ED's Reflections

2012-02-14T06:11:00.003-07:00

Please keep Paul and Kathy Mulkey in your prayers, Paul's sister, Jean Nichols, passed away Friday. She lived in the Dallas, TX area.

From Kelly Brignon:

Come out to Waxahachie this weekend for the 11^th Annual Gingerbread House Cook Off held at the Ellis Co. Expo Center. Rain or shine, snow or sleet – we’ve got you covered. Indoor cooking, plenty of space for RV parking (dry camping, no hook ups), LIVE bands Friday and Saturday night, FREE BEER for cooks at the stew dinner Friday night and three opportunities to get your points and qualify for Terlingua. All in one weekend, all in one place and you get to have a great time the whole weekend! Please bring throw down chili for Friday night concession stand sales. Gates open at 10 am Friday morning for early arrivals. Chili grind only all weekend, turn in at 8pm Friday night, 1pm for all divisions Saturday, and noon on Sunday. Cooks also get free admission to the Benefit Barn Dance Saturday night and we will also have a Woodbridge sponsored Wine tasting,and a Bier Garten. Contact Kelly Brignon at 469.628.8840 or at Kelly@mildbills.com for more information. See you this weekend!

From Ken Rodd:

Don Hoy was released from the hospital on February 13th. His fluids are down, but he will have to return to the hospital for several follow-up treatments. His follow-up should be ok if he does what the Dr tells him to do. Please send him an email on encouragement to: donhoy@aim.com. I am sure he will love to hear from you.

From Kelly Brignon:

If you need a spice order brought to you in Waxahachie this weekend, please contact me via phone or email by Wednesday and I’ll be happy to bring it to you. I won’t have an inventory with me this weekend, but I am more than happy to bring orders to the cook off. I can be reached at 972.875.2975 or email me at Kelly@mildbills.com. Thanks so much and I look forward to spending a great weekend with all of our wonderful customers and friends!

From Janita Hinds:

Are you looking at finding a new piece of Art work to decorate your Living Room? Comstock is just the place you need to come this weekend. You could win two bronze trophies. One is the Richard Hinds Memorial Panther and the second one is the Richard Scott Traveling Indian Maiden trophy!!!

It all starts this next Saturday morning with breakfast and then the cooking of chili. There will be a Dessert and Art Auction. Following Chili Announcements, you can dine on Southern Style Pulled Pork Supper which will be provided by Hinds Well Service. The day will end with a 42 Tournament. The winners will walk away with a set of Commemorative Dominos provide by Thunderbird Machinery.

There will be another Chili Cookoff on Sunday. This day will begin with breakfast by Lorina's Cantina. Chili turn in time will be 12 noon. This benefits the Comstock School Library.

For more information, contact Janita Hinds at 839 703 0096.

From Barbara Herrin:

Texas Ladies State Contributors – I would like to let you know that so far I have received $2025 in donations. My goal is that we exceed $2200 which is more than we contributed last year. I think we are well on our way to doing just that. Keep those contributions coming in.

NOTE: If you want an article or a picture that you want to appear in the March Terlingua Trails, you need to send it Dana Plocheck either today or by close of business tomorrow. She must have all the information on hand so that on February 16 she can assemple the Trails and have it ready for publication.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2012-02-13T06:56:00.009-07:00

From Elton Homesly:

Friday I took the first official steps to restart the two chili cookoffs in Marathon. I submitted requests for sanctioning and listing in Upcomings.

The dates will be June 30th, 2012 and July 1st, 2012.

Please look at your calendars and start making plans for that weekend.

Norma and I are so pleased that Betty Ramirez [our close friend in Marathon] will be in charge this year. We hope that many of you will come out and support her and be of help when you get here.

This year the charities will be:

Saturday - The Marathon Foundation - see www.themarathonfoundation.org and

www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/us/06ttschools.html?pagewanted=all

Sunday - The local food bank.

A special thanks and congratulations to Betty!

From Mel Fitzhenry:

Mark your calendars for the Southwest Open. It will be held May 25-27,2012. It will be held in Durant Oklahoma at the Choctaw Casino.

The 29th Annual Southwest Open Chili Championship has been moved to a bigger and better location. The Choctaw Casino in Durant, Okla.will host this years event to be held on May 26, 2012. The cookoff location will be at the Choctaw/KOA RV Park on the grounds of the Choctaw Casino. The Casino is located just across the Texas/Oklahoma border, North of the Dallas/Ft Worth area on US Hwy 75.

Entry fee: $25, Turn-in 2PM, Chili Grind Only. Top 3 chilis and 1st Place Show are automatic qualifiers for TICC. Travel money for top winners in chili and show. Last year top 5 chilis were qualified.

Friday nite 42 Tournament

Contact: Kevin Wooster-940-733-9221, Terry Graves-940-733-6446 or Nancy Graves-940-733-0625 or teamatic96@sbcglobal.net.

Send entry to: Nancy Graves, PO Box 1129, Wichita Falls, Tx. 76307-- 940-733-0625

Hotel Info for SWO

All hotels have shuttle service to the RV Park and Casino.

Comfort Inn and Suites

580-924-8881

Chili cook rate: $79

Hampton Inn and Suites

580-924-0300

Chili Cook rate: $89

Holiday Inn and Suites

580-924-9777

Chili Cook rate: $99

Magnuson Hotel and Suites, Formally the Microtel

580-924-5100

Chili Cook rates: $55-65-75

From Ken Rodd:

I would like to ask the CASI members to think seriously about the position of CASI Executive Director. This is an extremely important job and one that takes many hours of hands on work. It is a position for a dedicated CASI member, a position that requires a high level of energy and is the most visible position on the Board. This position involves at least 30 hours a week of VOLUNTEER work. It is a position that interacts with the CASI board members, the CASI membership, and certainly many non CASI members; such as cookoff promoters, potential sponsors, the media and more. It is a position that will give a person a great feeling of accomplishment. With this in mind, may the best people step forward and run for this “job”. I have a lot of admiration for our CASI EDs since I became a CASI member from Mr. Hut Brown to our current ED, Janice Miller. I have probably had differences with all of them over something – but the issues were resolved in a satisfactory manner and in the best interest of CASI.

From the ED's Desk: In West Texas, we had a beautiful warm day to cook Chili on Saturday and then Sunday the high was 32 with wind. Before the CCO was over, we had snow!!! Enough to cover the ground. Today, it is suppose to get to 66. If you live out here, you got love change!!!

2012-02-10T05:43:00.002-07:00

From Clyde Rogers:
A reminder that Traders` Village has stepped up to help chili cooks with a place to stay while at the Texas Open. To give cooks an additional hotel to choose from Traders` Village made arrangements with the Courtyard Marriott. It is located at 11603 Hwy 151. It is about 13 miles from the cook off. The reservation information is shown below. Hope to see all at Traders` Village for the 2nd annual Texas Open.

ANNOUNCEMENT:
I am announcing that I have decided not to run for a 3rd term as Executive Director for CASI. I have enjoyed my 4 years, but think it is time to encourage someone else to become the new Executive Director. A BIG thank you to all of you that have supported me these last 4 years. Without your help, I would not have been able to accomplish this job!

Poster Contest Guidelines

When designing the piece of art, please keep in mind that the poster is a vital element to the success of the event. The artwork that is chosen will not only become the official poster of the Terlingua International Chili Championship, but it will also possibly add to the development of the retail merchandise.

The artist should design an initial draft of poster artwork. If selected, the artist will work with CASI staff in making changes and developing the final piece.

Artwork must incorporate the following elements:

+ Name of Event: Terlingua International Chili Championship

+ Annual Designation: 46^th Annual

+ Date of Event: November 3, 2012

Artist should keep in mind that the finished poster must also include the Sponsor Logos and pictures of the previous year’s winners.

Artist should design artwork with the use of bold colors.

Actual size of the finished poster must be 18” X 24” and artwork must be camera ready.

If selected, artist agrees to relinquish ownership of artwork.

If selected, artwork becomes the sole property of the Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc.

If selected, artist agrees to sign and number fifty (50) prints within 30 days of request.

Poster submissions must be mailed to the Executive Director by no later than May 1, 2012. Her contact information is: Janice Miller, 3014 Oak Mountain Trail, San Angelo, TX 76904. The email is garjans@suddenlink.net.

From Sherrie Davis:

Here are the directions to the Wellborn CCO:

Directions

Take Hwy 290 toward Hempstead - exit onto Highway 6 towards College Station

Take the William D Finch exit (Hwy 40) go to the lite and take a left on to Willam D Finch.

Proceed about 3 miles to 2154 and take a left

Proceed about 3 miles to Greens Prarie Road and take a left

Look for the Wellborne Community Center Signs - on left side of Greens Prarie

For directions or further information call Roger Schoppe at 979-220-5611.

From Boomer Kingston:
It's that time of year. Time to begin thinking about Texas Ladies State. The Registration form is below. Please fill it out and return it to Steve Ashman by March 16, 2012. His address is Steve Ashman, C/0 Ladies State, PO Box 1632, Bastrop, TX 78602.

2012-02-09T05:09:00.001-07:00

If you are the referee for a Texas CCO, please be sure to send your Results Sheet with your Chili and Show Entrants Sheet to JENNY WINDSOR. Her address is 210 Kennedy Ave, Severna Park MD 21146.

If your Pod has a Web site, you are welcome to send me the link and it will be added to the other links found on our Chili Web Page (www.chili.org). If your pod has a web page address on our Web Page, and it is no longer current or no longer exists, please send me that information so that you can be added or removed. We need to keep the information on our Web Page as current as possible.

From Diane Hoy:
Please keep Don in your prayers. He is in Citizens Hospital in Victoria with congestive heart failure. They will need to do some testing to find out the cause. He was resting comfortable when I left. Thanks to my children for their love and support.

From Donna Conrad:
ATTENTION ALL YOU CHILI COOKERSIf your planning on coming to Texas Open and don't have a place to stay your in luck. LaQuinta Inn and Suites is giving us and extension tell Feb. 10th with the $75.00 room rate. After that it will go up to the regular rate. They are located at 6511 Military Dr. San Antonio, TX.. CALL NOW 210-674-3200. Tell them your with the Texas Open Chili Cook Off.

Keith Longabaugh is home and doing well. He thanked everyone for their well wishes.

From Carolyn Seelig and Connie Collier

Good Evening Ladies!

This is the February reminder:

Barbara Herrin reported she has already received numerous contributions for this year. Thank you for your prompt response to the Texas Ladies State CCO and the CASI Scholarship Program funding project.

Remember that last year, through your joint efforts, over $2,000.00 was raised and funding for a technical school scholarship or one-half academic scholarship through the CASI Scholarship Program was made possible. It was an awesome first-year showing of your dedication to strengthen and help guarantee the future success of the CASI Scholarship Program. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could top that this year?

The deadline for your 2012 contributions is March 1^st.

A Contribution Form is located in the Resource Center and there is one below.

Again, please feel welcome to encourage your friends to participate as an open invitation is extended to anyone who may be interested.

Thank you.

Connie Collier
collier@snydertex.com
home (325)573-7014
cell (325)575-7014

Carolyn Seelig

cseelig@beecreek.net
Home (830)997-0489

2012-02-08T16:11:00.001-07:00

3rd Post for Wednesday:
Keith Longabaugh had a massive heart attack yesterday afternoon. 2 aorta stints inserted and he is now stable. Keep Debbie and Keith in your prayers also.

2012-02-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

2nd Post for Wednesday

Don Hoy is currently in Citizen's Hospital in Victoria with a posible heart condition. Please keep Don and Diane in your prayers.

2012-02-08T05:37:00.001-07:00

From Sherrie Davis:

Directions for the Wellborn CCO. (Flier below)

Take Hwy 290 toward Hempstead - exit onto Highway 6 towards College Station

Take the William D Finch exit (Hwy 40) go to the lite and take a left on to Willam D Finch.

Proceed about 3 miles to 2154 and take a left

Proceed about 3 miles to Greens Prairie Road and take a left

Look for the Wellborne Community Center Signs - on left side of Greens Prarie

For directions or further information call Roger Schoppe at 979-220-5611.

From Janita Hinds:

Bored with life? Need some excitement? Well, we have just the place for you to get that. The 7th Richard Hinds CCO will be happening in Comstock on Saturday, February 18, 2012. There will also be another CCO on Sunday. Below is the flier for the Saturday CCO.

From Sherry Maus:

Bring your Valentine and come join the Concho Valley Chili Pod for a Valentine Massacre CCO. Friday night we are going to have a Taco Bar Meal. Pot Lucks are welcomed. Saturday, we will have a Chili Cook Off. Turn in time will be 2:00 PM. We will have a 50/50 raffle and a Desert Auction followed by our Saturday Meal. The Saturday Meal will have the meat (a brisket) provided. Pot Lucks are welcomed. It is a great place to celebrate Valentine's Day and at the same time cook some chili. Sunday, the turn in time will be 12:00 noon. Both cookoffs are Chili Grind only. Hope to see you there!

From Clyde Rogers:

Traders` Village has stepped up to help chili cooks with a place to stay while at the Texas Open. To give cooks an additional hotel to choose from Traders` Village made arrangements with the Courtyard Marriott. It is located at 11603 Hwy 151. It is about 13 miles from the cook off. The reservation information is shown. Hope to see all at Traders` Village for the 2nd annual Texas Open.

NOTE: Does your Pod have a web site that is listed on the CASI web page? If you do and it is no longer current or active, please let me know. We want to do a cleanup of those listed. If your Pod has one and it is not listed on the web page, please contact me.

It's Wednesday and time to list this weekend's cookoffs.

Feb 11, 2012-001 - West, TX CASI. Out West Bar and Grill 5th Annual Chili Cook Off held at 301 South Main Street in West,TX. EXIT 353 off of I-35. Entry Fee $18.00. Turn in time 2:00 pm. CHILI GRIND ONLY!!!!! IF WEATHER IS BAD CAN COOK INSIDE!!!!! Plenty of RV Parking SORRY NO HOOK UPS! Live Entertainment Friday & Saturday Night. 50/50 Drawing.They have GREAT food and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome, so for a GREAT time and to have some fun come on out and spend the weekend! Contact either Mike & Wanda Hutyra 254-826-5509 or Dianne Stimson Winksintexas @aol.com or 254-855-2767.

Feb 11, 2012-002 - Hernando, MS CASI. Mississippi State Cookoff. Hernando Hills Country Club 1000 Bradley Drive. Entry fee $20 turn- in 1 PM. Automatic Qualifier for TICC. For additional information contact Lynne Murry 662-526-8722. lynnemurry @gmail.com.

Feb 11, 2012-003 - Water Valley, TX CASI. St Valentine's Day Massacre CO. Day 1 of St Valentine's Day Massacre CCO, Concho Valley Chili Pod CCO, CASI,Location: Water Valley Park located on South FM 2034 off of US Highway 87. There is a limited number of hook ups. $20/night. There will be Jackpot Beans with a turn in at 12 noon and the entry fee is $5.00. Chili turn in is at 2 PM. The entry fee is $18.00. CHILI GRIND ONLY. There will be a cake auction and a 50/50 raffle. Make checks payable to Concho Valley Chili Pod. There will be a Saturday night Potluck Supper. This is day 1 of a 2 day CCO. See Sunday's information. Contact Sherry Maus 325-658-1364, Janice Miller garjans @suddenlink.net 325-650- 1854.

Feb 11, 2012-004 - West Tawakoni, TX CASI. VFW Post 2559 Cookoff. At Hwy 276 across from Dollar General Store, 8 miles East of Quinlan. Entry fee $18 turn-in 1 PM. Beans $5 turn-in Noon. Free breakfast for the cooks. Contact Jackie Grosse 903-883-4916, 903- 456-9498.

Feb 11, 2012-005 - Wellborn, TX CASI. 1st Annual CCO and Car Show. Located at 4119 Greens Prairie Rd. West, College Station, TX 77845. Chili Grind Only. Entry fee $20 with turn in at 2:00pm. 50/50 Beans entry fee $10 with turn in at 12:00 noon, Benefits the Wellborn Cemetery Association. For more information please contact wellborncommunitycenter @yahoo.com or Verda at 979-436-1479.

Feb 11, 2012-006 - Edmond, OK CASI. David Curtis Memorial It is located at I35 N of OKC to Waterloo Rd, turn east appox 3/4 mile to Elks Lodge. CASI sanctioned. Benefits Elks Charities. CASI turn in time 1:00 PM. Entry fee $20.00 Elks Division turn in time 1:00 PM entry fee $10.00 Make checks payable to the Hooch Pod. Chili Grind only. Contact Joe Spears 405-650-3354, joe .spears42@yahoo.com 128 Amber Ridge Shawnee, OK 74801

Feb 11, 2012-900 - Crosby, TX CASI. Chili and Bean Cookoff for a CURE

West ,TX CASI. Out West Bar and Grill Next Day Chili Cook Off held at 301 South Main Street West TX EXIT 353 off of I-35 Entry Fee $18.00. Turn in time 1PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY !!! CAN COOK INSIDE IF WEATHER IS BAD!! Plenty of RV parking SORRY NO HOOK UPS!!! They have GREAT food and will treat us wonderfully! So come on out for a fun time and weekend.For more information contact either Mike and Wanda Hutyra 254-826-5509 or Dianne Stimson at Winksintexas @aol.com or 254-855-2767. See previous Day cook off.

Feb 12, 2012-002 - Water Valley, TX CASI. Day 2 St Valentine's Day Massacre. Day 2 of St Valentine's Day Massacre CCO, Charity TBA CASI, Location: Water Valley Park located on South FM 2034 off of US Highway 87. There is a limited number of hook ups. Hooks up will cost $20/night. Chili turn in is at 12 Noon. The entry fee is $18.00. CHILI GRIND ONLY. There will be 50/50 raffle. Make checks payable to Concho Valley Chili Pod. This is day 2 of a 2 day CCO. See Saturday information Contact Sherry Maus at 325-658- 1364 or Janice Miller 325-650-1854 garjans @suddenlink.net

2012-02-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

From Lisa Brown:
The first REGIONAL Horn Toad CCO and Roundup is over and I am happy to say that it was a HUGE success! All the little toads got safely to Rankin. We want to say a big "THANK YOU" to all of those who came out and worked to help us put on this event and to all of those who came out to judge chili. We could not have Chili CookOffs without you judges.

It was a nice winter day in Ranking, a little cloudy and cool, but we had 109 die hard chili cooks sign up to cook in this event. We had cooks from Pasadena, Texas to Anthony, New Mexico come out and cook for a chance to win the coveted Horn Toad. Not quite sure what happened to 3 of our cooks, but we had 106 cups of nice, red, CASI chili turned in to Boomer Kingston and his helpers for our troop of around 105 chili judges to taste and score. When all of the tasting, judging and tallying was complete, here's the final results:

1- Deanna Castillo, Terlingua (AQ)

2- Bucky Seelig, Fredericksburg (AQ)
3- David Lefler, Bardwell (AQ)
4- Dee Hay, Pasadena
5- Jeanie Struck, Odessa
6- Louis Gonzales, Paint Rock
7- Sheryl Valentine, Amarillo
8- Tim Collier, Snyder
9- Ruby Ross, Marble Falls
10- Connie Collier, Snyder

Chili Final Table

11- Bradley Bains, Midland
12- Ralph Hay, Pasadena
13- Joann Scott, Odessa
14- Doc Kinnison, Marble Falls
15- Don Clevenger, Odessa
16- Dave Boone, Odessa
17- Eddie Byrom, Kerrville
18- Tracy Heflin, San Angelo
19- Janice Miller, San Angelo
20- Carrie Kinnison, Marble Falls
21- Dodie Simpson, Odessa
22- Ashly Bains, Midland

Show:

1- Goat Gap Gazette – Wayne Turner (AQ)
2- Kiss the Judge – Ashley Bains
3- Horned Toad Mania – Kathy Boone

Traveling Toad - Ralph and Dee Hay, Pasadena, TX
42 Winners: Bradley Bains and Dave Boone
Runners Up - Ronnie Yates and Guy W Bates

Poster Contest Guidelines

The artist should design an initial draft of poster artwork. If selected, the artist will work with CASI staff in making changes and developing the final piece.

Artwork must incorporate the following elements:

+ Name of Event: Terlingua International Chili Championship

+ Annual Designation: 46^th Annual
+ Date of Event: November 3, 2012

Artist should keep in mind that the finished poster must also include the Sponsor Logos and pictures of the previous year’s winners.

Artist should design artwork with the use of bold colors.

Actual size of the finished poster must be 18” X 24” and artwork must be camera ready.

If selected, artist agrees to relinquish ownership of artwork.

If selected, artwork becomes the sole property of the Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc.

If selected, artist agrees to sign and number fifty (50) prints within 30 days of request.

From Clyde Rogers:
Are you planning on coming to one of the biggest events in Texas? Texas Open is only a few weeks away. Get your Chili Cooking utensils together and plan to be in San Antonio on February 25!

Don't forget about the Sunday CCO. It is the Texas Open Day After CCO. It will be held right there at Traders' Village. Turn in time is 1:00 PM. It is also going to be a great event. Plan to stay and cook!

2012-02-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

NOTE: Kevin and Clint Wooster's Mother (Frankie Lee Wooster) passed away Saturday. Her services will be Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM in the Texoma Cowboy church on US 281 South. Please keep Kevin, Clint and their families in your prayers.

Concho Valley Chili Pod Valentine Massacre CCOs are this weekend in Water Valley. Friday night there will be a Taco Bar Pot Luck Dinner. Saturday, turn in will be a 2 PM. Saturday Night there will be a pot Luck. The meat (Brisket) will be furnished. Sunday, chili turn in will be a 12 Noon. There will be a cake auction and other fun events.

2012-02-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

Horned Toad Round-up Regional CCO, Rankin, TX

Saturday, 4 February 2012

109 Chilis Registered, 107 turned in

Chili Winners

1- Deanna Castillo, Terlingua (AQ)

2- Bucky Seelig, Fredricksburg (AQ)
3- David Lefler, Bardwell (AQ)
4- Dee Hay, Pasadena
5- Jeanie Struck, Odessa
6- Louis Gonzales, Paint Rock
7- Sheryl Valentine, Amarillo
8- Tim Collier, Snyder
9- Ruby Ross, Marble Falls
10- Connie Collier, Snyder

Show:

1- Goat Gap Gazette – Wayne Turner (AQ)
2- Kiss the Judge – Ashley Bains
3- Horned Toad Mania – Kathy Boone

Chili Final Table

11- Bradley Bains, Midland

12- Ralph Hay, Pasadena
13- Joann Scott, Odessa
14- Doc Kinnison, Marble Falls
15- Don Clevenger, Odessa
16- Dave Boone, Odessa
17- Eddie Byrom, Kerrville
18- Tracy Heflin, San Angelo
19- Janice Miller, San Angelo
20- Carrie Kinnison, Marble Falls
21- Dodie Simpson, Odessa
22- Ashly Bains, Midland

From Donna Conrad:

ATTENTION ALL YOU CHILI COOKERS
If your planning on coming to Texas Open and don't have a place to stay, your in luck. La Quinta Inn and Suites is giving us and extension until Feb. 10th with the $75.00 room rate. After that it will go up to the regular rate. They are located at 6511 Military Dr. San Antonio, TX.. CALL NOW 210-674-3200. Tell them your with the Texas Open Chili Cook Off.

2012-02-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

3rd Post for Friday

The Memorial Service for Mike Sherfield's Mother, Patsy Holbrn will be on Saturday at 1 PM at
Griffin Funeral Home in Hobbs, NEw Mexico followed by gathering at Adam and Tammy's house at 1514 W Caprock.

2012-02-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Second Post

Mike Sherfield's Mother passed away yesterday. Please keep Mike and Jennifer in your prayers.

2012-02-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Yeah, It's Friday!!!

From Donna Conrad:

ATTENTION ALL YOU CHILI COOKERSIf your planning on coming to Texas Open and don't have a place to stay your in luck. LaQuinta Inn and Suites is giving us and extension tell Feb. 10th with the $75.00 room rate. After that it will go up to the regular rate. They are located at 6511 Military Dr. San Antonio, TX.. CALL NOW 210-674-3200. Tell them your with the Texas Open Chili Cook Off.
Thank You

From Carolyn Seelig and Connie Collier:

The form for donating to the CASI Scholarship fund instead of buying treats for Texas State Ladies CCO can now be found on the web page in the Resource Center! Please have your donation to Barbara Herrin by March 1.

Note: Check out our Web Page (www.chili.org) and check out the new Mission Statement.

Be sure to mail ALL Cookoff Results Sheet (Official Results Sheet, Chili and Show Entrants Sheet) to Jenny Windsor!!! Her address is 210 Kennedy Drive, Severna Park, MD 76310

2012-02-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday and we are in Rankin getting ready to help host the Rankin Regional Horn Toad CCO. If you need to contact me, please call on my cell or send an email. I will try to check them on a regular basis.

From Connie Collier:

42 Players!!!

There will be a 42 Tournament in Rankin, Texas this Saturday night at the Regional Horn Toad CCO & Roundup.

You and your partner may sign up during registration on Friday from 3-5 pm or Saturday from 9-11 am. If you don't have a partner, sign up and we will try to find you a partner. Entry fee $5 per person or $10 per team. Prize-a set of dominoes for both partners.

Come and enjoy the fun!!!!

Attention LADIES!!!!

Please join us Friday night following the fish fry for our annual Tequila Rose Toast at the Regional Horn Toad CCO & Roundup (approximately 7 pm). If you have a special toast or poem to read, please share with us. So bring your pink hats, boas, etc. or just come as you are and join us in our time of fellowship with friends.

If you have any questions, call Connie at 325.575.7014 or email collier@snydertex.com

Thank you, Connie Collier

From Janita Hinds:

Please see Flyer below:

2012-02-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

2nd Post

From Kelly Brignon

The new website is up and running! Please post this instead:

Check out Mild Bill's brand new website! If you placed an order yesterday and want to make sure everything transferred during the switch to the new site, please don't hesitate to contact me at the store. Thank you for your patience and your support!

Kelly Brignon
Mild Bill's
972-875-2975

2012-02-01T03:38:00.000-07:00

From Kelly Brignon:

ATTENTION MILD BILL'S CUSTOMERS:

FOR REASONS BEYOND MY CONTROL, MY SOON TO BE FORMER WEBSITE HOSTING COMPANY TOOK THE MILD BILL'S WEBSITE DOWN BEFORE MY NEW WEBSITE WAS SCHEDULED TO GO ONLINE AT 12:01 AM. PLEASE - IF YOU HAVE AN ORDER - FB ME OR CALL ME!!! THE # TO THE STORE IS 972.875.2975. PLEASE DON'T EMAIL ME - KELLY@MILDBILLS.COM WILL NOT WORK UNTIL THE NEW WEBSITE IS ONLINE. THANK YOU AND MY APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS HAS CAUSED ANY OF YOU!!!

Any orders placed today before noon were processed. If you have any questions or want to check on your order, please call the store or send me a message on Facebook. You can also email me at kbrignon-tbdemo@sbcglobal.net

Thanks!

Kelly

Mild Bill's Spice Co., Inc.

972.875.2975

www.mildbills.com

From Harvey West:

Many of you have probably heard there has been a renewed interest in the CASI Museum. Ed Blair and I rekindled the idea at Terlingua this past year and Ed appointed me to research the idea. The museum was further discussed at the Directors meeting in Irving. After talking with many of you I have not found anyone that is in disagreement that we should proceed with building a museum.

I have done quite a bit of researched and spoken to several to find out what it will take to turn this idea into a reality. Larry Franall started the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine at Sul Ross University. Larry thinks the CASI museum is a great idea and is willing to help us. After a long discussion with Larry, there are several things we need to do and have in order to get the museum off the ground. The very first thing we need is a committee willing to work and produce a plan.

At the Directors meeting, it was decided that The Apple Dumpling Gang become the committee to handle the museum. The Apple Dumpling Gang is a group of Ex directors that originally joined together as a group with no particular reason or purpose in mind but now we have one. As most of you know this is a great group of people to make this museum happen because at some time or another everyone in the group has started almost everything in CASI.

Our first agenda is deciding what we would like to have in the museum and where the museum should be built. Should we build this on site or in Terlingua, Study Butte or somewhere else.

How big do you think it should it be. What should we put into it. We need all ideals in order put this together. Let any of the Ex directors know what your thoughts are and maybe we can have a plan together by the Great Peppers Meeting. You can also Email me at Harvey@westplumbing.net.

Thanks

Harvey West

From Donna Conrad:

ATTENTION ALL YOU CHILI COOKERS
If your planning on coming to Texas Open and don't have a place to stay your in luck. LaQuinta Inn and Suites is giving us and extension tell Feb. 10th with the $75.00 room rate. After that it will go up to the regular rate. They are located at 6511 Military Dr. San Antonio, TX.. CALL NOW 210-674-3200. Tell them your with the Texas Open Chili Cook Off.
Thank You
Donna Conrad

From Lisa Brown:
Just a reminder about the Regional CCO in Rankin this weekend. Here is the information.

Second stop on the trail, Rankin February 4, 2012

Schedule for the Regional Horn Toad CCO and Roundup

Thursday Feb 2: Join us for dinner at 6pm at LaFamilia Restaurant (west Hwy 67)

Friday Feb 3: Lunch at1pm at the pavilion
Registration 3pm to 5pm $25.00, Cooks Pot $2.00, 42 Tourney $5.00 each
Fish Fry. 6pm
Tequila Rose Party 7pm
Dominoes, games and visiting til ?????????

Saturday Feb 4: Breakfast & Bloody Marys: 8-10am
Registration: 9-Noon
Cooks Meeting: 10am
Chili Turn In. 2pm

Soup, soup and throw down 1 hour after awards

42 Tournament following dinner

After Rankin, it's on to WaterValley February 11 and 12,
Then on to Comstock February 18 and 19,
Then this chili trail ends with the Texas Open in San Antonio February 25 and 26.

Hoping to see YOU on the trail!

From Cynthia Gill:
I left some information out. Sorry. All of our Texans cooked pounds and pounds of meat to serve the crowd. They made our event a success!

2nd place People's Choice was Crap Shot Chili - Scott Spenser
3rd place was Spot Chili - Scott Woodard

Here is the List of this week's CCO:

Feb 4, 2012-001 - Memphis, TN CASI. Polar Bear Plunge Chili Cook-Off Mud Island River Park 125 North Front Street. Chili team check-in is from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. ALL teams must have on hand a minimum 2A/10BC portable fire extinguisher Entry fee $35, turn-in 1:30 PM. Benefits Special Olympics. Info Lisa Taylor 901-683-1271. Email ltaylorsotn@hotmail.com. Address 1355 Lynnfield Road Suite 273 Memphis TX 38119. Please register by January 27th.

Feb 4, 2012-002 - Rankin, TX CASI. Horned Toad Regional Chili Cookoff. Held in Tommy Workman Park. 1st place - Bronze Horn Toad. This is an automatic qualifier for top 3 chili winners and first place showmanship. Friday night fish fry; Tequila Rose Party; Saturday morning breakfast; stew and pot luck; 42 tournament. Entry fee $25, turn-in 2 PM. Make checks payable to Rankin Museum. Contact Karen Bains 432-559-2419, 432-693-2242, kbains45@sbglobal.net, Dave Boone 432-631-0365.

Feb 4, 2012-003 - Fort Smith, AR CASI. Arkansas State Men's Championship and Annual Belch Amateur Cookoff. Held at Elks Lodge, 5504 Massard Road. Entry fee $20; Turn-in 1pm. Amateur cookoff same day. Silent Auction. Benefitting Children's Service League. State Women's Cookoff same day, see ad. Info: Cathy Hill, 479-561- 4552; catblues68@yahoo.com or Dara Doss, 479-651-7128; email darah@mynewroads.com . Automatic Qualifier for TICC.

Feb 4, 2012-004 - Fort Smith, AR CASI. Arkansas State Women's Championship and Belch Amateur Cookoff held at Elks Lodge, 5504 Massard Road. Entry Fee $20; turn-in 1 pm. Amateur cookoff same day. Silent Auction. Benefitting Children Service League. State Men's cookoff same day see ad. Info Cathy Hill 479-561-4552, email catblue68@yahoo.com or Dara Doss 479-5651-7128, darah@mynewroads.com Automatic qualifier for TICC.

Feb 4, 2012-005 - Minden LA CASI. 21st Annual St. Jude Chili Cookoff at the Minden Civic Center (Downtown) 520 Broadway, Minden, LA 71055. Automatic Qualifier for TICC. CASI RULES APPLY. Entry fee is $20.00 payable to St. Jude Chili Cookoff. World-Class Cooks' Gumbo Supper Friday nite! Breakfast Saturday! Band Saturday! Goody Bags for first 60 cooks! Awesome prizes. Last year there were 71 cooks registered. People's choice. Over 400 tasters. Please bring extra chili. RV parking after 3:00 pm Friday- Contact: Jerry Hunt 797-0719 so we know the numbers. Fabulous opportunity St. Jude Auction (last yr $945,000 raised cars, trucks, TVs, trailers, never a dull moment). Info:George E. French III 318- 377-8369 (evenings) or 318-371- 5601 (days) c/o Minden Medical Center, #1 Medical Plaza, Minden, LA 71055 george.french@1pnt.net

Feb 4, 2012-006 - Statesville, NC CASI. Pre-Super Bowl Elks Lodge CCO Held at 1521 Radio Rd., Statesville, NC. www.ncchili.com CASI rules apply. CASI and Freestyle chili turn in 1:00 PM. Entry fee first chili $20, $10 entry for each additional category entered. Showmanship also judged. Beans turn in at 12:00, salsa turn in 12:30PM. Benefits Elks Lodge charities. Make checks payable to Piedmont Pepper Pod. Cook off held inside the Elks Lodge, tables and chairs furnished; a great cook off rain or shine. Contact Joel at 336-944-6102

2012-01-31T06:10:00.003-07:00

From Connie Collier:

42 Players!!!

There will be a 42 Tournament in Rankin, Texas this Saturday night at the Regional Horn Toad CCO & Roundup.

Come and enjoy the fun!!!!

Attention LADIES!!!!

If you have any questions, call Connie at 325.575.7014 or email collier@snydertex.com

Results from High Sierra Bar and Grill CCO and BBQ
Terlingua, TX

Chili (51 entrants)

1. Mike Monte, Cedar Park, TX
2. Barbara Taylor, Cedar Park, TX
3. Lisa Clevenger, Odessa, TX
4. Tom Dozier, Irving, TX
5. Janita Hinds, Del Rio, TX
6. Gene Evertt, Odessa, TX
7. Don Clevenger, Odessa, TX
8. Kathy Mulkey, Hobbs, NM
9. Dodie Simpson, Odessa, TX
10. Larry "Doc" Kinnison, Marble Falls, TX

Show
1. Kathy Boone, Bookworm Chili, Odessa, TX
2. Tom Dozier, Some Like It Hot, Irving, TX

Chicken (10 BBQers)
1. Lee Roy Childress
2. Carlos Salzar
3. Don Clevenger
4. Louis Gonzales
5. Gene Evertt
6. Lisa Clevenger
7. Dave Boone
8. Jim Statecny
9. Unclaimed
10. Guy Goodspeed

Ribs
1. Gene Evertt
2. Lisa Clevenger
3. Louis Gonzales
4. Dave Boone
5. John Lowe
6. LeeRoy Childress
7. Jim Statecny
8. Guy Goodsped
9. Carlos Salazar
10. Don Clevenger

1. Gene Evertt
2. LeeRoy Childers
3. John Goodspeed
4. Dave Boone
5. Louis Gonzales
6. Carlos Salazr
7. Don Clevenger
8. Jim Statecny
9. Lisa Clevenger

BBQ Champion: Gene Evertt
Reserve Champion: LeeRoy Childress

From Cynthia Gill:
Our sincere thanks to all of our CASI cooks who traveld to Mexico for the 6th Aannual Chili and Charros in San Miguel de Alende. We could never do this without your support and we are gratefull.

Congratulations to the winners. It was a wonderful Texas Sweep.

CASI Chili

1st - Scott Spenser

2nd - Babs Johnson

3rd-Susan Spenser

4th-Richard Inmon

5th-Susan Armand

6th-Doodie Johnson

7th-Larry Walton

8th-Vicky Harvey

9th-Scott Woodard

10th-Kiowan Gardner

CASI Show 1st to Linda Dixon and The Happy Ass Can Be

Cookers

1st place Charros - Grace Walton

2nd to Larry Walton

3rd to Don Gill

From Dianne Stimson:
The 2nd Annual Tokio Store Cook Off Saturday was a GREAT success. Al the owner was more than pleased. He was overwhelmed by the turn out! Yes there were the issues of the cold and the wind....but the brave CASI cooks that we are, we made it through. Some lost their tables and stoves, but managed to salvage enough to restart..... I would like to thank all who came out. Without you, it would not have been the success it was! I would also like to thankthe following for SATURDAY: My Head Judge, Budda David Manske; my very patient tally team, Blu Kriska, Kriss Stewart, and Dale Reinecker; my table monitors, Drew Stewart,Glenda Verba, DeePalmer, Frances Sullivan, and Ron Barns; and my table runner, Kriss Stewart. For SUNDAY: my Head Judge, Alan Dean; my tally crew, Blu Kriska, Kriss Stewart, and Alan Dean; my Monitor, Susan Dean; and my table runner, Kriss Stewart as well as anyone else if I have forgotten to Thank you. It isn't on purpose, it is just a brain fart, sorry.Now onto the winners.

SATURDAY 1-28-12
CHILI

44 chilis judged

1. Mack Walker - Marshall, TX
2. Tina Barns - Euless,TX
3. Jason Goains - Meridian,TX
4. T.J. Cannon - Corinth, TX
5. Dee Palmer - Mansfield, TX
6. Johnnie Sullivan - Ennis, TX
7. Jason Clark - Arlington,TX
8. Susan Dean - Johnson City, TX
9. Erine Nelson - McGregor,TX
10. Kelly Walker - Marshall, Tx

SHOW

1. Soggy Bacon Boys
Bill Lester - Garland, TX

2. Hells Fury
Shirley Sexton - Dallas,TX

3. SnakeFarm Chili
Kenny Short - Burleson, TX

SUNDAY 1-29-12
CHILI

17 chilis judged

1. Jason Clark - Arlington,TX
2. Ernie Nelson - McGregor,TX
3. Jason Goains - Meridian,TX
4. Jim Trietsch - Waco, TX
5. Blu Kriska - Ennis, TX
6. Susan Dean - Johnson City, TX
7. Darlena Hay - Burleson, TX
8. Donna Conrad - Crawford, TX
9. Melinda Sawey - Benbrook,TX
10. Bob Pulliam - Burleson,TX

SHOW

1. Aunt Donna's
Donna Conrad - Crawford,TX

2. Rod & Wheels
Bob Pulliman - Burleson,Tx

3. UNCLAIMED

Note: Darin Jester will be the new director for Krazy Flats this year. This is the 10th anniversary of Krazy Flats!

2012-01-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

From Lisa Brown:
Happy Trails to you!

Second stop on the trail, Rankin February 4, 2012

Schedule for the Regional Horn Toad CCO and Roundup

Thursday Feb 2: Join us for dinner at 6pm at LaFamilia Restaurant (west Hwy 67)

Friday Feb 3: Lunch at1pm at the pavilion
Registration 3pm to 5pm $25.00, Cooks Pot $2.00, 42 Tourney $5.00 each
Fish Fry. 6pm
Tequila Rose Party 7pm
Dominoes, games and visiting til ?????????

Saturday Feb 4: Breakfast and Bloody Marys: 8-10am
Registration: 9-Noon
Cooks Meeting: 10am
Chili Turn In. 2pm

Soup, soup and throw down 1 hour after awards

42 Tournament following dinner

After Rankin, it's on to WaterValley February 11 and 12,
Then on to Comstock February 18 and 19,
Then this chili trail ends with the Texas Open in San Antonio February 25 and 26.

Hoping to see YOU on the trail!

From Bill Pierson

It's the little things

Yesterday (Saturday) there was a memorial service for our recently departed Bert Centers. It was well attended by local chili cooks, perhaps equaling family. (Bert had seven siblings.) No one expected an official CASI representation beyond our Great Pepper. (First time I've seen him with a tie on.) However, Darin and Tonya drove up from Indianapolis for the service to support the IL cooks. This was noticed, and greatly appreciated. It's little things like this that promote the bond between CASI and its membership.

Thank you Darin and Tonya.

From Darin Jester:
Red Hot and Wild will be the theme for Saturday, February 25th in Kokomo.

I know there’s been some word out there that the cco had been cancelled. The cco is on as originally scheduled but with some alterations due to the changes in staff at the Chamber.

Due to the short notice the Chamber gave us as to their intent to cancel and handover the cco to the United Way for 2013, they didn’t want to leave us high and dry this year. So, they agreed to host a CASI only cco.

There will be little to no public. Turn-in time will be 12noon instead of 1pm. If there is interest for a Jr’s division, please let us know and I will work with the Chamber on that.

Location is the same … Kokomo Event and Conference Center (Ivy Tech), 1500 N. Reed Road.

If you have any questions, please contact either Tonya or myself.

PLEASE let us know if you plan to participate.

Thanks and hope to see you in Kokomo!!!

From Lane Blair:
The CCO in Watkinsville, Ga that was scheduled for 1-21-12 was cancelled at the last moment due to severe weather and tornado warnings. This was to be held at the Oconee Middle School with lot's of activities for the children and the organizer didn't want to chance it. She is working with me to come up with another date that can be posted in the Trails to comply with the necessary lead time to make it official.

From Sharron Christopherson:
Here’s a flyer for the Goldfield CCO!

Reminder from Barbara Herrin
This a reminder that all scholarship applications need to be submitted to me by Feb. 1, 2012.

From Janita Hines:

From Carolyn Seelig and Connie Collier:

The form for donating to the CASI Scholarship fund instead of buying treats for Texas State Ladies CCO can now be found on the web page in the Resource Center!

2012-01-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

It's finally Friday!!! It is the weekend and time to cook chili again.

From Barbara Herrin:

This is a reminder that all scholarship applications need to be submitted to me by Feb. 1, 2012.

From Sherrie Davis:

The Texas Ex's are having a cook off in a little town called High Hill - just down from Schlenburg.

It is a beautiful spot - with one of the most beautiful Churchs on the Painted Church Tour.

They had a cook off there last year and learned about what CASI is all about from a cook that decided to have a sanctioned one.

Hope that you will come out and support their cause and get some points.

Oh by the way - whether you are maroon, green or red - they will like you anyway.

From Adrienne Grant:

Dear CASI Great Peppers,

As you probably know, the Great Peppers meeting will be held in the Dallas area for the next 3 years. An idea has been put on the table regarding the Friday meal at the meeting to have all the Great Peppers draw a number for a table to sit with colleagues they may not normally get an opportunity to meet casually. We are trying to put this to an email vote of the Great Peppers. In addition to your vote, we'd like you to share your thoughts behind your vote. There are pros and cons to having CASI host the meal, and your comments will be helpful in understanding them. If you have not already done so, please send a note with your name and pod name to adrienneg@gmail.com as soon as you can. Let your voice be heard, vote today!

NOTE: At the Winter Borad of Directors Meeing, Harvey West addressed the Board concerning the rekindling of the idea of building a CASI Museum. He asked the board to set up a special fund, so interested people could donate to it. He also asked that a committee be appoint to develop this plan. the Apple Dumpling Gang have been appointed to pursue this project. If you have ideas or comments, please send them to Harvey.

From Sharron Christopherson:

Just to remind you It's this weekend and we have the special money awards for Peoples Choice Chili only. 1st place $500.00, 2nd Place $300.00, 3rd Place $200.00 Peoples Choice Chili only. Come out for all the fun and good Chili,Great Salsa. Hope to see you there. See attached flyer for details.

Have a great weekend. This is already the last one in January!!

2012-01-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

I am posting this late Wednesday evening since I will be leaving at 5 AM. I can be reached by Telephone and can post something if it is necessary.

Start thinking about a design for this year's Terlingua International Chili Championship (TICC). This will be our 46th Annual. Here are the rules for the Poster Contest.

Poster Contest Guidelines

The artist should design an initial draft of poster artwork. If selected, the artist will work with CASI staff in making changes and developing the final piece.

Artwork must incorporate the following elements:

+ Name of Event: Terlingua International Chili Championship

+ Annual Designation: 46^th Annual

+ Date of Event: November 3, 2012

Artist should keep in mind that the finished poster must also include the Sponsor Logos and pictures of the previous year’s winners.

Artist should design artwork with the use of bold colors.

Actual size of the finished poster must be 18” X 24” and artwork must be camera ready.

If selected, artist agrees to relinquish ownership of artwork.

If selected, artwork becomes the sole property of the Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc.

If selected, artist agrees to sign and number fifty (50) prints within 30 days of request.

REMINDER: All Chili CookOff Results Sheets are to be sent to Jenny Windsor at 210 Kennedy Drive, Severna Park, MD 76310. Do not send them to Glenda Vrba.

NOTE: At our Winter Board meeting this past weekend, we adopted a new Mission Statement. Here it is:

The Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) raises money for charity through the promotion of American red chili. CASI sanctions over 500 chili cook offs internationally each year as qualifying events for the Terlingua International Chili Championship. This grand spectacle is held the first Saturday of November each year at the society’s grounds in Terlingua, Texas.

CASI is a 501 ( c ) (3) Non Profit Charitable Corporation. It is governed by a diverse eleven member Board of Directors elected by local affiliate pods internationally. The Board of Directors oversees the sanctioning of local events that raise well over a million dollars annually for charity and an active scholarship program. It raises funds, conducts, and oversees the Terlingua International Chili Championship.

You are cordially invited to join us in our quest to have fun while promoting chili and raising money for charitable causes.

2012-01-25T05:45:00.006-07:00

From Barbara Herrin:

This is a reminder that all scholarship applications need to be submitted to me by Feb. 1, 2012.

From Sherrie Davis:

The Texas Ex's are having a cook off in a little town called High Hill - just down from Schlenburg.

It is a beautiful spot - with one of the most beautiful Churchs on the Painted Church Tour.

They had a cook off there last year and learned about what CASI is all about from a cook that decided to have a sanctioned one.

Hope that you will come out and support their cause and get some points.

Oh by the way - whether you are maroon, green or red - they will like you anyway.

From Adrienne Grant:

Dear CASI Great Peppers,

It's Wednesday and here are the CCOs for this weekend.

Jan 28, 2012-001 - West, TX CASI. 2nd Annual Tokio Store Chili Cook 343 Tokio Loope West, Tx. Entry Fee $18.00 Turn in time 2pm CHILI GRIND ONLY !!! Plenty of RV Parking SORRY NO HOOK UPS!!!! THis Store is 145 years old and is truly a uniqiue little place!!! They have a Grill and from what I am told one GREAT Cheeseburger !!! They even have a little gift shop, so bring a little extra speng money! They truly went out of their way to welcome us last year and are looking forward to us coming back this year so let's show them what CASI cooks can do and have a GREAT turn out!! Contact Dianne Stimson at Winksintexas@aol.com or (254)855-2767. See next day cook off.

Jan 28, 2012-002 - High Hill, TX CASI. Texas Exes Chili Cookoff Join us for the 2nd Annual Texas Exes Chili Cookoff held at St Marys Church Pavillion. Chili and Live Music at a Historic Fayette County Painted Church. Presented by the Fayette County Texas Exes with proceeds benefiting our Scholarship Fund. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Contact Scott Hughey P.O. Box 707 Schulenburg TX 78956.

Jan 28, 2012-003 - San Miguel De Allend MX CASI. CASI Guanajuato International Chili and Charros Cookoff. Automatic Qualifier for TICC. Held at Hotel Real de Minas in San Miguel de Allende. Benefits San Miguel Community Foundation. Entry fee $35 includes all categories. Air Transportation via Leon, Guanajuato on American or Continental/United out of Houston or Dallas. Turn-in time for chili 12:30 PM. Entry fee includes 10 lbs or complimentary grind only meat. Categories are CASI chili, peoples choice chili, Charro Beans and Margaritas. Info Cynthia Gill 4510 Honeywood Court, Houston TX 77059 832-287- 1912.

Jan 28, 2012-005 - Blowing Rock NC CASI. Blowing Rock Winterfest Cookoff to benefit the Blowing Rock Historical Society. Held at Blowing Rock Elementary School, 165 Morris Street. Indoor event, no need for tents bring tables if you can, use small gas cans. Open and CASI chili will be judged. Turn-in for open is 11:00 am, CASI turn in is 1:00. Pre- registration deadline is January 1, 2011. Entry fee is $15 open/ $20 CASI before January 1, $25 open/$20 CASI after January 1. Meat is cook's choice. Open chili may be made at home, cash prizes awarded for open chili. This event draws a HUGE crowd, so please make lots of extra chili for the public. Make checks payable to Piedmont Pepper Pod, and send them to Adrienne Grant, 4105 Casa Street, Durham, NC 27704 by January 1. Check www.ncchili.com for more information/entry form as it comes available, or contact Adrienne Grant, 919-604-5262 or adrienneg@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Jan 28, 2012-006 - Terlingua, TX CASI. 1st Annual High Sierra Bar and Gril Chili Cookoff. Held at El Dorado Hotel, 100 Ghostown Road. CASI RULES APPLY Benefit Ghostown Charities. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Make checks payable to High Sierra Bar and Grill. Cooks party Friday night. Orginal hand painted trophies. Covered/indoor area for cooking in inclement weather. Special hotel rates for cooks, judges and groupies. Info Deanna Castillo, HC 70 Box 204, c/o El Dorado Hotel, Terlingua TX 79852. Deannacastillo22@yahoo.com Hotel 432-371-2111, cell 830-469- 2201. CHILI GRIND ONLY. First Place is a Bronze Indian Warrior. BBQ Sanctioned by Lone Star BBQ Society. Entry fee $30 per category or $75 for all. 1/2 chicken turn in at 12:00 noon. Pork Spare Ribs turn in at 1;00 pm. Brisket turn in at 3:00 pm 80/20 split. Join the bronze trail from here to Rankin, then Comstock!

Jan 28, 2012-007 - Houston, TX CASI. Cypress-Fairbanks Go Texan Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, Texas 77041 Benefits Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. CASI RULES APPLY. Entry fee $20. Make advanced checks payable to HSLR. Turn in 2:00 pm. $5 Jackpot 50/50 pinto beans turn in at noon, Junior chili ($20) turn in at 1:00 pm. RV parking available, no hookups. Contact: Greg Knox 9815 Thistle Trail Dr., Houston, Texas 77070 greg@knoxkompterservice.com 281.932.6790 GROUND MEAT ONLY.

Jan 28, 2012-008 - New River, AZ CASI. Roadrunner Chili Cookoff and Arizona State Jalapeno Eating Contest. Location subject to change. Contact Sharren Christopherson 623-742-6476, 602- 819-3264. strashaz1@aol.com. Held at Roadrunner Steak House 20 minutes N of I-101 on I- 17. Take New River exit, turn east 1/4 mile to frontage rd, proceed N on frontage Rd 1/4 mile. Benefits New River Kiwanis. Entry fee $15, $10 if cooking peoples choice. Turn-in 2 PM. Salsa turn- in 11 AM, Green chili turn-in Noon. Make checks payable to CASA. Contact Sharren Christopherson 623-742-6476, 602-819-3264. strashaz1@aol.com. RV parking no hookups.

Jan 28, 2012-009 - Little Rock, AR CASI. The Buzz Championship Chili Cookoff Held at the Big Buck Classic, Arkansas State Fairgrounds, Little Rock, AR. CASI rules apply. Chili grind only. $20,00 entry fee. 1:00 pm turn in. Make checks payable to CAP CASI. Benefits CAP CASI Pod Charities. Contact: Bo Prewitt 501-607-2347 chili96@att.net

Jan 29, 2012-001 - West, TX CASI. Tokio Store Next Day Cook Off 343 Tokoi Loope West Texas. Entry Fee $18.00 Turn in time 1P. CHILI GRIND ONLY!!!!!! Plenty of RV Parking SORRY NO HOOK UPS!!!! This Store is 145 years old! And is truly a cool little place and has a grill from what I am told it serves up a mean cheeseburger at a GREAT price!! They even have a little gift shop!They went out of their way to make the cooks feel welcome last year so come on lets show them what true CASI cooks can do and let's have a GREAT TURN OUT this year!!!!! For more inormation contact Dianne Stimson Winksintexas@aol.com or (254) 855-2767.See previous day cook off.

2012-01-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

During our meeting this weekend, it was decided to start our Poster Contest earlier this year and have the deadline to enter be May 1, 2012. Below you will find all the information concerning this contest.

Poster Contest Guidelines

The artist should design an initial draft of poster artwork. If selected, the artist will work with CASI staff in making changes and developing the final piece.

Artwork must incorporate the following elements:

+ Name of Event: Terlingua International Chili Championship

+ Annual Designation: 46^th Annual

+ Date of Event: November 3, 2012

Artist should keep in mind that the finished poster must also include the Sponsor Logos and pictures of the previous year’s winners.

Artist should design artwork with the use of bold colors.

Actual size of the finished poster must be 18” X 24” and artwork must be camera ready.

If selected, artist agrees to relinquish ownership of artwork.

If selected, artwork becomes the sole property of the Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc.

If selected, artist agrees to sign and number fifty (50) prints within 30 days of request.

Note: TICC is now listed on the web at Top Events USA.

The profile feature on the Terlingua International Chili Championship – with a link to the event – is at http://www.topeventsusa.com/Texas-Terlingua-International-Chili-Championship.html

It is flagged as a new feature on the home page of Top Events USA at http://www.topeventsusa.com/

You will see that the feature is also linked from the event summary on the Texas page of Top Events USA at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-texas.html

Note:

Please be sure to send you Cookoff Results to Jenny Windsor even if your CCO is in Texas and the form you have received states that it is to be sent to Glenda Vrba. There is a correct Cookoff Result Form on the web page (www.chili.org). It is located in the Resource Center. You can gain access to the Resource center by selecting the bottom in the left hand column labeled Resource Center.

From Carolyn Seelig and Connie Collier:

TEXAS LADIES STATE

and the

CASI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

2012

It’s once again time to think about the Texas Ladies State CCO and your individual contributions to the CASI Scholarship Program for 2012. Through your joint efforts, over $2,000.00 was raised last year and you were able to fund a technical school scholarship or one-half academic scholarship through the CASI Scholarship Program. It was an awesome first-year showing of your dedication to strengthen and help guarantee the future success of the CASI Scholarship Program. The deadline for your 2012 contributions will again be March 1^st. Notices will be posted on Ed’s Reflections. Contribution Form is below and can be copied, and hopefully it will be posted on the CASI website. Please feel welcome to encourage your friends to participate as an open invitation is extended to anyone who may be interested in joining the group for the first time in 2012. Please call or email one of the contacts listed below if anyone has questions or wants information. We need to add all new names to the group list as soon as possible. Thank you.

Connie Collier Carolyn Seelig

collier@snydertex.com cseelig@beecreek.net

home (325)573-7014 home (830)997-0489

cell (325)575-7014 cell (512)217-4301

2012-01-23T06:48:00.001-07:00

From: Jim Trietsch:
As a member who has voiced their opinion in the past, be it good or bad, I would like to do so again. I do appreciate those that are on the BOD. I could not nor do I want to be on the BOD, but we as a group do need some oversight. Thank you BOD Members for being there. Yes we may disagree, but you came forward and said I will do the job. WE cannot all agree but we can all still be friends. We are Family and yes we may be dysfunctional at times (we are Chili Cooks).   But we are Family. My suggestion for all of us, is to look to the positive. All changes take time. If we want to proceed into the future, we must slowly work towards that end together. If you have a problem with something, then think about a solution. Don't make it worse. Help the BOD and Members come up with the best solution for all of us. We are in this together and together we can make things better. We promote Chili Charity and Fun. Remember this. We sometimes sound like a bunch of spoiled brats. Where is the Charity ( to each other) and where is the Fun? Support the BOD or vote them out or run yourself. They cannot do everything by themselves, and they do need our help and support. Everything is not just about the POINTS. We chose this Hobby and we chose our Friends within this Hobby, but we are all still a family,and after every memorial at TICC, I am reminded how little time we really have together. Let us promote the good we do and thank our BOD and Sponsors. Our Captains have not deserted the Ship.

Thank you
James Trietsch
Stinkfoot

From Dianne Stimson:
2 nd ANNUAL TOKIIO STORE CHILI COOK OFF is Saturday 1-28-2012 It will be held at The Tokio Store, 343 Tokio Loope in West,Texas Take exit 351 off of I-35 then FM Road 1858 approx 4 miles. Turn in time is 2pm. Entry Fee is $18.00. CHILI GRIND ONLY!!!!Plenty of RV Parking ! SORRY NO HOOK UPS! This store is 145 yrs.old and is truly one of a kind! They have a grill and from what I have been told, serve one GREAT cheese burger at a GREAT price! And they have a little gift shop. Last year they went out of their way to welcome us and are looking forward to having us back.  So come on out and let's have some fun and get those points! For more information contact Dianne Stimson at Winksintexas@aol.com or (254) 855-2767 after Thursday it will be (254) 855-2767 only. See next day cook off.

NEXT DAY TOKIO STORE CHILI COOK OFF: It will be held Sunday 1-29-2012 at the Tokio Store located at 343 Tokio Loope in West,Texas. Take Exit 351 off of I-35 and then take FM Road. It is1858 Approx. 4 miles. Turn in time 1p.m. Entry Fee is $18.00 and it is CHILI GRIND ONLY!!!!! Plenty of RV Parking! Sorry NO HOOK UPS !! This is a really neat little store that is 145 years old and from what I am told it has GOOD FOOD at GOOD PRICES! They really enjoyed us being there last year and went out of their way to help us.   They are looking forward to seeing us again this year.  So let's make this a bigger and better turn out!! Come out and get qualified even!!!!!! For more information contact Dianne Stimson at Winksintexas@aol.com or (254) 855-2767 until Thursday then (254) 855-2767 only! See previous days cook off.

Results Saturday Converse CCO 1/21/12 - 65 cooks
CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!!

1. Melodie Smith
2. James Bauer Q'd!3. Lanny Thomas
4. Cindy Nohavitza
5. Carolann Gibson
6. Brent Allen
7. Sharon Roy
8. Delfino Flores
9. Mike Zaccaro
10. Dianne Lewis

SHOW:
1. Cathy Edmonson
2. Cathy Cielinski
3. Frieda VanValkenburg

Results Sunday Converse CCO 1/22/12 - 34 cooks
CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!!

1. Clyde Rogers
2. Sandy Watson Thomas
3. Laura McDaniel
4. Tommy Garza
5. Elaine Edmonson-Lopez
6. Roger Patteson Sr
7. Kenny Morgenroth
8. Kay Sandlin
9. Lanny Thomas
10. Kyle Bond

SHOW:
1. Cathy Edmonson Q'd!
2. Krystal Schiller
3. Marg Shoemaker

NOTES:
We had a long, but successful Board of Director's Winter Workshop and meeting. Thanks to all of you who came out and shared the day with us.

Harvey West presented the idea that there is a rekindling desire for the CASI museum. The Apple Dumpling has been appointed as the committee to research the possibilities and start the fund drive to make this dream come true.

Don Hoy reminded us that this upcoming TICC will be the 10th Anniversary of Krazy Flats. There are plans for several special things to celebrate this occasion!

Jim Ezell reported that at this time CASI has 48 sponsors and he is still looking for more. If anybody discovers a possible sponsor, please contact Jim so that he can sontact them!

2012-01-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

2nd POST

From Sherrie Davis:

Bill Allen from Hairy Bikers is judging at our cook-off on Saturday! He's been all over the country cooking with others on the History channel show Hairy Bikers, and he'll be at Independence Harley-Davidson supporting True Blue Animal Rescue this Saturday. We'll also have Kenny Allen from 105.3, Kodi Roberts from 94.1, Matt LeBlanc from KAGS, and more. It'll be a great day.

2012-01-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

From Kelly Brignon:
Last call for us deliverying spices to the Winter Workshop and Board meeting. Gary and I will be at the Board meeting on Saturday and should anyone attending (board members and chili cooks) need a spice order brought to them, I am more than happy to do so. I won’t have an inventory with me; I’ll only bring orders that people have asked me to bring. You can email me, call me, or place an order online and simply leave instructions in the “notes” part of the order form.

Mild Bill's Spice Co., Inc.
972.875.2975
www.mildbills.com

From Ken Rodd:
One last reminder about the CCO in Converse, TX this Saturday.

From DANA PLOCHECK:

The February Trails is available for viewing. Again, I want to thank everyone for their pictures and articles, please keep them coming. We even have a special puzzle this month submitted by one of our members so please take a look. Enjoy!

From Donna Conrad:

ATTN: COOKERS,

If your planning on coming to Texas Open and need a place to stay. You can call LaQuinta Inn and Suites at 210-674-3200. They have a special room rate tell FEB.3RD. at $75.00. After will go up to regular rate.CALL NOW and make your reservations now.LaQuinta Inn & Suites is located at 6500 Military Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227.

Tell them that you are with the Texas Open Chili Cook Off

See Yall there

NOTE: Tomorrow, Saturday Jan 21, we will be having the CASI Board Winter's Workshop and and Boad of Director's Meeting. It will start at 8:00 sharp. We hope to accomplish both meetings in one day. If we can't, we will continue on Sunday Morning 8:00 sharp!!! It will be held in the Irving Elk's Lodge, Irving, TX. All CASI members are encouraged to attend. There will be time for us to visit with the attendees.

Cliff and I will be leaving this morning for Dallas. I will be available by cell phone.

From Sherrie Davis:

Come out and join the fun if you are not going to the Board Meeting.

If you are a HD Rider and want to cook in the challenge - you come on out - the prizes will be Gift Certificates for merchandise from Independence Harley Davidson's store.

Chili, Beans, Challenge, Fun and neat motorcyles and friends. What more could you ask for.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. It is great weather here in West Texas. It is going to be 76 today and the weekend is warm. A nice time to cook chili and get those points!

2012-01-19T11:38:00.002-07:00

2ND POST
From DANA PLOCHECK

2012-01-19T06:25:00.001-07:00

From Donna Conrad:
ATTN: COOKERS,

If your planning on coming to Texas Open and need a place to stay. You can call LaQuinta Inn and Suites at 210-674-3200. They have a special room rate tell FEB.3RD. at $75.00. After will go up to regular rate.CALL NOW and make your reservations now.

LaQuinta Inn and Suites is located at 6500 Military Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227.

Tell them that you are with the Texas Open Chili Cook Off

See Yall there

From Bill Heslop:

Friends and Fellow Chiliheads,

We have some great times ahead in the Chili World in Birmingham for the next couple months. First of all, our friends Teresa and Rory Hartley have asked us to present a Chili Cooking Demonstration at their Homewood restaurant on the first Saturday afternoon in February, the 4th. This will be a great time to learn how to cook chili , both for competition and for the family. I will have people in the audience help prepare the chili and we will all have a taste after it is cooked. The first 50 people in attendance will receive a Goodie Bag with recipes, gear list, resource list, and applications for The State of Alabama POD and CASI. Food and beverage will be graciously sold by Hart and Soul. Questions and conversation are encouraged.

May 3^rd is the date for the State of Alabama Open Chili Championship in Hoover. It will be held at and benefit Aldridge Gardens. This is the most beautiful setting for a chili cook-off that I have ever seen. This is the only qualifying cook-off in Alabama this year. As a qualifying cook-off, the first 3 place Alabama residents in this event automatically qualify for invitation to the Terlingua International Chili Championship in Terlingua, Texas on Saturday, November 3, 2012. The winner is the Championship Chili Cook in Alabama for 2012.

Below please find two fliers; feel free to print and distribute them. Post them in your brake room or place of business. Chili is fun and we encourage your participation. All proceeds from the March 3^rd event go to benefit Aldridge Gardens. If you have any questions, call me or write me using the information below.

From Bob Horan:

I have known Jim Ezell for many years and throughout that time I am always amazed that he has been able to come through time and again for CASI, it takes a special type of person to accomplish this task. Having been involved with raising funds for both CASI and HLS&R throughout the years, I can fully appreciate the work that goes into getting corporations and distributorships to donate monies toward your events. Those who think this task is easy, need to walk in Jim's shoes for a while - going hat in hand, trying to convince a company that their interest lies in associating themselves with your 'product' is never easy - you are competing for their advertising/promotion dollars, and those dollars are budgeted for the regions where they will have the most impact. Simple Business 101. It's nice to think that these companies will be falling all over themselves to 'donate to your charity', but the reality is that charitable donations are not as deductible as business expenses, and advertising managers must see a direct benefit for the dollars spent.

Instead of negating what Jim has accomplished, CASI should be thanking him profusely, for CASI, TICC, and the Scholarship Fund would not be what they are today without Jim's involvement and labor. 'Nuff said.

From Kelly Brignon:

Just a reminder that Gary and I will be at the Board meeting on Saturday and should anyone attending (board members and chili cooks) need a spice order brought to them, I am more than happy to do so. I won’t have an inventory with me; I’ll only bring orders that people have asked me to bring. They can email me, call me, or place an order online and simply leave instructions in the “notes” part of the order form.

Mild Bill's Spice Co., Inc.

972.875.2975

www.mildbills.com

From Carolyn Seelig
Just a reminder about the donation to the Scholarship Fund for Ladies State instead of trinkets!

2012-01-18T05:21:00.001-07:00

From Kelly Brignon:
Gary and I will be at the Board meeting on Saturday and should anyone attending (board members and chili cooks) need a spice order brought to them, I am more than happy to do so. I won’t have an inventory with me; I’ll only bring orders that people have asked me to bring. You can email me, call me, or place an order online and simply leave instructions in the “notes” part of the order form. Our contact information is below.

Mild Bill's Spice Co., Inc
972 875 2975
www.mildbills.com

From Vickie Childers:

Thank you Rocky Rockwell for your article about Jim. You are right, "enough is enough." I have known and worked with Jim many years before he was CASI Director the first time. He has always had the entire CASI organization as his main focus, not just the State of Texas. This was something that came up that he thought would get CASI's name out in front of the public and that is what we want. I am sure that he has devoted more time to CASI than anyone will ever know. In my opinion, CASI would not be where we are today without his hard work. Jim, thanks for all you do for CASI.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

NOTE:
Below are the agendas for the Winter Workshop and CASI Board Meeting.

Here are the cookoffs for this weekend.

Jan 21, 2012-001 - College Station, TX CASI. Iron Horses Chili Cookoff. Held at 4101 State Hwy 6 South, Exit Barron Rd. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Benefits True Blue Animal Rescue. Make checks payable to Independence Harley-Davidson. 50/50 Bean turn-in 1, entry $10. Contact Heather Beran 979-690- 1669, marketing@independenceHD.com

Jan 21, 2012-002 - Watkinsville, GA CASI. OCMS Chili Cookoff Details to follow. Entry fee $18 turn-in 2 PM. Chili Grind Only. Make checks payable to OCMS Relay for Life Team. Contact Cindy McAdams cmcadams@oconeeschools.org 706-769-3575.

Jan 21, 2012-003 - Orland Park, IL CASI. Chilly Willie Chili Challenge XII Held at Orland Park Civic Center, William R Vogel Memorial, 14750 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park IL. Benefits Open Lands of Orland Pk. Entry fee $25. Turn-in 2:30 pm. Make checks payable to Village of Orland Park, mail to Chilly Willie Chili Challenge, Orland Park Recreation and Parks Dept, 14650 S Ravinia Ave 60462. For information, contact Patty Vlazny, 708-403-6145, or email pvlazny@orland-park.il.us.

Jan 21, 2012-004 - Converse, TX CASI. 18th Half Way Point Chili Cookoff. 325 West Legion Drive. RV parking no hookups, cooks party Friday evening. Entertainment Saturday night. Cookoff next day same location. Entry fee $18 turn-in 2 PM. Contact Ken Rodd 210-887- 8827, casihotrodd@aol.com. For Legion charities.

Jan 21, 2012-005 - Amarillo, TX CASI. Rolling Hills Riding Club CCO 5901 Sierra Hills Road, Amarillo, TX 79124. CASI RULES APPLY. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Entry fee $25.00. Turn in at 2:00 pm. Benefits Rolling Hills Riding Club Youth Group. Make checks payable to: Rolling Hills Riding Club. Contact: Shelly Thompson 806-336- 0567 or shelly_i_thompson@ml.com

Jan 21, 2012-006 - Shreveport, LA CASI. Shreveport Elks Lodge 122 CCO Held at Elkslodge 122, 310 Preston Shreveport, LA 71105. CASI rules apply. Ground meat only. $20.00 entry fee. Benefits Women's Auxiliary for Elk's Scholarships. Turn in is 1:00 pm. Wine Tasting bt Richard Gibb with Republic National Distributing Co. a CASI sponsor. Local division; Beans $5.00, 50/50 drawing. Contact; Sherry Stuckey 318-820-6260 or 318-655-9078 stuckgm@aol.com

Jan 22, 2012-001 - Converse, TX CASI. Georgia Horner Memorial CCO. 325 West Legion Drive. RV parking no hookups. See Chili cookoff previous day same location. Entry fee $18 turn-in 1 PM. Benefits Auxiliary charities. Contact Ken Rodd casihotrodd@aol.com, 210-887- 8827.

Jan 22, 2012-002 - Overland Park, KS CASI. Overland Park Elks CCO located at 10201 W. 85th Street. Go east on 87th Street off of I- 35 for approximately 1/2 mile, then north on Switzer to 85th Street. Turn east to 10201 W. 85th Street. CASI RULES APPLY. CHILI GRIND ONLY. CASI chili turn- in at 1 pm with a $20.00 entry fee. Pie competition at 11:00am with a $5.00 entry fee and Salsa at 1:30 pm also $5.00. Benefits the O.P. Elks Building Fund. Contact Lee Kroencke at 913-754- 6074 gladiatorchili@yahoo.com or Larry Velasquez at 913-708-2118 larry.velasquez@forbo.com.

2012-01-17T05:38:00.002-07:00

From Rocky Rockwell:

LET THE MARINES BE AND LET JIM BE

A recent well intended, but perhaps not completely scoped out, occurence is causing a great deal of angst within the CASI ranks. I want to preface my opinion with one I recently sent to the Naples, FL Daily News on a more serious issue that unfortunately has made world wide news. Below is a letter to the editor I sent on that matter.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

While the rest of us continue on with our daily lives, working a mundane job, playing golf, visiting the local watering hole, watching sports on TV, etc. a few of us are carrying on a ten year war in Afghanistan. On occasion, perhaps during our third or fourth tour of duty since the rest of our peers do not feel it necessary to serve their country, we have a weak moment and, seemingly in privacy, go a little beyond the call of duty in our actions. Perhaps it is a belated reaction to the 911 atrocity committed by supporters of those we have just sent to their final resting place. Who knows? The point is the recently publicized action of four of our marines was not done nor openly broadcast for the world to see. Truly it was not a proper action. However, it is not something for which Defense Secretary Panetta needs to announce openly that the perpetrators "will be held accountable to the fullest extent".

Now the four marines will probably be dragged before the world of public opinion for the next year or so, at least court martialed and possibly given extensive prison sentences. Where was the hue and cry when Americans were beheaded or hung, mutilated and burning, from public bridges for all the world to see? Remember that? Maybe not as it was front page news in some publications for a day or so and then largely ignored and forgotten. These Taliban fighters were already dead. They were not tortured, mutilated, burned or beheaded. The marines in question need severe reprimands for their misactions. They do not need to be persecuted and raked over the coals for endless months to come. The only saving grace for them may lay in not returning home to Dover Air Force Base in a casket or to a military hospital missing one or more body parts, or suffering some other debilitating injury, as approximately 40,000 of our brave and sacrificing troops have done before them.

Truly, enough is enough on this matter.

Rocky Rockwell

rockr323@aol.com

Naples resident thru April

And, I feel enough is enough on the Woodbridge CASI cookoff issue as well. Jim has fully explained his involvement on the matter, has said he was sorry for how it was handled, and offered his apology. We're talking about a man here, without whom CASI would be in serious financial straits. Jim has busted his posterior (you know, his ass) for CASI for many fruitful years and has done so on behalf of all CASI members and PODS. Instead of continuing to rake Jim over the coals here why not put that effort into something positive like contacting Woodbridge or any other CASI sponsors who do business in our respective CASI states and try to get some sponsorship funding for cookoffs there. I'm sure Jim would much prefer working with you on an effort like that than continuing to deal with the negativity that one well intended, but perhaps misunderstood, misguided endeavor has caused.

This was a one time opportunity that went somewhat wrong. It was not intended to slight any of us. Let's suck it up, ensure it will not happen again, and move on.

Truly, enough is enough on this matter too.

From Sharron Christopherson:

From Ken Rodd:

TriState Regional CCO Winners

TRI STATE REGIONAL TEQUILA TOAST

From Vickie Childers:

If you were not in Amarillo this weekend you missed a great weekend. We had 2 cook-offs. On Friday night we had a cooks party and the Tall in Texas Pod cook-off with 73 cooks. Then on Saturday we had the Tri-State Open Chili Championship benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation with 129 cooks. We had a very special guest to attend the cook-off on Saturday it was the little boy who was one of the 2 wish's that we granted from the funds raised at last years cook-off. Cole wanted to come out and thank us for granting him his wish which was to go to a NASCAR race and meet Kyle Busch. He also stole the hearts of everyone there. I would like to thank everyone that helped with both cook-offs. I will not try to name everyone in fear of leaving someone out. You know who you are and we could not put this great cook-off on with out your help. We had cooks from Oklahoma, New Mexico, and all over Texas. We were glad to have one of our National sponsor's with us also. John Sterna and Jimmy Velasquez with Republic National were sharing shots of Tequlia Rose and Hot Rose. We want to thank them for joining us for this event.

Anyone wanting to see some photo's from the cook-off can go to these 2 web sites. Go to amarillo.com and scroll down until you see Get Spotted on the left and the second one is www.castillophotovision.com/p67303480. These both have some great photos of the cook-off and shows the large crowd that we draw.

Tall in Texas Pod 73 cooks

1st Connie Collier Snyder

2nd Pam Matheson Amarillo

3rd Cindy Noe Wichita Falls

4th Janice Miller San Angelo

5th David Lefler Bardwell

6th Harvey West Telephone

7th Bruce Stewart Hurst

8th Terry Graves Wichita Falls

9th Clint Wooster Wichita Falls

10th Susan Campbell Amarillo

We had no show

Tri-State Open Chili Championship 129 cooks

1st Mike Sherfield Hobbs, NM Q

2nd Connie Collier Snyder Q

3rd Tom Noe Wichita Falls Q

4th Kevin Wooster Wichita Falls

5th Laura Wooster Wichita Falls

6th Terry Graves Wichita Falls

7th Millie Bingham Amarillo

8th Tim Collier Snyder

9th Mike Parker Fritch

10th Nelad Matheson Amarillo

Show

1st Homers Backyard Ball Kent Feltcher Amarillo Q

2nd Hot Rod Chili Bill Mclean Amarillo

3rd Grease is the Word Martha Richardson Dimmitt

2012-01-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

From Lee Kroencke:

Next Sunday is the Overland Park Elks CCO. This is an indoor cookoff. The Elks Lodge is located at 10201 W. 85th Street. Go east on 87th Street off of I- 35 for approximately 1/2 mile, then north on Switzer to 85th Street. Turn east to 10201 W. 85th Street. CASI RULES APPLY. CHILI GRIND ONLY. CASI chili turn- in at 1 pm with a $20.00 entry fee. (Unless you are a Elks member-$10) Pie competition at 11:00am with a $5.00 entry fee, (flier says 10:00AM- judging Pies will be at 11:00AM), and Salsa at 1:30 pm also $5.00.

This is the second year for this wonderful event. Also don't forget that the Elks will serve breakfast at 8:30AM. There is no set charge - tip jar donations in effect.

Look forward to seeing you there. For more information contact Lee Kroencke 913-754-6074 gladiatorchili@yahoo.com or Larry Velasquez 913-708-2118 larry.velasquez@forbo.com

It is rumored that a chipacabra has been seen roaming the neighborhood...

2012-01-13T06:07:00.001-07:00

From Judy Dike:

My best friend since 7th grade passed away yesterday January 11th, she was a past great pepper and good chili cook and known by almost all older chili cooks. Her services are as follows:

Judy Dike
Burks-Walker-Tippit Funeral Home
215 W. Front
Tyler, Texas 75701

Visitation at Funeral Home is 5:30 pm til 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Services will be at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel.

Judy is survived by husband, Lyndon and two daughters and many grandchildren .

NOTE: The letter below is from Jim Ezell who is our Sponsorship Chairman. He works a great number of hours trying to find companies to sponsor CASI. He does a great job and has brought many new sponsors on board for CASI. This letter is in regards to the Woodbridge marketing promotion and contest that is for CASI members who reside in Texas. It has been sent to all of the Great Peppers.

From Jim Ezell:

I realize the Woodbridge promotion has set off a national outcry by the CASI membership. I am very sorry for how I have handled this as it was certainly not my intent to alienate any CASI member. I accept all responsibility for it and will face whatever consequences the membership wishes to charge me with. The CASI BOD should not be hanged with my rope.

CASI has long been criticized for its absence of advertising and public relations. The details of the Woodbridge Chili Cookoff Judge Contest were not put in the Terlingua Trails to publicize the contest or offend anyone. The campaign was published in the Trails by me in an effort to

show CASI members that sponsors were carrying out valuable promotions on CASI’s behalf. If anyone read my column, they would have seen the mention of several items being promoted around the country.

This particular promotion originated in the Dallas, TX marketing office of Woodbridge.

They have been pushing for a cooperative ad campaign with CASI for the last three years and have done one with Renfro Foods. The Woodbridge people made the contacts with the Texas Beef Council and Bruce Foods to secure support and then came to CASI for participation. This promotion is being sold into Texas supermarkets in the beef aisle to promote Woodbridge, Mexene, The Texas Beef Council and CASI. It is being sold by the marketing reps of Woodbridge in that territory using their funds. The instant coupon on the display is redeemable for $2.00 off on a ground meat purchase. CASI is not marketing, selling, redeeming or bearing any of the cost of this promotion. The prize outlay will be deducted from sponsor funds provided by Woodbridge. We have already received a $10,000.00 check from Woodbridge for this year and we do allow offsets for any promotion benefiting CASI. Gold sponsors are entitled to use our relationship to promote their products and this is a long standing policy. We are furnishing a link only on our website that forwards entries to the sweepstakes company that Woodbridge hired to manage the contest. Nobody outside the grocery store aisles where this promotion is sold in even knows it exists other than my attempt to show CASI members in the Trails. I questioned the Texas only participation and was given the answer that this funding and promotion is being handled out of that market and any other Woodbridge marketing areas could do likewise. I am attempting to work with the new national director in San Francisco to achieve this.

Again, this is not a CASI promotion for Texas only. It is a local Woodbridge marketing campaign that touts their connection to CASI and sends the winner to the Woodbridge CASI California Championship. The thing that most disturbs me is that the membership is willing to jump to the conclusion that I favor Texas and would intentionally do anything to undermine the years of effort I have put forth. If that is the case I need to do something else. I have spent seventeen years working to raise funds for CASI. Please do not read some ulterior or sinister motive into this. It does not exist.

I hope this in some small way explains a very complex situation and puts it behind us.

Sponsorship has grown to be a very important factor in the survival and prosperity of our organization. I have to deal with many intricate situations to fund and further our cause and in this case I misstepped. Please accept my sincere apology.

Thank you

Jim Ezell
CASI Sponsorship chair and resident leper

NOTE:
If you have something that you would like to see in the February Terlingua Trails, please send it to Dana Plocheck as soon as possible. The closeout date is January 15, 2012 which is Sunday.

Sunday is also the deadline for people to send me information that they want on the Winter Board of Director's Workshop and Meeting. REMEMBER: That meeting will be held next Saturday, January 21,2012 at the Irving Elks in Irving, Texas. It will start at 8:00 AM. All CASI members are welcomed and encouraged to attend this meeting.

It's Friday at last!! Have a great weekend and if you are cooking chili, I hope you come in 2nd right after me!!!

2012-01-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

NOTE: The CCO below has been CANCELLED. For some reason it did not appear that way when I copied the CCOs for this weekend.

Jan 14, 2012-005 - Wichita Falls TX CASI. 16th Annual Wichita East VFD CO. Held at 2070 Hwy 79 North. For Wichita East VFD. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Brisket $15, $5 Local "backyard" chili. Beans $5 turn-in Noon. Friday night cooks feed at station Contact Hayden Hansen 940-781-3990 CANCELLED.

NOTE: For some reason, when I converted the flier from Ken Rodd so that I could input it into the blog, itchanged the entry fee to $119.00. It is not that expensive. It is only $18.00!

NEWS RELEASE:

6^th Annual Chili and Charros Cook-Off – Benefiting San Miguel Community Foundation (SMCF) Open to the Public – Advance Sale: $130 pesos. Gate Admission: $150 pesos – Under 10: Free Saturday, January 28, 2012 – 1:00 – 8:00 pm. Held at the Hotel Real de Minas

HOT TIMES, HOT CHEFS AND A HOT CAUSE COOKED UP FOR CHILI AND CHARROS 2012

By Alexis White

Laissez les bon temps roulez VIP style, gourmet chefs, and world chili champions come together on Saturday, January 28th, at the Hotel Real de Minas when the Sixth Annual International Chili Cook-Off (aka Chili and Charros) kicks off for the benefit of the San Miguel Community Foundation. San Miguel’s largest, single-day event runs from 1:00 to 8:00 pm.

Harry’s, which put NOLA on Hidalgo Street, has a few premium tickets ($1000 pesos) remaining for its VIP tent, which owner Bob Thieman is donating along with one hundred percent of its VIP ticket and drink sales, to Chili and Charros. The tickets include entrée to the event; comfortable lounge areas and wait service; four, free top-shelf drinks in addition to 2X1 priced top-tier drinks during the rest of the day; boudin sausage, Cajun hot tamales and other free botanas a la Harry’s; and gift bags containing a commemorative Talavera chili tasting bowl from San Gabriel of Dolores Hidalgo, a silver chili tasting spoon, and goodies from body and soul-soothing Ablu and Johfrej the chocolatier. VIP tickets can be bought at Harry’s (Hidalgo 12), Ablu (Cuna de Allende 15 A), or by contacting smachilicookoff@gmail.com.

This year’s CASI judges include Monica Solis, who has cooked at the Vatican for El Papa and guests at the Relais and Chateaux luxury boutique Villa Maria Christina in Guanajuato; Jorge Boneta, the executive chef at Hotel Matilda and a five-diamond AAA winner; Montrachet (Nieporent/NYC) trained Donnie Masterton, executive chef at The Restaurant; Rurik Salazar, executive sous chef at The Rosewood; Kirsten West, who introduced Mick Jagger to Mexican cuisine when she served as his private chef, served as Rick Bayless’s researcher and recipe tester for his many Mexican cookbooks, and is a longtime colleague of the renowned Mexican cuisine author and teacher Diana Kennedy; and Maria Angeles Sanchez of Restaurant Alborada, which the Boston Globe’s online edition calls the go-to place for authentic, reasonably priced Mexico food in San Miguel.

Free chili tasting (1:00 to 4:00 pm) for event attendees promises to be a savory experience of champion, international and home-grown proportions. Three CASI world champions in addition to the current reigning 2011 World Champion Larry Walton will be among the 36 competing teams. Additionally, there are charros (cowboy/pinto bean) and margarita competitions. Chili, charros and even margarita recipes will compete in the People’s Choice “Best of” awards.

All Chili and Charros 2012 proceeds go to the San Miguel Community Foundation, which has provided financial support to dozens of charitable organizations in and around the city for more than 35 years.

In addition to free chili and charros, plus other foods and refreshments that are moderately priced, the event includes live music and dancing, a fashion show of one-of-a-kind denim jackets created by San Miguel artists and included in a unique silent auction, rodeo competitions, and plenty of activities for kids. Chili and Charros advance tickets ($130 pesos) are available at Longhorn Steakhouse, La Biblioteca’s Ticket Centro, and Casa de Vidrio (Correo 11). They will be $150 at the gate. Cook-Off T-shirts, hotter than ever, are available online at $150 pesos. The price goes to $200 pesos at the event.

For more information, go to: www.chiliandcharros.com

2012-01-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

From Ken Rodd:

From Jim Ezell:

To the CASI Membership

I would like to clarify and address questions that have surfaced surrounding the Woodbridge promotion. I obviously did not anticipate the consequences caused by the structure of the contest. I would be happy to give any details and answer any questions as to the origin of this program to anyone that will give me a call. My number is 214 392 3499.

Obviously this is a subject that has great implications on both our members and two largest sponsors.

I just returned from Terlingua and am now in better communication with the outside world.

Thank you

Jim Ezell
VP Sponsor Chair (CASI)
Chili Appreciation Society International

The Terlingua International Chili Championship

A 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Charitable Corporation
Visit our website: www.chili.org

From Vicki Childers:

If you were waiting to see what the weather would be like before you decided to come to the Tri-State Open Chili Championship in Amarillo, TX, this Saturday, January 14, start packing the car. The weathermen say it will be in the 50's on Saturday. Friday will be a little cooler. This is an indoor cook-off. Friday night we will be having a cooks party with a meal and our Pod cook-off. Don't miss out on the fun. For more information call Vickie Childers 806.355.7387 or cell 806.433.1793

It's Wednesday and time for me to post the CCOs for this weekend. This week we have cooks in Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Texas and Mexico! Hopefully , there is one close to you.

Jan 13, 2012-001 - Amarillo, TX CASI. Tall in Texas Pod Cookoff. Held in the Rex Baxter Building on the Tri-State Fair Grounds. Entry fee $20.00 Ground Meat Only Turn in 8:00 PM. Make checks payable to Tall in Texas Pod. Contact Vickie Childers 806-355- 7387 nights or 806-433-1793 days. See Tri-State Open next day.

Jan 13, 2012-002 - Puerto Penasco, MX CASI. Chopps Pod-Pod Cookoff. Held at Playa De Oro RV Park. Same location as the South of the Border International CCO. Day before-set up and leave for next day. Entry fee $10 turn-in 1 PM. Make checks payable to Chopps Pod. Contact Myrl Coultas 520-278-6838 myrll@aol.com. Benefits Rocky Point Christmas Club. Chili Grind Only.

Jan 14, 2012-001 - Amarillo, TX CASI. Tri-State Open Chili Championship. Held in Rex Baxter Building on the Tri-State Fair Grounds. Benefits the Make-A-Wish of North Texas, Texas Plains Region. Entry fee $25.00 and turn in 1 PM. Ground Meat Only. Top 3 chilis and first place show automatically qualify for TICC. Cooks party Friday night with a meal. Drawing for free rooms with early registration post marked by December 27, 2011. Special Room Rates: Ashmore Inn $51.00 2301 E I-40, 806.374.0033; Fifth Season Inn $49.00 6801 W I-40, 806.358.7881; Holiday Inn 1911 E- I-40, 806.372.8741 Make checks payable to Tri-State Open Chili Championship. Mail to Vickie Childers 4300 Olsen Amarillo, TX 79106. For more information call Vickie at 806-355-7387 nights or 806-433-1793 days or e-mail Vickiefromtx@aol.com Pod cook- off Friday night Jan 13, 2012.

Jan 14, 2012-002 - Dubuque, IA CASI. Icefest Chili Cookoff. At the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Benefits: Dubuque County Historical Society Turn-in time: 2:00; Fees: $18 for CASI, $15 for Business chili, and $15 for Open chili, or $25 for 2 divisions. Extra meat given to any one cooking 2 chili divisions (to help feed large crowd). Make checks payable to: Dubuque County Historical Society Contact: Jan Feltes 350 E 3rd St. Dubuque, IA 52001. www.rivermuseum.com 563-557-9545 ext 207. Cook off is held on an enclosed porch, with some heaters. Dress accordingly. Be prepared.

Jan 14, 2012-003 - Puerto Penasco, MX CASI. 14th Annual South of the Border Fun in the Sun International Open Championship. Held at Playa De Oro RV Park, Rocky Point Mexico. Benefit La Montana Special Needs School in Rocky Point. Entry fee $25 turn-in 1 PM. Automatic Qualifier for TICC, top 3 Chili and 1st place Show. Fish fry cooks dinner, Happy hour at Playa De Oro. Cook on the beach. Make checks payable to HDP, Box 584, Sierra Vista AZ 85636. Contact Ted Fichtl 520-459-5477, 520-249- 3147. tcfpriv@cox.net.

Jan 14, 2012-004 - Plano, TX CASI. American Legion Riders Annual CO. Held at 1236 Avenue J, downtown Plano off 14th St. Entry fee $20 turn-in 1 PM. Jackpot beans $5 turn-in Noon. Contact Wendy Rouse wrouse521@verizon.net. 972-496- 1362, 214 673-6861. Make checks payable to ALR 321. Benefits ALR Veterans Program.

Jan 14, 2012-005 - Wichita Falls, TX CASI. 16th Annual Wichita East VFD CO. Held at 2070 Hwy 79 North. For Wichita East VFD. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Brisket $15, $5 Local "backyard" chili. Beans $5 turn-in Noon. Friday night cooks feed at station Contact Hayden Hansen 940-781-3990.

Jan 14, 2012-006 - Montgomery, TX CASI. 2nd Annual Wolfies Coookoff. Held at 14954 Hwy 105 W. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Beans $10 50/50 Jackpot, turn-in 1 PM. For Montgomery County Food Bank. Will collect non-perishable foods for food bank. Make checks payable to Piney Woods Pod. Contact Earl 936-447-1060, 713-724-5736, email Gorhum earlwho@consolidated.net; Dana Blake at Wolfies 936-588-8200 dana715@consolidated.net.

Jan 14, 2012-007 - El Paso, TX CASI. American Legion #36 CCO The American Legion #36 Post is located at 3730 Shell, just off of Montana Street between Hawkins and McRae Blvds. CASI RULES APPLY. There will also be beans and salsa competitions. Entry fee for each $5.00. Entry fee for CASI only $20.00 Entry fee for all three $25.00. Turn-in time 2:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Ladies Auxillary Charities. Make checks payable to Pod of the Pass. For information contact Mary Hernandez, 915-204-7371 or email at maruca1125@aol.com.

Jan 14, 2012-008 - Marshall, TX CASI. Marshall ELks Lodge CCO corner of Austin and Almamo Streets in Marshall, TX 411 E Austin St. Our annual cookoff in support of our Many ELK charities and welcome all to attend. CASI RULES APPLY. Entry fee $20.00. 1:00 pm turn in. Chili grind only. Contact John D. Oswalt 903- 407-2586 joswalt890@aol.com.

Jan 14, 2012-009 - Fort Smith, AR CASI. Chilly Willy Chili Cookoff Jan.14, 2012 Fort Smith, AR CASI Chilly Willy Chili Cookoff, held at Fort Smith Elks Lodge, 5504 Massard Road,(inside cookoff). Turn-in 1pm, Fee $20. GROUND MEAT ONLY. Benefitting Elks charities. Info Guy Smith 479-646- 9444 or 479-650-9444 or argsmith@prodigy.net.

Jan 15, 2012-001 - Estes Park, CO CASI. Estes Park Winter Festival 2012 Chili Cookoff with Wine and Beer Tasting, Live Music and Crafts Fair. This years cookoff will be held indoors at the fair grounds so weather will not be a problem. Cooks setup at 8:00 am, cooks meeting at 9:00 am and turn in at noon. Entry fee $15. For those cooks willing to make and serve 5 gallons of chili for public tasting they are offering a free nights stay in Estes Park the weekend of the cookoff either Friday or Saturday. Ground/Chili grind meat only. Contact Candice Mohr at 970-586-2099 for info. Benefits Estes Park Kiwanis Club.

Jan 15, 2012-002 - Montgomery, TX CASI. 2nd Annual Wolfies Day After CO. Held at Wolfies, 14954 Hwy 105 W. Benefits Bridgewood Farms for Intelectually Disabled. Entry fee $20 turn-in 1 PM. Contact Earl Gorhum 936-447-1060, 713-724- 5736, earlwho@consolidated.net. Dana Blake at Wolfies 936-588-8200 dana@consolidated.net. Make checks payable to Piney Woods Pod

2012-01-10T05:28:00.000-07:00

Well, we finially got our rain and SNOW! We have about 2 1/2 inches on the ground. For most parts of the country that would not be a big deal, but here when is snows life stops! It will be melted by the middle of the day, since the temperature for today is projected to be 53.

From Cindy McAdams:
Here is a website for the Watkinsviller, Ga Chili Cookoff:

https://sites.google.com/a/oconeeschools.org/2012-ocms-relay-for-life-chili-cook-off/home.

We have all of our volunteers and activities lined up so all we need now are the cooks!!! Please place January 21, 2012 on your calendar and plan to attend our CCO. It will Benefit Oconee County Middle School Relay for LIfe Team (American Cancer Society function).

2012-01-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

From Baarbara Herrin,
Just a reminder that if you know somebody applying for the cASI Scholarship, they need to have their appplication completed and sent to the Great Pepper from their area so that it has been reviewed by the Great Pepper and forwarded tto me so that I receive it by February 1, 2012.

NOTE:
If you have a topic you want placed on either the Saturday Winter Workshop or for the Winter CASI Board of Director's Meeting, please let me know immediately as we are in the process of finalizing the agendas. Email them to me at garjans@suddenlink.net. I hope to publish the agendas this week.

2012-01-06T06:49:00.001-07:00

From Carolyn Seelig and Connie Collier:

TEXAS LADIES STATE

and the

CASI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

2012

Ladies, Happy New Year to each of you. It’s time to think about the Texas Ladies State CCO and your individual contributions to the CASI Scholarship Program for 2012. Through your joint efforts, over $2,000.00 was raised last year and you were able to fund a technical school scholarship or one-half academic scholarship through the CASI Scholarship Program. It was an awesome first-year showing of your dedication to strengthen and help guarantee the future success of the CASI Scholarship Program. The deadline for your 2012 contributions will again be March 1^st. In January and February, email reminders will go to last year’s participants and notices will be posted on Ed’s Reflections and CHN. Contribution Forms will be an attachment to the emails and available to print from Ed’s Reflections and hopefully, the CASI website. Please feel welcome to encourage your friends to participate as an open invitation is extended to anyone who may be interested in joining the group for the first time in 2012. Please call or email one of the contacts listed below if anyone has questions or wants information. We need to add all new names to the group list as soon as possible. Thank you.

Connie Collier Carolyn Seelig

collier@snydertex.com                      cseelig@beecreek.net
home (325)573-7014                          home (830)997-0489
cell (325)575-7014                             cell (512)217-4301

It's Friday! This weekend there are several CCOs to choose from. Here's hoping you have a great weekend and hopefully get some chili points!!!! Remember "Chili, Charity and Fun."

2012-01-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

From Marolyn Blair:

I have been asked by several when I am ordering chairs again and also wanting the zipper backs so they can have embrodierry work done on for their chairs.

IF YOU want a chair or a back.....I need to hear from you.....I will be placing an order on January 16 and will not be placing another order till March.

I have to order 10 chairs going to one address in order to keep shipping costs down. Backs ordered separately to another address incur more shipping charges.......

CHAIRS $45.

ZIPPER BACKS $ 4.

COLORS ARE: RED, BLACK, NAVY, GREEN, PURPLE, PINK w/sm stripes, ALL STRIPES,

you can go on picnictime.com to view colors.....

NOTE: Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the Winter Workshop and Board Meeting which will be held on Jan 21 at the Irving Elks in Irving, Texas. The Workshop will begin on Saturday Morning at 8:00. Once we finish we will start the Winter Board Meeting. Both of these may be accomplished on Saturday. If we do not finish both on Saturday, we will finish them on Sunday Morning.

If you have something that you would like to have included on either agenda, please send it to me before next Saturday.

Remember that all CASI members are invited to this meeting and we encourage your attendance.

2012-01-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

For several months, CASI has been working with Bruce Foods as they launch some of their advertisements which include Chili and CASI. See the below release. Their website has Larry Walton's Picture and recipe and more! It is GREAT advertisement for us. If you google their web site, you will see that in the last 24 hrs, this information has gone not only Nationally, but it has hit some International sites with one being in Singapore! See below.

CHILI COOK-OFF WINNER SHARES SECRETS

The Terlingua Texas Chili Festival is sometimes called the “Super Bowl” of chili cook-offs. If that is the case, then Larry Walton, who recently won this year’s fierce competition, must be the MVP.

After narrowing down thousands of chili enthusiasts in hundreds of cook-offs around the country, Walton, of Robinson, Texas, was in front of around 10,000 chili lovers, hoisting the Terlingua Trophy, after beating out a whopping 306 finalists in a grueling seven-hour cook-down at the 44^th annual event.

It was only four years ago that Walton, who works as a supervisor for Coca-Cola in Waco, stirred his very first pot of beef, spices and, of course, chili peppers. His secret recipe can be found at www.ChiliCookoffWinner.com.

As Jim Ezell, an executive of the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), the non-profit group that organizes the cook-off explains, “This is where the going gets tough.”

“There were 306 finalists this year,” Ezell adds. “There were a half-dozen ‘flights’ in which the contest was finally narrowed down to the finalists.” Ezell continues, “The competition was conducted as a ‘blind tasting’ with points awarded in different categories, such as taste and texture.”

CASI donates over a million dollars to various charities each year.

Walton shares his secrets to making an award-winning chili below.

Larry Walton’s

Top 5 Ways to Make an Incredible Chili

1. Chili Powder- Using the right chili powder in your chili recipe makes all the difference in the world in the chili flavor profile. My #1 suggestion for chili powder would be to use Mexene. Its well-rounded and balanced chili flavor profile will insure you have a winning recipe.

2. Meat- The next step in making a great chili is, of course, meat. Premium quality ground beef, with a little fat, is a great addition to making a great chili.

3. Browning- Once you have your pan or skillet nice and hot, the key is to make sure you have browned your meat properly. The meat should turn a nice light, golden-brown color in the pan.

4. Spices- In making a great chili, the spices are a main ingredient for bringing out all the flavors. It is best to use spices or powders in making a great chili. Powders are more pungent, which allows the chili to be fully rounded with flavor.

5. Secret Ingredient/ Booster- Adding your secret ingredient or booster to your chili right at the end is a great way to wow the official judges or just your family and friends with your wonderful chili, whether using a smoked paprika, chili powder, cocoa, a few dashes of Louisiana Hot Sauce, or whatever you desire.

It is Wednesday and here are the CCOs scheduled for this weekend. It is chili cooking weather, so enjoy a day of "Chili, Charity, and Fun!" This is a really slow CCO weekend, but if you can get to Bastrop, you are in lucky for participating in a sanctioned CCO. If you are not close to Bastrop, there will be a lot more CCOs later this month!

Jan 7, 2012-001 - Bastrop, TX CASI. American Legion Aux 533 CCO. Held at 3003 Loop 150 East. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Benefits Girl State/Scholarship. Make check payable to ALA 533. Contact Crystal Dear 512-844-6668. CHILI GRIND ONLY. See Cookoff next day.

Jan 8, 2012-001 - Bastrop, TX CASI. American Legion Aux 533 Sunday CCO. Held at 3003 Loop 150 East. Entry fee $18, turn-in 1 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Charity TBA. Contact Crystal Dear 512-844-6668. Make check payable to ALA 533.

2012-01-03T06:12:00.002-07:00

From Carolyn Seelig and Connie Collier:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

TEXAS LADIES STATE

and the

CASI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

2012

Ladies, Happy New Year to each of you. It’s time to think about the Texas Ladies State CCO and your individual contributions to the CASI Scholarship Program for 2012. Through your joint efforts, over $2,000.00 was raised last year and you were able to fund a technical school scholarship or one-half academic scholarship through the CASI Scholarship Program. It was an awesome first-year showing of your dedication to strengthen and help guarantee the future success of the CASI Scholarship Program.

The deadline for your 2012 contributions will again be March 1^st.

In January and February, email reminders will go to last year’s participants and notices will be posted on Ed’s Reflections and CHN. Contribution Forms will be an attachment to the emails and available to print from Ed’s Reflections and hopefully, the CASI website.

Please feel welcome to encourage your friends to participate as an open invitation is extended to anyone who may be interested in joining the group for the first time in 2012.

Please call or email one of the contacts listed below if anyone has questions or wants information. We need to add all new names to the group list as soon as possible. Thank you.

Connie Collier Carolyn Seelig

collier@snydertex.com                      cseelig@beecreek.net
home (325)573-7014                          home (830)997-0489
cell (325)575-7014                             cell (512)217-4301

From Carrie Kinnison:

Not only another year has gone by ....another Successful CCO is all said and done. We were blessed with wonderful weather and friends. There are so many people to say "THANK YOU" to: Cooks as far as New Mexico came; all the local businesses who sponsored supplies and raffle items; head judge, Elizabeth Livingston and Jeanette Cardenas; the music man "Jim Stateczny"; monitors and table runners; registration: Elizabeth Livingston, Pat Pilchick, Ruby Ross, Terri Fass; our kitchen crew: Connie Collier, Jean Barkley, Keith Barkley, Bucky Seelig, Elizabeth Livingston, Renee Moore, John and Sue Caffey; all that brought food to make our community breakfast complete; and again all the cooks that came and made our weekend fun and SUCCESSFUL. I do not like to mention names when I'm doing this because you always forget someone....and I apologize if I did not mention your name. But I want all to know that I "Thank" everyone that came. You all were so gracious and willing to move a chair or table, take out the garbage or anything that needed to be done even find or pick my cane up when I lost it or it fell. I was back into my element again, not 100%, but I felt good being some what productive again. Wishing All A Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Just Because CCO / 45 cooks

1. Becky Allen Q

2. Lynn Hijtamancek

3. Tim Collier

4. Karen Baines

5. Connie Collier

6. Dick Rogers

7. Sue Caffey

8. Ed Blair

9. Doc Kinnison

10. Sherry Haynes

Show

1. Spitfire Chili-Doyle Smith

2. Fall From Grace Chili-Kelly Talavera

3. Tall Girl Frog-Sue Caffey

Rusty's CCO / 60 cooks

1. James Bauer

2. Brent Allen

3. Janie Burress Q

4. Grace Walton

5. Larry Walton

6. Larry Burress

7. Renee Moore

8. Dick Rogers

9. Ruby Ross

10. Kelly Talavera

Show

1. Biker Babe Chili-Melody Smith

2. Tall Grl Frog-Sue Caffey

3. Red Morning Chili-Susie Morgenroth

New Years CCO / 32

1. Jessie Waguespack Q

2. Kelly Talavera

3. Charmaine Rogers

4. Larry Walton

5. Susie Morgenroth

6 Robert Talavera

7. Connie Collier

8. Sherry Haynes

9. Karen Baines

10. Lisa Brown

Show

1. Gall From Grace-Kelly Talavera

2. Tall Girl Fron-Sue Caffey

3. Doc's Backbone Chili-Doc Kinnison

From Donna Conrad:
Texas Open Room Rates At LaQuinta Inn and Suites 5611 Military Dr. ,San Antonio, TX. Ph. 210-674-3200

CALL BEFORE FEB. 3rd. and get rooms for $75.00!

When you call ask them for Texas Open room rates.
If you have any questions or concerns please call Donna Conrad 254-855-4733 or Clyde Rogers at 210-415-6855.

2012-01-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

From Ken Rodd:

Hello,

Not sure if you received word on Bill & Pat Lundys son.. Chili cook and former Great Pepper in NC

Ken Rodd

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesville/obituary.aspx?n=samuel-lundy&pid=155229410

Clark Lundy MOCKSVILLE Mr. Samuel Clark Lundy, 57, of Moore Trail, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, at Wake Forest Baptist Health Davie Hospital. Mr. Lundy was born Dec. 25, 1954, in Iredell County, to William Albert and Pat Clark Lundy. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Mr. Lundy was owner/operator of Clark Lundy Trucking and was currently a farmer. He was a member of Fairmount United Methodist Church in States-ville, the Comanche Indian Tribe of Oklahoma and the Comanche Indian Veteran Association. He had achieved the Boy Scouts' highest rank, that of an Eagle Scout. Clark loved the outdoors and he also loved old trucks. Mr. Lundy was a very giving person and a very loving husband, father and grandfather who lived for his family. Survivors include his wife, Robin Crotts Lundy of the home; his parents, of Statesville; five children, Michelle Lundy Crotts of Mocksville, Nicole Johnson (Wylie, Jr.) of New Mexico, Randi Leigh Boggs and Danielle Tracie Kahrs (Jordon), all of Mocks-ville, and Sarah Ashley Moore of the home; four grandchildren, Elloree Crotts, Riley Crotts, Mia Johnson and David Johnson; two brothers, Wendel Brent Lundy (Jean) of Statesville and William Lewis Lundy (Tobi Elbel) of South Carolina; four nephews; and his father-in-law, Ray Crotts of Mocksville. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at Eaton Funeral Chapel with the Revs. Arnold Gosnell and Marsha Joyner officiating. Interment will follow in Fairmount United Methodist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, Dec. 28, 2011, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, they request that memorials be considered for Fairmount UMC Cemetery Fund, c/o Archie Lundy, 184 Lundy Rd., Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be made at www. eatonfuneralservice.com

From Andy Williams:

We have rescheduled our Bark for Life for Navarro County to March 3, 2012. It was originally scheduled for Oct 8m, but was cancelled due to fire regulations at the time.

2011-12-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Cliff and I would like to wish each of you a Happy and Blessed New Year. May 2012 be a GREAT year for each of you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

From Jennifer Sherfield: