Challenger Community News April 6 2016 by Challenger Community News

CHALLENGER

SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

April 6, 2016 • FREE www.thechallengernews.com GENERATIONS

Three-Year-OId Saves Life of PG. 10 Grandfather! INSIDE ROCEHSTER

Big Jay’s: New Business Comes PG. 2 to Thurston Road!

LOCAL

BROWN GIRLS

DO BALLET! Buffalo’s Amirah Muhammad is New National Ambassador PG. 9 NATIONAL

Is Buffalo Failing to Enforce City’s Diversity Law? PG. 3

Showdown in Dallas:

Anti-Muslim Group Faces Armed Resistance

PG. 4

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Big Jay’s Pizzeria:

New Business Comes to Thurston Road

Scene from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of Big Jay’s Pizzeria on Thurston Road.

ity Neighborhood and Business Development Deputy Commissioner Kate Washington joined business owner Rainey Walker at a ribbon cutting ceremony today to mark the grand opening of Big Jay’s Pizzeria at 340 Thurston Road. “We are thrilled that Mr. Walker has chosen this neighborhood and this community to open his business,” said Deputy Commissioner Washington. “The commitment to the business environment that creates new jobs and a welcome restaurant that all can enjoy is one that truly enhances this neighborhood and contributes to the vibrancy of the 19th Ward Neighborhood. Mr. Walker embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship that makes our city great and supports our efforts to create more jobs, safer more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities across the city.” Mr. Rainey has many years of experience in the restaurant and entertainment industry, including time spent working in a pizza and sandwich shop on Thurston Road. He said he has long dreamed of owning his own establishment and thinks the market around Thurston Road is ready to support a new eatery. He said he’s looking forward to hiring young people from the neighborhood and teaching the same skills he learned. “I’m looking forward to keeping it local,” Mr. Walker said. “I think there is a need here that is ready to be filled. And I’m looking forward to creating the kind of jobs that will help our young people learn the employment skills they need to succeed in a professional environment.” Mr. Rainey said he hopes to expand his business model to more locations as it grows. Big Jay’s Pizzeria employs four people and can expand to 10.

Statement from Council President Scott on the Passage of $15 Minimum Wage: Rochester City Council President and At-Large Member Loretta Scott released the following statement regarding the recent passage of the $15 minimum wage : “Finally, New York has followed Governor Cuomo’s lead and raised the minimum wage to $15. This is a victory for every working man and woman in New York State that will resonate for decades to come. By enacting a firstin-the-nation $15 minimum wage, we send a message that New York will always reject the status quo and ensure fairness, decency and justice for all people. I applaud Governor Cuomo for

his leadership and the efforts of the New York State Legislature to restore the promise of the American Dream for every New Yorker.”

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Five Star Bank Bringing 150 Jobs to Rochester Five Star Bank has announced that it is bringing 150 jobs to the City of Rochester, creating 20 to 30 more in the coming years, and bringing much needed financial services to the neighborhoods that need them most. The historic building at 100 Chestnut Street will be renamed “Five Star Bank Plaza.”

HOPE Technology & Literacy Institute Now Accepting Students HOPE Technology & Literacy Institute, 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way, is now accepting students for community classes in Literacy 101 and English as a Second Language. Other classes are running for 8 sessions April 6 – May 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday Evenings. An informational session will be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. Call (585) 743-5596 for more information.

GIS Scholars of Rochester

Garrison Shelton, and the GIS Scholars of Rochester program will celebrate their hard work this year during a meet and greet with the Scholars, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the School Without Walls, 480 Broadway St, Meet youth from ages 14-21 as they showcase their recent projects, highlight their work as GIS Scholars, and hear from special guest, Charlie Fitzpatrick, K-12 Education Manager for ESRI. It will be a morning of inspiration, Please register online at http://goo.gl/forms/ ZtYlS4Dptl Participation is free, and lunch will be provided. For questions , GISScholars@GIS-Scholars.org

Around Town *REDISCOVERING FREDERIK DOUGLASS Experience a new film that documents the story of a newly rediscovery photo of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. All screenings are free and are followed by discussions/Q&A: • 11 a.m. to noon, Sat., April 9, at The Little Theatre, 240 East Ave.; discussion to follow screening on indie-filmmaking with Director William Schwappacher and Producer Tiana Stephens. • 6:30 to 8 p.m., Mon., April 18, at the Dryden Theatre at the Eastman Museum, 900 East Ave.; discussion to follow with Museum experts on how the photo was created and preserved. Free admission to the Eastman Museum’s A History of Photography: Exploring Black History and Culture exhibit afterwards. • 4 to 6 p.m., Fri., April 29, at the Kate Gleason Auditorium at the Central Library, 115 South Ave.; discussion to follow on Douglass’ family life and his use of photography.

*Annual BLCA Community Choir Concert: Saturday, April 16, 6 p.m., Genesee Baptist Church, 149 Brooks Avenue; 585-210-9252 or ROCHPR@NBLCA.ORG *Operation Transformation Rochester Talks Series: April 9, 10 a.m. - 12 noon; Rudel Library, 3rd floor auditorium; www.cityofrohester.gov/otr “Our story did not begin in chains...it will not end in chains...” -Malcolm X

Support our

Advertisers!

GOT A SHOW? Submit it to one of the largest fringe festivals in the country!

SH OW SU BM ISS ION S

W O N N PE O TH RO UG H AP RIL 30

FREE APPLICATION AT ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM

SEPTEMBER 15-24, 2016 #ROCFRINGE16

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH BROWN & ALLEN Every Sunday, at 8 a.m. on Fox Sports AM1280

◆ A radio show that ignites energetic and intense discussions while mixing the best in music, sports, news and social rhetoric, to inform, educate and entertain! ◆ Line up of well-known local and national guests, correspondents and experts ◆ Talented hosts and on-air personalities

NATE BROWN JR.

Community advocate, 30+ years experience educating students and adults

KEVIN ALLEN

Entrepreneur with a savvy business sense and owner of businesses across the country

(The dynamic duo of BROWN & ALLEN has been on the air for the past ten years and while they donʼt always see eye to eye, they can definitely agree to disagree at times, which makes the show one of the most popular on the air waves!)

JOSEPH HILL

National commentator

GEORGE RADNEY

Sports guru

You never know what you might get!

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

AREA BRIEFS Say YES Scholarship Applications Available

GHIRMATZION NAMED PUSH DEPUTY DIRECTOR:

Rahwa Ghirmatzion has been named deputy director at People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo). Rahwa, a graduate of UB, and former PUSH Director of Programs, has been at the organization since May 2013.

Say YES Buffalo’s 2016 scholarship application for Buffalo public and charter school seniors is now available at www.sayyesbuffaloorg/apply. The application deadline is May 1. Students will receive a scholarship to cover up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition after federal, state and institutional aid has been applied. The criteria for eligible students includes: students must live in the City of Buffalo and continuously enroll in a Buffalo public or charter high school from at least ninth through 12th grades, or fall into certain homeless, foster care, refugee or noncitizen categories.

Buffalo Peacemakers Fundraiser Set The Buffalo Peacemakers do some of the most important work in our city.They build relationships with gang leaders and gang-involved youth to prevent violence and guide our young people into positive lives. In 2015 they: Responded to 867 calls from schools, police, and citizens to help at-risk youth; conducted 90 successful mediations to prevent violence; provided daily safe passage for hundreds of students returning home from school; helped reduce gang-related homicides from 43 in 2014 to 18 in 2015; helped reduce serious gang-related acts of violence from 122 in 2014 to 60 in 2015 and much more! The 11 staff work full-time hours for half-time pay. Volunteers work rain or shine. Now they need our help for this vital program to grow and thrive! Celebrate and support their work on April 14th at the Tralf from 5:30-6 and 7-7:30 p.m. There will be Inspirational Program from 6-7 p.m. with an opportunity to give. Please RSVP to pmhappyhour@gmail.com

Buff City Hoops Safe Summer Fundraiser Buff City Hoops will hosts its first annual Safe Summer Initiative Fundraiser on Thursday, April 21 at the Metropolitan Entertainment Complex, 1670 Main Street from 6 top 9 p.m. The cost is $50 and $450 for a table of ten. Online donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/buffcityhoops For more information call founder Legislator Betty Jean Grant at (716) 602-5877 or president, Murray Holman, (716) 597-2858. Or go to www.buffcityhoops.com

NAACP Awards Nominations The Buffalo Branch NAACP is accepting nominations for the its 2016 awards: Medgar Evers (Civil Rights), Daniel Acker Community Service, Rufus Frasier Human Relations, and Youth. Nominations must be submitted in writing (not to exceed 2 pages) to the NAACP Awards Committee at 395 E. Ferry Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14208, or faxed to 716-884-7243. Presentation of the awards will be at the Buffalo NAACP 50th Annual Dinner, Sunday, June 12 at the Buffalo/Niagara Convention Center.

Is Buffalo Failing to Enforce City’s Diversity Law?

By Charlotte Keith

Investigative Post

ayor Byron Brown has done a lot of talking about the need to provide job opportunities for people of color. He’s pushed some 210 businesses and organizations to sign his “Opportunity Pledge” and spoken in favor of apprentice programs that give young workers a foot in the door of the construction trades. The mayor, however, has failed to use a powerful tool at his disposal to promote diversity in the workforce. City Hall under Brown has failed to enforce a law that mandates the employment of apprentices on city-financed capital projects. “They do not enforce it at all,” said Paul Brown, president of the Buffalo Building Trades Council, who lobbied the Common Council to pass the law in 2006. That law requires that apprentices perform 10 percent of the work on city-funded public works projects over $100,000. The work ranges from renovations to city facilities and sports venues to street and sidewalk paving projects. Paul Brown, who has fielded criticism over the failure of trade unions to recruit more minorities, said it was “unfathomable” why city officials wouldn’t do more to implement the law. He says it could help remedy the problem by encouraging contractors and unions to recruit city residents as apprentices. Investigative Post found record-keeping on enforcement of the law is spotty, at best. The data that’s compiled isn’t analyzed. Required reports have not been submitted to the Common Council. And it appears no contractors have been sanctioned for non-compliance. As a result, city officials don’t know whether the program is meeting its goals for apprentice participation. The same law also sets goals for the hiring of minorities, women, and Buffalo residents on city-funded capital projects. The goals call for minorities to account for 25 percent and women 5 percent of employees hired by contractors. Overall, at least 25 percent of employees should be city residents, regardless of their race or gender. The city does not compile the data, however, so officials can’t say whether those goals are being met, either. Common Council Majority Leader David Rivera has recently started asking the Department of Public Works for more information on the city’s compliance with the law. “If you ask me, ‘should this have been done years ago?’ Absolutely,” he said. “It hasn’t been done.” Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak acknowledged that his department’s enforcement of the law has been “inconsistent.” “There’s been a disconnect and we want to correct that,” he said. Paul Brown said the mayor is familiar with unions’ complaints about the lack of enforcement. “We’ve approached him a million times and he’s come up with 9,000 excuses,” he said. Opportunities for City Residents When the law was passed in 2006, it was heralded as a way to create opportunities for city residents and promote diversity in the construction trades. Minorities at that time accounted for only 11.8 percent of membership of the region’s unionized construction trades. Despite a union pledge to diversify, that number declined to 11.2 percent by 2012, the most recent year for which figures are available. Minorities, meanwhile, account for 17 percent of the overall workforce in Erie County. The lack of progress on diversity has prompted a push from some African-American leaders and activists to refocus on improving minority membership in the trades.The apprenticeship law isn’t a cure-all for the under-representation of people of color in the construction trades, Continued Page 10

Poverty Research Workshop For all the good news about Buffalo, its problems of concentrated poverty remain startling, with 47 percent of children in the city living below the poverty line. Participants at this year’s Poverty Research Workshop will hear from scholars and activists fighting poverty in three areas: youth homelessness; economic development; and school health. The workshop is designed for local scholars, social service agencies, advocates, government leaders and staff, among others, and it is free and open to the public. Now in its seventh year, the Workshop takes place Friday, April 8, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the downtown public library auditorium. Advance registration is available on the website of the Homeless Alliance of WNY, but walk-ins are also welcome. The workshop is presented by the Homeless Alliance of WNY, the Partnership for the Public Good, and the University at Buffalo Civic Engagement and Public Policy Research Initiative and co-sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library.

Thomas Mundy Peterson Recognized as the First Black Voter in the U.S. Thomas Mundy Peterson is known as the first black voter in the United States. America was under a new 15th amendment and Petersen acted quickly. On March 31, 1870, Thomas Mundy Peterson bravely cast his ballot to revise the town’s existing charter. The side he voted for won in a landslide (23063) and Mundy Peterson was elected to the committee to revise the charter. Peterson’s mother was a slave and his father worked for the Mundy family. As an adult, Thomas Peterson worked as a custodian at School No. 1. That same school was named after him in 1989. As a registered voter, Thomas Petersen also became the first black man to serve on a jury. Seventy-dollars was raised and a medal was given to Peterson, naming him the “First Black Negro Voter,” during a Memorial celebration in 1884. While he loved the medal, which carried an outline of Abraham Lincoln on its gold bar, Peterson often resorted to pawning the medal during difficult financial times. The medal is now housed at Xavier University in New Orleans. The back of the medal reads: PRESENTED by CITIZENS OF PERTH AMBOY N.J. TOTHOMAS PETERSON THE FIRST COLORED

Continued Page 4

LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Thousands Could Lose Food Stamp Benefits

White Hate Group Comes Face-toFace with Armed Black Muslims

nti-Muslim hate group the Bureau of American Islamic Relations (BAIR)has repeatedly intimidated mosques in Texas, but things came to a head when a group of armed Black Muslims confronted the group with chants of “Black Power” this past Saturday. Three organizations joined forces in anticipation of the group’s arrival at the South Dallas area Nation of Islam mosque. The Huey P. Newton Gun Club, New Black Panther Party and The Nation of Islam were armed and ready to defend worshipers. After the shooting death of Ferguson, Missouri teenager Michael Brown by officer Darren Wilson, the Huey. P. Newton Gun Club was founded to promote Black second amendment rights and gun ownership. In 1989, the New Black Panther Party was founded out of the ashes of the 1960s movement. The Nation of Islam, which has been around for decades and was founded by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in the 1930s, is now led by Minister Louis Farrakhan. According to local news outlet Fox 4, the anti-Muslim group was outnumbered by the conjoined forces of the three Black empowerment groups. “This is an armed defense maneuver, making sure that our communities are safe and secure from any insurgents coming in,” Krystal Muhammad of the New Black Panther Party told Fox4 Saturday. Muhammad was armed with a large shotgun. “We won’t allow anybody to come in and try to intimidate our brothers and sisters,” she said. In a now deleted Facebook post, BAIR revealed their antiMuslim rhetoric to the public. The post informs members to come prepared in full gear: “We cannot stand by while all these different anti-American, Arab radical Islamists team up with Nation of Islam/Black Panthers and White anti-American anarchist groups, joining together in the goal of destroying our country and killing innocent people to gain dominance through fear! We will be going in full gear for self defense only. This is a full gear situation.” Video from The Dallas Morning News shows the rising tensions between the two factions. The anti-Muslim hate group has been at various protests around the state, confronting Muslims as they worship. Last year, the group harassed Muslims at the Islamic Association of North Texas and walked around with army gear and guns. This year the same group harassed arriving refugees at an event in Irving, Texas. However, this past weekend, the BAIR group retreated after police came in to dissolve the powder keg.

Hundreds of thousands of people could soon lose food stamps as states re-impose time limits and work requirements that were suspended in recent years because of high unemployment, state officials and advocates for the poor say. About 45 million people receive benefits in the food stamp program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. It is estimated that 500,000 to a million people will lose benefits this year.-NYT

Gunfire rattles Congolese capital after disputed polls Gunbattles rocked the capital of the Congo Republic on Monday, shattering a relative calm that had followed President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s re-election in a disputed poll last month. Fighting erupted in the southern part of Brazzaville, with heavy fire in opposition bastions between troops and unidentified assailants sending thousands of residents fleeing, AFP news agency reported. The violence comes on a day Constitutional Court published final election results showing that President Sassou Nguesso has won re-election. Results given by the head of the court, Auguste Iloki, show that Sassou N’Guesso won 60 percent of the March 20 vote, He won re-election on March 20 after pushing through constitutional changes in an October referendum to remove age and term limits that would have prevented him from standing again. Opposition candidates have described the election as a fraud and called for a campaign of civil disobedience.

BLACK HISTORY/FIRST BLACK VOTER continued VOTER IN THE U.S. UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE 15TH AMENDMENT AT AN ELECTION HELD IN THAT CITY MARCH 31st 1870

Thomas Peterson is buried at the St. Peters Episcopal Church cemetery in Perthy Amboy, New Jersey. When his grave was found years after his passing in 1904, it was given a historical marker. March 31st is considered Thomas Mundy Peterson Day in New Jersey.

DO YOU REMEMBER…

Humboldt Parkway before the construction of the Kensington Expressway?

ROCCBuffalo.org (716) 883-0529

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Community and Family Restoration Roswell Park Patient Action Team: is Topic of MOTIC Informational Cancer Survivors Use Their Experience Sessions: “A Fair Family Affair” to Help Others with Cancer By Terry Alford Barbara Kirkland Dennis has been working for over three decades to restore and reconstruct families – and ultimately our communities. Spurred by her own personal experiences, she founded of M.O.T.I.C. (Mothers of Those in Crisis) to address the issues of injustice in the justice system. A forerunner in family advocacy and restoration, she will host two informal discussions/informational sessions – “A Fair Family Affair” - which will deal with mental health and substance abuse of loved ones who have been victimized by the criminal justice system and society in general. The first event will be held on Sunday, April 10 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Part two will be held on Sunday April 24 at the same time and place. The events are free and open to the public. “Recent studies have announced many solutions to the long standing conditions that we have sought treatment for our loved ones throughout the years,” she stated. “My studies have provide me with information regarding all of the symptoms, prevention and treatment…to share with the community. “I’m trying to make it clear that we want to reconstruct and restore our communities and families in this ‘City of Good Neighbors,’” she said. For more information call 875-7445.

Charter Schools Community Day Of Celebration Buffalo’s charter school community will hold a community day of celebration on Saturday, April 16 at St. John the Baptist Church, 184 Goodell Street, from 11am-3pm This event will serve as an opportunity for parents to speak directly to staff from the city’s charter school community and will give them a chance to fill out applications for their kids. Participating schools include: Aloma D Johnson, Charter School for Inquiry Oracle , King Center Charter, Health Sciences, South Buffalo Charter School, Elmwood Village, West Buffalo, Buffalo Academy of Science.

hey call it giving back. Others say it is paying it forward. However you want to say it, there is a caring group of cancer survivors making a difference in the lives of those currently battling cancer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). This diverse and dedicated team represents all racial and ethnic minority patients treated at our cancer center. They call themselves the Patient Action Team, or PAT. These cancer survivors have dedicated their survivorship to helping others. PAT members help current cancer patients from diagnosis to survivorship, sharing their own cancer experiences and seeking to improve the overall patient care experience. Sponsored by the Office of Cancer Health Disparities Research (OCHDR) at Roswell Park, PAT works under the leadership of OCHDR health specialist Nikia Clark, with Spanish translation services provided by team member Jomary Colon. The mission of the OCHDR is to understand, reduce, eliminate and prevent cancer disparities in vulnerable and medically underserved populations and patients through transdisciplinary research and programs. PAT members serve as lay health advisors, offering their time and talent to the Roswell Park Volunteer Services Department and the Young Adult Support Group. The PAT team recently completed a user-friendly tip sheet that offers practical tips, advice, resources, inspiration and hope to all new patients as they begin their cancer journey. The tip sheet can be found at www.roswellpark.org in the newsroom under publications. PAT members know they are making a valuable contribution to solving cancer health disparities among minority and underserved populations. The group is excited about continuing their work of encouraging new patients and helping to ensure that all patients at RPCI receive the best cancer care experience possible. For more information about the PAT group, contact Nikia Clark at (716) 845-4888, or email her at Nikia.Clark@roswellpark. org. (Mr. Alford is Community Relations Coordinator at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.)

DID YOU KNOW... *Sugar, refined carbs, salt, trans fats, and MSG act just like heroin or cocaine, giving you pleasure by triggering an innate process in your brain via dopamine and opioid signals. *Americans consume the most meat per capita in the world — more than 175 pounds of pork, poultry, and beef per year, and evidence suggests this is far too much for optimal health

eat to live

HEALTH MATTERS

Sugar Makes Your Organs Fat And Other Bad Things *Sugar Makes your organs fat *Sugar primes your body for diabetes *Sugar hammers your heart *sugar creates tense blood vessels…that could ultimately result in stoke or heart attack *Sugar promotes cholesterol chaos *It leads to Type 3 Diabetes *Sugar makes you an energy-starved zombie *Sugar wrecks your face. Too much sugar in your bloodstream can ultimately lead to dry, brittle protein fibers in your skin. The result would be premature aging. (Source: Prevention “Sugar Detox Made Easy”)

DID YOU KNOW....

Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are increasingly using marijuana to treat their condition, PTSD, and a growing number of states are weighing whether to legalize marijuana to treat the stress disorder. Many vets say pot helps them manage their anxiety, insomnia and nightmares. Prescription drugs such as Klonopin and Zoloft weren’t effective or left them feeling like zombies, some say. According to VA data released last year, since 2002, the percentage of PTSD-afflicted veterans who have been diagnosed with marijuana dependence has climbed from 13 percent to nearly 23 percent . That translates to more than 40,000 veterans. (-Associated Press)

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Musical To Celebrate The Birthday Of Dr. James Ministers Wives & Pastor Kemp Burley is Guest Evangelist During Jordan Grove Anniversary Celebration A. Lewis Pastor of Miracle Mission Full Gospel Widows Event Jordan Grove Baptist Church, 1264 Kensington will be celebrating their 61st Church Anniversary during the week of April 18-22. The Evangelist for the week will be Pastor Kemp Burley Jr., Pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Vicksburg Mississippi. Services will begin nightly at 7 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited to help us celebrate this momentous occasion as we lift up the name of our risen Savior. Truly, We’ve Come This Far By Faith. Rev. CC Cox Jr. is Pastor.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK!

A Musical in recognition of the birthday of Dr. James A. Lewis III, Senior Pastor will be hosted by Miracle Mission Full Gospel Church, 4 p.m. April 17, 2017. Artist performing in this special concert are God’s Purchase under the direction of George Brown, Temple COGIC Sanctuary Choir, WNY Chapter Mass Choir under the direction of Ella E. Robinson, Nikki Hicks, Men In White, and Carol Milhouse. Council Member Ulysses Wingo will emcee the musical. We welcome you to share in this celebration; Moe Badger of Bethesda World Harvest will lead us in Praise & Worship.

Ministers Wives & Widows of Buffalo & Vicinity will present Rhapsody In Blue honoring Minister, Mother Bertha Brewer on Friday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at The Fairdale, 672 Wehrle Drive, Amherst.Esther Leigh 472-3828, Amaza Savage 704-5429, or Joyce Reid 381-8610.

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

FAITH & FAMILY

Entertainment/Lifestyles

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

ON STAGE

Fragrance of YAH: On April 8, from 5 until 8 pm at MST High School, Fragrance of YAH along with the children and grandchildren of Laymon Harris II will present The Creating Legacies Spring 2016 Showcase. 716-253-1404. SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

*Anthony Hamilton and Fantasia: Shea’s Theatre April 21 . Showtime 7:30 PM $88, $78, $58, $48. *Little Anthony and The Imperials: 8 p.m. April 29, Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St. North Tonawanda. 692-2413. Tickets $53 - $68. *Soul Superstars Featuring The Drifters and The Contours, May 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Riviera theatre. www.RivieraTheatre. org *West African Drumming Ensemble, Diaspora and SPIRIT, Louis P. Ciminelli Recital Hall at Rockwell Hall, April 14, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general public and free for students with ID available at the Rockwell Hall Box Office. For tickets, call (716) 878-6401 or visit http://music.buffalostate.edu/ events/2016-04-14?mini=calendar/2016-04 *Diana Ross Tickets Sat, Apr 9, 2016 8:00 pm The Seneca Niagara Events Center at Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls, NY

Music & Arts Movement is a Movement WNY's Music & Arts Movement is a movement formed as a showcase. This event occurs monthly allowing the most talented performers of Western New York to perform for an engaging audience as they “strive for expression.” Allowing individuals starting with youth to express themselves moving in a positive direction is my main goal for the WNY’s Music & Arts Movement.The WNY Music & Arts next upcoming event taking place Friday April 8, 2016 from 7:00-11:00pm at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, 341 Delaware Ave. and welcomes the Buffalo community see the movement that has been put together in a unique showcase. Questions? Contact Kenisha Barow at 536-9829 or email to KenishaBarrow@gmail.com. “THE CREATOR HAS A MASTER PLAN”: The great tenor saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, 75, was recently recognized as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. After that he played a gig at Birdland in NYC (April 5,6,7). Pharoah Sanders, who played regularly with John Coletrane (from around 1965 until Trane’s death) possesses one of the most distinctive tenor saxophone sounds in jazz. “The creator has a master plan, peace and happiness for every man .The creator has a working plan, peace and happiness for every man…” (from the tune “The Creator Has A Master Plan” on the album “Pharoah Sanders Karma” released on Impulse Records in 1969.)

Drea D’Nur!Sunday April 17 The Tralf Doors | 6pm. General Admission Event Tickets $25 - on sale now www.officialdreadnur.com www.packsandpurses.org Ticketmaster.com / Tralf Box Office 716.852.2860 / Tralf.com SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

Entertainment/Lifestyles

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Ballerina Amirah Muhammad, is Newly Appointed National Ambassador for Brown Girls Do Ballet, Inc.

uffalo's Ballerina, Amirah Muhammad has been making waves in the world of ballet. Now she will have a national platform to let her light shine as a newly appointed National Ambassador for Brown Girls Do Ballet. Brown Girls Do Ballet®, a division of Brown Girls Do, Inc., is dedicated to promoting diversity in ballet programs through various media platforms, training resources, and an exclusive network in the world of ballet. Its mission is to help increase participation of underrepresented minority populations in ballet programs through organizing and arranging ballet performances, and providing resources and scholarships to

assist young girls in their ballet development and training. After a nationwide search, Amirah was chosen not only for her exceptional talent and ability in ballet, but for her intelligence, articulation, discipline, and focus in her art form. Amirah is looking forward to being an inspiration to young dancers across the country. Amirah spent last summer training at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City, which is home to her inspiration, Black ballet superstar Misty Copeland. This summer 2016 not only has Amirah been accepted into ABT's Summer Intensive program once again, but she has been accepted in to several top ballet programs including Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Manhattan Youth Ballet, and a near full scholarship to train with the world renown Dance Theatre of Harlem. As Amirah is preparing for an even more impressive summer than last year she is once again calling on the community for support. She is launching a fundraising

campaign to assist with Travel, Room, Board, Meals, Tuition, and Dance Supplies for her 11 week summer training. Visit her page at www. gofundme.com/amirahballerina and click "Donate" to make a contribution online. Also, Save-the-Date Sunday, May 15 at 3 pm at the Aloma D. Johnson Charter

School in Buffalo for Amirah's exclusive Violin and Ballet Fundraising Concert joined by her father Maestro Henri Star Muhammad and the Muhammad School of Music (MSOM) Chamber Orchestra titled: "Beethoven and the Ballerina". Congratulations to Ballerina Amirah Muhammad!

Make coming home the best part of every day.

IT COULDN’T BE EASIER. Put all of your recyclables in the green tote. We’ll do the rest.

With a home loan from Northwest. Apply on your time, the way you want:

CAN IT BE RECYCLED? Call 311 or visit BuffaloRecycles.org to learn more. MAYOR BYRON W. BROWN

CoB_Challenger.indd 1

Northwest Bank is Member FDIC. 7/20/15 2:44 PM

• Go to northwest.com • Call 1-888-884-4626 • Visit any Northwest office

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

GENERATIONS

3 yr old Dakyrah McCloud pictured above with her mom Asha Brown and her teacher Ms. Eaton, who taught her how to memorize and dial emergency phone numbers.

Three Year Old Credited With Saving the Life of Her Grandfather

Submitted by Rev Gene Coplin

hen Asha Brown dropped her 3-year-old daughter Dakyrah McCloud off at her grandfather’s house recently, she had no idea that her daughter would be the one watching over her grandfather! When the 61-year-old senior, who had heart issues, passed out in his chair and fell on the floor, Dakyrah ran to the phone and quickly called her mother. “I was shocked when I heard the voice of my daughter on my cell phone” said Ms. Brown. “My daughter said to me, ‘Mommy, grand dad is sick, he’s laying on the floor.’ “I thanked her for calling me and told her that grand dad was going to be okay. I called 911 as I rushed backed to the house! I thank God that my father is doing fine now. I also thank God for my daughters teacher, Ms. Eaton who taught my daughter to memorize and dial my phone number. It saved her grandfathers life! When I finally got the chance to tell my father what Dakyrah did, he was so ecstatic, he broke down and cried and kept kissing his granddaughter! It was only the second time I had ever seen my father cry,” Asha Brown said. Ms. Eaton, who teaches all of her students to memorize parents phone numbers, is a teacher at the Erma D Robinson Universal Day Care Center, in the Dr. Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center under the auspices of St John’s Baptist Church, 184 Goodell St. where the pastor is Rev. Michael Chapman. Ms. Hayes is the Day Care Director. Congratulations to Dakyrah! And hats off to her teacher, Ms. Eaton!

Sweet Moments: Father Daughter Dance On Saturday April 9th, Studio J will host its inaugural Father Daughter Dance ‘Sweet Moments’ at the Metropolitan Entertainment Complex located at 1670 Main St from 5-9pm. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, dancing, dads hula hoop contest, a special contract ceremony and more! This event is for all ages. Ticket pricing are $55 (father & one daughter), $70 (father & two daughters), $85 (father & three daughters), $100 (father & four daughters), individual tickets are $35. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Studio J, 43 Kenmore Ave or by calling (716) 833-2623.

Support Our Advertisers!

VOICES 11

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Even When you Win, You Lose...

IS CITY FAILING TO ENFORCE DIVERSITY LAW? continued a persistent problem made worse by the disconnect between community groups and unions, as well as educational and structural barriers. Nonetheless, there’s general agreement that building a reliable pipeline starts with apprentice programs. “To get more minorities into the building trades, you have to start them off as apprentices,” Brown said. If the city applied the law, Brown said, it would help the unions create opportunities by ensuring a steady supply of work for apprentices. That, in turn, would allow the unions to increase the size of their apprentice classes, he said. In addition, working on city projects would allow apprentices—at least temporarily—to avoid a common obstacle, the need for a driver’s license and a car to travel to construction sites. Another advantage is that the law allows the city to take advantage of privately funded apprentice programs, encouraging workforce development without extra spending. “The City of Buffalo can capitalize on those resources simply by requiring that apprentices be on the job,” said Anna Falicov, an attorney representing the Building Trades Council. “It wouldn’t require reinventing the wheel, it’s already on the books and it’s been proven in other communities to create a pipeline to employment.” Erie County has a similar law, with the same 10 percent apprentice participation goal, for construction contracts over $250,000. Soon after taking office, County Executive Mark Poloncarz reinstated the law—which had been suspended under Chris Collins— calling apprenticeship programs “a valuable tool” which “provide opportunities to residents in this area.” Falicov said the county does far better on compliance than the city, according to her analysis of payroll records. “All of that could happen at the city level if there was more of a commitment,” she said. Piecemeal Compliance The city sells some $20 million in bonds annually to fund capital projects. Projects in recent years have included renovations to the downtown baseball stadium and Hatch restaurant at Erie Basin Marina, construction of the splash pad at Martin Luther King Park, and improvements to the Marcy Casino at Delaware Park. City officials acknowledge that their efforts to apply the law to those and other projects have been lackluster. “It’s say fair to say the enforcement is inconsistent,” Stepniak said. “We have to get better at this as a city.” Enforcement has two components: Contractors must confirm that they participate in a stateregistered apprentice program and agree to have apprentices perform 10 percent of the work. The city has fallen down on both. In some cases, Falicov said, the city has given work to contractors who don’t participate in a state-registered apprentice program, making it impossible for them to meet the goal. And when it comes to tracking apprentice participation, Stepniak said that although data on individual contractors is collected, it isn’t analyzed. Asked whether a contractor had ever been sanctioned for failing to meet those goals, Rivera said he couldn’t remember any cases where that had happened. The law requires the filing of quarterly reports with the Common Council, but the Brown administration had failed to do so over the past decade until very recently after being pressed by Rivera. The Niagara District Council member has asked for more information than what’s included in the reports. “We want to see the statistics, we want to see the numbers, we want to see the placements,” Rivera said. The problems are due in part to understaffing. The city has just one compliance officer, responsible for analyzing the information contractors submit to make sure that the goals are being met. “It’s an infrastructure problem within the bureaucracy of the city that they haven’t had adequate staffing,” Falicov said. The law that requires apprentice participation also sets goals for the hiring of minorities, women and city residents. Stepniak said the department hasn’t compiled that data either and couldn’t say whether those goals were being met. Possible Improvements Stepniak said several steps are being taken to improve enforcement. They include hiring another person to work on contract compliance and tracking participation data more closely. Also contemplated are changes to the law to emphasize that city residents should get priority for apprenticeship positions on city projects. The city could also withhold payment from contractors if they don’t meet contractual goals, he said. Asked about all the years enforcement and reporting appear to have fallen by the wayside, Stepniak said, “I don’t look at it as a missed opportunity; I look at is as getting prepared.” Others are more skeptical. “There’s been small improvements but it could go a lot further,” Falicov said. Paul Brown said he didn’t understand why the city had lagged for so long on this. “If the mayor were to make sure that this would get enforced, then, yes it would help a lot with the diversity,” he said.

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 advertising@thechallengernews.com

• • • •

ay what?! Can Commissioner Elia be serious? First, she comes to Western New York to ask parents to “trust” her and opt in to the one-sized fits all, high stakes, non-diagnostic standardized tests. On Thursday, she met with parents from several suburban districts to relay the message that significant changes have been made to mitigate their opposition to these tests. The Commissioner explained that the tests: are shorter (by a few questions), are un-timed (students can take as much time as needed, if they are working productively), and will not be used to evaluate individual students or as part of teacher evaluations. She acknowledged that these changes were brought about in response to parents’ activism. She asked the parents to trust that other changes are in the works and encouraged student participation in the tests which began April 5th. (ELA tests given from April 5-7; Math tests from April 13-15) Curiously, Buffalo Public Schools’ parents and education advocates did not receive an invitation to meet for the “trust me” dialogue. In fact, during the second day of her two-day visit Commissioner Elia visited two “persistently strug- Barbara Seals gling” elementary schools: West Hertel Academy and the Marva J. Daniel Futures Nevergold Preparatory School. One might assume that the school administration and staff received a strong message about the need to maintain “opt in” to the tests. Perhaps as a result, the principal at one of the schools planned an “opt in” rally for her students. During an interview with WBFO, she also revealed that she had convinced a number of parents not to opt out of the tests. This is disturbing since thirty-five percent of this school’s student body are children who are English Language Learners, a group that is particularly vulnerable for testing “failure” due to language and cultural barriers. Why convincing these children to take the test is seen as a positive is beyond me, especially when the principal is quoted as saying that “these kids get frustrated” during the testing. Further, the Commissioner and the Governor have confirmed the right of parents to opt their children out of the tests. With the District’s central administration’s solid support for standardized tests for all, however, the Commissioner may not think she has a trust problem with parents and education advocates in the city. Yet, does she really think that she can engender “trust” with stakeholders by supporting the Governor’s call to keep 70 schools recently removed from Receivership in that state of pre-“privatization”? Last summer, following the passage of the Education Transformation Act, 144 schools across the state were identified as “persistently struggling” or “struggling” and placed in Receivership. The Law gives unprecedented powers to Superintendents to manage these schools for up to two years. Buffalo has 25 of these schools and most of the other 119 are also located in urban Districts. “Persistently struggling” schools were awarded additional funding to assist in the implementation of improvement plans designed to move the schools out of Receivership status in one year. The “struggling” schools also developed improvement plans to increase student achievement during a two year period. Although there are many problems with Receivership (a legal challenge to the Law has been initiated), the Districts’ staff, teachers, Boards and parents have worked under the rules of the legislation and State Education regulations to meet the demands of this imposed structure. Last month the District received astounding news that 3 of our “persistently struggling” and 7 of our “struggling” schools had made significant achievement to be removed from Receivership. The data for this decision was based on the progress made by these schools during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. We celebrated! We gave each other high fives! We congratulated all involved- principals, teachers, students, parents, community members- for their hard work; commitment and perseverance! And some of us questioned why the schools had been identified for Receivership in the first place! Bottom line, they’ve met the challenge and they’ve succeeded in compliance with Education law and regulation. In spite of the accomplishment of Buffalo’s ten schools (and 60 others throughout the state), the Commissioner rationalized, “I do think that the timing was very difficult.”…… “The schools need an additional year of superintendent receivership to really be able to show the work that they’re doing. I think that’s a reasonable thing to expect ……...” (Buffalo News, March 31, 2016) The article continued that she “raised questions about whether taking some schools off the receivership list would deprive them of the attention they needed.” So, “the timing was very difficult”? What the Commissioner does not say is that the data used to determine the progress made by these schools actually covered the two year period prior to their placement in Receivership. In effect that information suggests the question, “Should these schools have been in Receivership in the first place?” And now, without any reference to that fact, the Commissioner would maintain schools in an ill-defined, un-tested and questionable state for another year. In addition, the outcomes of the first year of Receivership are not even known at this point. The State prides itself on making “data driven decisions,” except in this instance. As for “depriving” schools of the attention they need, the Commissioner should explain what she means by that statement. Unspoken: the Governor has threatened to withdraw the additional funding awarded to “persistently struggling schools” if those schools are moved out of Receivership. That sounds like coercion not supportive “attention.” The Commissioner’s message to our students, teachers, administrators, parents on Receivership? In spite of playing by the rules, meeting and in some cases exceeding the requirements, you can still lose the game! They’ll just move the goal line. So, Commissioner, not only is trust in short supply…. But so is belief that the system is fair and equitable……that the rules of the game won’t be changed if the outcome does not suit the powers that be…..that the voices of urban district stakeholders are valued….and yes, that changes made in the tests really do make a difference.

Published every Wednesday News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m.

We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.

Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries a d ve r t i s i n g @ t h e c h a l l e n g e r n ew s . c o m or a l n i s a 3 3 @ ya h o o . c o m

Phone: 716-881-1051 Fax: 716-881-1053

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

New Bennett High School Computer Academy Of Technological Sciences

E MP L O Y ME N T PROGRAM OFFICER

The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York (HFWCNY) is seeking a Program Officer. Responsibilities include researching, creating, coordinating and implementing strategic initiatives that support the Foundation’s mission. The Program Officer will regularly interact with team members, consultants, current grantees, potential grantees, grant-making colleagues, health care leaders and members of the community. Qualified candidates can apply to jregan@performancepros.net. LEGAL NOTICE

Central District School Candidate Woods files over 1,400 Signatures for the May 3rd School Board Election

ADVERTISING

PAYS

Bids

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive separate sealed bids for General Construction, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical contractors for Commodore Perry Heating System Decentralization; BMHA Job #16-05-CG PRE-BID CONFERENCES WILL BE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016 WITH ALL POTENTIAL BIDDERS ASSEMBLED AT THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, 320 PERRY STREET, BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14204; THE PROJECT WALK-THROUGH MAY BE HELD/SCHEDULED AFTER THE MEETING. Separate Sealed bids for each prime contractor listed above will be received until 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set. Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted.

LEGAL NOTICE

Paulette Woods (4th from left) with supporters.

Bids

Sealed bids will be received by the Buffalo Science Museum for the Observatory Project on 4/12/16 at 2:00pm. Deliver sealed bids to the Lobby of the Science Museum (1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY) prior to 2:00 pm. The contract documents may be examined at Construction Exchange. This project is prevailing wage. ***W/M/DBE participation is encouraged.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ROOMS ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included. (716)818-3410.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING/MEDIA ADVISORY PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the County Legislature of the County of Erie, New York, shall be held in the Chambers of the Legislature, located at Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York, in said County, on the 13th day of April, 2016, at 11:00 o’clock a.m., prevailing time, pursuant to Tax Law §1432 and General Municipal Law §6-d, for the purpose of conducting a public hearing to hear public comment on: •the appropriation of $10,800,000 of Transfer Tax from the Erie County Road Repair Reserve Fund (budgeted 2016 revenue) for road and bridge repairs in 2016; and •the appropriation of $2,200,000 of prior year surplus Transfer Tax from the Erie County Road Repair Reserve Fund for road and bridge repairs in 2016. By order of the County Legislature of the County of Erie, New York. Dated:Buffalo, New York April 1, 2016 By:Karen M. McCarthy Clerk, County Legislature

ADVERTISING PAYS advertising@thechallenfernews.com

Central District candidate Paulette Woods’ school board got off to an impressive start as she filed over 1,400 signatures (almost three times the 500 needed) to qualify to run in the May 3rd school board election. “ I am so grateful to the vast number of volunteers who went door to door, apartments to apartments to secure the signatures of voters who decided to give me the opportunity to represent them on the board of education,” stated Ms. Woods. “The district I am campaigning for encompasses the most diverse and challenging groups of Buffalo school students. From Eastside residents who live in and around the historic Fruit belt neighborhoods that includes the Buffalo/Niagara Medical Campus to the ‘heart’ of the community ( Jefferson Ave, Town Gardens and the Cold Spring area), to the rapidly expanding west side population, where thousands of immigrant and former suburban students are joining our school district yearly. The Central District is in a unique position to unite all of these different yet similar students and their parents into a cohesive, interactive group that will focus on the very best education possible for our students.” Woods’ campaign meets every Saturday @ 10 A.M. and every Tuesday @ 6 P.M.. To volunteer, please call Paulette Woods @ (716) 986-1025 or the campaign committee @ (716) 6025877.

School Board Candidates Face Off in Public Forum Candidates for the Buffalo Board of Education’s six district seats will debate the issues and answer questions from journalists and residents in a public forum from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, in the Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave. In advance of what could be a pivotal election that determines control of the board and the direction of city schools, candidates will answer questions posed by journalists, submitted by audience members and submitted via the Internet at www.facebook. com/babjbuffalo. Candidates in the Central and East districts will face off at 7 p.m.; candidates in the Ferry and North districts will debate at 8 p.m.; and those running in the Park and West districts will debate at 9 p.m. The forum also will be recorded for broadcast on public access TV in advance of the May 3 election. The free event is sponsored by the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists, the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the SUNY Buffalo State Communications Department.

The Bennett Alumni Association is pleased to announce that there will be an opportunity for 125 incoming 9th grade students in September 2016 to enroll in the “Computing Academy of Technological Sciences” at Bennett High School. This new program will provide a high tech computer science and software engineering program that prepares students to enter post secondary majors and careers. The areas of study include, Software, Engineering, Networking, Animation, Gaming, Coding, Mobile Application Design, Digital Design, Computer Hardware, Web Design, Information Systems, Programing and more. Students who enroll are accepted to the program and will have the opportunity to earn college credits, industry certification, take advanced placement courses and acquire Real World Experiences. Partners include University @ Buffalo, Buffalo State College and Say Yes. All enrolled students will receive their own laptop/tablet. There are opportunities for all students including students with disabilities and English language learners. Applicants are asked to apply to this program by completing an application at the Buffalo Pubic Schools Placement Office, School 12, 33 Ash Street (816-3717) or going online to buffaloschools.org and complete the high school application form. Any questions regarding the program can be directed to Middle Early College High School @ Bennett, 816 4010 and ask for the Assistant Principal for the Computer Academy of Technological Sciences.

Buffalo Parents Calls For State Education Commissioner To Halt Removal Of Any Buffalo Public School Out Of Receivership Parents of Buffalo Public Schools students who successfully filed a civil rights complaint against the school district in 2013 has requested that NYS Education Commissioner Mary Ellen Elia halt or rescind the removal of any Buffalo Public School out of receivership. Patricia A. Elliott and Desiree J. Radford, two of the parents who filed the original complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, cite the failure of the district to cure the outstanding civil rights violations and the possibility the removing the low performing schools, and the additional educational resources that flow from receivership status, would further complicate crafting a remedial plan to bring the district into compliance with federal civil rights law.

Challenger Community News â&#x20AC;˘ April 6, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ www.thechallengernews.com

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

2016 Chess Open House

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

3-WAY

MID- 9528 EVE- 5179

WIN 4

MID -1015 EVE- 8659

MID -0755 EVE - 9493

MID-5717 EVE-2135

MID -7746 EVE- 4854

MID-9637 EVE- 6123

MID-6091 EVE-7118

TAKE 5

2-10-16-27-38 4-11-21-25-37 11-12-21-29-35 11-15-26-31-35 5-18-25-28-32 5-18-27-33-38 1-2-4-24-25

LOTTO

SUN 3/27 MON 3/28 TUES 3/29 WED 3/30 THURS 3/31 FRI 4/1 SAT 4/2 MID- 199 MID-068 MID-406 MID-710 MID-304 MID-013 MID-304 EVE- 701 EVE-138 EVE-419 EVE-572 EVE-412 EVE-318 EVE-155

HOT TIPS

4018

022

6-9-34-44-54-59 #36

064

648

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 986-568-853-568-312-468-014-065-768-981-852-679-254756-801-645-580-234-532-791-065-990-456-435-468-015076-974-240-198-513-546-809-507-433-354-760-919-512891-558-001-064-247-091-547-910-107-432-304-567-729

Billy Bye Bye Sez: 865-790-895-333-1954

1447-5780-9966-6888 “With Sgt. Hyder’s Hits You Can’t Miss”

Spring Vibes

874-254-594890-347-123

“Its In The Stars”

Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 561-236-164-469 Taurus -258-231-026-695 Gemini-495-257-694-508 Leo-345-213-157-201 Virgo 385-291-431-170 Libra -247-723-179-501 Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 Sagittarius - 389-701-234-924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

quick money $$$$ THE NUMBER BOOK 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508 Grandma’s Picks 302-176-743-435-165-270-

4-Way Hot Tips

5767-8866-5252-7788-2018-1871-1303 Triple -666 Special Doubles - 662-788-919-322

WEEK DAY HITS! mon 606-tues 721-wed 592thurs 384-fri 295-sat 621

8-10-24-28-40-52 #29

999

203 942

The Buffalo & Erie County Pubic Library at 1 Lafayette Square, downtown Buffalo will continue to host monthly Chess Open Houses presented in partnership with Archangel 8 Chess Academy and U.S. Chess Federation Chess Coach and Tournament Director Michael McDuffie. These programs are free and open to the public and are great opportunity for anyone of any age to learn the game, play to improve their skills, watch or compete in USCF sanctioned tournaments. Chess Open Houses In 2016 will take place on Sundays from 12:30- 4:30 p.m. on the remaining dates Sunday April 17, and Sunday May 22. For more info call 716-858-8900 or visit www. buffalolib.org

Oishei Children's Hospital 'Draw Off'

Inviting all children: Come create your own 'smiling faces' self portrait to be part of a beautiful community mosaic art installation being created for the new John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital located in the medical corridor in downtown Buffalo. As part of its capital campaign, The Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation has partnered with Faces of Buffalo Community Art Mosaics who will use thousands of self-portraits drawn by both patients and kids from the WNY community. Art supplies provided. DATE: Saturday, April 16th TIME: 11am - 1pm AT: Buffalo Artspace, Upper Gallery, 1219 Main St. (across from Delta Sonic)

Challenger Hits

Midday

304 ZR (straight) 304 ZR (straight) 710 ZR, Virgo, Sagittarius (bx) 406 Hot Tips, ZR (bx) 068 Number Book (bx) 199 ZR , Special Doubles (bx)

Evening

155 Lucky Duckie (bx) 318 Number Book (bx) 412 Number Book , Lucky Duckie (bx) Lucky Duckie (straight) 572 Capricorn , Gemini, Lucky Duckie (bx) 419 Number Book (bx) 138 Number Book (bx) 701 ZR, Virgo, Sagittarius (bx) 296 Quick Money (bx) LUCKIE DUCKIE

202 335 -2015-4444 648*123*104

980-422-809

981-989-970-990-080800-515-996 390-196-102-581-752319-408-378-352-126

189-444-886-514

322-522-412-432-421423

04/14/2015 Evening 04/14/2015 Midday 04/13/2015 Evening 04/13/2015 Midday 04/12/2015 Evening 04/12/2015 Midday 04/11/2015 Evening 04/11/2015 Midday 04/10/2015 Evening 04/10/2015 Midday 04/09/2015 Evening 04/09/2015 Midday 04/08/2015 Evening 04/08/2015 Midday 04/07/2015 Evening 04/07/2015 Midday 04/06/2015 Evening 04/06/2015 Midday

3-9-3 8-0-2 9-3-8 7-6-8 4-3-7 1-1-3 0-9-6 4-5-7 4-0-0 1-4-9 8-4-4 5-6-7 6-4-2 4-3-1 1-1-8 3-4-7 9-4-0 3-8-2

Terrence D. McKelvey Attorney at Law 181 Franklin St. Suite 101 (716) 847-2606 Law Office of Daria L. Pratcher, PC “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574

AUTO

134-431-143

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

ATTORNEYS

2015

Ben’s Downtown Tire 50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

Colston Enterprises 716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore) (716) 894-3910

CELL PHONES Ansar Cellular Communications & Fragrance Store 1371 Fillmore @ E. Utica (716) 884-2373

DOG TRAINING Dogman’s K -9 Obedience Training 1963 Fillmore Avenue (716) 807-8163

ELECTRICIAN Empire Electric (716) 634-0330

FLORISTS Maureen’s Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

HAIR SUPPLY Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

TAILORS Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MEREA WORLD Transportation Service City To City State To State Save & DependableSpecializing in Round Trip & Over Night Trips Text or call 716 939-8892

For More Info: advertising@thechallengernews.com 881-1051

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Wednesday April 6

Thursday April 7

Mock Presidential Town Hall Meeting: Bernie Sanders v. Hillary Clinton, 5:30 – 7:45; Merriweather Library; Jefferson & Utica, hosted by Legislator Grant and We Are Women Warriors.

Buffalo Peacemakers Fundraiser: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tralf Music Hall. For info. 4655580.

Doing Business at Canalside Info Session & Networking: 4:30-6:30 p.m. @ the Pavilion at Canalside;www.canalsidebuffalo.com for info. Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20. The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wed. and Thurs. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle. Dinner 885-6348. Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Hustle For Health at the Gloria J Parks Center 3242 Main St 11am - 12pm age 50+ FREE Instructor Phyllis Caver 716 832 -1010 www.HustleForHealth.com

Medaille College Speaker Series Presents Dr. Kriner Cash: Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, Medaille College, 6-7 p.m. The Main Building. Ministers Wives & Widows of Buffalo & Vicinity present Rhapsody In Blue: 6:00pm, The Fairdale, 672 Wehrle Drive, 472-3828, 704-5429, 381-8610. Friday April 8 Women of Color Conference: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Daemen College, 4380 Main St.; hosted by ACE Women’s Network of NY. register online at: http://www.nyacenet. org/2016/02/24/nysacewnwomen-of-color-conferenceapril-8-2016/

CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS HOME OWNERSHIP

LIVE PUBLIC AUCTION

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Registration: 5PM / Start: 6:30PM Sale Location: 745 Main St., Niagara Falls, NY (City Hall – Council Chambers)

For complete auction details visit/call:

www.AUCTIONSINTERNATIONAL.com 1-800-536-1401 ext 110

Friday April 8 Buffalo Poverty Research Workshop:9:00am – 12:30pm (registration & coffee from 8:30am), downtown public library auditorium. Saturday April 9 Father Daughter Dance: Metropolitan Entertainment Complex, 1670 Main St. 5-9p.m. all ages. 833-2623. Clothing Giveaway: Hopewell Baptist Church annex, 1307 Fillmore , 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buffalo State College foundation Gala: Campbell Student Union Social Hall, 6 p.m., black tie; $250; 8784895 Sunday April 10 Community and Family Restoration is Topic of M.O.T.I.C. Informational Session: 1:30 to 3 p.m. the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson, free and open to the public; 875-7445. Monday April 11 African Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library; Jefferson @ Utica every Monday; public invited.

see you at the events!

Tuesday April 12

Wednesday April 13

School Board Candidates to Debate the Issues at Public Forum: 7 to 10 p.m. Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave. Free event sponsored by Buffalo Association of Black Journalists.

Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20.

Licensed Check Cashing Western New York Check Services Government - State - County - Payroll - Insurance Settlement Checks - Tax Refund Checks Maximum fee 2.01%

Nexis Card Direct Deposit

Licensed by the Superintendent of Banks Pursuant to Article 9-A of the Banking Law

675 Fillmore Ave - 1 Block South of Broadway Give us a call - 893-4193 Open 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Saturday

WE ALSO SELL NEW & USED

BRAND NEW

MATTRESSES Twin Set Full Set Queen Set King Set

119 99 $ 149 99 $ 179 99 $ 299 99

FURNITURE

LOWEST PRICES ANYWHERE!

1 ST quality mattresses & box springs

Delivery available

Bedroom Sets Bunk Beds Recliners Kitchen Sets Microwaves Mini Fridges and more!

Challenger Community News • April 6, 2016 • www.thechallengernews.com

Free. Fun. For their future!

RI C T ST

HESTE OC

CI T Y SC

If your child turns 3 or 4 by Dec. 1, enroll them in Rochester Pre-K today!*

I OL D

• Six-hour daily programs—classes start September 7 • Healthy breakfast and lunch • Language, social and self-help skills to be ready for school • Educational field trips • Indoor/outdoor play and naptime • Free monthly RTS bus passes for parents • Available at schools and community agencies across the city Apply by April 18 for the best choice of locations

262-8140 | www.rcsdk12.org/prek

*Every city 4-year-old is eligible for free Pre-K classes. Space for 3-year-olds is limited and restrictions apply.