No. 2 Vol. 5
May 2020
Little Falls Resident Gives Back Through Photos
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By Tina Pappas t was a picture perfect moment when Lauren Verdi decided to do something to give back to the Township. The local resident wanted to find a way to help businesses, which were economically impacted this past month due to the coronavirus outbreak, as well as helping health care workers. “ I wanted to find some way to give back to our wonderful, little town by supporting our local businesses, all while acknowledging and thanking the people on the front lines who are fighting this virus,” she explained. After doing some research, Verdi came across “The Front Steps Project,” which she saw posted on a friend’s Facebook page that was done by Steinmetz Photography. “It was not my original idea but I did a little research and saw that this is a project many people are doing across the country,” Verdi said. “From what I can see it was originated as ‘The Front Steps Project’ out of Needham, Mass., and I decided to launch one for Little Falls.” Verdi, a full-time working mother with three children, is an amateur photographer who owns her own photo booth business-Blast Entertainment Group. She is also a member of the Little Falls Board of Education. She said she wanted to find a way make people happy through the new social distancing measures. “I feel doing this provides just a little but of normalcy in this crazy time!,” she said. “It’s having people blow their hair out, put a little make up on, get dressed and look forward to some-
thing - even if it’s for five minutes. Some of the photos are funny and some are more natural. They are all great!” According to Verdi, every cent will be given to a local Little Falls restaurant to prepare food for various places. The fee for booking a time slot is $20. Venmo is the preferred form of payment. After the time slot is confirmed, those who want her to stop by will place their name, address, cell phone number, email address and confirmed time slot via Venmo notes.Those who are interested can sign up for a 15-minute time slot and the photo shoot takes approximately five minutes. She will give family members a text to let them know that she is on her way to their home. «I will have absolutely no contact with you or your family,» she emphasized. «In most cases I will not even step foot on your property depending how far your front door is from the street.» Verdi said family members can sit or stand by their front door or front steps, and she will take the picture from 6 to 12 feet away, wearing a mask and gloves on. The family will receive a digital copy of the photos. One digital copy will be emailed available to be printed out at home. Every cent will be donated back. “My goal was 50 homes to be able to provide $1000 worth of food,” she further explained. “I have already surpassed that goal and it currently stands around $1,600. This funding will go towards supporting a local small business, as well as provide meals for the men and womcontinued on page 10
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862-239-1768
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