June 13, 2012

Page 1


2

INSIDE ROCHESTER around town

*Charlie Murphy’s Acid Trip Tour, Thursday June 28, with Faizon Love/Feeze Lu, 7:30 Auditorium Theatre, downtown Rochester. Tickets @ Mad Flavors, 185 Lyell Ave Rochester and Doris Records, 286 E. Ferry Buffalo; Ticketmaster.com 1.800.745.3000

Cheyenne Woods: The One to Watch!

*Genesee Crossroads District Boy Scouts of America Troop 46 and Pack 46 on going recruitment every Tuesday at 6 p.m., Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street; call Cherly Lattimore for more info at 585-232-6742.

he last time we saw Tiger Woods’ niece Cheyenne Woods in Rochester, it was two years ago as a Sophomore at Wake Forest University. Three week's ago she graduated with a degree in Education from Wake Forest University, and is now turning pro with the Wegman's LPGA Championship Tournament (second major of the year) - her first professional event. "This is actually my job and my career," she said. "I always knew as soon as I signed with Wake Forest that I would spend four years there, and that was definitely my goal, to get my education and my degree." She continued: "I first picked up a club when I was about two years old in my grandfather's garage and that's where Tiger got started. My grandfather, didn't push me into the game. I kind of picked it up on my own and just fell in love with it. He was always there to kind of guide me through my Junior career and kind of helped my family out - me, my mom and dad - on how best to go through Junior Golf and get into collegiate golf.” Cheyenne will be a force to reckon with on the Ladies Professional Golf Association once she gets use to playing on a regular basis. Once she earns her playing card in the Fall, watch out next year for Cheyenne Woods. GEORGE missed the cut at the Wegman's TournaRADNEY She ment, but keep an eye on her at the next major event the U.S. Open!

*Caribbean Film Series: The Other Side of the Water: Fri., June 22, 7 pm (No film scheduled for June 15).Baobab Cultural Center. Sponsored by: The Rochester Jamaican Org. Inc., The Rochester West Indian Festival Organization Inc. and The Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies at The Univerisity of Rochester Jeremy Robins, Magali Damas. US/Haiti, 2008, 52 min. Documentary Part carnival, part vodoo ceremony and part grassroots protest, Haitian "rara" is one of the most breathtaking and contested forms of music in the Americas. This documentary follows the journey of DJARARA, a rara band made up of young immigrants who take this ancient music from the hills of Haiti and reinvent it on the streets of Brooklyn.

Cheyenne Woods. PHOTO JEROME DAVIS

T

Rochester Teen Film Camp Do you know a teenage who is passionate about film making? Now in it’s second year, Nazareth College and 360 | 365 are offering a week-long residential film camp for teens. The camp runs from July 23 - 27 and will feature daily workshops on screenwriting, sound editing, post-production, etc. Teens will live in Nazareth dorms for the week and have access to our wonderful mentors, facilities and equipment. Scholarships are available for students who qualify for free and reduced lunches at school.Spaces are very limited! Register today. For more information visit: http://bit.ly/rtfc2012

*Like Father Like Son, PreFather’s Day Concert, Sat. June 16 at 6 p.m., Baber AME Church, 550 Meigs St., Rochester, Rev. James C. Simmons, Pastor; featuring Julius & Frederick Dicks, Baber AME’s Voices of Praise, New Bethel CME’s Voices of Praise, Wardell Lewis & Son; Love Offering.

No Rochester Juneteenth Festival! We have just learned that there will be no Rochester Juneteenth celebration this year! Please join us for Juneteenth in Buffalo this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, June 16 & 17! Are You Registered to VOTE?

JUNE 13, 2012

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com


ChallengerCN.com

• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •

September construction planned for Fruit Belt townhome project

WNY AREA BRIEFS BUILD Academy Alumni Meet and Greet BUILD Academy Alumni and friends will host a “Meet and Greet” at Loretta’s Soulful Dining, 479 Genesee St. (854-2232) on Friday, June 15 from 6-9pm Enjoy live music by The Adrian Fenton Group. Join us! Mr. Pearson

Services Set For Kevin Pearson Former Buffalo resident Kevin Dennis Pearson died on Friday , June 8, 2012 in the Jesse Brown VA Hospital in Chicago, IL. Kevin was well known for his videography and production work in Buffalo and Chicago under his companies Adonis Productions and Pearson’s Video Productions. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 16 at the St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell St., Buffalo. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. The service will begin at 11 a.m. Kevin was the beloved son of Barbara (deceased) and Robert E. Pearson and stepmother Juanita Pearson, father of Jasmine Pearson and Tammie Wolf, sisters Sheryl (Lloyd) Major, Charisse (Garnet) Brown, brother Brandon Howard and fiancé Annette Wallace.

The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission Monthly Meeting The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission, Inc. monthly meeting, originally scheduled for June 11 at 1:00 PM is rescheduled for Wednesday, June 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Frederick Douglass Community Center, 234 Jefferson Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to hear a presentation from our planning/design consultant regarding the first draft of our Heritage Area Management Plan. We are reaching a new milestone, with the continued development of this plan which will be completed in the coming months. The public is invited to attend.

Are You Registered to

VOTE?

With approval in place of the site plan for 49 new townhomes in Buffalo’s Fruit Belt neighborhood, construction will begin this September. The City of Buffalo Planning Board approval followed a public hearing at Buffalo City Hall on May 8. Brice and Shad.

East Side Youth Find Pride And Personal A Grill & A Prayer Promise At The African Cultural Center The word on the streets is “This is going to be a hot summer” – meaning a deadly summer. Former gang members are fighting to end violence in Buffalo. They say, “God is our only hope.” Young men, volunteers, and staff from Urban Christian Ministries (UCM) served free hot dogs, a drink and prayer on Wednesday June 6th at the corner of Jefferson and E. North Streets from 7PM until 9PM. They were also encouraging young people and informing them of the dangers of gang life. Alexander Wright, Executive Director of UCM said, “I’m sick of seeing symbols of death. I’m sick of the teddy bears, little doves, candle light services and vigils, all of which are evidence of our failure, my failure, to better impact the community. This problem is bigger than me, bigger than my organization and, I dare say, bigger than yours. UCM will start doing our part Wednesday on Jefferson Ave and E. North with “A Grill and A Prayer” and throughout the summer with our Block Club Basketball violence prevention program. These are Urban Christian Ministries’ immediate tools to show love and good will towards the community. But the people will still need jobs, education, medical services, food and advocates. Urban Christian Ministries will also host a free outside movie on June 13 at 9:00 pm. The movie entitled Somebody Has To Die is a compelling and exciting action packed Christian movie that will lead young people and Christians to do the right thing. At the conclusion of the movie compelling testimonies from members of the Bloods will be given, encouraging young people not live a life of violence. Urban Christian Ministries – We’re Out There On the Streets Making a Difference!

3

B

rice Beathley and Shad Miles haven’t known each other long, but it is easy to see they are close – connected they both say by the place that gives them a positive attitude. “The after school program gave me good study habits,” says Brice, 16, who was enrolled in African American Cultural Center Educational Directives After School Program from the first through the sixth grade. Now a junior at Hutch-Tech High School – and professional DJ who owns and operates Youngest in Charge Entertainment – he recently earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award through Macedonia Baptist Church Troop 237 of the Boy Scouts of America. “The summer program helped me grow as a person,” he explains. “Before I was a shy guy, but I went into the seventh grade having the right attitude.” Shad, 13, is an eighth-grader at International Prep / Grover who wants to become a professional football player, or chef. (He is good at making lasagna, pasta salad and tacos, his favorite). Although he has only been coming to the AACC after school program for three months, he likes the fact that gets a lot of homework done there and gets to make new friends. “The African American Cultural Center helps you build your future,” Shad says, adding that he appreciates the respect children are shown by the staff. “Knowing who you are and where you came from is key. This place gives you a sense of pride.” The AACC Educational Directives After School was founded

No Deadbeat Dads at This Event!

Father’s Day Fish Fry: Dads Who Are Making A Positive Difference to be Honored Sam Radford, Earnest Donaldson, Julian Johnson, Demetrius Lumpkin, James E. Brooks, Gregory Stewart Shepherd Sr., Jason Maclin, Estres Bulls, Harold Caldwell, and Anthony Core will be honored on Friday June 15 when The Buffalo United Front hosts its second annual Father’s Day Fish Fry at Mount Olive Baptist Church located at 701 E. Delavan Street where the Pastor is Rev. William Gillison. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature some dynamic speakers to include Bishop Troy Bronner of the Elim Christian Fellowship Church and Rev. Richard Stenhouse of Bethel AME Church. MCs will be Rev. James Lewis III and Pastor Roderick Hennings. Dynamic Music Ministry will be presented by Elder Hank Reed, Moe Badger, and Deacon Carl Hunley. The honorees, all residents of Western New York who are good fathers and clearly not dead beat dads, will receive much deserved recognition. A basket and silent auction will also take place. The sole purpose of this event is to unite men together in fellowship throughout the community and rise revenue to help Buffalo United Front with resources needed. Tickets are $35 and if you need additional information or tickets please contact Eric Johnson at 812-4236. Proceeds will help benefit The Family Fishing Day to be held on June 23 and 24, which is a free event which will be held at the foot of Ferry Street (Historic Underground Railroad).

St. John Fruit Belt Community Development Corp. in Buffalo is developing the $16 million project that will include 17 buildings of two, three and four-bedroom townhomes that will be energy efficient. The rental properties will feature historically-friendly designs, allowing them to blend in with existing properties in the area. “This is the latest in a series of developments that will enhance the quality of life in our neighborhood,” said Pastor Michael Chapman, consulting CEO of the corporation. “We are investing in the community, putting people to work and helping to lead the resurgence of this area.” Each townhome will have a front porch with off-street parking provided in the rear of the property. Every house will be handicapped accessible, LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and will include energy efficient mechanical systems and landscaping. Through a workforce development program, the project has a goal of 60 percent minority participation, which will include training for unemployed Fruit Belt neighborhood residents for jobs that are in demand. The board did not require any design changes, but will require that construction be limited to week days from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The board did acknowledge that St. John may return to request limited weekend work hours in order for the project to remain on schedule. In April of this year, 50 parcels of city-owned property were transferred to St. John Fruit Belt Community Development. The Buffalo Common Council must still vote on the sale price About St. John Baptist Church: St. John Baptist Church and its

GED Students to Celebrate High School Equivalency Diplomas at Graduation Ceremony: Student of the Year to Address Class Over 100 students will celebrate attaining their High School Equivalency Diplomas through Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division preparation programs. A total of 850 family members, friends, public officials and Buffalo Public School Board Members and administrators are expected to attend the graduation ceremony on Wednesday June 13th at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall, Buffalo State College. More than 300 students earned their diploma in 2011-12. Elizabeth Jackson, who was named Student of the Year by the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education (NYACCE) will address her graduating class. Ms. Jackson is a native of Jamaica who worked full-time to support her family while taking classes to earn her GED certificate and Certified Nursing Assistant credential at Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division. She is currently enrolled in computer classes and is planning on earning her Licensed Practical Nurse Certification to advance her career in healthcare. Speakers will also include Rev. Darius Pridgen, Pastor of True Bethel Church and Ellicott District Councilman, and Ricky Costner, Sr. who will present the Ricky Costner, Jr. Award. BPS Adult Education Division Director, Lester Leopold, will emcee the graduation ceremony. The BPS Adult Education Division will also recognize the collaborative effort of over 35 community organizations that host on-site GED preparation classes. The availability of these sites across Buffalo provides convenient locations and schedules for all Western New York students age 17 and older who are seeking to attain their High School Equivalency Diplomas, learn or improve their English, or participate in workforce training programs.


4 National/International NEWS in Somalia Crazy Quran Burning Malcolm X’s Boyhood Roxbury Home Group Trayvon Martin Update Offers 10 Camels as Pastor Hangs A Likeness And MLK’s Birthplace, Sweet Auburn Bounty for Obama of President Obama Wife of Trayvon Martin’s killer charged with perjury Named Endangered Historic Places JUNE 13, 2012

(RNS) The boyhood home of civil rights leader Malcolm X and the neighborhood where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was born have been named “endangered” historic places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Malcolm X-Ella Little-Collins House in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood dates to 1874 and has deteriorated due to water leaks. Malcolm X was a black nationalist in the Nation of Islam until a trip to Mecca changed his views on race and religion. The trust, which relies on private contributions, hopes to assist in raising $750,000 to revamp the building into living quarters for graduate students studying civil rights or social justice. Rehabilitating the Malcolm X house into housing for students studying black history “is both an appropriate tribute to Malcolm X’s life, and an innovative model for dynamic new uses of historic sites across the country,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Also on the trust’s list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places is the Sweet Auburn Historic District of Atlanta, which includes the birthplace of King and which flourished as a segregated African-American neighborhood during the Jim Crow era. While residential areas have been revived, the commercial district -including churches and the headquarters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference -- needs revitalization to prevent further deterioration that “may gravely impact its historic character,” the trust said.

You think that the US government offers big money for terrorist suspects? Well, they aren’t the only ones offering money for enemies of the state. Al-Shabaab, a group in Somalia, is offering 10 camels for anyone who can deliver President Obama. They are offering just two camels for Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Fuad Mohamed Khalaf is the person on the audio, considered to be the lead fundraiser for Al-Shabaab. The US is offering $5 million for him. “Whoever brings the mujahidin information about the whereabouof infidel Obama and the lady of Bill Clinton, the woman named Hillary Clinton, I will give a reward,” the man said. The average cost of a camel in Somalia is $700.

Are you Registered to

VOTE?

ATTENTION FORMER COKE OVEN EMPLOYEES

Coke oven emissions from Bethlehem Steel, Donner Hanna and other Western New York coke oven facilities are a potent cause of lung cancer and other cancers. If you or a family member is suffering from or died as a result of a cancer from work on coke oven batteries, you may be able to file a legal claim against the manufacturers of coke ovens and collect significant financial compensation.

ONE WESTERN NEW YORK LAW FIRM HAS EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA

LIPSITZ & PONTERIO, LLC

We are Located in Downtown, Buffalo, NY

Call Us Today: 716-849-0701 www.lipsitzponterio.com

135 Delaware Avenue • 5th Floor • Buffalo, New York 14202

The racist crap has to stop somewhere. If you thought the Jena Six uproar was the end of the noose stuff, you sure were fooling yourself because here…we go… again! And this time there has to be a federal crime being broken here…yet again by the same person. Pastor Terry Jones is at it again. The Dove World Outreach Center leader in Gainesville, Florida, hung an effigy of our President from a gallows on the front lawn of his center. He doesn’t like the stance Obama took on samesex marriage nor abortion, so he had yet another temper tantrum. First he burns the Quran now he hangs the President of the United States on his lawn? After all of Jones’ antics, why hasn’t he been locked up under the jail? Unfortunately, the First Amendment has been largely protecting him and others and he will probably not see the inside of a jail cell. This is not the first time an effigy of Obama has been hung on someone’s lawn. There have been several mock hangings that have gone nearly unpunished.

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

The wife of Florida teen Trayvon Martin’s shooter was charged with perjury today, accused of lying when she told a judge that the couple had limited funds during a hearing that resulted in her husband being released on $150,000 bond. Shellie Zimmerman, 25, was released on $1,000 bond. George Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the teen’s slaying and had been out on the bond after the April hearing. However, Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester on June 4 revoked the bond and ordered Zimmerman returned to the Seminole County Jail. Lester in a strongly worded ruling said the Zimmermans lied about how much money they had. An arrest affidavit for Shellie Zimmerman said that records show in April she transferred more than $85,500 from her bank account into her husband’s account. The affidavit also said that jail call records show that George Zimmerman instructed her to “pay off all the bills,” including an American Express and Sam’s Club card. BREAKING NEWS

Drone attacks create terrorist safe havens, warns former CIA official : A former top terrorism official at the CIA has warned that President Barack Obama’s controversial drone programme is far too indiscriminate in hitting targets and could lead to such political instability that it creates terrorist safe havens. Obama’s increased use of drones to attack suspected ‘Islamic militants’ in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen has become one of the most controversial aspects of his national security policy. He has launched at least 275 strikes in Pakistan alone; a rate of attack that is far higher than his predecessor George W Bush. The London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism estimates up to 830 civilians, including many women and children, might have been killed by drone attacks in Pakistan, 138 in Yemen and 57 in Somalia. Hundreds more have been injured. Another day, another US war crime: Afghan president condemns deadly US-led operation :Afghan President Hamid Karzai has condemned a US-led nighttime operation that killed 18 civilians in eastern Afghanistan. Foreign countries must stop backing Syria armed rebels: Iran official ; Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the foreign countries that are supporting the terrorists in Syria must stop and defend the Syrian people instead. US offers millions in bounty for Somali Islamists: The Bush regime Obama administration will offer up to $33 million in rewards for information about top members of an Islamist extremist group in Somalia linked to al-Qaida, U.S. officials said. The rewards will be for for seven leaders of the al-Shabab militia movement.

2012

The Year to Remember!

Make

All it takes is about an hour to gain peace of mind by preplanning your cemetery needs.

You know you should do it, and this is the time. Prices will never be more affordable than right now to make burial arrangements for you and your family at Forest Lawn. Select from many burial options, including: • Cremation options • Traditional in-ground burial • Above-ground mausoleums

Call the Forest Lawn office today at 885-1600 and ask for Family Service Representative Karen Davis or Cleveland Kirkland.

www.forest-lawn.com

1411 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, New York 14209


JUNE 13, 2012

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

HEALTH MATTERS

5

Cancer Risks from Coke Oven Tai Chi for Health! New Classes for Warning: African Americans at Highest Risk of Untreatable Gonorrhea Emissions & Coal Tar Pitch Beginners at Community Heath Center Catching NewsOne is reporting that African Americans are at the By John Ned Lipsitz – Lipsitz & Ponterio, LLC

T

he production and refining of coal tar and its use in various other products involves a substantial risk of exposure to a group of chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exposure to these substances can lead to a variety of diseases, including lung and other respiratory cancers, bladder cancer and skin cancer. Harmful exposure occurs when the tar or refined products made from the tar are heated and give off dust and fumes, called coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs). Laborers involved in the following job classifications are particularly at risk of developing cancer: 1. Coke oven workers; 2. Roofers handling coal tar pitch; 3. Laborers working in the production of pavement sealer and its application; 4. Factory workers involved in the production of carbon electrodes. In the Buffalo area, there were three coke oven operations: the one at Bethlehem Steel, which was the largest; the Donner Hanna Coke Company in Buffalo; and Semet-Solvay in Tonawanda, now known as Tonawanda Coke and still in operation. Coke is produced by baking coal in an airless refractory oven. The baking process drives off the volatile content of the coal and leaves a residue of pure carbon, or coke. Coke is commonly used in the steel-making process both as a fuel and as an additive. Laborers who worked on top of or alongside coke oven batteries were exposed to large quantities of fumes, dust and vapors containing carcinogenic CTPVs. Topside jobs included the lid man, larry car driver, tar chaser, and maintenance worker; side battery jobs included the door cleaner and pusher man, among others. During an eight hour shift, for example, it was typical for one lid man to work on seventeen or eighteen ovens, spending at least fifteen minutes on top of each oven. Coal tar pitch is an amorphous residue produced by the disContinued Page 16

The Taoist Tai Chi Society is now offering Classes For Beginners from 6:00 - 7:00 PM AT The new Community Health Center of Buffalo, 34 Benwood Ave., off Main Street.

T

he Taoist Tai Chi Society® internal arts of health incorporate stretching and turning into a sequence of movements that improve the health of body, mind, and spirit. They reduce tension; improve circulation and balance, and increase strength and flexibility. Recently, the Taoist Tai Chi Society graduated its first beginning class at the Health Center. Rasheed Sultan, a retired teacher completed the class. He said the class helped his balance and his overall wellbeing. Claudette Jackson said learning the tai chi set made her more relaxed, less tense and calm both in the body and in mind. “I had been meaning to take tai chi for years and now that I have completed the course it is all I anticipated and I am energized and invigorated,” said Randolph Johnson, a former rehab counselor from Washington D.C. Director of Community Programs for Planned Parenthood, Najeyah Sultan, says she loves the class, the camaraderie, and always feels better when she leaves. Classes for beginners are twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday at the Center. There will be a demonstration at 6:00 P.M. to see the Tai Chi set in its entirety. The charge for four months of classes is $125. Seniors (60 and older) can attend at a discounted rate of $85. Call 876-7218 for further details. Discounts are available from some HMO’s. The Taoist Tai Chi Society® was founded by Master Moy Lin-Shin. As a Taoist monk in China, he studied Tai Chi and related Taoist Health Arts for over 30 years before immigrating to Canada in 1970. The Society brings together people of different languages and cultures focused on furthering the aims and objectives of the Society’s founder, Master Moy Lin-shin: to make Taoist Tai ChiTM internal arts and methods available to all, to promote health improvement, cultural exchange and community service. The volunteer spirit

highest risk of all ethnic groups of catching the new, untreatable form of Gonorrhea. The disease is resistant to drugs and spreading rapidly, leading to warnings from the World Health Organization. Health officials are warning that since the disease affects African Americans more than other groups, we are also more likely to catch the drug resistant strain of the disease. “We can say that we are seeing early warning signs abroad that the disease is becoming resistant to treatment,” says Dr. Robert Kirkcaldy, a medical epidemiologist in the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, “which is why we should take action now.” According to Kirkcaldy, there is the very real prospect of untreatable gonorrhea emerging in the United States, especially in communities of color. If so, this spells bad news for African Americans. Medical experts speculate that it could take about a decade for the untreatable gonorrhea to emerge in the United States. Overall, African Americans remain disproportionately affected by gonorrhea,accounting for the majority of infections (69 percent or 167,655 cases) in 2010, says Dr. Kirkcaldy, who cites the latest available statistics. The infection rate among Blacks is 20 times as high as Whites (512.2 vs. 26.0 per 100,000 people) and 8 times as high among Hispanics, he adds. While reported gonorrhea rates have hit historically low levels in recent years, the number of cases still remain unacceptably high in the U.S.

Christine Brooks assists instructor Daryl Rasuli teaching the beginners class.

of the Society extends to instruction, which is provided by accredited volunteer instructors. The Taoist Tai Chi Society’s USA Buffalo branch is a community supported, volunteer run, registered charity, with certified instructors and founded in 1974.

EAT TO LIVE You’ve worked hard to make your house a home. Your insurance should work hard, too. Let us show you a better, affordable way to protect your home and loved ones with Erie Insurance. We’re at our best when we’re helping people. That’s what we’ve been doing since your great-grandmother’s time. Call us. Your ERIE Agent is waiting for you.

1-866-953-3743

Auto • Home • Business For a free quote, visit www.erieinsurance.com

ERIE® insurance services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, or Flagship City Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). Companies not licensed in all states. Visit erieinsurance.com for details.

S1257NY 7/09 © Erie Indemnity Company Life insurance not available in N.Y.


6

ChallengerCN.com

• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •

A Father’s Day Profile: Percy Perry, World War II and Grain Elevator Hero One of our Nations unsung heroes Percy Perry, a World War II Veteran, grain elevator worker for 43 years and real estate developer was 98 or 101 years old when he passed last year. His motto for a long life was, “Don’t let nothin’ take you to the deep end.” Led to Buffalo by his brother the Rev. Charles Perry, aka Uncle Preacher, Percy Perry joined the U.S. Army and was sent to the European Theatre to fight the Nazis. He served in a Special Unit that searched and hunted Nazi snipers, machine gun nests and mortar nests. Perry sustained wounds from artillery and mortar rounds. Coming home from the war, struggling from post war shell shock and nervous breakdowns. Upon his military discharge, he landed a job working at the GLF Grain Elevators in Buffalo NY. Still struggling with the effects of World War II, Percy Perry found himself in and out of the veteran’s hospital. His son Barney Blair Perry, born several years later, remembers his mother Clarice taking him to visit his dad at veterans. I must have been 3 or 4 years old at the time. Clarice Alston was Percy Perry’s childhood sweetheart and fiancé. Percy Perry hated to talk about his service in World War II. He kept his weapons from World War II; he would go to North Carolina to his brother farm and fire his weapons into the trees. As a youngster I begged his dad to send him to West Point Military Academy and dad Percy Perry said no over and over. When I was four years old, I remembers my grandfather, Minister James Alston, giving me my first guitar lessons and Bible lessons. My dad Percy Perry bought me my first guitar, then soon bought an electric guitar. I (Barney Blair Perry) grew up to be a Grammy Award winning nominee and hit composer. To overcome the post WW II stress, Percy Perry became a workaholic, working the grain elevators, rehabilitating almost a dozen properties and renting them to low income families. He also worked at Maria’s Bakery at night, a job he shared with me, his son-Barney, when I was a teenager at East High School. My parents Percy and Clarice Perry came from a family of veterans who served in

Vietnam, Korea, Europe and Pacific, World War I, Civil War etc. After retiring from 43 years at the grain elevators, Percy Perry rewarded himself with a trip to Pearl Harbor Hawaii. He fulfilled his dream to pay honor to the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice there. -Grain Elevator HeroPercy Perry was the first Afro-American to integrate the grain elevator industry here in Western, NY. After serving in the United States army during World War II, Percy Perry was hired at the GLF Grain Elevators here in Buffalo He soon moved up to a leadership position. He became the scooper, the man responsible for loading grain into the freight ships and unloading grain from freight ships and railway box cars, Chief Operator of the giant machines that moved the grain from one place to another, from ships to silos, silos to ships and railroad cars to silos, etc. It was a dangerous job one accident could be fatal. Dad was like Spiderman around that complex. The silo complex was a dangerous place and Percy Perry would climb from top to bottom of the silos on conveyor belts small fast moving belts with a hand grip and a foot step, carried you from top to bottom in the silos. From time to time the silos had to be opened on top to allow gases to escape or else there could be an explosion of trapped gases. The huge deep black hole in the silos was scary. The silos had to be cleaned internally and large chunks of grain would stick to the inside of the silos. Percy Perry would rappel on ropes inside the silos and using a long pole with a scrapper, he would scrape the inside of the silos. At the bottom of the silos was a giant auger that would move the grain to scoopers. I asked dad how he learned to do all of that rope stuff. He proudly said, The United States Army. Russian Ships Came to Buffalo Often dad would take me to the grain elevators when he worked nights. One time he

Percy Perry

told me that a ship from Russia came in for grain. The early sixties was a turbulent time, the cold war was going on and there was the threat of nuclear war between the U.S.A. and Russia. I thought about the air raid drills we had at school and the air raid shelters at Lafayette Square and the library. I was scared and I said “Dad what if they have an atomic bomb andand blow us all up.” Dad said, “Well, it will be the end of the world anyway. So we may as well try to friends.” Dad had this incredible talent and people instantly liked him where ever he went When we got to the grain elevators no one was there but us and dad opened the gates, the rats were running around the train tracks as usual and we went through the building on the other side and there it was this huge Russian ship. It must have been two to three city blocks long. The Russian sailors came forwarded and escorted us on the ship; they took us on a tour of the ship, the huge freight ship was empty, waiting to be filled with grain. They were very kind to us. They took us down into the ship; it was the biggest thing I’d ever seen. The boilers were the size of a two, three story house, the engines were the size of houses, and it was incredible to see something that big. Continued Page 7

bids NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the Erie County Sewer District No. 8, Geneva Road Sanitary Sewer Extension and Pumping Station Project, Contract No. 11, will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning on June 25, 2012 until 11:00 A.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. The contract is located in the Town of Aurora. The work consists of the installation of 1800 LF of 8 inch diameter gravity sewers, sewer laterals, a prefabricated reinforced concrete wetwell pumping station and valve chamber, 380 LF of 4 inch diameter forcemain, pumping station startup and testing, sitework, restoration, instrumentation and controls and all associated electrical work. The project consists of the following separate Contracts: Contract 11-A General/Mechanical Contract 11-D Electrical Bidders are advised that a pre-bid meeting for the construction of this project is scheduled for June 19, 2012, at 2:00 P.M., at the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning 95 Franklin Street, Room 1004, Buffalo, New York 14202. Copies of the Contract documents, plans and specifications may be examined and purchased at the office of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, 10th Floor, 95 Franklin St. Buffalo, New York 14202. Related information and a listing of prospective bidders can be found in Business Center, “Construction Bids and Engineering Proposals: on the Erie County Web Page @ WWW.ERIE.GOV The deposit for each set of contract documents shall be $100.00 in the form of two checks or money orders, each in the amount of one-half the deposit, and made payable to the Erie County Comptroller. Any bidder requesting a set of plans and specifications mailed to their office must arrange for a pre-paid delivery service or mail carrier. The Carrier shall be directed to Erie County Division of Sewerage Management 95 Franklin St – Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202 The envelope containing the bid must be sealed, addressed to the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning and must be clearly and correctly designated as “Erie County Sewer District No. 8, Geneva Road Sanitary Sewer Extension and Pumping Station Project, Bid for Contract 11-A Genral/Mechanical or Contract 11-D Electrical. Bidders submitting a bid for more than one contract must do so in separately sealed envelopes for each contract. Any envelope containing more than one bid will be considered an improper bid and not opened. Any bid not delivered in person shall be mailed to the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York 14202, and received prior to the time set for the bid opening. Any bidder returning such plans and specifications in good condition within thirty (30) days following the award of the contract or the rejection of bids will be refunded the full amount of the deposit. Non-bidders will be refunded one-half the deposit. Any bidder requesting more than one (1) set of plans and specifications may purchase the excess, but it is understood that they are not returnable. No refund will be made for documents returned after the thirty-day period. Erie County Sewer District No. 8 is an exempt organization under the Tax Law, and is exempt from payment of Sales and Compensating Use Taxes which are to be incorporated into the project and which are to be separately sold by the Contractors to the Owner prior to incorporation into the project, pursuant to the provisions of the contract. These taxes are not to be included in the bid. Sales tax will be due on all materials purchased by a Contractor which are either “consumable” or rental property used by the Contractor in connection with the construction or repair. Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the Erie County Comptroller or by a bid bond from a surety company acceptable to the County Attorney, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total base bid, as surety for execution of the contract. The successful bidder will be required to furnish Payment and Performance Bond, each in an amount equal to 100 percent of the contract award. The attention of the bidder is called particularly to the provisions of Erie County Local Law No. 2-2006, known as the “Erie County Workforce Development and Diversification New York State Certified Worker Training Program”, to have in place and provide written proof at the time of bid, a New York State Certified Worker Training Program, either intentional to the Contractor or Subcontractor and/or through an organization servicing several Contractors or Subcontractors, appropriate for the type and scope of work to be performed. Attention of the bidder is called particularly to requirements with respect to conditions of employment to be observed, minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, Affirmative Action requirements for Equal Employment Opportunity, along with the Minority Business Enterprise Utilization Commitment. The attention of the bidder is called to the provisions of Article 5A of the General Municipal Law which requires the bidder to execute a certificate of non-collusion and to conform with the other provisions of Article 5A outlined in the specifications. A form for such certificate accompanies the bid form. Unless it is property executed, the bid will not be accepted. The right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in, or to make any award to other than the low bidder, should it be deemed to be in the best interest of Erie County Sewer District No. 8 and in accordance with Law, are herewith reserved. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 45 days after the date set for the opening thereof, but may withdraw same anytime prior to the scheduled time for opening bids. Dated:

BY ORDER OF: Joseph L. Fiegl, P.E. Deputy Commissioner Department of Environment and Planning June 8, 2012


• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ATTORNEYS

CHILD CARE

HAIR SALONS

James P. Davis 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606

Debbie’s Little Scholars 484 Hickory St. (716)304-6820

Akole Style Unisex Salon 2500 Main St. (716) 332-9078

Samuel P. Davis 534 Delaware Ave. #108 855-7611

Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave. (716) 238-1455

Althea/Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 883-2000

Terrence D. McKelvey 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606 Home Office (716) 839-3905

Kim’s Building Blocks Day Care 1479 E. Delavan Ave. 895-8693

Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington (716) 838-4612

My Precious Angels 2946 Bailey Ave. (716) 896-3800

Compositions Professional Hair 143 Kenmore Ave. 716 995-3450 Excellence Hair Design 5 Kenmore Ave. 835-2036

Daria L. Pratcher 136 Broadway (716) 541-8574

COFFEE SHOPS

Everything Beauty Salon/Spa 156 Elmwood*939-3355

Golden Cup Coffee 883 Jefferson (716) 883-7770

Hair Changers 1787 Hertel Ave. (716) 602-6561

DELI / VARIETY STORES

Hersha / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 563-1734

Grant’s Variety Shop 1055 E. Ferry St. 893-0704

Lacy’s/ Kymmy’s 179 Parkridge * 578-2880

AUTOMOTIVE Colslton Mobile Auto Repair 720 E. Ferry * 896-3910 First Klass Muffler & Brake 779 Genesee St. (716) 362-0450

BARBER SHOPS Klassic Kuts 1471 Kensington 836-3260 Master Touch 1283 E. Delavan 570-7234 / 335-8240 Precision Cutz 87 Cleveland Dr. 603-1477 The Barbershop 2516 Bailey (716) 464-SHOP

BEAUTY/IMAGE

DJ’S DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358

Majestic Eloquence 20941/2 Eggert Rd. 308-4873

Jones Hardwood Flooring Alton Jones (716) 903-5320

INSURANCE Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. * 883-5212 Joseph Burch Insurance 2317 Main St. 551-0006 / 510-4729

LIQUORS & WINES Bellamy’s Liquor Store 405 E. Ferry * 884-4066

Dogman Joe Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163

Main Pediatrics 2800 Main St. (716) 837-0995

More Hair Care Clinic 72 Allen St. (716) 886-7960

Rapha Family Medicine 2200 Main St. (716) 200-4122

EATERIES Loretta’s Soulful Dining 479 Genesee * (716)854-2232

Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. (716) 812-0663

CLOTHING

Nette’s Fried Chicken 3118 Main St. * 715-9592

Level’s Apparel & Footwear 1455 Kensington (716) 832-0284

The Corner Store Deli & Grill 1733 Genesee * 895-2009

Salon Toss 2527 Delaware Ave. 894-8737

EM Tea Coffee Cup * 884-1444 2nd Cup * 840-0048

Franklins Interior / Exterior Concepts 105 Commonwealth (716) 235-8818

Miss JacQuis ExQuizit Beauty 2250 Main St. (716) 833-2250

Mr. Bones 893 Jefferson (716) 464-6794

CAFE’S

HOME IMPROVEMENT

DOG TRAINING

Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. (716) 835-0250

elitesolutionspresents@gmail.com

Zenner & Ritter 3404 Bailey (716) 833-2463

Miracle Tranition 2 3339 Genesee * 481-1321

Matties Restaurant 1412 Fillmore (716) 597-0755

Hazel Harris (716) 573-5240

HEATING & COOLING

West African Int. Market & Take Out 3125 Bailey Cookieland Group Day Care (716) 833-1971 24 Barthel Tomatoes Miss Cookie*893-0590 1393 Kensington

CHILD CARE

List Your Business TODAY!

HAIR SUPPLY Glamorous Beauty 1281 E. Delavan (716) 892-5821 Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

MEDICAL

ChallengerCN.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Princess Photography (716) 563-0994

REAL ESTATE Realty Edge Jeanette Lane (716)703-8424 Modeste Real Estate Josephine Latifa (716) 704-0685

TAILORS F&S Tailors 2930 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742 F&S Tailors & Fashions (716) 894-3742 wwwfandsfashions.com Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

TAX SERVICE L. Sessum Income Tax Service 1650 Fillmore (716) 894-4904

TOWING Ron’s Towing & Recovery (716) 892-2282

ONE STOP Mandella Market & Citgo Gas 272 E. Ferry cor. Jefferson 716-882-0288

PHONE SERVICE Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan (716) 551-0304

advertising pays. advertising@thechallengernews.com

7

PERCY PERRY continued

After we toured the ship, the Russian sailors had dinner waiting for us in their dining room. I remember eating steak with mash potatoes, gravy, vegetables roll and butter. The food was good. As we sat as the table the Russian sailors looked at us and we looked at them. We couldn’t s p e a k Russian and they couldn’t speak English. Our eyes met, we started smiling then grinning and then we all burst out laughing. The sincerity of peace, friendship and compassion was there and for a while we couldn’t stop laughing. The Russian ships began coming on a regular basis ships came night and day from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Russia. A year or so later the Vietnam War got worse and the Civil Rights riots broke out in Buffalo. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King had been assassinated and I thought the world was coming to an end. Dad took me to the grain elevators and another huge ship came in from Russia. We stood on top of the grain silos and looked over the city of Buffalo and there were fires everywhere billows of smoke rose from all over the city. Red lights from police cars and fire trucks were flashing and you could hear gunshots. It looked like war, the city was on fire. Dad said, “come on let’s get some grain in this ship.” I do believe that the grain America gave to Russia helped set the stage for peace between America and Russia. As the war in Vietnam and the civil rights movement escalated, the cold war melted. The threat of atomic war with Russia faded away and Percy Perry continued to fill those ships with grain. I will never forget the dinner we had with the Russians. The smiles, the laughter and the spirit of compassion let me know one truth. We are all the same everywhere. We all want the same thing Liberty, Freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness. (Submitted by Barney Blair Perry)


8

FAITH BASED Conference 2012:

“Unity in the Body of Christ” at Mt. Ararat Temple of Prayer

Dunamis Covenant Fellowship of Churches, Presiding Prelate, Bishop Dwight E. Brown, presents Conference 2012 “Unity in the Body of Christ” June 25 to June 29 at 6 p.m. at New Mt. Ararat Temple of Prayer, 971 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo.

worship this week!

JUNE 13, 2012

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Love Alive Church to Celebrate the 18th Pastoral Anniversary of The Rev. Dr.Jeffery Bowens & Co-Pastor Cynthia Bowens Love Alive church is celebrating the 18th Pastoral Anniversary of The Rev.Dr.Jeffery Bowens & Co-Pastor Cynthia Bowens Thursday June 14th @7pm & Sunday June 24th @ 10am & 5pm please contact 716-541-4689 for more information.

First Holy Temple F.G.B.C. to Present Film, “The Harbinger” First Holy Temple F.G.B.C., located at 703 Fillmore Avenue, will present “The Harbinger,” on Saturday, June 16 at 11 a.m. This movie will capture your attention regarding local and world events as we currently view our own daily news report Donation is $5. Refreshments will be served at a nominal cost. Apostle M. Daniel, Visionary. For more information call 896-3896. Email: firstholytemple@verizon.net

Pastor Creflo Dollar sets off debate on disciplining teens

Clinton McFarland, senior pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Lithonia and Atlanta, was preparing a series of sermons focused on family. When news broke that Fayette County police had arrested Dollar for allegedly assaulting his 15-yearold daughter, McFarland wrote a sympathetic Tweet: “God bless you @Creflo_Dollar. I know what you are going through.” Dollar said he was disciplining his daughter -- restraining her after she became disrespectful because he wouldn’t allow her to attend a party. Continued Page 9


9

JUNE 13, 2012

CREFLO DOLLAR

continued She claimed in the police report that Dollar choked her, grabbed her by the shoulders and threw her to the ground. “Prov 22:15 says, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” On Sunday, while Dollar was disputing the allegations at his World Changers Church International in College Park, Georgia.

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

The 7 Deadly Sins...

T

he Seven Deadly Sins, also known as the Capital Vices or Cardinal Sins, is a classification of vices (part of Christian ethics) that have been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct Christians concerning fallen humanity’s tendency to sin. They include: *Pride - excessive belief in one’s own abilities, that interferes with the individual’s recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity. *Envy - the desire for others’ traits, status, abilities, or situation. *Gluttony - an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. *Lust - an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. *Anger - manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath. *Greed - the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness. *Sloth - the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.

stop killin’...start chillin’,,,

LICENSED CHECK CASHING Western New York Check Services LLC 675 Fillmore Avenue Buffalo, NY 14212

Phone: 893-4193 (1 Block south of Broadway)

DON’T CASH YOUR CHECK ANYWHERE ELSE!!!

Maximum fee allowed by NYS Law is ONLY 1.91% — NO MORE! Examples: $100 check – our fee only $1.91 $500 check – our fee only $9.55

Never get ripped-off by an ILLEGAL Check Cashing Business AGAIN !!

Keep MORE money in your pocket~ Stop and See us TODAY!!

TAX RETURNS…Big or Small $$—We cash them ALL!!! Locally Owned & Operated

Monday ~ Saturday 9 AM to 4:30 PM

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


10 ENTERTAINMENT The Actor’s Spotlight: Willie Judson The Actor’s Spotlight @ Buffalo East 1410 Main St. is an event that showcases theatre veterans and up and coming actors, live and in their own words. Our first spotlighted actor is Artie Award winning, theatre veteranWillie Judson.

JUNE 13, 2012

Ujima Takes Home An Artie!

W

illie is an actor, writer, producer, artistic director, and theater veteran of more than 30 years who has appeared on many stages throughout Western New York. He is a co-founder of the People of Drama Acting Ensemble where he teaches the Stanislavski Method and has written & produced numerous original plays. Judson has studied drama at both Buffalo State College and Daemen College and formerly served as the Arts Director/Co-ordinator for the Friendship House Theatre and Arts Development Center. He has also worked as the Drama Director for the New York State Division of Youth at the African American Cultural Center (AACC). As an actor, Willie has been seen in a long list of productions including Ujima Theatre’s 2002 production of SOMEBODY CALLED as well as their 2005 production of MATTER OF INTENT and in the title role of the Irish Classical Theatre’s 2000 production of THE EMPEROR JONES. As a director, Willie most recently directed THE MIGHTY GENTS for the Paul Robeson Theatre. Willie made his first appearance with Subversive Theatre in the title role of Phillip Dean Hayes’ one-man biographical drama PAUL ROBESON SPEAKS OUT! This production originally debut at the New Phoenix Theatre in 2004 and has since been reprised at the University at Buffalo, Erie Community College Downtown Campus, The Faith Baptist Church of Buffalo, Bennett High School, Nichols High School, Amherst High School, and TheaterLoft. Willie once again portrayed Paul Robeson in our staged reading of ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN for May Day 2005. Willie Judson is an amazing credit to local theatre!

The Winning Cast: Shanntina Moore, Kunjane LyonsLatimer, Fredrica Germany, Dayatra Hassan, Aitina Fareed, Zoë Scruggs, Saron Ephraim, & India Moss.

Ujima Theatre took home an Artie award for Outstanding Ensemble of a Play for “Colored Girls” during the 22nd Annual Artie Awards, Buffalo’s annual theater awards held June 4th at the Town Ballroom. Congratulation to Ujima founder and director Lorna Hill and her awesome team and to the amazingly talented ensemble who performed the play!

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Shopping Trip to New York City and NJ Premium Outlets A shopping trip to New York City and the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in New Jersey has been set for August 18 with a return date of August 19. The overnight trip will cost $160 and up depending on occupancy. No children under the age of three are allowed. For more information contact Leah at (716) 525-8276; Alisha at (716)2028692; or Javon at (716) 2531625, or email eliteent.elite@ gmail.com The first deposit is due by June 30.


JUNE 13, 2012

11

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

on stage

AROUND TOWN Marnetta Saturday, June 16 2nd Buffalo/Niagara International Poetry Slam …The Tralf… 8pm $600 in cash prizes… tickets $20 in advance…$15 students/seniors…$25 at the door…and ticketmaster.com Call 716-553-9491 for more info…Another Njozi Promotions Joint! Saturday & Sunday , June 16 & 17 Juneteenth Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Park…the 2nd largest in the nation…exhibits, entertainment and much more… not to mention the best parade in the city!!!

Saturday & Sunday , June 23, 24 Buffalo United Front Inc. presents Family Fishing Day 2012 7am – 7pm Broderick Park(site of the historic Undergroung Railroad site)…1170 Niagara St.(foot of Ferry)…games, prizes and a good time…. Saturday, June 16 : 2nd Buffalo/Niagara International Poetry Slam …The Tralf… 8pm $600 in cash prizes… tickets $20 in advance…$15 students/seniors…$25 at the door…and ticketmaster.com Call 716-553-9491 for more info…

EAST SIDE MOMMAS: When Destiny Livingston recovered from the shock of finding her 15 year old son had been sentenced to life in prison for murder, she started making her first priority to visit Troy weekly bringing food, cigarettes, clothing and cash to keep him comfortable in his confinement. Three years later, her younger son, Davon, is acting out his resentment of the “unfair treatment” he is receiving by cutting school, hanging out on the corners with his gang and smoking weed. Destiny’s social worker salary barely covers her family’s needs and when Troy demands a “paid lawyer “so he can file an appeal, Destiny must devise a way of earning some extra income. The play “East Side Mommas” by Anne Porter Paris is directed by June Duell in the latest production at Buffalo East, 1410 Main Street on June 14,15,& 16 at 8pm; 884-3315 for tickets. *June 7th – 21st …..Road Less Traveled Productions inside The Market Arcade Theatre presents AWriting4MyLifeProduction of “No Stage” by Archie ‘The Messenger’ and Lyrical ‘ The Lyricist.” Showtimes Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm, general admission tickets - $20 students $15 seniors $10 at ticketmaster.com For more information 444-3016 or online at TonyShep.com

*Ngozi Promotions Poetry Slam, Saturday June 16, The Marquee at the Tralf, 622 Main Street, $20 advance. $15 students. $25 @ door; 553-9491.

Party Over Here! *IT’S GOING DOWN! A Social Cabaret Summer Dance Party Special, Friday, June 29, 7 p.m. to midnight, Schiller Park Center, 2057 Genesee St. @ Kern; $15 cover, hosted by Darel & Cheri; Chicago Stepping workshop, Open dancing, Urban Ballroom Line Dancing, Swing and more; DJ Doc; (716) 200-9702.

EXHIBITS

*Charlie Murphy’s Acid Trip Tour, Thursday June 28, with Faizon Love/Feeze Lu, 7:30 Auditorium Theatre, downtown Rochester. Tickets @ Mad Flavors, 185 Lyell Ave Rochester and Doris Records, 286 E. Ferry Buffalo; Ticketmaster.com 1.800.745.3000

*NEGRAS EROS June 2130, Thur-Sat 8 p.m.Buffalo East, 1410 Main St. 14209 (across from the Utica St. train station); $10 opening night, $15 all additional performances. For mature audiences only. . The actors from left to right are; April Jones, Shawnell Tillery and Sarielys Matos.

Spring to Summer Art Exhibit: At El Buen *Ziggy Marley @ Artpark Amigo A Spring to Summer Art Exhibit: is currently on display at El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Avenue for the month of June. daily from 11-7, Mon-Sat, and 11-5 on Sundays. The exhibit includes works by: Toni Gigante, photographs and famous faces in acrylics; Diane Menchetti and Eva Manchetti, mixed media designs; Duygu Sarac Altintas, watercolors; Judy Gerich, photography; Jean Gerich, oil paintings; and Natalie Gerich Brabson, photographs. For more information call 716-885-6343. * “East Side Mommas,” a play by Anne Porter Paris, directed by June Duell, “at Buffalo East, 1410 Main Street on June 14,15,& 16 at 8pm; 8843315 for tickets.

(450 South 4th Street, Lewiston) Wednesday June 20, FREE outdoor concert, 6:309:30; Coors Light Wednesdays (parking fee $10). 716754-4375 *June 7th – 21st …..Road Less Traveled Productions inside The Market Arcade Theatre presents “No Stage” by Archie ‘The Messenger’ and Lyrical ‘ The Lyricist. Showtimes Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2p.m.; general admission $20 students $15 seniors $10. at ticketmaster.com 4443016.

see you at the events


JUNE 13, 2012

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

It’s Gametime!!!

GENERATIONS

Bryauna Lewis, is Named Junetenth Parade Queen! Bryauna Denine Lewis has been named “Juneteenth Parade Queen 2012.” The daughter of Marilyn and Donell Gibson and Timothy Lewis, she is an 18 year-old graduate of Frederick Olmstead #56 Junior high-school and is currently a Senior at Hutchinson Central Technical High School where she majors in Electrical Engineering. Since her early years of schooling, Bryauna has been an honor student and was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. She received an academic scholarship to attend Niagara University in the Accounting program, and plans to pursue a degree in Accounting.

Now Open!: It took the visionaries at Game Time Experience

a while to get things up and running, but their perseverance has paid off! Game Time, located at 1210 Broadway and Lathrop, is now open Tuesday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to games, The Experience offers school field trips, birthday party facilities, tournaments, games for purchase and more! Call 939-3149 for more information. Bring the kids and get your “groom on” at The Groom Zone (right next to the Game Room) the home of Buffalo’s “official Barbers.” 939-3149.

Bryauna is a very active and energetic young lady. Since the age of three she has danced at Miss Barbara's School of Dance and has competed in several dance competitions. She is currently a praise dancer at her church, Elim Christian Fellowship, where the pastor is Bishop T. Anthony Bronner. There Bryauna is also active in the youth ministry and the girls mentoring program entitled Girls 2 Women. Bryauna has received various awards for her community

Camp A.L.I.V.E.

Love Alive Church Presents, Camp A.L.I.V.E. Summer Day Camp, Monday July 9th-Friday August 24th 2012, 8am-5pm daily. Ages 5-11, Please Call 716-541-4689 for more Information.

Camp JOY Summer Day Camp Registration

Bryauna Denine Lewis

service work to include the Christopher Columbus Service Award. She is considered as being a leader and not a follower amongst her peers. For the past 3 years, to include the summer months, Bryauna devotes her time to spreading the message of peace within the community with the Stop The Violence Coalition Inc. The Juneteenth Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. sharp on Saturaday, June 16 from the corners of Genesee & Wende and proceeds down Genesee into MLK Park Followed by Festivities in Park until 8:00 p.m. (See complete schedule Page 13) Congratulations Bryauna. See you in the parade!!

Camp JOY Summer Day Camp is now accepting registration for its four-week summer program for children in Kindergarten thru 6th grade. The summer camp, sponsored by The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 26 Brunswick Blvd. begins on July 9 and runs through August 3 Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The structured camp program includes nutritious breakfast and lunch, reading, writing and math enrichment, arts and crafts, music, movement, and field trips. The camp program provides children a fun and enriching summer experience with activities that develop and stimulate the mind in a safe, fun and friendly environment. Registration is limited and will be accepted from June 11th thru June 30th on a first come, first served basis. The cost is $25 per week. For more information and application call 8851108. Barbara D. Glover, Director. Robert Spilman, Pastor.

12 African Cultural Center Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Program Register Now for 2012 Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Program Fun at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue. The day camp runs Monday through Friday, June 27th – August 26th from 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. The program serves Buffalo families with children ages 6 to 12. Activities for this summer include Creative Arts, Entrepreneurship, Hip-Hop, Poetry, Music Video Production, Vocal Expression and other fun and educational classes instructed by AACC staff and qualified community supporters. For information and questions, contact: Tammy Gaines, Program Coordinator 884-2013.

Summer Adventure Day Camp at Delavan-Grider

The Delavan Grider Community Center located at 877 East Delavan Ave is offering a Summer Adventure Day Camp June 25 to August 17 Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for ages 4-13. Activities include weekly field trips, Mayor Brown’s Summer Reading Challenge, Sports, Gym and Fitness Activities, Arts and Crafts, Academic Enrichment Activities and Weekly Themes. Breakfast, Lunch and snack will be provided. Plenty of space is available. For registration and fee information contact Heather Sengbusch at 896-7021.


13 ChallengerCN.com 2012 Juneteenth is America’s 2nd Independence Day Juneteenth Schedule of Celebration Events

• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •

By Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.

J

uneteenth is America’s 2nd Independence Day celebration. Americans of African descent were trapped in the tyranny of enslavement on the country’s first “4th of July”, 1776, Independence Day. It took over 88 years for the news of freedom to be announced in Southwest Texas, the last southern state in rebellion during the Civil War, where enslavement was allowed, over two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln. The dynamic leadership of abolitionist Frederick Douglass was very important to the ending of enslavement in America. 41 states recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or state holiday observance, the District of Columbia, as well as the Congress of the United States. We join our ancestors, Americans of African descent, in the celebration of the announcement of freedom, on the “19th of June”, Juneteenth. It was the 13th Amendment passed by the U.S. Congress on December 6, 1865, and signed by the Secretary of State on December 18, 1865, that was the legal action that ended enslavement in America. The “Modern Juneteenth Movement” recognizes and supports Juneteenth as our National Freedom Day, when we come together as Americans to celebrate freedom from enslavement in the nation. The “19th of June” and the “4th of July” completes the cycle of Independence Day celebrations in America. You can not celebrate freedom in America without both days. Together we will see Juneteenth become a national holiday observance in America! Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D., aka “DOC,” of Belzoni, Mississippi, is Chairman of the National Juneteenth www.NationalJuneteenth.com

Sabres Street Program in Lackawanna Launched as part of Mount Olive Church’s Youth Day 2012 State Senator Tim Kennedy and Rev. Dion Watkins, pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church have announced the Buffalo Sabres are bringing their Sabres Street mobile hockey program to the streets of Lackawanna this summer. The press conference is planned for 9:50 a.m. Sunday, prior to church services at Mt. Olive Church in Lackawanna. The full Sabres Street program began Monday, June 11, at 4:30 p.m. in the church parking lot, 66 Wasson Avenue. Lackawanna youth, ages 6 to 15, are invited to participate. The Buffalo Sabres will also participated in Mount Olive’s Youth Day 2012 last Sunday with games and giveaways for children. The Sabres Street program focuses on fostering hockey skills and sportsmanship among young Western New Yorkers. The 90-minute program features 45 minutes of instruction from members of the Buffalo Sabres Alumni. Instruction focuses on teaching basic hockey skills, including stick handling, passing and shooting. Participating youth then team up and play a game for the last 45 minutes of the program. The Sabres plan to offer this program multiple times throughout the summer at Mount Olive Church. Lackawanna children are encouraged to participate each time it’s offered. Senator Kennedy brought together Sabres’ officials and the leadership at Mount Olive Church to help launch this new partnership that will focus on engaging Lackawanna youth in opportunities to learn hockey skills and improve physical fitness.

Juneteenth Festival, Inc. 1517 Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York 14211 Telephone 716.891.8801

est in the country. Its mission is to “actively preserve and promote the broad spectrum Breaking the Invisible Chains of African American heritage through educational and culEvent: 37th Consecutive Ju- tural activities that will benefit neteenth Festival of Buffalo the community as a whole.” Date: Saturday, June 16th & Sunday June 17th, 2012 Place: Martin Luther King Pre - Festival Events Jr. Park Mark your calendars now!!! Saturday, June 9th: “GiT On Don’t miss out!!! Da Bus” Juneteenth Festival Headquarters – 1517 Genesee Saturday Schedule: June 16th St. Meet at 3:30 p.m. Bus Praise & Worship 9:00 a.m. – leaves at 4:00 p.m. Returns 11:00 7:00 p.m. (Sponsored by WUFO Radio A journey to many important Station) sites in the city with storytelling at each site. Juneteenth Parade Sponsor by theTradition KeepParade begins at 11:00 a.m. ers. For more information call sharp from the corners of 716-883-4418 Genesee & Wende proceeds down Genesee into Saturday, June 9th : Youth MLK Park. Activities: June – Teen Talk Followed Forum: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. by Festivities in Park until @ the Buffalo Museum of 8:00 p.m. Science. For more information call 716-891-8801. Saturday and Sunday: June 16th & 17th: Friday, June 15th: Prayer, The Art Chalk Walk: Spon- Praise, and Worship: at 6:00 sored by the Buffalo Board of p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Education. Fillmore Street (In front of the Martin L. King Jr. Bust) Saturday, June 16th: Girls Basketball Showcase. Sunday, June 17th: Girls 2012 June – Teen Activity and Boys Basketball ShowSchedule case. Sunday Schedule: June 17

June 16 & 17: Sunday and Saturday: Youth Adventure: Praise & Worship 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 – 6:00 p.m. 12:00noon Location: Behind the Casino (sponsored by WUFO Ra- @ MLK Park dioStation) Followed by festivities in the June 17th: Sunday: June-Teen: park until 8:00 p.m. Live play at 2:00 p.m. Talent Show from 4:00 p.m. *Festivities include: Enter- 6:00 pm: Location: back of tainment stage, Arts and Cul- the Museum of Science. ture stage, Vendor’s Market, Food Court, Health Pavilion, Healing tent, Family PorSCHEDULE OF OTHtrait Booth, Book Fair, HisER ACTIVITSES ON torical exhibits, Re-enacting MAIN STAGE historical events in history, ENTERTAINMENT Children’s Activities, Girls & Boys Basketball Showcase, June 16th, Saturday: 2:00 – Youth Activities, Under- 2:45pm - Kenny Berry; 3:00 ground Railroad Tours and – 4:00pm - The Intruders; more! 4:15 – 5:15 pm – Rey Scott; 5:30 – 6:30 pm - Juanita SimCome and enjoy a fun-filled mons; 6:45 – 8:00 pm – Will weekend for the entire fami- Holton ly! The Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, NY is the third larg- June 17th, Sunday: 1:00 – 2:00

pm – Kissena; 2:15 – 3:30 pm – Larry Salter’s Big Band; 3:45 – 5:00 pm Al Ferguson; 5:15 – 6:15 pm Old School BBoys; 6:30 – 7:00 - New Beginnings; Unity Band 7:15 – 8:00 Finale. Underground Railroad Tours - June 16th , Saturday/ June 17th, Sunday Time: 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, Location of pick up site: Best & Fillmore Sponsor: Juneteenth Festival Inc. Health Fair - June 16th and June 17th: - Time: 12:00 Noon – 6:00 pm Location: Vendors alley on Fillmore near Martin Luther King Drive Sponsor: Great Lakes Health (Kaleida Health/E.C.M.C) Children’s Activity Tent: June 16th & 17th Time: 1:00 PM to 6::00 PM. Location: Tennis Courts. Book Fair: June 16th and 17th Time: 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Location: Near the Martin Luther King Jr. Bust on Fillmore Street. Sponsor: HSBC Bank and Project Flight Arts & Culture Stage: June 16th & 17th at Fillmore and Parade Streets Heritage Tent: June 16th and June 17th Displays of African artifacts, veterans display, brochures of heritage information @ the corner of Best and Fillmore in Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Times: from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Family Photos: Saturday, June 16th Time: 1:00 - 6:00 pm /Sunday, June 17th 1:00 -6:00 pm Location: Fillmore Street. Sponsor: Locust Street Art Program African Drum and Dance: Sunday, June 17th Time: Drum Class - 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and Dance Class from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Location: Near Tennis Courts

Sankofa Days Events Schedule “ Go Back, Fetch and Return” : Focus: Saying No To Slavery: Now and Forever Wednesday, June 13th: Black Social Workers 6:00 – 8 p.m. Gateway Longview Family Recourse Center, 3475 E. Ferry Street. Presenting: The New Jim Crow – people not understanding the law and social system. Featuring Sam Radford, Pastor Gelsey, Atty. Anthony Pendergrass, Black Social Workers of WNY. Thursday, June 14th: Jamaican American Association 6:00 – 8 p.m. Jamaica 50th Anniversary of Independence, History of Jamaica Location: African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Ave. Friday, June 15th: MAAFA: 6:00 – 8 p.m. Juneteenth Headquarters ,1517 Genesee Street to Dusk, then assembly at Broderick park “foot of Ferry” for MAAFA (memorial and healing ceremony for our ancestors who were affected by the slave trade and the upheaval of pre-colonial African society).Featuring Dr. Maat E.L. Lewis. Spiritual Breathworks and Your Mental Health; Message on Project Access To A-Free-Ka. Friday, June 15th: Juneteenth Social 8:30 – 10 p.m. At the Big 6, corner of 386 Fox and E. North A meet and greet of local and out-of-town participants of Juneteenth Festival. For more informationabout Sankofa Days contact Ras Jomo at 716-948-5738 or email accesstoafreeka@hotmail.com

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH!


EDITORIAL 14 ChallengerCN.com Victory! Parent Power Forces Teacher Evaluations!

Y

es! We did it! Parents won a $55.6 million victory recently, when the Buffalo Teacher’s Federation (BTF) finally signed the evaluation document that was required before the schools could get those funds. Did you miss the announcement? It didn’t come with any fanfare. There were no balloons or confetti or colorful streamers. There certainly was no big, bodacious announcement that the relentless pounding of responsible parents had broken through the union’s resistance like a battering ram. Oh no, quite the contrary! Instead, the BTF and interim superintendent Amber Dixon clasped hands, and announced that the final agreement was the result of their own “effective collaboration.” Ms. Dixon is quoted as saying: “This shows what happens when we both agree to go back and try one more time,” Wow. What skill it must have taken to resolve three years of stubborn refusals on the part of the teachers union to sign off! What powerful negotiating must have happened in those final moments with these two oh-so-cooperative parties – to then emerge with a document that’s “nearly identical to one that the union’s council of delegates rejected in late March.” Yes, it’s true. The only “change” in the agreement is that teachers at two Sabirah schools that have a large number of English Language Learners will have 2 Muhammad points added to their evaluations. Two Schools. And the minor allowance for schools with a high absenteeism rate? It’s the same one that the union rejected in March. Can you say uncle? Here’s what really happened. In year one of Race To the Top funding, Superintendent James Williams gave in to the Teachers Union’s refusal to move principles to other buildings, and Buffalo lost millions. In year two, the Teachers union refused to move teachers to other buildings, and again, the schools lost millions. In year three, the union refused to be evaluated, at which point parents assured them that we would not tolerate a repeat of the last two years. It had become clear to us that it was not in the best interests of the union to fix a system that, by its definition, was not broken. Moving teachers and submitting to a real evaluation process would expose the cracks and corners in which incompetent teachers were being hidden and protected by the union. It was on. We organized huge parent assemblies, attended by board representatives, city and state legislators, and US Department of Education representatives. We held a huge rally on the steps of City Hall, attended by hundreds. The flurry of activity caught the attention of the governor and the White house, as well as the national news media. CNN, Good morning America, and even Fox news covered our events. Finally, the State Education Commissioner had the support that he needed to draw a hard line, and he did. He stopped the money, insisting that the teachers sign the evaluation agreement. In the past, they had always held up our children like body armor, claiming that if the state cut off the funds, it was the children who would be hurt. True, but now parents were exposing the fact that it wasn’t the state that was doing the hurting, it was the teachers union. When we forced the issues out into the open, outside influences converged to force movement…moneyed interests who also cared nothing about our babies, so the result was the sacrificing of James Williams and Deputy Superintendent Falasade Oladele. More emails, more phone calls to board representatives, more parent meetings and trainings. Council member Demone Smith agreed to hold a town hall meeting in the council chambers. Ellicott District Councilman and Pastor Darius Pridgen gave unwavering support. Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples introduced legislation in the Albany that will give parents even more decision making power in the schools. Councilman Michael Kerns voiced his support. Community activists gave their organizational skills and years of expertise to the effort. We arranged to meet with State Education Commissioner John King, and asked him to extend the deadline for the SIG funds, giving us more time to keep fighting for our children – and he agreed. Other unions throughout the state were holding their breath, hoping that at least the Buffalo chapter would be able to hold onto their good thing. But the governor, also buoyed by parent power, came around the bend and gave us some back. He too withheld funding on condition of the evaluation agreement. On to the BTF’s headquarters! Our brothers responded to the call to rally right on the union’s front yard. Then they and other parents showed up at the BTF’s state- wide convention, where they were quickly invited in to minimize the bad publicity. There, in impromptu negotiations, parents made it clear that we would not back down. At whatever point it became clear that the union could no longer afford the pounding, and that they would have to sign the evaluation, it was also decided that it absolutely could not look like a victory for parents. It’s for that reason that we pause, taking the time to make it absolutely clear – that this is a victory for parents! We pause to say thank you, to every parent, grandparent, concerned community member, Auntie, Uncle, organizer, organization, everyone who stood up to fight for our children. We have to know that this is a victory, for the same reason that the teachers union and some in the administration want to down play it. There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come. It’s imperative that we grasp the idea of our children playing or learning safely inside the sanctums of their own community schools. No more portable basketball hoops in the streets for our boys; there’s a spacious gym right there in the school! There’s state-of-the-art recording equipment right there in

Continued Page 15

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 “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

Online at ChallengerCN.com

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •

A Response to Say Yes to Education, Letters to the New Superintendent Book Project, Call for Letters Madness...

By Kat Massey The recent Everybody’s Column comments from Carl Paladino in the major media, who perhaps ranks among the highest of those individuals inimitable in unmitigated gall, demonstrate a true farce ─ not the superintendent search. Mr.Paladino’s opinion/ voice, in print and in-person, is heavy in baritone pitch and rants but characteristically very low keyed in substance. Much of his stance defense is in a ‘calculated’ mode of offense or not worth a six pence. He made the following “points” in his artice: Example: "We have previously hired unfit people for no good reason other than they were black and from someplace else." Regarding "unfit people," the man is tenacious in his disregard and disrespect for high credentials, selectively. The former superintendents, James Harris and James Williams have doctorate degrees. One "from someplace else" superintendent candidate (Pamela Brown) has doctorates from Harvard. (Her academic portfolio is broadened by a bachelor's in Spanish from Stanford University.) All have extensive, relevant experience. Example: “They hired a searchcompany to see who wanted the job?” [Dah! Appropriate! That's sufficient to address the absurdity.] Example: “The Black Sisterhood [i.e., black school board members] complicit with Phil Rumore . . . can control the actions of an incompetent superintendent if the person is from out of the area . . . .” (Note: He mentions that the interim superintendent has “many strong supporters in the system . . .” That would significantly include Buffalo Teachers Federation union members; many of them are white. Mr. Paladino doesn’t designate them as Ms. Dixon’s White Sisterhood/Brotherhood or assign her possible complicity with Mr. Rumore, her union leader when she was a teacher.) The hollow accusation displays more of his premeditat-

Dear Buffalo City Public Schools Stakeholders: Buffalo is a very special city and so are the Buffalo Public Schools and the community it serves. Like similar urban school districts across the country, numerous changes in public education are being initiated and supported by a broad array of community stakeholders. Each contributes to and challenges the District to change dramatically to meet the needs of all of its students and their families. Together they provide a rich tapestry of strategies to tackle tough issues including parent engagement, persistently low achieving schools with high absenteeism and low graduation rates; teacher evaluation,enhancing Dr. Bertram science and math education, English language programs for immigrant and refugee families and others. Educational specialists with a national experience in public education also offer strategies to assist the District including selection of a new Superintendent. Say Yes to Education is only one of numerous groups working to help the Buffalo Public Schools to grow and flourish.Among its many strategies to enhance public education in Buffalo, Say Yes to Education is asking community stakeholders to support the search for a new Superintendent by launching the Letters to the New Superintendent Book Project. This letter extends an invitation to you to write a letter to the new Superintendent sharing your hopes, dreams and aspirations for Buffalo Public Schools. These letters will become the first book written by stakeholders for a Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools. The book, tentatively titled, Letters to the New Superintendent, Buffalo Public Schools in the Twenty First Century will be presented to the new Superintendent so that he/she can experience the sentiments of the community whose children he/she will serve. The book will contain at least 100-120 letters. For non-English speaking parents, students and other stakeholders, your letters can be written in your native tongue and will be translated for the book. Each will appear in the book. Submit your letters at peggybrooksbertram.sequent-tech.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Peggy Brooks-Bertram, Dr.P.H., Ph.D., Jehudi Educational Services, P.O. Box 222, Buffalo, New York 14214 ed usage of ethnically dipped wording to divert focus from the truth and his unfounded allegations. It invites the support of biased ones who would oppose any black superintendent regardless of his or her major accomplishments in Buffalo’s district or any other school system. He also slams the dysfunction of the system and raises the question, “How long before we run them all out town?” Should Chris Jacobs, his reported son-in-law, be grandfathered into such an effort, since he was a school board member until recently? Amber Dixon is bestowed lofty praise, and he strongly endorses her for the superintendent position. He gives her excessive credits for her mere

• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m. We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.

ten months of job exposure. Noticeably, he must have had opinion stenosis and covered eyes when she was chosen for interim superintendent ─ in spite of her medium range academic degree and administrative background. Déjà vu is painfully in the air. Once again, off-the-mark, intrusive, self-interested, negative forces are in-play. School board members must reject interference and repel deflection from the critical mission of selecting the “best qualified” superintendent. By elimination, approximately 30 candidates from a nation-wide search has produced 3 finalists. We cannot allow a derailment of the righteous choice who must serve and be tuned into the tremendous needs of the STUDENTS. ADVERTISING adver tising@thechallengernews.com

NEWS & PRESS RELEASES News@ChallengerCN.com ANONYMOUS NEWS TIPS Tips@ChallengerCN.com GENERAL INFO Contact@ChallengerCN.com


JUNE 13, 2012

EDITORIAL

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

CULTURAL CENTER LYOUTH contiued

about 1973. Steve McMillion Jr. is the current program director; Earmie Beason is assistant director. “We are now serving second and third generations, which reflect on our long-standing influence on young people who became adults that now bring their children and grandchildren to us,...” Although Brice currently is not enrolled in AACC programs, he fits time into his busy schedule to visit. “I come to visit Ms. Banner and Ms. Bain. They are two people I really have a lot of

VICTORY! continued

Performing Arts! If we’re clear on what we’ve done, we’ll see more clearly what we can do. Know that teachers and prin-

cipals and board members would have us believe that the schools belong to them, when in fact, they belong to us. Our tax dollars pay for those buildings, and we elect the board members. Dance a little jig in your living room, and get ready for the next round. They’ve actually cancelled summer school for grades k-6 in order to pay for the teachers’ $5 million cosmetic surgery rider! There’s more SIG fund money at risk, our men still can’t coach our boys on the school teams, money meant for our children continues to evaporate, and 53% of them never graduate! Excessive suspensions and so many more problems await our attention, not the least of which is the selection of a new superintendent. Get on board with this effort. Call the Millions More Movement to become a part of our data base, so we can keep you informed and let you know how you can help. (716) 819-6732.

-24He who stands on tip toe doesn’t stand firm. He who rushes ahead Doesn’t go far. He who tries to shine Dims his own light. He who defines himself Can’t know who he really is. He who has power over others can’t empower himself. He who clings to his work Will create nothing that endures. If you want to accord with the Tao Just do your job, then let go.

respect for.” As part of the Buffalo State College “Say Yes” Program, Brice is planning to become an electrical engineer after high school graduation. “I believe the African American Cultural Center brought me to where I am,” he says. “It gets into your head. People here push you to your max… to get the job done.” NOTE: This is a “mini-story”. Here is some additional information: Steve McMillion Jr. is the director of the Educational Directives After School Program; Earmie Beason is the assistant director. The program was launched as an AACC component circa 1973. “We are now serving second and third generations, which reflect on our long-standing influence on young people who became adults that now bring their children and grandchildren to us...”

T

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO BLACK FATHERS

his year, Black Fathers, I salute you. Our family would not exist and cannot stand without you. You are our children's teachers. It is your wisdom our sons need to become men of honor, integrity, and strength. It is your sincerity and insight our daughters need to protect their purity and innocence. You are our foundation. It is your judgment that we need to help us make more logical decisions rather than emotional ones. Black Fathers you have paved the way for us in so many ways. It was a Black Father (Frederick Douglass) who put his own freedom at risk by becoming an outspoken advocate of anti-slavery in an endless fight for our family. It was a Black Father (Brother Malcolm X) who suffered for reminding us that our ancestors were real kings and queens who, by the way, left us an inheritance that, if claimed today, would restore Black Fathers to their rightful seat of kingship. It was a Black Father (The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) who traded his life for our right to be treated fairly in a country, that once upon a time, did not acknowledge us as members of the human race. And it was a Black Father (President Barack Obama) who proved that the sacrifices he's made and the sacrifices of the ones before him were not in vain when he became the first Black President of the United States of America!

AACC Executive Director Agnes M. Bain

You have endured so much in your lives- past and present, Black Fathers, and in spite of the adversity and misfortune you are faced with daily, you have never let your crown fall. You have managed to keep your head held high. You are the kings. We are the queens. Our children are the princes and princesses. Together we stand as members of the royal family, but divided we cannot stand at all.

HUA HU CHING

You are majestic and so worthy of honor and respect. As society would have it Father's day is just one day out of the year, but it is actually a year 'round event. Black fathers everywhere, I salute you today, tomorrow, and always.

Seventy-Five Would you like to liberate yourself from the lower realms of life? Would you like to save the world from the degradation and destruction it seems destined for? Then step away from shallow mass movements and quietly go to work on your own selfawareness. If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, Then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation. So find a teacher who is an integral being, a beacon who extends his light and virtue with equal ease to those who appreciate him and those who don’t. Shape yourself in his mold, bathe in his nourishing radiance, and reflect it out to the rest of the world. You will come to understand an eternal truth: there is always a peaceful home for a virtuous being.

15

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Sheba Jordan

Black Fathers! Our Heroes! W

e’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate all of the good Black men out there. That’s right - stand up and take a bow! God knows you deserve some good, positive press. Black men have been maligned, disparaged, and disregarded in the press. Not all Black men are villains - many are heroes.

All Black men are not gangsters, killers, thieves, liars, drug dealers, child abusers, or dead beat dads. There are those who have beat the odds, who have achieved in their respective professions, who love their wives and families, who try daily to do the right thing. These men are not blazoned across our television screens (although they should be), but rather, they are our quiet heroes, who set examples daily by their good works, strong moral fiber, their leadership in their homes, their professions, and their communities. They are our daily role models - go-

ing to work every day, quietly setting positive examples for our youth, often without fanfare or reward. That’s why ...we’d like to give the good Black men out there a “standing ovation” and declare them our “heroes”. Hero can be defined as “somebody who commits an act of remarkable bravery or who has shown great courage, strength of character, or another admirable quality”; somebody who is admired and looked up to for outstanding qualities or achievements. Who better to wear this honor than the Black fathers, sons, and brothers who get up each day, take on the days’ challenges, to make their place in the world - a world that is often suspect, hostile, jealous and resentful of their contributions. Make no mistake, being a Black man is hard work - every day. So, in celebrating all good

A TRIBUTE: Fathers and their sons...Top photo, Shawn Wilson Sr. and sons Shawn, Cameron and Kai. Collage: First row from top L-R: The Moons fathers and sons, Rob Jackson and sons, Maurice Burse and sons, Willie Earl and son, Clement D. Hutchinson Jr. and son Josiah Myles. 2nd row: Derrick Hennings and son Damir, Mr. Bones and sons, Garry S. Gunner R. and Malik Gunner, Terrance Dandridge and son, Michael Ray Jackson and sons Michael Ray Jr. and Malachi; 3rd row: Clifford Washington and Clifford Jr., Superintendent Lewis and Elder Daniel A. Lewis, Billie Banks and grandson Damir, Damien Littleton and sons, John Banks and Tyrell, Charles Banks and son Marcus. 4th Row: Darryl Stuckey and son and dad, Eddie Woods Jr. and Sr., Mack Luchey and sons Pete and Derrick, Tariq Hakim and son Idris Abdul, Phil Davis and son. Congratulations!

Black Men, we salute you and encourage you to take on one more challenge: to get healthy and stay healthy. And if you’re in shape, encourage your male friends to get in shape too. You know the statistics: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black men, on average live to age 69.7 years compared to white men (75.7 years). There’s nothing funny about the jokes told about Black men needing to collect social security at age 35 because they won’t live long enough to collect social security benefits at age 65. Vow to be one of the Black men that changes those dismal statistics. There is no macho value in neglecting your health, carrying

around extra weight, neglecting control of your blood pressure and blood sugar, smoking, doing drugs, practicing unsafe sex, not exercising, not visiting your doctor, not getting your check-ups, and not listening to your body. Real heroes respect themselves - and that includes their bodies. You can’t help anyone if you’re sick (or dead). We desperately need you around for as long as possible, healthy, clear thinking, and strong so that you can continue your good work and contributions to your families and to our community! -Dr. Mary S. Harris (Excerpted from Journey to Wellness, an On Line Health Magazine for African Americans)


JUNE 13, 2012

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

bids NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the Erie County Sewer District No. 3, Charlotte, Sherburn, and McKinley Pumping Station Elimination Project and the Brookwood Pumping Station Demolition Project, Contract No. 40 will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning on June 27, 2012 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. The contract is located in the Village of Hamburg. The work includes installation of 2800 LF ± of 10 inch diameter and 1565 LF of 8 inch diameter sewers, including manholes and lateral reconnections and all other appurtenances necessary to abandon and demolish the Charlotte, Sherburn, and McKinley Pumping Station. Demolition of the Brookwood Pumping Station is also included in the contract. Bidders are advised that a pre-bid meeting for the construction of this project is scheduled for June 20, 2012, at 11:00 A.M., at the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning 95 Franklin Street, Room 1004, Buffalo, New York 14202. Copies of the Contract documents, plans and specifications may be examined and purchased at the office of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, 10th Floor, 95 Franklin St. Buffalo, New York 14202. Related information and a listing of prospective bidders can be found in Business Center, “Construction Bids and Engineering Proposals: on the Erie County Web Page @ WWW.ERIE.GOV The deposit for each set of contract documents shall be $100.00 in the form of two checks or money orders, each in the amount of one-half the deposit, and made payable to the Erie County Comptroller. Any bidder requesting a set of plans and specifications mailed to their office must arrange for a pre-paid delivery service or mail carrier. The Carrier shall be directed to Erie County Division of Sewerage Management 95 Franklin St – Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202 The envelope containing the bid must be sealed, addressed to the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning and must be clearly and correctly designated as “Erie County Sewer District No. 3, Charlotte, Sherburn, and McKinley Pumping Station Elimination Project, Contract No. 40. Any bid not delivered in person shall be mailed to the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York 14202, and received prior to the time set for the bid opening. Any bidder returning such plans and specifications in good condition within thirty (30) days following the award of the contract or the rejection of bids will be refunded the full amount of the deposit. Non-bidders will be refunded one-half the deposit. Any bidder requesting more than one (1) set of plans and specifications may purchase the excess, but it is understood that they are not returnable. No refund will be made for documents returned after the thirty-day period. Erie County Sewer District No. 3 is an exempt organization under the Tax Law, and is exempt from payment of Sales and Compensating Use Taxes which are to be incorporated into the project and which are to be separately sold by the Contractors to the Owner prior to incorporation into the project, pursuant to the provisions of the contract. These taxes are not to be included in the bid. Sales tax will be due on all materials purchased by a Contractor which are either “consumable” or rental property used by the Contractor in connection with the construction or repair. Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the Erie County Comptroller or by a bid bond from a surety company acceptable to the County Attorney, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total base bid, as surety for execution of the contract. The successful bidder will be required to furnish Payment and Performance Bond, each in an amount equal to 100 percent of the contract award. The attention of the bidder is called particularly to the provisions of Erie County Local Law No. 2-2006, known as the “Erie County Workforce Development and Diversification New York State Certified Worker Training Program”, to have in place and provide written proof at the time of bid, a New York State Certified Worker Training Program, either intentional to the Contractor or Subcontractor and/or through an organization servicing several Contractors or Subcontractors, appropriate for the type and scope of work to be performed. Attention of the bidder is called particularly to requirements with respect to conditions of employment to be observed, minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, Affirmative Action requirements for Equal Employment Opportunity, along with the Minority Business Enterprise Utilization Commitment. The attention of the bidder is called to the provisions of Article 5A of the General Municipal Law which requires the bidder to execute a certificate of non-collusion and to conform with the other provisions of Article 5A outlined in the specifications. A form for such certificate accompanies the bid form. Unless it is property executed, the bid will not be accepted. The right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in, or to make any award to other than the low bidder, should it be deemed to be in the best interest of Erie County Sewer District No. 3 and in accordance with Law, are herewith reserved. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 45 days after the date set for the opening thereof, but may withdraw same anytime prior to the scheduled time for opening bids. BY ORDER OF: Joseph L. Fiegl, P.E. Deputy Commissioner Department of Environment and Planning Dated: June 12, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS COKE OVEN CANCER continued

tillation or heat treatment of coal tar, which is a by-product of coal when it is carbonized to make coke. Coal tar pitch was used in the construction of industrial and commercial roofing. Exposure to fumes from hot coal tar pitch has been linked to lung, throat, skin, and bladder cancers. It was common practice during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s for roofing contractors to have their workers heat solid coal tar pitch in large kettles at construction sites. The workers operating the kettles and those carrying pails of the hot pitch up to the roofing surfaces were heavily exposed to carcinogenic CTPVs. In the Buffalo area there were numerous contractors that engaged in these construction practices. Medical and scientific communities have not established a “safe” level for exposure to CTPVs. Coal tar sealer (or blacktop) is generally a mix of hot coal tar, clay and emulsifier. Historically, coal tar sealer has been produced in both large and small scale facilities. The manufacturing process involves exposure to fumes from hot coal tar, and the application process also involves exposure to CTPVs. There were a number of local manufacturers of coal tar sealer in the Buffalo area and several sources of the coal tar were used as the base for the final product. Coal tar pitch is also used in the production of carbon electrodes, which transfer electricity to melt scrap iron and steel in electric arc furnaces. Carbon electrodes are made from coke after it is mixed with coal tar pitch and binders, including peanut oil. When the carbon electrodes are extruded and shaped, they are baked to carbonize the pitch and graphitized by heating to extremely high temperatures, which converts the carbon to graphite. When the electrodes leave the furnace, they are smooth and hard and no longer sticky with coal tar pitch residue. The graphitizing process generates significant amounts of toxic fumes and smoke. Factory workers who manufactured carbon electrodes were exposed to these toxins and can develop lung cancer and other respiratory cancers years after their initial exposure. Carbide Graphite in Niagara Falls, New York, later known as Airco Speer or Speer Carbon, manufactured Continued Page 17

16 bids NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid 4202 - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 4204 - AIR BELLOWS 4205 - BRAKE DRUMS 4206 - BRAKES CHAMBERS Download Bids from www. nfta.com

PUBLIC NOTICE Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is in the process of reviewing its anticipated federally funded contracting activities for fiscal years 2013-2015 (October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2015). Pursuant to US DOT regulations 49 CFR PART 26, the NFTA is required to establish Race Neutral and Race Conscious Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Goals. This goal is based upon projected contracting and procurement opportunities, the availability of eligible ready, willing and able to work Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and past contracting achievements. An overall agency goal of 17% is anticipated for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. Your comments on the proposed overall goals are encouraged and will be used for informational purposes to develop the final established goal. The methodology used to determine the goal will be available for public inspection during normal working hours, Monday through Friday at the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, 181 Ellicott Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority will accept comments on the goals for forty-five (45) days from the date of this notice. For assistance contact, Linda Seay, Director of EEO/Diversity Development at (716) 855-7489 (voice) or 1-800-662-1220 or 711 (TDD/Relay).

re quest for proposals City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency Request for Proposal The City of Buffalo (“City”), through the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (“BURA”), is seeking proposals through the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program to assist in the development of affordable housing projects in the City of Buffalo. Through this program, activities have been undertaken to enhance ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts. For the funding period covered by this application the City will assess proposals received that address the goals outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan. Applicants must be incorporated for-profit or non-profit entities to undertake affordable housing activities within the boundaries of the City of Buffalo. It is the policy of BURA, that all local Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE’s) be encouraged to submit proposals. BURA continues to ensure that all locally owned M/WBE’s are afforded the maximum opportunity to participate as Applicants or Sub-Applicants in the provision of goods and services for BURA. BURA encourages the award of at least thirty percent (30%) of the total dollar value of this project directly or indirectly to M/WBE’s. Proposal Submission Deadline: July 20, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. Request for Proposal submissions are due to: Brendan R. Mehaffy, Vice Chairman City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency 65 Niagara Square Room 313 City Hall Buffalo, N.Y. 14202 RE: City of Buffalo HOME Investment Partnership Program RFP Submission (No. 2012-1H) A full copy of the Request for Proposal can be picked up in 313 City Hall or 920 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square Buffalo NY 14202; the Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo NY 14203, or to request the http://www.city-buffalo.com/files/1_2_1/city_departments/ BURA/rfp/2012HOME_revised.pdf


17

ChallengerCN.com bids NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the Erie County Sewer District No. 4, Aurora North Pump Station Elimination Sanitary Sewer Project, Contract No. 40 will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning on June 29, 2012 until 11:00 A.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. The contract is located in the Towns of Lancaster and Cheektowaga, Erie County New York. The work includes the installation of approximately 12,920 linear feet of 15”, 21”, and 27” diameter PVC gravity sanitary sewer pipe, manholes, connections, abandonment of 2 pumping stations, and all other appurtenant work. Bidders are advised that a pre-bid meeting for the construction of this project is scheduled for June 21, 2012, at 10:00 A.M., at the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning Northern Regional Office, 3789 Walden Avenue, Lancaster, New York 14086. Copies of the Contract documents, plans and specifications may be examined and purchased at the office of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, 10th Floor, 95 Franklin St. Buffalo, New York 14202. Related information and a listing of prospective bidders can be found in Business Center, “Construction Bids and Engineering Proposals: on the Erie County Web Page @ WWW.ERIE.GOV The deposit for each set of contract documents shall be $100.00 in the form of two checks or money orders, each in the amount of one-half the deposit, and made payable to the Erie County Comptroller. Any bidder requesting a set of plans and specifications mailed to their office must arrange for a pre-paid delivery service or mail carrier. The Carrier shall be directed to Erie County Division of Sewerage Management 95 Franklin St – Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202 The envelope containing the bid must be sealed, addressed to the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning and must be clearly and correctly designated as “Erie County Sewer District No. 4, Aurora North Pump Station Elimination Sanitary Sewer Project, Contract No. 40. Any bid not delivered in person shall be mailed to the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York 14202, and received prior to the time set for the bid opening. Any bidder returning such plans and specifications in good condition within thirty (30) days following the award of the contract or the rejection of bids will be refunded the full amount of the deposit. Non-bidders will be refunded one-half the deposit. Any bidder requesting more than one (1) set of plans and specifications may purchase the excess, but it is understood that they are not returnable. No refund will be made for documents returned after the thirty-day period. Erie County Sewer District No. 4 is an exempt organization under the Tax Law, and is exempt from payment of Sales and Compensating Use Taxes which are to be incorporated into the project and which are to be separately sold by the Contractors to the Owner prior to incorporation into the project, pursuant to the provisions of the contract. These taxes are not to be included in the bid. Sales tax will be due on all materials purchased by a Contractor which are either “consumable” or rental property used by the Contractor in connection with the construction or repair. Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the Erie County Comptroller or by a bid bond from a surety company acceptable to the County Attorney, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total base bid, as surety for execution of the contract. The successful bidder will be required to furnish Payment and Performance Bond, each in an amount equal to 100 percent of the contract award. The attention of the bidder is called particularly to the provisions of Erie County Local Law No. 2-2006, known as the “Erie County Workforce Development and Diversification New York State Certified Worker Training Program”, to have in place and provide written proof at the time of bid, a New York State Certified Worker Training Program, either intentional to the Contractor or Subcontractor and/or through an organization servicing several Contractors or Subcontractors, appropriate for the type and scope of work to be performed. Attention of the bidder is called particularly to requirements with respect to conditions of employment to be observed, minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, Affirmative Action requirements for Equal Employment Opportunity, along with the Minority Business Enterprise Utilization Commitment. The attention of the bidder is called to the provisions of Article 5A of the General Municipal Law which requires the bidder to execute a certificate of non-collusion and to conform with the other provisions of Article 5A outlined in the specifications. A form for such certificate accompanies the bid form. Unless it is property executed, the bid will not be accepted. The right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in, or to make any award to other than the low bidder, should it be deemed to be in the best interest of Erie County Sewer District No. 4 and in accordance with Law, are herewith reserved. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 45 days after the date set for the opening thereof, but may withdraw same anytime prior to the scheduled time for opening bids. Dated:

BY ORDER OF: Joseph L. Fiegl, P.E. Deputy Commissioner Department of Environment and Planning June 8, 2012

• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •

COKE OVEN CANCER

re quest for proposals COUNTY OF ERIE 95 FRANKLIN STREET DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES BUFFALO, NEW YORK

continued

carbon electrodes for use in the steel-making industry. Older workers and retirees, who handled coal tar or coal tar pitch or were exposed to coke oven emissions, are at a significantly increased risk of developing respiratory cancer, including throat and lung cancer, as a result of work they performed twenty-five or more years ago. Cancers are latent diseases, which often do not develop for many years after initial exposure. There is only one law firm in New York State with experience handling cases for coke oven workers, roofers, and coal tar sealer and carbon electrode production workers. If you or a loved one is suffering from cancer that you believe may be related to coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs), please contact the attorneys at Lipsitz & Ponterio, LLC, about filing possible legal claims.

County of Erie, New York CHILD WELFARE RFP RELEASES The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from individuals and agencies to provide four (4) child welfare related services. The following RFP’s can be found at http://www.erie.gov: Parent Training Services RFP# 1217VF Respite Services RFP# 1218VF Independent Living Services RFP# 1219VF Intensive Preventive Services RFP# 1220VF A complete copy of the RFP package can also be obtained by contacting Judith A. DeWald, ECDSS, at 716-858-7919, or via Judith.dewald@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 856, Buffalo, New York 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the following dates: *For RFP# 1218VF and # 1220VF on June 25, 2012 *For RFP# 1217VF and # 1219VF on July 2, 2012 Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Carol Dankert, Commissioner of Social Services

EM P LOY M EN T Position Announcement: Executive

Director

Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. *97 Lemon Street Buffalo NY 14204 www.bfnc.org

BFNC, Inc. is a $6M human services not-for-profit corporation. Founded in the “settlement house” tradition in the 1890’s, the organization has operated activities, services and programs for children, youth and adults. A voluntary 15 member board of directors governs the organization. A committed staff executes the policies, services and programs of BFNC. Current programs include after-school homework assistance, teenage pregnancy prevention, well-aged senior citizens center, income tax preparation assistance, and, case management and residential services for adults with mental illness. Community-wide activities are an annual Thanksgiving Dinner, a Holiday Season project and Summer Soulstice- a fundraising event. Neighborhood-based services to adults with mental illness are a major component. Annually, 500 slots in case management from intensive supervision to maintenance allows 750-800 individuals live and function in a noninstitutional, community-based setting; 178 community- based licensed and unlicensed beds provide housing and supports to 215-225 persons with a diagnosed mental illness. Government grants, Medicaid, SSI, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, foundation grants and donations form the revenue base for operations. Education and Experience • Graduate degree in social work, psychology, counseling or related field. • One year administering an organization, major program or component and 3-5 years in staff supervision, managing program day-to-day operations with a staff of 5-20 serving a low-income, diverse population; • Can demonstrate cultural competence, history of cooperative and collaborative and effective work relationships with staff, funders and local government entities; non-judgmental, person-centered service approach; • Can demonstrate general knowledge on human service planning and development, not-for-profit accounting, personnel operations, grant-writing, fundraising, licensure and accreditation processes; public/community relations; • Can demonstrate common sense, problem-solving ability, and temperament appropriate for working with people with disabilities, different age, gender, religion, heritage/ ethnicity, sexual orientation and points of view. • Can demonstrate healthy respect for authority and organization principles, confidentiality, compromise and continuous learning. • Can demonstrate good listening skills, clear and cogent verbal and written communication Other Requirements • Must have a valid driver’s license • On-call availability • Criminal History check Western New York residents are encouraged to apply. Candidate interviews will be scheduled in Buffalo in May and June 2012. Salary and Benefits • Negotiable based on education, training, experience, references and salary history. • Position is full time and requires flexible scheduling Send Resume to: Attention: Eugene Partridge, Vice-President LP Ciminelli, 2421 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214


18

ChallengerCN.com

• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 6/3

3-WAY

MON 6/4

TUES 6/5

WED 6/6 THURS 6/7

FRI 6/8 SAT 6/9

MID-130 MID- 987 MID-292 MID- 576 MID-505 MID-366 MID-253 EVE-232 EVE-681 EVE- 121 EVE-335 EVE-458 EVE-775 EVE-190

MID - 1966 MID- 5536 MID-6567 MID-9209 EVE- 2951 EVE-1911 EVE-8471 EVE-5857

WIN 4

5-21-25-31-34 8-10-11-22-36 2-12-14-20-36 1-7-17-29-33

TAKE 5

LOTTO

HOT TIPS

996

123

648

MID- 3965 MID-0840 MID-4220 EVE- 6226 EVE-4576 EVE-8444

14-20-30-32-38

7-8-39-44-50-54#15

515

Zakiyyah’s Run Down 662-788-919-322-666-986-568-853-578-312-468-014065-768-981-852-679-254-756-801-645-580-234-532

Billy Bye Bye Sez:

If you dream of a BED Your number should be 310. If you dream of a CAR 816; FOG 577; GRANDMOTHER 797; MONEY 499, 202,290, 221 and TOILET 681!

June Monthly Vibrations 490-235-678-321-487-043

THE NUMBER BOOK

333

776-001-557-338999-410-568-490648-515-996-202

quick money $$$$ 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508

legal N otice

Trace Assets Protection Service LLC providing se curity and investigation 6-10-13-17-20 11-12-30-36-37 services with an office at 67 Timberline Drive in Erie County filed articles of organization March 16, 2012 7-10-28-43-47-48 has designated the Secretary of State as agent for service of process and its registered agent for service of process is Creighton Johnsen & Giroux, 295 Main St. Suite 560 Buffalo NY 14203

888

111

LUCKIE DUCKIE 134-431-143

648*123*104

980-422-809

981-989-970-990-080-800 390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126

189-444-886

322-522-412-432-421-423

Grandma’s 4-Way MyWay

5790-1968-0116 8560-0954-5654 19273-Way Winning Numbers this Time Last Year

grandma’s JUNE pixs

EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.

06/21/2011 Evening 06/21/2011 Midday 06/20/2011 Evening 06/20/2011 Midday 06/19/2011 Evening 06/19/2011 Midday 06/18/2011 Evening 06/18/2011 Midday 06/17/2011 Evening 06/17/2011 Midday 06/16/2011 Evening 06/16/2011 Midday 06/15/2011 Evening 06/15/2011 Midday 06/14/2011 Evening 06/14/2011 Midday 06/13/2011 Evening

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

Dance! Dance! Dance! 2nd Cup 36 Broadway St. 840-0048 7p.m. Wed. “Salsa night with Calvin and Fanny.” Beginner Salsa lesson and social dance. salsacalvinfanny@hotmail. *African American Cultural Center 350 Masten Ave. 884-2013 3 p.m. Sat. 3 pm @5 p.m. Tues. Thurs. “Community Dance and Drumming.” Visit www.africanamericancultural.org. *El Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera 91 Allen St. 8849693.wwwfolkloric.org. Mon through Wed: Includes meditation and yoga 912-8754. *First Shioh Baptist Church. 15 Pine St. 6:30 p.m. Fri. “Line dancing lessons.” 847-6555. Free. *Gateway Longview Family Resource Center. 347 E. Ferry St. 6 p.m. Tues. Dance lessons with the Smooth Steppers. Classes in Urban Ballroom, Chicago Steppin’ and Swing. 633-7813. *Kenan Center 433 Locust St.; Level Breakdancing class. Also 7:30 p.m. Mon. Wed. “B-Girl class.” Beginners welcome. $10; $15; Also 6 p.m. Tues; 4 p.m. Thurs. Open practice.” $5. *Urban Line dance lessons each Monday, 665 Michigan at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 6-7:30 p.m, Ernestine Wilson, instructor. *Urban Line dance lessons each Friday morning, 10:45-12:30 p.m., JFK Center,114 Clinton, Ernestine Wilson, instructor. *Line Dance Exercise Classes Tuesday-Wednesday Mornings, Martha Mitchell Community Center, 175 Oakmont Ave. 444-2046. *African Dance Classs w/Aminata, 6-8 p.m., Fridays, Juneteenth Headquarters, 1517 Genesee St @ Moselle; Ethnic Dance @ Artspace Gallery, 1219 Main 6-9 p.m. Thursdays & 10:15 a.m..-3:45 p.m.. Saturdays, $10; 948-3583.

*Line Dance Class $2 every Tuesday & Thursday 6-7 p.m. Rev. Smith Family Life Center Michigan at Goodell.


19

ChallengerCN.com

EVENTS CALENDAR

Wednesday June 1

Friday June 15

Time Change Board of Education Regular Board Meeting: 4:30 p.m.; 801City Hall.

Juneteenth Prayer Praise and Worship: 6-8 p.m.; MLK Statue (Best 7 Fillmore St); call 715-1969 for more info.

Big Yard Sale At Love Alive F.G.B. Church: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; 161 Germain St. (off Grote); call 903-1910 for more info.

BUILD Academy Alumni & Friends “Meet & Greet”: 6-9 p.m.; Loretta’s Soulful Dining, 479 Genesee St.; music by Adrian Fenton Group; call 854-2232 for more info.

WNY Largest Poetry Slam: 8 p.m.; The Tralf Music Hall; tickets $25 at door; $15 students & seniors; $20 general; tickets also at Doris Records, Record Theater; for more info call 533-9491.

Friday June 15 Buffalo United Front Inc. Fathers Day Annual Fish Fry: 6-9 p.m.; Mount Olive Baptist Church, 701 East Delavan; admission $35; call 446-6086 for tickets. See You at the Events!

Saturday June 16 14th Annual Buffalo Track & Field Classic 2012: 9-5 p.m.; Johnnie B Wiley Stadium, Jefferson & Best Streets, entry fee $3 rain or shine. Welcome Home Troops: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Naval & Military Park, One Naval Park Cove; food, entertainment and more. 6th Annual Peter Fleck Memorial/Burgard Car Show: Noon4; Burgard High School, 400 Kensington Ave.; $15 vehicle entry fee; call 816-4450 or 824-0211 for more info. The First Holy Temple FGBC Movie “The Harbinger”: 11 a.m.; 703 Fillmore Ave.; donation $5; for more info call 896-3896. All Male Fashion Show: 6 p.m.; Doris Jones Family Resource Center, 3001 9th St. Niagara Falls; donation $10 adults and $5 youth 12 and under; for more info call 2856432.

Saturday June 16

Sunday June 17 EPAC Services 1st Annual Father’s Day Boat Cruise: 7-9 p.m.; Miss Buffalo, Erie Basin Marina; $45 per person; limited space availability; 2 hour open bar; dinner; music & lots of fun; for more info call 939-1224 or email ebony pplagent@yahoo.com Wednesday June 20 “Survive and Thrive” A Small Business Workshop: 8:30 a.m.-Noon; Burchfield Penny Art Museum, Elmwood Ave.; fee $20; for more info call 878-4030. Wednesday June 27 Board of Ed Regular Board Meeting: 5:30 p.m.; 801 City Hall. See You at the Events!

Marcus Garvey Day Planning Meeting

The Marcus Garvey Day Organizing Committee is extending an invitation to all Revolutionary and Progressive organizations and individuals to come out for the Marcus Garvey Day planning meeting at the Edward Saunders Community Center at 2777 Bailey Avenue on Friday June 22 at 6 p.m.. Marcus Garvey was one of the most dynamic and visionary African leaders of all time. Garvey demonstrated the need for PanAfricanism, organization and collective economics. Garvey influenced Malcolm X, The Black Panthers, The Nation of Islam and many, many others. Garvey also gave us the Red, Black and Green flag. For more information call_(716) 844-8736

• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •

FREE!


20

ChallengerCN.com

• JUNE 13, 2012 Challenger Community News •


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.