Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 4-3-20

Local
Staying Safe At Home: Here Is How Some Folks Are Doing Just That
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Feature Writer
During these difficult times, it can be formidable to figure out how to fill our time and keep our mental and physical health strong. With the guidelines of staying in- side except for purchasing essentials and exercising in fresh air, it can be daunting, knowing when we must go outside, we have to stay at least six feet away from everybody else.
COVID-19 has the world on edge and America contin- ues to see a rise in cases every day. Staying at home and practicing social distanc- ing has seemed to flatten the curve of new cases in Wash- ington state but it is still very early in the crisis.
We talked to some peo- ple and asked them how they are coping with these new rules. It is important for us to enjoy life and continue to grow while protecting our- selves and our families.
ALBERT LEE
Tampa
“I’m still in the office by myself a few days a week. When home, we’re watching television, catching up on shows and reading. I’m able to focus on taking care of some things at home and spending quality time with the woman that makes it all happen, my wife, Pam.
MARY DANCE
Tampa
“I am babysitting my grandson, exercising, doing a revision of my book, and working on my jewelry busi- ness at https://1de- signulove.com. I have a business in Virginia. I pur- chased a building and plan to put a museum in the bottom floor. The museum will be called The African American Women’s Museum of Art and History. And of course, cleaning and organizing the house. Never a dull mo- ment.”
MARKETA WILLS, MD
Tampa
“I’m working from home. I’m trying to make sure both my Dad and I get regular exercise, stay hy- drated and eat nutritious food. I’m reaching out to friends and family more reg- ularly to keep in touch. I’m practicing meditation and mindfulness.”
TANYA POOLE HUGHES Bridgeport, CT
“I am working full time from home. I serve as Execu- tive Director for the Con- necticut Civil Rights Agency.
I have maintained daily meetings and conference calls via Zoom and other mediums. It has been non- stop days with barely any time for breaks (meals or bathroom). I am proud to say we have been able to maintain full operations in all units and my staff has readily adapted to the changes.
SHERRI BROWN
Tampa
“I'm in constant contact with my clients of the top three events and conventions coming to Tampa: United Bikerz Jamboree, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Na- tional Association of Blacks In Government.
“Personally, I'm working on my health. From March 15th to March 31st I have walked 44 miles on the Riverwalk.”
DIANNA ALLEN-QUIN
Tampa
“I’m working remotely, and my twins are completing their classes virtually. I’m
checking on family more fre- quently via group chats. I am completing some home im- provement projects. I watch Beulah Baptist Institutional Church Service online an am staying connected with or- ganizations using GroupMe, Zoom, and conference calls.
SHARON ANDREWS GRAY, MD Tampa
“Since patients are not allowed, except for emergen- cies, I am doing telemedi- cine, and patient phone calls, and spending time with my husband, Stan.”
BIANCA TAYLOR HEARD Tampa
“My daughter and I go for daily bike rides around our neighborhood and have discovered trails and bike paths. We are trying to navi- gate homeschooling and working from home as well. We have tie-dyed shirts and have baked a little.”
JOSELYNNE FORDE
Tampa
“We have been praying, homeschooling our kids and creating exciting activities for them within the confines of our home. We are prioritiz- ing our lives in terms of what is essential and nonessential moving forward.”
SONYA TRIMBLE
Atlanta, GA
“I’m enjoying time with my family. I’m keeping busy with extreme cleaning and sanitizing. I’m also experi- menting with new recipes, reading, participating in Zoom and Google Duo calls, and D-Nice parties. Thank- fully, I am working from home.”
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020