TO THE EDITOR :

On behalf of Retro Cinema & Books, I would like to thank the contestants and supporters of Washington's first Chili Cook-off.

Saturday's contest had all the necessary ingredients of a fun time for a worthwhile cause - the restoration effort for the N. Alexander School Window Project. Between Saturday's crisp, sunny weather, gourmet chili entrees from local restaurants, and enthusiastic (and hungry) members of the public, this cook-off will be long remembered.

Retro Cinema would like to especially thank the chefs and the management of the participating restaurants: The Washington Jockey Club, Down Under at the Fitzpatrick Hotel, Talk of the Town, The Sandwich Shop, Alfred's on the Square, and La Cabana Mexican Restaurant for their good-natured willingness to compete in this contest. We would also like to thank The News- Reporter for its help in publicizing this charitable event.

Total donations raised during the cook-off was $350. Attorney Michael Horgan and The Retro contributed the additional funds necessary to pay for a new window to be installed at the N. Alexander School (the cost of each window is $500).

With voting by the consuming public, top honors for Washington's "best" chili went to the Fitzpatrick Hotel's Down Under restaurant. The first runner-up and a close second, was the recipe from Alfred's on the Square.

Retro Cinema was proud to host this worthwhile event and a tip of the hat should go to those who came out to support such a worthwhile renovation project. If you would like to view photos of the event, log on to retrocinema.net.

Dana Kibey