New Goodwill Retail Store Opens in Fishers

Vice President of Marketing Cindy Graham inside the new Fishers/Geist retail store, Olio and 116th.

A new Goodwill store opened it’s doors in Geist/Fishers on Valentine’s Day to a group of eager shoppers and a burst of new snow! “I was a little worried the snow would scare away shoppers for our grand opening!” says Cindy Graham, Vice President of Marketing. “But, that wasn’t the case. We had more than 30 people in line and several more waiting in their cars.”

The new 15,000 square foot store is located at 11501 Geist Pavilion Drive, near 116th Street and Olio Road, in the former home of Party Tree. It is the 47th Goodwill retail store in central Indiana, 8th in Hamilton County and brand new to the Geist/Fishers area.

Why Geist? Graham says Goodwill looks for a couple of things when scouting out a new area for a retail store. “We want to see residential growth like we still see throughout the Geist/Fishers area and we need people with stuff that they want to donate!” laughs Graham.

But, that is how Goodwill works, donations are accepted daily at Goodwill stores and the items are then sorted and put up for sale. Employees are hired to work the retail stores and revenue generated from the sale of the goods helps fund education and services in central Indiana for adults and youth. At the Geist/Fishers Goodwill store, as in other Goodwill retail stores, several employees were hired from the area. “We have 50 employees here at the new Geist/Fishers store,” says Graham, “26 of them are from the area.”

Along with putting some local residents to work, the new Goodwill store offers around 90,000 pieces of modern and vintage designer clothing, household items, furniture, books and toys. There’s even a full rack of swimwear in the front of the store — it’s never too early to think Spring! Graham says their shoppers know they’ll find quality, brand name merchandise at a fraction of the price. “That’s what makes it so great shopping at Goodwill,” says Graham, “not to mention the thrill of the hunt!”

Goodwill uses a color coding system that shows shoppers the original price and then the discounted price after a period of time. “Items are discounted until they sell,” explains Graham. “We don’t throw items away.”

Reward cards are also offered at the new store, donations can win you prizes! Store and Drive-thru Donation Center hours are 9am to 9pm Monday – Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday. Welcome Goodwill!

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Miracle on 126th Street: Three Heroes Save HSE Student Athlete

From left to right: Joe Golden, Sue Albano, Drew Robinson, and Beth Hanover. Due to the coordinated efforts of these three heroes, Drew is here today.

“D, D, D, D-Bone” was the chant coming from the HSE High School Basketball fan section on December 16th against Zionsville. The nickname “D-Bone” has always been used to address the Varsity basketball player, Drew Robinson, who has always played power forward and center. This student has lived to tell a story of an amazing phenomenon that he’s endured.

On November 15th 2011, many HSE students and administrators witnessed a true miracle on 126th Street. During third period, pre-calculus class, a student who was taking notes suddenly collapsed for no apparent reason. This student, Drew Robinson, and star basketball player for HSE High School, had a cardiac arrest. His teacher, Joe Golden, a former EMT and firefighter, knew exactly what to do. He instructed one student to call 911 and another to go get a nurse. Meanwhile, Golden laid him flat on the ground.

Soon, Beth Hanover, a nurse, arrived to room B208. She and Golden began administering CPR. A student was directed to get the other nurse and the AED (Automated External Defibrillator.) This time, the other HSE nurse, Sue Albano, quickly arrived with the AED. Both nurses did CPR and then the AED was used to deliver a shock allowing his heart to resume to a normal rhythm. Together, Beth and Sue continued to do CPR as directed by the AED, until the Fishers Fire Department arrived. The paramedics transported Drew to the St. Vincent Medical Center.
After several days of testing, Drew underwent surgery to install an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD.) If his heart ever stops again, this device will automatically send a shock to keep his heart going.

Many are wondering, “What caused this to happen?” Drew has never had any health problems and has always been healthy. Ironically, just a few months earlier, Drew had an optional echocardiogram done through the school system for student athletes prior to the school year. His mom, Diane Robinson, remembers, “I wanted Drew to have this test done because it was offered through the school system at such an affordable rate that it would be crazy not to take advantage for any athlete.” His test results came out fine and he was ready to play HSE varsity basketball.

By having the echocardiogram done earlier in the year, the cardiologists were able to compare the test results from the past to the present in order to help with their prognosis. Doctors are not exactly sure yet what the root cause was for Drew’s cardiac arrest, as the test results are still pending.

The Right Place at the Right Time

“If something was going to have to happen, I’m glad it happened in my classroom where I could help Drew,” says Joe Golden, Math Teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School. For seven years, Golden served as a Firefighter/EMT in Pike Township. This experience helped him orchestrate the spontaneity with which he made quick decisions within that brief episode (approximately 4 min.) until Drew’s heartbeat was restored. With his prior experience and EMT training, Golden knew what to do—from calling 911 to cutting the shirt for CPR preparation. This newfound hero continues, “I would have felt really bad if this incident would have happened to Drew just a few classrooms down the hall where I couldn’t have been any help for him.”

Not only was Drew lucky to have been in Golden’s classroom at the time of this incident, but he was also surprisingly close in proximity to the nurse’s office. Within a huge school of approximately 3,000 students, Mr. Golden’s classroom was amazingly only a few doors down from the nurses.

“I give it all to God,” says Beth Hanover, HSE nurse who displayed heroic efforts during this awe-inspiring event that happened during third period. “If this would have happened during the next period, Drew would have been in the “A” hallway which is on the other side of the school. I just can’t believe how close we were at time and how everything fell into place. It was like a miracle in itself.”

“We truly were his instruments,” says Sue Albano, the HSE nurse, and third hero who helped save Drew. “God guided our hands and actions and was responsible for the outcome. I felt his presence in the room that day.”

Diane Robinson, (Drew’s mother,) was touched by the awesome support she received from the HSE community especially the basketball coach, Brian Satterfield. She marveled at his continuous support including multiple visits to the hospital to see Drew, one of which involved the basketball team. She says, “Mr. Satterfield has been so supportive and kind. He has continued to make Drew feel like part of the team.”

On December 16th at HSE High School, the HSE Royals Basketball team defeated Zionsville. Just prior to the game, the three heroes were recognized, each receiving a framed autographed team poster and a $50.00 gift card to CR Heroes, a local restaurant. CR Heroes will recognize them as the heroes of the month. Near the end of the ceremony, the crowd began chanting, “D, D, D, D-Bone” and clapping for the student athlete that everyone has come to appreciate. Drew not only helps serve as a student coach to the HSE team, but also as a reminder that like he recently posted on Twitter, “You can’t take life for granted.”

In retrospect, Diane says, “I feel beyond blessed. There’s no mistake that he was where he was. God has plans for Drew…There’s something left for Drew he clearly hasn’t had the opportunity to fulfill yet — his purpose. Truly, it’s a miracle having him here today.”

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Something Sweet Even for Valentine Cynics

Connor Alderman enjoys a sweet Valentine's treat at Holy Cow Cupcakes.

Valentine’s Days is a holiday that divides people into one of three categories: hopeless romantics who go all out, cynical skeptics who refuse to participate in a “greeting card holiday,” and people who just like chocolate and flowers regardless of the occasion. Even if you fall into the second category, chances are someone in your life falls into one of the other two and forces you to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So if you’re going play nice and indulge your sweetie with some sweetness, then why not skip the old dinner and a movie standby and use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to try something different?

Everyone has heard the old expression, Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. For this Valentine’s Day you could take that expression literally and learn to give your honey a massage. La Dolce Salon (1119 S Rangeline Road) offers a “Massage Your Mate” package that teaches you and your partner massage techniques to help each other achieve total relaxation. If the do-it-yourself approach is not for you, then maybe you’re better suited for a couples massage where the two of you will be treated to the massage of your choice in the same room with two massage therapists. Prices start at $75. And if spas are just not your thing at all, then consider gifting your sweetheart with a trip to La Dolce’s new “Makeover Mondays.” On the third Monday of each month each of the departments in La Dolce (hair, nails, etc) will host workshops where the pros will instruct clients on how to achieve salon looks at home. Contact the salon (317-848-0294) for more information or to make reservations.

Maybe you & your lovey are more “foodies” than “spa people” and you would like to splurge a bit on some culinary treats, but dinner at a fancy restaurant is still out of your price range? Consider putting together a basket of goodies from Vine & Table (313 East Carmel Drive). For less than $100, you could assemble a gorgeous basket with a fine wine, delicious cheese, and yummy chocolates. For wine lovers, Neil Charles of Vine & Table recommends Rosa Regale, a romantic sparkling red from Northern Italy ($22.95). For a nice splurge, Charles suggests a bottle of Chartogne Taillet Le Rose Brut ($61.95). Chartogne Taillet is unique in that they grow their own grapes for their champagnes. If your Valentine isn’t a oenophile, Charles suggests a nice bottle of bourbon, for example Black Maple Hill from Kentucky. Pair these with Sottocenere cheese ($25.49/lb), a decadent cheese infused with black truffles, or Delice De Bourgogne ($14.49/lb), a creamy French triple similar to brie. Top off your basket with a box of Ghyslain chocolates (starting at $12.99), which are made in Indiana. Each chocolate is hand painted and each design has an individual flavor. No reservations, no dress code to observe (you guys could even stay in PJs!), and if you wait until after bedtime no babysitter.

So you have some ideas for your special someone, but what about the rest of the gang? Kids definitely fall into the “people who like chocolate regardless of the occasion” category and there’s no reason to leave them out of the Valentine’s Day fun. At Holy Cow Cupcakes (61 W. City Center Drive) you can load up on special Valentine treats such as heart shaped cupcakes, cookies and cinnamon rolls. The bakery will also be playing off the idea of the traditional box of chocolates by creating special chocolate cupcakes with filled with an assortment of flavors such as raspberry or peanut butter. Holy Cow will even deliver a dozen of their Valentine cupcakes right to your door (starting at $24 per dozen with $5 delivery fee). Says Karen Vonkamecke Sutton, owner of Holy Cow, “Our cupcakes delivered are cheaper than flowers and much tastier!”

To help everyone work off their sugar you can take the family over to Carmel Ice Skadium (1040 3rd Avenue Southwest). On Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 from 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., the rink offers Cosmic Skating. The rink plays dance music and turns on the funky lights for a little disco party on ice. If you have younger folks who find that disco skating interferes with their bedtime, Carmel Ice Skadium also offers public skating from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. most weekend days. Admission is $5 for 10 yrs and younger, $6.50 for 11 and up, $8 for Cosmic Skate and $3 for skate rental.

Whether you are of the opinion that Valentine’s Day is a trumped up holiday to boost winter flower sales or whether you believe that Valentine’s Day is the single most romantic day of the year and must be celebrated, there are plenty of local options to satisfy your needs. Wine, cupcakes, and massages are tokens of affection that even the most hardcore Valentine grump will appreciate.

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Dr. Jeff and Kari Schoonover: A Team Devoted to Making a Difference

Indiana Vein Specialists - From Left to right: Natalie Gilman, Practice Administrator; Diana Clauson, Scheduling Coordinator, Kari Schoonover, Jeff Schoonover, Maggie Haley, RN, Nurse Sclerotherapist and Nathan Watson, Vascular Ultra-Sound Technician.

Jeff Schoonover grew up in Blissfield, Michigan, where kids rode their bicycles everywhere and were raised with a strong appreciation for community. When he went to high school, he got a job at the local pharmacy delivering prescriptions. Sometimes, he rode his bicycle to deliver the medicine.

“Every time I delivered a prescription, I could see in a small way that my job made a difference and how much it meant to the people who were sick or just needed the scripts to maintain their health. It was a good feeling to be able to help families,” he said. From that time on, Jeff Schoonover knew that helping others was what he wanted to do. When he went to a Lutheran youth conference, he met a girl named Kari. She was from Chicago. They would become pen pals all through high school, attend college together and later, partners for life.

From the very beginning, as he studied to become a doctor and she majored in business, they had a goal of working together.

“I knew how important the business side of a doctor’s office was so I concentrated my studies in the fields of business administration and marketing,” Kari said. “As it turns out, our interests have complimented our careers as a couple,” she adds with an easy smile.

Dr. Jeff Schoonover of Indiana Vein Specialists.

The opening of Indiana Vein Specialists located at 11876 Olio Road (Fishers, Indiana) in October of 2011 speaks to Jeff and Kari’s dedication and dream of making a difference in people’s lives. It is estimated that there are more than 80 million men and women who suffer from some form of venous disorder. Heredity is the number one contributing factor that causes varicose and spider veins and, since most veins lie deep beneath the skin’s surface, vein disorders are not always visible to the naked eye.

Indiana Vein Specialists offer multiple state-of-the-art solutions to people who suffer from vein problems. Veins that cause leg pain, swelling, recurrent superficial blood clots, bleeding or ulceration are prime candidates for treatment. Veins that cause other symptoms such as aching, heaviness and fatigue or that are cosmetically unappealing, may also benefit from treatment. There are two general treatment options: conservative measures such as compression stockings, leg elevation, analgesics and corrective measures such as endovenous thermal ablation, chemical ablation, sclerotherapy and surface laser treatment.

In many cases, a combination of treatment methods works better and the sooner these symptoms are addressed the better.

About Dr. Jeff and his team:

Prior to starting Indiana Vein Specialists, Dr. Jeff practiced vein disease treatment at one of the largest vein clinics in the nation and served as a regional medical director. Before then, he practiced family medicine in Yorktown, Indiana and is board certified in family practice. He also served as a physician for 4 years in the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of Major.

The highly trained staff at Indiana Vein Specialists include: Natalie Gilman, Practice Administrator, Maggie Haley, RN, Nurse Sclerotherapist, Nathan Watson, Vascular Ultrasound Technologist and Diana Clauson, Scheduling Coordinator. This team shares the Schoonover’s vision of creating a medical practice dedicated to presenting a welcoming atmosphere and skilled patient care.

Jeff and Kari reside in Hamilton County with their two sons, ages 12 and 6. They are an active family and enjoy participating in triathlons as a relay team together. You may often find them on the lacrosse fields, at the pool or biking on the Monon.

When you visit Indiana Vein Specialists, take notice of the beautiful framed pictures dotted throughout the tastefully furnished office suite. Both Jeff and Kari, as well as their oldest son, are amateur photographers, and their 6-year-old is a budding artist. The entire family contributed to the office décor. This truly is a talented family that works together to create just the right kind of a welcoming patient atmosphere in ever so many ways!

For more information on the medical services of the Indiana Vein Specialists, please visit www.indyveins.com or call for a personal consultation at (317) 348.3023. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No referrals are necessary.

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New Bubbaz Bar and Grill: Open for All Ages

Bubbaz Bar and Grill owner Mark Gore reviews his schedule for the day. He recommends the Tater Tot Nacho for an appetizer.

A new restaurant has just opened in Geist. The new Bubbaz Bar and Grill is located at 104th and Olio Road (formerly Bertee’s). This family friendly eatery is smoke-free and offers a mathematical equation we all can relate to — good food + great prices = Bubbaz Bar and Grill.

“I thought this location would be a good spot for families, sitting so close to neighborhoods,” says Mark Gore, owner of Bubbaz Bar and Grill. “There’s way too many families around here not to allow children,” he adds. Families are welcome to dine in every day from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00p.m.

“I like to buy, build, and sell restaurants and bars,” says Gore who claims that this particular Bubbaz Bar and Grill marks the 39th location that he has opened throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. “The main drawing card here is that we offer good food with reasonable prices. You can get a cheeseburger for just $4 bucks and it includes the fries.” Furthermore, he is excited about making this precise establishment, a smoke-free environment, especially after learning that 95% of the clientele in the area prefers a non-smoking atmosphere.

Good Food + Great Prices = Bubbaz Bar and Grill

Whether you’re looking to grab a sandwich and a beer at the bar, or you want to dine in with your family, Bubbaz is sure to have something for everyone. Here are some of the features that Bubbaz Bar and Grill has to offer:

  • Over 60 items that are less than $6.00 each
  • 10 different flavors of beer on tap in addition to bottled imports
  • Thin crust pizza made in the back kitchen
  • Delicious wraps such as Buffalo Chicken
  • A wide assortment of sandwiches including the patty melt
  • Many tasty appetizers like the Tator Tot nachos
  • 2 homemade soups every day: chicken noodle and chili
  • Smoke-free environment
  • Live D.J. every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9:00 p.m.
  • Showing of UFC events with no cover charge
  • Many TV’s to watch sports including 7 projector TV’s and 23, 50inch flat screens
  • Daily drink specials
  • Pool tables and video games

Gore invites you to come visit the all new Bubbaz Bar and Grill. After taking care of repairs and maintenance, he’s ready to start serving the Geist area when he says, “We’re ready to start pumping up the volume and get business started.”

Bubbaz Bar and Grill is open every day (Monday through Sunday) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

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Fishers Pediatric Dentistry: A Tropical, Kid-Friendly Retreat

Dr. Ana Vazquez, a pediatric dentist and founder of Fishers Pediatric Dentistry.

This place rocks! And that’s exactly what Dr. Ana Vazquez, a pediatric dentist and founder of Fishers Pediatric Dentistry wanted to accomplish when she set out to design a space where kids’ dentistry needs were addressed early on with a different approach to care.

Fishers Pediatric Dentistry is like walking into a tropical resort. Right from the very first visit when children step inside the reception area, they experience a playful atmosphere that eases them into a comfortable state of mind. Gaining a child’s trust is necessary when instilling the value and importance of regular checkups and establishing lifetime habits of brushing, flossing and healthy dietary choices. Establishing good dental habits early on is key in preventing costly dental bills in the future. Dr. Ana and her Management Team know the devastating financial issues that parents can face when dental decay becomes the driving issue of treatment. So what can a parent do when such a situation arises?

“Our Business Team is committed to helping every parent understand and maximize their insurance benefits. To help ensure that all questions are answered, we can even submit a pretreatment estimate before any work is performed. Our office utilizes Care Credit, which is a line of healthcare credit only used in medical and dental offices to help with any out-of-pocket costs. Our goal is to educate on the importance of prevention to reduce the need for extensive dental treatment that can create a financial burden,” Dr. Ana said.

What’s different with this pediatric dental practice?

It’s a spacious office (about to expand 2,700 square feet of additional space) that hosts unique areas of care starting with an open bay treatment area that is warm and inviting. Picture this: Kids can pick out their own colorful “stationary boat” to stretch out on while taking in the artistically painted walls that help create the feeling of paradise while receiving treatment.

For siblings or waiting guests, a special nearby area offers a game center to help occupy their energies and exploratory minds. Through the décor and staff’s attitudes, Fishers Pediatric Dentistry has created a fun and inviting place for children of all ages to enjoy. Individual suites were designed with a “surf shack” appeal catering to the young adult patient as well as private cabanas allowing for a quieter atmosphere. This pediatric dental office was designed to reflect Dr. Ana’s Puerto Rico homeland. The thoughtful planning works: Kids like it so much they ask to go back even before their next visit is scheduled.

Fishers Pediatric Dentistry takes pride in their continuous investment to exceed the standard of care in pediatric dentistry. Not only do they offer the latest technology including digital x-rays, they also utilize the most modern equipment to provide the highest level of safety for your child. Their priority is caring for your child as if they were one of their own. In the healthcare industry, Fishers Pediatric Dentistry is often compared to Nordstrom’s for quality service and customer care that goes above and beyond.

One doctor’s dream …

Bright murals, grass covered huts, and exam tables disguised as boats help children of all ages feel comfortable.

For as long as she can remember, Dr. Ana wanted to be a dentist; there was never another choice! Today, Dr. Ana is recognized as one of Indiana’s most respected authorities in pediatric dentistry with a list of personal and professional achievements that could fill a page or two, but her focus has always been on children and that’s why starting this practice is so special to her. “I come to work every day knowing that I will be surrounded by a distinguished team of professionals who share my love of working with children. Kids have an innate sense of such feelings. They know if you’re faking it. You can’t fool them. It has to be real. Our kids know how we feel and that’s where our strong bond of trust develops … this is the gift they give to all of us, and that is what makes Fishers Pediatric Dentistry incomparable,” she adds.

For more information go to www.fisherspediatric.com or call Courtney Anderson, Practice Ambassador at (317) 598-9898. Fishers Pediatric Dentistry is located at 9126 Technology Lane, Suite 100, Fishers, IN 46038 just off of 69 and 116th street behind the super Target store.

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Harden Jackson, LLC – Compassionate Attorneys

Founding partners Lanae M. Harden and Michele L. Jackson specialize in family law. adoption and surrogacy matters.

Lanae Harden and Michele Jackson have invested years in the practice of law. Their reputations as experienced lawyers are soundly respected locally, nationally and internationally. To have achieved such a status takes extensive knowledge of the court system and the huge body of laws that apply in their respective areas of representation. When you read stories on attorneys, you don’t often think of them as compassionate and empathetic, however, Lanae and Michele will change your mind.

“Families depend on us to provide a professional, yet personal level of service during a difficult and emotionally draining period in their lives. It is our role to support them with compassionate insight and sound legal advice based on our experience to deliver successful resolutions for their situation.” says Harden.

Jackson adds, “No two client circumstances are alike when it comes to the cases we handle. We know that we must deliver positive solutions for their life transitions. We employ an empathetic approach to our clients’ cases. This is the passion that drives our practice.”

Needless to say, the founding partners of Harden Jackson, LLC have more than earned their national and international reputations as two of Indiana’s top attorneys, as well as being influential advocates for families and those who can’t speak for themselves. You will find their deep footprints of accomplishments documented in a wide array of awards and publications.

To say they are active in the community would be an understatement. Together their legal interests are diverse, and yet, they mesh seamlessly in their very successful legal practice. The firm’s practice areas include: divorce, custody and other areas of family law (including collaborative law and mediation), adoption, reproductive law, and appeals.

About the Founding Partners

Lanae M. Harden chairs the firm’s Family Law Practice Group. She is known nationally as a skilled family law litigator with extensive trial experience who has successfully represented a diverse clientele from stay-at-home mothers to professional athletes. Harden’s professional career includes 9 years at one of Indianapolis’ larger law firms where she was the only attorney who practiced exclusively in the area of family law. Harden is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, and the Hamilton County Bar Association. She has also been selected a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine two years in a row (2010-2011), an honor that results from nominations by her peers.

Michele L. Jackson concentrates her law practice in Adoption and Surrogacy matters, serving as chair of the firm’s Adoption and Reproductive Law Practice Group. Ms. Jackson is regarded as one of the foremost legal authorities in Indiana on international adoptions and international family law issues. She is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and the American Bar Association. In 2010 and 2011, Michele was also named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, an honor recognizing outstanding young attorneys under 40.

The obvious question would be to ask these two amazing and passionate women if they knew they would one day end in the in the practice of law? Harden laughs as she reflects on the question. “The answer is no. I was good at tennis and extremely competitive (she was a member of the University of Texas at Austin tennis team and a four-time Indiana State Tennis Champion), but I finally came to terms with the fact that tennis wasn’t in my professional future. I thought about studying medicine, but didn’t like blood. Law and my competitive nature seemed to be the right choice for me,” she added. The right choice indeed as Harden received her Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Indiana University School of Law, finishing in the top 5% of her class.

Jackson responded, “I always knew I would be involved in a career that somehow focused on children, especially those without parents. Doing the work I do today evolved from my love of kids.” Today, she represents clients interested in domestic or international adoption or those who are seeking alternative reproductive options for building their families (including gestational surrogacy). Jackson has indeed dedicated herself to the care and adoption of orphans worldwide, while assisting couples and individuals to realize their dreams of becoming parents. She is also the founder and director of MLJ Adoptions, a licensed child placing agency in Indiana, which is also Hague-approved.

This firm has recruited two other seasoned attorneys, Clarissa A. Finnell and Laura M. Taylor and is supported by a knowledgeable team of paralegals and administrative staff, who are integral to the firm’s mission to provide clients with responsive, personal attention.

If you have questions concerning family law, divorce, custody, mediation, appeals, adoption (domestic or international based), reproductive laws and surrogacy issues or collaborative law, this is the firm you need to be on your side.

The law practice of Harden Jackson,LLC is located in Carmel. For more information on this Super Team of nationally recognized attorneys, please call (317) 569-0770 or visit their interactive website www.hardenjacksonlaw.com for an in-depth explanation of areas of practice.

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David McIntosh: A Candidate for the Republican 5th District

During the Reagan Administration, McIntosh served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General and as Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs.

With the November elections just around the corner, I started thinking about who most of us would choose as their favorite president? In my journey on this subject, I found that a lot of people had trouble answering my question. That is, until I presented the question to David McIntosh, who is among the Republican candidates challenging Dan Burton, who has held the 5th District Congressional seat for the last 28 years. Who will actually be elected in the primary and placed on the November ballot is yet unknown.

So who is David McIntosh’s favorite president? George Washington. This surprised me as McIntosh worked for another president, Ronald Reagan. He explained his choice.

“America has had many wonderful presidents, but George Washington to me was most of all a very strong leader. He was a moral man who dedicated himself to doing the right thing for his country and the people he served in the most turbulent of times. I’m a history buff, but history tends to focus most on the battles Washington fought and indeed his honesty. But if you really get into the character of George Washington, you’ll find a humble man who helped shape the foundation of our country that still exists today.” He added, “Did you know Washington turned down the opportunity to hold the title of King, which was presented to him by Alexander Hamilton. Washington also initiated the actions that would limit a president to only serve two consecutive terms.” His eyes sparkled with admiration as he added, “George Washington is someone whose principles I’ve always admired.”

The McIntosh family (left to right) Ellie, David, Davey and Ruthie.

David McIntosh is no stranger to American history, as you will find his name listed as a former Indiana congressman (representing the former 2nd District), who served 6 years in Washington. He chose not to run again and returned to Indiana as a private citizen. His decision was based on a campaign promise of believing in term limits. He kept his word of serving for 3 terms even though he was a very popular and well-respected congressman who had the ability to find common ground that brought people together to form solutions for difficult government issues. He also earned a national reputation as the leader of the regulatory reform movement.

So what’s behind his decision to toss his hat into the political scene again?

“Fear. I was talking to my children one day about how I felt America was really in serious, serious trouble. Looking at them as a parent and someone who has served in Congress and understands the system and how it should work, I couldn’t tell them that things would all work out,” he said. “It was a difficult moment for me,” he stated. “It was at this point in the conversation that I realized I needed to step up to the plate and get involved if at all possible. When the boundaries for the 5th District were changed and our home zip code was included, the phone started to ring with people asking me to consider returning to politics. I knew I had the experience to present positive options that speak to what needs to be done. America has to be returned to a pro-growth country; we need to lower taxes and reduce regulations that keep small businesses from competing. We must address the issues of health care and repeal Obama care as there is no way to manage it successfully. Our national budget can be balanced, but not on the backs of the poor and the middle class, but in a sensible fiscal manner that makes economic sense for the welfare of the American people at all income levels. It’s all doable. There’s so much more that should be on the table,” he said with obvious concern in his voice.

As the conversation continued, I noticed other people nearby listening as he spoke. All ages, sitting in Starbucks reading the paper, working on their computers, enjoying an early morning cup of coffee. McIntosh had clearly captured their attention even though he had no idea that others were listening. His ideas were fresh and his words carried the energy and clarity that is so absent in today’s political world. This is not a man who grandstands for attention. It is a man who understands the common fears that most Americans carry with them today. McIntosh is clearly running toward his fears – not away from them. That’s what real leaders do.

In America, we have been given the right to cast our vote for individuals who we hope will act on our behalf. George Washington was one such elected official and, if given the chance to serve in Washington’s political shadow, David McIntosh would very much like to be the person chosen to represent the 5th Congressional District in Indiana.

If he is elected, another positive would be his ability to hit the ground with an accumulated 6 years of seniority already attached to his ranking. Seniority is important in Washington because it enables a representative to quickly get involved with important issues and, the committees that will shape these critical decisions.

This I will especially remember about meeting David McIntosh: For a short period of time, this man gave a group of strangers in Starbucks a gift … that of hope.

For detailed information on David McIntosh, his Indiana roots, education and political qualifications, please visit him at www.davidmcintosh.org.

This advertorial is paid for an authorized by David McIntosh for Indiana.

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Fishers Town Hall Becomes Art House

Hoosier artist Pam Newell stands by her artwork now hanging in Fishers Town Hall art gallery.

The walls of Fishers Town Hall are now adorned with beautiful oil paintings and pastels as the public building, at One one Municipal drive will now include an art gallery setting to showcase the work of local artists.

Fans braved the first snow of the year to attend the public reception honoring the first artist to be showcased, Pam Newell.

The award-winning artist whose pastels and oil paintings capture many Indiana and regional scenes, was excited about the new opportunity

“This is just great,” says Pam. “This is like a giant refrigerator for me,” she adds with a laugh. “It’s just like when I was a kid and hung my art work all over the place,” she quickly adds with excitement showing.

Pam’s work will be showcased through February 10th. New exhibits will be unveiled on a regular basis, showcasing up to 60 works of visual art by each local artist or group.

The permanent art gallery is free and open to the public.

Art in Town Hall is a collaboration of the Fishers Arts Council and the town of Fishers. The artists must live, work or teach in Fishers.

The art gallery will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and on periodic Saturdays.

You can learn more about Pam Newell at www.pnewellart.com and for more information on the art gallery, visit www.fishersartscouncil.org.

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Rent Your Home for the Super Bowl for $10,000?

Signs are everywhere in Geist and Carmel, some tips before you turn your castle into a hotel for the weekend.

Super Bowl XLVI is right around the corner and everywhere you look there is some sort of Super Bowl story or advertisement. A particularly interesting sign spotted around town claims that you can earn up to $10,000 per day by renting out your home for the Super Bowl. While earning $10,000 per day may be a bit far-fetched, renting out your property to earn some extra cash is not.

According to the Super Bowl Host Committee, the Super Bowl is expected to bring an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 visitors to town during the ten days that lead up to the big event. There are about 13,800 hotels in the area, but the majority have been booked solid for months! This means many football fans will turn to rental property, which will offer visitors more space, privacy, and the coziness of an actual house.

If you plan on renting out your home during the Super Bowl, do your research. Take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your home before deciding if renting your home is worth the risk and extra money. Below is a non-exclusive list of tips to consider before renting out property for the Super Bowl.

  1. Draft a written rental agreement and have an attorney review the agreement before it is signed.
  2. Contact your home insurer to add proper and comprehensive liability insurance for the rental period in case of a problem — like your tenant falling and hurting him or herself — or damage to your home. Do you really want that loose floorboard to create a financial nightmare?
  3. Furthermore, for those of you who already have home insurance, contact your provider to make sure renting out your home is within your policy’s limits. Insurance providers may consider a Super Bowl lease a type of business pursuit that is otherwise uncovered. Remember: it’s better to be safe than sorry, so do call your insurance company.
  4. Seek full payment ahead of time. This is to ensure that the renter does not skip out on rent. You could also do a credit check on the renter to evaluate the renter’s ability to pay and how responsible they are.
  5. Also, get a security deposit from the renter. Simply stated, there is no way to tell what will go on in the home during the rental period. The renter could completely trash the property or take everything out of the home if it is furnished. If you do collect a security deposit, however, be aware that Indiana sets out a detailed list of procedures to follow for deducting damages, returning the balance to your tenant, etc. Consulting an attorney familiar with landlord/tenant law will ensure you avoid legal pitfalls.
  6. If there is a homeowners association, check to ensure that there are not any regulations on renting homes short term. On that note, double-check your mortgage paperwork to be certain renting out your home is permissible with your lender.
  7. Take a video or photos of the property before renting it out. This provides proof of the condition of the property before the rental period in case there is a dispute as to whether the renter damaged the property during the rental period.
  8. Consider how the renters will affect neighbors. Will the renters have out of control parties? If so, neighbors likely won’t be happy with you.
  9. Proceed with caution when a company seeks money to list your house on a website for rental. There is no guarantee the company will find a suitable renter or that the company is not a scam to begin with.
  10. This list is not exhaustive and you should always seek legal advice from a licensed attorney before you rent out your property. Your home is your unique castle; only after consulting with an attorney should you feel secure that your individual concerns have been addressed.
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