NEWS
Here’s a great cookoff article for the York (PA) Daily Record:
http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_9340086?IADID=Search-ydr.inyork.com-ydr.inyork.com
RESULTS and UPCOMINGS
“Orland Park IL—The Three-I Regional Open was held last Saturday, May 17 in Centennial Park in Orland Park. We had a good turnout of cooks (37), public and helpers and the weather cooperated to make it a great chili-experience. Congratulations to the new Three-I Champion, Bert Centers of Lisle IL. Patty Vlazny, the cookoff organizer, did a great job keeping things on track and running smoothly.
Next year the Three-I Open will rotate to Iowa, so y'all come on up.
The winners:
CHILI
1. Bert Centers, Lisle IL (Q)
2. Mike Usiak, Chicago IL (Q)
3. Wes Carlson, Loves Park IL (Q)
4. Brad Garland, Westfield IN
5. Georgia Weller, Rockton IL
6. Eric Shepherd, Montgomery IL
7. Charles Thomas, Naperville IL
8. Virgil Johnson, Ottumwa IA
9. Bret Centers, Lisle IL
10. Mike Stevens, Homer Glen IL
SHOW
1. Tim Brown, Indianapolis IN (Q)
2. Darin Jester, Indianapolis IN
3. Candice Thomas, Naperville IL
We had 28 cooks return Sunday morning for another try:
CHILI
1. Cheryl Pierson, Batavia IL
2. Jeff Netser, Seymour IN
3. Gary Christensen, Cedar Rapids IA
4. Wes Carlson, Loves Park IL
5. Virgil Johnson, Ottumwa IA
6. Pam Ward, St. Charles IL
7. Georgia Weller, Rockton IL
8. Don Weber, Livingston TX
9. Julie Netser, Seymour IN
10. Brad Garland, Westfield IN
SHOW
1. Bill Pierson, Batavia IL (Q)
2. Darin Jester, Indianapolis IN (Q)
3. Gary Christensen, Cedar Rapids IA (Q)”
(Bill Pierson)
“MARK YOUR CALENDAR… save the date. Come have a GREAT TIME! TX MUSIC FESTIVAL www.TxMusicFestival.com 20 Bands--- 3 FUN DAYS
Aug. 29-30-31 2008 Labor Day Weekend Meridian, TX 76665, BYOB Coolers OK Bosque Bottoms Cook-off Campgrounds, Camping and Motels or just stay for the Day, Texas Hold ‘em Tournaments-Kite Flying- Custom Bike Show Contest-Water Slide- Also CASI Chili Cook-off. Campfire Music. Buy your tickets on-line in advance & $AVE www.TxMusicFestival.com 817-233-2869
You Can HELP FIND A CURE…Benefiting www.NFCR.org National Foundation for Cancer Research Christina :) 817-233-2869 or Christina@TheUncleBillRoachBand.com (Christina Slage)
POTPOURRI
Weekend Birthdays and Anniversaries: today - Debbie Lalanne: Sunday - Don Meehan, John Billy Murray; Monday - George Hamblin, Blu Daniels, Roylene Johnson; George and Paula Tubb. Best wishes to all.
“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” - Elizabeth Taylor
News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net
NEWS
“Top of Texas Pod would like to congratulate our following winners:CHILIHEAD OF THE YEARStephanie BrockmanSHOW TEAM OF THE YEARBringin' Mama - Bonnie LoxtermanROOKIE OF THE YEARCathy Preston”
(Stephanie Brockman)
“RENEE MOORE, PAT KRENEK, MAXINE REED, ANNE HUMANN AND EDNA HOAK JUST WENT THROUGH A TORNADO WHILE VISITING ANNE IN ATLANTA......(Renee there on business)
THEY WERE IN A RESTAURANT AND ALTHOUGH DINNER WAS NOT SERVED THE MARGARITAS ARE FLOWING FREELY....AND ALL ARE OK......THIS CAME THRU VIA A PHONE CALL TO BLANCOS TO LET THE COOKS/FRIENDS KNOW THEY ARE ALL OK !!! (before you see it on the 10 pm news)......WAY TO GO LADIES......IT'S NOW A "GIRLS AND TORNADOS GONE WILD ROAD TRIP" HEARD THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING A FUN TRIP....STAY SAFE LADIES......” (Mayo Blair)
RESULTS and UPCOMINGS
“Hey all, Southwest Open is just around the corner...Hope to see everyone this weekend for no doubt - a dry, windy, hot weekend!
Friday - Cooks Party and 42 Tournament
Saturday - Cooks Breakfast, Raffles, Silent Auctions, Calcutta, Red Draw Toast,Bean and Chili Cookoff. Chili turn in 2:00 - $25.00 (Chili Grind Only)
Sunday - Cooks Breakfast, Chili turn in 1:00 - $18.00 (Chili Grind Only)
For more information contact Bob Luney @ 632-8600 or sundance6900@aol.com” (Tammie Wooster)
I’d like to invite you all to spend Independence Day in the scenic Hill Country at the 2nd annual All American Cookoff on July 4 at Becker Vineyards. Becker’s is located is located just east of Fredericksburg, Texas off US Hwy 290.
This will be a really fun day with live music, free wine tastings, and loads of public to play with. Please bring throwdown chili to compete in the special People’s Choice competition.
There is no RV parking on site but there is a handy RV park just around the corner.
For more information, contact Alan Dean at 512-567-2835 or pepperdean@ctesc.net .
POTPOURRI
Happy Birthday to Tom Williams. Happy Anniversary to Doug and Sherry Hay.
“Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories.” - John Wilmot News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net
NEWS
“Paul Rowlan a fellow chili cook died May 17, 2008. Paul was from Bryant, Arkansas and supported CASI and his local pod, Central Arkansas Pod. Paul had not been in good health the last couple of years but this just blind sided us here. Paul was also an Air Force veteran and belonged to VFW Post 9095 in Little Rock. Paul was a good chili cook and seems he always placed at a cookoff. He will be missed by all of us here in Arkansas and I am sure any other chili cooks that knew him. You may read his obituary at the following: http://www.ashbyfuneralhome.com/index.cfm” (Bruce Smith)
“As most of you have heard by now that Charlie Quist was taken off all treatments right after Houston Pod cookoff where he had a seizure on that Sunday morning. It has been a long 3 wks waiting for the next tests. Today was the day for the MRI and the appointment with his doctors to see what they were going to do next. His neurological tests came out good, as in he is still able to function well and nothing has changed there. The news about the tumor is not as good as it has continued to grow as they expected without any form of treatment. They conferred with a couple of doctors and gave them an option and have all agreed that he is to now undergo an experimental form of chemo treatment. This will be a 4 week plan. Jo and Charlie are as always optimistic about this and going to keep trying whatever it takes......He is one of the strongest and most determined men I have ever met...... Please keep Charlie and Jo in your prayers at this time......as Jo says, she plans on keeping him around for a long time so lets keep pouring out the prayers and help her do just that. God Bless Them and God Bless us all.” (Mayo Blair)
RESULTS and UPCOMINGS
“21st Annual Black Gold Chili Pod Cookoff - Saturday, May 17th
81 Chilis
1st Phyllis Patton Odessa, TX
2nd Connie Collier Snyder, TX
3rd Jessie Waguespack Austin, TX
4th James Bauer Leander, TX
5th Tim Collier Snyder, TX
6th Sue Yates San Angelo, TX
7th Janita Hinds Del Rio, TX
8th Nancy Coultas Tucson, AZ
9th Jennifer Lee San Antonio, TX
10th Tammie Wooster Wichita Falls, TX
Showmanship:
1st Jennifer Sherfield State Line Chili Seminole, TX
2nd Donnie Warner Farm Chili Odessa, TX
3rd Amy Patton Cow Patty Chili Odessa, TX
3rd Annual Bronze Buffalo Chili Cookoff - Sunday, May 18th
65 Chilis
1st Sue Caffey Rockdale, TX
2nd Keith Patton Odessa, TX
3rd Tim Collier Snyder, TX
4th Jean Barkley Weimar, TX
5th Lee Roy Childress Midland, TX
6th Kathy Boone Odessa, TX
7th Gregg Wilson Odessa, TX
8th Patsy Childress Midland, TX
9th Kyle Bond Kerrville, TX
10th Clint Wooster Wichita Falls, TX
Showmanship:
1st Jennifer Sherfield State Line Chili Seminole, TX
2nd Vince Slominski Caldwell, TX
(Patsy Childress)
“The 29th Annual Top of Texas Chili Cookoff was held on Saturday, May 17th. First of all, I want to thank all of our wonderful sponsors! We could not do what we do without you and your support! I also want to thank our host and CASI sponsor, the Irving Elks Lodge. Special thanks go out to all of the TOT Pod Officers and the many TOT and Irving Elk members who helped out during registration, judging, and with sponsor hospitality. Jim Ezell, as always, thank you for your presence and support. Thank you Phil and Karin Barnes who braved the high gas prices, and drove up from Houston to cook with us. And last, but certainly not least, a BIG THANKS goes out to Wendell Rankin for the beautiful hand-painted stove that he donated and raffled off for us. And now for the winners:SATURDAY (66 Chilis):CHILI1st - Ron Barnes2nd - Lee Brett3rd - Vicki Sanders (Q)4th - Phil Barnes5th - TJ Friedel6th - Rosa Gonzales7th - Sharon Neff8th - Karin Barnes9th - Kelly Brignon10th - Gary BrignonSHOW1st - Bull Rush Chili - Ginny Williams2nd - Chief No Ponies - Dale Reinecker3rd - Uownt Too Chili - Dee PalmerBEANS 1st - Mark Sanders2nd - Tina Barnes3rd - Vicki SandersJUNIOR SHOW:1st - Dakota HargisJUNIOR CHILI:1st - Dakota Hargis2nd - Katie Ross-SextonSUNDAY (17 Chilis):1st - Paul Dee Seastrunk2nd - Beth Moon (Q) 3rd - Dave Hewlett (Q)4th - Stephanie Brockman5th - Ray Medlin6th - Roger Foltz7th - Sharon Neff8th - Ginny Williams9th - Shirley Sexton10th - Steve Heaser"Kiss Your Sister" - Rex JonesSHOW1st - Bull Rush Chili - Ginny Williams2nd - Chili Pod Cast - Steve Heaser3rd - Chief No Ponies - Dale Reinecker”
(Stephanie Brockman)
“We have entered into a deal with Howard Johnson Plaza Hotels for a room rate for the Southwest Open of $49.00 per night it is located on 5th and Broad St. address 401 Broad Phone # 940 766 6000.” (Bob Luney)
“VASA POD along with COLET INN BAR &GRILL in Schroeder Texas invite everyone May 24th and 25th to a MEMORIAL DAY BLAST OFF held at 3023 Camp Colet Road. We will have CASI Chili,Jackpot Beans,Junior Chili,Jackpot Brisket ,Chicken and Pork Spare Ribs. Our charity is Wayne & LaFon Roessler. They are long time chili cooks and friends. Both are experiencing medical problems, and could use our help and support. There will be a silent auction,bake sale and raffle. On Sunday besides CASI Chili, a Breakfast Jackpot Casserole-off will be held. Come on out and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend with us.Hook-ups are first come $10.00 per night. There is plenty of shade and good food and entertainment at Colet Inn Bar & Grill.
For more information please call Dianna Hoy 361-648-6990 diannahoy@aol.com, or Linda McDonald 361-578-2575 Mclinda78@hotmail.com” (Dianna Hoy)
POTPOURRI
Happy Birthday to Lisa Duggan and Ken Rodd.
Fair and balanced, this one comes from Chip Welsh:
"In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican." - H. L. Mencken News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net
NEWS
"If you have not made your reservations for the Great Pepper's Meeting September 5th & 6th in Amarillo now is the time to do it. It will be here before we know it just a little over 3 months away. So make them now.
The hotel is the Fifth Season Inn & Suites at 6801 I-40 West Amarillo, TX 79106. The phone number is 806.358.7881 The room rate is $69.00 with a free hot breakfast for every room. You must ask for The Chili Appreciation Society (CASI) special room rate. Be sure and make your reservations early we only have a certain number of rooms reserved. If you have any questions you can contact Vickie Childers at vickiefromtx@aol.com or call 806.355.9112 days or 806.433.1793 nights. To raise money for the meeting we are having a drawing for $1000.00 & $500.00 at the meeting on Saturday September 6th. For a donation of $1.00 a ticket or 6 tickets for $5.00 you can have a chance. You Do Not Have To Be Present To Win. For tickets you can contact Vickie Childers or any member of the Nob Pod (Wichita Falls), the Black Sheep Pod or the Tall in Texas Pod.” (Vickie Childers)
RESULTS and UPCOMINGS
“I am writing to announce the 6th Annual Bull City Chili Challenge in Durham (North Carolina) Central Park. If you've been to this event before, I hope you're planning to come back. If you haven't been yet, I hope you can help us make this year's cookoff bigger and better than ever!Here are the important points about the cookoff:• The Bull City Chili Challenge is a chili cookoff sponsored by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI). • All proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Durham. • Cooks will compete in 3 different categories - Texas Style Chili (just meat and gravy), Freestyle Chili (anything goes) and salsa. • Texas style chili must be cooked on site, from scratch the day of the cookoff. All other categories may be prepared ahead of time.• Divisions for juniors, adult individuals, and restaurants.• All cooks vehicles must be removed from the area by 8:00 am when the Farmer's Market opens• Public tasting begins at 11 am• Chili turn-in is at 12 noon• Entry fee is $20, payable to Piedmont Pepper PodWe need cooks, judges and donations (money, door prizes, palate cleansers for judging, etc - all tax deductible). If you are interested in participating in any way, please contact me via email or phone (919-381-1540). Hope to see everyone in Durham Central Park on June 21 - it'll be here before you know it!” (Adrienne Grant)
POTPOURRI
Happy Birthday to Harvey West. Happy Anniversary to George and Joyce Jowers.
Roger Foltz sends today’s quote:
"Poor People have been voting for Democrats for the last 50 years, .............and they are still poor." – Charles Barkley
News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net
RESULTS and UPCOMINGS
“Its almost here!!! - The 25th Annual Southwest Open and North of the Brazos Chili Cookoffs. The events will be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 24th and 25th at 2395 Hatton Road in Wichita Falls. There will be a Cooks party and 42 tournament on Friday night. Saturday will start off with a Cooks breakfast, raffles, silent auction, calcutta, red draw toast, bean cookoff and end with great awards! Sunday will also offer a Cooks breakfast and chili cookoff. So make plans for a fun-filled weekend! For more information contact Bob Luney - sundance6900@aol.com or (940) 632-8600. Saturday - Chili Grind Only - entry $25.00 - turn in 2:00 & Sunday - Chili Grind Only - entry $18.00 - turn in 1:00.
Hotel Info -
Hawthorn Suites, (940)692-7900
Homewood Suites, (940) 691-4663
Ramada Inn, (940) 687-2025” (Tammie Wooster)
POTPOURRI
Happy Birthday to Susan Douglass and George Thompson. On Sunday, birthday and anniversary wishes go to Harvey West and George and Joyce Jowers.
“It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.” - William G. McAdoo
News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net
RESULTS and UPCOMINGS
“ATTENTION ALL!!! I have a WONDERFUL announcement to make.....The H-E-B cook off that is going to be held on July. 6 in AUSTIN is still a go BUT there will be a NEW charity ( H-E-B will be letting us know who soon) now for the reason for this change.......The original charity was to be for Jody Arnolds niece Jordyn who needed surgery to enable her to be able to see well I just received a call from Jody and due to all of the networking an anonymous donor has stepped forward and is paying for the cost of Jordyns surgery!!! This is surely one blessed little girl! So let's all still come out and show H-E-B what we can do....any questions feel free to email me at winksintexas@aol.com a change will be made in the trails soon.” (Dianne Stimson)
FORUM
The discussion on the recent topic has made me think about how varied our chili experiences are, often based on our location. It also makes me think about the implications this might have on deciding CASI policies and on the makeup of the CASI Board.
I have participated in cookoffs in most states where CASI exists. From personal experience, I can tell you that CASI cookoffs differ greatly throughout the land:
Some areas have many cooks to draw from; some have few.
There are some areas where chili is part of the cultural fabric. Every business and civic group wants to have a cookoff. There are areas where chili cookoffs are mostly unknown and CASI members have to do a lot of education to find a promoter for a new cookoff.
Some areas have relatively large cookoffs every week, where the entry fees alone contribute large amounts to the specified charity. Here, there is often little public. Some areas are lucky to get twenty cooks and need to find alternate ways to generate charitable proceeds, frequently from large public attendance.
In some areas, cooks circle their motorhomes and shut out the public. These are private parties for the cooks. In some areas, traffic density and lack of parking dictate that cookoffs are day trip only events.
In some areas, a twenty-five cook minimum, cash prizes, or some other rules change might eliminate unwanted competition between cookoffs and might increase the number of cooks in attendance. In other areas, these same changes might threaten to put CASI out of business.
Our largest group of voters, on the CASI Board and at the Great Peppers Meeting, is from Texas. This is reasonable because our historic background and our largest number of members reside there. Actually, voters from Texas represent several unique areas where the chili experience is quite different.
Most of our cooks do not travel extensively out of their areas. They can’t comprehend the vast differences in the CASI experience or the unique challenges faced by promoters in different areas. So, how do we find the wisdom to make decisions that are best for all of CASI? We’ve embraced the growth of CASI in all parts of the country. How do we address large CASI issues in a way that benefits all?
To contribute to this discussion, please send your response to pepperdean@ctesc.net
POTPOURRI
Happy Birthday to Jenny Causey and Sammy LeGear.
“Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.” - Albert Schweitzer News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net
Last month, we announced a contest to choose a designer for this year’s TICC poster. If you’re working on a design, or if you plan to work on one, please let me know by sending an email to pepperdean@ctesc.net . Thanks, Alan
NEWS
“Hello everyone. There is a new cooking and show team in the making. We arrived at the Lewisville VFW there were two gentlemen setting up there gear. I thought they were doing something with the club not a thought on them being cooks. Several cooks went over to talk with them came back with interesting stories. That peaked my interest one because they were set up with WW2 vehicles and gear my dad was in that war and I have heard many stories. Show time came around myself and the other judges were making our rounds and talked with them. Well they wanted to hear more so turned my chili in went over and had a very lengthy talk with Dave and Chuck. They had lots of questions of course I answered what I could and gave them my card and been in contact since. Dave restores the vehicles to use with reenacting groups very authentic set up. He has been doing that for 14 yrs. He is married and profession is mechanical engineer. Chuck is a government employee. They are planning to make their first appearance at the Cowtown cook-off. These guys are very excited and impressed with the chili world. And that is how we get new cooks to me talk and have a card or something to keep in contact with. They also ask about spices I have cards to give away courtesy of one of our spice contacts. They are raring to go so if your at a cookoff and ya think ya stepped back in time it will be Chuck and Dave make sure ya say hello.” (Tina Barnes)
“FOUND: Cell phone at Texas Open, Sunday morning, in the grass near the motor homes. Call 713-235-3345 to claim. Thanks.” (Michael Mayorga)
“Just received word that John Gill passed away yesterday. He was one of our chili cooks from Toronto Canada. Made lots of Texas friends when he lived here for about 5 years.” (Carol Gibbs)
RESULTS and UPCOMINGS
“Here are list of the winner of the CCO. We had 15 CASI cooks, 5 locals and 9 Beans and raised $820.00 for the VFW.
1st Allen Gray--Richland, TX
2. Morris Moss--Garland, TX
3. Rex Jones--Dallas, TX
4 David McKee--Rockwall, TX
5. Jackie Gross--Quinlan, TX
6. Gary Kennedy--Mesquite, TX
7. Ray Medlin--Dallas, TX-----(Q)
8. Paul Seastrunk--Garland, TX
9. Rick Burrow--Royce City, TX
10. Larry Wampler--Terrell,TX
SHOW
1st. Larry Wampler---Terrell,TX
2nd. David McKee--Rockwall, TX
3th. Ray Medlin--Dallas,TX”
(Larry Wampler)
“St. Charles IL—The Sixteenth Chillini Pod Chili Cookoff was held last Saturday, May 10 in at The St. Charles VFW. The Mothers Day weekend and an upcoming Regional Open took there toll on cooks, but eighteen people came out for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Congratulations to Virgil Johnson, our new Pod Champion. Virgil and Roylene have supported the Chillini Pod and been to every cookoff except the one we had to schedule on top of an Iowa cookoff. Now Virgil has a Chillini Championship. The rest:
CHILI
1. Virgil Johnson, Ottumwa IA
2. Jim Weller, Rockton IL
3. Bert Centers, Lisle IL
4. Bret Centers, Lisle IL
5. Georgia Weller, Rockton IL
6. Eric Shepherd, Montgomery IL
7. Gloria Molitor, St. Cherles IL
8. Kathy Martin, Huntley IL
9. John Gastaldello, Dowers Grove IL
10. Roylene Johnson, Ottumwa IA
SHOW
1. Kathy Martin, Huntley IL
2. Candice Thomas, Naperville IL
3. Gloria Molitor, St. Charles IL”
(Bill Pierson)
“The 31st Annual Texas Open has come and gone and is now in the history books. We moved the cookoff in hopes of cooler weather. Just seems that the heat likes to follow us no matter where we go. The canopies were up and it looked like the pictures I have seen from the days of yore. What a great sight it was. We had two fantastic charities that came out in full force and worked their butts off. I can't express enough thanks to the cooks, monitors, and runners that helped to make this event so wonderful. A very special thanks again to Darrell Baxter, Ralph Hay and crew for running tally. To my bud Jeannette Cardenas for being Head Judge and to my traveling buddy Teena Miller for being the referee. We had 110 chilis turned in. We had 16 juniors turn in. We also had a special "Champion of Champions" side Cookoff. We had 8 reigning champions with us. They were, Ralph Hay, 2007-2008 Texas Open; Jen Windsor, Maryland State Champ; Dee Hay, Pennsylvania State Champ; Diana Klade, 2008 Texas Ladies State Champ; Jack Windsor, New York and Virginia State Champ; Dana Plocheck, Colorado State Champ; Larry Burrus, Mexico International Champ and of course Debbie Ashman TICC Champ. When all was said and done, Jen Windsor came out on top. Listed below are the results. Again, I want to thank everyone that attended, worked, hung out, cleaned up and helped to make the event memorable. See ya next year.
CASI Chili:
1. Bob Coats, Irving, TX, Q'd
2. Jessie Waguespack, Austin, TX, Q'd
3. Earl "Who" Gorhum, Montgomery, TX, Q'd
4. Nancy Netardus, Houston, TX
5. Cindy Reed-Wilkins, Houston, TX
6. Nigel Delgado, Houston, TX
7. Larry "Doc" Kinnison, Marble Falls, TX
8. Darrell Baxter, Grand Prairie, TX
9. David Manske, Arlington, TX
10. Don Meehan, Houston, TX
11. Janie Burruss, San Marcos, TX
12. Keith Karaff, Houston, TX
13. Norma Homesley, Manchaca, TX
14. Dru Stewart, Hurst, TX
15. Diana Klade, New Braunfels, TX
16. Ralph Hay, Pasadena, TX
17. Bruce Stewart, Hurst, TX
18. Doris Coats, Irving, TX
19. Julie Cloninger, Deer Park, TX
20. Dana Plocheck, Houston, TX
Show:
1. Ska Tatanka, Mark Sommer, Spring, Tx
2. Jo Mama, Jo Quist, Houston, TX
3. Pig Stop Chili, Sharon Dozier, Houston, TX
Juniors:
1. Felicia Borgfeld
2. Hannah Moore
3. Chandler Bergen
4. Hunter Richter
5. Robert Buchman
6. Andren Thomson
7. Matthew Styer
8. Zack Kriska
9. Kodi Casey
10. Wendy Bachmeyer
Finalist Dakota Hargis
Finalist Lucas Nesbitt
Finalist Becca Cudd
Finalist Jeremy Harris
Finalist Kate Cavender
Finalist Kari Richardson
Champion of Champions:
Jen Windsor, Maryland State Champion”
(Keith Karaff)
“Just a reminder for those coming to Snyder this weekend on Highway 84 from the east or south. The Hwy 180 exit is closed due to construction. You can take the first Snyder exit (Business 84) and follow the 180 detour signs. At the stop sign, turn right and go over two overpasses. From there follow the instructions in the Terlingua Trails. If you need more directions, call (325)575-8282 or email Connie at collier@snydertex.com” (Connie Collier)
FORUM
Please, no further replies to this topic. We will steer the discussion in a slightly different direction tomorrow. Thanks.
“I thought long and hard about cash prizes for CASI. Let's first start with the suggestion of 25 cooks per cook-off. We are lucky in the Northeast to have 15 cooks come and participate. If it becomes mandatory to have 25 cooks per cookoff, pods all over the country will shut down. Is this really what is wanted? I think not, cookoffs with 15 cooks can still has a successful event. We have proven that numerous times.
Now for cash prizes. I've been to numerous cook-offs ICS and CASI in the past three months in several different states. One thing stays in my mind which was said in opening remarks in an ICS cook-off. It's about the cooks, without the cooks there would be no cook-off. This statement is so true. We put our money, heart and soul into cooking the best pot of chili and our money into throw-down chili for the spectators to sample. We ask for donations for the charities. Yes this organization is about charities. I don't mind at all doing this. Occassionly I would like to know that we are appreciated for all the expense we are putting out (gas, meat, seasonings, ingredients, fees) of our pockets. Most cooks are husband and wife, which is a double expense. Even if the Pod charges $1.00 or $2.00 more through the registration fees for a first place gas gift card. Sending out letters t o sponsors asking for gift cards for the cooks is at least letting the cook know they are appreciated for all their hard work. It helps with some of the expense. For some of us the thought of competing in TICC will not happen because of the expense.” (Christine Johnson)
"Would paying cash prizes bring in more cooks? Probably. Would paying cash prizes cause a loss of existing cooks? I doubt it.
From what I have seen in my short two years of cooking is that the Chili World, whether it be CASI, Tolbert, or ICS, has the best and fairest judging system I have seen. This is the thing that keeps the existing cooks in place and keeps the camaraderie between the cooks, which is so important to Chili. Paying cash is a good thing as long as the fight is fair.
As for sponsorship, remember that any and all events are sponsorable. And from thirty years of working with sponsored events I have learned that Quality is as important as Quantity so don't think that a fifteen to thirty cook cook-off is not sponsorable. Maybe not to the point that we would sometimes like to see, but certainly to the point that any charitable contributions should not drop and have a very good probability that they would increase.
Remember change is not necessarily a bad thing. It is also called progress and a lot of that has happened in the past 100 years, some good and some bad, but it is still progress." (Brent Allen )
To contribute to this discussion, please send your response to pepperdean@ctesc.net
POTPOURRI
Happy Birthday to Dodie Simpson. Happy Anniversary to Ira and Irene Duffield.
“There must be more to life than having everything.” - Maurice Sendak
News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net
