Portland and Area Newslewtter and Planner - March 1, 2024

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The perfect vacation combination!

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WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?
Excerpts From TravelPortland.com

PORTLAND GOLF SHOW
The longest-running and most successful golf show on the West Coast returns to the Oregon Convention Center. The Portland Golf Show features the lowest prices of the year on name-brand clubs and equipment from the industry’s leading manufacturers in the Fiddler’s Green Golf Shop, a free driving range lined with manufacturer’s reps showing off the hottest new clubs of the year, fun skills contests with unbelievable prizes, free lessons from top Northwest pros, a fully-stocked 19th Hole lounge, plus particular areas for kids, golf fitness and other exciting activities.

TOMMY EMMANUEL CGP
The real-time exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song he plays is palpable and infectious. His fans are in love with his unbound talent as a guitarist of multitudes, his ability to play three parts at once, always with pure heart and real soul. He is a true virtuoso. But he seems as delighted always with the magic of the music as the audience, if not more, and his joy illuminates everything. It’s one thing to play these multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar. But to do it with that smile of the ages, that evidence of authentic, unbridled delight, is an irresistibly infectious invitation to feel his music as deeply as he does. “The joy, " he says, “is there always because I’m chasing it through music. Seeing the surprise in peoples’ eyes is worth living and working for... I can’t help but play to the people with all my heart, which is overflowing with joy of being in that moment that I’ve worked all my life for. And here it is!” That authentic exuberance Tommy brings to every show and every record is especially powerful, given the profound deficit of real joy in so many lives. Tommy’s happiness, like his music, is pure and expressed in real-time

PORTLAND SEAFOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Enjoy fresh Oregon seafood (at the peak of Dungeness Crab season) as well as wine, craft beers, cider, and distilled spirits as you browse the myriad of exhibitors. Over 30 of Oregon’s finest wineries (and 20 other beverage makers) offer you tastings of their very best. This is a family-friendly event. Live entertainment, face painters, balloon artists, and so much more. The fest is preceded by one of the Northwest’s most prestigious wine events, the Portland Seafood & Wine Festival Wine Competition presented by ilani. Vintners from across Oregon submit their finest in hopes of being named among the best. They are available (for tasting and for purchase) at the festival.

LUNAR NEW YEAR DRAGON AND LANTERN VIEWING
Welcome the Year of the Dragon at Portland's most iconic Lunar New Year celebration experience — Lantern Viewing Evenings at Lan Su. Witness the garden aglow with hanging red lanterns, illuminating sweeping rooflines while Lake Zither reflects the lights of large-scale floating lantern sculptures.

Cymbals, gongs, and action. Prepare for an extraordinary celebration as we joyously welcome the Year of the Dragon with a spirited and lively ambiance. Feel the energy pulsating through the garden with the dynamic drumbeats of the Portland Lee’s Association Dragon and Lion Dance Team, leading an illuminated dragon procession.

• Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with a live and traditional Chinese dragon dance procession.
• Experience the garden adorned with vibrant lantern sculpture displays, including four never-before-seen installations of the Four Gentlemen Floral Lanterns from China.
• Engage in interactive cultural activities that promise to add an extra layer of excitement and liveliness to the celebration.

The Dragon + Lantern Viewing Evenings guarantee a festive and lively experience. While there won't be table-side service at the teahouse during these events, you are invited to join a night filled with cultural vibrancy, entertainment, and the electrifying spirit of the Year of the Dragon.

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:

HINA MATSURI, THE DOLL FESTIVAL
Hina Matsuri, also called Doll’s Day or Girl’s Day, is a special time to pray for the growth and happiness of girls. It is also called Momo no Sekku, or “Peach Blossom Festival". Visitors can appreciate a traditional display of dolls representing the Emperor and Empress with members of the Imperial Court. The event will also feature storytelling, songs, and an ikebana workshop for young Garden guests.

Hina Matsuri is said to have originated in the Heian period (794-1185), a time when people believed that dolls had the power to drive away evil spirits. Paper or straw hina dolls were set afloat on boats down the river and out to sea, sweeping away troubles and bad spirits. This tradition called nagashi bina still takes place in some regions of Japan.

The tradition of displaying hina dolls at home began during the Edo period (1603-1868) and still takes place today. Traditionally, parents or grandparents purchase a set of hina dolls following the birth of a girl. In some instances, hina dolls are passed down from previous generations. .

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.

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.

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

Checking for and repairing plumbing leaks, including faucets and pipes, is essential for preventing water damage and conserving water. Here are the steps to check for and repair plumbing leaks:

Materials and Tools:

• Flashlight
• Towels or rags
• Wrench or pliers
• Pipe sealant or plumber's tape
• Replacement washers or O-rings (if needed)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply:

• Locate the shut-off valve for the fixture or the main water shut-off valve for the entire house.
• Turn off the water supply to prevent further leaking.

2. Check Faucets and Fixtures:

• Inspect all faucets, including kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs, for any signs of leaking or dripping.
• Check around the base of the faucet, handles, and spout for water accumulation or moisture.

3. Inspect Pipes:

• Check exposed pipes under sinks, in the basement, or near water heaters for any signs of leaks, such as puddles, dampness, or water stains.
• Look for signs of corrosion or rust on pipes, which may indicate a leak

4. Repair Faucet Leaks:

• If a faucet is leaking from the spout, the issue is likely a worn-out washer or O-ring.
• Shut off the water supply to the faucet.
• Disassemble the faucet handle using a wrench or pliers, and remove the old washer or O-ring.
• Replace the washer or O-ring with a new one of the same size and type.
• Reassemble the faucet handle and turn on the water supply to check for leaks.

5. Repair Pipe Leaks:

• For minor pipe leaks, such as a small drip, you can use pipe sealant or plumber's tape to temporarily stop the leak.
• Clean the area around the leak and dry it thoroughly.
• Apply pipe sealant or wrap plumber's tape tightly around the leaking area.
• Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If the leak persists, consider contacting a professional plumber for repair.

6. Monitor for Leaks:

• After repairing any leaks, monitor the faucets, fixtures, and pipes for any signs of new leaks or drips.
• Check for water accumulation or moisture regularly to catch any leaks early.Schedule Professional Inspection:
• If you're unable to locate or repair a leak, or if you notice significant water damage, it's advisable to contact a professional plumber for a thorough inspection and repair.

By following these steps and promptly addressing any plumbing leaks, you can prevent water damage, conserve water, and maintain the integrity of your plumbing system.

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.

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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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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 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.