Lake Oswego can feel absolutely great about turning 100 years old.
That was the theme delivered in a big way at the Lake Oswego Centennial Kickoff Celebration Tuesday night at the Lakewood Center.
“Happy Birthday, Lake Oswego!” boomed Mayor Jack Hoffman in his opening remarks to the crowd. “This city of 36,000 people is one of the most desirable places to live in Oregon. A lot of extraordinary people have come together to weave the fabric of this city.”
It is safe to assume that all 36,000 residents, and many others, will take part in the celebration in 2010. Not only are there major community events scheduled for July, August and October, but Centennial director Kathy Kern Schilling announced that more than 100 partnership events will be held in conjunction with the Centennial celebration.
The enthusiasm for the big anniversary could certainly be seen at Lakewood Center on Tuesday. The public got its first view of the 20-panel Building Blocks exhibit (created by historian and preservationist Mary Lou Colver, Corinna Campbell-Sack and Erin O’Rourke Meadors), and they were also introduced to the three Centennial Ambassadors — Dee Denton, Dorothy Stafford and Dick Durham.
There was also a surprise visit by Lake Oswego founder Alonzo Durham. As portrayed by actor Steve Knox, he had a strong resemblance to President Ulysses S. Grant, only funnier. Durham was at first stunned, then overjoyed at the changes have taken place in the city he founded.
The greatest crowd response was for the premiere of the Centennial video, as presented by documentary film producer Kevin D’Haeze, a resident of Lake Oswego. In less than 30 minutes the video told the story of how Lake Oswego evolved from a struggling post-industrial town to a thriving city famed for its lifestyle.
As one commentator in the film said, “Lake Oswego has reinvented itself several times. It will probably reinvent itself again.”
The underlying message of the video was quite reassuring. Lake Oswego may have lost a few good things in its century of existence, but it has gained so much more in becoming the city its people know today.
To keep up to date on all Lake Oswego Centennial happenings, follow the calendar in the Lake Oswego Review or see the new Web sitewww.lakeoswego100.com .
Wilsonville, Oregon
Charbonneau, farmlands, and industry.
Community Links
- Wilsonville Schools – www.wlwv.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – www.ci.wilsonville.or.us
- Chamber of Commerce – www.wilsonvillechamber.com
Lake Oswego can feel absolutely great about turning 100 years old.
That was the theme delivered in a big way at the Lake Oswego Centennial Kickoff Celebration Tuesday night at the Lakewood Center.
“Happy Birthday, Lake Oswego!” boomed Mayor Jack Hoffman in his opening remarks to the crowd. “This city of 36,000 people is one of the most desirable places to live in Oregon. A lot of extraordinary people have come together to weave the fabric of this city.”
It is safe to assume that all 36,000 residents, and many others, will take part in the celebration in 2010. Not only are there major community events scheduled for July, August and October, but Centennial director Kathy Kern Schilling announced that more than 100 partnership events will be held in conjunction with the Centennial celebration.
The enthusiasm for the big anniversary could certainly be seen at Lakewood Center on Tuesday. The public got its first view of the 20-panel Building Blocks exhibit (created by historian and preservationist Mary Lou Colver, Corinna Campbell-Sack and Erin O’Rourke Meadors), and they were also introduced to the three Centennial Ambassadors — Dee Denton, Dorothy Stafford and Dick Durham.
There was also a surprise visit by Lake Oswego founder Alonzo Durham. As portrayed by actor Steve Knox, he had a strong resemblance to President Ulysses S. Grant, only funnier. Durham was at first stunned, then overjoyed at the changes have taken place in the city he founded.
The greatest crowd response was for the premiere of the Centennial video, as presented by documentary film producer Kevin D’Haeze, a resident of Lake Oswego. In less than 30 minutes the video told the story of how Lake Oswego evolved from a struggling post-industrial town to a thriving city famed for its lifestyle.
As one commentator in the film said, “Lake Oswego has reinvented itself several times. It will probably reinvent itself again.”
The underlying message of the video was quite reassuring. Lake Oswego may have lost a few good things in its century of existence, but it has gained so much more in becoming the city its people know today.
To keep up to date on all Lake Oswego Centennial happenings, follow the calendar in the Lake Oswego Review or see the new Web sitewww.lakeoswego100.com .
Wilsonville, Oregon
Charbonneau, farmlands, and industry.
Community Links
- Wilsonville Schools – www.wlwv.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – www.ci.wilsonville.or.us
- Chamber of Commerce – www.wilsonvillechamber.com
Tualatin, Oregon
Residents have it all in Tualatin: golfing, swimming, boating, fishing, and much more. Conveniently located just off I-5, this community is ideal for families that want to be close to work in Portland but wish to leave it behind at the end of the day.
Community Links
- Tualatin Schools – www.ttsd.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – www.ci.tualatin.or.us
- Chamber of Commerce – www.tualatinchamber.com
West Linn, Oregon
Home of Marylhurst University, West Linn is a deeply traditional community rich with history and culture.
Community Links
- West Linn Schools – www.wlwv.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – westlinnoregon.gov
- Chamber of Commerce – www.westlinnchamber.com
Tigard, Oregon
Centrally located in Washington County, Tigard is close to all shopping destinations. This community is ideal for new couples or young families looking for a blend of natural surrounds like the Tigard Festival of Balloons at Cook Park and city lifestyle such as Washington Square.
Community Links
- Tigard Schools – www.ttsd.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – www.tigard-or.gov
- Chamber of Commerce – www.tigardchamber.org
Sherwood, Oregon
Considered one of Oregon’s most livable cities according to Money Magazine’s “Best Places To Live 2007.” This family oriented community is located not far from the commercial bustle of Portland.
Community Links
- Sherwood Schools – www.sherwood.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – www.ci.sherwood.or.us
- Chamber of Commerce – sherwoodchamber.org
Newberg, Oregon
Newberg captures some or Oregon’s finest scenery. This is one of the Portland Area’s fastest growing communities including dozens of wineries, vineyards and is home to George Fox University.
Community Links
- Newberg Schools – www.newberg.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – www.ci.newberg.or.us
- Chamber of Commerce – www.chehalemvalley.org
Beaverton, Oregon
Home for Nike’s Corporate Headquaters, this community is a favorite for younger professionals. Located just outside Portland to the West, Beaverton is a fast pace community designed for a more energentic lifestyle.
Community Links
- Beaverton Schools – www.beavton.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – www.beavertonoregon.gov
- Chamber of Commerce – www.beaverton.org
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Lake Oswego is a vibrant community located minutes south of Portland. Residents enjoy fabulous scenery between and abundance of art, the lake, river and views of Mt. Hood. Lake Oswego also boasts some of the best public and private schools in the nation. This is an ideal community for professionals and families.
Community Links
- Lake Oswego Schools – www.loswego.k12.or.us
- City Home Page – www.ci.oswego.or.us
- Chamber of Commerce – www.lake-oswego.com