A Calendar of “Teaser” Photos to Sell as Fundraiser for Boyertown Senior Center

Photographs by Beth Hussar.  Left to right: Peggy Horne, Sue Spleen, Joyce G., Debbie Spleen.

by Jane Stahl

Beginning May 28, 2025, a calendar featuring photographs of some of Boyertown’s senior citizens in various stages of undress will be available for sale as a fundraiser to benefit “The Center at Spring Street’s” activity fund.

When Boyertown, PA’s “Center at Spring Street” approached Debbie Spleen, former Boyertown High School art instructor, about a fundraiser to support their activity fund, she was eager to help.

“I was concerned that “The Center’s” ability to provide the unique experiences that my parents enjoyed from the very day it opened would be lost if the activity fund was not replenished enough to support all that makes this Center so successful,” Debbie explained. “‘The Center’ is a vital lifeline to all of the seniors. I can see joy, engagement, and relationships develop and grow because of the time our senior community members spend at this facility. ‘The Center’ brings purpose and meaning to their lives and to all of the seniors at the center. I enjoyed watching these new relationships grow, seeing the activities that brought them together and knowing there were vital resources being provided that so many rely on.” 

Debbie brought the fundraising challenge to her card club during game night for ideas. The group, including Sue Spleen, Debbie, Kathy Webb, Whitney Steinman, Joyce G. and Diane Baus, decided that creating a calendar as a work of art with a unique twist showing seniors having fun would spark interest and intrigue while showing the empowerment, grace, and courage they developed through their golden years.

Each month of the calendar showcases senior members in a variety of activities at various stages of undress: serving hamburgers, painting, enjoying lunch, ordering drinks, cooking, and hair styling, for example.

“We decided to stage the photographs at various locations throughout Boyertown to promote local businesses and to perhaps shine a light on our great town,” she continued. Locations included Brakeman’s Café and Studio B Art Gallery, for example.

Recruiting participants proved easier than Debbie anticipated. “The models were a hoot! They were amazing and their excitement was contagious. We had more models volunteering with ideas than we had months in the year,” Debbie quipped. “It was so heartwarming seeing 90+ year olds calling to get scheduled in on the action. If we had one model for a particular month, that’s what we used. If we had eight, we made it work with a few extra props. Each photo shoot got better and better.”

“No seniors were harmed in the making of the calendar, and each model ‘bared’ to the degree they were comfortable. Photographer Beth Hussar and I strategically placed items to achieve a creative composition that best embraced the aging process.” Inspired and uplifted by the participating seniors, Debbie hopes for the opportunity to reprise the idea another year.

The models shared their thoughts on the experience:
Janice I. Gamler, age 80, model

“I take each day as it comes. I honestly had a lot of fun doing it and enjoyed being with the other people.”

Sue E. Spleen, age 84, model

“I just loved the idea of the calendar and thought it was so fun. The Senior Center is my home away from home. I have made some great friends there and enjoy going every day to stay engaged, laugh and be active.”

Cheryl A Summerfelt,age 69, model

“I live my life according to my God. If He allows me another day, then I live it accordingly and to His glory and above all, being kind because life is too short.”

Bonnie Blatt, age 70, model

“When I was 16, I was a pretty girl. When I was 20, I was a lovely lady. At 70, I’m a mature beautiful woman.”

Bill Blatt, age 70 (Center at Spring Street president)

“With this fundraiser project, we are hoping we can go from the “bare" minimum to great success.”

Calendars will be for sale beginning May 28, 2025, in two sizes: 8.5 x 11 will sell for $20. A pocket-sized calendar—to take the fun with you—will sell for $10 and will be available at several locations and can be ordered by email: boyertownbarescalendargirls@gmail.com.

Locations: The “Center at Spring Street” every Wednesday between 9 and 11 a.m.; Studio B Art Gallery on Saturdays between 12-2 p.m.

Sign & Sell: The “Calendar Girls” will also make appearances at local establishments to sell and sign the calendars.
* Orioles, June 10, 5-7 p.m.;
* Studio B Art Gallery, June 27, 5-7 p.m. (Framed enlargements of each photo will be on exhibit and for sale during Studio B’s exhibit “The Three Bears”—a show of art work in all mediums responding to varied meanings of “bear” and “bare.”)
* Toss of the Town, TBD,
* Boyertown Community Library, during the Philadelphia Street Fair, Saturday, June 7, 10-2:00 PM, inside the library.

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