CGRA Newsletter

July, 2012

Reports

Editors Note:
Higher resolution versions of the posters shown in this issue are available on the Gay Rodeo History website.
http://GayRodeoHistory.org/

President

I know your thinking who...... The President...... We thought you went away. LOL. Well I'm still here and you're not so lucky. Actually thought I had better sit down and let you all know what is going on. This may turn out to be a bit lengthy, go figure, but I ask that you take a minute and get caught up on all the stuff thats going on. So sit back, grab a cocktail, and let's get started.......

RODEO:
It's here. RMRR #30 is just over two weeks away. We added more rooms to our Host Hotel block for those of you staying at the Sheraton West. If you are staying on the grounds in your camper, please remember it's first come first served. Make your reservations online. They are going fast. I am so pleased with all the work being done by the Board of Directors to ensure a successful rodeo. There is a Friday Night Barrel Race with a $1000 dollar added purse and an added $5000 dollar purse for RMRR rodeo. You can go to our website cgra.ws and browse through the rodeo link for all the details. Oh and hell, don't let me forget we have a rodeo school for those of you who have always wanted to get started with rodeo, but never knew how. Check it out on the web, too. There is soooooo much to tell you about RMRR #30 that I ask you to check out the website, come to our meeting next Friday July 6th at Charlie's and get involved. It's not too late. You might even want to volunteer some of your time to help us pull this all off.

FUNDRAISING:
What a...... Oh how I want to type a profanity here, but I'll just say MONTH. First of all, We have sold all of the RMRR #30 Event Buckles but we do have commemorative RMRR #30 Buckles online for sale. We also have a 44 page Rodeo Program at the printers even as I type. We have really pushed the limits of volunteers this month. I want to personally thank each of you that gave of your time to raise over $20,000.00 in gross revenues for the month just in fundraisers. You guys and gals kicked ass. (Can I say that?) I know it was asking a lot, but all in all I do think we had a lot of FUN doing it. (Pause) While some of you say, "Tell that to my body". I won't name each of you as there are too many to do so. From two Beer Busts, a Trail Ride, a Tow Show, a Pool Tournament and a Pride Parade what a MONTH and there are still two more functions this weekend. To all of you "THANKS", we are a great organization when we get right down to it. You have made me very PROUD and you too should be PROUD of your efforts.

MEETING:
Next Friday, July 6th at Charlie's Denver, Board of Directors at 6:00pm with the General Membership to follow at 8:00pm. It's my 'Hot Potato' Board meeting. NO agenda we simply walk through the entire rodeo. From you as the contestant or you as the spectator we go through ever step of the way to make sure that there are no items left out. Come sit in on it and listen to all the details of whats coming up. Making sure that we are ready to Rodeo!! Everyone needs to be informed and this is where it happens. I hope that when you walk away from this meeting, should you be approached by someone from out of state at Rodeo, you too will have the answers for them.

ELECTIONS:
(Again another great spot for profanity) You chose the word you want........ It is that time of year. I will open the floor for nominations next Friday at the General Membership Meeting for our 2013 Board of Directors nominations. But you don't need to wait to be nominated. You can find the forms required to throw your hat in now on our website, cgra.ws, and start your campaigns. Please refer to our Bylaws as you consider running for any of these positions. You can find them all under Article VI. Voting and Elections. In order for your name to appear on the official ballot you must have the application in to secretarial and the Election Committee by July 20th, 2012. Executive offices up for election this year are the offices of the President and the Secretary along with the Committee Chairs of Public Relations, Fundraising, Entertainment, Rodeo Events, Membership and Community Outreach. We had a great deal of interests last year in people wishing to run for these offices and I truly hope that holds true for this next year. I am available to answer any questions some of you may have in holding one of these offices and encourage you to pick up the phone and talk to me about your involvement. We are on the right track, at least I think so, you may feel differently, LOL. Two meetings ago I mentioned that I WILL be running again for the office of President. One more cocktail and a couple of these high powered pain pills and I might just re-think that. Just kidding! I'm having a great time and I hope that I'm doing the job that you want done. I have been blessed to have two great years of exceptional Boards to work with, only making my job easier. I guess it's okay to say here in my letter I hope that I can have your support for two more years. (If it's not I'll print a retraction) We have come a long way but we still have a long ways to go. Please consider running for a position on the Board of Directors and let's keep "Riding with Pride".

I think that's enough. What do you think? It's not like I can't bore you anymore, cause I damn sure can. But seriously, just a lot going on and you need to know. Hope to see you all at the meeting and if not for sure at our 30th Celebration of the Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo, July 13, 14, 15.

Let's Ride
Robert Thurtell
CGRA President

Vice President

As I sit here thinking about the last few months, I am truly amazed at the amount of work that our CGRA family has put in to make sure that our 30th Anniversary Rodeo is a huge success! I am very honored to be working with this great group of people and look forward to showing what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication.

Congratulations go out to the current 2012 CGRA Royalty Team. From Ms. CGRA Paula Scougal's trail ride at Barr Lake to watching all three of the team riding horseback in the 2012 Denver Pride parade, I am happy to see this team taking their titles so seriously. They have been raising money for their personal charity partners as well as for CGRA. They have also been out and about making sure that the Community knows who CGRA is and all about our 30th year of Rodeo here in Colorado. They are doing a great job this year and I am very proud of this team.

To date, we now have five individuals who have held their fundraisers and are now contestants for the 2013 CGRA Royalty Team. Help me in welcoming the following contestants -- for Mr. CGRA 2013, Karl Wesley and Stephen Grimes; for Ms. CGRA 2013, Miss Eryn and Pauline Chavez; and for Miss CGRA 2013, Katrina St. Andrews. These individuals have done a great job thus far and I know they will continue to work for the success of CGRA. Congratulations to all of you and thank you for wanting to be a part of the CGRA Royalty family. On behalf of a past Mr. CGRA, welcome!!

And then the big event of the year - Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo 30! It's just around the corner and we are very excited to be celebrating our 30th Anniversary! If you would like to be a part of this great event, please volunteer some of your time during the weekend. For more information about volunteering, please look on our website -- cgra.ws -- and fill out a volunteer form while you've there.

Thank you to everybody who has given their time, donated money to CGRA, and helped us in any way! You are what makes us so successful as an organization!

And remember... Colorado Rides With Pride!

Colorado Rides With Pride!
Rich Valdez
CGRA Vice President
email address removed

Secretary

CGRA Membership Meeting - June 1, 2012
Called to Order at: 8:14pm

Motion to approve minutes for May GM meeting: Rich V., 2nd CD, carries.

President: Robert Thurtell
• Apologized for not having a formal agenda; noted next meeting is July 6.
• If you have any thoughts, ideas, questions - don't procrastinate, bring them up now.

Vice President: Rich Valdez
• Five contestants for 2013 have been sashed so far: Eryn, Karl W., Pauline C.,Stephen G., Katrina St. Andrews.

Secretary: CD Slusser
• No report

Treasurer: David Hill
• Motion to accept financials as reported: Rich V., 2nd John H., carries.
• Robert T. had a brief discussion on the financials
• David H. mentioned John Nelms was going to sponsor the Blazek award in addition to his other sponsorships.

Trustee: John Beck
• IGRA has received some corporate sponsorship money from Shepler's - $12K for Royalty, Convention and Finals.
• New IGRA Royalty logo will be coming out - check website
• Phoenix will move back to Corona Ranch in 2013 with John King and Bob Pimental as Rodeo Directors.
• John B. asked how much in-house support for CGRA to host 2013 convention
• Grand Marshalls for Finals 2012: Frank Harrell and Ty Teigen

Rodeo Director: Mary Munger (absent)
• Scotty Shadix would like to use RMRR30 for his qualification for Arena Director

Public Relations: Dan Rutledge
• More rodeo posters are being ordered
• Robert T. talked about Pride float and parade. CGRA will be riding horses, need volunteers.
• Fred K. will head up the Pridefest coordination efforts

Fund Raising Chair: Dan Rutledge
• Noted the buckles still available for sponsorship; Mary T. and Dave W. will cover the last two memorial buckles.
• Charlie's & Outfront will split breakaway; women's flags and chute dogging remain.

Entertainment: Tommy Channel
• Robert T. has been working with Anthony A. to hold a red solo cup beer bust, Saturday nite @ rodeo, 4-7pm in conjunction with a Tea Dance - $7.
• Nine IGRA Royals have confirmed for Grand Entry
• John K. and Keith S. will produce the show under the tent Friday nite @ rodeo.
• DJ from the Wrangler will be under the tent Saturday nite
• Tommy is looking for biodegradable balloons

Rodeo Events: Kim Fry
• Thanked all those who helped make the first Gymkhana a success
• Next Gymkhana is Saturday, June 2 @ JEFFCO

Membership: John Hill
• Currently, 129 active members with 28 out of state
• Seven new members were approved @ BOD meeting: Harmony Greenberg-Moore (Jr.), Eric Lepkowski, Mike Sanders, Norrie Reynolds, Hayden Thurtell (Jr.), Christina Lee, Daryl Meyer
• RMRR30 Ambassador meeting - tentative June 20 - details to follow
• John Hill will offer a Quiznos gift card to the member selling the most RMRR30 pins
• Pridefest booth cancelled due to lack of volunteers

Outreach Chair: Pauline Chavez
• No report

Royalty: Gia, Paula S. (absent) and John B.
• Gia organizing benefit Gymkhana for Therapeutic Riding Center in Akron - June 30. Dinner included.
• John B.'s mini rodeo nite in the Springs was successful
• Paula S. is absent with family business, reminder of June 9 trail ride/bar-b-que

New Business:
• Karl W. will host the July 12, Friday nite show at Charlie's since power failure interrupted his show in May
• This is also the annual RMRR T-shirt fundraiser
• Charlie's will be celebrating their 31st anniversary this weekend (June 2).
• Reminder: 30th RMRR anniversary buckles are here, cost is $100.

Announcements:
• June 10 and June 17 - Beer busts at the Wrangler, need volunteers, contact Robert T.
• Rocky B. holding fundraiser at the Eagle on June 30 from noon to 4pm, dunk tank.
• Jerry Cunningham - OutFront doing a special promo issue on June 20
• Frank H. mentioned some of the history items being made available for online viewing; old newsletters, buckles, etc.
• Fred K. made an announcement on the Health Fair taking place over the weekend

Meeting adjourned @ 9:11pm

CD Slusser
Secretary
email address removed

Community Outreach

Howdy Cowgirls and Cowboys

Well here we are just 2 weeks until Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo 30, can you believe it is almost here.

Well if you would like to Volunteer and be apart of the History please contact Vice President Rich Valdez @ 719-964-8209. The Board is is excited and working hard to make this rodeo Awesome.

July is full of Great events coming up. Are you Ready

July 4th - PR Picnic (ICRME)
At Cheeseman Park from 12 noon until 3 pm Free Food, and Kegs of Beer this function is done every year to introduce the Prince and Princess Royals to the Community and say thank you for all your support.

July 6th - CGRA BOD Meeting
at Charlie's - 6 pm to 8 pm
CGRA Membership Meeting - 8 pm,
We will be letting you know what will be going on during the Rodeo and how if you have not volunteered how you can help.

July 7th - Mr. CGRA 2012 John Beck
Went out of the box with this function he will be bringing horses to Charlie's so you can bring your kids or yourself, can sit and have there photos taken for $4.00 benefitting Colorado Search and Rescue.

July 12th - Kicks off the Rodeo with a show done by CGRA to raise money for the contestant T-shirt Show at Charlie's from 8 - 10 pm

July 13 - 15 - Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo 30
Friday - CGRA Contestant Registration, we also have Rodeo School if you want to learn how to rodeo come to the July 6th meeting and get all the information.
Saturday - Let's get ready to rodeo, come out and support and cheer your Cowboys and Cowgirls on.
Sunday - The Rodeo is still going on come out and support and have some fun.

Here at the Rodeo we will have food, and vendors, and music, dancing, and lots and lots of fun

July 20th - 1301 roof top Happy Hour hosted by GLBT The Center
food, beverages, Coors Lite, Smirnoff, snacks from Chipotle, music, from 6 - 9pm
Admission $10 (that gets you 3 drink tickets) with option for 4th if your willing to sign up for the center newsletter, or $15 - the Center Rooftop Happy Hour becomes VIP hosted bar all evening.

July 21st - ICRME - Show hosted by Sue Anne Michaels Princess 36
at Charlie's - $6.00 Beer Bust, show at 7:30 pm benefitting Urban Peak, and the Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

July 27th - 28th - Gay Pride Pageant
Silver Jubilee (Celebrating 25 years) for more information contact Brandi Roberts -

August 4th - CGRA Gymkhana
At Jefferson County Fairgrounds at 10 am

If you are traveling to our Rodeo please be safe and stay cool.
Let's get ready to Rodeo

Always in service to the community

Pauline Chavez
CGRA Community Outreach
CGRA contestant 2013

Rodeo Events / Gymkhana

Disaster Tips: For Horses
The following items are recommended for inclusion in a disaster kit specifically for horses. Make one kit for each horse in your care.

• Food and Water:
  • One-week supply of the food or special feed your horse is used to eating. Store in an airtight, waterproof container and rotate every three months to ensure freshness
  • One-week supply of water, stored in a cool, dark location. 50-gallon barrels are good for storing water
  • If tap water is not suitable for humans to drink during a disaster, it is also not suitable for cats to drink
  • Feeding and water buckets
• Cleaning and Sanitation:
  • One-week supply of dry shavings to be spread out in the horse's stall
  • Pitch fork, wheelbarrow and/or muck bucket
  • Maintaining a clean environment for horses during a disaster minimizs the threat of disease
• Identification:
  • Permanent identification like microchipping, tattoos or freeze branding
  • Temporary, easily-visible identification, such as:
    • Using a livestock crayon and write your name, phone number and address on the horse
    • Using clippers to shave your name, address and phone number in the horse's coat
    • Braiding into the horse's mane an ID tag with your name, address and phone number
  • Temporary identification tag that you can write your temporary location on in case your horse is separated from you
  • Current pictures of you with your horse to prove owership if you are separated
  • Copy of the Bill of Sale or other documentation that can prove ownership
• Health and Safety:
  • A two-week supply of any long-term medication your horse is taking
  • Medical records, including vaccination records. Keep your horse up-to-date on vaccinations, especially tetanus, as disasters increase the risk of getting cut
  • A copy of your horse's current Coggins certificate
  • First aid kit containing cotton and cotton rolls, disposable surgical gloves, vet wraps, duct tape, telfa pads, Betadine, instant cold packs, easy boot, diapers, Furazone, scissors, Blue Lotion and tweezers. Ask your veterinarian what else to include.
• Housing and Transportation:
  • A horse trailer and a truck that can safely pull it, in case you have to evacuate. Conduct periodic safety checks of the the floor of the trailer, the trailer hitch, tires and lights.
  • Rope to tie out your horse in case you don't have access to a stable. (train your horse to tether before disaster strikes)
  • Halter and lead rope, preferably not made of nylon, which can melt in the event of a fire.
  • Pre-identified locations where you can evacuate your horses, such as equine centers, boarding stables, racetracks, and fairgrounds.

Becuase horses are so large, significant advanced planning is required to evacuate and shelter them temporarily in case of disaster. If you don't have a trailer or enough trailer space for the number of horses you have, work out ahead of time other arrangements for transporting your horse(s). Identify friends or relatives who could help, or transportation services available for hire. It takes time to move larger animals. If disaster is imminent, allow plenty of time to get them to safety. Do not wait until the last minute. If you have a horse who is not accustomed to being in a trailer, practice loading and unloading with the horse as part of your regular routine.

Set up a "buddy system" with a fellow horse owner so you can evacuate each other's animals if one of you is out of town when disaster strikes.

Kim Fry
CGRA Rodeo Events
email address removed

June 2012 Gymkhana Resusts

2012 IGRA Rodeo Schedule

Rodeo Schools

IGRA Board Meetings

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