SUNDAY - February 24, 2008

2nd Annual New England Regional

Dear Chili Cook,

In an attempt to make your 2nd Annual New England Regional Chili Cookoff paperwork process a little easier,please go to http://www.chilict.com/Want_To_Cook.php

Download and print each of the forms there and then send them to the P.O.Box listed ,Attention:Maryann!

This will make things a lot easier for all of us (Kat especially) the day of the NERCC.

Now, if you need hotel...we have 2 of them. The Crowne Plaza (listed under the sponsor tab) at $99 a night. Please mention the NERCC. We also have the Red Roof Inn at $59 each night. Please mention the NERCC Group #B105000780 BOTH places have a deadline of 4-10 to make reservations.

Both hotels are near each other. There are no less than 5 BIG grocery stores in the area. From a chili cooks stand point I'd go to Big Y on Rt. 190 as their selection is a little better for veggies. Please also consider cooking in ALL 3 categories? You're going to be there and Salsa isn't hard to make there or the night before. Verde is just a little harder. If you do plan to enter those contests,please remember the INCREASED prize money as well...and don't forget to let me know!

.Please don't forget the highly prestigious "Jim Heywood Youth Division"! If you have kids,know kids or have kids in your extended family...bring them to cook! Jim is and always has been a friend to the younger cooks by virtue of his personal support,experience and wisdom. It's easy to say that not just the kids look up to him.

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Directions to Pleasant View (NERCC site) are listed on the directions page of http://www.chilict.com/ If you get lost or need anything, my home/office number is 860-749-4786. PLEASE feel free to call 8-4 daily if we can help with anything.

Among some things cooks can look forward to at the NERCC are:

Ms. Connecticut doing the national anthem with a military color guard!

The NERCC All Star Band (wait until you hear them!!)

Breakfast AND lunch for all of the cooks!

A raffle for a great prize just for the cooks!

Fantastic goodie bags for the NERCC Chili Cooks (just wait until you see them)!

Increased prize money in EACH NERCC category!

Guest Judge and 2007 ICS Champ Jerry Buma's 1st New England Appearance! (He's HOME!)

NEW and very cool trophy's unlike any you've ever seen!

We're at 69 days and counting down to the 2nd Annual New England Regional Chili Cookoff and we sincerely appreciate you helping us make a difference for those in the community as all proceeds benefit the Enfield (CT) Food Shelf!

Mad love

Kat and Mad Mike

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HAWAII STATE CHILI COOKOFF
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For those of you who are attending the Hawaii State Chili Cookoff and looking for a very nice hotel in the Waikiki area, I have information on how to get a 4 star hotel for over half off. Rack rate was $244 per night. I got it for $130 tonight on Priceline.com. I always get this same hotel. For the last 5 years! Through Priceline! But this is the first time I got it for this cheap. Usually around $140-145. All rooms face the yacht harbor. No beach, but WHAT a view. I have pixs. Here's the website of the Hawaiian Prince; http://princeresortshawaii.com/hawaii-prince-hotel.php. Check it out. If interested on how to do this, or want pixs, email me.
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alienpilot3@gmail.com
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Jim Stoddard

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Maria Austin Update

To all of Chilihead Friends and Fam-Lee.

Maria is still in CCU and struggling to breathe, talk and eat. She is off the ventilator and breathing on her own, but laboring at times. She is eating small amounts of Jell-O and soups and other clear liquids. They will probably insert a feeding tube into her stomach, through her side, not her throat or nose. At least she can get some good nourishment in her and help build her strength. The Doctors assure me she will be fine, it's just so hard to see her in this condition. She seems a little disconnected with everything. It's probably the meds they are giving her. She doesn't complain of pain, she is a strong willed lady. I love her so much. Please keep the prayers and thoughts coming, they are certainly appreciated.

Mike and Fam-Lee

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PHOENIX ARIZONA BACK-2-BACK REGIONALS

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March 1 & 2, 2008

Looking for more Chili Cooks & Judges.

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If you are available to Cook or Judge,

Please Call Dick Swenberger 480-650-3921

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Thanks,

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Dick

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