New Year's Surprise #2 from The Hop: Free Ice Cream!

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Hello, hello, Asheville!
It is truly amazing that 2010 will have given way to 2011 in less than 24 hours. Ashley and I are full of such nostalgia for the past 365 days, recounting the many wonderful folks we've met and worked with, thinking about how much different things are for us as small business owners and individuals, how in awe we are of the daily growth seen in this supportive local community...



The listmakers in us want to do a full breakdown, but we won't digress. Instead we wish to offer anyone and everyone our deepest thanks with an Ice Cream Special for this January, the first month of the New Year. And here it is...

Free Kiddie Scoop Mondays! Stop by either The Hop or The Hop West every Monday in January (the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st) and enjoy a Free Kiddie Scoop of The Hop's homemade Ice Cream *with the purchase of any menu item (limit one per order)* on us! Bring a friend. Bring the family. Treat your Mom or your Grandpa. Spread the word!



Ashley and I are forever indebted to you all for creating such a vibrant and cultured scene, of which we are so thankful to be a part. Happy New Year, Asheville!



Much Love,
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
hopicecreamcafe@yahoo.com
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

PS New Year's Surprise #1

12 Days of Christmas At The Hop

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Much Love and Happy Holidays!
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
hopicecreamcafe@yahoo.com
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

Blanket and Winter Clothing Donations Needed

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As seen in this recent Asheville Citizen-Times article, Russ Barnes has taken it upon himself to collect donated warm socks, coats, blankets and other winter weather clothes and distribute them to Asheville's homeless. In an effort to help increase donations and raise awareness for this cause, we are reaching out to all of you.



Do you have gently used or new blankets and winter clothes in your closets to spare? Are you looking for a worthy cause to support during the Holiday season? If so, please bring items to The Hop at 640 Merrimon Ave or The Hop West at 721 Haywood Rd. Mr. Barnes will personally pick up the donations and deliver them to the local homeless shelter, Community of the Beloved.

If you are unable to make it to either of The Hops, give Mr. Barnes a call at 828-450-7655 and he will gladly arrange to meet you to pick up your donation.



We will be taking donations indefinitely.

Thank you in advance for supporting this cause and aiding those in need!
Much Love, Asheville.
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
hopicecreamcafe@yahoo.com
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

Thank You, Asheville, from The Hop!

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"Hey, how you!" I'm Greg, The Hop's Social Media operator. My lovely wife, Ashley, The Ice Cream Ninja Master, and I are so very fortunate to be the owners of The Hop(s). This year has truly been a wonderful year for us in every respect. Thus, I am here, in the holiday hemisphere, on Christmas Day, to offer our most sincere, warmest and fuzziest thanks to all of you.



Seriously, you folks in the Asheville Community are amazing. It would have never been imaginable to think that a collective of people could be so welcoming, open to ideas, willing to collaborate, genuinely supportive of each other and just flat out awesome! Over the past 12 months we have met and worked with so many brilliant and creative groups or individuals on such incredible and diverse events. The depth of it is unfathomable. Allowing us to be a part of this unique Asheville scene has literally changed our lives in such a positive way and, honestly, brought us closer as a couple.



So on this Christmas Day, Ashley and I, with all of the stores of happy Yule-tide vibes within us, wish you the best holiday imaginable. We are so thankful to know you, interact with you, meet you in person and be able to experience the many beauties of Asheville with you! Let's keep building this community together!!!!

So Much Freakin' Love,
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
hopicecreamcafe@yahoo.com
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

In Spite of The Cold

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Tuesday 12/14 6-7pm: Sirius B Family-Friendly Show.
Asheville's super fun and fabulously energetic gypsy rock band, Sirius B, will be performing a Free show! A perfect event for families looking to have some good clean fun and avoid cabin fever :) Here's a Sirius B video from Asheville Vaudeville's Halloween Show.



Friday 12/17 7-9pm: Asheville Tweet-up/Toy Drive.
This Holiday season we are reaching out to all of you in the Asheville Social Media world in an effort to make a better Christmas for WNC children and families. Friday 12/17 from 7-9pm we are hosting a Asheville Tweet-Up, as part of the National Tweet Drive, to benefit Toys For Tots. Suggested toy donation valued at around $10 (must be new and packaged, please donate what you can)! All details are at this website, thanks to Gary of G Social Media.



Saturday 12/18 6:30-7:30pm: PANDA WITH COOKIE Monster Art Show *At The Hop West*.
Panda With Cookie, AKA Lisa Coulson will be at The Hop West on Saturday evening selling a plethora of plush toys for your perusal. Tote bags! Baby onesies! Holiday ornaments! Bring the family out for some delectable ice cream and delightful toys. Great Holiday shopping event! Check out Panda With Cookie's ETSY Shop here. <-- Did you see the "Pirate Squid Onesie" :)?



Tuesday 12/21 6-7pm: Polar Express Night presented by Curtain Call Coillective.
Be part of the magic of the classic children's holiday story, The Polar Express, which is celebrating it's 25th Birthday!, by Chris Van Allsburgh. Kids any age can be a part of the story by being one of the characters as we dramatize the book or be in the audience. We invite folks to wear their fun, festive pajamas on this night and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and ice cream along with a very special surprise!!! Ho, Ho,Ho! Directed By Chris Martin.


Click here for the story about the above picture :)

Much Love, Asheville.
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
hopicecreamcafe@yahoo.com
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

2 Free Family-Friendly Shows at The Hop

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TUESDAY 12/7 6-7PM: CAROLINE POND - ukulele show!
There are some musicians around town, like Now You See Them or Sirius B, that, because of their energy and message and fun sound, can very easily be profiled as Family-Friendly. Caroline Pond, Asheville ukulele player of Snake Oil Medicine Show, who has performed with the incredible Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, is no different.



Therefore, she is excited to be performing a solo show for YOU on Tuesday 12/7 6-7pm at The Hop.



THURDAY 12/9 6:30-7:30PM: SUGARFOOT SERENADERS - totally jazzy fun!
If you are fans of The Runaway Circus or enjoyed their hilarious performance at The Hop, The Sugarfoot Serenaders are right up your alley. They will be playing a Free Family-Friendly show for you on Thursday 12/9 at 6:30pm!

This is a great opportunity for families and folks of all ages to see some of Asheville's finest talent! Hope to see you there :) Much Love!
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
hopicecreamcafe@yahoo.com
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

The Hop's Famous Yule Logs!

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This is the time of year when we light up the night with the holiday spirit. We create or make purchases with other people in the fore of our minds. We host, are invited to and attend wonderful parties with great food and fun. We piggy-back on the family-time inspired by Thanksgiving and gather close to friends and loved ones to spread cheer and joy.

It is from this seasonal vibe which we introduce The Hop's Famous Yule Logs!!!



First we take chocolate Jelly-Roll Cake, handmade by Creme Bakery, and roll it up with Vanilla Bean, Butter Pecan or Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. Once it sets, we cover the whole thing with our decadent Dark Chocolate Ice Cream. Finally, we festively decorate the Yule Log to your specifications. Healthily serves 10-12 people for $22.95+tax. Yummo!

We are taking orders now through December 22nd! Call, email or stop by either The Hop or The Hop West to order!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!
Much Love
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
hopicecreamcafe@yahoo.com
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

Free Storytelling Event!

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Dearest Asheville,
We at The Hop wanted first to extend our most earnest thanks for all that you do. Our hearts are filled with such joy and love for this brilliant community and of the great things it has allowed us to be a part! We are thankful for YOU most of all!

Along those lines, we are very happy to announce our next Free Family-Friendly event at the Merrimon Ave location...



Tuesday, November 30th, between 6 & 7:30pm, Local and Nationally renowned Storyteller, David Novak, will perform some of his favorite holiday tales! If you have yet witnessed one of his performances, you will definitely be in for a treat!



As always, there is no charge for the show, Kids Eat Free upstairs at Urban Burrito, thin out your pantry to bring a can if you can for MANNA Food Bank, and help the underprivileged have a better Christmas by bringing some toys for Toys For Tots!

Much Love!
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

Professor WhizzPop!, Craggie Anniversary & Blue Ridge Roller Girls

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*All events herein will be held at The Hop at 640 Merrimon Ave unless otherwise indicated.*

The Hop, North and West Asheville, have another exciting week ahead. We're talking a free magic show, Craggie Pumpkin Beer Floats, an incredible art show and a Rollergirl Day! Here are the details...



Tuesday November 16th 6:30-7:30pm: Professor WhizzPop!, local magician, will captivate his audience with wildly clever and animated magic tricks, which create a performance that people of all ages can enjoy. Here's a video from a previous performance.



Friday November 19th 6:30-7:30pm *At The Hop West*: To outfit the walls of our new location, we commissioned local artist, Jarrett Rutland. He has created an enormous 4'x5' canvas painting that will be unveiled this Friday. In addtion, there will be prints and originals for sale and perusal.



Friday November 19th 4pm-12am *At Craggie Brewing*: Craggie Brewing Company is celebrating their 1 year anniversary all this week. Part of the celebration will include Pumpkin Beer and Ice Cream Floats (for only $5)!!! Congratulations to these folks who have wholly devoted themselves to this vibrant community. Here is the link to their full schedule for the week. And here is a link to an interview they did with Local Edge Radio.



Saturday November 20th ALL DAY: It's Blue Ridge Rollergirls Day. This is your chance to help support this awesome group of ladies that bring so much fun and excitement to Asheville. 20% of sales from The Hop and The Hop West will be donated to BRRG. In addition, there will be an autograph session and ice cream eating competition from 2-4pm!!!

We'll be back next week to give thanks :)
Much Love
Greg and Ashley

PS Burgermeisters on Haywood Road is exclusively selling our Jagermeister Ice Cream (must be 21 or older)!!! AND Pumpking Ice Cream Pies are now on sale for the holidays!!!



The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5155

Now You See Them free show + More

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*All events herein will be held at The Hop on Merrimon Ave unless otherwise specified.*

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, as if scooping ice cream for you wonderful folks wasn't enough, the coming seven days make us so proud and happy to do what we do for Asheville! We're talking 5 free performances and 2 fundraisers from Saturday to Saturday! Check it...



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6TH 3PM: Things get kicked off with a book reading by Asheville Author, Audrey Kinsella. She is the creator of "Dingle: The Ice Cream Cone Delivery Dog", a perfectly fitting tale of a pup, Dingle, that wants to help out in whatever way (with ice cream!) he is able. This will great for all ages, in particular ages 3-6.



SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7TH 3-4PM: We are hosting a show by Asheville Music School's Rock Academy. The youth band, Kontained, will be rocking the The Hop as it ought be rocked! When these youths come to play, it's such a fun family-friendly time! Join us!



TUESDAY NOVEMBER 9TH 6:30-7:30PM: One of Asheville's best and most entertaining bands, Now You See Them, will be putting on their boisterous musical charm at The Hop for a second time! Click here for a review of their first show. Also here are some videos from that performance courtesy of Thatbeat1974.



WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10TH ALL DAY: Center For Diversity Education Day! 20% of sales from The Hop (640 Merrimon Ave) AND The Hop West (721 Haywood Rd) will be donated to this non-profit. Here's their mission: "The Center celebrates and teaches diversity in order to foster conversation and respect among cultures". Check this link for more details about the fundraiser!



FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12TH 6:30-7:30PM *AT THE HOP WEST*: The brilliantly imaginative Madison J. Cripps, mastermind behind Cripps Puppets, will be putting on a show unlike any other with his handmade marionettes. We are happy to say that this is the first of many performances at The Hop West! Check this video for a previous Cripps Puppets show at The Hop on Merrimon.



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13TH 3-4PM: Wild For Life, a local non-profit focused on the rehabilitation of birds of prey, will be bringing some of their educational hawks and owls by for a demonstration! In addition 20% of the day's sales from The Hop AND The Hop West will benefit Wild For Life. Here's a previous post, an interview with co-founder Susan Wright and a video from a previous demonstration!



Much Love,
Greg and Ashley
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5156

Change of Plans: Saturday's Free Show

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Hey, everybody. So we received a phone call today from local magician/balloonist, Mark Deverges, that he is unable to perform his Halloween show this Saturday (congrats to the Deverges' for the new addition to their family!)...



No worries, however. By his good graces, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo has stepped up to perform in the happy new father's stead. The show will be Saturday, Halloween eve, from 3-4pm and FREE as always! Here's a video from a previous 23 Skidoo show at The Hop.

Hope to see you there!



Much Love,
Greg and Ashley
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
AND
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
828 252 5156

Gearing Up For Halloween

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All shows herein will be at The Hop located at 640 Merrimon Ave.

*The Runaway Circus will perform music, juggling, and their all out hilarity Tuesday October 26th at 6:30pm*

It's nearly Halloween. Nature's shift in color confirms it to be true. And so we group together and gather around small fires with our friends, we somehow slow our pace and inch a little closer to family and loved ones to eat ice cream :). Our eyes are in awe of and minds aflame with the pallor of a changing season...
*Curtain Call Collective, Directed by Christopher Martin, will perform scenes from "Revenna" by Asheville's Stacy Curnow, Wednesday October 27th at 6:30pm*

Then, as if it could not get any better, we playfully prepare for grey days in down coats by outfitting ourselves in winsomely rediculous costumes. We parade around in them on bustling steets or in our favorite haunts. We play pranks and jokes on one another. We laugh. Just the thought of it sheds years from our demeanors, and thus we stop taking ourselves too seriously. There it is, a chance for the kid to reemerge.
*Asheville magician and balloon artist, Mark Deverges, will entice the mind with an exceptionally large balloon creation Saturday October 30th at 3pm*

For a day, a week, a full month even, we pull out all the stops to give our youthful spirit its moment in the crisp Autumn light. We create and interact in a completely different, yet not foreign way. We are seven, or ten, or twenty years old again. Just imagine how much enjoyable entertainment results as a product of adults letting go. We at The Hop hope to inspire such youthful Halloween enthusiasm in all of you in our own ice-cream-store way!

Much Love and Happy Halloween!
Greg and Ashley
*Me with Luminescent Orchestrii in front of The Hop Mobile, outside of our new location, The Hop West, 721 Haywood Rd*

Fantastic Week Ahead!!

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Alright, folks, here's a friendly, if lengthy, update...


First, The Hop West is officially open and running smoothly in West Asheville (721 Haywood Rd, in the former location of Two Spoons Ice Cream). It's so fun and rewarding for Ashley and I to serve you all in our new space, meet new faces (and their dogs!) and have wonderfully rich interactions with a somewhat different Asheville demographic. Already, we've made some awesome connections with other West Asheville business owners and plan to quickly become part of the Haywood Rd culture, as long as they'll have us. In our opinion, it's all about community and enriching the thriving scene which Ashevillians have created. Three days in... so far so good :).


Second, The Hop on Merrimon is as bubbly as ever being a hang out for families, UNC Asheville students and, we are so fortunate to say, many others. Last weekend Ashley took care of two Birthday Parties and we have two more scheduled for this weekend! A youth rock band, Double Take, proved their name to be a perfect fit as Merrimon Square patrons totally double-taked during the show on Tuesday (videos here). Also, we had excellent support for Health Adventure Day (20% of Saturday's sales were donated to this worthy non-profit)!

Now we look forward to the coming week. Here's the skinny...


Thursday, October 21st, 6:30-7:30pm, Curtain Call Collective, local children's acting troupe, will be celebrating the works of Lewis Carrol at The Hop with scenes from Alice In Wonderland, Jr (coming soon to Asheville Community Theater!), plus much more. Director Christopher Martin is so great at inspiring ability from his students and gives them a platform on which they can truly shine. All are invited to participate. This will be a blast! (Need proof? Here's some videos from previous Curtain Call Collective performances.)


Wednesday, October 20th, ALL DAY, is Autism Society Day. 20% of sales at The Hop AND The Hop West will be donated to yet another extremely worthy cause. In addition, the fundraiser hopes to raise awareness for this Saturday's Run/Walk For Autism. Stop by either location and feel good about being a part of people helping people :).

As ever and always, thank you all so much for being the best customers for which any entrepreneurs could ask.
Much Love,
Greg and Ashley

FREE ICE CREAM FOR ALL!!!

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It's time, everybody. The Hop West is ready to open in West Asheville. 721 Haywood Rd doors swing wide at 1pm Friday and will stay that way until 11pm. There will be live music from 6-8 by our good friends, Gavin Connor and Ryan Cox, members of one of Asheville's great bands, The If You Wannas.


In addition, four prints will be on display from local artist, Jarrett Rutland, whom we've commissioned to outfit the walls of the new location. The above photo is a sneak peek at what he will bring to The Hop West. Both Ashley and I were immediately drawn to his family-friendly yet funky pieces and are so very excited to see his finished products!

If you get the chance, come help celebrate with Free Kiddie Scoops on us! Hope to see you there!

Much Love,
Greg and Ashley

PS Can't make it Friday? Stop by either location on Saturday to help support The Health Adventure! 20% of sales from The Hop AND The Hop West will be donated to this wonderful Asheville non-profit!
-G & A

Breaking News!!!

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West Asheville Ice Cream? Yes!!!


The Hop Ice Cream Cafe is dead excited to announce that we will be opening up a second location, "The Hop West", on Haywood Road in West Asheville. We have been contemplating our next move for a while now and the opportunity to become a part of the West AVL business community has now opened up to us. You can mark the date down for October 15, 2010 for our Grand Opening at the former Two Spoons Ice Cream location at 721 Haywood Rd. We will be open from 1-11pm and have live music, lots of friends, familiar faces, and free kiddie scoops of ice cream for everyone!

Ashley and I would like to express how supportive we are of Asheville as a whole, and thrilled to be a part of a close knit business community on the westside of town where we reside. We will continue to support the many events and benefits in the WNC area, using the The Hop West to reach out even more. Thank you to everyone who has shown us such inspiring support over these last couple of years. We look forward to building our relations with our many friends online and face to face. West Asheville... Here we come!!!

For more details about The Hop West, check us out on Twitter.

Thank you again, Asheville!!!
Greg and Ashley Garrison
Owners
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
640 Merrimon Ave
828 254 2224
&
The Hop West
721 Haywood Rd
Coming Soon!

October & November Events at The Hop

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*Click photo for larger image*

Alright, calendars at the ready!!!


Tuesday October 5th 6:30-7:30pm: Local Harp and Fiddle duet, Highland Fling feat Donna Germano and Susan Kidney, will be showing off their delightful talent with two of music's most beautiful instruments.


Tuesday October 12th 6:30-7:30pm: Asheville Arts Center's youth Rock U Band will be performing a set of well-known classic-rock songs. These kids do not mess around!


Saturday October 16th All Day: Health Adventure Day. 20% of the day's sales will help support Momentum, The Health Adventure's highly-anticipated new location.


Tuesday October 19th 6:30-7:30pm: Curtain Call Collective presents Alice In Wonderland Jr. Join us for a night in wonderland as we celebrate Lewis Carroll! Directed by Christopher Martin.


Wednesday October 20th All Day: Autism Society Day. 20% of the day's sales will be donated to the Autism Society and we hope to raise awareness for the Run/Walk for Autism!


Tuesday October 26th 6:30-7:30pm: The Runaway Circus will be performing a variety of acts from music to juggling to vaudeville. This event is going to be a blast for sure.


Wednesday October 27th 6:30-7:30: Curtain Call Collective presents it's first celebration of a local author, Stacey Curnow, and her acclaimed children's book, "Ravenna"! Dramatized and directed by Christopher Martin.


Saturday October 30th 3-4pm: A HALLOWEEN SHOW. We'll be celebrating All Hallows Eve eve with Mark Deverges, local magician and balloon artist, who will captivate his audience with loads of family fun and an exceptionally large balloon creation!


Tuesday November 2nd All Day: Asheville City School Foundation Day. 20% of the day's sale will be donated to ACSF. In addition there will be a raffle for prizes to local businesses.


Saturday November 6th 3-4pm: Audrey Kinsella, local author, will be reading from her children's book, "Dingle; The Helpful Ice Cream Cone Delivery Dog". A perfect fit for The Hop.


Sunday November 7th 3-4pm: Asheville's Rock Academy "Kontained" will perform a set of some of your favorite rock hits. These kids will show off their surprisingly learned talents for all to enjoy.


Tuesday November 9th 6:30-7:30pm: Now You See Them will be making a second appearance (here's a video from the first courtesy of ThatBeat1974) at The Hop to bring their exceptionally boisterious music to what no doubt will be a willing audience.


Saturday November 13th All Day: Wild For Life Day. 20% of the day's sales will be donated to this center for rehabilitation of wildlife. In addition from 3-4pm rescued birds of prey will be on display for an educational demonstration.


Tuesday November 16th 6:30-7:30pm: Professor WhizzPop!, local magician, will captivate his audience with wildly clever and animated magic tricks, which create a performance that people of all ages can enjoy.


Saturday November 20th All Day: Blue Rige Roller Girls Day. Many have attended a BRRG bout. Now is your chance to sopport and meet the Asheville team that has brought so much entertainment. 20% of the day's sales will be donated to the Blue Ridge Roller Girls!


Tuesday November 23rd 6:30-7:30pm: Ira B. Jones Elementary School presents Honk Jr., its 9th annual musical production, at The Hop. This year over 100 students in grades Kindergarten thru 5th grade are involved in Honk Jr., based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, "The Ugly Duckling".


Tuesday November 30th 6:30-7:30pm: David Novak, local and nationally renowned storyteller, will be performing a Thanksgiving-themed series of stories. entitled "Storytelling Dessert".

Much Love,
Greg and Ashley Garrison
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe