It's Monday

From Joe Braden, Great Pepper Houston Pod

Please note that nominations must be send by Oct 1,2011

Here is a list of the Hall of Flame Members

From Jenny Windsor:
Reminder: 

All September cook-off results must received by the TallyMaster on or before 10/27.

******I leave for TICC on 10/29 and will have no way to process late results.

From Vickie Chlders:

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR THE KIDS IN TERLINGUA

It's time to start thinking about what to take to Terlingua with you and I have a few things that I would like to remind you to not forget to take with you. Christmas presents for the children of Terlingua. These presents are for the girls and boys age 12 and under. If you would please bring them unwrapped, but we could also use some wrapping paper. If you are unaware of how this works it's like this they give all the school children a present and then if they have stuff left over they send presents home to the children that are to small to attend school. I know that times are hard for everyone but just giving a child a toy could mean the world to them. I know that no one would want any child not to get a present at Christmas. Just think of how one of your children or grand children or a family members child would feel left out at Christmas. Everyone has a soft spot in their heart for a child so let your heart talk to you about bringing toys to Terlingua. Just take them to the concession area where you buy T-Shirts to Dorothy or to the judging area. ALSO PLEASE REMIND ALL OF YOUR FRIEND TO BRING TOYS TO.

Thank you ahead of time for making the Terlingua kids have a good Christmas.

From Sheryl Valentine CCO in Amarillo:

1  Zanna Broncy
2  Sheryl Valentine
3  Kelly Draper - Q
4  Gerri Noland (New Cook)
5  Russell Williams
6.  Millie Bingham - Q
7.  Danny Campbell
8.  Margarett Lopez
9.  Susan Campbell
10 Kelly Draper - Q

Results of the Medina County Fair Chili Cookoff, Hondo, TX 9/17/11 - 28 cooks
CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners!!!!!!

1.  David Richardson
2.  Delfino Flores
3. Suzy Morganroth
4. Kenny Morgenroth
5. Sharon Roy
6. Cathy Edmonson
7. Cathy Cielinski
8. Pat Driebolt
9. John Goforth
10. Cheryl Smith

SHOW:
1. Dianne Lewis and Team
2. Freida Van Valkenburg
3. Janet Cielinski

From Indiana State Chili Championship    Congratulations to all the cooks and thanks to everyone who came out today. It was a great day for chili in Indiana!! Thank you to Cicero Friends of the Park for putting on a great event!

1  Charles 'Bill' Thomas (Auto Qulifier).
2  Candice Thomas !
3  Trent Atwood (Auto Qualifier)
4  Jeff Netser (Auto Qualifier)
5  Donna Rude  (Auto Qualifier)
6  Julie Netser
7  John Thomas
8  Natalie Atwood
9  Marilyn Jester
10Rachel Thomas

Show
1 Robert 'Bob' Hoffman (Auto Qualifier).

Speech given to the Great pepper's and members by Renee Moore, President of CASI

On behalf of Debbie and Steve Ashman, J.D. and Lisa Dugan, Mike Park, Joe Trigo, and Randy and me, we give you our heartfelt thanks for the emails, texts, phone calls, posts and prayers during this trying time of the Bastrop Complex Fire.  The outpouring has been unbelievable.  We have all been extremely fortunate in that we’ve suffered no personal losses while so many have.

To see firsthand the assistance to the area from so many avenues is truly unbelievable.  It’s a shame it takes a disaster and adversity to bring out the best in everyone.  It seems when everything is going good, we’re not as tolerant or patient and sometimes become apathetic.

What is apathy?  It is the absence of interest or enthusiasm for things generally considered interesting or moving; a lack of enthusiasm.

I witnessed apathy this year as it came to the CASI Board election.  We have four very talented individuals who stepped up to run for the Board.  I applaud them but also wonder why our membership has no more interest in the organization.  If apathy is allowed, our organization is in trouble!

I’ve had several pessimistic members tell me that CASI will never see its’ 50^th Anniversary.  I sincerely hope that is not the case.   Arthur Gordon said, “Some people confuse acceptance with apathy, but there’s all the difference in the world.  Apathy fails to distinguish between what can and what cannot be helped; acceptance makes that distinction.  Apathy paralyzes the will to action; acceptance frees it by relieving it of impossible burdens”. 

Let’s put apathy aside and work for the good of the organization.

I have heard much talk over the years particularly when individuals become disgruntled with actions of the Board.  The most often heard comment is “the Board needs to run TICC, which is their only job”.  Article 5 of the ByLaws states, The Board of Directors is responsible for providing direction for the affairs of the organization.  This responsibility will include the organization and promotion of the annual CASI Terlingua International Chili Championship”.

The Board is not perfect; mistakes are made which is part of life.  Criticism isn’t all bad, but please, try to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.  Never look down on someone unless you’re helping them up.  Your Board needs and wants your input and assistance.

I have enjoyed my 11 years on the Board and leave knowing I’ve tried to do the best for the membership that I’ve served.  Despite comments to the contrary, your Board does get along and are not in open warfare.  There is no shouting, cursing, or pointing of fingers.  The Board is composed of a diverse group of passionate people with minds of their own.  Not one can be accused of not listening to everyone’s comments, even if they disagree.  As each of you are allowed a vote, so, too, are each of the Board members.  They have been elected to serve you and do so to the best of their ability.  The Board is united and will remain so.

I would like to thank all those Board members with whom I served during the last 11 years.  They are all extraordinary people who only want the best for CASI.  Thank you to all who have stepped up to assist when I asked.  I could never name you all, but you are truly appreciated.  And last, but certainly not least, a special thanks to Randy.  He shared me with this organization and allowed me to serve.   He saw the laughter, the tears, the frustration, and yes, even sometimes the anger.

Thank you all for being a very special part of my life.