With fall in the air, there are some great events coming up her in Lake Oswego:
Farmer’s Markets
The Lake Grove Farmer’s Market is still going strong. It happens every other Sunday with 3 remaining for the year. The market will be available from 11:00-3:00 on October 30th, November 13th, and November 27th. It is held on Hallmark Dr in Lake Grove.
The Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market is finished for the year, but there will be a Reunion Market held on November 19th from 8:30-1:30. It is held at Millennium Plaza Park in downtown Lake Oswego.
Horse Drawn Wagon Ride
Happening the same day as the Reunion Farmer’s Market, November 19th and also at Millennium Plaza Park, take a 20 ride in a horse-drawn wagon through the streets of Lake Oswego. Reservations for the rides happening on the hour are already booked out, but first-come-first-serve rides are available on the half hours. Cost is $9 for those 13 years of age and older and $6 for those 0-12. For more information, click here
Monster Mash Spooktacular
Celebrate Halloween in a safe, family-friendly way by taking your kids to the Monster Mash Spooktacular. Put on by Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation, it is being held October 31st from 3:00-6:00. Dress up in costumes and go trick or treating at Christ Church Parish. There will be special appearances by both the Lake Oswego Police and Fire Departments. This is a free event for kids 0-12 years of age. Free trick-or-treating bags will be given out to the first 400 kids. For more information, click here.
On October 29th, from 10am to 2pm, you can take unused and not needed medications to Lake Oswego’s drug-take-back event.
Prescription-Pills
This will be a drive thru event held at the Gallagher Building at Mary’s Woods (17550 Provost St, Lake Oswego). People are asked to stay in their vehicles.
Accepted items are prescription and over-the -counter medications. Also accepted are Vape pens and E cigarettes WITHOUT batteries. Unknown medications and veterinary meds are going to be accepted as well.
Not accepted are medications from businesses such as nursing homes. This collection event is for individual households only.
Also not accepted are vaping pens with batteries, EpiPens, intra-venous solutions, injectables, inhalers, syringes, chemotherapy medications, or medical waste. To get rid of these items, call Metro Recycling at 503-234-3000.
If the container contains personal information, please cross it out. Items not in original containers can be put into sealed plastic bags. If the item is liquid or gel, please put it into a sealed plastic bag.
Here are my picks for what to do this week in Lake Oswego, either online or in person:
Mon, Aug 8, 2022 – 6:30PM– Planning Commission (Zoom) ~ Learn what development is on the agenda in Lake Oswego – More Info & Registration:CLICK HERE
Tues, Aug 9, 2022 – 2:30PM-4:30PM – Slow Jam ~ This is an open jam to get together with other local musicians and enjoy playing music! ACC, 505 G Avenue – More Info & Registration:CLICK HERE
Wed, Aug 10, 2022 – 6:30PM-8:30PM – Precious Byrd / Concert Series~ Enjoy the summertime in Westlake Park with friends & family & this fabulous band of renown musicians featuring fresh renditions of modern and classic hits as well as original music. – More Info & Registration:CLICK HERE
Thurs, Aug 11, 2022 – 7:00PM-10:45PM –“Sing” – Movies in the Park ~ Bring your low sand chairs, blankets & pillows for an evening of fun. At 7PM Little Gym sponsors balloon twisting, face painting and more! ~ Westlake Park – More Info :CLICK HERE
Fri, Aug 12, 2022 – 7:00-8:00PM –Introduction to Investment Clubs (Zoom)~ Learn more about Investment Clubs, how they form & operate, from John Radford, President / Chairman of the Better Investing Portland Chapter. – More Info & Registration:CLICK HERE
Sat, Aug 13, 2022 – 8:30AM-1:30PM– Lake Oswego Farmers Market- This is a must-go event every Saturday in the season. Enjoy local foods, arts, crafts, and so much more! Millenium Plaza Park- More Info :CLICK HERE
Sun, Aug 14, 2022 – From Tuesday, March 1 – 2:00PM – Sunday Supper Club~ Just for fun! Meet at Dang Thai this month and enjoy new & old friends along with fabulous dining. ~ 670 N State Street – More Info :CLICK HERE
With the hot weather that we are experiencing, I thought it would be helpful to remind readers about gaining access to the lake via easements.
There are 3 types of lake easements: the Lake Oswego swim park, the Lake Grove swim park, and the individual easements enjoyed by private homes.
The Lake Oswego Swim Park
Located at 250 Ridgeway Rd, this park is open during the 2022 season from July 1 to August 28. It is available for use by any resident within the city limits of Lake Oswego. The park is paid for with tax dollars and there is not a charge for its use once proof of residency is provided. There are life guards on duty and an assortment of water toys to enjoy.
Lake Grove Swim Park
Located at 3800 Lakeview Blvd, this swim park is open for the 2022 season from June 11 to August 21st. This park is owned and operated by the Lake Oswego School District. All students within the the LOSD have free use of the park and access to swimming lessons. If you are not a student within the district, then your eligibility to use the park requires that you live within the boundaries of the old Lake Grove School District. This district was absorbed into the LOSD when the two school districts merged in 1953.
Private Swim Easements
Private swim easements were developed many years ago. Basically a developer of a neighborhood would buy a lot on the lake and deed it to the homes within the neighborhood. There are approximately 3000 houses in Lake Oswego that have access to these easements. Because the easements were developed many years go, the easements mostly benefit older homes. However, when an old house is torn down and a new house is built, the easement goes to the new house. So there are newer homes that do have easements.
The amenities at the easements very quite a lot. There is an easement that is only about 20 feet wide and just consists of a sloping lawn down to the lake. No picnic tables, no amenities at all. Then there are huge easements with boat slips, canoe racks. picnic tables, water toys and all sorts of fun stuff.
If your house has easement eligibility, you need to join the easement. There is an annual fee. The easements are mostly gated and locked. You gain access by joining. These easements are privately run and have their own unique rules and by-laws.
There is usually a waiting list for boat slips and canoe storage. Remember too that you can not put anything in the water without getting it approved and licensed by the Lake Corporation. For information, and to see if your house or possible future house has any private easement privileges, click here.
I do want to acknowledge that there is currently a law suite happening that challenges the private status of the Oswego Lake. It’s been winding its way through courts for years. It also experienced a significant set back a couple of weeks ago when the presiding judge had to step down. This will not be resolved quickly. If the lake is made public, I doubt it will change the status of any of the easements. What will change is that the lake will be available to the public. That access is pretty limited even if it happens because there simply aren’t many spots that the public could get access. I also think that the Lake Corporation would likely still require registration and licensing of boats, canoes, and other water flotation devices.
Hopefully you are staying cool. There’s lots of summer left, perhaps you’ll find time to take a dip in the Lake.
I want to take this opportunity to brag about the Lake Oswego Library. It is rare for a day to go by where I am not benefiting from one of its many services.
My primary use of the library is checking out audio books. I just love to listen to books. They are generally read by the author (Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography) or by professional voice actors. Roy Dotrice, the voice actor who reads The Game of Thrones, has created 100’s of voices for George RR Martin’s novels. You know by the voice intonation and accent who is talking. It’s truly an art form that I have come to just love.
Of course, there are 1000’s of books in paper format to check out. In addition, there is a huge selection of DVD and Blue Ray Movies.
The Library of Things
In addition of books and movies, there is also a Library of Things. You can check out kitchen tools (seasonal cake pans, etc), sewing machines, party supplies (karaoke machines, etc), games, recreation supplies, telescopes, just lots of great stuff.
Lake Oswego Reads
This is a city-wide reading event held each winter. A group of citizens, including high-school students, chooses a book. Hundreds of books are distributed for free. City-wide events are held to show case themes in the book, and, usually, the author gives a talk. The books are always terrific and participating in the events is a nice enhancement to the reading experience.
Cultural Pass
Finally, I want to let you know about the Cultural Pass that you can obtain on-line to gain free access to some of the area’s most popular places to visit. Simply go on-line and make your reservation. You can then print it off or download it to your mobile device. These passes will give you free access to these locations:
Crystal Springs Rhodendron Garden (family of 4)
Evergreen Aviation Museum (2 people)
Gilbert House Children’s Museum (equal number of adults to children)
Lan Su Chinese Garden (2 people)
Oregon Garden (2 adults + 4 children)
Oregon Historical Society (2 people)
Oregon State Parks (1 vehicle)
Pittock Mansion (2 adults + children from the same household)
To obtain your library card, yes, you need a library card to take advantage of these many services, simply go to the library (706 4th St) and show valid photo ID and proof of residency within the City of LO. It’s that easy.
I think that libraries get taken for granted. We pay for the library with our tax dollars. Use it. Enjoy it. I know that I do.
Absolutely one of my favorite events in Lake Oswego is the outdoor summer concert series. Wednesday nights from 7-9pm. They are free. In July they take place at Foothills Park along the Willamette River. In August they take place at Westlake Park on the West side of town. There is just something about them. The cooling of the hot day, the ambiance of being outdoors, and the dancing. People show up to dance. I once saw a man and a woman, the woman was in a wheelchair. They spent some time just swaying with her in her chair. Then the man stepped in front of her, gently lifted her to her feet, and they danced. Really, really wonderful.
Sunday concerts take place July 10 & 24, and August 7 & 21, 6-7:30 pm at Millennium Plaza Park.
Movies in the Park
There are three outdoor moving events. They start at dusk, approximately 8:45pm.
On July 21st, at Millennium Plaza Park, the movie will be the animated feature, Luca.
On July 28th, at Millennium Plaza Park, the move will be Space Jam, a New Legacy.
On August 4th, at Westlake Park, the movie will be Sing 2
During the movie events there will also be face painting, balloon artists and snacks for purchase.
With the 4th of July just 2 weeks away, I thought it would be helpful to let you know of planned events here in the City of Lake Oswego.
The Star Spangled Parade and Celebration is scheduled for July 4th. Beginning at 10:00am, the parade will run down A Avenue between the Lake Oswego Heritage House (398 10th St) and Millennium Plaza Park (200 1st St). The parade is followed by a 4th of July celebration from 10:30 to 1:00 at Millennium Plaza Park. Lots of fun activities are planned, including a pie eating contest at noon.
The Lyon’s Club Pancake Breakfast is returning after a 2 year hiatus ( you know why). The breakfast is the biggest fundraiser that the Lake Oswego Lyon’s Club does each year and supports many worthwhile charitable projects. Held in George Roger’s Park (611 S State St), it runs from 8:00-11:00am. For $10 ($7 for kids) you can enjoy a bounty of pancakes and sausages.
Fireworks over the lake will cap off the day. The fireworks are sent skyward from a barge on the West end of the lake. Folks with access via boats surround the barge. There is a bugle player who has for years played the National Anthem, and it is just a sight to behold. The light display begins at approximately 9:45. Be aware that the streets around that part of the lake are closed off to non-residence because of the traffic congestion. I suggest parking out of the area and walking in.
What a terrific day! Pancakes, a parade and fireworks. All in all, something to look forward to.
The Willamette Shore Trolley will be rolling down the tracks again starting May 28th.
This historic trolley is operated by the Oregon Electric Railway HIstorical Society. It’s a charming experience due to the charm of the trolley the wonderful sights to be seen along the way.
The route is 10.5 miles, round trip. It starts at the trolley station, 311 N State Street and runs to Bancroft Street near the South Waterfront in SW Portland. It includes two trestles, one of which is the 686 foot Riverwood Trestle, and the 1,396 foot Elk Rock Tunnel. The tunnel makes a gentle “S” curve that creates total darkness in the middle of the tunnel. Don’t worry, the trolley is lit up and it’s just really fun.
Scheduling and Ticket information can be found by clicking here.
The trolley runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until September 4th. Parking is free.
Years ago I took my Mom for a ride on the Trolley for her birthday. We packed a picnic and enjoyed lunch as we road the route. I’m not sure that they any longer allow food, so call ahead and find out before you try this. My point is this, memories are made on the trolley and it is so much fun to enjoy.
I love dogs and have owned one pretty much all of my life. One of the things I have learned is that a tired dog is a good dog. Getting them out to play, exercise, and socialize just creates a really fine pet.
Here in Lake Oswego we have 5 off-leash dog parks:
Hazelia Dog Park at Luscher Farm (17800 Stafford Rd) actually consists of two of the dog parks. The Northern most park is for dogs that are timid or shy. The Southern park is for more outgoing dogs.
West Waluga Park (15775 Waluga Dr)
Pilkington Park (19043 Pilkington Rd)
McNary Park (47 Beckett St)
There are some basic park rults.
Dogs must be kept on a leash except in the areas designated as off leash. They must be kept under control by the owner.
Owners must promptly pick up after their dogs.
All dogs must be licensed and up to date with the vacinations.
Dogs are not allowed on the athletic fields.
Parks are open daily from 6am to 10pm, year around.
When Linda and I started the property blotter, gosh, many years ago, we sat down and brainstormed names for our new blog. Linda suggested the “Property Blotter”. It’s named in reference to the police blotter that is published every week in the local newspaper, the Lake Oswego Review. I agreed that it was perfect. And so, the Property Blotter was born.
This week, I thought I’d share with you some recent police blotter entries:
3/13, 12:13 AM. Kides were skateboarding in a garage and hitting on an elevator near the 300 block of 1st Street.
3/13, 12:20 PM. Someone said their phone wasn’t working and at night they were seeing “weird lines and ropes coming over the house on their Ring camera.” It turned out to be condensation and rain causing the “ropes in the sky”.
3/13, 1:15 PM. High school-aged kids were seen near a tent or tarp near the 4100 block of Mellissa Drive.
3/14, 1:10 AM. Music was “blasting” and a caller worried something had happened to a homeowner near the 4000 block of Mercantile Drive.
3/14, 8:47 AM. A caller was worried about someone he’d been trying to reach for several days without success. It turned out the person had lost his phone and was OK.
3/14 2:33 PM. Six dogs were barking outside near the 16800 block of Cortez Court. The caller said it was a “hoarding situation”.
3/15. 4:10 PM. Someone demaded to talk to the police cheif at her house, as he was “the only one she can talk to and the only one wo can see what she sees”.
It’s pretty amuzing to read the police blotter. Yes, there are also serious incidents reported, but so much of it is trivial and even amuzing. Lake Oswego has a 100% response policy. You call the police and they will show up. There has even been a book written about the LO police blotter, No Call Too Small, by the staff at the Lake Oswego Review.
The amazing Lake Oswego police department is one of the many reasons that I love being a resident of LO.
