Lake Oswego Puts On “Best of Show” With This Fall’s Colors

Posted on November 11, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

You can save a lot of money by living in Lake Oswego.

How? You don’t have to travel back east to see beautiful fall colors. My wife and I have been in New Hampshire for the October display of bright reds, oranges and yellows, but this past fall, we found that same intense color rush right here in the Lake Oswego neighborhoods and streets.

Our daughter confirmed this year’s “best of show” on her recent visit from California. Coming from a place where she was laying out in the sun the day before, she was reminded of what it means to live in a place with seasons.

These pictures are a reminder for you too of what fall can look like when you live in the right place–Lake Oswego, Oregon!

Another thing to enjoy in Lake Oswego besides fall colors is the Reunion Farmer’s Market scheduled for this Saturday, November 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park on the corner of First and Evergreen. Many of your favorite summer vendors will be on hand with fresh bounty for your Thanksgiving meal. There will also be live music, hay rides, local artisans and food for you to enjoy.

Thanks for checking in here. If you haven’t already, consider subscribing by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column. You’ll never miss out on 52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego.

And if you know of anyone thinking about moving here, please pass along my name. I’d love the chance to show them around!

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Lamb’s Palisades Market 14th Annual Holiday Show Kicks Off the Season of Entertaining in Lake Oswego

Posted on November 5, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Lamb’s Palisades Market Holiday Show is set for this Wednesday, November 7,  from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at its Lake Oswego store at 1377 McVey.

Lamb’s Palisades Market is helping to kick off the season of entertaining with its annual Holiday Show this Wednesday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Judging by the number of calls store manager Nick Goldsmith has received from customers inquiring about the date, chances are it will be the popular gathering spot it has been for the last 14 years.

While all of the Lamb’s markets host a Holiday Show, the Lake Oswego one is the busiest by far.

“Our customers really look forward to it,” explains Goldsmith who provides a limousine service to transport folks from the United Methodist Church parking lot at 1855 South Shore to the store at 1377 McVey. “It’s our way of thanking them for shopping with us all year.”

The show features over 50 vendors (Goldsmith actually has to turn vendors away) who will be sampling everything from beer and wine to eggnog and gluten free products. Day-of wine specials bring out the oenophiles in the crowd and experienced noshers can make a meal out of the offerings.

The most unusual item available for sampling? That would be ostrich which was a hit a few years back.

While the food and beverage may be what brings locals through the doors during this annual event, it’s the conversation that keeps them there longer than they planned.

The turnout which Goldsmith estimates in the hundreds, ensures that before too long, you’ll be discussing the nuances of an Argyle Chardonnay or doing taste tests of your favorite pesto with your neighbor or friend that you’ve just run into. In a town that likes to entertain, this is a happening so plan on being there.

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Lake Oswego Homes Are Spooktacular This Halloween

Posted on October 29, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

I know Halloween is supposed to be for the kids, but judging by how decked out some Lake Oswego homes are this season, my guess is that a lot of adults like the holiday too.

Treat yourself by driving around some Lake Oswego neighborhoods including the First Addition, Westridge,  River Run, and Village on the Lake to catch a glimpse of some of these creatures waiting to greet trick-or-treaters Halloween night. And don’t miss last year’s guide to the best trick-or-treating neighborhoods in town.


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Once Upon a Time the Lake Oswego Public Library Held a Storytelling Festival…Lucky For You, They Are Doing It Again

Posted on October 21, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

The Lake Oswego Public Library is holding its second annual Storytelling Festival this week. Created to celebrate last year’s kickoff of the library’s oral history project which preserves the stories of Lake Oswego neighbors, the festival continues in the tradition of helping attendees discover their stories and appreciate the stories of their neighbors.

What do you have in common with one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, the Lake Oswego Police Chief and a candidate for Lake Oswego City Council?

You all have a story to tell. You may not know yours yet, but the Lake Oswego Public Library is presenting its second annual Storytelling Festival in the hopes of helping you find it.

Featured presenters include Lopez Lumong, who went from being one of the Lost Boys of Sudan to an American citizen and Olympic athlete. Hearing his story alone is worth blocking this week out on your calendar. He kicks things off on Monday, October 22 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Marylhurst University Commons, 17600 Pacific Highway.

All events are free and open to the public; however, space can be limited so please register where noted.

In addition to Lumong’s presentation, this year’s highlights include:

■Workshop: Grandma, Tell Me a Story with Storytellers Terry Jordan (who also is running for Lake Oswego City Council) and Anne Rutherford. Learn how to weave stories to your kids and grandkids.  Tuesday, October 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.

■Workshop: Finding Your Voice: From Anecdote to Story with Storyteller Alton Chung. Turn your memories into stories others can enjoy. Tuesday, October 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oswego Heritage House, 398 Tenth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.

■Workshop: Pass the Word: Storytelling Workshop for Ages 8-12 with Storyteller Will Hornyak. Through games and exercises, your kids will be telling stories before they know it! Wednesday, October 24, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.

■Best of the Police Blotter. Truth can be stranger than fiction as told by Lake Oswego Police Chief Don Johnson and Milwaukie Police Chief Bob Jordan. Wednesday, October 24, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

■Tales from the Grave. Just in time for Halloween-here’s your chance to get spooked with scary stories from Sarah Houser, Anne Rutherford and Anne Penfound. Thursday, October 25, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oswego Heritage House, 398 Tenth Street.

■Neighborhood Photo Gallery Reception and Hot Fudge Sundaes. Vote for your favorite neighborhood photo telling the story of what makes it great. Friday, October 26, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

■Open Mike/Story Swap! You’ve listened and watched…now it’s your turn to tell your tale. Friday, October 26, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Chuck’s Place, 148 B Avenue.

■Lifting Up the Sky: Stories of People Working Together with Storyteller Will Hornyak. Common roots and cooperation tie these tales together. Saturday, October 27, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

■Telling Lives: Allures and Ambushes with Storytellers Alton Chung, Steve Henegar and Terry Jordan. Finish the week off with a happy ending by sitting back and being entertained. Saturday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way.

Still debating about whether or not to go? Check out last year’s post on the festival and hear the storytellers tell you in their own words why you should attend.

Stories is what this blog is all about–stories of what makes Lake Oswego such a great place to live. If you have a story to share, I’d love to hear it!

Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column so you don’t miss out on all there is to know about why living in Lake Oswego is a good thing.

And if you know of anyone who is interested in moving here, please have them contact me. I’d love to show them around!

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Why John Muir Would Love the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation’s Thursday Hikes and Rambles

Posted on October 15, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks.” Program participants in Lake Oswego’s Parks and Recreation’s Thursday Hikes and Rambles couldn’t agree more.

“I never take a hike where I don’t learn something new,” explains hike coordinator Sandy Jackson who started out with the group when it all began in 1984 (and took a ten year hiatus in there somewhere while working). The mix of backgrounds, occupations, and stages in life makes for stimulating conversations along the trail.

Exercise hooks other hikers to sign up. The hikes cover six to ten miles and can climb up to 2,000 feet. Rambles stay under six miles and stick to elevations less than 750-1,000 feet. For walkers tired of hitting the city streets, these organized hikes provide a welcome change of scenery.

Friendships seem to grow with the mileage logged in. “For some of us it becomes more than just a recreational group,” explains hiker Ruth Spielman. “It becomes a social network.

And then for others…they find that love blooms along with the wildflowers. A few romantic relationships have developed, including one divorced couple who started dating again and remarried. “The couple that hikes together stays together,” laughs longtime hiker Carolyn Knutson.

Although not scientific by any means, Jackson believes that “Being outside makes you more positive.” Her fellow hikers agree. “My husband always says, ‘There’s never a bad hike?’” laughs Knutson as she recalls returning home from every hike in a good mood.

Hike coordinator Jeanine Thoene speaks of the same afterglow. “I talk to my sister who lives in Nevada about this group and she says, ‘There’s no downside. Every time I talk to you, you’re up when you come back from one of these hikes. I don’t even live in Lake Oswego and I love this group!’”

These are definitely some happy trails worth checking out. All the details are included in the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation catalog. Hikes and rambles both take place on Thursdays. “You don’t have to sign up until you get here,” explains Jackson. So if you wake up and feel like moving, just show up at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way. Hikers leave at 8:00 a.m. (unless otherwise noted) and travel no further than two hours away from Lake Oswego. Ramblers leave at 8:30 a.m. and don’t travel as far. Fees will be collected and carpools assigned.

The season runs from mid-January to the week before Thanksgiving so there is still time to get out there and receive more than you seek!

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10 Reasons Why The Lakewood Theatre Company Makes 60 Look Good!

Posted on October 8, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

The Lakewood Theatre Company has lifted the curtain on its sixtieth season with its current production of South Pacific. Sixty never looked so good and here’s why.

1. They want to share the love. The love of theatre runs deep among the Lakewood Theatre Company crew and they’re determined to share that passion by tracking down the best material that will connect with their audience.

Executive Director Andrew Edwards estimates they read more than 100 properties per year and scout for talent all over the country. They like to feature new talent and new material when possible. Out of the 41 actors in the current production of South Pacific, more than 20 are making their debut performance on a Portland area stage. With more than 170 performances a year, “We have to keep hitting the ball out of the park,” explains Edwards, to stay in business as long as they have.

 2. “We try to live within our budget.” Although the Lakewood Theatre Company’s mission is to nurture and promote a love of drama, it is also a business, as Edwards knows all too well. So when he talks of success, he talks of long-range vision and incremental growth in addition to premier performances and an engaging blend of shows.

 3. Bragging rights. The Lakewood Theatre Company is the oldest continually operated not-for-profit theatre company in the Portland metro area.

4. Wide appeal. While located in Lake Oswego, the Lakewood Theatre Company serves and draws from a 60 mile radius including Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Washington and Clark Counties in Oregon and Washington. In fact Lake Oswegans only account for about 25 percent of the LTC’s participation and contribution numbers. The rest comes from the wider area.

5. Volunteers. The back crew that helps keep the Lakewood Theatre Company running is 400-500 strong with volunteers involved in everything from office work to fundraising to physical labor.

6. Intimate theatre. As an audience-goer, I can attest, there ain’t a bad seat in the house. The new auditorium completed in 2003 features 220 seats with none further than 35 feet from the stage.

7. Variety. The Lakewood Theatre Company manages that balance between listening to their audience and bringing their audience along. Edwards explains the Company’s philosophy in challenging both actors and audiences by bringing in a variety of productions, some audiences are not always familiar with. He likens it to dining out where trying something new can make the experience that much more delightful.

8. People keep coming back. The average sell-out rate for each show is 85-90 percent, mostly from pre-sold subscription packages. That’s high for a non-profit theatre by industry standards.

9. Continuity. Andrew Edwards started out with the Lakewood Theatre Company back in 1977 in a six month temporary position. Thirty five years later he has traded in his acting and directing hats for that of executive director who is a bit of an icon in this town. He’s not the only one to see a good thing and want to make it grow. Many of the volunteers and staff have been around for 10-15 years. They’re invested in the Lakewood Theatre Company and it shows.

10. Location. The Lakewood Theatre Company benefits from the rich theatre milieu of the Portland metro area, drawing from a wealth of talent both onstage as well as behind-the-scenes.

I have to add one more: the Costume Sale being held this Friday and Saturday, October 12 and 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This was a “must attend” event for my wife when our kids were in trick-or-treat mode and she was an art literacy volunteer in search of costumes for her presentations. Past finds included matching Dorothy of Oz dresses for our daughter and her, a drum major hat, cheerleader outfit and a roaring 20s dress. Don’t miss it –the Lakewood Theatre costume castoffs could make you a big hit at this year’s Halloween party.

The lineup for the Lakewood Theatre Company’s sixtieth season includes: South Pacific, Art, Grand Hotel, Rumors, La Cage Aux Folles, White Christmas on the main stage and Mr. President, Fiorello! and Call Me Madam on the Side Door stage. Read more.

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Check Out the Scarecrows and Vote For Your Favorite Before They Disappear After October 12

Posted on October 1, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Sneaky Pete is one of the more popular scarecrows at Luscher Farm. He’s tricky though, and kids have to hunt to find him. Once they do, they can proudly wear a sticker that proclaims, “I found Sneaky Pete!”

The Luscher Farm scarecrows are going…going…gone after October 12 so hop on your tractor, your broom, whatever moves you and get over to check them out and vote for your favorite (the ballot box is located in the tool shed).

Nancy Sergeant and her Oswego Garden Club volunteers have lined up a cast of zany characters to make you smile and rethink the art of scarecrow-creating.

The poor guys and gals (and 24 kids too) have been up since June and need to be taken down before winter sets in. After a year’s worth of costume-hunting, Sergeant and her crew will have plenty of inspiration to choose from next June when they meet to create next year’s characters.

Here are a few characters you’ll find as you are walking around. And if you’ve got kids, tell them to be on the lookout for Sneaky Pete–he’s hiding out somewhere, holding a prize for whoever finds him.

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Why Galen Rupp Would Love Lake Oswego

Posted on September 24, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

It’s no secret—Galen Rupp loves to run.

And the city of Lake Oswego is doing its best to inspire a love of running among third through eighth graders with the last of three free Cross Country One Mile Runs coming up this Thursday, September 27, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Uplands Elementary.

So Rupp would love to know that…

■These runs are free—just show up in time to register before the 4:30 p.m. start time. Thursday’s race is at Uplands Elementary, 2055 Wembley Park Road in Lake Oswego.

■The runs are for fun—not competition. With different age and skill levels  sharing the same course, the emphasis is on individual performance. “We don’t keep track of what place they finish, just the time it took to run a mile,” explains Jean Ostrander, recreation specialist for the city of Lake Oswego. “It’s so encouraging because parents and high school cross country team members are out there rooting on the kids with so much enthusiasm. For many of them, to complete the mile is a great accomplishment.”

■The turnout is good—typically 30 kids will show up but organizers report as many as 60 at one time. And now, after Rupp’s inspiring Olympic performance, interest could be even higher.

■Parents can join in too. Some participants turn it into a family affair so the more the merrier!

■The seeds for future cross country participation are planted in these fun runs. “Since we started we have seen kids that participated in the runs are now on the high school teams, and their numbers have really grown over the past years,” explains Ostrander.  Cross country athletes from both high schools lead off the runs with stretches and warm-up exercises followed by a motivating speech to the runners that includes information about the high school programs.

■Prizes are awarded to finishers. Every participant gets a Parks and Recreation One Mile ribbon marked with his or her time. Runners who enter more than once can try to improve on their time from the week before.

Make like Galen Rupp and steer your athlete-to-be over to Uplands Elementary this Thursday. Discover what Finnish runner, Juha Väätäinen meant when he said, “Stadiums are for spectators. We runners have nature and that is much better.”

Questions? Call Ostrander at: 503.675.3901.

Looking for other reasons to love Lake Oswego? Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

Photo credit: Courtesy of zirconicusso/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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And Then What Happened? Find out in Lake Oswego at Creative Writing Workshops for Grades 4-6

Posted on September 17, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Teresa Klepinger is a storyteller on a mission—to stimulate children’s imaginations and get them excited about writing.

Author of Scholastic’s recently published teacher resource, Cliffhanger Writing Prompts, Klepinger is offering a Creative Writing Workshop for grades 4-6 at the Lake Oswego Library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on four consecutive Wednesdays, beginning September 26.

Why do kids need help with being creative?

According to Klepinger, the structure and demands of school assignments can sometimes squelch the muse. Rewrites, writing for a grade—that can take the fun out of writing. “It becomes a chore,” Klepinger, explains, and she’d like to put the excitement back into it.

How does she do that?

By using writing prompts and giving kids permission to let their imaginations be their guide. There are no grades, no expectations to hold them back and as a result, kids come up with some amazing stories that even Klepinger admits she couldn’t have dreamed up.

One of her favorites was a girl’s response to this prompt: two boys discover a trap door in the floor of the barn that they hadn’t seen before and so they open it up. When Klepinger ended it with, “And then…” one fifth grade girl blurted out, “There was a giant chocolate chip cookie singing the national anthem.”

Klepinger’s approach is a far cry from the, “Tell me what you did last summer,” assignment and stimulates children’s imaginations in a more open-ended way. She knows she has struck a chord when she has to settle down the brainstorming part of the workshop so the kids can write down their own individual story endings.

“Once they realize there is no one right answer, they start getting sillier with more outlandish ideas—it’s hard for them to hold themselves back from shouting out what they think happens next,” Klepinger explains.

Want your child to catch some of Klepinger’s enthusiasm for writing? Call 503.697.6580 to sign up. And check out the library’s other exciting children’s and teen programs. 

Learn more about Lake Oswego’s public library in this blog post.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Poonsap/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Who Needs Old MacDonald When You Have Luscher Farm?

Posted on September 10, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Luscher Farm is hosting an Open House this Saturday, September 15th from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 125 Rosemont Rd. in West Linn.

Old MacDonald may have had a farm, but who needs it when you live in Lake Oswego?

The city of Lake Oswego has taken the former dairy operation owned by Rudie and Esther Luscher and turned it into a community garden, children’s garden, organic education center, natural respite, and home to 92 scarecrows.

You can check Luscher Farm out this Saturday, September 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 125 Rosemont Road in West Linn during a special Open House.

Activities include demonstrations, tastings and tours, garden items and plant sales and a petting zoo. Parking is available in the C3 Church parking lot on Stafford Road with free shuttle service provided.

What you’ll discover is that Luscher Farm is a special place. Consider this:

●Organic community garden plots are a hot commodity. There were 26 plots the first year in operation. Eleven years later there are 180 which are grabbed up quickly by current gardeners with an annual lottery system for awarding open spots. Cost is $75 a year for residents/$86 for non-residents, plus four hours of community time helping to maintain the farm. Some might consider that a benefit–“It’s amazing how well you get to know somebody pulling weeds together,” explains Farm Coordinator Karen Davis. Gardeners form a community within the community.

●Luscher Farm is not just a place to grow things. It’s also a place to learn about things like how to harvest your vegetables or put your garden to bed (offered by one of the farm’s partners, Oregon Tilth). Kid classes include Kids in the Kitchen, Farm Explorers and a Junior Master Gardener class. Davis’ most popular class has been one on hanging baskets that she offers in May. An estimated 800 participants take advantage of the farm’s programming each year.

●There are countless “aha” moments…like when a child returned to the children’s garden after planting some seeds and declared, “Look! I’m the father of a radish!”

●A delegation from China touring farmland in the U.S. in search of ways to improve their food production included Luscher Farm on their itinerary because they’d heard such good things about it.

●Old MacDonald may have been able to do it himself. But Luscher Farm is a team effort. Partners include the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department, 47th Avenue Farm Community Supported Agriculture, Oregon Tilth Education Center, Friends of Rogerson Clematis Collection and Friends of Luscher Farm.

●Add to that the 1,776 volunteer hours clocked in last year. Those include the Eagle Scouts who have helped develop community garden plots, build kiosks, and install water systems as well as the Oswego Garden Club members who breathe new life into the scarecrows every year.

●The scarecrows alone are worth the trip. Currently there are 92 in residence, all styled and fashioned by the Oswego Garden Club. Cast a vote for your favorite by October 12 –find the ballot box in the tool shed. Kids can also keep an eye out for Sneaky Pete who is hiding out somewhere on the farm.

●Even people who don’t have time to be urban farmers can live off Luscher Farm land. 47th Avenue Farm grows produce for residents who sign up to be shareholders. Membership is available through the Registrar at the Parks and Recreation Department.

By all accounts, Luscher Farm is one of the things that makes living in Lake Oswego special. Check it out this Saturday. And take a look at why I think Family Circle included Lake Oswego in its 2012 list of best family towns!

And if you want to stay posted on 52 other reasons to love Lake Oswego, subscribe to my blog by clicking the  “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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