HAIL, January, that bearest here
On snowbright breasts the babe-faced year
That weeps and trembles to be born.
Hail, maid and mother, strong and bright,
Hooded and cloaked and shod with white,
Whose eyes are stars that match the morn.
Thy forehead braves the storm's bent bow,
Thy feet enkindle stars of snow.

From A Year's Carols by Algernon Charles Swinburne

This meeting is one of the most important meetings that we have as an association. We will be discussing any questions you may have regarding the 2004 budget, as well as voting on that budget. If you are in the area that day, I would like to encourage you to attend.

We have started a Yahoo! email group for ASGRA members, a place where you can find roommates, rodeo partners, etc. You can access the list thru Yahoo Groups at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASGRA_Connections/.

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, special events, and 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

Capital Country Dance Club is having its first big dance on Saturday night, January 10, 9 pm to 12 am. CCDC, a newly forming country western dance club primarily for the GLBT community, welcomes everyone to this happy event. Intermediate 2-step lesson, 8 to 9 pm, Generations Dance Studio, 816 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria. Lesson and snacks included in the $15 admission. Large floating wood floor, smoke free, water and soft drinks for $1, byo beer and wine only. Visit www.capitalcountry.org for directions, details and information about lessons.

Regardless of the weather, ASGRA's monthly trail rides are held at Piscataway Ranch in Clinton, MD at 11:00 am on the following days:
January 4th: Start the New Year off right with a ride through the woods with friends old and new.
February 1st: Invite that special someone for a relaxing ride through the wintery Maryland woodlands.

For further information and to RSVP, contact Glenn.

Saturday, January 3, 2004 * 11 AM - 1 PM
Indoor Arena in Clarksburg, MD
No experience necessary. Ropes will be provided for the clinic and for sale.
Cost: $50.00
Call now to sign up! * 301-540-0014

Road Runner Regional Rodeo AGRA Phoenix, AZ January 16-18, 2004
2004 Cowtown Rodeo TGRA Fort Worth, TX March 5-7, 2004

Your ASGRA Royalty Team 2004 has been busy this holiday season!

The 'Daddy Christmas' event on December 6th at the Baltimore Eagle was a great success!! The Shipmates Club of Baltimore raised approximately $2,000 for BHT (Brother Help Thyself). ASGRA was well represented through the basket auction and members as well as Royalty that attended the event.

Ms. ASGRA 2004 held a fundraiser on December 10th at Remingtons for SMYAL. In addition to earning her sash back (you'll have to ask her about that yourself!), Connie and the team raised @$300 in just 2.5 hours!

ASGRA was well represented by its Royalty at the 5th Annual '12 Days of Christmas Benefit' on December 13th at the Hippo in Baltimore. Connie, Rudy, Destiny and Cody represented the 2004 royalty team in a musical number, while former Ms. ASGRA Beth Brockleman sang live. There were many positive comments throughout the evening from attendees who were very impressed by our Royalty team. We didn't have confirmed totals by press time, but it was a very successful and enjoyable event.

Jymmye Jaymes and Blair Michaels joined the 2004 ASGRA Royalty and several 'formers' in presenting the Christmas for Children benefit on December 21 at Freddie's Beach Bar. The event raised over $1400 and several toys for Grandma's House and Pediatric AIDS.

Coming up: Connie and Destiny are headed to Detroit on Jan 9th to assist MIGRA with a benefit for Camp Rainbear. And you can catch Destiny, Jymmye Jaymes and many of the current and former ASGRA Royalty every Sunday night at Freddie's Follies, starting at 9pm!!

A Royal Request...
The ASGRA 2004 Royalty team would like to ask all ASGRA members to send us the names of suggested charities for which we can raise money. We have each selected our own individual charitable organizations, but we would also like to support other worthy groups in which ASGRA members have an interest. Suggestions (along with any contact information) can be sent to Miss ASGRA 2004, Destiny B. Childs at . Thanx!!

Santa Claus x 2 Comes to Baltimore!!

Happy New Year from ASGRA's members, Royalty and Board of Directors!!