Thanks to everyone who participated in the Employee Appreciation Committee’s First HBL Chili Cookoff!  There were a total of 6 entries into the Cookoff and they ranged from sweet chili with maple syrup and sweet potato to a green chili stew. The winner was Tony Molloy with his version of a vegan Frito Pie.  What does Tony win? Our respect as chili champion and this one-of-a-kind trophy that you won’t find anywhere else!

“UConn Libraries Annual Cookoff WINNER. Your dish deserves a royal flush!”

In a barn raising ceremony, Jean presents the award to Tony on behalf of the Employee Appreciation Committee.

Sweet, isn’t it?!?! Now that you know how great the prize is you’ll be sure to join the competition next time when the champion must give the trophy to the new winner!

The top three entries were:
1st Place – Tony Molloy
2nd Place – David Avery
3rd Place – Holly Phillips

Thank you to everyone who came out and had a little fun. The Employee Appreciation Committee (EAC) is working towards strengthening our library community and recognizing individual excellence and commitment. Through events and other programs, we hope to be a part of encouraging a climate of trust, goodwill, open communication and a productive work place (well, and just have some fun too!).  We have many other ideas and we welcome you to share any you might have. Please be on a look out for a survey that will help us to begin the planning for staff accomplishments and contributions.

And a special thank you to those who helped round out the chili with crackers, hot sauce, corn bread, homemade pepper jelly (wow, sorry if you missed that – it even got a vote!) and the rest.

The EAC Team
Brian Coleman (Co-Chair)
Barbara Mitchell (Co-Chair)
Janice Christopher
Jennifer Eustis
Khara Leon
Claudia Lopes
Carolyn Mills
Tony Molloy (VPC Liaison)
Jean Nelson