how to choose - your guide to everything

DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-

PET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSPET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSPET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING SERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERS

DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-

PET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSPET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSPET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING SERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSINTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CA-INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CA-INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CA-

TERERS DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TERERS DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TERERS DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-

PET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSPET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSPET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING SERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERS

DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-

PET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSPET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSPET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING

DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-

PET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING

how to choose...ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING

SERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSyour guide to everythingDOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-

TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-

PET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING ACCOUNTANTS • DAYCARE • CLEANING SERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSSERVICES • NURSING CARE • PRINTERSINTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CA-INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CA-INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CA-INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CA-

TERERS DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TERERS DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TERERS DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TERERS DOCTORS • LAWYERS • CONTRAC-TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS •

PET INSTALLERS • PHOTOGRAPHERSsee inside for the answers on how to choose

which local business is right for you

TORS FLORISTS • INTERIOR DESIGNERS • PLUMBERS • CATERERS • DENTISTS CAR-

2 Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-TimesFriday, March 28, 2014 How to Choose

Surrounded by spacious community parks, andconveniently located near Albany’s historic downtown,Hannah West is the newest phase of the popular HannahEstates community. For nearly the same monthly costsas an apartment, Hannah West provides beautiful newhomes built for any lifestyle at an incredible value.

Select a home to call your own today and enjoy thesummer in your fully landscaped yard,or entertain friendsand family under the privacy and seclusion of your statelycovered patio. With a variety of well-appointed homesavailable today,you are certain to find the one to call yourown at Hannah West.

Hayden Homes: QualityYou Can Afford

Hannah West

North Albany, Oregon’s new home community,North Creek,offers a peaceful location and close proximityto it all. Families of all sizes will enjoy the lush backdropand the freedom to jog, play, or simply sit and enjoy theview of the nearby foothills. Just a short drive to Corvallis(25 minutes), walking distance to scenic North AlbanyCountry Park,and just a mile from golfing and dining at thegorgeous Spring Hill Country Club, North Creek is perfectlysituated. Find the home that best suits your family today atNorth Creek, and start moving in tomorrow!

Visit our website for details on options, plans, and pricing,stop by our North Creek model in North Albany at2340 Cluster Oak Ave NW, or call us at 541-316-4969 for anappointment anytime!

North Creek

Hayden Homes: Quality You Can AffordVisit our website for details on options, plans, and pricing,

stop by our North Creek model inNorth Albany at 2340 Cluster Oak Ave NW,

or call us at 541-316-4969 for an appointment anytime!

Snowbrush kitchen

Snowbrush living room

When selecting a builder, the most important factor is a history of good reputation. High-quality builders are known

for reliability and craftsmanship. They have likely worked in construction for years. Drive by some of the homes they’ve built and, if possible, talk to their owners to get an idea about what you can expect. When you fi nd an outstanding builder

and line up a good fi nancing plan, then you can watch your dream home become a reality.

No matter your budget, no matter your history, Hayden Homes can make home ownership a reality for you. When Robert Watson and his son Hayden moved to Redmond, Oregon in 1989, they found the vibrant community, rural setting,

and active lifestyle they were looking for

in the small town of 7,000. But somewhat

unexpectedly, they also uncovered an

overwhelming need

for quality, affordable

housing.

So, they decided

to do something

about this troubling

vacancy in the housing

market. Armed with

experience in both land

development and real

estate fi nance, the two

Watsons pooled their

energy and limitless

determination to

create a home building

company with a

mission. Thus, Hayden

Homes was born.

Today, Robert’s

vision has become

the Hayden Homes

mission: to provide the

highest quality home

at the lowest possible

cost and thereby build

wealth for all involved. In just 25 years,

Hayden Homes has built a home for more

than 9,000 hardworking families, many of

them right here in Albany.

New Homes in Albany starting in the

$150’s.

� e Best Builder

3Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times Friday, March 28, 2014How to Choose

ith your purchase of apair of Siemens micon

hearing instrumentsExpires 4/31/14

FREE eCharger™

*Johns Hopkins Medicine: Hearing Loss Accelerates Brain Function Decline in Older Adults. 2013 (http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_accelerates_brain_function_delcine_in_older_adults)Hearing instruments help people hear better, but cannot solve every hearing problem or restore normal hearing. © 2014 Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved. 3/14 D-7256

Did you knowthat significanthearing lossincreases therisk of dementia?

Findings from a recent Johns Hopkins University study* state that an interventionas simple as wearing hearing aids could delay or prevent dementia.

Don’t wait – call today to schedule your free hearing screening today!

Open House April 7th - 9th

With ypair of Siemens micon

hearing ins

541-258-6166OregonHearingHealthService90 Market Street • Suite 70Lebanon, OR

OregonHears.com

www.usa.siemens.com/hearingMotion® SX micon Motion® PX miconPure® micon

Hearing loss affects more than 40 million Americans. People of all ages and backgrounds experience hearing impairment or loss. Many people seek out hearing aids to help relieve the serious consequences of this condition. As a result, they lead richer, fuller lives. Studies show that adults with diabetes have an increased risk of hearing loss—even at younger ages. In fact, hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes. Today’s hearing aids are elec-tronic marvels. They give you clear sound in a noisy world. They have wonderful noise reducing circuitry, speech enhancing circuitry, they can select speech from an individual speaker in a noisy room, and can make music sound like you remember it. They can connect to cell phones, land-line phones, TVs, music players, and remote microphones from as far as 60 feet away. They do more and cost less than they did 15 years ago. Some things to look forward to from your new hearing aids:• Whenyouhearthesounds

you’ve been missing, your brain can work better.

• Wearingyourhearingaidscanreduce stress.

• Peoplestopmumblingwhenyou wear your new hearing aids.

• Relationships,music,cellphones, etc. work better when

you can hear clearly.

• Hearingaidshelp you hear what people in crowds are saying.

• Songbirdssinging, leaves rus-tling; now you can enjoy them again.

• Manyofto-day’s hearing aids are virtu-ally invisible.

•Theyarevir-tually water-proof, be-cause people sometimes forget they are wearing them and get them wet in the shower.

• Somehearingaidshaveveryconvenient rechargeable bat-teries.

Life is happening! Don’t miss the wonderful sounds that are life’s messages to you. At Or-egon Hearing Health Service, our goal is to help you connect to your life better by improving your ability to hear the sounds of life around you. Whenyoucometous,wewillvisit about your lifestyle and hearing needs, and we will give you a comprehensive hearing evaluation, at no charge. Then we choose the best course of action, based on your hearing ability, your lifestyle needs, and

yourbudget.Wearehereforyou, to enhance your connec-tion to your wonderful life. Some things that we offer, every day:•Top-of-the-linedigitalhearing

aids for $2539 each or less•Goodeconomy-leveldigital

hearing aid for $499 each and up

•45-daymoney-backguarantee•Freebatteriesfor5yearson

any hearing aid that costs more than $600

•Low-interestorno-interestfinancing available

•Hearingaidsrepairedwithoneyear warranty, usually $135

Giveusacall541-258-6166.Online at OregonHears.com Weareheretohelpyou.

Comments from some of our customers: “I have dealt with many hearing aid service providers through the years and my expe-riences with Dan have been the best ever. He saved me over half the price of what my previous hearing aid dealer quoted me.” Walter Aulman “Life has been so much easier and pleasant since I was fitted with unobtrusive hearing aids. What a waste of years for not understanding all that others were saying to me.” Boyd Nash “Do I love hearing aids? Oh, yes! Not mine, but my hus-band’s. It has made a remark-able difference in our lives. I highly recommend Dan Ma-theny.” Louise Nash

The Best Builder Tips for Selecting a Quality Hearing Aid

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-TimesFriday, March 28, 2014 How to Choose4

Reasons People LoveBlackledge Furniture For All Their

Home FurnishingNeeds...

Monday – Saturday:9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Sunday—Noon to 5:00 pm

Home FurnishingNeeds...

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over113years

Home Furnishing

Our pricepolicy...nogames, no

negotiating - thelow price

marked is theprice you

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LargestSelection in themid-valley with$2 million dollar

in-stock inventory PLUSlimitless

special orderchoices

Ourcustomerfriendly

return policy.

Ourcustomerfriendly

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refund or reselection withonly a 20% restockingcharge and we require

only 20% depositat time ofordering.

You always have our 3-day in-home approval policy to be sure

your selection works orit may be returned

for refund orreselectionWell

informedassociates to

help you find thebest choice for the home

of your dreams.Complimentary in-store or

in-homedecoratingassistance

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delivery over$997

This includes placing and setting up your newitems in your home & removing the old item for

donation to charity for you.Or take your purchase of$997 or more with you

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WeWill Not

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www.BlackledgeFurniture.com

Where Good Taste Needs Not Be Expensive Since 1901

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Sprin

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14

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3

BETTER SLEEP


No Interest For 6 Months Following Delivery Of Your PurchaseAsk Your Associate for Details

& No Down payments On In Stock ItemsOR

Double Cash Discount For Cash, Check Or Debit CardAt Time Of Purchase On Purchases Over $597

Both apply to any purchase of $597 or more made March 1 thru March 31, 2014 O.A.C.*Custom orders do require 20% deposit. Minimum monthly payments required.

Savings Event!EXPERIENCE

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FREEDelivery on Current

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t FREEBed frame or ProtectiveMattress Pad on AnyCurrent MattressSet Over $997

t

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t

Selling Better Sleep For Less Since 1901

Sprin

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Sleep determines quality of our waking life. Alertness,energy, mood, thinking, productivity, safety, health andlongevity.

The sleeping brain promotes synaptic growth physicalactivity in the brain to promote memory, problem solvingand creativity (REM).

For peak performance, we must invest 1/3 of our lifein sleep. Quality of sleep is as important as quantity ofsleep.

t

t

t

Sleep is a Necessity,Not a Luxury

Monday – Saturday9:30 am – 5:30 pm

SundayNoon to 5:00 pm

Furniture gives your house a personality. It creates an ambiance that sends a message to guests about who you are. With all the eclectic choices available today, there has never been a better time to buy new furniture. Whether your budget

is big or small, choosing new seating, tables and accessories can make a big difference in your daily life.

QUALITY THAT LASTS Look for a store that sells quality, long-lasting furniture. While inexpensive accessories can be bought

cheaply and changed often, big furniture investments -- sofas, dining tables, and the like -- need to be purchases for the long term. That means putting solid construction before a pretty style.

Solid construction isn’t always apparent at fi rst glance. It should feel solid, not fl imsy, of course. Beyond that, fi nd out as much information as possible about the frame, materials, and what kind of warranty it comes with. A well-trained staff can inform you about their furniture,

how they’re built and why the construction matters. The best stores have employees who act as guides and teachers, not pushy salespeople.

VALUE, NOT JUST PRICE It is best to pay more for a quality piece than to try to save

money on something that will not last in the long term. The bigger the investment, the more important the design and build quality become. Concentrate on fi nding the best value. An inexpensive sofa will not be a good value if it is built with cheap and weak materials. Likewise, the most

expensive love seat will not be a wise investment if the frame is not built solidly.

SERVICE, DELIVERY Every store has a different customer service policy. Choose a store that is well known for being loyal to its customers. Inquire about return policies. Some furniture stores will allow you to exchange an item within a time limit if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Learn what fees are involved if you have the return an item -- if that is allowed at all. As well, ask about the store’s delivery policy, including how much it costs, how far they’ll deliver and how quickly your furniture will arrive.If you are comparison shopping, factor the delivery cost when considering different stores. A low-priced couch will not save you money if it comes with an expensive delivery fee. It may be worth it to pay a little more for the couch if free or reduced cost delivery is available. The bottom lines is that there are only two things that matter: the quality of the furniture you are purchasing, and the level of service you receive. Once you discover them both, furniture shopping can be a fun experience that that will beautify your home for many years.

How to Choose a Furniture Store


3

BETTER SLEEP


No Interest For 6 Months Following Delivery Of Your PurchaseAsk Your Associate for Details

& No Down payments On In Stock ItemsOR

Double Cash Discount For Cash, Check Or Debit CardAt Time Of Purchase On Purchases Over $597

Both apply to any purchase of $597 or more made March 1 thru March 31, 2014 O.A.C.*Custom orders do require 20% deposit. Minimum monthly payments required.

Savings Event!EXPERIENCE

RECHARGING SLEEP

A Lot of Stores Sell Mattresses...But We Sell Better Sleep

Over 30 Comfort Choices In Our Complete Sleep Center

We Buy BIG...You Save Big!

BECAUSE...We’re a member of one ofAmerica’s largest furniture buying groups.

Great Bonus OffersSAVE YOU MORE!

FREEDelivery on Current

Mattress Set

t FREEBed frame or ProtectiveMattress Pad on AnyCurrent MattressSet Over $997

t

FREERemoval of Your

Mattress To Donate ToCharity for You

t

Selling Better Sleep For Less Since 1901

Sprin

g20

14

HomeSale

Sleep determines quality of our waking life. Alertness,energy, mood, thinking, productivity, safety, health andlongevity.

The sleeping brain promotes synaptic growth physicalactivity in the brain to promote memory, problem solvingand creativity (REM).

For peak performance, we must invest 1/3 of our lifein sleep. Quality of sleep is as important as quantity ofsleep.

t

t

t

Sleep is a Necessity,Not a Luxury

Monday – Saturday9:30 am – 5:30 pm

SundayNoon to 5:00 pm

A good night’s sleep will have a dramatic effect on your life.Investing in a mattress is one way to improve your quality of life.Try sleeping on an old mattress. Chances are, you won’t feel rested in the morning. Sleep deprivation will affect your mood, health and job performance. A new, quality mattress that provides you with a restful night’s sleep is well worth the price. Don’t be confused by the choices available. Take it a step at a time and you will find the perfect mattress. Purchasing a mattress is a long-term investment in your health and self-esteem. Don’t be afraid of looking at pricier options. Quality mattresses last longer, so you will not have to go through the trouble of buying another mattress in a year or two. Consider your bed size. Is it time to buy a bigger bed? Perhaps you would like to sprawl out and relax. Here are a few other things to keep in mind: — Do you need a firm or soft mattress? People with a bad back, neck or leg pain, or other circulatory problems might require firm support to keep their spines aligned. Other people prefer flexible support that fits the contours of their bodies. — Do you sleep with

another person? Mattresses made of memory foam might be beneficial, as it will give you a personalized experience without disturbing the other person’s sleep. — Standard mattresses can exacerbate allergies if you are sensitive to lint, cotton, dust or dust mites.

If you or your partner have allergies, consider getting a latex or foam mattress. You might also think about getting a

hypoallergenic mattress cover.When you are looking at actual mattress options, the following are popular choices: — Pillowtop mattresses are famous for their softness; however, they do have levels of firmness. They also require a larger bottom sheet because the pillowtop adds to their extra

thickness. — Coil spring construction are great choices for people who want a firm mattress.

This option has the ability to keep your spine aligned. Most mattress stores can show you samples of their product lines. Choose the best construction you can afford. —”Memory” or high-density foam or latex mattress are helpful if you have physical issues, such

as skeletal pain or circulatory problems. This mattress conforms to the shape of the body. It also minimizes pressure points from the health, shoulders and hips. — Adjustable air mattresses allow each person to change the firmness through electronic and mechanical devices that control air chambers. It is an ideal choice for partners who need to have different mattress preferences. You can also alter firmness for yourself, depending on your physical condition. When shopping for a mattress, don’t be afraid of lying down and trying it out. Roll over and pay attention to how your body feels. Are you comfortable?Remember, your mattress

is a long-term investment. Choose wisely and you will be rewarded with years of restful nights.

How to Choose a Mattress


Corvallis Country ClubREDEFINING THE PRIVATE CLUB EXPERIENCE

Contact us today to find out about our currentspring specials and affordable membership plans!

(541) 752-3471, ext. 29 • [email protected] • www.corvalliscc.com

we offer:• Clinics, group lessons, and private

instruction in tennis, swimming, andgolf with professional instructors.

• Delicious food and fine dining, plusa full calendar of social events.

• A personal, friendly staff dedicated toproviding Members and Guests with amemorable experience.

• Access to various golfing networks,including the Oregon Golf Association,Mid-Valley Senior Women, and more.

A challenging 18-hole championship golf course with mountain views.

Join the only private country club in the greater Corvallis area!

Golf remains one of Ameri-ca’s most popular sports. Men, women, and children all enjoy spending time on a golf course, and the quiet, beautiful sur-roundings are a fantastic way to unwind and escape from daily life. If you are looking for a great golf course, you have many options. With enough research, you can fi nd a location that will stretch your skills without breaking your budget.

THE COURSE For any serious golfer, the course itself is the top factor to consider when choosing a golf course. The ideal course should be diffi cult enough to challenge you, yet playable enough to still be enjoyable. While sticking to the same handful of courses close to home is a good way to learn the basics of the game, you should look beyond your neighborhood to discover courses that will help you im-prove your game. Most golf courses display their course layouts and dif-fi culty ratings online, so you have an idea of what to expect. Look for a layout and rating that is different from your usual choice. If you need help decid-ing among courses, you can see which professional golfers (if any) have offi cially endorsed a course. Sometimes the pros even prepare a statement that give golfers insight into the design or signature holes. Many golf course designers have

stellar repu-tations and are known for creating cer-tain types of courses. Find out if there are any well-known names involved with your prospective golf course, and look into whether the layout of the course match-es your style of play. The best courses integrate seamlessly into their natural surroundings. These courses will provide a beautiful backdrop to put you in the right frame of mind for a great day of golf. Sometimes, the most memorable experi-ence comes from playing in an extraordinary setting.

AMENITIES First-rate amenities can bring added enjoyment to your golf game and vacation, especially if you are traveling with family or friends. Family-oriented amenities at a club can include pools, restaurants and tennis courts. Adult amenities can be a romantic restaurant, ‘Kids Nights”, and scenic guests areas. If you’re looking to mix busi-ness with pleasure, a golf course or club can provide the best of

both worlds. Golf courses are excellent locations for unique corporate meetings or execu-tive retreats. Some of the best courses even provide meeting rooms and guest services that rival fi ve-star hotels. The bottom line is that the amenities of the golf course you choose should match the pur-pose of your visit. Each location is different, catering to unique clientele and price points, so shop around for a good match.

SERVICES Every course offers a list of services that will make your visit more enjoyable, so when choos-ing a golf course, you should consider what services each course offers, and what services you want. Ask about club and equip-ment rental. If you’re traveling, you might not want to burden

yourself with your own clubs. Good rental clubs can be the difference between an enjoyable day on the course and a frus-trating one. Plus, if you’re in the market for new clubs, renting at a course can help you decide whether or not the brand works for you before you buy it. Most facilities know that a golf course is an excellent es-cape from daily life, and other services such as club cleaning, assistance with scoring, or cart plans can also help enhance your experience. The best golf courses score high marks in all three of these categories: they offer a challenging and enjoy-able championship course set against a breathtaking back-drop, they feature an array of top-notch amenities, and excep-tional, friendly service.

Creating Your Own Backyard Oasis – A Check List How to Choose a Golf Course


5470 NE Hwy 20, Corvallis , OR 97330 · (541) 753-6601GarlandNursery.com

Visit us and enjoy 6 acres of:· Perennials, Annuals, Trees & Shrubs

· Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs· Garden Supplies

· Houseplants & Bonsai· Gifts & Home Dècor

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If your garden, landscape or even containers are less than desirable because you’ve run out of time or know-how, ourfriendly team of experts at Garland Nursery is at your service! Here are a few ways we can help your outdoors be a

beautiful reflection of you and your home.Landscape Architect · Design & Consultation · Plant Rental

Garden Coach at-Home Consultation · Plant Doctor at-Home ConsultationCustom Container Design and Planting · Delivery and Planting

HERE TO HELP.

yourself with your own clubs. Good rental clubs can be the difference between an enjoyable day on the course and a frus-trating one. Plus, if you’re in the market for new clubs, renting at a course can help you decide whether or not the brand works for you before you buy it. Most facilities know that a golf course is an excellent es-cape from daily life, and other services such as club cleaning, assistance with scoring, or cart plans can also help enhance your experience. The best golf courses score high marks in all three of these categories: they offer a challenging and enjoy-able championship course set against a breathtaking back-drop, they feature an array of top-notch amenities, and excep-tional, friendly service.

Imagine a peaceful, private retreat in your own back yard. A place to unwind and get in tune with nature or perhaps an outdoor dining and entertaining area. You can even develop a wildlife friendly, food productive landscape. With the right plan-ning you can make any of these dreams a reality. When you begin the process, start with what you want to ac-complish. Do you want a space for privacy, outdoor entertain-ing, function or simply beauty? Consider the style that you like. Is it formal, cottage garden, fl owing in curves, simple, Medi-terranean, country or southwest desert? Also, does your desired garden style match the style of your house? Although the land-scape doesn’t have to match the interior perfectly, it should blend harmoniously. Think about planning your dream yard like you would decorate your home. Even in nature there is a roof, walls and a fl oor. In a land-scape, just like a house, there are focal points. Color, height , texture, proportion are all art principles you can apply to cre-ate an outstanding visual effect. The next thing to contem-plate is how much maintenance you are willing to do and what types of hardscapes are neces-sary to accomplish your goals, especially for an outdoor en-tertaining space. If you want a lower maintenance landscape, installing more hardscaping such as decks, patios, and

paved walkways may cut down on maintenance. Generally, a deck or concrete patio involves less maintenance than a lawn or a paver and groundcover pathway, although nothing is absolutely maintenance-free. Be honest about how much work you are willing to contrib-

ute. Also, consider your budget. Is this something you want to complete immediately or are you able to take several years to complete the project so that your outlay of cash is spread over a longer period of time? Are you wanting to do all the work yourself or would you like to hire someone to complete part or all of the project? Now assess the conditions in your yard that will make a dif-ference in the plants you select. How much sun or shade does the area receive? What is the soil like? Do you have the Wil-lamette Valley’s typical clay soil,

which drains slowly? Is there a slope or are there low spots in the yard that are always wet? How much wind does the area receive? Are you able and will-ing to irrigate in the summer? If you want to select drought tolerant plants, be aware that they, too, need some consistent

watering for the fi rst 2 years until their root systems are established. If you have particular plants that you like or wish to include in your landscape, make a list of them. Group listed plants with similar needs together. Determine which plants are focal point, framework, accent, or infi ll plants. You can then put together plant combina-tions, choosing plants from each group and then evaluate the visual effect based on the previously mentioned art prin-ciples of color, texture, form and proportion. You can research

the size of each plant and then space them accordingly to fi ll in the area you are designing. Then you can draw up a plan, or place plants or fl ags in the area to be planted and make sure that it fi lls the space to your desires. At this stage, a local garden center can be a big help. You can wander through their selec-tion of plants and fi nd ones that you like, determine specifi cs about a plant from good sig-nage, and see how the garden center has used them in combi-nation with other plants. Also, your local garden center should have people on staff with actual gardening experience in your area. They can tell you whether a plant is actually as great as the internet advertises or if plants grow larger than the mar-keting claims (everything grows larger in Oregon, especially if you water it). Many local gar-den centers have designers on staff that can help you design your space. And if you don’t want to do any of the design on your own, there are landscape designers and architects that you can hire to create the entire planting plan. Finally, there are fi nishing touches you can add. Garden furniture, statues, and garden art all add to the ambiance and appeal of your backyard oasis. Windchimes and fountains can add an audible element to the garden. Be sure to include those things that will bring joy to your ideal backyard oasis.

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541-753-2641gazettetimes.com

BY GAIL COLEGAZETTE-TIMES REPORTERShe’s not an apparel design major,but when Oregon State Universityfreshman Emily Johnsonlearned about the upcom-ing Recycled FashionShow, she knew she had tocontribute something. ForThursday evening’s showin OSU’s Memorial UnionBallroom, Johnson creat-ed two dresses: one usedSkittles wrappers, andone with red, purple andwhite ribbons she’d wonwhen she was a child,showing sheep as a mem-ber of 4-H. She also mod-eled both of her garments.The designing andmodeling has Johnson

considering a degree in apparel design.“I’m thinking about teaching, but

this was fun,” she said after the show.Johnson was one of 74 designers

who contributed to the total of 68

garments modeled at the show (somedesigners worked together on onepiece). Hosted by the OSU FashionOrganization, it’s the largest fashionshow of the year at OSU, in terms ofsheer numbers of designers, partici-pants and the audience.Organizers sold 500 tickets before

the show, and allowed 40 to stand andwatch after the doors opened.Debbie Christel, a graduate student

in design and human environment —and an advisor to the fashion organi-zation — said the event also is the old-est fashion show of clothing madefrom recycled materials in the nation.

Friday’s fact

March 4, 2011

Your Community ... Your Newspaper

Harvard University decidedto let the ROTC programreturn to campus | A6

{ w w w . g a z e t t e t i m e s . c o m }

50 cents

INSIDE149th year, No. 633 sections, 52 pages© 2011, Gazette-Times

INDEX

CONTACT THE GAZETTE-TIMESWEATHER BEAVER SAYS:

Thursday’s clouds will likely stickaround through the weekend. Today wecan expect passing showers and heavyrain at times. Highs should be in thelower 50s with overnight lows in the 30s

Classified ads ...........B6-10Comics...........................B5Community ................A3-4Crossword......................B9Daybreak........................A2F.Y.I. ................................A4Lotteries.........................A2

Nation/World...A6-7, 10, B6Obituaries ......................A4Opinion ..........................A9Sports .........................B1-4Stock markets................A7Sudoku...........................B6TV/Advice ......................A8

Main switchboard541-753-2641Subscriptions/Delivery541-758-9581Classified advertising541-758-9562

[email protected]. Box 368 Corvallis, OR 97339

For details, see A10.

201093866 X 0.50HOUSE ACCT NOT PAIDHOUSE ACCTColors: Friday, March 4-11, 2011

Six ‘Stars’ of Corvallis put best foot forward in dance contest for youth symphony Page 16

Saudis speaktheir piece

So who won the contest?

Student group,OSU Theatrejoin for a playwith a purpose.

PAGE 17

Everything youneed to knowabout what’s onthe tube, when.

PAGES 18-31

Televisionlistings

Find out whichlocal residentwon big on Oscars night.

PAGE 11

¡BAILAMOS!

4 3/2/2011 9:16 PM Page A1

50 cents

Best foot forward Cabaret fundraiser ‘Dancing with our Stars’ comesto Corvallis | The Entertainer

ANDY CRIPE | GAZETTE-TIMES

Oregon State University freshman Emily Johnson, 19, models a dress she designed for the 21st annual Recycled Fashion Show held in the Memorial

Union Ballroom Thursday night. Johnson’s dress was made from a mix of ribbons she won when she entered her sheep in the Clatsop County Fair and

the Washington State fair.

Stahlbush Island Farms hasagreed to settle a lawsuitclaiming some workers in itsfood processing operationwere improperly deniedovertime pay. The businessimplemented a new over-time policy for its process-ing plant last year andreached voluntary settle-ments with employees whoagreed not to sue.ANDY CRIPE | GAZETTE-TIMES

City union has wages andfurloughs on the table during negotiationsBY NANCY RASKAUSKASGAZETTE-TIMES REPORTERThe City of Corvallis is deep in

negotiations with the largestunion representing city workers,the American Federation of StateCounty and Municipal Employ-ees. The negotiations are to estab-lish a three-year contract for AFSCME from fiscal year 2011-12through fiscal year 2013-14.The union initially presented a

proposal that amounted to nearly$650,000 in savings for the city innext year’s budget,” said Jim Steiner,the primary negotiator representingAFSCME Local 2975 team. Thatwould be big step toward making upthe $3.1 million budget gap the cityis projecting for next year.

Talkslead to$650Kin cuts

BY JEFFRY BARTASH AND GREG ROBBMARKETWATCHWASHINGTON — New appli-cations for state jobless benefitsfell to their lowest level in nearlythree years last week, another signthat the U.S. labor market contin-ues to gradually improve, govern-ment data showed Thursday.The number of people filing

initial requests for unemploy-ment compensation fell by a sea-sonally adjusted 20,000 in theweek ended Feb. 26, down to368,000, the Labor Departmentreported. The last time claimswere that low was in May 2008.The report buoyed the stock

market, along with data from theInstitute for Supply Management

showing that services industriesin the United States jumped againin February to very strong levels.

The government will provideits most recent snapshot of U.S.hiring trends today, when it re-leases figures on nonfarm pay-rolls and the unemployment ratefor February. Economists sur-veyed by MarketWatch forecast

that the economy added 200,000jobs last month, partly making upfor a weak, storm-ridden Januaryin which only 36,000 net jobswere initially reported.Over the past four weeks, new

claims for jobless benefits have av-eraged 388,500, marking the low-est one-month average since July

Requests for jobless benefits approach 3-year low

More than 100 current, formerworkers to get back payBY BENNETT HALLGAZETTE-TIMES REPORTERStahlbush Island Farms has agreed to settle a

class-action lawsuit demanding overtime pay

for workers in its food processing operation.The settlement covers more than 100 cur-

rent and former employees of the Corvallis-area company. It was agreed to in principleWednesday after a mediation session.

“We are still negotiating some of the fin-er points,” said attorney Steve Larson ofStoll, Stoll, Berne, Lokting & Schlachter,the Portland law firm representing theplaintiffs. The suit was filed last March inU.S. District Court in Eugene.

Stahlbush settles overtime suit

Corvallis man in faircondition after collisionwith propane truckBY BENNETT HALLGAZETTE-TIMES REPORTERThe driver of a sport-utility

vehicle that crashed into apropane truck on Highway 34 nearCorvallis on Tuesday was in faircondition Thursday afternoon atOregon Health & Science Univer-sity Hospital in Portland, accord-ing to a hospital spokesman.Corvallis resident Tyler Despain,

20, had been transferred to OHSUfrom Good Samaritan RegionalMedical Center. An earlier reportincorrectly had stated that Despainwas treated and released from theCorvallis hospital Tuesday.Despain’s mother, Rachelle De-

spain of Corvallis, told the newspa-per Thursday that her son had suf-fered broken arms, a broken leg and

Injuredmotoriststill inhospital

SEE STAHLBUSH | A5

21st annual Recycled Fashion Show at Oregon State University is nation’s oldest

Dumpster to diamondsPHOTOGALLERY:See this

story atgazettetimes.comfor a photogallery. Votefor your fa-vorites on

our Face-book page

Veronica Goldsmith, 20, a junior Chemical Engineering student models a dress made fromrecycled cardboard packing material. Thedress, designed by Jessie Curry a senior study-ing both Apparel Design and MerchandisingManagement, won best in Show.

SEE FASHION | A5

SEE JOBLESS | A5SEE MOTORIST | A5

SEE TALKS | A5

As technology and media choices continue to evolve,our newspaper and digital

products remain, by far, the primary source of local news,

information and advertisingin our communities.

class-action lawsuit demanding overtime pay

for workers in its food processing operation.The settlement covers more than

Rain was expected to hamper the

hunt today for debris suspected of

being from the missing Malaysia

Airlines jet, as the United States

prepared to move a specialized de-

vice that can locate black boxes into

the south Indian Ocean region. The

U.S. Pacific command said it was

sending a black box locator in case

a debris field is located. The Towed

Pinger Locator, which is pulled

behind a vessel at slow speeds, has

highly sensitive listening capability

so that if the wreck site is located, it

can hear the black box pinger down

to a depth of about 20,000 feet.

A Ukrainian air force commander

is being held after his base in

Crimea was stormed by pro-

Russian forces, and the acting

president called for his release

Sunday. Col. Yuliy Mamchur is

the commander of the Belbek Air

Force base near Sevastopol,

which was taken over Saturday

by forces who sent armored per-

sonnel carriers smashing through

the base’s walls and fired shots

and stun grenades. One Ukrain-

ian serviceman was reported

wounded in the clash. It was un-

clear if the forces, who didn’t

bear insignia, were Russian mili-

tary or local pro-Russia militia.

The Obama administration and its

opponents are renewing the

Supreme Court battle over Presi-

dent Barack Obama’s health care

law in a case that pits the religious

rights of employers against the

rights of women to the birth con-

trol of their choice. Two years after

the entire law survived the justices’

review by a single vote, the court is

hearing arguments Tuesday in a

religion-based challenge from

family-owned companies that ob-

ject to covering certain contracep-

tives in their health plans as part

of the law’s preventive care re-

quirement. Health plans must

offer a range of services at no extra

charge, including all forms of birth

control for women that have been

approved by federal regulators.

Searchers found five more bodies

Sunday in the tangled sludge of a

massive landslide in rural Wash-

ington state, bringing the death

toll to at least eight from the wall

of debris that swept through a

small riverside neighborhood.

Snohomish County sheriff’s Lt.

Rob Palmer said four more bodies

were discovered late Sunday. A4

Associated Press

$1 Albany, Oregon

Monday, March 24, 2014

www.democratherald.com

OREGON STATE WOMEN ADVANCE IN NCAA TOURNEY, B1

SU BSC R I B E R

S E RV I C E

541-812-6115

Volume 148

No. 71

© 2014

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6

Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5

Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1

Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4

C L ASS I F I E D

A DS

541-812-6112

IN THENEWS

R E TA I LA DS

541-812-6073

Jefferson student

reaches out to

bullied, depressed

kids on Instagram

BY JENNIFER MOODY

ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

JEFFERSON — Megan

Marlatt knows what it’s

like to feel as if you

haven’t a friend in the

world.

The Jefferson High School jun-

ior remembers being called

“freak” and other names in the

hallway during her freshman year.

She felt sure everyone she passed

was snickering behind her back.

Things are better now, but

Marlatt is working to make sure

others who feel that way know at

least one person is in their corner.

She’s established an account at

the online photo- and video-

sharing social media website

known as Instagram, where peo-

ple who are struggling with de-

pression or bullying can connect

with her.

She calls it her “anti-bullying,

anti-depression, anti-suicide”

site.“The bottom line of my de-

pression site is to stand for peo-

ple who can’t stand for them-

selves,” said Marlatt, 17. “It just

lets them know there’s some-

body there who will care.

They’re not alone.”

Marlatt came up with the idea

after discussing an anti-bullying

campaign at Jefferson with the

high school’s Leadership teacher.

She’s planning to move for-

ward with that campaign as a

senior project next year, possibly

scheduling a weeklong event

with some guest speakers.

In the meantime, however, she

saw a way to share smiles and in-

spiration online through Insta-

gram. Teens all over the world

now contact her, either through

direct message at hope_floats03

or through her Skype account at

hopefloats03.

As of March 21, she had 1,359

followers, some of them fellow

supporters and some needing

support.She said she does worry about

connecting online with

strangers, but is careful not to

give or receive any personally-

identifiable information unless

she comes to know the person on

the other end directly. She also

keeps in close touch with her

parents to make sure they’re OK

with her efforts.

And, she stressed, “I don’t

give them (the followers) advice.

I just listen to them and talk

them through it.”

After high school, Marlatt is

interested in a career counseling

people suffering from depres-

sion. Earlier this year, she be-

came a volunteer for a suicide

hot line that also stresses the

importance of just being there

for someone in crisis.

As with her Instagram ac-

count, she said, she gives no ad-

vice and everything is anony-

mous. “You just listen, and you

care.”The down side of the hot line

is, unlike Skype, it carries no

video signal. That’s her favorite

part of the Instagram account:

making people smile.

“I’m passionate about that,”

she said. “When I make people

smile, it makes me want even

more to make them smile.”

BY KYLE ODEGARD

ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

A Lebanon man died Saturday

after crashing his snowmobile into

a tree near Hoodoo Ski Area.

George Elmer Eichner was 67.

He was wearing a helmet at the

time of the crash but suffered a se-

vere head injury.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office is

investigating the cause of the

crash, which occurred at about 4

p.m., according to a news release.

Eichner was riding with a group

from the Mt. Jefferson Snowmo-

bile Club, said Jim Enger, club

president.

Enger said Eichner dedicated

much of his life to Ray Benson

Snow Park, donating “countless

hours” maintaining snowmobile

trails there during the winter and

summer.“That park up there was just his

second home. ... He just loved the

mountain and he loved being up

there,” Enger said.

Eichner, a board member of the

snowmobile club, usually rode

“sweep” so he could help out any-

one who got stuck.

But Saturday was the rare occa-

sion that he led a group of about 10

riders, Enger said.

It was a slow-paced jaunt, and

snow conditions were such that

riders had to stay on the trail.

“Something extreme happened,

and it was so unlike George. Some-

thing extreme happened that was

beyond his control,” Enger said.

He added that his best friend

died in his arms.

“We’re all just devastated,”

Enger said.

Eichner talked frequently about

his family and was excited about a

new grandbaby, Enger said.

Eichner’s wife Linda Marie Eich-

ner also was a snowmobile club

member before her death from

cancer in 2006.

“You can’t say enough nice

things about George. He was just a

special person, do anything for

you,” Enger said.

After the 911 call, Black Butte

and Camp Sherman medics were

called to the scene and a Life Flight

helicopter ambulance was acti-

vated.Approximately one hour after

the call, Eichner was pronounced

dead at the scene.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office also

was assisted by Deschutes and Jef-

ferson County sheriff’s offices,

Hoodoo Ski Patrol, and the Black

Butte Police Department.

Eichner’s body was taken to

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

Kyle Odegard covers public safety

for the D-H. He can be reached

at 541-812-6077

or [email protected].

David Patton/Democrat-Herald

Megan Marlett, 17, a junior at Jefferson High School, uses an Instagram account to encourage teenagers who are depressed or suicidal.

Teen offers a listening ear

For some Oregonians,

health insurance is

still out of reach

BY GOSIA WOZNIACKA

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ALOHA — Diedre Gibbons’ dis-

ability income and her older hus-

band’s part-time job on a con-

struction crew barely pay the

bills. And though the Oregon cou-

ple need ongoing health care and

qualify for subsidies on the state’s

insurance exchange, they remain

uninsured.

The upbeat 51-year-old who

once ran a house-cleaning busi-

ness has congenital heart failure

and is in and out of hospitals. She

desperately needs coverage, but

the Gibbonses earn just over the

limit to qualify for Medicaid and

they’re too poor to pay for even the

lowest premiums available under

the new federal health care law.

“It’s not something we can af-

ford,” Diedre Gibbons said.

“We’re barely keeping our nose

above water.”

The couple’s plight is not uncom-

mon: Experts say thousands of low-

income people in Oregon and across

the country are uninsured, stuck

in a low-income coverage gap.

About 120,000 Oregonians who

must get insurance or pay a fine

under the federal law will remain

uninsured by 2019, according to the

Oregon Center for Public Policy. Of

this group, nearly half will be low-

income people with earnings

below 200 percent of the federal

poverty line — which was $22,980

annually for an individual in 2013

— but who still make too much to

qualify for the Oregon Health Plan,

the state’s version of Medicaid.

“These people don’t have a lot

of resources; a lot of them are just

getting by and they ... may not

have that extra cash,” said Linda

Blumberg, a senior fellow at The

Urban Institute, who is studying

the impacts of health care reform.

“The notion of taking on some-

thing like health insurance pay-

ments may feel formidable, even if

it’s still a good deal for them.”

The goal of the Affordable Care

Act, by its very name, was to fill

gaps in coverage and make health

care available to all, no matter the

income. The law expanded Medic-

aid — in Oregon and the 24 other

states that approved expansion —

to millions of low-income people

who make up to 138 percent of the

federal poverty level, or $15,856 a

year for an individual.

To other low-income and moder-

ate-income people who earn more

than that, the law provides financial

assistance in the form of subsi-

dized premiums and lower out-of-

pocket expenses on private insur-

ance purchased via the exchanges.

Lebanon man killed

in snowmobile crash

AP Photo/Gosia Wozniacka

Diedre Gibbons, with her husband Michael at their Aloha home on March 18,

holds a pacemaker that helps her with congenital heart failure. The Gibbons

make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford insurance.

See GAP on A8

Caught in the coverage gap

democratherald.com

541-812-6211


1025 NW 9th Street, Suite D Corvallis, OR 97330

514-754-1377

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To choose the right audiolo-gist it is necessary to discuss the numerous services audiolo-gists provide. The fi rst area of audiological expertise is known to most peo-ple. That service encompasses the areas of hearing evalua-tion and hearing rehabilitation, which includes hearing aids and cochlear implants. The second area of audiologist expertise is less well known and encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders. In addition there are audiolo-gists who work exclusively with musicians interested hearing protection. There are audiologists who work exclusively with people who experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears). There are audiologists who work exclusively in noisy indus-tries doing noise studies and managing hearing conservation programs. There are audiologists that work exclusively in hospitals do-ing inter-operative monitoring of hearing function during ear surgeries. There are audiologists that specialize in newborn hearing screening programs and provide follow up on newborns who fail the hearing screenings. While few readers will require all of these services it is instruc-

tive to know where to get the best of many of these services. For balance testing and rehabilitation no facility in Oregon is better equipped than Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland on 22nd and Lovejoy. The audiologist in charge of that program is Dr. Sue Doucette. For tinnitus evalua-tion and treatment, the group of profession-als at Oregon Health Sciences University is internationally recog-nized. For hearing evaluation and hearing aid fi tting, the Audiologist and staff at Corvallis Hear-ing Center have been awarded Best of Hear-ing Health Care Pro-viders 2011, 2012 and 2013; Best Audiologist Western US 2012; Best of Hearing Aid Research 2012; Best Hearing Aid Fitting Protocol 2013, Best Student Research Project 2012 and Excellence Award in Teach-ing Audiology 2014. For people seeking no-obli-gation, no-charge introductory information about hearing loss, brain problems linked to hearing loss, hearing testing, hearing aid evaluation, cochlear implants, hearing protection for noisy

industries, advances in hearing science, electrophysiological measures of auditory function, musician earplugs and hearing aid comparisons the Oregon Association for Better Hearing meets every second Thursday of each month at Corvallis Good Samaritan Hospital Conference Room B from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and provides detailed presentations from long-time hearing aid us-ers and internationally-recog-

nized experts in audiology. Complimentary refreshments are served. For more specifi c informa-tion about any of these areas described above the interested reader is referred to the Ameri-can Academy of Audiology con-sumer website at http://www.howsyourhearing.org where all of the issues described above are covered in detail.

How to Choose the Right Audiologist


Chiropractors are a great resource for people with back, head or neck pain. These professionals realign the spine which helps improve function and relieve pain in the body. Patients have reported improvements in their muscles, joints, bones and ligaments. Headaches and sinus pain can also be managed, and in some cases, eliminated with treatments. Whether you are experiencing pain or simply want to enhance your overall well-being, you may benefi t from seeing a chiropractor. Thinking about the following factors can help you fi nd the right chiropractor to fi t your needs.

Quality Chiropractors have some of the most stringent educational

requirements in the health care industry. According to the American Chiropractic Association, accredited chiropractors go through a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical training time combined. Students must spend four years in a pre-medical program, and in addition to four or fi ve years of professional medical training. It is vital that the chiropractic student understands different aspects of the body. You can be assured that an Oregon licensed chiropractor is qualifi ed and well trained.

Our state has one of the most stringent state board exams and regulations in the country. Many chiropractic doctors go on to specialize in different disciplines such as orthopedics, pediatrics and radiology.

Insurance Coverage Most insurance carriers include chiropractic care as part of their regular coverage. A friendly staff member will be

able to check if your insurance benefi ts cover chiropractic care and schedule you with a doctor that will best suit your needs. Your insurance might even offer a discount for choosing an “in-network” provider. However, if you don’t have insurance, many chiropractors offer reasonable rates or affordable plans to provide quality care to their patients.

Get Referrals Someone in your social or professional network has likely received excellent care from a chiropractor. Ask family members, friends and co-

workers for suggestions. Inquire specifi cally about his or her demeanor and schedule. You should also fi nd out about the chiropractor’s philosophy about health and other wellness issues. Does the chiropractor discuss your condition and give you a recommend treatment plan, instead of just putting a “Band-Aid” on the problem? You want a chiropractic that works with you to fi x the underlying

condition. Some practitioners will suggest complementary forms of care, including massage and/or muscle strengthening rehabilitation. With a little research, you are likely to fi nd a caring and competent chiropractor in your area. Chiropractic care aligns the spine, keeping the nervous system free from pain and interference. Your nervous system regulates everything in your body. When a vertebra is out of alignment it can keep the nervous system from doing its essential job. Staying well-adjusted and aligned is a good way to ensure optimal function of your nervous system. Keeping the joints and muscles mobile keeps you active throughout your lifetime.

How to Choose a Chiropractor

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