Volume I -- Issue 3 -- December 4, 2006
From the Editor
 Greetings from your LGRA Trail Blazer Editor. Yes, Congratulations Shane Duncan for winning the Name that Newsletter contest! I'm working on the new logo for it and we will see that in the January issue.
In this issue we have a special guest article from Chris Maurizio on his first LGRA Trailride and introduction from the LGRA Secretary Michael Flynn. In upcoming issues we will be looking for more guest articles from the membership. If you have an idea or would like to contribute please email me by clicking the link below.
At the bottom of this issue is The LGRA Yahoo Group subscribe button. Please take a moment to plug in your email address and join the group.
~Jade Email the Editor
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Rodeo Finals Results
IGRA FINALS RODEO
We had two competitors from LGRA travel to Reno Nevada for the International Gay Rodeo Association Finals Rodeo. Frank Colvin, one of our Independence members teamed up with our President Jennifer Vrana for Steer Deco and Wild Drag. Together they took a 7th place in Steer Deco placing them 8th overall and a 3rd Place in Wild Drag. Jennifer Vrana also took a 1st and 2nd place in Chute Doggin, she missed winning the buckle by less then a second. We would also like to thank Marcel for filling in as Trustee for the weekend. LGRA put on a great showing for our first of many Finals.
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Letter from the President
 Howdy gang,
As of Nov 25th we are now 150 members strong!!! I don't know how to follow that up other then we've had another busy month. Our association was highlighted at the Bucks MC Santa Saturday on the 25th. I would like to thank them for allowing us stage time to talk about LGRA. There were 1,450 people in attendance and one of the best parties I've ever been too.
LGRA had donated an auction package and helped the Bucks raise an additional $500. Thank you Ron...its good to have you onboard.
I hope to see many of our members out at our auction on Dec 8th. I do believe we have a few surprises in the works. Until then.......
Jen |
From the LGRA Secretary, Michael Flynn
 - Less than a year ago, I was approached by three good friends, Jen, Skip and Jimmy, and was asked to become Secretary to a new organization here in Philly. Being around our community as long as I have, and being in a number of GLBT groups, I was just a tad bit wary. But, after being held in a police lock and wrestled to the floor (just kidding) I agreed. That "yes" has led me to a very exciting time. Not only did I get to see a brand new group be added to the C&W community here in the Delaware Valley, but I got to meet people from all over. People who wanted to dance, socialize and meet new people in a "country atmosphere" and, best of all, work toward bringing a rodeo of our own to Philadelphia.
I'm very happy to be with the Liberty Gay Rodeo Association and am proud to wear their insignia (that's a picture of me in my rodeo shirt at Omaha Beach in France last month.) I encourage everyone to not only attend our many and varied events coming our way this winter, but think about attending one of our monthly meetings and seeing if there isn't something there for you to get interested in. It's working out great for me. |
My 1st LGRA Trail Ride by Chris Maurizio
It was a beautiful November Sunday morning when I awoke with anticipation about going on my 1st LGRA Trail Ride. We arrived 20 minutes before the start of the ride. Ernie Bowers and Jeff Bolognese were there with a couple others from our group. We were welcomed with open arms. As our group was arriving one by one, the staff at Sheeder Mill had us mount our horses and before long we got on our way.
We headed down the road that runs between the farm and the park where the trail ride takes place and then were led into the park. It was so beautiful, with the leaves turning colors and falling. They sent several of their staff with us to guide us through the trails and to make sure everyone keeps up with the group. My horse seemed to want to eat, and was always stopping to eat a tree branch or leaves. Once, she got me stuck in this little tree that Jeff seemed to find humorous and tried to take a picture. However, with a little kick, don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt them, she backed up and got us on our way. I think that was the moment I realized that you have to let them know you are the boss.
The trail was kind of hilly, with some flat stretches. It made the ride very interesting. At one point we got a little behind the leader of the group, and the staff member in front of me told us to stand in our stirrups a bit. I didn’t realize that she was going to have her horse trot to catch up and our horses would follow suit. I was amazed at how much fun it was to be on the horse as it trotted along with her horse.
Jen was riding through the group talking to us and taking pictures. She really knows how to handle these beautiful giants. Eventually I heard one of the staff up front state that we were almost done and I couldn't believe it. The time had just flown by. I signed up for the December trail ride as soon as it had shown up on the LGRA website and I just can’t wait to get out there again and ride!
To quote Toby Keith: I should have been a cowboy, I should have learned to rope and ride. - Well Toby, you CAN teach and old dog new tricks and I intend to be a cowboy and learn to rope and ride!
Chris Maurizio
For information on cost and how to sign up for LGRA Trailrides please click on the link below.
More about Trail Rides |
From the horse's mouth
 Hi there, my name is Quinn and I am the resident horse for LGRA. Its getting kind of lonely out here and I was wondering if there are other 4 legged members out there? If so please get in touch with my owner at Pres@libertygra.org. We would like to set up a South Jersey trail ride just for us!!!
BTW, my owner has put me up for auction.... yes that's right, auction. It has been determined that I am a bachelor. For information about me and the other bachelors and bachelorettes check out the section below on upcoming events, Email Quinn's Owner
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 8, 2006
LGRA BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE AUCTION
LGRA will be hosting its 1st annual Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction at Woody's during Country/Western dancing, beginning at 9PM.
Be sure to check out our bachelors and bachelorettes going up for auction on the web site. Photo's and information are available for most of our auction block volunteers.
We have beautiful ladies, gorgeous cowboys and one particularly handsome contestant with chestnut brown hair that everyone is going to want to check out.
LGRA BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE AUCTION |
December Birthdays
LGRA wants to wish the following a special birthday wish:
Brant Casey
Jeffrey Martin
Brett Hollis
Shane Michael Duncan
Ron Emrich
Jessica Kohut
Joseph Dumpert
Jade Meskunas
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