Well, that magic time is just about here! We are just days away from Atlantic Stampede 2003. Planning for this year's events is on track, and it looks as if we will have a truly great weekend of rodeo, entertainment and fellowship. Please remember to remind your friends that the only place to be September 5, 6, and 7 will be at the Rodeo!

On a separate note, there are a few other items I would like to share with you. On August 16th, Bull Master was hosted at the The Eagle in NYC. The event was a great success-both in fellowship and financially. The Eagle generously donated $350.00 to the Association and we earned another $261.00 in bull rides. The event was held on the roof of The Eagle, and the evening was just right. The crowd wanted to know about "the next go round", so there might be another trip to the Big Apple in the future. If you'd like to support such an event, drop me a line. That way, when the call comes in, we'll know who to call.

I would like to remind everyone that election of officers will take place in October. As is the Marine Corps, ASGRA is also looking "for a few good men and women." If you wish to place your name in nomination for President or Treasurer, please contact JR Key, this years' Nominations Chairman for more information. If elective office isn't your cup of tea, we will be looking for folks to chair our various committees.

In closing, I would like to announce that Jason Hays will step down as Vice President on October 31 to begin his active ministry. On behalf of the Association and the Board, I would like to thank him for his leadership and many contributions. Please keep him in your prayers and thoughts during the coming weeks. I am certain that we will be in his. Let's Rodeo!

Gaither Pennington, ASGRA President

Howdy all,
As I'm sure you all know by now, the grace period for memberships has passed. If you have not renewed by now, your name has been removed from the ASGRA membership list that is sent to IGRA. Once you renew, it will be added back in. If you renew between now and Friday of Stampede, I will have your cards at the membership table in the vendor tent. Come see me for your cards or any other membership-related questions or issues.

SPECIAL MESSAGE TO COMPETITORS: YOU NEED TO BE A MEMBER OF ONE OF THE IGRA ASSOCIATIONS TO COMPETE IN ALL IGRA SANCTIONED RODEOS. RENEW NOW SO YOU DON'T MISS BEING ABLE TO COMPETE!!

In response to several requests, an ASGRA email list has been set up. This list can be used to find rodeo partners, rides, roommates, etc. You can access the list thru Yahoo Groups at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASGRA_Connections/. You will not be added to this list unless you subscribe to it, and you can set how you receive messages. Subscribing is easy and free.

Stop by the vendor tent during Atlantic Stampede. We have some new vendors, as well as some favorites that are returning. Carol's Western Wear (one of our business members) will be there and honoring our 10% discount with your current membership card (with a 07/04 expiration date).

Remember to keep me up to date on any changes in your personal information. This way, you will continue to be informed of meeting notices and special events and to receive your newsletter. And last, as your membership chair, I serve as your liaison to the board. If you have concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to bring them to my attention. I can be reached by email or by phone (see sidebar). Keep check on the web page for all announcements and updates on upcoming events.

Mike Sanders, Membership Chair

The Eagle in New York City hosted Bull Master on Saturday evening, August 16. ASGRA members Mary Lynn Logsdon, JR Key, Glenn Brown, Lance Haverly, and Gaither Pennington made the trip to New York for this rodeo training outreach to the City's leather community. The event was held on the roof of The Eagle in glorious weather. Originally scheduled to last for three hours, the training and pictures went on for nearly five hours! Feedback from the crowd was consistently positive; both guys and gals enjoyed the chance to experience a sample of rodeo rough stock. Along with the training and pictures, the crowd enjoyed C/W music, food from the grill, beverages and great fellowship. The Eagle generously donated $350.00 to the Association and the training garnered an additional $261.00. Lots of folks wanted to know when we'd be doing "the next go round." Discussions are underway for a possible return in October. If you're interested in supporting a future Bull Master event in the Big Apple, contact Gaither Pennington by email at Pres@asgra.org .

Gaither Pennington, President

It's that time of year again -- not only for our annual rodeo weekend, but also time to elect new officers for the Board of Directors. Elections will be held Sunday, October 19, 2003. The bylaws changes passed by the membership earlier this year have slightly modified the elections process. Committee chairs will no longer be elected by the membership, but instead will be appointed by the President. Therefore, only the Executive board members (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary) and the Trustee will be elected officers. As these positions are staggered, the membership will need to elect only two or three officers for the Board of Directors each year.

This year, the positions of President and Treasurer are due for re-election as the terms for Gaither Pennington and Scott Smiley, our President and Treasurer respectively, come to a close. ASGRA is currently seeking interested candidates for these critical positions for the leadership of our Association. The terms of President and Treasurer are for two years.

Following is a brief summary of the criteria for any member who is interested in running for office, and a description of the duties of the President and Treasurer. Complete information about ASGRA elected officers and the duties of each officer can be found on the ASGRA website at: http://www.asgra.org/membership/by-laws.htm

Qualifications for Officers:
All active members in good standing and who have completed a minimum of six (6) months of continuous membership are eligible to run for office. Nominations for officers can be made by any member; a member may nominate her or himself. Members nominated for office must submit a brief written biography listing their qualifications for the office. No member may hold more than one elected office simultaneously nor be appointed to a new office while currently holding an office (elected or appointed).

Duties Of Officers
The President of the ASGRA Board of Directors is the principal executive officer of the Corporation, and as such has responsibilities to:

• preside over meetings of the Executive Board, Board of Directors, and General Membership meetings,
• participate in planning the annual operating budget of the Corporation,
• appoint a team of Committee Chairpersons for all committees of the Board to assist with operations of the Association, and
• serve as lead delegate to the IGRA annual convention.

The Treasurer of ASGRA is responsible for all funds of the Association, including groups or functions sponsored by or using the ASGRA name. As such the Treasurer's general responsibilities are to:

• receive and give receipts for all funds
• prepare the annual budget of the Corporation and ensure that expenditures annual expenditures are consistent with the approved annual budget
• prepare and submit a monthly report on income and expenses to the Board and an prepare an annual financial report for distribution to the general membership
• ensure that all federal, state and local tax returns are filed for the Association

We Need Your Vote
While we're on the topic of elections, I'd like to take this opportunity to urge every ASGRA member to mark your calendars for the date of Sunday, October 19, 2003 and plan to attend the annual elections meeting. All ASGRA members - who have been members for at least thirty days prior to that date - are entitled to a vote. If you aren't certain that you can be present for elections, please take advantage of the mail-in ballots or online ballots (new this year) and cast your vote. We need every vote to meet the quorum for elections.

Election Committee Volunteers Needed
We need three to five ASGRA members to volunteer to serve on the Election Committee. These individuals will help prepare the elections mailing to the membership and will attend the annual elections meeting to assist in tallying ballots and verifying the election results.

Anyone interested in serving for either office or in volunteering to serve on the Election Committee should contact J.R. Key, the ASGRA Elections Committee Chair.

Atlantic Stampede rodeo weekend is fast approaching, and planning for the weekend's social and entertainment events is kicking into high gear. ASGRA is known for being one of the biggest and the best entertainment weekends on the IGRA rodeo circuit, and we're looking to maintain that reputation this year with three nights and two days of fun and exciting events. To make this happen, we need help. Please take a look at the list of volunteer positions available and contact J.R. Key, Social & Entertainment Chair (social@asgra.org) if you are interested in volunteering to assist.

To entice you further, remember that any volunteer who commits to a grand total of at least eight hours over the three-day weekend receives a free weekend pass. Our goal is to have enough volunteers to allow folks to work in shifts and have time to enjoy the events as well. Following are descriptions of the volunteer positions available:

Assistant Entertainment Coordinators (now through Monday, Sept 8) (2-4 positions)
We need assistant coordinators for both the host hotel and rodeo ground sites. Prior to the weekend, these folks will help with planning and coordination. During the weekend, they help ensure that events run smoothly, make sure entertainers get to the stage on time, help with setup prior to events and at the close of events each evening and coordinate other volunteers.

Entertainment Registration volunteers: (2 positions)
These folks will staff the entertainment registration table, checking in entertainers, distributing badges and information, etc. from 6pm - 9pm on Friday.

Hospitality volunteers (8 positions per evening)
Hospitality volunteers sell event tickets and weekend passes at the door, provide information and host the hospitality desk prior to all three evening events. These folks also take tickets at the door and help with security by monitoring the elevators and stairs to ensure everyone who enters has a ticket.

Green Room monitors (2-6 positions)
These volunteers will monitor the entertainers' Green Room for each evening event at the hotel to ensure that things are running smoothly, provide security, help entertainers get assistance if problems arise, etc.

Dance Competition volunteers:
2 runners
2 auditors
1 Stage Manager
3 - 5 Dance Competition Judges (application available at asgra.org dance page)

Rodeo Grounds Dance Tent Setup, Sat. 9AM - 1 PM (2-4 positions)
These folks assist with decorating the dance tent, setting up tables/chairs, etc

Rodeo Grounds Clean Up, Sun. 6PM - 7PM: (2-4 positions)
These folks help with breaking down and stacking tables and chairs, taking down decorations, etc.

Concert: volunteers, Sun 7PM - 12PM (2 -4 positions)
These volunteers will assist with preparations before and clean up after the concert/dance

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:
PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR SEPTEMBER ONLY, THE TRAIL RIDE WILL BE MOVED TO THE SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH SO AS TO NOT CONFLICT WITH ATLANTIC STAMPEDE 2003!!
September 14th: Recover from the Rodeo with a trot along the trails!
October 5th: Enjoy the fall foliage with a ride through the Maryland woodlands.
For further information and to RSVP, contact Glenn at (703) 538-2225.

Well, the time is fast approaching for Atlantic Stampede 2003. There are many people already working hard to ensure we have a fun time in September and I just want to take this chance to say THANK YOU for all your work so far to make our Atlantic Stampede 2003 a successful one!

But this does not mean we are through! We still need many volunteers to ensure an excellent rodeo! If you have helped before and have not been contacted, don't think you are not needed. Please check with our volunteer coordinator Diane Mejia at volunteers@asgra.org or people you have worked with before to see where you can help. Just remember, by volunteering some hours, you can get the weekend free. It takes a lot of great folks to put on Atlantic Stampede… Let's Rodeo!

Billy Collison, Rodeo Director 2003

Red River Western Wear (formerly of DC) has a new location! The mailing address is: 49-C JR Road, Selma NC 27576, but if you are driving to the store, think JR's at exit 97 (I-95) in North Carolina. We are located next to JR's, the biggest cigarette/cigar store and discount outlet in all of NC. The new store telephone number is 919-965-3337.

ASGRA Royalty Past and Present are featured every Sunday night at Freddie's Follies, an evening of live and drag performances at Freddie's Beach Bar in Arlington. Hosted by former Miss ASGRAs Blair Michaels and Jymmye Jaymes, the show begins at 9pm. Come out and spend a hot and hazy summer evening with the ASGRA herd!

Maryland Horse Health Requirements
Contestants bringing horses to Atlantic Stampede 2003 are advised that all Maryland veterinary health regulations will be enforced to their fullest extent. Maryland state law requires that all horses brought to our show have a health certificate dated within 30 days of our rodeo and that any horse over 9 months old must show proof of a negative Coggins test made within the last year. The health certificates must identify each animal individually by number or marking and both the health certificate and the Coggins papers must be originals from your veterinarian. Papers will be reviewed at check-in by our staff. Photocopies will not be accepted. If there are any questions regarding your paperwork, your horses will not be allowed on the rodeo grounds until the questions have been resolved.

Special Equine Health Update
Dr. Phyllis Cassano, the Maryland State Veterinarian, has spoken to us about the occurrences of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), West Nile Virus and rabies in the State in recent months. There have been 6 confirmed cases of EEE or West Nile virus in horses in Maryland this year, several resulting in death of the animal. There are no quarantines in effect at this time. However, the state veterinarian has strongly recommended that all owners who transport or show their horses have them vaccinated for rabies, EEE, and West Nile Virus. An animal inspector for the Maryland Department of Agriculture who is stationed in nearby Frederick has been informed of our dates and is scheduled to visit, inspect our facilities and examine our livestock and horses on-site during the weekend of the rodeo. It is the responsibility of the animal owners to keep their health papers nearby and produce them if so asked.

Dr. Linda Molesworth, DVM, (office: 410-535-9700, emergency: 443-532-7669) will be our on-site veterinarian for Atlantic Stampede 2003.

Stall Rental Terms and Conditions
Horses will be allowed on the rodeo grounds from 9 a.m. Friday, September 5 through 2 p.m., Monday, September 8. Our staff or hired security personnel will be present on the grounds during this period. According to IGRA rules, the first stall for each horse contestant will be available free of charge, provided that the required refundable reservation deposit of $25 has been received. Fees for additional stalls or those who have not submitted the required deposit are $25.00 FOR THE ENTIRE RODEO WEEKEND. Due to the limited number of stalls in our permanent horse barn, we cannot provide free tack stalls or guarantee tack stalls for rent. A $50.00 cleaning deposit will be required for each stall housing a horse. The deposit will be returned when you check out of a CLEAN stall. Please make checks for all fees payable to ASGRA.

If you wish to have a stall or stalls reserved for the Atlantic Stampede, please include that in your IGRA contestant entry package. We have a limited number of available stalls and only contestants who have reservations will have their stalls guaranteed. Ample shavings will be provided to cover each paid stall. A list of local farriers, feed stores and supply stores will be provided at the stables. Contestants with unpaid stall fees or who have not provided the cleaning deposit may not compete.