A big THANK YOU to Douglas (Bucky) Seelig, Ken Rodd and Bill Pierson for all you have done for CASI during your time on the board. Each of you have contributed numerous hours of work for CASI and have left your mark on this organization. You are going to be missed.
Several actions were taken during the Board of Director's Meeting and the Great Pepper's Meeting. I will share some highlights during the next several days.
There were two new Pods seeded. The Gladiator Chili Pod in Kansas and the Cowboy Capital Chili (3C) Pod in Texas. They have met all the Bylaw Requirements for association with CASI. We welcome them aboard!
It was with sadness that I had to report that the Keystone Pod had disbanded. We hope that you can soon regroup and rejoin us very soon.
The Board of Directors (BOD) approved the addition of a new award, It will be the CASI Pioneer Award. The following definition should apply: "When individuals distinguish themselves in such a way that they stand out clearly as leaders in the birth of an idea or development they are recognized as Pioneers. Whether through their vision their drive, their business acumen, their ability to innovate or lead the way, these people shape the character of CASI and become its heritage. They are the CASI pioneers."
Three New State Open Championships were approved. The new State Open Championships are: New Mexico Women's State Open Championship, New Mexico Men's State Open Championship and Guanajuato, Mexico State Open Championship.
I have a copy of the TICC Radio Spots for advertising this year's TICC. If you send me an email, I will send it to you. Feel free to take it to your local radio station. It was recorded by Boomer Kingston.
Would you like to see the new TICC poster? Just take a look!
Enough information for today. I will continue to report highlights of the meetings in the coming days.
From Pam Clark:
Upcoming CCO in Apple Valley, California. Yesterday (Thursday 9/10) I went to Apple Valley and cooked chili for the Museum's Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers. Although it was lonesome to cook all by myself, we all had a good time and everyone said they really enjoyed the chili and appreciated learning more about CASI and "Texas Red." Several people asked for recipes and cooking tips, enough so that I'm sure we will have enough cooks to sanction this cookoff. However, we still need CASI members for support, so I hope that anyone who is able will make the trip and help make this event a success.
The charity is the Victor Valley Museum Association, which sponsors art lessons for kids as well as preserving local culture, art, and history. They have a very nice facility with a huge parking lot, so there is plenty of room for RVs. Other activities going on the day of the cookoff include an art show and contest, Wild West shows, food and drink vendors, and apple pie contests -- both cooking and eating. Also, Apple Valley is only a couple of hours from the beach, so it would be a great starting point for a California vacation! R>The trophies for this cookoff are food-quality ceramic bowls, beautifully handpainted by one of the museum volunteers. Don't you love it when your trophy is actually something you can use?
Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Showmanship, People's Choice, and of course 1st through 10th place CASI Chili. They're expecting a very large crowd so bring lots of throwdown for People's Choice.
Okay, that's my sales pitch, so here are the cookoff details: Cowboy Joe's Ultimate Chili Cookoff, Saturday, October 10, held at the Victor Valley Museum, 11873 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley, California (see the ad in the Trails for directions). CASI entry fee is $25, turn-in at 2 pm. For more info, please contact me at 909/218-4656 or 903/316-0353, or send me an email to
Please come to California and help me promote Chili, Charity, and Fun -- CASI-style!
