Newsletter and Activities Planner - March 15, 2024

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
The 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade returns live and in person.  Not only Irish eyes will be smilin'. The parade starts at 1:00 p.m. sharp at Fernwood/Cleary School (NE 33rd and Hancock)

MASK AND MIRROR PRESENTS: INHERIT THE WIND
In a small, deeply conservative Midwest town, Inherit the Wind chronicles a young school teacher who is arrested for teaching the theory of evolution to his high school Science classroom. What follows is a gargantuan court battle between the two iconic lawyers of their day, the stirring of the town’s passion for their convictions, and an assault on the very foundations of our freedom to choose, or even think, for ourselves. First staged at the height of McCarthyism, this incredible story continues to be frighteningly relevant even 70 years later.

KELL'S ST. PATRICK'S IRISH FESTIVAL
Join the Kells family once again for the 2024 Portland Irish Festival. Celebrate with Kells this St. Patrick's Day for the 2024 edition of the Portland Irish Festival with Live Music, Irish Dancing, Bagpipes, Vendors, Irish Food and Drinks.​

CONCERTS AT ARDIRI WINERY
Allow Ardiri Winery to appeal to your senses with delicious wines, stunning views, and intimate concerts by various local artists and performers. Featuring concerts from a number of artists who bring the dulcet tones of jazz and funk to the winery while Ardiri brings the wine. Whether the Oregon forecast brings rain, shine, or snow, Ardiri provides intimate performances across all genres. After all, is there anything better than sipping on a glass of wine while listening to live music?

SPOOLS AND STITCHES SHOP HOP
Quilt Shop Hop features 11 greater Portland/Vancouver metro area shops. Bringing back (for the first time in almost ten years) a local Portland/Vancouver Metro Area shop hop. Each shop will give you a FREE kit for a six-inch (finished size) block using the shop hop fabrics from Moda's Strawberry Lemonade collection. If you'd like a bigger block, each shop has a kit for sale to turn that free block into a 12-inch block. Some of these transformation kits are AMAZINGLY FUN.

SHAMROCK RUN
Showcasing the best of downtown Portland, the Shamrock Run will celebrate 46 years of running on St. Patrick's Day 2024. Portland’s longest running tradition features multiple distances ranging from the one-mile Leprechaun Lap for kids. All races start and finish at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, offering sweeping views of Portland’s skyline, Willamette River waterfront, and several unique bridges. The post-race ‘Finish Line Festival’ welcomes both runners and spectators, featuring a green beer garden and live music for a St. Patrick’s Day party like no other.

The Shamrock Run has established itself as an iconic and spirited running event, ingrained in the city’s culture and community. With a tradition that dates back to 1978, the Shamrock Run is not just a race; it’s a celebration of Irish heritage, camaraderie, and the spirit of Portland.

FRANKENSTEIN'S COMIC BOOK SWAP
Frankenstein’s Comicbook Swap is a bi-annual comic book and local artist show in Portland.
Held in the old H&M location, upper and lower levels, southwest of the ice rink. Across from All American Magic Shop, Hot Topic and Zoomies

PHOTOS WITH THE BUNNY
The Easter Bunny is back at Washington Square starting on March 1. Visit the Bunny in Summit Court. Pre-book your photo packages now. Schedule Your Photo Experience to Meet the Easter Bunny. Pre-booking is recommended to help reduce wait time, and it’s easy.

7 WONDERS OF OREGON: THE WALLOWAS
Surrounded by the remote Eagle Cap Wilderness, glacial lakes, working ranches and the wide open spaces of Eastern Oregon, The Wallowas are one of Oregon’s most beautiful secrets. Click here  to see some spots you won’t want to miss when you go see them for yourself!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT THE GRAND LODGE
The leprechauns are on their side, bringing them rainbows and merriment for St. Patrick’s Day. Join McMenamin’s Grand Lodge for multiple days of food and drink specials, McMenamins’ own Irish Stout, live music and plenty of hijinks.

HIKE - MULTNOMAH FALLS TRAIL
Experience this 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Bridal Veil, Oregon. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 30 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS
Come cheer on the Winterhawks, Portland's junior ice hockey team and three-time WHL champs. Winterhawks games are a great night out for fans of all ages, whether you want to sit right by the glass or a little higher up for a full-ice view.

BEAVERTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET
From February through March, the Beaverton Farmers Market opens for the winter season with about 50 vendors. The market is open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, the Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, drawing up to one million visitors during its annual season.

HOLLYWOOD FARMERS MARKETS
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food,  you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season.

• April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,
• October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM,, and
• December through March: 9 AM to 1PM on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month

 Home Handyman Hints

nspecting and cleaning outdoor furniture and a grill is essential to keep them looking great and functioning well. Here are the steps to inspect and clean them:

Materials:

• Mild dish soap
• Water
• Soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Bucket
• Hose
• Microfiber cloth or towel
• Stainless steel cleaner (for grills)
• Grill brush or scraper
• Steps:

1. Inspect for Damage:

• Check outdoor furniture and grill for any damage, such as rust, cracks, or loose parts.

2. Clean Surfaces:

• Prepare a cleaning solution using mild dish soap and water in a bucket.
• Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to clean the surfaces of the furniture and grill.
• For stubborn stains, let the soap solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing

3. Rinse Thoroughly:

• Rinse the furniture and grill thoroughly with a hose to remove all soap residue.

4. Dry Surfaces:

• Use a microfiber cloth or towel to dry the surfaces completely to prevent water spots and rust.

5. Clean Grill Grates

• For the grill, remove the grates and clean them with a grill brush or scraper to remove any stuck-on food or debris.
• Use a stainless steel cleaner to polish the grates and other stainless steel parts of the grill.

6. Inspect Gas Lines (For Gas Grills):

• Check the gas lines and connections for any leaks or damage. If you suspect a leak, do not use the grill and contact a professional for repairs.

7. Check Functionality:

• Test the functionality of the furniture, such as folding mechanisms or reclining features, to ensure they are working properly.
• For the grill, check that the burners and ignition system are working correctly.

8. Apply Protective Coating (Optional):

• Consider applying a protective coating to the furniture and grill to help prevent rust and extend their lifespan.
• Cover or Store (Optional):

If possible, cover the furniture and grill when not in use or store them in a sheltered area to protect them from the elements. Regularly inspecting and cleaning outdoor furniture and a grill can help maintain their appearance and performance, ensuring they last for many seasons to come.

Always document your improvements  with associated dates. And if you need any professional help, you can always reach out to us here and we would be happy to refer a vetted professional!

FEATURED LISTINGS
(PSSST - Tell a friend!)

Curious about what your home may be worth in our current real estate market? Click here for a no obligation comparative market analysis. Thank you for including us in your real estate journey!

OFFERED AT: $ 1,095,000
15190 SW 139th Ave
Tigard, OR 97224
5 Beds, 4 Baths, 4,015 SqFt, 0.32 Lot Size, 1999 Year Built

This stunning Craftsman home boasts five bedrooms providing ample space for a large family, multi-generational or for entertaining guests. The interior layout is open and spacious with a gourmet eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, gleaming Brazilian hardwood floors, built-ins, 3 & 1/2 bathrooms and two beautiful stone front gas fireplaces one on the main and the other in the lower family room. The lower level includes an additional 13'X12.5' office (or workout room) a guest room and a large family room with a walkout to a covered deck. A standout feature of this home is its beautiful landscaping and location backing onto greenspace. Entertain your guests around the hardscaped patio and gas firepit. Enjoy the evening ambiance lighting in the gorgeous backyard while you listen to the sound of the stream at the back of the property. This home provides a tranquil and private setting with direct access to nature. Tons of storage space throughout. Main floor mudroom off garage and upstairs utility room. Clean oversized garage with recently finished epoxy floor and tons of storage.

More Information

IMPROVED PRICE: $549,900
7415 N Fenwick Ave
Portland, OR 97217
4 Beds, 2 Baths, 2,081 SqFt, 5,227 s.f. Lot Size, 1926 Year Built

This beautifully fully renovated home, seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary comforts. Located in a picturesque tree lined neighborhood. This 4 bedroom and 2 bathroom home has so much potential including a multigenerational home or possible ADU due to separate side entrance. The basement is completely finished and recently upgraded including a large bedroom and bathroom. A large family room in the basement is currently being used as an additional bedroom but could become a cozy great room. The main floor is complete with a kitchen, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, living room and eating area. The gourmet kitchen on the main has all stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and custom cabinetry. On the upper floor you'll find an additional bedroom and potential office area. Home has a newer roof, furnace and water heater. Electrical and plumbing have been upgraded as well. Nothing to do but move in to this turn-key home!

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OFFERED AT: $484,000
5625 Sinclair St
West Linn, OR  97068
 3 Beds, 1 Baths, 960 sqft , 0.17 acre Lot Size

Welcome to your new home in West Linn nestled on a spacious and secluded private lot in a desirable neighborhood. This charming home offers a perfect blend of modern updates and classic charm making it an ideal retreat for you and your loved ones. Step into your own private sanctuary, surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees providing a sense of serenity and privacy that's hard to come by. As you enter the home, you'll be greeted by an abundance of natural light filtering through the brand new windows. Windows are an extruded wood composite (energy efficient and durable). The home boasts a newish roof, providing you with added peace of mind regarding maintenance and longevity. With three cozy bedrooms, this home is perfect for families or those seeking extra space for guests, a home office, or hobbies. Fiberoptic internet.

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OFFERED AT: $169,900
8300 NE Quatama St, Unit 25
Hillsboro, OR 97006
 3 bd | 2 / 0 ba | 1296 sqft

This lovely home with its three bedrooms, two bathrooms and recent interior and exterior updates, presents an excellent opportunity to embrace a comfortable and stylish lifestyle within a welcoming community. Three large bedrooms, primary includes an ensuite bathroom. The kitchen is the focal point of this home featuring contemporary appliances, ample cabinets, a large pantry and a convenient layout. The adjacent dining area offers a space for entertaining or enjoying meals with family and friends. Home was recently painted inside and out, roof was replaced in 2019. Don't miss the chance to make this your home!

More Information

• New listings (1,941) increased 0.2% from the 1,938 listed in January 2023, and increased 89.2% from the 1,026 listed in December 2023.

• Pending sales (1,492) decreased 15.8% from the 1,771 offers accepted in January 2023, and increased 14.0% from the 1,309 offers accepted in December 2023.

• Closed sales (1,120) increased 2.9% from the 1,088 closings in January 2023, and decreased 15.8% from the 1,330 closings in December 2023.

• Inventory increased to 3.2 months in January. Total market time increased to 68 days.

• Comparing the first month of 2024 to the same period in 2023, new listings (1,941) increased 0.2%, pending sales (1,492) decreased 15.8%, and closed sales (1,120) increased 2.9%. 

• Comparing 2024 to 2023 through January, the average sale price has increased 5.9% from $532,900 to $564,600. In the same comparison, the median sale price has increased 3.2% from $489,500 to $505,000.