The whole family screams for ice cream

The whole Dion family gets involved in running their new Cold Stone Creamery business in Minden Village.

"We wanted to do something fun that the kids could participate in and be here with us," said John Dion. "Something that would be a cool thing in this town."

John and Eva Dion's children Kaelyn, 12, Jordyn, 9, and Evan, 4, help out on weekends.

"The kids are in here wiping tables and making waffle cones," Dion said.

Cold Stone Creamery features ice cream, shakes, fruit smoothies and fat-free sorbets that can be enjoyed without guilt.

Employee Erica Hedlund explains why Cold Stone is different than most ice cream shops.

"We ask you what kind of ice cream you want and in what kind of bowl," said Hedlund. "You can pick a recipe on the board or create your own. We scoop out the ice cream, put it on the stone and mix in candies."

Among the ingredients available to mix into the different flavors of ice cream are candy bar bits, gummi bears, sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit and nuts.

Dion said he encourages his employees who are students to have good grades.

"I'll participate any way I can to help," he said. "They can even do homework on the job."

The Dions are working on cake sales for school fundraisers and to promote school programs with students selling coupons for future purchases of ice cream and teachers giving rewards for reading a certain amount of books, for example.

A regular feature at Cold Stone Creamery is complimentary birthday ice cream.

"You register online and we e-mail you a coupon," said Dion. "It's a happy birthday ice cream wish for life.

"We have a month-long Make-A-Wish fundraiser," said Dion. "We sell Make-a-Wish stars for $1 and put them on the walls. Our objective to cover all the walls."

Cold Stone Creamery hosts the World's Largest Ice Cream Social from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 28.

"On that day, we'll give ice cream to everyone who walks in the door," said Dion. "We'll have entertainment and activities for kids - whatever will be fun."

Cold Stone Creamery is at 1645 Highway 395, Suite B, in Minden Village. Hours of operation 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 783-1000.

What: Cold Stone Creamery

When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: 1645 Highway 395, Suite B, Minden Village

Info: 783-1000