Karen Santola (Gallinger Realty USA) and Chris Cesta (Inn Between Restaurant) provided the setting and the expertise for hosting the 5th Annual GCCC Chili Cook-Off on Thursday Jan. 21.
The sales office model home was warm and beautifully decorated for the approximately 40 chamber members and Annesgrove residents who judged nine chili entries. Many said it was a hard task to choose their favorite, but in the end the votes proved that Rob Ballard, head chef at Bellevue Manor created the winning entry.
There to accept the award of a $25 GCCC Gift Certificate on his behalf was his co-worker at Bellevue Manor, and former GCCC Board member, Traci Blaser. Tied for second place were Don Hulchanski (Whelan Brothers & Hulchanski Funeral Home), and Kathy Kitt (Camillus Kayak Shop). Camillus Town Justice Steve Poli (Imprinted Sportswear) performed double-duty, not only serving as a taste-tester, but also swearing in the GCCC Board members who attended: President Don Laxton (MyCNY Agent, Inc), Vice-Presidents Paul Sheedy (Key Bank) and Cheryl Hevier (Kings Gate West), secretary Kathy Kitt, Chris Cesta, Adrianne Hulchanski (Julie’s Flowers) and Matt Capogreco (Sylvan Learning Center). Floral centerpieces were donated Julie’s Flowers. To see photos of the event, visit gccc.com and click on “events in images.”
