WALTHAM, Mass.–RTN Credit Union has announced the winners of its Front Porch Project contest. The summer contest asked RTN members to share in 10 words or fewer what COVID-19 meant to them, with the winners getting an outdoor family portrait by photographer Kelly Wentworth. All photos were taken outside the members’ homes in keeping with social distancing guidelines.
The winners were Gerry Chiasson, Jason Gerardo, Grace Girotti, Gretchen Maher and Jessica Mendez.
“It was heartfelt reading all the entries and learning what COVID-19 has meant to our members,” said EVP Nicole James. “Front Porch and outdoor portraits have become a way to document individual families’ and our collective experience during the pandemic. During this unusual time, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and that’s what the contest was all about.”
The winners included:
- Jessica Mendez with her husband, Valente Lara, and daughter Kiera, from Framingham. Her quote: “A silver lining of good and bad.”
- Gretchen Maher with husband, Michael, son Dylan and dog Cash, from North Billerica. Her quote: “It requires our action to prioritize the health of others.”
- Jason Gerardo with wife, Mollie, son Porter and daughters Piper and Portia, from Amherst, N.H. His quote: “New baby girl arriving soon in a strange new world.”
- Gerry Chiasson with husband, Leo, from Waltham. Her quote: “Adjusting to life without hugs from our children and grandchildren.”