From Earl "Who?" Gorham:
Calling all cooks

Tomball HEB will be having their first ever chili cookoff on April 10th

There will be beans at 1:00 pm and CASI chili at 2:00pm

HEB is having Craft vendors and activities for the kids.

They will be selling tasting kits so please bring give away chili if you have any.

I will be running the judging for them as this is their first time at this.

The store is located on the southeast corner of Buisness 249 and highway 2920 in the center of downtown Tomball.  From Houston come up highway 249 to where it splits and take buisness 249 to highway 2920 it is on your right.

From the Austin side come down highway 290 to Waller and take highway 2920 to the left into Tomball .  When you cross buisness 249 it will be on your right.

The cookoff will be held on the north side of the store.

As with all HEB stores TABC rules say no open containers so please keep all alcohol in cups and out of sight..

Remember people HEB is a CASI sponsor so lets have a good showing and show them we support our sponsors.

Please no RV's

See ya,ll there

Here is the last issue of the "Last Battle Over Baghdah."

It is Wednesday and here are the CCOs for this weekend.

Apr 3, 2010-001 - Kerrville, TX CASI. Heres to the Heros Easter Fest and Chili Cookoff. Held at 3800 Riverside Drive, Flat Rock Park. Benefits American Legion Post 208 Family Charities. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Amatuers $10. Lone Star BBQ fees $25 each Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Brisket or $65 for all. $10 Jackpot Beans, $5 Salsa. Turn-in times Noon Beans, Salsa, Chicken, 1 PM Ribs, Spare Ribs, 3 PM Brisket. Contact Tricia Tenery Byrom 830-285- 3542. blissvickers@hotmail.com Bliss Vickers- Vendors 830-370- 1198. Chili, GROUND MEAT ONLY.

Apr 3, 2010-002 - Canton, TX CASI. 11th Annual Buffalo Girls Hotel CCO Benefits C.L.A.W. Rescue Pet Adoptions. Location: First Monday Trade Days at the base of the Mountain located at Old Mill Marketplace on Hwy 64, 2 blocks from the square.. Free parking for Cooks. Hotel rooms and RV sites available. Table top set- up, CHILI GRIND ONLY. New events this year include: Salsa contest, $5.00 entry, turn-in at Noon. (Salsa can be made in advance). People Choice Chili Contest. Tasting cups to be sold for $2.00 each. Please bring extra chili for public tasting. CASI Chili $25.00 Turn in 2:00 PM. Make checks payable to Buffalo Girls Hotel, % Susan Matassa, 354 VZ CR 4108, Canton, TX 75103. Info: Susan Matassa 903-567-7829, Buflohotel@aol.com;  or go to http://www.buffalogirlshotel.com/  for entry forms. Additional info contact Neta Rohr 972-495-3305.

Apr 3, 2010-003 - Amarillo, TX CASI. Operation Chili Combat CCO. Held at Tri-State Fairgrounds in the Rex Baxter Bldg. Doors open for public tasting at 11 AM. Please bring extra chili for public tasting. America Supports You Texas is having it's first annual "OPERATION: Chili Combat" Chili Cook-off to support our Military and our Veterans. Live music, entertainment, silent auction, and raffles. Please come and show your support for our men and women of our armed forces. Entry fee $25 turn in 2 PM. Contact Karen Ott 806-676-7858 kdv1701@yahoo.com.

Apr 3, 2010-004 - Electra, TX CASI. Pump Jack Festival & Cookoff. Held in downtown Electra. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Beans $5 turn-in Noon. Salsa $5 turn-in 11:30 AM. Desserts $5 turn-in 12:30. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Contact Kyle Adams or Carolyn Adams 940- 592-9980, 940-495-2407. Benefits Pump Jack Assn.

Apr 3, 2010-005 - Plainview, TX CASI. 3rd Annual Fools Cup Chili and Ribeye Cookoff sponsored by the Plainview Kiwanis Club. There will be four categories to enter: chili, ribeye, fajitas, or beans. There will be several events going on; such as a hot air baloon launch and a national singing challenge. CHILI GRIND ONLY; entry fee $20. Ribeye entry fee $100, ribeyes will be provided (entry fee for ribeye also covers fajita and bean categories). Fajitas will be an open category and the entry fee is $20; unless entered in the ribeye category. Beans will be an open category and entry fee is $20; unless entered in the ribeye category. There will not be a payout for the chili category; all other categories will have a 50/50 jackpot payout. Held at Runningwater Draw Park, aka Kidsville, 4th & Ennis. Chili turn in 2 PM. Make checks payable to Plainvew Kiwanis Club. Contact J Pat Manning 806-293-1385 email jpatmanning@gmail.com.

Apr 4, 2010-001 - Baghdad IQ CASI. Last Battle Over Baghdad. Location, Baghdad Iraq. Charity, Boy and Girl Scouts of Iraq. Chili Entry fee $20.00, Chili turn-in time 2 p.m. Contact Roxzanna Ponce De Leon, 447 AEW/CCP APO, AE 09321.

From Dave Hewlett:
Many of the Garland ELKS LODGE #1984 knew Phil Kelley. It is with sad thoughts that I announce that Phil Kelley passed away yesterday. He fought cancer for the last year and finally lost. No details on the arrangements are available yet.

From Chunkie Harwell:
April 17th will be here before you know it.

Met with Parks Department, EMS, Fire Marshall, Police Department today.

We are good to go, make sure all fire extinguishers are charged.

Please leave a twenty foot wide access area off the main road.

At the south end where we park they have just installed a 20" water line cutting through the back of the parking area. The Parks folks have asked us not to park RV's on top of this area. You will be able to see it, there is no grass there and it is a wide area. If we were to get the rain we had last year it would really be a mess.

The Parks folks have also asked that you do not arrive on WEDNESDAY. They are still setting electrical, moving table etc. So please do not show up Wednesday.

Looking forward to a great time again this year.

From Joann Scott:
Guy Bates became ill at Texas Men's State.  He was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Fredricksburg.  He has pneumonia and will probably be hospitalized for about 3 days.  Thanks to those who helped Shirley.  They have parked the MotorHome at the hospital and she has electricity.

From Tricia Bryom:
Here's To The Heroes Easter Fest and Cook-Off

Saturday, April 3rd
Flat Rock Park, Kerrville, Texas
CASI Chili and Lonestar BBQ Cook-Off
Cooks Party Friday Night - Sausage, Beans and Beer, Please bring a Pot Luck Side Dish
Plenty of dry camping!
For more info, contact Tricia Byrom 830-285-3542

From Tammie Wooster:
Well, while my hubby was at TMS winning 4th place (woohoo)...I was helping out at the American Legion #169 cookoff in Wichita Falls.


23 Chilis

1. Mike Bryan - WF
2. Michelle Adams - Iowa Park (Q)
3. Shirley Smith - WF
4. Don Walker - Burkburnett
5. Kyle Adams - Iowa Park
6. Judy Walker - Burkburnett
7. Diane Fitzhenry - WF
8. James Taylor - WF
9. Bill Riordan - WF
10. Tom Noe - WF

Beans
1. Sylvia Riordan - WF

From Mayo Blair:
BAYTOWN APRIL 10TH FINE RIDES AND CASI CHILI COOKOFF

Hey everyone......was good to see so many of you at Mens State.....Great weather and great friends.....Congrats to those who placed or at least had their number called somewhere.....Ed thinks maybe he forgot to turn in as he didnt hear his.....lol

Am sending this out again and asking if you can to please support Teena in this first year CASI cookoff.....it has the possibilities of becoming a great cookoff with great possibilities of pairing with CASI.......

Hope to see some of you there.....Come on down on Friday and lets make it a party......

Thanks and have a great "Spring" day, weather outside is fabulous and Have a Great and Blessed Easter....

FROM TEENA MILLER,Note
We will have RV parking available - no hookups. If you can, please help make this first cookoff a success.

* * * Also - Bob -N- Jeans is on the calendar for August 21st and 22nd, so mark your calendar!!

Texas Men's State:
Big crowds and happy people.  The weekend was a big success.  Congratulations to all the winners!

From Lee Brett:
C.A.S.I has lost another long time supporter. Jerry Lawrence, one of the Irving Elks everyone has come to know passed away Saturday morning after a battle with cancer. Jerry started going to T.I.C.C. In the early 90's along with several other Elks. The Irving Elks have since become a long time C.A.S.I. sponsor.

There will be a memorial at the Irving Elks Saturday April 3rd at 2 pm.

Announcement of the BBQ Vote:
I have not received any more votes for the last 2 weeks and we have decided to close the voting and give out the results. I think that those who wanted to vote have done so. The vote was first announced on the blog on January 20,2010 and then was published in the Trails in the February Issue.  I had about 120 votes. Several only voted on 1 item, several only gave me words.

Here are the totals:

Question 1 (Chili cooks who choose to enter the BBQ competition should be allowed to cook on their campsite?) Yes 77, No 20.

Question #2 (Should BBQ pits be disallowed in the cooks’ area for any use?) Yes 38, No 60. A No vote is a yes they should be allowed in the cook's area.

Question #3 (Should fire pits be allowed?) Yes 78, No 28. Several made comments such as it should be a Propane Powered Fire Pit. It should not be allowed on the bare ground.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to express your opinions.

NOTE:  Cliff and I are leaving this morning as soon as I finish the IV for Wichita Falls to attend Glyn Gaines' funeral.  We will return early tomorrow so that I can have tomorrow's IV.  I will not be posting the blog until later in the day.

SATURDAY POST:

From Mel Fitzhenry:
The chili world became sadden and one less with the passing of Glynn Gaines on Friday, March 26th 2010.

The following are the arrangements by the family.

Visitation will be from 3 pm on Sunday at the Lunn's Funeral Home, located at 2812 Midwestern Pkwy, 940-692-1913, which is located across from the Sikes Center Mall.

The service for Glynn will be at 2 pm on Monday at the Cowboy Church, located at 919 Hwy 281 South, Wichita Falls, Tx 76310, 940-687-2237.

Jo Ann has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CASI Scholarship Fund.

For those that may arrive in town early, family and friends will be meeting at the Elks Lodge on Seymour Hwy at 11:30 am on Monday for a lunch and fellowship.

SECOND BLOG FOR TODAY!
Glyn Gains died this morning.  His funeral will be on Monday at the Cowboy Church at 2 PM.  He will be buried in Wichita Falls at  Crestview Cemetary.  Viewing will be Sunday.  Please spread the word.

From Tammy Wooster:
It's time to think about Southwest Open.

Here are a couple of pictures from Baghdad showing the arrival of the supplies for their CCO.

It's Friday and Spring is here.  It looks like a great weekend to be cooking chili!  Good Luck to everybody especially all of you men that are attending Texas Men's State.  For once, it does not appear to be raining!!!

Happy Anniversary to Cliff!  Thanks for your support and love.

May the Chili God Chiligula Bless Your weekend!

This is a slow news day!  I want to wish each of the men that are leaving for Texas Men's State a safe trip and lots of luck.  This is going to be a great event.  There will be lots of activities!

I want to again post the Registration Form for the Great Pepper's Meeting which will be in Sept.

Thanks to all of you who have sent me your Pod History.  Little by little I will get them posted in CIS.  If you haven't sent me your Pod History, please get it written and sent to me.

It is getting closer to the Baghdad CCO (April 4, 2010).  We have received a letter from the Texas Governor!

Well, I guess that is about all!  Today is a Red Letter Day for me.  Thanks to all of you who have sent me a Birthday Wish.  Yes, I am really 65 and today I feel it!  This year has aged me!

Have a Great Day!

From Steve Nadeau:
Cocktail Party at Texas Ladies State: I will be hosting a cocktail party on Friday, April 16th at 5:00 PM, celebrating our current TICC champion and her 2nd win. Please come by the Nadeau camp for a few minutes to say hello and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of your chili family. Wine, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Please don't miss the "cake" cutting at 5:30 PM. Look forward to seeing everybody! - Mr. Margaret (X2)

From Willimina:
Today I learned that Mr. Elmer Eiland, the father of our precious Debbi Eiland Turner, passed away yesterday. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in the chapel of Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Bristol Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis.

To view an obituary or sign their guest book you may visit http://www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com/.

I know you will want to wish this wonderful person and her family well.

Laury would you please put this on your website, Bud, do your tricks with face book and Roger please notify our CASI family.

With Sadness,
Willimina

From Cliff:
There is a new potential for your Chili making abilities:

The Indian military has a new weapon against terrorism: the world's hottest chili.

After conducting tests, the military has decided to use the thumb-sized "bhut jolokia," or "ghost chili," to make tear gas-like hand grenades to immobilize suspects, defense officials said Tuesday.

The bhut jolokia was accepted by Guinness World Records in 2007 as the world's spiciest chili. It is grown and eaten in India's northeast for its taste, as a cure for stomach troubles and a way to fight the crippling summer heat.

It has more than 1,000,000 Scoville units, the scientific measurement of a chili's spiciness. Classic Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units, while jalapeno peppers measure anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000.

"The chili grenade has been found fit for use after trials in Indian defense laboratories, a fact confirmed by scientists at the Defense Research and Development Organization," Col. R. Kalia, a defense spokesman in the northeastern state of Assam, told The Associated Press.

"This is definitely going to be an effective nontoxic weapon because its pungent smell can choke terrorists and force them out of their hide-outs," R. B. Srivastava, the director of the Life Sciences Department at the New Delhi headquarters of the DRDO said.

Srivastava, who led a defense research laboratory in Assam, said trials are also on to produce bhut jolokia-based aerosol sprays to be used by women against attackers and for the police to control and disperse mobs.

From Donna Conrad:
Hello Everyone,

I want to remind everyone that at this years Great Peppers Meeting I will be Raffling off (2) two items. 

The 1st Drawing will be for $1000.00 & the 2nd drawing will be for a Hand Made Quilt.

The tickets or $5.00 for one or 5 for $20.00. I will be at TMS & TLS selling them as well as other cook off's.

NOTE: I will not sell them tell AFTER the awards are over on Saturday at ANY Cook Off.

I have the Quilt with me and your welcome to see it.

Also please make sure you make your reservation for this years Great Peppers Meeting that will be held in Salado TX. at the Stagecoach Inn, phone # 254-947-5111 or 1-800-8994 ask for Rachel or tell them your with CASI Great Peppers Meeting. If you have any questions or concerns PLEASE email me @ dangergail@aol.com  or Dianne @ winksintexas@aol.com. Our phone's # or 254-855-4733 or Dianne's is 254-855-2767.

Thank you all and we'll see ya down the trail.

From Dave Hewett:
Chili cook offs are such a uplifting life building experience. Especially in Texas. Here we were on Friday March 19th in shorts and enjoying the sun and nice day and planning our upcoming 2 day CCO. I awoke Saturday morning to the gentle sound of rain at 7AM and looked out to see the rain was not gentle. It rained all day to the tune of say 2 inches. Luckily the Garland Elks were kind enough to invite us inside to cook. We had 28 cooks by turn in time but at 9AM we were not sure. It was a great indoor event and lots of fun was enjoyed by all.

Well no story stops with just fun as when I awoke on Sunday morning to go to the DAM POD CCO I looked out and saw 5 inches of snow everywhere. I told my wife that it was not going to happen and go back to bed. She went to the front of the house and looked out. Her response was the streets here were fine and to get the ??? out of bed as the cooks would be waiting on us. So
off we went and sure enough the cooks started coming in. One cook said he took over 2 hours to get there and had to take many back roads to get there plus had to wait on the sand trucks in one spot. Note this was a new young cook at that. We had 26 cooks. I did look around and saw an influx of new cooks at our cook off lately. Again fun was had by all and we really enjoyed the many stories that the cooks told about getting to the cook off. One cook called and said she started our way and they had to turn back due to the roads. One new cook makes tamales for show and boy are they good.

Results for Sat 3-20-2010 Garland Elks.
Chili 28 cooks

1st Joel Sexton - Garland
2nd Bonnie Loxterman - Rowlett
3rd Tom Dozier - Irving
4th Bob Pulliam - Burleson
5th Toni Bowman - Rowlett
6th Janet Sherwood - Mansfield
7th Morris Moss - Garland
8th Rosa Johnston - Corsicana
9th Pat Langley - Garland
10th Kelly Brignan - Ennis

Show
1st Ed Richer - Red River Chili
2nd Bill Lester - Ain't No Chili
3rd Jennifer Devenport - Wonder Woman

Sun 3-21-2010 DAM POD Chili
26 cooks

1st Jimmy Johnston - Corsicana
2nd Sam Roberts - Arlington Q
3rd TJ Freidel - Irving
4th Toni Bowman - Rowlett
5th Rosa Johnston - Corsicana
6th Joel Sexton - Garland
7th Kenny Short - Burleson
8th Bonnie Loxterman - Rowlett
9th Kathy Parvin - Garland
10th Steve Heaser - Dallas

Show
1st Jennifer Devenport - Wonder Woman
2nd Ed Ricker - Red River Chili
3rd Steve Heaser - Chili Pod Cast

It is Wednesday and time to identify the CCOs for this weekend!

Mar 27, 2010-001 - High Springs, FL CASI. O'Leno Ole' 3rd Annual Cookoff. Held at 410 SE O'Leno Park Rd. off US 441, 6 miles North of High Springs. Benefits Friends of O'Leno Inc. Entry fee $20 turn- in 1 PM. Open competition turn in 1:30 PM, limited to 20 entries, register by March 10th. Contact Harriet Walsh 386-454- 4806, 7730 NE 40th St, High Springs FL 32643 friendsoleno@windstream.net.  

Mar 27, 2010-002 - Eatonton, GA CASI. 2010 Lake Oconee Chili Cookoff Held at the Big Catch Lakeside Grill, 920 Hwy 44 (Greensboro Rd) Lake Oconee. Entry fee $50 per cook-off space, this includes a 12 X 12 booth space, this entry fee also covers the cooking fees for up to 2 CASI and 2 open category entries for that cook- off space. Additional entries for the CASI & Open chili competition are $20 for each additional cook if cooking in the same cook-off space as the original entry. CASI chili turn-in at 1 PM Open chili turn in at 2 PM. Contact Corinne Baldwin or Morgan Stapp, Big Catch Lakeside Grill, 920 Greensboro Rd, Eatonton, GA email secureserver.net/got5crabs@aol.com   Corinne Baldwin 706-485- 2465, Morgan Stapp 706-473-0521. Wholesome USDA approved meat should be used to make the chili. Make check payable to Lake Oconee Elks Lodge #2849. Benefits Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Inc. 501-C-3, Lake Oconee Elks Lodge #2849 Emergency Canteen Unit 501-C-3."

Mar 27, 2010-003 - Johnson City, TX CASI. Texas Mens State Chili Championship Held at Blanco County Fairgrounds west side of Hwy 281, just south of bridge crossing the Pedernales River. Entry fee $35, turn-in 1 PM. Make checks payable to TX Mens State Chili Championship. Benefits many Johnson City charities and emergency services. Cooks party Friday night. Special RV parking for cooks, limited hook-ups. Cook where you camp. Park opens Thursday at 8 AM. Potluck dinner Sat. night & entertainment. First place bronze longhorn trophy. Send entry to: Texas Men's State Chili, 112 Leaning Oak Circle, Johnson City, TX 78636. Also, TX Men's State BBQ Championship handled by LSBS, with 50 cooks this will be an automatic qualifier. Entry fee $30 per category or $75 for all three. Turn-in is 12 noon for chicken, 1:00 for pork sparerib 3:30 for brisket. 60/40 payback. Original bronze trophy for Grand Champion. Send entry to: Texas Men's State BBQ, 112 Leaning Oak Circle, Johnson City, TX 78636. Contact Alan Dean, 512-567-2835 or pepperdean@ctesc.net. Join us for the fun: beans 100% payback, domino tournament, and more. Please register by Feb 15th for a Goody Bag.

Mar 27, 2010-004 - Victoria, TX CASI. 2nd Annual Spring Fling. Held at Colet Inn Bar & Grill 3023 Camp Colet Rd. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Benefits Jim Scribellito Medical Expenses. Make checks payable to VASA Pod. Contact Kisa Bone 361-648-8699 lkbone@sbcglobal.net, Linda McDonald 361-578-2575, Ashley Hoefling 361-564-7296. Friday events Jackpot Margarita Off entry $10 turn-in 6:30 PM, Jackpot Chefs Choice entry $10 turn-in 7:30 PM. Saturday BBQ Chicken turn in 1 PM, Pork Ribs 3 PM turn- in, Brisket 5 PM entry $125 per team or $50 per item. Cash prizes for Grand Champion/Reserved Champion and 1, 2nd 3rd in all meats. Jackpot BBQ Sauce $10 entry turn 11 AM, Jackpot Beans entry $10 turn-in Noon. Cooks meeting 10 AM. See cookoff next day.

Mar 27, 2010-005 - Wichita Falls, TX CASI. American Legion Post 169 26th annual cookoff. Held at 4605 Lakeshore Dr., Wichita Falls, Tx. For Various legion charity programs. Chili entry fee - $20.00. Chili Grind Only. Turn in time for chili - 2:00 pm Beans cookoff fee - $5.00 turn in 12 noon. Friday night cooks party - hamburgers, chips and dips for cooks. RV parking, no hookups, can cook inside if bad weather. Contact Don Barfield, 15643 W. FM 171, Wichita Falls, TX, 76305-2217,Phone 940-322- 5057, email saybarley@aol.com

Mar 27, 2010-006 - Tulsa, OK CASI. CASI Chili and BCA BBQ Cookoff. Held at Tulsa American Legion Post #1, 1120 East 8th Street. Entry fee $25 per category. BBQ Chicken turn-in 11:00 am. Pork Ribs 12:00 pm, Brisket 1:00 pm, Chili 2:00 pm. Show, no charge, 12:30 to 1:30 PM. Announcements 4 PM. BBQ prize money guaranteed. Must be entered in all 3 BBQ to qualify for Grand Champion. Contact Rick Alfaro 918-951-8116.

Mar 28, 2010-001 - Johnson City, TX CASI. Pod On The Pedernales Cookoff At Blanco County Fairgrounds, West side of Hwy 281, just south of the bridge crossing the Pedernales River. Entry fee $18, turn-in Noon. Benefits the Pod on the Pedernales charities. Make checks payable to the Pod on the Pedernales. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Friday night cooks party, Saturday night pot luck. Music and dancing. RV parking with lots of shade, limited hookups. Wonderful Jeep Collins jewelry trophies. Contact Alan Dean, 112 Leaning Oak Circle, Johnson City, TX 78636, 512-567-2835 or pepperdean@ctesc.net.

Mar 28, 2010-002 - Victoria, TX CASI. Day After 2nd Annual Spring Fling. Held at Colet Inn Bar & Grill 3023 Camp Colet Rd. Entry fee !8 turn-in 1 PM. Breakfast Casserole $10 turn-in 10 AM. For VASA Pod local charities. Contact Lisa Bone 361-648-8699, Linda McDonald 361-578-2575. See cookoff previous day.

From Tammie Wooster:
Elks Lodge in Wichita Falls, TX
Saturday March20th
36 Chilis

1. Clint Wooster - San Antonio, TX
2. Cindy Noe - WF, TX
3. Dru Stewart - Hurst, TX
4. David - Budda - Manske - Arlington, TX
5. Frances Sullivan - Waxahachie, TX
6. Shirley Smith - WF, TX
7. Tammie Wooster - WF, TX
8. Delores -Auntie - Sanders - Arlington, TX
9. Kelly Killingsbeck - Euless, TX
10. Ray Charboneau - WF, TX ________________________


11 Beans
1. Frances Sullivan - Waxahachie, TX
2. Terry Graves - WF, TX
3. Kevin Wooster - WF,TX ______________________________


Show
1. Bettie Spears - Cat House Chili - Shawnee, OK
2. Sonya Starnes - Wildwitch Chili - Shawnee, OK
3. Unclaimed
 __________________________


Elks Division - Chili
1. David - Budda - Manske - Arlington, TX Honorary Winner Irving Elks Lodge and your next years host for the Elks State Cookoff!!!
__________________________
Elks Lodge - Sunday, March 21st
30 Chilis

1. Clint Wooster - San Antonio, TX
2. Tammie Wooster - WF, TX
3. Michelle Adams - Iowa Park, TX
4. Bettie Spears - Shawnee, OK
5. Diane Fitzhenry - WF, TX
6. Judy Hawthorne - WF, TX
7. Laura Wooster - WF, TX
8. James Taylor - WF, TX
9. Pam Reese - WF, TX
10. Chuck Hawthorne - WF, TX __________________________

Show
1. Bettie Spears - Shawnee, OK
2. James Taylor - WF, TX
3. Bob Luney - Iowa Park, TX

From Blu Daniels:
Tyler Rotary Club - Started raining about 9:00...Wind, Rain, Cold....ended up with 19 cooks. Helen Conley was here and brought 6 cooks. Their son Jim, daughter Susan and both their spouses are now chili cooks and loving it! First time for John and I to meet their kids and we love them. Right down our alley as far as thinking and having a good time! Jim and Susan both got a point! They're hooked!

Bear Reynolds and David Lake tied for the Bob Conley Memorial Challenge stove with 5 points, Bruce Young was there, tossed a coin, Bear called heads, it was tails, David Lake was not there but we are keeping it in a safe place for him. Did I mention Cold Wind Rain??

The TV stations were there because Tyler Rotary also throws in a Media Chili Cookoff, and they had 6 teams between the radio groups and 2 TV stations. That sweet young thing that reported on the Rose City cookoff 2 weeks ago and had my sassy mug and excited words on the evening news got Big John this time and he made a wonderful representative for all the chili cooks who occasionally make the choice to get out and support in awfully bad miserable Rain Cold Wind weather.

I want to send a HUGE appreciative Thank You to Bryan McFarlin of Belly Busters chili. He had our cooksite pert near packed up in the truck by the time John and I got out of the building after all the judging and tallying and getting the results and gathering all my supplies (cookoff coordinators and Refs know what I am talking about) and it was absolutely the most heart-warming wonderful feeling for both of us as we started up that parking lot, heads down against the wind and rain to find that all we had to do was push the canopy together and toss it in the back.

Results:
1. Tom Esford, Trinity
2. Roger Evans, Flint(Tyler area)
3. Bear Reynolds, Longview
4. Jonathon "Spud" Griffin, Arp (Tyler area)
5. Chris Griffin, Flint (no relation)
6. Susan Burgess, Baytown (Bob & Helen's daughter)
7. Nat Arriola, Bullard (Tyler area)
8. Jim Conley, Round Rock (Bob & Helen's son)9. Vicki Esford, Trinity
10. John Daniels, Winona (Tyler area)
Kiss Your Sister - Denning Key, Tyler

Show:
1. Freedom, John Daniels, Winona
2. Bear's Chili, Bear Reynolds, Longview
3. Renegade Chili Rovers II, Vicki Esford, Trinity

Thanks to Larry Wampler for coming down, even though he didn't cook, he did judge Show (mainly by memory at this point in the weather) and sat at the Final Table. All cooks made the Final Table (whew...everyone was happy about that). And we sang Happy Birthday to Spud when he came up for his 4th place trophy. I sincerely appreciate, as does the Tyler Rotary Club, all the cooks who came and tolerated the Cold Wind Rain to make this cookoff and now, our small group who will have this memorable occasion to talk about. At the end of the day, when we get home, get the essentials unpacked, prop our feet up and start to get the feeling back in our toes, it's almost like it never happened and we remember the good fellowship and the winning numbers being called out and the "See You Next Times" hollered in various directions.

From Alan Dean:
Here is the schedule for Texas Men's State

Friday:

3:00 PM Registration opens. Barbecue meat inspection on arrival. Wings registration and pick up ($15.00) We supply the wings

5:00 Welcome reception featuring Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines, Mrs. Renfro’s salsa and singer/songwriter Dean Strickland

6:30 Cooks’ party and fajita dinner
Domino tournament after supper

Music by Nigel Delgado from 8:00 PM – midnight

Saturday:
Breakfast tacos and coffee available from the Johnson City 4H

8:00 – 10:00 AM Registration
9:30- Opening Ceremony
10:00 - Beer booth opens

Silent Auction begins Closes at 4:00 PM.

10:30 Turn in for Wings judging
11:00 Beans judging, Open beans competition for men only, $10.00 entry with 100% payback.
11:00- Calcutta bidding until 10 minutes after judging is complete
Noon - Turn in chicken for judging
Turn in for Business/ Non-profit chili
1:00 - Turn in chili for judging
2:00 - Turn in ribs for judging
2:00 – 4:00 Musical performance by Dean Strickland
3:30 - Turn in brisket for judging
4:00 Musical performance by Zero Skills, Inc
7:00 - Cooks potluck dinner. Please bring a covered dish.
8:00 - Music by Nigel Delgado

Sunday:
Pod On The Pedernales Chili Cookoff. Turn in and judging begins at noon.


Personal Note:
I did not mention that on Saturday March 20, my folks celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary!!  I do not think I will have to worry about ever celebrating this anniversay or I would have to live to be 127 years old!

From Rocky Rockwell:
Hey Chiliheads,
The snow is melting, the floodwaters are receding, and we're gearing up for the New York State CASI Chili Championship in the beautiful Southern Tier of New York.

It will be held May 1 on the Binghamton University campus in Binghamton, NY. The entry fee is $25 (checks may be made out to the Empire Stae POD) and proceeds will benefit the CHOW Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

In addition to the CASI competition, there will be a judged Open competition with a $500 1st prize - YES, a FIVE HUNDRED dollar first prize! We will also have salsa and showmanship competitions.

Cut or chili grind may be used and we ask all cooks to bring a few gallons of throw down chili to help feed the chili loving spectators. Turn in times will be 12:00 for Open chili, 1:00 for salsa, and 2:00 for CASI chili.

Additional details and directions, etc. may be found on our website www.nyschili.com. Since our "webmaster" has been extremely busy lately we'll provide a couple of helpful hints to navigate the website. It is indeed the 2010 Championship, not 2009; go to "forms and publications" and not "announcements" for cookoff information; and then go to "cook team packet".

If you notify us in advance that you are coming we can hold your entry fee to the $25 figure.

Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.

Contact either Bob Griffin at griffin3042@gmail.com or 607-757-0952 or Rocky Rockwell at rockr323@aol.com or, AFTER April 6, at 585-453-0422.

Hope to see you May 1st in Binghamton. If we have traveling cooks coming we will have a get together the night before or after the cookoff.

From Darin Jester:
The Three-I Regional Open Championship will be held in Indianapolis, IN on April 24th and our Pod CCO will be the next day. Top 3 chilis and 1st place Show are auto qualifiers for TICC. Travel expense money will be awarded to the Top 3 Chilis and 1st Place Show plus, 1st Place CASI Chili will receive a custom painted Wendell Rankin Stove. Awards will also be given for Finals Table. There will be a cooks party on Saturday night. Come cook, party and stay at the same location for the weekend. Hotel is giving everyone a special rate of $79.00 a night. To make hotel reservations call them direct at (317)821-1100 just mention the word “Chili”. Please feel free to contact Tonya or I with any questions.
317-856-3231 H. or 317-319-4961 C.

Results from the Pasadena CCO:
Saturday 3/13/10
60 Chili

1st Cynthia Whittenburg – League City, Texas 2nd Jo Quist – Houston, Texas
3rd Bruce Wilkins – Houston, Texas
4th Dana Ploceck- Houston, Texas
5th Stacey Davis- Pasadena, Texas
6th Dee Hay- Pasadena, Texas
7th Negal Delgado- Houston, Texas
8th Taylor Miller- Baytown, Texas
9th Susan Armand-Houston, Texas
10th Mike Ray- Houston, Texas

Show (3)
1st Chili Republic --Susan Armand
2nd Cow Girl Up ---Sheila Williams
3rd Oilfield Trash--- Larry Hammond

Sunday 3/14/10
43 Chili

1st Vern Gilpin – Katy, Texas
2nd Steve Clonenger -Deer Park, Texas
3rd Kevin Foley - Galveston, Texas
4th Julie Clonenger - Deer Park, Texas
5th Dave Pitts- League City, Texas
6th Debbie Vigare-Benefield - League City, Texas
7th Don Hoy- Cuero, Texas
8th Chuck Spishock- Dickinson, Texas
9th Roy Davis – Pasadena, Texas
10th Don Gill-- Houston, Texas

Show (2)
1st Cin Tail Chili --- Bruce Wilkins – Houston, Texas
2nd Cow Girl Up ---Sheila Williams- Houston, Texas
3rd No show Team

Results from Water Valley CCO:
Saturday's Winners (March 20) 
19 Chili Cooks

1. Cliff Miller-San Angelo, TX
2. Karen Sedlak-Paint Rock, TX
3. Lisa Clevenger-Odessa, TX
4. Paul Mulkey-Hobbs, NM
5. Tracy Heflin-San Angelo, TX
6. Jim Miller-San Angelo, TX
7. Fran Miller-San Angelo, TX
8. Guy W. Bates-Midland, TX -- Q
9. Janice Miller-San Angelo, TX -- Q
10. Laura Coad-San Angelo, TX

Show
1. Fran Miller-San Angelo, TX
2. Barbara Herrin-Paint Rock, TX -- Q
3. Sherry Maus-San Angelo, TX

Sunday's Winners (March 21)
17 Chili Cooks

1. Karen Sedlak-Paint Rock, TX --Q
2. Don Clevenger-Odessa, TX
3. Barbara Herrin-Paint Rock, TX
4. Maria Scarlett-San Angelo, TX
5. Sherry Maus-San Angelo, TX
6. Paul Mulkey-Hobbs, NM -- Q
7. Sue Yates-San Angelo, TX
8. Kathy Mulkey-Hobbs, NM
9. Janice Miller-San Angelo, TX
10. Jim Miller-San Angelo, TX

Show
1. Barbara Herrin- Paint Rock, TX
2. Guy W. Bates- Midland, TX
3. Sherry Maus- San Angelo, TX

From Lee Kroencke:
Yesterday was a tremendous cook-off held at the American Legion Post #64 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Thanks go out to everyone who braved the blizzard like conditions to participate in Chili, Charity, and Fun. There were 18 CASI chili entrants, and numerous others on show teams, judges, and general public who enjoyed the event.

Also there was a lot of preparation by Travis McCauley and others, who handled the curve ball that mother nature threw our way with ease. Their hard work made for a tremendous day packed with everything you would expect from a great CASI Chili Cook-off.

The big winner was Matt Frye from Pittsburg, Kansas, who won CASI Chili and also took first place in Wings.

Matt has been cooking and competing in CASI Chili for several years, dating back beyond 2005 when he won the Crawford County State Park Cook-off in Farlington.

Also first time cook Angie Tate from Kansas City, Kansas, took 4th place in her first CASI cook-off ever. Congratulations Angie, that's quite a start!

Nikki Patrick with the MorningSun newspaper, posted an article that lists all the finishers. Here is the link, check it out! http://www.morningsun.net/news/x1526475154/Despite-weather-cooks-get-chili 

Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding, growing and successful annual cook-off. Nice work everyone. See you down the chili trail.

Invitation to the 2010 Great Pepper's Meeting:
March 15, 2010


It is GREAT PEPPER MEETING time again. This year the 2010 Great Peppers Meeting will be hosted by Donna Conrad and Dianne Stimson on September 9-10-11. It will be held at the Stage Coach Inn, 401 S. Stage Coach Road, Salado, Texas 76571. This is a lovely resort. If you look it up on the Internet www.staystagecoach.com you will see all the great things they have to offer. There will be entertainment provided. A special Wine Tasting event will be held on Friday night.


The rate is $89.00 including breakfast on Friday and Saturday morning. In order to receive the best room, we suggest you call and make your reservations now. Use the Code CASI for this special rate call1-800-732-8994 or 254-947-5111.


In order to save money and speed up the registration process we are requesting the Board, VIPs, Great Peppers and Referees to fill out the registration form and send it in by E-Mail to Dave Hewlett. Guests please fill out the registration form along with your check and send it to Donna Conrad. There will be more information to follow as the event draws near.


Look forward to seeing you all in September. Please come.


Yours truly,
Donna Conrad

From Dana Plocheck:
The April issue of the Terlingua Trails is available for viewing on the CASI website. Thanks to everyone for their articles and pictures. I could not do the Trails without your help.

From Lisa Bone:
2nd Annual Spring Fling BBQ and Chili Cook-Off held at Colet Inn Bar and Grill, 3023 Camp Colet Rd., Victoria, Texas. Friday, March 26th, 2010, Cook-Off Benefits: VASA POD Local Charities,

Registration from 4pm to 6pm
Jackpot Margarita Off: Entry Fee $10.00; 6:30pm Turn-In

Jackpot Chef's Choice: Entry Fee $10.00; 7:30pm Turn-In

Saturday, March 27th, 2010,
Cook-Off Benefits: Jim Scribellito Medical Expenses

BBQ Cook-Off:
Head Cooks Meeting at 10am
Chicken (1pm Turn-In), Pork Ribs (3pm Turn-In) and Brisket (5pm Turn-In)
Entry Fee $125.00 per Team
Cash Prizes for 1st ($125.00), 2nd ($75) and 3rd ($50) in All 3 Meat Catagories
Each Item Can Be Cooked Separately for $50 per Item

Jackpot BBQ Sauce
Entry Fee $10; 11am Turn-In

Jackpot Beans
Entry Fee $10; 12 Noon Turn-In

CASI Chili
Entry Fee $20; 2pm Turn-In

Bake Sale Saturday 10am, Live Auction 5:15pm

Sunday, March 28th, 2010
Cook-Off Benefits: VASA POD Local Charities

Jackpot Breakfast Casserole
Entry Fee $10; 10am Turn-In

CASI Chili
Entry Fee $18; 1pm Turn-In

Plenty of RV Parking, Limited Hook-Ups Contact: Linda McDonald 361-578-2575; Ashley Hoefling (BBQ) 361-564-7296, or Lisa Bone 361-645-8699.

From Barbara Taylor:
 Chuck Taylor's Dad died St Patty's morning. He was 90 years old.  Please keep Chuck and Barbara Taylor in your prayers.
Other Barbara Taylor, Terlingua

From Sherry Boswell-Mulbauer:

From Lee Kroenke:
TAKE A LOOK AT THIS UPDATE:
DUE TO WEATHER PREDICTED FOR SATURDAY-
*** THIS WILL BE AN INDOOR COOK-OFF! ***

THE AMERICAN LEGION POST COMMANDER HAS APPROVED COOKING INDOORS EXCEPT FOR LARGE FRYERS FOR BUFFALO WINGS WHICH WILL STILL NEED TO BE COOKED OUTDOORS

SATURDAY - MARCH 20 - AMERICAN LEGION POST 64 LOCATED AT 2815 NORTH JOPLIN STREET, PITTSBURG, KANSAS - CHILI GRIND ONLY - NOON TURN IN

Letter to Ken Rodd from the Soldier who is the first entry for the Baghdad CCO.  It is long, but a Great Lettter:

Thank you very much Sergeant Major, and thank you for the recipe too, in fact I'm going to run a batch of it tomorrow night. I'm still undecided yet on what recipe to go with. I've promised my wife's Aunt Deb from Valley Mills that I would also give her recipe a go since she competes in CASI events also and is estatic that I get to compete over here. The end result will probably be a combination of several recipies.

I hope that in my chili madness to ensure I had secured a spot in the competition, I haven't caused too much of a stir between the services especially since the good Captian and the Air Force have been gracious enough to organize it with yall. I just hope I haven't already used up my luck by getting First Place in the registration competition. Just in case, I've enlisted the help of our Chaplin, MAJ Mike Allen, of Bulverde to belt out a few Willie and Waylon tunes as the Show Team and I figure since he has some connections pretty high up, that wouldn't hurt either. Even if my chili does ends up being a fiery Armageddon that would eat through a stove lid, that's OK, because its great to see the proceeds are going to support the Boy and Girl Scouts of Iraq.

As for me, I am the S-4 (Logistics Officer) and unofficial master of culinary delights for the 1st Medical Brigade from Ft Hood, Texas. I was born in Fredericksburg, Texas and graduated from Boerne High School where my dad taught. After that I roamed the dancehalls from San Antonio to Marble Falls and mysteriously managed to end up with a BA in Anthropology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a comission as a Medical Service Corps Officer to boot. During college I also served in A Company 1-141 "First Texas" Infantry of the Texas Army National Guard. Unbeknownst to me and Mike Allen untill about three months ago when we suddenly figured it out, he was also my chaplin in the 1-141. I keep telling Mike that it was probably a sign that I was a project he needed to do some more work on.

After completing the Officer Basic Course at Ft Sam Houston I was fortunate enough to get stationed at Ft Wainwright in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska for 3 years. I returned to Texas in the Summer of '99, met my wife Cene' the following year, and our daughter Emma came along the year after that. After completing my company command at Fort Hood, we headed back to Fort Wainwright as a family. Our youngest child, Ellen came on the scene while we were in Alaska. Sadly, I had to take leave of Alaska longer than I wanted to when I deployed with the 172nd Stryker Brigade for 16 months in Iraq. After that it was back to Fort Hood and was it great to be home. Sure enough though, good things don't last forever and I had to return to Iraq where I am 2 months away from going back to Texas. As the S-4 for the 1st Medical Brigade I am responsible for keeping all of the U.S. military hospitals in Iraq going with medical supplies and equipment and making sure the doctors, nurses, and medics have everything they need to save lives. My other mission is to begin shipping equipment back home as we begin to withdraw the troops. So far I have knocked almost 15 years out in the Army and after I retire I intend to move from competition to competition, be it Chili, BBQ, or beans.

I do love to cook outdoors, and my wife loves that I cook outdoors too, especially since I have a tendancy to leave a trail of tasty destruction in my wake. I guess its in my blood. As a young boy I could always remember wanting to help my uncles work the huge pits of briskets and caulderns of beans and chili at family and social gatherings in Fredericksburg where the men pumped beer out of the keg in the bed of an old five window Ford. I would relish my father's stories of State BBQs along the banks of the Pedernales during his time in the Army when he worked for LBJ at his ranch in Stonewall. Sometimes if I shut my eyes, I can recall the sights and smells of the festivities at Luckenbach and hear the stories the old folks told of the good old days before Hondo passed away.

Now I'm becoming the old man working the pits and the cast iron kettles. Most the cooks in my family have passed on now so I feel the responsibility to keep the old recipies and ways alive since none of my generation has taken much of an interset in it. Now a days I enjoy passing it along to my daughters. Emma my oldest, is almost 9 now and she learned long ago how to get a good fire going and keep the coals just right. In the winter she begs me to get out the well seasoned cast iron laundry pots that belonged to my wife's grandfather when he used to make chili for the annual picnics of the Chemical Lime Company up in Clifton because she says its cold enough to have a bonfire and invite folks over for a bowl of the red. It breaks my heart though, when my wife tells me that Emma misses me so much that she has gone to sit in the old latterback chair under the pecan tree where our firepit is because it reminds her of when we are together. Ellen my youngest, who will be 6 next week, is just learning how to measure and mix the "greediants". I guage my cooking by Ellen, because if she comes back for seconds then I know I have done something right. Where there is smoke there is Ellen.

I couldn't do any of it without my wife Cene though. I know it throws her into a whirlwind of activity and frustration when the girls and I announce that we have decided to have a get together, but I'm greatful we share the same nostalgia of the joy that we had as kids when you could smell the smoke and food and know that friends and family would be coming over soon. 

Because of this I am almost moved to tears by what CASI and the Captain have done by putting on the Last Battle Over Baghdad because it is more than just a competition, it brings people together. Anytime you can bring folks together with food and good times, make people realize that strangers are just friends they haven't met yet, and most importantly invoke fond old memories and forget for a moment that you are away from your family and in Iraq, you have accomplished something beyond measure.

I know I have probably rambled on a little to much, but I hope that I have at least provided you with a glimpse of who I am and why I did not hesitate for one moment to enter the cookoff. Its more than just the chili, its remembering the good times and looking forward to the good times to come. Thank you CASI!

Sergeant Major, if you happen to be around Ft Hood on Memorial Day weekend stop by for a beer, brisket, and bowl of the red at the annual cookout we have at the house.

Very best reguards
Damon Cleaton


Hope you all have a great weekend!

From Connie Collier:
42 Tournament at Texas Men's State Registration will be 3-5 on Friday.
Drawing for teams will be between 6:15-6:30 before Cook's Supper.
Tournament will start at 7:30. The first round will end at approximately 10:30-11:00 on Friday night.
The second and/or final round will start immediately after Pot Luck dinner an Saturday night.
If you want to sign up but will not be there by 5:00, email me at collier@snydertex.com or call 325.575.7014 and I will have someone draw for you.
If you can bring a card table or set of dominoes, please let me know.

From Debbie LaLanne:

The Texas Hill Country Pod will be donating $250 to Texas Men's State and $250 to Texas Ladies State to help with expenses for 2010.

From James Basile:
2010 SECOND ANNUAL MASSACHUETTS STATE CHILI COOKOFF CHAMPIONSHIP

It is time again for the Annual Massachusetts State Chili Cook Off Championship, being held for the second year at the Middlefield Fair in beautiful Middlefield, MA. The Cook Off will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2010. A great time was had by all in 2...009! The fairgrounds open at 8AM. The cook and one helper admitted for free. All others will pay at the gate for admission to the fair. There is plenty to do at the fair with music, fun and more! Saturday Night is the Big Truck Pulls! Come early and stay late!

We follow all rules and regulations set by CASI. Entrance fee is $20.00 per cook. If your entrance fee is received by August 1, 2010 your cost is only $15.00. Another way to save is to enter 2 cooks for $15.00 each. Please make checks or money orders out to: The Middlefield Fair or James Basile. Mail your payment and the entrance form to:
James F. Basile
63 Pennfield St
Springfield MA 01129

OR


Highland Agricultural Society
P.O. Box 23
Middlefield MA 01243

Schedule for Cook Off:

9:00AM Registration Begins
10:00AM Meeting for all Cooks
3:00PM Prizes awarded

Name:
Address:
Phone #:
Email:
Recipe Name:

If you have any questions please contact James Basile at 413-222-3940 or via email at RTB416@AOL.COM

From Sherry Maus:

Are you looking for a place to have a great weekend of fun and Chili Cooking?  Come to Water Valley, TX.  The Concho Valley Chili Pod is hosting a 2 day event.  On Saturday there will be Jackpot Beans.  Entry Fee is $5.  Turn in time is 1:00 PM.  Chili Entry Fee is $18.  Turn in time is 2 PM.  This will benefit St Jude's Hospital.  Also Saturday there will be a cake auction and a 50/50 pot.  Saturday evening there will be a Potluck.  Sunday will be chili only.  Entry Fee $18.  Turn in time 12:00 Noon

From Ken Rodd:
This picture just came in from Baghdad chili cookoff site - sent by the "first" entrant - An ARMY Soldier from Texas.

NOTE:  I have a health issue at this time. It is not live threating, but is serious and I am presently taking IV antibiotic therapy every day for the next 6 weeks.  This is going to require me to stay very close to home and I will be missing several CCOs that we had planned to attend.  Also, my Mother has developed a serious heart problem and my Father is progressing very slowly and at this time and his prognosis is not good.  I am hoping that he doesn't give up, but this has been a very hard battle.  Lucky for me, Cliff is healthy!  Please keep us in your prayers! Janice