A dance studio in Port Hope wanted to say thank you to the emergency responders and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of Jennifer’s Jazz It Up met at their dance studio on Ward Street in Port Hope on Sunday, April 5, 2020 and went around town with horn’s honking and signs of “thank you” to emergency responders and politicians.
“Since the onset of all of this Covid- 19 pandemic I knew I had to have a strong focus on our dancers and their physical, mental and emotional well being,” said studio director Jennifer Mercer.
“We happened to be performing half-time at the Raptors 905 (Raptors farm team) the very evening the NBA announced cancelling their season.”
On the way home, Mercer was brainstorming all the things that could be done to keep the kids engaged and in good spirits.
Jennifer’s Jazz It Up started working on pre-recording dance video tutorials for the dancers. They created a library of online classes. They even created activities, challenges and online social events, Virtual Teddy bear tea party, pj party, a Spring celebration and even a virtual wine and cheese for the parents.
“All of this was so our dancers could continue to feel connected.”
Mercer said seeing the effects this was having on our dancers was amazing.
“I was speaking with one of our dance parents Karen Goodwin and we were discussing how nice it was that our first responders were thanking everyone. Karen being married to a Toronto firefighter and myself being married to a Durham Police officer, we have an extra appreciation for our local first responders. We thought it would be amazing to thank them.”
Mercer said people love parades and everywhere JJIU goes they leave a “little sparkle.”
“We thought it would be a good way for our dancers to see each other (they are like a family) in their cars of course, and also a great way for us to show our appreciation in a socially responsible way. We made sure we adhered to the social distancing. It was win win!! Good for our dancers and good for our community!”
We started in the studio parking lot and proceeded to the Port Hope Police Station. It was nice to see them standing out front with all the cars lite up as we pulled in. We drove through a few neighbourhoods and down through town. We stopped to see David Piccini our local MP to thank him as he has been working tirelessly for our community.
The parade of vehicles first visited the Port Hope Police station, then it was onto MPP David Piccini’s office, past the Port Hope Fire Department and ending at Northumberland County Paramedic station on Croft Street.
“Our mission was to put smiles on peoples faces during this tough time and send a message that we are all in this together. We appreciate all of our essential services and are grateful to live in such an amazing community. It’s our way to give back.”
The parade of vehicles visited Port Hope Police station where officers Sgt. Nathan Clarke, Constable Steve Austin and Constable Carlo Kenny were outside with their police vehicles, MPP David Piccini’s office where David Piccini was waiting, Port Hope Fire Department where firefighter Ken Young was outside with the fire trucks and Northumberland County Paramedics Bob Cranley and Sean Johnston
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
