The Cougars of Clearwater pose aboard a yacht for the calendar’s cover photo.
CLEARWATER – A calendar featuring a dozen beautiful Clearwater-area women will more than likely find its way under many Christmas trees this year. But don’t expect to see any curvaceous, bikini-clad, 20-somethings.
The Cougars of Clearwater, which will be available Dec. 1, will feature gorgeous, accomplished local women between the ages of 41 and 60. This group of knockouts is intent upon inspiring others and helping a charitable cause. All of the proceeds from the calendar sales will benefit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The Cougars of Clearwater is the brainchild of 53-year-old Judy Barrows, who lives in Clearwater Beach with her husband of 33 years, Scott. A grandmother of 4-year-old twins, Barrows was looking for a way to give back to the community and to help promote beautiful, older women.
“When they get to a certain age, women actually become more beautiful,” Barrows said during a recent conversation at Pier 60 Pavilion on Clearwater Beach just before her photo shoot, in which she is seated on her husband’s Harley-Davidson.
Kathleen Slaven, also of Clearwater Beach, is Barrows’ partner on the calendar project. Slaven, who was photographed on a 2010 fire truck, is a former Budweiser Girl who works in sales and marketing for Send Out Cards. The 49-year-old enlisted the help of a friend, photographer Michael Harris of Oldsmar, who donated his time to take the photos.
Originally 20 women expressed an interest in being considered for the calendar, but eight later dropped out for personal reasons or because of the time commitment required. Those featured in the calendar include a Realtor, surgical nurse, masseuse and hairstylist, just to name a few. Some are married, but most are single. One is a newlywed.
Forget the notion that these women meet the current pop culture definition of a cougar. Barrows is quick to set the record straight. She said these are not older women whose preoccupation is having relationships with younger men.
“Our definition of a cougar is a woman who is proud of herself, empowered by who she has become, and who takes really good care of herself,” Barrows said. “We are celebrating women over 40 looking their best.”
Not that there is anything wrong with dating younger men, Slaven added.
“Our wisdom is there, we are beautiful inside and outside, and we have high energy. That’s attractive to some younger men,” she said.
Barrows and Slaven recruited 24 sponsors, who contributed either $250 or $500 to the project to have ads for their businesses included in the calendar. Initially 1,000 copies will be printed for sale at a Web site (address still pending) and at each sponsor location. They will sell for $12. Autograph sessions are planned.
“Since we started this, we have found great camaraderie,” Barrows said. “Some of the girls are going through tough times and they’ve formed great friendships.”
The calendar has found considerable appeal among women as well as men.
“Women tell us they can’t wait to buy the calendar,” Barrows said. “They are proud of us. Some of them say, ‘I want to be part of that next year.’”
For information on purchasing the Cougars of Clearwater calendar, call 542-8282.
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