Portland and Area Newsletter and Planner - February 23, 2024

EXPLORE LINCOLN CITY'S FINDERS KEEPERS GLASS FLOATS
Be on the lookout for the colorful twinkle of a hand-blown glass float when you’re exploring the beaches of Lincoln City. As the name says, Finders Keepers. Discover “random acts of findness” in Lincoln City, with —Finders Keepers. Over 3,000 glass treasures are hidden along the town’s seven miles of sandy beach, made by local artisans. If you find a float, it’s all yours.

Let your treasure hunt begin. Discover glass treasures every day of the year from Roads End on the north to Siletz Bay on the south. Once you find one, please register it, so Lincoln City knows that it’s been found.

HOODOO'S WINTER CARNIVAL - THE MOST MAGICXAL EVENT OF THE SEASON
Hoodoo invites you to the premier event of the season and a day full of free activities. Winter Carnival has been a tradition at Hoodoo for 40+ years and includes a number of free events (no lift ticket required): ax throwing booth, frisbee golf, musical chairs, a three-legged obstacle race, a team tube race, a hula-hoop contest, a fly-athalon, a pie eating contest, a ski javelin throw, an archery contest, a Hoodoo employee snow sculpture contest and bingo. The lifts are open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (lift ticket or season pass required for skiing and riding). Highlights include special dinner menu, the Dummy Downhill contest, the annual torchlight descent and professional fireworks on the mountain. 

LUNAR NEW YEAR AT LAN SU CHINESE GARDENS
Welcome the Year of the Dragon at Portland's most iconic Lunar New Year celebration experience — Lantern Viewing Evenings at Lan Su. From February 7 – March 2, witness the garden aglow with hanging red lanterns, illuminating sweeping rooflines while Lake Zither reflects the lights of large-scale floating lantern sculptures.

This year, Lan Su presents two unique experiences, inviting guests to tailor their Lantern Viewing celebration. Would you prefer enjoying the festivities of the Chinese dragon dance procession, or being among the first to explore the aroma and culture of tea at the newly opened Lan Su teahouse?

SANDWICH WEEK
IT'S A FACT: The pinnacle of human ingenuity is undoubtedly THE SANDWICH. And at long last, it's time to celebrate humankind's greatest feat with Jim Beam presenting the Portland Mercury's Sandwich Week. And if you love sandwiches, you are gonna lose your damn mind because Portlanders will be feasting on delectable, original sandwiches built by some of the city's most creative sandwich makers… and if that's not enough, each of those sammies can be had for a mere $8.
Are you dreaming? NO, YOU ARE NOT

BLACK HISTORY FESTIVAL NW
For the past eighteen years, World Stage Theatre has been educating communities about the rich tapestry of the African Diaspora through the arts. As the innovators of Black History Festival NW, the organization is elated about this year’s theme. From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement to Hip Hop and Afrofuturism, African Americans have been using art as a way to not only tell stories but use their platform to uplift the culture, shine a light on and challenge environmental issues. Artists have been instrumental in bridging gaps and bringing about change to make the world a better place.

CHOWDER FEST
Indulge in 5 mouthwatering chowders prepared by talented local chefs. From classic favorites to innovative twists, this event guarantees an explosion of flavor. Bring your appetite and prepare to be amazed.

Several wineries will be on-site, offering tastings and live music to enjoy alongside all the chowder. Please note, this is a 21+ event.

NEWPORT SEAFOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival returns in-person to the beautiful Oregon Coast. Wine and seafood enthusiasts have flocked to Newport for 47 years to enjoy the bounty of Oregon’s coast seafood and premier wineries. The annual Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is “the original and still the best!” produced by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and presented by Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Stay tuned for upcoming information about the new “Center Stage” featuring wine talks, wine tastings, chef demonstrations, competitions, and music.

HILLSDALE BREWFEST
Hillsdale Pub & Brewery is at the heart of some serious beer history. In 1985 it became Oregon's first brewpub since Prohibition, and the very first Brewfest followed eight years later. This milestone brewfest can't be contained to just one day. So, join a weekend of tasting great beer from McMenamins brewers as they vie for the title in the Battle of the Belt. Choose between two taster trays, enjoy delicious food specials and celebrate.

Cheers to 31 brew-tiful years.

BIAMP PORTLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival (from the local music organization PDX Jazz), includes artists spanning the full breadth of jazz. Artists who are driving the evolution of jazz figure prominently alongside NEA Jazz Masters and Grammy Award Winners.

Dedicated to preserving America’s indigenous art form by presenting internationally recognized jazz masters alongside local musicians, this annual festival usually includes education and outreach programs extending into Portland’s schools and neighborhoods and a generous offering of free performances, film and jazz conversations.

OREGON CRAFT BEER MONTH
February is Oregon Craft Beer Month, a month-long focus on Oregon craft breweries, highlighting events, beer releases, and more. Why February? It tends to be one of the slowest sales and tourist months of the year. The goal is to help encourage folks to visit and support Oregon craft breweries across the state.

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.

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.

STUDIO GHIBLI FILM FESTIVAL
This year’s festival includes daily screenings, special guest speakers, and an Opening Night celebration focused on the 40th anniversary of Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Watch all your favorites, from My Neighbor Totoro to Kiki’s Delivery Service, all on the largest movie screen in Portland. Select screenings will feature introductions by experts on Miyazaki’s work from Portland State University and Pacific University.

MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE: THE ART OF NETSUKE SCULPTURES
Portland Japanese Garden is delighted to present its final new art exhibition of 2023, Masterpieces in Miniature: The Art of Netsuke Sculptures. Once immensely popular across Japan, netsuke (pronounced nets-keh) were miniature sculptures that also served a purpose as personal fashion accessories, helping overcome the lack of pockets in traditional men’s clothing by helping hang small items from a kimono sash. What started as simple accessories evolved into beautiful and complicated sculptures created in a variety of exquisite materials over a span of more than two hundred years during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868).

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.

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

Servicing your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system regularly is essential for maintaining its efficiency and prolonging its lifespan. Here are the steps to service your HVAC system, including changing filters and scheduling a professional inspection:

Materials and Tools:

• New HVAC filters
• Screwdriver (if needed to access filters)
• Vacuum cleaner with attachments
• PPE (personal protective equipment) such as gloves and a mask

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Turn Off the Power:

   • Turn off the power to the HVAC system at the main electrical panel to prevent accidental injury.

2. Change the Air Filters:

   • Locate the air filters in your HVAC system. They are usually located in the return air duct or near the air handler.
   • Remove the old filters and replace them with new ones of the same size and type. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for filter replacement.
   • If the filters are reusable, clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Clean the Vents and Registers:

   • Use a vacuum cleaner with attachments to remove dust and debris from the vents and registers throughout your home.

4. Inspect the Outdoor Unit:

   • Check the outdoor unit (condenser/compressor) for any debris such as leaves, grass, or dirt. Clear away any obstructions that could restrict airflow.

5. Schedule a Professional Inspection:

   • Contact a licensed HVAC technician to schedule a professional inspection and maintenance service.
   • The technician will inspect the HVAC system, including the ductwork, electrical components, refrigerant levels, and overall performance.
   • They will also perform any necessary maintenance tasks, such as lubricating moving parts, checking for leaks, and ensuring proper airflow.

6. Check Thermostat Settings:

   • Verify that your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and is functioning properly.

7. Turn On the Power:

   • Once the filters have been changed and any necessary maintenance has been performed, turn the power back on at the main electrical panel.

8. Monitor System Performance:

   • After servicing your HVAC system, monitor its performance to ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently.
   • Pay attention to any unusual noises, odors, or changes in airflow, and contact a professional if you notice any issues.

9. Regular Maintenance:

   • Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system, ideally twice a year (spring and fall), to keep it running efficiently and prevent breakdowns.

By following these steps and scheduling regular maintenance with a professional HVAC technician, you can ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently and effectively, providing comfort and indoor air quality for your home.

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

OFFERED AT: $ 559,000
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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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 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.