, thanks to video instruction provided by Tavern chefs online. For every paid meal, the restaurant is providing a free meal to someone who is unemployed. On Tuesday, March 31, the paid takeout option is red-wine and veal stock braised short ribs for $29. So far all the paid meals have sold out including Tuesday’s so be sure to check regularly. Free meals contain less expensive ingredients along the lines of fried children with mac n’ cheese and shepherd’s pie with Caesar salad. In the beginning, owner Kent Lewis was starting out with just 25 dinners/night and will move forward as the demand dictates. They say necessity is the mother of invention and this is a wonderful example of just that!

• Residents are encouraging others to support their local businesses, either by ordering takeout or buying gift certificates.

• Neighbors are offering to help in any way they can from cleaning, watching kids, grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.

• The Lake Oswego School District mailed Safeway gift cards to families whose children receive free and reduced lunches.

• Hunger Fighters Oregon extended their hours the weekend of March 13-16 and served three times their normal number of clients thanks to the help of 40 volunteers, 25 of whom were new. Extended hours in the future include Wednesday, April 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays have been open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Volunteers are taking extra precautions to serve while still maintaining social distance with roadside service.  Location: 2301 Hazel Road in the green house garage.

• One neighbor with an extra refrigerator responded to a call for help from another neighbor whose refrigerator had just broken down after he had loaded it up with supplies. And then another neighbor offered to pick up and deliver the refrigerator with his truck.

• Neighbors posted DIY pictures of shamrocks in their windows on St. Patrick’s Day to support parents taking their children out for a shamrock hunt.

• Another neighbor on Cardinal left out free flower vases on a flower stand for her neighbors to take and/or share with a friend.

• Some local restaurants (in the Portland metro area) are offering free meals to kids during this crisis. I want to give a shout-out to Break Bread Sandwich Shop which is owned and operated by one of my son’s good friends and just recently closed temporarily after a valiant effort to remain open. Despite the challenges he faces as a young restaurant entrepreneur, he was offering free kids meals on a takeout basis—no questions asked. And tapping into community goodwill generated by his example, he was paying forward financial support he had received from friends and family by offering a free sandwich to anyone needing a little extra help. Check out his Instagram account at @breakbreadpdx. 1106 NW Hoyt Street. 971.339.9015.

• One resident suggested on social media that we all take time out each day to thank the grocery store manager, gas station attendant, pharmacist, parcel delivery person for keeping things running in the midst of all this chaos and taking more risk than the rest of us. “Share the gratitude,” he advised. Well said!

If you hear of any other examples of how we are “getting by with a little help from our friends,” please post here. Our readers would love to hear it!

Wishing you all wellness vibes. And if you have any questions about how the COVID-19 crisis might impact your plans to buy or sell a home, please feel free to give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. 

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How Is the Coronavirus Affecting the Lake Oswego Housing Market?

Posted on March 22, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

For most of us, home is the only safe place we feel we have right now. That reinforces the importance that housing plays in our lives.

Whether it’s to provide four walls within which we can safely keep our distance from others or to provide an investment to help our wealth grow, our appreciation for real estate has had a lot of reason to grow these last couple of weeks.

But in these unprecedented times, clients are asking me what impact the coronavirus is having on the real estate market. I’d like to provide a few insights.

HOW’S THE CORONAVIRUS AFFECTING THE HOUSING MARKET?

Going into this current crisis, the housing market was very solid. That makes this situation different from the recession we all remember from 2007-2012. That one was induced by all-too-easy subprime mortgage loans and builders glutting the market with an oversupply of new homes. Neither of those conditions exists currently. Banks are strong and the fundamentals of housing supply and demand are strong too. As Dr. Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist with the National Association of Realtors explained in a recent interview, “Housing is on very solid ground, yet we are running into this economic quarantine…that is shutting down the economy temporarily.”

Just as with stocks, it helps to take the long view with respect to your real estate investments. As motivational speaker Brian Buffini explains, ““When you have a bit of a longer-term perspective, it seems to take you out of the short-term panic.”

Dr. Yun predicts that once the virus situation is under control, we will see a robust rebound in people searching for homes. There was already pent-up demand in the market, and now with many people’s lives hitting the pause button, it only makes sense that once all systems are “Go” again, the demand will be even greater.

WHAT ABOUT CURRENT SELLERS AND BUYERS?

In spite of the flux the economy is in, we are still seeing people active in the housing market. It ranges from buyers wanting to get out of a deal because of the uncertainty to multiple offers on a house of $1.175m that most likely won’t appraise for that.

As a Realtor navigating these waters for my clients, I am doing my best to steer them in the direction that addresses their needs while keeping them and the community-at-large safe.

My general advice is to assess your situation. If your job is secure like many are right now and you are looking to buy a house, I’d take advantage of the record low mortgage rates and the fact that there is probably less competition right now which gives you more negotiating power.

If you’re fearful that your job could be at stake, I’d hit the pause button on your house search and pick it back up once you have more job security.

Here are the  measures I am taking to ensure the safety of my sellers:

If the home is vacant, I clean and sanitize the handles often, keeping the seller informed of my visits and interventions.

If the home is occupied, I offer to do a virtual tour first, using Facetime or videos to ensure we are dealing with serious buyers. I make sure all showings are scheduled through me and notify the buyers’ agent of the safety measures I am taking including removal of shoes and use of throwaway booties, enforcing the use of sanitizer or wipes upon entry,  using latex gloves, sanitizing doorknobs and light switches often, and asking they do not leave business cards.

WHAT ABOUT MORTGAGE RATES?

While mortgage rates are hitting all-time low’s they are not as low as some consumers think they should be, especially when they hear that the Feds are cutting interest rates to zero. Why is that?

The Federal Funds rate is the bank borrowing rate—the rate used when banks borrow from each other on a very short-term basis, usually 24 hours to cover any shortfalls they may have. The mortgage rate does not typically move one-to-one with the Federal Funds rate. However, Dr. Yun predicts that given the very accommodating monetary policy, mortgage rates will continue to be historically low, and may even go down to 3.0%.

That being said, buyers looking to enter the housing market need to come at it with a realistic picture of the kind of interest rate they are capable of carrying. Make sure your lender is providing an accurate picture of that and not promising a rate he or she can’t deliver in order to gain your business.

WHAT IF HOME PRICES DROP?

I’m going to defer to Dr. Yun on this one. He points out that the housing market has been a bright spot in several of the last recessions. In the early 1980s when unemployment hit 12%, real estate home prices were rising. The same could be said when things took a downturn in the 1990s as well as in the aftermath of 9/11.

The memory of the housing market crash of 2007 sticks with many of us but as I said earlier, the conditions leading into this current crisis are completely different. The market entered it much stronger, just as the strong spring season was about to take off, so as soon as this “economic quarantine” that Dr. Yun refers to is lifted, we should see things rebound in a big way.

If there is any way I can help to put your mind at ease about the current crisis and how that affects your home and/or home buying or selling plans, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 503.939.9801.

Stay well.

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5 Reasons Why Lake Oswego is a Great Place to Raise a Family

Posted on March 15, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

Horse-drawn carriage rides are just one of the many family-friendly activities that make Lake Oswego, Oregon a great place to move to when raising a family.

The criteria for deciding where to live changes with our life situations. Lake Oswego scores high on much of the criteria parents must consider when deciding where to move to start and raise a family.

  1. Schools. You can’t go wrong no matter where you decide to live in Lake Oswego because the entire Lake Oswego School District is strong. Niche, a national organization that researches schools, neighborhoods and businesses, ranked the Lake Oswego School District as the best school district in Oregon in its 2020 annual report. Data is drawn from test scores, graduation rates as well as parent and student reviews and surveys. Lake Oswego High School came in as the top public high school out of 282 with Lakeridge close behind at fourth but in first place when it came to best teachers. Their respective junior highs garnered the same spots out of 357 in the state and the six elementary schools claimed the top six spots in their state’s category as well. The school district earned an A+ in academics, teachers and college preparation; an A in sports; and an A- in administration and health and safety. The lowest score came in at a C+ for diversity based on economic and social diversity and input from parent and student surveys. In an effort to address this issue, the school district created a new position in 2018 for a Director of Equity and Strategic Initiatives and has instituted targeted programming at both the student and community level.

As I’ve said before, the reputation of Lake Oswego schools is one of the most common reasons people decide to move to Lake Oswego. Residents of Lake Oswego realize that whether they have children in the school system or not. That explains the creation and success of the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation whose donations fund the full-time equivalent of 20 teaching positions making it possible for PE and music instruction at all the elementary schools and more elective choices for junior high and high school students.

And if you have little ones and are in the market for a preschool, you’ll be happy to know that there are about 12 preschools operating in the city. The Lake Oswego Mom’s Club holds an annual preschool forum to provide a venue where parents can learn about the different opportunities both in Lake Oswego and nearby communities. (The LO Mom’s Club is another reason Lake Oswego is a great place to raise a family with its social events for both moms and couples as well as support).

  1. Safety. The National Council for Home Safety and Security deemed Lake Oswego the safest city in Oregon in its 2019 ranking based on data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report. For a more anecdotal look at crime in Lake Oswego, it’s best to look at the Police Blotter than runs in the local newspaper, The Lake Oswego Review, every week, offering a journalist’s tweak to the calls that come into the police station. Entries include:
  • A wild goose chase? Officers were unable to locate an injured goose that reportedly was seen hobbling near the Lakeshore Motel on State Street.
  • A case of beer was sitting in the roadway near Hidden Springs Road and Santa Anita Drive.
  • A man who appeared to be intoxicated was reportedly doing yoga near the dumpster behind a business on B Avenue.

The entries have developed such a reputation that a book of them has even been published called No Call Too Small.

All kidding aside, Lake Oswego’s reputation as a safe place to raise your kids is another reason parents are drawn here. When my kids were growing up, we used a dinner bell hung from our front porch to call them home from playing in the park down the street. It’s one instance where old-fashioned is a good thing.

  1. Activities for young kids. Whether your child is an infant or in elementary school, between the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department, Lake Oswego Public Library, and several private organizations, your problem will be whittling down the opportunities for engagement for your child. Some of the offerings include:
  • Indoor Playground. This drop-in program is offered three mornings a week and features fun and interactive activities such as climbing, active play, sensory toys and featured programs organized around the themes of Music and Dance, Art and Sensory experiences.
  • Library Storytime. The library hosts special storytimes for babies, one-year-olds, toddlers, and preschoolers as well as regular meetings of the LEGO club, Kids Maker Club and frequent Family Movie Nights.
  • Camps. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department is there when you need them during winter, spring and summer breaks with a wide array of camp offerings to engage your resident artist, athlete, dancer, actor, engineer, musician, or chef. The same variety can be found year-round in classes offered on a weekly basis that run the gamut from mini-ballerinas to Super Hero Engineering with LEGO® Materials.
  • Play Boutique. This indoor play space offers options to stay and play with your child or drop and go, taking advantage of their Peake Academy’s enrichment classes for kids one to ten years old. They even offer Parent Date Night services giving you three hours of worry-free time away from your kids.
  • Dance Lessons. Got an aspiring ballerina or hip-hopper in the family? Lake Oswego is home to a couple dance studios and a community theater that offer classes. Check out the Academy of Ballet and Dance Arts in downtown Lake Oswego, the Lake Oswego Academy of Dance in Lake Grove or the Lakewood Center for the Arts on State Street.
  • Kumon Math and Reading Centers. Looking to give your kids solid building blocks in math and reading? Many parents praise the Kumon approach to assessing and strengthening these skills and Lake Oswego has two centers on either side of town to check out.
  • Parks and Playgrounds. No matter where you live in Lake Oswego you and your family are close to one of Lake Oswego’s parks. The recreation department manages over 45 acres of recreational facilities that include athletic fields, outdoor swim park, 18-hole Golf Course, indoor tennis center, and a water sports center. Not to mention the nature trails and pathways and playgrounds. Each park has its own personality with features that will delight any child from the outdoor splash fountain at lower Millennium Plaza Park to the covered playground at Westlake Park.
  • Nic & Fig’s. This special community gathering spot offers classes to nurture the creative spirit in you whether you’re a kid or an adult. January offerings included a sewing class to make unicorn pillows and headbands and a cooking class to make raviolis for eight-year-old’s and up.
  1. Activities for Teens. Teenagers are made to feel welcome here.
  • Many of the resources listed for elementary school-age children also apply to teenagers with classes, camps, and activities offered through the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department, Lakewood Center for the Arts and Nic & Fig’s year-round
  • The Lake Oswego Teen Lounge operated by the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department hosts a variety of teen programs and activities including classes, clubs, teen events (think movie and trivia nights), field trips, parties, Youth Action Council (YAC) & more!
  • Aspiring journalists can apply to become a member of Pamplin Media’s Student Writers Advisory Group (SWAG) and see their viewpoints published in the local newspaper, The Lake Oswego Review.
  • Volunteer and job opportunities abound for teenagers in Lake Oswego as summer camp counselors, swim park lifeguards, members of the Lake Oswego Youth Advisory Council, sports referees, and members of the National Charity League of Lake Oswego and the National League of Young Men.
  • With two high school and junior high schools in Lake Oswego, teenagers have more opportunity to participate in extracurricular sports. The crosstown rivalry is one of the state’s best with the showdown referred to as The Battle of the Lake.

Lake Oswego is a great place to raise a family. That could be why many kids who complain of living in “the bubble” tend to come back here when they’re ready to settle down. Just this past holiday season we were greeted at our front door by a group of about 10 kids between the ages of 8-12 singing Christmas carols with their parents standing in the background taking it all in. Those are the kinds of scenes that I hold in my memory bank:

  • my kids hovering around the lifeguard at the swim park every summer afternoon
  • my kids trick-or-treating down neighborhood streets and returning home with pillowcase-sized stashes of sweets
  • our family lining up for the 4th of July pancake breakfast at George Rogers Park
  • our fivesome crossing the finishing line of the Lake Run with smiles of pride that we’d done it (granted one may have been carried over!)

We specialize in good family memories here in Lake Oswego for many of the reasons I’ve mentioned. If you’re looking for a place to put down roots for you and your kids, Lake Oswego should definitely be on your list if everything else like jobs and affordability align.

I’d love to help you figure out how you can make Lake Oswego your home for you and your family. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, complete the form below and/or check out my website. I’ve been helping families move in, out and around Lake Oswego for more than 30 years and would be more than happy to put that experience to work for you.

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7 Ideas for Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day In and Around Lake Oswego

Posted on March 8, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

It may be a little too early to be wearin’ the green for St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s not too early to be planning how you’ll celebrate it. Since I’m 99.8% Irish, I have a few ideas to offer both here in Lake Oswego and in Portland:

IN LAKE OSWEGO

CELTIC HARPS, RARE INSTRUMENTS and WONDROUS STORIES. Join musicians Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter for a real treat at the Lake Oswego Public Library on Wednesday, March 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. While I have yet to master one musical instrument, this duo plays traditional as well as original music from Sweden and Ireland on some instruments you’ve never even probably heard of like the Irish Bouzouki, Swedish Hyckelharpa, and Ukrainian Bandura as well as the Celtic harp, cittern and viola. In between, they weave in humorous stories of their lives as professional musicians that may also inspire you to follow your dream. 706 Fourth Street, 503.636.7628.

THE DULLAHAN PUB ST. PATRICK’S DAY IRISH FESTIVAL. This year’s homegrown St. Patrick’s Day Festival expands to a five-day schedule starting with “lucky” Friday the 13th and ending on Tuesday, March 17. Over the course of the party’s run, festival-goers will be treated to live music, dancing, bagpipers, drink specials and Irish classics like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and bangers. Performers who will have your Irish eyes smiling include Sandi O’Reagan, The Stomptowners, Tualatin Valley Fire Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Oregon Dance Academy, Brothers Dunn, Kate Jane Band, and Peter Duff. Be sure not to miss a new event this year—the “Battle of the Performer” on Monday, March 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Make your voice known for your favorite! The Dullahan Irish Restaurant and Pub, 352 B Avenue, 503.305.8087.

ST. PATRICK’S with PATRICK LAMB JAZZ QUARTET. This Music Monday St. Patrick’s Week special features the popular Patrick Lamb whose last three singles made top 5 nationally on the Billboard Charts and who is one of the youngest members ever inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Lucky for Lake Oswegans his busy touring schedule includes this stop at the Lake Theater and Café on Monday, March 16 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Get your tickets early as this performance sold out last year. 106 N. State Street, 503. 387.3236.

PORTLAND

KELL’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. Considered Oregon’s largest Irish celebration, this popular event in its 29th year has extended its schedule to a five-day run from Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17. Returning this year is the popular Smoker event featuring amateur boxing under the big top tent on 2nd and Pine along with Jameson-based cocktails, and cigars. A full schedule of music and dancers can be found on their website along with the pricing for each event. 112 SW 2nd Avenue, 503.228.4057.

SHAMROCK RUN. Portland’s longest-running tradition features multiple distances ranging from the Leprechaun 1K lap for kids 10 and under to a half marathon with a 4-mile Stride, 5K, 10K, and 15K in between. There’s lots to distract you from the distance you’ll be traveling with the scenic course beginning and ending at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, not to mention the many variations of green festooned people you’ll encounter along the way. Finish things off in the green beer garden at the festival open to participants and supporters alike. Sunday, March 15, various start times. Register online.

PORTLAND’S ST. PADDY’S PARADE. This neighborhood event is small-town at its best with a humble start dating back 31 years. Resident Steve Slavic set out to impress his Irish father-in-law that he could throw a party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Better yet, he put on a parade and proclaimed his father-in-law the first honorary Grand Marshall. It earned him the once-a-year title of O’Slavic and he has grown the effort over the years. The 1.2-mile circuitous parade begins at 1:00 p.m. at Beverly Cleary School on the corner of NE 33rd and Hancock. Sunday, March 15. Questions? Call Steve: 503.282.6370.

PADDY’S BAR and GRILL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL. There are lots of reasons to show up at this one.
#1. It’s a tented Irish street party with all the usual suspects: bagpipers, Irish dancers, whiskey drinkers.
#2. You could win a trip to Ireland by buying one of the 500 tickets in a raffle.
#3. You can witness their attempt at securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest Irish Coffee.
#4. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Children’s Cancer Association.
Tuesday, March 17. Pub opens at 10:00 a.m., Tent opens at 11. Cover charge of $20 after 2:00 p.m. 112 SW 2nd Avenue, 503.227.4057.

Like any good Irishman, I’m known to have the gift of gab, especially when it comes to talking about the Lake Oswego real estate market. If you are thinking of moving to Lake Oswego, moving around Lake Oswego or moving out of Lake Oswego, let’s chat. I’d love to put my over 30 years’ experience as a Realtor in Lake Oswego to work for you. 

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5 Things We Love About March in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 1, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

There are lots of reasons to love Lake Oswego—at least 1,000 considering I’ve been posting 52 reasons every year since 2011! Here are five more specific to the month of March:

THE ODD COUPLE. The Lakewood Theatre Company brings us its rendition of Neil Simon’s classic comedy, The Odd Couple this month beginning Friday, March 6 and running through April 12. Productions in the intimate setting of the Lakewood Center never disappoint, especially when local and regional talent brings such an entertaining storyline to life. Find out why the story of Felix and Oscar has resonated with audiences since its debut in 1965. Add a little wine tasting to your night out and buy a ticket for the Wine on Wednesday performance on March 25 which includes complimentary wine tasting for one hour before the performance. Tickets are $34/Adult; $32/Senior 65+; $20/Students 25 and under.

SPRING BLOOMS. Some things are worth the wait. Like the tree blossoms that start lining our streets in March. And the camellias showing their stuff. If you’re lucky and planned ahead, you’ll have daffodils and tulips popping up in your yard. And if you’re like us, and inherited age-old rhododendron shrubs, you’ll see them with buds getting ready to burst and display a show of color that will make you forget the dull and drab winter.

DADDY DAUGHTER DINNER DANCE. As the father of two daughters, I have fond memories of escorting them to a father/daughter dance or two. Thanks to the Lake Oswego Recreation Department, Lake Oswego dads have that opportunity every year come March. This year’s event features an Enchanted Garden theme, inviting fairies, gnomes and even unicorns to attend. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture the evening for all those memory books. It’s a window of opportunity that all dads of young girls should take advantage of while they can. Saturday, March 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Check online for details.

PINTS FROM THE PAST: GEORGIANNA PITTOCK PART ONE. My favorite college history professor was a great storyteller whose dramatic flair helped his lessons stick. Local community theater thespian Mary Hutchens and Mike Hutchens (a former Portland Public Schools administrator) tell the stories of Georgianna and Henry Pittock, both prominent figures in the history of Portland by re-enacting this woman who became the mother of the Portland Rose Society and Portland Rose Festival and her chauffeur. I can only think of one other thing that might have made those college history lessons go down easier—a pint of beer! Luckily for you, you can order one while listening to the presentation by getting there early and placing your order at the bar of the Lake Theater and Café. Tuesday, March 10, 106 N. State Street. Doors open at 6:30 and the free presentation starts at 7:00 p.m.

LATER SUNSETS AND LONGER DAYS. One of the best things about Lake Oswego are the summer nights with sunset as late as 9:03 p.m. the end of June and daylight that stretches out 15 hours and 40 minutes. One of the best things about March is that we are headed in the right direction. Sunset starts out at 5:59:34 p.m. on March 1 and thanks to daylight savings, doesn’t happen until 7:30:08 p.m. by March 31. That, coupled with an earlier sunrise, gives us one hour and 36 minutes more of daylight to enjoy those spring blooms.

Another thing to love about March in Lake Oswego is the beginning of the typically hot real estate market. If you are thinking of moving to Lake Oswego or want to see what your current Lake Oswego home is worth, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me. I’d love to put my 30 plus years of experience as a Realtor in Lake Oswego to work for you.

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Ten Reasons Why Moving to Lake Oswego is Good for Your Health

Posted on February 23, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

 

By now we all know that being physically active is good for you. Did you know that your odds for being physically active go up because you live in Lake Oswego?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently released state maps showing the levels of adult physical inactivity across the United States. They define physical inactivity as “not participating in any leisure-time physical activities over the last month – activities such as running, walking for exercise, or gardening.”

While the South (28.0%) had the highest prevalence of physical inactivity, followed by the Northeast (25.6%), and the Midwest (25.0%), the West had the lowest at 20.5%. And Oregon, along with Washington, Colorado and Utah were the four states with inactivity levels even lower than that from 15% to less than 20%.

So being that Lake Oswego is in Oregon, we already have a head start in this race, but add to that all the opportunities that the city of Lake Oswego offers us to get up and get moving and I’d venture to say we come in under that 15%!

To show you what I’m talking about, here are 10 ways to stay physically active in Lake Oswego.

WALKING PATHS. In 1991 the city began constructing a recreational loop system of pathways to connect neighborhoods to schools, parks and community centers. It’s here you’ll find walkers, runners, bikers and skaters taking advantage of the city’s invitation to be active. Here are a few:

Lake Loop. This 7-mile path is the most popular for sure with its sheer beauty as well as challenges. Our son never seems to tire of it, heading out for a round trip every morning when he comes to visit.

Old River Road Pathway is about 3 ½ miles out and back. The views here aren’t too shabby either as you start out in George Rogers Park and run along Old River Road with its view of the Willamette River.

Country Club Loop is 5 miles and takes you by some of the sights including Oswego Lake Country Club, Lake Oswego Junior High, Springbrook Park, Uplands and the Lake Oswego Hunt Club.

TRAILS.  Lake Oswego is part of Intertwine, a network of parks, trails and natural areas in our region that has its sights on ever-expanding and growing. This is an ambitious project as you can tell by looking at the Master Plan map. But just because they built it, does it mean people will come? According to the city’s trail usage measurement program, they will! This system was installed in June of 2017 and measures the infrared wavelength that people emit when passing to count usage in the Bryant Woods Nature Park, Cooks Butte, George Rogers Park, Luscher Farm and Springbrook Park. The total trail usage count in July of that year was 42,000 followed by 35,000 in August. With a population of 39,000, those numbers look pretty good!

RECREATION CLASSES. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department offers such a wide variety of classes that there is sure to be something for everyone. From hula dancing for little tykes to line dancing for adults, you can find a fun, fabulous way to move that fits with your interests, schedule and abilities.

DAY HIKES. If you like your walking to be social as well, there are guided day hikes every Tuesday and Thursday to destinations within two hours of Lake Oswego led by volunteers. Upcoming hikes include: a 3.3. mile winter ramble on Mt. Tabor, 5.3-mile hike along the Ice Age Tonquin Trail in Wilsonville and a 4-mile hike to Wahclella Falls in the Columbia Gorge.

GARDENING. Luscher Farms offers lots of opportunities to nurture your green thumb. From adopting a garden plot and participating in work parties to learning the basis of herb production, you can enjoy the great outdoors while also learning how to become more self-sufficient.

PARKS STEWARDSHIP. Volunteers are always welcome to help restore our natural habitats for plants and animals and improve the watershed. Friends Groups pitch in on a regular basis at city nature parks to remove invasive species, plant native species and spread mulch around tender plants.

SWIMMING. During the winter most Lake Oswego residents who want to swim do so at either the school district pool or one of the local clubs; however, in the summer, the opportunities grow to meet the demand. From the city’s swim park on the east end of Oswego Lake to community pools in local neighborhoods, as one of my more popular blog posts points out, it’s easy to find a place to cool down.

GOLF. The city maintains an 18-hole public golf course with a practice range, lessons and organized clubs. Foot golfers can also hit the greens on Thursdays after 3:00 p.m. and on the first weekend of the month.

TENNIS and PICKLEBALL. The city also maintains an indoor tennis center with four courts offering lessons and competitive and non-competitive play as well as City League and USTA tennis teams. Outdoor courts can be found at George Rogers Park (2) 611 S. State Street, Westlake Park (2) 14164 Bunick Drive, and at 1850 South Shore Blvd.

The Lake Oswego Pickleball Club is very active with daily posts on their Facebook page as to play availability during the winter. If it isn’t raining and the courts are dry, it’s a good chance that all systems will be “go.” More regular play can be counted on from May through October on the six dedicated courts located at George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street. See what all the fuss is about on my blog post

ROWING. Lake Oswego Community Rowing and the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department have partnered to offer classes and rowing opportunities on the Willamette River. The boathouse is located at 350 Oswego Pointe Drive but if you’re not yet ready to start paddling, you can take classes at the indoor RowFit Studio located at 355 N. State Street. Registration is now open for spring rowing!

Looking for more reasons for moving to Lake Oswego? Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column to receive weekly updates. Or let me give you a tour. I’ve been helping people move in, out and around Lake Oswego for over 30 years and I’d love to help you! Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or fill out the contact form below. You can also check out my website. I look forward to hearing from you!

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7 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Lake Oswego

Posted on February 16, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

One of the first things people notice when moving to Lake Oswego is how green everything is. The not-so-secret ingredient is rain and we average about 6 ½ inches in February so best to have a Rainy Day plan in place when you need it.

Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy yourself living in Lake Oswego on a rainy day.

  1. Meet a friend for coffee at one of our local hangouts. We have enough that you could meet one friend in the morning, another in the afternoon and finish the day off with a decaf nightcap in the evening. Popular spots include Chuck’s Place in downtown Lake Oswego (hit this earlier in the day as it closes at 2:00 p.m. during the week and 1:00 p.m. on the weekends), Peet’s Coffee also located downtown, and Ava Roasteria in Kruse Village which stays open until 10:00 p.m. Check out my roundup.
  2. Catch a movie and a meal at our own local theater, the Lake Theater and Café. Enjoy your food while you watch the show or come early or stay late and enjoy a leisurely meal before or after. 106 N. State Street, 503.387.3236.
  3. Visit one of our history museums and brush up on Lake Oswego trivia. The Oswego Heritage House and Museum is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an exhibit chronicling the history of Lake Oswego from the earliest Native American settlements to 1960. The Lake Oswego Preservation Society History Center and Museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and the first Saturday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The current exhibit celebrates the Oregon Iron Jubilee from 1867-2017. In addition to the exhibit yourself, you can also see the oldest house in Lake Oswego open to the public.
  4. Play a game of tennis indoors. The Lake Oswego Indoor Tennis Center has four courts that are open for indoor play year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made online. Cost is $20/hour. Best to plan ahead as this is a popular option among Lake Oswegans. 2900 SW Diane Drive.
  5. Go wine tasting. You don’t have to venture out to the Willamette Wine Country to sample some of what Oregon has to offer. Lake Oswego offers several options for an afternoon or evening of wine tasting. Check out the schedule at Baldwin’s Bottle Shop and Tasting Parlor. Wines from different regions are usually featured during Friday tastings from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wizer’s offers free wine tasting every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the new Domaine Serene Wine Lounge offers wine-inspired lunch and dinner service and features flights highlighting their wines from both Oregon and France.
  6. Take the kids for indoor fun to Play Boutique . Let them crawl, run, and make a mess somewhere else! Kids can work off pent-up energy while you enjoy offerings from the Beeztro café. Or catch Lake Oswego’s Indoor Playground set up at Christ Church Parish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Special activities are held at 10:00 each day) Drop-in fee is $4/child with each additional sibling just $2 (crawlers are free).
  7. Visit an art gallery. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego hosts rotating exhibits every month featuring local and regional artists. Hours vary according to exhibits but generally they are open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you’ve always wanted to make art instead of just view it, consider a month’s tuition at One River School in Lake Oswego for their Adult Art Shuffle classes held every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Designed for beginners, you’ll be exposed to a variety of projects from drawing and painting to sculpture to tap into the artist within.

If you’d like to begin your new Lake Oswego home search on a rainy day, feel free to give me a call and I’ll set up a tour of homes that will give you a good idea of what’s available and at what price range. 503.939.9801.

 

 

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Good News/Bad News for Millennial First-Time Homebuyers in Lake Oswego

Posted on February 9, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

Housing appreciation and a shortage of affordable homes are what make it challenging for many first-time homebuyers to enter the housing market. Millennials often face another hurdle—college debt that now stands at $1.6 trillion according to a recent report by the Federal Reserve Board.

When asked what’s holding them back from buying a home in a recent Bankrate survey, millennials pointed to their income not being high enough (52 percent), the cost of living (45 percent), and student debt (23 percent).

So where is the good news?

First of all, it seems that millennials, even those saddled with college debt are optimists. In a survey by Asperion Care, 85 percent said they expected to own a home at some point in their lifetimes.

The timeline may look longer than it did before for a variety of reasons: higher cost of entry, staying in school longer, delaying marriage and having children later.

For the college-educated millennial, it looks like that home ownership optimism may have more than wishful thinking behind it. According to findings by the Federal Reserve Board in 2017, college education is associated with markedly higher homeownership rates regardless of debt status, which increases at each additional level of college attainment. That could have to do with the fact that people with college degrees have higher incomes, helping to offset the debt burden.

And it seems that millennials are getting creative when it comes to finding ways to buy their first home. First of all, they are more likely to save their own money for a down payment than their Gen X peers. Some are going into home ownership as a joint effort between friends whose resources, and credit scores, when pulled together make the prospect doable. Of course, this calls for planning ahead to anticipate when one or both want to move or sell and how to handle the ending of this financial arrangement on good terms.

Millennials are also turning to gifts from family and friends for help in securing the money needed to make the down payment as well as seeking out first-time homebuyers’ assistance programs. Some of those include: First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program in Corvallis, and the Extra Step and Project Reinvest Program for homebuyers in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties.

Unfortunately, another option some millennials are choosing is to dip into their retirement savings to purchase a home, thus sacrificing future security for immediate gain. It is not something I would recommend not I doubt would any financial counselor.

Another option some millennials are choosing is to buy a home with a smaller than 20% average down payment. Depending on the market and the lender, buyers can sometimes purchase a home with a down payment as low as 3%. That comes at a price, however. Any loan secured with less than a 20 percent down payment requires private mortgage insurance to protect the lender which can add to the monthly mortgage payment. It also can trigger a higher interest rate on the loan which in the long run, will cost the borrower more but may be the difference that allows him or her to enter the market.

In Lake Oswego’s competitive housing market, most loans require the 20 percent down payment. The millennials I see entering the market here are either getting help from family or are leveraging appreciation they’ve earned in a different market (say from a home sale in Northeast Portland or Gresham) to make the jump to moving to Lake Oswego.

Prior to 2020, the VA limited loans requiring no down payment to $484,350 which didn’t make it a viable option for many first-time homebuyers in Lake Oswego. But as of January 1, the VA will not cap the size of a loan a veteran can get with no money down, paving the way for millennial veterans to buy higher-value homes. Since the VA only guarantees that the lender is a good credit risk and is not the one issuing the loan, the lending agency itself may still issue a cap and deny a large loan. But the denial won’t be coming from the VA so it’s worth looking into.

Buying a home is big step at any point in life and as with anything where financial stakes are on the line, it’s best to get expert advice before proceeding. That means meeting with a loan counselor who can lay out your best options for financing a home purchase.

As a Realtor in the Portland metro area and Lake Oswego in particular, I’d be more than happy to refer you to someone and help you sort out the type of house you can afford and where best to start your homebuying search. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. I’d love to put my over 30 years’ experience to work helping you find your new home.

 

 

 

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Register Now for Spring Break Camps in Lake Oswego

Posted on February 2, 2020 by lovelakeoswego

Don’t let your calendar lull you into thinking it’s too early to plan for Spring Break. If you plan on being in Lake Oswego the time is now to sign your kids up for camps that will keep them entertained. Activities fill up fast so check these options out.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL. In the past, the Community School has offered Lifeguard Training for ages 15+ during Spring Break. Information was not available at press time so check their website and/or call 503.740.7184.

LAKE OSWEGO PARKS AND RECREATION.  Register by calling 503.675.2549 or on their website.

■Tiny Tykes’ Soccer Camp for ages 2-5. New this year—Challenger Sports will introduce campers to the game with activities to develop coordination, balance, running, stopping, kicking and dribbling. Tuesday, March 24 through Thursday, March 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for ages 2-3.5 and 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. for ages 3.5 to 5. Hazelia Field at Luscher Farm, 17800 Stafford Rd. Fee for Course #120778 (2-3.5 year-olds) and #20777 (3.5-5 year-olds : $62/Resident; $78/Non-Resident.

■Jordan Kent Just Kids Skills Camp for ages 6-12. New this year—Smaller camp sizes offer beginning to intermediate fundamental training in football, soccer or basketball. Camp includes skill training, games and nutrition education. Fee includes a t-shirt and/or drawstring bag. Held at West Hills Christian School, 7945 SW Capitol Hill Road in Portland. Full (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and partial (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) options offered Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 26. Fee for full-day $179.95; Partial day $149.95. Register at Jordan Kent Camps website.

■Beginning to Rock Camp for ages 5-7. Consider this a rock immersion course for youngsters as RMC staff introduce them to the tools of the trade: bass, drums, guitar, keyboard and vocals as well as music fundamentals: pitch, harmony and rhythm. Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #20711: $151/Resident; $174/Non-Resident.

■ Songwriting and Recording Camp for ages 8-12. Calling all songwriters—learn how to put your musical ideas on paper. Then record your tune and take it home with you! Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #18660: $151/Resident; $174/Non-Resident.

■Harry Potter Magical Engineering with LEGO® Materials for ages 5-7. Play-Well Teknologies staff will harness your children’s natural curiosity for how things work and love for all things Harry Potter to instill some principles of engineering and problem-solving as they construct the Hogwarts Express Train and the Hogwarts Castle. Using Platform 9 ¾. Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #20702: $157/Resident; $181/Non-Resident.

■Harry Potter Master Engineering with LEGO® Materials for ages 8-12. Your child will hone his or her magical and STEM skills using Build Diagon Alley for a trip to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.  Fee for Course #20703: $157/Resident; $181/Non-Resident.

■Rocks, Fossils and Geology Camp for ages 5-12. Dig for fossils, examine rocks and minerals, make a plaster cast of a fossil, create crystals and learn about landslides and volcanoes. Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road.  Fee for Course #20590: $176/Resident; $220/Non-Resident.

■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 23 through Thursday, March 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #20778: $105/Resident; $121/Non-Resident.

■School’s Out—Let’s Go Fishing! For ages 7-14. Kids will explore local fishing holes and different “angles” on fishing covering rods and reels, fly fishing, tackle, cleaning fish, bait and primitive fishing methods. Transportation off-site will be provided to Mt. Hood Community College Pond, weather and water level permitting. Bring your own pole or use one of theirs. Lunch, snacks, waterproof shoes and raingear required. Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mary S. Young Park, 19900Willamette Drive.  Fee for Course #20595: $194/Resident; $224/Non-Resident.

■Wild Survival Camp for ages 6-9 and 9-13. Kids will learn shelter and fire building, food and water acquisition, cordage, tracking and more in this wilderness survival camp utilizing team scenarios. Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 at Mary S. Young Park, 19900 Willamette Drive. Fee for Course #20596 for Ages 6-9 and #20597 for ages 9-13: $279/Resident; $321/Non-Resident.

■Junior Golf and Tennis Camp for ages 7-13 gives kids a chance to learn the basics of each sport with Monday/Wednesday sessions at the Indoor Tennis Center and Tuesday/Thursday sessions at the Golf Course. Equipment available for those who do not have their own racquet or clubs. Monday, March 23 through Thursday, March 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fee for Course #20620 for ages 7-10 and #20621 for ages 11-13: $120/Resident; $150 Non-Resident.

■Intermediate Junior Golf Camp for ages 12-15. Time to take their beginning experience to the next level learning how to choose clubs, execute better shots, chip and putt at competitive level. Monday, March 23, Wednesday, March 25 and Friday, March 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Golf Course, 17525 Stafford Road. Fee for Course #120606: $120/Resident; $150/Non-Resident.

PLAY BOUTIQUE. At the time of this posting, Play Boutique had only listed Day Camps for Thursday and Friday, March 19-20. More is likely to come so check their website where you can register.  464 First Street. 503.675.7529.

■Monster Madness. Kids will create their own monster characters and then join in the fun activities which culminate in a play featuring their monster creations. Sibling discounts available.

  • 3-10 year old’s. Fee: $35 for half-day (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)/$65 for full-day until 3:30 p.m.

NIC & FIGS. 425 Second Street. 503.479.8596. Register on their website.

■Spring Break Sewing: Rompers! For ages 8 and up. Improve your sewing skills while customizing this cute short jumpsuit perfect for the season ahead. Monday, March 23-Tuesday, March 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. $220 fee includes supplies. Bring your own lunch.

■Spring Break Sewing: Hoodie and Leggings! For ages 8 and up. This is a new class open to beginners. Sew a cozy knit hoodie and coordinating pair of leggings sure to become your go-to outfit! Wednesday, March 25 through Thursday, March 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The $220 fee includes $40 worth of supplies: 3.5-4 yards of knit material, ribbing for cuffs, thread and elastic. Contact us if you would prefer to bring your own.

MOUNTAIN PARK KIDZONE. Register in person at Mountain Park Clubhouse, 2 Mt. Jefferson Terrace in Lake Oswego. 503.635.3561.

■Spring Break Camp for ages 5-12 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 27 includes sports, swimming, arts and crafts, science experiments,  engineering projects, group games and more at Mountain Park Clubhouse, Mt. Jefferson Terrace. Full Week Fee: $250/ Mt. Park members; $325/non-members. Full-Day Fee: $55/members; $75/non-members. Register at front desk. Call for information at 503.635.3561 or email us at kidzone@mtparkhoa.com.

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. 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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