Category: Community

All about Living in Lake Oswego, Oregon

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Hoping For an Aquatics Center

Not including the 6 years I lived in Lake Oswego as a teenager, I have been living in Lake Oswego for 22 years. In all of that time, I have been wanting a decent swim center. I don’t swim regularly, I’m a walker, but I do love to swim. I think the reason I don’t swim regularly is because the current city pool is, well, awful. It’s located at Lake Oswego High School and was built many decades ago. It’s old, and dank, and just not inviting. So the news I got in the latest issue of Hello LO really lifted my spirits.

On March 16th, the Lake Oswego City Council, along with the Lake Oswego School Board, voted unanimously to proceed with planning and construction of a new Community Recreation and Aquatics Center. The plan is to build it where the Municipal Golf Course currently sits at the junction of Stafford Rd and Overlook Dr. The planned facility will include a lap pool, warm water pool (I think that means a spa), plus space for meetings and activities.

I currently swim at the SW Community Center in the Multnomah Village neighborhood of Portland. It’s about a 15 minute drive from my house, but worth it. I so hope what Lake Oswego builds will be something similar.

The nicest pool I’ve ever enjoyed was in Victoria, B.C. Called Saanich Commonwealth Place, it was built for The Commonwealth Games in 1994. What this swim center has that I think is pretty much pure genius, is a library and a coffee shop. Think about it. The kids need some exercise, you want a cup of coffee, and everyone needs a good book. Pure Genius.

Wishing you well in these strange times, and hoping that this swim center can still come to life,
Dianne

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Real Estate in the Time of COVID

Dear Property Blotter Readers,

Dianne and I are thinking of you during this challenging moment & wishing health and peace to you and yours. I hope this is a time of staying at home with your loved ones & enjoying some things you usually don’t get to enjoy.

I’m told by my trusted Mortgage Advisors that mortgage interest rates are supposed to dip to 3-ish again shortly as that zero interest rate flushes out the crush that happened a few weeks ago when they went down that low (the saturation pushed them back up to 4-ish for a time). Sales are actually moving along really well in Lake Oswego and the overall Portland area right now (see Market Report). Prices are lowering in some cases and being pushed up in others with multiple offers. In other words- the usual, and right now we have 182 Active Properties for sale in Lake Oswego, with 87 currently Pending and 22 Sold/Closed last week. 22 of those Active Properties went on the market just last week.

The other day RMLS removed the Open House section from the site. Some Agents will still choose to have them and be very careful, but most are not doing so out of an appropriate abundance of caution, for now. Everyone is being extremely careful with sanitizing everything and following Seller guidelines for private in-person showings. Buyers are demonstrating a bit more discernment up front & are seeing only properties they’ve decided are on their “serious” list, which cuts down on any potential exposure for everyone as we all do our part. Typically hand-sanitizer is out, booties are used for shoes, Buyers are advised not to touch anything (for them and for the Seller) and Agents will generally wipe the lockbox, door handles, switches etc. Buyers are encouraged to bring their own wipes & sanitizer with them and to wear gloves and/or masks as warranted either by Seller instruction or their own sensibilities. Some Sellers will want their own Agent at showings to observe that nothing is touched in the home so that their Seller can return home with their mind at ease, and/but either way, Agents are doing their utmost to ensure safe protocols are followed.

As for promoting Listings, there are, of course, cool tools that can and are being promoted more liberally like Virtual Open Houses, Video Walk-Through’s and other things. Ask me if you’re interested in learning more about that.

In general, we all are in this together, and the camaraderie at-a-distance and diligence in every sector of the real estate community is truly impressive ~ People helping people fulfill their life-goals and stay safe & healthy in the process.

Please take care and do get in touch with me or with Dianne if you have a life-goal you don’t really want to put off ; ) We can make it happen, efficiently and safely.

Be Well~
Linda

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This Week in Lake Oswego ~ Feb 3-9, 2020

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Feb 3, 2020– 7:00PM –  Development Review Commission  ~ Opportunity to hear about upcoming projects including new athletic field lighting and a hitting barn at Lakeridge High School – City Hall, 380 A Ave –  Info: CLICK HERE

Tue, Feb 4 2020 –  7:00-8:30PM – “Bayou Boyz” for First Tuesday Music!!!!~***Ding! Ding! Ding!  These guys are just some of the best musicians in the region… at the Lake Oswego Library! Bayou Boyz promise to “swampify your world”. This is Louisiana-style music from coastal areas featured in the 2020 LO Reads title, Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore, by Elizabeth Rush.  – Lake Oswego Library, 706 4th St-  Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Feb 5th, 2020 – 4:15-5:00PM / Ages 7-12- Meet the Artist  ~ Each week explore an Artist who really made an impact in the world…such as Frida Kahlo, Picasso, Matisse, and Georgia O’Keefe ~ CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd –Info & Reg:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Feb 6th, 2020 9:00-10:00AM – 50+ Aerobic Exercise to Music  ~ Low-impact class helps w/balance, flexibility, strength. ~ Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue – Info & Registration: (class has begun/can still sign up!)   CLICK HERE

Fri , Feb 7th 2020:  1:30-4:00, Beasts of the Southern Wild    ~ See this film from  in a theater and discuss it afterwards. In the movie, 6-year-old Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis) lives with her father Wink (Dwight Henry) in a remote Delta community. Doors open at 1:30. Film starts at 2:00.  – Lake Theater & Cafe, 106 N State St  Info: CLICK HERE 

Sat , Feb 8th 2020:  1:00-2:30, Garden Planning 101   ~Learn about succession planting, companion planting and “what to plant/when”. – Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road  Info: CLICK HERE 

Sun, Feb 9, 2020– 2:00-3:00PM –  Young People Facing Climate Change  ~ Hear a panel featuring youth from Lake Oswego and Lakeridge High Schools discuss how they are feeling about climate change and what opportunities are available to become involved. – City Hall, 380 A Ave –  Info : CLICK HERE

 

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Oswego Heritage Council

I am a big fan of history and I really appreciate it when it is well preserved and appreciated. Lake Oswego history is quite fascinating. The town was originally founded as a result of the discovery of iron ore in hills where Iron Mountain Drive now runs. The ore was brought down out of the mountain, loaded onto barges and taken across the lake to the Willamette River where it was smelted into usable iron.

While LO never did actually become “the Pittsburgh of the West”, it did get it’s start as a company town that evolved into a vacation town for folks in Portland, and eventually into what it is today with a population of just under 40,000 people.

Preserving the history of the town is the focus of the Oswego Heritage Council. Located as 398 10th Street in downtown LO, the council is located in an elegant formal residence that houses a museum, meeting rooms and a formal garden. There is a permanent exhibit as well as rotating exhibits. Currently being shown is the Bickner and Woodward family collection of photographs from 1919-1921. The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10-3. It is free.

The council is a 501 (c)(3) non profit. It is financed by the efforts of the council itself. In keeping with it historic mission, these efforts are primarily well known and respected annual events that include a classic car and boat show in August and a home and garden tour in June.

The facility is also available for rent. It’s suitable for meetings, luncheons, and small weddings.

As always, thanks for reading,
Dianne

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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