Category: Community

All about Living in Lake Oswego, Oregon

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ARTmart is Back!

Lake Oswego is a very art oriented town. From the Gallery Without Walls, to the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, you have art in your life is you live in or regularly visit Lake Oswego.

A new tradition has been added to Lake Oswego’s legacy, ARTmart. Did you know that the Arts Council of Lake Oswego maintains a gallery space at 510 First Street in downtown LO? I’ve been to a couple of exhibits there. ARTmart is an exhibit in this gallery space, but it’s unique. It is a community event that encourages citizens to donate art that they are no longer displaying in their homes or businesses. The art is offered for sale with the proceeds going to fund outreach and education programs. Any unsold art is donated to Community Warehouse in Portland with the mission of providing art work to neighbors in need.

This is a great chance to clean out your own collection and then find something new to treasure. I love it!

You can donate art through January 14th. The exhibit runs through January 31st. Exhibit hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11-5.

Art makes life better and this is a chance to help the community while also helping yourself.
Dianne

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This Week in Lake Oswego ~ Dec 9-15, 2019

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Dec 9, 2019– 5:15-6:00PM –  Beginning Ballet for Kids  ~ Beginning basics through barre, across the floor and center work for kids ages 5-8!  Weekly on Mondays – CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd –  Info & Reg: CLICK HERE

Tue, Dec 10 2019 –  6:00-7:00PM – NIA ~ NIA combines dance, martial arts and relaxation – Weekly on Tuesdays – Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave-  Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Dec 11, 2019 – 4:00-5:00PM – Holiday Gift-Making  ~ Get together with other gift-makers and create 3 different kinds of craft gifts! Al materials provided. Ages 7-12 – Weekly on 3 Wednesdays in December ~ CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd –Info & Reg:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Dec 12, 2019 6:30-8:30PM – “Straws” The Movie  ~ Come experience this striking documentary that will give you powerful insight into single-use plastics. Sponsored by the City of Lake Oswego and the Surfrider Foundation. Swag and Reusable straws will be available in the Raffle! ~ Lake Theater & Cafe , 106 N State St – Info:   CLICK HERE

Fri – Sun, Dec 13-15 2019: Fri 2:15-4:45, Sat 10:30AM-6PM, Sun 10:45AM-6PM ~ Tinseltown Trolley!  ~ OK, IMHO, you should work your calendar Fri-Sun to ride the Tinseltown Trolley!  I’d say fitting this in with your other holiday errands is a must…maybe several times! AND… word has it a visit from *someone* from the North Pole awaits you and the kids at the end of your ride. – Willamette Shore Trolley, 311 N State St  ***Arrive early. –Info/Schedules/Ticket Link: CLICK HERE 

 

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This Week in Lake Oswego ~ Nov 11-17, 2019

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Nov 11, 2019– 11:00AM-12:00PM –  Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony  ~ Lake Oswego honors our Veterans with a Ceremony including presentations and a fly-over at Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Drive – Info: CLICK HERE

Tue, Nov 12 2019 –  7:00-8:00PM – Pints from the Past  presents “Chop Suey for All: Chinese Cooks in Oregon” ~ Richard Engeman is a historian and archivist with a deep and wide understanding of the history of the northwest. He’ll present the story of Chinese immigrants from 1850 to the present!~ Lake Theater & Cafe, 106 N State St-  Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Nov 13, 2019 – 1:00-2:00PM – Celtic Music Concert – Andrea and the Bad Wolves!  ~ This Welsh Folk revival band share exciting arrangements of traditional folk songs from Wales, Cornwall and Scotland. ~ Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St-Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Nov 14, 2019 10:30-11:00AM – Fun for Ones! Storytime for One-Year-Olds  ~ Join this group for a story, music and fun! (every Thursday) ~ Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St –Info:   CLICK HERE

Fri, Nov 15, 2019 9:30-10:30AM –Little Masters ~ Parents and 2-5 year olds play in the art room! (every Friday) ~ CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd – Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Nov 16 2019 – 4:00-6:00PM ~ Cork Art! This program lets adults create a variety of Cork Art projects from wine charms to garden art! ~CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd –Info: CLICK HERE 

Sun, Nov 17 2019 – 1:00-3:00PM ~ Iron Mountain Stewardship Work Party ~  Give nature a helping hand by removing invasive species and more, plus… get to know your Lake Oswego neighbors! ~ Iron Mountain Park –   Info : CLICK HERE 

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Featured Neighborhood: McVey-Southshore

Lake Oswego has 25 specific neighborhoods and today I am going to tell you about McVey-Southshore.

McVey-Southshore is not a very big area. It is bordered on the North by the Lake and Oswego Creek, on the East by Cornell Rd, on the South by Bergis Rd, and on the West by Oak Terrace and Park Academy. To my knowledge it is all single-family housing. I don’t believe that there are either apartments or condos.

It is super convenient to downtown Lake Oswego. You can easily walk to the Lake Theater and several very nice restaurants. It’s also walking distance to Wholefoods local market 365.

There are currently 18 active listings in the neighborhood. The least expensive is a single-level house with a 2 car garage. It was built in 1952 and has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1670 square feet for $549,900. The most expensive is a 1939 house that has been extensively updated. On the main lake, it has 7220 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms. There’s an elevator, a swimming pool, a 3-car garage, and a full guest house with its own kitchen. the asking price is $4,895,000.

There is a small commercial district in the neighborhood with a Starbucks, a Thai Restaurant, and several boutiques.

While technically just outside of the boundaries, there is also a very nice park with a playground and room to roam, Freepons Park.

Lake Oswego has lots of options when you are shopping for a home. I think the word I would use to most describe McVey-Southshore is quiet. It’s a quiet area of nice homes and values that range from mid-range to super high-end.

Please let Linda or I know if you have any questions. As always, we are here to help.
Dianne

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This Week in Lake Oswego ~ Sept 30- Oct 5, 2019

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Sept 30, 2019– 6:15-7:15PM –  Cabaret Jazz! (for Adults)~ All-level dance class explores jazz and choreo with a Broadway twist!  At CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd  Tickets and Registration: CLICK HERE

Tue, Oct 1 2019 –  7:00-8:30PM – First Tuesday Music – “A Tribute to Aznavour”, featuring Eric John Kaiser ~ Charles Aznavour’s career spanned the history of the chanson realiste. The songs he wrote, unvarnished tales of unrequited love, loneliness and anomie, found their expression in many French singers including the anguished voice of Edith Piaf.  Paris-born John Kaiser describes himself as “a singer-songwriter re-imagining Americana music through a French lens.” ~ Lake Oswego Public Library   Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Oct 2, 2019 – 4:30-5:30PM – Run4Fun / Running Club for Girls (8-12 Yrs)  ~ Meet up at Luscher Farm every Wednesday for learning and great runs w/a Certified Fitness Running Specialist, Wendy Berton.~ Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Rd  –Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Oct 3, 2019 9:30AM-12:00PM – Creative Hands ~ Join this group dedicated to producing handicraft items that are then donated to local non-profits. ~ Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue  –Info:   CLICK HERE

Fri, Oct 4, 2019 1:30-4:00PM – Film Discussion Group ~ Meet every Friday to see a movie and discuss afterward! These movies may contain content suitable for adults only.  ~ Lake Theater & Cafe, 106 N State St – Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Oct 5, 2019 – 8:30AM – 1:30PM ~ Lake Oswego Farmers Market This community staple continues only till October 12th, so don’t miss out on some of the best weeks of the year during harvest season. Live music also from 10:30-12:30!~ Millenium Plaza Park~    Info : CLICK HERE 

 

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This Week in Lake Oswego! Sept 2-8, 2019

Twilight on the Farm! Luscher Farm Benefit

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Sept 2, 2019– 12:00AM-11:59PM –  Labor Day!!!!!! ~ Stay home! Go to a Lake Oswego Swim Park! Drive to the Coast! Take a Walk! Read a Book! BBQ! (Enjoy ; )

      – THEN: If you would enjoy some amazing music (why wouldn’t you?), visit the Lake Theater & Cafe on State Street for “Music Monday” with the Mel Brown  B3 Organ Group. Doors open at 6:00. Show at 7:00PM   Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

Tue, Sept 3 2019 –  5:00-9:00PM – First Tuesday Music – Laila Murphy ~ This awe-inspiring flutist and vocalist will provide a delectable evening Broadway showtunes, jazz standards, and classical selections.~ Lake Oswego Public Library   Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Sept 4, 2019 – 5:15-7:15PM – Youth Leadership Council  ~ The Youth Leadership Council is an advisory board made up of 10 high school age teens that live in Lake Oswego and want to serve and engage in their community.~ Main Fire Station- 300 B Ave  –Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Sept 5, 2019 5:00-9:00PM – Film Discussion Group ~ C’mon down to the Lake Theatre for a screening and discussion of “Wild“, Cheryl Strayed’s transformational memoir about loss, healing and self-empowerment. ~ Lake Theatre, 106 N State St  –Info & Registration/Phone#:   CLICK HERE

Fri, Sept 6, 2019 10:00AM-1:00PM – In Stitches Quilters ~ This talented group finishes up quilts that have been laying around or are discarded & ready for a new home in return for a donation that benefits the Adult Community Center. Anyone interested in quilting is welcome to join in!  ~ Adult Community Center – Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Sept 7, 2019 – 5:00 – 9:00PM ~ Twilight on the Farm 2019 ~Support Friends of Luscher Farm at this luscious 3rd-annual dinner with a table menu created by Chef Pascal Chureau of Field and Vine. Enjoy local wines, great food and company, and help a worthy cause! ~ Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Rd~    Info : CLICK HERE    Tickets: CLICK HERE

Sun, Sept 8, 2019 – 2:00-4:00PM ~Owning Our Stories and Living Our Truth –  Cheryl Strayed shares her story of inspiration. This talk is to inspire us all to appreciate the life we have lived, honor the lessons we have learned, and empower us to embrace what lies ahead! – Lakeridge High School Auditorium, 1235 Overlook Dr – Info: CLICK HERE  Tickets: CLICK HERE

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This Week in Lake Oswego! Aug 5-11, 2019

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, August 5, 2019– 2:00-3:00PM –  Make It! Moon Rock Crafts ~ If you’ve ever wanted your very own moon rock, now’s your chance! Use your K-5’er as an excuse to come make some of these sparkly creations! – Lake Oswego Public Library  Info:  CLICK HERE

Tue, August 6, 2019 –  5:00-9:00PM – National Night Out 2019 in Lake Oswego ~ Let’s party! Lake Oswego is encouraging neighbors to come together for BBQ’s Ice Cream Socials and Potlucks! ~ Your Lake Oswego Neighborhood   Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, August 7, 2019 – 6:30-8:30PM – Sounds of Summer Concert Series – Stump City Soul  ~ Enjoy the cool-down at the end of a hot summer day with some music in the park!~ Westlake Park – 14165 Bunick Dr  –Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, August 8, 2019 1:00-3:00PM – Scrabble ~ C’mon… we know you love to play!  Every Thursday you can count on a good game. Give a call if you’re a first-time player ~ Community Center at 505 G Avenue –Info & Registration/Phone#:   CLICK HERE

Fri, August 9, 2019 2:00-3:00PM – Tears of Joy Puppet Theater – Pegasus and the Stories of the Stars ~ Bringing Roman and Greek mythology to life:Space is full of stars, but how did those stars get their names?  ~ Lake Oswego Public Library – Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, August 10, 2019 – 5:00 – 8:00PM ~ Howl at the Moon 5k Obstacle Run!! ~ Meet at Luscher Farm for an epic adventure through 3.1 miles and 17 obstacles! ~ 125 Rosemont Rd~    Info : CLICK HERE

Sun, August 11, 2019 – 6:00-7:30PM ~ Moonlight & Music Concert Series – Todd Haaby  ~ Flamenco guitar on a sunny summer early-evening in Lake Oswego. What could be better? – Millenium Plaza Park –Info: CLICK HERE

 

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2019 Fourth of July in Lake Oswego!

Celebration is kind of Lake Oswego’s thing~

  • Enjoy Lake Oswego’s own Millenium Concert Band Wed, 7/3 at 7PM: INFO HERE
  • 2019 Star Spangled Parade & Celebration 7/4  10AM-1PM:  INFO HERE
  • Laser Light Show in the Sky!  7/4  7:30-10:30PM Lake Oswego hosts this event in Millenium Plaza Park for a spectacle of lights like you’ve never seen, plus balloon twisting and libations. Bring the whole crew and set up your folding chairs for a fun evening! INFO HERE
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Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts

One of the big events in Lake Oswego each year is the Festival of the Arts. It always occurs in the later half of June, so it pretty much kicks off the summer. This year’s event, the 56th annual, will be June 21-23. It takes place at the Lakewood Center for the arts and also across the street at George Roger’s Park. It is free to attend. Specific hours are 10-9 Friday and Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday.

Within the Lakewood Center a juried fine art show is exhibited. It’s so big that it spills out into a gigantic covered tent that is always set up in the parking lot. The show features local, national, and international artists. Spectacular paintings, sculptures and ceramics are show cased. I always enjoy seeing the pieces that receive awards and deciding if I agree with the judges or not. Many of the pieces are offered for sale. There is a special category for high school students.

Also within the Lakewood Center is the special exhibit. It is different each year and this year it is called Origin Stories: Comics and Identity. Its an exhibition celebrating “the unique formal qualities of comics as a medium, as well as the infinite possibilities of expression the form allows”.

Across the street at George Rogers Park is the much more informal art and craft fair. Booths are set up for artisans to sell their hand-made creations. It a bit of everything: ceramics, jewelry, yard art, just a lot of wonderful creations. Also at George Rogers Park is a food court and a covered area to get out of the sun while you dine. There are two stages where performances are held throughout the day each day.

There is just a lot to enjoy. I highly encourage you to come and check it out!

As always, thanks for reading the blotter,
Dianne

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This Week in Lake Oswego ~ June 10-16, 2019

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, June 10 2019– 12:30-4:00PM –  Duplicate Bridge ~ Enjoy playing with this fun-loving, competitive group and making new friends! Every week on Monday – Community Center at 505 G Avenue  Info:  CLICK HERE

Tue, June 11, 2019 –  7:00-8:00PM – Cool Books for Hot Days-Summer Reading Preview ~ You won’t want to miss Librarian, Chris Myers’ fast-paced introduction to the best new & upcoming books you wilk want to put on your “read-list” for this summer & fall! ~ Lake Oswego Public Library – 706 4th St   Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, June 12, 2019 – 1:00-2:00PM – Performing Arts-Gary Ogan Duo  ~ Enjoy a performance mid-day by this local singer/songwriter and 2008 OR Music Hall of Fame Inductee along with Brian Rose on keyboards at the Lake Oswego Public Library!~ 706 4th St   –Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, June 13, 2019 9:30AM-12:00PM – Creative Hands ~ This group welcomes you to join them as they meet every Thursday to work on handicrafts made from donated materials that benefit local non-profit organizations. This is an easy way to actually be of help to those less fortunate… and they welcome all skill levels! ~ Community Center at 505 G Avenue –Info:   CLICK HERE

Fri, June 14, 2019 9:00-11:30AM – Legal Program ~ 2nd Friday every month. Appointments necessary. This group welcomes local attorneys who give free 30-minute consultations with individuals. ~ Community center, 505 G Avenue – Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, June 15, 2019 – 8:30AM – 1:30PM ~ Farmers Market!! ~ We wait every year for our chance to wander aimlessly through the veggie, fruit and craft stalls to our hearts content with the lake as backdrop and the sun shining down. Repeats 22 times… get out there!~ Millenium Plaza Park ~    Info : CLICK HERE

Sun, June 16, 2019 – 9:00AM-5:00PM ~ Fathers Day Rafting w/Dad!! …on the Santiam River ~ Meet at Hazelia Field at Luscher Farm for this AWL (Adventure Without Limits) offering- A day on the river! Class II-III rapids for beginners & experienced rafters.   –Info & Tickets: CLICK HERE