Dowell resident wins big at D.C. chili cook-off

EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

Friday, May 22, 2009

At this year's annual DC 101 Chili Cookoff last weekend, Bothwell's recipe beat out 35 contestants in his category, "chili red," to take both best chili and rookie of the year awards at the event, which is an enormous, day-long festival featuring popular modern rock acts along with the chili contest that draws thousands of fans along the East Coast. The event is sponsored by the D.C.-based radio station.

Bothwell, a Dowell resident, said his recipe was a lot of "trial and error." For weeks leading up to the event, he made a batch every two weeks.

As the day came closer, he started making chili under the same conditions he would have to endure at the competition — using a propane burner, cooking outdoors and not having running water.

Bothwell said up to this point, making chili and cooking in general was "just a hobby."

"I've done a few private cooking lessons in Leonardtown, but mostly it was just something I would do on a Sunday afternoon," he said. "I've always wanted to go and hang out for the concerts, but I thought ‘why not [enter the contest as well]?' "

The chili cookoff competition is hosted and judged by the International Chili Society. The ICS hosts chili cook-off competitions to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation.

Bothwell said the recipe he used is one that he has been preparing for years, and that the competition's guidelines restrict chefs from using such items as beans or noodles, creating "authentic Texas-style chili."

By winning at this level, Bothwell is eligible to compete in the national-level competition, which he said will probably take place in October, most likely out west.

To raise money to enter the contest and to give more money to the Kidney Foundation, Bothwell recruited local businesses to help sponsor him and had Chesapeake Custom Embroidery design and print T-shirts advertising his chili recipe and sponsors.

"It cost me $1,500 to enter this [contest] so I am sure I will have to raise more than that to compete in the national competition. I have to bring my own equipment, including pots, pans, propane, tent … you just can't fly with that stuff," he said.

Bothwell seems optimistic that he will compete, but not that he will win.

"The guy that won last year's [D.C.-area cook-off] is the owner of all of the Hard Times Cafes in the D.C. area, so there will be some really tough competition [at the national level]."

Those interested in sponsoring Bothwell can e-mail him at bothwelltj@ yahoo.com.

Youth services offers anger management

Tri-County Youth Services Bureau invites youth ages 12 to 18 to join Anger Management and to learn to manage emotions. Identify precursors of anger, learn effective ways to manage anger, improve decision-making skills, develop a positive self-image and identify the effects of anger. Anger Management meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, from 5 to 6 p.m., at the bureau office within the Department of Juvenile Services, located at 200 Duke Street, Suite 2800, in Prince Frederick. There is a one-time fee of $25. For more information, call 443-550-6286.

Nominees for preservation awards sought

Nominations are being accepted for the 21st Annual Calvert County Historic Preservation Awards. Ever noticed an old house or tobacco barn being restored on the drive to work? Does someone in the community record its history or the stories of elders? Ever thought, "Whoever fixed up that place did a great job, they deserve some recognition." Now is the time to make sure that people who have worked to preserve Calvert County heritage and historic properties get the credit they deserve. There are three categories of awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the preservation of Calvert County heritage. They are project awards, service awards and awards for preservation education.

Many people and projects have received Historic Preservation Awards over the last 19 years including Billy Yoe, Harold Smith, David and Jane Estabrook for the restoration of the Yoe Tobacco Barn, the American Chestnut Land Trust and the Calvert Garden Club for restoration of a historic cemetery and Dale Bowen for restoration of the windmill at Bowen's Store. A sampling of other awards includes: James and Darlene Howard for the restoration of the Brewhouse on Mackall Road in St. Leonard; Joseph Showalter and Paul Berry for their devotion to preserving Calvert County heritage; and Harry Knott for his book, "Fishlighters."

Projects eligible for recognition this year must have been completed by Jan. 1, 2009. Nomination forms are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning in the County Services Plaza and at the county public libraries. Forms can also be downloaded from the Calvert County Web site at www.co.cal.md.us. Nominations must be submitted no later than Wednesday, June 3. The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners will present the awards on Tuesday, June 16.

For more information or to request a nomination form, contact Kirsti Uunila, historic preservation planner, at 410-535-1600, Ext. 2504, or send e-mail to UunilaK@co.cal.md.us

Chaney Enterprises donates to JPPM

On April 6, Chaney Enterprises donated $3,000 towards the funding of educational programs at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, state museum of archaeology. Chaney Enterprises is a long-time supporter of JPPM and annually contributes to educational programs and heritage tourism events.

The Friends of JPPM Inc. accepted the donation.

"It is through generous donations such as these that the Friends are able to support public programs at JPPM," said Celeste Furey, president of the Friends of JPPM in a press release. "We are grateful to Chaney Enterprises for their continued support, as are all those who will get to benefit from those programs."

Learn to talk to teens about drug abuse

Parents of a teen or pre-teen who are concerned about approaching their child about smoking, alcohol or the use of other illegal substances are invited to The Calvert Library's TACOS (Teen Advisory Council) to join Prevention Specialist LaTisha Hawkins for a special workshop and discussion.

According to the American Lung Association, every new day sees approximately 3,600 children between 12 and 17 years old smoke their first cigarette. An estimated 1,100 of them will become regular smokers. During the discussion, attendees will be presented with many facts about teen smoking and drug use, as well as teen-suggested strategies parents can use to set firm boundaries without tipping their child over into dangerous rebellion.

The free workshop will be held at Calvert Library Prince Frederick from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 13.

For more information, call 410-535-0291.