Cover Photo by Brian Geraths
Stories of theVillage
aCTIvITY aNalYsIs oF HoMEs IN lakE osWEGo & WEsT lINN Price range 0-100k 100-125k 125-150k 150-175k 175-200k 200k-225 225-250k 250-275k 275-300k 300-325k 325-350k 350-375k 375-400k 400-425k 425-450k 450-475k 475-500k 500-600k 600-700k 700-800k 800-900k 900-1M 1-1.5M 1.5-2M 2M +
acTive lisTings 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 5 1 7 16 11 31 15 13 14 20 75 53 60 35 18 69 27 37
Pending lisTings 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 4 0 6 14 8 19 8 9 6 13 34 15 19 10 6 11 3 7
Pending raTio %
ToTal
513
197
MoNTHs invenTory
closed average lasT 6 Mos. sale Price
lisT To sale %
solds avR. DoM
Neighbors Publication Team
100 80 80
1 1.3 1.3
85 87 72 61 53 69 42 65 45 28 31 28 33 15 11 18
0.2 1.1 1.4 1.6 1.9 1.4 2.3 1.5 2.2 3.5 3.2 3.5 3 6.3 9 5.3
1 4 6 15 15 29 30 41 27 63 31 67 25 55 147 95 75 31 23 66 18 15
38%
2.6
879
165k 192k 217k 237k 263k 288k 315k 338k 363k 390k 417k 438k 457k 488k 551k 660k 759k 861k 957k 1.21M 1.8M 2.89M
103 95 104 100 99 100 100 100 98 99 99 99 99 99 98 99 99 97 95 95 96 90
3 25 125 27 24 61 25 28 32 42 34 47 34 39 40 50 33 56 38 79 78 183
$623k
97.60%
47
Prices are up 6% in the last year! Do you know your home’s current value? call us Today no obligaTion ToTal confidenTialiTy
JOHN & PRISCILLA DECOSTA
Publisher: Jared & Stacy Kofron Content Coordinator: Audrey Fisher Creative Director: Kerry Yu Designer: Janet Hladik Contributing Photographer: Brian Geraths
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Content Due:............... Edition Month: December 5.................. January January 5...................... February February 5.................... March March 5........................ April April 5........................... May May 5............................ June June 5........................... July July 5............................ August August 5....................... September September 5................. October October 5...................... November November 5.................. December
Dear Residents,
Lake Oswego is a special place. It is a community of kind, caring, and talented individuals; a community that helped shape me (Go Pacers!), and I’m happy to serve as LO Neighbors’ Content Coordinator. I’m a senior at Marylhurst University, studying English and creative writing, with hopes to travel the world after I graduate and teach English to kids. When I’m not studying, you can find me dancing, playing my ukulele, or hiking in the Gorge. LO Neighbors will bring connection to your community by providing articles about your neighbors and the amazing things that they are doing as business owners, family members, and friends. This magazine is a place for you and your neighbors’ good works to shine through, a place for celebrating and honoring those who help make LO the peaceful, beautiful community that it is. So cozy up with a latté, hot cocoa, or whatever you prefer, and check out what your neighbors are up to. Then when you see them at Starbucks, Jazzy Bagels, or the Lake Theater and Café, say hello! Ask them how their family is doing, and how their business is going. Also, be sure to check out the calendar of events. You wouldn’t want to miss out on some of the events that are going on in LO this December, like the horse-drawn wagon ride, or the Christmas Ship Parade. A special thanks to our advertisers who make this magazine possible by supporting the promotion of local businesses in Lake Oswego. Also, a special thanks to the neighbors of LO. Without you, we wouldn’t have wonderful things to write about and share! See you around town, neighbors!
Audrey
Audrey Fisher, Content Coordinator
Magazines usually hit mailboxes the first week of the month. Dates may vary depending on the post office. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2015 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
503-702-0856
john@decosta-properties.com | www.decosta-properties.com Listing information obtained from multiple sources deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. Listings shown may or may not be listings of DeCosta Properties 2 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
Jared & Stacy Kofron, Publishers Submit content at BestVersionMedia.com
December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 3
Expert Contributors Cindy Passannante, Travel Expert – A skilled traveler herself, Cindy has helped people experience their travel dreams and adventures for over 30 years. Cindy enjoys her work with clients who want to have the best travel experience possible through a well arranged and planned vacation. (503) 658-5646
Trevor Hammond, Certified Mortgage Advisor – A veteran of the mortgage industry, Trevor is director of Aspire Mortgage and co-author of “Borrow Smart, Retire Rich.” Trevor has provided thousands of homeowners with the clarity and confidence to make smarter decisions when it comes to their mortgages and money. (971) 300-0491
Garrison Hullinger, Interior Design – Garrison has a passion for creating an interior that is as warm and beautiful as it is comfortable and functional. His greatest asset is the ability to instantly see the potential in any space, and to artfully facilitate every detail from start to finish. (971) 255-0326
Curt Nelson, AV Security Professional – With more than 25 years of experience in custom audio/ video, security, networking and related fields, Curt works with builders, designers, architects and home owners to provide systems that work well and are simple to operate. (503) 538-1190
John DeCosta, Real Estate – An industry leader since 1978, John contributes to multiple radio, print media and online information sites. John is president of the Metro Business Development Group and founder of the “Breakfast with John” networking organization. (503) 702-0856 Dr. Jerry Yoon, Podiatry – Dr. Yoon is a board certified foot surgeon, a diplomat of American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and a fellow of American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He makes Lake Oswego his home and looks forward to continuing to provide highest quality care in foot and ankle related medicine and surgery. (503) 636-9656
Sherry Dorn, Fashion – Sherry has worked the fashion runways from coast to coast; print ads, TV/radio, is the author of “The Sassy Shopper” and a columnist for various publications. Micah Dennis, Landscape & Exterior Design – Micah is innovative and connected with 20 years of experience in landscaping. His designs entice you outdoors with the use of destination points... drawing you out to relax, dine, enjoy a fire or water feature. His artistic imagination and distinctive design mindset has him influencing standards in Lake Oswego Landscaping. (503) 788-3117
Mike Moore, Wealth Management – Mike is the managing member of Crestline Capital, LLC, a Lake Oswego based wealth management firm. He and his wife, Darcy, have three children and have lived in Lake Oswego since 2000. (503) 635-4457
Elizabeth Pasko, Skin Care – With more than 11 years of experience, Elizabeth continues to learn from the daily experiences with her clients, in the classroom, from her co-workers, and from various other professionals in her field. She is the owner/ founder of della bella Acne & Skin Care center and della bella mineral makeup. (503) 954-1249
Steve Klingerman, Home Remodel – With a passion for quality and efficiency, Steve started his business in 1986. As a professional remodeler his core mission is code compliant design, value engineering and customer satisfaction. (503) 869-1290
Kaye Powell, Hardware, Plumbing and Lighting – For nearly 30 years at Chown Hardware, Kaye has helped homeowners realize their goal of creating beautiful homes and spaces using her knowledge of hardware, plumbing and lighting. Kaye is also a contributing member of the DPHA Education Committee. (503) 243-6500
Vanessa Juryla, Catering – Catering both nationally and internationally, Vanessa has 26 years of experience of exceeding expectations. Planning something special? Vanessa can provide you with great food and impeccable service, “One bite at a time.” (503) 750-3011
John Draneas, Legal Advisor – John has been a highly regarded tax and estate planning attorney since 1977, and is recognized by both Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. He writes the “Legal Files” column in Sports Car Market magazine and is nationally recognized as an expert in collector car law reflecting his lifelong interest in cars. (503) 496-5500
Stan Robinson, Roofing – Stan, a third generation LO guy from Berwick Road, can remembers having burgers at the Dairy Maid when Benjamin Franklin was on the corner of State and A Avenue. He started Pacific West Roofing in 1980 and enjoys serving friends and neighbors in the area today. (503) 635-8706 4 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
Willamette Valley Vineyards (800) 344-9463
Coats for Kids:
Put A Sparrow On It
By Audrey Fisher
B
efore Portlandia put a bird on it, Keith and Peggy Dickerson, co-pastors of Hope Community Church, decided to put a sparrow on their logo for their compassionate outreach arm, Hope Sparrow Services. The two have been married and in ministry together for 32 years, and have been copastors of this church for the past 13. Keith and Peggy are also caring for their community by collecting coats, toys, and nonperishable food items with their Coats for Kids coat drive. During the recession of 2008, the co-pastors recognized that there was a need in the community for warm winter wear when someone mentioned that kids were getting off the school bus without adequate attire. Hope Community Church had already been working with City Team, a ministry that serves the homeless and street people in downtown Portland, and so, Pastors Keith and Peggy decided to begin a coat drive to serve the unmet needs in Lake Oswego and surrounding cities. In the beginning, the donations were solely brand new coats. However, people in the community began donating gently used coats, which was a blessing, because the need for winter wear was great. “It’s very moving,” says Pastor Keith. “Some people will find a coat, go home, and come back with coats that their children have outgrown. It has kind of become a swap and giveback.” Collections of coats are brought to the church through various agencies in the community – the PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and local businesses, to name a few. Over the years, the coat drive has expanded to also include donations of toys and food boxes. While the coat drive requires a lot of space for storage, which is limited at the church, Pastor Keith couldn’t imagine stopping collections for one part of the drive. “It just seems like the three go together for us,” says Pastor Keith.
The three biggest motivators for continuing the coat drive are the Creator, the people who themselves are in need of a gift, and the generous folks who donate and give their time. The people of Lake Oswego are very generous. They donate wonderful quality coats, beautiful toys, and a great amount of nonperishable food. Furthermore, those that volunteer for the coat drive by connecting the church with those in need, or by helping with the distribution are mission critical. Without them, there would be coats with nowhere to go. Hope Community Church believes that small things can make a big difference and the coat drive Submit content at BestVersionMedia.com
clearly exemplifies this. It began as a simple idea and has made a huge impact in Lake Oswego and neighboring communities. As of last year, 5,000 coats, 4,000 food boxes, and thousands of toys have been taken in and dispersed to those in need. At Hope Community Church, two values that are incredibly important are compassion and confidentiality. To respect the privacy of shoppers on distribution day, the only information required is their zip code and the number of people in their family. Also, there will never be photographers capturing the moment. “We are here to help meet their needs, not to utilize them in promotion of materials,” says Pastor Keith. This focus on service, privacy, and compassion are big reasons why this coat drive is so successful, and why people come back when they are in need. Also, many who have been helped by the coat drive offer to volunteer when they are in a position to do so. Pastor Keith recalls a funny story about the coat drive. One year, the church received a large shipment of black coats, a few thousand in all sizes from Aeropostale. Anytime Pastors Keith and Peggy would drive through Portland or Lake Oswego and see a black coat, they couldn’t help but wonder if it was one that came through their doors. This year the coat drive distribution day is on Tuesday, December 15th between 10am and 7pm. Those who live, work, worship, and study in Lake Oswego are served first. Anybody in the community in need of a coat, toy, or food is welcome to come and shop. People can also go online to request specific sizes, or call and schedule a time to stop by and shop (http://www. hopeoswego.com/community-services.html; 503-635-4880). After the community of LO has been served, Hope Community Church is delighted to give the remaining items to other agencies, like City Team, who can then distribute the items to those in need in other communities. If you would like to donate, please drop off toys, nonperishable food items, and coats for any age or size at Hope Community Church in Lake Oswego (14790 Boones Ferry Rd.) on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm. December 11th is the deadline for accepting toys. If you are interested in volunteering on the distribution day, feel free to e-mail office@hopeoswego. com. Furthermore, if you have any questions, call the direct line at 503-544-9133. I hope to see you there, for as Pastor Keith says “Together we are better!” and the more sparrows we can put on it. December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 5
writer, rocker, renaissance man By Audrey Fisher Graham (Sandy) Salisbury has that aloha feel – laid back, a kind, sun-kissed face, a soft voice that could lull you to sleep. He’s an author of ten novels and a children’s series, a musician, a public-speaker, and he’s your neighbor.
He sent the 300-page novel to his editor in New York, who responded that the draft was good, but it lacked a heart beat, so try again. Instead of giving up, or starting another project, he trusted his editor and rewrote the entire novel, this time from the perspective of the Japanese-American, who the story was really about. He sent this draft to his editor, who confirmed that the perspective shift was exactly what the novel needed. As it turns out, Under the Blood-Red Sun has been his most popular novel, and was recently made into a movie that can be purchased on DVD. The novel also won the Scott O’Dell award for historical fiction, the national award given to one book in that genre per year. Sandy is particularly proud of this award because O’Dell’s book Island of the Blue Dolphins inspired his desire to write books for young readers.
Sandy hails from the islands; his family having lived there since 1820. A true island boy, surfing kept him from his studies, which is to say, he wasn’t the greatest student. However, he reminds us that although he wasn’t academically inclined, that he managed to turn it around and make something out of his life – and we can, too. Through his work, his mission is to help young people learn how to become outstanding, contributing adults. He travels to schools all over the country and encourages young people to build value systems: integrity, honor, loyalty, friendship, courage, and hard work. He wants the youth of today to know that they have a choice. They can make smart decisions, ones that create strong foundations for future successes, or they can make foolish ones. The choice is theirs. In fact, that’s the focus of his next project, nonfiction this time: to pass on to his young readers the wisdom gained from his mistakes and successes. He honors Mr. James Monroe Taylor, the headmaster of his former boarding school, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, for instilling in him the values that have served him through life, the same values that he encourages in classrooms and in his work. Sandy hopes to be a voice of positive encouragement, in much the same way his headmaster was for him. Be on the lookout for this book entitled Wild Boy: No one is Born to Lose. Sandy chucked when asked if he always wanted to be a writer. He wasn’t English savvy in school and it wasn’t until he was 30 years old when he picked up Roots by Alex Haley (one night when his first-born son wouldn’t sleep) that he vicariously experienced the lives of a book’s characters and understood what it meant to be deeply engrossed by a story. This marked the beginning of his journey as a reader, which is what eventually inspired him to write. The catalyst to his writing career, however, was actually a Dave Carnegie public-speaking class which he took to overcome one of his greatest fears: public speaking. It was in that course that he discovered that his writing could make people laugh. Sandy says that the reaction from the audience - the eruptions of laughter and smiles – revealed his pathway: he was to be a storyteller. That’s not to say that being a writer has been an easy road – his first novel Blue Skin of the Sea took him five years to write.
Sandy recalls a “try it again” story. After writing his first book Blue Skin of the Sea, the challenge was to write another successful novel. As he found his writing niche to be the exotic setting of Hawaii, and its history, culture, and diverse population, he began writing a book about a young JapaneseAmerican growing up in the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The first draft of Under the Blood-Red Sun was written from the perspective of the Japanese-American’s best friend, a Caucasian boy, because Sandy was hesitant to write from the Japanese-American perspective because he didn’t share that heritage.
Photo by Brian Geraths
Sandy is not only a successful author, but also a musician. At 9 years old, he began composing his own songs on guitar and dreamt of being a rock star. Little did he know that dream would be realized after he moved to the mainland. At first, he was in a rock and roll cover band that performed at various venues in the West. However, when he was 21 playing in a club in Pocatello, Idaho, he and one other band member were drafted by the Army. Two weeks before
being inducted in L.A., Sandy got a letter reclassifying him as a sole survivor. His father had been killed in World War II, and Sandy was the only one to carry on the family name. “That saved my life, because the Vietnam War was raging,” he says, “because the Vietnam War was raging.” With that narrow escape, he went on to pursue his dream of being a rock star. He remembers hearing a song that blew him away on his drive to L.A. from Idaho - “Along Comes Mary” by The Association. Coincidentally, when he gets to L.A., he ends up befriending the guy who produced it, Curt Boettcher. Together they began producing some of Sandy’s songs and he became a songwriter for the production company. Boettcher and Sandy formed a 7-piece alternative rock group, The Millennium, and made an expensive 16-track album by putting two reel-to-reel 8-tracks together. The Millennium recorded at Columbia Studios in Los Angeles alongside artists such as The Beach Boys and Janis Joplin. To this day, people still purchase the album, for it was cutting edge at the time of its release. Sandy calls himself “Mr. Milk” because unlike the other rock and rollers, he never took drugs. Sandy is still in touch with the four remaining band members. When the writing gets overwhelming, he still plays his guitar to relax. When Sandy isn’t writing, playing music, or presenting to schools somewhere in the country, he likes to stay active by running around Lakewood Bay, or boating with his neighbors. Being from Hawaii, the lake feels like home to him. He’s also a vegan, though he says he caves for banana cream pie every now and then. He really loves to drive through the farmlands between Portland and Cannon Beach, and chooses Manzanita as his favorite place to rejuvenate on the Oregon Coast. Sandy wants to thank the neighbors of Lake Oswego “for caring about our community; it’s because of that care that it’s so beautiful here.” You can keep up with Sandy via his website: grahamsalisbury.com. Aloha!
Writing (or more generally, creating art) is “a job, a craft, a commitment, a passion,” says Sandy. “It’s all of those things; a purpose, a reason for living.” Sandy details his writing routine: he gets up at 5 a.m., showers, eats breakfast, and meditates for 20 minutes, then gets to work, usually in a coffee shop, where he says he does his best work. He mentions author Joyce Carol Oates, whose favorite time to capture ideas is in the hypnagogic state – the state in between sleep and wakefulness in which the creator has the greatest access to the subconscious. He encourages artists to figure out two things: when are you most productive? And where are you most passionately alive? Then be diligent and trust the creative process. The writing life, however, is part sitting down and writing that often difficult first draft, and part revising that draft until it’s worthy enough to share. Sandy does his revision in his cabana studio off of Lakewood Bay. He finds revision the most enjoyable part of the writing process where you restructure something that started out OK, make it great, and then when you think it’s ready, you send it to your editor. Furthermore, Sandy says to trust your editor – revision and reworking a story is an immensely important part of the process. 6 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
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December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 7
A Close Look at Garrison
Hullinger interior Design
By Audrey Fisher
finds satisfaction not only in the end result, but through the entire design process. He enjoys taking a not-sogreat space and making it fantastic, then moving on to the next room or the exterior, and doing the same.
In 2010, Garrison launched his interior design business from home, hiring only one part-time employee who worked 18-20 hours per week. In June of that year, he hired his first full-time employee. Then in April of 2011, the business moved out of the home office into their first official office space with two part-time and two full-time employees. This expansion continued and in only five years, Garrison’s business has grown to include a staff of 20.
P
rior to owning Garrison Hullinger Interior Design, Inc. (GHID), Garrison was a technology project manager for The GAP clothing company. However, a work-related accident in 1999 required him to spend four years re-learning the basics of writing, walking, and speaking. It was during that time that he started updating and remodeling his own home. This was a change of pace for Garrison, who had always worked for larger companies, and liked taking his seat in his cubicle. While he has never considered himself to be an entrepreneur, he does consider himself a “serial-remodeler.” During his recovery, Garrison was always finding new ways to make his living space more beautiful.
When he went to sell his home, those who had seen the remodeling work he had done were always impressed with the end result. In fact, the work he did on his own home received a lot of attention from photographers and magazine editors who wanted to feature his designs. His home ended up being published in over eight regional and national magazines. The positive attention gave him the confidence in knowing he could turn this passion into a business if he had the right employees with the best technical skills.
From Garrison’s humble beginnings, the rapid growth of the business speaks to Garrison’s focus on intentionally creating great spaces for homeowners. Many of his clients are homeowners that have been through a remodel, but never loved the end results. His intention for the business has always been to help homeowners make decisions that were based on their daily needs, while also anticipating future needs. For example, if a client has toddlers, he would think: what would it be like when, in a few years, those same kids start bringing home tons of sports equipment, where will it go? Keeping this in mind, Garrison is able to create designs that transcend time. It is because of this quality and intentionality in design, that Garrison’s clients tell their friends about the work he has done, which in turn, causes the business to further grow. While the company is focused on residential custom home design, they also design commercial spaces, and multi-housing units. The designers at GHID draw upon their expertise to create distinctive designs tailored to the lifestyle and desires of each client. Whatever vision the client has for their business or home, each interior is thoughtfully designed with that vision in mind. The design process at GHID includes meeting with the client face-toface to discuss how the space will be used as well as to get an idea of the client’s stylistic preferences and budget. They then interpret the distinctive needs of the client to create a unique and timeless design for their space. Using CAD (computer-aided design) software, they provide clients with a rendering of their detailed design. Once they present the plan to the client, they can then make any revisions based on the client’s input.
focus on livability and practicality. Taking a look at his website, one can see that his designs encompass tasteful, timeless, modern transformations of spaces that are not only functional, but beautiful. Garrison has a deep understanding of color, form, and construction, and insists that a client’s style be faithfully, yet surprisingly interpreted in every aspect of the project. He believes that his greatest asset is the ability to instantly see the potential in any space and to artfully facilitate every detail from start to finish. He
Garrison is highly appreciative of the professional talent that his business has attracted, and because of the talent of his staff, the business has worked on high-profile, amazing projects. For instance, in New Canaan, Conn., GHID converted a ranch style home to a colonial style. They worked on the design for a year to make sure the conversion had a blend of updated features and clean lines that didn’t interrupt the new classical feel of the home. GHID also recently completed the unique designs of three multi-family mid-rises at the expanded Orenco Platform district in Hillsboro. In the past year, GHID has also designed two dream homes for homeowners living on Lake Oswego’s Street of Dreams at the Highlands.
Although GHID is an award-winning firm with a national presence, they are “relentlessly human and down-to-earth,” says Garrison. “There are no prima donnas here. That’s just not our style at GHID.” If you’re in need of a stellar design team for your home or business, then Garrison Hullinger Interior Design, Inc. should be on the top of your list.
Garrison believes it is very important to pay homage to the original architecture of buildings and homes, as it sets the tone for the space. While the designers can predict and highlight contrast in a space, Garrison believes it best not to fight the lines and intention of the space, but rather to work with it. He thinks it vital to pick a few key design elements (e.g. moldings, scale, or special elements like a curved wall) and to keep them consistent throughout the space. For instance, if there is a craftsman column in the entry and the goal is to add a new fireplace in the adjoining room, he thinks “Why not take the same lines of the squared column with the same degree of taper to be the starting point of design for the new fireplace to surround?” In this way, designs are consistent and tasteful. Garrison and his design staff believe in creating beautiful spaces with a
8 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
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December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 9
Local Events Dec. 9, Wed.
Performing Arts: Traditional Folk Songs of the Winter Holidays 706 Fourth St.
Come and enjoy some sing-along songs of the holiday season: traditional folksongs, carols for the New Year, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice. Time: 1-2pm | Cost: Free | ci.oswego.or.us
Dec. 12, Sat.
Adult CPR, First Aid and AED Training Palisades 1500 Greentree Rd.
Get certified in CPR! Learn to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies or give immediate care to a suddenly injured or ill person. Students receive certification upon completion of class. Ages 10+ welcome! Time: 9am-2:15pm Cost: Residents $108, Nonresidents $125 www.ci.oswego.or.us
Dec. 12, Sat.
Herbal Gift Workshop Luscher Farm 125 Rosemont Rd.
Learn how to infuse oils and make your own salt scrubs, lip balm, and massage oils using products from the garden. Take samples home for personal use or gift giving. Ages 16+ welcome. Time: 10am-12pm Cost: Resident $30, Nonresident $45 ci.oswego.or.us
Dec. 12, Sat.
Tinseltown Trolley 311 N State St.
Take a yuletide ride with the family on the historic Willamette Shore Trolley. There will be holiday lights, story time, sweet treats, carols, and more! Reservations for 2015 are
10 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
December
full; seating is based upon first come, first served. Time: 1pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm, 4:45pm Cost: Adults $18, Children (12 and under) $15 ci.oswego.or.us
Dec. 15, Tue.
Coats for Kids Coat Drive Distribution Day Hope Community Church 14790 Boones Ferry Rd.
If you or your family is in need of a warm winter coat, toys, or food, stop by and shop! Time: 10am-7pm | Cost: Free Info: Call the direct line with questions 503-544-9133, or e-mail office@hopeoswego.com
Dec. 15, Tue.
Third Tuesday Author: Pamela Smith Hill 706 Fourth St.
Dec. 19, Sat.
Christmas Ship Parade Foothills Park Sit by the fire in the park shelter and watch up to 60 boats make their way to Lake Oswego for the 61st year of the Christmas Ship Parade! Time: 6pm | Cost: Free ci.oswego.or.us
Dec. 21-23, Mon.-Wed.
Holidays Around the World Luscher Farm 125 Rosemont Rd. Learn about the many holidays celebrated in winter around the world. Make crafts to give as gifts, bake cookies, and learn about cultures different than our own. Ages 5-12 welcome. Time: 9am-2pm Cost: Resident $125, Nonresident $145 Info: Call 503-675-2549 to reserve a spot. ci.oswego.or.us
Dec. 21, Mon.
Join us for a presentation by Pamela Smith Hill, author of three award-winning young adult novels and Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Writer’s Life and editor of the New York Times bestseller Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography. Time: 7-8pm | Cost: Free ci.oswego.or.us
Family Movie Night 706 Fourth St. Bring the family for a movie and we’ll bring the hot chocolate, big screen, and blankets! Time: 6-8pm | Cost: Free ci.oswego.or.us
Dec. 19, Sat.
Last Minute Gift Crafts 706 Fourth St. Come to the library to make those last minute gifts! We’ll provide the materials, snacks, and fun. For teens in grades 6+. On the lower level. Cost: Free ci.oswego.or.us
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Main Fire Station 300 B Ave.
Enjoy this holiday season with an old fashioned horse-drawn wagon ride though Lake Oswego’s First Addition and downtown Lake Oswego. Time: 2-8pm | Cost: Adults $5, Youth $3 ci.oswego.or.us
Dec. 22, Tue.
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December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 11
LO STYLE
Yes…it’s right around the corner.
Pretty soon carolers will be singing, and jingling will be heard from every corner, and your peppermint latte will be steaming nearby. All great signs, pointing to our rapidly approaching holidays. With that, comes a rush of busy shoppers excited to find the perfect gift for Mom and Dad, friends, family and numerous others. Sometimes you’re ready for the onslaught of shopping and come armed with a list of names and scattering of ideas. But really folks, it’s usually “chaos” time in the brain along with an up-tight body. Instead, you find your mind wanders to setting a festive table and fixing the turkey. Aunt Sue will be arriving early from Savannah and you need to change sheets and grocery shop. Oh wait, you have nothing to wear to the Christmas party at 7 pm… life just keeps happening… Eeek! Here’s a thought! Take a breath, relax and remember the reason for the season. Somehow, life has a way of going on whether you’re totally prepared or not. Instead, try an anything goes “Get’er Done” attitude. Simply learn to let go and soon you’ll be joyful and laughing, along with everyone else! Here are some “fresh and fabulous” ideas to get your party dressing on track and help you look for some trend-spotting pieces, including smart fashions for men. Women love the season’s color of the year “cobalt blue”; this cami simply sparkles with bold brightness with a lace top and black underlay. The T-back on the cami shows the pretty part on your shoulder blades! Pair it with tight fitting skinnies and snappy leather booties with an awesome heel. The good news, you’ll look great even when it’s “Brrrrrr” cold; just slip on a warm fuzzy coat and enjoy! Hey, add a little attitude with a sprig of mistletoe and a nice kiss for Santa and his helpers!
Party Dressing for the Holidays Let’s go with a little glamour for women and lots of playfulness, in this “retro” roaring 20’s style dress. Fresh off the catwalk, a chemise in pewter gray (hooray for gray!). It skims your body perfectly and feels like silk…Oh wait, it is! This “legs for day” dress will carry you through a string of shindigs; it’s all in the way you wear it and accessorize. Simply slip a long silver lariat around your neck, add some stunning drop crystal earrings, stacked bracelets and soon you’ll be kicking up your strappy heels, dancing and shouting “Let’s celebrate.” Men, also like to “rock” their look over the holidays, from head to toe, but with an easy, understated attitude. What’s the “trend” for men? It’s a modern fit of old favorites with new details and luxury fabric. Nothing beats the look and feel of a smart fitted sport coat, a crisp shirt and super 120’s wool luxury trousers.
By Sherry Dorn (See page 4 for bio)
Patrick James: Alexander Sport Coat/Charcoal birdseye pattern/ woven in Italy of softest wool/Subtle/goes with everything. Skims the body perfectly. Reserve $595 Shirt/ Ebony and white window pane/ handsome and tailored. Forsythe of Canada $95 Trouser/ Superior wool and luxurious feel/with a nice drape Super 120’s/drapes beautifully. Ballin $165
A man in leather always looks right! Especially when it’s a lambskin bomber jacket; it’s simply the best. Pair it casually with a shirt and colorful tie. For gentlemen who prefer to show their individuality, chinos always creates an attitude of confidence and completes a handsome look. Patrick James: Alexander Leather Bomber jacket. Premier/soft lambskin, lightweight/simply the best! Can be worn year round. Cocoa/ with contrast collar and cuffs. Remy $1095
TIP: The hottest accessory for men is all about wearing “colorful” socks.
Grapevine: Retro/Chemise dress/with sequins and scalloped hem. “Joie” $378 Lariat necklace/slip knot/sterling silver. Jenny Bird $96 Soletta Shoes: Crystal drop earrings. Local designer-Porteoul $54
Grapevine: Lace cami/stunning cobalt blue/lined in black. Designer Townsen $188 Moto jacket: Smart and stylish/coated denim jacket/wash and dry. AG $295 Trouser/ Ponte’ knit/ankle skinny/pant w/cuff. Paige $209 Soletta Shoes: Booties in “shimmery” black suede/with tapered heel. Panara/Made in Italy $399 Earrings/Drop/with crystals. Local designer/ Porteoul $54 Stacked bracelets/Mixed metals and crystals. $149 ea.
Chinos/ Modern, unique and casual trousers for the gentlemen who wish to show their individuality. German engineering and design, with excellent wear. By Hiltl. $ 235 Tie/ Silk/blue plaid/perfectly paired with jacket. Robert Talbot $155
12 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
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Clothes and accessories provided by Grapevine, Patrick James and Soletta Shoes. Female Model: Gabrielle Neilan/Miss Oregon USA 2013 Professional model/Spokesperson/Phlebotomist Male Model: Alexander Carrasco/Assistant Manager Patrick James/College student Photographer: Levi Sim Photography December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 13
A Joy to See
Village Home Tour
Our home is special in its open design and location. The atrium has allowed us to be outdoors in any weather, and a favorite place. The golf course is a peaceful and calming landscape we never tired of, and the birds inhabiting the pond in the front, a joy to see. Friends loved to gather in the living room to enjoy the view and appreciate the light from our wall of windows. We feel fortunate to have spent many years here. This neighborhood allowed us the opportunity to walk daily and to Mass on Sunday. ~Mary
This beautiful home is currently being offered through Carol Wojciechowski of Windermere Realty Group 503-789-3902. 14 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
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December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 15
della bella acne & skin care center
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y n A t a n i k S l u f i Beaut By: Audrey Fisher
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any people suffer issues of our largest organ – the skin. Determining what exactly causes our acne, or how to eliminate wrinkles, can be an arduous task. That’s where della bella (intentionally not capitalized) comes in, a skincare center owned by Elizabeth (Liz) Pasko. When Liz moved to Portland in 2008, she had little success obtaining employment as an Aesthetician. She went into business for herself, opening up della bella with her own equipment and expertise in skincare. Since then, della bella has helped keep Portland weird and their skin fabulous.
Before della bella, Liz worked for big spas and was determined to run her business differently from their in-and-out experience. Being from the South, a place where no more than your word and handshake are needed for a binding agreement, Liz’s oldfashioned values built a foundation for the business. At della bella, clients are personally guided through their skin issues with at-home care products and office visits to get and maintain results. Clients from all walks of life are welcomed and treated with respect and dignity. The business supports the rights of all people, and prides itself on being LGBTQ friendly. Because of this unique and ethical business model, della bella quickly grew out of the small room rented in the Willamette Athletic Club. Currently, della bella resides in the Water Tower Building in John’s Landing, a more lofty expenditure worth the extra space for the growing clientele. There is free on- and off-street parking as well as a lift in the building, making it ADA accessible. In addition to Liz, there are two other della bella staff members. From Japan is Michiko Varley, a Licensed Aesthetician and Certified Oncology Aesthetician. From Southern California is Kelley Brunson, the office manager. Recently welcomed aboard is Dr. Stephanie Durham, who now operates her private practice out of della bella, so clients can now receive laser treatments, Botox, and Rejuvaderm. Whether clients are Liz Pasko experiencing issues with acne, aging, or sun damage, the combination of at-home care products, office visits, and the addition of laser and injectables ensures that a variety of skincare needs will be met under one roof. Plus, the 16 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
cultural collage of the staff creates a fun, even comical, work environment where no one is a stranger. At della bella, an investigative approach is taken to treat skin issues. Liz or Michiko create an individualized skincare program tailored to the needs of the client. To begin, each client fills out a form detailing their skin issues, products used, and any medications or allergies they have. Then Liz or Michiko go over the information with the client to ensure they have all the details correct. Next, they analyze the client’s skin and do a skincare treatment. Lastly, Liz or Michiko create a specialized treatment for at-home care and explain it to the client. The client will return in a few week’s time for another visit to asses how the program is going. Follow-up visits continue until the issues are resolved. Liz emphasizes that her business is not about selling products, which is why there is no sales commission. The focus of the business is on the individual and their skincare goals, not on making money from retail sales. The unique way in Michiko Varley which della bella operates is inspired by watching the change that personalized care and attention makes in the lives of their clients. “It is incredibly uplifting,” says Liz, “to watch a client’s attitude change regarding their skin.” This is especially true for clients with acne, who battle a lot of negative emotions because of the skin condition. “When you see them come in,” says Liz, “With their hair in their face, head down, not sitting up straight, generally hiding, and you get them clear, it is just a completely different human being walking out.”
Acne Care Botox and Fillers Microdermabrasion Customised Skin Treatments Waxing Services Mineral Cover Makeup
Age
www.skinpdx.com
are not alone, that there is hope for getting clear. Liz offers some tips about some of the biggest mistakes people are making with their skin. Firstly, people are not seeking professional guidance for their skincare issues. Professional guidance, while sometimes expensive, removes a lot of the guesswork, and in the long Dr. Stephanie Durham run can end up saving people money. For example, if someone doesn’t know what is causing their acne, they can spend countless dollars on products to no avail. Seeing a professional guarantees that a person will find out what works for their skin and their lifestyle without having to go through the stresses of process of elimination. Liz wants us all to be savvy consumers for skincare products. She believes it is never too early to start a solid skincare regimen and to learn how to age more gracefully. In fact, Liz believes that pre-pubescent teenagers, around the age of 13, should have a skincare consultation and be educated about proper skincare, so that good habits are developed early on.
Is Your Skin Looking Its Best For The Holidays? Call Before December 10th to Schedule A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION! Complimentary Offer is Available to LO Residents Only Elizabeth L Pasko, LE NCEA Cer fied
Dr. Stephanie Durham
5331 SW Macadam Ave. Suite 285 Portland
503.954.1249
Another common mistake people make is not wearing sunscreen daily, and they should be, even when it’s cloudy. Clouds actually reflect sunlight, making the sun’s rays more powerful. While we can’t stop skin from aging, consistently wearing sunscreen can eliminate the sun’s damage. “It’s the best anti-aging cream” says Liz. “And it should be the first thing you put on.” So if you’re experiencing issues with your skin like acne, sun damage, or wrinkles, or simply want to be better informed as how to take the best care of your skin at any age, della bella is the place for you.
Getting clear skin is a process. Acne sufferers often go through a purging, where everything that is under the skin comes to the surface. This can be a very emotionally stressful process. Liz not only provides the technical aspect of getting clear – the right products and treatments – but the emotional aspect as well, by lending an ear and her expertise during the process of getting clear. Liz responds to emails or calls from clients when they have concerns between visits. Furthermore, Liz dispels myths about commonly used acne products, like antibiotics or other drugs, which can oftentimes aggravate the condition. The skincare service Liz provides takes the shame out of the skin disease, and lets acne sufferers know that they Submit content at BestVersionMedia.com
December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 17
LO Neighbors_July_CHWN_2.5-10.pdf
By Diane Mead
Keeping Pet’s Safe THE WINTER HOLIDAYS are here! Hopefully joy-filled and meaningful, our celebrations pose serious risks to our beloved furry and feathered family members. Four major risk groups come to mind: (l ) lost pets who’ve escaped through an open door while we’re entertaining; (2) foods we eat but are toxic to our pets; (3) toxic houseplants and (4) holiday decorations. When you have a party, keep excited Fido and Fluff from the front door. Also keep him from the room with our celebratory foods. A pet can move very quickly and quietly to empty a plate of goodies. We might not see the empty plate of fudge until too late. And our festive meals—turkey (also watch for the bones), ham, gravy, mashed potatoes, and desserts--can play havoc with our pets’ health (not to mention our own overindulgences). Make sure your mammalian pets don’t get anything with grapes, raisins, chocolate or various nuts, especially macadamias. Highly toxic, these foods can cause organ failures. The ratio of the pet’s weight to the amount of toxic food eaten affects the risk. One raisin can kill a ferret or a very small dog. One raisin probably wouldn’t cause symptoms in an English Mastiff. Fatty meats and turkey are linked to pancreatitis in dogs, a life-threatening, extremely painful condition. Save these foods for us humans to enjoy in moderation. Resist the urge to give Fido or Fluff yummy, rich “people food” treats, even if he begs diligently!
Don’t give pets breath fresheners or foods with the sweetener Xylitol. Found commercially in many diet foods, gum, candy and OTC preparations, Xylitol can be a killer for dogs and cats in even small amounts. It can cause a sudden release of insulin into the bloodstream, resulting in sudden, severe hypoglycemia. Avoid artificial sweeteners. And please, no pet should have alcoholic beverages or coffee. For birds, from the little budgies to the big Macaws, avocados (guacamole, salads) are deadly. Keep away! Rule of thumb: Never feed your pets anything unless you know it’s safe for them. Remember, each species has its own list of dangerous foods. What’s ok, or even good, for one species is deadly for another. If your pet does ingest a “no-no,” IMMEDIATELY call your vet or poison control.
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During the Holidays Be alert in your homes for houseplants that can damage internal organs, cause serious rashes and be fatal. This includes holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and some Christmas Cacti species. Plants in the lily & bulb families, including forced paper-whites, daffodils, tulips, onions and garlic, can be life-threatening for an inquisitive, nibbling cat or dog and some smaller mammalian species. Poinsettias are dangerous: its sap causes a nasty, blistering rash if not quickly washed off. Imagine what happens if a pet gets the sap on its fur/feathers, licks it, or nibbles a leaf. The skin, the mouth, the entire digestive tract, the bronchial tubes and lungs can be afflicted with extremely painful, potentially deadly, blistery rashes throughout the pet’s insides. Unless you know your pet will leave them alone, enjoy your poinsettias where the pets have only supervised or no access. Some plants aren’t life-threatening, but when eaten will cause diarrheal discomfort. (If that happens, you’ll be uncomfortable, too!) The holidays bring other hazards. Furniture moved around to allow space for holiday decorations can allow a pet access to a counter or shelf that it normally couldn’t reach. What enticing dangers lurk on that counter or shelf? Electrical cords & strings of lights attract “chewers” including puppies and kittens. Do you have a “first Christmas” pet baby whose habits you don’t know? Keep he or she safe from electrical cords & strings of lights Decorated trees, with shiny breakables and light strings, are fascinating. Cats climb trees. Birds roost in them. Dogs check them out. Within the pet’s reach, use non-breakable decorations large enough May your holidays be joyful not to be swallowed, and train your pet to stay out of the and safe for you and your tree. Until you’re sure of your pet’s good behavior around special family member. Ask trees and decorations, make sure the pets aren’t around your veterinarian for a list of them unsupervised. Many people have come home to dangerous foods and plants. find the tree down, broken & scattered glass ornaments Go online to an organization and an injured cat or dog! Never use Tinsel “icicles” such as the ASPCA (www. around a pet. The shiny, “wiggly” flexible “string” is aspca.org) for lists of toxic a very attractive killer. Once swallowed, it can clog foods and plants. As you plan breathing passages or the intestines. (Ditto for plastic your holiday decoration and bags if a pet is attracted to them.) Lastly, if the water in festivities, plan for your pets’ your Holiday Tree stand contains a preservative, it can be safety. You’ll be glad you did! deadly to a thirsty pet. C
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Decorative Plumbing Door Hardware Cabinet Hardware Lighting Steam/Bathtub Bathroom Cabinets Bath Accessories
Oregon 333 N.W. 16th Avenue Portland, Oregon 800-452-7634 Washington 12001 N.E. 12th St. #38 Bellevue, Washington 800-574-4312 www.chown.com
18 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
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December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 19
7/9/201
Let the Gratitude Flow By Audrey Fisher
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he winter holiday season has always been my favorite time of the year. The air is crisp, lattés taste better, and I excuse calorie-counting for a more relaxed approach (because it’s cold and I need the extra warmth of a second helping of turkey and mashed potatoes). Like most families, mine had traditions. We would travel to a Christmas tree lot and pick out the biggest, fluffiest, Douglas fir. We’d dust off our ornaments from the attic and decorate the tree together. My little brother and I would fight about who got to put the angel on top of the tree. I’d help my mom make homemade sugar cookies, and we’d leave them with a glass of milk for Santa to eat. Turns out, Santa was my dad, and his growing belly gave him away. Every Christmas Eve, we’d each open exactly one present. They were always new pajamas. We’d all put on our new jammies and watch a Christmas movie snuggled on the couch with hot cocoa, elated with the happiness of the season and family bonding.
Now as an adult, I realize how much stress hides behind the tree, the presents and the cookies. Stress infiltrates our daily lives – we all have deadlines, bosses to answer to, checkbooks to balance – and during the holidays this stress can peak. There’s so much planning to do, presents to buy, in-laws to host, and sometimes the true spirit of the holidays can be overshadowed by the weight of it all. Stress makes it easy to overlook the true meaning of the holidays which is to give your time and presence to loved ones. However, there is a new tradition that I have implemented in my own life, and I suggest you do too: create and keep a gratitude jar. All that this requires is a Mason jar, some paper, and focusing your attention on the things in life you are grateful for. If you so wish, you can do a quick Google search, and you will find lots of ideas to doll up your gratitude jar. It can be as plain or as decorative as you’d like. The concept behind a gratitude jar is simple: whenever something happens in your daily life that you are thankful for, whether big or small, write it down on a piece of paper and stick it in your jar. By creating this jar you are doing two things: intentionally focusing your energy on things that bring you joy, and creating a new family tradition by sharing them with your loved ones on New Year’s Eve. What you put in the jar is up to you. Maybe someone paid it forward while you were at Starbucks and you were blessed with free coffee that day. Put it in the jar. Maybe you got a new job. Put it in the jar. Maybe your baby said their first words. Put it in the jar. Maybe the traffic wasn’t so bad one morning. Put it in the jar. Whatever it is throughout your day that blesses you, jot it down, and put it in the jar. 20 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
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Then on New Year’s Eve, sit down with your family and friends and take turns sharing moments of gratitude. You will laugh, you will cry, and all the joy of the past year, that may have been forgotten about in the busyness of life, will come flooding in. The gratitude jar is not just limited to a holiday tradition. If you’re having a rough day, taking a dip into the jar might be just the pickme-up you need. Gratitude is a powerful emotion. There’s been an influx of scientific literature that proves when a person focuses on and appreciates all the little things in life, as if they were all miracles, people are happier. They exercise more regularly, are more likely to help others, have reduced levels of depression and stress, and are more likely to make strides towards personal goals. If that wasn’t enough to convince you that practicing gratitude is beneficial for your overall health, there’s more. Scientists have found that people who practice gratitude tend to be more creative, bounce back more quickly from adversity, have a stronger immune system, sleep better, and have stronger social relationships than those who don’t practice gratitude. So this holiday season, start a new family tradition. Buy some Mason jars and whatever decorative supplies you’d like, and create a gratitude jar with your family or friends. Then let the gratitude flow. December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 21
expert contributor
update. Not only can it save taxes for your family, but it can avoid the unnecessary administration expense of an unnecessary trust.
John Draneas
Oregon is Different: Meanwhile, the Oregon exemption is still $1 million, and it is not portable. Should your estate plan include a $1 million Bypass Trust to save Oregon taxes?
Tis the Season… To Review Your Estate Plan
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he federal estate tax changed dramatically, and unexpectedly, in 2013. We now have the highest individual exemption ever, currently $5,430,000, and it grows with inflation. The more dramatic change is that the exemption is now “portable” – if you don’t use it, your surviving spouse inherits it. Thus, a married couple has no federal estate tax worries until their combined estates exceed $10,860,000 in today’s dollars. So, estate planning is a thing of the past, right? Well, not so fast. Read on.
That is actually a very tough question. First, you have to consider whether you can save enough Oregon estate taxes to make up for the loss of the basis step-up at the second death. The maximum Oregon estate tax is 16 percent, but most will be in the 12-13 percent range. That is a lot less than the potential 33.7 percent income tax, but there may not be that much asset growth after the first spouse’s death. Also, the surviving spouse might move to another state and avoid the Oregon tax. If you are over the $10,860,000 threshold, the estate tax rate is 40 percent, so additional tax-saving options make sense. But even for those permanently under this threshold, there are still several things to be concerned about. Old Plans Can be Dangerous If your estate plan was designed prior to 2013, you probably have wills or living trusts that focus on your available exemption to create a trust benefiting the surviving spouse that minimizes the estate tax at the second death, typically referred to as a Bypass Trust or a Credit Shelter Trust. These plans, proper at their time, use a formula to divide the estate based upon the available exemption. In virtually all situations, these formulas will result in maximum funding of the Bypass Trust at the death of the first spouse. In today’s environment, that can actually cost your family unnecessary income taxes. Let’s use a simple example to illustrate this.
Since it is so hard to generalize, it is probably best to design the estate plan so the surviving spouse can make the decision after the death of the first spouse, when the situation becomes clear. Blended Families: All bets are off with second marriages and blended families. These situations require individualized estate plans, and preserving estate tax flexibility can be more art than science. Gifts: Lifetime gifts ($14,00 per year per beneficiary) still make sense if your estate is over the $10,860,000 tax threshold, although there may be little benefit if you are under it – there is no federal tax to avoid, but you can avoid Oregon tax. Be generous with your children if you want to, but if you’re thinking of tax benefits, you need to consult with an estate planner.
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Say your share of the marital estate is $3 million. Your old will or trust directs all of it into a Bypass Trust. There is no estate tax at your death because you are under the exemption. The Bypass Trust is outside your spouse’s estate at the second death and passes to your family estate tax-free. What’s the problem?
The problem is the loss of the “basis step-up” for income tax purposes. (“Basis” is the tax term for your investment in an asset, which is used to determine how much gain is taxed when you sell it.) One of the key advantages of having assets includible in your estate is that their basis shifts from your purchase cost to their fair market value as of the date of death. In our example, the $3 million of assets passing into the Bypass Trust take a $3 million basis, even though your basis may have been far less. That is like a tax holiday -- the trust can sell everything at that value and incur no income tax. But when assets are held in a Bypass Trust and excluded from the surviving spouse’s estate, there is no second basis step-up at the spouse’s death. Say the trust has appreciated to $5 million by the time of your spouse’s death. After your spouse’s death, your family sells the trust assets for $5 million and incurs a $2 million gain. Even if that is taxed as a long-term capital gain, the lowest rate possible, the combined federal and Oregon tax can be as high as 33.7 percent. The real story is that the income tax is completely avoidable in this example. If your will or trust had been revised to skip the Bypass Trust and just leave everything to the surviving spouse, the full $5 million would be included in the spouse’s estate and receive a full basis step-up, completely eliminating the income tax. And, with your unused exemption porting over to your spouse, there is no estate tax since you are still under the $10,860,000 combined threshold. For this reason alone, anyone with wills and trusts created before 2013 needs an estate planning
22 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
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December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 23
guest contributor
Catherine LeJeal
Simplify Your Life
& Improve Your Health
A
My personal favorite moment with clients is when I see the tension lift and the smile come over their face as they see and feel the light at the end of the tunnel.
Clutter is constantly competing for your mental and physical attention. Clutter may tighten your chest muscles and have you reaching for your deodorant because Mess = Stress.
“My past life losses had distorted my self image and prevented me from moving forward. Organizing and life coaching helped me methodically move forward. I am beyond thrilled. I now have the self confidence in my own ability to move forward and open up to new opportunities. ~R J Adams, Lake Oswego
s a professional organizer, life coach and founder of Escape Your Chaos, I see the causes and effects of what we refer to as “clutter” on the average family. I started this business to help you ESCAPE YOUR CHAOS.
This concept isn’t new to any of us. Princeton University Neuroscience Institute published an article about the effects of clutter on our brain’s ability to function in the January 2011 edition of The Journal of Neuroscience “to paraphrase in nonneuroscience jargon: When your environment is cluttered, the chaos restricts your ability to focus. The clutter also limits your brain’s ability to process information. Clutter makes you distracted and unable to process information as well as you do in an uncluttered, organized, and serene environment.”
Ultimately, it’s your experience that matters. To be sure, we’re proud of our 27 years of experience in senior living. But, to us, what really matters is your experience at our communities. We do everything with that idea clearly in mind. So, go ahead, enjoy yourself with great social opportunities and amenities. Savor fine dining every day. And feel assured that assisted living services are always available if needed. We invite you to experience SpringRidge for yourself at a complimentary lunch and tour. Please call 503.433.3604 to schedule. I n de p e n de n t & A s s i s t e d L i v i ng • M e mor y C a r e
32200 SW French Prairie Road • Wilsonville, OR SRGseniorliving.com • 503.433.3604 24 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
My clients range in age from 8 to 98 years old. Their first words are “I need help.” And, yes, the 8-year-old did make his own request for my services in his bedroom after seeing the transformation of the family’s holiday decor storage closet. Being disorganized is expensive. It wastes your money and your time. When you can’t find what you own you waste time searching for it and end up spending money buying duplicates. It’s NOT my job to make you get rid of what you own and treasure. It is my job to make sure you know where it is and can find it and use it when you need it! My motto “Love it, Use it or Lose it” helps you decide what to keep and what to part with. Feeling disorganized negatively effects all areas of your life. It can make you late for appointments when you can’t find your keys, some people can’t even find their shoes! It can cause arguments in your family when constantly asking “Who had it last,” “Where did you leave it?” It can deprive you of enjoying your weekends because no matter what you’re doing you feel guilty that you haven’t conquered the clutter yet. It interrupts your sleep with worry which eventually negatively effects your health.
Let’s allow these Lake Oswego residents to speak to you and provide an inspiring peek into their psychological transformation: “The impact organizing has had on my life and on the lives of my loved ones is phenomenal. Organizing & Life Coaching have truly been a blessing in our lives. As a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist, I understand the positive psychological impact that clearing the clutter, organization, and life coaching can have in the lives of others. The positive impact ranges from relief of complete overwhelm (which can be paralyzing) to creating hope that one can believe in themselves and make progress toward their life goals. It can be the thread that gives one enough hope and confidence to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.” ~Kathy Hardie Williams M.ED, MS, NCC, LPC, LMFT, Lake Oswego
“I feel like an entirely new person since organizing and life coaching have entered my life! I am truly living a joyful, organized, deliberate and peaceful life now. My choices feel like rational thought out decisions instead of just reacting to the negative consequences of my haphazard lifestyle. I can’t believe how quickly and profoundly the new-found order in my house transcended to unprecedented order and tranquility in my thinking and my soul. Our home truly feels like a sanctuary now. Being at home is now more enjoyable and relaxing. My daughter’s anxiety (stemming from a lifetime in a disorganized household and a frequently stressed out mother) has almost completely disappeared!” ~ L Clark, Lake Oswego
As you can imagine, the positive effects of uncovering your clutter and recovering your life are FUN-TASTIC!!
Your home is your sanctuary. The one place in this world you should feel the safest, the most joyful, achieve the greatest sense of peace and pride is in your home. When you decide to organize you need a partner to assist you who is objective, compassionate and well organized. This person should help you make 5 simple decisions about your belongings, Keep and Use, Keep and Store, Donate, Gift Away, Recycle or Trash. Submit content at BestVersionMedia.com
December 2015 – LO Neighbors | 25
expert contributor
Steve Klingerman
The Remodel Group You Can Trust
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s summer fades farther behind us and we steadily move towards the holiday season, our thoughts turn towards turkey and dressing, Christmas presents, and spending time with family and friends versus kitchen/bath remodels and room additions. But now is a fantastic time to plan a spring remodel or expansion! One of the first things you will need to do after you decide what construction project you want to do, is determine how much it will cost. Getting an accurate bid on a job is more complicated then most people believe. We at The
3D Digital Preview (Pre-construction) Remodel Group take great pride in delivering some of the most accurate bids in Oregon. I’d like to take a minute and take my hard hat off and put my teacher hat on to explain to you how we at The Remodel Group are able to do that. Most clients who call have a general concept of what they want to accomplish but few details or any written plans. That’s where we come in. A bid requires a fair amount of time to do correctly. First we must carefully measure the existing space, then establish the exact components, materials, and hardware to be used. After a preliminary estimate range is established we use a rather sophisticated 3-D CAD software as well as a line item estimating program to establish a set of parameters in which we can come up with a real dollar amount for what a project will cost. Then we translate that information into not only a set of prints, but also a 3-D rendering of the new space. The renderings we produce with all of this information will give you the ability to see in detail what your project will look like prior to starting construction. This allows us to give you a very accurate estimate of the total cost of the job while at the same time being able to accurately show you what your finished project will look like. It’s a great communication tool. While most contractors out there can try to describe what the final project will look like, we at The Remodel Group will show you! We feel that this is the best way to meet our customers’ expectations.
26 | LO Neighbors – December 2015
Free Writing Prospectus to Prospectus dated August 11, 2015 Filed Pursuant to Rule 433 Registration Statement No. 333-205174
Be a Part of Oregon’s Wine Future!
Freshii Kruse Village 4811 Meadows Rd. Ste 111 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 503-908-8124
(At this time, this offering has been registered for sale to Oregon and Washington residents only.)
Please join us as Founders of two new Wineries! Preferred Stock at an offering price of $4.25 per share earning a 5.2% annual dividend. The maximum purchase per subscription is 1,205 shares ($5,121.25), the minimum 300 shares ($1,275). Share price will increase to $4.35 after December 31, 2015 (5.2% div.). To obtain more information regarding the winery and an investment, please call 503-588-9463 or visit www.wvv.com/ownership. Jim Bernau, Founder/CEO Willamette Valley Vineyards 8800 Enchanted Way SE Turner, OR 97392 503-588-9463 • stock.offering@wvv.com Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc., has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents we have filed with the SEC for more complete information about our company and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you may obtain a copy of these documents at http://www.wvv.com/prospectus, or we will arrange to send you the prospectus (including the documents incorporated therein by reference) if you so request by writing us at stock.offering@wvv.com or by calling us toll-free 1-800-344-9463.
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