Look closely—you’ll never consider the Chamber of Commerce a bunch of stuffy old guys again once you get an eyeful of what they’ve got going on. These Metrowest Chamber of Commerce leaders weren’t bashful about donning skirts for a bit of a fashion show. After all, they’re part of the group that has supported the new Women’s Initiative Leadership program, which culminates on June 9 with a dinner and awards ceremony.
They include (top row): John Strickland, Bose Corporation ; Brian McEvoy, TD Banknorth; Jake Green, MetroWest/495 TMA ; Bill Pezzoni, Mirick O’Connell ; Bob Schecter, Bartleby Scriveners; Joe April, MassBay Community College; Ted Welte, President, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce; Fran Colantonio, Colantonio, Inc., and Chris Kostiw, Sovereign Bank.

What does it take to succeed in the restaurant business? "You can’t like it, you have to love it," says Bruno Marini, who spent years managing the Federalist on Beacon Hill and Ambrosia in Back Bay before opening Olivadi in the center of Norwood last fall.

"I always wanted to be a pastry chef but I couldn’t be in the kitchen all day without seeing people," he says.

On March 12, Bruno steps to the plate in the Girl Scouts’ Cookie Creations contest at the Hotel Commonwealth, a battle among local chefs for the best dessert using the iconic cookies. He won’t divulge the secret recipe, but hints: "I don’t want to deconstruct the cookie too much so people don’t know what it is … I’ve got a great gelato guy working on something."

How does it feel to wear a skirt? "Cold."

What’s his favorite Girl Scout cookie? Caramel deLites.

Once office-bound and out of shape, Peter is more than willing to flex his considerable biceps, even if it means doing so at 7am in 24-degree weather on Boston Common.

A little winter can’t psych out the motivator behind Ultimate Boot Camp, the early-morning exercise groups that run, stretch and do squats in several locations as the sun comes up every day.

"We encourage and motivate people of all fitness levels while kicking their asses," he says. Notably, about 80 percent of his clients are women, and a large number rejoin after their four weeks of morning calesthenics are over.

After group members Carmine Morreale (visible in photo) and Curt Florczak donned skirts to support Peter’s goosebump-riddled photoshoot, we’re inclined to believe that, maybe, with the right long underwear, this could be fun…

How does it feel to wear a skirt? “Cold.” 

If these legs look familiar, it’s because Billy Costa has worn women’s clothing before, appearing on stage in a wedding gown and dressing as Britney Spears (complete with pigtails).

Whether it’s his voice or his legs, Billy’s one of the most-recognized media personalities in the area because he does everything from deejaying weddings and charity events to more than 20 years as straight man for the KISS 108-FM Matty in the Morning Show.

As a foodie, he’s celebrating the fifth year of his NECN show, TV Diner. On November 15, TV Diner hosts its second gala at Herb Chambers’ Sharon dealership, with 25 restaurants serving up their Platinum Plate candidates to benefit the Floating Hospital for Children.

For info on the event, go to http://www.necn.com/TV-Diner-Upcoming-Events  tickets may be purchased through Ace Tickets or 1-800-MY-SEATS.

How does it feel to wear a skirt? “I’m getting a lot more fresh air here than men are supposed to get in some areas … and I’m going to get it on the morning show.”

You have to get up really early to beat these guys, members of the Community Rowing Inc. men’s competitive team who coxswain Libby Hohmann describes as "a bunch of old guys who can still wear lycra."

Sure, they may look like professional athletes, but believe it or not, Barnet Kessel, left, and Gary Brodsky are just regular guys who do some extraordinary stuff in their free time.

They’re captains of a Pan Mass Challenge team, the Platelet Pedalers, who were recently adopted by the Kraft family, owners of the New England Patriots, to support Dana Farber’s Dr. Ken Anderson, a blood cancer researcher.

Ernie is everywhere – and we’re not sure if his media exposure is all related to selling cars.

Still, skirt! offers props to the proud owner of the Boston Militia women's tackle football team, which plays this spring at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville.

"I liked them so much I bought the team," he says.

He also knows how to treat a lady. "Eighty-five percent of decisions to purchase an automobile are made by women. Any salesman worth his salt knows he must pay attention to the woman, otherwise the deal will not go down."

The danger of volunteering is that you never really know what you’ll be asked to do… take it from these guys, who stepped up to help recruit mentors and raise funds for the Big Sisters Association. As members of the year-old Young Professionals Board, they’ve been part of a big awareness and fundraising push for the Big Sisters, but their tasks are generally limited to throwing parties and networking after hours (Ryan is a consultant, Sven works for IBM, and Jose is a pediatrician). If you’re getting their invitations, you know you’re with the "in" crowd.