Howdy Cowgirls and Cowboys,

It's that time of the year again! I'm talking about our biggest annual charity event, the Atlantic Stampede Rodeo weekend. I want to thank everybody up front for volunteering your time and skills to help ASGRA have another grand event. This could not happen without you. You keep ASGRA on the top and in the lead! If this newsletter finds you before the rodeo and you would like to volunteer your talents, please contact Billy Collison or any of your elected Board members. We will find a place for you to join in and have fun. I hope to see you at the rodeo. Rodeo hard and rodeo safe!

Nominations for next year's Board of Directors are open. In order for ASGRA to continue in the lead, we must carefully choose our leadership. Nominate and cast your votes wisely. Do not run for an office if you are not totally committed to fulfilling all of the obligations involved. Remember all of these offices require time and commitment. I encourage any and all members to step forward and throw their hats into the political ring. Don't sit on the sidelines and complain. See what kind of a positive difference you can make to ASGRA. Let's Rodeo!
David C. H, President

Rodeo Fever Hits DC!!
The countdown to the 10th Annual Atlantic Stampede is on!

Here is a list of some upcoming events of interest to ASGRA members! Come on out and socialize, catch up with friends you haven't seen in a while, participate in the social activities at each of the following venues and/or support ASGRA and other charitable organizations at the benefits noted!

Sunday, Sept. 2, Rodeo Brunch, Bingo & Chaps Extravaganza (12-4pm) at Hamburger Mary's (1337 14th Street NW; 202-232-7010). ASGRA will be the special guests of Lena Lett at Drag Bingo. In between Bingo sets, entertainers will present Chaps contestants to the audience. Winners will be chosen at the end of the Bingo game.

Wed. Sept. 5, Fegele Feud Rodeo Style & Chaps Fantasy! (10pm) at JR's Bar & Grill (1519 17th Street NW). This is a HUGE event at JR's every Wed. night. Our PR committee has coordinated with the inimitable Ester Goldberg for the feud to be an ALL cowboy event (details still TBD, but something like Rough Stock vs. Horse Competitors, maybe?) In between feud sets, Ester will present chaps fantasy contestants and the audience will pick the chaps fantasy winner at the end of the game. There will be plenty of fun giveaways and great prizes to be won!

Wed. Sept. 5, Bimbo Bingo (9pm) at Sheridan's (713 8th Street SE;) Looking for something to do in the Capitol Hill section of town instead of DuPont Circle? Well, join Miss ASGRA 2001, Blair Michaels as she co-hosts Bimbo Bingo with the one and only Miss Terrie Santana at Sheridan's!

And the Royalty Competition for ASGRA's 2002 Royalty Team begins on Thursday, September 6 with a Royalty Roundup Party to welcome visiting IGRA Royalty (and any contestants or other cowpokes who want to have a good time). The Roundup will be held at Sheridan's (713 8th Street SE;) and should start rolling around 9pm. Come on out and welcome the out-of-towners in true cowboy/cowgirl style. Come check out the competition - in and out of the arena!

Mark your calendars now for a full week of pre-Rodeo Mania!

Business card sized ads will be accepted beginning with the October issue. Cost is $5 per issue or $50 per year. Fees will be waived if a discount is provided to ASGRA members by the business.

For more info contact Lonni La Bel.

News 'Round The Corral

Stampede 2001 Tickets Now on Sale!

Stampede 2001 tickets are now on sale. The advance price for the weekend package is still $45.00. Buy early, and save $10 off the at-the-door price, and $20 off the price of each event if purchased individually.

Tickets can be purchased on-line, via our website (follow the link at www.asgra.org) or at most Lambda Rising locations. You can contact our Treasurer, Steven Haber, at treas@asgra.org for any required ticket purchase information.

Don't forget to get tickets to the Western Steak Dinner that follows the rodeo on Sunday and precedes the Contestant Awards Presentation Ceremony. (Dinner tickets are not part of the weekend package.) The dinner is an additional $25, and tickets will only be available in advance since we need to get a count to the caterers ahead of time. Last year's Steak Dinner had a great turnout, and this year's promises to be even better!
Steven Haber, Treasurer

"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:
September 2nd: Back to school and back to the trails!
October 7th: Celebrate the beauty of the autumn foliage on horseback!
For further information, contact Glenn at (703) 538-2225.

We Need Your Help!
ASGRA Volunteer Recognition 2001

The Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association depends on the efforts of many hundreds of volunteers each year to conduct our business and provide the activities enjoyed by our community each year.

To say thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers, ASGRA presents our 2001 Awards and Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Sunday, October 28. All members and volunteers will receive an invitation to this event. We hope you will plan to attend.

ASGRA will recognize volunteers in the following three categories again this year:

• Outstanding Contribution by a Company or Organization in 2001.
• Outstanding Contribution by an Individual in 2001 (does not require ASGRA membership).
• Golden Lariat--ASGRA's top award--given for long-time contribution by a member.

Nominee's Name: _______________________________________________

Category of nomination (please circle one):

• Outstanding Contribution by a Company or Organization in 2001.
• Outstanding Contribution by an Individual in 2001.
• Golden Lariat. (Also will also be considered for outstanding individual.)

Your name (optional): ___________________________________________

Your phone (in case we have questions): ____________________________

Questions?
Contact Jim Morgan, ASGRA Social and Entertainment Chair at 202-332-0760 or at social@asgra.org. Thanks again for your help in making sure ASGRA is able to recognize all deserving volunteers and supporters.

Return this form no later than September 15, 2001!

Jim Morgan, ASGRA Awards Recognition
P.O. Box 22042
Alexandria, VA 22304-7716

ASGRA Elections Notice

ASGRA will hold its annual elections for the 2001 - 2002 association year on October 28. All active members in good standing with at least six months of continuous membership are eligible to run for office this year. The following Offices are up for election:
Executive Board (Two year term):
President
Treasurer

Committee Chairperson (One year term):
Fund Raising and Sponsorship
Membership
Rodeo Events and Training
Public Relations
Social and Entertainment
Trustee (1remaining year of term

Members wishing to run for office must submit a written biography listing their qualifications for the nominated office by Sunday, September 23rd. 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.

Format

• The biography should be typed on one 8½ 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.

• 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.

Questions
1 - What experience do you bring to this position?
2 - What do you expect to accomplish in this position?
3 - How do you expect to interact with the rest of the Board?
4 - How do you expect to interact with the general membership?
5 - What is your perception of the requirements of this position?
6 - How do you anticipate fulfilling these requirements?

Election packets will be mailed by October 14, 2000 to all individual ASGRA members in good standing as of September 28, 2001. Ballots can be mailed in or you may vote in person at the General Membership meeting on October 28, 2000.

Remember: The deadline for submission of biographies is Sunday, September 23rd . Please send your biographies to:
ASGRA Elections
PO Box 22042
Alexandria, VA 22304-7716

Or send an attached copy via e-mail to Elections Chair Rob Larew at rlarew@yahoo.com.

Committee Meeting Schedules at a Glance:

Social & Entertainment
Fundraising & Sponsorship
Membership
Public Relations
Rodeo Events & Training
Meeting times and locations TBD Check the ASGRA website (www.asgra.org) for schedules.

Newsletter
Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7:30pm Contact Lonni La Bel for location

October issue:
Submissions due: Monday, 9/17/01
Mail out date: Monday, 9/24/01

November issue:
Submissions due: Monday, 10/15/01
Mail out date: Monday, 10/22/01

ASGRA Calendar of Events

September
2 11:00am Trail Ride at Piscataway stables, Clinton, MD
2 Noon-4pm Rodeo Brunch, Bingo & Chaps Extravaganza; Hamburger Mary's
4 7:30pm ASGRA Board Meeting; Capital Hilton
5 6-8pm ASGRA member free training; Crew Club
5 9:00pm Bimbo Bingo with Miss ASGRA 2001; Sheridan's
5 9:30pm Fegele Feud Rodeo Style & Chaps Fantasy; JR's
6 6:00pm ASGRA Royalty 2002 Interview and Horsemanship Videos; Sheridan's
6 9:00pm ASGRA Royalty 2002 Rodeo Roundup Party; Sheridan's
7-9 Atlantic Stampede 2001
7 10:00pm ASGRA Royalty 2002 Public Presentation, Western Wear and Entertainment Competition; Capital Hilton
12 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
14 8:00pm ASGRA Night at Stage Coach Saloon & Restaurant, Baltimore
15 Midnight ASGRA Volunteer Recognition Forms due
17 7:30pm Newsletter Committee Meeting, location TBD
17 Midnight Newsletter submissions due to Editor
19 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
23 Midnight ASGRA Elections Bios due
23 4:00pm ASGRA General Membership Mtg; Sheridan's
28 Midnight Membership due date in order to vote in 2001-2002 Elections

October
3 7:30pm ASGRA Board Meeting; location TBD
7 11:00am Trail Ride at Piscataway stables, Clinton, MD
10 8:00pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
12 8:00pm ASGRA Night at Stage Coach Saloon & Restaurant, Baltimore
15 7:30pm Newsletter Committee Meeting, location TBD
15 Midnight Newsletter submissions due to Editor
17 8:00pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC
19-21 IGRA Finals Rodeo 2001 in Palm Springs, CA
28 4:00pm ASGRA General Membership Mtg - Volunteer Awards and Election of 2002 Officers and Committee Chairs; Sheridan's