Shrub Oak Photographer Shoots 'Pin-Ups' Calendar for a Good Cause

Want an opportunity to check out some nice views in Peekskill without having to go outside? Well, it’s not too late to order a copy of the 'Pin-Ups of Peekskill' 2013 calendar here. 

The brainchild of Peekskill resident Eleasa Felton and Holly Jo Schnaudigel, a local photographer from Shrub Oak, the calendar features pictures of local women dressed up in 1950s garb at Peekskill businesses and landmarks. Proceeds from the calendar, which cost $20 each, sales will go toward the Be First Boxing Gym, located on 1137 Main St. in Peekskill.

Peekskill Be First Boxing is a non-profit organization that provides youth boxing programs as a means of teaching self-discipline and life skills. The gym also has programs for adults.

“Holly and I both love the 1950s fashion and my sister even has a clothing line with clothes inspired by that era,” said Felton, who works at Gleason's and the Birdsall House when she’s not modeling or setting up photo shoots. “So we had a group of girls who love that era and it kind of gave us the idea to do it.”

Felton said the gym was chosen because she is a member and it’s a project that is close to her heart.

“They do a lot of work with kids and the classes are incredible,” Felton said. “They work really hard and they rely on volunteers. They’re looking to find a new location and since it’s a nonprofit, there’s always a need.”

The goal going into making the calendar was to focus it on Peekskill and its people.

Felton said the models chosen for the calendar were receptive to the idea of being shot, even if it meant spending one to one-and-a-half hours doing hair and makeup and another hour modeling for photographs. Felton and Schnaudigel also appear in a few pages.

“We’ve received lots of good feedback,” Felton said. “We’re very excited and a lot of people have been asking when they’re coming out.”

A launch party for the calendars is taking place Dec. 12 at the Beale Street Barber Shop , located at 907 South St. in Peekskill.

A sneak peak of some of the photos in the calendar can be found here.