Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market Opens This Week with Forestry Celebration and New Vendors

Posted on May 12, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego’s award-winning Farmers’ Market kicks off its 2019 season this Saturday with an always impressive lineup of close to 80 vendors including many newcomers. Some will be on site the entire season; others will visit occasionally so make sure to stop by on a regular basis so you don’t miss anything!

Some things will stay the same:

  • Market hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park
  • Live music will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Farm Fresh Kids program and Kids’ Activity Corner will be available
  • SNAP matching up to $10/week is also offered
  • Opening day, May 18, the market will celebrate forestry with activities including Urban & Community Forestry booths, kids’ prize wheel, scavenger hunt and temporary tattoos. Adults are invited to talk to an arborist, watch tree pruning demonstrations and received a free tree seedling.

Some things will change:

  • Market organizers encourage visitors to bring their own reusable shopping bags as this season vendors will be not be providing single-use plastic carry-out bags in an effort to be more sustainable.

Here are the new faces to look out for:

2 Towns Ciderhouse: At 2 Towns Ciderhouse we believe that the long history of cidermaking demands respect and deserves to be done right. Starting with the highest quality, whole ingredients from local farms, we take no shortcuts in crafting our ciders. We refuse to add processed sugars, concentrates or artificial flavors, and instead use slow, cold fermentation methods to allow the fruit to speak for itself. As a family-owned company, we are committed to the growth of our team and enrichment of our communities. We take pride in producing a true Northwest craft cider.

503 Distilling: 503 Distilling is a local, Oregon City based distillery offering unique hand crafted cocktails available in Oregon liquor stores in 12oz. cans. We currently offer The Wicked Mule, which is our take on the famous moscow mule cocktail and the Blood Orange Greyhound- the classic greyhound using pureed grapefruit, pureed blood orange, vodka, with a dash of simple syrup. More cocktails are in the works and are or will be available at Oregon farmers markets and liquor stores.

  • Website: 503distilling.com
  • Market Dates: May 18, June 15, July 20, August 3, October 5

aMylk:  aMYLK, pure plant-based mylks. aMYLK offers glass bottle home & office delivery of artisanal non-dairy mylks. aMYLK evolved out of a passion for seeking my own healing and wellness in the midst of all the chaos and demands of modern life. I hope to inspire greater wellness, clarity, vitality and joy for my community with my products. aMYLK is different from other nut mylks & plant mylks because it is made with at least 25% nuts or seeds. aMYLK uses no stabilizers, no thickeners, and no synthetic vitamins. aMYLK is activated, raw and unpasteurized. And I only use 100% organic nuts or seeds and a very short list of the highest quality organic ingredients I can source. aMYLK is made with a lot of Love.

Bridgetown Mushrooms: We grow fresh mushrooms for chefs and consumers, striving for sustainability using organic ingredients. We also sell organic medicinal mushroom extracts, and value added food products using mushrooms and mushroom derivatives.

Celia’s Marketplace: One of the oldest U.S. companies crafting authentic gourmet flavored barrel-aged balsamic vinegars, vinaigrettes and olive oils. Each gourmet flavor is hand crafted in small batches from original recipes in our Bend kitchen. Only natural ingredients are added to the balsamic or oil. Each flavor is bold, intense and multilayer. No added sugars, colors, thickeners or chemicals are added.

 Creative Recipes/Cranberry Kitchen: Cranberry farmer from Warrenton, OR. Pacific Ocean Cranberries grown in small portions of crop, dried whole so the berry remains plump and moist. Produces dried crannies and crannie blends, dried fruits, trail mixes and sauces.

  • Website: N/A
  • Market Dates: May 18, June 1, June 15, June 29, July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24, September 7, September 21, October 12

Dauntless Wine Company: Dauntless Wine Co. was founded by three Iraq war combat veterans – two Marines and one Corpsman. After years of service, the three founders felt that more could be done for the veteran community. Soldiering and farming have been intertwined for millennia because both require hard work and attention to detail; while tending the land is perhaps one of the oldest methods of post-war therapy. Dauntless contributes to organizations that service the local veteran community and are a part of the Farmer Veteran Coalition – a 501( c) organization that assists with veterans becoming farmers and agricultural leaders in their  communities.

Everbearing Farms: A small family owned farm on 20 acres of land located just west of Woodburn. Everbearing farm strives to provide the best possible product while also making sure the land and animals are well taken care of. Everbearing farm grows a variety of veggies, fruits and flowers for health in mind.

Felton & Mary’s Artisan Foods: Felton & Mary’s makes BBQ sauces and dry rubs. The Grandparents of owner Tory Campbell created and used these recipes in their restaurant called Campbells, a Southeast Portland staple in the 80s & 90s. Tory decided to bring the family recipe back 4 years ago in the form of 3 sauces mild, medium and hot as well as their family Dry Rub that is great on chicken, beef, pork and fish.

  • Website: feltonandmary.com
  • Market Dates: May 18, June 8, June 29, August 3, August 31

Grano Breads: Grano is a local bakery focused on naturally leavened breads using primarily ancient grains from local organic producers. We have a rotating menu of breads, and rustic pastries that are a reflections of the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Our mission is community and our purpose is bread!

High Five Cupbop: Cupbop is a new trend in South Korea that takes traditional restaurant style Korean food to the streets in order to be more accessible to everyone. High Five Cupbop serves fresh Korean BBQ beef, pork or chicken with rice and a variety of seasonal veggies in a single cup.

  • Website: Instagram @highfive.cupbop
  • Market Dates: May 18 through August 31

La Mariposa: A small cow farmer from Argentina, La Mariposa makes a variety of European style cow’s milk cheeses. La Mariposa began in Albany, OR in 2009. These are the same artisan cheese recipes that were passed down and used by his family in Argentina.

Lucietta Wines: Lucietta Wines offers the ability to drink a truly high quality Willamette Valley pinot noir one glass at a time wherever, whenever. No rules. We work with a top winemaker in the region and provide wine in 187ml single serve cans. Our wine is sold as a single can or in a box of 4, which is equivalent to a standard bottle of wine.

  • Website: luciettawines.com
  • Market Dates: June 29, August 17, September 14, September 28, October 5

Pablo Munoz Farms: Founded in 1998 by Pablo Munoz and his wife Rosalva, both who began working for a local farmer Ron Finnucum. Pablo Munoz Farms is dedicated to serving the community by providing fresh, local produce at a reasonable price. Produce is grown carefully and delicately, which results in the best taste you can find!

Roots Gather + Give: Roots Gather + Give exists to give generously to the charities who are making a difference in our community. We do this by curating and creating amazing craft beverages. With a desire to eventually open a brick and mortar establishment to build community, we have begun this journey focusing on our craft – roasting amazing coffee. We are the first local coffee roasters in Lake Oswego and one of the few not for profit coffee roasters in Oregon. When you enjoy a cup of Roots coffee each sip is a little sweeter knowing the profits are going back to causes that matter.

Sacred Summit: We are Makers of Bean-to-Bar Chocolate, Jun Kombucha & Vegan/gluten free desserts. Our intention is to create a high quality – sustainable product that incorporates Organic, Local & ethically sourced ingredients. We work with farmers in Oregon & Washington to acquire ingredients for our Jun Kombucha & Baked Goods. We’ve also established relationships with farmers & Co-ops in Costa Rica, Bolivia, Belize, Ecuador & Peru for our Fair-trade Bean to Bar Chocolate. Our Facility is powered by 100% Solar allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint. We provide educational services for people wanting to learn more about Chocolate making, Fermentation & Sustainability.

  • Website: sacred-summit.com
  • Market Dates: May 18, June 8, July 6, August 3, August 31, September 28, October 5, October 12

Spice Pilgrim: We specialize in stone ground spices and hand blended loose leaf teas. Our goal is to support a universal love and passion for food and cooking by providing the highest quality spices at the most accessible prices.

  • Website: spicepilgrim.com
  • Market Dates: May 25, June 22, July 20, August 17, September 14, October 12

Townshend’s Distillery: Townshend’s Distillery is a new project out of Portland’s own Townshend’s Tea Company. Our tea spirits are made entirely out of our distillery in Southeast Portland and are crafted from tea. We are committed to reinventing the classic tea culture to reflect our creative (albeit conveniently thirsty) corner of the North. We are makers of botanical spirits.

Tumwater Vineyard: Tumwater Vineyard is a winery and vineyard located in beautiful West Linn, 23 planted acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It all started with making a good home for the grapes. Acre after Acre the vines were planted and strung up to take what nature had for them in their new home. Tumwater now produces Pinot Noir Rose, Stainless Chardonnay, Barrel Select Chardonnay and Couer Blanc, all of which will be available in the spring of 2019.

  • Website: tumwatervineyard.com
  • Market Dates: June 1, June 15, July 6, July 20, August 3, September 7, September 21

Westward Whiskey Distillery: Westward Whiskey was founded in 2004 with a passion for Northwest brewing culture and the American pioneering spirit. As a leader in Portland’s world-renowned maker community, Westward Whiskey is a real distillery, where real people put their heart, soul, and artistry into crafting products that delight and inspire. With a strong belief in the distilling equivalent to “minimalist cooking,” Westward Whiskey prefers to make their spirits from scratch with an intense pursuit of perfection, using the best natural ingredients. Westward brings together the very best of the American whiskey and craft beer traditions.

York Farm Fresh Food/Central Oregon Wagyu: We raise 100% Japanese Wagyu cattle and market grass fed beef here in Redmond, Oregon. Wagyu cattle produces Kobe beef with is high quality and has higher marbling. Our product is USDA all natural, hormone and antibiotic free. Our cattle is primarily grass fed but do offer grain fed beef for special requests.

  • Website: centraloregonwagyu.com
  • Market Dates: July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, August 31, September 14, September 28, October 12

Summer is a busy season in Lake Oswego. Don’t miss out on what’s happening! Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column and receive weekly updates to your inbox. 

 

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Lake Oswego Housing Market Forecast

Posted on May 5, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

With the traditionally hot summer housing market coming up, I thought I’d share some insights I recently gained from listening to Patrick Stone, Founder and Executive Director of Williston Financial Group providing title insurance and real estate settlement services. He delivers a housing forecast to the Hasson Company every year and I believe he does it better than anyone else. Perhaps it’s because he’s like me—he doesn’t always tell us what we want to hear but rather he tells us how it is backing up what he has to say with numbers and trends. Here are some of his insights as they pertain to the person looking to buy or sell a home in Lake Oswego.

WHAT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT

Housing market crash. Economic growth is generally a good thing, but those of us who lived through the housing bubble burst of 2007-2009, worry that behind economic good news lurks a potential disaster. Not to worry in the midst of our current economic forecast. This time around housing isn’t what’s driving the economy and while that means we’re not seeing outlandish appreciation, it also means we aren’t due for a jolting correction.

Whether or not your home will keep appreciating. The truth is that we have been seeing a general decline in home appreciation since 2016 when appreciation averaged 12%. In 2017, the average went down to 8% followed by 5.5% in 2018 and a projected 3-3.5% this year and next. But if you look at the long view and go back to 1986, we’ve averaged north of 5-6% annual appreciation and that has always led to a healthy market—a good balance between homeowners making a profit on their investment and homebuyers finding homes they can afford. So your home may not keep appreciating at those double digit rates homeowners loved and homebuyers hated a few years ago, but it will keep increasing in value in what I consider to be a healthy range for the market overall.

WHAT TO WORRY ABOUT (OR AT LEAST KEEP YOUR EYE ON):

Rising interest rates. There are lots of factors that play into this equation so it’s important to watch our growth rate for one. Too robust an economy can cause the feds to worry about inflation and resort to the tool of their trade to curb it—raising interest rates. What may keep them from doing that right now is that the rest of the world is in a slowdown. Higher interest rates would make it harder for other countries to borrow from us, making their economies even more sluggish. In this global economy that isn’t considered a good thing so the feds have to take that into consideration as well. Stone estimates that mortgage rates will increase but just slightly, topping out below 5% by the end of 2019.

Growing deficit. This is another factor that plays into interest rates. Even though tax cuts were celebrated they don’t pay for themselves. The feds could raise interest rates to generate more money for the federal government.  Higher interest on their bonds puts more dollars in the federal coffers but can hurt the consumer so it’s a tightrope walk consumers and homebuyers in particular should pay attention to.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

We can expect to see millennials entering the housing market in the next couple of years which is a good thing for current homeowners.

The incursion of the millennials into the housing market. College debt, travel priorities, delayed settling down have kept millennials living in apartments, living with their parents or living on the road until now. Homebuyers in the 25-35 age range have typically fueled the housing market so as they begin to show up the demand for housing will go up. First time homebuyers are expected to be 37.5% of all buyers in 2019, an increase of 2% and reach 40% in 2020, pushing up the lower end of the housing market which in turn will push up the higher end. This will fuel a housing shortage through 2022 which is good news for Lake Oswego homeowners already with a mortgage in their name.

More improvements to the quality of life in Lake Oswego. The value of your home is influenced by many things from square footage to the community in which you live. If you live in Lake Oswego, the community is one of your home’s greatest assets and your tax dollars, council members, school board members, city employees, business owners, fellow residents and volunteers are always hard at work doing their best to enhance its value. From the state-of-the-art new Lakeridge Junior High under construction to the stewardship work parties each weekend at local parks to the cultural diversity talks sponsored by the Respond to Racism group, there is evidence everywhere you look that Lake Oswego is not a static asset. It will continue to appreciate because the people who live here are willing to invest their time, resources and talents into making it a great place to live.

If you’re thinking of moving to or within Lake Oswego, give me a call and let me put my over 30 years’ experience as a Realtor to work for you. You can also check out my website. I look forward to hearing from you! And if you just need more reasons to move to Lake Oswego, subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9 Reasons Why Lake Oswego’s Lake Grove Neighborhood Has Bragging Rights

Posted on April 28, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Deciding to move to Lake Oswego is an easy decision—a “no-brainer” in my very biased opinion. But choosing the best neighborhood in Lake Oswego is much more difficult. Why? Because there are no “bad” ones as I point out many times in this blog. I’ve covered many of the Lake Oswego neighborhoods in previous posts like the First Addition, Hallinan, Bryant and Westlake. Today I’d like to shine the spotlight on Lake Grove.

Lake Grove residents have lots to brag about considering their neighborhood is….

Home to the oldest tree in Lake Oswego. – Two Douglas Firs located at the end of Brookside Road. This neighborhood is very proud and protective of its tree canopy which is one of its distinguishing characteristics.

Home to Lake Grove Swim Park. This location was actually the former sales office for Atchison & Allen, the marketing firm for the Lake View Villas—the first residential development on Oswego Lake. When the Ladd Estate Company took over in 1923 as marketers, they moved their sales office to Graef Circle and offered the park to the community twice before finally finding some takers in the local school board. That is why to this day, use of the park is restricted to residents who live within the original boundaries of the Lake Grove School District.

Home to a herd of peacocks (and other wildlife). My wife came upon a flock of peacocks while walking down the cut-through from Upper Drive to Lakeview Drive at Reese Road. And recently I admired a family of deer outside my office window on Boones Ferry Road.

Home to the thriving Lake Grove business district including Zupan’s Market, and popular restaurants like La Provence, Babica Hen, Gubanc’s and Riccardo’s, not to mention a couple Starbucks and Café Marzocca.

Home to the Lake Oswego Hunt equestrian center, an historic spot that offers private horse boarding, lessons, horse shows and private training.

Home to the Iron Mountain Trail and Campbell Native Gardens. The Iron Mountain Trails run about 1.73 miles and include a moderately steep trail behind the Hunt Club that rewards you with a view at the top. When you’re done you can rest on a bench in the Campbell Native Gardens across the street from the Hunt Club. This intimate all native garden is dedicated to the Campbell family who were very involved in the development of Lake Oswego.

Home to Lake Grove Elementary School. As with Lake Oswego neighborhoods, you can’t go wrong with Lake Oswego schools either. The Lake Oswego School District was picked the #1 school district in Oregon by niche.com which looks at things like academics, teachers and activities. Lake Grove came in as the fifth top ranked elementary school in the state (with grades of A+ in teachers and A in academics) behind three other Lake Oswego schools: Oak Creek, Westridge and River Grove, and Riverdale Elementary in Riverdale.

Home to many larger than average size lots. Originally the Lake View Villas were developed as acre parcels. While most of them have been divided since they were first platted in 1912, you can still find some half acre sites within the Lake Grove neighborhood boundaries, although they are going, going…almost gone as they too are being divided.

Home to one of the oldest and most active neighborhood associations in the City of Lake Oswego where members work to preserve the area’s natural beauty while also accommodating a growing population and encouraging a thriving business community. It’s a fine balance to walk but committed residents invest their time and energies to ensure that it happens.

If you re thinking of moving to or around Lake Oswego, let me put my over 30 years’ experience living and selling real estate here to work for you. Check out my website and/or give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to show you around and help you pick the best neighborhood in Lake Oswego to meet your needs.

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Buy a Lake View Lot in Lake Oswego and We’ll Throw In a Waterfront Lot for $50 (offer expired in 1912)

Posted on April 21, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

You can enjoy a partial lakeview in this house set on almost a half acre I have listed at 2801 Lakeview Blvd. for $749,900.

With lakefront homes in Lake Oswego now going for $950,000 to $5,495,000 it’s hard to imagine that back in 1912, developers were practically giving them away.

That’s right. Because the land was undeveloped and there weren’t roads leading down to the waterfront, Atchison & Allen, the company marketing the first residential development on the west end of the lake, Lake View Villas, offered to throw in a lake lot for $50 to buyers who bought an acre view lot. To sweeten the deal, they recommended using the waterfront lot as a watering hole for their cows.

If only….right?

Today lake view lots still command a good price but they are much more affordable in most cases to waterfront and are just one homebuying option that people moving to Lake Oswego can enjoy the lake without actually living on it.

Other options include buying a home with an easement, purchasing a house that lies in the former Lake Grove School District boundaries with rights to the Lake Grove Swim Park, and buying any home in the city of Lake Oswego which guarantees you access to the Lake Oswego Swim Park on Ridgeway Road.

But back to those lake view lots—where might you find them in Lake Oswego? Take a drive down some of these streets: Upper Drive, Crestview, Ridgecrest, Oswego Shore Court, Summit, Phantom Bluff, North Shore and Lakefront.

Gazing out on Oswego Lake isn’t the only view homeowners in Lake Oswego can enjoy, however. Other coveted views include Mount Hood, the Willamette River and what I like to call Weather Watch. Here’s where you can often find them:

MOUNT HOOD: The iconic view of Mt. Hood as you are traveling east on A Avenue in downtown Lake Oswego is something we can all take advantage of here in Lake Oswego. But to be able to access that view from where you live, any time of day when it’s clear will likely cost you. How much? That’s up for debate. When OPB explored the topic back in 2011, a Reed College professor referenced a study that said a Mt. Hood view could increase a home’s value by 8%. But a more recent study in Seattle on views in general attributed much higher values to views depending on their elevation and lack of obstruction with some estimates as high as 50 to 100% added value. Here are some streets offering that view in Lake Oswego: Meadowlark Lane, Chapin Way, Ridepointe Drive, Brookhurst, Woodhurst, Uplands, Devon Lane, Cherry Court, Furnace, Skyland Drive, Marylwood Court, Glenmorrie Drive, Crestline, Crest Drive, Ridgecrest, Greenbluff, Timberline, Amber Place and the obvious, Hoodview Lane.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: While Oswego Lake is considered the main attraction by many who live in Lake Oswego, residents are also fortunate to have access to the Willamette River on our Glenmorrie, Fielding Road, Upper Devon, Riverwood Lane, Grandview Court, Furnace, Old River Drive, Cherry Court, Stonebridge and Stampher Road.

WEATHER WATCH: You won’t need to go to the Oregon coast to do your storm watching. Homes perched within eyeshot of this view have front row seats to watch many of our weather systems come in and believe me, it can be spectacular. Crestline, Skyland Circle, Meadowlark Lane, Palisades Crest, Delenka, Cheryl Court, Atherton Drive, Bergis, Hilltop, Eastridge and Childs.

Let me put my knowledge of Lake Oswego to work for you in finding you the right home with the right view if that’s one of your deal breakers. If not, I can find homes with lots of other amenities depending on what’s most important to you. Let’s talk! You can reach me at 503.939.9801 and/or through my website. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Portland Italian Film Festival Kicks Off This Week With Free Movies at Lake Oswego’s Lake Theater

Posted on April 14, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Movie buffs are in for a treat this week with the Italian Film Festival taking place in Portland and launching right in our hometown at the Lake Theater and Café.

This year’s lineup features ten films (one is a compilation of seven short films) in genres that include comedy, drama and documentary.

It’s a great excuse to practice your Italian for your next trip to Tuscany but not to worry—all films carry English subtitles. And the films are gratuito! (That’s Italian for free).

As a warm-up to the film festival, you can attend a special library presentation this Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on “Understanding Italy: An exploration of history, food, cultural heritage and current issues through contemporary Italian cinema.” Portland State Language Professor Zagarella will draw on the themes of the movies to shed some light on the challenges facing Italy today.

Here’s the lineup:

AS NEEDED (Comedy) Thursday, April 18 • 7:30 p.m. • Lake Theater & Café. Arturo, a talented chef with a troubled past, is assigned to serve community time as a cooking instructor at a school for teenagers with Asperger’s syndrome. One of the students, Guido, has great talent and passion for cooking. Will the improbable friendship between the two help Arturo change his life around?

BOB & MARYS (Comedy) Friday, April 19 • 7:30 p.m. • Lake Theater & Café. Married couple Roberto and Marisa lead a tranquil and uneventful life, until criminals break into their house and fill it with boxes containing illegal merchandise. This practice, known as “accùppatura”, forces the homeowners to warehouse the items. That is until the couple makes a bold move!

JUST BELIEVE (Comedy) Saturday, April 20 • 5:00 p.m. • Lake Theater & Café. Massimo, owner of a dilapidated bed and breakfast, is over-whelmed by his tax burden. He has an epiphany: in order to survive he must transform his B&B into a place of worship! Tax-free status! Get ready to convert!

BALENTES (Documentary) Saturday, April 20 • 7:00 p.m. • Lake Theater & Café. A journey to expose the truth about NATO bombing ranges that have had devastating consequences on the local human and animal population of the once pristine island of Sardinia.

MATHERA (Documentary) Friday, April 26 • 6:00 p.m. • Bloodworks Live Studio. A journey to Matera, a troglodyte city once defined as the ‘shame of Italy’ that, today, has become a desired tourist destination, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 2019 European Capital of Culture.

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO SOFIA (Comedy) Friday, April 26 • 8:00 p.m. • Bloodworks Live Studio.  Gabriele, the divorced father of 10 year-old Sofia, meets the woman of his dreams. But Mara doesn’t like children. How can he make the two most important women in his life happy?

UN AMORE COSÌ GRANDE (Sentimental drama) Saturday, April 27 • 6:00 p.m. • Bloodworks Live Studio. Vladimir is a young Italian-Russian, raised in St. Petersburg by his mother, a former opera singer. When she dies, she entrusts Vladimir with a mission: find his father, who repairs instruments for the Verona Opera. Cameo appearance by the three singers of Il Volo

THE GIRL IN THE FOG (Drama) Saturday, April 27 • 8:00 p.m. • Bloodworks Live Studio. In a small Alpine village, sixteen-year-old Anna Lou disappears. Vogel, a police detective who is famous for using mass media to create a chaos, arrives. There are no clues, no tracks to follow.

SHORT FILM PROGRAM (Comedy, Drama, Animation) Sunday, April 28 • 3:00 p.m. • Bloodworks Live Studio. Seven recent films—Filmesque, Magic Alps, Happy Hour, SugarLove, Day Labor, Elvis and The World Cup in a Square—are in competition for your vote for best short film.

LIKE A CAT ON A HIGHWAY (Comedy) Sunday, April 28 • 5:00 p.m. • Bloodworks Live Studio. Giovanni and Monica are the most diverse people on the face of the earth. He is an intellectual living in the center of Rome; she is a former supermarket cashier living in a multicultural suburb. They would never have met if their children did not start dating. The two have a common goal: the friendship between their children, like a cat on a highway, must end!

The Lake Theater and Café is located at 106 N. State Street, 503.387.3236. Bloodworks Live Studio is at 1210 SW 6th Avenue, 503.517.6000. For further information, visit the website.

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column to receive weekly updates in your inbox.

 

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Celebrate Arbor Week This Week in Lake Oswego

Posted on April 7, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswegans love their trees. And with good reason, some of which we may not even realize.

  • The city of Lake Oswego estimates that every street tree in Lake Oswego yields $2.63 in energy savings (gas and electric combined) per year due to cooling effects in the summer and wind-protection effects in the winter.
  • Trees also add to our property values, with estimates between 3 and 10 percent. This is true not only for ones standing on our property but also in our neighborhoods.
  • Some studies even suggest that the more trees a neighborhood has, the less crime it will see. What’s the connection? One explanation is that landscaped yards encourage neighbors to be out and about, thereby increasing the informal surveillance.

So it’s no wonder that here in Oregon we don’t just honor trees with one day like the rest of the nation. We dedicate an entire week, April 7-13.

And this year Lake Oswego is also celebrating its benchmark 30th year as a Tree City USA (TCUSA), a certification provided by the National Arbor Day Foundation to recognize cities for demonstrating a strong commitment to managing and caring for trees. Over the last 30 years, Lake Oswego has met the four TCUSA standards by maintaining a tree board (the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board), a tree ordinance, a minimum $2 per capita expenditure for tree planting and maintenance, and an annual celebration and proclamation of Arbor Day.

Here are some of the activities scheduled that you can participate in.

FREE THE TREES IN IRON MOUNTAIN PARK

Sunday, April 7, 1-3 p.m., Parking: Gravel trail head is off Brookside Rd./Twin Fir Rd., Lake Oswego. Trail head is behind the Oswego Hunt Club.

Kick-off Arbor Week by helping Friends of Iron Mt. Park as they remove invasive species that crowd out the native plants. The native plants thank you for clearing the forest of invasive species that compete for the sun and soil. Allow extra time to wander the paths that wind through 50 acres of forest to the eagle’s eye viewing platform. Contact: Mike Buck, 503-914-8607 or m.bucks@comcast.net.

GARDEN BABIES

Tuesday, April 9, 10–10:45 a.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road

Parents, stroll the farm with your preschooler and enjoy sensory garden-based activities. Hear a story about trees, then take a look at the city’s Heritage Trees. Parents must accompany children. Class is held rain or shine! Free drop-in program for ages 0-5.

KIDS MAKE THINGS: TREE ART

Thursday, April 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Lake Oswego Public Library (lower level), 706 4th Street

Using a variety of techniques, participants will pay homage to the humble tree. Make life-like cherry blossoms with twigs and tissue paper, shadow paintings of trees using tape and paints, or outline your arm to form a trunk that supports all manner of leaves. Drop-in event recommended for kids age 5 and up.

SPRINGBROOK PARK PRESCHOOL NATURE WALK

Friday, April 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Parking: Uplands Grade School, 2055 Wembley Park Rd., Lake Oswego. Park entrance is behind the playground.

Bring your preschoolers to learn how trees help us, birds, animals and even plants. Friends of Springbrook Park will lead participants on a walk in the woods to discover trees that help others. Find a special tree to thank with a great big hug!  Exploration buckets are provided. Be prepared to explore rain or shine. Contact: Laura Tanz, 503-702-7937 or blmjt2205@gmail.com.

IVY PULL IN WOODMONT PARK

Saturday, April 13, 9-11 a.m., Parking: Near the intersection of Atwater Rd. and Knaus Rd., Lake Oswego. Woodmont Park is down a graveled trail.

Join Friends of Woodmont Park to remove invasive species that threaten the native plants. This habitat restoration helps ensure that the native plants thrive. Native plants provide shelter and food for local birds, animals and pollinators as well as stabilize the soil. Mother Earth says Thank You! Contact: Heidi Schrimsher, 503-754-6640 or heidigarden@msn.com.

FOOTHILLS PARK EXTRAORDINARY TREE PLANTING

Saturday, April 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Road

Bring your friends and neighbors to visit an extraordinary tree seedling to be planted at Foothills Park and celebrate Arbor Week and National Poetry Month. The tree was grown from a seed that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 and was brought to Lake Oswego by the One Sunny Day Initiatives Program through the Green Legacy Hiroshima Project. We will unveil a commemorative plaque, hear from guest speakers including representatives from the Veterans Memorial Project and Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford, present the City’s 30 Year Tree City USA Award and enjoy refreshments. Learn more by visiting glh.unitar.org and www.osdinitiatives.com.

ARBOR DAY ART CONTEST: ALL ABOUT DOUGLAS FIRS!

April 1-26

Bring In celebration of 30 years of Tree City USA status, Arbor Week and National Arbor Day, the City of Lake Oswego is hosting an art contest for K-8th grade Lake Oswego students. This year’s theme is all about Douglas-fir, Oregon’s state tree and an iconic symbol of Lake Oswego. Contestants are invited to create a work of art featuring Douglas-fir in any way imaginable—from needles and cones to individual trees and groves, as tiny seedlings or majestic giants, providing food and cover for animals, and so much more. Draw, color, paint or create a collage representing this splendid species.

RULES TO ENTER

  • One entry per person.
  • Any medium on paper.
  • Not to exceed 15” x 15” in size and must be able to tape on a wall for display.
  • Art should represent Douglas-fir.
  • Drop-off your entry on or before National Arbor Day, Friday, April 26th, at either: the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course, 17525 SW Stafford Road; or the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 4th Street.
  • Valid entries must include:
    • Name and grade on the front-side; and,
    • Telephone number, e-mail address, and the name of your Lake Oswego school on the back-side of your art.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Entries will be on display at the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course at 17525 SW Stafford Road through early May. Art will be judged on creativity and overall design based on the theme. First, second and third prize winners will be selected in each of three divisions: K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and 6th-8th grade. The judges’ decision is final.

PRIZES

Winners will be notified by phone on or before May 10th and prize packs will be awarded at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market on May 18th.

LEARN MORE

Contestants are encouraged to learn more about Douglas-fir trees by searching the internet, visiting the local library, talking with gardeners and exploring nature. Consider touring the City’s Heritage Trees, which include six individual Douglas-firs and two groves of Douglas-firs. Have fun!

FORESTRY AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Saturday, May 19, 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, and learn about stewardship opportunities in your neighborhood. Arbor Day Art Contest winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded.

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FOREST WORKSHOP SERIES

For the 13th consecutive year, the City is pleased to 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. This year’s lineup includes:

Tree Pruning – Saturday, April 20, 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 and Invasive Tree Identification Walking Tour – Saturday, August 3, 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.

Other Workshops to be Scheduled This Year:

    • Gardening for Pollinators
    • Understanding the Tree Code: Removal & Protection Permits
    • Creating Backyard Habitat
    • Right Tree in the Right Place: Selection, Planting and Care

Visit www.ci.oswego.or.us/planning to learn more and look for workshop dates to be announced in monthly Hello LO newsletters.

Trees are just one thing that add property value to your home. Want to know what else before you embark on a remodeling project? Give me a call and we can discuss. I’ll let you know what types of home improvements will translate into  returns on your investments when it comes time to sell. 503.939.9801 and check out my website. 

 

 

 

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Sign Up Now for Summer Camp Fun in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 31, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Today is the last day of Spring Break here in Lake Oswego so it may seem a bit early to be looking into summer camps for your kids, but take it from me—it’s not. Registration for camps offered through the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department opens next Monday, April 8 and classes available through the Lakewood Center are already taking enrollment.

I’ll warn you—there are lots of options to choose from right now with all the popular regular offerings like Angelina Ballerina, Radical Robotics, Gaming and Coding, Teen Service Corps, LO Explorers, Wilderness Survival, Golf, Rowing and Tennis Camps being joined by some new offerings. So give yourself some time to sort through it all. And remember that in many cases, before and/or care is available for an additional fee.

Here’s a rundown of some of the new offerings from LAKE OSWEGO PARKS AND RECREATION

DANCE

  • Miss Eve’s Fancy Nancy Camp for ages 3-5 draws inspiration from France as budding ballerinas dance, sing, and get artsy. Monday through Friday, August 12 through August 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $128/Resident; $148/Non-Resident. Class 19217.
  • Sleeping Beauty Dance for ages 4-7 who want to dancer like Princess Aurora at her 16th birthday ball. Monday through Thursday, August 12 through August 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts, 311 B Ave., Suite Z. Fees are $4175/Resident; $201/Non-Resident. Class 19221.
  • Sizzle and Stomp Camp for 6-10 year old’s who can’t get enough of So You Think You Can Dance. They’ll learn the basic elements of hip hop like popping, isolation and freestyleas well as how to choreograph their own routines. Monday through Friday, June 24 through June 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $138/Resident; $158 Non-Resident. Class 19245.
  • Flashdance fans between the ages of 11-17 will get a chance to learn the moves that have made this movie a classic. Focus will be on ballet and contemporary techniques with a performance at the end. Monday through Friday, July 8 through July 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $138/Resident; $158/Non-Resident. Class 19246.
  • Grease is the Word for those musical loving 11-17 year old’s. The focus will be on musical theatre and jazz while students learn routines to classics like “You’re the One That I want.” Monday through Friday August 12 through August 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $138/Resident’ $158/Non-Resident. Class 19247.

MUSIC

  • Campfire Music Camp for ages 8-12 teaches the basics of ukuleles, guitars and hand drums so campers can entertain themselves and others. Offered through RMC Studios. Monday through Friday, July 15 through July 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $147/Resident; $170 Non-Resident. Class 19256.
  • String Teens Camp for ages 11-17 is an introduction to a variety of string instruments including the ukulele and guitar. Offered through RMC Studios. Monday through Friday, August 5 through August 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $147/Resident; $170 Non-Resident. Class 19264.

SCIENCE

  • Scene of the Crime for ages 7-12 equips participants with the skills to figure out whodunit including how to collect, analyze and understand what evidence is telling them about a crime scene. Monday through Friday, July 15 through July 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $178/Resident; $205 Non-Resident. Class 19273.
  • Harry Potter Magical Engineering using Lego® Materials for ages 5-7 will have your Harry Potter fans finding Platform 9¾, building Hogwarts Express, constructing Hogwarts Castle and challenging the Hungarian Horntail Dragon. Monday through Friday, July 8 through July 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $155/Resident; $178/Non-Resident. Class 19280 And for the full immersion experience, sign your potterheads up for the afternoon session where the magic continues as they build Diagon Alley, hop on Broomsticks and play Quidditch, duel the evil Lord Voldemort and hone their magical skills. Monday through Friday, July 8 through July 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Hills. Fees are same as above. Class 19281.

TECH

  • Intro to 3D—Handprinted 3D Creations Camp for ages 5-7. Their eyes will light up when they see the creations they can make with this 3Doodler Pen: robot rocket, triceratops and other models to take home. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from August 12 hrough August 16 at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $183/Resident; $211/Non-Resident. Class 19299.
  • 3D Printing—Super Heroes to the Rescue for ages 7-12. They’ll be hooked once they see their hand-drawn designs morph into actual 3D printed models of their superheroes. Kids will explore the basic concepts of 3D printing and CAD computer-aided design. Monday through Friday, August 12 through August 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $183/Resident; $211/Non-Resident. Class 19316
  • STEM Challenge and Harry Potter Using Lego® Materials for ages 7-12 is an all-day immersion into engineering and wizardry for Harry Potter fans. Participants will build trains, helicopters, treehouses and beam bridges and then let the action begin. Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from August 19 through August 23 at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Rd.
    Fees are $304/Resident; $350/Non-Resident. Class 19284.
  • Roblox Studio Programming and Game Development for ages 9-15. Calling all Roblox gamers for a chance to immerse themselves in a 3D world using programming that uses physics, LUA programming and creativity. Monday through Thursday, July 22 through July 25 rom 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Fees are $150/Resident; $173/Non-Resident. Class 19323.

SPORTS

  • Baseball Camp for ages 8-10 and 11-13 presented by 503 Baseball, a local training facility. Focus will be on skill development through innovative drills. Tuesday through Thursday, July 16 through July 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at East Waluga Park 15005 Quarry Rd. Fees are $95/Resident; $119/Non-Resident. Class 19442 for ages 8-10; 19443 for ages 11-13.
  • Jordan Kent Skills Camp for ages 6-12 is hosted by former University of Oregon three-sport athlete and NFL player, Jordan Kent. Campers will get beginning through intermediate training in football, soccer or basketball along with life skills, nutrition, agility and a chance to compete for prizes. Monday through Thursday, June 17 through June 20 and July 29 through August 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ($149.95) or 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ($179.95). Register at the Jordan Kent website. https://www.jordankentcamps.com/lake-oswego-camps
  • Jordan Kent Speed and Agility Clinics for ages 12+ help campers develop this competitive edge so they can be quick on their feet and change direction without slowing down. Wednesdays from July 17 thorugh August 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at East Waluga Park, 15005 Quarry Road. Fees are $25/session or $120 for the entire series. Register at the Jordan Kent website: https://www.jordankentcamps.com/lake-oswego-camps
  • STEM Soccer Camp for ages 7-12 reveals the science behind the game as campers explore ball design, throw-in science, angles and goal line technique. Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. August 12 through August 16 at Forest Hills Elementary, 1133 Andrews Road. Register at the Skyhaws website: https://www.skyhawks.com/

And popular classes from the LAKEWOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS return including:

  • Kids Create—Summer Stars for ages 4 through 8 inspires children to create, design and produce their own shows based around weekly camp themes. One week camps beginning July 8 and running through August 16. Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fee: $115.
  • TV/Film Acting for ages 7 to 11 and ages 12 to 17. Two different sessions, one from July 22 through July 26, and another August 5 through August 9, give young thespians the opportunity to create and perform their own shows, practice improvisation and audition skills while gaining instant feedback. Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the younger group and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the older. Fee: $120.

Check the website for a complete schedule. And don’t forget—kids don’t get to have all the fun! The Lakewood Center offers summer classes for adults too including Acting for Non-Actors and Pocket Sketching Workshop.

Things really pick up in the summer in Lake Oswego. Don’t miss a thing–subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the right hand column. The real estate market picks up too so if you are thinking of moving to, within, or out of Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801 and check out my website. Let me put my 30+ years as a Realtor in Lake Oswego to work for you!

 

 

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6 Excuses That Do NOT Excuse You from Entering This Year’s Lake Run on May 11

Posted on March 24, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

  1. It’s too hard. Yes, the Lake Run has earned the reputation of the run you love to hate because it does pose its challenges, like the McVey hill climb, not to mention a myriad of what I like to refer to as “nuisance” climbs along the way. Even though it has this reputation, however, Mapmyrun has given the Lake Run its least difficult rating category of all its categorized climbs—a Category 5. Climb scores are based on distance, grade/elevation change and maximum elevation. So who ya gonna listen to—the experts… or a bunch of runners who perhaps like to embellish their running horror stories once they’re done? I’ve “been there, done that,” and I’ll give you that it’s challenging but if I can do it, you can do it!
  2. I haven’t trained. It’s March 24. You have seven weeks. Experts recommend allowing eight to ten weeks if you’ve never run a 10K before so you’re just shy of that, but if you have some running experience or have run a 5K before, then you’re good. You’ve got enough time to get ready.
  3. I don’t like hills. You have options. While the highest elevation of the 10K is 454 feet, the 5K starts at 116 feet and only goes up to 230 so easy peasy. The climb is so minimal that the 5K doesn’t even register a category listing on mapmyrun. And race organizers describe the course as “meandering” –that’s not a word that should scare you away. Of course, you could always walk up McVey…you wouldn’t be the first, and you definitely won’t be the last. Just be sure to start at the back of the pack if you plan on doing so to enable more competitive runners to pace themselves.
  4. I only enter races in which I can get a t-shirt. Well, if you register by April 30 you are guaranteed an official t-shirt. So what are you waiting for? If you’re a procrastinator, or you want to train a few weeks before you commit, you can still possibly get a t-shirt if you register after the 30th, but they go on a first-come, first-served basis after that.
  5. I only enter USATF certified races. The 10K and the 5K were measured and certified by an official with the USA Track and Field Association in April 2014. Thus, you can run with assurance that the distance is exact to USATF standards.
  6. I don’t have a babysitter on Sundays so need to push my kid in the stroller. Not a problem! Strollers and the use of MP3s are allowed in the 10K and 5K races. For the safety of everyone, walkers and stroller participants are asked to begin the race at the back of the pack.

So now that you don’t have an excuse, here are a few other things you should know.

  • This is the first year that the run is being organized by Northwest Housing Alternatives. This nonprofit was the beneficiary of the Lake Run proceeds last year and supplied many of the volunteers to ensure a smooth transition for 2019.
  • In addition to the 10K (starts at 8:00 a.m.) and 5K (8:15 a.m. start time) , there will be a Kid’s Dash starting at 10:00 a.m. .
  • Fees are: 10K: $45 through April 11; $50 afterwards. 5K: $40 through April 11; $45 afterwards. Kid’s Dash: $15.
  • Family Fun Festival will take place the morning of the run complete with a DJ, face-painting and crafts for the kids.
  • For more information and to register, go to the Lake Oswego Lake Run website.

If you’re thinking of moving in, out, or around Lake Oswego, you have no excuse not to give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put experience to work for you!

 

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Puppy Love is Alive and Well in Lake Oswego with 2 Dog Parks and 2 Off-Leash Areas

Posted on March 17, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Here’s Buddy Costello out on a family walk back when he was a pup and most of his awake time was spent playing. Buddy happens to be the fourth most popular male dog name in the U.S.

Drive around Lake Oswego and it will quickly become apparent that Lake Oswegans love their dogs. From dressing up their pooches in red white and blue for the Star Spangled Parade to taking them to a local dog park, puppy love is a real thing here.

So in honor of National Puppy Day on Saturday, March 23, I wanted to provide some fun facts about our four-legged friends as well as a guide to our local dog parks and off-leash areas.

FUN FACTS:

  • The most popular male dog name last year was Max. Bella won out for females.
  • When a puppy is born he is blind, deaf and toothless.
  • That may help explain why in the first two weeks of life, puppies sleep nearly 90% of the time, spending most of their awake time nursing. Don’t get used to that—come eight weeks later and most of their time will be spent playing (oh, and chewing when they’re teething).
  • Dogs have over 200 million scent receptors in their noses compared to only 5 million in humans’
  • Over 60 million American households have a dog.
  • The most followed dog on Instagram is Jiff Pom – a Pomeranian with 8.9 followers who some say could be making $35,000 a post!

DOG PARKS

Hazelia Dog Park at Luscher Farm, 17800 Stafford Road.

  • There are two separate off-leash areas, one for timid and shy dogs (northernmost area) and one for more outgoing and assertive dogs (the larger area facing the parking lot). Both are a good size allowing for lots of romping around.
  • Poo bags are provided as well as receptacles to dispose of them.
  • It’s free to all-comers.
  • The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • It can get muddy when it rains so be prepared to clean your dog up before loading him/her back into your car
  • Know that the park is as much for socializing among the dogs as it is for their owners. Regulars enjoy the company of other canine-smitten humans as well as their wet-nosed charges.

 West Waluga Dog Park:  15775 Waluga Drive

  • This is the newest addition to Lake Oswego’s dog parks built in 2018 as a team project with the help of the Maintenance Board of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Association.
  • Poo bags are provided as well as receptacles to dispose of them.
  • It’s free to all-comers.
  • The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

OFF-LEASH AREAS

Off-leash areas are designed to give dog owners and their dogs another option for recreational activity without impacting over park visitors or the environment. Success depends on dog owners respecting others’ park experience and following the rules which include:

  • All dogs must be kept on-leash except in areas designated by signs as “off-leash” and must be under control by owner/keeper at all times
  • Owners/keepers must promptly remove excrement or other solid waste desposited by the animal.
  • All dogs on park property must be licensed and current in vaccinations.
  • Dogs are not allowed on Athletic Fields unless authorized by the Parks and Recreation Department Director.
  • Off-leash areas are open March 15-Spetember 15
  • Designated off-leash areas are located at the following parks:

-Pilkington Park, 19043 Pilkington, open area, no fencing

-McNary Park, 43 Beckett, open area, no fencing

Don’t miss out on what’s to love about Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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Lake Oswego’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival Kicks Off Friday With a Passing of the Torch

Posted on March 10, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

They say “All good things must come to an end,” but not if you’re Maher’s Irish Pub. Instead, “All good things must continue…just with a name change,” according to new co-owner, Justyn Reese who has invited the original owners, the Maher family, to help kick off the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival this week with a “passing of the torch/Guinness” at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15.

After the handoff, Maher’s will become The Dullahan Irish Pub but besides the name change, Justyn and his co-owners, wife Heather and brother Brian, expect to carry on the traditions that have made the local pub a popular spot.

That starts with a festive lineup for the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration which runs from 11:00 a.m. Friday until 11:00 p.m. Sunday night. Activities include live music, Irish dancers, bag pipers, giveaways, drink specials and Irish classics like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and bangers.

Whiskey drinkers will not want to miss this year’s event. The pub will be featuring a rye whiskey that has been out of production for 130 years from Kilbeggan, the oldest continually licensed distillery in Ireland. And a Jameson Whiskey representative will be on hand offering tastings. And if you agree with Mark Twain that “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough,” then head over to the ICB (Irish Car Bomber) station to round out the night.

The event will be kid-friendly until 5:00 p.m., with a $10 cover charge going into effect starting at 4:00 p.m. Sunday morning, starting at 11:00 a.m. kids can enjoy face painting and outside games as well.

Justyn has been in the industry for 16 years as a bartender, manager, performer and musician and has been looking for an opportunity for a place to call his own. His family fell in love with the personality of Maher’s pub and hope to breathe their passion for the business into it.

The Dullahan name? Let’s just say that’s another story to be revealed in the future and something tells me it’s going to take another party to tell it.

The pub is located at 352 B Avenue. 503.305.8087.

I’m a 99.6% Irish Costello and would love to put my Irish charm, luck and over 30 years of experience as a Realtor to work for you in searching for your next home. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and check out my website. I promise you no blarney! 

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