Why Lawrence Welk Would Think the Windjammer’s Variety Show is Wunnerful, Wunnerful

Posted on February 25, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Windjammer-logo-12jan-page0001 reduced(2)Lawrence Welk knew what American television audiences wanted and delivered just that over the 27 years his show ran from 1955 to 1982. Harkening back to “those good old days,” the theme for this year’s Lake Oswego High School Windjammer Variety Show is “Call Me Old Fashioned.” Here’s why Welk himself would love to be in the audience.

  1. TOP QUALITY VOCALISTS. Windjammers is an auditioned elite choir that features the best that Lake Oswego High School choir director Cole Blume has to offer. Students go through a selective process where they must prove their skill in not only singing but reading music and learning songs quickly. “That’s important,” Blume explains, “because Windjammers do three to four dozen pieces a year—about four times more than any of the other choirs sing.”
  2. SCHMALTZ. Welk was known for his wholesome brand of entertainment and classic sound. “This year we are really going for something that looks that way, sounds that way, but also feels that way to people,” explains Blume. So expect to see good singing, snappy dancing, elegant costumes, a live band, an accordion player, and yes, bubble machines.
  3. RIGOROUS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE. Welk was known to demand commitment from his performers. Windjammer members have been working on the Variety Show since September when they first started brainstorming song choices. Five weeks of rehearsals lead up to opening night.
  4. BIG BAND SOUND. For the past three years Lake Oswego’s Jazz Band has performed with Windjammers in the Variety Show. One of the criteria for song choice selection is published band accompaniment.
  5. VARIETY. In addition to the Windjammers, the Jazz Band, a girls’ and boys’ barbershop quartet, seven solos, and dancing, forty elementary students will perform onstage during the “Old Time Rock n Roll” number. They participated in a day camp put on by the Windjammers earlier in the year and this is their 5 minutes of fame.
  6. CLASSIC PLAY LIST. Some of the hits featured include: “Feeling Good” (released in 1965 but updated by artists like Michael Bublé), “I Won’t Dance” (a Frank Sinatra hit), and the Judy Garland/Barbra Streisand duet, “Happy Days Are Here Again/C’mon Get Happy.”

Show dates and times are Thursday, February 28, Friday, March 1 (includes the Windjammer Camp Kids), Saturday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10/General Admission, $8/children, seniors and students. Lake Oswego High School Auditorium, 2501 Country Club Road.

Posted in Lake Oswego Schools, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

10 Reasons Why George Bailey Would Love the First Addition Neighborhood in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on February 18, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

FANGeorge Bailey thought he wanted to leave his small hometown behind but in the end of It’s a Wonderful Life, he realizes that Bedford Falls has everything he needs. People who are lucky enough to live in the First Addition Neighborhood in Lake Oswego, Oregon probably feel the same way. Here’s why:

  1. Charm. From the quaint cottages to the picket fences, the neighborhood oozes with a small town feel. Country Living named the First Addition Neighborhood (FAN) as one of the 10 Best Cottage Communities in 2006.
  2. Walkability. The neighborhood is designed to be pedestrian friendly with tree canopied streets, front porches where folks actually sit and call out to you, and commercial and retail establishments within walking distance. It was picked as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods in America by the American Planning Association in 2007 as a testament to how well it works.
  3. Eclectic. “There is a healthy mix of housing types,” explains First Addition/Forest Hills Neighborhood Association Chair, Carole Ockert “with houses, apartments, condominiums, and storefront townhomes.” Cookie cutter architecture this is not, with homes that draw from a variety of styles: English cottage, craftsman, bungalow, ranch, Gothic and Prairie. As a result, residents represent a mix of old, young, empty nesters and young families just starting out.
  4. Amenities. You can get a feel for how much this neighborhood packs into 120 acres when you realize all that you’ll find here: an award winning public library, post office, small private community pool, and city park.
  5. Alleys. Twenty foot wide alleys contribute to the welcoming nature of the streetscape. Garage access to many of the homes is from these alleyways and in fact, the neighborhood plan stipulates that new homes need to incorporate this feature into their design.
  6. History. The First Addition was first platted in 1888 and is home to several historic structures and some of the oldest trees and gardens in the city. Check out the 130 year old sugar maple on the corner of Third and C or the over 130 year old American Elm on First Street between B and C.
  7. Easy commute. For many First Addition residents, the commute to work means walking a few blocks down to the Tri-Met Transit Center at Fourth and A Avenue and hopping on a bus for a thirty minute ride to downtown Portland.
  8. Forest Hills School. Just outside the First Addition boundaries, Forest Hills Elementary is still within walking distance for many neighborhood residents. The playground and fields are popular spots for families on weekends and after school.
  9. Shopping district. From groceries to office supplies, haircuts to shoe repair, First Addition residents don’t have to travel far to take care of their needs. “We see the stores and the people who run those businesses as part of our neighborhood,” explains Ockert. They serve on association committees addressing issues such as parking or traffic. “We believe in the vitality of those businesses so we encourage people to shop local and I think the merchants care about that too so they are very responsive to our concerns. It’s a good symbiotic relationship,” she adds.
  10. Active neighborhood association. The people who live and work here are invested in protecting the quality of life they enjoy as spelled out in their neighborhood plan, “The First Addition neighborhood of the future will be much like the First Addition neighborhood of today.” In recent years, FAN merged with the Forest Hills Neighborhood Association so while they maintain their individual boundaries, they embrace one neighborhood plan. In addition to monthly meetings, they host an annual get-together, typically in May. This year’s will feature an ice cream social to welcome all the newcomers into the neighborhood.

Homes in the First Addition range in price between $175,000 and $1.25 million. If you’re interested in exploring the possibilities of living here, give me a call. Besides living here, I’m a Realtor in Lake Oswego and I’d love to show you around.

Posted in Lake Oswego neighborhoods | Tagged | 3 Comments

10 Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on February 11, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Valentine's Day Marriage by Salvatore Vuono with freedigitalphotos.net

Let Lake Oswego businesses help you say, “I love you,” in a way your valentine will remember this year. Here are a few ideas:

♥Sweeten the message. Chocolates by Bernard can help. The traditionalist will find red velvet heart boxes filled with gourmet chocolates in two sizes, both with plenty for sharing that start at $36. Or select a dark chocolate champagne split filed with four champagne truffles for only $19.50.

Got a gluten free valentine on your list? Then head over to Crave Bake Shop where valentine offerings will include pop hearts (a gluten free cousin to pop tarts), mini cakes for two, raspberry passion fruit bars, and red velvet and champagne cupcakes. Chocolates by Bernard: 440 5th Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 888.829.6800; Crave Bake Shop: 460 5th Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.212.2979.

♥Pamper yourselves. Rumi Simone offers a couples spa package, The Perfect Romantic Duet. You’ll enjoy a royal bath in the duet suite followed by a rain shower and finished off with side-by-side 60 minute aromatherapy massages. The $375 fee includes champagne, chocolate, and gratuity. 345 1st Street, Suite 107, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.699.8899.

♥Woo her over candlelight. Make reservations at one of our local restaurants. Manzana’s is offering a Sweethearts Dinner Package with your choice of two land and sea combinations, two glasses of champagne, and dessert for two for $60. Plus enter for a chance to win a three day, two night Las Vegas getaway. Zeppo is featuring three specials including heart shaped lobster ravioli with champagne cream sauce($14.95), a macademia nut encrusted mahi mahi with mango papaya relish ($21.95) and Italian herb encrusted top sirloin with lemon roasted garlic compound butter ($22.95). Manzana Rotisserie Grill: 305 1st Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.675.3322; Zeppo Italian Restaurant: 345 1st Street, #105, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.675.2726.

♥Enjoy a lover’s feast. Watch this specially designed meal take shape before your very eyes in this demonstration style class taught by Chef Wendy Lincoln at In Good Taste. Tips and samples will be offered along the way as you indulge in a coursed meal beginning with small aphrodisiacal plates like northwest oysters on the half shell, followed by beef wellington and a chocolate tartlett. $125/person. Register online. Begins at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14. 6302 SW Meadows Rd., Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.248.2015.

♥Check in at The Grand Hotel. The Lakewood Theatre Company is in its final days of this production. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. showing are $35/adults, $32/seniors 65 and over, $20/students 25 and under. 368 S. State Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.635.3901.

♥Accessorize. Michelle Obama has jewelry on her Valentine’s wish list. If it’s good enough for the First Lady, it should be good enough for yours. Check out the heart jewelry at Accessories from the Heart. Owner Carol Winston is happy to share other gift ideas with you too such as red handbags and charming print pajamas. Let her help you look good. Accessories from the Heart: 220 A Avenue, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503. 675.1144

♥Date night. Holding hands in a movie theater—that will take you back, and score some points for being romantic. This week the Lake Twin Cinema is playing  two Oscar nominated films: the off-beat romantic comedy-drama, Silver Linings Playbook, and Argo, the dramatization of a covert operation to rescue six American hostages from Iran. Want to spend more time with your sweetie? Grab a drink or a bite to eat before or after the show at Stickmen’s Brewery & Skewery right down the block. Lake Twin Cinema: 106 N. State Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.635.5956; Stickmen’s: 40 N. State Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.344.4449.

♥Explore together. Join the Parks and Recreation’s Winter Walk for Valentine’s Day to Urban East Portland. Explore the happening area of Mississippi Avenue, Albina Triangle complete with eclectic shops and coffee stops. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way and carpool from there. Don’t tell her it’s a cheap date—only $3 per person (she doesn’t have to know).

♥Show her love is in bloom. A recent survey showed that 75 percent of men have given flowers to their valentines in the past two years. Let a local florist like R Bloom’s help you put a different twist on this tradition. How about a heart shaped wreath crafted out of pussy willow or a lovely anthurium plant with its heart shaped petals? Of course, if you want roses, they’ve got ’em, along with tulips and other flowers they can combine in a custom bouquet. R. Bloom’s, 267 A Avenue, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.636.5876.

♥Find your valentine. For all you singles out there, Maher’s Irish Brew Pub is hosting its third annual speed dating night on Valentine’s Day beginning at 7:00 p.m. Drink specials include $1 off all beers and a free glass of champagne to all participants. 352 B Avenue, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.305.8087.

The National Retail Federation says the average American will spend $130.97 on Valentine’s Day this year. How do you plan on spending yours? If you’ve got some different ideas, let us know.

Photo Credit: taken by Salvatore Vuono at freedigitalphotos.net

Posted in Things to Do in Lake Oswego | 1 Comment

7 Wintry Things To Do in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on February 4, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Winter taken by digitalart at freedigitalphotos.netRecently my daughter sent me a link to a Jimmy Kimmel skit where he was complaining about the 55 degree “cold snap,” in Los Angeles. “It was so cold I had to wear two tank tops to work,” Kimmel joked.

Weather is relative. Fifty-five degrees in February is chilly in Southern California but warm in Lake Oswego, Oregon where recent memory includes a January “cold snap” of 36 degree highs and lows in the 20s. One of the reasons people love living in Lake Oswego is because of the four seasons. Winter is here and it’s cold, so how do Lake Oswegans make the most of it?

●Hitch a ride on the skibus. The Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Bus provides a midweek getaway on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from nearby locations.

●Sign up for a winter hike. The Parks and Recreation Department offers Thursday walks at destinations no more than an hour away. One of February’s most intriguing itineraries is billed “Travel on the Five T’s” and includes a ride on a Tri Met bus, the Portland Trolley, a Max-Train, a hike on the Marquam Trail and a ride back down to the Tri Met bus on the OHSU Tram.

●Go in search of the perfect cup of coffee. There are ten Starbucks locations alone as well as a Peets. But don’t stop there. Try some local favorites like Chuck’s Place, Coffee Nook, or Blue Moon. And if tea is more to your liking, then Lady Di’s awaits you.

●Hunker down with a good book. Fill out the Lake Oswego Library’s reader profile and a librarian will use your answers to generate a customized list of book recommendations.

●Save 20 percent off golf lessons at the Lake Oswego Golf Course. Want to improve your swing or lower your handicap? Take advantage of this special winter promotion good on individual lessons until February 28.

●Start your plants from seeds. Learn how and save money on your spring planting in this course taught at Luscher Farms.

●Take in a high school basketball game. This year’s Lake Oswego Boys Varsity team is currently ranked #10 nationally. Their next home game is Tuesday, February 5 against Canby. Catch them play their cross-town rivals, the Lakeridge Pacers on Tuesday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeridge High School, 1235 SW Overlook Dr. Come early and catch the girls teams compete at 6:00 p.m.

            What’s your favorite way to while away the winter days in Lake Oswego?

Photo credit: taken by digitalart at freedigitalphotos.net

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

Step It Up Studios Hosts LO Reads Opening Party This Saturday

Posted on January 28, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

step it up logo (2)Time to let your inner Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers out? Why not check out Step It Up Studios Lakeside Ballroom Society at 101 A Avenue in Lake Oswego, this Saturday, February 2, at 6:00 p.m. as they host the opening party for the LO Reads program.

The event is free and includes champagne and appetizers, a group class teaching you four of the most popular social dances, followed by a demonstration by award winning dancers and time to practice what you’ve learned on the dance floor. You’ll also receive a pass for a complimentary private lesson for a later date. RSVP by February 1 to 503.744.0105.

Not sure social dancing is for you? Neither was Larry Fox. He didn’t start kicking up his heels until he was 58. Now seven years later he  travels from Aloha to downtown Lake Oswego three times a week to step on to the ballroom floor at Step It Up Studios.

Fox is not alone. Step It Up has over 200 members who sign up for a combination of personal lessons, group classes and socials. Check out some of the reasons they put on their dancing shoes.

  1. It’s fun. For the last year and a half, Fran Dishman has been going to Step It Up Studios three to four times a week. “Everybody has so much fun and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, if you’ve danced a lot or are somewhere in between.” Check out the film clip of the “Shall We Dance?” scene from The King and I. Even the stern-faced King of Siam, played by Yul Brynner, cracks a smile as he counts, “1-2-3” while whirling Deborah Kerr around the dance floor.
  2. THE INSTRUCTORS ARE TOP RATE. Owner Kristy Higgins brings over 18 years of musical theater and ballroom training into the studio. Between her and her partner, Stas Trilisky, they hold 19 dance championships. But it’s not just what they know that members value. “More importantly, they care about what they’re doing,” explains Fox. And they know how to teach.
  3. PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION. Members buy packages based on the number of lessons they want and move along at their own pace. All you have to do to become a member is take your first free lesson. Sign up on their website.
  4. Exercise. Dancing provides a great cardio workout. When in doubt, check out the weight loss claims of recent Dancing With the Stars contestants: Gladys Knight shed 60 pounds, Chaz Bono lost 18, and Kirstie Alley claims to have lost 100 and dropped 10 dress sizes since her first appearance on the show. Depending on your tempo and the style of dance, you can burn anywhere from 130 to over 500.
  5. IT’S A GREAT DATE NIGHT FOR COUPLES. Mike and Sue Richmond have been dancing at Step It Up since it opened. “It’s something we can work on together,” he explains. Larry Fox agrees that partner dancing can be good for relationships. “When you move well together, it’s an exquisite experience.”
  6. DANCER’S HIGH. Runners don’t have the market cornered on this feeling of euphoria. Dancers can feel it too. “For me, it’s when it becomes something you do without having to think about it and you’re actually with the music, you feel like you’re flying—it’s a feeling that’s not unlike a really great downhill ski run,” explains Mike Richmond.
  7. COMPETITION. Last year Higgins and Trilisky traveled with eight studio members to the Caribbean Dancesport Classic Competition in Puerto Rico and ended up coming home champions. Higgins and Trilisky won first and second place awards in the Best Teacher category, Step It Up was named the top studio, and each member won the first place award in each of their divisions.
  8. SPECIAL OCCASIONS. Step It Up instructors often work with couples and wedding parties who want to make a good impression on the dance floor.
  9. PRIVATE PARTIES. Higgins also books events in her studio and has hosted rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, bar mitzvahs, and even weddings. She and her staff work with clients to tailor the event package to the client’s budget, with offerings ranging from champagne and cheese plates to sit down dinners for 150.
  10. CHANCE TO TRY SOMETHING NEW. At 58 Larry Fox was a latecomer to the ballroom floor but after seven years he admits,  “I’m dancing at a level I never would have imagined.”

Got a favorite business in Lake Oswego, Oregon, you’d like readers to know about? Leave your comments here.

Posted in Things to Do in Lake Oswego, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Who Needs the Wine Country When You Live in Lake Oswego, Oregon?

Posted on January 21, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

World Class winesBenjamin Franklin once said, “Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” Come Friday nights in Lake Oswego, you’ll find a group of 50-100 wine lovers gathered at World Class Wines who are very happy indeed. They have discovered that you don’t have to travel to the wine country to enjoy and learn about wine. You can do it right in town. Here’s how.

●Show up at one of World Class Wines Friday night wine tastings. Offerings include six wines for $10 with cheese and crackers or 8 wines for $15. Resident wine geek, Rick Baldwin, is usually pouring, sometimes with the help of local winemakers or distributors. He provides tasting notes along with answers to any questions you may have about how the wine is made, what to pair it with or how it compares to the vintages you tried the week before.

Regulars come for the camaraderie as much as the education. “You feel like you are at a neighborhood party,” explains Vicki Kozlowski .  “We have made many good friends at the tastings and learned a great deal about wine while having a very good time.”

Friday night tastings are date nights for Kirk and Sheri MacDowell. “An evening at World Class Wines is really an event,” MacDowell explains. “It can be a bit intimidating for first timers,” he admits, but “the regulars understand that and within minutes people introduce themselves and more regulars are born.”

●Take a tour of the shop with wines organized in sections to make it easier for you to get around: $15 and under, rosé, Oregon wines, $15-30, champagne-bubbly-and dessert wines, and a fine wine room of  $30 and above featuring hard-to-find wines, aged wines, and verticals. “Wine can be overwhelming for people,” Baldwin explains, “That’s why we have it divided by price so you can hang out where you are comfortable spending.”

●Enroll in the wine club. It’s customized to suit your tastes. You pick the price level for two bottles of wine ($30, $50, $75), frequency (monthly, every other month or quarterly), and type (one red and one white, two reds or two whites). Baldwin will tailor the selections especially for you.

●Sign up for one of the monthly Saturday night premium tastings which feature pours from the fine wine room/private cellars and catered appetizers. Space is limited and reservations needed. Tasting fee is $50.

●Schedule a private group tasting. Work with Olson and Baldwin to tailor a night with friends or co-workers.

●See if you can stump Baldwin. Co-owner Susan Olson says it hasn’t happened yet. But Baldwin is up to the challenge. He’s comfortable talking with wine novices as well as connoisseurs because he has been both. Baldwin admits to drinking wine on ice before tasting a Silver Oak Cabernet in the early 80s. “It was like an aha moment,” he explains. “That afternoon I went home, subscribed to every wine publication and started collecting wine.” His private cellar held 4,000 bottles at one point. The guy has done his research.

World Class Wines is located at 269 Southwest A Avenue  Lake Oswego, OR 97034. (503) 974-9841.

Got a favorite spot in Lake Oswego you’d like to let readers know about? Give a shout-out here.

Posted in Lake Oswego Restaurants, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Preschool Forum is One Reason to Check Out the Lake Oswego Mothers Club

Posted on January 14, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego Mothers ClubThe Lake Oswego Mothers Club and Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department are co-sponsoring the 8th annual Preschool Forum on Thursday, January 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the West End Building at 4101 Kruse Way in Lake Oswego. Over 35 local schools will be on site to answer your questions about their teaching philosophy, curriculum, tuition and more so if you are in the market, here’s a chance to do your one-stop shopping.

The Preschool Forum was the idea that launched the Lake Oswego Mothers Club in 2005. Since then, it has grown to include much more. If you are a mother of young kids, here’s why you should check it out.

1. Playgroups. Playgroups are what draw many women into the club. With over 30 to choose from, there is bound to be one that fits your schedule whether you are a working mom or choosing to stay at home.

2. Children’s Events. Club President Ivonne Flores estimates that half of the club’s programming involves children’s events. That may include Gymboree classes, gymnastics or a meet-up at a local trampoline fun center. Cost is never more than $5.

3. Mom Events. With little ones under foot, it’s hard to carve out “me” time, but monthly Mom’s Night Out events make it easier. Events have included happy hour, Bunco, wine tasting and an upcoming 80s night at the Crystal Ballroom. Socials are held twice a year and include a speaker and a chance to mingle over wine and appetizers.

4. Community Events. Outreach is a big component of the Lake Oswego Mothers Club both to members in need and the larger community. In a Pinch volunteers deliver meals to new moms or members who need extra support. Every year, the club selects a charity to support and then organizes philanthropic events to benefit that organization. This year the club is hosting a Mom’s Prom complete with tacky gowns to raise money for Rose Haven which provides services to women and children in crisis.  The Giving Tree is also an annual event with 2012 donations going to the Clackamas Women’s Shelter. In addition, the club sponsors booths at the Lake Oswego Arts Festival Kids’ Day, and the Farmer’s Market.

5. SubClubs. You can find like-minded women through the SubClubs that bring members together to share their interests in a variety of activities like reading, cooking, running or business.

While the programs may be what bring moms initially to the groups, Flores admits that “It ends up being more.” Friendships are formed and support is found, which to a new mom, in particular, can be key. “When you become a mom, your whole life changes,” Flores explains. “For a lot of people, me included, it can be lonely. It’s nice to have other moms who are going through something similar or have been through it to talk to and relate to. For me, it changed how I viewed motherhood. I felt more comfortable with it.”

With over 300 club members from the Portland metro area, chances are you will meet someone whose toddler is a picky eater, whose 12 month old still isn’t sleeping through the night or whose preschooler cries at drop-off. Your tribe awaits you.

Got any preschool recommendations to make? Post them here for readers to benefit from.

Posted in Lake Oswego Clubs | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Discover 28 Ways Lake Oswego Reads brings the community together through books

Posted on January 7, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

loreads13_blue reduced (2)The Lake Oswego Reads program is in its seventh year featuring the compelling tale, Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron. A 2010 Bellwether Prizewinner for Socially Engaged Fiction, the story is set in Rwanda amidst Hutu-Tutsi tensions as seen through the eyes of a gifted athletic young boy whose Olympic dreams run into the harsh reality of genocide.

It is a story sure to prompt discussion and reflection, thanks in large part to the 28 activities the Lake Oswego Public Library has scheduled throughout the town. From a documentary film screening on one man’s survival to a panel discussion on Olympic dreams, the program ensures that conversations in Lake Oswego during the month of February will be centered around this dark chapter in recent history and what we can learn from it.

Here are a few highlights of opportunities to join in the community conversation:

January 7th: Kickoff and Book Giveaway. Bring your library card to receive a free copy of Running the Rift and enjoy some Rwandan cuisine. Limited number of copies are available so arrive early. 6:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

February 1: Presentation by Carl Wilkens. Wilkens was the only American who chose to stay in Rwanda after the genocide began in 1994. Hear his perspective on how this tragedy came to be as well as what life in Rwanda is like today. 7:00 p.m. Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Avenue.

February 7: Art Unveiling Reception and Month-long Art Show. See how 19 different artists interpret Running the Rift in original works on display at Graham’s Book & Stationery. Then stroll over to Chrisman Picture Frame & Gallery to see how local high school students incorporated themes of the book into their artwork. Artwork will be on display and for sale for the month of February. 6:00-7:30 p.m. Graham’s Book & Stationery at 460 Second Street and Chrisman Picture Frame & Gallery, 480 Second Street.

February 20: Hear the Author: Portrait of the Author as a Young Rock Hound: How a Scientist Came to Write about Rwanda. Hear firsthand how this scientist-first, author-second, came to write this book. Admission is free but a ticket is required. Tickets will be available at the Lake Oswego Library starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19.  Arrive early.  There will be a two ticket per person limit and a Lake Oswego library card is required. 7:00 p.m., Lake Oswego High School, 2501 Country Club Road.

February 25: Trivia Bowl Competition. Enter this team based trivia bowl competition based on the book. Example: what color scarf did Jean Patrick wear? (Answer: green). Prizes will be awarded. 7:00 p.m. Chuck’s Place, 148 B Avenue.

A complete schedule can be found on the Lake Oswego Public Library website.

Posted in Lake Oswego Library | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

5 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions in Lake Oswego

Posted on December 31, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

2013 ahead‘Tis the season of good intentions and if you look around Lake Oswego, you’ll see that there are all kinds of resources to help you keep yours.

Here are some resolutions that might show up on your list and suggestions for how people and places in Lake Oswego can increase your odds of success.

1. Read more. Show up at the Lake Oswego Public Library on January 7 between 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and receive a free copy of this year’s Lake Oswego Reads selection, Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron. A 2010 Bellwether Prizewinner for Socially Engaged Fiction, the story is set in Rwanda amidst Hutu-Tutsi tensions as seen through the eyes of a gifted athletic young boy whose Olympic dreams run into the harsh reality of genocide. Arrive early—limited number of complementary copies available.

2.  Reduce stress. Meditation has come a long way from its “only for Swami” days. Even the Mayo Clinic recommends trying meditation to reduce the stress in your life. Sign up for a One Day Meditation Workshop on Saturday, January 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way. Learn different methods and practical suggestions for incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your day. Register for class #1328365 through the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department. Residents $33; Non-Residents $38.

3. Get involved. If this is the year for you to give back, Lake Oswego can use you! From helping out at Luscher Farm’s Children’s Garden to escorting seniors to doctor appointments through the Adult Community Center, there is a need sure to match the time and talents you have to give.

4. Learn a new skill. You’ve got to mix it up to keep life interesting. Got an inner chef that needs a little channeling? How about a cooking class at In Good Taste? January courses include Soups, Traditional Stuffed Pasta and a Culinary Boot Camp.

Inspired by Dancing with the Stars? Check out the classes at Step It Up Studios right in downtown Lake Oswego. They offer both group and private lessons, including a free one for first-time students. If cowboy boots are more your style than ballroom shoes, then mosey on over to the West End Building on Friday, January 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a free line dance try-it-out session.

5. Start an exercise program. Convenience is one of the things that will help you stick to your resolution to work out more. As luck would have it, there are several fitness clubs right in Lake Oswego to choose from. They include:

●Providence Mercantile Health and Fitness Center 4015 SW Mercantile Dr. 503.216.6606

●Trainer’s Club 333 S. State St., 503.636.3900

●Barre 3 201 B Avenue 503.636.0335

What’s your resolution for this year? Research shows that when you share your resolution with others, you’re more likely to keep it. So let us know what you’re shooting for by leaving a comment…and increase your odds for success!

Photo credit: FrameAngel at  freedigitalphotos.net

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

5 Reasons Why You Should Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Lake Oswego

Posted on December 23, 2012 by lovelakeoswego

Eve on the Lake reduced-03 (2)Take one new girl in town. Make her an event planner. Pair her with an invitation designer. Have them dream up a fundraiser for the Red Cross and what do you get? Eve on the Lake, Lake Oswego’s first annual New Year’s Eve celebration set from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at Stickmen Brewery and Skewery, 40 N. State Street. Tickets are $59 if purchased by Monday, December 24; $69 after.

Here’s why you should attend.

  1. Convenience. If you live in Lake Oswego, you know nothing is too far. Even “across town” means only a ten minute car ride. That beats a $40 cab from downtown Portland or covering the cost of an overnight stay in a hotel.
  2. Go green. You’ve heard of Shop Local and all the reasons why you should support the effort from supporting local businesses to consuming less resources. The same applies to Party Local.
  3. Support a good cause. Proceeds from Eve on the Lake go towards Red Cross relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Wake up feeling good New Year’s Day because you helped make a difference.
  4. Tom Grant. Local jazz pianist Tom Grant will be the opening act for the night’s festivities accompanied by Shelly Rudolph.
  5. It’s a party! Your ticket includes endless hors d’oeuvres, a midnight champagne toast, music and dancing. There will be a photo booth to capture the moment and organizers Whitney Werts with Whitney Werts Events and Nessa Sander of Card Girl Invitations promise they have a few other surprises in store for you.

Do you have other plans for New Year’s here in Lake Oswego? Let us know.

And if your New Year plans include buying or selling a home in Lake Oswego, give me a call. I’d love the chance to talk with you about what I can do to help you reach your goal.

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