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.

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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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5 People I’d Like to Compliment on National Compliment Day

Posted on January 24, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

complimentIn the spirit of National Compliment Day on January 24, I wanted to hand out some compliments to Lake Oswegans who help make Lake Oswego a great place to live.

●Nancy Nye and her staff and volunteers with the Lake Oswego Arts Council. I think our Gallery Without Walls is one of our city’s defining attributes and the Arts Council has done an excellent job of adding color, texture and topics of conversation throughout our city’s streets.

●Jeff Ward, the Lake Manager at the Lake Oswego Corporation. Jeff and his staff have gone a long way towards improving the water quality in the lake. When my kids were in grammar school, there were a couple Augusts when we’d climb out of the pools at the Lake Grove Swim Park covered in pea soup (aka algae-filled water). Luckily those days seem behind us and we owe that to careful water management.

●The Lake Oswego Parks Maintenance staff who manage to keep our street medians and rights-of-way blooming what seems like year-round. It’s an easy thing to take for granted; but when I pass the roundabout in front of the Hunt Club and see sunflowers paying homage to our summer sun, I am grateful for the folks who planted them there.

●Cyndie Glazer and the Lake Oswego Reads Steering Committee who continually deliver a top-notch community-wide reading event that ties us all together in thought and discussion. Get set to reap the rewards of all their hard work next month with a full lineup of activities.

●The late Bill Gerber and Doug Oliphant as well as Mike Darcy and Bill Warner who spearheaded the Lake Oswego Village Flower Basket program. Seeing those baskets show up in early May with just a few blooms poking over their sides is a harbinger of summer’s bounty in our town.

Anyone you’d like to give a shout-out to? Leave your compliments here.

And if you want to receive weekly updates on 52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego, click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.  That way you won’t miss a thing.

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5 Reasons to Check out Lake Oswego’s Westridge Neighborhood

Posted on January 17, 2016 by lovelakeoswego

WestridgeJoanne Trask has lived in the Westridge neighborhood in Lake Oswego since 1997, and after talking to her, sounds like she doesn’t plan on moving any time soon. She’s happy there, as are many Westridge homeowners which is why Joanne explains, even when the kids grow up, a lot of people stay put.

A 2014 survey taken by the neighborhood association backs up Joanne’s claim. Of the 70 respondents, the average length of residence was 17 ½ years. Roots run deep here.

So what’s so great about Westridge?

1. The people. When you have that kind of history with a place, you tend to be more invested in making it a good place to live. That friendly atmosphere is tops on Joanne’s list of amenities. Neighbors pitch in to help keep up the Westridge playground and the neighborhood association is forming a Prep Westridge group to collectively prepare for an earthquake.

2. Natural setting. Trees create a sense of natural space throughout Westridge, and often Joanne feels like she’s walking around in a forest. “In most places the houses are subordinate to the trees,” she explains. Winding roads and pathways create an ambiance that makes you feel like somehow you’ve gotten away from it all, when actually you’re right at home.

3. Schools. Westridge is part of the award winning Lake Oswego School District with children attending Westridge Elementary, Lakeridge Junior High and Lakeridge High Schools.

4. Hills. “If you’re trying to stay in shape, this is a great place to live,” Joanne explains, with all kinds of inclines to keep your walks challenging. That’s an aspect to the neighborhood that has surprised her—how much she enjoys just getting outside and taking a hike (and that natural setting with all those trees makes it even more enjoyable). Perhaps because of the hilly terrain, there is little traffic, making the streets more pedestrian-friendly and quiet. And when it comes to snow days…there are lots of choices for sledding and if you’re like Joanne, skiing.

5. Location. Located on the southern side of Oswego Lake, Westridge offers convenient access to shopping both in the Lake Grove district as well as downtown Lake Oswego. It’s within walking distance of two parks—Westridge, located adjacent to Westridge Elementary School with a playground and soccer/softball fields, and Cooks Butte that covers 42 acres and offers soft surface trails and beautiful views. Trailheads are at Delenka Lane, Palisades Crest Drive, Westview Drive and Shipley Drive.

If you’re interested in exploring the Westridge neighborhood, please give me a call. I currently do have two houses listed that I’d be happy to show you.

This 5 bedroom 3.1 bath traditional home at 14 Dover Way is listed at $1,175,000.

This 5 bedroom 3.1 bath traditional home at 14 Dover Way is listed at $1,175,000.

Be close to Cooks Butte in this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home at 18217 Delenka Lane for $769,900.

Be close to Cooks Butte in this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home at 18217 Delenka Lane for $769,900.

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