Progress 2012

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For your Health.

For your Soul.

Advertising Section of the

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2 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012

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Ambassador Healthcare

Ambassador grows, provides the extras

Meghan Robinson, a licensed beautician, works with residents twice a week at Ambassador. The service is delivered free to them.

“We have a phenomenal staff. It’s a group that will do anything to accomplish what needs to be done at any moment.”

By Mike Bennett A successful new unit.

A climbing census.

A welcoming atmosphere.

A great staff that is growing.

Things are going well, indeed, at Ambassador Health Care in Centerville. “We can provide so many more services than in the past,” explains owner Tim Sadler.

One of them is a new ventilator service that is off to a strong start in its first full year of operation. It is staffed by 24-hour RNs and respiratory therapists.

“We have successfully weaned 33 people,” Sadler said with pride.

The service extends into the other units and general population in a variety of ways at the full-care residential facility.

“If we can do it with the weakest population, we can do it with the healthiest,” he said.

Sadler credits a strong relationship with Reid Hospital for helping stimulate the growth in ventilatorrelated rehabilitation.

That kind of connection is a necessity when the push grows constantly from insurance companies and government programs to cut down on hospital stays.

“They’ve been really working with us,” Sadler said.

“We can get them (patients) home faster because we have more skills and therapy in-house. We’re so much better equipped to handle so many more things with reconfigurations of rooms and staffing.”

Rehabilitation programs and other customer-centered services are helping revolutionize health centers.

“It used to be if you went to a nursing home, you were there for life,” Sadler said. “It’s not the end of

road now. It’s short term for lots of people. We have a lot more admissions and discharges than (other) facilities.”

Patient numbers rose by about 20 percent last year. “We’ve hired additional people. We are up to 180 employees and we’re really excited about the future,” Sadler said.

The future includes plans for another unit and 15 rooms off a side of the main building at 705 E. Main St. on the eastern edge of Centerville.

Ambassador recently added a highly-regarded Alzheimer’s unit. “We’re used to dealing with everything,” Sadler said. “Now, we’re focused on refining what we’re doing. I don’t know that there’s another patient mix we can add.”

Customer feedback helps to prove the Ambassador success story for focus on each individual situation. “The greatest compliment someone can give you is they admit a family member into your facility,” Sadler said. “That shows we’re doing something right.

We’re going to work hard to give you the best care available.”

He is amazed by his staff members, led by administrator Denna Masters and director of nursing Marcella Ross.

Sadler offers a couple stories that illustrate his staff ’s caring actions.

Last weekend, several people were gone because of the Easter weekend, so the dietary staff spruce up the outside area where 300 children participated in an Easter egg hunt. “They were not told to or ordered to do that,” Sadler said. “We have a phenomenal staff.

It’s a group that will do anything to accomplish what

needs to be done at any moment.”

An activities staff member asked if she could help style the hair of a patient. That simple request has turned into a routine for every patient. “Two days a week we provide a free beautician or barber so they don’t have to spend their precious money on living items,” Sadler said.

The free services don’t stop there: Ambassador also provides free cable television, transportation and even toothbrushes and toothpaste. “We don’t nickel and dime folks,” Sadler explains. “Some live on 52 dollars a month. That doesn’t leave a lot of areas to do what they want.”

The staff at Ambassador is dedicated and friendly, Sadler said. “I like to think we treat everybody as family. When you walk in, people are saying hi to you, acknowledging you.”

The welcoming style includes an open door to prospective patients and their loved ones.

Ambassador employees are happy to give tours at any time.

“Come in anytime and sit and just watch,” Sadler said. “We’ve gotten family members because they can tell it’s a top-down strategy to show that everybody is important, everybody is part of our family.”

Ambassador offers daily activities for all patients.

In fact, each unit has its own activity director and its own dining area, too.

Its 56-bed Alzheimer’s unit is the largest in the area.

Information is about Ambassador is available by calling (765) 855-3424 or visiting www.ambassadorhealthcare.com

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Lamplight builds welcoming community

Lamplight Inn at the Leland

The Leland has a long history as a landmark in Richmond’s city center.

“The Leland has always been a vital part of Richmond and we want to keep it that way.”

By Mike Bennett

The Lamplight Inn at the Leland is far more than a thriving senior living center.

It’s a welcoming home in the heart of Richmond.

It’s open to folks who can live on their own and those who need medical assistance.

And it’s open to the public.

“The Leland has always been a vital part of Richmond and we want to keep it that way ” said marketing director Amanda VanAusdal.

That’s why wedding receptions and special events like the Women’s Fund Luncheon and the Birth to Five Dancing with the Stars fundraiser are always a success. Even Richmond Symphony will be hosting an event on June 2 in the ballroom.

It’s why there’s a new satellite for the popular Hometown Deli and also the Leland Hair Designs is open to the public as well.

It’s a place where Leland’s residents can grab a coffee at the deli and visit with downtown workers stopping there for a quick soup and sandwich.

“It’s a community building, not just ours,” VanAusdal said. “Your social life is important no matter how old you are. Residents love having people in their building to show it off.”

Founder Severine Petras looks for historic buildings to turn into state-of-the-art facilities for seniors. In fact, she recently bought the elementary school building in which her mother attended in Toronto, Ohio.

Petras stays in a guest room when she visits and takes part in community events.

“It would be easier to build new,” VanAusdal

joked while citing how much work it took over a year and a half to get through the licensure process when your building dates back to 1928.

“Talk about learning to have patience, it makes it that much sweeter now that we have our license” she said. “Actually things went exceptionally well through our surveys. We are now a licensed Assisted Living Community.”

The licensing was needed to add assisted living to services that also include along independent living.

“Once we received our license, our nursing staff could expand on the services we could offer, including administering medications,” VanAusdal said. “Now we can also work with long-term care policies, Medicaid Waiver and VA benefits. Those were big motivations.”

The census is rising quickly in part because of the new assisted-living services.

“We anticipate on running on a waiting list in June or July,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much of a gap there was between independent living and a nursing home. There is a lot of life in between with just a little bit of help. The quality of life can be exceptional and enjoyable.”

The Lamplight at Leland features an aroundthe-clock nursing staff and three meals per day.

“All meals are included now. It’s all inclusive,” she said, including housekeeping and transportation.

The 89-unit Leland also features a swimming pool and a number of other exercise programs such as Zumba Gold by Family Fitness Works, Enhanced Fitness program by Area 9 and ball-

room dance lessons.

It offers residents the ability to transition in services to assisted living while still keeping their same rooms.

VanAusdal loves to get to know the residents.

One gentleman, who has since died, worked to construct the Leland. “I hear all kinds of stories from our residents, couples have stayed here on their honeymoons, came to dances and had their proms here,” she said. “It’s neat that people grew up with it and then are able to live there.”

The residents often celebrate in the good times.

“They love to see the bride and groom pull up and come in when we host a wedding reception,” she said. “It’s neat to see the community embracing us.”

The Leland has been making physical improvements.

“There’s new masonry and a new roof, a lot of behind-the- scenes improvements,” she said.

“They (owners) are in it for the long haul.”

Employee numbers have risen to 40 and include Duane Ott, the new Executive Director.

“He’s been incredibly helpful and a vital roll in helping us get through the licensing process,” VanAusdal said. “As our census grows, we’re adding more employees. Eventually we will be right around 50.”

People are invited to tour Lamplight Inn at the Leland, which is located at 900 South A Street.

Call (765) 939-6500 or visit www.lamplightcommunities.com for more information.

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Caring team, cutting-edge technology

Reid Cancer Center

Joseph Anderson, M.D.

Jeevan Sekhar, M.D.

Derek Serna, M.D.

Stephen “Rick” Toothaker, M.D.

“Part of what makes Reid Cancer Center special is our team’s commitment to caring for the whole person, not just their cancer.”

Reid Cancer Center – Centered around you Some people call cancer “The Big C” and it’s easy to understand why. A diagnosis of cancer can be scary, life changing, even intimidating. At the new Reid Cancer Center, our team of 300+ experts is in the fight with you. Cancer is big, but so is our commitment to providing you with a personalized treatment plan, comprehensive therapies, supportive care and the health information you need to help you on your journey.

What sets Reid Cancer Center apart The new Reid Cancer Center provides patients with the treatment options they need, close to home and in a caring atmosphere. Our doctors use the most sophisticated technology available and tailor their treatment plans to each patient’s specific needs.

Cancer patients have everything they need to fight the disease close to home and conveniently located, right here in Richmond.

The state-of-the-art facility brings all of the hospital’s outpatient cancer services under one roof for the first time, making the patient experience more convenient and comfortable. The facility houses physician offices and treatment rooms for chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as a dedicated pharmacy, diagnostic radiology services and common areas.

Inpatient care takes place on the hospital’s fifth floor.

In all, more than 300 Reid health care professionals serve cancer patients and their families. Our medical staff includes four experienced oncologists (cancer specialists), who work closely with surgeons, radiation therapists and others to provide each patient’s care.

Specialty trained nurses called “cancer navigators” help patients and families by explaining the treatment process and answering questions. Reid Cancer Center is dedicated to providing accurate, timely diagnostic services, as well as the care patients and families need for the journey ahead.

Your care team At Reid Cancer Center, our team of expert physicians and nurses is dedicated to providing patients with the most effective, up-to-date therapies—close to home and in a caring atmosphere.

Team members include: • Medical oncologists • Radiation oncologists • Surgeons • Radiologists • Pathologists • Nurses • And many other support staff These caring professionals work closely with patients and families through every phase of diagnosis, treatment and recovery, tailoring their approach to each patient’s unique needs. Everything is centered around you.

Support services Part of what makes Reid Cancer Center special is our team’s commitment to caring for the whole person, not just their cancer. That’s why we go above and beyond with services that help support the healing process physically, emotionally and spiritually. Services such as massage and rehabilitation therapy, nutrition services, home care and more. Reid also offers con-

venient, flexible payment options to ease some of the stress that accompany cancer treatment. And Cancer Navigators to help guide the recovery process every step of the way.

Cool technology The center is as high-tech as it is high touch, with sophisticated technologies that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. For example, Reid recently acquired TrueBeamTM, an innovative system that represents the next generation of image-guided radiation therapy. See ad in this section.

Yes, cancer may be “The Big C,” but Reid Cancer Center offers a few powerful “Cs” of its own. We are: • Comprehensive Reid Cancer Center provides the full complement of cancer therapies, from surgery to radiation therapy to chemotherapy.

• Coordinated Specially trained nurses called Cancer Navigators guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis to survivorship.

• Convenient Reid Cancer Center brings all of the hospital’s outpatient services under one roof for the first time – no need to travel to different facilities.

• Cutting-Edge Our physicians utilize the latest in cancer technology, including digital mammography and Indiana’s first TrueBeam system, a nextgeneration radiotherapy accelerator offering greater precision and shorter treatment sessions.

• Compassionate From our physicians and nurses to social workers and chaplains, we care for you – body, mind and spirit.

To learn more or to make a doctor appointment, call (765) 935-8773.

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Friends Fellowship Community, located at 2030 Chester Boulevard just south of Reid Hospital and its numerous adjacent medical offices, has been home to senior adults since it opened in 1965. The 125-acre campus has exquisite grounds, including a beautiful pond and fountain and plenty of woods and green space for enjoying nature. Friends Fellowship Community is not only a community in name and spirit, but it’s a Continuing Care Retirement Community, in fact the only one in Richmond and the surrounding area. What does a CCRC mean to you? It means an assurance of lifetime care and graceful aging in place, with six levels of accommodations – Independent Homes, Independent Living Apartments, Independent and Assisted Residential Apartments, a Health Care Center and The Courtyards, A Center for Alzheimer’s Disease. No more “what-ifs” about your future health care, it’s all here and that translates to peace of mind for you.

As a financially secure, faith-based corporation, we are not driven by the need to return profits to investors. Instead, we have sought and will continue to make continuous improvements to the living environments we provide to our residents. Quality of life is very important to us.

So, what’s new at Friends Fellowship Community? The new Therapy Room for starters! Healthcare Therapy Services (HTS) provides our in-house physical, occupational, speech and even specialized therapy. The new Therapy Room has plenty of space for our residents as well as non-residents who might need just a short-term rehab before returning home. The goal is to get you back to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible. Professional therapists will coach and support you every step of the way, and for Friends Fellowship Community residents, they will even provide “house calls” to your apartment!

What else is new at FFC? The sparkling new Wellness Center, a much-anticipated addition to our Community, is located in the heart of the Health Care Center. It gives our residents the opportunity to enjoy exercise at their own pace.

The additional space and equipment, new fitness classes and weights all make it fun to stay in shape! In fact, our residents will provide the necessary input to tailor classes to various levels of fitness. And of course, we have always been blessed to have wonderful walking paths for our residents to enjoy outdoor exercise. We believe all’s well that ends with the wellness of mind and body.

And last but certainly not least, the new Health Care Center lobby has given our residents and their families and friends a particularly lovely place to socialize at any time of the day or night. We often hear from visitors that the Health Care Center at Friends Fellowship Community has a warm and comforting atmosphere that so many other nursing facilities do not have.

We think our spacious and inviting lobby complements the Health Care Center and draws you in for a visit with residents and non-residents alike. We’ve also seen a large increase in the number of guest meals served in the Health Care Center dining room. We attribute this to our new atmosphere as well as the addition of a satellite kitchen, which allows our staff to prepare cooked-to-order items. Our new restaurant-style menus, used throughout the Community, have given our residents a much wider range of options along with daily specials to enjoy.

Friends Fellowship Community also would like to take this opportunity to let others know that Dr. Mahendra Kalra is our new medical director, and he is well-known in the Richmond area for his compassionate and skillful care.

You might notice one more exciting change in the near future! Friends Fellowship Community will be widening the drive at the entrance to Chester Boulevard. There will also be new signage along with a lane expansion, going from two to three lanes for easier turning. So no matter if you are coming or going, we certainly hope you will enjoy the new view.

What is not new, but always remains a constant at Friends Fellowship Community, is excellent care. You can take advantage of a respite stay for you or your loved one in our Assisted Residential Apartments, Health Care Center, or The Courtyards, our Alzheimer’s center. Stay for a few days, a week or a month, or even longer depending on your specific needs.

If you are thinking about a special retirement community with healthcare options available when you most need them, then think about Friends Fellowship Community. Please come to our community-wide Open House on Sunday, June 10 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and take a guided tour through the new Wellness Center, the Health Care Center lobby, the new Therapy Room and our three Independent Homes currently available. Come see for yourself why Friends Fellowship Community has so much more to offer – simply the best in senior living!

Friends Fellowship Community

New menus, lobby, wellness center among updates at Friends Fellowship

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West Side Medical

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Walk-in center offers personal attention

“Working in Centerville, where I grew up, has been a childhood dream come true.”

By Mike Bennett

Dr. William Rheuble deals with a variety of health issues as he sees 50 patients each weekday on a walk-in basis at West Side Medical Center.

He delivers lots of personal attention.

He delivers lots of common treatments.

He sees hundreds of repeat customers.

And he notices when there is something different.

Case in point in recent weeks: He and his staff are treating a lot of allergy-related issues and are even treating some cases of poison ivy.

They were doing so before winter ended because of mild temperatures. “That’s very unusual for this early in the year,” said office manager Mary Nell Herold.

“We usually have quite a bit of variety, but usually it’s later in the season (spring) to see allergies and poison ivy doesn’t usually hit until May.” The upside is the one-doctor health clinic didn’t see as many sprains and falls (from icy conditions). “There still were a lot of colds and pneumonia,” Herold said.

No matter the changes in seasons, she says West Side stays “busy as we can be” with a unique delivery style for the area.

West Side, which is located between Richmond and Centerville at 4760 U.S. 40 West, serves

roles as a general practice and urgent care center for all ages.

“All patients are seen on a walk-in basis, but we have patients who use us as their regular physician,” said Rheuble, who opened the center in 1994. “I enjoy dealing with the wide variety of problems.”

The medical center treats 25 people before lunch and 25 afterward on a first-come, firstserved basis. Patients can check in and come back later if the waiting list grows.

The medical center ordinarily can provide an estimate of the time when a patient can get in to see the doctor.

West Side is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. The last walk-in is accepted at 4:30 p.m. if there’s room. “We could continue all day, but we like to go home,” Herold joked.

The prices are set at levels that take into account the difficult economy of the area in which the medical center serves.

Still, Dr. Rheuble takes the time he needs to visit and get to know patients.

“He loves to help people,” Herold said. “He talks a lot with his patients.”

Dr. Rheuble feels at home with his surroundings and his clientele. “Working in Centerville,

where I grew up, has been a childhood dream come true,” he said. “It’s been nice to see and treat people I grew up with – and their families, too.”

He has done it this way since opening the center 18 years ago. He has been a physician for nearly 30 years.

“It really clicked,” Herold said about a walk-in clinic. “This really works. It fits people’s needs.”

Rheuble and his staff of two nurses and a medical assistant can perform a wide variety of clia-waved tests, such as strep tests, urinalysis, pregnancy tests, wet preps, mono tests, helicobacter pylori and others.

They can do stitches, EKGs, workplace drugtesting and other minor procedures.

They can do yearly sports physicals, flu shots, preventative care for men and for women and evaluation of complex medical problems.

There’s no X-ray equipment, so those with broken bones are referred elsewhere. “We refer to everybody: cardiologists. urologists and bone specialists,” Herold said.

“We often refer to Reid Hospital and Richmond doctors.”

The medical center is open in the mornings on Saturdays. Call (765) 965-6679 for more information.

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Civic Hall

Big names in music, comedy highlight next Civic Hall series

(left to right) The artists from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy met with the general music students from Test Middle School before the 8 p.m. show. The artists from The “Cast” of Beatlemania met with students from the Richmond High School Life Skills classes and The Boys & Girls Clubs before their concert. The artists from Rhythm of the Dance met with students and instructors from Richmond High School’s Life Skills classes and with students and mentors from Richmond Community Schools’ Mentoring Program.

By Mike Bennett Next season’s Proudly Presenting Series will offer a big range of productions with some bigname performers.

Popular pianist Jim Brickman will perform, actress Cindy Williams will star in a comedy production and The Texas Tenors will return after a sold-out show this season in the 936-seat Civic Hall Performing Arts Center.

“We’re very excited about it. We have a little of everything for everybody,” said Jeffrey Thorne, facilities director of the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center, about the 2012-13 series.

Patrons shouldn’t wait too long to buy tickets for next season, either.

Brickman, who performs on Feb. 2, 2013, regularly fills performance halls that are bigger than Civic Hall in shows around the nation and the world. Williams and the theatrical production “Nunset Boulevard” has received good reviews.

A sellout is likely for a return engagement of the Texas Tenors on May 18, 2013. “We had them this past Christmas and people raved about the show. We actually had a waiting list for tickets,” Thorne said. “People were saying, ‘We want them back,’ so we’re going to try that. It’s something we’ve never done before.”

Here’s a closer look at the 19th Proudly Performing Series.

• Oct. 13, 2012, Dan Goggin’s “Nunset Boulevard,” at 8 p.m.: The new musical comedy that’s based on “Nunsense” stars Williams, who’s known best from the smash comedy television program “Laverne and Shirley.”

The story line has The Little Sisters of Hoboken being invited to sing at what they believe is the Hollywood Bowl. Actually, it’s Hollywood

Bowl-A-Rama bowling alley.

“It’s a mini-musical,” Thorne said. “I think everyone will enjoy that.”

• Nov. 10, 2012, Southern Fried Jazz Band, 8 p.m.: The band offers a hot blend of Dixieland jazz music with horns, rhythm and vocals.

“They talk to the audience and interact,” Thorne said. “They are phenomenal entertainers.”

• Feb. 2, 2013, Jim Brickman, 8 p.m.: His blend of solo piano with pop-style instrumentals and vocal collaborations has gained Brickman great popularity for nearly two decades. He has six Gold and Platinum albums, 30 charted adult radio hits, and two Grammy nominations.

He performs in 125 cities each year. Brickman has collaborated with singers such as Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride (“Valentine”), Kenny Loggins, Michael W. Smith, Carly Simon, Collin Raye, Michael Bolton and Olivia Newton-John.

“He’s great. We’ve been trying to get him for a couple years,” Thorne said.

• March 16, 2013, The Broadway Boys, 8 p.m.: This collaboration started as a supposed one-time get-together in June 2005 in New York City. With an overwhelming response, the collection of the best male singers from the stages of New York played in more sold-out shows. The six singers blend elements of pop, funk, gospel, jazz and folk to show tunes and classic pop songs. “They perform songs from musicals and they have choreography and bring in a band, too,” Thorne said.

• May 13, 2013, The Texas Tenors, 8 p.m.: More than 100 million watched as they were selected the No. 1 vocal group in the history of “America’s Got Talent.” The trio of friends blend country, classical, pop and gospel music. They

performed at Civic Hall to a sold-out crowd. “They will perform an all-new show,” Thorne said.

First, though, the current season finishes with a pair of shows on May 19 by the award-winning vocal group The Oak Ridge Boys. The group sold out two shows at Civic Hall in 2003. “We still have some great seats (including the balcony and mezzanine),” Thorne said. “We’d like to get these sold out, too.”

For the last show of the 2011-2012 Proudly Presenting Series…

• May 19, 2012, The Oak Ridge Boys, 4 and 8 p.m.: The group offers one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry with four-part harmonies and upbeat songs. They have earned No. 1 hits, as well as numerous Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards. Tickets are $32 for adults and $24 for students; group rates are available.

The box office is open 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays.

For more information, call (765) 973-3350, email boxoffice@civichall.com or visit the website at www.civichall.com.

Season tickets for the 2012-13 season will be available starting in May. Civic Hall, at 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, is part of Richmond High School and owned by Richmond Community Schools. Civic Hall is used year-round for school events and convocations and also available for rent by other groups. Civic Hall is also home to the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.

Each of the performers from the Proudly Presenting Series interacts personally with students through talks and master classes. “That’s really a great part of this. Everyone enjoys and learns from the experience,” Thorne said.

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PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Lahman Insurance Agency Allstate Insurance

Indiana Farm Bureau

Debra K. Lahman

Brian Fuller

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT SECRETARY-TREASURER

NATIONAL COMMITTEE PERSON

Banking Center Manager Lincoln Financial Advisor Old National Bank

State Farm

BOARD MEMBER

Sharon R. Thomas J. Roger Green, CLU, ChFC Patricia L. James, LUTCF Gordon R. Mehaffey, LUTCF

BOARD MEMBER

Betty Wasson

BOARD MEMBER

Brooks E. Duffie, MBA

BOARD MEMBER

Dewey Hughes

Mehaffey Insurance Agency American General Life & The Miami Valley Financial Group Dewey Hughes Agency Accident Insurance American Family Insurance Northwestern Mutual

Is your agent a member?

Bradley R. Bowman VP, CIC

Bowman-Thalls, Inc.

By Mike Bennett

Tony Cain Indiana Farm Bureau

Warren Cunningham State Farm

Nicole R. Dillon Old National Insurance

Jim Fisher Independent

Sharon Thomas and Deb Lahman are on a mission of education, ethics and professionalism.

Their deep passion manifests itself in their roles with the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Thomas is a member of the state board of trustees and Lahman could soon return to the board.

Lahman is president and Thomas is past president of the Richmond affiliate of NAIFA. “It’s the only association that represents our clients and the agent. They don’t represent insurance companies,” said Lahman, who is an agent-owner for Allstate Insurance.

“Our membership allows us to have a seat at the table, to fight for our clients.”

Thomas serves as banking center manager at the eastside branch of Old National Bank in Richmond.

They represent a merger of interests between the insurance and banking industries. NAIFA protects people in a variety of grass-roots ways, Lahman said. One is to be a voice to make sure no taxes are ever levied against the buildup of cash in insurance policies.

Another is to be current on legislative issues, such as mortgage exemptions and death taxes. “We want to make sure everybody is heard,” Thomas said.

Lahman agrees: “It’s extremely important to the consumer. So is our code of ethics.”

Stephen Foreman Agency Manager Indiana Farm Bureau

Larry J. Gregurash Old National Investments

NAIFA is one of the best-kept secrets in Richmond , she said. A chapter has been in existence for more than a century.

NAIFA offers continuing education to its members and their staffs. “Many people (in the industry) don’t realize this is free for them to continue their education,” Thomas said.

“It’s also a wonderful networking opportunity. It can help them gain experience.”

She and Lahman are on a quest to build representatives in the Richmond chapter. “We want more agents and financial advisors to join,” Thomas said. “That would be making a statement. They can share resources with their staffs. This is a huge resource at their fingertips.”

The local efforts are noticed. Richmond ’s affiliate has been awarded the national Jack E. Bobo Award of Excellence for the last two years.

Lahman said the NAIFA designation “lets the public know you must be good; you’re accredited,” she said. “I want the consumer to look at their agents or advisor and ask: ‘Are you a member?’”

Those with questions about the organization can call Lahman at (765) 939-3009 or visit Lahman Insurance Agency at 1605 Chester Blvd. Her email address is debralahman@allstate.com Thomas believes the value of being a NAIFA member far exceeds any costs: “It’s investing in your career.”

John Hostetler State Farm

Penny B. Lakoff Harrington-Hoch

Phil Quinn Harrington-Hoch

NAIFA

(left to right) Sharon Thomas, Past-President NAIFARichmond Area, Deb Lahman President, NAIFA-Richmond Area

Cynthia L. Whipple American General Life & Accident Insurance

Rick Webb, LUTCF Capstone Wealth Management, Inc.

Carl Sharp State Farm

Brad Russell Indiana Farm Bureau

Grant Reece Turner Insurance

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12 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 15, 2012

Richmond Art Museum

Museum offers classes, film festival, exhibits

Join in the enjoyment of the All Wayne County High School Art Exhibition and the Phantoscope High School film festival - RAM - more than an art museum!

“We’re building upon our history to provide programming that’s entertaining and educational for everyone.”

By Mike Bennett

Two upcoming youth-oriented events are gaining wide-ranging acclaim at Richmond Art Museum.

First up is the All-Wayne County Art Exhibition that opens April 22 and runs through May 20.

The Phantoscope Finest Film Festival by Marsh will take place April 28. The sixth-annual event draws the best student entries from around Indiana who are competing for a $1,000 first prize.

“We’re happy to have Marsh Supermarkets as our lead sponsor,” said museum director Shaun Dingwerth.

“This event is growing statewide and gaining more and more recognition. This is a great opportunity for community members to come and see the amazing, talented work of high school students.”

Blended with a growing array of arts-friendly activities, the events continue a rich history of arts in Richmond that reaches back 114 years and appeals to a wide range of ages.

The film festival celebrates Richmond’s history in film.

Charles Francis Jenkins invented the Phantoscope film projector and showed it for the first time in June 1894 in Richmond. That’s the earliest documented projection of a filmed motion picture.

“The founding fathers of our community understood that building cultural institutions would be an important fabric,” said museum director Shaun Dingwerth. “We’re building upon our history to provide programming that’s entertaining and educational for everyone.”

The museum offers events and classes that have

participants ranging “from 5 years old to probably 90 years old,” he said.

A major focus is on the interaction of teachers and students.

Those are on display in the juried all-county event that includes displays from high school students of paintings, prints, ceramics, sculptures, jewelry making and photography. There’s no admission to the show, which drew 500 entries and 300 pieces last year.

One new feature is monetary awards of $250, $150 and $100 for the top three works.

The pieces on display are selected by a jury of area art teachers.

A unique part of the show allows the teachers to display their artworks. “They all are very talented,” Dingwerth said.

The amazing talents of students from all over Indiana are on display in the burgeoning Phantoscope film festival.

The event on April 28 includes screenings of films for an hour and a half. Thirty-six films have been been submitted. “Some are three minutes and some are 15,” Dingwerth said.

A panel discussion starts at 5:30 p.m. and the film screenings begin at 7.

“We have people in the film industry on the panel,” Dingwerth said. “They talk about how they made it in the industry and what steps they took. We want to encourage the students.”

They obviously are getting there, he said, because every winner in the first five years has gone on to

study at film schools.

“They use our festival on their resumes,” Dingwerth said. “We’re very proud of what this festival is doing to help students. We’re giving them a pathway to success.”

The admission to the film festival is $5 for adults and $3 for students and RAM members.

Individual memberships start at $35 and a family membership at $50.

The museum is at 350 Hub Etchison Parkway.

Call 966-0256 or visit richmondartmuseum.org for more information.

RAM offers art classes year-round for people of all ages in disciplines such as ceramics, photography and drawing. They are open to all ages.

Kids’ classes are offered with flexible hours. “Students can purchase X amounts of classes and come in when it fits their schedule,” Dingwerth said. “The ability to commit to long-term schedules isn’t always best for people.”

“They (students) can call ahead and tell us they’re coming and we’ll have instructors for them.”

The museum uses five regular instructors from around Indiana. RAM members receive a discount on class costs.

Lance Crow is the education director.

Dingwerth said the museum is working to build awareness and use.

RAM also offers one of the top permanent collections in the state. Its paintings and archived materials regularly draw attention from scholars and art lovers from around the world.