Did you see the sign? The Valley Freeze is NOW OPEN for business. I think quite a few Valley residents noticed it too because the lines were getting long and Little League hasn’t even started!

Two years ago Alison and Mark Sheldon wanted a family business that would give them time together as well as generate an income, so they purchased Rauscher’s Valley Freeze and shortened its name to simply “Valley Freeze.”

Now all seven Sheldons make large and small contributions to this family enterprise. Alison and Mark have five children, ranging in age from 19 to 11. Ashley, Kelsey and Richel assist customers at the window, Justin bags food and Shannon does her part with dishwashing and cleaning up.

Although the younger children serve primarily as volunteer workers and have the option of just staying home and hanging out with the other parent not on cooking duty.

The girls are anxious for the season to start in March, but the family has found the unavoidable winter break is welcome.

When asked what the best seller is ice cream or food items Ashley indicated ice cream was the favorite. When it comes to ice cream, both cones and specialty items were in a tie for the favorite. The Steak Hoagie is the main food choice from the Valley Freeze’s significantly large menu.

Pizza has been subtracted due to the preparation issue of time. A new item they are searching to craft is an enticing recipe for “iced coffee” to satisfy their faithful customer base in the Valley. (It sounded like a rather enjoyable family project to me!)

Another probability for the future is expanding the north side of the building to include more space for hard packed ice cream and a pick up window for call in orders.

Currently take home menus are available for those who need to make a decision without rushing.

In light of the upcoming gift giving seasons of Easter, Mother’s Day and graduation, gift certificates may be purchased at the window.

Family owned food establishments require particular resourcefulness and in recent years small businesses in general have struggled to stay afloat (pun intended). This family venture experiences the same. Alison indicated they, like other small business owners, met with economic concerns last year which meant supporting community ball teams was out of the question, but this year things are looking better and she looks forward to sponsoring a team again.

Normally it takes Alison and Mark about two and a half weeks to prepare for the selling season, but this year Alison was on a church mission trip to Haiti during that time. So Mark and the children took on the task in her absence.

Alison, Mark, Ashley, Kelsey, Richel, Justin and Shannon Sheldon want me to express their thanks for your business. They are glad their neighbors are buying locally and supporting a business in our Valley.

And in case you haven’t read the sign, until school is out the Valley Freeze hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.