Hazelia Field’s “shy” dog park

I think it’s rather impressive that a town the size of LO, not a very big town with just shy of 39,000 people, has 4 dog parks. All 4 of them have off leash areas.

A well-earned drink

Hazalia Field (17800 Stafford Rd) is the most impressive of the off-leash dog parks. It has two separate fenced in areas, one for normal dogs and one for shy or timid dogs. Seriously, do you know of any other town that has an off-leash dog park for shy dogs? The fenced in areas are impressive with double-gated entries to allow you to enter the park with your dog leashed and then take the leash off before you open the second gate to let them charge out to play. This park is open all year round.

Well-designed entry

A well-exercised dog is a well-behaved dog. With this beautiful spring weather get out there and let Fido loose. He needs a good romp just like the rest of us.
Dianne

Well, Summertime is upon us & there are loads of activities to choose from in Lake Oswego!  Here are my picks for things happening this week! (I stayed away from meetings and focused on mostly family fun : )

Mon, June 11th 2018– 9:15am – LO Walkers! -Explore Tryon Creek, Foothills, Willamette Park & more! (Mon/Wed/Sat) CLICK HERE

Tue, June 12th, 2018 – 7:00pm – 8:00pm – Thor Spyros who studied photography with Ansel Adams will share stories from his lifetime with  “My Life, My Adventure”  – Lake Oswego Library   CLICK HERE  

Wed, June 13th, 2018 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Performing Arts/Ronnie Robbins – Brooklyn-born guitarist and singer-songwriter Ronnie Robins will present a concert of Bossa Nova, Samba and MPB, as well as some of his original songs at the Lake Oswego Library! CLICK HERE

Thu, June 14th, 2018 – 9:30am – 12:30pm – Creative Hands – Join this group of volunteers who handcraft projects with donated materials which are made into useful items and then donated to various non-profit associations- Contact the ACC at 503-635-3758 for more information.  CLICK HERE

Fri, June 15th, 2018 10:30am – 11:00am (every Friday/Birth-12 months  ; )- Baby Storytime– Lake Oswego Library  CLICK HERE

Lake Oswego, for the first time, will have two full-on fireworks displays.

Traditionally the Lake Corporation has hosted the big event. It’s done from a barge in the middle of the lake and it’s pretty special. There’s a guy with a trumpet who plays the National Anthem right before it begins and the sound of that music drifting over the water gives me goose bumps every year. It’s a great show that begins at around 10pm and lasts a good 20-30 minutes.

There has been concern in the past that even though this is a great event, viewing it isn’t so easy if you don’t live on the lake or have an easement on the lake. Because of this the City of Lake Oswego has stepped up and they too are hosting a fireworks display. This display will be set off from the beach at George Roger’s Park. The intent is that viewing will be easy from the park’s upper ball field and also from Millennium Plaza Park. This event is projected to last about 20 minutes.

I’m thinking I want to find a spot between the two and have fireworks in stereo!

Which ever show you choose to go to, enjoy!
Dianne

This week (as most weeks) there are tons of activities to choose from in Lake Oswego, and/but everyone is gearing up for Tuesday’s Neighborhood Parties for National Night Out!

Here are my picks for things happening this week! (I stayed away from meetings and focused on mostly family fun : )

Mon, Aug 6 2018– 2-3PM – Be a Rock Star ~ School of Rock! -Explore Drums, Bass, Guitar and more! (3 Days, Mon-Wed, Ages K-5) Lake Oswego Library CLICK HERE

Tue, Aug 7, 2018 – National Night Out Neighborhood Parties!!! 5-9PM –  Enjoy this annual event celebrated in style all over Lake Oswego! Meet your neighbors & just have a good time. – Check out all the neighborhood party details here:    CLICK HERE  

Wed, Aug 8, 2018 6:30-8:30PM – Sounds of Summer ~ Westlake Park Concert ***Featuring: Ants in the Kitchen & LaRhonda Steele –  CLICK HERE

Thu, Aug 9, 2018 – 8:30PM – Movies in the Park at Millenium Park Plaza – Bring the kids down for Coco ! Info:  CLICK HERE      Trailer HERE

Fri, Aug 10, 2018 1-3PM (every Friday )- Pinochle– Adult Community Center  CLICK HERE

Did you know that you can get a passport here in LO at City Hall? Talk about convenient! The city has put out this announcement:

Planning a vacation abroad? The City, a designated official Passport Acceptance Facility, has expanded its passport hours – making it easier to get a passport! Passport services are now available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed Wednesdays), at City Hall, 380 A Avenue – 1st floor. Forms and other important information can be found online at www.lakeoswego.city/finance/passport-service-city-hall.

It can take up to six weeks to process a passport application, so it is important to start the process early.

Contact the Finance Department at 503-635-0260, for more information.

One more great thing about this town!

This week (as most weeks) there are tons of activities to choose from in Lake Oswego. Fall is here and there are plenty of indoor choices.

Here are my picks for things happening this week!

Mon, Oct 15 2018– 9:30-11AM – Learning and Technology Group ~ -Every Monday this informal but comprehensive program welcomes walk-ins and addresses a wide array of technology issues. Recent topics have included Turbo Taax, Online Investing and more!~ Adult Community Center –  Info:  CLICK HERE

Tue, Oct 16, 2018 – Third Tuesday Author 7-8PM –  Don’t miss Colonel William E. Campbell who will be discussing his  book “The Vietnam War: An Untold Story of Drugs”. Colonel Campbell returned from Vietnam in 1972 after serving as Battalion Commander of the 90th Replacement Battalion. He witnessed first-hand the drug problems that affected the troops, and the Army’s attempt to detoxify those who had become addicted. ~ Lake Oswego Public Library  Info:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Oct 17, 2018 – 1:30-3:30PM – Alzheimer’s Support Group – The Caregivers group is designed for family members and friends caring for older adults with memory problems related to Alzheimer’s. Everybody could use a little help, plus tips and information for caregivers. Co-Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association every third-Wednesday ~ Adult Community Center –Info:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Oct 18, 2018 4:00-5:30PM – All Things Yarn! ~ Have you always wanted to learn how to knit? Are you an experienced knitter who likes to hang out with friends while knitting?  Either way, this is the place to be every third-Thursday for you!  Yarn & snacks provided. ~  Lake Oswego Public Library:  CLICK HERE

Fri, Oct 19, 2018 10:30-11AM (every Friday )- Baby Storytime– Bubbles, songs, laptime activities, and of course books, for you and your baby! – Lake Oswego Public Library Info: CLICK HERE

One of the things that Linda and I try to do with this blog is give helpful information about Lake Oswego. It occurred to me that one of the kinda significant things that may be important as you consider where to live, is how easy or difficult it is to shop in the area. So here is my run down of what it is like when you live in Lake Oswego.

I am going to divide the lake into two sides, the East side that is along the Willamette River and the West side that is near I-5.

On the East side there are two large grocery stores. Safeway on A Avenue and Whole Foods Market 365. For shopping for clothing and household goods there is Millenium Plaza which contains numerous boutiques and restaurants. The Lake Theater is on the East side for first-run movies and the Farmer’s Market is on the East side at Millinium Plaza Park on Saturdays May to October. If you need to make a larger purchase, say for a ladder or new furniture, you are going to drive to the West side of LO and the outskirts of town in the communities of Tigard and Tualatin.

There is significantly more shopping on the West side. There are 4 grocery stores, Safeway, Zupans, New Seasons and Trader Joes. Just outside of the city limits in the communities of Tigard and Tualatin are Costce, Winco, Office Depot, Home Depot and Bridgeport Village. Bridgeport Village was recently named by the Oregonian as Oregon’s best shopping center. It’s what’s called a “lifestyle mall”. The idea is that you park your car and then stroll through a village of shops and restaurants. Most of the stores are National chains such as Tommy Bahama, Sephora, and Soft Surroundings.

Prior to living in Lake Oswego I lived in the Sellwood area of Southeast Portland. Shopping was not easy from that location. It required about a 15 minute drive to get to a decent size grocery store. After living with inconvenience, I just really appreciate how easy it is from Lake Oswego.

I hope you found this helpful. As always, thanks for reading!
Dianne

Main Fire Station

This is because the Lake Oswego Fire Department has achieved something that only 3% of Fire Departments in the entire country have achieved, a class 2 PPC (Public Protection Classification) rating. This is a huge accomplishment.

Jean Rd fire station

What does this mean to residents of Lake Oswego? First of all, we can all sleep a little better at night knowing we are protected by one of the best Fire Departments in the United States. Secondly, we may all see a reduction on our home owner’s insurance. Yes, that’s right, savings. Nice!

Thank you Lake Oswego Fire Department. Thank you!
Dianne

Yes, the winter chill is on, and we are moving into Harvest Mode!  Please mark your calendar for Sat, Nov 17th (this week) 10AM-3PM for the 7th Annual Reunion Farmers Market in Lake Oswego at Millennium Plaza Park ~ Get all the details, see the vendor list, and start making plans to be there!  CLICK HERE

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

Dianne and I wish you and yours a cozy, warm, peaceful Thanksgiving with those you love. We are grateful for our Property Blotter readers and clients!

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

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

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?

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

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!

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

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

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 ; )

I am extremely proud of my city. The month of May has been named Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health has for centuries been ignored as a genuine problem, and even shamed. It is time for it to come out into the sunlight to be discussed, studied, and understood. As a youngster I lost 3 friends to suicide. My son lost one of his best friends to suicide. This is a subject that is very important to me and I am just so glad Lake Oswego has taken up the mantle.

Two different events are being hosted at the Lake Oswego Library:

Faces of Youth in Juvenile Detention, Thursday May 9, 7-8 p.m. This is a discussion of the use of art therapy in juvenile detention centers. It’s hosted by Paula Perkins, a graduate student at Lewis and clark College in the Art Therapy master’s program.

In Our Own Voice, Thursday May 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is a unique public education presentation where two trained speakers share their stories of living with mental health challenges, from discovery to recovery.

These events are free. For information contact Alicia Yokoymama at 503-534-4228 or ayokoyama@lakeoswego.city

I also want to recommend a wonderful book by Judy Collins. Yes, that Judy Collins, famed for her incredible singing voice and classic songs like “Both Sides Now”. Judy lost her only child, her son Clark, to suicide. She has spent decades learning as much as she can on the subject and her book is well written, insightful, and very informative. Titled Sanity and Grace, I highly recommend it.

As always, thank you for reading the blotter,
Dianne