By Staff
The women were almost giddy - shrieking and saying, “I don't believe it.”
The men in the room, on the other hand, were quite quiet and actually stepped back.
Before the meeting of the Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce Shirley Hartley from Cass District Library was merely selling a calendar for next year - a fundraiser by the Cass County Conservation District, of which is she is on the board.
The difference with this calendar is that it reminds one of the movie Calendar Girls.
With props such as a tractor, fishing net, horse saddle or award plaque, they are posed with only those and their smiles. Oh, and the one with the chain saw, that looks like it could be dangerous.
A few of the men were allowed to keep their boots on for their photo.
The photos were done by Joseph Hilliard of Elkhart, Ind.
The fun project has received national recognition with a quote in Newsweek magazine and a mention on CNN.
Orders have been coming in throughout the country for the $20 calendar. The first 500 sold out after the first week, with the help of pre-orders taken at the Cass County Fair.
The calendar was marketed with the words, “Farmer's tans on display in District calendar. At least 12 Cass County men are sporting a new look for 2006. The traditional ‘farmer's tan' may become next year's hot attire.”
The second printing is already going down. The conservation district sponsors programs throughout the year to educate the public on conservation and the environment, one takes groups of fifth graders out to Russ Forest each year for a fun day of learning and hay rides.
The library has assisted with some of these, including a bird feeder's workshop. A recycling craft workshop is also being planned for the beging of the year, Hartley, who is vice-chair of the conservation district board, said.
Though the reaction to the calendars has varied from shock to loving it, it has definitely been a money maker for the conservation district.
The calendar models include Dave Leach, Ron McAdam and Bill Westrate of Cassopolis; Chris Carrick, Randy Hartley, and Jeff Tolbert of Edwardsburg; Scott Newland, Ron Ransbottom and Daryl Swartz of Marcellus, Mike Tucker of Union; and, representing St. Joseph County, James Lind of Three Rivers.
For those wishing to purchase a calendar, they are sold locally at the Union House Bed and Breakfast in Union, Wood Fire Italian Trattoria in downtown Dowagiac, Klugs (formerly Walker's) in Union and Community Mills in Cassopolis.
For more information go to the Web site casscd.org or contact the Cass County Conservation District at 269/445-8060.