The Courier | www.the-courier.org
19
October 2017
Business Spotlight
Katrinna Dodge Staff Writer
Jam Hops Gymnastics Factory In the city of Ham Lake, there is a place where you can find youth dancing, tumbling and cheering. Jam Hops has been a center for learning gymnastics, dance, cheer, ninja zone, theater and an academic preschool since 1997. “We have many opportunities for kids to choose from,” affirmed Nancy Nelson, marketing director. “Someone in our gymnastics program could also be in theater.” “We also have fun events that are open to the public,” added Nelson. “We host open gym, birthday parties, Nerf nights and other events for kids to come and play.” “We are inspiring kids to become life champions,” continued Nelson. “We offer a variety of programs for kids to learn life skills and team building. What we do here is so much more than coaching and learning how to be a dancer, cheerleader or gymnast. It is also about being good to each other and being respectful,” Nelson stated. “We are teaching them life skills. Each month they learn a new word such as respect or thankfulness. The word for November is thankful and we have Terry the Thankful Turkey to teach the kids about being thankful.” Jam Hops focuses on the why in their programs, not the how. Their philosophy has provided a community center for families. “We get to know our kids and their families,” smiled Nelson. “Families are not just signing up for a program once a year. They are here year-round and we are talking to them every day. Our workers stay here and get to know them. We have kids that
now work here after taking classes at Jam Hops since preschool.” Jam Hops supports the local community through their Give Back campaign, which collects donations that are distributed to Hope4Youth, Toys For Tots, the local foodshelf and local nonprofits. Jam Hops’ open gym proceeds are donated to the community or kids can bring in non-perishable food items. They have also performed at nursing homes. This summer, Jam Hops was the sponsor for Stepping Stones at a golf tournament at The Refuge. “Jam Hops owner, Brenda Nolby, is all about giving back to the community,” said Nelson. “We need businesses to give back to the community to help the youth in our area start on the right track.” Their supportive atmosphere and excellent programming is why Jam Hops has tripled their staff in 20 years. In 1997, Jam Hops had 20 staff after merging with The Gymnastics Factory. In 2002, they completed their center on Lincoln Street in Ham Lake. They continued to expand their programing to include dance, cheer, theater and an academic preschool. As the programs expanded, Jam Hops started operating out of three locations to meet consumer demand. Twenty years later, Jam Hops is a second home for 1,000 children and is expanding again with the completion of their new 43,000 square foot facility on 133rd Lane NE in Ham Lake. Their new facility will bring all their programs to one location and will have an Anytime Fitness for parents to enjoy. The grand opening for their new facility will be 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22. A bounce house, balloon twister, face painting and tattoos, silent
Construction is nearing completion at Jam Hops’ new location at 1460 133rd Lane NE in Ham Lake. The grand opening will be on October 22. Submitted Photo
auction in support of Hope4Youth, and special appearances from Tigger, Batgirl and Disney’s Belle will be part of the festivities. Jam Hops will also have registration for classes and activities, as well as open gym and dance studio available for families.
Other upcoming events are Nerf and movie night on October 21, a Ninja Clinic, Halloween and Preschool Halloween Party on October 28, and a Charlie Brown Christmas Special in December. Visit www.jamhops.com for more events or to register.
Kraig Domogalla
“Your Real Estate Specialist” 612-366-3925 Email: kraigdomogalla@aol.com
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Each office Independently Owned and Operated
Now Enrolling!
Lynn Karasch, MBA, CPA
Specializing in Individual & Small Business Returns By appointment • Accounting & Bookkeeping Phone 763-413-3090 Services Fax 763-434-4739 • Consulting
www.ldkaccounting.com
Open year round for all of your accounting needs.
Our Saviour’s
• Payroll Services • Business Startup Services
Preschool Still registering for 2017-18 school year.
d Top rate n ia t Chris l! o o h c pres Friday, October 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Treats, games and activities for the whole family! Offering 2, 3 & 4 extended day and Admission: $3/person, kindergarten readiness class options. $10 max/family
Family Fun Friday
For registration information, please contact Michelle Bauer, Preschool Director mbauer@oursaviourslc.org, by phone 763-434-6117 ext. 123 or visit www.oursaviourslc.org under Preschool.
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church • 19001 Jackson Street NE • East Bethel
Free Early Head Start & Head Start Preschool Programs For families with children birth to age five and pregnant women Highlights of our programs: n Ongoing registration n Free program, including meals n School Readiness n Developmental Screenings n Social Services n Medical and Dental Services n Services for children with special needs n Financial Literacy and more! For application, contact: ACCAP Anoka/Washington County Head Start-Early Head Start Program
763-783-4328 ACCAP.org
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