From Donna Conrad:
Saturday July 3rd. The 4th Annual H-E-B Georgetown Chili Cook-Off located in the parking lot of the H-E-B SORRY NO RV PARKING! But PLENTY of room for canopy! And some shade trees. Located off S-IH 35 and West University Avenue VERY EASY to find and there will be grass to cook on! Entry fee $18.00. Turn in time 2pm. CHILI GRIND ONLY ! This H-E-B alone has done a lot for CASI so let's give them a little back by supporting their charity and have a GREAT turn out! For more information or directions contact Donna Conrad @ Dangergail@aol.com or (254) 855-4733. Also PLEASE remember due to TABC laws no alcohol allowed in the parking lot. Thank you for your cooperation. So let's have a GREAT TIME! Hope to see a lot of you there! Make checks payable to H-E-B/Donna Conrad.

From Roger Foltz:

Pod Newsletter Contest

We will again have a Pod Newsletter contest this year. Newsletters will be judged on content, (Pod news & CASI news), appearance, and overall information. If your Pod wishes to enter, please forward the July, August and September issues of your Pod Newsletter to me at: RBFoltz@aol.com    Winners will be announced at TICC.

From the WPI Firefighters:

It is Wednesday and time to post all of the CCOs for this weekend.  There will be lots of fun CCO to choose from and what a way to spend the 4th of July!  It appears that in Texas it will be nice weather.  Not too Hot just Right!

Jul 3, 2010-001 - Georgetown, TX CASI. 4th Annual H-E-B CC0. This is a 1 day cook off held in the parking lot of H-E-B SORRY NO RV PARKING! But PLENTY of room for canopys! Located off S-IH 35 and West University Ave, H-E-B is on the right VERY EASY to find and there is grass to cook on!!!! Entry fee $18.00 Turn in time 2pm CHILI GRIND ONLY! THIS H-E-B ALONE HAS DONE A LOT FOR CASI SO LET'S GIVE THEM A LITTLE BACK BY SUPPORTING THEIR CHARITY and have a GREAT TURN OUT! For more information or directions contact Donna Conrad @ Dangergail@aol.com or (254)486-9206 Make checks payable to H-E-B/Donna Conrad.

Jul 3, 2010-002 - Sierra Blanca, TX CASI. Annual Sierra Blanca CCO The CCO is held at the Sierra Blanca Community Park. Friday night is "Movie on the Wall" night, open to everyone, free of charge. Saturday night there is ususally a "Community Dance" in the park. Beans, Salsa, and Guacamole competition $5 for each catagory. RV dry camping is available free at the park. RV parks located in central Sierra Blanca. CASI entry fee $18.00. Turn-in 4:00 p.m. Make checks payable to The Pod of the Pass. Contact Carol Straughan 915-852- 3599.

Jul 3, 2010-003 - Kingsland, TX CASI. Kingsland Aqua Boom Cookoff. Entry fee $18, turn-in 2 pm. Plenty RV parking. NO Hookups at this time. Next to HEB Hwy 2900 in Wind Chime Village. Contact Ron Woodson 325/956-9912 or ronaldwoodson@rocketmail.com. There is also a LSBA BBQ cookoff the same day. You can also go to http://www.kingslandchamber.org/ for info & application.The chili & BBQ are in conjunction with Aqau Boom Days...lots of activities & FUN. See you there!

Jul 3, 2010-004 - Statesville, NC CASI. Piedmont Pepper Pod Chili Cookoff Cookoff held at the home of Piedmont Pepper Pod's Great Pepper, Jean Lundy, 453 Jane Sowers Road, Statesville, NC. This is a no frills back yard chili cookoff, CASI only. Piedmont $20.00 entry fee, turn in 1 PM. Make checks payable to Piedmont Pepper Pod. More infomation at http://www.ncchili.com/ contact Brent or Jean Lundy at jean@ncchili.com, 704-876-2681 or bob@ncchili.com, 336-310-6099.

Jul 3, 2010-005 - Telephone, TX CASI. Annual Red River Valley Pod Cookoff held at Harvey And Carol West Pecan Farm at 2563 CR 2135 on the banks of the Red River north of Bonham TX. Lots of fun things to do, Four wheeling fishing, Swimming and Tubing. Fireworks on the beach Saturday night additional fireworks welcomed. Camping and RV parking with limited hookups on first come basis. Cooks party Saturday night pot luck side dishes. Cookoff also next day. Follow signs or call Harvey at 972-824- 7774. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Benefits local kids. Make checks payable to Harvey West.

Jul 3, 2010-006 - Marathon, TX CASI. 6th Annual Cowboy Chili Cookoff. Held at Marathon Community Center 1 block north of Hwy 90 on D street. Charity: Marathon Volunteer Fire Dept. Turn-in time: 2:00 PM, Entry Fee: $20.00 CHILI GRIND ONLY. Contact: Daniel Eaton Contact Address: Daniel Eaton, PO Box 365, Marathon TX 79842-0365, Phone Cell 432-386- 4400, email TXVFF@yahoo.com. As in the past, the #1 Chili trophy will be a bronze Cowboy Hat by Lloyd Goldwire. Judging indoors in the Marathon Community Center or in the Marathon Fire Station. Plenty of parking around Marathon Community Center. You may set up on Friday afternoon/evening at the Marathon Community Center - No hook-ups. Also RV parks in town and Marathon Motel and Gage Hotel are excellent places to stay. There are a number of Bed & Breakfast's also available. A public dance will be held at the Post in Marathon on Saturday night. For services and amenities available in Marathon check the website http://www.marathontexas.net/.  There will be a pancake supper welcoming party for the cooks at the Marathon Motel and RV Park on the west end of town. This is the year Marathon holds their all school reunion on the same weekend so there should be extra people in town. See Sunday Cookoff also.

Jul 4, 2010-001 - Sierra Vista, AZ CASI. 20th Annual Welcome Home Desert Storm. Held in Veterans Memorial Park on Fry Blvd. Entry fee $15 turn-in 12:30 PM. Benefits San Pedro Kiwanis Charities. Make checks payable to High Desert Pod, Contact Sunny Fichtl 520-459-2081. sunnyf@cox.net.  Come join the Independence Day Celebration with a pot luck dinner on Friday evening at 6 PM. Meat will be provided. Overnight parking, no hookups, cook where you park. Nearby hotels available.

Jul 4, 2010-002 - Telephone, TX CASI. Day After Red River Pod Cookoff held at Harvey And Carol West Pecan Farm 2563 CR 2135, on the banks of the Red River north of Bonham TX. Lots of fun things to do, Four wheeling fishing, Swimming and Tubing. Fireworks on the beach Saturday night additional fireworks welcomed. Camping and RV parking with limited hookups on first come basis. Enty fee $20 turn-in Noon. Contact Harvey West 903-664-2854 casitally@hughes.net.

Jul 4, 2010-003 - Stonewall, TX CASI. All American Cookoff Held at Becker Vineyards, 3 miles West of Stonewall. Come celebrate Independence Day with your chili friends at scenic Becker Vineyards. Festive atmosphere with loads of public. Live music Free wine tastings from Texas best vintner. Special award for People's Choice Chili. Special gift for all cooks. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Benefits Habitat For Humanity. No RV parking onsite. There are handy RV parks and motel accommodations. Contact: Alan Dean, 512-567-2835 or email pepperdean@ctesc.net. Make checks payable to Pod on The Perdernales.

Jul 4, 2010-004 - Marathon, TX CASI. 6th Annual Mustang Chili Cookoff. Street Address/Location: Marathon Community Center - Downtown Marathon TX, 1 block north of Hwy 90 on D street. Charity: To be determined. Turn-in time: 12:00 Noon. Entry Fee: $20. Contact Daniel Eaton, PO Box 365, Marathon TX 79842-0365. Phone: Cell 432-386-4400, email addr: TXVFF@yahoo.com. CHILI GRIND ONLY Judging indoors in the Marathon Community Center or the Marathon Fire Station. Plenty of parking around Marathon Community Center. You may set up Friday afternoon or evening at the Marathon Community Center - No hook-ups. Lots of space available. Also RV parks in town and Marathon Motel and Gage Hotel are excellent places to stay. There are a number of Bed & Breakfast's also available. A public dance will be held at the Post in Marathon on Saturday night. For information about services and amenities available in Marathon check the website at http://www.marathontexas.net/. There will also be a cookoff on Saturday-see listings for July 3, 2010.

Jul 4, 2010-005 - Vienna, VA CASI. VA State Chili Championship and 4th of July Celebration. Held at Vienna Community Center 120 Cherry St SE. This is an automatic qualifier for TICC, $400 reimbursement of travel expenses awarded to 1st place winner. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM Make check payable to Casinova Pod. Benefits Vienna VFD. Contact Dick DeiTos 3230 Atlanta St. Fairfax VA 22030. 703-470- 7534, 703-273-5075. Email Dick dick.deitos@mwaa.com

We have  several Housekeeping tasks that have been accomplished in the past several days.  Earlier in the year, one of our members that used our Tax Exempt Letter which was dated 1992, suggested that we might want to get an updated letter.  That has been accomplished and I will be posting it in the Resource Center.  The following is that letter.

 Note that the way the IRS has us in their system is a two line name:

CASI INC

CHILI APPRECIATION SOCIETY INTL INC

This is important if anyone is trying to look us up via the IRS's website, in that the IRS search engine for non-profits will ONLY search based on the first line. Thus people can look us up as CASI

INC but including CHILI or any other word on the second line will come up zip. Also, to narrow the search, one would use Texas. Not sure how many of you have ever had to work with the IRS website trying to locate us, but if you have, this tidbit will help. The results of the search won't tell you much, but in the absence of the new IRS letter, it was one way to provide assurance we were legit.

Another item that was addressed in Saturday's Board of Directors Meeting was the cost of a CASI Membership.  In the past the Membership Application has broken down the cost of membership by your address.  If you were a member wih a North America address, your membership costs $15.00.  The Annual International Membership cost $30.00.  It has been changed to $15.00 US Dollars and you will recieve your Terlingua Trails electronically.  A lifetime membership remains $225.00 US Dollars and the Corporate Annual Dues are $100.00 US Dollars.  Here is a copy of the membership form.  Feel free to download this application and if you haven't joined CASI or paid your annual dues, please send them in.

 The Regional Application from the Highland Lakes Pod and the SOT Pod to convert the Howdy Roo CCO to a Regional CCO was approved.  This new Regional CCO will be held next May.

Dorathy Williams reported that at this time last year (2009), she had sent out 518 CCO packets. As of this date (2010) she has sent out 538 CCO packets.


Enough for today!

From Kim Hiley:
It's time once again for the Annual Hiley July 4th Potluck Bash. This is a Combination July 4th Celebration, July Birthdays, and the Ever Popular Anniversary Party. The festivities begin after Becker Cook-off on Sun July 4th. There is plenty of room for RVs with limited hook-ups. Please bring lawn chairs, beverages and swimsuits. All are welcome to come anytime during the weekend. Some are already scheduled to arrive on Fri evening. Questions please call Kim Hiley @ 210-286-4275 or email kdhiley@yahoo.com. Looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating July 4th and the Freedoms that we're so Blessed to have Thanks to our TROOPS !!!!!! God Bless them ALL !!!!!!!

From Elton Homesley:
 The great Marathon Texas chili cookoff weekend is coming up next weekend (July 3rd and July 4th). Both days have a Lloyd Goldwire bronze trophy. Saturday (July 3rd) is the Cowboy CCO and the trophy is a bronze cowboy hat. Sunday (July 4th) is the Mustang CCO and the trophy is a running mustang. July 4th weekend this year is the Marathon homecoming weekend and there should be a great crowd in town. There is another big dance on Saturday night out at the "Post" and everyone is welcome. See the Trails or the CASI website for more details in the "Upcomings" listings. There is a cooks party planned on Friday night at the Marathon RV park. And on Saturday Boomer Kingston will be our Emcee. Hope to see a lot of you there.


NOTES FROM THE SUMMER BOARD MEETING

Over the next few days I will report some of the actions taken during our Summer Board Meeting which was held on Sat July 26.  We had 13 guests attending the meeting.  Thank you to all of you who took the time to attend this meeting.


Jim Ezell present a 4 point Recommentation for the Board to consider.  This plan will be addressed at the Great Pepper's Meeting in Sept.  We would like all of our members to consider this plan.  We would like some feedback.  Also, we would like for the Great Peppers attending the Annual Meeting to be prepared to discuss this and vote on it.  I will post this plan more than once over the next few weeks.

 4 POINT RECOMMENDATION FOR CASI

After working with or serving on the CASI Board of Directors for the past 15 years, I have observed the criticisms, obstacles, shortcomings and successes of our organization. I have been fortunate to be involved in the great growth and stabilizing of CASI as it evolved into what it is today. I have a great love for CASI and wish to remain active wherever I can be of service.

With my recent retirement, I have had a lot of time to reflect on some of these things. I am submitting this document to the Board of Directors as a suggestion for change. It is something that is not originating from the Board, so I will bear the criticism of authoring it. I would just ask that you give it your consideration, modify it and pass it on to the Great Peppers as you wish.

Problem One: Membership Roster
We have long been criticized for the small number of physical members we actually count in our official roll. It is my contention that our membership number should be reflected as the number of cooks that cook in CASI sanctioned events. Each time a person cooks in a CASI event, he pays a fee to CASI and I believe should be considered a CASI cook. This would raise our active membership to somewhere between ten and twenty thousand cooks without any cost or extensive bookkeeping. The number would be approximate, but it would better represent who is out there cooking with CASI. The members who pay dues would be considered as “sanctioned cooks” and have the benefits of ability to cook at Terlingua when so qualified and receive the Terlingua Trails.

Benefit:
This would give us a more realistic number of people cooking CASI and lend greater stature to the organization. It will be easier to raise funds for CASI with the greater numbers that are actually participating. This will be a formula and timing for the Board to determine. It will greatly help sponsorship as we have been fortunate to raise what we have with our relatively small representation. It will require no additional effort.

Problem Two: Great Peppers Meeting
We are running out of hosts and locations for the annual Great Peppers Meeting. Most of the larger pods have now hosted the meeting and few have a tendency to repeat. I am proposing that we establish a permanent location for the meeting. The meeting would remain in the same place, but the pods hosting it would change each year. A committee established by the Board would administer the framework of the meeting, but rotating pods would have the opportunity to be the designated hosts and provide whatever ambience and personnel they can contribute. No pod would be expected to make any financial commitment. 

Benefit:
The use of the same location each year would allow for economy derived from increased ability to negotiate the needs of the organization. Problems could be solved by working with the same facility and gaining familiarity with our needs. Better communication would be available. Rates could be negotiated on a longer term basis. The membership would be more comfortable knowing where the amenities are located and what is offered locally. Transportation could be planned and improved on with the same destination each year. I am confident that we would be able to attract funds from sponsors for the meeting and defray our costs. I can solicit local sponsorship funds if I know we will be there for more than one year.

Pods hosting the event could be one or many. It would give all interested pods the ability to host the meeting and better introduce themselves to the general membership. Being under no financial obligation would ease the tension of underwriting the process. More social functions could be solicited from the locale to enhance the experience.

Problem Three: Increased Scholarship Funding
The CASI Scholarship Fund has been a great success. There have been many calls for increasing the funding and either giving more scholarships or increasing the individual amounts. There has also been a misconception that CASI itself gives more to charity than it actually does. At the organization level, CASI only gives about $50,000. per year to charity, by means of scholarships and awards from the TICC stage. I feel this is not an adequate representation of the good we do because all our claims are based on funds donated by sanctioned cook offs. CASI is not so much the charity as it is the enabler operating as a sanctioning body. As such, it is entitled to satisfactory funding to entice people to cook and seek participation at TICC.

It is my proposal that we assess an additional $1.00 per cook at all CASI sanctioned events to be remitted to the CASI Scholarship Fund.

Benefit:
All cooks, as earlier described, would be participating in funding the CASI national program. The money would be going to a good cause that I believe most members support. We have no competition, as the only recourse would be to go to a less significant Tolbert event or pay the $350.00 fee plus $50.00 membership to cook ICS. This will increase the CASI Scholarship funding by about $20,000.00 per year. The cook that cooks 12 times a year would be out an additional $12.00 and all cooks would share in the Scholarship Fund. I believe this is a proper use of our international status.

Problem Four: Recognition of TICC Champion
There has long been a criticism on many fronts that CASI does not properly reward or recognize the Terlingua International Champion. I was tasked by the Great Peppers several years ago to pursue a way of funding a prize for the winner similar to what is awarded by ICS. I have not been comfortable until this time to make a recommendation to facilitate this. Such funding has to be assured and not subject to a sponsor’s whims or presence. It has to be a fact of CASI life and a goal to work toward. It should be something the winners are proud of and not subject to negative publicity.

With the adoption of the three preceding points, I feel like we can confidently develop a reward system that could take any number of directions. This could also be scaled in on a limited basis and expanded. I believe this would be a benefit to CASI and not detrimental to its charitable giving. I believe we can adequately stress that this is for TICC only.
Example One: Awarding of $10,000.00 to TICC winner. This money could be all cash or divided into some cash and an amount to be utilized as a travel budget for the winner.

Benefit:
Savings from GP meeting derived from efficiencies and acquiring meeting sponsors. Increased interest in cooking as more cooks have incentive to qualify and cook at TICC.

Increased revenues for TICC as more cooks qualify and they and their followers spend money there.

Sense of satisfaction by TICC finishers that they are rewarded and recognized for their success.

Ability of TICC winner to travel and represent CASI in their winning year.

Increased exposure for CASI as prize is publicized.

Greater income for Scholarship Fund by more people cooking and funding aided by additional assessment.

Greater giving at the corporate level by CASI

Close
As I stated earlier, these are suggestions for review, revision, and response by the CASI Board of Directors. As Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee and a past CASI Officer I feel like I have the insight to make these recommendations. They will be controversial I am sure, but I feel like it is time to move to another level. I am not campaigning for these changes and I have no horse in the race except where it benefits sponsorship.

Great Pepper's Meeting: Gill Hewlett reported that the registration for the Great Pepper's Meeting is very low at this time.  So far there are only 84 people registered.  Of these 84 there are 27 Great Peppers, 14 CASI Board and Support Members, 8 guests, 2 Volunteers 4 VIPs.  If you have not registered for this meeting, please take time and submit your registration.  The form is on our web site (http://www.chili.org/) and I am providing a copy below.

Enough for today.  Have a great day!

From Dave Hewlett:
Here we are in the small city of Lone Oak pop of 512 plus the brave 25 cooks that showed up to support The Lone Oak Senior Citizens Library CCO. Hot Hot and Then some.

Chili – 25 cooks
1st Glenda Vrba, Garland, TX
2nd Bonnie Loxterman, Rowlett, TX
3rd Paul Seastrunk, Garland, TX
4th Ed Richer ,Combine, TX, very new cook
5th Mike Rider, Richardson, TX, back on the trail
6th Lou Hewlett, Tyler TX
7th Morris Moss, Garland TX
8th Pat Langley, Garland, TX
9th Lisa Rider, Richardson, TX back again
10th David McGee , Rockwall, TX, back on the chili trail

Show
1st Karen Bowden Twisted Brunch Chili
2nd Steve Heaser Chili pod cast.com
3rd Jackie Gross Dog Gone Chili

From Ruby Ross:
Please mark your calendar for July 3, 2010 for 1st Annual Chili Cookoff in Kingsland, Texas. This is in conjunction with their Aqua Boom Festival & 2nd Annual BBQ State Championship. Make your plans to come & support this new cookoff..Highland Lakes Pod, Sot Pod, PCP, HCP, PCP and all others. We need your help. CASI Chili $18 turn-in 2pm. We need cooks, friends, helpers and anyone to promote CASI. Info call Ron Woodson 325/956-9912 ronaldwoodson@rocketmail.com or rross@nctv.com. Make plans to attend.

From Mason Dixson Pod:

2010 Maryland State CASI Chili Championship

June 26, 2010 will see the Rotary Club of Montgomery Village and the Mason Dixon Pod sponsoring the 2010 Maryland State Championship Chili Cook Off at the Montgomery Village Holiday Inn. The Holiday Inn is located at the corner of Montgomery Village Avenue and RT 355 (Rockville Pike), just 2 stoplights east off of I-270. The location will give us great visibility and we expect a banner turn out of locals to learn about and sample our Championship Chili.

All proceeds from the event will be distributed to local charities through the Montgomery Village Rotary Foundation.

The MV Rotarians will be organizing the event, supplying the prizes (maybe a TV ... more later) & trophies. We could have some restaurant, firehouse, junior and freestyle competition too.

Tentative Chili Schedule:

Set up - 7:30 - 9:30 am
Cooks Meeting - 10:00 am
Throwdown begins - 11:00am
CASI Red Turn-in - 2 pm
CASI Juniors Turn-in - 3 pm
Peoples Choice Collection - 3:30 pm
Anouncements - 4 pm

Meat - Cooks Choice Registration - $20

Non CASI/MDP Regisration - $35 (inclds Membership & CCO fees)

So bring some throwdown and your best chili and let's see who wins the judge's hearts and the People's Choice. Sponsor is expecting at least 1000 spectators.

First place and top 3 Maryland residents advance to TICC.

Montgomery County Health Inspectors will be inspecting. Standard practices will be expected; Hand Washing Water w/soap & catch pan, 3 wash basins, tent, thermometer, hat/cap, onsite food perparation. There will be a communal table with 3 wash basins for those who can not bring their cleaning equipment.

Awards for CASI Red - CASI Juniors - Peoples Choice - SHOW - Road Runner

July 4th - Vienna, VA

Virginia State CASI Champs

The CasiNova POD, with the help of the Capital POD, will be holding the Virginia State CASI chili championship at the Vienna 4th of July celebration. The celebration is at the Vienna Community Center, 1300 Cherry Street SE. Proceeds from the cook-off will benefit the Vienna Fire Department. Contact Dick DeiTos (Dick.Deitos@mwaa.com ) or Jim Parker (jimp@hardtimes.com ) for additional information and to register. Top three Virginia cooks automatically qualify for TICC, plus the 1st place finisher - whether a Virginia resident or not - automatically qualifies.

From Michael A. Mayorga:

OK, folks. Here’s some important info on the July 8th, evening CCO being held at Traders Village in Houston. It’s a great chance to show a lot of festival organizers just how much fun a CASI CCO can be. Note that Becky is requesting some confirmation info; so please let her know if you’re going to be able to cook, bring throw-down chili, and enter the Margarita Pour-Off.

We all know how much work organizing a first-time CCO can be, so please let Becky know your plans. It’s going to be a GREAT CCO. Hope to see you all there.

From Becky Allen:
As our July 8 cook-off date rapidly approaches, I'd like to let you know of a couple of exciting things, as well as make a clarification.

First, please know that we are welcome to use electricity at Traders Village. There are numerous outlets hanging from the ceiling, so if you want to bring a fan, or use a blender there for your margarita entry, please feel free to do so.

They will have approximately 20 Art Cars come out on display - should be fun to see!

We (the cooks) are invited to enjoy the attendees food that evening. They will have a frito pie bar (made with our throw-down chili) and BBQ sandwiches. There may be additional food, but this is what I know about so far. Nice of the TFEA folks to include us!

To clarify the throw-down chili - Please bring throw-down chili to the Buzzard Bar Cooking Team's area. We will heat and give to the TFEA folks to put out on their frito pie bar. If you are able to bring throw-down chili, PLEASE email me and let me know. I'm trying to make sure they have enough to feed approx. 200 (us & them).

I hope you are planning to enter the fun of the Margarita Pour-Off. We will turn in a judging cup, and then you will be given a one-gallon container (with a spigot) to use for the People's Choice Award. Because we know you will be busy cooking your chili, we will provide you with this container and small "sample-size" cups so the attendees can serve themselves. They will vote with a ticket, so you might want something to collect your tickets in. If you plan to enter Margaritas, please let me know so that we make sure we have enough containers for everyone.

I hope I've covered everything. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me. I look forward to seeing everyone and thank you for participating in this TFEA CASI CCO.

Well, we are packed and it is off to Arlington and the CASI Board Meeting tomorrow!  One more time I want to invite everyone of you to attend this meeting.  It will be at the Arlington Elks and we will start at 8:00.  Over the next few weeks, I will share some of the contents of this meeting.

This is a slow news day.  I will take this chance to remind each Great Pepper that it is time for the Annual report.  I have emailed this to all of the Great Pepper's.  I have also placed it in the Resource Center on our Web Page (http://www.chili.org/).  I have mailed the information to those who requested a hard copy.  It must be returned to me No Later Than Aug 15.

You will also notice that the pack for being nominated as a candidate for the CASI Board of Directors is also in the Resource Center.  There will be 4 positions up for election as well as the Executive Director's position.  At the present time, there have been only the following people who have announced their candidacy:  Roger Foltz (incumbent), Ed Blair (incumbernt), David Sexton and Darin Jester.  These people are running for a board position.  I am also running for the Executive Position.  The election will be held at the Great Pepper's Meeting on Sept 11 which will be held in Salado, TX.

Yesterday was the first day in 125 that I did not have to have an antibiotic IV.  I have had 2 surgeries in 4 days last week.  They found that the infection was so great and was there for a long time (maybe as long as 2007).  It was a low grade infection and when I was so stressed out in January, it no longer was a low grade infestion.  The frist bone and joint in my toe has been destroyed by the bacteria.  They have removed the fragments and inserted some antibiotics.  They will aspirate it again on next Wed and if there is no bacterial growth, they will take me back to surgery and harvest some bone (probably from my hip) and insert it in the toe and hopefully my body will not reject it.

Remember that on Saturday at the Arlington Elks, the CASI Board of Directors will have their Summer meeting.  It will start at 8:00 AM.  You are welcomed to attend.  If you have something that you would like to have discussed, please send it to me and I will make sure that we do discuss it.

From John Montgomery:
"No, we have not moved the Four Corners Regional to Mexico this year! The ad for the Four Corners Regional shows that the event will be August 21st in Red River, Mexico. Obviously, the ad preparer (me) made a small mistake - it should be Red River, New Mexico. We sure hope to see many of you this year in cool, beautiful Red River! Call or e-mail for full information!"


John Montgomery
Regional Referee
Colorado Chili Pod
Chili Appreciation Society International
1670 Broadway, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80202
T 303-831-5061
F 303-831-5032
http://www.coloradochilipod.org/
http://www.chili.org/

From Stephanie Brockman:
 Hey Cowtown,
Tina Barnes just talked to Dale and asked me to pass along the following message:

As some of you may know, Dale had knee surgery yesterday. The surgery went well, and he had it first walk this morning. He'll be in the hospital for the remainder of the week. He said please no flowers, but cards and letters would be great. And if you want to bring him a 6 pack of beer, he said that'd be fine too (that's our Dale)! Although I'm sure the doctors and nurses would have something to say about that!

If you want to swing by or send a card, here's the info:
Southlake Harris Methodist Hospital
1545 E. Southlake Blvd
Southlake, TX 76092
817-748-8700

From Ron Barnes:
Sorry, guys! I listed the Cowtown Show winner as Wild Witch Chili when it should actually be Blind Witch Chili. That win qualified Jason, Melissa and Melinda for Terlingua for their first time!

Well, It is Wednesday again and here is a list of CCOs for the upcoming weekend.  If there is not a CCO on this list that you want to attend, come to the Arlington Elks and join the CASI Board for our Summer Board Meeting.  It will start at 8:00 on Saturday!

Jun 26, 2010-001 - Garland, TX CASI. Garland Elks CCO Held at 3825 Duck Creek Drive. Cross street is Centerville and Duck Creek. 972-278-5300. Jr. Division Chili $5 with turn-in at Noon. Pinto Beans Competition $5, Noon turn-in. Payback to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place beans. CASI Chili entry $20 with 1 PM turn in. Lots of Motor home/trailer parking with hook ups (water & electric) 1st come 1st served. $10 fee for campers. Silent Auction and Raffles. Make check payable to Garland Elks Lodge #1984, for their charities. Contact Betty Kelly,972-278- 5300. Benefits Garland Elks many charities. CHILI GRIND ONLY. A Wendell hand painted stove will be given to the 1st place chili cook off winner, donated by Bill Lester. Second and maybe third place will be awarded a non-painted Coleman stove.

Jun 26, 2010-002 - Grand Lake, CO CASI. 27th Annual State of Colorado Chili Championship. Cook at 9,000 feet in a beautiful grass park surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains in scenic Grand Lake, Colorado. $25 for either CASI red or the State of Colorado green.... cooking both red and green is $40, which is $25 for either red or green and $15 for the second chili category. Red chili turn-in time is 2 PM. Benefits various Grand Lake Fire Department charities. All cooks who register and pay by June 4, 2010 will receive a special chili cookoff memento. Checks payable to the Colorado Chili Pod and can be sent to 1670 Broadway, Suite 3000, Denver, Colorado 80202. For information, please contact John Montgomery at 303-831-5000.

Jun 26, 2010-003 - Lebanon, MO CASI. Thunder on the Niangua River CCO. Two day CCO benefiting the Wounded Warriors Project to be held at Redbeard's Ranch just outside of Lebanon. See web site http://www.redbeardsranch.com/ . Turn-in 1 pm on June 26th and Noon on Sunday. Held in conjuction with Civil War Skirmish Association's National competition. Cooks party and Fireworks Friday night. Limited full hook-ups available. Must reserve spot ahead. Tent camping available. Float trips, horse back riding, fishing, hay rides available. Alcohol allowed but must be discrete per owners request. Entry fee for Saturday is $20 and Sunday is $18.00. For info or directions call Mark Bass 417-533-7337. mdbass@att.net.

Jun 26, 2010-004 - Winchester, IN CASI. Courthouse Chili Challenge "Come and be Judged". Held on the Winchester, Indiana Courthouse Square, 100 S. Main St. and benefiting the Winchester Food Pantry. Registration and set-up begins at 8:00AM. Mandatory Cooks Meeting at 9:00AM. Entry Fee $20, CASI Chili Turn-in at 12:00 Noon. Doors Open and Public tasting begins at 12:00 Noon. Other categories include an Omelet competition, Home-style chili, Jr's chili and Beans. Various activities throughout the day include 50's Band Stand on the Square, Dance Contest, Cruise-in Car Show, Poker Run, Craft Show and Beverage Pavilion. Please make extra throw-down as large public attendance is expected. RV parking available (no hook-ups). Make Checks Payable to and mail to: East Central Indiana June Festival, P.O. Box 244,ÿ Winchester, IN 47394. For more information contact Jill Keener, courthousechilichallenge@comcast.net or Darin Jester 317-319-4961, flashoverchili@sbcglobal.net.  Registration accepted on-site day of event.

Jun 26, 2010-005 - Wichita Falls, TX CASI. Eagle Rider Cookoff. Held at 5396 Seymour Hwy. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Cooks party Friday night. Jackpot Beans Noon, $5 entry, 100% payback. Contact Monica Taylor Monica.craig@yahoo.com. 940-733-0170

Jun 26, 2010-006 - Ottumwa, IA CASI. Ottumwa Iowa Pro Balloon Cookoff. Held in the Ottumwa Park next to the Shelter House, next to the Ottumwa Camp Ground Park. Benefits Hospice. Turn-in 12:00 noon. Entry Fee $20.00. There will be a cooks party after the cookoff. Contact Virgil Johnson 641-684-4525 Roylene1@Prodigy.net Cell Phone No. 641-455-9210

Jun 26, 2010-007 - Richmond, BC CASI. Canadian International Championship Veljacic Memorial Cookoff. Held at River Rock Casino 8811 River Road, Richmond BC. For rooms and location visit www.riverrock.com Benefits Vancouver Firefighters Burn Fund. Turn-in 2 PM. The entry fee for CASI chili is $25 and contestants will also be eligible to enter our exotic "mystery" meat chili category, no entry fee, meat is provided, prize TBA. Registration deadline is June 1, 2010. Visit http://www.canadianfestivalofchiliandbbq.com/ for registration form and details. Contacts: Promotor and registration: Mayben Amos (res.) 604-535-0534(cell) 604-970-7116 email maybenjackie@shaw.ca  Pacific Pod Great Pepper : Steve Burnfield (res.)604-255-3363 email chili4steve@gmail.com 

Jun 26, 2010-008 - Montgomery Village, MD CASI. Firehouse Classic & MD State Championship CCO. Automatic TICC Qualifier. Held at Montgomery Village Fire Station #8, 801 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg MD 20879. Corner of Russell Avenue and Montgomery Village Ave. Exit 11 East off 1270, RT 124 East, Fireouse is on left, first stoplight past RT 355. Entry fee $20 turn-in 2 PM. Make check payable to Mason Dixon Pod. Prizes for Peoples choice & juniors. We will be reaching out for New Cooks, so bring your best chili and best face and lets wow the public, 1000s of passing auto/hr. Trophies and prizes will be outstanding. Contact Rick Sievering 301-938-4969, 301-460- 2522, nsievering@verizon.net. On advertising probation.

Jun 27, 2010-001 - Garland, TX CASI. DAM POD Annual Chili CCO. See cook off day before - then come and stay for both. Chili only today with noon turn in! CHILI GRIND ONLY. Come or stay and support the DAM POD. Come and see us and get those points. Entry fee $20 Held at Garland Elks Lodge,3825 Duck Creek Drive 972-578-9232 davehewlett@msn.com

Jun 27, 2010-002 - Lebanon, MO CASI. Thunder on the Niangua River Held at Redbeard's Ranch just outside of Lebanon. See web site www.redbeardsranch.com. Turn-in 1 pm on June 26th and Noon on Sunday. Held in conjuction with Civil War Skirmish Association's National competition. Cooks party and Fireworks Friday night. Limited full hook-ups available. Must reserve spot ahead. Tent camping available. Float trips, horse back riding, fishing, hay rides available. Alcohol allowed but must be discrete per owners request. Entry fee for Saturday is $20 and Sunday is $18.00. For info or directions call Mark Bass 417-533-7337. Benefits US Army Command General Staff College Foundation.

From Carrie Kinnison:
Ruby Ross is getting around much better now, a little slow but is doing well.

Please keep Tom Cook and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

From Ron Barnes:
It was a hot weekend in Fort Worth over Father’s Day weekend for the 34th Annual Cowtown CASI cookoff. We had great bean and salsa competitions on Friday night, a sentimental winner on Saturday, and 22 brave cooks who stayed around for Sunday. Thanks to Mike Burke, Chuck Edmonds and their crew for providing a delicious Saturday night meal (crab/shrimp boil with burgers and hot dogs for the non-seafood lovers). Thanks go out to everyone who worked in the heat to make this happen. Looks like a good chunk of money will go to the Easter Seals North Texas Center for Autism. Here are the results from the weekend activities:

Friday Night

Beans (37 entries)
1. Bob Coats - Irving
2. Gerald Casey – Arlington
3. Ron Barnes – Euless (mine, not Tina’s!)

Salsa (30 entries)
1. Sherree Duncan – NR Hills
2. Teena “TJ” Friedel – Irving
3. Bob Coats – Irving

Saturday Cowtown CCO

CASI Chili (119 judged)
1. Dr. Ray Calhoun – Waxahachie
2. Mack Walker – Marshall
3. Tom Dozier – Irving
4. Sharon Neff – Irving
5. Kelly Killingbeck – Euless
6. Keith Longabaugh – Pilot Point
7. Gary Brignon – Ennis (Hell, Yea)
8. Tammie Wooster – Wichita Falls
9. Beth Moon – Hurst
10. Doodie Johnson – Irving
11. Ramonda Casey – Arlington
12. Cathy Preston – Arlington
13. Susan Spencer – Irving
14. Bob Pulliam – Burleson
15. Ray Charboneau – Wichita Falls
16. Kenny Short – Burleson
17. Charles Breeden – Alvarado
18. Ron Barnes – Euless
19. Tom Noe – Wichita Falls
20. Bob Coats – Irving
21. Robin Short - Burleson

Show
1. Wild Witch Chili – Jason Clark – Arlington
2. American Legion Family – Karen Ducote – Euless
3. No Adult Supervision – Kelly Draper – Tahoka

Juniors (23 judged)
1. Zoe Brignon – Ennis (That makes THREE IN A ROW!)
2. Bethany Charboneau – Wichita Falls
3. Alyssa Delgado – Haslet
4. Emily Graves – Dallas
5. Dakota Hargis – Hurst
6. Nancy Draper – Tahoka
7. Dillon Palmer – Mansfield
8. Blake Sexton – Dallas
9. Katie Skinner – Telephone
10. Kaitlyn Johnson – Irving

Chilihead of the Year: Bobby Kirby

Show Team of the Year: Hell’s Fury - Shirley Sexton

Rookie of the Year: Bob Pulliam

Sunday after Cowtown
Chili (22 judged)
1. Shawn Fulton – Telephone
2. Shirley Sexton – Dallas
3. Doodie Johnson – Irving
4. Tammie Wooster – Wichita Falls
5. Gerald Casey – Arlington
6. Cindy Noe – Wichita Falls
7. Harvey West – Telephone
8. Jerry Hunt – Shreveport, LA
9. David Shea – Ft. Worth
10. Steve Stewart – Bossier City, LA

Show:
1. Chili Magic, Too – Shawn Fulton – Telephone
2. Dragon Ass Chili – Ramonda Casey – Arlington
3. Rattlin’ Chili – Bill Sweigart - Hurst

From Dave Hewlett:
June 26th- 27th CCO Garland Texas.
For the June 26th Garland Elks CCO there will be a cooks fish fry on that Friday June 25th at around 6pm.

The fee will be $8 for all you can eat Fish.

Come stay the night Fri and Sat and attend the DAM POD CCO on Sunday.

Cooks can cook down in the park under the tall big Pecan trees, or up on the warmer patio.

From Darin Jester:
Winchester, IN – Come help us support a new CASI cookoff in Indiana. On June 26th, we will be supporting the “Courthouse Chili Challenge – Come and be Judged” on the Winchester, IN Courthouse Square. CASI, Home-style, JR’s, Beans, and Omelets. There will be a Classic Car show and Cruise – In, Band Stand on the Square, a Dance Contest, Craft Show, and a Beverage Pavilion. Proceeds for the day will benefit the Winchester Food Pantry. For more information contact Jill Keener at courthousechilichallange@comcast.net , Vern Gilpin at vgilpin@mccallgroup.com or, Darin Jester at flashoverchili@sbcglobal.net

From Darin Jester:
Lizton, IN – On Saturday, June 19th, even though we only had one 1st Place Winner, The Third Annual Lizton Summer Solstice had a lot of “firsts” to celebrate about. Jim Cherco, got his 1st CASI win, Trent Atwood earned his 1st TICC qualification, Donna Rude and Terry “Mongo” Kauffman earned their 1st CASI points, and part-time Indiana resident Liz Livingston earned her 1st Indiana CASI point. As the temperatures pressed high in the 90’s, the CASI cooks came out and supported the Lizton Lions Club proving the CASI motto of “Chili, Charity, and Fun”! Results were:

CASI Chili:
1st Place – Jim Cherco, Lizton, IN
2nd Place – Trent Atwood, Shelbyville, IN (Q)
3rd Place – Marilyn Jester, Indianapolis, IN
4th Place – Terry “Mongo” Kauffman, Indianapolis, IN
5th Place – Mike Rude, Indianapolis, IN
6th Place – Donna Rude, Indianapolis, IN
7th Place – Darin Jester, Indianapolis, IN
8th Place – Tonya Jester, Indianapolis, IN
9th Place – Clyde Jester, Indianapolis, IN
10th Place – Elizabeth Livingston, Bloomington, IN/Austin, TX

CASI Show:
1st Place – Red with Envy / Bob Hoffman, Columbia City, IN
2nd Place – Fat Bottom Girls / Elizabeth Livingston, Bloomington, IN
3rd Place – Unclaimed

Salsa:
1st Place – Elizabeth Livingston, Bloomington, IN
2nd Place – Unclaimed
3rd Place – Unclaimed

NOTE:
CASI Board of Directors Meeting Sat June 26 at the Arlington Elks.  It will begin at 8:00.  You are invited to attend.  The Agenda is below.  It is still in Draft Form.

From Renee Moore:


Bastrop American Legion
39 cooks

1 - John Caffey
2 - Mike Klade
3 - Fran Barron
4 - Bruce Jones
5 - Steve Ashman
6 - Bucky Seelig
7 - Donna Foley
8 - Elaine Lopez
9 - Joe Trigo
10 - Neal Doss

Note: Tomorrow I will post the draft agenda for the Board of Directors Meeting which will be held next weekend June 26, at the Arlington Elks.  If you have something that you would like to add to this agenda, please send it to me today.

From Sherrie Davis:
Information for Betty Karaff
Visitation:Saturday June 19, 2010, - 4pm - 9pm
Broussard Mortuary
2000 McFadden
Beaumont, Texas
1-409-832-1621
http://www.broussards1889.com/

Service:  Sunday June 20, 2010, 2pm
1st United Methodist Church
701 Calder Ave
Beaumont, Texas 77701

For the CASI Family - in lieu of flowers - donation to the CASI Scholarship Fund

From Jerry Hunt:
We are going to have a chili cookoff August 7th & 8th at the american legion. Sept. 25th at the elks club. October 16th at the First Baptist in Bossier City. Please try to make plans to cook. Try to pass this information around. We could use some help if possible.

Hope everybody has a fun filled weekend.  Maybe it will be cooking chili or just staying cool!

From Ron Barnes:
Clarification for the Cowtown Cookoff this weekend at Cabela's. The bean and salsa turn-in times Friday night are both at 8:00 pm. We will not have a cheeseburger competition on Saturday; just plan to stay and enjoy the crab/shrimp boil or burgers. Look forward to seeing you there!

From Sharon Roy:
Pat Dreibrodt had surgery on his neck last week and is in a neck brace for 2 months. He cannot drive for 2 months so I am playing nurse, chauffer and all around go-getter for him. We will see you down the chili trail in the future!

From Ed Blair:
It has been an honor to serve CASI and the cooks these past four years. With your support, I would like to continue to serve on the CASI Board of Directors. I have enjoyed my time in working at TICC and throughout the year. The job of serving as a Director is challenging with its ups and downs. Having served as Secretary, and currently serving as Treasurer, I've certainly come to respect the time commitment that is entailed in serving.

For those that don't know me, I believe my greatest strength beyond my basic tax and accounting knowledge is that I listen to people with an open mind, hear all sides and contribute to bringing people together in reaching a solid decision that benefits the whole. My home pod is the Houston Pod and I am a member of a number of others. I have participated in hosting two Great Peppers' Meetings, served as treasurer for both Houston Pod and Space City Pod, cooked at TICC three times, participated in show at TICC a number of times, served as the Director over the Friday Scholarship Day Events, co-chaired running the Calcutta at TICC & other cookoffs and chaired the Tallymaster duties at TICC back in the stone ages of computing. The Houston Pod inducted me into the Chili Hall of Flame in 1994.

The above is just history. Going forward, I would like the opportunity to continue to serve and ask for your support and your vote.

From Jim Meehan:
  At the Elks CCO June 26th there will be 4 stoves given away. Chili 1-3 and show 1. The First place Chili stove is hand painted by Wendell Rankin. Donated by Bill Lester. 

On Saturday following the Elks CCO June 26th there will be a charity poker run.

Texas Hold ‘em Tournament

June 26, 2010

5:30 p.m.

Elks Lodge

3825 Duck Creek

Garland, Texas

Benefits the Something mAAgic Foundation

$75 entry

$50 buy-in goes to winners payout

$25 donation to SMFoundation

One time add-on at first break –

$25 buys $4,000 in chips

Donated to Something mAAgic Foundation

Visit www.somethingmaagic.org for coupon worth $500 bonus chips valid for June 26

The Something mAAgic Foundation is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who are current and former employees of American Airlines®, American Eagle® and American Airlines Federal Credit Union®. We support the missions of Give Kids the World Village® and other children’s organizations to create magical memories for children with chronic or life-threatening medical conditions.

For questions, please contact any of the following: Jim Holmes - 214- 729 - 5817 or Sara Holmes - 214- 536 -3190

From Mama Sue Caffey:

Well, if you weren't there, you missed another great party and 2 good cook offs. Our talented Sot Pod members made it all sparkle and shine and many, many of us worked our buns off, while delighted to do it for all of you. So many of you did so much and it showed. I personally received so many thank yous, kudos, and accolades on our Pod members and the events. They were bragging to Mama about all her kids and it made my ole heart just bout bust. Thank you all for all you do. On behalf of GP Steve Ashman, Head Judge Jeannette, Referee Joe Trigo, Monitors, Runners, Auctioneers, Announcers, Judges, Breakfast Chefs, Grunts, Cleaning Crew, we thank you. Friday night the Pizza wagon came and fed us lavishly and we had "Company Beer". Saturday and Sunday Papa John, Billy, and Bucky fed the crew. We had great sponsors again this year and we enjoyed Titos and Vodka, some more than others. We have an outstanding Pod and I am proud to be the Mama.

Saturday was Bloody Marys, Salsa, Beans, and Chili.

Winners:

Bloodys 25

1. Jessie Waguespack, Austin

2. Mayo Blair, Houston

3. Sharon Dozier, Conroe

Salsa 11

1. Kelly Talavera, San Marcos

2. Joe Trigo, Bastrop

3. Clyde Rogers, San Antonio

Beans 24

1. John Caffey, Rockdale ( Used Casa Fiesta Beans, tks. Roger Foltz)

2. Carrie Kinnison, Marble Falls

3. Michael Mayorga, Winona

Chili 79

1. Traci Bond, Kerrville Winner of lst Bronze Armadillo

2. Elaine Lopez, San Antonio

3. Charmaine Rogers, San Antonio

4. Bucky Seelig, Fredericksburg

5. Doc Kinnison, Marble Falls

6. Daniel Martin, Decatur (lst time Adult Cook)

7. Carol Ann Gibson, Seguin

8. Carrie Kinnison, Marble Falls

9. Jessie Waguespack, Austin

10.Nigel Delgado, Houston

Show 5

1. Sharon Dozier, Conroe

2. Keith Karaff, Winona

3. Clyde Rogers, San Antonio
Jrs. 5
1. Dylan Bauer, Las Vegas
2. Kylie Bauer, Las Vegas
3. Reed Jamesmeyer, Dallas
4. Andrew Knight, Cibolo
5. Rett Jamesmeyer, Dallas

Janet Cielincki won the coveted SOT POD Anniv. Stove.

Sunday 42 Brave One stayed around and cooked.

1.Eldon Hiley, Hye
2. Kelly Talavera, SM
3. Tricia Byrom, Kerrville
4. Jennifer Collier, Temple
5. John Caffey, Rockdale
6. Jessie 6 PK, Austin
7. Joe Trigo, Bastrop
8. Kim Hiley, Hye
9. Kay Sandlin, Seguin
10.Mary Ellen Gillen, San Antonio

Show
1. Kelly Talavera, SM
2. Mike Park, Bastrop
3. Sharon Dozier, Conroe

And the winners lovvved their Sunday trophies. Tks, Mike Park......All the water babies enjoyed the lake.  All in all it was a great event. We are gearing up to head to Bastrop for the two dayer there with our River Runners. Da Boyz will be feeding us breakfast both days. SO COME ON....GOD BLESS US ALL AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.....Mama Sue Caffey

From Jim Ezell:
I have firmed up sponsorship with new management at Lajitas. The gift certificates this year will last 13 months to assure everyone can use them when they return to TICC.  Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is happy to provide 15 $100.00 Certificates for CASI.


From Dorathy Williams:
The following CCOs for July will be on Advertising Probation.

07/10-2010-011 Cooter Brown CCO Burleson, TX
07/31-2010-008 BC Provincial Championship Whistler, BC