By Shelley Thomas
Samantha and Jeremy Palazolo, of 2077 Oliver, are the 2010 Great Pumpkin contest winners! Congratulation to the spirited couple who, along with bragging rights, are enjoying a special Halloween cake, designed, baked, and donated by Suzzane Striker.

We appreciate all who participated, including second place winners Kristan Huntley and Patrick Miller at 1956 Nelson, third place winners Sally Miller-Vondran and Jenna Vondran at 2106 Felix, and all others including Summer Burkes at 2011 Evelyn, Sara Hallum and Ben Baker at 910 Blythe, and the residents of 2061 Evelyn.

D&D Signs also got into the CY Halloween spirit this year. With over 20 years experience, Doug and Debbie Campbell opened D&D Signs about four years ago. Although small in size, they have big hearts and generously donating yard signs which were used to encourage a fun and safe Halloween. Thanks so much D&D Signs!

By Emily Bishop

The 3rd Annual Cooper-Young/Peabody School Chili Cook-Off was a huge success, raising almost $1,800 (twice the amount of last year) for improvements to the community playground at Peabody School and bringing around 300 people to the Peabody cafeteria on February 27th.

Most Unusual Chili – Rene Erickson and the Midtown Chili Bombers

Judge’s Choice – Rene Erickson and the Midtown Chili Bombers

People’s Choice – John Shoemaker of Houghton Mifflin Publishers for his “Textbook Chili.”

Best Vegetarian Chili – Nicole Hogan, a Felix resident and Peabody parent

Best HOT Chili – Mrs. Berryman and the Peabody Cooking Club

For the second year in a row, the block club with the most participation at the chili cook-off was Nelson Avenue (Cooper to Barksdale), and Ms. Magbee’s first grade class won a pizza party for having the most Peabody students represented.

Special thanks goes to the “celebrity” judges, Neisey Bobo, Peabody parent and owner of Ching’s Wings, Craig Blondis, future Peabody parent and owner of Central BBQ, and Kym Clark, midtown resident and Action News 5 anchor.

Eat and Greet at the 3rd Annual Cooper-Young Chili Cook-Off

By Mandy Grisham

Sure, it’s chilly outside, but there will be chili inside at the 3rd Annual Cooper-Young Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, February 27th! Bring your best pot of chili to enter in the contest or simply your appetite to try them all out. Proceeds will go toward lighting and beautification for the new Peabody playground. Prizes will be awarded to the block clubs with the greatest participation (cooks and tasters), so round up all your neighbors and work up a good appetite on your stroll over.

The Chili Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, February 27th at 12 pm in the Peabody School cafeteria. Prizes will be given for the following categories: Most Unusual Chili, Vegetarian Chili, Hottest Chili, Best Block Club, Judges’ Choice, and People’s Choice. Judges for the competition will be Channel 5’s morning news anchor, Kym Clark, Central BBQ’s (and Felix Avenue resident) Craig Blondis, and Ching’s Hot Wing’s Neicey Bobo (also a Felix Avenue resident and Peabody Parent).

How to Enter Your Chili: Send your name, address, phone number, and email to the CYCA office (2298 Young Avenue) along with the $15 entrance fee. We will accept the first 25 paid entries. Your chili will be judged on taste, consistency, and aroma. The People’s Choice prize will be awarded to the entry that collects the most donations from tasters. You may use gimmicks, costumes, decorations, and even cute babies to draw attention to your chili! More details will be given to you once you register.

How to Taste the Chili: Tickets for tasters (that means everyone in attendance) will be available at the door for $5. This will get you 4 samples, 1 bowl, and 1 drink. Additional samples, bowls, and drinks are available for purchase.

How to Volunteer: 5 volunteers are needed to help set up (11 am–12 pm), 5 volunteers are needed to help clean up (2–3 pm), and 5 volunteers are needed to assist the cooks during the competition (12–2 pm). Please send an email to mandygrisham@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer.