Newsletter and Activities Planner - March 8, 2024

WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Celebrating over ten years of music and still going strong. This festival gives you great entertainment for a few hours and a chance to get out of the house before spring begins and help the community. The Winter Music Festival (formerly the Winter Blues Music Festival) features several bands on two stages.

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.

SHEBREW FESTIVAL
The 9th Annual SheBrew Festival is a family-friendly beer and cider festival showcasing over 50 professional female brewers and 10 homebrewers from the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy Beers and Cider, GF and NA options, women-owned food carts, Hearth and Soul Pizza and Salvi PDX, cool vendors, outdoor games, a photobooth, a raffle and homebrew sodas. This year, there are 2 sessions, VIP tickets for both sessions and some extra perks. SheBrew is 100% nonprofit. All proceeds go to The Human Rights Campaign to fight for Equality. 

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.

FOREST BATHING AT HAGG LAKE
What is forest bathing? In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” The practice encourages people to simply spend time in nature — no actual bathing required. It’s also very low impact, which means you don’t have to go for intense trail runs or hikes. The goal of forest bathing is to live in the present moment while immersing your senses in the sights and sounds of a natural setting. Join Shawna Hartung for a two-hour Forest Bathing experience at Hagg Lake. The program includes a welcome, a history of the land, background on forest bathing, guided invitations, gathering and tea ceremony.

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.

PACWEST CHEER AND DANCE NATIONALS
PacWest started as the largest provider of cheerleading and dance events in the Pacific Northwest. We work passionately to deliver an exceptionally trustworthy event that demonstrates our genuine care for you, your team members, and their parents. PacWest events feature participant gifts, team awards and bids to all of Varsity All Star End-of-Season Championships.

PAINTED HILLS - ONE OF OREGON'S SEVEN WONDERS
Oregon’s Painted Hills are truly unique among natural wonders and a must-see sight. When you visit John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, this unit will undoubtedly be the highlight. Oregon’s Painted Hills are considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. And they totally are. Visiting the Painted Hills really is a treat and it’s perfect for nearly any sort of traveler. We’re going to share with you why we love the area, best hikes, and how and when to visit the Painted Hills.

Some might consider it Central Oregon and some might call it Eastern Oregon, but Oregon’s Painted Hills are located somewhere between the two. One of the three major units of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument the Painted Hills is a combination rolling landscape and jagged canyons. The canyons are what lead to the hills themselves, but half of the splendor and fun of exploring the area is the diversity of the geology and sites.

SIMMERDOWN DUO LIVE AT 503 UNCORKED
Molly Elkins and Craig Jahne are longtime friends and experienced members of the Portland music scene, playing in local bands Rock Doctors, Angela Haywood and Soul Expression, Probable Cause and The B4s. In 2015 they decided to branch off from our loud and rowdy rock ‘n roll background and simmer down a bit. And so the Simmer Down Duo was formed. Start with a variety of popular folk, country, rock, pop selections then simmer them down to simple acoustic arrangements using vocal harmonies and the occasional looper to fill out the sound

HIKE - TRAIL OF TEN FALLS
Explore this 7.4-mile loop trail near Mehama, Oregon. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 22 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Located under an hour from Salem, Silver Falls State Park is a wonderland of natural beauty. The Trail of Ten Falls is a popular route to see all the falls, with just a moderate level of difficulty. The route itself is actually a combination of the Canyon Trail and the Rim Trail. You’ll start out at the South Falls Lodge Trailhead. The loop can be done in either direction, but the mapped route on this page goes in a clockwise direction. There are also many alternate trailheads, some of which do not require a parking fee.

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 

Checking exterior siding and trim for damage or rot is an important part of home maintenance. Here are the materials and steps you'll need to perform this task:

Materials:

• Ladder (if needed to access higher areas)
• Screwdriver or awl
• Hammer
• Caulk (for sealing small cracks or gaps)
• Exterior paint or stain (for touch-ups or repairs)
• Wood filler or epoxy (for repairing minor damage)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visual Inspection:

   • Start by visually inspecting the exterior siding and trim from the ground. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or rot.
   • Pay close attention to areas where siding and trim meet, as these areas are more prone to damage.

2. Probe for Rot:

   • Use a screwdriver or awl to gently probe any areas that appear soft or damaged. Rot will feel spongy and may crumble easily.

3. Check for Moisture Damage:

   • Look for signs of moisture damage, such as discoloration, mold, or mildew. These can indicate water infiltration and potential rot.

4. Inspect Paint or Stain:

   • Check the condition of the paint or stain on the siding and trim. Peeling or blistering paint can indicate moisture issues.

5. Repair Minor Damage:

   • For minor damage, such as small cracks or holes, use caulk to seal the area. For larger areas of rot or damage, use wood filler or epoxy to repair the area.

6. Replace Damaged Sections:

   • If the damage is extensive or if the siding or trim is severely rotted, it may need to be replaced. Use a hammer to remove the damaged section and replace it with new siding or trim.

7. Touch Up Paint or Stain:

   • Once repairs are complete, touch up any areas with paint or stain to match the existing finish.

8. Monitor for Future Damage:

   • Regularly inspect the exterior siding and trim for signs of damage or rot. Promptly address any issues to prevent further damage.

By following these steps and performing regular inspections, you can ensure that your exterior siding and trim remain in good condition and protect your home from the elements.

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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 NEW TO MARKET!!
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!

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• 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.