Off The Beat Ideas: What To Do In & Around Portland, OR

How many of us take the time to “smell the roses” – come on, we live in the City of Roses but I guarantee, the majority of us haven’t been up to the Rose Garden, let alone our neighborhood park in months.

 I consider myself a fairly active Portlander, in fact, I’ve been called the ultimate “Portland Tour Guide” by an old business colleague who visited on a regular basis – I was the call he made when he wanted to know what to do and where to eat while he was in town.  So, I’m ashamed to say that it was one of my clients, a transplant from Florida, who was sharing with me what he did over the weekend – he went to Washington Park and read a book Sunday.

Which got me thinking, I haven’t been to Washington Park in ages.

Then Maria, the other half of Oregon Property Team, brought in a newspaper article from this Sunday’s paper talking about all the great parks in North Portland (if you didn’t know, I’m a native North/Northeast Portland gal).  Hmmm, off the beat ideas: what to do in Portland…

Why not visit one of our great city parks!  There are plenty to choose from, in fact, there are 179 developed parks managed by Portland Parks & Recreation, that’s 10,000 acres!  There’s something for everyone – find a quiet field to read a book, hang out by pool side (indoor or out), heck, you can even get a free WiFi connection at a few local parks for those of you waiting with baited breath for the next entry on the Oregon Property Team Blog!

So, get out, it’s supposed to be one of those beautiful Portland weekends – not too hot, not too cool – and smell the roses in one of our beautiful city parks.  Click here to find a park near you.

Housing Bill Heads to Bush for Signature

In a rare weekend session, the Senate approved a bill (72 to 13) that would give the government power to finanicially aid Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  The assistance plan is intended to prevent the two main pillars of the home loan market from failing and causing further market turmoil.

An estimated 400,000 homeowners would escape foreclosure by getting a chance to refinance into more affordable loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Bush initially said the proposal was a burdensome bailout for irresponsible borrowers and lenders. But he dropped a threat to veto it this week after Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson argued that the support for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was vital to calming markets in the U.S. and abroad.

Click here for the complete story.

Friday Fun Facts – Wolves are Living & Breeding in Oregon!

For the second time in a week, biologists have confirmed wolves are living and breeding in Oregon and Washington.

Wednesday, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that DNA tests done on two captured and released wolves from the “Lookout Pack” in Okanogan County confirmed the animals are 100% gray wolves, not hybrids.  Genetically they are related to wolves from British Columbia or Alberta, and made their way to Washington from there.  The “Lookout Pack” is the first wolf pack to take up residence in Washington since the 1930’s. 

Ten years after launching their remote cameras, Conservation Northwest captured images of six wolf pups and a collared adult on Monday. 

Click image for animated slideshow

This news comes just days after biologists with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed a wolf pack is living and breeding in Union County just north of La Grande.  Wolf coordinator, Russ Morgan, heard at least two adults and two pups answer his howls under a bright moon in the pre-dawn hours last Friday, July 18th in the Umatilla National Forest. 

This is the first wolf pack confirmed in Oregon since the animals were eliminated by bounty hunters a century ago.

It has been a victorious week for the gray wolf.  Later that same day, a federal judge in Montana reinstated federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves, thus preventing Idaho, Montana and Wyoming from implementing fall wolf hunts.  Since the wolves were delisted on March 28th, states had assumed the management authority for wolves, leading to the killing of at least 106 wolves.  All three states had plans to allow fall hunts which would have permitted more than 500 wolves to be killed.

“Recovery requires allowing wolves in different populations to reach each other in order to mate and raise their pups,” said Michael Robinson of the Center for Biological Diversity. “Even before they were unlawfully removed from the endangered species list, the government was gunning down so many wolves that the Yellowstone population was reproductively isolated, a recipe for extinction. This injunction will give the wolves a fighting chance.”

Interested in getting involved, contact Conservation Northwest for more information.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RyY-wWCvrQ&fs=1]

Latest RMLS Market Action – June 2008 Stats

It’s time to buy!  People are waiting for the bottom to hit and I think we are inches away.  Many economists are forecasting an upswing in the market (see Top Economic Forecaster Predicts Portland Area Home Prices to Increase 30% in Next 5 Years) and the most recent RMLS Market Action is stating fairly clearly that it is a buyers market!  Real estate is local, varying from neighborhood to neighborhood, and interest rates are on the rise which contributes to the overall equation.  Those who continue to wait may just miss out on any opportunity as available funds become harder to come by and the pendulum swings back in favor of the seller.

Check out the complete RMLS Market Action Report to be educated on your particular market.  Remember, only the first four (4) pages pertain to the Portland Metro Area.

Off The Beat Ideas: What To Do In & Around Portland, OR

Sorry we missed you all last week but we’ll make it up this week with some great ideas of things to do in and around Portland, many for FREE – what could be better?

Zoo Tunes Wednesday Concerts
Oregon Zoo
Wednesdays, starting at 7:00 PM
http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm

Artist vary, tickets available in advance or at the zoo the day of the concert starting at 4:00 PM.  From experience, I’d get there early to secure the spot on the lawn.  This Wednesday, July 23, Blue Highway a bluegrass band with the #1 bluegrass CD for the month of July.  

Portland Parks and Recreation presents: Big Screen on the Green
Neighborhood Parks throughout Portland
Dates vary, movies begin at dusk (between 8:00 PM-8:45 PM)
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=47813

Friday, July 25th, Bee Movie showing at Holly Farm Park 10819 SW Capital Highway.  Pre-movie entertainment begins at 6:30 PM so come early and enjoy music by the Rose City Band, an Elvis impersonator, climbing wall, Rec ‘n Roll bus and face painting.  Rain-outs will be called by 5:00 PM and will be posted at the park.

Saturday, July 26th, E.T. The Extra-Terrestial showing at Kenilworth Park SE 34th & Holgate.  Again, pre-movie entertain begins at 6:30 PM and includes the Rose City Band and Cloud 9, climbing wall, Rec ‘n Roll bus, face painting and a clown!

Other upcoming movies include: The Spiderwick Chronicles, Shrek 3, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971 version), Field of Dreams, Dirty Dancing and more.  Movies continue through the summer until Labor Day.  Check the Portland Parks and Recreation website for dates and locations.

Second Annual Maritime Heritage Festival
Riverplace Marina & Docks, Willamette River
July 25-27, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
http://www.downtownportland.org/

The festival recognizes Portland’s 150 years of maritime history and lore as defining the vitality, livability and personality of our region.  Vintage recreational, naval, commercial and eco-friendly vassals will be in attendance to celebrate Portland’s nautical past and present.

Check back next week for more off the beat ideas for events in and around Portland!

Kori

Do I Need A Permit For My Remodeling Project?

In most areas of the country, a building permit is required for many different types of project.

It’s the LAW.

State Building Code requires that permits be obtained for certain types of of work.

Always check directly with the city or the appropriate governing body BEFORE you start work on your next remodel.

For the City of Portland, go to Portland Building Permits

What is the downside of NOT getting the proper permits before completing your project?

Well, there are many issues that may arise. 

Without a formal inspection there may be hidden repairs or liabilities lurking beneath. 

If the governing building authority discovers you have done work without a permit, it is a possiblity that you might be fined and/or required to dismantle the work completely.

Also, when the day comes that you want to sell your house, buyers who are represented by real estate agents will almost certainly be advised that the permits should be checked to insure that the work was done by licensed and competent contractors.  Without that assurance, a buyer may decide it would be wise to walk away from that purchase.

Keeping Cool – Energy Saving Ideas For Your Home

Wow, as a native Oregonian, I can’t believe this weather! I always brag about our mild climate, not too cold in the winter and not too hot in the summer; however, this summer seems abnormally warm and we haven’t even hit August!

Here are some tips to help keep you cool in these sweltering days ahead, and maybe even build some equity in your home in the process!

Shade Your Windows

Exterior shading is more effective than interior, install exterior shutters or awnings.  Build a pergola over your windows and/or plant trees and shrubs to keep direct sun from reaching your windows.

Trap Cool Air In

In the evening, open your windows and doors to let the cooler air in.  Use fans to circulate the cool air throughout your home.  In the morning, close everything up and close your curtains/blinds to keep the cool air in.

Insulation

We talk about insulation in the winter to keep the heat in but it’s just as imperative in the summer to keep the exterior heat out.  Cut your air conditioning load and reduce pollution by installing adequate insulation in your home, especially the attic—which can often reach temperatures of 115 degrees or higher.  Weather stripping and caulking  to plug leaks is also a good idea.

Lighting

Replace your standard incandescent light bulbs with cooler compact fluorescent bulbs to help reduce heat inside your home.  Although more expensive initially, compact fluorescent bulbs use approximately 70 percent less energy than standard light bulbs, put out less heat and last much longer.

Air Conditioning

Well, just over 30% of Oregon homes have air conditioning (like I said before, this weather is unusual for us here in Oregon) but if you have central air conditioning and it’s over 10 years old or a window air conditioner over eight years old, consider replacing it. Newer systems can be much more efficient and this would add additional value for resale.

Click here, for more energy saving tips on keeping cool.

Off The Beat Ideas: What To Do In & Around Portland, OR

Hope everyone had a safe 4th of July holiday weekend.  We’re a little behind on blogging but it’s back to work this week – so, we’re starting with the fun stuff of course – what to do around Portland this week.

OMSI After Dark
OMSI – 1945 SE Water Avenue
July 9, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
http://www.omsi.edu/visit/index.cfm#specialevents

Ever wanted to push the buttons on that cool exhibit at OMSI but can’t get a chance because kids are having all the fun? Perhaps you’d like to enjoy a glass of wine as you peruse ancient dinosaur bones from China? Or discuss the science of brewing with a local brewer? Now you can do all that and more at OMSI After Dark, a museum evening geared for the 21 and over crowd complete with appetizers, wine, beer, and science fun!

Visitors will also be able to taste and learn the science behind food and beverage favorites with local artisans Moonstruck Chocolate, Full Sail Brewing, Portland Roasting, Hip Chicks Do Wine, Bon Appetit, and Clear Creek Distillery. A cash bar will also be available for those who want more than just a taste.

Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. 21 and over please!

July is Oregon Craft Beer Month
Multiple Locations and Brewaries
July 2008
http://oregonbeer.org/2008/06/24/oregon-craft-beer-month-events/

With 120+ events, there are plenty of opportunities for craft beer aficionados to celebrate Oregon’s craft brewing industry at their local pubs.

• July 8:
  Lompoc Brewing’s Secret Beer Vault with Geraldo Brewvera
  Hedge House, 3412 SE Division St., Portland
  4 pm to 6 pm
  503-235-2215 • www.newoldlompoc.com
  Expert Beer Hunter Geraldo Brewvera has discovered a secret beer cooler at the Hedge House. Geraldo plans to open the vault and expose all its secrets and contents to the public for consumption.
• July 8:
  Lucky Lab’s Two New Brews Tuesday
  Lucky Labrador Beer Hall, 1945 NW Quimby, Portland
  5pm
  503-517-4352 • www.luckylab.com
  Join us when we tap two new kegs from featured breweries Bend Brewing, Siletz, Klamath Basin, Big Horse in celebration of the Oregon Craft Beer Month.
• July 8:
  Rock Bottom’s Tuesday Special Blend – blended, barrel aged
  Rock Bottom Brewery, 206 SW Morrison St, Portland
  All Day, ’til its gone
  503-796-BREW • www.rockbottom.com
• July 8:
  Hopworks Urban Brewery’s New Beer Release: Bourbon DOA + Bourbon Barrel Day
  Hopworks Urban Brewery, 2944 SE Powell Blvd, Portland
  3pm – close
  503-232-4677 • www.hopworksbeer.com
  All the Hopworks bourbon barrel aged beers on tap at the same time! Kentucky
• July 8:
  Meet the Brewer and the Beer – Full Sail Brewer’s Share Series
  Full Sail at Riverplace, 0307 SW Montgomery, Portland
  5 to 7pm
  503-222-5343 • www.fullsailbrewing.com
  Come celebrate Oregon Craft Beer Month and kick off our latest Brewer’s Share series beer with Full Sail brewer Greg Lizama.
• July 9-13:
  Concordia Cup
  Concordia Ale House, 3276 NE Killingsworth, Portland
  Wednesday 11am through Sunday Midnight
  503-287-3929 • www.concordia-ale.com
  10 of the Best Oregon Imperial IPA’s battle it out for first place in a blind taste test. Winning brewer will captain the Oregon Beer Brawl II team. Votes will be gathered from July 9th starting at 11 am until July 13th at midnight. Taster trays are $10 to participate and vote for your favorite. Admission is free.
• July 11:
  Laurelwood Open House and Beer Release of Double Oregon Hefeweizen.
  Laurelwood Public House and Brewery, 5115 NE Sandy, Portland
  2pm-5pm
  503-282-0622 • www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com
  The Brewery Open House and tours start at 2 pm along with a stronger version of American Hefeweizen called Double Oregon Hefeweizen or as it’s better known aroung the brewery as DOH.

For a full list of all events around the area, click here.

Hood River Cherry Days
Hood River Fruit Loop
July 12-13, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
http://www.hoodriverfruitloop.com/index.html

Hood River Cherry Days celebrates the harvest of over 4000 tons of cherries—truly an adventure for your taste buds! Fruit Loop farms offer a dozen varieties of fresh picked cherries, cherry wine, cherry jam, cherry pies, and desserts and special activities for the entire family. U-pick available.

Admission to most Hood River Fruit Loop farms is FREE.

Check back next week for more off the beat ideas for events in and around Portland!

Kori

Off The Beat Ideas: What To Do In & Around Portland, OR

Oh, say can you see… that’s right, it’s that time of year again!  Bar-b-ques, hot dogs, the all american apple pie and to make it complete a night of explosives.  So, we thought we’d pull together a list of “hot” spots to take in this evening of Americana.

Vancouver National Historic Reserve (directions and map)
“One of the Largest Fireworks Displays West of the Mississippi”
July 4th 9:00 AM - 10:10 PM
http://www.official4thofjuly.org/

This all day long Independence Day celebration has something for everyone – live music, games for the kiddies, arts & crafts, food vendors and more.  However, if you’d like to make your own music and fire up the Weber out back, just head north toward the Columbia River and find an open area to watch the display (Delta Park is a great spot).  Fireworks are scheduled to go off at 10:10 PM.  There is a $4 admission fee at the Reserve and it’s FREE at Delta Park – just please pick up after yourself if you plan on BBQing there.

Oaks Park
SE Spokane Street
http://www.oakspark.com/  

Rollerskate, ride the “Looping Thunder Roller Coaster” and BBQ on the banks of the Willamette River by day and hunker down for the fireworks scheduled to start at 9:55 PM.  Admission is $4 for adults, $2.50 for children under 15.  Once again, if you can find a spot across the river (oh, say Willamette Park) you’ll save the cash and still have the view.

Waterfront Blues Festival
Walterfront Park – SW Natio Parkway

We already plugged the Blues Festival last week but thought we should remind you that the fireworks show will start at 10:00 on the west side of the Willamette.  You can catch the Waterfront fireworks show from the eastside esplanade too.

Astoria to Florence, OR
Oregon Coastal Towns
http://www.beachconnection.net/news/fourth060807_1244.php

Almost all the coastal communities have some sort of Independance Day celebration – check out the website above for what’s happening in the northern coastal towns such as Astoria, Seaside, Cannon, Rockaway, Pacific City and others.  Should be a great time down at the Oregon Coast!

Be safe, have fun and enjoy the 4th!

Check back next week for more off the beat ideas for events in and around Portland!

Kori