52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego

5 Reasons Why Lake Oswego High School’s Windjammers Will Make You Feel Right at Home This Weekend

Posted on February 23, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego High School’s show choir, The Windjammers, is putting out the welcome mat this weekend with its annual variety show. Here’s why they’re sure to make you feel “At Home With the Windjammers.”

1. Social relatedness is one of the three main purposes music enjoyment serves, according to research and the Windjammers are out to prove that point. Songs will be about family, friends, and community, doing their best to make you feel like you belong. Don’t be surprised if you feel like reaching out and hugging the guy next to you.

2. Opening night features a “bring the house down” performance of “We Are Family” by performers of all ages. Twenty elementary students from around the Lake Oswego School District who participated in the Windjammer Day Camp on February 22 will join their high school mentors onstage for this crowd-pleasing number.

3. This year’s show gives audience members a chance to get up close and personal with many of the Windjammers as more solos will be featured than in years past. “I think the amount of solos is going to make this year all the more memorable,” explains director, Cole Blume.

4. It’s a family affair. The Windjammers will be joined by the Lake Oswego Jazz Band under the direction of retiring director, Dave Matthys, as well as district music teacher Karl Gustafson on the keyboard and local jazz pianist extraordinaire, Randy Porter, who will accompany his daughter on the ballad, “Smile.”

5. Many songs will hit close to home like “Home” by American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, “House Is a-Rockin” by the late Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Disney favorite, “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

So get out of the house and go make yourself at home February 27, 28, and March 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lake Oswego High School auditorium at 2501 Country Club Road. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students; $15 at the door.

Posted in Lake Oswego Schools, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged Lake Oswego High School, Lake Oswego Oregon, The Windjammers, Things to do in Lake Oswego Oregon | Leave a comment

If You Build It, Lake Oswegans Will Come

Posted on February 16, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswegans show up to things, like the 4th of July fireworks on the lake. Here you see families claiming their spots at the Lake Grove Swim Park hours before the sky lights up.

When it comes to Lake Oswego, there are several variations to the line, “If you build it, he will come,” like…

“If you plan it, they will come.” Stop by any of the festivals or events that the city or local businesses sponsor, from the Summer Concert Series to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and you’ll see that Lake Oswegans want to be involved (and have a good time).

My wife recently attended an event at a branch of the Multnomah County Library. When she called to ask how early she should get there to ensure a seat, she was told, “Don’t worry about it. Adult events here never get a big turnout.”

Not the case in Lake Oswego. People line up for LO Reads book giveaways, and fill the aisle between the book stacks to hear an author speak or a local musician perform. They claim their fireworks viewing spot at the Lake Grove Swim Park early in the day and then pack the place in that evening to catch the show. They flock to sold out performances of special events like A. Lincoln at the Lakewood Center for the Arts and the inaugural Wine Walk in downtown LO.

“If you debate it, they will come.” I recently attended a Development Review Commission hearing on the proposed Block 137 development. It was an overflow audience, with people standing along the walls, sitting on the floor, and listening in the lobby on video monitors. Lake Oswegans are invested in their community and will use whatever venue they can to make their opinions heard from letters to the editor in the Lake Oswego Review to city council and school board meetings to protests on A Avenue.

“If you need it, they will come.” Lake Oswego is one of Oregon’s most affluent communities with a median household income of $84,186 in the 2008-2012 U.S. Census, compared to $50,030 for the state.

It is also one of the most generous. Consider the nearly $21 million raised since 1986 on behalf of the Lake Oswego School District Foundation to fund more than 300 teachers. Or the equivalent of 44,000 cans (with cash donations factored in) that Lake Oswego High School students collected in a recent food drive. Or the $22, 681 and counting that the Lakeridge community raised last year to help pay for medical care for a teacher’s son who has cerebral palsy.

“If you build it, they will come.” The original maxim holds true too. The site of Millennium Plaza Park was once an apartment complex, affording the lucky residents a view of Lakewood Bay. Now all Lake Oswego residents as well as visitors get a chance to take in the sights. During the summer it’s hard to imagine the city’s outdoor living room wasn’t always there because it’s thriving with activity from the Farmer’s Market to Movies in the Park. Same goes for other new additions to the city’s growing list of amenities like Hazelia Field and Dog Park, and the Charlie S. Brown Water Sports Center.

Lake Oswego’s special qualities can be attributed to many things like the beautiful lake at its center and excellent school system, but the power that fuels all this is the energy, investment and commitment of the people who live here. Whether you plan it, debate it, need it, or build it, you can count on Lake Oswegans showing up because they care.

If you or someone you know would like to become a part of this great community, let me know. I’d love to show you around and give you an idea of what the Lake Oswego housing market is like. 503.939.9801.

Posted in Lake Oswego lifestyle | 2 Comments

Snow in Lake Oswego: Another Reason to Love Living Here

Posted on February 9, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Snow beckons Lake Oswegans, like our daughter Riley a few years back, to come out and play.

I spoke too soon.

Last week’s post claimed that there were no polar blasts shooting frigid temps our way like on the East Coast.

And then a winter storm warning rolled into town bringing up to six inches of snow in our front yard to-date with forecasts of sleet and possibly freezing rain.

I could do without the sleet and freezing rain but snow in Lake Oswego is unusual enough to cast a magical spell, made apparent by the glee of children sledding down neighborhood hills and building snowmen in their front yards.

While my kids are grown now and can usually be found basking in the California sun, snow days are some of their most treasured memories.

It was like bringing the winter wonderland to them instead of heading up to the mountain.

Hot chocolate, cuddling around the fireplace, movie marathons, playing outside with friends for hours, snowball fights…what was not to love?

Truth be told, however, as they got older, the thrill of playing in the white stuff was second to the thrill of school being closed. I remember when the “Arctic Blast” hit the Portland area in December of 2008 and school was cancelled for days. Every evening my wife would go to the computer to check for updates from the district. Night after night she’d announce, “No school tomorrow,” but somehow the news never got old.

That’s the way it is in Lake Oswego. The snow doesn’t come around often enough or usually stay around long enough to get old.

And that’s another reason to love Lake Oswego.

Don’t miss one reason to love Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the right hand column and you’ll be notified each week when a new post is up.

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon | Leave a comment

5 Excuses to Get Outdoors This Winter in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on February 2, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Sometimes we all need a little prodding to get outdoors in the winter here in the Northwest.

Luckily there’s no polar blast sending frigid temps our way like on the East Coast, but it’s also not in the 70s and 80s like my daughter is currently enjoying in Newport Beach, California.

So in case you find yourself feeling like hibernating, here are 5 excuses to get outside this winter.

Cross Country Skiing Trips offered through Adventures Without Limits. Beginners are welcome with lessons to jumpstart the day on Mt. Hood. Register through Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department. $75 Residents/$94 Non-Residents. Dates available Saturdays, February 8 and March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Raptor Road Trip. There are lots of reasons to bird watch in the winter—less foliage makes them easier to spot and chances are they’re more apt to be on the prowl for food sources as they become more scarce. So take advantage of a day put together by the Audubon Society of Portland, Metro, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and HawkWatch International on Saturday, February 8 on Sauvie Island from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit four locations staffed by raptor experts who will ensure you get the most out of your viewing experience. $10 per vehicle (cash only). Learn more.

Coffee Tour. There’s a reason why the Pacific Northwest gave birth to coffee culture. When the going gets cold, the cold drink coffee. So immerse yourself in it. Third Wave Coffee Tours offer one way to do that with three hour tours that include tasting, entertainment, and education at Portland’s finest micro-roasters/cafes. Choose from different locations throughout Portland or take the Streetcar Tour and hit downtown, the Pearl, Northwest and Northeast. $40/person.

For a do-it-yourself version in Lake Oswego, you can hit four within about eight blocks of each other downtown. Start at the ubiquitous Starbucks at 47 N. State Street and progress to Peet’s at 345 1^st St., #111. Next stop is the drive-through Milestones Coffee Company at 144 A Avenue inside Wizer’s parking lot. End up at Chuck’s Place, a local neighborhood hangout at 148 SW B Avenue.

Winter Walks. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department has lined up a series of walks to fight the hibernation urge. Destinations include the Rosemont Trail (February 6), Irvington District (February 20) and Molalla River State Park (March 13). Check out the full schedule on page 14 in the catalog.

Winter Golf. With reduced fees, winter is a good time to work on your game at Lake Oswego’s 18-hole Par 3 golf course. During the weekdays, 9 holes run $9; $15 for 18. Weekend rates run $12 and $20. Good through February.

LO Reads kicks up gear with lots of offerings this week. Check out Things to Do in Lake Oswego in the sidebar.

Sign up to receive weekly email updates when a new reason to Love Lake Oswego appears. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

Photo courtesy of digitalart at freedigitalphotos.net.

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged Oregon | Leave a comment

5 Ways to Feel the Love This Valentine’s Day in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on January 26, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

It was Elizabeth Barrett Browning who gave us the idea that somehow love could be measured when she wrote, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”

In case you’re keeping score, here are five ways to feel the love this Valentine’s Day here in Lake Oswego. Plan ahead so you don’t miss out!

My Funny Valentine. Last I checked, this show was almost sold out, so act fast! Enjoy comic love songs performed by Joan Freed (of the hit show Chocolate Confessions) and other favorite Lakewood Theatre performers as a fundraiser for the Artist Training Facility. Light refreshments at 7:00 p.m. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 12. $30/person ($20 is tax deductible). Lakewood Theatre Company, 368 S. State Street. 503.635.3901.

Valentine walk. Take your honey for a stroll around the beautiful Marylhurst University campus along with other Winter Walk enthusiasts on Thursday, February 13. Lunch at the cafeteria. Meet at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way at 9:00 a.m. to carpool. $2 fee. 503.675.2549.

Valentine’s edition of William Stafford discussion group. In the spirit of the holiday, you’re invited to bring in one of Stafford’s romantic poems. One of my favorites is: “When I Met My Muse,” with this opening line, “I glanced at her and took my glasses off—they were still singing.” Friday, February 14, 1:00 p.m., Adult Community Center-Acorn Room, 505 G Avenue. 503.675.2538.

Wine tasting. World Class Wines is adding a valentine theme to its weekly tasting featuring “sweetheart wines.” They’ll include a Treos 2011 Stolen Kisses Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Gris that has been “lightly kissed by Muscat.” The taste “lingers on your lips and in your memory like a Stolen Kiss.” You might also enjoy the 2010 Pasqua Passimento Veneto, a full bodied red obtained from a blend of native grapes from Verona, the place that gave us Romeo and Juliet. The label features the wall where the star-crossed lovers left their love notes and thousands of tourists return to do the same every year. Friday, February 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $15 for 6 wines; $5 bonus pour. 269 A Avenue. 503.974.9841

Speed dating. For all you singles out there, Maher’s Irish Brew Pub is hosting its fourth annual speed dating night on Valentine’s Day beginning at 7:00 p.m. (signups at 6:30 p.m.) Drink specials include $1 off all drinks, $5 Mangria, $3 beer specials and a free glass of champagne to all participants. 352 B Avenue, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.305.8087.

Photo courtesy of gubgib at freedigitalphotos.net.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

What Lake Oswego’s Old Town Neighborhood Has in Common with Trailblazer Wesley Matthews

Posted on January 19, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

To quell any rumors that Portland trailblazer Wesley Matthews had lost his edge or let up on his game at the beginning of this season, he wrote the lyrics from a song by hip hop artist Big Sean on a reporter’s notebook right before his first exhibition game, “I’m the new version of the old me.

The same could be said for Lake Oswego’s Old Town Neighborhood. Although it’s the oldest part of the city, an active neighborhood association and a forward-thinking neighborhood plan adopted in 1998, ensures that like a fine wine, Old Town is improving with age.

CONVENIENT LOCATION. Ten year resident, Dick Reamer, calls Old Town the “perfect location.” He rattles off everything that is within walking distance: George Rogers Park, Willamette River, Albertson’s grocery store, coffee shops, movie theater, Lakewood Center, downtown Lake Oswego. And if it’s too far to get to on foot, public transit runs right along State Street which borders the neighborhood on the western boundary.

CHARM. Many bungalow style homes dot the streets and the neighborhood plan strives to incorporate more dense housing while still maintaining the quaint feel.

HISTORY. Old Town is the birthplace of Lake Oswego. It was platted in 1851 by Albert Alonzo Durham and grew as the iron industry developed, bringing with it workers who needed places to live. A portion of the iron smelting chimney remains and is on display at George Rogers Park. Historical landmarks include the George Rogers house and the Odd Fellows Hall on Durham Street which has been converted into several housing units. Walking down neighborhood streets is like walking down memory lane with street names assigned to important Lake Oswego figures like Ladd, Leonard, Wilbur and Durham.

AMBIANCE. Reamer describes the neighborhood as reminiscent of the neighborhoods he remembers as a youngster growing up. Life seems to slow down when you turn off State Street onto Leonard, Wilbur or Ladd. There is a Little Free Library located at the corner of Wilbur and Durham where the honor system ensures that a steady stream of books is available for borrowing.

ACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION. The association usually holds about two general meetings a year along with six or seven board meetings. Guest speakers are invited in, like a recent meeting featuring the police chief who discussed safety issues and neighborhood watch. In the past they’ve also conducted a neighborhood preparedness survey, gathering contact information in case of emergency and identifying resources like doctors, nurses and CERT trained volunteers. Twice a year they try to get together socially, once in the summer for a potluck at George Rogers Park and another in December which has included watching the Christmas ships go by.

Reamer says when people discover Old Town, they often ask if there are any homes for sale in the neighborhood. Currently there is one listed at $979,000, a renovated 4,000 square foot Craftsman on Furnace Street with 3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. Last month a 3,552 square foot Craftsman built in 2004 on Leonard sold for $665,000.

Seems the residents are quite happy where they are, so if you’re looking to get in, watch the market closely or let me do the legwork for you. Experienced Realtors like myself often hear of listings before they hit the open market so put my network to work for you!

Posted in Lake Oswego neighborhoods | Tagged Old Town | Leave a comment

Lake Oswego Preschool Forum Is First Stop When Shopping for Preschools

Posted on January 12, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

The Lake Oswego Mom’s Club and Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department are making it easy for Lake Oswego parents to check out their preschool options by bringing local providers all together under one roof on Thursday, January 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the West End Building, 4010 Kruse Way.

This is a great chance to narrow down your options before making appointments to preview these schools with your child. Representatives will be on hand to discuss teaching philosophies and answer questions.

Speaking of questions, the Lake Oswego Mom’s Club offers some things to consider when previewing schools.

●What is the level of parental involvement? At a cooperative program like Oswego Playschool, parents work in the classroom about twice a month. Depending on your schedule and other commitments this could be a plus.

●Is there before or after school child care available? This was a factor we considered for our third child who was extroverted even at the young age of four and liked the opportunity to stay longer at school. It worked for my wife too whose time was more committed with three kids under the age of eight.

●What does a typical day look like? Does the ratio of playtime to structured activity time fit with your expectations? Check to see if they offer additional aspects that might be important to you like languages (The Chinese American International School in Lake Oswego, for example) or religious elements (like Bethlehem Christian Preschool in Lake Oswego or Neveh Shalom Foundation School in Portland).

There are lots of choices out there—over 40 schools will be represented—so save yourself some footwork and take the one-stop-shopping approach by attending the forum. Limited child care is available.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Lake Oswego Reads Kicks Off This Week With Book Giveaway

Posted on January 5, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego Reads is honoring one of its own this year by giving away over 800 free copies of Ask Me, a collection of one hundred of William Stafford’s poems in celebration of his centennial, this Tuesday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to national fame, winning several awards including the National Book Award in 1963 for Traveling Through the Dark and serving as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress in 1970 (an honor now known as Poet Laureate), Stafford was a local celebrity who taught at Lewis and Clark College and lived in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Kickoff festivities include music by fiddler Kathryn Claire and Stafford’s favorite carrot cake. These are just to whet your literary appetite for all the events the LO Reads program has lined up in honor of William Stafford for February.

Here are some highlights:

●Stafford Discussion Groups held on February 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street; February 14 at 1:00 p.m. at the Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue; February 21 at 1:00 p.m at the Lake Oswego Municipal Golf Course Restaurant, 17525 Stafford Rd; and February 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

●A free two day Stafford symposium at Lewis and Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd., Miller Hall. Registration requested.

●Centennial celebration filled with nationally recognized authors and poets at the Newmark Theatre, Friday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m., 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR. Tickets: $19-$57.

●Children’s puppet show at the Lake Oswego Library based on Stafford’s picture book, Everyone Out Here Knows: A Big Foot Tale. Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. , 706 Fourth Street.

●Complimentary dessert buffet and presentation by Stafford’s son, Kim Stafford, Thursday, February 13. Dessert at 6:00 p.m. in Lake Oswego High School Cafeteria; presentation at 7:00 p.m. in auditorium. 2501 Country Club Road. Tickets are free but only two per library card and issued on Saturday, February 1, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

●High School Poetry Slam, Thursday, February 20 at 3:30 p.m. at Lake Oswego High School Black Box Theater, 2501 Country Club Rd.

Check the library for a complete listing of events.

Posted in Lake Oswego Library, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged Lake Oswego Reads | Leave a comment

The Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions and How You Can Keep Them if You Live in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on December 29, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

If you’re part of the 45 percent of the population who make New Year’s resolutions, I have some bad news for you. Only 8 percent of you will actually be successful in keeping that resolution, according to a study by the University of Scranton.

You can stack the odds in your favor by making your goals very specific and measurable and by getting some support in helping to meet them.

Here’s a look at the Top 10 resolutions made last year and how you might pursue them in you live in Lake Oswego.

Lose weight. Start training for the Lake Run and shedding those pounds. Set for Saturday, May 10 you have five months to get in shape for either their 12K, 5K or Kids Dash. According to the experts, that’s the perfect goal—measurable and doable. What are you waiting for?
Get organized. Enlist the help of a professional like Danielle Liu, a certified professional organizer at Totally Orderly in West Linn.
Spend less, save more. Take advantage of all the FREE opportunities offered here in Lake Oswego from the LO Reads program that kicks off January 7 to the summer concert series.
Enjoy life to the fullest. I see some pretty happy people around town in Lake Oswego. They’re often spotted biking, running or walking around the lake, jumping off the docks at the Lake Grove swim park, harvesting their crops from the community gardens at Luscher Farm, enjoying the local cuisine at a variety of neighborhood favorite spots, debating the nuances of wines from different regions at World Class Wines…the list goes on. The opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest are here for the taking.
Stay fit and healthy. Enroll in a fitness class through the parks and recreation department with offerings from NIA to meditation. And start working more fruits and veggies into your diet—the Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market will make that much easier for you.
Learn something exciting. How’s Argentine Tango sound? You can try it for free (see resolution #3) on Thursday, January 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center at 505 G. Avenue.
Quit smoking. Refer to #1. Start training for the Lake Run and you’ll want those lungs to be at full capacity. Smoking won’t seem like such a good idea.
Help others in their dreams. Check out all the volunteer opportunities through the city of Lake Oswego from babysitting at the Farmer’s Market Doggie Day Care (contact Mary Kelly at 503.697.6517) or leading student groups on field trips to Luscher Farm (Dawn at 503.534.5284.).
Fall in love. Circle Valentine’s Day on your calendar and then make a point to attend Maher’s Pub’s Speed Dating event.
Spend more time with your family. Once again, the city of Lake Oswego is here to help. Take advantage of family-oriented programming from Movies in the Park during the summer to the Daddy-Daughter Dance, coming up March 8.

If one of your resolutions is to buy or sell your home, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been helping folks keep that New Year’s resolution for the past 25 years and would love to do the same for you.

Photo credit: Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Leave a comment

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on December 23, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Make no mistake–Lake Oswegans love their holidays and Christmas ranks right up there judging by the decorations lining our streets, donning our doors and lighting up our nights.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll find as you wander around.