CGRA Newsletter

October, 2011

President

Dear Cowboys, Cowgirls and Friends,

After a lifetime of hiding, Chely Wright became the first commercial country music singer to come out as gay. Shattering cultural stereotypes within Nashville, per conservative Heartland family and most importantly, within herself. With unprecedented access over a two year period, including her private video diaries, the film layers Chely's rise to fame while hiding in the late 90's with the execution of her coming out plan, culminating in the exciting moment when she steps into the media glare to reveal she is gay. We learn about both the devastation of internalized homophobia and the transformational power of living an authentic life. Also documented are the conflicting responses from Nashville, the Heartland and the LGBT community as Chely Wright prepares for an unknown future.

I would like to invite you and your friends to join me at the film screening of "Wish Me Away". This is one film chosen by the 34th Starz Denver Film Festival to be shown at 7:00pm on November 4th at the L2 Arts and Culture Center at Columbine and Colfax. I think this would be a GREAT night for us as the Colorado Gay Rodeo Organization to attend this showing. Following the documentary there will be a Q & A with Chely Wright, the Films Producers and Film Directors. This is what they call one of their key red carpet events of the Denver Film Festival. I have been working with Highlands Church to secure our 40 tickets and I will keep a list of those of you who respond to me so that I can keep you updated about the evening. Their hopes are to announce our group as one of the cultural partners for the evening.

Tickets for this event are normally $25 dollars but we are getting a discount to $20 dollars which includes the reception. I will pick up $5 dollars of that cost, myself. So the bottom line for each of you would be $15 dollars. The tickets are selling fast so please respond to me ASAP and get your name on the list with the number of tickets you are wanting to buy. Let's step out on the town and make our presence be felt.

Thanks for considering this and I do hope you and yours can attend.

Robert Thurtell
CGRA President
email address removed

Vice President

Hello CGRA!

Well, it has definitely been a fast year and here we are already in October. Our CGRA Past Royalty Show and Night of Sharing/Royalty Contest are just a couple of months away. I will be calling and mailing invitations to as many of our past royalty as I can find contact information for. I want to make sure that we have an amazing night with many of our past royalty showing up and performing for us!

Congratulations to our Miss CGRA Tracey Lee Saunders and two of our hopeful CGRA Royalty 2012 contestants - Paula Scougal and Gia Diamante. If you missed their combined show on October 1st, you missed many great performers and some yummy raffle items! As soon as we know the final amount raised, we will be able to sash Paula and Gia as Contestants for Ms. And Miss CGRA 2012, respectively. Please make sure to be at our CGRA Membership meeting on October 14, 2011, at 8pm at Charlie's Denver to see this happen!

Also, please join us on October 22, 2011 at Charlie's Denver, for Mr. CGRA Rocky Buruse's turn-about show which will also be the contestant function for John Beck to run for Mr. CGRA 2012. This will be a fun event. Please make sure to come out and support Rocky as well as John on this fun-filled night.

That brings us to CGRA's "A Night of Sharing" and CGRA Royalty Contest to be held on December 3, 2011 at Charlie's Denver. Please come and join us as we celebrate the successful year that our current Mr. and Miss CGRA have had and applaud them as they step down from their year. This night we will also be cheering on our CGRA Royalty 2012 hopefuls - Paula, Gia and John. More details will be coming out soon. Please keep an eye open!

And finally I would like to thank Tracey Lee Saunders and Rocky Buruse on the fantastic job they have done representing CGRA and raising money for their personal charity partners. I wish you both the best of luck on your future endeavors and look forward to seeing you continue your work within the Community and with CGRA. I would like to wish Rocky Buruse the best of luck as he competes for the title of Mr. IGRA 2012 at IGRA Convention in San Diego coming up in November. If you see him out and about representing CGRA, make sure to wish him luck as well.

That's about it from down here in Colorado Springs. I hope to see you all soon!

Rich Valdez
CGRA Vice President email address removed

Public Relations

Hello CGRA,

Wow it's hard to believe that here we are in fall already and the leaves are in full color. Nights are getting cooler. Got to love living in beautiful colorado. With that being said, I want to take a quick minute and say congratulations to our CGRA competitors who have qualified to go compete at Finials. Job well done and safe travels and have a great weekend.

We are getting closer to convention in San Diego as well, not to mention our royality step downs and new royality competition. I am looking forward to our night of sharing as well

I had sent out an upcoming events email, after doing so we had several things come up that were not on my email so I am including that list again.

I need to also send Frank Harrell a HUGE, THANK YOU for working with me on the newsletter, Frank redesigned it as well. Also for getting it put on line and on our website. For aways being there when I need something.

To Tom Lott for always reproofing the newsletter. I owe you both, THANK YOU so very very much!!!!!!!!!

Oct 14 @ Charlie's
6:00 pm CGRA Board of Directors meeting
8:00 pm CGRA Membership meeting

Oct 22 @ Charlie's
A Light in the Darkness (CGRA Turnabout) MR. CGRA 2012 Candidate Show
Beer Bust 7:00 pm Show 8:00 pm

Nov 4 @ Charlie's
6:00 pm CGRA Board of Directors meeting
8:00 pm CGRA Membership meeting

Nov 9 - 13 @ San Diego, California
IGRA Annual Convention
IGRA 2012 Royality Competition

Nov 11 @ Charlie's
M/M/M CGRA 2002 David Westman, Mary Munger & Lushus La'Rell host
"Let Freedom Ring-@ Charlie's Celebrating our Veterans"
8:00 - 10:30 pm A benefit for CAP Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Dec 2 @ Charlie's
7:00 pm Past CGRA Royality Show beer Bust @7:00 pm
Show @ 8:00 pm Benefiting the CGRA/Wayne Jakino Scholarship fund

Dec 3 @ Charlie's
7:00 pm 2011 Royality Step down and 2012 Royality Competition CGRA Night of Sharing

Dec 9 @ Charlie's
6:00 pm CGRA Board of Directors meeting
8:00 pm CGRA Membership meeting

Jan 21 @ Denver Coliseum
CGRA at the Stock Show
Rodeo @ 8:00 pm Rodeo ticket gets you into the Stock show all day For tickets contact Vince Montez tickets are 17.00 limited supplies CGRA member are allowed 2 tickets

Feb 11 @ Charlie's Valentine Extravaganza

Dan Rutledge
Public Relations Chair 2011
email address removed

Community Outreach

I am Pauline Chavez Community Outreach I am here to keep you informed with what is going on in Our Community:

October 14th - BOD meeting 6 pm - Membership meeting 8pm - Please bring your money for the Stock show Tickets you can get with Vince Montez. October 16th - the 14th Annual White Rose Affair ( Benefitting White Rose Scholarship Foundation ICRME ) given by Martini Monroe @ Club Corner 655 W. 44th ave Wheat Ridge Co 8033

October 22nd - CGRA's Turn About @ Charlie's Bust 7pm Show at 8pm ( when Guys dress up as Girls, and Girls dress up as Guys. ) I know so what is the big deal well the catch is people who normally don't do drag like our President, Robert, Vice President Rich, Rodeo Director Mary, maybe doing drag ????? come out and have Fun and Support.

October 22nd - Grand Opening of Club Pure. ( the old Tequila Rosa )

November 4th - CGRA BOD meeting 6 pm - Membership 8pm , the reason for the early Meeting because of having Convention and IGRA Pageant during our normal time we have our meeting ( Good Luck Rocky Mr. CGRA 20011 )

November 5th - ICRME - Turn About, @ Club M at 9pm

November 6th - Wet Jockey Contest @ Boyztown given by ICRME

November 9th - 13th - IGRA Convention / IGRA 2012 Royalty Competition in San Diego, California ( good Luck Rocky Mr. CGRA 2011 )

November 11th - Come out and support your 10 yr Anniversary CGRA 2002 - Mr. David Westman, Miss Lushus LaRell, Ms Mary Munger, Anniversary Show @ Charlie's at 8pm

November 11th - 13th - ICPPE, Colorado Springs Coronation.

November 22nd - GALLA ( Gay and Lesbian Latin Alliance ) Beer bust @ the Compound at 6 pm come out and support.

Well I do believe that is enough for 2 months of information if anyone has any more information for me to know about please contact me at so I can inform our CGRA Membership.

Always in Service to the Community

Pauline Chavez
Community OutReach

Rodeo Events

Considerations for Preparing Your Horse for a Disaster Situation

Prioritize: Your life and your family should always come first, then your animals, then your property. Insurance companies recommend that you have a video or photo inventory of all your important possessions. This should include your tack too! Be sure to check with your insurance agent about having proper policies and coverage.

HAVE A BRAND INSPECTION COMPLETED FOR EACH OF YOUR HORSES. THIS IS YOUR PROOF OF OWNERSHIP.

Make Prior Arrangements: Know your county's evacuation procedures and coordinate various plans, information and phone contacts with neighbors. Have a list of family or friends outside of your area who could house your animals if necessary. If your horses have current Coggins and shots, they may be welcome at most commercial boarding facilities. As a rule, horses picked-up by rescue workers will be taken to the local fairgrounds or a safe holding facility. For a worse case scenario, make sure you have designated someone to make legal, financial and care decisions regarding your horses.

ID Your Horse: Have a halter and lead rope for each horse. If possible, have your name and an emergency contact number other than your home telephone (remember, you may not be home for some time!) on the halter. Dog-type ID tags can work well for this. If necessary, write the information with permanent marker on a duct-tape style collar or spray paint it directly onto your horse.

Prepare Your Horse: A well-mannered horse makes rescue efforts easier. Teach your horse to walk on a loose lead, to "stand-stay" at all gates and doorways until being led through, and how to load into a trailer easily and safely. Practice with as many different people and situations as possible, and even include teaching your horse to be tolerant of being touched all over his or her body.

Prepare Your Facilities: Keep your barn as safe as possible by selecting fire retardant building materials and clearing trees, shrubbery, and underbrush 20 to 30 feet away from all structures. Remove cobwebs and check electrical wiring annually; and store flammables, feed, and bedding away from where animals are housed. Local fire departments and the US Forest Service will offer other specific recommendations on further prevention measures. If you have a horse trailer, make sure it's in good operating condition. Are the floorboards safe? Are the tires properly inflated? Are the hitches and lights in good working order?

Prepare an Emergency Information Packet: Using heavy sheet protectors or plastic brochure boxes organize all of the necessary paperwork where it can be easily seen and retrieved in case of an emergency. Provide information on each animal including: photographs and a written description; copies of registration/sale papers and brand certificates or travel cards; name and telephone of your veterinarian along with any known allergies, medical or behavioral condition(s); and detailed feed and care information including all supplements and medications. Also include a list of personal contact and insurance information.

Prepare a Disaster Kit: In a large, waterproof container like a trash can or "Rubbermaid" trunk compile the following items.

• First aid kit (sharp wire cutters and a knife, bandage scissors, elastic wraps, towels, cotton bandages, compresses, and adhesive tape, surgical or bacterial soap and/or saline solution, Epsom salt, fly repellent, antibacterial wound dressing, rectal veterinary thermometer, hoof pick, twitch and duct tape)
• Prepare hay, grain and supplements in watertight containers
• Water bucket(s) and water or electrolytes if possible because many horses will not readily drink unfamiliar water
• Leg wraps and horse blankets
• Lead ropes, halters, or shanks
• Shovel or manure fork
• Portable radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
• Lime, soap and bleach (disinfectants)
• Prescription medicines and/or a copy of the prescription from your veterinarian so more can be obtained

Be sure to try and have a 10 to 14 day supply of as many items as possible. Blizzards or extensive disaster damage can block roads and prohibit you from getting in or out for extended periods of time.

Time is of the essence! If possible, don't wait until the last minute to evacuate. Disasters can be unpredictable and spread quickly. Animals can also become uncooperative. Remember that accesses can become obstructed and heavy traffic may increase travel times. Anything you do now to prepare for a possible emergency evacuation may save precious minutes and even lives!

Kim Fry
CGRA Rodeo Events

Royality

Hello Everybody,

October got kicked off with a "BANG"!!! Saturday October 1st at Charlie's we raised a little over $700 for CGRA, for our show "She's Back"!!! With that said we now have 2 contestants for CGRA 2012 royalty, Gia Diamonte for Miss CGRA and Paula Scougal for Ms CGRA!!! Thank You so much to everybody that came out and supported us!!! And A Special Thank You to Rich Valdez and Aunt Ida for Emceeing the show great job as always!! And Thank You to all the great performers!!

October 22nd Rocky Buruse Mr CGRA 2011 has his Turn-About Show at Charlie's (Beer Bust at 7pm and Show at 8pm), And I hear that Miss Porta Potty Is coming back to BLESS the show!!! So come on down and see her! She's had a lot of work done!!

Nov 5th at the Compound, CGRA Royalty Thank You Show (Beer Bust at 6pm and Show at 8pm), We also have Drawing to given away that and many awards!!! Best of luck to all the CGRA members going to FINALS this month!!!

With Love,
Tracey Lee Saunders
Miss CGRA 2011

Dear CGRA,

Greetings from your 2012 10-Year Royalty Team, Lushus La'Rell, Mary Munger and David Westman. We can hardly believe 10 years have gone by since we represented CGRA in Denver and on the rodeo circuit. You all are looking old! And so are we, damn it. Well, except for Lushus. Makeup does wonders for wrinkles.

We wanted to let you know that as your 10-Year Royalty, we plan to host 4 quarterly fundraisers for CGRA in the coming year. And we want to kick our first one off on Friday, November 11 to celebrate our veteran's on Veteran's Day. The show is called "Let Freedom Ring: Celebrating Our Veterans". The GLBT Color Guard will be presenting flags and Michael Vrooman (who has too many titles to list!) will be singing the national anthem.

Now we know that some of you will be off at IGRA Convention. Bring some caffeine for those long meetings! For the rest of you left behind, we invite you to come down to our show to help us celebrate. We have a great line-up of fun entertainers, we will have both a beer and liquor bust, jello shots and 50/50 chance drawing. It all takes place at Charlie's on the main dance floor from 8:00-10:30 p.m.

Our emcees with be Vince Montez and Ida Maybe so you know it's going to be a fun time. The evening is a benefit for both CGRA and the CAP Thanksgiving Food Baskets. See the enclosed poster in the newsletter for all the details and we hope you can join us on Friday, November 11!

Miss CGRA 2002 Lushus La'Rell
Ms. CGRA 2002 Mary Munger
Mr. CGRA 2002 David Westman

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