This month Reel Cowboy Jay Geisenheimer lost her dear horse, SDF Velvet Belle (LaBelle). LaBelle was a past Champion Halter Mare, two time Reserve Champion Western Pleasure and Champion Rodeo Horse Racing entry.

"Labelle was well known by many people. Her charismatic personality and charm were highly recognizable. I lost a long time friend and companion who changed my life. But I know that she will live on in many hearts for a long time to come." said Jay.

We, The Reel Cowboys, deeply express our sadness and support for Jay and wish for her the strength to endure in her hour of sorrow.

The somber gray skies made a fitting backdrop for the sad news we received today over breakfast: our beloved Reel Cowboy, Don Wyndham, passed away. He fought the good fight for years and was a kind and generous friend. He'll be greatly missed. Jimmy Wheldon led us in prayer.

In parade news, a lot of work is taking place on the Reel Cowboys float to completely refurbish it. Baron assures us we'll scarcely recognize it come the Burbank parade next Saturday. Elbow grease has been provided by Robert Lanthier, John Ammons, Baron Castle, Jeb Younger, Mike Shanto, Arnold Musgrove, and Joe Santo with his wife Beatriz. It is to be noted that they risked life and limb in this effort as they were attacked by some voracious insects! Jeb was bitten so many times he needed to go to the hospital! Y'all's dedication is much appreciated.

The long-standing question of which cowboy is tallest, Robert Stephens or Sam Neely, was put to rest today. While it appeared was the taller by a whisker, Baron declared it a draw.

Congratulations go out to our prolific producer, Sheldon Altfeld, for winning 10 awards at the World Fest Houston International Film Festival! Eight of the awards were for participation as a consultant for Healing Media Production Co. of Austria. Altfeld Productions took home one award for "The Art of Victory", which was just picked up by World Wide Rights. H&A Productions also won one award for "A Glimpse of Heaven, A Taste of Hell". So let's all give him a big round of virtual applause! (As a side note, these Remi Awards are named after the famous Western artist Fredrick Remington.)

Due to a paying gig, Erwin Jackson was out of town, so musical entertainment was provided by Tony Gibson, the Clark Gable of the Reel Cowboys, Marty Mooneyham on bass, Ty Hardin on harmonica, and David Cook. The meeting was concluded with an audience participation rendition of "Happy Trails".

See y'all at the Burbank parade!

Two Easter Bunnies made a surprise appearance at the breakfast today to help celebrate the season. They wowed the crowd with an amazing magic show aided by Wilbur, a fantastic young assistant from the audience. Later on, Wilbur's Dad, Willie, also volunteered to assist.

Movie night was a rousing success with the largest crowd ever (32!). So all y'all who missed it, including yours truly, don't miss next month's on Wednesday, April 16th. The feature will be Bandolero, starring James Stewart, Dean Martin, Raquel Welch, and George Kennedy.

Big Jim's Restaurant is starting a Country Western Dance Night. The first is Wednesday, April 2nd, from; 7 to 11 pm. There will be free dance lessons from 7 to 1 pm followed by DJ music from 8 to 11 pm. They hope to get live bands in the future. There is no cover charge but a $10 minimum order for their extensive menu. Sounds like it'll be a foot-stompin' good time!

Reel Cowboy Fred Gruchalla announced the upcoming Cowboy Festival, April 23-27, in Santa Clarita at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios. Each day is chock full of exciting events, good music, delicious food, and shopping opportunities. Check out www.cowboyfestival.org for a full schedule of events and ticket prices.

Don't forget to wear your full cowboy gear this Saturday. Check in with the armorer if you wear your hardware.

We had an exciting, star-studded meeting today. We were joined by Peter Ford, Glenn Ford's son, as well as John Ferguson, who was Glenn Ford's stand-in. Dick Jones of Range Rider and Buffalo Bill Jr. TV programs fame, also honored us with his presence.

Bob Yerkes and Eric Cord, stuntmen extraordinaire, brought in 3 "up & coming" stuntpeople to perform a demonstration stunt fight for us. Tree O'Toole and Mario Perez were the fighters, while Scott Rosen directed. They first did a slow run-through as they would if they were blocking the fight prior to filming, which allowed us to see details of how it is done. They followed this with the same fight in 3/4 time which left the spectators breathless with admiration and cheering for more. A little later Tree showed us how multi-talented she is by joining Erwin Jackson on stage for a song.

Angel Baker earned a standing ovation for her yodeling rendition of "Cowboy Sweetheart".

Mark Your Calendars:

Movie Night is Wednesday, March 19th, at the Wyndham's. Now showing is "Breakheart Pass" starring Charles Bronson. Mark Sparks, whose father, Charles Sparks, has a prominent extra role in the movie, regaled us with some of his father's anecdotes about the filming of the movie. The concession stand opens at 6:30 pm with delicious hot dogs and other snacks, with the movie beginning promptly at 7:00 pm.

The Burbank Parade is April 26th with a 50's theme.

Our own Evans and Rogers, The Hottest New Act in Vaudeville, will be performing June 1st at The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Seating is limited so reserve your seats early. Call 626/398-7917 for more information/reservations.