Why Traveling Through Time Has Never Sounded So Good as This Week With the Lake Oswego Windjammers

Posted on April 3, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

Windjammer-logo-12jan-page0001 reduced(2)This week the Lake Oswego Windjammers stage their annual variety show with 7:00 p.m. performances on Thursday, April 7 through Saturday, April 9 in the high school auditorium at 2501 Country Club Road. After hearing from Choir Director Morgan Perdue, I have to say you are in for a treat. Here’s why.

1. More rehearsal time means more fine-tuning. This year’s show is being held two months later than usual. That extra time has given the students the opportunity to get creative and step up their performances under much less stressful circumstances. More time is a win/win for both the performers as well as the audience.
2. This year’s theme lends itself to quite a variety. Inspired by the Pentatonix’s “Evolution of Music,” this year’s Windjammers will be taking on songs from Medieval chants to the latest pop hits as they sing us through a musical timeline. Highlights include The Pentatonix’s hit, Handel’s “Halleluja Chorus,” Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” and Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”
3. Have challenges…will meet. By tackling music from many genres and time periods through both small and large group numbers, the students have proven they are ready, willing, and able to step up to a vocal challenge.
4. Students will be leaving their mark. Windjammers are taking well-known songs like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and giving them their own unique twist. Classics become new again and two beatboxers are sure to stand out as well as the LOHS Jazz Band.
5. The younger set promise to deliver an epic performance. This year the Junior Windjammers (grades K-5) will perform “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” on Saturday evening’s show. This is always a crowd pleaser and a wonderful way to show how our high school students are passing on their love of music.

Tickets are $10/Adults, $8/Seniors, students, children. Purchase them online.

And mark your calendars so you don’t miss the Lakeridge Company Variety Show April 22-23. Watch for more information.

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Celebrate Trees and Shakespeare This April in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on March 27, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

April treesThe City of Lake Oswego celebrates two things in April: trees in honor of Arbor Week, and Shakespeare in honor of the 400th anniversary of his death. Methinks the Bard would deem it well and good because you know what he said, “A tree by any other name would look as grand.”

ARBOR WEEK
●Heritage Tree Bike Ride. Kick things off with a 14-mile bike tour of some of Lake Oswego’s 35 Heritage Trees. These trees hold a special place in our city’s history and character due to their age, size, species, and horticultural quality. A bike mechanic from Lakeside Bicycles will accompany participants on the route to handle any mechanical difficulties. Bring a waiver/release form with you.  Sunday, April 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Leave from lower Millennium Plaza Park at 11:00 a.m.

●Arbor Week Festival. It’s a tree-extravaganza with live music, tree climbing demonstrations, kid crafts and more. Get expert advice from certified arborists on-hand and learn how you can do your part to enhance and protect our urban forest. Sunday, April 3 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park, First and Evergreen.

●Heritage Tree Celebration. Get a good dose of history behind some of the people and some of the trees that made Lake Oswego the beautiful spot that it is. See the only madrone currently designated as a Heritage Tree in town. Tuesday, April 5 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oswego Pioneer Cemetery, 17401 Stafford Road.

●Barnyard Tales and Heritage Tree Walk. Luscher Farm is the perfect setting for an Arbor Day celebration for the little ones, ages 3-8, accompanied by their parents. Event includes storytime and a visit to the Heritage Trees located on the premises. Thursday, April 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road. The event is free but due to limited space, you are asked to secure a spot by registering online for activity #12901.

●Make Your Own Paper. Kids in grades 5-12 will learn through doing by making recycled paper. This hands-on activity will help them understand how recycling paper saves trees, water and energy. And, at the end of the day, they have something beautiful to show for it. Thursday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

●Preschool Walk in Springbrook Park. Educator Sue Thomas will unlock the mysteries of trees and the things that live in them during the first of four preschool walks in April in Springbrook Park. Geared to children ages, 2-6, but all are welcome. A bucket of “discovery supplies” will be available to the children to help them in their investigative walk. Bring a snack. Friday, April 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Springbrook Park entrance at Uplands Elementary, 2055 Wembley Park Road.

●Tree and Native Planting Event. Here’s an opportunity to give back for all the beauty that trees lend our community. Help to revamp Campbell Native Gardens with new plantings, including a tree. Susanna Kuo, Mr. Campbell’s daughter, will give a history of this Oswego heritage family as well as of Iron Mountain Park. Boots and glove recommended. Saturday, April 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Campbell Native Gardens, 2750 Iron Mountain Boulevard (across from the Lake Oswego Hunt).

Ongoing activities.
●The Lake Oswego Library will be featuring tree-themed books for checkout all week.
●The City of Lake Oswego is hosting a tree-themed poetry contest for 1st through 12th grade Lake Oswego students. Maximum length is 14 lines. Deadline is April 29. Check here for more details or call 503-635-0290.

ShakespeareSHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL MONTH. All events will be held at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. For more information, check online or call 503. 636.7628.

●A Midsommer Night’s Dreame. Experience Shakespeare like the Elizabethans did as the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival stages A Midsommer Night’s Dreame with limited rehearsal, minimal sets, audience interaction, energetic acting and an onstage prompter. Thursday, April 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

●Music of the Renaissance. Let sound transport you back to Shakespeare’s time as Gayle and Phil Neuman combine period music with commentary. These musicians, instructors and instrument builders specialize in the performance of historical music so you are in good hands. Tuesday, April 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

●Poetry Readers and Writers Celebrate Shakespeare. There’s a reason so many consider him the Master of the English language. Bring your favorite Shakespeare poem to share or just come and listen and see if you agree. Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m.

●400 Years in Shakespeare’s Kitchen. Let Keri Sanburn Behre, Assistant Professor of English at Marylhurst University, introduce you to the foods Elizabethans enjoyed as well as the ones they thought were healthy and dangerous for you. Enjoy 17th century snacks and take recipes home with you. Saturday, April 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

●Monsters and Maniacs of Shakespeare. Rickie Birran is on a mission—to illustrate the power of great literature and he does that through his one man theater company—Man of Words. Hear Shakespeare come alive through a masterful presentation by Birran as he reads from both the Bard as well as a collection of short stories he has written. Tuesday, April 26 from  7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

This blog is paper-free, doing its part to preserve trees in our community. Subscribe to it with a clear conscience by hitting the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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Spring Break Staycation in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 20, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

StaycationBeing home in Lake Oswego for Spring Break is the perfect excuse to do some of the things you just never get around to doing with your family. There are lots of ways to make this a staycation you’ll remember. Photo opportunities are endless too, perfect for posting on Instagram with the line, “Wishing you were here.”

1. The Search for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie. You may be a house divided between the “crispy on the outside” and the “soft and chewy throughout” camps so set out in search of what you seek. You can keep your exploration local and hit spots like GP Kitchen at 39 B Avenue, Blue Moon Café at 3975 Mercantile Drive and the many offerings at Zupan’s, 16380 Boones Ferry Drive or venture into Portland as well with favorites such as the Pearl Bakery (102 NW Ninth Street) and Café Velo (600 SW Pine).

2. Footgolf. The Lake Oswego Golf Course is one of the few in the area that offers this fast growing sport that is family-friendly. Any soccer players in your family will love the chance to kick the ball into special holes laid out for footgolfers. All you need is a No. 5 soccer ball and athletic shoes. Balls are also available to rent for $5. Course fees are $9 for nine holes; $15 for 18. Hours for footgolf are only on Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to closing so call early for your tee time. 17525 SW Stafford Rd., 503.616.2110.

3. Tour the Gallery Without Walls. The Lake Oswego Arts Council is currently taking your vote for this year’s People’s Favorite on-loan sculpture from five nominees. The winning sculpture will then be purchased for the city. Each family member gets one vote so download the ballot and then after your tour, go back online and make it official.

4. Hop at the Hunt. This year Easter falls on the last Sunday of Spring Break, so that means there might be fewer little ones vying for the eggs at the annual Easter egg hunt at the Hunt, meaning more eggs for your crew!  Sponsored by the Lake Oswego Hunt and the Hope Community Church of Lake Oswego, the event features 15,000 treasure eggs divided among four age groups, as well as a chance to meet Hop the Bunny, Otis the Pony, climb aboard the Lake Oswego Fire Truck and police cruiser, and ride a pony. Saturday, March 26 at 11:00 a.m. 2725 SW Iron Mountain Blvd.

5. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. Time for a road trip—but one that’s short enough you’ll all still be speaking to each other when you get there! The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is a 30 minute drive from Lake Oswego and will be hosting its annual Tulip Festival during Spring Break. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and activities include strolling through 40 acres of colorful tulips, catching a ride on the cow train, hay rides, wine tasting, wooden shoe making demonstrations, craft market, pony rides and kid activities. Pack a lunch and picnic while you’re there or purchase food onsite. Weekday and weekend schedules vary so check the website before you go and also to get a real-time field report to ensure you hit the tulips when the colors are popping. 33814 S. Meridian Rd., Woodburn. 503.634.2243.

I’ll be around during Spring Break so if you want to check out homes for sale or are thinking of selling your home, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to meet with you.

Photo credit: Photostock at freedigitalphotos.net

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Why You’re Lucky if You Live In Lake Oswego on St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 13, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

Why you're lucky if you live in Lake Oswego on St. Patrick's DayThey say that “Luck is when opportunity knocks and you answer.” Well, Maher’s Pub is hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration from March 17 through the 20, giving all o’ ye the opportunity to raise up your glasses, kick up your heels and have a good craic. Go on now. Get lucky.

Thursday, March 17 from 11:00 a.m. to Closing.
Noon – Live Music
1:00 p.m. – Irish Dancers
3:30 p.m. – Bagpipers
4:00 p.m. – Redwood Son
6:30 p.m. – Thee Lowtops
8:00 p.m. – Peter and Tyler Carson

Friday, March 18 from 11:00 a.m. to Closing
Noon – Live Music
3:00 p.m. – Irish Dancers
4:30 p.m. – King Columbia Band
6:30 p.m. – Irish Dancer
7:00 p.m. – Five Pint Mary’s
10:30 p.m. – John Rankin

Saturday, March 19 from 11:00 a.m. to Closing
1:00 p.m. – Irish Dancers
3:00 p.m. – Lager’s Daughter
3:30 p.m. – Bagpipes
6:30 p.m. – Irish Daners
7:00 p.m. – Andrew Paul Woodworth

Sunday, March 20 from 11:00 a.m. to Closing
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Family Day with free Irish dance instruction for all ages along with a performance. Kids’ activities include beanbag toss, cake walk, face painting, and free Leprechaun lemonade.
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Poker night

Maher’s is located at 352 B Avenue. Activities will be held both inside the pub as well as under the tent. And don’t worry–there will be plenty of great Irish food (think Irish lamb stew and Guinness pulled pork sandwiches) and drink (Jameson Irish Whiskey and Feckin beer) available all weekend long. Call for more information: 503.305.8087.

I’m 100% Irish so consider me lucky when you’re in the market to buy or sell your home. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check out my website.

Photo credit: Rattikankeawpun at freedigitalphotos.net.

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5 Things That Can Make Buying a Home in Lake Oswego Go Smoothly

Posted on March 6, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

5 Things That Can Make Buying a Home in Lake Oswego Go SmoothlyWhile the current market in Lake Oswego is a fairly balanced one, you always want to be in the best position possible when you are looking to buy a home.

Being armed with the right information and mindset can strengthen your case if there are competitive offers and ease the transaction every step of the way.

Here are five things you should know.

1. The buyer who can move the fastest…does. Do your homework before shopping around by meeting with your bank or a mortgage broker to get a letter verifying that you have been pre-approved for a loan. Strengthen your case by getting approval for an amount higher than your target sales price. The process can take anywhere from one week to a couple months so allow time for that. According to LendingPatterns.com, less than 10 percent of buyers bother to get preapproved for a loan so know that this will set you apart and strengthen your credibility to sellers. This will be especially important if you find yourself in a competitive bidding situation.

2. Be realistic in terms of a down payment. Twenty percent is always a strong offer so be ready to offer that unless you are in the medical profession. Physicians are considered very secure buyers by banks so doctors can find great loans out there for as little as five percent down.

3. A personal touch can make all the difference. When everything else is equal (and sometimes even when it’s not), a personal letter that hits home with a seller may be just what you need to tip the scales in your favor. Last week a seller accepted an offer over another because the buyers explained in a letter that they both had daughters the same age and theirs would be taking the seller’s daughter’s place in school. They even asked if their daughter could come over and meet the seller’s daughter before they moved out of town in order to get to know the neighborhood and school better. This put a very personal face on a dollars and cents offer and appealed to that desire many sellers have to feel good about the person buying their home.

4. Sweeten the deal. When possible, offering to rent back to the seller is a strong tool to set your offer apart. This can save sellers money in terms of moving twice or paying for storage if there is some lag time between close of escrow and when their next home is ready.

5. It’s not just what you say but how you say it. Your offer can set the tone for your negotiations not just by how much you are willing to pay but also by how you ask for things. Be sure your Realtor adopts a positive attitude, using words such as “please” instead of “should” or “must” in any addendum. Read over the document after you’ve spoken with your Realtor to make sure he or she is stating your requests in the best light.

Working with an experienced Realtor can also help your home buying process go smoothly. I’ve been in the business for almost 30 years and was recently honored as one of only three Hasson agents who have made the company’s top 40 list for the past 27 years. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check my website. I’d love to show you around.

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Sign Up Now for Spring Break Fun for Your Kids in Lake Oswego

Posted on February 28, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

SPring break freedigitalphotos nenetusIf you’re looking for something for your kids to do during Spring Break this year in Lake Oswego, you’ve got lots of options. Check out these offerings and then sign up as soon as you can. Space is limited in some cases.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL. Register on their website.
■LEGO Robotics Smorgasbord for ages 6-9. Who needs a trip to Legoland when you’ve got this? Kids can work their magic with WeDo robotics, LEGO Space, LEGO Safari and LEGO City pieces to choose from. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Uplands Elementary, 2055 Wembley Park Road. Fee: $255. Extended day care is available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
■Lifeguard Training Class for ages 15+. Get your teenager ready for summertime jobs with classroom and water sessions. Passage of initial swim test required to enroll. Swim test: Saturday, March 19 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Class: Monday, March 21 through Thursday, March 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Lake Oswego School District pool, 2455 Country Club Road. Fee: $230.
■Lifeguard Review for ages 16+. If you or your teen are already certified and just need a refresher course, this is it. Classroom and water sessions. Thursday, March 25 through Friday, March 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Lake Oswego School District pool, 2455 Country Club Road. Fee: $130.
■The Acting Club for Grades K-8: Theatre Games—Statues, and Giants, Wizards and Elves. For one week, make their world a stage filled with improvisational games and performances. Students will be divided for part of each day into grade levels. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Uplands Elementary, 2055 Wembley Park Road. Fee: $155.
■Wendy’s Wild Workouts: Volleyball for Boys and Girls in Grades 4-8. Help your kids improve their game with skills training for all levels of play. Led by Lakeridge Volleyball Varsity head coach, Wendy Stammer at Lakeridge High School, lower gym. 1235 Overlook Drive. Fee: $115.

LAKE OSWEGO PARKS AND RECREATION. Register on their website.
■Beginning 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 21 through Friday, March 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Palisades, 1500 Greentree Road. Fee for Course #13010: $140/Resident; $161/Non-Resident.
■Mad Science Outdoor Adventures for ages 5-7. Kids will set out to explore the natural world by spotting birds, hunting insects, learning how animals adapt and making their own mud. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Palisades, 1500 Greentree Road. Fee for Course #13013: $162/Resident; $184/Non-Resident.
■Spring Break Farm Camp for ages 5-12. Luscher Farm is home base while campers learn about organic gardening, seed starts, and how to plant vegetables. Other activities include farm based crafts and feeding the chickens. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road. Fee for Course #12902: $155/Resident; $178/Non-Resident.
■Junior Golf Camp for ages 6-13 gives kids a chance to brush up on their game with lessons, activities, and practice. Lunch included. Tuesday, March 22 through Friday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course, 17525 Stafford Road in Lake Oswego. Class #13063. Fee for Course #13063: $130/Resident; $150 Non-Resident.
■Spy Academy for ages 7-12. Budding 007’s will love getting to use all the gadgets used for night vision and metal detection. They even get to create their own edible message. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Palisades, 1500 Greentree Road. Fee for Course #13014: $162/Resident;$184/Non-Resident.
■Glee Camp for ages 8-12. Let them sing their hearts out with RMC (Revolution Music Collective) Studios. Focus will be on proper singing technique and posture with opportunities for solo and group performances. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Palisades, 1500 Greentree Road. Fee for Course #13009: $140/Resident; $161/Non-Resident.
■Advanced Survivor Camp for ages 8-12. Kids put down the gadgets and learn to use their own wits like teamwork and decision-making when presented with scenarios like getting lost or dealing with the Zombie Apocalypse. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street. Fee for Course #13036: $295/Resident; $340/Non-Resident.
■Animation Studio Camp for ages 10-17. Computer training utilizing animation software in Adobe Flash lets your kids create the animation instead of just watch it. Monday, March 21 through Thursday, March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Palisades, 1500 Greentree Road. Fee for Course #13011: $165.
■Video Game Design Camp for ages 10-17. For kids whose minds wonder, “How do things work?” this camp introduces them to the world of video game design and development and enables them to produce several interactive video games of their own. Monday, March 21 through Thursday, March 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Palisades, 1500 Greentree Road. Fee for Course #13012: $175/Resident; $202/Non-Resident.

PLAY BOUTIQUE. 464 First Street. 503.675.7529. Register on their website
■Pizzeria School. Keep them happy learning about their favorite food: pizza. Activities include cooking and Italian themed fun. Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Half and full day options available as well as single day or weekly participation. Sibling discounts as well as extended day options.
●1-2 year olds from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fee: $42 for half day/$185 for the week; $70 for full day until 3:30/$265 for the week.
●3-12 year olds from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fee: $35 for half day/$125 for the week; $50 for full day until 3:30/$210 for the week.

LAKEWOOD THEATRE COMPANY. Register in person or complete online registration form and mail in. 368 S. State Street. 503. 635.6338.
■Kids Create: Spring Tales for ages 4-7 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25. Kids create a show from their imaginations, staring with the theme, “Spring Tales.” Theatre exercises, games, music, dance, and performance. Fee: $110.

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 21 through Friday, March 25 includes sports, swimming and pool activities, arts and crafts, games and more at Mountain Park Clubhouse, Mt. Jefferson Terrace. This year’s theme is “All of Space and Time.” Full Week Fee: $250/ Mt. Park members; $300/non-members (discount for siblings). Full Day Fee: $55/members; $65/non-members (sibling discount). Register at front desk.

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.

Photo Credit: nenetus at freedigitalphotos.net.

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5 Reasons Why Bachelor Ben Might Be Moving to Lake Oswego

Posted on February 21, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

rose-266785_640With three women in my family, I’m well aware that Ben Higgins is this season’s heart throb handing out roses on The Bachelor. Currently he lives and works in Denver, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to go house-hunting in Lake Oswego. Here’s why.
1. He grew up on a lake. Last week Ben took his final six prospects to his hometown of Warsaw, Indiana which is nestled around four lakes: Pike, Hidden, Center and Winona—the one his parents live on. Hopping on a boat to travel from one end of town to his parent’s dock seemed natural to him, as it does to my kids who great up on Lake Oswego.
2. He is honing in on a local girl from neighboring West Linn and rumor has it she may be the last one left standing as he gets down on his knee. Although Lauren Bushnell currently lives in Marina del Rey, she grew up in West Linn, a mere five miles from Lake Oswego (and her grandfather actually works with me at the Hasson Company). Which means Ben will be visiting her hometown in this week’s episode and rumor has it she’ll show him Lake Oswego. If he doesn’t fall in love with Lauren, he’s got to fall in love with Lake Oswego!
3. He loves small towns. I don’t watch the show but my wife corralled me when she saw how much Warsaw reminded her of Lake Oswego. Ben’s eyes lit up when he arrived in his hometown—you could tell his roots run deep and he valued the kind of lifestyle and sense of community Warsaw gave him. Lake Oswego would offer the same.
4. He also likes the big city. Ben also took one of the remaining contestants to Chicago, another one of his favorite places to be. Luckily for Ben, Lake Oswego is only 12 miles away from Portland—much closer than Warsaw is from Chicago. He could catch a Trailblazer game (okay, I know he’s a Cubs fan but hopefully we could woo him) and be back home much sooner than he would have from a Cubs game.
5. He wouldn’t have to give up some of the things he remembers about Warsaw. As I scrolled through what Warsaw offers, I couldn’t help but compare it to Lake Oswego.
●They have an art fair in June—we have the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts.
●They have an Exotic Car Show—we have the Oswego Heritage Council Collector Car Show.
●They have a 4th of July celebration—We have a daylong affair beginning with a pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and ending with fireworks on the lake.
●They have disco golf at Lucerne Park—we have Footgolf at the Lake Oswego Golf Course.
●They have outdoor sculptures along the canals on Canal Street-we have the Gallery Without Walls throughout town.
●They have an Oktoberfest—we have a Wine Walk.
The list goes on—tree lighting ceremony, system of pathways…Ben wouldn’t miss a beat. So if he ends up calling Lake Oswego home, remember you heard it here first.

Stay up-to-date with what’s to love in Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the right hand column and receive weekly blogs in your inbox.

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5 Things We Don’t Take for Granted in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on February 14, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

5 THINGS we don't take for granted in lake oswegoThere is a collective wisdom out there that says, “Realize what you have before it turns into what you had.” Lake Oswegans already know this, especially when it comes to these five things.

●A sunny day in January or February. Last week the sun came out amid blue skies and my wife rearranged dinner plans from taco salad to barbecue hamburgers. We live in the moment in Lake Oswego when the weather gods smile on us in the winter. Throw us an unseasonal sunny day and you’ll:
●hear grocery clerks reminding you to get out there and enjoy the sunshine
●see more than the average number of people using our pathways
●notice more residents smiling
●smell those barbecue burgers sizzling
Consider us victims of short term memory loss. Toss us a sunny winter day and we forget (and forgive) the rainy days that preceded it.

●A snow day in December or January. While it may take a snowmageddon to close public schools in New York City, give us a whitewash and chances are school may be cancelled. Reddit recently published a map showing the amount of snow needed in different regions across the country to trigger school closures. While the Pacific Northwest isn’t as wimpy as the south (where snow is such a rare occasion, even a prediction of snow is enough to tell kids to stay home), it can take as little as one inch to have kids cheering and parents scrambling to make backup plans. But whether schools close or not, a snowy day gives us all reason to pause and if we’re lucky, go out and play in it. Sleds come out, traffic disappears and you can feel like you’re in a winter wonderland without heading to the mountain.

●Quality schools. Lake Oswego School District has a proven track record in providing our children with an excellent education. It has been recognized as the #1 school district in the nation by StartClass, and consistently receives Outstanding rankings from the Oregon Department of Eduation. But Lake Oswegans don’t stand on their laurels. They find ways to ensure that this history of excellence continues through active parent associations and a school foundation which has raised $22 million since 1994, the bulk of which has gone to support teacher salaries.

●Volunteers. It takes a village to make a village and Lake Oswegans know and appreciate that. From dishing up meals at the Adult Community Center to hanging flower baskets at 5:00 a.m., residents answer the call when needed. And we do our best to let them know they are appreciated from the Unsung Heroes nominated by citizens and recognized by the City to the Community Leader of the Year award (of which I am a past recipient) handed out by the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce.

●Fourth of July. The busiest day on this blog is always the Fourth of July, with as many as 725 views by people looking for ways to celebrate our nation’s independence. And they’ve come to the right place because from sunrise (Lions’ Club pancake breakfast) to sundown (fireworks on the lake), we have things to keep you entertained. In fact, the town has so many activities, that some of them (like the Millennium Band concert and the waterski competition) are held the day before or after.

As a Realtor in Lake Oswego, I don’t take my clients for granted. Put me to work for you and you’ll get top-notch service with over 25 years’ experience behind it. Let me help you enjoy all that Lake Oswego has to offer.

Photo Credit: Viktor Hanacek

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Matching What You Want With a Lake Oswego Neighborhood

Posted on February 7, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego Neighborhoods(3)It’s hard to go wrong when you’re deciding on a neighborhood in which to buy a home in Lake Oswego. Talk to current residents and they’ll extol the virtues of each.

However, if you know what’s important to you, some might fit you better than others. For example, if you want to walk downtown, then the First Addition or Evergreen should be high on your list. If access to the Lake Grove Swim Park is what you’re looking for, then consider Bryant neighborhood.

An experienced Realtor can help steer you in the right direction. I’ve lived and sold real estate in Lake Oswego for almost 30 years so I have insider information that could help you in your search—like which boat easements have the longest wait and which neighborhoods are in highest demand. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 if you’re interested in exploring homes in Lake Oswego.

Today I’m featuring a few neighborhoods on the north side of town that offer a variety of amenities from boat easements to views.

Nieghborhoods

 

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Here’s How to Give Experiences, Not Things, This Valentine’s Day if You Live in Lake Oswego

Posted on January 31, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

happy valentine's!The research is in. Experiences make you happier than things. So this Valentine’s Day, plan to do something for or with your sweetie. Here are some ideas right here in Lake Oswego.

●Valentine Poetry Slam for Teens. Whether you’re in love or thwarted by love, the Lake Oswego Library is your place to put your feelings into words. Original poems are welcome, but if you draw inspiration from Shakespeare or Taylor Swift, share that as well. February 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 706 Fourth Street. 503.697.6580.

●Holiday Lunch at the Adult Community Center. Enjoy a special valentine feast culminating in Red Velvet Lava Cake. It’s a cheap date! $4/ages 60+; $5/others. 505 G Avenue. Reservations: 503.635.3758. February 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

●Valentine Cookie Decorating for Teens in grades 6 and up. Eat your heart out while listening to sappy love songs and decorating sweet treats that you can shower on your special someone. February 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library. 706 Fourth Street. 503.697.6580.

●Art Throb. Step it up a notch and take your sweetheart out for a gala affair that benefits the Arts Council of Lake Oswego and all their fabulous programs including the Gallery Without Walls, Art Literacy programs in our schools and activities at their ARTspace. Dance to live music, enjoy dinner and a silent and live auction. Saturday, February 13 at 5:00 p.m. in the Hawthorn Room at Marylhurst University. Tickets are $125/person and available online. 17600 Pacific Highway.

●Dinner. Dining out was how 42% of last year’s Zagat’s Valentine’s Day Survey respondents said they were going to celebrate the occasion. And of those, 43% planned to try someplace new. Local restaurants like Clarke’s, Riccardo’s and La Provence are ready for you with special menus in place. With dining out such a popular option, though, best to reserve as early as you can.

●Movie. Before or after dinner, catch a movie at the Lake Theater and Café. Too soon to tell what will be showing but two things are for sure—it’s convenient and you’ll be paying less than at the Cineplex. And if you really want to make it easy, you can eat there too! 106 N. State Street.

●Theater. Valentine’s Day is your last chance to see the Lakewood Theatre Company’s production of Golden Boy. Tickets are $32/Adult; $30/Senior 65 and over; $20 Student 25 and under. Friday and Saturday, February 12-13 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m. 368 S. State Street. 503. 635.3901.

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