The Watt Family for the Porch Project

Courtney (45), Aaron (13), Ethan (15) and Mark (44)

Courtney is the owner of Franklin School of Dance in downtown Kent. The studio's instructors and students were preparing for their annual June recital when she was forced to temporarily shut her doors in mid-March. Since then, Franklin School of Dance has transitioned to online instruction. Courtney says it was important to find a way to keep classes going. With the kids feeling sadness, stress, or anxiety about what’s going on right now, keeping them dancing is more important than ever to give them an outlet, a break, and hope that the show will go on.

Mark is the editor of a magazine and is grateful he can work remotely, but worries about family members and friends who are suddenly unemployed. A musician, he finds solace playing guitar at home but misses the comaradery of weekly band rehearsals (City of Invention), which are on hold for now in the spirit of social distancing.

Ethan and Aaron have stayed busy skateboarding, riding scooters, playing video games with friends online and cooking family dinners, as well as completing school work. They admit they’ve enjoyed the long break from school, but miss seeing friends and are disappointed their first seasons playing lacrosse abruptly ended. They also miss spending time with both sets of grandparents, but know keeping their distance is best.

The family has started taking walks together after dinner nearly everyday. "We've never seen so many people out walking or riding bikes around town," Mark says. "It's reassuring to cross paths with friends and neighbors, knowing we're all in this together. People are quick to smile, wave and share a few words. It feels like everyone’s looking out for each other."