I am proud to say that the Board of Directors has completed and approved this year's budget. Your elected officials have very busy the past several months developing the 2001 ASGRA Operating Budget. Preparing the Association budget is a very involved and time-consuming process. The utmost care and thought must be used when structuring the final product. The Budget will now be presented to the membership for consideration. The final budget will be voted on at the March General Membership Meeting. Please make every effort to attend this special meeting. Your vote does count!

To be fiscally responsible the Board of Directors held the line on Atlantic Stampede 2001 spending and provided more funding for Social & Entertainment and Rodeo Training events. Keep an eye on your newsletter & website for upcoming activities and events. Mark Whiting, our Fund Raising Chair, has promised us a Fund Raising Program to be matched by no other past program. We wish Mark success in his fund raising mission. Please contact Mark if you know of any interested sponsors or donors or if you would like to serve on the Fund Raising Committee.

At the February Board Meeting, I regretfully accepted the resignation of John Stortz, our Public Relations Chair and Marion Elledge, our Membership Chair. I personally want to thank them for their dedicated service to ASGRA and wish them good luck in their personal ventures. The Board of Directors has appointed Michael Schanno to temporarily fill the vacated term of the Membership Chairperson. Thank you to Mike for volunteering to fill this vacancy. At this time we still have a vacancy in the Public Relations Chair position. Please see Page 4 of this newsletter for more information on the Board positions we will be voting on at Special Elections at the April meeting.

ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls became just that as the Board of Directors accepted their proposed charter with a unanimous vote. Way to go, Cowgirls! The newly official ASGRA group will operate under the umbrella of the Membership Chair. I personally welcome this fine group of talented women to our organization. They have done many fantastic events and a lot of fund raising already, not to mention recruiting many new female members. Keep an eye on them. They are going places!

Remember that my door is always open to all. Feel free to call or e-mail me anytime about any ASGRA-related issue or idea that you may have. Let's Rodeo!
David Hehr, Presiden

David, you're one of the founding members of ASGRA; who are the others? Phil Hastings is the first (and still a member in good standing), Phil Riggin, Mike Lentz and me. And our first Charter Member was Joe Lapari.

What's a Charter Member?
Charter Members are the first 100 members of the Association.

And when was ASGRA founded?
July of 1991 in Bethesda, MD. And we were seated at IGRA Convention that August.

And seated is your official recognition by IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Association)? Yes, in order to be seated you have to have a certain number of members within your association and you have to have a sponsor. Linda Frasier from KGRA was our sponsor. We were really getting our paperwork in at the 11th hour. IGRA convention is in August and we were founded only a month earlier, so it was pretty tight. But we made it. We got the official call that we had been seated in IGRA while we were at Remington's.

That must have felt good.
Sure did.

So, where did you all come up with the idea for a rodeo association on the East Coast?
Phil Hastings, really. I credit him with getting it started. It was his dream to get a rodeo association started.

And the four of you met up how?
Well, Mike Lentz was doing a lot of traveling for his job back then and while he was at Charlie's in Denver he met up with this fellow who invited him to come to the finals rodeo in Phoenix. At the same time, I was going to this SE leather contest and stumbled into the beginnings of SEGRA (South East Gay Rodeo Association). Mike and I got together and talked rodeo and that following summer we were competing in the Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo in Denver.

Now, don't you have to be a member of an existing association to compete in rodeo? ASGRA hadn't formed at this point yet, right? Right. We contacted SEGRA, DSRA and KGRA. DSRA responded and we got our membership, went out and competed. We won 5th place in steer deco. I still have the ribbon. (laughs)
When we were out there they announced the association of our membership and where we were from and Phil Hastings and Phil Riggin were astounded that these guys from DC were competing in rodeo. Phil Hastings tracked us down and talked us into forming a rodeo association.

Seems like everything kind of fell into place.
Somewhat, we had four really hard driving people to get this thing going. And getting incorporated was not easy, either.

How so?
Well, it was just about impossible to get incorporated in DC and Virginia didn't want us to use "Gay" in our name, so that left MD.

About the name. How'd you come up with "Atlantic States" Gay Rodeo Association?
(laughs) We had a list of names. My favorite still is Mid-Atlantic Gay Rodeo Association, but for an acronym MAGRA doesn't sound too nice. We wanted it to be a compromise between the name and how the acronym would sound. We also thought about North East Gay Rodeo Association, but as Mike Lentz said, when you sound that out…(shakes his head)

Also, we knew that our core of members would be coming from Virginia and we were incorporated in Maryland, but would also be doing a lot of events in the DC area, so we wanted to cover the region, and that's how Atlantic States was born. Plus, the acronym also placed us, at that time, as the #2 rodeo association in Grand Entry. That's done alphabetically, and putting us up near the front is what we liked. I think now we're #3 or so with Alberta Rockies (ARGRA) coming in. That "R" bumped us down one.

And for, the rodeo, Atlantic Stampede, we again had a list of names for rodeos and a committee voted on the best one and at that time we were the only gay rodeo with Stampede in our name. Now we're one of two.

Sierra Stampede being the second?
Right, Capitol Crossroads chapter of Golden State Gay Rodeo Association named their rodeo Sierra Stampede and they consider themselves our sister rodeo.

But ASGRA isn't all about rodeo, is it?
No, a lot of it is preparing for the rodeo (big laugh). No, Rodeo is only a part of us. We also have trail rides, dances, dance competition, fundraising and outreach to the community. We've given $15,000 to $20,000 to charity though our association with BHT (Brother Help Thyself) as well as our designated charities and royalty. We're really about bringing those in the Country Western Lifestyle together to meet others with a similar interest.

Within the gay community.
Not necessarily. You don't have to be gay to be a part of the rodeo association. I've had straight people come up to me and say. "I can't be a part of [ASGRA]. I'm not gay." And I tell them that's not true. We've got straight members as well as gay and transgender.

And bi members, too. (smile)
(smile back) Yes, bi-sexual members, too.

What's the best thing about being an ASGRA member?
It's fun. You can learn to dance, you can learn to rodeo and you can meet people. You don't have to be that person in the corner watching the crowd; you can be a part of it. That was once me, but being a member of this association has really helped me to come out of my shell and meet some really great people and make some good friends.

What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining ASGRA?
You'll never regret it.

Patrick Hunter

ASGRA will hold a special annual election for the 2000 - 20001 association year at the General Membership meeting scheduled for April 22, 2001. For eligibility requirements to run for office check ASGRA's Bylaws posted on our web site at www.ASGRA.org. The following Offices are up for election:
IGRA Trustee (2 years remaining of 3 year term)
Committee Chairperson (One-year term): Rodeo Events and Training
Committee Chairperson (One-year term): Public Relations
Committee Chairperson (One-year term): Membership

Members wishing to run for office must submit a written biography listing their qualifications for the nominated office by Sunday, March 11th. The information in the biography serves as a helpful reminder to members familiar with the candidate's background and as an important introduction to members who are unfamiliar with the candidate.

Layout
• The biography should be typed on one 8˝ x 11 page. Handwritten and extra pages will be included in the election packet although it is recommended that candidates remain professional and concise.
• Biographies will be reproduced for the election packet as they are received. The Elections Committee will not correct misspellings, editorial errors and other visual distractions. It is important to ensure accuracy before submitting the final version.
• Use standard fonts, sizes and features. Fancy fonts (e.g. script) can be distracting for people. Excessive use of bold and other features can also distract from the content of the biography. Content
• Remember you are writing to members who may or may not know you. Candidates should not assume that the reader is familiar with his or her experience in ASGRA.
• Keep all information relevant and concise. The biography is only meant as a guide to members about a specific candidate and a specific office. Stay brief and on target.
• Remember that experience need not be limited to ASGRA activities. They should include any relevant professional or extracurricular experience.
• Suggested heading for biography is "I, [candidate's name], am a candidate for the ASGRA Office of [office title].
• Answer the following questions in order and include questions on the form. Maintaining similar order among all the biographies will make it easier for members to review all of them.

Election packets will be mailed to all individual ASGRA members in good standing as of March 11, 2001 by March 23, 2001. Ballots can be mailed in or you may vote in person at the General Membership meeting on April 22, 2001. Remember, the deadline for submission of biographies is Sunday, March 11th. Please send your biographies to: Elections Chairperson, P.O Box 22042, Alexandria, VA 22304-7716, or send an attached copy via e-mail to: jrodonis@hotmail.com. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Joe Rodonis at 703-930-8798. Thanks!

One More Note

The ASGRA Bylaws Committee will present proposed bylaws changes to the Board at the March meeting. The Board sanctioned changes will be presented to the membership for approval at the April meeting. Please plan to join us for this important meeting!! Location and time for this meeting will be posted to the ASGRA website and hotline.

Weather permitting, we will be holding a trail ride at Piscataway Ranch in Clinton, MD at 11:00 am on the following Sundays:
March 11th: Get a little physical activity going before coming out to the General Membership Meeting later in the afternoon.
April 8th: Spring is in the air! Come on out and enjoy spring fever in the woods!
Regardless of the weather, we will be holding monthly training sessions for roping and camp events at Hideaway Ranch in Brandywine, MD at noon on the following Sundays:
Sunday, March 18 and April 22: Roping - on foot & (in April) breakaway with live calves
Sunday, May 20: Playday #1 - calf roping, goat dressing, steer deco & wild drag with live calves, goats & steers Contact Louis Varnado & Andy Pittman (301) 593-3004 for more info.

Roping in a Winter Wonderland…

Even the snow didn't stop RE&T's first calf roping training session for 2001. Pennsylvania was represented by first time roper, Paul who roped the hay dummy & Woody several times. A big thank you to his partner Joe, for driving the guys down from PA where there was 6" of snow. Also thanks, Joe for your help with the Chili! New York had a strong showing by Chuck & Terry. Terry caught both training calves several times to show us all that New York men can swing with the best of them. Chuck used the time to give their horse Jack exposure to some of the sights & sounds of Rodeo. I am happy to report that both horse and rider did well. Mike & Eric were strong supporters, with Mike doing quite well with a right handed rope despite being left handed - good job! Eric provided the pulling power for Woody, so we could simulate a calf breaking from the chutes. Thanks Eric, and a big hug! Joe & Jim drove the mountain roads to show their support of our event. Joe even got the calf roping bug and caught Woody several times showing us how cool DC cowboys do it. Jim was our wonderful cheerleader, big hug and special thanks! Les showed up and gave us a demonstration on how the real cowboys do it. Remember he got 8th out of 45 at the recent Phoenix Rodeo! Even the sons of Hideaway's owner, Darien & Shane, got in on the fun. All of this was under the careful training eye of ASGRA's own Bill Dunigan. We can't thank Bill enough for his encouragement and wonderful skills he so graciously shares with us. Thanks Bill! Overall it was a wonderful success and everyone enjoyed this winter day.

The second calf roping training session of 2001 kicked off Saturday February 17, 2001 despite the cold weather. We had 13 ASGRA members and five non-ASGRA members attend! One even took an ASGRA membership application with her and she is thinking of competing in 2001. The bull master was set up, with Cindy and ASGRA's own Jason H. providing training tips for all. Bill led the first timers with valuable training tips. New York once again had a strong presence with Rob, Terry and Chuck in attendance. Billy's wonderful help with the bull master is greatly appreciated and he seemed to enjoy the afternoon roping with Woody. A huge thank you goes out to Eric for once again providing the pulling power for Woody, so all us ropers could get the idea of a live calf coming out the chutes. Glen & Jim both joined in the fun and I think they may have been bitten by the roping bug. Special thanks to each of you who showed up and made this another wonderful, fun and exciting training session. Keep your eyes and ears open for live calves to follow as soon as Mother Nature permits.
Louis Varnado & Andy Pittman

This just in from Las Vegas

As many of you know, Las Vegas is not having a rodeo this year. If you were here for Big Horn 2000 you know why. Sunday's weather was not cooperative and with NASCAR in town that same weekend hotel and travel prices go up. So we did suffer some loss. We have taken this year off to re-group. And I am very happy to say that there definitely will be a Big Horn 2002 in Las Vegas. I am writing to you about a fundraiser we are doing this March 10th. It is what we call the "Wild and Wooley Wodeo". It's usually just a small bar rodeo, but it sure is a lot of fun. We give ribbons and All-Around Champion Buckles to the best cowboy and cowgirl. We decided to make this year's event a bigger one, since we're not holding a Big Horn Rodeo. The "Wodeo" starts at 2:00pm at Backstreet, our home bar. We are having a beer bust from 2-11pm for $5.00. There will be entertainment and dancing all day until 7:00pm. We will have vendors outside, including food vendors. At around 7:00 we will have a mini Grand Entry with presentation of the flags and the National Anthems. Then we will have the "Wild And Wooley Wodeo". This promises to be a fun event. We hope you can try to make it out here and help NGRA bring BigHorn Rodeo back to Las Vegas bigger and better in 2002. So mark your calendars For March 10th 2001 at the Backstreet Saloon and Dance Hall. Laura Scott - Rodeo Director, BigHorn 2002

Potential Stampede Competitors: learn the finer skills of Steer Riding & Chute Dogging
Previous Stampede Competitors: hone your skills before the full-swing of rodeo season begins!

Cost: 1 event $75, Both events $100
ALSO - Chute Volunteers Needed!
Those interested in working behind the chutes at Atlantic Stampede - become skilled at loading and rigging the stock for the events of Steer Riding and Chute Dogging!

For more information contact Cindy Brendle bullridergirl@aol.com or Mike Schanno rodeo@asgra.org

The 8th International Gay & Lesbian 2001 Business and Entertainment Expo
Saturday, March 17, 2001 noon-7pm Sunday March 18, 2001 noon-6pm Jacob Javits Convention Center New York City
For Directions call: 212-216-2000
Hotel: Loews -

This is a bi-coastal two-part event. The first part was held in San Francisco in February. IGRA has arranged a booth at both events and is asking for volunteer participation by the closest associations. In NYC that would be ASGRA! We have arranged to have the Bullmaster at the Expo along with some ASGRA representatives from the DC and NYC area, but we definitely need more help! Please contact Les Boggs for more information and details!

An email observation from one of ASGRA's own, Mr. IGRA 2001 First Runner-up, Sonny Koerner : Just a quick note. I am sending this to you, not only as a proud member of ASGRA, but also as a Representative at the IGRA level. I thought you should all know how well ASGRA was represented this past weekend in Phoenix. We had several competitors on hand, and an outstanding performance from ASGRA Royalty (past and present).

Blair, Madonna, and Jymmye arranged to have doughnuts on-hand for competitors both Saturday and Sunday ... keeping the "Krispy Kreme" tradition alive. We got quite a bit of PR from that. As well, MaDonna got down and dirty and volunteered with the chute crew over the weekend. As always, Miss Patty was busy behind the chutes all weekend as the Assistant Chute Coordinator, and she continues to represent ASGRA and IGRA with extreme dignity and respect.

ASGRA was represented at every level of the rodeo/association from the BOD level with Les, in judging and timing with Mike Lentz and Daniel, in the chute crew as I noted, and with competitors (Lonni, Oscar, Les, Don Horn, and others). That says a lot about us, when you consider it was a rodeo over 2500 miles away.

Lastly, one of the most talked about events of the weekend was Blair and Jymmye competing in events in full-on drag ... and doing quite well for first-timers. Jymmye competed in calf roping and with Blair in goat dressing ... where Blair was dubbed "Nadia" for her rolling dismount across the finish line. The audience and the competitors loved it, and they both earned a lot of respect this weekend. For those of us that can't always make it to some of the events, I know it is nice to hear how they go ... and how we (as an association) are represented. Both our royalty and our competitors did us very proud in Phoenix, and I thought you all should know.

• On November 29, 2000 ASGRA's Royalty Team 2001 joined Capital Pride Royalty and Remington's Royalty Team to co-host a benefit at Remington's for Food and Friends and the SLDN (Servicemembers Legal Defense Network). It was a star-studded night of entertainment, including performances by the current royalty team and members of ASGRA's past royalty teams as well. Over $3000 was raised for these worthy organizations.
• On December 19, 2000, Miss ASGRA 2001 Blair Michaels hosted the annual benefit for Grandma's House at Remington's. Despite an unscheduled appearance of snow and sleet, there was a great crowd and an exciting lineup of performers including past and present ASGRA Royalty. Approximately $2500 was raised for Grandma's House.
• The True Spirit Conference for 2001 was held in Washington, DC over the President's Day weekend, February 16-19, 2001. This year's conference featured a performance between the keynote speakers on Friday night by Miss ASGRA 2001, Blair Michaels, as well as performances by Miss ASGRA 2000 Jymmye Jaymes and former Ms. ASGRA 1999 Lonni La Bel at Saturday evening's cabaret show.
• On February 23, 2001, ASGRA Royalty graciously donated their regular ASGRA Night benefit at Sheridan's to past Ms. ASGRA Lonni La Bel, for the 3rd annual Love Shack benefit. In addition to regular charity recipient House of Ruth, this year the monies raised also went to the RCCF (Rodeo Contestant Crisis Fund). It was a wonderful evening of talent, with performances by ASGRA's Royalty teams 2000 and 2001, both individually and in a variety of duets, as well as by Mr. and Ms. IGRA 2000, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington's ensemble Potomac Fever, ASGRA's East Coast Cowgirls and the reigning Miss Sheridan's, Terrie Santana. A little over $1000 was raised for House of Ruth and RCCF.

  Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Miss ASGRA 2000 and Miss ASGRA 2001 are regular headliners at the Sunday evening shows at Remington's. This show frequently features ASGRA and IGRA royalty performers.
• Every second Friday of the month is ASGRA Night at the Stage Coach in Baltimore. ASGRA's Team 2001 has organized this event in conjunction with Patrick Hunter from the S&E Committee and they are all on hand to host the evening. Along with door prizes and raffles, the crowd gets to enjoy a show featuring some of the best live and illusionist (male and female drag) country western performances! All monies raised will be donated to ASGRA.
• Every fourth Friday of the month is ASGRA Night at Sheridan's in DC. ASGRA's Team 2001 carries on this monthly event which was originally organized by ASGRA and IGRA's Team 2000. Along with Pauly's famous Jell-O shooters and the 50/50 raffle, the crowd gets to enjoy performances by ASGRA's past and present royalty along with special guest performers. All monies raised will be donated to ASGRA.

Albuquerque, NM (October 20-22, 2000):
IGRA Finals 2000 was a fun-filled, if somewhat soggy (what is it about rain for the 2000 rodeo season?) weekend for rodeo and IGRA royalty contestants alike. ASGRA made a fine showing on all fronts, with both Royalty Teams 2000 and 2001 wowing the entire rodeo community and Sonny Koerner taking home the Mr. IGRA 2001 First Runner-up title. Our rodeo contestants did us proud as well:

• Cindy Brendle had a great steer ride on Sunday taking 5th place for the day
• Reddi Whip (aka Lonni La Bel) also took a 5th place slot on Sunday, in Calf Roping on Foot
• Our roughstock cowboys made a nice showing, with Wayne Sheffield taking 5th on bulls on Saturday, Russell Schnitz finishing 6th on Saturday and 3rd Sunday for a 3rd place finish overall. Oscar Mocelo also rode well both days, finishing up in 3rd on Saturday, 4th on Sunday and 2nd overall
• Former ASGRA president Jason Hays had a great ride on Saturday, taking first place Dennis Terrell and Russell Schnitz kept ASGRA's name prominently displayed in several events:
• In Steer Riding, Dennis placed first on Saturday and finished in 5th place, while Russell took 6th on Saturday and first on Sunday to walk off with the buckle
• In Calf Roping on Foot, Russell took 1st on Saturday, while Don Horn jumped in with a 7th place finish on Sunday. Dennis showed consistency, taking 5th place Saturday, 3rd on Sunday and the buckle on this event.
• In Breakaway Roping Dennis and Russell showed off both their horsemanship and roping skills, taking the 1st and second place positions overall, respectively.
• In Flag Racing, Dennis took 6th on Saturday and 3rd on Sunday for 4th place overall.
• In Team Roping, Dennis joined regular partner Andy Anaya (AGRA) to place 4th on Saturday, riding to 1st on Sunday for a 2nd place finish overall. Reversing positions they did even better, taking 1st place Saturday, 2nd place Sunday and the buckle overall. Russell teamed up with Justin Dennis (CGRA) to take 5th on Saturday, 7th on Sunday and 4th place for the weekend.
• ASGRA was ably represented in the camp events as well. Andy and Dennis teamed up for Goat Dressing, taking 5th on Saturday and 6th overall. Dennis teamed up with Justin Dennis (CGRS) and Renita Encinias (NMGRA) in Wild Drag, taking 2nd place on Sunday. The 'Dream Whip' team of Reddi Whip, Rick Simmons (CGRA) and Jim Brown (MIGRA) took 6th on Saturday and managed to place high enough on Sunday to hold the 6th place position overall.
• Dennis and Russell both placed for All-Around Cowboy with Dennis taking top honors and Russell finishing 4th.
• Overall, Team ASGRA earned 1154 points and placed 5th of 17 associations competing.

The weather was chilly and wet in Ft. Worth, but nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the contestants gathered there for the first rodeo of the 2001 season. ASGRA had a small but energetic contingent on hand to keep the association name on the Top 8 list:

• Reddi Whip kick-started the women steer riders by making the first ride of the new season and taking a third place ribbon for Saturday Wayne Sheffield and Oscar Mocelo kept the momentum going on steers, with Wayne placing 3rd on Saturday and Oscar placing consistently at 4th both days and overall
• Oscar started off his 2nd full season as a bullrider with a pretty 2nd place ride on Saturday. Dennis Terrell had a nice warmup to the 2001 season as well, catching his calf and taking 2nd on Saturday in Calf Roping on Foot.