Category: Community

All about Living in Lake Oswego, Oregon

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This Week in Lake Oswego ~ April 15-21, 2019

Spring is sprung in Lake Oswego~

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Apr 15 2019– 4:15-5:00PM –  Little Hulas ~ -Every Monday ~ Ages 3-5/Introduction to Hula! Location:  CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd–  Info:  CLICK HERE

Tue, Apr 16, 2019 –  3:30-5:00PM – Teen Sushi & Cany-Making ~ Learn to make California Rolls *and* Candy Sushi!  Also…learn about Japanese etiquette from the pros at Benihana. Sushi Waiver required ; ) ~ Lake Oswego Public Library  Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Apr 17, 2019 – 10:00-10:30PM – First Steps in Music ~ Every Wednesday Ages 1-3  ~Explore the musical potential in your family! Free admission to the indoor playground afterward!  Location:  CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd –Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Apr 18, 2019 4:00PM – Understanding Italy ~ Explore history, food, cultural heritage and current issues with Professor Zagarell using themes from teh Italian Film Festival. ~  Lake Oswego Public Library ~ Info:  CLICK HERE

Fri, Apr 19, 2019 11:45AM-12:15PM – Lunch! ~ Enjoy lunch woth other Lake Oswego residents every Mon, Wed & Fri! ~ Adult Community Center  Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Apr 20, 2019 – 9:00AM – 11:00AM ~  Create A Nature Play Area! ~Help build a play area in nature at Springbrook Park with other community members & families. ~ Parking: Uplands Grade School, 2055 Wembley Park Rd  Info: CLICK HERE

Sun, Apr 21, 2019 – Free Day!   Just kidding. Every day in Lake Oswego, or anywhere else, is a free day!  Make your own choice as to how to enjoy your beautiful day in Lake Oswego.   Info: (Sky’s the limit ; )

 

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Emergency Preparedness Fair

The City of Lake Oswego is hosting an emergency preparedness fair on April 24th, a Wednesday. It will be held from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Lake Oswego Maintenance Center (17601 Pilkington Rd).

We have no idea what sort of emergencies lay in our future. It is now well known that the Pacific Northwest has a history of huge earthquakes that on average occur every couple of hundred years and that we are now about 200 years since the last one occurred. Other potential events are flooding (that happened in 1996), severe storms, and fires. Being prepared is pretty important.

The emergency preparedness fair is going to feature about 20 booths sharing information on putting together your own preparedness kit that will address the need for supplies, food, water storage, pets, sanitation, and even CPR training.

Water is a particular concern as it is estimated that each person and pet in a household needs a gallon of water per day and that we should plan for a 14 day supply. At the preparedness fair the city will be giving out 300, 3-gallon water containers that can be used to collect water from distribution centers that, in the event of an emergency, will be set up by the city.

This sounds like a wonderful event that is free and worthwhile. See you there!
Dianne

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This Week in Lake Oswego ~ Apr 1-7, 2019

Spring is sprung in Lake Oswego~

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Apr 1 2019– 1:00-1:00PM –  American Mah Jongg Practice ~ -Every Monday you’re invited to join the program playing Mah Jongg in groups of 4. This is a game of skill, strategy and calculation and involves a certain degree of chance. ~ Adult Community Center –  Info:  CLICK HERE

Tue, Apr 2, 2019 –  7:00-8:30PM – First Tuesday Music, Featuring: Ronnie Robins/ RR2 Duo ~ Brazilian flavored originals and standards! ~ Lake Oswego Public Library  Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Apr 3, 2019 – 1:00-2:30PM – Supervised Computer lab ~ Every Wednesday you’re invited to Practice, Learn, Get Questions Answered, Download Programs You May Need etc in a fun, helpful environment. –Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Apr 4, 2019 9:00AM-12:00PM – Sculpy Sculpture Camp! ~ Ages 8-12/Repeats every Thurs & Fri and involves building wire and tin foil armatures and covering them with sculpy! ~  CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd: Info & Registration  CLICK HERE

Fri, Apr 5, 2019 1:00-2:00PM – Jottings from 5th and G ~Enthusiastic Writers and Inspired Authors are invited to join and create weekly articles submitted to the Lake Oswego Review! (Monthly 1st Fridays except the month of May)~ Adult Community Center  Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Apr 6, 2019 – 10:00AM – 4:00PM ~ 39th Annual Trillium Festival & Native Plant Sale! ~ Nature & Plant Lovers rejoice!This is the annual gala for learning and indulging in native species for wildlife habitat and more. Tryon Creek Naturak Area, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd.  Learn more about Friends of Tryon Creek HERE. Info on the Festival: CLICK HERE

Sun, Apr 7, 2019 – 1:00PM-3:00PM ~ Iron Mt Park – Stewardship Work Party ~ Time for Spring Cleanup to remove invasive species… and enjoy wandering around in the breathtaking beauty   ; ) Info: CLICK HERE

 

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Lake Oswego’s Own ‘La Provence’!

There are so many reasons to choose to live in Lake Oswego, not the least of which is the quality of amenities offered here in this little hamlet outside of Portland, Oregon.  A small-ish community can often lack the cultural and foodie resources found in a larger city, but here in Lake Oswego, we got lucky.  Lake Oswego has the Lake Theater & Cafe for movies & live music events, as well as the Lake Oswego Center for the Arts which is a 2-stage venue for plays & musicals. Right across the street from that is George Rogers Park which hosts various festivals and concerts all summer long, along with Foothills Park, Westlake Park, Movie Nights and Farmers Markets in Millennium Park Plaza… on & on. Then there are the myriad restaurants & shops found off of State Street as well as Boones Ferry Road (kind of the two “main drags” of Lake Oswego). Lake Oswego does not want for places to obtain delicious food & wine, fancy or practical clothing, gifts…well, you get the idea. There are abundant resources in Lake Oswego for a cozy bedroom community.

Diane and I have put a spotlight on a businesses here & there through the years, and there are so many, but today I just wanted to say a few words about La Provence, restaurant & bakery. I remember discovering it when I first moved to Lake Oswego around 1999, and I came to make it a staple for family dinners and client lunches. Its also the place I go for a special treat for my French husband who is also a chef and rather particular in his taste for treats!  Alain Machtelinckx, Didier Blanc Gonet, and Pascal Tisseur opened it in 1996 a few blocks away from its current location at 16350 Boones Ferry Road when they could not find the  kind of authentic, rustic artisan bread they grew up on, and decided to do something about it. They are dedicated to the food they serve and the ambience they provide. They really try to instill a real old-world feeling into La Provence by doing things themselves… including making the tables and draperies in-house! From macarons to fine cuisine, everything is a reflection of their initial desire to bring the food they so loved in France to Oregon.  Nowadays they have 8 restaurants around the Portland area, but Lake Oswego will always be “home”.   As I mentioned, La Provence moved to a newer and larger restaurant space in Lake Oswego a few years back that is a recommended destination for anyone who loves good food and pleasant environs.

When you have the chance you ought to stop in for a pastry, lunch or dinner!  Lake Oswego is so lucky to have this gem. Here is a link to their main website where you can click on Lake Oswego or explore the other locations:  La Provence

As well as a link to their Lake Oswego location’s menu: La Provence Menu

Bon Apetit!

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…How Safe IS it in Lake Oswego?

Photo from Lake Oswego Review

Lots of people in Lake Oswego don’t lock their doors, or worry too much about locking their cars when, say, visiting a friend or shopping, or stopping for a latte (don’t tell anyone).  Its a little-known fact nowadays (since they changed the name of it to Police Log) that we named the Property Blotter 11 years ago after the Lake Oswego Review’s “Police Blotter”.  They’ve long published the unvarnished goings on as reported by the police. Now, there is some real stuff here & there, but by & large and it is hilarious to read for its lack of any real substance …Kids having a late night party while mom & dad were out on a date night, window washers reported for breaking into a house, regular folks reported for loitering while just waiting for their friend to show up for a meeting at their home,  dogs stealing chew toys…you get the picture. Its one of the reasons people move here.

Now its official. Lake Oswego was just named: Safest City in Oregon.

Here’s the scoop as just published in the Lake Oswego Review: CLICK HERE FOR STORY

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Plastics and Recycling

Oregon is rather well known as a bastion of recycling. The first state in the country to instate a bottle bill, we are a community that prides itself on being good stewards of our land. This past week the City of Lake Oswego continued that heritage by passing a restriction for single-use plastic bags. In the next year plastic shopping bags will be fazed out at stores, restaurants, and even the farmer’s market.

About 10 years ago I read the book “Moby Duck”. It’s a non-fiction narrative about a shipping container that fell of a shipping freighter in the Pacific ocean. The container was filled with multi-colored, plastic ducks, the kind that kids play with in the bath tub. A rather unique cargo, these ducks have been washing up on beaches all of the world ever since. It provided an opportunity to study plastics in the ocean and how the plastic migrates. It’s shocking.

I’ve also heard it said that as much as recycling is wise, an even better direction to go is to not use the plastic in the first place. I see the city’s ban on plastic bags as a very wise move that will be a small step in the right direction.

Speaking of recycling, correct plastic recycling is super confusing. It’s bit of a pet peeve of mine that folks don’t know what is and isn’t recyclable. Those clam shell packages for spinach and lettuce? Not recyclable at the curb. To help us all better understand what is and isn’t recyclable at the curb, here is a link to the guidelines put out by Metro, our Metro-area authority on garbage and recycling. To view the information, click here.

Particularly at the holidays, the time of year when we are at the peak of consuming and recycling, it is a good idea to be mindful of using and purchasing items that are recyclable. Good for LO for taking the initiative to curtail the use of plastic. The bags are a step in the right direction. Now can we do something about drinking straws?

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This Week in Lake Oswego ~ Dec 10-15

The Holiday Spirit has infused Lake Oswego, the lights & the community tree are all up, and celebratory, musical, educational and all kinds of activities are ongoing as they are every week.

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Dec 10 2018– 3:00-3:30PM –  Music for Babies ~ -Every Monday this program welcomes you to learn about music, singing and how babies learn and are affected by it. Learn about musical development in the very young. ~ Lake Oswego Public Library –  Info:  CLICK HERE

Tue, Dec 11, 2018 –  7:00-8:30PM – The Craft of Photography Part 2 (with Thor Spyros) ~ Long-time Lake Oswego resident and former Rolling Stone photographer (among many other national publications) presents this free program on the art & craft of photography. ~ Lake Oswego Public Library  Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Dec 12, 2018 – 1:00-2:00PM – Three Pound Note ~ Ex Pats from the UK, Andrea Wild and Hugo Glanville, bring traditional music from Wales, Cornwall & England and…stories! ~ Lake Oswego Public Library –Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Dec 13, 2018 2:30-3:30PM – Kids Make Things! ~ This drop-in program on the lower level is for ages K-5 and fosters creativity in kids every 2nd Thursday! ~  Lake Oswego Public Library:  CLICK HERE

Fri, Dec 14, 2018 – Toy Drive Drop-Off Deadline ~Drop off your unwrapped gifts at the Fire Department or Lake Oswego Public Library Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Dec 15, 2018 – 2:00 – 4:00PM ~ Holiday Concert – Mistletoe & Starlight! ~ Tony Starlight brings back timeless holiday traditions and songs with a comedic twist!  Lake Oswego High School Auditorium Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Dec 15, 2018 – 6:00 PM ~ Christmas Ships Parade! ~ Gather at Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Rd, to watch the Christmas Ships in all their bright finery! 60 boats are expected to make their way to Lake Oswego. Info: CLICK HERE

 

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Lake Oswego Parks and Rec

As a resident of Lake Oswego I get a paper copy of the Lake Oswego Parks and Rec programs mailed to me 3 times a year: Spring/Winter, Summer, and Fall. There is a abundance of offerings! Seriously, there is something for everyone. Classes for kids include Fairy-tale Ballet and Little-tykes Soccer, adults offerings include fitness classes, gardening classes, art classes, it’s a buffet of the finest!

I am particularly drawn to the hikes and walks that are offered weekly. They range from easy strolls to challenging mountain hikes.

I am thinking about the wonder of the Parks and Rec department because I am currently participating in two different programs: Quilling and Beginning Tap Dance for Adults.

I honestly didn’t even know what quilling was when I signed up for it. I enjoy art and I knew it has something to do with paper. I’ve been a watercolor painter for my entire adult life and lately I’ve been thinking it would be fun to combine water color and paper, and maybe ink, to create some mixed media pieces. So I signed up for the quilling class that was held two weeks ago. The cost for the class was $27 and all supplies were provided. It was a 3 hour class. The time flew by! Quilling is pretty specific. It requires exact tools and the paper is made for the purpose. If I had decided to check it out on my own I suspect that I would have spent a good deal more money. Including the instructor there were five of us. It was a lovely few hours of listening to some music and have conversation with the others who attended. The time and the money was well spent.

The other class, beginning tap for adults, is something that I have had on my bucket list for years. There is just something about tap dance that appeals to me. When I attend movies or live shows that have tap my feet start moving. I can not stop them! My daughter knew about my interest in tap and she bought us both tap shoes. I spent some time on the phone trying to find professional lessons. The classes being offered professionally were expensive! Then it occurred to me that perhaps LO Parks and Rec offered them. Low and behold they did. Six classes for $57. Not expensive and not a huge time commitment so that I can put my toes in the water without having to jump in the pool.

I just really love the opportunities that are available here in LO. If you’d like to know more about the Lake Oswego Parks and Rec department click here.

Happy tapping,
Dianne

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Spread the Cheer

Here in Lake Oswego, there are so many opportunities to spread a little cheer to those in need in our area. The Holidays are a joyous time for many, but for some it a time of struggle. I recently discovered a quote from Audrey Hepburn. “You will discover that you have two hands. One is for helping yourself and the other is for helping others.”

The City, along with Clackamas County, is sponsoring the Pillowcase Project. Drop by City Hall and pick up a beautiful, hand-made pillowcase. Then fill it with basic-needs items and perhaps a gift or two. Then return it to City Hall by December 14th. The filled pillowcases will be distributed to the needy throughout Clackamas County, including here in Lake Oswego. The pillowcase concept is such a good one because long after the gifts and toiletries have been used and enjoyed, the pillowcase will continue to be used and to remind the recipient of good memories.

Oregon Food Pantries is doing a food drive. This project has a history of feeding nearly 250,000 Oregonians, including over 100,000 children. Non-perishable food can be dropped off a City hall, the Main Fire Station (300 B Ave) or the Library throughout November and December.

The Lake Oswego Fire Department is doing a Toy Drive. Bring new, unwrapped toys to the Main Fire Station (300 B Ave), or the Library (706 Fourth St) between now and December 14th. Toys will be distributed by the Tualatin Valley Elks Lodge to families throughout the local area.

Finally, coats, blankets, and gloves are being collected by the City to help those in need. Hope Sparrow Services will distribute the clothing throughout the winter. Children’s items are needed as well as for adults. They don’t have to be brand new. Lightly used and clean are welcome. Take your donation to the South entrance of City Hall any time in November, December, and January.

I think there’s a direct connection to our personal happiness and mental well being that is improved when we help others. Thank you for being involved. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dianne