26 minute read
The Crop that Pops Yadkin Valley Popcorn is a local leader in growing a beloved snack
from 2021-12-CEMC
The Crop that
PopsYadkin Valley Popcorn is a local leader in growing
a beloved snack By Debbie Moose Photos by Wendy Wood / The Yadkin Ripple
The largest of 10 storage silos at Shallowford Farms, home of Yadkin Valley Popcorn, can hold 1 million pounds of popcorn kernels.
If all silos were full, it would come to 7 million pounds. But there’s no need to worry about an explosion on a hot summer day.
“Popcorn has to reach about 400 degrees inside the kernel to pop, so that’s not going to happen,” says Sam Vestal, company manager.
As one of the state’s few popcorn growers, capable of growing as much as 2,000 acres, the Yadkinville-based company’s farm-to-snack offerings include flavored popcorn as well as the raw kernels. The products are sold in several North Carolina and East Coast supermarkets.
“It’s popped and packaged right on the farm where it’s grown, Sam says. “Eating this, you’re eating your heritage.”
In the field, popcorn looks and grows just like conventional corn, but it’s an entirely different variety.
First of all, ears of popcorn are smaller, although they’re harvested with the same kinds of combines. Then popcorn requires special processing. Conventional corn intended for animal feed can be put in large dryers after harvesting and is dried to a moisture content of 25% to 30%, Sam explains. However, popcorn will pop in the hot dryers, so the ears are left on the stalks to dry in the field.
The moisture content is also different — 12% to 13% for popcorn. Workers use a special machine to check the moisture level, because if the corn dries out too much, you’ll get nothing but duds when you start popping. (The moisture level is important because popcorn pops when, under heat, the moisture inside the kernel expands and puts pressure on the starchy surface until it explodes and turns the kernel inside out, creating the fluffy treat that fuels movie watching.)
Popcorn became associated with movies during the Great Depression, according to food historians. It was an affordable treat, and popcorn carts proliferated in cities, many setting up in front of theaters to catch patrons. Theater owners saw the snack’s popularity and began selling popcorn themselves.
In recent years, popcorn has gained a reputation as a healthy snack, which has led to several national brands of bagged popcorn, plus theater-style flavors. Yadkin Valley Popcorn’s sales went up during the pandemic, possibly because people were watching movies at home but still wanted theater-style snacks.
There are many varieties of popcorn that pop into different sizes and shapes. Jonathan Mounce, operations manager, said that Yadkin Valley Farms uses a variety of the shape described as “butterfly” or “snowflake,” which pops up fluffy and takes seasonings well.
To make flavored popcorn, the company uses a large air popper which can pop 350 to 400 pounds of popcorn an hour. After popping, it’s tossed in soybean oil to add flavor and color, Jonathan says. Then flavor coatings are added. Yadkin Valley Farms’ most popular
flavor is butter, but there’s also white cheddar and others.
For caramel corn, the popped corn is mixed with caramel and dried. The process is similar for a line of candy flavors that include blue raspberry, birthday cake and pina colada.
Kettle corn is popped in gas-fired kettles along with with oil, sugar and salt to provide the characteristic sweet-salty flavor.
Shallowford Farms has been operating for more than 30 years, although in the beginning it grew popcorn for other companies. When NC State University graduate Caswell Booe bought the business in 1998, he upgraded the equipment, began selling the popcorn under its own name and planning for the company’s future. After Booe’s death about two years ago, the company continued the plans, looking at more efficient equipment and working with a food scientist on different flavors.
New ideas just keep popping up. In collaboration with Garner Foods, based in Winston-Salem, starting in January the company will offer popcorn in Texas Pete and Texas Pete Hot Cheddar flavors.
“You either get all in or get out quick in the popcorn business,” Sam says. “We’re planning on staying.”
Debbie Moose (debbiemoose.com) has authored seven cookbooks and is a former food editor for The News & Observer in Raleigh.
carolinacountry.com/extras See a quick video tour of Yadkin Valley Popcorn (or visit shallowfordfarmspopcorn.com to schedule an in-person tour).
Field Corn (left) vs. Popcorn
Here Comes Clarence Claus
Jackie and Shaun Rodgers want all children to feel represented, especially during the holidays
By Scott Gates
Jackie Rodgers had a problem. It was 2015, and she had a new baby boy. Christmas is important to her (she’s the type that starts planning the family Christmas card in October), and she wanted everything to be perfect — right down to the wrapping paper.
“Once I had our son, I knew I wanted wrapping paper that had a brown Santa. But I started looking for it, and I couldn’t find it,” Jackie says. At the time she lived in Raleigh, and she reached out to friends in bigger cities who may have been able to track down more varied wrapping paper. But there were no brown Santas to be found. “Once I realized there was a void in the market and no one was making it, I said I would make it myself.”
“She definitely said that,” her husband, Shaun, remembers. “And I definitely dismissed it, and said there’s no way you’re going to create your own wrapping paper.”
Jackie proved him wrong, and now the couple has Greentop Gifts to show for it. Their company makes wrapping paper and apparel featuring the jolly “Clarence Claus,” named for her late father. Family is important to the Rodgers, which also shows through in the company name itself: Jackie’s grandfather ran the Greentop restaurant in Hillsborough in the 1940s and ’50s, remembered as a place of fellowship and happy family gatherings.
Jackie had a very particular image in mind for Clarence Claus, and she interviewed several illustrators before finding a promising one based in Ghana. “I really liked his style,” she says. “He sent me back his drawing, and I had no edits for the very first version — he brought to life exactly what I had in my head.”
Clarence Claus quickly resonated with families like the Rodgers who felt underrepresented during the Christmas season. The couple started shipping wrapping paper in 2016, spending long hours in their garage fulfilling orders after their son’s bedtime. And word got around. NBC News featured their product, and in 2017, Gayle King, editor-atlarge for “O, The Oprah Magazine,” praised the idea in her December column.
This is the fifth season for the company, now shipping wrapping paper and apparel through a fulfillment company (leaving their garage for the cars). Clarence Claus wrapping paper has been shipped to every state in the U.S., and as far as the United Kingdom and Japan. The Rodgers have also added to their assortment with the “Celebration Crew,” which features multicultural kids. And support for their ideas keep pouring in: This past year they were selected as a FedEx Small Business Grant winner, Google for Startups Black Founders Fund recipient, and Beyonce BeyGOOD Small Business Grant winner, to name a few.
There have been a lot of big changes for the Rodgers since they launched their company. They’ve moved to Atlanta, although they maintain NC ties with a home in Jones-Onslow EMC territory. Jackie left her corporate career in February 2020 and now works on the business full time. And with their family having grown by one (a little girl), their dedication to family and inclusiveness is only stronger.
“It’s important for children to see themselves in all things,” Jackie says. “Representation is important, especially for children. Children should know they can aspire to do and be all things. The images they see should reflect them from a doctor, fire fighter, a character in a children’s book — even Santa.”
Greentop Gifts Greentop Gifts
Scott Gates is editor of Carolina Country.
Bring Clarence Home
Visit greentopgifts.com to shop an array of gift wraps, accessories and apparel featuring jolly ol’ Clarence Claus.
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NEWSCentral DEC 2021
Supporting local teachers and students
Monthly newsletter from Central Electric Membership Corp. Central Electric is continually looking for ways to support the communities we serve. One way is by annually awarding Bright Ideas grants to local educators. The program helps support engaging and innovative classroom projects.
This year, the co-op awarded over $15,000 to 11 educators, who were selected by an independent panel of judges. Over 2,400 students in our communities will be positively impacted as a result. Since 1994, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded more than $13.7 million to educators across the state.
Congratulations to the following 2021 Bright Ideas grant recipients:
£ Amy Bonds, Cameron Elementary £ Kimberly Hilliard, Sandhills-Farm Life Elementary £ Kendra Jones, Highland Middle £ Jo Ann Lawler, Deep River Elementary £ Dee O’Neal, J. Glenn Edwards Elementary £ Wendi Pillars, Jordan Matthews High £ Alicia Shoup, Moncure School £ Emma Smith, Broadway Elementary
Rachel Lambert (left) accepts a Bright Ideas check, which will be used to build a MakerSpace in the school’s Media Center to serve students with engaging, hands-on STEAM instruction.
£ Sarah Stephenson, Silk Hope School £ Riley Sullivan, Floyd L. Knight Child Center £ Cheryl Whitehead, Sage Academy. The application process for Bright Ideas grants will reopen for interested educators in April 2022. For more information on Bright Ideas grants, visit CEMCPower.com or NCBrightIdeas.com.
DEC. 24 & 27 the CEMC office will be closed for the Christmas holiday. Crews will be on-call. Merry Christmas from your friends at Central Electric! DEC. 30 - JAN. 1 year-end closing will take place. Starting at 12 p.m. on Dec. 30 through midnight on Jan. 1, all payment systems will be down.
POINT OF VIEW
The Cooperative Difference
From the desk of CEO & General Manager Eddie Oldham
For me, this is a time of year for reflection, and topping my list of things I’m grateful for is our wonderful community. I know I speak for all of our employees when I say that we are thankful to be a part of this community. We are fortunate to live in the same place where we work, which makes our ties to this community that much stronger. You may recall that in October, my column touched on the first three Cooperative Principles that are essential to the co-op business model. So this month, I’d like to tell you about the remaining four principles.
Autonomy and Independence
Co-ops operate in an autonomous way that is solely directed and guided by its members, reflecting the values and needs of our local community. This means the co-op is not being influenced by leaders or shareholders several states away. Instead, the co-op is led by the local members it serves.
Education and Training
By investing in continuous learning for our employees and board members, our co-op is making a commitment not just to individual professional and personal growth, but to the future of the co-op and the high quality of service our members expect and deserve. It’s a win-win situation.
We also strive to inform our members (that’s you!) and the public about the mission and operations of the coop. In fact, that’s why you receive this magazine every month, so we can share the latest co-op news and updates, as well as energy efficiency and safety tips.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperation among cooperatives is the sixth principle and fosters the way that co-ops work together to address bigger challenges. While this principle applies to all types of cooperatives, it is especially relevant in the energy industry. In our case, we put this principle in action after major storms and disasters that cause widespread power outages. When this happens, we call on nearby co-ops to come to our aid and assist with restoration efforts––and we of course extend the same help to them when they need us. I can’t think of a better example of cooperation among cooperatives.
Concern for Community
The seventh principle, Concern for Community, is essential to who we are as cooperatives. We serve our community not only by being an essential service, but by helping to power our local economy. Whether through economic development, volunteering or donations to local causes, we invest in this community because it’s our home too. I think you’ll find that most cooperatives bring good people together to make good things happen in the community. We hope you feel that way about us, your local electric co-op. On behalf of everyone at Central Electric, we’re thankful for your membership, and we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Holiday décor tips for an energy-wise home
Whether you’ve already decked your halls or you’re just getting started, there’s still time to incorporate energy savings into your holiday décor planning. £ If you haven’t strung your twinkle lights, be sure to use LED light strands. LEDs consume far less energy than incandescent lights and they can last 40 holiday seasons. They’re also safer because they’re made with epoxy lenses, not glass, making them cool to the touch, so no burnt fingers! £ If you missed Santa’s memo about energy-saving
LEDs and your holiday lights are already up, you can still save on lighting costs. All you need is a programmable light timer. Most models cost between $10 to $25 and can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon or at big box stores like Lowe’s or Walmart. With a light timer, you can easily program when you want your holiday lights turned on and off, which will save you time, money and energy. If you’re using a timer for exterior lighting, make sure it’s weatherproof and intended for outdoor use. £ If Clark Griswold’s décor style is a bit much for your taste, consider a more natural approach. Many Christmas tree farms, and even retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, give away greenery clippings from recently trimmed trees. With a little twine, extra ornaments and sparkly ribbon, you can create beautiful garlands and wreaths to hang over your front door or windows. To add extra twinkle at night, you can install solar-powered spotlights to illuminate your new (essentially free!) greenery.
Solar spotlights can vary in price, but you should be able to purchase a quality set of four for about $30––and because they run on natural energy from the sun, there’s no additional cost to your energy bill. Regardless of how you decorate your home for the holidays, there are plenty of ways to save energy throughout the season. Visit CEMCPower.com for additional energy-saving tips.
Apply now for the 2022 Youth Tour to D.C.
Central Electric is seeking applications from high school students wanting to participate in the leadership opportunity of a lifetime: The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Step out of your comfort zone, and join North Carolina’s future leaders as they explore the nation’s capital. The cooperative will sponsor two local students to join the June 2022 Youth Tour. The all-expensepaid, week-long Tour is hosted by electric cooperatives nationwide and is a tradition more than 50 years strong. Students who will be entering their junior or senior year in fall 2022 are eligible to attend and are encouraged to apply. Visit CEMCPower.com to apply or to find out more information on this incredible opportunity.
Did you know that a water heater maintenance program is available to you for just $1 month?
That’s right, this small fee covers the heating element, pop-off valve and thermostats on your water heater, regardless of where you purchased it, or how old it is. Even more, after you’ve been enrolled for at least 90 days, if the cooperative’s licensed plumber determines the element, pop-off valve or thermostat is the problem, a $50 credit will be added to your next bill. If they determine the water heater needs to be replaced, a $100 credit will be added if you purchase a new water heater with an energy factor of 95 or higher. Visit the “Other Services” section under the “Member Services” tab at CEMCPower.com to enroll.
Congratulations to Allison Podlogar, she was selected by random drawing for a $2,000 scholarship during this year’s Annual Meeting! Allison is a 2021 graduate of Southern Lee High School and is currently attending Molloy College. Thanks to all the students who submitted an entry and congrats to Allison for winning the drawing!
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Phone: (919) 774-4900 Bill Payment: (866) 488-5011 Eddie Oldham CEO & General Manager
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Rebecca G. Cogan, President Tommy Dalrymple, Vice President James B. Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer W. Phillip Thompson, Asst. Secretary Frank Comer III, Edith C. Cox, Dr. Nancy G. Holmes, Henry Outz, Tim Priest and Henry Randolph. James Taylor, Editor This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Wishing You Wishing You Holiday Blessings Holiday Blessings from the Lumbee from the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center Tribe Cultural Center and the Historic and the Historic Henry Berry Lowrie Henry Berry Lowrie House House
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Co-op Members, check with your electric cooperative to find out if they offer complimentary subscriptions as a benefit of membership. The The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Rental Rental Yes! Please start my subscription. Pandemic Relief Program (RPRP) will Pandemic Relief Program (RPRP) will assist rental households with assist rental households with financial assistance financial assistance for unpaid rent for unpaid rent NAME or utility bills or utility bills due to the impact of due to the impact of MAILING ADDRESS COVID-19. COVID-19. (RPRP) (RPRP) is available to is available to ALL Lumbee ALL Lumbee CITY Tribal Members Tribal Members residing within residing within STATE ZIP PHONE NUMBER (If we have questions) Lumbee Tribal Territory and Lumbee Tribal Territory and EMAIL 1 Year (12 issues) $12 2 Years (24 issues) $24 throughout the United States throughout the United States Territories and District of Columbia Territories and District of Columbia Check Enclosed
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Sleuthing for Home Energy Savings
Utility bills provide clues to savings potential
By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen
In any home, there are typically many opportunities to save energy. A host of products and services claim to provide maximum energy efficiency, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Fortunately, monthly bills can help identify areas for the most energy savings.
The months that require the most energy use are in the winter and summer, when temperatures are most extreme. Just total up your average energy use for the months when you use the most energy, then subtract the average amount you use during “shoulder months,” when you’re barely using your heating or cooling system (typically during fall and spring).
The most likely reason for the difference in energy use is heating and cooling your home. If someone says switching to a new heating or cooling system could save you 20%, they likely mean you can save 20% on heating or cooling costs, which are a portion of your overall energy costs.
Every home is different. For example, there’s a small percentage of homes that include uncommon energy uses like a well pump, swimming pool or a home business that require more energy than heating or cooling. But typically, heating and cooling your home are by far the largest energy uses.
Heating and cooling Sealing air leaks is often the least expensive energy-saving measure that delivers the most bang for your buck. The second most cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs depends on your situation.
If you have an older propane or oil furnace, replacing it with an energy efficient heat pump might be your best investment. If you already have a relatively efficient furnace or air conditioning unit, insulating your attic could be the next most cost-effective measure, followed by insulating exterior walls or the crawl space or basement. Replacing windows is a high-priority project for many homeowners, and new windows can certainly add value to your home. However, this can be a costly project, making it difficult to justify solely based on potential energy savings. If your windows are old and leaky, it could be worth the investment. Do your research upfront so you fully understand the costs of the project.
Water heating After you’ve found ways to reduce your heating and cooling costs, where else should you look for energy savings? Your next largest energy use is likely water heating. A few low-cost measures like repairing leaky faucets and insulating the first 6 to 10 feet of hot water line could deliver significant savings. Installing energy efficient showerheads can save water and reduce energy use. Check out Consumer Reports for reliable comparisons and reviews of energy efficient showerheads.
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s likely time to consider how and when to replace it. You can purchase a traditional water heater that uses the same fuel you’re using now. But there are several other options, including heat pump water heaters, tankless water heaters and even solar water heaters. Be sure to do some research before your water heater breaks so you know about your options.
Other opportunities Appliances and lighting account for a smaller portion of your energy use. As you replace older appliances and lighting, look for options that include the Energy Star® sticker. You should also review energy use information found on the EnergyGuide label.
We hope this information will help you start to identify areas to save energy at home. Consider enlisting the help of an energy auditor who can provide an overall assessment of your home’s efficiency.
A single ductless heat pump can serve up to four rooms through blowers installed in each room.
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Owens-Corning
Loose-fill insulation is the most common and preferred method of insulating your attic floor. Notice the baffles near the attic perimeter that allow air to ventilate from the eaves into the attic space.
This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.
Join millions of older Americans who are rediscovering the joy of walking
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For years, I found myself walking less and less. As I got older, aches and pains in my back and legs caused me to stay in my chair, watching TV . . . and watching life go by. My doctor told me to be more active, and I tried. I tried canes, walkers and rollators . . . and I hated them. Shuffling along, hunched over, looking at the ground two feet in front of me – that didn’t seem like a fun way to get around. Then, one day, a friend introduced me to the Perfect Walker. Nothing’s going to stop me now!
The Perfect Walker is a revolutionary new mobility device that can change your life by changing the way you walk. It enables you to stand upright when you walk– with your spine straight and your eyes looking straight ahead. Your weight is supported by your upper arms and shoulders, some of the strongest parts of your body. Traditional walkers and rollators force you to put the pressure of your body weight on your hands and wrists. You push them in front of you, looking at the ground instead of where you are going. The Perfect Walker moves with you, with your body perfectly aligned and your feet free to walk in a normal fashion. Its easy-adjust height system allows it to be the perfect fit/height for anyone from 4’9” to 6’2” and supports up to 300 pounds. The new Stand Assist™ Handles enable you to distribute your weight across your arms and shoulders, not your hands and
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wrists to help reduce back, neck, wrist pain and discomfort. It features comfortable arm pads, hand brakes, a fold-down seat and storage area with a backrest. It’s built with aircraft-grade aluminum to be sturdy yet lightweight, and its sleek design and oversized wheels make it perfect for tight spots in the house or walking in the yard .
Why spend another day bent over and shuffling around – or worse yet, plopped in front of the TV all day. Pick up the phone and take back your life. Call now.
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