  | Volume IX, Issue 4 June-July 1999 | Last update Mar 7, 2004 |
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A Word from the Veep
Howdy, all! While ASGRA's President is away on a brief but well-deserved vacation to celebrate receiving his Master's Degree, I am filling in. Spring is upon us, and ASGRA is gearing up for lots of events. May 22 is the first time ever 'Spring Fling' at the Omni Shoreham Hotel near Woodley Park. Dinner is at 7:30pm followed by an evening of hot country/western dancing. Don't miss it; we need all of you to participate to make it a success! Following Spring Fling, on June 13 is DC Pride. Rumors always abound, so I would like to take this opportunity to unbend a few of the more outrageous ones associated with ASGRA and DC Pride. ASGRA is a charitable and social organization that accepts outside sponsorship for certain events and activities in order to offset costs. Over the years we have steadfastly abstained from affiliating exclusively with any one bar or commercial enterprise. In an extremely political town we have simply tried not to get involved in the politics of competition between bar owners and other social or service organizations. The reason for this is so ASGRA can maintain its autonomy and integrity as a charitable and service organization in the GLBT Community. In years past we have been blessed with support from such businesses as Remington's, the DC and Baltimore Eagles, Stagecoach, the former Circle Bar, Giovanni's Room, Trumpets, and Cobalt, to name but a few. We have recently been approached regarding partial sponsorship of our 1999 DC Pride ASGRA Dance Tent from the new Red River Dance Hall and Saloon. The Board of Directors is evaluating this proposal in the same manner as it would any other offer of financial support - to assure that, if accepted, it is in the best interest of the membership of ASGRA. To that end, the Board has also approached past sponsors to garner their continued support for DC Pride events. We will decide upon the best mix of financial support to further ASGRA's goals, while keeping ASGRA above the fray of neighborhood bar politics. Rest assured that we value ALL of our supporters and that we will always take the high road in keeping ASGRA a financially viable and autonomous charitable service organization. We also need the help of our members to make DC Pride the outrageously successful event that it usually is. Don't be shy! It is great fun for a very worthy cause. See you at Spring Fling and DC Pride!! Les Boggs, VP What's New 'Round the Corral
Happy Trails to You Rough Stock '99! Gray Rock Ranch in Germantown, Maryland was the setting for ASGRA's Rough Stock '99!, a weekend of bulls, chutes and steers, put on by the Rodeo Events & Training Committee. Our stock contractor Tom Drury from H-D Ranch was on hand and brought instructor RJ to show a group of @20 members (some experienced competitors as well as intermediate and beginner level folks) the finer points of rigging and riding in rough stock events. They were ably assisted by some of ASGRA's own roughstock competitors, RE&T Chair Cindy Brendle, President Jason Hayes and member Deb Simon. Ms. ASGRA, Lonni La Bel 'Cowgirl-ed Up!' to take her turn at steer riding. Her first spinning ride was pretty rough. As she joked, "It's not the ride that's tough, it's the landing!" Despite a pretty nasty set of hoofprint bruises from her steer, she climbed right back on for a second ride, and a third, fourth and fifth! Lonni wasn't the only one who had a rough ride! Yours truly took his turn at gaining more experience in riding, but it seemed that the only experience he was getting was in falling off! ASGRA Membership Chair Daniel Lusk also got down & dirty, and really threw his all into chute dogging - "You go, boy!" Take a look at the pix at the back of this newsletter to see more of ASGRA's finest who participated! It was an excellent experience, with plenty of individual training time and lots of great information. Special thanks to the RE&T Chair Cindy Brendle and her Committee for their efforts in organizing this event, and to Billy Collison, who was ASGRA's 'Chuck Wagon' Cook both days and provided a tasty and energizing lunch for the whole crew. Patrick Hunter
We ARE Everywhere…. A little bird told me that one of our members was sighted recently helping out with the annual "Christmas In April" program in DC. The program assists families who already have housing but cannot afford to maintain their property. Volunteers perform basic maintenance chores such as yard work, cleaning windows and painting, etc. ASGRA's own Debbie Stark was among the volunteers this year. Way to go, Deb! You did us proud! Yet another fine example of the many additional interests that our members have and the talents we have to share with the community! For those who didn't already know, the East Coast ASGRA contingent is losing one of our rodeo women to the wild, wild West Coast. Deb Simon (aka Team Simone) has migrated to California's sunny shores. We know we'll still see you on the circuit, Deb, but you will be missed here East of the Mississippi! Good luck!
Time to break out the T-shirts and baseball caps What? You don't have an ASGRA hat or T-shirt? Well, get with the program! The General Store has everything you need to get fashionably ASGRA-ed for the summer season! We are also now taking orders for the RED ASGRA Shirts. They are $50.00. For more info, call Debbie Stark at 202-537-1263. California Dreamin' Yet? Don't forget the 15th IGRA Annual Convention in Long Beach, California, July 28th - August 1st ! Check out the IGRA Web page for more info! (www.igra.com)
WANTED!
POOF!
ASGRA Board of Directors and Committee Chairs
President: Jason Hays
Royalty announcement:
Smoke Signals Around the Association SIERRA STAMPEDE WAS APPROVED! Capital Crossroads - Sacramento Chapter was founded in the Spring of 1996. Four groups before them had unsuccessfully tried establishing a viable rodeo organization in the Sacramento region. Many people believed it simply couldn't be done - there was neither the interest nor the people in the area dedicated enough to see the Sierra Stampede happen. Despite a long climb up that mountain to join the ranks of the other GSGRA organizations, their perseverance paid off. On February 6, 1999, the Sierra Stampede (Capital Crossroads - Sacramento Chapter) officially became the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association's (GSGRA's) fourth rodeo. The excitement and emotion by the Capital Crossroads - Sacramento Chapter was evident during the GSGRA State Board Meeting when members in the back of the room cheered "Whoopee - We've got a rodeo". For those ASGRA Members that are interested in participating in the 1st Sierra Stampede, here is some information:
Dates: August 20-22, 1999
The members of ASGRA would like to extend hearty CONGRATULATIONS to the members of the Capital Crossroads - Sacramento Chapter! Furthermore, we offer our best wishes on your first ever Sierra Stampede later this Summer.
NYC Pride Info!! The NYC Pride March will be held on Sunday June 27, 1999. All floats must be in their respective areas by 10am. Marchers will assemble between 10 & 11am. Parade lineup time is 11am. The ASGRA float will be located in Section 3, which is on 5th Avenue between 55th & 56th Street. PLEASE BE PROMPT!! (i.e. this is NOT 'Gay Standard time'). The march will start at 12noon SHARP! There will be a moment of silence at 2pm. Everyone along the parade route is to be silent, sound systems turned off and no talking. The New York area members have requested that all those who plan to attend (and who have one) should wear their red ASGRA shirts for the parade. The red shirt contingent always makes a great impression! For more details, contact Lance Haverly.
LAST CALL before Pride!! For info contact ASGRA VP Les Boggs.
ASGRA Fun Facts Did You Know? that now you can find the ASGRA newsletter at even MORE locations?
Campfire Reading Just got word (from the author himself, no less!) of a new book with a theme that is unusual and of interest to those of us involved in the C&W lifestyle. Frontiers is a new novel by Michael Jensen. According to the review from Publishers Weekly, "The dexterous narrative of this well-told story juxtaposes a gay man's struggle with the brutal landscape of the 18th-century American frontier." Sounds worth a look and the reviews I've seen are very positive as well. Check out your local bookstore or one of the online services like Amazon or Barnes & Noble for details and more info. Found something worth 'reading around the campfire' that you'd like to share? Send your suggestions to the editor . Thanks to all those who came out in support of our Cinco de Mayo ASGRA Bar night at the DC Eagle on May 5. Billy Collison and his crew did a fine job of decorating and running the event. We even had a pinata for whacking at midnight! We took in @$195 for the beer sales and tips, with monies going to support ASGRA activities and functions. Next one is June 30 - come on out and get to know more folks in our community!
Committee Meeting Schedules at a Glance: Public Relations: Mr. Henry's Restaurant, upstairs; 601 Pennsylvania Ave., SE; Washington, DC Meetings will be held the 1st Wednesday of every month Social & Entertainment: Location TBD, contact Patrick Hunter meetings will be held the 2nd Tuesday of every month Fundraising & Sponsorship: Location TBD, contact Bruce Forchheimer meetings will be held the 2nd Thursday of every month Membership Committee: Remington's (upstairs); 639 Pennsylvania Ave., SE; Washington, DC meetings will be held the 2nd Thursday of every month Newsletter: Mr. Henry's Restaurant, upstairs; 601 Pennsylvania Ave., SE; Washington, DC meetings will be held the 3rd Monday of every month Rodeo Events & Training: Mr. Henry's Restaurant, upstairs; 601 Pennsylvania Ave., SE; Washington, DC meetings will be held the 3rd Tuesday of every month
ASGRA Calendar of Events
June
July
ATTENTION NEWSLETTER FANS!!!
SCENE AND HERD: RECENT RODEOS
Phoenix, Arizona (January 15-17):
ASGRA 'marched' back out west to the land of gambling and excessive lighting and took on the Vegas challenge. While the weather was considerably more comfortable than back in '98, the rodeo sure was long!! Not surprising when you consider how popular this rodeo is and the high number of competitors who turn out for it. Folks were generally pretty good-humored and flexible about the schedule changes, both in the arena and back at the host hotel events. Daniel Lusk (Second Runner-up Mr. IGRA 1999) and Lonni La Bel (Ms. ASGRA 1999) even put pride (and the bulk of their clothing) aside to participate in a "whipped cream auction" to support UGRA's charities. Lonni even earned the highest amount of money for a single auctionee ($120) and a rodeo alias from this event - look for Ms. Reddi Whip at future rodeos! : As for our actual rodeo performance - ASGRA didn't go home empty-handed:
The very next week, ASGRA was again represented by a small but determined band of competitors who 'went West' and showed some of our rodeo skills to our West Coast cousins.
As April ended, ASGRA headed south to visit our rodeo family in the Diamond State. We had quite a few diamonds of our own as well, as is evidenced by the following accomplishments by some of ASGRA's competitors:
The Social Scene Howdy to all in the Atlantic States region! I hope that y'all are doing well and looking forward to summer. Let me tell you, it's going to be a hot one! We've got summer packed to the gills with big and small events for all you ASGRA cowboys and cowgirls! By the time you read this article I hope you'll be among those fondly recalling the good times had at our Spring Fling! I want to thank all of you who have worked so hard to make this event happen: Jim Morgan, Mike Lekas, Marion Elledge, Baltimore Bob Steele, Gregg Rufer and Potomac Fever, Jerry Thompson and all our tireless volunteers. If your feet ain't sore and your legs ain't tired from Spring Fling and celebrating Pride, show up at Hoe-down '99!, once again taking place at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on the Inner Harbor. We'll have food and Country/Western Vendors by the Baltimore city skyline. The event takes place Saturday, July 17th beginning at 9:00pm, rain or shine. Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the gate. And if these three big events aren't enough, IGRA convention will be happening in Long Beach, CA just one week after Hoe-down '99!. (Hope our delegates aren't worn out by then!) If your calendar still isn't full, there are scores of more intimate events that are taking place all summer long: Sunday Brunches, Royalty Fundraisers and monthly dinners, Trail Rides and Rodeo Clinics, not to mention the membership cookouts! For a complete list of ASGRA events visit the webpage or contact your S&E Chair!
Cowpoke Colors
Looking For A Few Good Cowboys and Cowgirls….
We agreed that if the hotel expenses could be eliminated, some positive things would happen. First, people that normally don't travel now could afford a Rodeo weekend "getaway" or two. In addition, contestants and Royalty would be able to participate in more rodeos, especially outside of their own geographic region. Lastly, and most important, this would promote more camaraderie within the rodeo community and allow people to visit places they might not be able to otherwise. Aside from sharing a hotel room, staying with friends/relatives is another way people have reduced their expenses. Each association has a diverse membership base. What if some of those members have some extra room and are willing to act as host/hostess for a weekend? The idea is for each organization to survey its membership to see who is willing to sponsor a cowboy/cowgirl from another organization. A survey would also identify those folks that would like to be sponsored at another organization's rodeo. These two lists could then be matched up between the rodeo organizations. The traveler could then contact the Sponsor(s) and make the necessary travel arrangements. So… we're asking you, the ASGRA membership, whether you would be interested in this type of Sponsorship Program. If you would like to sponsor a cowboy/cowgirl during our Atlantic Stampede or if you are participating in other rodeos and would like to be sponsored, we'd like to hear from you. We'll follow up with a short questionnaire for the basic info for matching. Interested Sponsorship Program participants should contact: Lonni La Bel, Ms. ASGRA '99
The Brunch Bunch The ASGRA Social and Entertainment Committee hosted its first Sunday Brunch at Mr. Henry's on Capitol Hill on April 18. An intimate group of folks gathered upstairs and discussed the finer points of rodeo, ASGRA, the weather and anything else that came to mind. Patrick Hunter, S&E Chair, was on hand to give a report on the previous day's events at ASGRA's Rough Stock School and Baltimore's Bob Steele gave a review of the food offerings, which he had the pleasure of previewing the week before. Group consensus was that the food was great and the company even better! The next brunch was held May 16 at the 17th Street Bar and Grill in Washington, DC. (Don't fret if you missed it due to the timing of this newsletter - on June 27th and then every 3rd Sunday of the month at 10:30am we'll be having one.) Thank you to the staff of Mr. Henry's, especially to our very busy waiter who handled the entire upstairs crowd all by himself. "Good Job, Honey!" Thanks as well to Mark Miller and the 17th St. Bar and Grill staff for their continued support for ASGRA. A special 'gracias' to our waiter at that establishment for his hard work with ASGRA's Brunch crowd, and his refresher course in Spanish with member Mark Whiting. (Waiter: "hablas espanol?" Mark: "un poquito" Waiter: "Me, too.") : Contact social chair for more info, and if you have a suggestion of a place where you'd like to have brunch, let us know. The event location is always TBA, so watch your mailbox for a postcard with that info. Join us for some friendly talk and good food - and a chance to get to know other ASGRA members.
The Gary Robinson Memorial "Shirt Off Your Back" Auction was held on March 20 at the Stagecoach Saloon and Restaurant in Baltimore. In addition to a traditional Shirt Auction with some of our very own hot ASGRA cowboys and cowgirls as models, the crowd was treated to live vocal performances from both the 1998 and 1999 royalty team members. Thanks to Joan Stewart from In Cahoots and to Sandy and Jerry Thompson of Red River Western Wear for their donation of some beautiful western shirts for the auction. A 50/50 raffle was also held along with a raffle of several donated items. Our own general store donated an ASGRA baseball cap, the Chevy Chase Ballroom and Terry Chasteen provided a gift certificate for dance lessons and Mr. Maryland Leather 1999 David Allen contributed 2 dinner theater tickets. The owner, management and staff of Stagecoach all took great care of both the royalty team and our loyal members and guests who turned out in support of this event. Thanks to Maria, Jeff, DJ Anna and bartenders Steve and Ron. Most of all thanks to our models, the 1998 royalty performers and our tireless volunteers, especially 'Raffleman" Bob Steele. $715 was raised and will be split between three charities (NAMES Project DC, PFLAG of Howard County and House of Ruth). It's Prom season and royalty headed out to Columbia in full formal finery on May 8. ASGRA's own Patrick Nelson headed up an effort to help PFLAG of Howard County plan and execute the First Annual PFLAG Prom, which was held at the Sheraton in Columbia, MD. PFLAG officially recognized Patrick for managing to encourage 30 folks from the DC area to purchase prom tickets and head out to Columbia in support of the group. Ms. ASGRA surprised quite a few folks by showing up in a more formal cocktail dress. (Just proving that our drag queens aren't the only ones who can wear sequins and heels!) Miss ASGRA 1999, Miss Patty Como, was done up in true diva style (tiara, a cascade of curls and formal gown with bustle and train, created for her by designer 'par excellence' Miss Terrie Santana). She turned heads all evening until finally she was cajoled by the organizers to perform a number for the crowd. Choosing Cher's 'Believe', she brought down the house and raised $100 for PFLAG of Howard County right there on the spot! The food, music and decor for the event were all first class and a wonderful time was had by all. Look for this to be an annual event and don't miss out next year! On May 11, your Social and Entertainment Chair had the special treat of hearing the sweet sounding voice of our own Ms. ASGRA, Lonni La Bel, at Franklyn's Coffeehouse Café at 2000 18th Street, NW. The intimate setting and friendly staff of Franklyn's, not to mention the absolutely fabulous food, were a perfect complement to Lonni's musical repertoire (which includes love songs in Spanish, folk, country, and my personal favorite, "Come Some Rainy Day". Our 'girl with guitar' just about brought a tear to my eye with her rendition of this Wynonna ballad). All tips from this event as well as 20% of the food and beverage totals for the evening went to Miriam's House, a hospice program for women with HIV and AIDS and their children.
For anyone who is interested in a coffee bar that serves a great cup of Joe (in all its infinite varieties!) and also has a terrific atmosphere, I would definitely recommend Franklyn's. And for anyone who is interested in a great musical performance, I would strongly recommend attending ANY of the Royalty functions - we sure have some good ones this year and they benefit several very good causes. For a schedule of Royalty team events visit the ASGRA webpage or email our royalty team.
Next performances by Lonni at Franklyn's: Friday, June 18 and Friday, July 16, 8-midnight All tips to benefit House of Ruth. ASGRA's Royalty team works to educate the general public on rodeo, ASGRA, IGRA and the C&W lifestyle, as well as to raise funds for our charities. We appreciate your generous support and enthusiasm! The ASGRA Royalty team continues to stay busy raising money for this year's designated charities! Miss ASGRA 1999, Miss Patty Como, organized a joint effort between ASGRA, BHT and Names Project DC to create a new BHT Rainbow Flag for Pride Celebrations and other similar events. BHT and Names Project DC provided the fabric and Names Project DC provided the use of its facilities and sewing equipment. On Sunday afternoon, May 16, Miss Patty and her small but determined band worked a minor miracle and completed the flag in a mere 4½ hours! (Thanx to 'Spike' and Mike Lentz from BHT and to Bonnie and her 3 sewing marvels from NAMES Project!!) The flag is 15 feet wide by 25 feet long and will be carried by the BHT contingent at both the Baltimore and DC Pride parades. Parade watchers will be encouraged to toss money into the flag as it goes along the route, with contributions going to the NAMES Project. ASGRA Royalty will escort the flag at the parades, marching along with BHT. Congrats to all the participants on completing this important and symbolic effort for our community! Coming Up… Seventh Annual Cowboy/Cowgirl and Silent Auctions - The longest running traditional Royalty fundraising event will be held later in the summer. The Royalty Team will auction dates with 10 cowboys and cowgirls and each auctionee will be 'sold' with an envelope that could include a dinner for two or other special gifts. A Silent Auction of products and services donated by area businesses will be held simultaneously. Special giveaways and a 50/50 raffle will also be held during the event. Stay tuned!! Country at Chaos!! The Royalty team is currently working with the owner of Club Chaos (1603 17th St., NW) to present a Country Benefit Show featuring some of the best live and illusionist country western performances in DC (including ASGRA royalty)! More details soon!! April Phool's at the Phase had to be canceled due to scheduling changes, but the concept is still alive! Ms. ASGRA will take country to the popular women's bar, the Phase I on 8th St., SE! More info once the date is confirmed - hot fun in the summertime and a chance for the ladies to get 'wet & wild'! Don't forget!! The Royalty team hosts dinners on the first Wednesday of each month. June 2 we will meet at Banana Café on 8th St., SE; on July 7 it's the 17th St. Bar & Grill, both at 7:30pm. Come join us!
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Grand Entry in Las Vegas   | |
 | Rodeo Macrame class? |
  | Tom (in blue), RJ (on board) and thier eagar(?) students in the chutes |
  | Ever notice that the mount is much smoother than the dismount? |
 | Mark Miller takes his steer for a walk around the ring |
 | JP Griffin has a nice start |
 | Patirck Hunter decides to lay back and enjoy the ride |
 | Cindy Brendle shows us how it's done! |
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| P.O. Box 22042 Alexandria, VA 22304-9204 (202) 547-9590 |