Thanks to everyone for doing it so well, Atlantic States-style! I had a great time celebrating with all of you. Next time you visit Sheridan's please take a moment to give Sandy, Jerry, Steve, John and the whole staff a big ASGRA thank you for providing their place for us. I would also like to say congratulations to all the ASGRA volunteer awards recipients. I wish that there were more that we could do as an organization to show our gratitude to all of the people who contribute to ASGRA's continued success. If ASGRA had the finances to do it, every member who gave his/her best for us, no matter how small, would get an award. It was very hard for specific members to be selected for our awards. This is a serious process and not taken lightly. Please know that you are appreciated and that your daily contributions do not go unnoticed. ASGRA needs every member. As your President I certainly know this and I thank all of you for what you do for us. ASGRA cannot function without you.

We have many activities coming up this spring. There will be opportunities for entertainment, rodeo training and fund raising. Be on the lookout, because other members and I will be calling on you for your talents and skills. Fellow ASGRAns, here is where the rubber meets the road. Again it's time to roll up our sleeves and get down to some good old volunteer work. Remember it's all part of the fun of belonging to such a fine organization. I will be in the trenches shoulder to shoulder with you. To quote Mr. Wayne Jakino, the Grand Daddy of Gay Rodeo, "Get it on your mind." In the spirit of volunteerism, I'd like to let the membership know that effective 02/23/00, Patrick Hunter has been temporarily appointed Public Relations Chairperson. He will carry the same powers and responsibility as the elected chairperson. John Stortz has been given some unexpected additional business and schooling requirements and will need to take a brief leave of absence as PR Chair to focus on them. This appointment will remain in effect until June 1, 2000. Please address your PR related business to Patrick in the interim.

As my final note for the month I'd like to say thank you once more to Les Boggs and Mike Lentz for their outstanding contributions to ASGRA. These guys have gone the extra mile for us. Give them a hug when you see them. Let's Rodeo!
David H, President

Membership Committee meetings are held the second Thursday of every month. All members are encouraged to attend and get involved…remember, ASGRA is only as good as those who volunteer! We are still looking for some members to help out on the Membership Committee. If you would like to get involved, contact me for the meeting place and time or look for the meeting list on the web page and in Thirteen Spurs.

The Membership Committee is currently working on redesigning the membership renewal/application for membership form. We realize that the old form is a bit confusing. A new renewal form and new membership form will soon be gracing the web page (www.asgra.org). Both will be downloadable.

The Committee is also working on gathering membership benefits from area merchants. This will be an ongoing effort. If you know of any merchant that would be willing to extend a discount to ASGRA members, please contact any ASGRA Board Member. We will be posting them in Thirteen Spurs and on the web page soon. Several of you have also asked "What do you get for the premium memberships?". ASGRA's premium memberships have been in existence for quite some time but never had a benefit attached to them. The Committee evaluated the memberships and has prepared a proposal for approval by the Board of Directors. Once approved, these special memberships will be made available to the general membership. Stay tuned!

RED SHIRT ALERT!!!
ASGRA will be submitting an order for RED SHIRTS early in March for those active members interested in purchasing them. The cost is $50.00. Please make checks payable to ASGRA and indicate "Red Shirt" on the check. No COD orders will be accepted. Checks may be given directly to Membership Chair Tim Bills or mailed to:
ASGRA Membership Chair 2000: Red Shirt Order
PO Box 14308
Washington, DC 20044

Please email your intent to purchase, ASAP. Include the following information: neck size, sleeve length, name to be embroidered on the front, your name and a contact telephone number. Once we receive your check, your order will be included. Don't miss out on this chance to order!
Tim Bills, Membership Chair

The dances are held at the Center (1 Little West 12th Street, between Hudson Street and Ninth Avenue in fabulous Greenwich Village). Call the Mustangs Information Line: (212) 475-7099 (24 hours) or check out http://iaglcwdc.org/~mustangs/

Keep on the lookout for announcements on a workday/weekend sometime in March to move fencing, chutes, etc. from Piscataway Horse Farm in Clinton, MD to Hideaway Horse Farm in Upper Marlboro. We will need all the help we can get! Lunch will be supplied to those attending.

Plans are now in progress for the Spring 2000 rough stock school! We are looking at either the weekend of April 22-23 or May 6-7. The school will be conducted by our stock contractor Tom Drury at a location in Maryland. More details coming soon! (By the way - we're still looking for sponsors for the last 3 of the 6 training buckles for the 1999 training sessions and rough stock school. They are $80 each and were presented at the February awards event.) Contact RE&T Chair Cindy Brendle for more details.

16th Annual IGRA Convention in Las Vegas
Who: 6 Delegates and 5 Alternates from ASGRA
What: 16th IGRA Annual Convention
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: August 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2000

Upcoming Events by Armadillo Country…

• For the ladies: Annie's Angels presents their monthly women's C&W dance at the Rockville Unitarian Church in Rockville, Maryland on Friday, March 17th from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. For more details, contact Karen at klg4fun@aol.com
• The next Delaware dance will be held on Saturday, April 22nd at the Arden Gild Hall. Don't forget to wear your Easter Bonnet with all the frills upon it. Upcoming details to follow.
• Look for an article on our dances in the February 18th issue of the Baltimore Gay Paper. The article can be found in the Life section under Country/Western. BGP can be found at your local Borders Bookstore. Thanks to Bob Steele for the publicity!

March
5 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000
7 7:30pm ASGRA Board meeting, Hyatt Regency Hotel
8 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
8 7:00pm Fundraising & Sponsorship Meeting
9 7:30pm Membership Committee Meeting
12 10:30am ASGRA Trail Ride at Piscataway
12 4:00pm ASGRA General Membership Meeting, Club Chaos
12 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000
15 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
16 7:30pm PR Committee Meeting
19 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000
20 7:30pm Newsletter Committee Meeting
21 8:00pm Rodeo Events and Training Committee Meeting
26 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000
April
2 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000
5 7:30pm ASGRA Board meeting, Hyatt Regency Hotel
9 10:30am ASGRA Trail Ride at Piscataway
9 4:00pm ASGRA General Membership Mtg, Hyatt Regency Capital Hill
9 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000
12 7:00pm Fundraising & Sponsorship Meeting
12 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
12 9:00pm ASGRA Bar Night at the DC Eagle
13 7:30pm Membership Committee Meeting
16 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000
17 7:30pm Newsletter Committee Meeting
18 8:00pm Rodeo Events and Training Committee Meeting
19 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
20 7:30pm PR Committee Meeting
23 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000
28-30 Millennium March on Washington
30 9:00pm Country Jamboree at Club Chaos with Miss ASGRA 2000

ASGRA's members kicked off the 2000 calendar year with enthusiasm! Here's a review of the Roadrunner Regional Rodeo in Phoenix!

Phoenix, AZ (January 14-16):
ASGRA headed out to the sunny southwest for a warm January rodeo. While the weather was beautiful and the Corona Ranch newly renovated and improved, many of us had flashbacks to the marathon Vegas rodeo last year! Not surprising when you consider there were 176 pre-registered contestants and the final total was @224! Folks were generally pretty good-humored and flexible about the schedule changes, both in the arena and back at the host hotel events. All our competitors represented us well, with the following highlighted performances:

• Oscar Mocelo placed 8th on Saturday in Steer Riding
• James Tucciarone took 2nd place on Sunday and 5th overall in Chute Dogging
• Paired with Jim De Line (MGRA), Jim placed 7th on Sunday and 8th overall in Steer Decorating
• Rounding out the camp events, Jim teamed up with Cynbad (GSGRA) and Tom Sheridan (MIGRA) to place 6th on Sunday in Wild Drag Racing
• Simone and Anthony Adamowski teamed up on Steer Decorating to place 1st on Sunday and 2nd overall
• Russell Schnitz kicked off 2000 with another great rodeo:
  • He placed 2nd on Saturday and 1st on Sunday to take 2nd place overall in Bull Riding
  • Keeping the pace up in Steer Riding, Russell placed 1st on Saturday and 2nd on Sunday to take 1st place overall in that event
  • He managed to take 6th on Saturday in Calf Roping on Foot
  • His horse and roping skills were in evidence as he teamed up with Justin Dennis (CGRA) to take 2nd on Saturday in Team Roping
  • Camp events had a strong showing as well; teamed with fellow ASGRA member Jeff Cannon, he placed 6th on both days in Goat Dressing to take 5th place overall in that event
  • In Wild Drag Racing, the duo added Candy Pratt (TGRA) to the team; they placed 3rd on both days to secure the 3rd place position overall
• Dennis Terrell continued his strong Austin start in Phoenix, placing in the following events:
  • 4th on both Saturday and Sunday to take 3rd place overall in Steer Riding
  • 4th on Saturday and 1st on Sunday to take 1st place overall in Chute Dogging
  • 7th on Saturday in Calf Roping on Foot
  • 2nd on Sunday in Flag Racing
  • Dennis and regular partner Andy Anaya (AGRA) joined up on Team Roping to take 1st on Saturday, 3rd on Sunday and 2nd overall in one pairing
  • Switching places in the same event, they took 1st on Sunday and overall
  • They continued to stay productive in the camp events, placing 1st on Saturday in Steer Decorating and taking 4th on Sunday and overall in Goat Dressing
  • Teamed with Andy and his sister Sandra Anaya, Dennis placed 6th on Saturday and 4th overall in Wild Drag Racing

Congratulations to all our ASGRA competitors!
Here's to a safe, fun and exciting Rodeo Year 2000!

Also served up was a donation in the amount of $300 for MetroTeen AIDS. This donation was made in the name of all the ASGRA volunteers. Special recognition was given to supportive local area people and businesses; Cindy Brendle had the honor of presenting the awards to the All-Around winners of the 1999 Atlantic Stampede and buckles to the training recipients. ASGRA Board members were presented with specially engraved mouse pads in recognition for their efforts on the ASGRA Board of 1999, and volunteers who were not members of ASGRA received a free six month membership. See the listing below for the names of all those recognized.

The highest honors of the evening went to two long-time ASGRA members and volunteers. The Golden Lariat Award, an original piece of art designed by Lee Badger, was given to the members who exemplify the best qualities of all ASGRA volunteers. This year's honorees were Les Boggs and Mike Lentz. Les Boggs served as ASGRA PR Chairman in 1997, Vice President from 1997-1999, and President for last half of 1999 after Jason Hays' departure. Mike Lentz has served as ASGRA Trustee for the past six years. Prior to that he had served as ASGRA's first President and is one of the original founding members of our association. Both men have devoted countless hours, knowledge and hard work in support of ASGRA's numerous events throughout the years. Gentlemen, we thank you.

A final tip of the Stetson is in order for Jim Morgan and the Social and Entertainment Committee who helped to put together an event that was both classy and fun for all.
Patrick Hunter

Individuals who received special recognition for service to ASGRA
Beth Brockleman Jr., Billy Collison, Bruce Forchheimer, Chris Brush, Christopher Eskelinen, Cindy Brendle, Dan Short, Dave H, David Barenburg, David Peredia, Don Horn, Eric Gangloff, Eric Korpon, Eric Powell, Gaither Pennington, Glenn Hayataka, J.P. Potter, Jim Morgan, Jim Yoder, Joe Rodonis, John Gilligan, John McCann, John Stortz, Jose Cardoso, Kelly Poorman, Kerry Richard, Les Boggs, Linda Molesworth, Lonni La Bel, Marion Elledge, Mark Whiting, Matt Komornik, Michael DiPaula, Michael Pollock, Mike Benner, Mike Lekas, Mike Lentz, Mike Metzler, Rik Kelly, Ron Fink, Rudy Wagner, Steven Haber, Tamsen Ricketts, Tim Bills, Tom Sachs

1999 ASGRA Volunteer Awards Recipients

The 1999 ASGRA Board of Directors

1999 Atlantic Stampede Awards
All Around Awards

• Cindy Brendle Women's Rough Stock Champion, Women's Roping Events Champion, Women's All-Around Champion
• Debora Simon Women's Camp Events Champion
• Janet Clement Women's Horse Events Champion
• Russell Schnitz Men's Rough Stock Champion
• Dennis Terrell Men's Roping Events Champion, Men's Camp Events Champion, Men's Horse Events Champion, Men's All-Around Champion

• Men's Calf Roping Keith Reeves
• Women's Calf Roping Tamsen Ricketts
• Men's Steer Riding Mark Miller
• Women's Steer Riding Lonni La Bel
• Men's Chute Dogging Paul McCaffrey
• Women's Chute Dogging Debora Simon

• Les Boggs
• Mike Lentz

Ray Hunt has been on the Western horse scene for over 50 years in all aspects of horsemanship. He is one of the few real masters of true natural horsemanship and is the one who has inspired most of the modern day clinicians. He is driven by a deep desire to help the horse and is the author of "Think Harmony With Horses". Ray does not teach a style of riding - he teaches horsemanship. All types of riders can benefit and are welcome.

• Colt Starting Colt Starting is open to unstarted horses (colts & fillies) and progresses from halter work to responding to a rider's instructions. Helpful for the difficult or problem horse. (Bring an old saddle and bosal or snaffle.) Maximum participants: 15 Fees: 4 days: $500
• Horsemanship Horsemanship will increase a rider's understanding of the "horse human" relationship. Ray helps each horse and rider find new confidence in their work together, laying the groundwork for a rewarding partnership. Maximum participants: 20 Fees: 3 days: $400
• Cow Working The Cow Working class helps the "horse rider team" learn to "read" and more effectively control the cow. Ray helps team penners, ropers, cutters, sorters and ranch workers. Maximum participants: 8 Fees: 3 days: $500 Arena Fees: $50/rider/class Auditor/Spectator Fees: $30/day Stalls: $25/day No video or audio recording * bring your own chair * Indoor and Outdoor Arenas 12 months negative Coggins required * Participants may observe other sessions at no charge Ray reserves the right to refuse any horse or rider Participation is Limited * Register Early

  To register send name, address, phone number, desired class(es) and a $200 deposit check (payable to Carolyn Hunt) to:
  Lois Dunlop
  1851 Columbia Road, NW, Apt. 505
  Washington, DC 20009
  Deposit must be received no later than May 15, 2000.
  For more information contact Lois Dunlop

  Directions: Route 7 West past Leesburg, VA to, Charles Town Pike (Rte. 9), Right onto Clarks Gap Road (Rte. 662), Left onto Hedgeland Lane

  ---

  Royalty Roundup
  Country Jamboree at Club Chaos!
  Just a reminder… Miss ASGRA 2000, Miss Jymmye Jaymes is your hostess every Sunday evening for Country Jamboree at Club Chaos (at the corner of 17th & Q St. NW). Dance lessons are offered from 6-7:30pm with open dancing following from 7:30-9pm. At 9 and 10:30, Jymmye will emcee shows featuring the best of DC's live and illusionist talent (including your ASGRA and local IGRA Royalty), with open dancing both between shows and following the last show. For more details, contact Jymmye or Club Chaos (202-232-4141) or see the Chaos webpage (www.chaosdc.com)

  LOVE SHACK 2000!!!
  Valentine's Day weekend 2000 was filled with sweethearts as Ms. IGRA 2000 and the ASGRA and IGRA 2000 Royalty teams kicked off the season with "Love Shack 2000", the second annual variety show to benefit House of Ruth and IGRA. The benefit was held on Sunday February 13 at Club Chaos, where it was co-hostessed by Lonni La Bel, Ms. IGRA 2000 and ASGRA's own Miss Jymmye Jaymes, who donated her regular Country Jamboree show time as well as her talent and tips to the event.

  All of the local royalty were in attendance, with Mr. IGRA 2000 Daniel Lusk "Standing Outside the Fire", Mr. ASGRA 2000 Sonny Koerner creating quite a bit of "Steam" in the audience, First Runner Up Miss IGRA 2000 Miss Patty Como hoping to be "Almost Home", Miss ASGRA 2000 Jymmye Jaymes looking for someone to "Stand Beside Me" and Ms. IGRA 2000 Lonni La Bel (as Miss Vykkye Jaymes-Kyle) summing up the evening's theme that "Love's the Only House".

  Setting fire to floor as well was local favorite Blair Michaels, looking just like a Valentine herself in a blazing red dress. The evening was chock full of fun, with wonderful entertainment by a wide variety of talented singers. Special thanks go out to performers Leonard Gabriel, Monica Curls, Willie Harley, John Dimes, Andrew Harmon, Brian Jones, Jason, Claude de Guchi (who also donated his time and artistic talent to create the MW ad and palm cards for the event), Terry Crummitt and Robert Boaz. These fine folks donated not only their time and talent, but all their tips as well - and many them were second year veterans to this event. DJ Dawn even got into the act, as she wrote out a check while stating that "if the performers could donate their tips, she could donate her paycheck for the evening". Coordinator Jose Cardoso is to be commended once again for his efforts, both in organizing the talent and performing himself!

  Ms. IGRA 2000 would like to also thank the numerous businesses that donated items and gift certificates to be raffled off: Florist's Workshop, massage therapist Chris Crull, Sheridan's, Red River Western Wear, 10% Productions and Peas in a Pod, 17th Street Bar & Grill, Franklyn's Coffeehouse Café, Washington Video, and ASGRA itself which donated T-shirts and hats. The tireless volunteers who worked the crowd all evening selling raffle tickets, collecting tip money from the onstage baskets and counting and tallying the cash included Madonna Medina, Keith Reeves, Beth Brockleman, Michael Sanders and Mike Lentz (who was our BHT rep as well). Our thanks go out to the owners and staff of Club Chaos as well. Thank you to all those named as well as anyone we may have inadvertently missed!

  It was an especially Happy Valentines Day for House of Ruth and IGRA, as Love Shack 2000 raised $1100 for the evening (Club Chaos was extra supportive, donating an additional $50 to round up the total). It just shows once again that DC's Cowboys and Cowgirls have hearts as wide as a western prairie.

  ASGRA's Royalty team works hard to educate the public on rodeo, ASGRA, IGRA and C&W lifestyle, as well as to raise funds for charity. (The 2000 recipients include AIDS Walk and BHT). We tip our hats to you and encourage you to continue the same fine support and enthusiasm that you showed us in 1999!

  Let's Cowboy and Cowgirl Up!

  Recent Royalty doings:

  • On January 9, Miss ASGRA 2000 (Miss Jymmye Jaymes) took home the additional title of Miss Zodiac 2000. Congrats, Jymmye!
  • Mr. IGRA 2000 Daniel Lusk and Mr. ASGRA 2000 Sonny Koerner have been performing regularly at Club Chaos for Country Jamboree with Miss ASGRA 2000.
  • At the Performing Artists of Detroit (PAD) nominations show on February 20, Doug Graff (Mr. IGRA1999) and Lonni La Bel (Ms. IGRA 2000) were nominated for "Outstanding show by an out of town performer in the last year". The nomination was for the shows that Lonni and Doug emceed and performed at in Detroit on the weekend of January 28-30 as part of the MIGRA royalty competition for 2000. The awards will be given out in March.
  • Mr. ASGRA 2000 and Ms. IGRA 2000 performed at Remington's Corral Cabaret on February 20 - they'll be back there again on March 26. Come on out and support them!
  • First Runner-up Miss IGRA 2000, Miss Patty Como (aka Matt Komornik) received rave reviews from the local press for her performance as Audrey (the carnivorous plant) in the much acclaimed performance of "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Church Street Theater. ASGRA Treasurer Steven Haber produced the fabulous show.
  • Miss ASGRA 2000 and Ms. IGRA 2000 (as Miss Vykkye) entertained an enthusiastic crowd as part of miss baby's Wild Kingdom variety show at the True Spirit Convention in Alexandria, VA on February 19.

  ---

  Male Survivors of Sexual Assault:
  The DC Rape Crisis
  Center is now forming a support group for gay and bi-sexual men who think they may have been or were sexually assaulted as a child, adult, or both. For more information call Ryan at (202)232-0789.

  ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS! IGRA Royalty Team 2000 is selling entertainment books as part of this year's fund raising effort. The books can save you hundreds of dollars at hotels, restaurants and other businesses. You can purchase them via the Internet at www.entertainment.com. Enter code #614484 to ensure that IGRA receives the credit for the sale.

  OUTdancing Spring 2000
  An Exclusively Gay & Lesbian Partner dance weekend
  Two-Step * Swing * Salsa * and more…
  April 14-16, 2000 Pocono Manor Inn & Golf Resort Pocono Manor, PA 800-233-8150
  Beginners Welcome * No Partner Needed * Reserve Early
  Call Stepping Out at 212-245-5200 for more details on the weekend!

  ---

  Membership Committee: Meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:30pm Contact Tim Bills for location
  Fundraising & Sponsorship: Remington's, upstairs; 7:00pm Meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of every month
  Social & Entertainment: Contact Jim Morgan for location, date and time
  Newsletter: Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7:30pm Contact Lonni La Bel for location
  May/June issue: Submissions due: 4/10/00 Mail out date: 4/15-16
  Rodeo Events & Training: Sheridan's, upstairs; Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 8pm
  Public Relations: AAHSA 901 E Street, NW Meetings are on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:30pm

  We're naming names…
  Interested in getting an ASGRA name badge? All we need is a $9.00 check payable to ASGRA and the name you would like on the badge. Checks may be sent to the PO Box c/o the Membership Chair or given directly to Membership Chair Tim Bills.

  Mark Your Calendars Now!
  NYC Pride 2000 is coming on Sunday June 25, 2000. Stay tuned for more details from our NYC area members!

  ---

  President: David H 13512 Woodvale Court Woodbridge, VA. 22191-1832
  Vice-President/BHT Rep: Eric Gangloff 22300 Aquasco Rd. Aquasco, MD 20608-2002
  Secretary: Gaither Pennington 6518 Osprey Point Lane Alexandria, VA 22315-5908
  Treasurer: Steven Haber 1314 12th Street, NW Washington, DC 20005-4402
  Membership: Tim Bills 8246 Catbird Circle #302 Lorton, VA 22079-4608
  Fundraising & Sponsorship: Daniel Lusk 216 Tennessee Ave., NE Washington, DC 20002-6428
  Public Relations (Acting): Patrick Hunter 1508 E. Capitol St. Apt. #5 Washington, D.C. 20002
  Rodeo Events & Training: Cindy Brendle 3906 Lincolnshire Street Annandale, VA 22003-2517
  Social & Entertainment: Jim Morgan 1514 T Street, NW Washington, DC 20009-3910
  IGRA Trustee: Mike Benner 4635B South 36th Street Arlington, VA 22206-1724
  Newsletter Editor: Alana (Lonni) La Bel 2155 Mohegan Drive Falls Church, VA 22043-2512
  CAB Representative 2000: Billy Collison 18600 Walker's Choice Road #5 Gaithersburg, MD 20886-0539
  Mr. ASGRA 2000: Sonny Koerner 300 South Taylor St. Arlington, VA 22204-1445 Miss ASGRA 2000: Miss Jymmye Jaymes 1225 Martha Custis Dr. #1017 Alexandria, VA 22302-2021