2025 December 7: Chili Cook-Off | Local History Presentation | UMNA General Meeting

All UMNA meetings are open to the public. General meetings provide information & encourage discussion. This fall we’re adding a fun social activity!

Location: Tay House Lodge in Cobbs Hill Park

The access driveway is located off of Norris Drive in Cobbs Hill Park at 85 Hillside Drive <MAP>. Paved parking is located near to the lodge.

Photos from the event

DATE

Sunday, December 7th

SCHEDULE*

• 11:00 AM - Doors open at the Tay House Lodge in Cobbs Hill Park <MAP LINK>

• 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM - Chili Cook-off

  • HOW IT WILL WORK: Attendees will be able to sample a variety of homemade chili dishes (vegetarian, meat and fowl) prepared in advance by neighbors. Along with sampling cups, attendees will be provided with some corn bread, light beverages, spoons and napkins. After sampling the various homemade chili dishes attendees may vote on their favorites from each of the three categories. If desired, attendees may bring additional food and beverages for their personal consumption. No charge!

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Homemade chili dishes were prepared by: John Arthurs (meat); Kristen Ashley (meat); Lydia Crim (vegetarian); Karen & Ben Fellows (fowl); Tim Guyot (fowl); Michelle Strickland-Kucerak (vegetarian); Jeanne & Paul Weber (meat); and .

The ingredients of each submission will be provided in writing at the event.

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• 11:45 PM until 12:30 PM - Upper Monroe local history presentation.

  • HOW IT WILL WORK: Our presenter, Laurence Champoux, will present information on little known and absolutely fascinating historical facts related to our neighborhood. His oral presentation will be augmented by a slide show.

• 1:00 PM - Chili Cook-off awards presentation. Highest vote getters will receive gift cards from three of our local businesses on Monroe Avenue: Bar Bad Ending, Grass Fed & Park Avenue Pets.

  • HOW IT WILL WORK: The top vote getters in each of the three categories will receive a $50 gift card from one of three of our local businesses on Monroe Avenue.

• 1:15 PM until 1:30 PM - UMNA will conduct a brief input session on neighborhood plans for 2026

  • HOW IT WILL WORK: Attendees will have a chance to share ideas for neighborhood activities & goals for the coming year.

• 1:30 PM - Clean up begins

This event is free and open to the public. You do not have to be a member of the Upper Monroe Neighborhood Association to attend.

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It's not too late to share your homemade chili dish! The deadline is Saturday, December 6th at 5:00 pm.

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR HOMEMADE CHILI DISH!

Description

Between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM event attendees will be invited to taste samples from each of three categories (meat, fowl and vegetarian) while supplies last. Then attendees may vote for their favorite in each category they sample.*

Corn bread and light beverages will be provided along with the sampling cups, spoons and napkins. Attendees may bring additional food and beverages, if desired.

Please note: Individual sample servings will not be large enough not constitute a full meal. However, if you sample chili in all three categories you will undoubtedly have a full belly!

* The top vote-getter from each category will be announced at approximately 1:00 PM. Winners will receive a $50.00 gift card from a local restaurant.

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR HOMEMADE CHILI DISH!

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This program is also listed on our Google Calendar. CLICK HERE to go to the official UMNA Events Calendar.