Portland and Area Newsletter and Planner - February 9, 2024

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?

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.

PORTLAND WINTER LIGHT FESTIVAL
Portland Winter Light Festival returns Feb 2-10, 2024, at various locations throughout the city instead of in a centralized location. The festival’s theme in 2024 is Glowing Under Pressure, exploring the mysteries of the deep sea and inspired by bioluminescent wonders. Visit the Portland Winter Light Festival’s website for maps of installation locations.

The renewable-energy-powered festival is an extension of the Willamette Light Brigade, a nonprofit that’s been lighting Portland’s bridges since 1987. The mission of the Portland Winter Light Festival is to build community by bringing art and technology to inclusive audiences while invigorating Portland in the winter and lighting up the darkest time of the year.

Inspired by European celebrations like the Festival of Lights in Lyon, France — an annual event that Herring says “blew his mind” when he attended in 2007 — the Portland Winter Light Festival combines creativity with various forms of light. Artworks might feature fire, tungsten lights, and LED lights, along with the playful use of reflections and shadows.

DUMPLING WEEK
This year's fair will showcase both traditional and contemporary Chinese cultural activities, including a Lion Dance and other Chinese folk dances, Chinese instrumental music, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese martial arts demonstrations, children’s games and more.

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.

WYRD LEATHERWORKS AND MEADERY
Set in the basement of a vintage Portland building in the Woodstock neighborhood, is a medieval fantasy-themed mead hall. Made with local honey in their subterranean space, expect to find LARPers and fans of cosplay kicking around this distinctive bar.

HIKE - HECETA HEAD
In 1775, the Basque sea captain Bruno de Heceta sailed up the Oregon coast and in a remarkable coincidence, discovered Heceta Head. Unlike the many tourists that visit Heceta Head in our time, he probably didn't stop to snap an iconic photograph of Heceta Head Lighthouse. On February 3rd, we will make our own voyage of discovery by hiking the 6 mile loop up and over Heceta Head.

Map of hike:
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1997531498
Driving Directions:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/R2amc1JNcJ9Wt41j8

USS IMPROVISE
The Funhouse Lounge boldly brings you The Next Generation in comedy. This fan-favorite show returns this January for live, unscripted “episodes” of Star Trek, the Next Generation. Get ready to see all your favorite Next Gen characters like you’ve never seen before, along with fully improvised songs. Join us as we boldly and melodically improvise our way through the final frontier… Engage.

PORTLAND OPERA PRESENTS ENCHANTED WOODS: SHAKESPEARE AND SONG 
Enter Shakespeare’s forest: a place of magic, love and transformation. Here, to honor Shakespeare’s first folio, be immersed in an evening of story and song inspired by 20th-century adaptations of his enduring works. Through sweet melody and poignant poetry, celebrate the natural magic of the bard — to honor that which is still enchanting four hundred years later.

Enjoy a picnic and toast to the magic of Shakespeare. This immersive experience will include cabaret-style seating, libations, and savory and sweet treats. Soak in beautiful melodic and tonal music, including works by Benjamin Britten, Betty Jackson King, and other celebrated composers, as we travel through As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, and more.

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 WINTER ICE RINK
The Portland Winter Ice Rink and Woodsy Winter Village is a family-friendly outdoor ice rink located at the west end of the Morrison Bridgehead on the waterfront in Portland, Oregon.  In addition to skating, enjoy a variety of activities in the Woodsy Winter Village which features a concession marketplace, food, warm beverages, and a cozy lounge.

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

Maintaining a home is crucial for its longevity and value. As a realtor, here is a home maintenance task that homeowners should consider during this time of the year:

Cleaning and sealing outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, and driveways is essential for protecting them from moisture, UV damage, and other environmental factors. Here are the general steps to clean and seal outdoor surfaces effectively:

Materials and Tools:

• Pressure washer or garden hose with spray nozzle
• Scrub brush or deck brush
• Outdoor cleaner or detergent
• Bleach or oxygen bleach (optional, for mold or mildew)
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Protective clothing
• Sealer or waterproofing product suitable for the surface material
• Paint roller, brush, or sprayer (depending on the sealer type)
• Paint tray (if using a roller or brush)
• Stir stick or paint mixer
• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect surrounding areas

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Area:

   • Clear the area of furniture, plants, and other items.
   • Sweep the surface to remove loose debris such as leaves and dirt.

2. Prep the Surface:

   • For heavily soiled surfaces, pre-treat with an outdoor cleaner or detergent. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application.
   • If dealing with mold or mildew, mix a solution of bleach or oxygen bleach with water according to the product instructions. Apply the solution to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

3. Clean the Surface:

   • Use a pressure washer or garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the surface thoroughly.
   • Scrub the surface with a scrub brush or deck brush and the cleaning solution, working in sections if necessary. Pay extra attention to areas with stains, mold, or mildew.
   • Rinse the surface again to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.

4. Allow Surface to Dry:

   • Let the surface dry completely before applying the sealer. This typically takes at least 24 to 48 hours, depending on weather conditions.

5. Apply Sealer:

   • Stir the sealer thoroughly with a stir stick or paint mixer to ensure uniform consistency.
   • Pour the sealer into a paint tray (if using a roller or brush) or fill the sprayer.
   • Apply the sealer evenly to the surface using a paint roller, brush, or sprayer, working in small sections.
   • Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the number of coats required and the drying time between coats.
   • Pay attention to any overlapping areas to avoid streaks or uneven coverage.

6. Allow Sealer to Cure:

   • Let the sealer dry and cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations before allowing foot traffic or replacing furniture and other items on the surface.

7. Cleanup:

   • Clean tools and equipment with water and detergent or mineral spirits, depending on the sealer type.
   • Dispose of any leftover sealer and cleaning materials properly, following local regulations.

Following these steps will help ensure that your outdoor surfaces are properly cleaned and sealed, providing long-lasting protection and enhancing their appearance.

Document your maintenance activities, as a well-maintained home can enhance its market value. Additionally, for any tasks beyond the your expertise, ask us for a vetted list of professionals that can assist you!

 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: $484,000
5625 SINCLAIR ST
WEST LINN, OR

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.

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.