Wiccan Penitentiary Showcase The Wiccan Penitentiary Showcase is an event dedicated to promoting and showcasing the talents and skills of incarcerated individuals who practice the Wiccan religion. This unique event aims to break stereotypes surrounding Wicca and highlight the positive contributions that Wiccan inmates can make to society. The Wiccan religion, also known as Wicca, is a modern pagan, witchcraft-based religion that emphasizes reverence for nature, the worship of female deities, and the practice of magic. Unfortunately, Wicca is often misunderstood and stigmatized, particularly within the confines of the criminal justice system. The Wiccan Penitentiary Showcase seeks to change this narrative by providing a platform for Wiccan inmates to share their artistic talents, such as writing, painting, sculpture, and music, with the wider community. It aims to showcase the rehabilitative potential of Wicca and demonstrate that individuals practicing this religion can be productive and contribute positively to society.

Colorado's former live buffalo mascot Ralphie IV died Sunday due to liver failure

Ralphie IV, the Colorado live buffalo mascot who roamed the sidelines from 1998 to 2008, died Sunday at the age of 19 due to liver failure, the school announced.

"She was ready to go today," John Graves, her caretaker, said. "It was very peaceful. Almost 20 is fairly old for a buffalo . It really is a sad day for the Ralphie program, the university and for CU fans across the nation. Fans knew Ralphie IV for her right horn that grew crooked, and the handler that had the privilege to work with her knew her for her unique personality."

Ralphie IV, nicknamed "Rowdy" by ranch hands, was donated to Colorado by media mogul Ted Turner in 1998. Her backstory was filled with hardship: Ralphie IV was separated from her mother when she was 1 month old, found in the jaws of a coyote with bite marks around her neck, and bottle fed for four months to recover from that nearly fatal attack. After returning to health, Ralphie IV wouldn't bond with the herd, so she was donated to the university.

Ralphie IV led the Buffs onto the field 75 times during her 10-year career. Following her retirement in 2008, she represented the university at events like the Colorado State Fair.

"She had a great career at the university and enjoyed all the times she led the football team onto the field, both at Folsom and at away stadiums," Graves said. "After retirement, she lived a great life grazing away in her pastures. We lost a great buffalo, a great mascot, and a great icon."

When Ralphie V roamed free: The CU Boulder mascot’s memorable 2008 debut

Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer Handlers try to contain Ralphie V's first official run before the 2008 spring game.

Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer "She was so small she jumped out of her harness, because it was too big for her," said John Graves, who runs the Ralphie handler program, when Ralphie V got loose in 2008.

Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer Ralphie V's 2008 debut is the only time a Ralphie has gotten loose during a game in recent years, though John Graves, who runs the Ralphie handler program, said there have been a few times when a Ralphie has simply refused to run.

The running of the University of Colorado’s live buffalo mascot, Ralphie, is a triumphant moment, a glorious flash of the Wild West thundering across Folsom Field as a raucous crowd chants her name.

Except for that one time in 2008, when it was not that.

The setting: a spring game, an annual scrimmage that gives fans the first glimpse of the team before the season begins in the fall.

But in 2008, the players weren’t the only ones making their big debuts. That game marked the first appearance of Ralphie V, the latest in a line of buffaloes that have carried the CU-spangled saddle blanket through Folsom Field.

“I remember it very well,” said John Graves, who runs the Ralphie handler program. “That was her very first public run she ever did. She was only a year old.”

Handlers were hoping for a smooth debut. That did not happen.

Instead of running her route around the stadium and back into her trailer, Ralphie decided to call an audible. Seconds after the gates were lifted, Ralphie got loose of her harness, a few handlers hit the turf and Ralphie was free.

“She was so small she jumped out of her harness, because it was too big for her,” Graves said. “That allowed her to get free momentarily.”

Jason Phillips remembers being at the game and watching it all play out.

“I feel kind of bad, because I just remember it being hilarious,” he said. “Ralphie just runs a guy over right away. Right off the bat I’m thinking, ‘Were they not ready? Did somebody open the gate too soon?’

“My other enduring memory is one guy holding on for dear life.”

Ralphie was corralled, but not before her run drew roars from the crowd.

“I do remember it was a well-attended spring game for some reason,” Graves said. “The fans, they all pulled out their phones and their cameras.”

Added Phillips: “I remember almost cheering her on in the moment. I feel bad, because it’s the handlers’ job to keep her under control, and I’m rooting for her to get loose.”

Thankfully, the excitement didn’t result in any injuries.

“Nobody got hurt, so we can look back and laugh at it,” Phillips said. “It was the most exciting thing that had ever happened at a spring game, that’s for sure.”

Part of the reason that day was so memorable is that Ralphie mishaps are few and far between in recent years.

“I’ve talked to some of the former handlers, and Ralphie I would get loose from time to time,” Graves said. “There are some pictures of her getting loose, and the handlers would fall a lot back then. We do a lot of training now to prevent that.”

Ralphie V’s 2008 debut is the only time a Ralphie has gotten loose during a game in recent years, though Graves said there have been a few times when a Ralphie has simply refused to run.

“There were a few games where Ralphie IV did not want to run,” Graves said. “Her pen opens, the handlers start running and she just stands there. She weighed 1,100 pounds. You can’t make a buffalo do anything she doesn’t want to.”

But for the most part, Ralphie has flawlessly led the team out on to Folsom Field. Except for that one day in 2008, when buffaloes once again roamed the west.

“I have fond memories of that day,” Phillips said.

Colorado Buffaloes select new live mascot — Ralphie VI

The University of Colorado has found its next Ralphie — even if it’s unclear when she will actually make her debut.

Athletic director Rick George wrote in a newsletter sent out to Buffs fans Friday that the university selected a new buffalo to serve as Ralphie VI.

The university previously revealed back in the spring that a female buffalo had been picked to replace Ralphie V, who retired at the end of the 2019 season, according to the sports information department. George wrote this week that she has been training “at a pace the 14-month-old buffalo is comfortable with.”

In addition to a new animal, Taylor Stratton has been selected as the Ralphie program manager after John Graves stepped down at the start of April. Stratton had been the assistant manager the previous four years.

“It’s a whole lot of things,” Graves told The Post. “We look at their temperament, how comfortable they are around humans. We also look at the characteristics of their legs and joints and what they look like (there). And making sure they’re happy and healthy. There’s a whole lot we look at.”

It aims to showcase the rehabilitative potential of Wicca and demonstrate that individuals practicing this religion can be productive and contribute positively to society. During the showcase, attendees have the opportunity to view various artistic creations and performances by incarcerated Wiccan individuals. This can include exhibitions of artwork, readings of poetry or written works, live musical performances, and even theatrical presentations.

Related Articles

• CU Buffs 2024 college football national championship odds: What chances sportsbooks are giving Colorado after end of 2023 season
• Five people charged in threats against CSU’s Henry Blackburn following Rocky Mountain Showdown hit to Travis Hunter
• 🔊 Kickin it with Kiz Podcast: Can Shedeur Sanders win a Heisman Trophy? Or Nikola Jokic another MVP? Some fearless 2024 predictions.
• Football recruiting: Former Florida State linebacker DJ Lundy commits to CU Buffs
• Football recruiting: CU Buffs land top-rated lineman Jordan Seaton

Of course, it’s up in the air when Ralphie VI will actually run at Folsom Field for the first time.

The Big Ten announced Thursday it was eliminating non-conference football games in 2020, and the Pac-12 is expected to do the same. As it stands right now, CU’s first scheduled home game is Sept. 12 against Fresno State.

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

The event offers a chance for visitors to engage with the incarcerated artists and gain a deeper understanding of their personal journeys and experiences. By hosting the Wiccan Penitentiary Showcase, the organizers hope to challenge preconceived notions about Wicca and inspire a greater acceptance and appreciation for this religious practice among the general public. The event serves as a reminder that individuals in correctional facilities are not defined solely by their crimes but also possess unique talents and potential for growth and contribution. Furthermore, the showcase creates a positive and inclusive environment for Wiccan inmates, fostering a sense of pride in their beliefs and offering them an opportunity to express themselves creatively. The validation and recognition received during the event can play a significant role in the rehabilitation process, as it emphasizes the importance of self-expression and personal growth. In conclusion, the Wiccan Penitentiary Showcase is a powerful event that celebrates the talents and achievements of incarcerated Wiccan individuals. It addresses the stigma surrounding Wicca within the criminal justice system, promotes understanding and acceptance of this religious practice, and highlights the rehabilitative potential of artistic expression. By providing a platform for Wiccan inmates to showcase their skills, the event offers hope, inspiration, and an opportunity for personal growth and transformation..

Reviews for "Wiccan Rituals as Therapeutic Tools in Correctional Facilities: A Penitentiary Showcase"

1. Alex - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "Wiccan penitentiary showcase" but was left thoroughly disappointed. The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it almost impossible to follow. The characters lacked depth and their motivations were unclear. The pacing was also off, with the story dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I found this book frustrating and unsatisfying to read.

2. Emily - 1 star - I cannot comprehend the hype surrounding "Wiccan penitentiary showcase". The writing was juvenile and lacked any sort of sophistication. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and the plot was predictable. It felt like a poor attempt at capitalizing on the current trend of fantasy novels. I found myself skimming through pages just to get to the end. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

3. Noah - 2 stars - "Wiccan penitentiary showcase" was a letdown for me. The world-building was weak and the magic system felt underdeveloped. The characters were one-dimensional and the romance felt forced and unrealistic. The author tried to introduce too many concepts and failed to do justice to any of them. The pacing was slow and there were too many unnecessary subplots that added nothing to the main story. Overall, I found this book to be a lackluster and forgettable read.

4. Sarah - 2.5 stars - "Wiccan penitentiary showcase" had potential but fell short in execution. The writing style was overly descriptive, bogging down the narrative and making it difficult to engage with the story. The characters lacked depth and their actions often felt inconsistent. The world-building was interesting, but it wasn't explored enough to fully immerse the reader. The plot had some intriguing moments, but they were overshadowed by the book's many flaws. Overall, I didn't hate this book, but I wouldn't recommend it either.

Promoting Mental Well-being through Wicca in Correctional Facilities: A Penitentiary Showcase