Boone County Magazine June 2024

BRANDON BALTZ brandon@townepost.com (317) 514-9522

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER,

TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

Dr. Grace Arnold

Dr. Arnold, raised in Monticello, IN, earned her Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University. Dr. Arnold completed her post doctorate residency at the Jesse Brown VA with an emphasis in comprehensive eye care, ocular disease management, low vision rehab, and specialty contact lenses Dr Arnold is passionate about utilizing innovative technology for preventative therapy and regenerative medicine. She resides in the northern Indianapolis area with her husband, Dan They enjoy staying

and spending time with

and friends.

PATTY PERFECTION

BAIRE’S BURGERS BRINGS A COOL CARRY-OUT CONCEPT TO THE JAMESTOWN AREA

Writer / Julie Yates

Baire’s Burgers in Jamestown is worth the drive. Open since September, the carry-out eatery is already getting a following. The restaurant’s innovative menu, which features a fun variety of well-seasoned, juicy eight-ounce burgers and quarter-pound hot dogs, has earned it regular customers.

The concept grew out of a school assignment when Cameron Baire was taking

culinary arts classes at Ben Davis Area 31 Career Center. After graduating in 2015, he worked jobs that included being a grill chef for Aramark at Eli Lilly and later as a maintenance supervisor for the Indiana State Capitol, along with its adjacent buildings. However, he still wanted to follow through with his idea of owning a burger and sandwich shop.

“In 2020 I started a food trailer,” he says.

“In my off time I took it to festivals. People kept asking me, ‘Where are you located?’ I was looking for a place when the owner of Perillo’s in North Salem reached out to me and offered me this space. He was going to make it a carry-out pizza business, but he changed his mind.”

All orders are cooked right on the spot over an open-flame grill. The top seller is a classic cheeseburger topped with crisp lettuce,

Photographer / Michaela Hoover

onions, pickles and sliced tomatoes. All burgers are $12 except for the $15 Grizzly Burger, which has two patties plus bacon. For the more adventurous, the Panda Burger is topped with salsa and tortilla chips, and smothered in white queso. The Messy Burger with its chili and queso lives up to its name.

“My buddy told me I should do a spicy burger,” Blaire says. “I told him, ‘That’s not going to sell; that’s not going to work.’ Now we joke about how many Angry Burgers with pepper jack cheese, roasted jalapeños and jalapeño pepper jam I sell.”

The menu offers other options plus sides. The $6 hot dogs featuring the same toppings as burgers are named in a similar fashion. There is also a grilled chicken sandwich and a chicken wrap, for which the customer picks out the toppings and the sauce. The grilled cheese goes beyond basic; it is filled with provolone, cheddar and Swiss cheese. All items come with seasoned fries, and onion rings are available for a $1 upcharge. For $7, a pile of fries comes with a choice of any of the gourmet burger and hot dog toppings.

Each month a non-menu burger, such as a patty piled with mac and cheese, is posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page and website. Baire’s Burgers has a rewards program where every dollar spent earns a point. Once 50 points are reached, $5 off is earned. Customers can order from the website by going to the Menu tab.

“We also cater and can do a little bit of everything such as barbecue and deli sandwiches,” Blaire says. “We ask what the customer wants and we work with their budget. If they want coleslaw, mac and cheese, and even cupcakes, we can do it. Eventually I’d like to expand and have a sit-down eatery. I’m surprised at how many people come in. I’m so glad for all the support the area has given us.”

Baire’s Burgers is located at 37 East Main Street in Jamestown. Call them at 765-8914310, visit bairesburgers.com, and view them on Facebook.

Saturday, June 15th 2024 9 am -2 pm RAIN or SHINE

• CASH ONLY

• No children under 12 will be permitted (for safety requirements, no exceptions will be made)

• Product marked as overstock and NOT to be resold as new $1.00

• No carts or wagons permitted (we provide a large & small holding area for your full boxes while you continue to shop)

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Sarah Browning

Organization is a journey, not a destination.

That’s what Lori McKeever tells her clients on a regular basis. McKeever is the owner of a franchise that’s new to Indiana called Bee Organized Carmel, a professional home organization company. Bee Organized is committed to simplifying hives in more ways than one. They provide services for in-home organization for every room from the attic to the basement; moving and life transitions that include relocation, downsizing and senior moves; and concierge services such as errands and shopping, managing home projects and seasonal decorating.

“We pride ourselves on being compassionate, confidential and judgementfree,” says McKeever, a mother of three with a lifelong passion for organization. “Owning my own organization business is a dream come true because organizing has always been my jam.”

Often when it comes to organization, the primary emotion is feeling overwhelmed.

“I just had an assessment this morning where the woman had a gorgeous home but didn’t know where to start or how to make the space the most functional for her

family,” McKeever says. “That’s where my bees and I come in with a professional eye to help.”

McKeever notes that Bee Organized is all about creating sustainable solutions for their clients that work for their families.

“It’s not all about clear acrylic containers,” she says. “It’s about functionality and sustainable solutions that our clients can maintain for the long haul.”

Some organization companies charge for an in-home assessment, but McKeever does not. In fact, she typically responds to requests for assessments within a couple of hours and schedules them within a day or two.

“Some places do virtual assessments, but I want that face-to-face with the client,” she says. “I also want to be able to feel the space to get a sense of what is and isn’t working.”

These assessments usually take between 30 and 45 minutes.

While some companies concentrate primarily on luxury home organization, Bee Organized is dialed in on a home’s function.

“We’re not afraid to jump in and do the harder jobs - that garage or that basement,” McKeever says. “The sky is the limit, really.”

The company doesn’t stop with organization. If you need a speaker for a women’s function or real estate event, you can hire McKeever.

Currently, Bee Organized Carmel serves north-central Indiana to include Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Zionsville, Noblesville, Whitestown, Cicero and Sheridan. If you have a passion for organizing and would like to join McKeever’s team, visit beeorganized. com/become-a-bee-carmel.

For more information or to schedule a free assessment, visit beeorganized.com/carmel.

You can also find them on social media @ beeorganizedcarmel.

LAST A LIFETIME

Thank you for partnering for Godby Home Furnishings 50th year

Godby Home Furnishing is Indiana’s largest Flexsteel dealer. At the core of Flexsteel’s upholstered seating is their very own Blue Steel Spring. This patented component is not hidden behind a dust cover. It is left in plain sight so customers can see the remarkable technology that powers the Flexsteel lifetime guarantee. The all-riveted, high-carbon, steel banded system gives each one of our sofas and chairs lasting strength and comfort. Come in today and let one of our trained sales associates show you this quality in action.

BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER WITH THESE 10 AIR CONDITIONING AND PLUMBING TIPS

Arguably the busiest time of the year for homeowners is summer. With school out, the constant yard work, vacations and outings booking up our calendars, things are bound to get lost in the busy summer shuffle. But indoor comfort should not be one of those things.

To help provide you with peace of mind for your home this summer, we’ve asked Williams Comfort Air and Mr. Plumber, leaders in heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services, to provide us with a list of the 10 best tips to prioritize home comfort this summer and leave you feeling stress-free.

Story & Photography Provided

1. SCHEDULE ANNUAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

“Regular maintenance ensures your air conditioning system operates efficiently and helps identify any potential issues before they escalate,” says Roger Elkins, HVAC service director for Williams Comfort Air.

According to a 2023 home maintenance survey performed by Williams Comfort Air, only 40% of homeowners have scheduled at least one maintenance visit for their HVAC and/or plumbing system in the last yearand 30% have never had an HVAC and/ or plumbing maintenance visit. An annual inspection by a professional technician can

catch minor issues early, preventing them from turning into costly repairs or system breakdowns during the hottest months.

2. HAVE YOUR SEWER LINE INSPECTED

“Scheduling a sewer line inspection can detect any potential sewer blockages or signs of damage, preventing backups and costly repairs down the line,” says Paul Hallam, director of plumbing at Mr. Plumber. “Identifying and addressing sewer line issues preemptively can save homeowners from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with sewage backups, especially when temperatures are soaring.”

3. CONSIDER A WHOLE-HOME BACKUP GENERATOR

“Investing in a whole-home backup generator ensures uninterrupted power supply, allowing your air conditioning, refrigeration and other essential systems to continue running seamlessly during outages,” suggests DJ Callahan, director of electrical for Williams Comfort Air. A whole-home backup generator automatically kicks in when the power goes out, providing peace of mind and safeguarding your home and family against the inconveniences and potential hazards associated with extended power loss.

4. REPLACE YOUR HVAC FILTER

“A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy consumption,” explains Elkins. “Replace your HVAC filter every two to three months to maintain indoor air quality and efficiency.” Neglecting filter replacement not only compromises indoor air quality, but also puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC system, potentially leading to premature failure or costly repairs.

5. INSTALL A SMART THERMOSTAT

“A smart thermostat allows you to control

your home’s temperature remotely, optimizing energy usage and potentially reducing utility bills,” says Elkins. With a smart thermostat, homeowners can adjust temperature settings based on their schedule and preferences, maximizing comfort while minimizing energy waste and expenses.

6. PURCHASE A BATTERY BACKUP SUMP PUMP

“Heavy summer storms can lead to basement flooding,” warns Hallam. “A battery backup sump pump helps your basement stay dry, continuing to pump water out of your sump pit even during power outages.” Protecting your basement from flooding not only safeguards your belongings, but also prevents structural damage and mold growth, saving you from costly repairs and health hazards.

7. CONSIDER SCHEDULING AIR DUCT CLEANING

“Over time, dust, debris and allergens can accumulate in your air ducts, affecting indoor air quality,” says Elkins. “Consider professional air duct cleaning to improve air circulation and reduce allergens.” Clean air ducts promote better indoor air quality, reduce the risk of respiratory issues, and

enhance the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.

8. FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER

“Flushing your water heater removes sediment buildup, improving efficiency and extending its lifespan,” says Hallam. “Make it a part of your annual maintenance routine.” Sediment buildup not only reduces the efficiency of your water heater, but also increases the risk of corrosion and premature failure. Flushing the water heater annually is commonly recommended by manufacturers and necessary to keep new water heaters under warranty. It also helps maintain optimal performance and prolongs its service life.

9. PERFORM A WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS

“Understanding the quality of your drinking water is essential for your family’s health and well-being,” says Hallam. Testing your water can reveal issues such as hardness, contaminants, chlorine, chloramine, or PFAS (known as “forever chemicals”) that may affect your water’s taste, odor or safety. Armed with this knowledge, you can take appropriate measures to address any concerns, whether it’s incorporating a filtration system, water softener, or other

treatment solution to ensure your drinking water meets safety standards and tastes great.

10. TURN OFF YOUR WATER BEFORE LEAVING FOR VACATION

“Before embarking on your summer getaway, it’s wise to close your main water valve to your home and turn off your water supply, to prevent any potential leaks or malfunctions while you’re away,” warns Hallam. This simple step can help mitigate the risk of water damage in your absence.

By implementing these expert tips, homeowners can ensure their homes remain comfortable, efficient and protected throughout the summer months and beyond. Let these recommendations serve as a roadmap to a worry-free summer, where your home is your ultimate sanctuary of comfort and safety.

IT’S A WASH

NORTHSIDE WINDOW AND GUTTER CLEANING FOCUSES ON THOROUGH AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Ron Wise

A long-standing friendship led local veteran Gene Hairston to purchase Northside Window and Gutter Cleaning from his friend, the original owner, in 2019. The two met many years prior through other career paths. Some might say the two are alike in their attention to detail or, as Hairston says, their OCD for the business. This personal connection and shared dedication to the business is what makes Northside a truly special and valued service in the community.

“When [the previous owner] Scott wanted to branch out and move on to other business ventures, he approached me about buying the business,” Hairston says. “At that point I was already involved in the day-today running of the business. So I’ve had at least some attachment to the company since the beginning.”

Hairston’s meticulous attention to detail and his team’s expertise are the driving

forces behind the success of Northside. The business offers its clients proven techniques to keep their homes and properties looking great all year round. From interior and exterior window and screen cleaning to gutter cleaning, gutter guards, pressure washing and soft washing, as well as additional interior and exterior cleaning services, every task is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.

“We do things the way everyone should be doing them but don’t necessarily always do,”

Hairston says. “When we clean your gutters, we make sure what we remove doesn’t end up on your beautiful home or patio furniture. We don’t want to provide you with a service and create another problem for you in the process. Our commitment to your satisfaction and the preservation of your property is unwavering.”

Hairston says he can teach anyone to clean their windows but can’t teach proficiencybut Northside offers its clients that. He says his team has the process down to a science,

using what he calls a secret, proprietary blend of ingredients to leave windows shining and streak-free.

“We offer pressure-washing and sometimes lesser-known soft-washing services,” Hairston says. “With pressure washing, you can actually damage your home if you aren’t careful. Soft washing uses low-pressure nozzles in conjunction with biodegradable detergents that remove and kill biological elements like algae, mold, moss and dirt. This technique is completed using a lowpressure soaping method followed by a low-pressure rinse. I always tell people I will pressure wash your driveway, deck or sidewalk, but I will not pressure wash

your house.”

Hairston says they also clean ceiling fan blades, chandeliers and coach lights, perform lightbulb changes, and remove cobwebs. It’s important to Hairston to be transparent with clients in terms of cost, which is why he provides 100% free estimates. He says estimates can typically be completed within 24 hours with zero obligation to commit.

“Some people provide their estimates based on the square footage of a home,” Hairston says. “We’re a little different in that we actually come over to your home and walk around the property. This allows us to give

an accurate price without any surprises to the customer later on.”

Hairston says being a local, veteran-owned business is crucial to him. He knows the benefit of clients spending their money locally. He says he’s an active owner, meaning he’s out in the field with his employees day in and day out. He says the size of his team allows Northside Window and Gutter Cleaning to be more responsive to client needs than its competitors.

For more information about Northside Window and Gutter Cleaning, call 317-9660212 or visit windowguttercleaning.com.

Service Set in Stone

INDY CUSTOM STONE CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Writer & Photographer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Whether you are looking to install a bathroom vanity, design a fireplace or tackle a complete kitchen overhaul, Indy Custom Stone can help you select, create and install the job. They do a lot of new construction, remodels, design work and commercial projects, utilizing granite, quartz and marble.

While a lot of fabricators don’t want their customers to work with the product directly, the team at Indy Custom Stone feels differently.

“We let our customers get involved as much as they want with the process by picking out their slab and figuring out the parts of the stone they want to use,” says John Lunsford, president of Indy Custom Stone. “This gives them a visual of what it’s going to look like before we do the work.”

For instance, recently a client came into the showroom and the team laid out five slabs, allowing the customer to choose the one

she wanted for her island and another for her full-height backsplash.

“We were able to tape it off and show her what it was going to look like before we actually cut it,” Lunsford says.

Indy Custom Stone has a 12,000-squarefoot, full-slab showroom in Carmel that includes more than 1,500 slabs as well as remnants (leftover pieces of stone) are available for purchase. They also have a fabrication shop that’s another 12,000 square feet, in addition to a wide selection of online inventory.

“A customer can go to our website to see our live inventory of all the different materials we have,” Lunsford says. “If you’ve got a smaller project, you can also go to Remnants, type in the length and width of your project, and our website will pull everything from our live inventory that will work.”

This online aspect allows homeowners to do a lot of their research before they even come into the store. If they hit the “Inquire”

button on an item, then type in their name, email address and phone number, the sales team will send a price and confirm availability. Currently they have more than 800 remnants in stock.

“Many people don’t realize how big we are,” says Lunsford, noting that they are one of the top-five largest granite companies in central Indiana. “People are surprised when they come to our showroom and see what all we can do.”

and polish stone material.

They use a robotic dual table saw that has a water jet and saw blade on it. The saw blade enables them to make long, linear cuts, while the water jet lets them cut circles and curves for products like sinks.

They do CNC stone fabrication, which refers to the process of using computer numerical control machinery to cut, shape

“We are a full digital stone fabricator,” Lunsford says. “That means we laser template. We do custom CAD Slabsmith layouts, which are specialized 3D renderings of your countertops before they are installed so clients can see the veins in the material or vein matching.”

The CNC machine allows them to do different styles of custom edging. It also lets

them do milling applications, where they can make material that’s thicker or thinner on different areas or on certain splashes if needed. Plus they can do miter work as well as waterfall edges, which gives countertops a sleek, modern look.

Lunsford and Co-owner Brad Nelson started the company in 2014. The pair each have more than 20 years of experience in the industry. After a decade, they have 38 fulltime employees, many of whom have been there since 2014.

Currently full-height backsplashes are popular, as is using countertop material for wall application. Custom fireplaces wrapped in stone are also trending.

“We’ve been doing a lot of fluting on the

fronts of cabinet faces, countertops and backsplashes,” Lunsford says. “We’ve done a lot of door fronts in the countertop material too.”

Many homeowners are requesting custom showers where the walls utilize the countertop material, almost like a shower without grout. Instead of using tile, they do large slab pieces on the walls.

“Say you have a 9-foot shower back wall,” Lunsford says. “We’ll do that in a full slab, and then do the sidewalls of 3 feet on both sides so it looks like a piece of stone. Then we seam it together where you don’t see grout lines.”

As the team celebrates its 10-year anniversary, they are not slowing down one

bit. They average five to 10 walk-ins per day, and schedule five to 10 daily appointments as well.

“We’re so busy because new-construction homes haven’t slowed down either,” says Lunsford, noting that they are working on custom homes in Holliday Farms in Zionsville, Chatham Hills in Westfield, and the Home-A-Rama event, which will take place in September in Zionsville’s new Promontory neighborhood.

Indy Custom Stone is located at 564 Industrial Drive in Carmel. For more information, call 317-877-1000 or visit indycustomstone.com.

Blissfully Boone WEDDING DESTINATIONS IN BOONE COUNTY

sizes, ensuring every couple can find the perfect spot for their celebration. Here are some notable venues:

Boone County, Indiana, is an exceptional place to host weddings of all sizes, offering a diverse range of venues that cater to intimate gatherings and grand celebrations alike. With its charming landscapes, historic towns, and versatile event spaces, Boone County provides the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable wedding memories.

BOUTIQUE WEDDINGS IN BOONE COUNTY

For couples seeking a more intimate wedding experience, Boone County offers a variety of charming venues ideal for boutique weddings. These smaller-sized celebrations allow for a more personalized and cozy atmosphere, often held in unique settings that add a special touch to the big day. Pocket parks such as Lincoln Park in Zionsville and Jamestown Nature Park in Jamestown, Indiana, are perfect for these smaller gatherings.

Lincoln Park in Zionsville is a picturesque location, featuring beautiful landscaping and a gazebo, ideal for a quaint outdoor ceremony. The park’s serene environment offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, providing a romantic setting for couples and their guests.

Jamestown Nature Park is another gem, offering a natural, rustic setting perfect for nature-loving couples. With its lush greenery and scenic views, the park provides a tranquil space for an intimate wedding ceremony.

VENUES FOR ALL SIZES

Boone County boasts a variety of venues that can accommodate weddings of different

Ulen Country Club is a beautiful venue that combines elegance with a classic country club atmosphere. Located in Lebanon, this venue offers an exquisite clubhouse and beautifully manicured grounds perfect for both indoor and outdoor weddings. The Ulen Country Club provides a sophisticated setting, excellent service, and a variety of customizable options to create a memorable event.

The Barn in Zionsville is another fantastic option, offering a rustic yet chic venue that can host weddings of various sizes. This beautifully restored barn combines vintage charm with modern amenities, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. The expansive indoor space and scenic outdoor areas make it versatile for any wedding style, whether intimate or grand.

The Cardinal Room at Golf Club of Indiana is a premier wedding venue in Boone County, known for its modern design and luxurious amenities. Located in Whitestown, The Cardinal Room features a spacious banquet hall with large windows, offering stunning views of the golf course. This venue is perfect for couples looking to host a grand celebration, with ample space for dining, dancing, and entertainment. The professional staff and customizable packages ensure that every detail is taken care of.

BLISSFULLY BOONE

Discover Boone County is a resource for wedding destinations, venues, catering, gifts and more! We want you to get married in Boone County, IN and bring your guests to experience our charming area. Are you looking to get married soon? Reach out to see how Discover Boone County can make your day exceptional! Find more information at: www. DiscoverBooneCounty.com

CONCLUSION

Boone County, Indiana, is a versatile and picturesque destination for weddings of all sizes. Whether you’re planning an intimate boutique wedding in a charming pocket park or a grand celebration in one of the county’s premier venues, you’ll find the perfect location to make your special day unforgettable. With its blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities, Boone County provides everything you need to create the wedding of your dreams.

For more information about the Boone County Convention & Visitors Bureau, visit boonecvb.com or follow us on facebook.com/BooneCVB.

Story Provided Photos Provided by The Barn in Zionsville