MONDAY - May 19, 2008

19^th Annual New Jersey State

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Friday we had lots of rain and the weather was cool. Sunday we had more rain and another cool day. The chili gods took pity on us and finally gave us a nice, warm, sunny day on Saturday for the 19^th Annual New Jersey State Chili Cookoff. The people of New Jersey were just as glad to see the sun as the cooks were so they came out to taste and judge all the chilis and salsas the cooks had to offer. The Downtown Tom's River group puts on a great event including lots of vendors and music. Steve and I took care of the judging tent ably assisted by Sybil, Frankie and Tony, as well as several of the local high school students who earn volunteer points. They all did a fantastic job keeping the judging and scorekeeping right on track. There were so many people who work on this to make everything go so well, and this year was no exception. There was a breakfast for the cooks in the morning as well as lunch being supplied, although that was tougher for the cooks to get to. (They are looking to improve that for next year). The cooks also got gift bags with some pretty nice items in it. We want to thank Downtown Tom's River for their support and dedication to this cookoff.

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The results:

People's Choice Salsa

3^rd – Wayne Smith, NJ

2^nd – Foodtown of Tom's River

1^st – Jeff Cousminer, NJ

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People's Choice Chili

3^rd – Mike Piserchia, NJ

2^nd – Jeff Cousminer, NJ

1^st – Joe Hozella, The Rat 95.9

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Best Booth

3^rd – Gunny Mike's Devil Dog Chili – Mike Piserchia

2^nd – The Firm 4 – Jeff Cousminer

1^st – Pop's Hots – Mary Miranda

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ICS Salsa

3^rd – George Holmeyer, NJ

2^nd – Jeff Cousminer, NJ

1^st – Judi Omerza, PA

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ICS Chili Verde

5^th – Christine Johnson, PA

4^th – Tom Yanisko, NJ

3^rd – Jeff Cousminer, NJ

2^nd – Les Walter, MD

1^st – Kurt Leitner, NJ This was a repeat win for Kurt!

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ICS Red

5^th – Kim Eckley, MD

4^th – Roberto Bentjerodt, NJ

3^rd – Doug Johnson, PA

2^nd – Christine Johnson, PA Chris beat her husband in a tie for second.

1^st – Linda Eckley, MD

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This was Linda's first ever cookoff. She is following in the footsteps of her Dad, Ghon and her stepmom, Kim. She just turned 18 and she made up her recipe the night before. Beginners luck? I doubt it. It must be in her blood. We look forward to seeing her at the Worlds.

Congratulations to all the winners. Great Job.

Audrey

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Smokin' In The Valley Cookoff

On Saturday, May 17, the third annual Smokin' In The Valley Cookoff took place at Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, West Virginia. Nearly 30 cooks competed in the District Cookoff and here are the results:

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Salsa – 8 Cooks

3^rd Place – Rachel James – WV

2^nd Place – Carrie Lentz-Parker – VA

1^st Place – Christian Parker – VA (Won a three-way tie, Advances to WCCC)

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Verde – 7 Cooks

3^rd Place – Terry Van Lehn – WV

2^nd Place – Mel Fletcher – WV

1^st Place – Carrie Lentz-Parker – VA (Advances to WCCC)

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Red – 20 Cooks

3^rd Place – Gary Schnoover – WV

2^nd Place – Ed Garner – WV

1^st Place – Kit Hoff – OH (Second year in the row for Kit)

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IDAHO STATE
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Date
7/26/2008
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Location
Carl Miller Park
Corner American Legion Boulevard and 10th Street East
Mountain Home, Idaho
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Description
This cookoff was previously located in northern Idaho at a ski resort.
It is now located in a city park with grass and shade trees.
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Cookoff Categories
Chili
Entry Fee
$30.00/MBR
$72.00/Non-MBR

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Chili Verde

Entry Fee

$25.00/MBR

$67.00/Non-Mbr

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Salsa

Entry Fee

$25.00/MBR

$57.00/Non-Mbr

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Prizes

ALL Catagories
1st - TBD
2nd - TBD
3rd - TBD
4th - HM
5th - HM
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Legend: MBR = Member, Non-MBR = Non-Members, PC = People's Choice

Winners advance to: WCCC 2008
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Other Cookoff Categories
Contest Name Entry Fee Prizes
PC Chili $10.00 TBD
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General Cookoff Information
Set Up - 7:00 a.m.
Verde Start - 10:00 a.m. Turn in - 1:00 p.m.
Salsa Turn in - 12:00 Noon
Red Chili Start - 12:00 Noon Turn in - 3:00 p.m.
Awards Announced at approximately 4:30 p.m.

For More Information, Contact:
Charlie & Barbara Ward
590 East 16th North
Mountain Home, ID 83647-1717
208-587-4924
travelinwards@q.com

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WILLMA MAEHL UPDATE

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After spending eight days in the hospital Willma was moved to a rehab center in Henderson, Nevada. They have her up and walking a couple of times a day which is starting to make her feel a little better. After such a serious operation it is going to take her several months to get up to speed. But the good news is progress is being made. Once she gets strong enough and able to move around a little better she will be able to come home.

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I want to thank everyone of you who sent e-mails and cards to her, it really helped her to know that her friends were thinking of her. After an operation this serious it is hard to keep from suffering depression. Knowing her chili friends had her in their thoughts and prayers helped tremendously. I do not know what it is about chili that brings so many good people together! It must be the magical secret ingredients in everybody's pot of chili!

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Once again thank you from the bottom of my heart, I will keep you all updated.

Capt. Jim

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New address

for Skip and Dione Cooley
7131 Lighthouse Lane, Reno, Nevada 89511
Phone Numbers and E mail remain the same

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