Lois Sharpe of Camano Island had just seen the movie “Calendar Girls” at her local senior center with other members of the Camano Tomatoes when the idea came to her.
“I thought, ‘I don’t know if they’ll go for it,’” Sharpe said, referring to the Tomatoes, a branch of the Red Hat Society, the social group for women over 50 who believe in having fun.
The British film is about a group of middle-aged women who agree to be photographed scantily clad for a calendar to raise money for a new charity.
Sharpe, also known as the Duchess of Fun, asked her group what they thought about making their own calendar for 2006 and giving the money back to the community.
“The few who were hesitant were the ones who enjoyed it,” Sharpe said.
In August 2004, the Camano Tomatoes began their 2006 Calendar Gals project with volunteer photographer Gina Ostman Burrill. Although not exactly baring all, members had lots of fun creating their pin-up poses.
“We wanted to be risque without being too risque,” Sharpe said.
She knows what she’s talking about; she can be seen popping out of large plant pot for her stint as Miss May.
In February’s photo, a pianist is seated and four women stand behind the upright. A row of Valentine teddy bears are strategically lined up on top of the piano.
“The bears took care of a multitude of sins,” Sharpe said.
At the golf course, the Camano Senior and Community Center and their homes, the women donned their hats and their smiles, and carefully hid other parts of themselves for their calendar venture.
“It’s the only time I made the centerfold,” said Ila King, the group’s leader, or Queen Mum.
King, who will only describe her age as “legal,” poses as a bride in a 1925 lace wedding dress for June.
“Someone said, ‘When did you get married?’” King said. “I didn’t!”
It’s hard to miss a Red Hat Society group when they are out and about. Clad in purple clothing to deliberately clash with their trademark red hats, the over 50- women may be spotted having lunch, enjoying an evening at the theater or running a benefit, often sporting feather boas and glitter. Their attire was inspired by the 1961 poem “When I am Old” by English poet Jenny Joseph.
But the Camano Tomatoes Calendar Gals decided to go it alone, without the Red Hat Society link, for their 2006 calendar. Proceeds benefit the Camano Senior Services, the Camano Fire Department and the Camano Animal Shelter Association.
Customers who arrive at La Hacienda in Stanwood for lunch or dinner are pleasantly surprised to see the Camano Tomatoes Calendar Gals on the wall.
“They say, ‘Wow, that’s something we don’t see very often,’” said owner Pedro Hernandez. ” ‘Is that for sale?’ they ask.”
He and co-owner Hector Guitron sponsored the calendar and are hosting an autograph session on Aug. 6 in front of their restaurant.
“They ask what the purpose is,” Hernandez said. He’s happy to tell people that 100 percent of the profits go to three local organizations.
The calendar is also being sold by the women who grace the pages.
“I even sold one at water aerobics today,” King said.
King has been the Queen Mum since the group began May 17, 2003. The Camano Tomatoes were the first Red Hat Society group to form on Camano Island. There are now three others.
The group has expanded to about 35 members and things have changed since that first meeting two years ago.
One woman turned up with a red hot water bottle tied to her head, King said.
The women don’t call their events meetings, they are get-togethers. The Queen Mum has a vice Mum.
“I pass all my worries on to my vices,” King said.
Sharpe wasn’t worried about the calendar. She laid everything out and told the women to sign up for the month they were interested in.
Although the movie was an inspiration for the Camano Tomatoes calendar, the women didn’t exactly follow the ideas from the movie.
“Hollywood hasn’t called us yet,” King said.
The women erred on the more tasteful and fun side of the original project, not wanting to embarrass themselves or their community.
“We are ladies that just want to have fun,” King said.
“To give back to the community is what it’s all about,” Sharpe said.
Christina Harper: 425-339-3491 or harper@heraldnet.com.
Calendar signing
The Calendar Gals will sign calendars before, during and after lunch Wednesday at the Camano Senior and Community Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island.
They will also sign calendars at 11 a.m. Aug. 6 at La Hacienda, 9200 271st St. NW, Stanwood. Call 360-629-3563.
Calendars are $10.
The Camano Tomatoes branch of the Red Hat Society meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Camano Senior and Community Center.
E-mail camanotomatoes @yahoo.com or call 360-387-0222.
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