It’s a Wash
Northside Window and Gutter
Cleaning Focuses on Thorough and Professional Service
It’s a Wash
Northside Window and Gutter
Cleaning Focuses on Thorough and Professional Service
SARA’S SOIRÉE MUSIC LOUNGE FEATURES FOOD, SPIRITS AND ALL THAT JAZZ
Many will find the latest addition in downtown Noblesville to be music to their ears - literally.
Sara’s Soirée Music Lounge, located on Noblesville’s historic downtown square, opened its doors on April 20. Owner Sara Howe calls her new business a music listening lounge with a speakeasy, downtown-Chicago feel.
“I wanted to build a place around music where there is also space to enjoy great ambiance, food and spirits,” said Howe.
Howe’s vision for a music lounge was several years in the making. Finding the right location was crucial, and Howe was thrilled to land her business in Noblesville. She touted the community feel and energy in Noblesville as the impetus for her decision. Her music lounge sits at the former location of Texy Mexy restaurant.
As a vocalist, instrumentalist and band leader, Howe’s passion is to promote and support musicians.
“My heart song is how to make my space better for musicians, and bless them and continue to grow,” said Howe.
Howe was very intentional about creating a space where musicians don’t have to worry about setting up equipment or running their own sound.
Sara’s showcases highly trained musicians. The establishment entertains all genres of music, but hones in on jazz. Music acts play six days a week, with two acts playing on Friday and Saturday. The lounge is closed on Mondays. In the upcoming weeks, Freddie Mendoza, the Naptown Strangers, Rob Dixon, and Gordon Bonham will be performing.
“Fifty years ago there were many places like this,” said Howe. “They dwindled over the years. There aren’t a ton of places in the state of Indiana like this where you can listen to live music.”
Howe’s focus has not just been on the music, but also the food and spirits. She
enlisted friend Emily DiRosa, former coowner of Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano, to create the menu and assist with the wine, champagne and bourbon selection. The music lounge offers fine dining, with an eclectic, modern European and American menu that includes everything from an ahi tuna dinner to an American jazz burger. Dinner is served by candlelight, creating a cozy atmosphere for guests.
Reservations are not required but are recommended, as the space seats 66 guests and interests has been high since opening. Business-casual dress is recommended. Currently, the music lounge only allows guests 21 and older. Parking is offered on the street or in a free public parking lot.
Howe’s hope is to continue to grow what her business offers, and plans to explore brunch music options and other avenues of music listening in the future.
To learn more about Sara’s Soirée Music Lounge, go to sarassoiree.com.
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has made for many memorable moments.
Balancing more than one sport may come as a challenge for some, but not for Fall Creek Intermediate sixth-grader JJ Branham.
Branham is in his fourth year with Indiana Primetime Baseball (12 and under) and his fifth year with Showtime Basketball (sixth Blue) at Mojo Up Sports Complex, where he’s enjoyed competing with players with such talent they could have played anywhere, but chose to play together.
The time he has dedicated to both sports
Hitting a buzzer beater to win a game at Mojo, in addition to his Indiana Primetime Baseball teams ranking first or second in the state every season dating back to his 9-andunder year, have given Branham something to be proud of.
“Last year, our [11-and-under] team finished with a national ranking of 43,” he says. “During that time, our Indiana Primetime teams have played in 19 tournament championship games and won 13 of them.”
Accomplishments and achievements don’t overshadow Branham’s humility and eagerness to learn. He actively absorbs feedback and integrates it into his game - even with baseball being nearly second nature to him.
His immersion in the world of baseball comes from the familial love of the sport that was embedded in his DNA before he can even remember.
“My parents both love baseball,” he says. “My grandpa loves baseball and played in college. I’ve been playing so long I can’t
really remember a time when I wasn’t playing or practicing.”
Perhaps the ingrained drive comes from his genes, or maybe the passion is from the number 50 outlined on Branham’s jersey, which he’s sported since he was 7, reflecting his inspiration, the energetic Mookie Betts.
Though baseball may come to him instinctively, he views basketball as a greater challenge, driving him to continuously improve. With the support of skilled coaches, Branham’s resolve remains unwavering. He consistently returns to the court to push his own limits.
“I love to challenge myself,” Branham adds. “Basketball has been challenging. I’m definitely not the best basketball player and I’ve had a lot of moments - a LOT of moments - that didn’t go well.”
Branham’s five years with Showtime Basketball have all been coached by Eric
Schellhammer, and the coach has been involved in coaching Branham since he was in the second grade.
“Each time, Coach Eric was there to pick me up,” Branham says. “He’d tell me exactly what I needed to hear, whether that was encouragement or to push me to be better. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be playing basketball today if not for him and his belief in me.”
The additional time and dedication to his game doesn’t discourage the young athlete; instead, he’s harnessing both his innate talents and learned skills in a harmonious blend across both sports to truly foster his growth as a stronger player. This synergy is made possible through the support and motivation of his coaches.
“Sometimes all you need is a coach willing to believe in you,” he says.
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Closet Factory has officially arrived in central Indiana.
As the leader in the custom closet industry, Closet Factory specializes in custom storage solutions for both residential and commercial spaces, offering options for customizing virtually every area of the home or office including pantries, garages, closets, home offices and more. Closet Factory is a franchise that has been around for more than 40 years, and its expertise and strength as a company is now available to serve the Indianapolis community.
Husband-and-wife duo Josh and Amy Evans decided to open Closet Factory based on their shared passion for entrepreneurship, and a desire to bring their professional backgrounds together into one single venture.
“Amy and I have been together since high school,” said Josh. “And one of our life goals has always been to own our own business. With my experience in sales, manufacturing, and leadership, and Amy’s experience in marketing and design – it’s a perfect fit.”
Their journey with Closet Factory began with extensive research and careful consideration of their next business move. Ultimately, they were drawn to the Closet Factory’s commitment to quality-
manufactured products, high-level of customization, and outstanding customer service.
“We manufacture all our own products,” said Josh. “We have a manufacturing facility right here in Indianapolis where everything is made locally, which allows us to create a 100% custom product for the client.”
The customer process at Closet Factory begins with an initial consultation, where clients have a conversation with Josh or Amy to discuss what they’re looking for, then they will schedule a time for one of the talented designers to go to the client’s home and look at their space. During this time, the designer will take measurements and discuss the client’s storage needs, preferences and budget. From there, the design team collaborates closely with the client to create customized solutions tailored to their specific requirements.
Once the design is finalized and approved, skilled craftsmen meticulously manufacture each component. Installation is then scheduled at the client’s convenience, with professional installers ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Throughout the entire process, Closet Factory prioritizes open communication, attention to detail and customer satisfaction, aiming to deliver not just functional storage solutions, but also spaces that truly enhance the lives of
their clients.
“We really enjoy being able to upgrade all aspects of a person’s home through designing and building these custom spaces,” said Josh. “We’re adding value not only to their homes, but to their daily lives.”
“We offer a product that is designed to last a lifetime,” added Amy. “That’s why Closet Factory has a lifetime warranty. Our tagline is ‘The Art of Organization’ because we design beautiful spaces with a highly functional aspect. It’s an investment that can increase your home’s value while adding a lifetime of convenience.”
Josh and Amy are sourcing local products, employing local people, providing a service with 40-years of history to its brand, and bringing a product with a lifetime warranty to the Indy area. Their new facility is located at 3250 North Post Road, Suite 265 in Indianapolis.
To schedule your free consultation with them, give them a call at 317-812-0304 or visit closetfactory.com/locations/ Indianapolis.
To see more of their work, follow them on Instagram @closet.factory.indy.
317-812-0304 closetfactory.com/locations/ indianapolis
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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
Soft Water Solutions, a Noblesville-based company, is making waves in the local water treatment industry, offering water softener sales, service and installation.
Founded by Tom Edens, a lifelong resident of Noblesville, Soft Water Solutions not only focuses on providing water softener solutions, but also on fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the local communities it serves.
“About a year back, I was talking to a friend of mine that had worked for a local softener company,” Edens says. “That company was sold several years ago and the new owner chose not to keep a physical presence in Noblesville. To me, knowing that Noblesville is such a tight-knit community, that didn’t make sense. I decided to pitch him the idea of starting a company. He would handle the service and installation, and I would oversee the marketing and operations.”
That friend is Don Crowder, lead installation tech for Soft Water Solutions. “Don has 20-plus years of softener experience and I love to be entrepreneurial,” Edens says.
The plan came together quickly. Having opened late in February of this year, Soft Water Solutions has quickly established itself as a trusted and valuable resource for residents of Noblesville, and all of Hamilton County. Edens says by operating very lean, it gives his company an advantage when it comes to competitiveness. “We don’t have excessive overhead and that allows us to be a very economical option for homeowners,” he says.
“We’re not just selling water softeners,” Edens adds. “We’re providing solutions to help families deal with the extremely hard water that is found throughout central Indiana.”
Soft Water Solutions takes a personal approach to every installation,
service call and maintenance project. With a clear understanding that each home and family is different, Edens and his team take into account factors such as household size and water consumption habits to recommend the best water softening solution.
“We want to talk to our clients,” Edens says. “We want to make an initial trip to their home and learn. That is what will give us the peace of mind that we’re providing the best option.”
If the conversation drifts away from water softeners during that home visit, Edens doesn’t mind. Talking about local sports or what’s happening around the area is just fine. “We’re Noblesville guys and oftentimes we know our clients, their families or their friends,” he says. “We love it when there is time to talk about what’s happening in our community.”
In addition to sales and installation, Soft Water Solutions provides maintenance on existing units and delivers softener salt. Edens is quick to point out that filling the family softener with salt was his least favorite chore as a kid. “My parents would both remember how much I hated lugging those bags down to our basement,” he says.
Lugging those bags is now an important part of his business. “Now I realize and appreciate that carrying a couple of 40-pound bags into the house from the car is a lot easier said than done,” Edens says. “Not everyone has friends or family close by to help out, and some people just don’t want the hassle of it.” Soft Water Solutions delivers salt to clients’ homes and adds it to their softeners if requested.
For Edens, the company’s commitment goes beyond their services. They understand the value of giving back to the place they call home. Whether it is sponsoring local sports teams or donating their time to a local organization, Edens says both he and Crowder love to be out and about. “We’re your neighbors, and supporting local communities throughout the county is a core value of our company,” he says.
Soft Water Solutions provides free estimates, does not charge for service calls, and has no monthly service agreements. “No two jobs are the same, so every call gives us the chance to be out in the community, talking to clients about their needs and what’s happening around Noblesville and Hamilton County,” Edens says. That’s just the way he likes it.
Aphasia, a language disorder often resulting from stroke or brain injury, impairs an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, an annual recognition to help educate the public. Speech therapy stands as a pivotal tool in aiding aphasia recovery, focusing on reestablishing and enhancing communication abilities.
Aphasia affects language comprehension, expression, reading and writing. Its severity varies, ranging from mild difficulty finding words to complete loss of language abilities. This condition can be frustrating and isolating for individuals, impacting their social interactions and daily life.
Speech therapy is tailored to the unique needs of individuals with aphasia. Therapists employ various techniques and exercises. Language recovery helps you relearn and regain language skills through evidence-based techniques targeting speaking, listening, reading and writing. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) introduces tools like communication boards, gestures or technology-based speech generating devices to aid communication when verbal communication is challenging. Your therapist may try to help improve comprehension by enhancing understanding of spoken and written language, enabling you to follow conversations and instructions. They may also focus on practical communication in daily activities, emphasizing strategies to convey needs and ideas effectively.
Some techniques your therapist may use include:
• Word retrieval exercises: Engaging activities to assist in recalling words and phrases
• Role-playing and conversational practice: Simulating real-life scenarios to improve communication skills in various settings
• Reading and writing tasks: Exercises to regain or improve reading comprehension and writing abilities
With time, speech therapy helps individuals regain and enhance their ability to communicate, boosting confidence and reducing frustration. Better communication skills facilitate participation in social activities and relationships, leading to a more fulfilling life. Learning new communication strategies also empowers individuals to express themselves and engage more actively in daily life.
Recovery from aphasia is often gradual and varies from person to person. Consistency and patience are key. Speech therapy is an ongoing process, and progress may continue over months or even years.
Support from family, friends and caregivers is invaluable. Patience, encouragement and practicing communication strategies learned in therapy contribute significantly to an individual’s recovery journey.
Speech therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals with aphasia regain and strengthen their communication abilities. By tailoring approaches to individual needs and focusing on practical communication skills, speech therapy empowers individuals to navigate their world with increased confidence and independence. For more information, visit iuhealth.org and search “speech therapy.”
Sophie Millspaugh, a senior at Noblesville High School (NHS), has taken her love for dance and turned it into something she can teach to other inspired dancers.
She knows that the more she practices, the better she will get, which is something she passes on to her students. She continually motivates them to be the best dancers they can be.
Sophie teaches high school advanced tap, and has also co-taught preschool combo classes in the past.
“The Combo 1 dancers are a preschool class that includes both tap and ballet,” Sophie said.
She also spends a lot of time competing in dance recitals.
“I dance in recitals in the winter and summer, as well as compete throughout the winter with both a dance team and studio,” Sophie said.
She also received the Noblesville Millers Girls Dance Team Girl of the Year award.
“Miller Girl of the Year is voted on by the team and is awarded to a member who best represents the values of the team, and was seen as a leader throughout the season,” Sophie said.
In a separate success, Sophie and NHS
freshman Aliya Warren were named state runners-up for their duo effort at a solo and ensemble championship. Sophie also placed seventh in the state competition with her senior solo.
Sophie is planning to attend Indiana University in the fall, and dance on the Indiana dance team.
“I plan on majoring in marketing through the Kelley School of Business,” she said.
Millspaugh has some valuable advice for younger dance students.
“Keep pushing yourself and being proud of your growth over the years, even when it gets difficult,” she said. “Eventually you will look back and appreciate the little moments in training, with your friends and with your teachers, that helped you grow into the person you will become.”
Millspaugh loves and appreciates everything
Noblesville has to offer.
“I love the small-town charm, from the homecoming parade and back-to-school events to First Fridays and concerts at Federal Hill,” she said. “Noblesville has been a great place to grow up.”
Robin Meunier-Millspaugh, Sophie’s mom, said she couldn’t be prouder of Sophie.
“I am immensely proud of Sophie and the effort she puts into everything she does,” Robin said. “She not only wants to be the best version of herself, but she wants the best for her class, team, personal relationships, performance groups, class project groups and the organizations she supports. She goes out of her way to lift up others and encourage them in everything she involves herself in. I have told both of my girls that I realize I often take for granted how fortunate I am to have them as my daughters.”
Wednesday, June 26 from 11AM to 1PM
Our annual "State of the County" luncheon with Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger on June 26th will be a great day to reconnect with other business leaders and be fully informed. Growth and progress in Hamilton County is evident all around us Join us to learn more about the initiatives, projects, and priorities led by our county government.
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All within 1/2 Hour Or Less from Geist! Proud supporter of Lawrence Township, Hamilton Southeastern Schools and the Hamilton County Humane Society.