Spring Break Activities Make Sure Kids Will Be Anything But Bored in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 16, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Spring Break Stuart MilesNext week school will be out for Spring Break, but there is no excuse for kids to be bored here in Lake Oswego. Check out these offerings from a lacrosse clinic to acting and singing camps for all ages.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OFFERINGS. Register at their website.

■Lifeguard Review Class for ages 15+. Friday, March 28 through Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the District Pool, 2455 SW Country Club Road in Lake Oswego. Class is for currently or recently certified lifeguards and provides skill testing outside a full course setting. Fee: $175.

■Lifeguard Training for ages 15+. First you must pass a swim test on Saturday, March 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the District Pool. Classes held Monday, March 24 through Thursday, March 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the District Pool, 2455 SW Country Club Road in Lake Oswego. Fee: $230.

■Spring Break Lacrosse Clinic, grades 2-8. Get ready to play! Monday, March 24 through Tuesday, March 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Lake Oswego High School turf field, 2501 SW Country Club Road in Lake Oswego. Fee: $95.

■Teen Safety: Awareness, Prevention, and Basic Self Defense for girls in grades 6-12.  This one day workshop is designed to help young girls identify and avoid situations and behaviors that put them at risk. Taught by a black belt martial artist, self-defense trainer and mom. Wednesday, March 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lake Grove Elementary School, 15777 Boones Ferry Road. Fee: $64.

■The Acting Club: Komedy Kidz for grades K-5. Enjoy the opportunity to put together an original show: writing, designing, singing, performing, technical crew. Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., ending with a performance the last day of class. Multipurpose room at Lake Oswego High School, 2455 SW Country Club Road in Lake Oswego. Fee: $155.

LAKE OSWEGO PARKS AND RECREATION OFFERINGS. Register on their website. 

■Spring Break Farm Camp for ages 5-12 includes arts and crafts, songs and games. Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road, West Linn. Class #2157400. Fee: $155/resident; $178/non-resident.

■Lego® Fun Pre-Engineering Camp for ages 5-6 offers a chance to build houses, pyramids, bridges, race cars and more. Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way in Lake Oswego. Class #2157250. Fee: $155/resident; $178/non-resident.

■Rocket Lab for ages 7-12 teaches campers the physics of rockets and lets them build and launch rockets everyday. Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way in Lake Oswego. Class 2157028. Fee: $157/resident; $181/non-resident.

■Beginning Rock and Songwriting Camp for ages 7-12 introduces rock star wannabes to instruments (drums, bass, guitar, keyboard) and fundamentals of music (pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm). Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way in Lake Oswego. Class #2158200. Fee: $144/resident; $166/non-resident.

■Glee Week for ages 7-12 gives kids a chance to sing solos and group numbers with RMC Studios. Learn technique and proper posture through the process. Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way in Lake Oswego. Class #2158215. Fee: $144/resident; $166/non-resident.

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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 includes sports, arts and crafts, games and more at Mountain Park Rec Center, 2 Mt. Jefferson Terrace. Full Week Fee: $125/ Mt. Park residents with $100 for each additional sibling; $175/non-members with $150 for each additional sibling. Full Day Fee: $35/members with $30 for each additional sibling; $45/non-members with $40 for each additional sibling.

LAKEWOOD THEATRE COMPANY. Classes held at the Lakewood Center, 368 S. State Street, Lake Oswego. 503.635.3901. Download a registration form here.

■Starstruck for ages 6-10 and 11-17. Here’s your kid’s chance to perform, practice improvisational skills and auditions using commercial, film, and TV scripts all under the tutelage of Emmy award winning writer/producer/director Sandra Peabody.  Monday, March 24 through Thursday, March 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 6-10 and 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for ages 11-17. Fee: $90. Limited enrollment.

■Shakespeare As You Like Him! For ages 14-adult lets you get up close and personal with As You Like It through acting, reading and reflection. Taught by Nancy McDonald, founder of New York City’s Shakespeare Stage Company. Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fee: $50. ■Magic for Everyone for ages 7-87 introduces you to the basics of magic from a master magician on Monday, March 25 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fee: $25.

TRYON CREEK NATURE DAY CAMPS. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland, OR. 503.636.4398. Register online.

■Monday, March 24: Rabbits Romping Through the Meadow for grades K-2 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $25/members;$45/non-members.

■Tuesday, March 25: Acrobatic Ravens, Gymnasts of the Forest for grades K-2 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $25/members; $45/non-members.

■Wednesday, March 26: Frogs, Jump and Salamanders Slither for grades 2-5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $30/members; $50/non-members.

■Thursday, March 27: Mushroom Hunt for grades 1-4 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $30/members; $50/non-members.

■Friday, March 28: Sensational Salmon for grades 2-5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $30/members;$50/non-members.

LAKE OSWEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY. 706 Fourth Street. 503.636.7628.

■Puppet show: Boogie Woogie with Penny’s Puppet Productions on Wednesday, March 26 from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Free.

■Madden in the Library! for PS3 gamers in grades 6 and up on Friday, March 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free.

■Spring Break Special: Little Wing Music Class for budding preschool musicians on Saturday, March 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Free.

PLAY BOUTIQUE. 464 First Street. 503.675.7529. Register on their website.

■Spring Break Camps with daily themes provide cooking and action filled fun from Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28. Half and full day options available as well as single day or weekly participation.

●1-2 year olds from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee: $42 for half day; $72 for full day until 3:30.

●3-7 year olds from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee: $30 for half day/$135 for the week; $50 for full day until 3:30/$210 for the week.

●8-12 year olds from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee: $30 for half day/$135 for the week; $50 for full day until 3:30/$210 for the week.

■Frozen Glee Camp features instructors from RMC Studios in voice, guitar, piano, drums and more from Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28.

●3-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fee: $30 for half day/$125 for the week; $50 for full day beginning at 9:30 a.m./$210 for full week.

If you’re considering moving to or moving within Lake Oswego and are here for Spring Break, I’d be happy to show you around. Just give me a call at 503.939.9801.

Photo credit: Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

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5 Irish Traditions Alive and Well for St. Patrick’s Day at Maher’s Pub in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 9, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

2014 St. Patrick's DayGoogle “St. Patrick” or “St. Patrick’s Day Festival” and Maher’s Irish Pub in Lake Oswego shows up on the first page. Need I say more? Maher’s is the place to be to celebrate this Irish holiday, starting this Friday, March 14, and continuing through Monday, March 17.

Here are a few Irish traditions you’ll find alive and well even though we’re 4,661 miles from Dublin, Ireland.

♣Celtic Music. There’s no mistaking the upbeat sound of guitars, banjos, whistles, flutes, fiddles and accordions for Celtic music. And don’t forget the clapping—that’s where you come in. Join in with the likes of Phelim Egan, and pub favorite, Bill Mullen. Did I mention the bagpipes?

♣Irish Dancing. It’s hard to listen to the music and not want to get up and dance. You can do that, but you also get the chance to watch Irish dancers break out the reels, the hornpipes and jigs. Their high stepping, ringlet-whipping performances are sure to get your Irish eyes a’smilin’.

♣Drinking. There’s an Irish saying that goes, “In heaven there is no beer…That’s why we drink ours here.” Maher’s aims to oblige by offering several brews including their own Feckin’ beer. If whiskey is more to your liking, The St. Paddy’s Eve Party on Sunday night, March 16, includes five tastings of the finest Jameson whiskey included in your $15 reservation.

♣Family fun. The Irish consider the laughing of children to be a blessing so consider yourself blessed if you show up between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Family Day, Sunday, March 16. There will be plenty to keep the little ones entertained, and yes, laughing, from crafts and games to Irish wolfhounds and face painting.

♣Irish food. Get your fill of traditional Irish fare from a menu that includes shepherd’s pie, corned beef, lamb stew, bangers and Bailey’s Chocolate Cheese Cake.

Check out the full schedule of events on the Maher’s Pub website.

If you’d like to stay up-t0-date on what’s to love about Lake Oswego, hit the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column and get weekly notifications of new blog posts.

Photo Credit: gubgib at freedigitalphotos.net

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The More You Know About Lake Oswego, The More You’ll Love It

Posted on March 2, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

welcome reduced for blogI’m a firm believer that the more you know about Lake Oswego, the more you’ll love it and consider moving here if you’re not lucky enough to call it home already.

That’s why, as a Realtor, I highlight something special about living in Lake Oswego each week in my blog.

I remember when my wife and I first drove through Lake Oswgo and saw residents enjoying the Lake Grove Swim Park. We turned to each other and said, “I can’t believe people actually get to live here.”

Lake Oswego–it’s that kind of place which you feel lucky to call home…for more than 52 Reasons…my blog is in its third year running so you can do the math.

Better yet, take my quiz. Don’t worry–it’s not a comprehensive exam…only 10 questions on some Lake Oswego Trivia that proves my point that , “the more you know about Lake Oswego, the more you love it.”
Take Our Quiz!

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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

Windjammer-logo-12jan-page0001 reduced(2)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.

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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 befor

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.

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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.

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.

 

 

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

Posted on February 2, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

WinterSometimes 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 1st 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.

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

Posted on January 26, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Love for valentine's dayIt 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.

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

Posted on January 19, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

2014 Old TownTo 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!

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Lake Oswego Preschool Forum Is First Stop When Shopping for Preschools

Posted on January 12, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

LOMC PSF Logo reducedThe 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.

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