CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS

Kennedy

Faith

Jamea

Joyce Blakely

Five Years Later: Insanity Prevails Within the Rochester City School District II

ED NOTE: It’s been reported that fewer than 10% of K-8 students in the Rochester City School District are on grade level in math or reading, according to computer-based proficiency tests administered this fall, while only eight percent of students demonstrated grade-level understanding in reading and just 2% in math.

As it relates to recent news reports regarding the latest announcement concerning the decades-old, ongoing, deepening, academic crisis within the Rochester City School District, some of the responses by those in positions of top leadership, are plain amazing, and helps to explain why the crisis is not improving, but is in fact clearly worsening .

they eliminated some of the clearly ineffective, and in some cases silly initiatives that they have been funding for years, and restored reading teachers.

HOWARD EAGLE

A few glaringly-outstanding examples of ludicrous responses, include the fact that one top leader noted that part of the problem is that past school board members decided, as part of budget cuts years ago, to eliminate reading teachers. Since that time, numerous RCSD budgets have been adopted. If the Board recognizes the lack of reading teachers as a major academic issue, then why haven't

Additionally, with regard to academic development, growth, and success, surely the State-appointed, so-called "academic monitor" is aware of the essentiality of reading teachers. So, why then is restoring reading teachers not part of her recommendations? Instead, "Jallow recommended that the district invest heavily in summer school and after-school programming." How in the heck does that type of recommendation possibly make sense, especially when it's pointed out in the Report that: "At most schools, between a third and a half of students are chronically absent, meaning they've missed at least 10 percent of school days so far. Some secondary schools, including Franklin Upper School and Northeast College Prep, are missing more than a third of their students on any given day."

Another six-figure-salaried RCSD employee, who is part of the top leadership, declared that: "We didn't get here overnight. This didn't just happen because of COVID. ... We're also not going to get out overnight." The old, tired, worn-out mantra that "change won't happen overnight" __ is exactly that, e,g., old, tired, and worn-out. The Public Education System is literally older than this thoroughly racist, white-supremacist-based nation-state itself (387 years old to be exact). I for one am sicker and more tired than Mother Fannie Lou Hamer was of being sick and tired of hearing that old, tired, worn-out "overnight" tune. I have literally heard it all of my life.

Speaking of irresponsible, unaccountable, top leadership , Rochester Teachers Association president Adam Urbansk's libelous rhetoric is always the wildest, and most outstanding. He claims, as he routinely that RCSD teachers are "everyday heroes." Of course a relatively small number of them are. However, it is no secret that many are more like criminals; robbers who steal tax-payers money by not producing much of anything at all.

Again, the longstanding, chronic existence of massive, widespread, low expectations and low productivity in the RCSD is no secret; Of course, low expectations are not limited to teachers. Instead, it's a pervasive problem and issue throughout the urban public education system from top to bottom.

There's only one question left (for us all collectively) __ it's the same one that Jim Brown kept asking the Late Richard Pryor when the latter was going through his struggle with drug addiction. All else is merely super-hyper rhetoric and noise: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS95ZWq1Ais&fbclid=IwAR1Bx QCXsL1s4MXI3bAgn0EHvPi9AU-woZSxA9FfQKZlm9WYhv6 r-oFOje8

Want to make a submission? Email us at editorial@ thechallengernews.com

AREA BRIEFS

Beyond Checkpoints and Traffic Stops: Testimony Reveals Buffalo Police Rampant Use of N-Word

APPOINTED: Barbara A. Lark, former first deputy police commissioner for the Buffalo Police Department, has been appointed the Buffalo Public School’s first chief of security. The position is key to schools /superintendent Tonja M. Williams plan for school safety. Lark has served almost three decades in public safety for the City of Buffalo.

NAMED: Daysi Ball, director of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers' Hope Center, has been named by the John R. Oishei Foundation to be a participant in the Karen Lee Spaulding Oishei Fellowship for Leaders of Color program. The BFNC Hope Center , where she serves as director, offers a network of community resources to assist individuals and families with career services, financial planning, and management to build future wealth.

Buffalo, NY – Litigation against the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) challenging the constitutionality of checkpoints and traffic enforcement has revealed widespread use of racist language and a complete lack of training on racial bias or profiling, with police left to police themselves when complaints are registered. According to their own testimony, supervisors rarely followed up on complaints and routinely failed to track or monitor how often officers were cited for harassing or abusing community members, viewing discipline as a private personnel matter within the department.

During deposition testimony, a former BPD lieutenant said “probably every officer” had used the n-word in encounters with Black citizens and admitted using it repeatedly himself throughout his career. The officer, Thomas Whelan, defended the use of the word as conducive to obtaining “compliance” and claimed it did not necessarily reflect racial bias. Patrick Roberts, a former BPD captain, also defended officers’ use of racial slurs.

Whelan and Roberts each had supervisory roles on the Strike Force established by Mayor Byron Brown in 2012. The unit was disbanded in February 2018. The unit's discriminatory tactics triggered the lawsuit brought by the organization Black Loves Resists in the Rust and Black and Latinx Buffalo residents subjected to baseless traffic stops and exploitative ticketing. Their comments on racial slurs shed light on the culture of a police department widely criticized for fatal shootings of people of color and attacks on racial justice protesters, including, infamously, 75-year-old Martin Gugino. The BPD also faces numerous complaints from people who say they were wrongfully stopped, ticketed, arrested, or physically abused by officers who simultaneously used the n-word and other racist slurs.

The Civil Rights lawsuit is still active.

“The fact that BPD officers direct racial slurs at people of color with impunity is abhorrent and unacceptable in and of itself,” said Anjana Malhotra, Senior Attorney with the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ). “But that BPD leadership has not just refused to report or discipline officers who use such derogatory language, but also defend it as a legitimate tactic to bring people of color into “compliance” is part and parcel of the dehumanizing culture at the BPD that drives the deeply discriminatory police practices at the heart of this lawsuit – and racial violence more generally.”

Humboldt Parkway Restoration Update: Community Outreach Office Opened

The State Department of transportation opened a community outreach office last week at 875 Humboldt Parkway designed to give residents more feedback about the plans to rebuild the Kensington and restore the once tree-lined Humboldt Parkway. The office will provide project information, answer questions and gather community input. It will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Janate “Solar” Ingram, “The Community’s Daughter,” WUFO radio host and an administrator at Bryant & Stratton College, will be in charge of the office. For more information call (716)370-0071 or e-mail at KensingtonCommunityoutreach@dot.ny.gov The project website is kensingtonexpressway.dot.ny.gov

Kevin Brinkworth, former Chief of Strike Force, admitted in his deposition that officers concentrated their patrols on the East Side, where Black residents make up most of the community,

INDIA WALTON TO KEYNOTE ANTI-DISPLACEMENT

Former City of Buffalo mayoral candidate and founding executive director of the Fruit Belt Community Land Trust, India Walton, will deliver the keynote address on Saturday, November 19 at the AntiDisplacement Summit.

Sponsored by Our City Buffalo, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Futures Academy (school 37), 295 Carlton Street. Childcare and lunch will be provided.

Join grassroots leaders, community-based organizations, and Buffalo residents who will discuss the issues that matter the most, and the troubling history of displacing longtime residents of historically marginalized communities.

We'll also plan for a future that includes all of us and talk about proven strategies to get there.

There will be interactive workshops on polling, immigration, housing transportation, visual storytelling, online organizing, cooperative business development, the arts and the City of Buffalo redistricting process.

There will be introductory remarks from thought leader, civil rights activist, and Ohio state Senator Nina Turner.

Here in Buffalo, we have the opportunity to show the nation how to push for a more equitable and just world. The world we want to see — for ourselves, our families, our neighbors, our children. Visit www.ourcitybuffalo.com to learn more about the 2022 Anti-Displacement Summit or to learn more about the coalition behind the event.

The Nash House Museum

National history was made in the Black community on Michigan Street.

Paving a foundation to the Civil Rights Movement was the spiritual leader and civil rights activist Rev. Edward J. Nash.

The Nash House Museum,, located in the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, is the former home of the Nash Family..

-Rev. Nashwas the pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist church from 1892-1953. He was known as a charismatic minister who worked with several African American leaders who included Mary Talbert, Booker T. Washington, and Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., activists who are credited to laying the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement.

-Rev. Nash was an active member of the Buffalo Urban League and the NAACP. For 32 years he was secretary of the Ministers Alliance of Buffalo, an influential inter-racial religious group.

Not just a House

- From 1925 until 1987, the Nash House was the Nash Family home. Rev. Nash’s wife is credited with making sure all his papers and sermons were saved.

-The Michigan Street Preservation Corporation led by George K. Arthur developed a plan to preserve the Nash House. The House Museum opened in May 2007.

VISIT US!Hours: Saturdays 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Other days and hours by appointment. Call 716-400-2826 .

E: nashhouse36@gmail.com www.nashhousemuseum.com

Over the next few weeks the Black History Column will be presented by the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.

India Walton

“Athletic Greats” Will Honor Founder at 30th Annual Gathering!

On Wednesday November 23 Buffalo’s “Athletic Greats” will come together for the 30th anniversary of their annual gathering at 6.p.m. at The Rose Bar and Grille 199 Scott Street .

But this year the presence of one of the “greats ” who founded and organized the yearly reunion for the past 29 years - Richard “The Lion Hearted” Clark – will not be around for the celebration.

Richard transitioned this past June 26 , joining the ancestral realm with a host of community athletes like Fred “Frenchman” Foster, Bernard “Smooth” Mitchell, Ron “Run Ron Run” Fleming, Zellie “ZD The Zone Breaker” Dow, Al Brown and Bob “Bean Ball” Buchanan.

Richard will be honored along with 2022 awardees Ricky Williams, Jimmy Williams, Roosevelt Nixon, Herbert Herky Bigham, Trevor Ruffin, Duane Duke Richardson, Marvin Richardson, Ray Hall, Cecelie Owens, Rev. Danny Benning. The public is invited to attend.

TERRENCE D. McKELVEY

Attorney at Law

181 Franklin Street Suite #301 Buffalo, New York 14202

FRIENDSGIVING

November 19, 2022 starting at 12 noon at the Pratt Willert Community Center: 422 Pratt Street. Contact 716395-0769 for further details.

TURKEY GIVEAWAY

University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt will be hosting his Annual Turkey Giveaway for the families of the University District Thursday November 17, 4pm-6pm at 995 Kensington Ave.

Wyatt’s annual event will help over 150 families in the district with a free turkey, fruits, vegetables, and more this year for the Thanksgiving holiday. Wyatt is partnering with DASH’S Market, Erie County Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin, Healthy Corner Store Initiative, Buffalo GoGreen, and Urban Fruits & Veggies.

Council President Pridgen Responds to Citizens Complaints in Ellicott: Calls for Community Meeting

In response to complaints by citizens residing in the Ellicott District neighborhood regarding business operations of the mental health and homeless shelter near the corner of Genesee Street and Jefferson Avenue, Council President/Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen has called for a community meeting on Tuesday, December 6 at 6 p.m. Mt. Aaron Baptist Baptist Church.

In a letter to BestSelf Behavioral Health, Restoration Society Inc., and Homeless Alliance of WNY organizations, Mr. Pridgen wrote:

“As the Ellicott District Councilmember in the City of Buffalo, I represent the residents, block clubs, community groups, and other community groups. I represent a diverse district and each community has its own sets of concerns. My office has been receiving numerous complaints and concerns regarding the business operations of the mental health and homeless shelters in your area.

•Trespassing on private property

•Excessive drug use and dealing in front of resident's homes and businesses •Spreading of trash along main roadways

"Protecting residents is an important principle of mine, and I believe all hardworking individuals in the City of Buffalo should have the quality of life for themselves and their families.

I am requesting a meeting with your organizations, my office, and the community to be held on December 6, 2022 at 6p.m.,

ATHLETIC GREATS: Pictured is the Buffalo Inner City Sports Legends steering committee. From left to right is Lum Smith, Clarence Strong, Jerry Rowe, LeRoi C. Johnson, Sinclair M. Favor Sr. and Gilbert Hargrave.

Richard Clark

Council President Pridgen

The Healing Benefits of Sage

The herb Sage is an antiseptic herb, classified as such because it inhibits the action of microorganisms. Microorganisms are more commonly known as bacteria and viruses.

Just think, Mother Nature produces a plant (herb) that is able to protect the human body from the ravages of bacterial and viral infections. This herb is Sage. For centuries, sage has been commended for its healing powers It has been called a virus eradicator and blood cleanser.

It is noteworthy that sage takes center stage in flavoring poultry stuffing, soups, sauces and stews during the Winter holiday season. The Winter season is the very time thoughts turn to protection from the onslaught of viral and bacterial infections which detract from the joy of the season. Consider the following uses of sage as a medicinal herb.

A cup of sage tea, once or twice a week, is a sure defense against viral infections (flu), and many of its associated discomforts, such as the excess mucus associated with respiratory congestion. If you must sweeten the tea, use a little raw honey or natural maple syrup. Never drink more than 2 cups of sage tea a week.

Sage tea has proven effective in taming night sweats, and calming jittery nervous conditions. Depression is abated through the use of sage. It also soothes gastritis.

One teaspoonful of sage steeped in 8 ounces of boiled water, for no more than 20 minutes, in a covered container; strained; and then used to gargle will arrest the torment of a sore throat.

Sage is available in several forms at your local health food or grocery store: loose, tea bags, and liquid extract.

(From The Challenger Health & Healing Archives by Healer/ & columnist B. Barbara Echoles)

Herbal Remedies for Cold & Allergy Season

Stock up on herbs to use when cold and allergy symptoms begin to show.

Astragalus Root works well for respiratory infections and is helpful in both preventing and treating colds and flus. It boosts the immune system has antiviral activity.

Eucalyptus is great for sinusitis, sore throats, and chest congestion, and works as an antibacterial agent.

Echinacea is also helpful in fighting infections and boosts the immune system, and Stinging Nettle Plant is effective against hay fever and other allergies.

EAT TO LIVE!

17th Annual FREE Clothing and Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway

In celebration of the anticipated holiday season, on Saturday, November 19th Saving Revival Center and the Esther House will host their 17th Annual Free Community Clothing Giveaway and Thanksgiving Dinner.

The Clothing and Dinner Giveaway will take place in the church banquet hall, located at 664 Fillmore Ave, Buffalo, NY 14212 from 12-5:00 PM while supplies last.

Attendees are also allowed to pick out one bag of clothing, while supplies last from our Passionate Vision Ministry led by member Ravalla Gaines. “We are sincere and take pride in our contribution to society. It helps us to address a range of community needs, from mentoring youth, voter registration & education, promoting progress and prosperity, and our annual Community Day” _said Elder Robert L. A. Robinson III.

Soul Saving Revival Center and the Esther House relay on donations from their congregation and caring people and organizations to help provide this service to the community.

To sign up and volunteer for the Free Community Clothing Giveaway and Thanksgiving Dinner or make a tax-deductible donation call Robert Robinson III at 716-517-1310. You may also mail checks to Soul Saving Revival Center: PO Box is 163 Buffalo, NY 14212. Your kindness and donations will make a difference in the lives of many people.

Mt. Hope Community Church Turkey and Coat Giveaway

Mt. Hope Community Church will present a Turkey and Coat Giveaway on Saturday, November 19 at 5 p.m. at the church, 1326 Broadway. For more information call (716) 6026676.

“As we approach the holidays, there will be a vast number of our citizens who will not be as happy and warm during these days,” writes Pastor Walker. “ We are asking those who can help make a difference in peoples lives in the Broadway/Memorial Drive area with donations of can foods and non perishable goods, turkeys, coats, scarfs, gloves, sweater hats, pajamas and anything that our people can use to help make their days as happy and comfortable as we can!

“We invite and ask all who can to join us to distribute whatever that has been donated to that community and engage with the good people there. I pray that you all will look deep into your hearts and feel what is there as we try to help a neighborhood that has been ‘oppressed, depressed and suppressed’ for so long…help put the Neighbor back in the Hood with Love from North, South, East and West!

Concert Pianist Tracey E. Singletary & Grandsons Present "The Christmas Classics"

A real holiday treat is in store when Concert Pianist Tracey E. Singletary and his grandsons, Isaiah S. and Solomon S. Gee of Georgia (Isaiah on Tuba and Solomon on Trombone), present “The Christmas Piano Classics.” The concert, which is free and open to the public, will be held Saturday, December 17 at 2 p.m. at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square. Denise Y. McClendon and Amba Singletary Gee will serve as Mistresses of Ceremonies. Reverend Corey B. Gibson, M/DIV. will provide the introduction.

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Friendship Baptist Church will present its annual Thanksgiving turkey Giveaway at 403 Clinton Street in the church parking lot Saturday, November 19 from 12 noon to. 2 p.m. First come! First serve! If you are car pooling each person receiving a turkey must present a valid ID with a different address. Sponsored in part by Dec. Darrell and Karen Saxon, Thomas Edwards Funeral Hone Inc.

An Attitude of Gratitude: Give Thanks Daily!

Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday that comes once a year. It's an everyday thing, giving thanks daily for the gifts of clean air, food, water and loving healthy relationships. Peace, love and a true thanksgiving!

Have you stopped to think about it? What do you have to be thankful for?

Having the Gratitude Attitude

Yes, it might feel great to win the lottery. Money, houses, travel – these are wonderful, but not enough by themselves. You need the right frame of mind to fully enjoy life. You need the attitude of gratitude.

Be Grateful

Be thankful that you are able to breathe on your own without the use of a machine. Be thankful that you can get out of bed without assistance. Be thankful that you can walk, talk, and see.

There’s so much to be grateful for every day of your life, it’s just changing your attitude. Life is better when you feel blessed, when you can look around and say “Thank you, Creator.” Religious or not, when you see life as a wonderful gift, your experience is a richer one than any amount of money can provide.

It’s tempting to think gratitude comes from having what you want. You see yourself giving thanks if you had money, a loving family, and maybe a house on the beach. Still, you know there are ungrateful, unhappy people with these things, and poor people full of gratitude for what little they have. Where does this feeling come from?

Creating Gratitude

Gratitude arises from how you look at things. It is the natural feeling that comes from truly appreciating the people and things in your life. It is also something you can learn.

You’re never too old to start learning how to be grateful.

First, you have to stop and smell the roses. You can’t be thankful for something you don’t notice or enjoy.

Then, you need to make this appreciative approach to roses and life a habit. There’s no need to ignore the ugliness in the world, but you have to habitually see the beautiful things.

Start writing down every positive thing that happens to you, and all the things you like. I recommend buying a journal just for writing about gratitude. Do this until you start automatically seeing the good things in life. If you’ve ever bought a white car, and started seeing white cars all over, you know how awareness can alter your perception of reality.

To see wonderful things all over, train yourself to look for them.

When you are in the habit of “counting your blessings,” gratitude, and a much richer experience of life is the natural result. The Great Spirit Honors you when you count your blessings. You will find you are receiving more out of life then you ever did before once you develop a gratitude attitude.

Be thankful for what you have and have had.

May you feel the true blessing of being thankful this Thanksgiving. I am grateful that you took the time to read this message. Many Blessings, -Cherokee Billie

Wakanda Forever Pre-Screening

The Galactic Tribe in partnership with the Buffalo Chapter of the NAACP, Tops, Walmart, Voice Buffalo, and several other community groups provided free admission for 300 people to the premiere Wakanda Forever last Thursday, November 10th during a special pre-screening at the Regal Elmwood. This highly anticipated movie highlighted the power, strength, and resilience of the Women of Wakanda which is so important for young and old to see. In the wake of 5/14, The Galactic Tribe and partners provided extra security and support for all attending.

The Galactic Tribe came together after doing workshops and other projects inspired by the first Black Panther Film. The Galactic Tribe runs monthly workshops for youth and people of all ages to teach our people about STEM, Literacy, History, Art and Afrofuturism. The Galactic Tribe is hosting its next workshop on November 26 to build from the energy of the movie and unpack all of the knowledge on display in the film.

ON STAGE

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

The Commodores November 26 Tickets start @ $35 Seneca Niagara Events Center.

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

*Tracy E. Singletary In Concert "The Christmas Piano Classics" featuring Grandsoos Isaih and Somon Gee, 2 p.,. Sat. Dec. 17 at FREE, Library Auditorium 1 Lfaayette Square

*CMC SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ SERIES PRESENTS DOMINIC MISSANA and FRIENDS at the Buffalo History Museum November 27. Tickets are $15 and available to purchase at the door.

Buffalo born and raisedmusician Dominic Missana was integrated into the local music scene from an early age, playing his first shows on the saxophone and harmonica with local legends at only 13. He spent all of his time in the acclaimed Williamsville East band eventually went on to win the best soloist award in jazz legend Wynton Marsalis' Essentially Ellington Jazz at Lincoln Center Student Competition.

Over the course of his career, Dominic has shared the stage with dozens of acclaimed artists, including Jerry Livingston (Rick James Band), David "Fathead" Newman (Ray Charles Band), Bernard Purdie (James Brown Band), Bruce Johnstone, Bobby Militello, Wynton Marsalis, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Eric Alexander, Charles Blenzig, Zuri Appleby, Ben Williams, Marcus Strickland, Marcus Gilmore, David Frazier Jr., Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Bobby Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Ledisi, Parliament Funkadelic, Snarky Puppy, JoJo Abot, Common, Wyclef Jean, Chika and Action Bronson. (See

Reimagine Black Death:

A REQUIEM FOR OUR SUFFERING

ON STAGE SUPPORT THE ARTS

Multi-talented award winning artist Drea d'Nur presents Reimagine Black Death: A requiem For Our Suffering on November 17 Shea’s 710 Theater. This healing project is a soundscape experience that begins and lands on love, exploring ancestral modalities of sound, movement and remembrance that permits us to be present with our grief, our feelings and with one another. Tickets and info at: reimagineblackdeath.com

Miss Buffalo Competition

Crowns Five Black Queens!

The 2023 Miss Buffalo Competition crowned five beautiful Black women during the event held at Bennett High School last Saturday evening.

The winners were: Chelsea Lovell, Miss Buffalo

•Zhanna Reed, Miss Niagara •Serena Exantus, Miss Flower City •Madisen Wilson, Miss Buffalo Outstanding Teen •Mya-Isabell Samuel, Miss Niagara Outstanding Teen

All total, 19 young women competed in the competition which awards scholarships and encourages participants to make a difference in their local commuities. The winners have been chosen by the Miss Buffalo Scholarship Organization to represent the area in competition for statewide titles. community.

The Miss Buffalo Scholarship organization is an official preliminary competition to the Miss New York and Miss America Organization competitions.

Harpist Madeline

adds a sparkle of delicate magic with Francois-Adrien Boieldieu’s Concerto for Harp and Orchestra, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus returns to lend their festive voices to seasonal favorites.

A family tradition of festive frivolity including a seasonal souvenir for kids! Santa helps conduct and leads the holiday sing-along.

Tickets for this family favorite are just $7!

JoAnn Falletta, conductor Erica Gabriel, soprano

John Tiranno, tenor

Olson

Fernanda Lastra, conductor

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 40th Biennial Debutante Pageant and Ball “Reflections of Excellence: Leading with Resilience”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Phi Omega, Buffalo, NY is honored to present its 40th Biennial Debutante Pageant and Ball “Reflections of Excellence: Leading with Resilience” on Saturday, December 10 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center at 153 Franklin St.,

This year’s program, in a welcome return, is the organization’s first in person debutante program since 2016. The 11 participants; Miss Kennedy Adams, Miss Trinity Barnes, Miss Joyce Blakely, Miss Cashmere Ellis, Miss Jamea Edwards, Miss Faith Floyd, Miss Timesha Fluker, Miss Tydeja Kemp, Miss River Carr, Miss Onnah Roberts and Miss London Stokes, young ladies from Buffalo and surrounding areas, are Juniors and Seniors at local high schools. Through their resilience they have served their community, navigated the academic and personal challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath and emerged in excellence!

The program consisted of a series of year long leadership development activities including skill building and cultural awareness workshops, a group reading of “Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers” by Michelle Obama, an elegant Mother-Daughter Tea with a Pearl Presentation Ceremony and most recently a College & Culture Tour to Washington, DC. The trip included visits to Georgetown University, American University and Howard University (during Homecoming)! While in DC the group also had a “What’s The Tea” slumber party, engaged in an etiquette lesson, at an area fine dining establishment, and toured the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture.

Preceding the formal Pageant and Ball there will be a traditional African Rites of Passage Ceremony, during which parents will name and present their daughters to their “Village”. This portion of the program will begin at 3 pm and is free and open the community. Later in the evening, the sold out ticketed formal presentation of the Debutantes at the Pageant and Ball will take place, from 6 – 11 pm.

Dr. Ida Jones Gibson and Mrs. Crystal Benton are the 2022 Debutante Co-Chairmen. Program leadership includes Mrs. Gina Mayo-Hawk, Pageant & Ball Chair, Mrs. Teena Jones, Banquet Chair, Ms Janet Barnes, Rites of Passage Chair, Ms. Gellenia Smallwood, Mother-Daughter Tea/Etiquette Chair, Ms. Gerri Horton, Father/Daughter Cook-off Chair, Ms. Schurron Cowart, College & Cultural Tour Chair, Ms. Edith Terrell, Budget Chair, Ms. Gail McDaniel & Mrs. Tanya Staples, Community Service Co-Chairs, Mrs. Stacy L. Beauford, Communications Chair and Mrs. Lori Mabry, Debutante Journal Chair. Mrs. Ottilie Woodruff is the President of the Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, Ms. Denise Cobb is Vice-President.

HEALTHY GIRL FALL FEST

A Healthy Girls Fall Fest will be held for all girls ages 14-19 on Saturday, November 19 from 1-4 p.m. at the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology, 1221 Main Street. Topics rangefrom Art & Mental Health, sexual health and physical health. All girls will receive a Visa gift card for participating. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m.

Register at GIRLGANGENT.COM Hosted by BCAT, Girl Gant Ent. And HOPE Buffalo

Photos: Richarad Blanc Photographie

Additional information about the program and it’s history can be found on the Gamma Phi Omega chapter website: akagpo1944.org.

“Before We Let You Go” Pre-Retirement Celebration for Karla Thomas

On Friday, October 28, 2022 - Dr. LaVonne Ansari, CEO of the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. and staff hosted “Before We Let Go”, a pre-retirement celebration for Karla Thomas, Director of Outreach and Marketing. Karla was hired in 2015, leaving a legacy of leadership in politics to begin a new career in marketing. She has worked tirelessly to engage the community and broaden the footprint of the Community Health Center through intense networking and outreach in Black and Brown communities and outstanding targeted radio and TV commercial production. “I am so blessed to have leadership and co-workers who thought to do this for me! Shared Karla. “Thank you Dr. Ansari and Stephanie Cowart for organizing this beautiful event, Pasha Turner who transformed our community room into a Queen’s palace, and Chef Dale Holt who took us to the Dirty South for a scrumptious lunch! Thank you DJ Chris General for the music, Naveed Kahn for photography, Marquis “10,000” Burton for a moving Spoken Word tribute and my beloved co-workers for all their thoughtful gifts, cards and expressions of love.” Dr. Ansari thanked Karla for her outstanding contributions over the past 7 ½ years and for her 13 years of service on the Board of Directors before becoming an employee. Karla is set to retire in January 2023.

Challenger Community News Ad Size – ¼ page Ad – Color Ads- ¼ Page - 5.105”x5.5”

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POLICE

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and had a practice of issuing multiple tickets to drivers, particularly those with window tints. Sometimes they gave a separate ticket for each window.

Testimony from numerous BPD supervisors confirmed that no accountability measures existed within the department.

Former BPD Captain Phil Serafini acknowledged that Strike Force did not have any direct, day-to-day supervision and operated with effective impunity. He also testified that he failed to take disciplinary action against officers despite receiving numerous complaints from community members, instead taking the officers' side and summarily closing complaints so long as they denied the allegations.

Lt. Michael Quinn of the Housing Unit also admitted he failed to respond to complaints about checkpoints made by Black residents and did not track or monitor how often officers on his details were cited for harassing or abusing community members; discipline was viewed as a private personnel matter within the department, where and discipline records are kept so confidential they are not even shared with supervisors.

Whelan testified that, despite department guidelines and policy requiring officers to behave civilly and refrain from using profane language, he never reported officers’ use of the n-word. Whelan said captains, chiefs, and lieutenants were usually present when officers used the nword, yet he could not recall any ever receiving even a reprimand or reporting officers’ use of racial slurs to internal affairs.

Further, several times in his deposition, Lieutenant Whelan said officer use of the n-word was an “appropriate” and “acceptable” alternative to arrest employed by officers to bring citizens into “compliance”: “If the worst thing that happened on that day is that someone of these police officers, myself included, yelled a racial epithet back at them, I already said that's a win. Yelling at people just out of frustration, that's not racial bias. That's a loss of somebody's temper.” He added that “getting a good verbal thrashing beats going to jail any day,” and “nobody got cracked in the head with a nightstick, I didn’t have to fill out a use of force form.”

The policing problems that exist in all U.S. cities are particularly acute in Buffalo, a deeply segregated, minority White city where more than two-thirds of police are White. One study showed nearly one in six BPD officers was the subject of an external complaint annually. The lack of training after police graduate from the academy and the lack of any performance review after the first 18 months contribute to the problem, according to critics.

“The documents and depositions we have taken in this case repeatedly show how the BPD has unconstitutionally targeted Black people in deeply harmful and dehumanizing ways as a matter of standard operating procedure,” said Chinyere Ezie, a Senior Staff Attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights. “There is no circumstance under which it is acceptable for a police officer to use the n-word. The BPD’s attempts to drag out this litigation and avoid a reckoning reflect a police culture deeply averse to oversight and accountability and one that inflicts harm on the Black and Brown residents of Buffalo on a daily basis.”

Black Love Resists in the Rust v. City of Buffalo focuses on both checkpoints that officers used as pretext to stop, harass, and ticket Black people, as well as other racially discriminatory traffic enforcement and ticketing practices that disproportionately target and inflict deep economic harm on Black residents. After the checkpoints were introduced, the number of traffic tickets issued in the city increased by 92 percent. While the BPD claims the checkpoints targeted crime, a statistical analysis found that a neighborhood’s racial composition was the strongest predictor of the checkpoints’ locations. The police’s own data showed that checkpoints disproportionately harm Black residents.

The lawsuit – filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, the Western New York Law Center, and the Center for Constitutional Rights – is an effort to impose a measure of accountability on a department that operates with virtual impunity. Offending officers have largely escaped punishment from both courts and commanders. Throughout this litigation, evidence has shown the BPD systematically failing to properly investigate and discipline officers for racially biased conduct – or for misconduct generally

The BPD disbanded Strike Force in 2018 in the face of heavy criticism of its tactics, including a complaint to the Civil Rights Bureau of the New York State Attorney General's Office lodged by Black Lives Matter Buffalo and Professor Malhotra. While the checkpoints have mostly ceased, traffic enforcement and other stops continue to disproportionately harm Black residents.

The Western New York Law Center is a non-profit legal organization in Buffalo. We provide free, direct legal services and impact litigation throughout Western New York, and work through coalitions to promote economic and social justice in our area. Follow us @wnylacenter National Center for Law and Economic Justice is a national advocacy organization that uses impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing to promote economic justice for low-income families, individuals, and communities across the country. Read more about us at https://nclej.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @NCLEJustice

The Center for Constitutional Rights works with communities under threat to fight for justice and liberation through litigation, advocacy, and strategic communications. Since 1966, the Center for Constitutional Rights has taken on oppressive systems of power, including structural racism, gender oppression, economic inequity, and governmental overreach. Learn more atccrjustice.org. Follow the Center for Constitutional Rights on social media: Center for Constitutional Rights on Facebook, @theCCR on Twitter, and ccrjustice on Instagram.

Reflections on The Alba de Vida Incident....

In a previous article I posed the question, could the Tops Tragedy happen again?

Well, look what happened on November 10, just 5 months and 26 days after the tragic shooting on Jefferson Avenue at the Tops Market. A lone White gunman walked into the Alba de Vida , a methadone clinic on Buffalo's West side, armed with an AR15 and fired once inside the clinic. He was quickly subdued by a lone UNARMED security officer, who was then quickly assisted by another UNARMED security officer.

There are many questions being asked. This is a neighborhood which has a high percent of Hispanics , African American and immigrants.

Was he a lone gunman who planned to copycat the Tops Tragedy? Who was the gunman's target or targets?

Honors and praises are due to those brave security officers that subdued the 48-year-old Willliamsville resident Had it not been for their heroics and quick actions more senseless killings very well may have occurred.

If you're reading this article stay vigilant and watchful. Be aware of you surroundings at all times. It appears that the Black and Brown communities are hunting grounds.

If there isn’t a better time than now for a community to come together then I don’t know when that time is. Maybe it's time that we as a people stand up for once, and become legal gun owners, to protect ourselves and families.

I'm Just Saying....

The True Story Of Thanksgiving...

The story of the first Thanksgiving, as most Americans have been taught , is not exactly accurate starting with the idyllic partnership of 17th Century European Pilgrims and the indigenous people of New England (Indians) sharing a celebratory meal . And it was only after the First World War that a version of such a Puritan-Indian partnership took hold in elementary schools across the American landscape. We can thank the invention of textbooks and their mass purchase by public schools for embedding this "Thanksgiving" image in our modern minds. It was, of course, a complete invention, a cleverly created slice of cultural propaganda, just another in a long line of inspired nationalistic myths.

A complete invention.....

The first Thanksgiving Day did occur in the year 1637, but it was nothing like our Thanksgiving today. On that day the Massachusetts Colony Governor, John Winthrop, proclaimed such a "Thanksgiving" to celebrate the safe return of a band of heavily armed hunters, all colonial volunteers. They had just returned from their journey to what is now Mystic, Connecticut where they massacred 700 Pequot Indians. Seven hundred Indians - men, women and children - all murdered.

This day is still remembered today, 385 years later. No, it's been long forgotten by White people, by European Christians. But it is still fresh in the mind of many Native Americans.

Since 1970 a group calling themselves the United American Indians of New England meet each year at Plymouth Rock on Cole's Hill for what they say is a Day of Mourning. They gather at the feet of a stature of Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag to remember the long gone Pequot. They do not call it Thanksgiving. There is no football game afterward.

Here’s what they have to say about this choice to mourn: “Thanksgiving day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture. Participants in National Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native

national

Tupac's Stepfather Is Set To Be Freed From Prison

Tupac Shakur’s stepfather, Mutulu Shakur, is set to be released from prison next month after serving more than 35 years. Shakur is currently being held at a federal medical center in Lexington, Kentucky, which provides care for incarcerated people. He has had Covid at least twice and has used IV feeding tubes since May. Shakur has had a history of health issues, including stage-3 multiple myeloma (a form of blood cancer that can harm the kidney and bones). Doctors working with the Federal Bureau of Prisons gave Shakur less than six months to live back in May.

Noose Found At Obama Presidential Construction Site

In Chicago

As construction on former President Barack Obama’s presidential center in Chicago moves forward, officials were appalled at what they call a “shameless act of cowardice and hate.” A noose was found at the site in Jackson Park on Thursday morning, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Construction has been halted at the site temporarily, and a $100,000 reward for helping find whoever was responsible. The Chicago Police Department is investigating the matter.

peoples to survive today. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience.”

On that first Thanksgiving there was no turkey, no corn, no cranberries, no stuffing. And no dessert. Those fortunate Pilgrims were lucky to get a piece of fish and a potato. All things considered, it was a Thanksgiving feast.

Did the Pilgrims share their Thanksgiving meal with the local Indians, the Wampanoag and Pequot? No. That never happened. That is, until its inclusion in the "Thanksgiving Story" in 1890.

Let the Wampanoag be a lesson to us especially in these troubled economic times. These particular Indians, with a bent for colorful jewelry, had their tribal name altered slightly by the Dutch, who used it as a reference for all Indian payments. Hence, wampum. Contrary to what we've been shown in our Western movies, this word - wampum - and its economic meaning never made it out of New England.

Unlike wampum, Thanksgiving Day has indeed spread across the continent. It would serve us well to remember that it wasn't until the victorious colonial militia returned from their slaughter of the Pequot that the New Americans began their now timehonored and cherished Thanksgiving.

While some Native Americans have chosen to reject the Thanksgiving holiday entirely, rather choosing to mourn publicly and openly, some simply refrain from participating in this “national holiday.”

Truth be told, long before settlers arrived, Native tribes were celebrating the autumn harvest and the gift of Mother Earth’s abundance. Native American spirituality, both traditionally and today, emphasizes gratitude for creation, care for the environment, and recognition of the human need for communion with nature and others.

Thanksgiving as a holiday originates from the Native American philosophy of giving without expecting anything in return.

POETRY

To The Troops

I honor the men and women who fought for a country that has shown time after time that it won't fight for them

The ones who fought in the trenches while their churches got bombed, While their children got hosed, While their daddies got hung

The ones who stand for a flag that still don't stand for them

Ones whose history gets buried while they're forced to bite their togues

While they still fight for belonging a battle not yet won this poem is a salute to each and every one of them

DID YOU KNOW...A Record Number of Openly LGBTQ Candidate Won Their Midterms In 2022.

-By

Jillian Hanesworth City of Buffalo

Poet Laureate, Community activist, Visionary, leader

From her book "The Revolution Will Rhyme"

Send your poetry for consideration to: editorial@thechallengernews.com

100 YEARS FROM MISSISSIPPI

On Thursday, November 17th from 7-9 p.m. there will be a free public screening of the incredible documentary film, 100 Years From Mississippi in collaboration with the LEROI: Living in Color Exhibition at Burchfield Penney, 1300 Elmwood Ave. The screening will be followed by a live, in person discussion between filmmaker Tarabu Betserai Kirkland and his longtime friend, artist LeRoi Callwell Johnson.

HISTORIC: Wes Moore,above right) author, combat veteran and former Not For Profit leader becomes the next Governor of Maryland. He is the first Black elected as Governor in Maryland, and only the third in the U.S. Former NYS Senator Antoine M. Thompson (left) .a big supporter of Governor-Elect pictured campaigning together in Maryland. Thompson Congratulates Wes Moore on his election.. Onwards and upwards!

Erie County Offering Assistance With High Heating Costs

By Mark Poloncarz

The Erie County Department of Senior Services is working hard on behalf of senior citizens throughout Erie County by providing advice and guidance to address higher-thanexpected heating bills in the upcoming cold months.

Assistance is available to help defray those costs for qualified persons. In addition, there are also opportunities for homeowners on a fixed income to take advantage of an available duct cleaning and maintenance benefit. Ensuring that your home heating equipment is safe and working appropriately by having it inspected and professionally cleaned is something I encourage seniors to see if they qualify to take advantage of energy savings this winter.

The annual income guidelines to participate in this program are higher than people realize. To find out if you qualify, please reach out to our NY Connects hotline at (716) 8588526 to speak to someone who can share more information about senior home heating help.

Our “Clean & Tune” benefit is available to assist homeowners in cleaning and tuning their primary heating equipment. The goal is to ensure that your home is being heated safely and as efficiently as possible.

Eligible homeowners must have resided in their currently dwelling for at least one year and have not had a clean and tune service performed on their primary health equipment within the past year. More information about this benefit can be found online by visiting www.erie.gov/heap/ceal-tunebenefit or by calling (716) 858-6765.

I encourage anyone who is a senior citizen or knows a local senior to take the time to do your research to see if help with home heating costs is a possibility and we can help avoid having anyone try and live in a cold home this winter.

Tool Library Dare To Repair Cafe November 19

Bring Your Small Broken Household Items To Be Repaired Free of Charge

The Tool Library is collaborating with the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library 1324 Jefferson, November 19 11a.m. -2p.m. for a special edition of Dare to Repair Cafe. This volunteer-run event puts tools and talents to use in the community in an effort to reduce waste by diverting usable items from landfills. Individuals can bring broken household items such as lamps, vacuums, and small electronics to be repaired free of charge. For this special edition, the library will also be collecting donations of non-perishable food for distribution to community organizations.

Those interested in volunteering as a fixer for a future Dare to Repair Cafe season can fill out the instructor sign up form online. Advance registration for repairs is encouraged online, but repairs will be performed on a first-come first-serve basis. Registering in advance does not guarantee a repair.

Since 2011, the volunteer-powered Tool Library, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, has strengthened Western New York by providing people and organizations with the tools and educational resources they need to improve their homes and neighborhoods. For more information or to learn more about The Tool Library, visit www.thetoollibrary.org.

Turkey Giveaway

There will be a Thanksgiving Turkey GiveAway Monday November 21 from 12pm-2pm 329 Roehrer Ave. The giveaway is sponsored by DADS Program, Power 96.5, Community School #53 Contact Dwyane Ferguson for more info.

There’s nothing quite like local. That’s why your local AARP creates experiences with your community in mind. We’re neighbors, connecting you to free events, learning opportunities, and resources right in your backyard. Wherever you live, we’re here to help your money, health, and happiness live as long as you do.

Find us at aarp.org/local

We’re here for you. Here in your neighborhood.

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

Students Like Vanessa Hall Find Unique Pathways to Success at Northland Workforce Training Center

By Taylor Amankwaah

Vanessa Hall is a member of the inaugural graduating class of SUNY Erie’s Mechatronics students at Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC). Building a foundation at NWTC has led to multiple unique opportunities for Vanessa.

“NWTC allowed me to work for Harmac as a Mechanical Set-Up Technician making a great salary as well as intern at NFTA which allowed me to have a better life then I had before. If anyone has a testimony about taking a chance and how investing in yourself can be rewarding, it’s me.”

Since opening in 2018, Northland Workforce Training Center has provided 876 individuals like Vanessa (and counting) in WNY the opportunity to overcome personal and societal obstacles by facilitating education and hands-on training for indemand professions in advanced manufacturing ; jobs that provide family-sustainable wages with benefits and pathways out of generational poverty.

The Center’s student services include outreach, admissions and financial aid guidance, career coaching, and job placement which have led to a graduation rate that doubles the national average for community colleges. 87% of Northland graduates have been placed in employment working within the industry with a combined economic impact of more than $10.6 million dollars in wages added back to the local economy. NWTC graduates have a career pathway that clearly leads to the middle class and economic stability.

The additional programing offered at Northland Workforce Training Center allows graduates like Vanessa to create their own unique pathway to success. In September 2021 Vanessa returned to NWTC as a student. She built upon her Mechatronics certificate and became an inaugural member of a brand-new program, SUNY Erie’s Mechanical Engineering AAS degree. She did not stop there! This past summer, Northland Workforce Training Center was proud to welcome Vanessa in a different capacity. This time as a Mechatronics instructor for the Northland Summer Youth Academy! Vanessa devised a very exciting curriculum for the students and it was a huge success. Vanessa impressed many at NWTC with her incredible instruction and dedication to its mission. Her skillset and impressive performance matched perfectly with an opening that Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance’s President Peter Ahrens had available. After successfully interviewing, she was recently hired an Executive Associate!

LLC

Upon graduating with her second SUNY Erie at Northland degree, Vanessa plans to continue her education so that she may fulfill her ultimate goal of becoming a full-time professor right here at Northland Workforce Training Center. We are rooting for you, Vanessa!

Northland Workforce Training Center is proud to witness each of its students’ growth. Are you ready to invest in yourself? Create your own unique pathway to success starting at NWTC. Learn more about Northland Workforce Training Center by taking part in a free Pre-Enrollment Informational Session and Tour. Register online 24/7 at www.northlandwtc. org or give us a call directly at 716-436-3229

ADAS Healthcare Staffing LLC filed an Article of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on the 3rd day of September 2022. Office location: Erie County. (SSNY) designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served to 229 W Genesee st Unit 732 Buffalo, NY 14201

Purpose: provide quality healthcare services and promote wellness within the community in all aspects. Oct. 13,20,27 Nov.3,10, 17

LEGAL NOTICE BID

COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

SUNY ECC City Campus Ellicott Street Building Clay Tile Roof Repairs Project No. 2019-955-02

Sealed bids for General Construction for the above 2021 project will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 until 10:30 AM local time on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. NYS Vendor Responsibility Form CCA-2 A/B/C, NYSDOL wage rates, MBE/WBE, Apprenticeship program, and Local and Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply to this project. Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

AT&T proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 122.9’ & 124’) on the building with tower at 261 Great Arrow Ave, Buffalo NY (20221265). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

Rise Up Right Sports Highlights Let's Rise Up...

Buffalo Bills News

Are the Buffalo Bills truly circling the wagons again as Bills Mafia fans have been left in utter shock the past two weeks. The Bills organization wouldn't have enough bills to buy a defense for the tumultuous performances that was unfortunately witnessed by the entire Sports world.

The New York Jets whose last name used to stand for just end the season turned into just elevated the standard as they beat the Buffalo Bills 20-17 in the Meadowlands. Josh Allen threw two red zone interceptions that proved costly.

The next week, the Bills would go home to face the Vikings with uncertainty that Josh Allen would even play in this game for the entire week until Saturday when the Bills hadn't activated Matt Barkley off the practice squad. The first half of the Vikings game would look great and the Bills seemed like the team that we watched beat the Titans, the Rams, and the Steelers into submission. But the NFL is a tale of two halves and the second half would be one that will not be forgotten. The Minnesota Vikings would come back from a 17-point deficit as Josh Allen threw two red zone interceptions again and fumbled away the game-winning snap that would have made the Bills victorious.

Instead the Minnesota Vikings would recover in the end zone giving them a 30-27 lead with 41 seconds left. The Bills would valiantly charge down the field with 5 seconds left and tie the game at 30. The overtime would be upon us. The Vikings would drive down the field only to be stopped at the goal line. The Vikings would settle for a field goal. The Buffalo Bills would get the ball and once again valiantly charge down the field but on second and 10 at the Minnesota 15, Josh Allen would throw a demoralizing interception in the end zone and the Vikings escaped with a 33-30 victory over the Bills.

The loss would put the Buffalo Bills in third place in the AFC East. The defeat also dropped the Bills into fifth place in the AFC Conference. Honestly, I have never witnessed something like this ever. The Buffalo Bills will play the Cleveland Browns next week at Highmark Stadium. Unbelievable.

For more sports talk and news follow me on Facebook @Andre Robinson. Join the Rise Up Family Sports Network for daily sports shows. Tune into the WUFO sports report every Sunday at 6pm, and every Monday and Wednesday at 10pm on Power 96.5FM radio and the Rise Up Unlimited Radio Station on WDAP Radio on Speaker.com Saturdays at 8pm. Also tune into Public Access Channel 1302 for the M&T Live at the Apollo Show airing Tuesdays at 8pm and Saturdays at 10am.

People Inc. Folwell Senior Apartments

LOCATION: 140 Hodge Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

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

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

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

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

Housing Intake Specialist

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

MONTHLY ReNT:

(Gas and Electric not included)

1 Bedroom: (33) $600.00 - $695.00

2 Bedrooms: (4) $695.00 - $795.00

**MAxIMuM INCOMe:

1 person: $36,840

2 people: $36,840

2 people: $42,120

**Dependent on unit rent

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

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT COUNTY OF ERIE GSMPS

Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-RP3, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-RP3, by U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, Successor-In-Interest to Wachovia Bank National Association, as Trustee, Plaintiff AGAINST Brenda E. Haynes a/k/a Brenda Haynes, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 13, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Closing Room of the Erie County Clerk's Office, 1st Floor, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo NY on November 30, 2022 at 10:00AM, premises known as 1070 Chestnut Ridge Road, Amherst, NY 14228. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York, SECTION: 40.18, BLOCK: 3, LOT: 27.1. Approximate amount of judgment $164,457.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #808266/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the ERIE County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts. gov/Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 2802832. Etido Udousoro, Esq, Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-090671-F00 73637

October 27, November 3, 11, 17

LECESSE Construction Services, LLC is an EEO employer, and is currently seeking certified NYS M/WBE/ SDVOB subcontractors/vendors who can provide a commercially useful function to bid on the Ellicott Park Townhomes Renovation Project. This project is Tax Exempt and has Erie County IDA requirements.

Scopes of Work include Masonry, Decorative Metals, Rough & Finish Carpentry, Roofing, Siding, Doors/ Frames and Hardware, Vinyl Windows, Drywall, Non-Structural Metal Framing, Resilient Flooring, Carpeting, Painting, Toilet & Bath Accessories, Fire Protection Specialties, Residential Appliances, Play Ground Equipment, Window Treatments, Residential Cabinets, Countertops, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Landscaping, Concrete Paving & Site Furnishings & Amenities.

MWBE & SDVOB participation is encouraged.

Project Bid Date: November 23rd by Noon. Estimated Start Date: 2/1/2023

For further information please contact bids@lecesseconstruction.com

The Bills Taketh And Then The Bills Giveth It Away

The Bills have wrapped themselves firmly around the old Biblical adage that “It is better to give than to receive.” How else to explain the three disappointing losses the Bills have suffered this season. They all have one thing in common, and that is, the Bills gave the games away. The first giveaway was to the Miami Dolphins, which, at the time, could be written off as a simple fluke. However, what we saw in last week’s giveaway game to the Jets was what perhaps could be seen as the beginning of a trend. But now there is no doubt. After this last giveaway to the Vikings, it is clear the Bills have a big problem with closing out games against good teams that they should nevertheless have beaten.

To be sure, the Vikings did not come into Highmark Stadium just to be pushovers for the Bills. Notwithstanding, however, Buffalo had its chances to put Minnesota away for good but squandered them all.

First, was an ill-advised fourth quarter decision to go for it on fourth down rather than take a sure Tyler Bass 3-pointer. As we know, the end result was an ugly, red zone interception of an errant Josh Allen pass that basically kept the Vikings in the game.

At this point, the Bills have reached an inflection point in their season. It has not yet reached crisis proportions, simply because the Bills are still one of the best teams in the NFL. However, what this inflection point should tell us, and the Bills is that they have an inherent problem applying the final knockout punch to a lesser opponent and thus leaving themselves vulnerable to fourth quarter meltdowns. The Bills must now own that proclivity and take the steps necessary to correct the situation so they can continue this march to Super Bowl LVII.

COUNTY OF ERIE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL

What was lost here in the agony of defeat was the play of the Bills interior defensive line. With the exception of Dalvin Cook’s 81 yard TD sprint around the right side of the D-Line, the Bills were able to pretty well contain the Vikings running attack. Indeed, the magnificent last second goal line stand which the D-Line executed near the end of regulation, appeared to win the game for Buffalo. Indeed, it presented as a moment of redemption for the much maligned ‘jelly belly’ defense that the Bills had begun playing.

COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Construction of Asphalt Snow Storage East & West Rd (CR 363) PROJ# CAP-CUL-2022

Department of Public Works, Division of Highways seeking sealed bids for construction of asphalt snow storage along East & West Road between Orchard Park Road and Union Road behind existing concrete gutter. Sealed proposals will be received at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1404, Buffalo, NY 14202 by, and opened at, 10:00 am local time Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Certified check in the amount of $19,000.00 bid deposit is required with the bid submittal. Prelet meeting scheduled Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 10:00 am local time at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1404, Buffalo, NY. NYSDOL Wage Rates, NYS Vendor Responsibility CCA-2 A/B/C, Local Minority, & Disadvantaged Workforce goals, NYS Apprenticeship, and MWBE goals may be required. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http: //www2.erie.

LEGAL NOTICE

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens 2022 Grow Houses Addition & Growing Range Demolition Project No. 2022-903-01 County of Erie seeking qualification statements and proposals from interested firms to provide A/E design and construction services for the addition of two grow houses and the demolition of the growing range at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. Qualification statements and proposals for project will be received by County’s Commissioner of Public Works, Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 2:00 PM local time on Friday, December 9, 2022. RFQ/RFP submission instructions may be found at: www. erie.gov/dpw/.

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ERIE COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT NO. 2

BIG SISTER CREEK WRRF SECONDARY AERATION BLOWERS REPLACEMENT PROJECT CONTRACT NOS. 101-G GENERAL CONSTRUCTION & 101-D ELECTRICAL

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the above referenced contracts will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (ECDEP) on December 20, 2022 until 2:00 P.M., local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004.

All that remained was for the Bills to fall forward out of the end zone, or at worst, take an end zone safety, and kick the ball back to Minnesota with only seconds left on the clock and no timeouts. But it was not to be, for we all know what happened next. First, a muffed snap from center Mitch Morse, then an improbable end zone fumble recovery for a Vikes TD, and alas, another victory squandered.

The one thing that we should make no mistake about is that this was an epic football game. It was a contest that will go down in the historical record as one on the great and exciting games of its day. I suppose it can be viewed as somewhat of a privilege merely to have witnessed such a game. In fact, this was the second epic game that the Bills have been a part of in the last nine months. Who will ever forget the even larger than epic “13 Second” game against KC when, as now, the Bills snatched defeat from the jaws of certain victory. The question for now is whether the Bills can ever get themselves on the right side of the ledger in such epic contests.

The Bills are still climbing the mountain and have a better chance than most of planting their flag on Super Bowl Hill. The Bills remain a talented team – still one of the NFL’s best – but must now really start “pressing the pedal to the metal.”

After a disappointing loss like this one, it can be easy to lose heart and start “throwing out the baby with the bathwater.” Resist the urge, Buffalo. These are the lessons to be learned in a long NFL season. While it will not be easy, I will tell you this, the Bills are

In Josh We Trust Football Cost Bills 33 – 30 Loss in Wild Overtime to Vikings

The Buffalo Bills came out playing like a team needing a decisive win. The defense made key plays throughout the game along with interceptions by Christian Bensford and Dane Jackson which was good signs for the future of Bills secondary. Bensford, the rookie, continues to impress with his stellar coverage techniques. The down side is they can be exploited by a great receiver like Justin Jefferson that could not be stopped.

Our young secondary continues to take bad angles on running plays and allowed Vikings Dalvin Cook to score on an 81-yard run from scrimmage. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde made routine tackles look easy on possible big runs by Bills opponents. They are now sorely missed in the secondary.

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson: “The Bills don’t have any starters in that secondary and we were looki ng at it on film to attack them throughout the game We had to win the one on ones and I told Kirk just throw that ball up there and I would go get it.” Jefferson continued: “It was very important to win the close games this season, we made an emphasis to win the close ones unlike losing them last season. This team has been though a lot of adversity my first two years here and this goes to show you who we really are”.

LEGAL NOTICE

APPLICATION FOR DEBT

EXCLUSION

Erie County

The Chief Fiscal Officer of Erie County filed on November 15, 2022 in the Office of the State Comptroller an Application for Exclusion of Outstanding Sanitary Sewer Indebtedness in the amount of $1,095,000.00 pursuant to Section 124.10 of the New York State Local Finance Law. The Application is on file as public record in the Office of the Erie County Comptroller.

Kevin R. Hardwick Comptroller Chief Fiscal Officer, Erie County

The contract is located at Big Sister Creek WRRF 8443 Lake Shore Road Angola, NY 14202. The General Construction work includes demolition of three of the existing blowers in the Blowers Building, furnishing and installing two new turbo blowers, new discharge piping and inlet piping, providing and installing new valves as shown in the Contract Documents, and a new discharge header with actuating valves. The Electrical Construction work includes replacing the existing MCC, PLC and other appurtenant work.

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

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

Dated: November 16, 2022 Published: November 22, 2022

And speaking of adversity, the Bills can’t seem to overcome their difficulties - similar to the Vikings season last year. Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott continues to make suspect decisions in situational football opportunities. He decided to pass the football three times in a row after having 2nd and 2 at the Vikings 8-yard line. If the Bills had run the ball and picked up the first down two to three more minutes would have been run off the clock. Their refusal to run the football after Devin Singletary was averaging 3.6 yards a carry against a very average Vikings defense is puzzling. I’m wondering is Bills Offense Coordinator Ken Dorsey is calling running plays and Josh is changing them because it does not make any sense at all to continue to put the ball in the hands of a struggling Josh Allen. The running game was working against the Vikings and to go away from it in critical situations is proving to be very foolish and costly.

The Bills have not scored a second half touchdown in their last three games (Packers, Jets, Vikings) which is very telling on this team’s lack of adjustments made at half time. The last three teams have dropped 7 players in passing coverage while rushing 4 linemen and the Bills brain trust can’t seem to find ways to beat it. Josh Allen has thrown 10 interceptions and lost three fumbles this season. Allen has a turnover in every game except the Tennessee Titans win, and so much for league MVP aspirations for the season.

“We were horrendous in the red zone and that’s on my shoulders,” said Allen. His only outstanding performance with the game on the line was against the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s becoming more obvious that the moment continues to be TOO for him and The Bills Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator must start taking the ball out of his hands. That means a much stronger running game is in order.

The Bills face Cleveland Browns in what is now a critical must win game against a strong bruising running game team. The Bills must run the football and win with timely passing against a suspect Browns secondary.

LEGAL NOTICE RFP

ATTORNEYS

PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES

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

AUTO

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

BAKERY

WIN 4

TAKE 5

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

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

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

ELECTRICAL

EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

FLORISTS

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

MEDICAID

LOTTO

MID-02-07-15-32-36 MID-03-22-26-38-39 MID-08-18-20-24-34 MID-07-12-17-22-39 MID-04-05-09-20-35 MID-04-09-19-20-33 MID-03-09-15-17-36 EVE-09-15-22-25-31 EVE-08-10-16-21-31 EVE-07-11-19-20-24 EVE-07-14-23-24-39 EVE-06-10-20-33-39 EVE-13-14-18-25-29 EVE-03-10-13-31-38 07-13-15-19-27-58 +35 11-12-15-19-37-51-+55

FLEA MARKET

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

Free Body Oil JEFF MOORE (716) 361-4900

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) Daily Vibrations

876-016-983-706-186-967-849-701-265-478-026-070945-761-017-899-676-101-546-806-596-864-968-601089-265-800-103-496-186-257-350-659-486-625-967806-079-657-236-671-678-340-726-970-430-968-086609-705-563-435-978-265-780-104-657-569-478-630359-763-946-019-757-684-908-695-785-959-678-219576-605-246-806-675-380-100-435-768-685-209-359189-603-407-052-453-132--534-361-798-107-457-091791-225-883-801-089-435-195-534-361-890-219-345-

MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 168-985-678-198-256-890-054698-679-943-001-202-147-001865-732-855-648-514-996-202-

Aquarius -496-235-165-579

Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718

Aries - 289-946-034-594

Taurus -258-231-026-695

Gemini-495-257-694-508

Leo-345-213-157-201

Virgo 385-291-431-170

Libra -247-723-179-501

Scorpio - 453-253-571-597

Sagittarius - 389-701-234924

Capricorn:893-275-342-506

0-6-6 Madam Ozlla’s (Straight) 9-5-8 Ma Ruth (Box), Cancer (Box) 2-5-2 ZR (Box), Luckie Duckie (Box), Quick $ (Box) Evening 9-4-4 Book (Straight) 7-3-0 # Book (Box) 7-8-6 ZR (Box), Ma Ruth (Box), Gamma’s (Box) 5-2-7 Madam Ozlla’s (Box), Luckie Duckie (Box), Capricorn (Box), Gemini (Box), ZR (Box)

743-133-202- 335 -20154444-1871-0978 134-431--143648*123*104 980-422-809-981989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102581-752-319-408-378352-126-189-444-886514- 332-522-112-432421-423-154-039-524119-616-719-593-655-97-127-111-019-200120-339-303-889-900 007-013-590-698-888

THE NUMBER BOOK

881-1051

quick money 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-098 511-005-201 584 - 049-012 360-211-842 237-120-910

708-469-801-066

781-980-194-580 805-075-467-890

579-944-357-909

680-434-680-073 678-456-708-286 230-110-781-009 920-536-580-697 075-356-579-498

4-WAY2015

Andrea Anderson

U.S. Army Gulf War Era 01/98-01/06

M.O.S. 91 Bravo- Medical Specialist Stationed in Korea

Still Serving: Buffalo Police Officer

-

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SAT. NOV. 19

ANTI DISPLACEMENT

SUMMIT, India Walton keynote speaker, Futures Academy (School 37), 295 Carlton St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. hosted by Our City Buffalo; for more info www.ourcitybuffalo.com

HEALTHY GIRLS FALL FEST for girls ages 14-19 from 1-4 p.m. Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology, 1221 Main Street. Register at GIRLGANGENT.COM

TURKEY & COAT GIVEAWAY, Mt. Hope Community Church 5 p.m. at the church, 1326 Broadway.

Friendship Baptist Church Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway 403 Clinton Street in the church parking lot 12 noon to. 2 p.m.

Healthy Harvest with Highmark Day 1- 4 p.m. Delavan - Grider Center, 877 East Delavan Ave. Bring your family and friends:$15 Vouchers for Tops to first 100 families

-Tao Te Ching

MON. NOV. 21

TURKEY GIVEAWAY, 12 noon – 2 p.m. Community School #53, 329 Roehrer Ave. sponsored by DADS Program, Power 96.5, Community School #53. Contact Dwayne Ferguson by. Nov. 19.

TUES. NOV. 22

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

WED. NOV. 23

Athletic Greats 30th Anniversary event 6p.m. The Rose Bar and Grille 199 Scott Street . the pubic is invited.

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

THURS. NOV. 24 THANKSGIVING

FRI. NOV. 25

Free Bread & Desert Pantry, 10a.m.1 p.m., Collier Center, 118 E. Utica.

PEACE & LOVE

MON. NOV. 28

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

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

TUES. NOV. 29

ROC THE POT: Community Health Center of Buffalo: 10 Crock Pots raffled every hour, recipes, food , fun, vendors & info; 3-6 p.m., 34 Benwood.

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

WED. NOV. 30

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

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

THURS. DEC.. 1

Free Bread & Desert Pantry, 10a.m.1 p.m., Collier Center, 118 E. Utica.

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

11/11

Honoring those who serve 24/7

With over 200,000 veterans and service men and women reentering the workforce each year, Bank of America is supporting the unique needs of our heroes as they transition to civilian life and careers. Some steps we’re taking to support veterans and military members:

• Offering free online resources through BetterMoneyHabits.com on topics specific to them, from home buying to retirement

• Expanding the number of financial centers near military installations to address the needs of military customers

• Continuing our hiring momentum — more than 15% of our new hires are military veterans

My teammates and I here in Buffalo are proud to support our military service men and women, especially as we celebrate Veterans Day. Thank you for your service.

Janicki President, Bank of America Buffalo

What would you like the power to do? ®

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/buffalo

Bank of America, Better Money Habits, Mejores Hábitos Financieros and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Ted