Calendar Girls

Senior Women Strike a Pose for a Good Cause.

A group of fifteen senior women in Kansas are making waves in their retirement community by posing for a calendar to raise funds for their Resident Care Fund, which provides a “Home for Life” for those who outlive their financial resources. The diverse models include a 102-year-old, a visually impaired model, and others with challenges consistent with their ages.

The calendar will feature women in various settings on the Tallgrass Creek campus, where they appear to wear little clothing. However, this is an illusion, as all were photographed in bathing suits. Each month will feature a different model at one of many community amenities. The images capture the joy and vitality of aging and challenge the stereotypes of seniors.

Barbara Hise was one of the calendar models; she says, “When I received a call asking me if I would consider being a “pinup” model for the Calendar, I immediately remembered the 2003 movie, “Calendar Girls,” a true story about “old” ladies doing pin-up poses to benefit a cause they deeply believed in. I wanted to do the same.  My hour-long shoot was totally fun. About six people were “coaching” me: “move over there,”  “turn right,” “pucker your lips” etc. We were all laughing, me most of all, just imagine a calendar model at 87!  Now, that was not something I ever remotely considered.  It was an honor.”

The Resident Care Fund, known as the Home for Life Promise, was initiated to ensure no resident will be asked to leave should they run out of financial resources. One resident is currently benefitting from that fund, and at Tleast two others will be anticipated in the coming months.

The 15-month calendar which starts in January 2025, will be sold on campus for $25.00.  Those ordering calendars online will also pay shipping costs. The initial printing will be for 750 calendars. Production costs were sponsored by Erickson Advantage Health Plans and two residents who wished to remain anonymous. Calendar photography was created by resident Lila Martin and committee members coordinated the production of the calendars. 

The sale of the calendar, “Beauties Every Day Every Month”, will begin on October 18 at 10:00 am during the Tallgrass Creek Resident Crafts Fair.  Calendars can also be ordered by sending an email to 2025tck@gmail.com an order form will be sent to you Instructions on the purchasing process will be sent to those interested.

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