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.

“We are planning a yummy kid-friendly tea, lunch and art project,” said Katherine Dill, Executive Director of the CCHS. “We’ll make some really neat 3-D Valentine cards similar to the antique cards we have in our collection at the museum.”

Dill plans bring the those ornate cards that date back to the Victorian era to display, as well as several additional cards on loan from Bob Brown and Fred Swift. The tea party costs $15 for adults, $10 for the first child and $7 for additional children. Make reservations by contacting Katherine at the CCHS, 317-846-7117.

Larry Crane - former lead guitarist for John Mellencamps band--poses with new shirts to kick off his guitar clinics across the state.

John Mellencamp’s long time lead guitartist, Larry Crane, is back home again and sharing his talents with fans in a series of guitar clinics. Crane, who has resided in Florida for the past few years, is back in Indiana and made his first guitar clinic appearance in Castleton at Sam Ash Music Center located at 8284 Center Run Drive. Close to 300 fans turned out to listen as Crane shared the ins and outs of Authority Song and Play guitar, two hits from Mellencamp’s 1983 album Uh-Huh.

His appearance at the music store was filmed for future commercial releases. Crane plans additional clinics focusing on popular hit songs such as Pink Houses, Paper and Fire, and Lonely Ol’ Night.

Crane played lead guitar for Mellencamp’s band from 1975 to 1991. The two natives of Seymour, Indiana also collaborated on the 1992 film Falling From Grace, which was their final project together.

Crane has also worked with Steve Earle, John Prine and John Fogerty.

The Hoosier artist released two of his own albums, Tropical Depression and Wire and Wood.

Crane’s Manager says fans will hear and see a lot more of Larry Crane in this New Year. We all look forward to this.

For more information, visit www.larrycrane.com.

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.

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.

Co-owners Brian Hostetler and Greg Durthaler have crafted Piano Solutions into a comprehensive piano refurbishing, sales and service business.

It’s all backwards. You enter into a storefront area filled with vintage pianos and an all-but-hidden desk sitting to the far left. Did I just walk in the back door? Where are the luxurious showrooms, water fountains, and granite floors?

An opened doorway leads you directly into a large workshop area where pianos are sitting in various stages of repair and restoration. Parts and tools are scattered across work tables, all within the reach of technicians who are busy restoring heirloom instruments to their original quality of sound and structure.

Each piano has its own complete process of being built. Restoration follows the original design of first construction. When the work is completed with a used piano, the gift of being restored has been carefully and painstakingly delivered. The atmosphere within this area invites a visitor to inquire about the history of these wonderful musical instruments. The stories told are magical.

Piano Solutions is backwards of what you might expect from a piano retailer, but it is exactly how it should be as most people looking to buy a piano, either new or used, have no idea about the anatomy of the instrument or the differences between the various piano types. Having a shop immediately inside the front door reinforces the true nature of Piano Solutions’ business with emphasis on quality and piano repair services.

Piano Solutions was selected to restore legendary composer Hoagy Carmichael’s piano.

Once you’ve had a chance to see the structuring of different pianos, you are ready to venture on to the adjacent showroom and recital hall that houses nearly 300 pianos. These areas present an impressive array of new and used pianos from around the world. With prices ranging from $500 to more than $200,000, customers have an open invitation to sit down and play. There are no “Do Not Touch” signs at Piano Solutions, even for the $200,000+ C. Bechstein grand piano that sits among other notable brands such as Estonia, Kawai, Kohler & Campbell, Wm. Knabe, Pearl River and Charles Walter (an Indiana-made piano).

Co-owners Greg Durthaler and Brian Hostetler have crafted their business into a comprehensive rebuilding and service company that just happens to sell quite a few pianos. They are considered piano historians with a national reputation for delivering restoration excellence in this industry.

Since 2000, Piano Solutions has sponsored and directed the Indiana Young Hoosier Piano Competition. This two-month statewide piano competition uniquely accepts pianists of all skill levels and musical interest and had more than 600 performances last year.

“When people walk through our front door, we know they’ve already made up their minds to buy a piano. They are looking for direction and our job is to help them select an instrument that meets their musical needs and budget. You don’t have to spend a fortune when buying a good piano, and being able to service every brand we sell is an important part of our identity,” explains Durthaler.

Their unique trade-back program provides customers with a risk-free purchasing experience—allowing the original piano purchased to be traded for more instrument as players improve.

“One of the most rewarding components of our business is when people call us and purchase pianos sight unseen. They trust us to find a piano that will serve them both musically and aesthetically. That’s quite an honor and it’s what Brian and I and our whole team strive for every day,” he adds with thoughtful reflection.

Webster’s Dictionary defines a piano as a stringed instrument having steel wire strings that sound when struck by felt-covered hammers operated from a keyboard. It should be noted that these sounds emit a musical tone that by any definition is pure magic.

If you’re shopping for a piano, it’s highly recommended that you visit Piano Solutions — the reverse designed piano company. As you listen, you will hear the sounds of music created by this wonderful, centuries-old instrument. Time spent at Piano Solutions can indeed be a magical experience.

The America China Society of Indiana, established by Albert Chen (middle) of Carmel’s Telamon Inc., is a nonprofit that advocates cooperation between Indiana and Chinese companies. Pictured here are the ACSI board members (left to right) Denesa Woods, Carmen Hendrixson, Jenny Massey, Albert Chen, John Skelton, and Windi Hornsby.

Albert Chen is no stranger to building concrete Guanxi (Gwan-chee) in business and in life, and he believes education is the mortar that bonds relationships. Thus, he established the America China Society of Indiana, an organization created as a foundation to foster networking, cooperation, and trust between Indiana and Chinese businesses.

An important idea in Chinese culture, Guanxi is based on trust and is similar to doing business on a handshake in Western terms. Chen would like to take that handshake a bit further by teaching Asians and Americans about each other, their diverse cultures and how to work together to build trust, share knowledge and create opportunities on U.S. soil and abroad.

“My vision is to bring more Chinese companies to Indiana, promote economic development and help companies understand how to do business with the Chinese,” said Albert Chen, founder of ACSI and owner of Telamon Inc., a nearly $500 million Carmel-based telecommunications provider with more than 500 employees at 9 locations.

ACSI is an independent, not-for-profit organization that acts as an advocate and catalyst, promoting cooperation between Chinese and Indiana companies for business, trade and investment opportunities. The society was founded in 2010 and launched in January 2011 by Chen and a group of individuals committed to strengthening Asian/American ties.

“ACSI is the primary source of connectivity between Indiana and China for conducting effective business relationships,” said Jenny Massey, Vice President of ACSI and director of operations at Bingham Economic. “Economic development is the basis of job creation, which benefits the community.”

Albert Chen Family Mid 1980's (left to right) Stephanie Chen Fuhrmann, Albert Chen, Margaret Chen, and Stanley Chen.

As a young man, Chen, a native of Taiwan, arrived on the west coast armed with a degree in tax finance. Speaking little English, he enrolled in Portland State College and earned a master’s degree in mathematical statistics. After graduation, he went to work with GTE, eventually transferring to Indiana as a manager of the Midwest region. In 1984, during corporate downsizing, Chen was asked to layoff 200 employees.

“I did not feel comfortable firing those people,” recalled Chen. “After I let them go, I resigned.” No job, no plan and no direction, he knew he had to support his wife and two young children. Thus, his entrepreneurial fire sparked as he turned his knowledge of telephones gained through his previous employer into a thriving business based on the concept of harmony.

While American companies follow legal guidelines when engaging in business, harmony, trust, reciprocity, face, time, hierarchy, and long-term orientation have been identified as key Chinese cultural values. Chen hopes to encourage goodwill and assist companies in growing their businesses. “The Chinese still shake hands and make promises,” said Chen. “But in today’s society, companies need well-developed contracts so they don’t forget promises.”

“Developing Guanxi is probably the most important step in Chinese business and needs to be properly cultivated,” said Denesa Woods, who is responsible for ACSI’s business development.

Chen with Andy Ording, former President of ZIPP Speed Weaponry, spoke at a recent ACSI meeting about the cultural challenges and opportunities of working with Chinese companies.

The society invites guest speakers to share their experiences in the Chinese marketplace. Andy Ording, former President of ZIPP Speed Weaponry, manufacturers of elite bicycle wheels, and current CEO at Business Builder, Inc., explained the cultural challenges of working with Chinese business owners and the opportunities for success at a November meeting.

“In Asia, a tremendous amount of respect is given and expected,” said Ording. “When doing business with the Chinese do the right thing, make promises you will keep, understand the culture and the market, and be realistic.”

Chen is realistic about his vision for ACSI. Filled with ideas, always searching for ways to fill a gap with a solution, Chen started the Asian American Alliance in 1999. He and other community leaders saw a need to mobilize the growing Asian community, inspiring them to contribute their time, treasure, and talents to improving their communities.

“As a way to educate the younger generation, I worked with others to form a group that would teach them to give back to their communities,” said Chen.

Chen provided funding for the Asian Learning Center of Indiana. Its mission is to educate, connect and engage Hoosiers about the history, cultures, and emerging business opportunities of Asia through public, private, community and business partnership in Indiana.

“Since becoming an American citizen I feel I need to contribute to this country,” said Chen. “Some Chinese do not want to stay in the U.S. and become citizens. But those who do stay should have a basic loyalty and give back.”

That’s a philosophy Chen and his wife, Margaret, have instilled in their two adult children, Stephanie and Stanley, both of whom work at Telemon and are active in the community. And it’s a principle inherent in the ACSI as the organization strives to encourage positive business relationships with member services focused on business and economic development.

“Our goal is to attract 100 members the first year,” said Woods. “And have a total of 200 to 300 total members.”

According to Chen, who is supporting ACSI by providing office space and staff, the organization should be self-sufficient in two or three years. He is convinced strong Guanxi and effective business development will encourage Chinese investment in Indiana as well as promote small businesses to export to China.

“Indiana and the Midwest is a key center,” said Chen who hopes to bring Chinese investment to the state that spans from South Bend to Evansville.

As for Telemon, future building blocks include a ventures into health care and energy industries as he researches ways to fill needs in those areas. “If I have a customer who has a headache,” said Chen. “I’ll find a solution for him.” And ACSI is the solution to preventing headaches in American and Chinese business collaboration.

For more information or to join the America China Society of Indiana: Contact Denesa Woods (317) 818-6603 or (317) 997-8137, denesa.woods@ChinaIndiana.org or visit the website at www.ChinaIndiana.org.

2012 America China society of indiana Programs

• Feb 24 – China Strategy/Six Business Principles
• March/April – Indiana Delegation travels to China
• Jun 1 – Ignorance, Experience & Success in Business
• Aug 24 – The Art of War: Insights into Business
• Oct 19 – Giving, Saving,and Showing “Face” in Business

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.

Dick Wolfsie

I recently spent an hour in another man’s underwear. Telling the story of how I took a complete stranger’s briefs may help me locate the original owner and wash away the guilt I am feeling. Let me put my readers and editors at ease. This is not an X rated column, although I did go through a period in my life when my own shorts were XX.

The story began as I arrived at the fitness center hoping to improve my standing on the racquetball ladder. My win-loss record is 12-56, just about as low as anybody can go, although as you are about to see, I found a way to sink even lower. In preparation for that day’s trip to the courts, I not only had packed all my athletic equipment, but I threw in an extra pair of socks and undershorts, so that once I finished losing, I could shower, sit in the hot tub and then leave refreshed.

After the match, I placed my change of clothes on a bench and stepped to a nearby mirror to comb my hair. I then returned to my locker and dressed. That’s when I noticed the man next to me frantically looking through his gym bag, then opening and slamming locker doors.

“You didn’t take my underwear, did you?” he asked.

The very idea I would put on his shorts! Who would stoop that low? True, I have not led a totally crime-free life. At the supermarket, I’ve pilfered an occasional pistachio from the display pile, double-sampled the quiche at Sam’s Club, and just once at a local fast food place, I refilled my water cup with a shot of Sierra Mist.

When I returned home I was caught unaware—I caught myself in someone else’s underwear. In my duffle bag, I found both the pair I played racquetball in and the extra pair I had packed. It wasn’t possible, was it? I was scared to look, but I undid my belt and took a peek. Sure enough, I was wearing Hanes, a cut above my usual Fruit of the Looms.

I didn’t know where to put myself. However, I did put the unfamiliar underwear immediately in the laundry. After all, at some point I would have to return them. But to whom? I didn’t know the guy’s name, just his waistband size. And I remembered the expression on his face when he realized what a frosty ride home he was about to embark on.

So, if you are the man whose underwear I accidentally took, you have a right to be upset. You probably think I was telling you a little white lie. I know I’d feel the same way if I were in your shoes. Wait, I better check those, too. The bottom line is that I didn’t know what I was getting into. You can see I am breaking my New Year’s resolution to cut back on horrible puns.

I assume at this point you do not want your shorts back. And so, I would like to buy you a 12-pack of Hanes just to say I’m sorry. This will put you 11 pairs ahead. Let’s you and I make a clean start in 2012.

Matt Ewer, owner of Green B.E.A.N. Delivery, is here holding organic produce at his Feel Good Farm in Sheridan, Indiana.

One of summer’s little luxuries is being able to amble through the local farmer’s market, sampling new foods and picking up fresh, local produce. But what if summer mornings are consumed by soccer games or baseball practice, and what happens when the farmer’s market goes away with the winter weather? Where can a shopper turn to find good local foods? Green B.E.A.N.Delivery, a home delivery service of organic produce and natural groceries has a solution to this dilemma.

Founded in 2007 by Matt Ewer and Beth Blessing, a husband-wife team and Indiana natives, Green B.E.A.N. sought to fill a hole in the local market by providing convenient and affordable access to foods from local farmers and artisans. Says Matt, “We knew that everyone has a busy life, and so we felt that if we could make healthy food options convenient that it would be utilized.”

After a short stint on the west coast where Beth earned her Masters degree in Nutrition and Matt worked as the General Manager of Full Circle Farm, they decided to return to Indiana to start their family and to fulfill their dream of owning a farm. Matt’s knowledge of buying, selling, and growing produce combined with Beth’s nutritional acumen, they decided to work backwards toward reaching the goal of owning a farm. First, they would partner with local farmers and artisans to delivery their goods and eventually purchase their own farm where they would grow many of the organic items that they deliver.

Starting with just 4 employees and utilizing word of mouth and social media as marketing tools, Green B.E.A.N. has grown to having nearly a 100 employees and delivering approximately 2,000 food bins to customers in the greater Indianapolis area. When asked for his opinion as to why the organization grew so quickly, Matt responded, “We have a good understanding that you only grow when you are providing a good product. Since the beginning we have been very focused on the quality of our products and service.”

So how does Green B.E.A.N. work? A customer simply logs on to the website (www.greenbeandelivery.com) and creates an account. The only requirements for membership is a standing order totaling $35 or more. This standing order consists of the produce bin you select and the frequency of delivery, either weekly or bimonthly. The produce bins come in small (for a small family or 2-3 people), medium (sized for a family of 4), or large (sized for a large family). Additional options include a fruit only bin and a produce plus groceries bin. All bins include a mix of seasonal produce. A unique aspect of Green B.E.A.N. is that, unlike similar food delivery services (such as a CSA), members may customize their bins with items they can choose from the company website. The company delivers each bin to the customer’s home on their scheduled date.

“Lots of members have reported weight loss after starting the program,” says Matt. “If healthy food choices are dropped off at your door, you will eat healthier.”

Heather Mullins of Carmel, whose family has been using Green B.E.A.N. for 2 years, agrees. “We decided to use Green B.E.A.N. because we wanted fresh organic produce and dairy in our home at all times. We also thought if we had produce automatically delivered to our house we would be more likely to eat it, and we were right.”

Beth Blessing & Matt Ewer, owners and founders of Green B.E.A.N. Delivery, with their daughter and dog on the Feel Good Farm.

This year Ewer and Blessing realized their dream when they opened Feel Good Farm, a 60-acre organic farm in Sheridan, Indiana. “The B.E.A.N. in our name stands for Biodynamic Education Agriculture and Nutrition, and in 2011 we really focused on agriculture by opening the farm,” says Ewer. In addition to the foods they grow at Feel Good, they typically utilize about 100 different growers during the season with an emphasis on using local farmers. According to Ewer, “Local food is so important to the local community.” In addition to the greater Indianapolis area, Green B.E.A.N. also delivers to Fort Wayne, Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Louisville. Plans for 2012 include developing a farm in the Cincinnati area.

Supporting the local community is a top priority to Green B.E.A.N. “We believe in showing what a food company can do. We take our community partnerships very seriously,” says Ewer. In the 4 years that they have been operating, Green B.E.A.N. has donated over 125,000 pounds of food to local food banks and charities. Green B.E.A.N. partners with Gleaners Food Bank and Second Helpings, as well as organizing their own ongoing food drive, called Constant Can Food Drive. Members can place canned goods into their empty bins for pick up on delivery days to make an easy donation. “It’s important for members to know that when they choose us as a delivery service their money is staying within the community, both by supporting local growers and artisans as well as local charities.” That commitment extends to the customer service they provide their members. Says Mullins, “They are a great business because they provide excellent customer service and are very flexible. The few times we have had an issue over the past 2 years it was quickly resolved. I recommend them to all our friends.”

“It’s been one heck of a ride,” comments Ewer when asked about Green B.E.A.N.’s rapid success, “but we knew if we offered a quality service that the reaction would be positive, and we’re proud of what we’ve been able to do.” So while that weekly stroll through the farmer’s market is a distant memory this time of year, by delivering fresh, local, and quality produce and groceries to customers, Green B.E.A.N. is bringing that farmer’s market experience right to your front door.

For more information on Green B.E.A.N., please go to the company website www.greenbeandelivery.com and their blog at www.greenbeandelivery.com/thehealthytimes.