KINGSTON — Those who recently heard about the Kingston Revitalization Association’s latest good-natured project won’t be disappointed.
The much-anticipated “Calendar Guys of Kingston: August 2004-October 2006” hit stores this week, featuring some of Kingston’s most colorful (and buff) men.
Local photographer Sally Christy’s shots in the 18-month calendar portray not only the “nude” men posing with props, but also show the many scenic areas of the Little City By The Sea.
Model Dick Nowak, representing February 2005, posed at the fishing pier next to the ferry terminal with only a large fish, fishing pole and rubber boots.
“I think it’s a great fund-raiser,” Nowak said. “There is nothing embarrassing or sexual about it. It (shows) nice areas around Kingston and that’s good.”
While Nowak’s photo shoot took place amid chilly winds this past winter, Mark Scholl, representing November 2004, got lucky with a sunny 75 degree day at North Beach next to the ferry terminal.
Being a watersports fan, he said he had no problem posing in the sand with props that included a piece driftwood and a beach umbrella.
“It’s not a bad idea,” said Scholl, the owner of Kingston Frame and Cuppa Bella Coffee and Sweets. “It’s just a little humor thing, not stupid humor. She exposed my business in a neat way.”
Others, like October 2005’s Alan Chessman, weren’t as eager to participate in the fund-raiser from the get-go. Chessman is pictured sitting on the bench at the entrance to The Quiet Place, next to the sign he created for the recreation area.
“‘I’m not doing this’ — that was my first reaction,” he said, but then had second thoughts. “All the folks that are involved in the Kingston Revitalization Association committee and that step forward are such great people and it was a such great community event. I wouldn’t have done it otherwise.”
April 2005’s Jack Minert said he thought the project was a great way to raise money for KRA. The association, he said, has been improving Kingston the most in terms of local service groups, with its flower basket project and ongoing maintenance of the area.
Minert also had a special connection with his photo shoot location at Kola Kole School — his mother taught there in the 1940s and 1950s and he attended the school until seventh grade.
“Since I happen to be the oldest member of the group, they had go back to the town relics and put them together,” he said with laugh.