CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS

The Omega Select Chorus In Concert

The Omega Select Chorus will be in Concert Friday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Avenue. Donation – Free will offering payable to Theta Omicron Scholarship Foundation (TOSF), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Tax deductible donations may be made via Pay Pal-paypal/me/TOSF; Cash App - $ThetaOmicronFdn ;or by Mail to TOSF, PO Box 23964, Rochester, NY 14692

Rochester Public Market Holiday Event Schedule

The Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St. is open for its regular hours Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Holiday series continues from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 4 and 11. A new Holidays at the Market evening event will be held in collaboration with the Market District Business Association from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 16.

Vending spots are still available for special events and regular Market days during the holiday season. Interested vendors can call the Market office at 428-6907, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.cityofrochester.gov/marketvendors/ for more information.

Ice-Skating At MLK Memorial Park

The City’s outdoor ice-skating rink at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court St., will open for the 2022-2023 winter season on Saturday and extend through March 12. Regular open skate sessions are noon to 8:50 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays. Individual admission fees are $5 for adults; $2 for youth 17 and under; and $14 maximum for families. The skate rental fee is $3;During the Roc Holiday Village event Dec. 2 -5 there will be free admission and rentals 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. The rink will be closed on the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information call 428-7541 or visit www.cityofrochester.gov/ mlkparkicerink.

Profile on Black Leadership: Eric Washington

Eric Washington joined the Buffalo Bills in 2020 as Defensive Line Coach and was promoted to Senior Defensive Assistant/Defensive Line Coach prior to the 2022 season. Washington came to the Bills with NFL experience as a Defensive Coordinator (2018-2019) and Defensive Line Coach (20112017) with the Carolina Panthers. He also held various positions with the Chicago Bears.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, he excelled in football and graduated from Northwood High School earning him a football scholarship to Grambling State University. Eric was a Tight-End at Grambling under the leadership of the Legendary Coach Eddie Robinson who Eric says was a “Phenomenal Coach whose passion and knowledge for football was paramount in how he taught us to be disciplined on and off the football field contributing to our personal development as players and men!”

Coach Eddie Robinson led by example and his commitment to excellence was “second to none” leaving an indelible footprint to the game and Eric credits Coach Robinson’s teaching and coaching for his own personal style of coaching and teaching players to pay attention to detail along with developing their skill set and talent that will translate to the team’s overall success. As a former player and graduate of an HBCU {Historically Black College University}, Eric says, “I’m very proud of the success of NFL players from HBCU’s especially those from Grambling and when we go to Kansas City, I’m reminded of our great tradition and legacy of Albert Lewis from Mansfield, LA. Every NFL stadium has an HBCU player in their Ring of Honor which is proof of how successful their talent has helped build the NFL. It’s tremendous and highlights a situation of a foundation crucible of great football players and their contribution in helping build the NFL. I’m very excited about the attention Head Coach Deion Sanders has brought to Jackson State University. Hopefully, resources will follow and allow these institutions to strive and grow!”

Commenting on this year’s Bill’s defensive line, Coach Washington says: “I’m excited about our new additions in that we are bigger and at the same time, we have versatile players that can line up inside all along the defensive line having a real impact on what we’re trying to accomplish defensively to the detriment of our opponent’s offense. Our players have been working hard and their eagerness to learn, positive attitudes, and attention to detail is encouraging and given players experience with different football programs. The challenge is to accumulate them into working

AREA BRIEFS

Michigan Street African Heritage Corridor Legacy Awards Inaugural "Soul Ball" to Honor Corridor Champions

The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission’s annual Soulful Christmas returns this year on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5:30-8 p.m. at The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum at 263 Michigan Ave. Tickets: $100.00 per person. For tickets go to michiganstreetbuffalo.org/soulball or call (716)322-1002.

During the Soul Ball, the Commission will honor long term champions of the Corridor. The honorees are:

Assemblywoman Crystal People-Stokes - In 2007, the Commission was founded with the sponsorship of Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes. She led the effort to create NYS Legislation that created a historic preservation area in the Michigan Street Corridor.

George K. Arthur - The late founding member of the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation, the nonprofit that owns and operates the Nash House Museum.

Bishop William Henderson - longtime caretaker of the Michigan Street Baptist Church. The late Bishop Henderson led early restoration efforts and ensured the history of the Church was preserved for generations to come. He also founded the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition, the nonprofit that currently owns and operates the Church.

All proceeds from our Soulful Christmas Weekends directly supports programs that serve our mission to integrate the African American cultural significance and impact on Buffalo’s history through public engagement, community education that will invigorate, inspire, and enliven cultural appreciation.

Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes Announces 12th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in MLK Park

The 12th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in MLK Park will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 4 p.m. Hosted by Majority Leader Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, the free event will take place near the MLK monument rain or shine! See you there!

Christmas In The City

The Fruitbelt Coalition aka Fruit of the City invites the community to a free family event, Christmas in the City 2022 December 10 noon to 4 p.m. at the Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. Family Life Center, 833 Michigan Ave. featuring food, fun and entertainment. To register call (716)893-6428.

A Devil. He’s Demonic!”

Families of the Victims in the Racist May 14 Massacre at the Hands of White Supremacist Payton S. Gendron Kept it Real During Emotional Press Conference Following Killer’s Guilty Plea

Renowned Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump did not mince words.

“We want full justice” he said in his opening remarks at a press conference following the emotional, courtroom drama Monday morning in downtown Buffalo.

It was there that white supremacist Payton S. Gendron pleaded guilty to the mass murder of 10 Black men and women at the Jefferson Avenue Tops Market on May 14.

And it was during that press conference we were able to hear the raw emotions from families of the victims .

“We want equal justice,” Attorney Crump continued. “We want him to be treated like the heinous, cold blooded, vicious murderer that he is.”

It was the treatment of the killer – from the day he was politely taken into custody – that offended not only the families – but an entire community.

“Some of the family are still baffled that he survived that day at the supermarket because they’ve seen just too many people in our community move a certain way and the police take them out.”

Gendron appeared clean cut, well taken care of, and protected at the proceedings.

“This was a very difficult morning for them (the families)” said Crump. “ ….it was just gut-wrenching and it made you angry all over again to hear this young white supremacist describe how he horrendously killed those innocent people…”

Describing the courtroom scene, Garnell Whitfield, he said, wept openly; Mark Talley just sat shaking his head; “I saw Pam Young with her head in her hands and Zeneta with a stoic look on her face as they listened to this mass murderer technically talk about the killings like he was talking about a football game.”

“Payton Gendron is a devil,” said Attorney Crump. "And he's demonic.”

The DA declared after the proceedings on Monday, “this racist murderer did not fulfill what he set out to accomplish…”

Crump said he and some of the family members felt just the opposite and talked about “this white supremacist who got everything he wanted .” Number one he wanted to kill as many Black people as he could; number two he wanted to survive and number three he wanted his racist manifesto to get world wide attention. “The goals he set out he seems to be accomplishing," said Crump.

“ Even though I know this (day’s proceedings) is a step in the right direction for justice, it's still painful.” And he, and his co-attorneys agreed, that it’s not over. "We don’t want this swept under the rug and we want the federal charges to come in. We want the same justice as if the roles/races were reversed.”

-The ChargesGendron, who pleaded guilty, is the first person to be indicted and convicted under the New York State Domestic Act of Terrorism motivated by Hate in the First Degree.

•One count of Domestic Act of Terrorism Motivated by Hate in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felony)

•Ten counts of Murder in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felonies)

•Three counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime (Class “A-I” felonies)

•One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony)

He faces life in prison with no possibility of parole.

However he is still facing federal charges. Reportedly, pleading guilty may help him avoid the death penalty which the federal court is considering.

Sentencing was set for February 15. He will remain held without bail at the Erie County Holding Center.

The Department of Justice has yet to announce whether or not they will seek the death penalty.

(Continued next week)

Introducing The WUFO Black Radio History Collective

The WUFO Black Radio History Collective, established in 2018, is the first Black History Radio Collective in the country dedicated to the stories of community, the sounds of Rhythm and Blues, Soul, and Gospel music.

The mix of community talk shows and music remains a vital part of the Black Experience in America.

"During the Civil Rights Movement Black Radio was considered a 'trusted' source of information,” stated Dr. Henry Louis Taylor, Jr., Professor Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Founding Director, Center for Urban Studies at UB.

The collective offers visitors a unique experience focused on telling the story of WUFO 1080AM’/Power 9.5's 56year history and its national impact.

A RICH DJ HISTORY

WUFO 1080 AM began broadcasting on November 2, 1962, with famed Cleveland Disc Jockey Eddie O’Jay, the first on-air personality playing a rhythm and blues format. WUFO has provided the nation with popular Black announcers and Disc Jockeys such as Frankie Crocker, Gary Byrd, Jerry Bledsoe, Thelma McCall and her son Dwayne Dancer Donovan, Don Allen, Don Mullins, ‘Sunny’ Jim Kelsey, Al Brisbane, Jimmy Lyons, H.F. Stone, Chucky T, Al Parker, Gary Lanier,

CORRIDOR CHAMPIONS: From left, Assemblywoman Crystal People-Stokes, George K. Arthur, Bishop William Henderson

From Left: Garnell Whitfield and wife Cassietta, Mark Talley, Pam Young, Damon Goodman and Attorney Ben Crump. Not pictured Zeneta Everhart and Attorney Terrence Connors and Attorney Ken Abbarno.

“He’s

Coping with Holiday Grief and Loss

The coming holiday seasons of Christmas and Kwanzaa are going to be particularly difficult for many in our community. The events surrounding the tragedy of 5/14 and its aftermath has had a traumatic effect that will be felt for generations to come.

There will be others grieving as well. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a significant number of deaths amongst the local African American community since its onset in early 2020. And although we now have vaccines, the risk of infection is still present with severe effects being felt by the most vulnerable among us, older adults, and those who may be immunocompromised due to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and obesity, to name but a few.

And lastly, others can suffer from the effects of the loss of a family member or friend, whether it be sudden or from a long-term, illness.

Any of these conditions can produce a sense of grief which can be felt for weeks, months, and even years. I recently participated on a panel on this topic at Hopewell Baptist Church which was moderated by Minister James Davis. Both the panelists, as well as those attending, shared their personal experience of enduring the pain of losing a loved one.

We discussed how grief is not time limited. It can last for days, weeks, months, and even years. In her 1969 book, On Death and Dying, Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross discussed her theory of the “Five Stages of Grief” which include: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. There have been adaptations in recent years however these are the core concepts of this now internationally recognized piece of work.

Essentially, we all grieve differently and there are many ways to cope. I recall when I lost my mother in 1996 and my father 20 years later, I coped by leaning on the support of my wife, other family members, friends, and coworkers. I will never forget the funeral services that were held for each of them at their home church, New Covenant UCC. The love I experienced felt like the proverbial “Balm of Gilead.”

One important consideration is when the grief one is experiencing develops into symptoms of depression. These can include, but are not limited to, isolating, sleeping too little or too much, changes in appetite, loss of interest in activities that are typically enjoyed, or in extreme cases, thoughts of death or suicide, there may be a need to seek professional help. While there is often a sense that doing so is a sign of weakness, on the contrary, it demonstrates the strength it takes to exert power over this challenge and learn ways to manage in a healthy manner.

Local Organizations Awarded Nearly $25,000 in Grants to Help Further Activate their Missions in Pitch10 Competition

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s Next Generation United Advisory Board recently announced their competition winners from this year's Pitch 10 competition Held at Seneca One Towers. Pitching organizations were awarded nearly $25,000 in grants to help further activate their missions.

•First Prize: Upward Design for Life - $10,000 courtesy of John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital & Kaleida Health. Upward Design for Life serves domestic violence survivors and others transitioning from shelters into their own safe residences, helping to restore hope, dignity and independence among those they serve by launching the process of transforming their empty spaces into furnished homes.

•Second Prize: Arbol Community Fund - $5,000 courtesy of KeyBank Arbol Community Fund a platform that helps students in need pay for their non-tuition expenses, providing them with recurring micro-grants and connecting them to a community of supporters.

•Third Prize: Every Bottom Covered - $2,500 courtesy of National Fuel Gas– Every Bottom Covered Buffalo’s first diaper bank that addresses the diaper need in Western New York by providing diapers, wipes, and other baby needs to families and building partnerships for other organizations working toward the greater good.

WUFO RADIO continued from page 3

ell, Mouzon, David Wilson, Byron Pitts, Mark Vann, and “The Discotizer” Keith Pollard. DJ Jimmie Raye, a popular morning personality from 1969-1971 later moved to LA to record music and produce his 1976 TV Special for NBC, “The Soul Thing.”

In 1973 the Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation purchased WUFO, making it the only Black owned station in Western New York.

In 2013, Sheila Brown, who began her radio career with WUFO in 1986 as an account executive, became the majority owner of the station.

TOURS: By Appointment Saturdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Email: info@michiganstreetbuffalo.org Phone: 716-322-1002

43North Free Marketing Summit

Get ready to optimize your marketing strategies with the 43North Marketing Summit presented by National Grid! This free event is a day-long series of workshops conducted by marketing masters - all subject matter experts in their fields.

They’ll be dropping knowledge and sharing insights in six hands-on workshops covering topics including:

•Inbound Marketing

•SEO

•Google Analytics (GA4)

•Content Marketing

•CRM Optimization

•PR, and more!

When: Monday, December 12, from 9 AM-3 PM

Where: In-person at Seneca One.

You'll walk away with tools you can immediately implement to drive traffic and leads to your business. Each session will last for one hour in total, which will include 15-20 minutes for Q&A.

More details on speakers and workshops coming soon, but save the date and reserve your (free) spot today before the program is opened up to the wider community.

Tickets on Eventbrite.com and search for 43North Marketing Summit to register for this free event.

TERRENCE D. McKELVEY

Attorney at Law

181 Franklin Street Suite #301

Buffalo, New York 14202

Pitch10 Winning Organizations from left to right : Arbol Community Fund, Every Bottom Covered and Upward Design for Life

Services Set for Mavis Kirkwood, A Member of St. John's Baptist Church for Over 70 Years!

It is with the deepest sadness that we report the death of Mrs. Mavis Kirkwood, 93 years old of Buffalo N.Y. on Nov. 25th of a terminal illness. Mrs. Kirkwood came to Buffalo from her birth place of McCool, Mississippi with her husband during the migration wave of African Americans from the South in the 1950's. Mrs. Kirkwood was preceded in death by her husband Frank C. Kirkwood, her 8 brothers, a sister and a half sister. She leaves to mourn her four children, Frank Jr., Willa Mae Sajda (deceased), Marvell(Iris) and Lee (Michelle), her 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A member of St. John's Baptist Church 184 Goodell St. for over 70 years her homegoing service will be held there Monday Dec. 5th 2022. Her wake starts at 11a.m., funeral starts at 12 noon. -Submitted by Iris M. Kirkwood

WORSHIP THIS WEEK!

Mrs. Mavis Kirkwood

Rev. Harper was known for his charismatic personality and entrepreneurial spirit. He started Harper's Auto Service Located at 1137 Jefferson Ave which ran for over 33 years.

Reverend Harper also hosted on WBLK (93.7 FM) his Popular, Inspirational & Informational Radio Broadcast every Sunday Morning, as well as WUFO (1080 AM). Reverend Harper Loved his community he supported many in their efforts to better themselves. Rev. Harper, who Entered Into Rest on Nov.14, 2022, was an army veteran of the Korean War. Interment was in WNY National Cemetery. Job well Done Sir! -Submitted by his son Raymond Harper

Mt. Aaron to Host Financial Literacy Event for the Community

The Mt. Aaron Baptist Church in conjunction with M&T Bank will host a Financial Literacy Event on Saturday, December 10 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the church, 540 Genesee Street. This event will assist individuals residing in our community with financial strategies to successfully lead to home ownership and developing skills to improve financial growth and prosperity. All are welcome to attend this event. Dwayne Jones is pastor of Mt. Aaron Baptist Church.

Homework Help at Mt. Olive Baptist

Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 701 E. Delavan Ave. is now offering homework help to students every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m. For more information or to reg ister call (716)235-4730.

BILLS PROFILE continued from page 2 within our system. Our defensive Line is working hard and striving to be a contributing factor in winning a championship and we are focused on achieving that goal this season.”

When asked about his aspirations of becoming a Head Coach someday, Coach Washington said: “I’m excited about my current role as Assistant Defensive Line Coach but have my eyes open to an assignment opportunity with more responsibility. I believe in my ability to impact the game as a head coach and leader of men and look forward to future possibilities in my professional career!

Let’s Go Bills !

Featured Artist

Reverend Raynard Harper, Entrepreneur, Community Servant

“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.” -Tao Te Ching

Armani Caesar, the First Lady of Griselda Records, Is Coming Into Her Own

What’s the first thought that comes to mind when you think of the Buffalo rap scene? Griselda Records? West side Gunn? Benny The Butcher? Conway The Machine? Those are all worthy and re spected names to think of, but make sure you don’t forget Armani Caesar, the first lady of Griselda, who just dropped her latest album, The Liz 2.

Armani signed with Griselda in early 2020, and since then, she’s been on a mission to show and prove.

On the Liz 2, Armani sounds like a totally different person, taking chances with her voice, production and content to challenge herself as an artist and human.

“As artists, it’s important for us to not only branch out …of the box, but also get more in depth with how we approach writing,” said Armani.

The Buffalo MC used this latest album as a laboratory to experiment with production and sounds that you typically would not hear from Griselda or Buffalo artists. That sounds the most prevalent on my favorite track from the album, “El Puro,” where Armani’s singing ability stands out more than her rapping skills. The song has a certain elegance to it that differs from the classic Griselda sound.

But she leans on her fellow Griselda signees to assist her with storytelling and getting across emotion in her music.

“Benny and Conway are two of my favorite artists and when it comes to writing I’m always asking them for advice,” said Armani.

This year alone, the first lady of Griselda has had multiple standout verses on a multitude of exceptional projects this year including “Bigger Bsf,” “Armed & Dangerous” and most notably, “Red Death,” where she is by far one of the best verses on the best posse track of the year While I was surprised by how much Armani showed out on this project, I shouldn’t have been. The first lady of Griselda has been doing this. Her first project, Bath & Body Work, was put out more than a decade ago and ever since then, she’s made small improvements on every new piece of work leading up to The Liz 2, which is easily her best body of work to date.

Now that she’s receiving all of the praise and acclaim, Armani is just taking it all in.

“… Just being out and people noticing me and wanting to take pictures is crazy,” said Armani. “…I’m just trying to take in the journey.”(Excerpts from THE ROOT in an article published by Noah A.

Jazz Jam At the Gypsy Parlor

It's time to get bejazzled! Gypsy Parlor a venue that is committed to hosting a wide range of community entertainment has added a spectacular jazz night to their calendar

The Jazz Jam takes place the first Monday of each month (8-11 p.m.) at the Gypsy Parlor 376 Grant Street with Becky Davis on vocals and accompaniment is provided by Bob White (keys), Abdul Rahman Qadir (drums), and Marvin Jolly (percussionist). The stage opens up to players and vocalists 45 minutes into the set. All skill levels are welcome. After 10p.m. the young lions come in to blow, including Jared Tinkham (guitar), John Troy (sax), Griff Kazmierczak (trumpet), Brendan Lanighan (trombone), Dalton Sharp (sax), and vocalist Alex McArthur. The Jazz Jam is free, with a great menu, including vegan dishes and a full bar. And if you’re feeling lucky, Gabrielle will be giving away two dinner gift certificates at the December jam.

“Cadillac Crew “ Opens This Weekend at the Paul Robeson Theatre!

Inside the Virginia Office for Civil Rights, things are falling apart. The invited speaker—who happens to be Ms. Rosa Parks, speaking out against rape culture—has been shut down by members of the local clergy. The women who organized are pushed off of the program. And they can’t agree on how they’re going to make any of this right. Is it by grassroots action or respectability politics? Do they let these men trample them, or point out their erasure as it happens? Do they form a “Cadillac Crew” and drive the American South, risking their lives to make a point? Are we in Virginia or New York? Is it 1963 at all, or closer to 2022?

Four women are the backbone of playwright Tori Sampson’s Cadillac Crew which opens at The Paul Robeson theatre inside the African American Center, 350 Masten Avenue on Thursday, December 1.

It is directed by Linda Barr, herself an amazing actress and talented director who basically grew up in the Cultural Center, having been a part of it since she was a child.

Cadillac Crew runs Dec 1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17 @ 7:30 p.m. doors open at 7 p.m.; Dec. 4,11,18 @ 4 p.m. doors open 3:30 p.m.; Tickets $40 general admission www.PaulRobesonTheatre.org or (716)884-2013.

The Paul Robeson Theatre, now entering its 55th season, is the oldest African American theatre in Western New York. Yao Kahlil Newkirk is the Artistic Director.

ON STAGE

*The Holiday Soul fearing Loose Ends, Lakeside, Big Bub, Klymaxx, Cherrelle, Hosted by Chubb Saturaday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. rochester auditorium, 885 E. Main St. Rochester; Tickets @ Ticketmaster.com

NIAGARA FALLS MUSIC HALL OF FAMER

Photo: Chad Lawson Photography

Director Linda Barr

GENERATIONS

HO! HO! HOTEP!

Kente Claus is Coming to Soulful Christmas!

On Saturday, December 3, Kente Claus will make his annual trek to the Michigan Street African Heritage Corridor for Soulful Christmas– a free community event from 10a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring family friendly holiday activities, storytelling, a Christmas Market featuring Black business owners, horse-drawn wagon rides and a Christmas Tree Lighting. It all takes place at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 665 Michigan Avenue.

-The Legacy of Kente Claus -

In 2017, Dewitt Lee was working the midnight shift in a factory, when he received two words from God, Kente Claus. He immediately went to the internet to find out some meaning behind it and discovered that decades ago, Kente Claus was introduced to the world.

"There was only one year of headlines to reference, but it provided all of the answers I was seeking," he recalled. "In that moment, the mission and mantle of Kente Claus was passed on.”

Wanting to project positive images of self-worth and inclusion to the youth, Dewitt saw this as a means to educate and inspire and at the same time create a lane for other Claus’ of other colors to step out into the forefront. Around that same time the Mall of America would be introducing the first Black Santa Claus in history. This was a benchmark moment that gave Dewitt the confidence to move forward with his mission.

"What makes this different, is that Kente Claus is not a replacement of Santa Claus but a colleague, at the Claus corporation,” he said.

It wasn't until year two when Dewitt discovered that in the Bible, after the birth of Jesus, his family was told to seek refuge in Egypt. This gave Dewitt the storyline about the First Christmas in Africa, allowing him to minister to the community and provide a physical Afrocentric alternative to Santa Claus to those looking for representation in the space.

Being a Claus with a cause, there are charities in Africa and the Caribbean that receives donations from every visit he makes, either physically or virtual.

Legend has it that Kente Claus decided to call the Caribbean home so that he could live a low key and humble lifestyle, growing his own food and staying close to the people whom he has dedicated his life to serve. Dewitt on the other hand being born in Toronto and built-in buffalo, felt it very important to dedicate a significant amount of time in these two cities to give back to a community that has given him so much.

"Every year, Kente Claus travels to North America to collect toys for Black youth around the world, to ensure that Christ is kept in Christmas and to remind the world, this is a season of family, giving and love,” Said Lee.

While in North America, Kente Claus makes various appearances like Christmas in July, as well as other special events in October and November. He has also been spotted ice skating at some of the most iconic skating destinations in the world like Rockefeller Center in NYC, Toronto Union Station, and in Buffalo, Canalside and this year at MLK Jr. Park. Last year in partnership with the Challenger news, the Kente Claus experience went on a tour through select Saturday school locations around the city.

Annually he always begins his “December to Remember” tour in Buffalo at the African American Heritage Corridor. This is because Dewitt lee, who has brought the legend of Kente Claus to life, believes that with the pride of the Black community and the rich Black history in this region, it is only fitting to have a Christmas where their culture is elevated, and their ancestors are acknowledged.

THE HOT ICE SKI CLUB IS BACK!

Founders of the Hot Ice Ski Club are having an informational meeting Saturday December 3 at 3:00p.m. at the Merriweather Library Conference Room. Any families interested in skiing this winter are encouraged to attend.

Hey guys! This is not my usual topic, it's more about high school drama. I just recently started public school for the first time, and it's going well. I have good grades and made lots of new friends. Just recently I had my first homecoming dance. I’m going to fill you in on my experience. Ok, let’s get into it.

The dance started at 7:00 and ended at 10:00. My friends and I got ready at their house, got all dressed up and did our makeup and all, we had a blast! We got to the dance around 6:30 and met up with all of our friends. It took a while to get in because the line was super long. Eventually we got in and let the fun begin!

The first thing we did was get some water, and food. For the next two hours we listened to music, talked and hung out with our friends. The last two hours is when the trouble began. When we were in the gym we heard yelling and people gathering around, so we went around the other way to see what was going on. When we got around, we were rushed back in by the police. I thought it was because underaged girls were smoking weed in the bathroom but that didn’t seem like a big enough problem for the police. Everyone was wondering what happened, so I started asking around. I heard there were two fights and a gun threat, everyone was rushing around and a lot of people were crying. We found out later that it ended up being a bebe gun. I no longer wanted to be there so I called my dad to come pick me up. I got picked up and went home, and that was the end of my first homecoming experience.

Thank You for reading, bye!

TREE LIGHTING

THANKSGIVING DINNER WITH THE BILLS! Students, family and staff at the William J. Grabiraz School #79 on Lawn Avenue were treated to their annual Thanksgiving Dinner with the Buffalo Bills recently. Pictured above from left is Jovonn Dayvion, Jaquan Johnson #4, Isaiah Schaffer and David Truesdal, grandson of Challenger Photographer Darvin Adams. It was a return visit for the Bills’ Jaquan Johnson who also attended last year! A good time was had by all. Street Legacy Photo by Darvin Adams

“With Buffalo being home to one of the largest Juneteenth and Kwanzaa celebrations in the world, it's only fitting that the most Afrocentric Claus kicks off the Christmas season here.” Said Lee. Kente returns on Jan 7th for the orthodox Christmas which is celebrated in Egypt, Africa and places around the world.

His goal through these community engagements is to spread joy during the season by providing hope, inspiration and wisdom from ancient African and biblical proverbs.

This year’s annual Soulful Christmas, which is a free family friendly community event, is scheduled December 3rd from 10a.m.-6p.m. at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist church 665 Michigan. There will be lots of giveaways, arts and crafts, storytelling and a Christmas market, featuring Black business owners. There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides with Kente Claus, Christmas tree lighting and so much more! He also has a free breakfast with Kente Claus scheduled in this month for the community.

His favorite places to visit are Black bookstores so that he can find new books for children by Black authors (in Buffalo Kente loves visiting Zawadi Books) so that he may read them during his story times in person or online and promote buying books as gifts for Christmas.

He also has an annual award, called the Kente Claus, imagination awards which recognizes youth 15 and under for acts of compassion and creativity.

Additionally he has a community initiative called the Merry and Bright Kente Christmas Light Awards- which will celebrate neighborhoods and businesses who decorate their homes and store fronts for Christmas.

The 12th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in MLK Park will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 4 p.m. Hosted by Majority Leader Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples Stokes, the free event will take place near the MLK monument rain or shine! See you there!

More Holiday Lights!

•Tree Lighting at Rotary Rink

Rotary Rink, 5 to 8. p.m., 20 Fountain Plaza

•Festival of Lights, Hamburg Fairgrounds, 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg, Dec. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-23. Gates Open from 5-9 p.m. Admission is $30 plus fees per car load.

•Buffalo Zoo Holiday Lights, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23 Dec. 26-Jan.1; Tickets $16; discounts available.

The vibrant suit Kente Claus wears was customized by Buffalo based tailors and is adorned with Kente fabric which is paired with full Kente cloth pants. He also wears a necklace, which is a crystallized red, black and green ankh, which is found written on the wall in Egypt as a hieroglyphic. It represents many things including life.

Instead of the commercial Ho Ho Ho that Santa belts out, Kente Claus, incorporates an Egyptian word into his famous phrase, which is " Ho, Ho, Hotep,” a word which translates roughly to mean peace. "This symbol and slogan combined is to convey a message to everyone to seek peace in their very busy and demanding lives, especially during Christmas. A gentle reminder to be grateful, thankful and fruitful,” Said Lee.

For anyone who would like to support his journey this season and help the Kente Claus City committee make certain areas of Buffalo’s eastside look merry and bright, love donations can be sent to $hohohotep please include in the message what intersection you would like to see Christmas decorations put up and the Kente Claus Christmas city committee will do it.

Kente Claus is offering virtual visits to children all over the world and can be scheduled at kenteclaus.org.

For details on where he is going to be next follow him on social media under Kente Claus or visit kenteclaus.com

If you would like to volunteer to spread cheer, or donate toys please email kenteclaus@gmail.com

Remember all, Kente Claus says, Hark…Be the spark that illuminates the dark and 1. Believe 2.Achieve, and 3. You will leave your mark!

Ho,Ho, Hotep! Merry Christmas!

MLK CHRISTMAS

above: Kente Claus during a visit to the Marva J. Daniel Futures Preparatory School Saturday Academy in 2021. Challenger Photo

Racism Rears Its Ugly Head In The Buffalo Police Dept. Veterans Helping Veterans...

Sisters and Brothers

In Arms, I am bringing forth very important information to veterans here living in the inner city of Buffalo.

A few a weeks ago there was a seminar held for veterans benefits at the Brunshido Post in Kenmore. But as you might guess, not too many residents from the inner-city participated or even knew about it. So I asked my commander of the Disabled American Veterans Post if this event could be done in the inner-city. She was excited to know that I was willing to examine the idea of hosting this seminar in the community. The commander of my post inquired with The National Service Officer about hosting such an event on the east-side of Buffalo. He too was excited.

Now I am happy to announce that there will be a seminar of benefits at the Frank E. Merriweather Library on Jefferson and East Utica St. on Friday January 13th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I am sending this information out now because I want my veterans around the city to be aware of this very important seminar that will be of great benefit to my fellow brethren and sisters at arms. So I am sharing this information now, because I'm fully aware that many veterans may have to work during the hours of the seminar. Hopefully an early notice such as this will be enough time to get word to employers for a day off or at least half a day off. This a very important information that should be available to all those who served this nation. It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a warrior to protect the village. So who will take care of our warriors? We as warriors should be assisting fellow warriors; Warriors helping warriors.

So warriors, information will be given promptly as reminders of this upcoming event. Please pass the word that this important seminar is to get information about benefits and other programs to help veterans. I'm just sayin'...

Thank you Buffalo Police Department. Now the actions of a few of you have put a real damper on the ongoing campaign to have a better rapport between the Black community and officers of the BPD.

In a span of less than a week, two extremely negative reports have been aired or brought from behind a veil of secrecy. In one incident, numerous White police officers have admitted to either hearing other police officers using the N word or were guilty of using it themselves. They claimed that by using the N word, they did not have to resort to using their billy clubs or arresting the offenders because when they were called N..... by them, the ' hoodlums usually settled down. Hogwash! Some of these racist police officers jump out of their cars shouting the N word, sometimes yelling demeaning epitaphs long before they have assessed what is going on.

In the latest incident reported on the news Tuesday, November 22nd, a White, female, Buffalo Police Captain was using the N word, making stereotypical remarks about Black men being more criminal, more apt to cheat on their spous-

es, more violent and the list goes on. The fact that this was said in front of a group of Black officers is astonishing. The report that these officers filed a lawsuit against the police captain and the City of Buffalo is warranted and necessary. No employee of the City of Buffalo should be rewarded with a salary from our tax dollars when such racist and derogative comments are spewed from their lips and untrue and unsubstantiated opinions are held by those who pledged to protect and serve the whole community; not just those of a certain race or color.

It is encouraging that the Buffalo Police Commissioner took little time in reassigning this female police officer. I would not have a problem if she retires or is fired if the crime justifies the punishment. No public servant with her beliefs and opinions should be allowed to remain a member of the Buffalo Police Department!

National/International NEWS

Somalia Faces Severe Drought and Famine

The worst drought in 40 years is pushing Somalia to the brink. According to the United Nations, “largescale deaths from hunger” are increasingly likely in the east African nation, noting that unless “adequate” help arrives, analysts expect that by December, “as many as four children or two adults per 10,000 people, will die every day.” This is the third time in 10 years that Somalia has been threatened with a devastating famine. Today the country is staring at a perfect storm: a likely fifth consecutive failed rainy season that will see drought lasting well into 2023.

Five seasons of failed rains, linked to climate change, have hit 7.8 million Somalis, 300,000 of whom are experiencing severe starvation.

Many already fear that history is repeating itself: Somalia’s last two great famines, in 1992 and 2011, which killed half a million people between them, were also the product of drought supercharged by war.

It has been a year since Somalia’s government declared the drought a national emergency, but aid workers say the crisis is now critical. Every minute, on average, a severely malnourished child is admitted to a health facility for treatment. Hospital wards are filling with starving children suffering from measles, pneumonia and other diseases that prey on the weak.

The U.N. says it needs an additional $1 billion for emergency food, water and shelter. Without urgent action, at least 500,000 children will be at risk of death by mid-2023, “a pending nightmare we have not seen this century,” UNICEF spokesman James Elder said recently.

A SAD FOOTNOTE”: Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, a donor who was preparing to give a half-million dollars to a Somali aid group told its executive director Hussein Kulmiye it was redirecting the money to help Ukrainians instead.

The war in Ukraine has abruptly drawn millions of dollars away from other crises. Somalia, facing a food shortage driven by the war and severe drought, might be the most vulnerable. Its aid funding is less than half of last year’s level while overwhelmingly Western donors have sent more than $1.7 billion to respond to the war in Europe. Yemen, Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Congo and the Palestinian territories are similarly affected.

San Francisco Will Allow Police to Use Robots that Kill

The Democratic San Francisco Board of Supervisors has voted to allow police to use potentially lethal, remote-controlled robots in emergency situations. The vote Tuesday was 8 to 3.

Civil rights advocates opposed the proposal, saying it would lead to further militarization of police. The San Francisco Police Department said it would like the option to deploy robots equipped with explosive charges to disable suspects when lives are at stake. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is divided on support for law enforcement.

The debate recalled outrage over the use of military gear by police during protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after the shooting death of Michael Brown.

Hakeem Jeffries was unanimously elected on Wednesday to become the Democratic Party's top leader in the U.S. House of Representatives beginning in January, making him the first Black American to hold such a high-ranking position in Congress.

The vote by Jeffries' fellow Democrats also marked the rise of a younger generation of leaders in the 435-member House, and the end of the Nancy Pelosi era and control by other Democrats in their 80s.

Jeffries, a 52-year-old New Yorker, will hold the position of House Democratic leader for the 118th Congress that convenes on Jan. 3.

Over more than 246 years, a Black person has never held their party’s top job in either chamber of Congress. Jeffries was first elected to Congress in 2013.

THERE NEEDS TO BE A LAW!

Dear Editor: Our families are broken and destroyed with the help of the “Law.” Mean spirited parents are allowed by “LAW” to destroy relationships between grandparents and grandchildren for “NO JUST CAUSE.” A perfect example of what there should be a law against, is this:

The maternal and the paternal grandmothers of the same child live around the corner from each other. The grandmothers have a “problem” with each other. The seven-year-old grandchild loves BOTH grandmothers. The child is forbidden to visit or even call the “Forbidden” grandmother. This grandmother suddenly TOTALLY DISAPPEARS from the child's life while she is still alive.

What about the RIGHTS of the grandchild? The Law Guardians do not always observe the child interacting with the "Forbidden" grandparent. How can this “Officer of the Court” make a just and proper “recommendation” to the court when they have never met the “Forbidden” grandparent and only had a 10 minute telephone conversation? .

Even though the parents have “No Just Cause" for denying the grandparent(s) to continue what has been a loving relationship between them and the child for years, the courts are denying visitation to the grandparents based on the recommendation of the prejudiced Law Guardian and the objections of the mean spirited parents.

There Needs To Be A LAW to STOP this atrocity. Even “bad” grandparents should at least have supervised visitation with their grandchildren just so they can know each other!

Our families are broken and destroyed because the “Laws” allow people to use children as pawns for no other reason than to leverage their own personal agendas.

Is the “LAW” the new Slave Master who snatched our babies from us on the plantations and at the auction blocks?

-Dorothy Wagstaff

U.S. House Democrats Elect Hakeem Jeffries as First Black Party Leader

Hakeem Jeffries

Raptors, Mavs and Leftover Turkey

SOUTHTOWNS CLARIFIER NO. 1 CONCRETE REPAIR PROJECT CONTRACT 77

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the above referenced contracts will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (ECDEP) on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 until 10:00 AM local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004.

The nature of the work generally consists of floor concrete grout replacement in a portion of an existing clarifier; under strict time limitations. There will be no pre-bid meeting. Site visits are available upon request.

Additional information and bid documents can be found at: http://www2. erie.gov/dsm.

BY ORDER OF: Joseph Fiegl, P.E., BCEE Deputy Commissioner, ECDEP

Dated: November 21, 2022

Published: November 29, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE BID

INVITATION TO BID

The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 24LS2241, DL&W Station – 29 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY 14203 Bid No. E-585 due on December 15, 2022, at 2:00pm www.nfaengineering.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

ERIE COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT NO. 8

EAST AURORA WATER RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY (WRRF) DRIVEWAY INSTALLATION PROJECT CONTRACT 26

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the above referenced contracts will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (ECDEP) on Thursday, December 15, 2022 until 2:00 PM local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004.

The nature of the work generally consists of partial driveway replacement and new driveway installation with associated work.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid meeting for the construction of this project scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on December 7, 2022 at the East Aurora WRRF, 201 Mill Road, East Aurora, NY 14052 site visit to follow.

Additional information and bid documents can be found at: http://www3. erie.gov/dsm.

BY ORDER OF: Joseph Fiegl, P.E., BCEE Deputy Commissioner, ECDEP

Dated: November 21, 2022 Published: November 29, 2022

EMPLOYMENT

INVITATION TO BID

The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 31BA2225, BNIA General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation Design, due on 12/13/2022 at 2:00pm. Website for information www.nftaengineering.com

LEGAL NOTICE BID

MECHANICAL

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the above referenced contracts will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (ECDEP) on January 17, 2023 until 10:00 AM, local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004.

The nature of the work generally includes replacement of 80,000 SF SBS-modified bitumen roofing system by encapsulation of the existing roof in a fluid applied membrane and replacement of three 30,000 CFM HVAC units to be relocated from inside the building to the roof, including structural modifications, with complete ductwork replacement.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid meeting scheduled for January 3, 2023 at 9:00 AM, Southtowns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, S-3690 Lake Shore Road, Hamburg, NY 14219. A site tour will follow the pre-bid meeting.

Additional information and bid documents can be found at: http://www3. erie.gov/dsm.

BY ORDER OF: Joseph Fiegl, P.E.,BCEE Deputy Commissioner, ECDEP

Dated: November 23, 2022

Published: November 30, 2022

Family2Family Support Specialist

Provide resources and support to those Affected by someone else’s addiction. PT availability in Erie County. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, INC 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

HCBS Peer Specialist

Provide peer support for individuals W/psychiatric & other disabilities in The community. Assist in maximizing Their community participation. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc, 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Independent Living Specialist

Coordinate living skills, evaluations, And trainings for persons with disabilities. Associate Degree required. Position is PT. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc, 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Not too long ago there was no sport. Not too long ago there was no fans in attendance at sporting events. And not too long ago we could not gather with family and friends to enjoy each other’s company or a meal. For surviving what we went through not too long ago I am THANKFUL and I hope you were too during your Turkey Day.

Now on to being able to enjoy sports again, particularly the NBA. Last Saturday I was able to take in a Raptors vs. Mavericks’ game that would serve as dessert for my Thanksgiving weekend.

Toronto started the game off sluggish as if they had just enjoyed some left over turkey(Canadian Thanksgiving

LEGAL NOTICE BID

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for Project Nos. 47339-C and 47339-E, comprising separate contracts for Construction Work, and Electrical Work, Replace Roof, Salt Building, DOT Region 5, Niagara County, 5055 Lockport Junction Road, Lockport (Niagara County), NY will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Division of Contract Management, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Department of Transportation, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a bid security (i.e. certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $33,000 for C, and $8,000 for E).

All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond pursuant to Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for C, and between $50,000 and $100,000 for E.

Designated staff are Jessica Cook, Jessica Hoffman, and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 4737862.

Pursuant to Public Buildings Law § 8(6), effective January 11, 2020, for any projects where the project design commenced on or after January 1, 2020 and for any contracts over $5,000 for the work of construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State building, a responsible and reliable NYS-certified Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise that submits a bid within ten percent of the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder provided that the bid is $1,400,000 or less, as adjusted annually for inflation beginning January 1, 2020. If more than one responsible and reliable MWBE firm meets these requirements, the MWBE firm with the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder.

Project commenced design before January 1, 2020. Not subject to provision.

XX Project commenced design on or after January 1, 2020. Subject to provision.

The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site to take field measurements and examine existing conditions of the project area will be at 10:00 a.m. on December 8, 2022, at 5055 Lockport Junction Road, Lockport, NY 14094. Phone the office of Laura Yingling (716-885-0908) a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the date to provide the names of those who will attend the pre-bid site visit. Only contractors that schedule a visit at least 48 hours in advance will be allowed to participate in the pre-bid site visit.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, OGS is required to promote opportunities for the maximum feasible participation of New York State-certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts. All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation, 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 15% for WomenOwned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs) for Construction Work. The total contract goal can be obtained by utilizing any combination of MBE and /or WBE participation for subcontracting and supplies acquired under this Contract. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of MWBEs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials.

Article 17-B of the New York State Executive Law provides for more meaningful participation in public procurement by certified Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Businesses (“SDVOBs”). Bidders are expected to consider SDVOBs in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Contract. Such participation may be as subcontractors or suppliers, as protégés, or in other partnering or supporting roles. OGS hereby establishes overall goals for SDVOBs’ participation under this contract as follows: 3% for the C trade contractor, and 0% for the E trade contractor, based on the current availability of qualified SDVOBs. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of SDVOBs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials.

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available for viewing and downloading from OGS Design & Construction’s plan room hosting service, Bid Express. Vendors wishing to view and/or download bid documents must complete a one-time registration for the Bid Express service. There is no cost to register for Bid Express. Registration along with viewing and downloading of documents can be accessed at the following link: http://www. bidexpress.com

is when America has Columbus Day). With about four minutes left in the first quarter the score was Dallas 22 - Toronto 7. But Chris Boucher who I refer to as the Raptors’ energizer bunny made an impact early. By the end of the first the Raptors were only losing by five points.

The defensive strategy played on the leading scorer in the NBA Luka “The Don” Doncic, a triangle two defense had been used before by Coach Nurse. The two in this defense means that a hard double team of Doncic occurred causing him to give up the ball. For some reason it’s hard to score the basketball if you don’t have it. Toronto’s OG Anunoby was also tasked with shadowing Luka full court. This plan allowed the Raptors to take a 54-52 lead going into halftime.

Toronto was able to secure a nine point lead in the third with the help of it’s bench play. Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby also began to imprint the game on the offensive side of the court. Luka Doncic though was not as passive going into the fourth quarter. Doncic and his fellow Mavericks made the game into a nail biter. After a few minutes where each team took turns taking the lead. The Raptors were up 99-98 with 31.4 left in the game.

Then Chris Boucher caught a pass from Fred VanVleet and threw up a fade-away jump shot at about the right elbow. Boucher was also fouled. The basket sent the crowd into a frenzy. Chris then acknowledged them and urged the spectators to cheer louder waving his arms in the air while extending the lead by three. Short on time the Mavericks were unable to get “The Don” of NBA scoring an easy look at a game tying field goal. The final score was 105-100 in favor of Toronto.

APARTMENTS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center BETC 716-856-5627

For questions about downloading of bid documents, please send an e-mail to support@bidexpress.com, or call the Bid Express toll-free number at (888) 352-2439.

For all other questions, please send an email to DCPlans@ogs.ny.gov, or call (518) 474-0203.

For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number:

https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.

OGS Design & Construction Group

Pictured: Chris Boucher with a fade away jump shot putting Toronto up by three late in the fourth quarter. photo A. Dorcely

Welcome to Rise Up Right, Highlights in Sports. Let's Rise Up... Buffalo Bills News

The Buffalo Bills were able to get two wins in Detroit in 5 days as they defeated the Cleveland Browns 31-23. The extra game in the Motor City was induced by the horrific winter storm that took place in Buffalo during the holidays. The Buffalo Bills stormed into Detroit led by really good run game performances from Devin Singletary and James Cook. The running back duo chewed the Lions up for 172 yards and a touchdown collectively

Josh Allen threw for 197 yards and a touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs.

Dawson Knox was tied into the game plan as he caught seven passes for 70 yards which led all Bills receivers.

On the defensive end, Matt Milano added eight tackles and a sack. The Buffalo Bills defense was able to contain the best running back duo in football featuring Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Nick Chubb was held to 19 yards on 14 carries. Kareem Hunt would compile 32 yards together on five carries. The second game in Detroit would be against the hometown Detroit Lions.

The Thanksgiving game would feature a Lions team that had won three games in a row previous to the "Day of Thanks" game. The Lions would come out roaring early as they took an early 7-0 lead on Jamaal Williams two-yard touchdown run. But the Buffalo Bills answered with a 19 yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen to Isaiah McKenzie. Then in the second quarter Josh Allen would add a touchdown run that would give the Bills a 14-7 lead.

The Detroit Lions had no problem responding in this game. The Lions would add another touchdown courtesy of Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Again a lot of responding was done in this game as the Bills would add a field goal into the mix to end the half with a 17-14 lead.

After another goal line stall by the Bills, the defense would show up to get a safety on a great interior play by Ed Oliver. The fourth quarter would be a climax of what we had already seen for three quarters. The Lions would take back Pride Rock and take the lead 22-19 on another Jared Goff touchdown pass to DJ Chark.

The Bills would respond a lot better than they have in past in close games as Josh Allen would lead the Bills down the field and complete a 5-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs giving the Bills a 25-22 lead before the Tyler Bass missed extra point.

The Lions had no give up in this game. They would march down the field and tie the game up with a 51 yard field goal with 23 seconds left...BUT 23 seconds is enough time for Josh Allen to operate. This is a public service announcement. Talk is cheap and Josh Allen's actions would speak louder than words as in 21 seconds the Buffalo Bills would ultimately kick the gamewinning 45 yd Tyler Bass field goal to win what was a hell of a battle. Bills 28-25 over the Lions.

For more sports talk follow me on Facebook @D'Andre Torch Robinson. Join the Rise Up Family Sports Network for a look at all the daily sports shows. Tune into the WUFO sports report every Sunday at 6p.m., and Monday and Wednesday night at 10p.m. 96.5FM radio.

People Inc. Folwell Senior Apartments

LOCATION: 140 Hodge Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

ACCOMMODATIONS: Currently under construction, this 4-story apartment building are for households being 62 years and older, with 33 one-bedroom apartments and 4 two-bedroom apartments will be ready for occupancy in spring of 2023.

Part time professional on-site management • Some accessible apartments Five hundred feet from a major bus route and within a few blocks of restaurants and shopping • Smoke-free living • Community Room

On-site laundry facilities • Central air conditioning Attractive grounds and seating areas around the building

If you are aware of any persons, that might be eligible or interested in our Senior Housing, please have them contact the following person for more information on how to apply:

Housing Intake Specialist 280 Spindrift Road • Williamsville, NY 14221 • 716.880.3890 housing@people-inc.org people-inc.org/folwellseniorapts

MONTHLY ReNT: (Gas and Electric not included)

1 Bedroom: (33) $600.00 - $695.00

2 Bedrooms: (4) $695.00 - $795.00

**MAxIMuM INCOMe:

1 person: $36,840

2 people: $36,840

2 people: $42,120

**Dependent on unit rent

Applications will begin to be mailed on October 3, 2022 to those individuals interested, in keeping with approved affirmative marketing plan and must be postmarked by February 6, 2023 opened by lottery at People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Apartments, 637 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 on February 13, 2023 at 10:00am. We will be recording the lottery and posting on People Inc. websites. For more information or an application, email housing@people-inc.org, visit NYHousingSearch.gov or call 716.880.3890.

ATTORNEYS

PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES

Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612

AUTO

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

BAKERY

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ELECTRICAL

EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

FLORISTS

MAUREEN’S Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

MEDICAID TRANSPORTATION

WafersTransport.com Call (716) 249-4800

FLEA MARKET

1870 FILLMORE (near Kensington) Friday 12-5 pm Saturday 9-5 PM Sunday 12-5 PM

Free Body Oil JEFF MOORE (716) 361-4900

Your Biz Here

Advertise Your Business in our directory email advertising@thechallengernews.com or call (716) 881-1051

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MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 168-985-678-198-256-890054-698-679-943-001-202147-001-865-732-855-648514-996-202

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Everett Myrick

U.S. Army 1987-2014 Army Natl.Guard Petroleum Specialist

Drill Sargeant

Combat Engineeer Air Force Human Resources and Information Manangement

Now a councilor, Advocate and Life Coach

Member of Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS POST #24

PEACE & LOVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRI. DEC. 2

FISH FRY FIRST FRIDAYS. Every first Friday, 11 a.m.6p.m., Dorothy Collier Community Center 118 E. Utica. Dine in or take out. 716-8820602 to order or for more info.

SAT. DEC. 3

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, BFNC Moot Center, 292 High St., Registration Required, (716) 852-5065 ext. 167 or email Hisom@bfnc. org

SOULFUL CHRISTMAS W/ TREE LIGHTING AND VISIT FROM KENTE CLAUS, 10a.m.-6p.m., Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 665 Michigan Avenue , hosted by the Michigan street African American heritage Corridor.

Christmas Tree Lighting in MLK Park 4 p.m. Hosted by Assemblywoman PeoplesStokes. Rain or shine.

MON. DEC. 5

Line Dance Fitness, 12 Noon Gloria Parks Center, 3242 Main St. Seniors 55+Free (716)832-1010 or hustleforhealth.com

NEW! Hustle for Health Line Dancing with Jazzy T, 12p.m. at Delavan Grider Community Center 877 E Delavan Ave, FREE www.HustleforHealth.com

TUES. DEC. 6

Free Line Dance Class, Dorothy Collier Community Center, 118 E. Utica, BEGINNER 11a.m.-3p.m.; ADVANCED 12-1 p.m. (716)882-0602.

WED. DEC. 7

Line Dance Fitness, 11 a.m. Gloria Parks Center, 3242 Main St.; Seniors 55+ Free (716)832-1010 or hustleforhealth.com

Free Bread & Desert Pantry, 11a.m.-3 p.m., Collier Center, 118 E. Utica.

FRI. DEC. 9

Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor SOULBALL 5:30 p.m. –8p.m. The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum at 263 Michigan Ave. Tickets $100.00 per person.

Tree of Hope Lighting, Roswell Park, Elm & Carlton Streets, 4:40-6:30 p.m. PreRegistration required by Dec. 5 @ RoswellPark.org/TreeofHope or call 1-800-767-9355.

SAT. DEC. 10

A Financial Literacy Event for the community hosted by The Mt. Aaron Baptist Church with M&t Bank 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the church, 540 Genesee Street.

Christmas In The City hosted by The Fruitbelt Coalition 12 noon to 4 p.m. Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. Family Life Center, 833 Michigan Ave. featuring food, fun and entertainment To register call (716)8936428

Masten District Monthly Stakeholders Meeting & Breakfast, Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan. (716)851-5145.

"THE COME UP" RED CARPET MOVIE PREMIERE

On Saturday December 10th at 6 P.M. A Red Carpet Movie Premiere for "The Come Up" will be held at the North Park Theatre, 1428 Hertel Avenue. This film is an action/comedy feature shot in Buffalo New York. The films writer/ director Dave Stanfield is himself a native of Buffalo and wants to help fuel the passions of other local artists to create and not to be afraid to share your vision with the world. Tickets are available at the NorthParkTheatre.org or at the theatre box office.