Brought to you by Fred Johnson, Premier Community Bank

We Americans are a competitive bunch, and of all things, there’s a group of people out there who are on a quest to achieve the perfect credit score – 850. While not impossible, it’s a feat only .5% of Americans manage to conquer.

There are a number of tips for boosting your score, and while some FICO-savvy individuals are fixed on earning 800+, a score of 780 or above will open most doors to the best rates and most favorable credit terms.

Payment history is the single most important factor in achieving a high score, according to FICO(Fair Isaac Corporation, creator of the credit scoring model). High scores also hinge on: the amount you owe on your credit lines and loans; the length of your credit history; how much new credit you’ve applied for and the types of accounts you’ve had. If you desire a 780 score or better you can boost your numbers by: monitoring your credit report; paying your bills within the grace period; focusing on paying off credit cards ahead of other types of debt; and maintaining a “utilization ratio” – the amount of credit you use versus the amount of credit available to you – of 10% or less.

Check your credit score for free at creditkarma.com or for a small fee, check your score from all three credit reporting agencies at myfico.com.

PREMIER COMMUNITY BANK

314 E. MAIN STREET

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97123

503.693.7500

HYPERLINK "http://www.pcboregon.com/" www.pcboregon.com

Brought to you by Dr. Malinda and Dr. Brandon Kearbey, Dental Care Experts

With school starting back up in a few weeks, parents and kids are getting school supplies and new shoes to prepare for the new school year. Student athletes are getting physicals and starting those daily doubles. Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey of Dentists at Orenco recommend a dental checkup before you send your students back to school. Poor oral health, dental disease, and tooth pain can put kids at a serious disadvantage in school, according to a new Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC study. Kids with tooth pain were 4 times more likely to have a low grade point average.

“For elementary students, 2.1 days of missed school were due to dental problems, and high school students missed 2.3 days due to dental issues,” she said. “Also, parents missed an average of 2.5 days of work per year to care for children with dental problems.” said Roseann Mulligan, chair of the school’s Division of Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry.

Childhood tooth decay is the number one chronic childhood illness. Pain and infection caused by tooth decay can lead to problems in eating, speaking and learning. Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to malnourishment or bacterial infections.

Alarming, but tooth decay is easily avoided by good dental hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly. At The Dentists at Orenco for Kids! In Hillsboro, we offer advanced and specialty pediatric care in a kid-friendly practice. We offer a variety of treatments for kids from preventive dental checkups and cleanings to restorative care. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Royse, a board certified Pediatric Dentist is joining our team. Dr. Royse will be joining us in October and we are scheduling appointments now. HYPERLINK "http://www.dentistsatorencoforkids.com/contact-us.html" Contact us to find out more or schedule an appointment today.

DENTISTS AT ORENCO STATION

1322 N.E. ORENCO STATION PARKWAY

SUITE 300

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124

503.640.4262

www.dentistsatorenco.com

Brought to you by Linda Jones, VP Operations & Human Resources, Premier Community Bank

Did you know that if you head out of the area on vacation and use your debit card at a restaurant, store or gas station, the transaction could be blocked? That’s because the card companies’ fraud protection networks use behavioral algorithms to detect “unusual activities” (such as traveling out of your typical area) then flag the card to protect you. A call is then is placed to you to verify whether you are indeed using your card; if you’ve only given the bank your home or work number, or you don’t answer the call to your cell phone, all future transactions may be blocked as well. Here are a few tips to make traveling easier in the future:

Provide your cell number to your branch office so it’s associated with your debit card

Research & enter the phone numbers below into your contacts so you know it’s your debit or credit card Fraud Office trying to reach you to verify transactions. For Premier Community Bank the call can come from either of these two numbers: 1-800-279-2674 or 1-800-262-2024.

If you plan to travel out of the country, provide your branch office your travel dates and itinerary so that transactions you make while in those specific foreign countries won’t be blocked.

If possible when traveling out of your area, stop at an ATM to withdraw cash. Using your card and PIN number together generally indicates that it is really you using your card.

Inspect the card reader slot by pulling on it to see if a skimming device has been attached.

Place your hand to cover the PIN pad so that your PIN can’t be seen by another individual or a hidden camera.

PREMIER COMMUNITY BANK

314 E. MAIN STREET

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97123

503.693.7500

HYPERLINK "http://www.pcboregon.com/" www.pcboregon.com

Brought to you by Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey

The Dentists at Orenco Station have been the team dentists for the Hillsboro Hops for the last two years and really enjoy being part of the community. As their dentists we are committed to protecting the Hops’ teeth (and yours) from injury. Unfortunately, we see injuries from all sports, not just baseball. Protection of the teeth is especially important for kids because the loss of a tooth can affect the rest of the mouth and face. We may love hockey but we don’t want our kids, or ourselves, to look like a hockey player.

Mouth guards are one of the most important pieces of equipment you can wear. Anyone who has watched a college or pro football game has seen the players take out their mouth guards between plays, but mouth guards are important for soccer, baseball and basketball too. More than 20,000 sports related injuries in high schools and colleges are prevented every year because of mouth guards and protective face gear.

If you are going to spend money on expensive equipment for your athlete get a custom mouth guard, too. A custom guard is formed from specialized material and is designed to be strong and disperse shock. They are made from a model of your athlete’s mouth to fit well, allow clear speech and not interfere with oxygen flow. A custom made guard will be comfortable and easy to clean and they come in colors to coordinate with team uniforms. As dental professionals, we can recognize potential issues and make a mouth guard to protect your child, and you. Call the Dentists at Orenco and learn how you can get a custom made mouth guard and protect that beautiful smile.

DENTISTS AT ORENCO STATION

1322 N.E. ORENCO STATION PARKWAY

SUITE 300

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124

503.640.4262

www.dentistsatorenco.com

Brought to you by Scott Palmer, Theatre Expert

So Much More Than Entertainment

Over the past nine years, Bag&Baggage has presented a wide range of theatrical productions: from the familiar (Steel Magnolias, Crimes of the Heart, Dial M For Murder) the to obscure (Our Country’s Good, Coriolanus, and The Six Gentlepersons of Verona), all with a commitment to high production values, compelling story-telling, and the very best acting talent in the region. But B&B’s work is about so much more than entertainment; in fact, we believe that theatre can (and should) ask our community important questions about our past and our future. Who are we? Where do we come from? Who do we want to be? What does our future hold?

 During the 2016-2017 Season, we will continue this commitment to combining the very best in theatrical entertainment with provocative social exploration. Over the coming months, B&B will look at our past via the Pacific Northwest premiere of The Graduate, based on the hit novel and movie from the 1960s, and explore the very beginnings of the sexual revolution and America’s counter culture. In October, we will present a recent hit from Canada, The Drowning Girls, based on a horrific series of murders from England in the late 1800s and a show that questions how our judicial system treats crimes of passion and domestic violence. Our holiday show, Parfumerie, is a delightful romantic comedy set in 1930s Budapest, and celebrates the power of love, forgiveness, and hope. As a theatre company, we take our work very seriously. Not only in the quality of the performances we present, but also in the questions and issues we choose to explore.

We are so proud to do this work for our community, and invite everyone who has an interest in both live theatre and the future of our community to join us for a season of provocative and highly entertaining work. We hope to see everyone at a show.

BAG&BAGGAGE

253 E. MAIN STREET

HILLSBORO, OREGON

503.345.9590

HYPERLINK "http://www.bagnbaggage.org/" www.bagnbaggage.org

Brought to you by Todd Barth, Senior Care Expert

Falls are the No. 1 reason that seniors end up in the hospital. In fact, 33 percent of all hospital visits are caused by falls and accidents at home.

Many falls are preventable. Exercise can help reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. With a doctors’ permission, encourage your loved one to enjoy activities like walking, water workouts or Tai Chi. Simple chair exercises and stretches can also provide benefits.

Physical therapy is another option for seniors who avoid physical activity because they are afraid to fall. A therapist can create a custom exercise program aimed at improving balance, flexibility, muscle strength and gait.

Also, be mindful of medications. Some medicines – or combinations of medicines – can cause adverse side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, which make the likelihood of a fall greater. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review medications to reduce the risk.

“Home Instead Senior Care was birthed to serve seniors by our founders caring for their own Grandmother,” said Todd Barth, owner of the Hillsboro Home Instead franchise. “Our franchise and personal mission is to provide compassionate care and inspiration to our local seniors.”

Our goal is to keep seniors safe at home. Through our safety program, available at no charge to all seniors, our care consultants can help you and the senior you love identify safety and care needs in the home. Call today for a free consultation, 503-530-1527.

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

1400 N.E. 48th AVENUE

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124

503.902.9987

HYPERLINK "http://www.homeinstead.com/" www.homeinstead.com

Brandon and Malinda Kearbey, Dental Insiders

Whenever we see a patient, whether it’s their first appointment or a follow-up visit, we always ask “How are your teeth? Anything bothering you lately?”

By far, the No. 1 response is, “My teeth are sensitive to cold things. I am worried I have a cavity.”

Why do so many people have the same complaint?

Teeth have nerves in them. They feel pressure, hot and cold, just like the rest of your body. If you go outside on a cold, snowy day without your coat and gloves, you get cold and uncomfortable. Teeth can feel the same way when you drink a glass of ice water. 

If you have sensitive teeth, it’s best to see your dentist. Sensitivity can indicate a cavity, infection, gum disease or other problem. It’s always easier to repair problems when the situation is caught early. 

A common myth that we hear all too often is, “My tooth doesn't hurt, so it is just fine.” But the truth is, trouble can start without any warning.

The majority of cavities, infections and gum disease start without pain or any other noticeable signs of trouble. Many times, they will not exhibit any appreciable signs until the problem is very advanced and irreversible damage has been done.

Once you and your dentist have determined that there isn’t something more serious going on, over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth will go a long ways towards keeping your teeth comfortable.

Bottom:

DENTISTS AT ORENCO STATION

1322 N.E. ORENCO STATION PARKWAY

SUITE 300

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124

503.640.4262

HYPERLINK "http://www.dentistsatorenco.com/" www.dentistsatorenco.com

Brought to you by Dave DeSemple, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Premier Community Bank, BANKING INSIDER

By Dave DeSemple, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Social engineering refers to the methods attackers use to manipulate people into sharing sensitive information, or taking an action, such as downloading a file. When email is utilized, it is known as “Phishing.”

So how can you protect yourself? First and foremost, you should utilize a spam filter, keep all of your systems patched and your anti-virus software up to date, and home users should enable the auto update feature. However, even with updated systems, the best defense to phishing is YOU. You should always be suspicious of unsolicited emails. Only open email attachments if you are expecting them and know what it contains. Be cautious about container files, such as .zip, as they may contain malicious content. If you are vigilant, and watch for warning signs of a phishing email, you can minimize your risk of falling for one.

Phishing emails may include messages from companies you don’t have accounts with; contain spelling mistakes; messages from the wrong email address; generic greetings; and unexpected messages with a sense of urgency designed to prompt you into responding quickly without checking the facts. Common examples include an email appearing to be from the “fraud department” of a company that asks you to verify personal information because they suspect you may be a victim of identity theft, or an email from the CEO of your company requesting that you wire some money right away to pay a large expense. There are many others, so remember: Always think before you click.

PREMIER COMMUNITY BANK

314 E. MAIN STREET

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97123

503.693.7500

www.pcboregon.com

Brought to you by Brandon & Malinda Kearbey, owners of Dentists at Orenco Station, DENTAL CARE INSIDER

One of the easiest and most popular ways to improve your smile is through bleaching. It seems as though everyone has a theory of what works best. But how do you know what works, and even more important, how do you know what methods are safe and healthy for your teeth?

A quick internet search will leave you with many interesting options: lemons, strawberries, baking soda, charcoal, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar are frequently noted. However, these methods are not only ineffective, they can be very damaging. Many of these products ~ i.e. lemons and vinegar ~ are highly acidic, and with continuous use can cause serious damage to your teeth.

Many toothpastes and even mouthwashes will advertise that they will whiten your smile, but often they are typically more abrasive, potentially causing sensitivity and wear.

Traditional bleaching products are effective, and when used correctly they are very safe for your teeth. Over the counter products such as bleaching strips are also effective and safe. When choosing, look for the “ADA (American Dental Association) approved” symbol on the packaging. This guarantees that it follows the leading safety guidelines.

To attain an even whiter smile, talk to your dentist about professional strength products they can provide. There are many options, from take-home systems to in-office treatment, depending on your specific goals. Prior to bleaching, we recommend that you have regular dental care, as certain conditions make bleaching not recommended or less effective.

DENTISTS AT ORENCO STATION

1322 N.E. ORENCO STATION PARKWAY

SUITE 300

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124

503.640.4262

www.dentistsatorenco.com

Brought to you by Todd Barth, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Hillsboro, SENIOR CARE INSIDER

A recent national study sponsored by the Home Instead Senior Care network reveals an inability of many siblings to effectively work together to care for their aging parents. This situation often leads to one sibling becoming responsible for the bulk of caregiving, which in turn can result in a deterioration of sibling relationships.

Sibling relationships and caregiving quality both can suffer when there are not effective family processes in place to help brothers and sisters make successful decisions, equitably divide the workload, and build a caregiving team.

“This is a huge problem in America,” said Todd Barth, owner of Hillsboro’s Home Instead franchise. “Recently I spoke with a woman who has chosen to quit her job and take care of her mother full-time. She does have siblings, but they are either not willing or not able to help. The concern, fear, and heavy burden of decision showed heavily on her face.”

To address this critical issue, Home Instead has developed the “50-50 Rule,” named for the average age when siblings are caring for their parents (50), as well as the need for brothers and sisters to equitably share responsibilities (50/50).

In June, Home Instead will bring in Mark Duhrkoop from Genesis Life Transitions, who will provide interactive tools to help transform difficult conversations. The workshop, free and open to the public, will start at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, at the Home Instead office in Hillsboro, 1400 N.E. 48th Street, Suite 107.

Space is limited. Please RSVP to 503-530-1527.

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

1400 N.E. 48th AVENUE

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124

503.902.9987

www.homeinstead.com

Brought to you by Linda Baker, owner of RoseSprings Center, HOLISTIC HEALING INSIDER

If you find yourself in disbelief and disillusioned over the political scene and world affairs and wonder where we are heading, it may be a good time to approach life from a different perspective.

These are the times when we are given an opportunity to reflect on what is truly important in life and to discover our own true identity and balance. Do you let the world define you, or do you move closer to your core, which is the only truly safe place to call home?

It is a time for decisions, and we offer a safe place to build yourself anew, based on unconditional love and unity consciousness. When you find your core, through Sacred Wisdom Studies and guidance, you are not affected by the shifting winds of circumstances or subject to the cycles of change that govern physical reality. Your physical reality is not the eternal and true part of who you are, but rather you are eternal beings, sparks of a divine infinite potential, sovereign and creators of your own reality; responsible, conscious participants in your experiences.

Sacred Light Academy offers a new understanding that will open your mind to a whole new paradigm, with Sacred Wisdom Studies and tools that will allow you to access your own guidance and forgotten knowledge. We offer empowerment. Some of the teachings might be challenging to the mind, but your spirit will soar with joy and peace and affirm that you have found your home.

ROSESPRINGS CENTER

5215 N.E. ELAM YOUNG PARKWAY

HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124

503.693.9101

www.rosespringscenter.com

Brought to you by Victoria Webster, owner of Tory's Place, FASHION INSIDER

The wedding invitations will soon be arriving, and you may be wondering what to wear. Generally, warm-weather attire is inherently more casual than winter wardrobes ~ but it is still a wedding. Here are some ideas for outfits that are appropriate for the season as well as the occasion.

Afternoon Wedding: Daytime weddings call for dresses that are feminine and polished in a delicate floral print or a muted color. If it’s not too hot, consider a light duster coat in a light fabric such as silk or lace. Keep any accessories clean and simple. AVOID white or any color close to it! This is the bride’s day!

Beach Wedding: Embrace dresses in airy fabrics and fun patterns that compliment skin tone. Look to hues like cobalt blue, yellow, coral, and pink. Turquoise jewelry is the perfect finishing touch. If you’ll be walking on sand, ditch the heels and choose embellished flat sandals or a pair of festive wedges. For warmth, choose a sweater or wrap in a bright color or a neutral if your dress is on the busier side.

Evening Wedding: Yes, a black dress is fine, but make sure to add some detail or lace, or accessorize with jewelry or a bit of color. A pattern is fine, but not too much floral. Avoid dresses that are too short or necklines that are too low ~ or anything that might draw attention away from the bride.

Most important: Be comfortable, and dress for the weather forecast!

TORY'S PLACE

2015 19th AVENUE

FOREST GROVE, OREGON 97116

503.858.0635

www.torysplace.com