NEWS

We’re home and connected again, catching up on news:

“I have some very sad news - John Caffey's son was killed in an automobile accident last night. John received the call while here at Austin Lone Star RV Resort. Several of us chili cooks was having our Sunday night after the cookoff dinner - A tire blew out on his car and it hit a cement barrier & flipped.

I will keep you all posted as more information becomes available on what is next. John and Sue are staying here at the park with us - Carefree RV Resorts has extended their RV site as required at no cost during this time.” Ken Rodd

”We cannot possibly express in words, the outpouring of love that has been received since the passing of John's son, John Alan Caffey, on Sunday 26, 2009. We wish to thank you for your many calls, emails, and love, (and hugs from the ones still at Lone Star Carefree.) I know there are many of you who did not know Alan, but John and I thank you for all of this and it is endearing to us have that much love given back.Alan will be cremated per his wishes. The family will have a private graveside service. There will possibly be a Memorial service later. Those wishing, please send your Memorials to CASI Scholarship Rund. Papa and I will continue to roll on knowing that everywhere we go, some of you will be there to hug us, love us, and make sure we are all right. That is the bestest Bouquet in the world. Please no flowers and no food. When you see us at the next cook off, we will drink a toast with our Papa. A very special thanks to the Caring Carefree Staff for their kindnesses. GOD BLESS US ALL AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.” Mama Sue

RESULTS and UPCOMINGS

“The Aces Pod cookoff will be Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2. Big Party planned for Friday night and it looks like a wonderful feed on Saturday night. We will serve breakfast both days with lots of Bloody Marys on Saturday. Cookoff is at Bexar Hall, just East of San Antonio. Take Trainer Hale Road exit and turn South. From Trainer Hail take left turn on to Bexar Bowling Lane (about 1.5 miles) and follow it around the curve. We will be behind the hall. Dry camping and of course no ground fires. Please mention that if anyone would like to do something special for the St. Hedwig VFD, they would be very appreciative of bottled water. There are so many fires and a large group of very hot firemen that would be most thankful.” Happy Hinman

EDITORIALS & LETTERS

Pods

“In response to Pod membership rules and suggestions Why oh why must we meddle?? I guess we're all human, right? We use to have an "associate" membership (I'm not sure what it was really called) that cost less and didn't have voting rights, but that went away. As a truck driver, I struggled with my responsibilities to the pod. I just couldn't be there or effectively hold an office. I did my upmost to help my pod and attended as many cook offs as possible. I know there are others in similar positions. That's why I'm for having pod meetings, whenever possible, at local cook offs. As far as people wanting to join a pod; what if it's serious about its responsibilities to CASI and its mission, but has a bunch of quiet, taciturn people? Or the reverse-a group that acts like high schoolers and runs membership like a clique?? After all, one wouldn't want to force himself on a group, would you? Additionally, what constitute a Pod's headquarters-the GP's house, the closest town, or a town in a yet to be defined county, etc.??

In closing; I always thought that the purpose of our Thursday wanderings through the ranch were to generate interest in the Pods and to boost membership. Sort of like a fraternity rush. I'd hate to see that motivation for a social event (READ PARTY) go away. Not that we chili cooks need a reason to party. So, define away and make rules, but please don't kill all the means that Pods now have to raise membership and interest. Perhaps have an "associate" membership that simply does that and raises money, but doesn't count officially when voting or defining membership. Thanks.“ Mark Bass

POTPOURRI

Happy Birthday to Stan Moore.

“Furious activity is no substitute for understanding.” - H. H. Williams

News items and pictures for the CHN can be emailed to pepperdean@ctesc.net