  | Volume XI, Issue 5 June 2002 |
The President's Update…
Guys and Gals,
As you can see, the Association is actively engaged in its business and has already accomplished much this year. As we enter the summer months, the activity level will continue to increase. A special thanks goes out to the many men and women whose efforts make this Association's work possible. When your membership renewal arrives in the coming month, please renew it and resolve to become a more active member. Thanks!
Gaither Pennington; President, ASGRA
 The Membership CornerThere are several things coming up in the very near future. The first is the June General Membership meeting, slated for 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 23 at Sheridan's (713 8th St., SE). One of the key items on the agenda is the proposed revision to the bylaws. It is important to get as many people in attendance as possible for this meeting. Sheridan's will offer a 10% discount in the restaurant for that evening to members who present a valid ASGRA card. So come out and show your support for ASGRA, put your vote in on the bylaw changes, find out what's going on in the association and stick around for 10% off dinner. Come downstairs and dance off the calories after dinner. The restaurant opens at 5:30pm. What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than with a meeting, dinner and dancing? Second is Membership Renewal. Memberships for ASGRA run June 30 - July 1. Included in this newsletter is the membership renewal form. If you are a member now or if you have let your membership lapse, I encourage you renew now. If you have wanted to join, now is the best time to do it. The form is the same for both joining and for renewing. Just mark the correct box. Membership dues are not going up this year. They will remain $30 for the year. Next - have you checked out the web page lately? Frank Harrell has done a wonderful job of updating the page with all the upcoming events and ASGRA-related information. One of the new additions is on the membership link. We have added a section just for updating your information. If you have moved, gotten a new phone number, changed your email address or changed your name, you can make those changes right on the web. It is a secure site. Simply fill in the blanks and hit "SUBMIT". It directs an email right to my account. Making these changes helps us to be able to send you your newsletter, updates and the like. So help us help you to stay informed.
Speaking of Stampede, you can order tickets online at the ASGRA web site. But, why not save yourselves a few bucks? Also included in this newsletter is an order form for tickets. By ordering them when you renew your membership, you can save $10 on a weekend pass. The weekend pass covers both days of events at the rodeo grounds, as well as the dances at the host hotel and the closing dance at the grounds. (Note: the Sunday night Steak Dinner is not included in this price.) Mail BOTH your membership form AND ticket order form in by August 30th and your tickets will be sent to you in the mail, along with your new membership card. You can send one check to cover both membership and tickets. One of the ways I communicate with the membership is by email. It's quick, easy and I can get to most of you in one shot. If I do not have your email address, you may get left out of the loop on things like membership and board meeting announcements or special events. So make sure that I have your current email address. (If you would prefer to not get emails, please let me know that as well and I will remove your name from my distribution.) I can be reached at . And lastly, I am your liaison to the board of directors. If you have a concern or question, please don't hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to get you an answer or get the situation corrected. I'm here for you and your needs as members of this association. Mike S.; Membership Chair
News 'Round the Corral "Happy Trails Are Here Again!" Remember, ASGRA trail rides are the first Sunday of the month at 11:00am! Weather permitting, we will be holding a trail ride at Piscataway Ranch in Clinton, MD at 11:00 am on the following days: June 2nd: Kick off Pride month by bringing a friend out for the trail ride! July 7th: Top off your 4th of July celebration weekend with a relaxed summer ride! For further information and to RSVP, contact Glenn at (703) 538-2225.
Royalty Night Alert!Every Sunday ASGRA's Royalty helps to host the "Sequins and Studs" variety show at Remington's. Shows start at 8:30pm! Y'all Come! The first Friday of each month, Sheridan's holds a country western dance party. There is NO fundraiser on these nights - NO COVER and the drink specials are $2 domestic beer and rail drinks. Come out and two step to your heart's delight!
So You Want to Be a Cowpoke?
ASGRA Calendar of Events June 2002 2, 11:00am Trail Ride at Piscataway stables, Clinton, MD 2, 8:30pm Sequins " Studs; Remington's, Washington, DC 4, 7:30pm Rodeo Roundtable Meeting; Remington's; Washington, DC 8, DC Pride Parade 9, DC Pride Festival 9, 8:30pm Sequins " Studs; Remington's, Washington, DC 11, 7:30pm ASGRA Board Meeting; Capital Hilton 12, 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC 15, Baltimore Pride Parade 16, Baltimore Pride Festival 16, 8:30pm Sequins " Studs; Remington's, Washington, DC 19, 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC 23, 4:00pm General Membership Meeting; By-Laws Meeting Sheridan's, Washington, DC 23, 8:30pm Sequins " Studs; Remington's, Washington, DC 30, 8:30pm Sequins " Studs; Remington's, Washington, DC
July 2002 newsletter issue:
On the IGRA Front… Did you know? American Airlines is offering special rates for IGRA rodeo attendees! More details should be available soon on the IGRA website (www.igra.com), but a few highlights follow:
FYI: Several members have asked about the status of RCCF (Rodeo Contestant Crisis Fund). Our Membership Chair did some investigating and received this (edited) email from RCCF:
"Hi Mike, I did also mail the ASGRA a letter to thank them for the plaque we received in December, if they did not get that please let me know. Thank you again for your concern and continued support, and if we can help in any way please let me know.
Sincerely,
Stampede 2002 Marketing Opportunities
Consider placing an ad in our Stampede 2002 program book or having a table in our Vendor Tent. It's a great way to help your business grow and let those who read our book know that you support not only the GLBT community, but also the rodeo and country western communities. Have you seen those beautiful buckles that our contestants and Royalty wear? You could have your name engraved on the back of one of those buckles, as well as having the honor of presenting it to the winner during the awards ceremony on Sunday evening. Leave a lasting positive impression on the winner by showing your support.
The ASGRA Web page has all the information you could possibly want about sponsoring a buckle, setting up a vendor table and advertising your company during Stampede 2002. I invite you to show your support for both the rodeo and the community in one (or more) of these ways. Package deals are available. Check it out on the web at http://asgra.org or contact me at for more details.
ASGRA Royalty 2002 Roundup!
ASGRA Royalty performed at both the Miss Remington's Contest April 25th and at the Ms. Remington's Contest on May 9th. Mr. ASGRA 2000 Sonny Koerner also performed at both events. Ms. ASGRA Beth Brockelman performed at Ms. Sheridan's Prom Night benefit for House of Ruth at Sheridan's on May 3rd and also made an appearance at the Tool Shed for ASGRA night with the Pucker Boys on May 10th. Miss ASGRA 2002 Jymmye Jaymes hosted Bimbo Bingo on April 17th and May 15th at Sheridan's. |
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As I'm sure you know by now, Stampede 2002 is coming up very soon - September 6-8 to be exact. Volunteer forms have been sent out to the membership. If you have not received your form and want to volunteer during Stampede, email Scott Smiley at .
2002 IGRA Rodeos
Outdoors Enthusiasts Wanted for Adventuring!
Adventuring, DC's leading club for gay and lesbian outdoors enthusiasts, invites you to come along on one of their frequent hikes, bike rides, canoe expeditions, camping trips and similar excursions. Costs are low, the exercise is good for you, and the fun is contagious.
Check out their Website at www.adventuring.org, or call Bob at (202) 232-6131 to receive a free sample copy of their monthly newsletter.
2002 ASGRA Meeting Schedule
AA Rodeo Group number: 
During the course of Stampede weekend, over 2,000 people come to one or more of our events. They come to watch the events in the arena or to enjoy at least one of the dances. Every person that walks through our gates is handed a program. What better way to get the word out that your business is up and running?
Due to unexpected personal and business concerns, Jaret Austin has regretfully tendered his resignation as Mr. ASGRA 2002. First Runner Up Mr. ASGRA 2002 Oscar Mocelo will take on the title of Mr. ASGRA 2002 effective immediately. We thank Jaret for his efforts on behalf of ASGRA and SLDN over the past 7 months.