Eleven years ago my dear friend Fernando passed away. We lost him after a battle against cancer. He was just 46. Fernando had a wry sense of humor, a warm heart and was a great friend. He was loved by all, one of those teddybear types of men. I’ll post more about him later.

I met Fernando through our running club, the Mount Vernon Hash House Harriers or just “The Hash”). I will always remember him, I could never forget him. Fernando was a true friend who would drop it all for you. Our running club honors him by keeping with his Pièce de résistance annually. The Mount Vernon Poop Deck Annual Chili cook off is a remembrance of our lost friend who started the cook off back in either the late 90’s or maybe early 2000. The Hash has a fun run every Saturday morning. The run is usually 3-5 miles plus a walker trail. Fernando (aka Poop Deck) once brought a theme to the otherwise normal hash. The chili cook off was born. Simple rules. Make your interpretation of chili and submit for prizes, notoriety and bragging rights. Over the years we have had some stellar entries. Hot, vegetarian, beef, pork, turkey, keto, beans (not real chili) and no beans, canned chili disguised as home made (Hasher B.S.P). You name it, we have had it. Even a dessert chili (a box of either Brownies or Oreo cookies in a crockpot from Hasher LateCummer)

Since Fernando’s death, four of his friends have kept that tradition alive. Those friends are Tia, Nancy, Barbara and myself. This coming weekend (February 18, 2023) we bring on the chili cook off once again to celebrate and remember our dear friend. We let newer club members know about Fernando. We are keeping his name and spirit alive.

Donald (aka Harddrive)