CGRA Newsletter

May, 2011

Reports

President

Aloha Cowboys and Cowgirls,

Now that's funny. You all were already cussing me thinking I was on the big island kickin back with some umbrella drink in hand and a native Hawaiian rubbin on the lotion. Trust me it does sound really good right about now but just too much to do around here. I think that's where I want to start with this months letter. Oh wait, let me have another cocktail, cause I just did start there.

There are so many things coming at us all at once. With RMRR #29 just two months away and all the final touches on that I thought this month I would just prepare a list of the things on my calendar. NO silly, not so you know what the hell all I have to do, but so you can take a look and pencil yourself in on an item or two. I recon what I'm trying to say is....... I, WE, need your help. We have made some great accomplishments in reaching back out to our community. People are once again talking about CGRA and RMRR. We've gone to Wyoming, had invites to political campaign victory parties, private screenings of documentaries about coming 'out', prepared food for those less fortunate, poured beer, held gymkhana's and of course our fair share of bitching. (lord here comes that little language monitor again) Okay so we griped a bit. To those of you who are always there for the good of this organization I say THANK YOU.

Now let's move on. We have a lot to do as I mentioned in my opening. Here's where you CAN fit in. I'll ask each of you to take a look at all the things we have coming up. Pick an item or two and let me know what you want to do. Where you can be of help. Okay. So lets play..... Don't worry about being the first to respond offering your services, there's no damn prize.

May 13 - BOD Meeting @ Charlie's 6:00 followed by General Membership Mt.
May 21 - Charlie's - CGRA Dance Competition
June 04 - CGRA "Buck-Out" and Gymkhana @ Jeffco,
    need instructors, arena crew and contestants
June 10 - BOD Meeting @ Charlie's 6:00 followed by General Membership Mtg.
June 11 - CGRA Road Trip - Choice City Shots - Ft. Collins
June 17 - Colorado Towing Awards Dinner
    Need volunteers for food and beverage service
June 18 - Colorado Towing Awards Dinner
June 19 - Colorado Pride Fest
    We are riding horses in the parade this year. Who's riding
    Who's doing clean-up (pooper scoopers)
    We need a float and help building it.
June 19 - Wrangler Beer Bust
    Need 30 volunteers to pour beer.
June 25 - Colorado Pool Tournament
    Need volunteers for Food and Beverage services
June 26 - Colorado Pool Tournament

So there's my list. Its easy to do. Just send me an e-mail and let me know where you want to help. These last two months leading up to RMRR #29 are our biggest two months of the year. We have lots of exposure in the community to invite everyone to the rodeo. I mentioned before how this year with the economy and fuel being what it is. That rodeos are going to be more like 'Home Town Rodeos' This is our chance to pack the house, put the butts in the seats and have a very successful rodeo.

I'll let you go for now and I hope that I get to see most of you at the next CGRA meeting on the 13th. Please visit our website cgra.ws if you haven't and get caught up on all that's going on. I know that the majority of you don't like all the politics and bs that can go on so look at the other things that we are doing and what the hell, at least come and have FUN with us. Help us to raise the money we need for a successful rodeo so that you too can be a part of giving back to our community.

Let's Ride
Robert Thurtell
CGRA President
email address removed

ps: I can't believe that spell check thought I mis-spelled pooper scooper.

Vice President

Hello CGRA members

I would like to say thanks to everyone for the there sympathy on my fathers passing.

It's almost rodeo time and I'm looking for some volunteers that would like to help out at our 29th year of gay rodeo here in Colorado. I need lots of volunteers in the tent area and a few in the arena. Please know that this is our largest fundraiser to give to our charity partners this year. You can contact me or fill out the volunteer sheet on our web site

Sincerely
Clyde Mitter
Vice-President
email address removed

Secretary

Rich Valdez
Secretary
email address removed

Trustee

Hello Gang

Well Palm Springs was a very long haul. The rodeo was small only 72 contestants. No IGRA issues came up, Wind was bowling good.

John Beck
CGRA Trustee
email address removed

Rodeo Director

Howdy Folks!!!

At the writing of this newsletter article, we are 64 days away from RMRR 29!!!! As a new Rodeo Director, this has been a very educational experience, but I think I am going to survive. I made a goal for myself, to have all my tasks completed by the end of May. I have reached my goal, I have everything in order that I know I had to accomplish!!!. Now, I will have a clean slate to handle any last minute surprises, which I can only hope is minimal.

At the last meeting, it was approved that CGRA would host a barrel race on Friday night. Jeramy and his crew are working diligently, and this will make a nice kickoff for RMRR 29. So, come out on Friday night, lets get this party started!!!!

Also at this meeting, I was accused of the theft of items following the Valentine Extravaganza. This allegation was nothing more than what I feel was a personal attack, chocked full of misconstrued facts. I have accounted for the items in question, and resent the false allegations. I want nothing, but to move past the drama, and focus on a great rodeo.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available, as well as volunteer opportunities. Contact Bruce if you need sponsorship information, and Clyde if you need volunteer information.

I will be scheduling a Rodeo Committee meeting soon, just to make sure everything is running smoothly. So, watch for the announcement of that meeting. Congratulations to the contestants that participated in the Little Rock and Palm Springs rodeos. Safe travels to everyone for the up coming Las Vegas and Oklahoma City rodeos.

Get In The Truck
Mary Munger
Rodeo Director RMRR 29
email address removed

Public Relations

Howdy CGRA

I can't believe that its May already. Time truly flies when your busy. I want to say Thank you to those members of CGRA who helped out at THE CENTER with the dinner for Rainbow Alley. I am sorry I was not able to be there. I attended coronation XVIII, on behalf of CGRA. Our Royality team was also in attendance. It was a fun night and at the end of the evening our very own Dan Yates and Stephanie Paul were crowned Emperor and Empress 38. Congratulations to you both. May your year be filled with greatness.

Cowboys and Cowgirls, we are now within our 60 day mark for RMRR 29. Now is the time when CGRA needs your help. If you know anyone who would like to sponsor a buckle or advertise in the rodeo Program please let us know. Also if your are planning on volunteering at RMRR 29 please visit the website and fill out the volunteer application. Entertainers that applies to you as well.

Folks, our focus is to put more butts in the grand stand this year, so we all need to work hard to get this done. If anyone would like to see the Rodeo Poster it is available on the website and looks great. Lots of hard work went into making this poster look good. Thanks go to Dave Wilson and Robert Thurtell.

P.S.

On a lighter funnier side

For those cowboys and cowgirls who need some refreshing lessons in how to ride a patio chair while having margaritas please contact Roxie Heart. She has a new class outline ready to hand out. Love ya Girl.

Dan Rutledge
Public Relations Chair 2011
email address removed

Membership

We're into the second quarter of the year and those with memberships expiring 30 June, 2011..., you'll start receiving email reminders from me shortly. Get you renewals processed BEFORE RMRR29!

REMEMBER:

1. All memberships are based on calendar year quarters instead of months. This translates to just 4 renewal dates per year- March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
2. Membership cards (for those who wish them) and reminder emails should make it easier for everyone to renew their membership when due. Members will be DEACTIVATED in the database within 10 days of expiration if they have not renewed. ABSOLTELY NO EXCEPTIONS!
3. CGRA offers limited Junior memberships at a reduced annual fee of $12. This is ONLY for those under the age of 18 - with parental approval, of course.

Please take a moment and make sure your membership is up-to-date. Prompt renewals are always greatly appreciated and be sure to let me know if you have any name, address, phone or email changes. Do check your emails closely for those renewal reminders. For those of you needing to renew end of March, you have started hearing from me already.

Remember, staying on "Active" status is imperative for rodeo event registration - AND I HAVE MEMBERSHIP CARDS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS ONE! If I don't run into you at our meetings and events, contact me and I'll snail mail one to you. Not only is it a great reminder for your renewal date, but a shopping trip to Lancaster's with your card will net you a 10% discount.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions or updates...
and, as always, Membership Applications/Renewal forms are available through the website. Those can be snail mailed to me at:
CGRA-Membership
P.O.Box 18728
Denver, CO. 80218

or, better yet...renew on line

CD
email address removed

Rodeo Events

We've gotten the first three gymkhanas under our belts and standings are posted in this month's newsletter. Attendance has been a bit sparse, but we still got in some good practice - and had fun.

I want to pass along a BIG HUG to the folks who have helped make this happen. I cannot thank you all enough!

And let's not forget the Men of Charlie's have been serving up a great lunch!

As a reminder, here's our remaining gymkhana dates this year:
GYMKHANA DATES: July 31 and October 2.

The chart highlighting the standing rule changes for our gymkhanas is also included in this newsletter for your reference.

CGRA's RODEO CAMP DAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 4

CGRA has been holding (at least) one cattle practice day every year. One is in the planning stages for this year prior to RMRR29. We'll be roping in the morning and doing some dogging, steer riding and drag events in the afternoon. In addition to providing a practice venue for the veteran contestants, I would like to see us all help in placing more focus on recruiting and teaching new members. We need teams of "event leaders" to help coordinate the running of the different events. Please contact me if you would like to help out. If you have a specific interest - let me know. We'll need chute crew, timers/announcers and let's not forget the teachers - lots of teachers.

By the way, this is a new BOD hat for me this year, so please feel free to share any thoughts, ideas or even criticisms you might have. After all, this is YOUR organization. Contact me here:

Now, get in the truck!
CD
email address removed

Entertainment

Hello everyone

Its spring time in the rockies and I am still trying to get used to snow in may.

With RMRR 29 just around the comer I am now looking for anyone in Denver who wants to entertain at Rodeo. Please go to CGRA.WS and click on Rodeo tab and fill out the entertainment application.

Sorry I have not been visible to everyone lately, I will be out and abut more now that we are getting closer to Rodeo.

John Kingston
2011 Entertainment Chair
email address removed

Metro Outreach

I would like to talk to you about Colic

Colic: Acute abdominal pain
Colic is considered a veterinary emergency. Phone your veterinarian as soon as you observe discomfort or abnormalities in you horse.

The signs of colic in horses range from almost imperceptible in mild cases to extremely violent in severe cases. The following list includes the most common signs:

• lying down more than usual
• getting up and lying down repeatedly
• standing stretched out
• standing frequently as if to urinate
• turning the head towards the flank
• repeatedly curling the upper lip
• pawing the ground
• kicking at the abdomen
• rolling

What your veterinarian will want to know
• Signs your horse is displaying
• Vital signs if you can obtain them
• Duration of signs

What you can do to help your horse
• Remove all food
• Take vital signs (TPR)

Equine vital signs
• T: Temperature 98.0-100.5 F
• P: Pulse 20-40 beats per minute
• R: Respiration 8-16 breaths per minute
• CRT: Capillary re-fill time 2 seconds or less. Press thumb on to gum to blanch release and count time until gum returns to normal color.
• Color: Mucus membrane color Light pink to dark pink. Abnormal: Pale, yellow, blue, bright red
• Gut sounds, GI Mobility: Borborygmia 3 sounds per minute, per quadrant

Be Prepared!
• Have stethoscope and thermometer
• Have oral Banamine available- Give no more than 500 lb dose
• Have your Veterinarian phone numbers readily available

How to check for sand
Check the horse's manure for sand. Pick up six fecal balls and mix with water in a coffee can or other container. Allow the mixture to set for half an hour and pour the liquid and floating organic matter off. If there is more than a tablespoon of sand left in the can, there likely are high accumulations of sand in the horse's digestive tract, putting the animal at risk for sand colic.

Colic can have fatal complications for horses. It is easier to prevent sand colic than to treat it. Treatment includes fiber laxatives, such as psyllium hydrophilic muciloid. This product moves through the animals' intestines, causing the sand to be passed by the animal.

Kim Fry
Metro Outreach Chair
email address removed

Royalty

Well Hello CGRA,

Another month down, April was like running a rat race (LOL)!!! But man it was fun!!! On April 1st I had a show at Bj's benefiting CGRA, we had a great time and we raised $218. Thank You to all that was there, we couldn't have done it with out y'all!! Then Kim's Mock Rodeo, lets just say it was a great night just to let lose and have fun. Thanks Kim!! April 23rd was Coronation 38 for the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire, congrats to Stephine and Dan! I had a great time with you all. This mouth I have been continuing my training with John Beck for my Horsemanship and Barrels. At the last Gymkhana I ran a 24:120 on barrel, not a world record but still good.

April is over and we move on to May. I would like to invite you all to my show at Charlie's on May 7th starting 7pm Beer Bust, with a show at 8pm. Benefiting P.A.W.S. So come on down and have a beer and enjoy a show! Vegas, Oh yes I am going to Sin City!!!!!! It's ready for ME!!!!

And I want to Give some up-coming dates so you all can mark your calender's,

• July 16th Beer Bust at the Compound
  Beer Bust $6, 6pm-10pm
  Benefiting CGRA
• August 6th Beer Bust and Show at Charlie's
  Beer Bust $6, 7pm-10pm
  Show at 8pm-10pm Benefiting IGRA
• August 20th Beer Bust at the Compound
  Beer Bust $6, 6pm-10pm
  Benefiting P.A.W.S.

I have a few more dates I am working on and will let you know when!! I hope to see you all at these dates to have some fun with us!

I usually don't like say Private thing in these letters but I have 3 great things to share.............
1st-- I found a job!!
2nd-- I started back on Meds and feel GREAT!!
3rd-- I am So going to be on That Truck!!

Till Next Time,
Tracey Lee Saunders
Miss CGRA 2011

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