2023 Belpre Senior Center Chili Cook-Off
April 18, 2023
What better way to celebrate the end of the winter season than with a chili cook-off?! The Belpre Senior Center is a thriving, vital part of our Belpre, Ohio, community. Their members were challenged to bring the best batch of chili for a chance to win one of three coveted trophies provided by Rockland Ridge!
To judge the entries there was a very special panel of judges, including the Belpre Police Chief, Michael Stump, Belpre Mayor, Mike Lorentz, and Rockland’s very own Chef Jeff! The judges tasted each entry and gave ratings based on appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall impression. There were 12 contestants in the competition and a total of 16 chilies to taste and test! In addition to the awards for the top three chilies, there was a prize for People’s Choice, a brand new four-court crock pot filled to the brim with everything needed to make an award-winning chili, provided by Rockland Ridge.
Once the judges had their samples, it was time for the senior center members to judge. Each member had one ticket to put toward their favorite batch, and the chili with the most tickets would win People’s Choice. The tables were expertly decorated by Abbie Holdren and Bonnie McGown, the Belpre Senior Center Director. Bonnie said,
“The members all love having events where they can hang out and have a good time. They always know it is going to be nice when Rockland Ridge is involved.”
With approximately 50 people in attendance and 16 chilies to taste, there was plenty to go around. In addition to the delicious chili, there was a full-spread toppings bar and some special sides, courtesy of Rockland. Everyone was able to load up their chili with their favorite toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, crackers, onions, and hot sauce. When it came to the sides, Chef Jeff did not disappoint! He made freshly prepared sweet jalapeno cornbread. Even our Admissions Director, Cherise Offenberger, got in on the action and prepared grilled cheese sandwiches and hot gooey grilled peanut butter sandwiches.
Trophies and t-shirts were awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Each trophy read, “Belpre Senior Center 2023 Chili Cook-Off.” Bonnie said,
“The winners loved the trophies! They said it really made it feel important.”
Sue Rockhold - 1st Place and People's Choice Winner of the 2023 Belpre Senior Center Chili Cook-Off
Awards were presented by Matthew King, Foundations Health District Director of Business Development, and Cherise Offenberger, Admissions Director Rockland Ridge. Third place was awarded to Jewl Holbert; second place to Andy Jackson; and first place to Sue Rockhold, who also took home the prize for People’s Choice! Cherise shared,
“Sue’s chili was delicious. There was just the right amount of sweetness and spice.”
To top off the day’s festivities, we needed something sweet, so Bonnie passed around ice cream sandwiches for everyone. The cool ice cream was the perfect treat after this spicy day!
Being a part of the Belpre community is such a privilege. We are so thankful to participate in events like this that bring everyone together. This is what our Culture of Care looks like. To learn more about our Culture of Care and our skilled nursing facility, click the button below.
Learn More About Rockland Ridge