Competition fires up chili cook-off
I'm not much of a cook, or a foodie, for that matter. But last weekend, I was recruited to serve as a chili judge for the Elgin Knights of Columbus 10th annual Chili for Charity cook-off.
Former Elgin city councilwoman and (current) columnist Sue Moylan, state Sen. Ruth Munson, and Elgin media personality Jeff Meyers, along with yours truly, were among those tasked with tasting 20 chilis each in two hours.
Tasting was both a stuffing and inspiring experience. Some recipes, like Scott Duffer's Fire in the Hole chili, sent tasters reaching for multiple glasses of water.
"That should have come with a warning," said judge Jim Hallock, an Elgin resident and longtime chili judge.
Others concoctions had a different sort of kick.
Sean Morgan of Elgin said he added three Coronas and a cup of tequila to his "no name" chili.
Proceeds benefited St. Laurence, St. Joseph, St. Mary and St. Thomas More Catholic schools, the Elgin Soup Kitchen and Elgin youth sports programs.
Knight and event organizer Marshall Spangler noted that over the past 10 years, the contest has raised about $40,000.
Between 500 and 600 people attended last week's cook-off, Spangler said.
State Rep. Ruth Munson and Elgin media personality Jeff Meyers, who served as judges, presented awards to cooks of the top three recipes. Cathy Schuck took the $400 prize for her Hot Rod Chili. Kathy Konishi and Patrick Brown placed second and third, respectively.
Awards also were given for best student chili recipe and best presentation.
"It's a real feel-good event that's just caught on," Spangler said.
Essay contest: Elgin's Highland Christian Academy, is holding an academic scholarship essay contest for fifth- through eighth-grade students.
Essay subjects are: "How I Will Change the World" and "What I Would Do as President of the United States." Essays must be postmarked by April 1 and prizes will be awarded April 14. First prize is a 100-percent scholarship to Highland Christian Academy; second prize is a 75-percent scholarship and third prize is a 50-percent scholarship. Each essay must be a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 750.
Students should send their essays, along with name, address, phone number, age and the grade they will enter in the fall of 2008, to: Highland Christian Academy, 2250 W. Highland Ave., Elgin, IL 60123.
Cheer clinic: On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Chicago Storm cheerleaders will host a cheer clinic for boys and girls in grades K-8 in the Commons at South Elgin High School. They will perform at the sophomore game of the Bartlett/South Elgin boys' basketball game at the school on Feb. 22. The fee for the clinic is $30 per participant. Call Jennifer Hayward at (847) 289-3760, ext. 3324 for more information.