The Charlotte Post THURSDAY,Li SEPTEMBERfe 24, 2020 SECTION! B Alexander marks 30 years STOCK PHOTO at The Park Keeping the lines of communication open is a key asset for parents to help their children cope with change. By Ashley Mahoney [email protected] Bishop Claude Alexander is celebrating 30 years Communication skill with The Park Church. His milestone will be celebrated this weekend with a drive-through on Sept. 26 from 4-5 p.m. at The Park Church In- dependence, 800 Briar Creek Road. The essential for parents celebration will continue on Sept. 27 at 9:45 a.m., which will be accessible on- Talk to kids early and often about pandemic and social pressures line at www.theparkministries.org, www.facebook.com/theparkchurch- By Ashley Mahoney being willing to share and imple- going on,” he said. “We’re living in charlotte, www.youtube.com/ThePark- [email protected] ment tips. the age of technology, where with Alexander Church1 and the church’s mobile app. Above all, parents need to talk to the swipe of a finger you can lit- Being a parent feels harder in Alexander, who is also The Charlotte Post Founda- their kids about what they are ex- erally find out any and everything 2020. tion’s 2020 Luminary, left his hometown of Jackson, periencing. that’s going on in the world. They Jaren Doby, a li- Mississippi to pursue a degree in philosophy at “We cannot assume that children may be already knowledgeable of censed therapist with Morehouse College in Atlanta. He earned his under- understand what’s going on or are what’s happening, but it’s impor- Novant Health Psy- graduate degree in 1985, followed by a master’s in completely aware of what is hap- tant to teach good communication chiatric Associates in divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in pening at this particular time and practices by asking the questions, Huntersville and 1988. He pastored Morning Star Baptist Church in that they are going to be OK be- ‘what is it that you know about father of an 8-year- West Mefflin, Pennsylvania from January of 1987 cause adjustments or coping has what’s going on at this point in old girl, knows the until August of 1990 when he came to lead what was no age or maturity limits,” Doby time? Tell me what you think is struggle of navigat- then known as University Park Baptist Church. said. “Ultimately, we have to make happening with the pandemic?’ Or ing social and politi- Church leaders had been looking for a pastor with Doby sure that we are having these con- asking them how they feel about cal unrest as well as a at least five years of experience, married and at least versations with one another as a having to attend school virtually, pandemic and the remote learning 35 years old. Instead, they took a chance on a single family, as a people, so that every- or not being able to go in-person.” that comes with it. How is he get- 26-year-old with three years of pastoral experience. one has a true understanding of Doby suggests having more than ting along? By keeping lines of The stress triggered vertigo. Alexander placed unre- what is happening so that we can one conversation. communication open. Doby re- alistic expectations on himself, which landed him in also be able to identify any kind of “Don’t just, ‘oh, they seem to be minds his patients that conver- the hospital three times in his first 18 months on the barriers or successes that exist. doing OK, let’s just move on with sation is key during this time, not job. Yet as he grew stronger, so did the church, ex- This can save us time in some life,’” he said. “Assumptions can only with each other, but with chil- panding from 600 members in 1990 to over 9,000 areas, and give more time and at- lead to very big mistakes. Making dren. tention to other areas to make sure that we follow up with com- Please see ALEXANDER |2B “It’s a tall order,” he said. “At the sure that someone is OK.” munication with both children end of the day, it’s important to be Doby advises gathering a firm and adults and really continue to able to note that we are not in this grasp of what children know be- have that dialogue and conver- alone.” fore offering information about sation of how they are doing with Farmer’s market Virtual learning means balancing what is going on in the world. things, and providing an outlet to more for adults and children than “It’s important to be able to ex- be able to identify and process the typical school day prior to the plore what your children already feelings and to provide additional makes debut in pandemic. He suggests bonding know, because there are a lot of strategies and outlets to help fill with other parents over strategies kids, regardless of age, who are gaps. Communication is key.” University City to get through the day, and also very knowledgeable of what is By Herbert L. White [email protected] University City is getting its own farmers market. University City Farmers Market will open next month at the lake at Shoppes at University Place Sat- Maintain oral health in time of coronavirus urdays in October with fresh local produce, food BRANDPOINT habits, mostly for the preparation programs and live entertainment. The Since the beginning of better. Many reported prac- market, which will open from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m., includes ticing increased flossing, vendors from local organic farmers, artisanal food the pandemic, many nor- mal aspects of everyday brushing more frequently makers and pop-up chefs with social distancing and thoroughly as well as guidelines in place. life have been put on hold - including dental eating a healthier diet. “We are delighted to offer a first-class farmers mar- Given restricted access to ket for our community of more than 175,000 res- checkups. For months den- tal offices were closed, or preventive care during idents,” said University City Partners Executive early 2020, many patients Director Darlene Heater. “We asked available only for dental emergencies. Now dental now feel ready to schedule them what they’d like to see more of exams. Many said they an- in University City and a community offices are opening again, On The Net with new health and proto- ticipated returning to the market, as well as more programs, dentist in September. Yet, univcitymar- cols to help protect pa- BRANDPOINT were top priorities. It being at the ket.org survey respondents all ex- lake, the town center, makes it tients and employees. Don't let dental health go lacking, even during the COVID- While regular appoint- pressed the need for in- highly accessible and set against a creased safety precautions 19 pandemic. Keep up regular checkups and preventative gorgeous backdrop. It’s going to be ments were cancelled or postponed, oral health re- to reduce their anxiety care for good oral habits. something special.” around in person visits, mains a top concern for planning to visit their den- Seasonal vegetables and fruits, pasture-raised eggs along with enhanced com- tion currently rec- many people. According to tist soon ranked using pro- and meats and artisanal food will be available, as will munication with their den- ommends dental visits at a dental study conducted tective equipment and demonstrations of quick, healthy family-friendly tal office. least once every six by Guardian Life, some physical distancing or lim- dishes by chefs Lisa Brooks and Erique Berry. There’ll While nearly 3 in 10 months to maintain oral adults who were unable to iting the number of pa- also be live music and DJs playing bluegrass, R&B, adults said they're more health and to detect issues access regular preventive tients in the office as their hip hop and pop. anxious about visiting the early. While 8 in 10 adults care stepped up their ef- top concerns. Market capacity will be limited to increase social dentist since the outbreak, believe oral health is im- forts to improve their own What you can do to main- distancing and visitors are encouraged to access the the majority of adults (52%) portant, many do not re- oral health at home. On tain good oral health: market by riding the Lynx Blue Line, walking or bik- claimed that their level of ceive regular preventive average, 20% of those sur- Keep up with regular ing on the Barton Creek Greenway, or parking at anxiety about visiting the dental care. Even before veyed reported making dental checkups. The Shoppes at University Place, 8929 JM Keynes Drive. dentist did not change due the pandemic began, less changes to their oral health American Dental Associa- to the pandemic. Patients Please see MAINTAIN | 2B «RIDES Cool like McQueen, Ford’s sleek Mustang Bullitt built to please By Winfred Cross well. I blamed it on Pan- green because that’s your ommend trying this mode SPECIAL TO THE POST demic pounds. Male I lost a only paint option - other on the interstate. State few become these same Re- than black. It’s quite stun- troopers will come a calling I’ve never seen Steve caro seats were much more ning in direct sunlight, if you do. McQueen in “Bullitt.” Nope. comfortable this time showing off the car’s sen- The best feature of the Never. I keep saying I’m round. The diver’s position suous curves.