Challenger Community News March 20, 2019

M A R C H

I S

W O M E N ’ S

H I S TO RY

M O N T H .

C E L E B R AT E !

Firefighter Shelby Thompson

Placing Significance of the Year 2019 to African Americans in Perspective Page 10

Buffalo’s First Black Female Lieutenant in the Department’s History!

WORLD

Face of Innocence: 3 Year Old is Youngest Victim of White Supremacist Terror Attack Page 4

THEATRE REVIEW “The Sidewalk” is a Must-See! Page 9

VOICES

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INTERVIEW

Photo: Yves-Richard Blanc

March 20, 2019 | FREE |

Fred Hammond Brings Vintage Tour To Buffalo! Fans: “Ya’ll Made Gospel Cool!” Page 8

GiGi’s Announces Closing: Where Were All The Ribbon Cutters? Page 11

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, N.Y. PERMIT NO. 164

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Investigation Into Tragic Death of Trevyan Rowe Finds Systemic Failures in School Policies and Procedures New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia today announced the findings of a civil investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Trevyan Rowe, a 14-year-old student in the Rochester City School District (RCSD) who went missing on March 8, 2018. The investigation found that systemic failures in school policy and procedures existed at James P.B. Duffy School No. 12, the school Trevyan attended at the time of his death.

“The death of Trevyan Rowe was a tragedy,” said Attorney General Letitia James.

“In an effort to ensure that this never happens again, we engaged in a thorough and thoughtful investigation of the policies and procedures in place at the Rochester City School District. It is clear that there were systemic failures at the school and I strongly urge the school district to implement the recommendations outlined in this report. We all have a responsibility to protect our children and we must work together to keep our children out of harm’s way.”

“The untimely death of Trevyan Rowe was a tragic loss that never should have occurred,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “The Board of Regents is committed to protecting the safety of all students because no parent should ever have to wonder if their child is safe at school. I thank the Attorney General and the State Education Department for their commitment to getting answers for the child’s family and for the recommendations in the report that will help prevent tragedies like Trevyan’s death from happening in the future.”

“The facts and circumstances surrounding Trevyan’s time at School 12 reveal an astounding lack of support from his school,” said State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “The investigation uncovered that Trevyan was failed at every level, from mental health and special education services to procedures to keep students safe at school. We must all learn from this horrific tragedy and recognize the gravity of our responsibility as educators to keep students safe. Every administrator and teacher across New York should read this report and ensure that every recommendation is implemented at their schools. We have a collective responsibility to New York’s children to do no less.”

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20, 2019

UB Athletics Have Come a Long Way I go back to the days when my brother Cliffton Warren Jones played defensive back for UB Bulls at Rotary Field. It was a small crowd, but fun atmosphere back in those days. UB has now grown into a major college sports program.

Their football program has produced an NFL Defensive player of the Year in Khalil Mack and now basketball men and women’s teams are now making a name for themselves.

The Women's team is led by Rochester native Cierra Dillard, who is one of the top scorers in the country.

She could easily be a top ten pick or better in the upcoming WNBA draft. Keep an eye on Cierra because after leading her team to MAC Championship scoring 22 points she will be on the move.

Summer Hemphill also contributed by scoring 21 points in the 77—61 victory over Ohio. This UB’s Women’s win was like winning an NCAA tournament Championship. It’s going to be fun watching them in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.

UB Bulls Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack in her 7th Cierra Dillard season at UB continues to reach new goals and take her teams to the next level. Coach Legette-Jack has increased recruiting and watch out for Nyeisha Fair coming to UB next year from Edison Tech, Rochester City School District student. Ms. Fair went over 2,000 points in scoring for outstanding career at Edison Tech and will be a valued asset for Coach Legette-Jack next season. Yes indeed Bulls Head Coach Felisha LegetteJack has a 119—76 record and is quickly being regarded as one of the top Women Head coaches in the country.

The UB men basketball team has been improving over the past two years with CJ Massingberg leading the way along with Nick Perkins, Jayvon Greaves, Jeremy Harris and Rochester’s own Dontay Carruthers. This senior laden team, which now plays in the one and done ERA, can cause a lot of problems in the NCAA Tournament. They open up in Tulsa, Oklahoma playing a game against Arizona State or St. Johns - very winnable.

Then they face a very tough Texas Tech team which will be difficult. UB is a streak shooting team which plays very good defense. I see them winning both games out West and getting into elite 16. UB could have a rematch with Syracuse but I doubt that will happen. They will have a showdown with Gonzaga and that game will tell how far UB’s men basketball program has come.

The future looks bright for both programs. Good luck to both programs in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20,2019

AREA BRIEFS OUTSTANDING CITIZEN!

Buffalo Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash was among eight residents named to the 2018 Outstanding Citizens list by the Buffalo News last Sunday for his work to improve Buffalo Public Schools. Princeton educated Cash, 64, came to Buffalo in 2015 to head a district with 30,000 students. Congratulations Dr. Cash!

Residents Invited to Join Citizen Police Academy

A free nine-week new Police and Community Together/ Buffalo Citizen Police Academy invites residents of Buffalo to join the academy which will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays starting May 1 in the Buffalo Police Training Academy, Room 319, 68 Court St. The goal is “to build lasting relationships between program participants and the Buffalo Police Department,” according to an announcement posted to The Buffalo Police Department Facebook. “Through weekly classes, the police will hope to dispel suspicions and misconceptions and increase rapport between the citizens of Buffalo and the police.

The citizens, in turn, make officers more aware of their feelings and concerns.” To apply, go to the police department’s Facebook page.

2019 Love Your Block Mini-Grants Applications The City of Buffalo Division of Citizen Services announces the release of the 2019 Love Your Block Grant Application.

Love Your Block is a program in which volunteer-led community groups compete for a chance to win cash grants up to $1,000, as well as project planning assistance, to beautify and transform a public space in Buffalo.

Small-scale grants, ranging from $750- $1,000, are now available to neighborhood associations, block clubs, and community-based organizations for projects located in the KensingtonBailey, Broadway-Fillmore, Lower West Side, and Masten Park neighborhoods.

The Love Your Block staff will host a series of technical assistance workshops to help applicants fill out the application on: •March 23, from 1to 2:30 p.m., Kensington-Bailey NHS - 995 Kensington Ave •March 26 from 5 - 6:30 p.m., Merriweather Jr. Library - 1324 Jefferson Ave The winners of the grant will be announced in April. For more information, visit buffaloveyourblock.org, email loveyourblock@city-buffalo.org or call (716) 851-5515.

Plans To Reopen Jefferson Avenue Bar Announced

It was announced last week that Pixie’s Bar located at 1359 Jefferson will reopen pending a special permit hearing from Buffalo’s planning board. Kenny Ivy , the owner of Pixie’s, also noted that the location may possibly become the site of a museum dedicated to musician Rick James pending the outcome of negotiations between him and the James estate. The location will be completely renovated and have residential space on the second floor. Ivy describes the establishment as a "secure upscale” lounge which will cater to persons 30 years of age and older.

Firefighter Shelby Thompson

Buffalo’s First Black Female Lieutenant in the Department’s History!

T

hroughout her career as a Buffalo Firefighter, Shelby Thompson has carried in her heart the motto that is honored in every fire department throughout the world: “Ut Vivant Alii” which means “So Others May Live.”

“I always felt that I was blessed with the position of being a firefighter so that I might be a blessing to someone else,” said the 19-year veteran of the Buffalo Fire Department.

Now she feels she can be more of a blessing and inspiration to young women after making history as the first Black Female Lieutenant in the Buffalo Fire Department. She was elevated to that historic rank on February 14.

-From Arkansas to BuffaloShelby Jeannette McKinney-Thompson was born and raised in Wabash, Arkansas on a small farm in a family of five girls and two boys. As a young woman, she admits her career goal was light years away from becoming a firefighter.

She thought she either wanted to be a dancer or a singer like her idol Janet Jackson. “Thank God I didn’t try to pursue either career,” she laughed.

She attended college for Business Administration and eventually moved to Buffalo in 1986.

A single mother of four, she was still working at Milliard Fillmore Gates Hospital as a CNA when she decided to take the firefighter’s entrance exam in hopes of being able to provide a better life for her and her children. She was successful and joined the force in 2000. Shelby took her career seriously and worked hard.

“It’s the best career you could ever have,” she said.

In 2017 she sought to further her career by taking the Lieutenant’s exam. The challenge was enormous. It was the same year that her eldest son Ralph died suddenly following medical complications.

“I couldn’t focus while trying to study for the exam,” she recalled, adding that it was also hard to focus when she actually took the test. “But I could feel my son telling me I could do it!”

Two years later she was notified of the results. It was good news.

“I was at home when I got the call. After I hung up the phone I dropped to my knees and thanked God. That was one of the proudest moments I ever had in my life,” Lt. Thompson recalled, “Nothing but God enabled me to pass!”

As a Lieutenant she said her focus will be on fire prevention.

“I don’t fight fires anymore” said the veteran firefighter of Engines 36,26,28 and most recently, Engine 4.

-Challenges & TriumphsWhen Lt. Thompson first joined the Buffalo Fire Department it had been under a court Order since 1979 to diversify its ranks. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the department hired its very first Black female firefighter, Ellen Paulette Peoples. That historic desegregation court order was closed this February about a week or so before Shelby was appointed.

Being a female – particularly a Black female - in a male-dominated field has had its share of challenges.

“The biggest challenge for me was to convince them (the men) that I could do the job despite the fact I was a woman,” she said. “I think I’ve been able to do that and have earned their respect.”

During her career Shelby has participated in numerous fire safety presentations and demonstrations at various schools, community centers, churches and child car seat safety events. She is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician and an EMT and has served SHELBY AND HER “BIGGEST INSPIRATION”: Pictured as an assistant teacher at East High above Lt. Thompson and her children far left Tomeka, her School in the Community Emergency youngest son ReShaun, (Shelby) and far right her youngest daughter Desiree. Not pictured, her late son Ralph.

Response Team Program.

A proud and active member of St. Martin dePorress R. C. Church, Shelby is the recipient of a number of awards and citations.

Continued Page 11

Before There Was Rosa Parks There Was Claudette Colvin

Most people think of Rosa Parks as the first person to refuse to give up their seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama.

There were actually several women who came before her; one of whom was Claudette Colvin.

It was March 2, 1955, when the fifteen-year-old schoolgirl refused to move to the back of the bus, nine months before Rosa Parks’ stand that launched the Montgomery bus boycott. Claudette had been studying Black leaders like Harriet Tubman in her segregated school, those conversations had led to discussions around the current day Jim Crow laws they were all experiencing. When the bus driver ordered Claudette to get up, she refused, “It felt like Sojourner Truth was on one side pushing me down, and Harriet Tubman was on the other side of me pushing me down.

I couldn't get up."

Claudette Colvin’s stand didn’t stop there. Arrested and thrown in jail, she was one of four women who challenged the segregation law in court.

If Browder v. Gayle became the court case that successfully overturned bus segregation laws in both Montgomery and Alabama, why has Claudette’s story been largely forgotten?

At the time, the NAACP and other Black organizations felt Rosa Parks made a better icon for the movement than a teenager. But the struggle to end segregation was often fought by young people, more than half of which were women.

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NATIONAL + WORLD

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20, 2019

face of innocence con't t: The toddler’s life was cut short by a White supremacist gunman during an attack in Christchurch last Friday. Mucad was one of 50 worshippers at the Noor and Linwood mosques killed in the massacre.

The Australian-born suspect, Brenton Harrison Tarrant, killed at least 50 people in two mosques in the city of Christchurch before being apprehended by authorities. On social media and in a 74-page manifesto circulated online, he made clear that his attacks were fueled by hatred of Muslim migrants, whom he described as invaders threatening the demographic integrity of a White nation. Like other ethno-nationalists in the West, he

Mucad Ibrahim was separated from his family after a white supremacist opened fire at Christchurch’s Al Noor Mosque.

Face of Innocence:

3 Year Old is Youngest Victim of New Zealand White Supremacist Terror attack The youngest victim of last week’s terrorist attack in New Zealand was a 3-year-old boy with big brown eyes named Mucad Ibrahim, according to news reports.

Mucad loved to play on iPads, kick around a soccer ball and chat with older people, his family and friends told The Associated Press. He was intelligent and full of energy, his brother Abdi Ibrahim said, and always seemed to be laughing.

Nigeria’s President Buhari Wins 2nd Term

ABUJA, Nigeria— Nigeria's president has been declared the clear winner of a second term in Africa's largest democracy, after a campaign in which he urged voters to give him another chance to tackle gaping corruption, widespread insecurity and an economy limping back from a rare recession. While many frustrated Nigerians had said they wanted to give someone new a try, President Muhammadu Buhari , a former military dictator, profited from his upright reputation in an oil-rich nation weary of politicians enriching themselves instead of the people.

imagined himself as part of a broader warped history, inscribing on his weaponry the names of medieval warriors of Christendom who fought the armies of Islamic empires.

Tarrant hailed Trump in his bigoted manifesto “as a symbol of white identity and renewed purpose.” Trump built his political career in part by weaponizing anti-Muslim sentiment in the West, promising sweeping bans against Muslims, grandstanding against Syrian refugees, and winking encouragement toward domestic extremists on the far right.

Trump is not to blame for the tragedy in Christchurch. But, as an editorial in The Washington Post noted, there isn’t much daylight between the “garden-variety racism” of Tarrant’s manifesto and the far-right nativism at times espoused by Trump and his advisers.

The Secret US Drone War in Somalia

US troops landed in oil-rich Somalia in 1992 and never really left. Over the years some have been replaced with drones and mercenary contractors, but Americans still prop up their version of a Somali government. Obama bombed Somalia regularly, but under Trump the number of drone strikes have tripled, killing unknown numbers of Africans and terrorizing large swaths of the countryside (Congresswoman Ilhan Omar recently ripped Obama’s ‘Really Bad Policies’ on Immigration, and drones in a Politico magazine profile ).

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20,2019

The full moon will be on Wednesday March 20 This is a time for new beginnings and exploring new territory. Remember your plans for the future and prepare yourself for making them a reality.

Join The Community Marian Fogan will assume the role of chief executive officer of the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center Building Team For "Honest Talk " Maryland Health Department

James Baldwin Reading & Discussion Program Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center and C.S.1 Curatorial Projects are hosting a Reading and Discussion Program on Writer Author and Activist James Baldwin‘s AMERICA for six sessions from march 19 through April 30 on Tuesday Evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. Space is limited.

RSVP to nickcaveplenty@ gmail.com *March 26 @ North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders Road. *April 2 @ Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson *April 16 @ Silo City, 85 Silo City Row *April 23 @ School #77, 429 Plymouth Ave. *April 30 Hallwalls, 341 Delaware

The Program is Free. Loaner books will be provided during sessions. Contact us for transport options if needed.

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SPRING: A Time To Care For Your Liver and Gallbladder

FULL MOON WATCH

The Community Building Team (CBT) is a community resource designed to promote open dialogue, teach healing modalities that target historic trauma, racism and oppression and provide coaching in how to be an effective ally and agent of social change. The Community Building Team was formed to bring communities together through dialogue, education and coalition building.

On March 27, 2019 the CBT is sponsoring a Women’s History Month program entitled “Honest Talk, Deep Listening and Real Healing” where we can talk honestly and listen deeply about gender. Learn how to communicate in a way that fosters empathy, compassion, understanding and support.

We are cordially inviting you to McKinley High School on March 27th for this free program which is being held from 6-8 p.m. in the Atrium.

Light refreshments will be

HEALTH MATTERS

Announces Marian Kee Fogan Will Lead Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center Baltimore, MD - Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert R. Neall and Dr. Barbara Bazron, deputy secretary for the Behavioral Health administration (BHA), have announced Marian Fogan will assume the role of chief executive officer of the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center (CTPHC) in Jessup.

Fogan has served as acting CEO of Maryland's 289-bed forensic psychiatric hospital since September 2018. Currently, the -hospital has a census of 287 patients.

"We are confident Marian is the right person for this important role. Her depth of experience in the field and dedication to this facility are unmatched," said Neall.

"Marian's leadership and broad clinical background set her apart. She has spent her career in a variety of settings, including acute care, sub-acute care, psychiatry, education and out-patient rehabilitation. I know she will excel in her role at Perkin," said Bazron.

Fogan has nearly two decades of experience as a therapist and administrator. She worked as a staff occupational therapist at the State University of New York at Syracuse and as a senior occupational therapist for Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore.

She first served as rehabilitation services director for Clifton T. Perkins starting in 2012, later becoming chief operating officer in November 2017.

"It is a privilege to serve as chief executive officer at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center. There are a number of significant challenges related to providing such services. I believe these challenges can be addressed through our strengths, which include some of the most phenomenal employees in the state, productive collaboration with the regional hospitals, strong support from the Behavioral Health Administration, and our bottom line commitment to patient care," said Fagan.

Fagan has written professionally and lectured about mental health therapies and protocols throughout her career. She graduated from the Waterfront School, and Leonardo Da Vinci High School in Buffalo NY. She received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

“Marian’s leadership skills were obvious even as a youngster," says her mother, retired professor, Edna Gayles Kee. In the workforce her employees are held to the highest standards possible. Marian is the eldest of four sisters that were a part of the Buffalo Community.

All four sisters have taken their skills to other areas of the country.

Daneen Kee Dewan, is a Special Ed and Elementary teacher in the Syracuse School System. Dr. Leslie Kee is a PHD Education Administrator in the Maryland School System. Renee Kee is a Nutritionist/ Dietitian, Her Latest Book Publication is "Social Surgery" and she is Director of Nutritional Education at Capital Food Bank in Washington DC. Their mother, Edna Gayles Kee says, "I am proud of all my girls and have taught them to always keep GOD first in their life and in all of their endeavors."

eat to live

Spring is a time of new beginnings, fertility, conceiving ideas, and laying the groundwork for things to come. It is a time to restore health, to build new relationships, to express our emotional truths, to expand on current projects and to plant seeds that may one day come to fruition. As winter’s ice breaks up and currents flow, the waters of sprint nourish new growth.

In our bodies, the organs associated with spring are the liver and gallbladder, which govern the muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments.

Liver The emotions of anger strongly affects the liver, causing stagnation of energy and blood when we hold anger in or excessive internal heat if we express anger too much. The health of the liver is reflected in our eyes and nails. Blurred vision, bloodshot eyes, yellow sclera, ridged, soft or brittle nails each communicate the liver’s condition. The flavor associated with the liver is sour – a little sour food improves liver function while too much can damage.

As kidneys are associated with water, the liver is linked with the wood element. As in the cycle of the seasons when water nourishes the growth of tree, the kidneys are said to be the mother of the liver. If the liver is overactive, it will deplete the kidneys; if the kidneys are deficient, the liver will lack support.

The liver blood nourishes the tendons, muscles and joints. When the liver is deficient, there may be pain, weakness and stiffness.

Spring Foods •Foods that support the liver: cabbage, sauerkraut, cauliflower, brussel sprouts,broccoli, broccoli sprouts, other sprouts, kale, dandelion, salad greens, beets, red peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, soy, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, spirulina, who grains, flaxseed oil, fish oil, olive oil, apples, other juicy fruits, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, turmeric powder.

•Foods that remove Liver Stagnation: onions, leeks, garlic, mustard greens, turmeric, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, cumin, fennel, dill, ginger, black pepper, horseradish, rosemary, mint, cabbage, broccoli cauliflower, brussels sprouts, beets, strawberry, peach, cherry, raw vegetables and fruit, apple cider vinegar with honey.

•Foods to avoid: Avoid the foods that cause liver stagnation - red meat, cream, cheese, eggs, butter, rich nuts, lard, margarine, most oils (except fish, flaxseed and olive oil) alcohol.

•Sour foods that improve the liver: apple cider vinegar, lemon, lime, grapefruit.

•Bitter foods that cleanse the liver: rye, romaine lettuce, asparagus, amaranth, quinoa, citrus peel.

•Foods that cool liver heat: mung beans, mung bean sprouts, celery, seaweed, kelp, lettuce, cucumber, tofu, watercress, millet, plum, chlorella, spirulina, daikon radish, rhubarb.

•Foods that build liver yin and blood: Mung beans, mung bean sprouts, cucumber, tofu, millet, flaxseed oil, spirulina, chlorella, dark grapes, raspberries, blackberries.

Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, FRCOG, FACOG

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FAITH & FAMILY

Spring Gospel Explosion!

Deacon Clarence Rodolph presents Spring Gospel Explosion on Sunday March 24 at 4 p.m. at Greater Royal Church 1335 Clinton St. The event will feature Favaa Gospel Singers, Gospel Stars, Royal Praise Dancers, Gussie Mitchel & Wandering Five, Daughters of Destiny, Bruce Myles (of Niagara Falls NY) and special guest, The Gloreous Sons of Rochester NY with Al Wilson as M.C. Apostle Albert Wilson, host pastor.

Tickets adults $10 in advance, $15 at the door, Children $5 at the door. For more information, call Clarence Rodolph (716) 893-9891. Come and be Blessed.

Free "Breakfast at Metro" All are invited to join us for our Community “Breakfast at Metro” at Metropolitan UM Church, 657 Best Street, Buffalo on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Special Guest Speaker Lauren Ashburn, MSW, Director of Respite Services & Advocacy of the Alzheimers Association. Don’t spend your money going somewhere else, come on over to Metro and enjoy a FREE good, hot, country breakfast, and great fellowship. This is a community event which is open to everyone.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20, 2019

Mt. Aaron Annual Prayer Breakfast Please come and share with us at Mt. Aaron Baptist Church on Saturday March 23, at 9 a.m., for our annual prayer breakfast. The church is located at 540 Genesee Street where Rev, Dwayne Jones is the pastor. There will be a full breakfast menu, door prizes and Chinese Auction. The donation is only $10.

Please come and join this time of fellowship and prayer.

Free Movie Night at Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church Sight and Sound Theater presents MOSES from the Big Stage to the Big Screen. Join us on Saturday March 30, 2019 at 5 p.m., at Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church located at 790 Humboldt Parkway at Woodlawn. Admission is FREE Refreshments $1.00 Join Us! Reverend John T. Hilliard, Pastor We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the LORD. Trusting in His Holy Word, He never failed me yet!

Get Ready Buffalo The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers Return!

The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers return to Buffalo in concert Sunday, March 24 at 4 p.m., hosted by St. Paul’s A.M.E. Zion Church, 610 East Eagle Street (at Monroe St.) where the the Reverend Xavier E. Hunter is Pastor.

This choir is a cross-section of community voices – students, professionals, and every-day folk representing various ages, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, TDCJS’s uniquely soulful blend of voices – under the direction of Dr. Baruch Whitehead, Associate Professor of Music Education at Ithaca College has filled and thrilled venues from its home base of Ithaca, across New York State (Rochester, Harlem & Brooklyn), to Toronto, Canada, with a May 2019 return engagement at the Kennedy Center for the Arts in the nation’s capital.

They have a well-earned reputation of presenting an awesomely powerful style of praise and worship featuring Negro Spirituals, complete with special narratives. Donation: $10.

Doors open at 3 p.m.

For information, contact the church office at 852-2721 fromTues - Thurs. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20,2019

With the Name of God the Gracious the Merciful

The Straight Path

-A Message of Divine Guidance-

Peace be unto you.

The verses that are set forward to you are of great importance and the significance thereof is what will guide us towards our freedom. (Jeremiah 30:11-24) are verses of God’s assurance which will hold true until the end of time. (Surah 7:167). Due to what was said in (Surah 6:90) about the following of former messengers, unless we adhere to what we have been told we will not succeed. The Jumah Prayer which is mentioned in (Surah 62:9-10) clearly states what we should do when the call to prayer is heard. Prayer as stated in (Surah 20:14) is the remembrance of the most High and (Surah 29:45) verifies that.

No specific time is mentioned for Jummah but a specific day is.

Prayer is of great importance and the number of times for prayer is three times a day. (Daniel 6:10 and Psalms 55:16-17). In the Quran, there are also only three times mentioned. (Surah 17:78).

Each by the word Salat (prayer), before it’s time. (Surah 24:58) Salatul Fajr (morning prayer), Salatul Isha (night prayer) and in (Surah 2:238) Salatul Wusta or the middle prayer, (not midday). All others are additions. (Surah 11:114). However, there is another very important prayer - one that is fully described and that is Tahagud. (Surah 73) speaks about getting up at night to pray and the benefits that come with it. (Psalms 119:62 and Surah 17:79).

Last but not least, there is a common practice to say the phrase Asalaam Alaikum (peace be unto you)after prayer, but the way it should be said and when it should be said is described in the Quran. (Surah 6:54, 7:46, 13:24, 19:47, and 28:55). All of these verses use Salaam Alaikum and at no time was this phrase mentioned after prayer, nor was it said Asalaam Alaikum. (Genesis 43:23, Daniel 10:19, Samuel 10:4, Psalms 122:8) and many more are verses in the Torah which say the same. Surly, this greeting is for mankind and not assumed for the Angels as they would want us to believe. Verses in (Jeremiah 23:16-19) and (Surah 7:3) warns us about who we should follow.

SATURDAY APRIL 27, 2019

Formal Birthday Dinner Celebration 6pm @ Metropolitan Entertainment Complex 1670 Main Street, Buffalo, NTY 14209 Dinner • Larry Salter’s Orchestra • Basket Raffle Ticket Price: $65 Single / $120 Couple Souvenir Journal Ads Available Full Page $150 • Half $75 • Quarter $65 All Ad Info Due March 31, 2019

Memorial Celebration of Life For Lois Dabney

St. John Lodge No. 16 to Host Master’s Ball On Saturday, March 23, St. Johns Lodge No. 16 Free and Accepted Masons, will celebrate 154 years of service, as the “Mother Lodge” of the 7th Masonic District, a subordinate lodge of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of New York., at their Master’s Ball at Marygold Manor, 770 Marygold Drive, Cheektowaga.

At the gala, St. Johns Lodge No. 16, under the leadership of Worshipful Master Tony “Solo” Hearst 9 (pictured left ] will welcome the Grandmaster Walter C. King Jr.(pictured right), from New York, New York.

St. John’s Lodge No. 16 has been a stalwart in the Buffalo community. Focusing on making “Good Men Better,” service to God, neighbors and each other, they are known for their service to the surrounding community. The men of St. John’s Lodge have contributed to the higher education of many students over the years, involved themselves with 7th District Annual Toy Drive and early in St. John’s inception some of it members helped to create the Niagara Movement, which in some form would eventually turn into the oldest civil right group in America, the NAACP. St. John’s Lodge No. 16 extends an invitation to the Buffalo Community to join them in their upcoming celebration. Donation $60 per person, Ticket inquires or Advertisement inquires can be made to Stjohns16phany@gmail.com

A Memorial & Celebration of Life will be. Held for Lois Blayton Dabney, Saturday, March 23 at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue from 2 to 4P.M. Mrs. Dabney, 95, peacefully passed away Monday December 10, 2018 in Columbia, Maryland. Lois was born November 1st, 1923 in Washington, D.C. where she grew up. She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1945 and a Master’s Degree in Social Science Administration from Western Reserve University .

She married Dr. Oliver Dabney in 1949. Dr. Dabney and his wife moved to the Buffalo area in the early 1950’s. They raised three daughters, influenced nieces, nephews and many of their children’s friends, and the community, as residents of Hamlin Park for over 60 years.

Combining a love of art and her professional social work skills, Lois worked at the Friendship House in Lackawanna and Neighborhood House in the Fruitbelt early in her career. A wife, volunteer and artist. She painted in oil and water color and supported many arts organizations in Buffalo. She was a volunteer over the years for many organizations including the United Negro College Fund, and the Urban League and professional Social Work groups. She was named YWCA Woman of the Year recognizing her community work. Although she was committed to the success of many organizations she was an ongoing supporter of her favorite social organization, the Girl Friends, Inc. She was “Phenomenal Woman”.

Lois is survived by three daughters, Anita E. Dabney (Austin, TX), Margaret S. Dabney (NYC, NY), Olivia L. Farrow (Columbia, MD); granddaughters Imani E. B. Dabney, Maya B. Farrow; sister Gwendolyn B. Robinson (Hyattsville, MD); a host of nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends.

Gifts may be made to: Spelman College 50 Spelman Lane Atlanta, Georgia 30314 ~

Calvary C.M.E. News Calvary C.M.E. Church (1007 Ellicott Street) will celebrate 40 years of Children’s Music Ministry (Viola Hadley Sunbeam Choir) on Sunday March 31 at 4 p.m. Local children’s choirs will be fellowshipping with us.

Former Viola Hadley Sunbeam Choir members have been invited to join us. Join us as we give tribute to the memory of Mrs. Viola Hadley, the founder of the choir. Rev. Brandon K. Baum is the pastor.

A Pancake Prayer Breakfast will be held at Calvary C.M.E. Church (1007 Ellicott Street) on Saturday, April 6 at 9 a.m. Prayer Warriors are being invited to lead us in the workshop experience Rev. Brandon K. Baum is the pastor. Sponsored by Board of Christian Education (April marks the 4th year Calvary has had a Saturday Morning Conference Prayer Call. Amen)

SUNDAY APRIL 28, 2019 Sunday Worship Celebration 10:15 am Worship Service 2nd Chance Ministries 381 E. Ferry Avenue, Buffalo Rev. Dr. Timothy L. Careathers, Special Guest Speaker From Detroit, Michigan

For Tickets & Journal Ad Information Call/Text Cathy: 716.259.5928 • Glynis: 716•748•9526 • Andrea: 314.973.3505 Cash App: $Dreski1 Paypal: amb0403@icloud.com

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American Association of University Women AAUW, PO Box 894, Buffalo, NY 14225; Buffalo Branch of the NAACP 395 E. Ferry Street Buffalo, NY 14208.

CLOTHING GIVEAWAY

A clothing giveaway will be held Saturday March 30 from 9-2 p.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church Annex, 1307 Fillmore Avenue at Urban (use side entrance) Rev. Dr. Dennis Lee, Jr. is pastor.

All are Welcome!

“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.”

-Tao Te Ching

A n s w e r i n g y o u r q u e s t i o n s a b o u t c r e m a t i o n a n d b u r i a l . . .

“How many people can be buried in a cemetery lot?”

If you have any questions about cremation or burial, give us a call at (716) 885-1600.

Most cemeteries allow 1 or 2 burials in a single grave. At Forest Lawn, we recently changed our rules & regulations to allow up to 4 burials in a single grave, w hich can include 1 casket plus 3 urns or a total of 4 urns.

For example, if a couple chooses side-by-side casketed burial in 2 graves, there’s room for them and up 6 other members of their family. This can represent a significant cost savings for the family. But more importantly, it can make it possible for you and your dearest loved ones to remain together forever.

1411 Delaware Ave ● Buffalo, NY 14209 forest-lawn.com

Entertainment

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20, 2019

Interview:

W

Fred Hammond’s Vintage Tour Comes To Buffalo: Fans Declare "Y'all Made Gospel Cool!"

hen Fred Hammond’s Vintage Tour hits Shea’s this Friday, March 22, the legendary Dove, Stellar and Grammy winning Gospel artist will take audiences on a trip through the last 35 years of his prodigious and groundbreaking career.

Speaking to The Challenger via phone from California, the singer, bassist and producer explains the inspiration behind the tour was rooted in fan requests for his classic material and that the time was right for a celebration of his trailblazing artistry including his membership in Commissioned, his musical group Radical for Christ and his solo work which has sold millions of copies and helped redefine Gospel music while re-introducing it to new generations of fans.

“It seems like I’ve reached a stage that I could be like Frankie Beverly,” he says of the current juncture of his Matt c a r e e r.

“Every BAUER time they hear [the classic songs] they have so much power and potential that we just want to dance to the melodies. It’s almost like they don’t want to hear anything new. Every time I go back to the body of work that’s in the past is what they love because they remember what feeling they had. So I’m just going to do that. I’m going to go and give them a tour that’s every old song I’ve done that people like. So that’s about 20 or 25 songs.”

The set will, no doubt, include selections from Commissioned-- which featured Hammond, Marvin Sapp and Keith Staten and had huge crossover success during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Hammond explains that with their dressed-down image and innovative urban contemporary grooves, Commissioned influenced Tank, Jamie Foxx, Eric Roberson and Snoop Dogg, among many other art-

Grammy Award Winning Gospel Artist Fred Hammond ists and producers who were in their formative years during the band’s height. Or as many artists and fans have been known to tell him, “Y’all made Gospel cool.”

Hammond further crafted his indelible fusion of the spirit of traditional Gospel with the rhythms of streetwise R&B with Radical For Christ on albums like “Pages Of Life” and tracks like “Oh Zion,” among others. “When I was listening to “Pages Of Life” there was nothing like it at the time and I was starting this choir and I had no clue,” he confesses. “I created stuff with a strong R&B influence. One of the songs, “Oh Zion” had an R&B beat to it taken from my cousins The DeBarge‘s “I Like It” That’s a

vibe Hammond feels is missing from the current AfricanAmerican Gospel scene which he says has incorporated elements from White contemporaries such as Casting Crowns and artists affiliated with the Hillsong Church, that fail to resonate with the Black Church. “We’ve lost the beat in Church that people still want to hear. In praise and worship, the vibe, the rhythm and the soul of the music has kind of gone away and people in the audience are just kind of going with it.

With the Black culture we’re descended from Africans.

We’re Americans but we still have that thing inside of us that says the drum. And we’ve gotten away from that.”

Now an independent artist liberated from the politics

of the record business, Hammond continues his musical mission of soulful Gospel having released “Uncle FredTexture of a Man” last year, an album whose production and release he totally controlled.

Hammond is currently readying a new single entitled “Tell Me Where It Hurts” that’s to be released within the next two weeks and which he describes as a game changer since it addresses human trafficking and will be accompanied by an equally gripping video.

SUPPORT THE ARTS!

9

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20,2019

Theatre Review:

THE SIDEWALK STAGE PLAY A MUST SEE! Black Monarchy Premiers "Adjust Your Crown" Headwrap Series Black Monarchy will premier their “Adjust Your Crown Headwrap Series” event, a first of its kind in WNY during Women’s History month a very unique event created by and for women to engage in some serious Sista time!

Join this colorful energetic experience as you learn to adjust your crown with beautiful authentic fabrics from Africa under the vibrant roof of the Black Monarch Flagship Store Located at 527 West Utica.

There will be a hair care talk, live headwrap demonstrations, full dinner by Sis. Gwen’s Heart and Soul Catering, drinks by Sweet and Sassy Sips and Platinum VIP tickets cosponsored by WNY #1 hair care brand Ebony Snows Hair Products!

Tickets starting at $45 (includes 100% authentic African Headwrap) The two sessions are Saturday March 23 from 5 - 8 p.m., and Sunday March 24 from 4-7 p.m. Tickets and info on can be found

SUPPORT THE ARTS!

OSCAR ALSTON AND HIS OSCAR ROTTEN BLUES BAND OF NO GOODS Oscar Alston and his “Oscar Rotten Blues Band of No Goods,” Buffalo’s newest blues band, will be performing live at the 416 Bar located at 416 William St. (corner of Spring) Thursday, March 21 at 8 p.m.

Meet Rachael

Co-owner of Barre Centric “The Allstate MWEE program helped me to focus more on the financial piece of my business. It gave me a great perspective, not only of where my business is today, but where I’d like it to be in the next 3-5 years as well.”

-Rachael Jarosz, 2016 Graduate

Edreys Wajed is an artistic genius and visionary Paulette D. Harris is Buffalo’s gift to the theatre arts. Together they have produced “The Sidewalk Stage Play,” one of the most important and timely productions to grace the stage of the Paul Robeson Theatre.

By Ashli Doeman The Sidewalk Stage Play, written by Edreys Wajed and Paulette D. Harris, is a masterfull adaptation of a poem by artist Wajed titled “The Side Walk.” The result of this powerful collaboration between the two (Harris also directs) delivers one of Buffalo’s most phenomenal rap-plays of the year thus far adding another notch of Black excellence on the belt of the Paul Robeson Theatre.

On opening night the cast and crew delivered a powerful performance to sold out seats at the Paul Robeson theatre for its Wo r l d - P r e m i e r.

The show not only raised the bar of excellence and credibility of Wajed and Harris’s talent, but also raised audience members out of their seats to a roaring standing ovation followed by a warm reception celebration that felt like good old fashioned familial fellowship.

The play is a Pictured front center are creators Paulette D. Harris with Edryes Wajed and the deeply emotional all-star cast for The Sidewalk Stage Play photo: Jerome Shadwick piece that is sure to hold the audience’s attention from beginning to end and spark constructive conversation. With references of Eric Garner and Tamir Rice type tragedies, to the absurd police calling trend fueled

by Jennifer Schulte aka BBQ Becky, the play sheds a light on the challenges of inner city life and the untimely, offensive, unfortunate tragedies of the Black American experience.

Both Harris and Wajed have come together to use theater as a vehicle to express their message.

From Harris’ standpoint the sidewalk symbolize inequality. She notes, “there is a white line that divide the street and the sidewalk”; making the connection to the civil rights movement when African Americans would always step aside in order to make room for others. “The sidewalk has cheated us in some way,” said Harris.

Appealing to all generations and filled with both newcomers and seasoned actors, the production weaves a story led by Wajed’s poetic rap-style narrative through interludes that are snippets from the adapted poem, as if “the sidewalk” could actually speak, giving voice to its all seeing roll in these mean streets. The sidewalk (Wajed) tells many tales to showcase the good bad and ugly truths of the streets.“... I watched the police drop their knee on his neck, had him stretched, they threw the cuffs on the dude and I ain’t see that cat since.”

Contrary to actual reality, America has painted African Americans negatively through the usage of the media. Wajed said he first started this piece as a way to showcase the trials and tribulations that minority people experience. “The street is impartial to people and doesn’t care who it eats or swallow up alive.”

Harris and Wajed’s vision allow the actors to solidly and believably take the words of the poem and bring them to life and this stand out performance cast delivers raw emotional truth from start to finish from the emotional portrayal of a “driving while Black” (Mike Hicks) man struggling to maintain his dignity in front of his son (Isaac Fareed) at the hands of a racist cop convincingly portrayed by Daniel Greer; to Linda Barr’s exceptional performance in dual roles as both a concerned mother and the neighborhood crack head.

The level of creativity on this production is at an all-time high. The energy, support and skill of the cast interaction is a true pleasure to watch despite how close to home the scenarios have played out in our own communities, even for some of the cast members. Anthony Clark (who plays Rock in the production) mentioned that the Sidewalk “is a representation of my life, it is real, I grew up watching this.” Another actor, Mike Hicks (Richard) mentioned that an implied theme within this piece is “the haves and the have nots.” It is a fight for survival on the sidewalk, some make it out while for others is an uncherished life.

The entire cast and crew should be commended: Andy Noel, Anthony Clark, Arterist Molson, Ayana Naomi, Chalma Warmley, Daniel Greer, Edreys Wajed, Issac Fareed, Janisha Whitlock, Janine D. Glover, Linda Barr, Madeline E. Allard, Mike Hicks and Zack McCarty, Shayne Nevilles, Meaco Faulks and Eman Wajed Malik Rainey, Elijah Purdue, Emeka Wajed, Zeuriah Shadwick , Aitina Fareed-Cooke.

The Sidewalk Stage Play proves just how significant a role their productions play in bringing important timely, relevant issues to the stage right in the heart of the community. The remaining performance dates are March 22-24, 29-31 and April 5- 7. Tickets can be obtained at Paul Robeson Theatre box office,350 Mason Ave or can be ordered online at www.aaccbuffalo.org

10 RISE UP RIGHT! Highlights in Sports Welcome to Rise Up Right, where we give you the best sports news and highlights, and updates taking full circle in the sports world. Thank you for your continued support....and with that being said Let's Rise Up....

-Celebrating Extraordinary Women for Women's MonthIn honor of Women’s History Month lets pull focus on 35 year old buffalo born and raised Tawan Slaughter, an inspiration to many people of all ages in the city of Buffalo.

She made major contributions as an athlete in high school playing for the Christian Central Academy Crusaders where she shell shocked the community by scoring 2,256 points during her four seasons there, a record that still stands today as the greatest high school basketball career in Crusader history.

After graduation, she would go on to play collegiate basketball at Buffalo State University where she averaged 16 points per game.

Her hunger and love for the game heightened and she went on to play for a few professional teams. On the coaching side Tawan's influence goes undisputed as she has coached many men's and women's basketball teams in her community and mentored a lot of the successful coaches who currently coach on the high school and AAU levels such as Tawan Slaughter myself and Rashaun Reeves.

Tawan is also the owner of the Buffalo 716ers, an elite semi pro basketball program that helps thousands of kids from all ages and adults elevate their basketball knowledge and love for the very game that has been so wonderful to her. Congratulations to the Lady Crusaders and Coach Slaughter who recently took her alumni to a Class B Monsignor Martin Championship. In the eyes of the Rise Up Right family, Tawan Slaughter is the GOAT! Much Respect for this Local Woman in Basketball History.

You can read the rest of this weeks highlights on www. thechallengernews.com follow me on Facebook @Andre Robinson & Rise Up Sports Podcast Group Instagram @therealtorch716

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20, 2019

Buffalo Collegiate Charter School Open House THE GO GETTA MIX & MINGLE Radio Personality ADRI. V to Honor Local Buffalo’s newest and most ambitious charTrailblazing Women ter school focusing on college prep and On Friday, March 29 Buffalo is back at it again as ADRI. V the Go Getta hosts her 5th Annual Go Getta Mix & Mingle. The perfect closeout to Women’s History Month, ADRI will honor and recognize her 2019 Talented Ten. Each year ADRI. V chooses ten local trailblazing women who are making history right here in Western New York.

A concept modeled after W.E.B. DuBois’s “Talented Tenth,” the Talented Ten pays homage to a desAdri. V The Go Getta ignation of leadership attributed to African American movers and shakers in the early 20th century.

Putting her own 21st century spin on it, ADRI’s 2019 Talented Ten Go Getta G.I.R.L.S. (Gifted, Intelligent, Relentless Leaders) include: Kaylene Adams (The Beautique LAB); Kendra Brim (President – Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals); Felicia Doctor (Owner – My Precious Angels Childcare Center); Davielle Jackson (Founder & CEO – Femi Secrets); Ekua Mends-Aidoo (Equity & Inclusion Officer – The Evergreen Association of WNY); Danielle Roberts (Executive Director – YMCA Buffalo-Niagara); Crystal J. Rodriguez, Esq. (Chief of Staff – Buffalo State College); JoAnna Rozier-Johnson (Director of Youth Services – Community Action Organization of WNY); Ebony Snow (Founder – Ebony Snow Hair Products); and Detra Trueheart (Founder – Young Miss Buffalo Pageant).

“I’m so excited to be honoring such a dynamic group of women with the Class of 2019,” said ADRI. V when asked about this year’s event. “We go from Black History Month straight to Women’s History Month and I love celebrating my sisters.” Not only is this year’s event a celebration of black excellence in Western New York but it’s also a celebration of life as ADRI celebrates her birthday on March 30th.

The Event takes place Friday, March 29 at MES Lounge 228 Franklin Street in Buffalo 6-10:00 p.m. Music will be provided by the official Go Getta DJ, DJ Brei. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased on EventBrite (Search: The Go Getta Mix and Mingle 2019). For more information, please text or call (214) 70A-DRIV.

leadership development.

Join Buffalo Collegiate Charter School on Saturday March 23 from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. for a FREE pancake breakfast and open house.

Our open house will be a time where prospective students can meet our current families and staff, tour our newly remodeled facility and see what a day in the life of a Buffalo Collegiate Charter School student is really like. Parents and students will get a chance to learn more about our unique academic program.

If you would like to attend our open house, visit our website at www.BuffaloCollegiate.org, look for the open house tab and register. Walk-ins are also welcome!

“We look forward to celebrating with our founding families and meeting our future families”, says Brian Pawloski, Head of School. “Join us for a pancake breakfast. This will be a great opportunity to check out our environment before applying to our admissions lottery. We have openings for grades 4-6 and application deadline is April 1st.”

Buffalo Collegiate Charter School is Buffalo’s newest and most ambitious charter school focusing on college prep and leadership opportunities. Buffalo Collegiate opened its doors for the first time on August 22, 2018 with 4th and 5th graders.

The school is chartered to serve grades 4-12 and is located at 45 Jewett Ave Buffalo, NY 14214.

About Buffalo Collegiate Charter School: At Buffalo Collegiate, we believe that all students deserve an excellent education, one that unlocks opportunity, empowers them to advocate for themselves and others, and inspires them to reach their full potential in college and beyond. To achieve our mission, we commit to the following core beliefs: Achievement is a mind-set, People matter, Every moment counts, and Culture must be intentionally established.

Flip the switch to POWER 96.5fm!

Bringing you the best in R&B and Throwbacks. listen worldwide in hd at

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VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20,2019

Dissecting the Assault on the CAO Part-2-Conclusion

Throughout the News articles, Mayor Byron Brown is constantly interjected. It’s utterly baffling. It’s said that “Hare has long been an ally of Mayor Byron W. Brown.”

We’re told that attorney Adam Perry is “president of the mayor’s Fund to Advance Buffalo and has worked with Brown on several other civic projects.” CAO board members are called Brown’s “loyalists.” There’s a whole section titled “Mayor’s Allies on CAO Board.” One of the articles is titled: “As Mayor tightens grip on CAO, Fired Directors Will Demand Their Seats.”

Another badly written section seems to provide a clue, but leads nowhere. It reads: “When Letitia James was running for state attorney general in 2018, she told The News’ editorial board that, if elected, she would use her investigative powers aggressively, including in cases of nonprofits that a lot of elected officials are tied to… (those) can lead to a lot of information you can work with.” “Have we got a case for her.” Okay… but… what case? What’s the accusation here? Were told: “It (the CAO) seems to be a fiefdom ruled by the Mayor, but paid for mostly with federal tax dollars.” But if true… what terrible thing is he doing with this “fiefdom?”

Obviously, we can speculate here. It’s easy to surmise that the Mayor is perceived to have a power base of money and human resources within the CAO, and that destroying it or sullying him with it could weaken him for a political challenge. But if that’s the plan, then the Donald Trump playbook of doing the dirt right out in the open is in full effect. They’ve certainly got the brazen lying, utter im-

morality, and depraved indifference down to a science.

Racial triggers abound in this campaign… in words and pictures. The words “armed security guards” coupled with images of Black men with guns to strike fear in the hearts of Whites, Black men keeping poor White women out in the cold, and exercising power over boundaries, constant references to “public money” and Nate Hare’s salary…because Black folk don’t deserve decent salaries, and certainly can’t be trusted to manage “public money”… it’s all in there.

Dear Family. We’ve watched them take the Joint Schools Construction Money and many more millions earmarked for our community…putting businesses in the names of their wives and claiming minority status.

We’ve watched folks take our stores, gas stations, and now the very houses we live in.

But our unity is more powerful than an atomic bomb.

Close ranks. It’s the brilliance, commitment, passion and organizational savvy of L. Nathan Hare that has given us a port in an unforgiving storm. To fail to rally around him now would be unconscionable! How many of us have benefitted from employment, housing or training, a place to make copies or use a computer, or just come together and look at one another, be in the presence of one another, and get strength for this journey?

Fight, damn it. Fight!

COMMUNITY WATCHDOG! Where Were The Ribbon Cutters?

After the devastating fire at the iconic GiGi’s Restaurant in November of 2015 the Black community held its breath in hopes it would one day be reopened.

Blondine Harvin, the amazing woman who embodied all that the eatery represented, at least initially, expressed faith that she would rise again in the same location.

The community waited patiently.

Nearly three years later the big announcement finally came in March of 2018 that GiGi’s was reopening.

But the excitement soon turned to shock and surprise when it was learned that the restaurant was moving to a new location.

GiGi’s new home would be inside the Workforce Training Center on Northland Avenue.

The iconic building at E. ferry had been sold.

Despite the fact that many people expressed skepticism about the planned move from day one, the community was willing to give it a chance and support the restaurant none the less.

The reopening at the Northland Workforce site was originally scheduled for the summer of 2018.

The community continued to wait.

Finally, on February 25, some 4 years after the tragic blaze, and the passing of our beloved Blondine, Gigi’s opened in the Northland Corridor to tremendous fanfare.

Upwards of a thousand people turned out for the long awaited event.

All the ribbon cutters were there for the photo op. It was quite an impressive group of notables.

But the party ended sooner than anyone could have ever imagined.

Just Two short weeks after Gigi’s opened, the restaurant shut down for good.

A press conference was called to deliver the bad news.

But the owner, Mr. Harvin, was not there, nor were any of the key ribbon cutters and supporters The president of BUDC stood alone to meet the press and to speak on behalf of Mr. Harvin.

“Regrettably Mr. Harvin has determined that, with the restaurant volume exceeding all projections and expectations, it’s in the best interest of everyone to find a new operator. Mayor Brown is working directly with the Buffalo Urban Development Corp. staff to immediately begin the search for a local restaurateur who can serve the community moving forward.’”

Mayor Brown and BUDC have assured they will have a replacement restaurant in the building within six weeks.

And it has already been reported that Mr. Harvin is open to leasing Gigi's name and recipies to another vendor if someone can do the job.

But there was only one Gigi’s. And only one Blondine. Now they both are gone.

Since the press conference Mr. Harvin has publicly taken full responsibility for the failure of the restaurant.

There are a lot of unanswered questions and we may never know what happened, or why the people who set this project in motion did not see this coming…

Or did they?

HISTORIC APPOINENT continued from page 3 However, the most rewarding thing in her life she said "is serving God and being a mother to my children Ralph (In Memoriam), Tomeka, ReShaun, and Desiree who are my greatest inspiration.”

Her youngest son ReShaun was once asked if his mom could handle being a firefighter. He summed it up this way: “If she can handle raising us as a single mom, she can handle anything!”

“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 Printed In Canada

Lt. Thompson expressed heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous support of her family, friends and home church throughout her career. ”It’s not easy for a female in general but as a Black female and single mother, it’s even tougher,” she reflected. “My faith in God get me through everything I’ve been through so far.

I’m thankful to have achieved such an historical accomplishment.”

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

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

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Changing Criminal Injustice: Reducing Recidivism This is the focus of PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO's upcoming Regional Conference. We are excited to be able to share information with you on May 3 (5:30 to 8:00pm) and May 4 (8:30am to 3:30pm) at the Mt. Oli v e Baptist Church, located at 701 E a s t Delavan Karima Av e n u e AMIN in Buffalo, NY, in collaboration with the Alliance of Families for Justice.

We hope that the information we share will encourage you to join us in a fight for justice that impacts everyone. Since 2005, PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO has provided advocacy and education, bringing awareness and empowerment to our community around the issue of how legislation that comes from Albany in general, specifically focused on “Corrections,” actually impacts the lives of families and people in our communities, sometimes in ways that they are not aware of. If a person has not spent time in prison or has never had an incarcerated loved one, oftentimes assumptions are made. Prisoners become “the other,” un-worthy of respect, care, or concern. The stigma that results, happens because we rarely talk about a system that ignores the humanity of all people.

Prisoners are all of us. Anyone of us could find ourselves behind bars. There are men, women, and children who once thought, “This couldn’t happen to me.” But it did. There are thousands of adolescents in prison. Only NY and NC will place some in adult prisons. Today in the USA, there are 2.7 million minor children with incarcerated parents. Imagine your childhood with one or both parents in prison. The imprisonment rate for prisoners age

• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

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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.

55 or older continues to grow.

Imagine your grandparents in jail or prison. Imagine your sibling, or child, or classmate, or childhood friend, or neighbor, or teacher in prison. I could go on; the impact on relationships is endless. Hence, our communities suffer. Our conference will high-light the strategies that we can use to improve the lives of the incarcerated, the formerly incarcerated, and the victims.

We are honored to have Dr. Henry Louis Taylor, Jr. as our Keynote Speaker on Saturday, May 4. Dr. Taylor is the Founding Director of the Center for Urban Studies at the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning.

His re-search, focusing on issues of race and class, and the needs of traditionally marginalized groups, has made him an expert in assessing systemic factors, fueled by racism, that frequently lead to criminal convictions. The presence and words of this activist-scholar should ignite conversation and actions for positive change.

The next monthly meeting of PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO will take place on next Monday, March 25 from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the C.A.O. Masten Resource/Rafi Greene Center, 1423 Fillmore Avenue @ Glenwood. As always, our regular monthly meetings are open to the public. Plan to attend. Also make sure to post our Conference dates on your calendar: Friday, May 3, 5:30 to 8:00pm and Saturday, May 4, 8:30am to 3:30pm. For more information: Karima, karima@prp2. org, or BaBa, g.babaeng@ yahoo.com.

“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.”

-Tao Te Ching

Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries adver tising@thechallengernews.com

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

12

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20, 2019

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOIRROF) March 20, 2019 New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) 38-40 State Street Albany, New York 12207 (518) 486-3379 On or after March 28, 2019, New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) will submit a request to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of $450,000 of HOME funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) of 1990, in accordance with section 288 (42 U.S.C. 12838), to authorize Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. to undertake a program known as Home Improvement Resource Program, for purposes of providing funds for the cost of rehabilitating 11 single-family homes (1-4 units) for low income, frail and elderly, or disabled homeowners at scattered sites in Erie County with an estimated total project cost of $593,000.

The 2018 HOME LPA Program will use HOME funds from 2018 awards to fund a variety of activities through partnerships with counties, municipalities and non-profit community-based housing organizations, which are referred to as Local Program Administrators (LPA). Each LPA works within a specific geographic area – usually a county or municipality. The Program provides funds to acquire, rehabilitate or construct housing or to provide assistance to low- and moderate-income home-buyers and renters.

Funds must be distributed in accordance with needs and priorities identified in the State’s Consolidated Plan.

The proposed activities that are the subject of this Notice are Categorically Excluded from National Environmental Policy Act requirements under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3)(i). The specific LPA Programs that are the subject of this Notice do not constitute every LPA Program that is proposed for inclusion within the 2018 New York State HOME LPA Program. A full listing of the 2018 HOME LPA Programs is available at http://www.nyshcr.org/Funding/Awards/.

This is the first tier of review in a 2-tiered process. The specific addresses of homes are not known at this time because the participating property owner identification process is ongoing. Therefore, under 24 CFR Part 58.15 (Tiering) and 24 CFR Part 58.32 (Project Aggregation), HCR will use a tiered approach and Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known. No physical work will begin on properties until all levels of environmental review are complete and found to be in compliance.

Tier 1 review addresses specific environmental factors for which compliance has been documented, regardless of specific site locations. It prevents repeating the same compliance factors on a Tier 2 sitespecific basis, once all participating homeowners are known.

An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this Program is on file at the following location: The Buffalo and Erie County Library 1 Lafayette Square Buffalo, NY 14203 and may be examined or copied on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 8:30A.M. to 6:00P.M, Thursday 8:30A.M. to 8:00P.M. or Sunday 12:00P.M. to 5:00P.M. The ERR can also be obtained by emailing heather.spitzberg@nyshcr.org.

Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site specific reviews will cover all the laws and authorities not resolved in the broad Tier 1 review as discussed in the ERR that is available for public inspection.

Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): Template Tier 2 forms are included in the ERR that is available for public inspection. The Templates include the mitigation measures, conditions and/or permits that will be complied with, if applicable, at each project site that is chosen.

PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR(s) to Heather Spitzberg, Esq., Environmental Analysis Unit, NYS Homes & Community Renewal, 38-40 State Street, Albany, New York, 12207 or at eau@nyshcr.org. Please note to which LPA your comment pertains in your correspondence. All comments received by March 27, 2019 will be considered by HCR prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION HCR certifies to HUD that Ms. Heather Spitzberg, Esq. in her capacity as Certifying Officer consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the applicable LPA to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and HCR’s certification received by April 12, 2019 or for a period of fifteen days following its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of HCR; (b) HCR has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the project have committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to

Director of Community Planning and Development

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

26 Federal Plaza

New York, New York 10278-0068 Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Ms. Heather Spitzberg, Esq. Certifying Officer March 20, 2019

LEGAL NOTICE RFP # 1920VF

LEGAL NOTICE

COUNTY OF ERIE INVITATION TO BID DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL The NFTA is soliciting bids for SERVICES Project No. 12ML1908, 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK Metro - LaSalle Park and Ride County of Erie, New York Paving Repairs, Bid No. E-554 RFP RELEASE due on April 23, 2019 at 11am.

The Erie County Department of Sowww.nftaengineering.com cial Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide LEGAL NOTICE Higher Education and Career Readiness Training. The RFP #1920VF can be found at http://www.erie.gov INVITATION TO BID and a complete copy of the package The NFTA is soliciting bids for can also be obtained by contacting Project No. 25LU1721, Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-8586086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@erie.

LRRT - Fastener and Pad Phase gov.

10, Bid No. E-556 All correspondence, communicadue on April 16, 2019 at 10am. tions and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this prowww.nftaengineering.com posal shall be with the ECDSS contact person listed on the specific RFP. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal.

Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services, 95 Franklin Street, ROOMS FOR RENT: Room 804, Buffalo, New York area, 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on April Delavan-Humboldt 18, 2019.

Bailey-Delavan. $325Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive $480. Everything included. any informality.

(716)818-3410.

Marie A. Cannon, Commissioner of Social Services

ROOMS FOR RENT

LEGAL NOTICE PROF-2013-S3 Follman STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF ERIE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index No. 816508/2018

PROF-2013-S3 LEGAL TITLE TRUST II, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff,

v.

ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE JOANNE S. FOLLMAN, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

Defendants.

To the above named Defendants: You are hereby summoned to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff's attorneys within thirty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of Honorable Joseph R. Glownia, J.S.C., Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed the 7th day of February, 2019, at Buffalo, New York.

Tax I.D. No. 112.26-3-10 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, situate in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, and being part of Churchyard’s Subdivision of part of Farm Lot Number Forty-one (41) in the Eleventh (11) Township and Range Seventh (7) of the Holland Land Company’s Survey and in a certain Survey of the said part of Farm Lot Number Forty-one (41) in said Eleventh (11) Township, made by Marsden Davey, Surveyor, filed in the Clerk’s Office of Erie County in Cover Number Nine (9) August 24, 1877, and also recorded in Liber 382 of Deeds, at page 1, et. seq., is distinguished as Subdivision Lot Number Twentyone (21) in Block Number Three (3), and being thirty (30) feet wide in front and rear by one hundred and thirty-four (134) feet in depth and situate on the westerly side of Davey Street, commencing five hundred and ten (510) feet north of Reiman Street, as shown on the aforesaid survey.

These premises are also known as 426 Davey Street, Buffalo, NY 14206.

WOODS OVIATT GILMAN LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 700 Crossroads Building 2 State Street Rochester, NY 14614

Buffalo East Micro Enterprises LLC Articles of Organization NY Dept of State 12/7/2018. LLC Office Erie County 785 Auburn Buffalo 14222.

NY Secretary of State is designated agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail copy of any process to the LLC office. LLC Purpose Any lawful purpose permitted under NY Limited Liability Company Act Sec 206 Feb. 13,20,27,Mar. 6,13,20 NOTICE of FORMATION of a DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name of LLC: ADJ Industries, LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: July 25, 2017: Office of the LLC: Erie County: The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: 2620 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, Purpose of LLC: Real Estate Investment/ Wholesaling Mar. 13,20,27 Apr. 3,10,17 Chicaliyah Desserts LLC, Articles of Organization The articles of organization for Chicaliyah Desserts LLC were filed with the NYS Department of State on 1/23/19. NYS Secretary of State is designated agent upon whom process may be served.

NYSS may mail copy of process to LLC Office at 618 Jefferson Ave. Buffalo, NY 14204. LLC purpose to engage in any lawful purpose permitted under NYLLC law sec. 206.

Mar.20,27,Apr. 3,10,17,24 Notice of formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company.

Bomba Arepas L.L.C. Articles of Organization were filed by the NY Department of State on February 4, 2019. It's office location is Erie County. It's purpose is any lawful purpose.

NY Secretary of State is designed as agent upon whom process may be served. The Secretary shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 32 West Cleveland Drive Buffalo, NY 14215.

Mar.20,27,Apr. 3,10,17,24

13

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20,2019

EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL NOTICE RFP #1904VF

LEGAL NOTICE RFP # 1921VF

COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide Employment and Training Services.

The RFP #1904VF can be found at http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-858-6086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@erie.gov.

All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with the ECDSS contact person listed on the specific RFP. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal.

Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services, 95 Franklin Street, Room 804, Buffalo, New York 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on April 18, 2019.

Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality.

Marie A. Cannon Commissioner of Social Services

COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK Associate Director of the County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE Career Development Center The Erie County Department of SoBuffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of cial Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide Associate Director of the Career Development Center.

Subsidized Employment services.

For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

The RFP #1921VF can be found at http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-858-6086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@erie.gov.

All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer in regard to any aspect of this proand committed to respect for diversity and individual differences. posal shall be with the ECDSS contact person listed on the specific RFP. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, includThe Center for Urban Studies is a research and neighborhood ing employees and consultants, other planning unit in the University at Buffalo School of Architecthan the designated person in regard ture and Planning. The Operations Specialist (OS) works closely to any aspect of this proposal.

Final sealed proposals are due to with the Center director, and reports to that position. The OS the Erie County Department of Somust be an energetic person that loves challenges, learns quickly, cial Services, 95 Franklin Street, loves interaction with various publics, works hard, strives for Room 804, Buffalo, New York 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on April excellence, and believes in social justice. The position must have 18, 2019. excellent oral and written communications skills, know how Erie County reserves the right to reto use the computer and varied software applications. The priject any and all proposals and waive mary duties are (1) administrative support for the director (2) any informality.

Marie A. Cannon, Commissioner office management, including supervising student workers (3) of Social Services monitoring day-to-day work activities in the Center for Urban

LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Town of West Seneca 1250 Union Road West Seneca, NY 14224 Separate sealed bids will be received by the Town of West Seneca for 2018 Phase 5 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Bids will be received until 10:00am (Local Time) on April 2, 2019, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the following locations:

Town of West Seneca Clerk’s Office

1250 Union Road

West Seneca, NY 14224 Copies of the Contract Documents will be available for inspection March 12, 2019 at the office of the Town Clerk and copies will be furnished upon submission to the town clerk of a non-refundable deposit of $50 per set, made payable to the Town of West Seneca. If the set is to be mailed a second check in the amount of $25 shall be provided to the Town Clerk to cover mailing costs.

A pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday March 26th, 2019, at the Town of West Seneca Clerk’s Office. Attendance at the pre-bid meeting is recommended but is not mandatory. Meeting minutes will be issued via addendum prior to the bid opening.

Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond from a domestic carrier licensed to do business in the State of New York in the amount of not less than five (5%) of the amount of the bid submitted.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order Nos. 11,246 and 11,375 which prohibit discrimination in employment regarding race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.

The successful bidder must be an equal opportunity employer, must meet all appropriate State and Federal standards, and comply with all relevant governmental regulations. This project will utilize NYSEFC Funding, which requires the successful bidder to follow NYSEFC M/WMBE and American Steel & Iron guidance.

Statement of Non Collusion: Bidders on the contract are required to execute a non collusive bidding certificate pursuant to Section 103d of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York.

Security for Faithful Performance: The successful bidder will be required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds written by firms licensed to do business in New York State, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amounts in accordance with the provisions of the Contract Documents.

Sales and Use of Tax Exemptions: The Town of West Seneca is exempt from the payment of sales and compensation use taxes of the State of New York and of cities and counties on all materials, equipment, and supplies sold to the Town of West Seneca pursuant to this contract. Also exempt from such taxes are purchases by the Contractor and his Subcontractors of materials, equipment, and supplies to be sold to the Town of West Seneca pursuant to this contract, including tangible personal property to be incorporat¬ed in any structure, building, or other real property forming part of the project. These taxes are not to be included in the Bid. All bids shall be binding for a period of forty five (45) days after the bid opening date. The Town of West Seneca reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities therein.

Date Issued: March 12, 2019 Jacqueline Felser Town Clerk

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Text resume to 31996

Operations Specialist

Studies, as well as project-based activities (3) monitoring center transactions with other agencies and the university and (4) communications and website management. This latter activity does not include website design, but involves working with School’s webmaster to maintain and keep our website up to date. The position will be shaped to take full advantage of the interests and skill set of the person hired. The salary will range from $35 to $40,000 depending on the qualifications of the person, and the package comes with excellent benefits. Please send letter of introduction, resume, and the names of three references to Dr. Henry Louis Taylor, Jr. at htaylor@buffalo.edu

business briefs Business Development Workshops CAO & Pathstone Enterprise Center Inc. Presents Business Development Workshops from 6-8 p.m., at 1423 Fillmore Avenue for the following dates and subjects: March 25 -Market Research; April 1- Business Plan Basics April 8 – Business Entities; April 15 – Risk Management Business Insurance; April 22 – Taxes; April 29 – Business Financial Capabilities; May 6 – Government Contracting; and May 13- Business Banking. For more Information call 716 3323773 ext. 1407.

LEGAL NOTICE COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Reconstruction of Lake Avenue PROJ# CAP-200-19 The Department of Public Works (DPW), Division of Highways, seeking sealed bids for full depth reconstruction & new drainage project in Hamburg/Blasdell, NY. Sealed proposals received at the DPW, 95 Franklin St, Rm 1404, Buffalo, NY at 10 am, Thursday, March 28, 2019.

Bid deposit of $175,000. required with bid submittal. Minority workforce, MBE/WBE participation, Apprenticeship goals, and Local & Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply. Pre-let meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 11 am, DPW, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1404, Buffalo, NY. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http:// www2.erie.gov/dpw

Urban League Business Education Series The Buffalo Urban League is continues its Series, “Conceiving Success: Rules of Operating A Successful Business” with Part 2 "The Structure of Business" on March 14. Part 3, the last of the 3-part series, "Unprecedented Success," will take place March 21.Sessions run from 6-8 p.m. at 15 Genesee St. downtown. For more iformatiom contact Michael McCarley at (716) 250-2453.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is hiring: - Data and Prospect Research Assistant - Giving Strategies Specialist - Grant Writer/Administrator - Racial Equity Inititatives Assistant The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is a 501(C)(3) holding more than 900 different charitable funds, established by individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses to benefit WNY.

Learn more at cfgb.org/about/careers

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

14

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20, 2019

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 3/11

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ATTORNEYS LAW OFFICE OF DARIA L. PRATCHER, PC “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574 PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612

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50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

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15

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20,2019

Wednesday March 20 Jefferson Avenue Block Club #644: 2 p.m., God. City Community Housing 175 Pershing Ave (off Dodge).

COLOR ME HEALTHY Part 3 “Youth Mental Health”: Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., 34 Benwood Avenue, 5:30 p.m. free open to the public. For info Karl Shallowhorn at 986-9199, etc. 4350 or email kshallowhorn@chcb.net

see you at the events!

Wednesday March 20 Public Meeting Notice: Westminster Community Charter School 1:30 p.m. Lafayette Court Building, 465 Main St.

Thursday March 21

Sunday March 24

Greater Utica Heights Block Club Meeting: 5:45-7 pm, Dorothy Collier Center, 118 E. Utica St.

The Durham Central City Baby Café Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

200 Eagle St. (716) 427-0566.

Free Legal Advice Clinic: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Our Lady of Hope Church corner of Lafayette and Grant (716) 8335416 ext.11.

Black Monarchy “Adjust Your Crown Headwrap Series” : 527 West Utica. Tickets starting at $45; 4-7pm. Info go to www.blackmonarchy.com and follow on FB @blackmonarchy. Tickets on eventbright under “black monarchy adjust your crown.”

Floetry In Motion Open Mic Invitation: Merriweather Library 1324 Jefferson; singers, poets, musicians welcome!

(716)428-9892 sblack3001@ gmail.com Yoga & Jembe Every Thursday at Juneteenth headquarters 1517 Genesee 5:30 p.m.

The Durham Central City Baby Café Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

200 Eagle St. (716)427-0566.

HAVE YOU HEARD?

There’s An opportunity to build an Indoor fieldhouse in the City of Buffalo.

Your ideas and voices are needed on

Thursday, March 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Math Science Technology Preparatory School at Seneca • 646 E. Delavan Avenue For more information or to add your comments visit: www.cannondesign.com/buffaloindoorfieldhouse/

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION 201 Ellicott Street Project Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation and our project partners invite you to an informational session on updated plans for the vacant parcel located at 201 Ellicott Street in the City of Buffalo.

WHAT:

WHEN:

We will have 4 kiosks set up, showcasing the updated plan components, with an opportunity to speak one-on-one with project team members.

Thursday, March 21, 2019 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: 10 Fountain Plaza (Bank of America Building) Corner of Main and Huron Streets Use Huron Street or Fountain Plaza entrance For ideas on how to get to the Session, visit www.gobuffaloniagara.org

)MMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT I COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT I COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEt,

Saturday March 23 Masten Block Club Coalition Spring Fling: 6 -11 p.m. The McCoy Center , 653 Clinton $30 per person / $50 couple.

Info Linda Menifee 353-0137 or Ada Hopson Clemons 3162063.

St. Johns Lodge No. 16 Free and Accepted Masons Master’s Ball: Marygold Manor, 770 Marygold Drive, Cheektowaga.

Donation $60 per person, Ticket inquires or Advertisement inquires can be made to Stjohns16phany@gmail.com Black Monarchy “Adjust Your Crown Headwrap Series” : 527 West Utica. Tickets starting at $45 from 5 - 8pm.

Info go to www.blackmonarchy.com and follow on FB @blackmonarchy.

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SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

Wednesday March 27 Finding our Voices: Honest Talk, Deep Listening, Real Healing , 6-8p.m., McKinleyigh School 1500 Elmwood Avenue, Lobby, Community Building Team Contact: Gail V Wells, wellsgv7@mail.com Theresa Harris-Tigg, tharristigg@gmail.com

SAFE Act's Impact on Gun Owners' Rights to be Topic of Meeting Gun rights advocate Harold “Budd” Schroeder will address how New York’s SAFE Act affects gun owners’ Second Amendment rights at a meeting of the Dorie Miller Rifle & Pistol Club at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, March 27, in the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. Schroeder, chairman emeritus of SCOPE (Shooters Committee on Political Education), also will discuss how the political climate in Albany could affect gun owners' rights and how the proposed legalization of marijuana could impact on the right to own a firearm in New York State.

Frank J. Panasuk of the 1791 Society Political Action Committee also will describe that organization's legal and political efforts to safeguard gun rights. The group takes its name from the year the Bill of Rights was ratified.

The meeting is open to the public.

“Dance is for everybody…”

-Alvin Ailey

On Going Community Dance Classes MONDAYS Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 12 noon – 1p.m.; FREE ages 55+ 832 -1010.

Urban Line Dancing w/Cherie: 7-8:30p.m. Pratt Center.

DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS B.O.S.S. Detroit Stepping Pratt Community Center.

WEDNESDAYS: Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 11 a.m. - 12 noon.

FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010.

Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702.

DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood.

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Line Dance Class w/Joan Harris, Metropolitan Church, 657 Best St, 12 noon - 2 p.m.; $3.

Urban Line Dancing /Cherie: 6-:7:30 p.m. St. Philips Fernhill @ Grider THURSDAYS Line Dance Classes with Willa Jackson, 10:30 -11:30 a.m.

Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee st. 895-2727.

FRIDAYS Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor Chicago Steppin’: 7-8:30 p.m.

Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. SATURDAYS Mike's Smooth Urban Ballroom Dance: 11 to 1 PM, Delavan-Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave.380-5100 . $5 DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood.10a.m.-12 noon.

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC 716-856-5627

www.workforcebuffalo.org

The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. We have free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable. in today’s marketplace.

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Email legals & classifieds to: advertising@thechallengernews.com • Deadline Fridays @ 5pm

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 20, 2019

CHARTER SCHOOL for APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES

APPLY TODAY www.csat-k12.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1 at noon Enrollment lottery will be held on April 4.

High Graduation Rate • Extensive College & Career Preparation • Award-Winning Music Groups • Team & Extracurricular Sports • Open to all Residents & Tuition Free

To apply visit www.csat-k12.org/enrollment

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YOUR GIRL FOR SUMMER CAMP YET?

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE! Join us at our three camps for a variety

of activities:

SW IM M IN G · HI KI NG · AR CH ER Y HO RS EB AC K RI DI NG DA Y CA M P · RO PE S CO UR SE

#GirlScoutCampLife TIME TO SIGN UP FOR SUMMER CAMP!

gswny.org 1-888-837-6410