Members of the Rotary Club picked the Fletcher Memorial Library as beneficiary of this weekend's Chili Cook-Off. FML plans to add the projected $3,000 donation from the chili event to its palladium window project.
"Maintenance of a historic building such as the library is extensive and expensive," says FML director Jill Tofferi, also a Rotarian. "Complete restoration and preservation of our windows is our need."
"We have begun the project and will complete the refurbishment of 13 of our palladium windows at a cost of $40,000," Tofferi said, adding that in total 26 palladium windows plus miscellaneous basement windows need to be restored.
Construction of library began in 1899 and was completed in 1901, at which time the facility was funded and endowed by Gov. Allen Fletcher in honor of his father Stoughton.
The 24th Annual Ludlow Rotary Chili Cook-Off will be held Sat., Oct. 11 – rain or shine – under the tent on Depot Street by the traffic light and offers up to two dozen varieties of chili, including traditional, vegetarian and exotic. The cost to the public is $10 for all you can eat served in a collectible mug, while supplies last. There's also cider, bread and ice cream. Tasting starts at 11am and continues until the last spoonful is ladled out, usually around 2pm.
Retired Ludlow Fire Chief Richard Harrison, also a Rotarian, returns as head judge. Harrison, who has tasted -- and survived -- Cook-Off chili for ten out of the past 11 years, is joined this year by Rutland Herald Staff Reporter Gordon Dritschilo. The identity of the third judge had not been confirmed as of press time.
Participants vie for cash prizes in three People’s Choice categories: First ($100), Second ($50) and Third ($25). Plaques are awarded by a team of three Rotary-appointed judges who decide Favorite, Spiciest and Team Spirit.
Space remains available for chili cooks. The entry fee is $10 and participants are asked to brew up 3-5 gallons of your favorite chili delivered hot to the Cook-Off on the morning of the event. For an application, contact dhili co-chairpeople Suzanne Garvey, suzanne.garvey@sothebysrealty.com, or Glenn Heitsmith at timberinn@tds.net.