Drive-in family photos
By Angie Landsverk
Bob Adams and Chris Pruitt took photos of more than 30 area families when they held Drive-in Family Portraits on Sunday, April 19.
“The whole purpose was we just want to spread cheer, so they can spread cheer,” said Adams.
The local photographers took about 34 pictures and did so for free.
They encouraged people to pay it forward by doing something kind for someone else.
“It’s a fun way to get out of the house and do something fun,” said Diane Sands. “This is a great idea.”
Pruitt and Adams set their tripods up on the sidewalk in front of H.H. Hinder Brewing Company’s parking lot.
People drove their vehicles into the parking lot, stopped in front of either photographer and posed for portraits from inside their vehicles.
The photographers practiced social distancing, so there was no contact with anyone.
“For the most part, people are happy there’s something to do,” Pruitt said.
That was also the case for the two photographers.
The licensed social worker works at Rawhide, where he is the community programs and development manager and the group home manager.
“I’m working from home,” Pruitt said.
He is also working on a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
“We’re meeting virtually on Saturdays,” Pruitt said.
Adams is the pastor at Radiant Fellowship, in Waupaca.
His wife Tracy and their children – 12-year-old James, 11-year-old Emma and 4-year old Noah – stopped by as the event was nearing the end.
“We did our first drive-in service today,” Adams said. “We had a full parking lot and people on the street.”
The FM transmitter he purchased the previous week was used to broadcast the service on FM 88.3, giving the church a block radius.
Adams said they started streaming services in 2015, so they were prepared for COVID-19 pandemic.
“At home, we’re doing home schooling like so many others,” Adams said.
His wife, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit supervsior at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton, is working from home 50 to 75% of the time.
Adams has always had his office out of their home.
“We stay busy with the church, but we’re not as busy,” he said. “That allows us to do fun projects like this.”
Adams was inspired to take free family portraits by a friend, who is a photographer in Milwaukee.
His friend did this when schools and businesses shut down there and called the event “Drive-thru Family Portraits.”
Adams and Pruitt are friends, so Adams asked him if he wanted to join him here in doing such an event.
Corvette enthusiasts
Bill and Barb Jaeger were among those who participated in Drive-in Family Portraits.
They live in New London and drove their white Corvette to Waupaca for it.
“We were watching the weather, and it was nice out so why not,” Barb said.
She said they also went to Culver’s Restaurant and got some ice cream.
Both of them are retired and staying home during the state’s Safer at Home Order.
“We’re just doing little things,” Barb said.
Bill said they also went for a little ride on Saturday.
The Jaegers are members of a Corvette club.
Kevin and Sue Rahn, of Appleton, are members of that same club.
They drove their red corvette to Waupaca for a photo.
“We heard through Barb,” Sue said. “We always ride together and do things.”
Sue was supposed to have shoulder surgery, but it was canceled.
Kevin works at American Roller Company, in Oshkosh.
“We makes part for 3M,” he said.
Right now, they are making parts for face shields, Kevin said.
Tara and Joey Turrubiates sat in the front seat of their vehicle, while 15-year-old Demi and 8-year-old Brennen sat in the back for the family’s picture.
“I just saw it and thought it’d be fun, so I dragged the kids along,” Joey said.
He works at Waupaca Foundry’s Plant 1 and has been working off and on the last few weeks.
Tara does in-home daycare.
The Waupaca family only leaves their home for essentials and has been doing lots of yard work.
“It’s nice getting out of the house,” Joey said.