We have just returned from the Great Pepper's Meeting. With the help of all of you, we had a very successful meeting. There were 4 Board of Director's positions that were up for election. Those elected for 3 years were Robert (Wampo) Schrade, Dana Plocheck and those elected for two years are John Goforth and Jennifer (Jenny) Windsor. After the election, the Board of Directors elected their new officers for next year. The new officers are President: Renee Moore; Vice President: Tim Collier; Secretary: Roger Foltz, and Treasurer: Ed Blair. Congratulations to all of our new Board of Director's members and Officers.

A big THANK YOU to Douglas (Bucky) Seelig, Ken Rodd and Bill Pierson for all you have done for CASI during your time on the board. Each of you have contributed numerous hours of work for CASI and have left your mark on this organization. You are going to be missed.

Several actions were taken during the Board of Director's Meeting and the Great Pepper's Meeting. I will share some highlights during the next several days.

There were two new Pods seeded. The Gladiator Chili Pod in Kansas and the Cowboy Capital Chili (3C) Pod in Texas. They have met all the Bylaw Requirements for association with CASI. We welcome them aboard!


It was with sadness that I had to report that the Keystone Pod had disbanded. We hope that you can soon regroup and rejoin us very soon.

The Board of Directors (BOD) approved the addition of a new award, It will be the CASI Pioneer Award. The following definition should apply: "When individuals distinguish themselves in such a way that they stand out clearly as leaders in the birth of an idea or development they are recognized as Pioneers. Whether through their vision their drive, their business acumen, their ability to innovate or lead the way, these people shape the character of CASI and become its heritage. They are the CASI pioneers."

Three New State Open Championships were approved. The new State Open Championships are: New Mexico Women's State Open Championship, New Mexico Men's State Open Championship and Guanajuato, Mexico State Open Championship.


I have a copy of the TICC Radio Spots for advertising this year's TICC. If you send me an email, I will send it to you. Feel free to take it to your local radio station. It was recorded by Boomer Kingston.

Would you like to see the new TICC poster? Just take a look!

Enough information for today. I will continue to report highlights of the meetings in the coming days.


From Pam Clark:

Upcoming CCO in Apple Valley, California. Yesterday (Thursday 9/10) I went to Apple Valley and cooked chili for the Museum's Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers. Although it was lonesome to cook all by myself, we all had a good time and everyone said they really enjoyed the chili and appreciated learning more about CASI and "Texas Red." Several people asked for recipes and cooking tips, enough so that I'm sure we will have enough cooks to sanction this cookoff. However, we still need CASI members for support, so I hope that anyone who is able will make the trip and help make this event a success.

The charity is the Victor Valley Museum Association, which sponsors art lessons for kids as well as preserving local culture, art, and history. They have a very nice facility with a huge parking lot, so there is plenty of room for RVs. Other activities going on the day of the cookoff include an art show and contest, Wild West shows, food and drink vendors, and apple pie contests -- both cooking and eating. Also, Apple Valley is only a couple of hours from the beach, so it would be a great starting point for a California vacation! R>The trophies for this cookoff are food-quality ceramic bowls, beautifully handpainted by one of the museum volunteers. Don't you love it when your trophy is actually something you can use?

Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Showmanship, People's Choice, and of course 1st through 10th place CASI Chili. They're expecting a very large crowd so bring lots of throwdown for People's Choice.

Okay, that's my sales pitch, so here are the cookoff details: Cowboy Joe's Ultimate Chili Cookoff, Saturday, October 10, held at the Victor Valley Museum, 11873 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley, California (see the ad in the Trails for directions). CASI entry fee is $25, turn-in at 2 pm. For more info, please contact me at 909/218-4656 or 903/316-0353, or send me an email to

pamtheorganizer@yahoo.com.
Please come to California and help me promote Chili, Charity, and Fun -- CASI-style!

From Kelly Draper:
Services for Harvey's dad will be Thursday Sept 10, at 10:00 oclock at Cook-Walden on 6100 N Lamar, Austin.

From Dave Hewlett:
For those going to the Greenville, TX CCO on Sept 10-11 here are the driving instructions

From Dallas take I30 East to FM34.
Right on 34 to 1570.
Lt of 1570 to the fairgrounds.
FM1570 loops back north a short distance to the Fair Grounds.

From Denton
Take 380 east to Greenville to 69.
Right on 69 to 1570 just past I30.
Fair Grounds on 1570.

From the East take I30 to 1570 at Greenville
Lt on 1570 to fairgrounds.

Correction from Ron Barnes:

Shirley Smith from Wichita Falls got 9th place Sunday at Arlingua, not Shirley Sexton.

That's all for today.

A big thank you to all who came out and participated in our first Cook-Off at Country RV and made it a success. Sabrina

Results

Saturday Sept. 5th
1st - Michael Klade
2nd - Diana Klade
3rd - Lisa Rider (Q'd)
4th - Patricia King
5th - Beth Neal
6th - John Goforth
7th - Fread Cielencki Sr.
8th - Tracy Englemann
9th - Lanny Thomas
10th - Scott Knight
Show
1st - Spanish Fly Chili
2nd - Tracy's Treasures
3rd - Jack Ass Chili

Sunday Sept. 6th

1st - Michael Klade
2nd - Lanny Thomas
3rd - Carolann Gibson
4th - Patricia King
5th - Susie Morgenroth
6th - Fread Cielencki Sr.
7th - James Gillen Jr. (Q'd)
8th - Janet Cielencki
9th - Kay Sandlin
10th - Diana Klade

Show
1st - CMFT Chili
2nd - Jack Ass Chili
3rd - Spanish Fly Chili

From Kelly Draper:
Sad news came our way today. Harvey Gebhard lost his father yesterday.
Most of you know Harvey and Jean. Harvey is a longtime BBQ cook as well as Chairman Of The Board for the Lone Star Barbecue Society. Jean is a LSBS head judge and keeps the organizations paperwork in order as Secretary/Treasurer. Keep them both in your prayers.

From Rocky Rockwell:

Empire State POD August 29 Cookoff Results:

One beautiful thing about CASI and CASI cookoffs is the DIVERSITY of our cookoffs. On August 29 there were 2 CASI cookoffs that were about as different as night and day could possibly be.

In Tennessee the Tennessee State Championship had some 97,000 people at a county fair: in New York the Empire Sate POD cookoff had some 16 (YES SIXTEEN) people come by the cooks area at Tioga Downs Race Track and Casino (actually the track was not yet open for the day and we were using the venue as a test run for a bigger cookff in the future).

In Tennessee there were 25 cooks: in New York there were 15 (same as 16 other cookoffs announced in the August edition of the Trails).

In Tennessee judges were elected county officials from state and county government and company owners and managers; in New York the judges were track and casino managers and employees, a chef and administrative staff. (Hey, the mafia was busted big time at Appalachia right down the road some 52 years ago).

So, 2 very different CASI cookoffs. BUT, guess what? Also, 2 very similar cookoffs. We all had fun, we raised money for worthwhile charities (albeit considerably different amounts), and we spread the word about the wonders of chili. And, the last I heard, THAT"S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT CHILIHEADS!

On to the results:

Chili:

1. Bob Griffin, Endicott, NY;
2. Jack Windsor, Severna Park, MD;
3. Rocky Rockwell, Rochester, NY;
4. Ed Blaine, Endicott, NY;
5. Barb Rockwell, Rochester, NY;
6. Sarah Grossman, Corning, NY;
7. Rose Blaine, Endicott, NY;
8. Jim Penzo, Windsor, NY;
9. Ann Grossman, Corning, NY;
10. Jenny Windsor, Severna Park, MD.

Showmanship:

1. Jack Windsor, Knights of the Wooden Spoon - "Q'd"; 2. Ann Grossman, Three Bears Chili;
3. Rocky Rockwell, Buffalo Breath Chili - "Q'd".

Road Runners - Jenny and Jack Windsor - Severna Park, MD.

PS - Jim Penzo, the new NY State Champ cooked, is totally psyched about cooking at Terlingua, got a "tutorial" on the "activities" at TICC week and said he'd probably bring some beads along with his winning spices.

From Ron Barnes:

What a great weekend we had at the Arlington Elk’s Lodge for the 32nd Annual Arlingua CCO. It all started with the “Iron Chili Challenge” where competitors where given the same meat and identical spices and challenged to see who could make the best pot of red with it. This, of course, was a non-sanctioned event. Susan Spencer of Irving was the best out of 21 cooks who took the challenge. Doris Coats (Irving), David Sexton (Dallas), Ron Barnes (Euless) and Dennis Jackson (Wichita Falls) rounded out the top 5.

Sunday brought the Main Event. We had 52 cooks compete for bragging rights (and those precious points) in the CASI division; 14 entries in the Elk’s Division; 16 white bean cookers and 4 juniors. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when we announced Dr. Ray Calhoun’s number as the CASI winner! It is great to see Doc winning again. Here is how the rest turned out:

Chili (52 judged)
1. Ray Calhoun – Waxahachie, TX
2. Toni Bowman – Rowlett, TX
3. Babs Johnson – Irving, TX
4. Doris Coats – Irving, TX
5. Kenneth Hoepfner – Wichita Falls, TX
6. Darren Wood – Arp, TX
7. Francis Sullivan – Ennis, TX
8. Susan Spencer – Irving, TX
9. Shirley Sexton – Dallas, TX
10. Ron Barnes – Euless, TX

Show
1. Dummies in Training – Ramiro Garza – Ft. Worth
2. Belly Busters – Bryan McFarlin – Bullard (Q)
3. Bubble Time – Bill Sweigart – Hurst

Beans
1. Doris Coats
2. Bob Coats
3. Sylvia Riordan

Elks Division
1. Bob Coats – Irving Elks
2. Ray Calhoun – Irving Elks
3. Chuck Hawthorne – Wichita Falls Elks
4. Bruce Stewart – Irving Elks
5. Toni Bowman – Garland Elks
6. Ron Barnes – Irving Elks
7. Bonnie Loxterman – Garland Elks
8. Morris Moss – Garland Elks
9. Dennis Jackson – Wichita Falls Elks
10. Bill Riordan – Wichita Falls Elks

Juniors
1. Marcus Garza
2. Cody Whiteley
3. Nicole Sexton
4. Brittney Lynn

Monday brought the 1st Annual Arlington Does Chili Cookoff. These ladies always work so hard to prepare for Arlingua and make sure all the judging supplies are ready and the judges all have beverages and clean spoons. We were happy to finally have an event for their benefit. Here are the winners:

Chili (16 judged)

1. Doodie Johnson – Irving, TX
2. Beth Moon – Hurst, TX
3. Susan Spencer – Irving, TX
4. Charles Breeden – Alvarado, TX
5. Jean Skinner – Telephone, TX
6. Dee Palmer – Mansfield, TX
7. Bill Riordan – Wichita Falls, TX
8. Meredith Martin – Dallas, TX (Q)
9. Bonnie Loxterman – Rowlett, TX
10. Toni Bowman – Rowlett, TX

Show
1. Bubble Time – Bill Sweigart – Hurst
2. Bringin’ Mama – Bonnie Loxterman – Rowlett
3. Lair of the Fox – Toni Bowman - Rowlett

Thanks to everyone who came out and especially to those who helped and worked the event. We are looking forward to making next year’s 33rd Annual Arlingua an even bigger success!

It's Wednesday and time to check out all the CCO's planned for this weekend!

Sep 12, 2009-001 - Edgerton, WI CASI. Chilimania State Championship. Downtown Edgerton, WI, corner of Henry and Canal Streets. Entry fee $20 turn-in 1:30 PM. Benefits Scholarships, Community Projects. Make checks payable to Chilimania Inc. Contact Vicki Brown 608-884- 4307, vicki.s.brown@gmail.com. CHILI GRIND ONLY. Automatic qualifier for TICC.

Sep 12, 2009-002 - Greenville, TX CASI. Hunt Co 4-H Annual Chili Cookoff. Held at Hunt County Fair Grounds 9800 Jack Finney Blvd. Benefits 4- H Campers and help the kids with expenses for their competitions. Join us for the fun, raffles, activities, music and surprises. "Chili Head" Food Art Competition for youth, no entry fee. A cup of Chili will be available for purchase with a drink and chips for $5, handled by the 4-H team. CASI chili turn in at 2 PM, entry fee $20. Novice entry fee $20 and Youth entry fee $5, turn in at 1 PM (cooked on site). Jackpot bean, 50% payback and prizes, turn in time Noon, entry fee $10 for adults and $ 5 for youth. RV parking available. Info Diana Trotter at 903-456-4681, diana4h@live.com or Dave Hewlett davehewlett@msn.com. 214-695-3806 Make checks payable to Hunt County 4-H VLA. CHILI GRIND ONLY.

Sep 12, 2009-003 - Claremore, OK CASI. Bluegrass & Chili Festival Mid America Cookoff,held at 400 Veterans Parkway (grounds of the Claremore Expo Center). Chili entry fee - $35.00, turn-in time - 3:00 pm. Cooks meeting at 10:30 am. Prep at 11:00 am, Light Fires at 1:00 pm. Benefits Claremore Chamber. Contact Susan Thornton, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd Claremore OK 74017, Phone 918-341-2818.

Today we leave for Midland to attend the Great Pepper's Meeting. I may be able to do a post the next couple of days, but that will depend upon the availability of time. I hope to see a lot of you at the meeting. Those who are traveling to the meeting, please be safe and I will see you there. For those cooking chili this weekend, Good Luck.

Janice

Services for Barbara Fox will be held Thursday Sept 10th at 11:00 AM.

Earthman Funeral Home
12555 South Kirkwood
Stafford TX 77477
281-240-3300

A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge # 151 in Stafford following the services, directions will be available . Dress is casual.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, e-mails and facebook postings. Barbara loved all her friends.

Love you and God bless and thanks for being friends.

Frank "Big Boy" Fox ( that is what Barb called me and that is good enough for me)



From David Manske:

Suzie update. We were able to get her out of the hospital yesterday, Saturday. They were able to get the fluids off and the swelling gone. They also did get her blood pressure up from 65 over 47 to 101 over 75. They will continue medication treatments for now. If things do not improve they will get her in a CHF center 2 to 3 times a week to monitor her med’s and fluid levels.
Thank you, everyone that has visited, called, and cared.



From Larry Velasquez:



RESULTS FROM THE LITTLE BALKANS CCO
PITTSBURG, KS 24 COOKS

1. Steve Shepherd; Pittsburg, KS
2. Erwin Clark; Kansas City, MO
3. Lee Kroencke; Lenexa, KS
4 Patrick Cox; Fort Dodge, IA
5. Gary Holmes; Springdale, AR
6. Laura Green; Pittsburg, KS
7. LC Chapman; Pittsburg, KS
8. Joe Giles; Farmington, AR
9. Jerri Dowdy; Kansas City, MO
10. Matt Frye; Pittsburg, KS

SHOWMANSHIP
1. Ol’ Mule’y; Eric Rosenblad; Pittsburg, KS
2. Heat Master; LC Chapman; Pittsburg, KS
3. Hell, Fire and Brimstone; Margo Smith; Coffey, MO

JUNIOR COOKS
1. Jasper Vandenberg; Pittsburg, KS
2. Ryan Ross; Pittsburg, KS
3. Tanner McCauley; Pittsburg, KS

Rookies (First Time Cooks)
1. Ollie Smith; Coffey, MO
2. Kurt Haase; Carthage, MO
3. Jon Tupper; Joplin, MO

Larry Velasquez
Area Referee



If you have not read the September/October Southern Traveler, you might want to visit this site. It is filled with Chili information. A great advertisement for CASI.

Results from Water Valley:

Sunday, Sep 6
31 cooks
Benefits: MDA

1. Susie Bryan, Lubbock, TX (Q)
2. Paul Mulkey, Hobbs, NM
3. Cliff Miller, San Angelo, TX
4. Donnie Warner, Odessa, TX
5. Sue Yates, San Angelo, TX
6. Kathy Mulkey, Hobbs, NM
7. Janice Miller, San Angelo, TX
8. Jennifer Sherfield, Siminole, TX
9. Tracy Heflin, San Angelo, TX
10. Kelli Scarbrough, San Angelo, TX

SHOW (5 Teams):
1. Iron Horse, Sandy Buechler, Kerrvile, TX
2. Doggie Day Care, Delana Johnson, San Angelo, TX
3. Pepper Up, Sherry Maus, San Angelo, TX

Monday Chili Results;
27 Cooks, 21 Chili's Judged
Benefits: National CASI Scholarship Program

1. Robert Broncy, Cloudcroft, NM
2. Kathy Hudson, Odessa, TX (Q)
3. Kelli Scarbrough, San Angelo, TX
4. Roxanna Broncy, Cloudcroft, NM
5. Jennifer Sherfield, Seminole, TX
6. Delana Johnson, San Angelo, TX
7. Jim Miller, San Angelo, TX
8. Donnie Warner, Odessa, TX
9. Margarett Lopez, Pampa, TX
10. Jeff Johnson, San Angelo, TX

SHOW
1. Doggie Day Care, Delana Johnson, San Angelo, TX (Q)
2. Seimper Infernous, Wes Heflin, San Angelo, TX
3. Pepper Up, Sherry Maus, San Angelo, TX

New Post for Friday:



From Mayo Blair:

It is with great sadness that I pass this on........Just got the word tonite from Karen Reinke around 9 pm that Barbara got ill the first part of this week and passed away today. I do not know the time and Frank told her services are pending. He also told her he has her family in to help him and he doesnt want a lot of phone calls at this time. When services are announced am sure someone will announce it and I will try to pass it on. Have known Barbara and Frank for over 32 years......I know this will be a great loss for Frank and as a long time friend, this is very sad. We all have to remember to say I Love You to our friends and family everytime we say goodbye. Barbara's "Happy Feet" are now dancing in heaven. God Speed and God Bless us all.

It is with much sorrow that we are reporting the loss of another long time chili cook. Barbara Fox passed away earlier this evening. Frank is surrounded by his family and is doing okay. As of now the services are pending. Please keep Frank and the family in your thoughts and prayers.
Bubba & Karen

The Concho Valley Chili Pod is having a 2 day CCO. The CCOs are going to be at Water Valley Park, Water Valley, TX. Sunday's CCO benefits MDA. There will be Jackpot Beans. Entry Fee $5. Turn in is 12:00 Noon. Chili's Entry fee is $18.00. Turn in at 2:00 PM. There will be a cake auction and a 50/50 drawing. Sunday night, there will be a Pot Luck Dinner. Monday's CCO benefits the CASI Scholarship Fund. Chili entry Fee is $18.00. Turn in will be 12:00 Noon. Both CCOs are Chili Grind Only. Water Valley Park is located on HWY 87 approximately 20 Mile from San Angelo, TX. If you need more information, please call Janice Miller. Home Phone 325 947 8753, Cell Phone 325 650 1854.

This is the last long weekend of the Summer. There are lot's of CCOs available to attend. Your only 4 weeks from the end of our Chili Year. Good Luck to everyone of you chasing points. May you get them this weekend. Please be safe. We do not want to lose anymore of our Chili Family. Have a GREAT weekend and may the Chili Gods be with you!!!

From Kathi Austin:

The following is the information Pat King's Father
Name: Leo J. Buehring
Rhodes Funeral Home
302 N. Goliad
Runge, Tx
Website: rhodesfuneralhomeinc.com
visitation, September 3, 2009, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Funeral, Friday, September 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 409 N. Wilbern, Runge, Tx
Burial at Kennedy City Cemetary.


From David Hewlett:

“Here is a update on Suzie Manske. She was admitted back into Baylor emergency last night (Tue), and is in CCU. Suzie has about 22 pounds of fluid buildup they are trying to get out. As of midnight they still were unable to get her blood pressure up enough to start the next procedure. As I know more I will try and keep everyone updated. Thanks for all the cards, flowers and calls.” David Manske



From Ed Nesbitt:

The new chili year is close and if you have old spices that you no longer need please bring them to Kemah this weekend. Malcolm Williams cooks for a soup kitchen in Beaumont and they are always much appreciated. Malcolm will be at Kemah on Sunday or you can drop them off with Ed Nesbitt on Saturday and I will get them to him Sunday. If you need new spices Mild Bill's will be there Saturday but not in the motor home so call to preorder and they will deliver your spices saving your paying freight. Hope to see you all Saturday and Sunday for this new cook-off.

From Pam Clark:
Cowboy Joe's Ultimate Chili Cookoff will be held at the Victor Valley Museum and Art Gallery, 11873 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley, California 92308, on Saturday, October 10, 2009, in conjunction with the Museum's annual Stagecoach Fever Western Art Competition. Gunslingers, western costumes, western-themed art, live music, and apple pie contests -- cooking and eating! Plenty of RV parking (sorry, no hookups). Benefits the Victor Valley Museum Association. CASI registration $25, turn-in 1 pm. Bring plenty of throwdown for People's Choice, as a large crowd is expected. For more information contact Maryanne Wilkins, 760/985-5292 or 760/240-2111, email mhtml:%7B2151797C-3300-4934-9290-7A4D3927DC78%7Dmid://00000174/!x-usc:mailto:nailzone@hotmail.com, or Pam Clark, 909/218-4656 or 903/316-0353, email pamtheorganizer@yahoo.com.

From Carol Knight:

The weather couldn't have been better for the Tennessee State Championship Chili Cookoff at the Wilson County Fair this past Saturday, August 29th. Over 97,000 people came through the gates that day, and thousands filed past the cooks. Curiosity got the better of numerous people who stopped to inquire about the chili. With 25 teams cooking, there was a variety of cooks to talk to. The judging was done by elected officials from county and state government, as well as company owners and managers. All in all, it was a fabulous day for a cookoff. A big thanks goes out to George Wallace for basically running things, Linda Bain for judges registration and general all around helper, Judy Wallace for cooks registration and general all around helper and Preston Shaw for being a master at running a smooth judging. We couldn't do it without them.

After the dust settled the winners were:
1. Kristi Knight Lebanon, TN. (Tennessee State Champion)
2. Preston Shaw Parsons, TN (Tennessee State 2nd Place)
3. Ken Swart Kennesaw, GA
4. Rick Seadler Spring Hill, TN (Tennessee State 3rd Place)
5. Julie Netser Seymour, IN
6. Darin Jester Indianapolis, IN 46221
7. Robbie Swart Kennesaw, GA
8. Richard Knight Lebanon, TN
9. Kristie Nelson Marietta, GA
10. Steve Nelson Canton, GA

Go Vols Chili Jim Kidwell/Nan Neeley Lebanon, TN 1st Place Show (Tennessee Show Champ)

Flashover Chili Darin Jester Indianapolis, IN 2nd Place Show

Billy Chili Billy Witherspoon Mt. Juliet, TN 3rd Place Show

Local - Wilson County Fair Winners
1. Kristi Knight
2. Lisa Knight
3. Jim Kidwell
4. Tom Brashear
5. Ronnie Hobby
6. Billy Eitherspoon
7. Nan Neely
8. Clayton Fisher



From Sherrie Davis:

Just a reminder about this weekend and one big change
We will not have to be off property by 4 on Sunday.
The bar and the pool will be available and those that are bring out their houses can stay on property till Monday Morning.

The Lodge is usually open till 6 on Sunday and the ER said that they would stay open until the last one left.
Looking forward to seeing everyone and making this first cook off a sauces. We are really wanting to have this as an annual.

From Patsy Childress:

The Yucca Theater is and easy walk from the Hotel. For those who need transportation from the Hotel to the Yucca Theater.

From Kelly Brignon:

Greetings and Salutations!

In a little over a week, you will all have the opportunity to vote on four open positions on the Board. There are seven outstanding candidates this year and I’d like to take this time to reacquaint myself with many of you.

I am proud to be a member of CASI and I believe wholeheartedly in CASI’s mission. I feel that now is the time to reinvigorate CASI and its message. I truly believe that I am the right person to help lead CASI to bigger and better things. My business experience is something that I am very proud of. It’s not easy to run a business or manage the day to day functions, disasters and people that make a business successful! I have just as many good days as I do bad days and I think one thing that helps me succeed is a positive attitude. I believe that you can accomplish anything when you set your mind to it, work with your team towards a solution, and never, ever take no for an answer. I am a firm believer that teamwork is essential to any organizations’ success and without it, you are simply going to wither away. Knowing the value of your business or organization is a key element to your success – and the ability to respect the opinions, hard work, and leadership of those working with you is an invaluable asset as well. I will strive to work hard for CASI’s cooks, sponsors and charities and I know that my business experience will allow me to help CASI accomplish its goals and work through any challenges that may arise.

I am a hard worker – I believe that you earn people’s respect through working hard and letting your actions speak for themselves. I have never shied away from difficult decisions, tasks, or uncomfortable situations. I am proud of my ability to keep my personal feelings in check and how I’m able to look at the big picture. I am not afraid to speak my mind or ask questions. I am a good listener and I try my very best to get as much information as I can before I make a decision. I’m very logical and analytical and I am always looking for a positive solution. If something isn’t working, then I want to find a better way to do it and get the ball rolling. If an area needs improvement, I’m all for exploring options that will make it work better. And if something is working like clockwork, then leave it alone – you don’t have to reinvent the wheel in the name of progress. Still, it’s important to assess how well your organization is functioning in the event a small improvement can make a world of difference. I am aware that I am a relative newcomer to the chili world with a different outlook on a lot of situations. I believe that I will be a positive addition to the Board.

I also want to stress my commitment to the membership of CASI – representing, retaining and also recruiting it. The more cooks we have supporting our charities, the more sponsors are going to want to be a part of our organization. I work hard to retain both our Pod and CASI members and I’ll talk chili with anyone! I love chili and all of the friends I’ve made over the last six years. I enjoy speaking with new cooks and “reeling them in” so to speak. I also enjoy the wisdom of the long time cooks that I’ve come to know. I want to do what I can to make CASI a stronger organization and to help it continue to support so many wonderful charities across our country. As I said at the beginning of my email, I’m proud to be a member of CASI. I want to represent all of CASI on the Board and help this organization continue spreading its message.

I believe that by listening to all of our members, reviewing what works and what can be improved, and working together to make our organization even stronger, CASI will continue to grow and flourish. I look forward to working for everyone involved with CASI as a Director. I am excited about the opportunities ahead of all of us and how we can all contribute to CASI’s success. I am confident that my business experience, work ethic, positive attitude and leadership abilities will help CASI achieve all of its future goals.

Thank you again for your consideration and I’ll see many of you in Midland. I hope to see all of you on the chili trail!

From Frank Fox:

Results from the Sweetheart Cookoff held at the Houston Elks Lodge for Friday night, the 28th of August:

27 chilis turned in
1. Cary Plocheck
2. Kevin Foley
3. Mike Calahan
4. Cathryn Fertak
5. Scott Woodard
6. Donna Foley
7. Ed Blair
8. Julie Cloninger
9. Steve Cloninger
10. Pat Dozier

Show
1. Sharon Dozier

Results from the 17th Annual Auxiliary Chili Cookoff held at the Houston Elks Lodge for Saturday, the 29th of August

47 chilis turned in

1. Catherine Fertak
2. Julie Cloninger
3. James Benefield
4. Steve Cloninger
5. Matt Rumelhart
6. Dorothy Spishock
7. Taylor Miller
8. Phil Barnes
9. Sharon Dozier
10. Karin Barnes

Show
1. Kathryn Cavender
2. Ken Cooley
3. Cheryl Garrett