A Letter from the President…

September 2004

Volume XIII, Issue 9

Page Article 1 ★        President’s Letter ★        Newsletter Schedule 2 ★       Membership Corner ★       Calling All AS2004 Volunteers! 3 ★        Happy Trails to You! ★        Upcoming IGRA Rodeos ★        Rodeo School Thanks 4 ★        ASGRA Calendar of Events and Meeting Schedule ★        Birthday Congrats from the Royalty Team ★        Dance, Dance, Dance 5 ★        Atlantic Stampede 2004 6 ★        Help Spread the Word! ★        AS2004 Rodeo Events Lineup 7 ★        In Memoriam ★        ASGRA Elections 2004 Page Sidebar 2-3 ★        ASGRA Board of Directors, Committee Chairs & Royalty 2004 4 ★        Royalty Roundup

 

“We elect our Presidents, be they Republican or Democrat, then start daring 'em to make good.”

★        Will Rogers

Guys and Gals:

It’s that magic time of the year when we hope that everyone’s thoughts turn to rodeo.  Atlantic Stampede 2004 is just around the corner and it promises to be our best event yet!  The weekend will be chock full of fellowship, rodeo competition, dance events, entertainment and vendors.  If you haven’t made plans to attend, please do so now.  Purchasing a weekend pass in advance is convenient and it saves you money.  Ticket information can be found on the website.  While you’re at it, why not purchase an extra pass and share the weekend’s excitement with a friend?

The Association’s annual election of officers will take place during rodeo weekend.  Our Election Committee, headed by Billy Collison, has done a wonderful job providing a range of voting options.  Ballots can be cast by mail, on the website, or in person at the “ASGRA Polling Place.”   If you are eligible to vote, please take a moment to review the biographical information submitted by our candidates for Vice President and Secretary and then cast your vote.  It couldn’t be easier or more convenient.  The election results will be announced Sunday afternoon during the rodeo.  Since I’m on the topic of elections, don’t forget that much is riding on this year’s Presidential and Congressional elections.  Exercise your franchise and vote.

See you at Atlantic Stampede 2004!

★        Gaither Pennington, President

Submissions for the October 2004 Thirteen Spurs are due by Monday 9/20/04!!

          

ASGRA Board of Directors 2004 & Committee Chairs

The Membership Corner

President

Gaither Pennington

133 Tull Place

Alexandria, VA  22304

(703) 567-3710

pres@asgra.org

VP/ Newsletter Editor

Lonni La Bel

11422 Waterbury Way

Germantown, MD 20876

(301) 528-4646

vp@asgra.org newsletter@asgra.org

Secretary/Web Master

Frank Harrell

12905 Clifton Creek Dr.

Clifton, VA  20124

(703) 266-0447

secretary@asgra.org

webmaster@asgra.org

Treasurer

Scott Smiley

21 Welbeck Ct.

Montgomery Village, MD 20886

(301) 590-0422

treas@asgra.org

Membership

Michael Sanders

61 E Ridge Road

Greenbelt, MD  20770

(301) 474-5127

join@asgra.org

IGRA Trustee 

Michael Lentz

4602 Coachway Drive
North Bethesda, MD 20852
(301) 770-9363
trustee@asgra.org

Fundraising & Sponsorship

Mary Lynn Logsdon

4105 Parkwood Court

Brentwood, MD  20722

fr@asgra.org

Public Relations

JR Key

pr@asgra.org

Howdy folks,

As of this writing, our membership is at 207 members.  If you have already renewed (your card will have a “Valid through” date of 07/05), invite a friend to join.  Our membership form is available online and we will also have applications available at the ASGRA table in the vendor tent at Atlantic Stampede 2004.  If your card still has a 07/04 date on it, consider renewing your membership with ASGRA.

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 S., Membership ChairMike S., Membership Chair

Calling All Volunteers!

We are still in need of volunteers for Stampede this year for all areas: Front Gate, Arena, Chutes, Security, Hospitality and Floaters (our Jack/Jill of all trades).  If you are interested please fill out a Volunteer Form on the web site www.asgra.org and/or contact me at 240-447-4139.  Come out, join the fun and see it all!  Hope to see you at Stampede 2004!

·        Beth Brockelman, Volunteer Coordinator

Howdy Folks!  As Security Coordinator for Atlantic Stampede 2004 I  would like to thank those who have already volunteered for the security/safety team.  I still need a few more volunteers for the rodeo grounds (12 team members are needed for each day). Team members are needed on Saturday and Sunday from 8am-6pm. If enough volunteers step forward, everyone will work an hour on and an hour off.  Please feel free to contact me at 301-412-5249 or TrueBlonde1973@netscape.net for more info or to volunteer.   ·          Ms. Tomi' Finkle, Rodeo Security Coordinator

 

Stampede 2004 is just around the corner and there are several ways you can ensure that our rodeo is a success.  Log onto http://www.asgra.org/stampede2004/index.htm:

1.                   Volunteer.  It takes many hands to make Stampede a success.  Without the help of dedicated members and friends of the Association, the event could not take place.  Click on the volunteer form link at the bottom of the page to sign up to be a volunteer.

2.                   Buy your tickets NOW.  Advanced ticket sales enable us to plan better for the event.  Knowing how many people will be attending helps us to ensure we have enough volunteers to staff key areas, plan for traffic flow at the site, and ensure adequate facilities on-site.  Buy your tickets on-line - click on the on-line ticket order link.

Happy Trails To You!

ASGRA Royalty 2004 & Committee Chairs

ASGRA trail rides are the first Sunday of the month at 11:00am!

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:

September 5^th: Get ready for rodeo on a trail ride with the ASGRA cowfolk!    

October 3^rd: Enjoy the crisp autumn air and colorful foliage in the Maryland woodlands!    

For further information and to RSVP, contact Glenn at (703) 538-2225.

Upcoming 2004 IGRA Rodeos

	Greater San Diego Rodeo GSGRA San Diego, CA September 17-19, 2004         Capital City Rodeo TGRA Austin, TX September 24-26, 2004

 

MGRA Show Me State Rodeo

MGRA

Kansas City, MO

September 3-5, 2004

Atlantic Stampede 2004

ASGRA

Washington, DC

September 10-12, 2004

And don’t forget the 18^th Annual IGRA Finals Rodeo in Omaha, NE October 14-17!!!  Come out and support our ASGRA competitors at Finals Rodeo and the IGRA Royalty Competition!

A big ASGRA thank you to all those who came out and supported or participated in the second ASGRA Rodeo School for 2004, held August 21-22 in York Springs , PA.  The rain didn’t affect spirits nor events as folks honed their skills on roping, chute dogging and steer riding.  As usual there was much great food, fun and training for everyone.

Social & Entertainment

CJ Liotta

(202) 468-6259

social@asgra.org

Rodeo Events & Training

TBD

re&t@asgra.org

BHT Representative 2003

Bruce Forchheimer

1535 9th St NW

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 518-0885

bhtrep@asgra.org

CAB Representative 2004

TBD

cabrep@asgra.org

Mr. ASGRA 2004

Buddy Stonesifer

122 Willowdale Drive #33

Frederick, MD 21702-1051

mrasgra@asgra.org

Miss ASGRA 2004

Miss Destiny B. Childs

(Ric Legg)

224 M Street SW

Washington, DC  20024

(240) 338-4536

missasgra@asgra.org

Ms. ASGRA 2004

Connie Morris

1375 Maryland Avenue NE

Pierce School Loft: D

Washington, DC 20002-4407

Cell: (202) 215-2507 

msasgra@asgra.org

MsTer ASGRA 2004

Cody Jaymes

(Annie Carroll)

1101 White Way

Laurel, MD  20707-3847

(240) 350-3953

mster@asgra.org

Mr. ASGRA 2004 1^st Runner Up

Rudy Benavides

224 M Street SW

Washington, DC  20024

(240) 338-4714

mrasgra2@asgra.org

Royalty Roundup

ASGRA Calendar of Events

Howdy Rodeo fans!!!  Well it has been a busy couple of months for the Royalty team.  July was fun as Destiny, Rudy, Buddy, & Connie traveled down to Atlanta for GGRA & Southern Spurs Rodeo.  It was a blast. All of us competed for the first time in a rodeo. Connie competed in Barrel Racing and did a great job.  Buddy and Destiny competed in Goat Dressing and Wild Drag; we did very well in Goat Dressing, came in 5th.  Wild Drag was especially interesting. Buddy, Fund Raising  Chair Mary Lynn and Destiny competed together and well, let’s just say the Steer won in the disagreement between him and Destiny, but she still is ready to go again. The best part was Rudy.  Rudy competed in both Steer and Bull Riding.  He was able to cover his steer both days and came home with the "All Around Champion 2004 Male Rookie" buckle.  Way to go Rudy!!! After Atlanta it was back home for a week then off to LA for the 20th Anniversary of the LA Rodeo.  Destiny, Rudy, and Connie traveled all the way to the west coast for a great time.  This time Connie just watched and entertained at the rodeo while Destiny and Rudy competed.  Rudy competed in steer and bull riding once again; no places this time although he rode well.  Destiny and Rudy did the Goat Dressing event and came in 2nd place.  Needless to say we have had a great time.  We hope everyone will come out to Atlantic Stampede on September 10-12 to see us compete, entertain and just have a great weekend with everyone.  Let's Rodeo!!!

Join MsTer ASGRA at the Phoenix in Baltimore on Saturdays for Country night starting @ 9pm. ASGRA members get domestic beers for $2.50 with an ASGRA card.  For more info see www.baltimorephoenix.com

You can catch Destiny, Jymmye Jaymes and many current and former ASGRA Royalty every Sunday night at Freddie’s Follies, starting at 9pm!!

September 2004 5 11am Trail Ride at Piscataway stables, Clinton, MD 8 8pm BHT Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC 9 9pm Rodeo Kickoff Party at Remington’s; DC 10-12   Atlantic Stampede 2004 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, MD; evening activities at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capital Hill, DC 12 9:30pm Rodeo Wrapup Party; The Green Lantern; DC 15 8pm CAB Meeting; DC Eagle; Washington, DC 2004 ASGRA Meeting Schedule Board Meetings Membership Meetings October 14 October 10 November 11 No meeting this month December 9 No meeting this month A Royal Congratulations… …from the 2004 ASGRA Royalty Team to the following ASGRA members who will celebrate birthdays in September:  Michael Lentz, Rick Hausch, Jeremy Rausch, Bailey Kier, Jackie Thompson, Mark Piccolo, Sheree Plumb, Renee Aschbrenner, Lawrence Ennis, Ed Soga, Lew Klinge, Chad Shryock, & Courtney Lovelace. Happy Birthday to all of you! (Note:   If your birthday is this month and you aren’t listed, we either don’t have your birthday on file or you have requested that we not print your name.  We wish you a happy birthday as well!) DANCE * DANCE * DANCE Lambda DanceSport Association promotes partnership dancing for same-gender couples in the LGBT community.  Lots of great dance opportunities of all kinds – check it out on their website:  www.LambdaDanceSport.org    Capital Country Dance Club is a non-profit whose purpose is to bring the joy of dancing to the GLBT community.  CCDC hosts C&W dancing from 8pm-midnight at Generations Dance Studio on the second Saturday of the month.   Lesson starts at 8; dance starts at 9. Generations Dance Studio is located at 816 N. Saint Asaph St. in Alexandria, VA.  CCCD also sponsors open dancing from 7:30-10:30pm every Tuesday at De Lounge in Wheaton, MD.  For more details & directions, see the events section of their website at http://www.capitalcountry.org/.   And for those interested in an all women dance environment:  Jackie's  Dance Party is a monthly non-smoking evening dance event with mixed music.  7pm-midnight.  Saturday, September 25th ; Admission $12. Light snacks provided; water & soda available for purchase.  Du-Shor Dance Studio, 7800 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda (Bethesda metro; free garage parking ).  Info: safternoonladies@aol.com.

Help Spread The Word!

If you have a creative streak of any type -- writing, crafts, graphic design, or just a 'good eye' or lots of good ideas -- then ASGRA can use your talent in helping with our PR effort for Atlantic Stampede 2004. Even if you don't feel particularly creative, but are willing to donate some time, we can still use your help, too!   Marketing and promotion of Atlantic Stampede 2004 are well under way, but we have a lot of tasks left to complete in the final weeks leading up to rodeo.

 

Press Releases:    Goal: draw the attention of media across our region to Atlantic Stampede

-- Identify print, radio, and television media in the region to whom we can send Press Invitations and Press Release materials. Identify press personalities that may have a higher affinity for our event to target for more specific PR activities.

-- Develop formal Press Release, calendar notice, and PSA documents for distribution

Press Invitations:   Goal: create an eye-catching invite that will announce our event

-- Create attractive and engaging invitations for a special press event on Friday, Sept 10

Press Packets:    Goal: provide information to distinguish and promote AS04 and ASGRA

-- Assemble a package of information about ASGRA and Atlantic Stampede to help media highlight and promote our unique event, along with some guidelines for press particiaption at our events.

Program Distribution:   Goal: increase awareness of the event and our sponsors.

-- Distribute small quantities of the rodeo program to area businesses in advance of rodeo.

Press Escorts:   Goal:  Ensure safety of press and rodeo participants

During the day at rodeo, press staff may have limited access to the restricted 'backstage' areas. They must to be escorted to ensure they adhere to safety rules and restrictions. We want to give them opportunity to promote our event, but also keep them from impeding the event. Of course, safety for everyone is of primary concern as well.

Press Registration:   Goal: Ensure press staff are properly cared for by ASGRA

During registration, at the hospitality table and at the rodeo front gate, volunteers are needed to help check-in press, get their signed waivers, register their cameras, deliver press packets, etc.

If you are interested and available to assist with any of these activities please contact JR Key (mailto:pr@asgra.org.)

Bare Back Bronc Ride Break Away Roping Steer Decorating Team Roping Steer Riding 5 to 10 minute break while the arena is plowed and graded. (Another perfect time for a Bud Light) Barrel Race Bull Riding Wild Drag Review Wild Drag Race Flag Race

Rodeo Events Lineup for Atlantic Stampede 2004   Calf Roping on Foot Chute Dogging Pole Bending Goat Dressing 12:00 Noon Grand Entry Dolly Madison Race Event open to anyone $10 per person entry fee Sign up before 11:00am Sunday Event on Sunday only

In Memoriam…

It’s been a difficult summer of losses for our IGRA family.  In mid-August we received notice that a dear friend and talented member of our IGRA family, Tony “Calgary” Jackson, had passed away suddenly.  Calgary was an avid rodeo fan and competitor, with a special love for bronc riding.  He was also a delightful singer who performed regularly at rodeos and other benefit events for his home association of CGRA.  His nickname of Calgary derived from his great love of the ARGRA folks and their rodeo in that same city.  Originally from Maryland, he was a frequent Atlantic Stampede competitor and strong supporter of our rodeo and association.  Calgary always had a hug and a warm smile for everyone he met. A memorial service was held in Denver, attended by many of his IGRA rodeo family from all over the US and Canada.  Calgary, you left us way too soon and you will be missed terribly. Lonni La Bel, Editor

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!!! ASGRA ELECTIONS:  a REMINDER!

                  

Elections are being held during Rodeo weekend this year (September 10-12, 2004).  It is time to elect new officers for the positions of Vice President and Secretary.  We’ve made some changes for this year.  The biggest change is that elections are in September, at our rodeo.  Elections end on Sunday September 12^th, at NOON, so we can give our members results both at the end of the rodeo and at the Host Hotel (Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill) on Sunday evening.  Elections info and candidate statements are located on the website at  http://www.asgra.org/membership/elections/index.htm

There are three ways that you can vote:

(1)     You can vote in-person – you must have a valid Drivers License or other Photo ID

★       There will be a ballot box and forms at Registration at the Host Hotel from 8pm to 9pm.

★       On Saturday Night at the Hotel, at the Hospitality Table from 9pm to 10pm.

★       On Saturday and Sunday at the Rodeo Grounds, at the ASGRA vending table

(Saturday: 10am – 5pm / Sunday: 10am – Noon)

(2) You can vote online – use the Username and Password that was mailed with the ballot to all current members

★       Go to the ASGRA web-site (ASGRA.ORG) and onto the Election Page.

★       Last chance to vote online is Friday September 10^th.

(3) You can vote by mail –

★       Fill-out and return the ballot that was mailed to all current members

★       Sign and place your membership number on the back of the return envelope flap.

★       (Don’t place your name or number on the ballot) It must be anonymous.

★       Last time mail will be checked is Thursday September 9^th.  Ballots received in mail after Thursday will not be counted.

If you vote by mail or on-line, and want to change your vote, you must change it in person. If you voted online, you must bring your username.  Questions?  Contact Elections Chair Billy Collison at Asgra_rodeo@yahoo.com or (301) 466-1832.