By KATHY KIRBY
kkirby@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE — Hazel Poole admits to being a ham.

That’s why her role as a model in the second annual Senior Style Show on Saturday will be “au naturel” even in Harley Davidson pajamas and full leathers.

“I want to be different. I don’t want to wear the normal stuff,” said the petite but feisty 82-year-old Muncie woman.

There will be 18 models ages 56-90 on the runway during “Beauty From Within,” set for 4-5:30 p.m. in Ball Auditorium in Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Fashions will come from Benson Motorcycles, Kohl’s, Elder-Beerman, Catherines and Fords Men’s Wear.

Tickets are $5 to the event, an effort of the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology, Community Center for Vital Aging and the fashion department, all at Ball State.

“Beauty on the inside comes out so much more when you’re past (age) 50,” said Judy Elton, program coordinator at Community Center for Vital Aging. “You can be stylish at any age.”

Poole is expected to take the spotlight to the song, Bad to the Bone.

“This woman is absolutely amazing,” Elton said. “She was a huge hit last year and is our poster girl this year. She’s tiny in body, but she’s huge in spirit.”

Poole wanted to get a temporary tattoo for the style show. Instead, she’ll be wearing a Harley Davidson long-sleeved shirt with its own tattoo embellishments.

She also will be wearing Harley Davidson leather chaps.

“They feel very close to the skin. I think they’re pretty sexy,” she said in an ornery tone.

Poole also will be wearing Harley Davidson high-heeled boots, a leather jacket, fingerless gloves, a head wrap, a purse with chains, sunglasses, a necklace and a bracelet.

The clothing fits “my cutting edge personality,” Poole said with a snicker.

Jennifer Benson, marketing, advertising and events coordinator at Benson Motorcycles, and Annie Poole, Poole’s daughter, helped her pick out her attire.

“She’s a hoot,” Benson said. “She knows what she wants. She’s so cute.”

What is Poole’s secret for her endless energy?

“I keep busy, even if I’m tired,” she said. “After my husband died, I was lost. But then I started volunteering and can’t stop.”

During the week, she can be seen around the city at various places, including Christian Ministries of Delaware County, Minnetrista Cultural Center, Meals on Wheels, Muncie Children’s Museum, Muncie Civic Theatre, and the Back to School Teachers Store.

She also loves to go whitewater rafting and zip-lining.

“I’m glad to be alive,” she said. “I’m in good health, I eat good, I’m happy and I just enjoy life.