## in model.rb

def new_model_method(params)
  if params[:zip].present? && !params[:address].present?
    begin
      @people = Person.zip_search(params)
      if @people.count > 1
        @notice = "More than one district for your zip code. Please enter your full address."
        @show_address_field = true
      end
      rescue Exceptions::DistrictLookupError
        @error = "No congressional district was found for the zip code given."
        @people = Person.all.paginate
      end
  elsif params[:address].present?
    begin
      @people = Person.address_search(params).paginate
      rescue Exceptions::GeocodeError
        @people = Person.all.paginate
        @error = "Error looking up your congressional district: \"#{$!}\""
      end
  else
    @people = Person.people_search(params)
  end
  return [@people, @notice, @error, @show_address_field]
end

## in controller

def index

  @people, flash[:notice], flash[:error], @show_address_field = Person.new_model_method(params)

  ....
end