301-carl-jeffries

[301-carl-jeffries]

5 posts!

[301-carl-jeffries]

Spotlight - OAR

Posted September 27, 2019

Today we are shining a spotlight on a group that supports, encourages and advocates for people on the autism spectrum -- how they cope, how they live and even how they thrive.  The Organization for Autism Research – also known as OAR – sponsors special events, publishes news and research, and advocates for all members of the autism community.

Founded by Vision

According to the OAR website, the organization was founded in December 2001 by a group of parents and grandparents of autistic children and adults.  Their shared vision and unique experiences drove their mission to use applied science to answer questions for other caregivers of those on the autism spectrum.

OAR Features

There are many interesting and compelling touch points on the OAR website.  Here are just a few – but please visit their site for all they offer:

Research grants

Education

News & Events

How to get involved

Donations

Blog that inspires

Among all the interesting and educational material available from OAR, please take a moment to look at their blog.  It covers so much material and a light, quick-read format with topics from employment to health care, education, social impact and so much more.  Being a blogger myself I can certainly appreciate the work that goes into their site, but it’s made all the better with the passion that all OAR bloggers clearly share.  Stop by – it’s worth your time.

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Poppin New Products!

Posted September 27, 2019

Thanks to all the feedback from the fairs, events and from our website visitors, we are preparing to develop some new flavors of our fabulous gourmet kettle korn!  Some like it sweet – others like it hot!  From now on, we have you both covered!  

The New Stuff

Starting just in time for Super Bowl LIV, Poppin Joe’s Kettle Korn will be mixing up some tasty new options for sale at our events and online.  Joe is very excited about making these new flavors – and why not, he gets to be the first in line taste the new batch! 

Here’s two new tasty choices:

Jalapeno White Cheddar Kettle Korn – Cheesy deliciousness with a kick!

Cinnamon Chocolate Kettle Korn – Our original mild cinnamon with smooth chocolate!

These new flavors came directly from our fans and their suggestions.  Thanks to all of you for these great new flavors, and keep the ideas coming!

Holiday Delight

These new flavors will be available just in time for the holiday season – stop by our website and order up a bunch for your office party!  And stop by to look at our selection of holiday tins!  They are beautiful gifts that add to your festive occasions  -- but wait until they’re opened, and you get to dig into that delicious kettle corn!  Pick up some today!

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Take me out to the ballgame!

Posted September 27, 2019

Hello everyone!  Joe and the team are out here at Kauffman Stadium for a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians! We are operating two carts here tonight – after all, what goes better with a ball game than kettle korn!  (OK, maybe hot dogs, too!).  The lines got a bit long for gourmet kettle korn because tonight, Joe is a celebrity!  Read on about what’s happening at the ‘K’ tonight!

Legacy Seat Award

As part of Autism Awareness Night, in addition to running the business, Joe was on hand tonight to receive his Legacy Seat Award and sit in the seat of honor!  It was a very exciting event with a lot of media coverage! In fact, you can read all about the event here on The Miami County Republic’s website.  

According to The Republic’s article, the Kansas City Royals strive to educate fans about autism and accommodate fans living with it. Congratulations to Joe from us all, and a big thanks to the Royals for their tireless efforts!  Go team!

Don’t forget the feedback!

One more word today – feedback!  Remember we always love your feedback our Joe, our products and just hearing from our fans and friends.  Stop by our website and visit us with our product suggestions, your autism support and say hi to Joe!

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“Fair” game!

Posted September 25, 2019

Good evening from the Kansas State Fair and Classic Auto Show!  It was warm today – nearly 90 degrees!  We have been out here all day with Joe enjoying the crowds, the animals, the cool cars and the great fair foods like Poppin Joe’s Gourmet Kettle Korn!  

Feedback

Today while we were serving up our great kettle korn, we asked our customers what other flavors they would like!  We got some great feedback and ideas for new kettle korn flavors.  We heard lemon-lime, chocolate, chipotle and so many more!  By the way, you can offer feedback on new flavors, campaign ideas and just say “hi” anytime via our Poppin Joe’s website. Tell us a little about you and what’s on your mind!

Revin’ Up!

The classic cars here today are just amazing – some nearly 100 years old!  So many hot rods, restorations and showstoppers here on their way to Cruise Night downtown tonight at 9:00 PM!  It was great to hang out with the owners, munch some kettle corn and share stories of their car’s histories and the awards they won.  Joe took a cruise around the grounds in a 1918 Chrysler Model B restored nearly 15 years ago!  What a ride!

More to come

We will be out here for another few hours before we pack up, so come on by if you are near!  We’ll look forward to seeing you soon at our events!

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Poppin at Joe’s

Welcome!

Hello to all!  I am excited to introduce you to our ongoing posts about Poppin Joe’s Gourmet Kettle Korn activity, outreach and products blog! 

On behalf of Joe Steffy, the staff and his many supporters, I am your blog-host Wayne, a web and content developer for Joe and his amazing company.  I work with Joe and the team to bring you regular pictures, updates and goings-on from the Wal-Mart stores, car shows, fundraisers, carnivals, fairs and other events we visit!  

About us

First, a little bit about Joe and his company.  Here is an excerpt from the full story on our website:  

Joe is an adult living with autism and Down syndrome.  In April of 2005, with help from his parents and grants from the Kansas City Council on Developmental Disabilities, Joe Steffy became the sole proprietor of his newly formed company making gourmet popcorn and marketing it direct to customers and setting up sales carts at local Wal-Marts and public events in Kansas and Georgia. He developed a solid work ethic, and values dedication and hard work in himself and others.

Supporting cast

Joe and his family work closely with Geek Book Clubs and Autism Speaks as primary support and advocacy partners.  These and other organizations, such as the Organization for Autism Research provide support, education and outreach to people on the autism spectrum as well as their teachers, caregivers and others in their lives.  The challenges autism brings to people on the spectrum can be formidable, which makes Joe’s fantastic success story -- and others like his -- so much more inspiring!

Come on along!

I will be posting pictures and updates about our journeys to new events and the excitement of the new friends we make at our fundraisers and events.  Speaking of making things, I will also highlight Joe’s making his signature Gourmet Kettle Korn and the fun we have with all our Gourmet Kettle Korn lovers!  Thank you for ‘popping by’...see you very soon!