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!

Plaintiffs in the Indiana State Supreme Court suit against the Town of Fishers await a verdict to see whether or not residents will be able to vote for the City of Fishers' first mayor. (Left to right) Glenn Brown, Mike Kole, and Joe Weingarten.

In 1990, the Town of Fishers was an exit off of I-69 with a McDonalds, gas station, and only 7,200 residents. According to 2010 census data, the town has grown to 76,794 residents, nearly 10 times the size in just 20 years. In the Indianapolis metro area, Fishers is second in size only to the City of Carmel which has 79,191 residents.

With this in mind, a group of Fishers residents thinks that it’s time for Fishers to change from a town form of government to a city. Spearheaded by Geist resident Joe Weingarten, “City Yes” collected 1,700 signed petitions asking the Town of Fishers to put the question on the ballot in the form of a referendum last Fall. Petitions were filed in May of 2010, and three days later the Fishers Town Council announced they were going to reorganize, buying them six months to propose an alternative plan.

During that time, the Town of Fishers commissioned an independent study group to look at ways to consolidate local government and possibly reorganize. In December 2010, the Town Council proposed and adopted their reorganization plan, which on the surface seemed like a step in the right direction. However, buried in the details of the plan were some changes that take away the rights of voters to elect their own city mayor and appoints the current town council members as the city’s first council members.

Some Fishers residents are crying foul.

Weingarten, along with fellow Fishers residents Mike Kole and Glenn Brown, took their grievances to the Indiana Supreme Court. Local Geist resident Steve Greisemer, an attorney with Lewis & Kappes, PC, is representing the residents of Fishers.

Steve Griesemer, a Geist resident, is the lead attorney representing the Fishers residents in their case against the Town of Fishers.

“We would be perfectly fine with the reorganization plan,” said Greisemer, “if we only had the voting rights that came along with being a city. If this holds up, we’d be the only city in the State of Indiana that has a city council voted at large with an appointed mayor.”

Mark Crandley, attorney for the Town of Fishers, claims that Indiana Code 36-1.5-1, also known as the “Reorganization Act,” gives the Town the ability to change elected positions into appointed positions or vice versa.

“By and large, the study group found that most residents are comfortable with the current town style of government,” said Crandley during his Indiana Supreme Court testimony. “The residents don’t want radical change.”

Town government structure allows for town council members to be voted in at large, and then those town council members nominate and choose the town council president. Currently Scott Faultless, a 16-year town council member, is the town council president. In a second class city form of government, according to Indiana Code 36-4-5-2 and 36-4-6-3(i), officials are elected by their own districts, not at large, and the mayor is then voted on by all the voters in the city.

“This is how every city in the State of Indiana elects their mayor,” explains Greisemer.

Faultless contends that the Reorganization Act, which was legislated a few years ago in the Indiana State assembly, gives Fishers the ability to create what he calls a “modernized” or “hybrid” form of a Class II city. Under the Town’s current plan, the current Fishers town council would appoint themselves as the first city council and then they would appoint the mayor.

“We feel that all the residents of the city should be able to elect the mayor,” said Mike Kole, a plaintiff in the case.

The issue of becoming a city will be on the ballot in November in the form of two questions. The first will be whether or not the Town should adopt a Class II city per the petitioners’ request last year. The second will be whether or not the Town should adopt the “modernized” city plan.

Weingarten feels that having two questions will only lead to confusion and result in neither being adopted.

A verdict in the Indiana Supreme Court case (No. 94S00-1112-CQ-692) is likely to be handed down soon. (click here to watch the oral arguments online)

Jimmy Girot III is a personal trainer at Geist Fitness.

Whether you made resolutions or not this New Year, now is the perfect time to review your progress so far in 2012. Facilitating the complexity of change in any arena can be difficult and frustrating, especially within your personal life. The ability to create positive, lasting change is valuable to many aspects of our lives, from personal health to organizational leadership. As a Personal Trainer at Geist Fitness, I receive daily questions about exercise modes and nutrition— The majority of my answers usually begin with, “It depends”. Realizing this, I began to think deeper about what this could mean and an overarching theme emerged; we must look at life through an unfiltered lens in order to reach our full potential. Here are 8 tips I have found helpful in creating and maintaining a healthier lifestyle:

1. Surround yourself with positive people

“You are, or will become, the average of the five people you associate with the most.” – Brian Carruthers, renowned Life Coach

How true is this? I think about who those five people may be for me and it makes perfect sense. Across the broad spectrum of your weekly interactions, from family to co-workers, think about how closely your actions and values align with these associations. If you want to be healthier, spend more time with people who value their health. If you want to be happier, spend more time with people who have positive attitudes.

2. Find patterns that work for YOU

“Paralysis by Analysis”- This is what I often cite when someone thinks too much about what or how they should do something instead of taking action. If you discover a time that will consistently allow you to exercise, then exercise at that time—don’t worry about your “endocrine response to exercise” during that time or any other over-analyzed method. There is no “end-all” way to exercise or eat. Although research supports that certain trends are correlated with results, everyone responds to stimuli differently.

3. Think “Big Picture”

Patience is crucial in creating and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. For the general population, the concept of patience is two-fold. A person in the process of creating a healthier lifestyle may become frustrated when results don’t appear in the beginning, whereas a person maintaining a healthier lifestyle may encounter a plateau in their results. An effective way to address your doubts is to regularly remind yourself the reason you have chosen a healthy lifestyle. So your progress isn’t yet visible or has stalled— Quit your regimen and you will likely regress. Be patient and work for longevity.

4. Getting out of your comfort zone

This is something most people struggle with on a daily basis, myself included. While it sounds cliché, you really do “get what you put in.” If you want specific results, both the amount of work and type of work must reflect that. For example, I played football for twelve years and throughout college, where we basically ran “forty yards at a time” (a very slow forty yards in my case). I recently registered for a 12 mile race and know that I must build mileage by running longer distances. This is a realization I’m not thrilled about! If a person is to experience personal growth in any aspect of life, he or she must have an open mind.

5. Win the day

By focusing on small victories each day, we return to the concepts of patience and longevity. If a person gets just 1% better each day or each week, imagine how much that person will improve in a year. Choose to “win the day” and you will likely enjoy a less stressful daily life.

6. Have fun

Few people enjoy every second of exercise but most people enjoy the results. When possible, make your training regimen fun. Whether you are training with a group of friends or trying a new type of exercise, you are more likely to be consistent if it’s something enjoyable!

7. Be confident, be stubborn

These mindsets are the foundation of a successful lifestyle change. You are choosing to improve yourself, be confident. As my friends and family can attest to, I can be pretty stubborn at times. By channeling this seemingly negative attribute into a positive one, I have developed a regular training regimen. Tell yourself, “Nothing is going to interrupt my scheduled exercise today” and make it known to possible distractions.

8. Document goals and progress

Record your goals and place them somewhere you will see each day — let it serve as a daily reminder. Revisit your goals each month and evaluate your progress.

Becoming healthier in 2012 must be a lifestyle change. The process is just as much a psychological one as it is physical. Define your goals and relentlessly pursue them! I hope these 8 tips struck a chord with you and will help to facilitate the change you are seeking this New Year.

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.”

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.

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.

Dr. Philip Dulberger stands in front of the newly opened IU Health Saxony Hospital just off of Exit 10 at I-69.

Just across the interstate from Hamilton Town Center, IU Health Saxony Hospital is now open for business with a local anesthesiologist at the helm. Dr. Philip Dulberger, or “Dr. Phil” as his friends and colleagues refer to him, shared an idea six years ago that took him from the operating room to the second floor administrative offices at Fishers’ first specialty hospital with services focused on cardiovascular, orthopedic, spine care and emergency services.

In October 2005, Dulberger was in between surgeries when he decided to call IU Health (then called Clarian Health) CEO Dan Evans.

“I have an idea about a different approach to deliver health care,” Dulberger told Evans. “Hospitals traditionally wait for people to get sick and come in. I propose that we should establish a campus that focuses on helping people live a healthier lifestyle and keeping them well, so that when patients do become sick, we have developed that relationship with the patient, and they choose IU Health as their partner.”

Dulberger often times sports his lab coat and makes his rounds to check in on the IU Health Saxony “partners”.

Evans listened, agreed, and discussions continued for about six months with others within IU Health. After Dulberger returned from a spring break vacation in 2006, the decision was made to move forward with the plan. Dulberger traded his lab coat for a hardhat and wound down his anesthesiology practice.

Being a doctor, Dulberger brought a unique perspective to the planning process. He believes that the future of health care will be based on two things: Patient quality outcomes and service experience. Dulberger, with a team of architects and designers, created a hospital centered around the healing forces of nature. Everything from the natural stone and walking paths outside to the 11-by-24 foot mural in the lobby entitled “Hope Around the Bend” creates an atmosphere that feels more like a resort than a hospital.

Upon entering the hospital, what’s most impressive is what you don’t see. Borrowing Disney theme park concepts, patient support and custodial services are all conducted “off stage”, out of view from patients or visitors in the hallways. Patient rooms feel like a deluxe suite at the Conrad, complete with oak cabinetry designed to hide all the hoses, gauges, and monitors that can intimidate anyone.

Dr. Philip Dulberger stands in front of a 24 foot wide mural entitled “Hope Around the Bend” which welcomes visitors and “guests” to IU Health Saxony. Indiana native Forrest Formsma was commissioned to paint this oil on canvas to signify hope for patients and families.

“My goal is to have people walk out of here and say ‘that didn’t feel like a hospital’.”

Dulberger will be the first to admit that form follows function throughout the design, but he adds that the most important element is the staff.

“Doctors are generally trained as individual care givers, not as teams. The only way to a successful facility is not through any one person, but through the team.”

To that end, Dulberger dons his lab coat and makes his rounds like any other doctor, checking in on his staff. Greeting each employee by name with a smile, Dulberger exemplifies the team spirit he feels is so important to patient care. As for the patients he checks in on, he refers to them internally as “guests,” citing “it gives us a different mindset and keeps us in touch with the experience.”

While the doors are now open on the hospital, construction continues. Dulberger still hopes that some day a future expansion will include a fitness facility-medical office building complex to fulfill the original vision of connecting health care and prevention. “Imagine treating a patient with borderline diabetes and high-blood pressure with a weight-loss program jointly developed by physicians and health trainers. Rather than the traditional prescription as a treatment, we would engage patients in a healthier lifestyle.” Dulberger plans to return to his anesthesia practice at least one day per week now that the hospital has opened to “keep you in touch” with his fellow team members.

Now that the stress of opening the facility has passed, Dulberger looks forward to spending more time with his Carmel High School sweetheart and wife, Carolyn, and his two children Lauren and Josh. Active members of the New Hope Presbyterian Church, Dulberger and his wife enjoy a glass of wine and their patio in the summer months at their Hamilton Proper home. You also might spot them at their favorite restaurant across I-69, Stone Creek Dining Company. This summer, they plan to take their family on a train trip out west to San Francisco to see the country as he did when he was a child.

“We did this trip when I was a kid and I’ve always wanted to do this with mine.”

The train trip out west and the experience Dulberger strives to deliver throughout the IU Health Saxony Hospital have a lot in common. While the destination can often times seem far away, the journey and outcomes can have a lasting impression.

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.

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.

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.