Photos of Abuja, Nigeria

John recently attended a conference in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. To see some of his photos of this modern city, visit Sherman & Co.'s SmugMug site.

Our Latest “Speech Writing”

Bob Golobish of Indianapolis' Marian University sent many of us an e-mail message asking for comments that might be used by James E. Rogers, the chief executive officer of Duke Energy, in his speech at the school's 2009 commencement. Mr. Rogers included the following remarks to the graduates:

And finally, there was this post, witty and wise, from John Sherman: "If you laugh at yourself loud enough and often enough, you're allowed to laugh at others—maybe. I would underscore 'maybe.' Have a sense of perspective. Have a sense of humor. Have a sense of history. Today, you are dressed in period clothing. Years from now, your children and grandchildren will laugh at your haircuts, your tattoos, your shoes, your eyeglasses, and your clothes, and wonder why you didn't know any better. I want you to laugh along with them; I want you to blame your parents."

Sherman & Co. Blogs

You can read our blog and make comments – and even become a “follower”– if you go to www.shermanandcompany.blogspot.com to see what we're writing about. We've dubbed it the “common-sense, cost-effective blog.”

Skyview Concierge Offers Aerial View of Area, Nearby Locations to Indy Visitors

Skyview Concierge is in its third year of offering local businesses a new way to advertise. The company produces aerial photo displays that highlight nearby businesses and attractions. The displays are located in local hotels and at the Indianapolis Executive Airport and consist of a large aerial photo of the area surrounding the site where the map is located, with numbers on the map that correspond to the numbers on the ads on either side of the photo. Hotel and airport visitors find the maps and adjacent ads useful for locating nearby restaurants, lodging, theatres, and other businesses. “The photomap displays have proven to be popular conversation pieces for local visitors,” said Jay Grumme, “ president and founder of Skyview Concierge. “They are good information platforms for guests and out-of-towners. There is also that entertainment value of actually seeing a bird's-eye view of where you are.”

To view the airport display and obtain advertising information, visit www.skyviewconcierge.com or call 317-863-4545. The photos aerial photographs are taken by Grumme, also owner and founder of Above All Aerial and Specialty Photography, which offers still and video photography ( www.aboveallphoto.com or www.aboveallvideo.com ).

The Brides' Fair

Hal Fleming, a retired Foreign Service Officer who now lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, is the author of The Brides' Fair, a novel set in Morocco that uses the backdrop of an ancient ritual to weave a tale of intrigue. Fleming draws on his years in Morocco and in the Foreign Service to bring an authentic voice to the novel's characters, whether they are American Embassy personnel or Moroccans following traditional or more modern ways of life. The Brides' Fair is available from bookstores and online sources, including www.amazon.com. Fleming's website, contains photos of a modern-day Moroccan brides' fair.

Above All Aerial Photography

Above All Aerial Photography, Ltd. has expanded its services to include video. See how high-definition aerial video can give your business an edge over the competition.

Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers

Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers now offers another burial option: the first Indianapolis-area natural burial ground certified by the National Green Burial Council. The green burials will begin to take place at Kessler Woods, a secluded five-acre space located on the northern side of Washington Park North Cemetery. Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers, as well as the Washington Park Cemetery Association, are now both certified by the Green Burial Council.

Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers is now offering video recording and webcasting of funeral services. This is an innovative way to bring memorial or funeral services to members of the family and friends who are unable to attend in person.

Visit www.flannerbuchanan.com to learn more about Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers and its affiliated companies.

Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP

Six attorneys from Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP were selected as “The Best Lawyers in America 2009.” Named to the annual list are partners George M. Plews, Sue A. Shadley, Peter M. Racher, Christopher J. Braun, S. Curtis DeVoe, and Donna C. Marron. The list represents 40 percent of the firm’s partners.

Each year, following the Indiana Legislature session, the law firm publishes a Summary of Environmental Legislation. Sue Shadley, one of the founding partners, began compiling the detailed summaries in 1994. She and Amy Romig , another partner with the firm, now prepare the summaries, aided by other members of the firm.

The firm lead the 2009 “Leadership in Law” awards given by the statewide publication, Indiana Lawyer. PSRB founder George M. Plews was named a Distinguished Barrister. Distinguished Barristers are selected for their leadership in the legal profession and for community activities that have been exemplary and had significant impact over the course of their careers. Three of the firm's associates were named Up & Coming Lawyers: Thao T. Nguyen of the South Bend office and Tonya J. Bond and Greg M. Gotwald of the Indianapolis office. Those chosen as Up & Coming Lawyers have been out of law school five years or fewer and have already demonstrated leadership and a talent for making an impact. No other law firm in the state had more than one Up & Coming Lawyer.

For more information on the firm, visit www.psrb.com .

St. Vincent de Paul

Sherman & Co. is pleased to help promote the new St. Vincent de Paul Speakers’ Bureau. If you’d like to book a brief presentation for an upcoming meeting, please let us know. SVdP is an all-volunteer organization assisting a growing number of needy persons with food, household goods, legal advice, and medical attention.

The 2008 Annual Report contains the names of the many generous individuals, businesses, and nonprofits who contributed to St. Vincent de Paul. The number of people who rely on the all-volunteer organization for food, clothing, and other essentials is growing. Also in the annual report are several photos of former locations of the food pantry and the distribution center. To contribute, visit www.svdpindy.org.