CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS

RAMADAN MUBARAK! IMAN ANSARI ON THE VIRTUES OF THE BLESSED MONTH OF RAMADAN Page 7

Street Legacy Photo by Darvin Adams

April 21, 2022 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News

Taking a Stand for the Children!

Parents, child advocates and BPS respond to troubling allegations of lead in school drinking water. Page 3

Ladies First: The Women Driving Buffalo’s Growing Hip-Hop Scene Page 8

The Shots Heard Around Buffalo’s East Side

Kurt Russell: 2022 National Teacher of the Year! Page 7

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Rochester’s Garth Fagan Dance Presents “Evenings of Duets” Page 2

“Can You Hear Me Now?” Teens Bring Talent to African Cultural Center!

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

Rochester Busines Brief

Caribbean Heritage Restaurant to Close Its Plymouth Ave. Location

Garth Fagan Dance Presents Performance of Duets The Garth Fagan Dance Company will perform a memorable evening of duets on Sunday May 8 downtown at the Theater at Innovation Square, and is dedicated to the late David Mitchell and Harriet Neville, generous philanthropists, and lifelong friends. Usually held in February to celebrate Valentine's Day, this year the company is thrilled to say they have what promises to be a memorable occasion planned for the evening of Mother's Day in a beautiful, new performance space.

Admission is $50 and includes a Pre-Performance cocktail reception at 5 p.m. with light hors d'oeuvres + drinks followed by the Performance from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now through April 29 and may be purchased by phone at 585.454.3260 or online now at garthfagandance.org!

Public Market Seeking Vendors for Community Garage Sale and Superfleas The Public Market is seeking vendors to participate in the Community Garage Sale and Superfleas event series starting Sunday, April 24. Individuals, families or community groups are invited to purchase a space. Cost is just $35 per day for a 10’ x 30’ stall, including a parking space.

To learn more and download the application, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/garagesales, or stop in to the Market office at 280 N. Union St. The 2022 Garage sale season will run on the following dates: April 24, May 1, June 12, June 19, June 26, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28, September 11, September 25, October 2, October 9, October 16.

For news and updates, follow the Public Market on Facebook and Instagram @ CityofRochesterPublicMarket.

The owner of the Caribbean Heritage Restaurant recently announced on Facebook that the establishment will close on April 30. Located at 719 S. Plymouth Avenue, Lorna Underwood opened Caribbean Heritage in 2019.

Ms. Underwood will continue to offer catering. More information is available at caribbeanheritage.net or by calling (585)270-4994.

The Black Business Marketplace Series The Black Empowerment Marketplace. Hosted by Community Justice Initiative and the Nation of Islam. The idea is to provide a regular platform for black owned businesses to thrive and to regularly practice cooperative economics. Held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Montgomery Center, located at 10 Cady Street.

The vendor fee is $35, but is FREE to the public. To register, call 585- 690-2206.

11th Annual Dr. Lemuel and Gloria Rogers African American Health Symposium CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY: Dementia’s Impact and Hope for the Future Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Region

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 | 10AM-3PM

Check-in opens at 8:30 am.

Aenon Missionary Baptist Church 175 Genesee St, Rochester, NY 14611 This free in-person event includes lunch. Masks are required.

SPEAKERS: Janice Harbin, DDS Percy Griffin, PhD Norma Holland

David Gill, MD Christopher J. Richardson DO, FACOS, FACS

Rev. Ruben Lowry, Sr. Lifespan of Greater Rochester

Join ROSWELL PARK and the BUFFALO SABRES for a PROSTATE CANCER EARLY DETECTION event

Deanna Dewberry

REGISTRATION: https://tinyurl.com/2xncmh88

®

This program is supported, in part, by grants from the New York State Department of Health, New York State Office for the Aging, Monroe County Office for the Aging, and the Health Resources and Services Administration & University of Rochester.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: 1.800.272.3900 OR VISIT ALZ.ORG/CRF

The Dr. Lemuel & Gloria Rogers African American Health Symposium seeks to raise dementia concern and awareness among African Americans, and educate participants about the resources available in our community for individuals with the disease and their family caregivers. The first African American Health Symposium took place in 2008 and was coordinated by Ralph and Mollie Richards, members of the Alzheimer’s Ministry at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.

In 2015, the symposium was named in honor of Dr. Lemuel Rogers, one of the first African American doctors to build and own a medical building in Rochester, and his wife Gloria. After Dr. Rogers was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he worked with Ralph, Mollie and the Mt. Olivet Alzheimer’s Ministry to advocate for and support families affected by dementia in our community.

Following Dr. Rogers’ passing, the symposium was renamed to commemorate his and his wife’s contributions to health education in the local African American community.

R Join the BUFFA

PROS

Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter

EARLY D MAY 11, 2022 KeyBank Center | 3 - 7 p.m.

Join ROSWELL PARK and the BUFFALO SABRES

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for a

PROSTATE CANCER

EARLY DETECTION

event

MEET SABRES ALUMNI, ENJOY REFRESHMENTS AND MORE. REGISTER BY MAY 6 at RoswellPark.org/OneGoal or call One team, one goal – together to beat cancer

1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355)

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

AREA BRIEFS Afro-American Historical Association to Host 43rd Family History Dinner Aletia L. Bradley-Knightner will be the speaker for the Afro-American Historical Association Dinne on May 5 at 6:00 P.M. at the Emerson School of Hospitality, 86 West Chippewa Street 2nd floor.

Aletia discovered her passion for family genealogy while questioning her mother about the family. This led her, for the past 15 years to research her family history. As an active member of her family reunion committee she has cre- Aletia Bradley ated and published “The Elliott Legacy Knightner Book” which chronicles the Elliott family dating back to 1830. Her family story is also recorded in the book “Kindred Stories: Genealogy and Family Histories of local BGSAD members.

In her presentation Aletia will highlight the life of one of her ancestors “Tough Elliott” who was born around 1892 in Camden, Arkansas to parents who were freed slaves.

Tough’s military service in the U.S. Army was cut short during his servitude in World War 1. He will forever be a hero in the eyes of his family.

Aletia is a member of the Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora and is the organizations Financial Secretary. She is a Board member of the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation serving at the Rev. Jesse Nash Museum.

Advance Dinner reservations required for $25 per person can be made by sending payment to: Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc., P.O. Box 63, Buffalo, NY 14207 by deadline May 2, 2022.

Deadline To Apply For Mayor's 2022 Summer Youth Jobs Program Extended With nearly 100 openings remaining for his Summer Youth Internship and Employment Program, The application deadline has been extended to Friday, April 22. To be eligible youth must be a City of Buffalo resident, between the ages of 14 and 21. To apply for this summer’s program and get more information visit: www.buffalony.gov/ MSYAPP.

Taking A Stand For The Children!

Parents, Child Advocates, and BPS Respond to Troubling Allegations of High Lead Levels In School Drinking Water. Plans Announced To Provide Free Testing For Every Student In The City.

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uffalo Parent and Community Leaders, along with Interim School Superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams and her staff, addressed allegations of unsafe drinking water in school buildings because of hazardous levels of lead at a press conference Tuesday at the CAO Masten Resource Center.

The air of transparency among the community, the advocacy groups, parents and Interim Superintendent and her team of experts was impressive, despite the seriousness of the allegations.

Bishop Michael Badger of the Urban Think Tank made it clear in his open- Bishop Badger and Interim Superintendent Dr. Williams ing statement - as did We The Parent co-chair Samuel Radford - that they were not there to point fingers - but to find solutions.

Both praised Dr. Williams and her staff and board members for participating. Such participation, they said, represents a new day in cooperation and putting our children first.

“We’re here today to say we’re concerned about our children,” said Bishop Badger, who elaborated on the dangers and devastating effects of exposure to lead had on children. “It appears that many times when it comes to inner city children they’re considered collateral damage. We’re here to say that’s not acceptable. These are our children, our future; and we need to make sure…they have a safe healthy environment so they can learn.”

What led to the alarm being sounded was a complaint made to both the attorney general and to the district attorney from James Reid, a retired chief engineer about the amount of lead levels in the water, some as high as 10% more than it should be. Reid charged that interference by a higher up corrupted the collection and testing of water in school buildings for lead, creating inaccurate results.

Yvette Gordon, the Buffalo Public Schools Safety and Health Director, and Valencia Howard Sease, senior chemist for BPS Building Safety and Health - both Black women

Continued Page 11

Common Council Prioritizes Pothole Monitoring Urges all residents to report pothole issues to 311. To file a report, please follow this link: https://www.buffalony.gov/463/Contact-311 The Buffalo Common Council adopted resolution, “22652 : Pridgen, Et Al - Pothole Research and Monitoring” at Tuesday’s Meeting.

The Resolution requests that Public Works and 311 submit monthly reports to the Common Council to collect better data on potholes in the City of Buffalo. The reports will list specific locations where potholes are being listed and repaired. Along with this, the Common Council requests that Public Works create a system to follow up on companies that open streets for repairs and return the street to good condition. With residents in the City of Buffalo voicing concerns about potholes and deteriorating infrastructure, the Common Council is prioritizing a data driven approach towards pothole monitoring.

"One of the biggest concerns that my office receives is complaints about potholes and the deteriorating infrastructure," said Council President Darius Pridgen. “The cost to vehicle owners with unanticipated repairs due to potholes increases as New York State has consistently been ranked one of the highest states for vehicle cost in the country.

The City of Buffalo has a rapid response when necessary to repair and fix potholes, but we need a research-based method to reduce the number of potholes in areas of high concentration across our city. That’s why this Council is asking for a monthly report for the next six months, that includes what has been repaired and what has been reported.”

The 311 Call and Resolution Center is a resident’s best option for reporting potholes. The Common Council urges all residents to report pothole issues to 311. To file a report, please follow this link: https://www.buffalony. gov/463/Contact-311

Jackie Robinson: The Legacy of 42 Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919 to a family of sharecroppers. His mother, Mallie Robinson, singlehandedly raised Jackie and her four other children.

They were the only Black family on their block, and the prejudice they encountered only strengthened their bond. From this humble beginning would grow the first baseball player to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier that segregated the sport for more than 50 years.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the great baseball Hall of Famerwho broke the color barrier of segregated all-White Major League Baseball (MLB) on April 15, 1947. This coming October also marks the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s death due to a heart attack, with complications from diabetes, at the age of 53.

Robinson’s number 42 was retired from all teams in the MLB on April 15, 1997.

Since 2004, all National and American League teams have worn number 42 jerseys April 15 on “Jackie Robinson Day” in recognition of his historic rookie debut with the then Brooklyn Dodgers.

Robinson, like so many other great Black baseball players, played in the Negro Leagues prior to 1947.

More than a baseball player he became a national hero and fought for racial equality both on and off the field until he died.

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HEALTH MATTERS

April is Minority Cancer Awareness Month Part 1 of a 2-Part Series

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pril is Minority Cancer Awareness Month, a full 30 days dedicated to reminding people of color that they have a higher risk of cancer in general than other people.

“Cancer education, and people’s risk of cancer, always has to be a topic of conversation, it always has to be relevant,” says Nikia Clark, a Community Relations Coordinator and Program Coordinator with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. “Our mortality rates are still higher than any other ethnic or racial group. There’s still distrust in healthcare settings that could prevent people from getting regular screenings. There’s still not enough talk between people and their doctors. There’s still screening guidelines that aren’t being adhered to. People in the Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities need to have as much support as possible.”

Black Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group in the country across all types of cancer and for all cancers combined. Black men are 1.8 times more likely to develop stomach cancer and 2.5 times more likely to die from it; they are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer and have a lower five-year survival rate for most cancers than other men. Black women have the same risk level for developing breast cancer but are 40% more likely to die from the disease.

“We know that African-American women stop their treatment four to six weeks earlier than white women. Our most vulnerable women are having the worst outcomes and the highest mortality rates and aren’t even finishing treatment. Delaying by a month or a month and a half might not seem like a big deal, but with cancer treatment, it’s significant,” Nikia says.

“You need to finish your treatment. If you peel back the layers to look at the data in real life, we want to know why that is — are they not being supported? We also know that Black or Hispanic/Latinx men are more likely to get lung cancer. If you’re African American, you’re prone to have worse outcome from lung cancer if it’s not caught in the early stages. There’s also a stigma around lung cancer that we need to overcome.”

Volunteers help keep people on track Part of the difficulty in providing information about the importance of screenings might be where the message is coming from. Bobbie Brown worked as a nurse’s aide at Buffalo General for a number of years and now serves as a volunteer for Roswell Park and is part of Nikia’s outreach team, setting up meetings, providing trainings and teachings and talking with people in her community about their cancer risks. Continued Next Week

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

What is Buffalo Freedom Gardens?

The Freedom Gardens initiative, founded by long-time Grassroots Gardener, Ms. Gail Wells, is designed to inspire resilience and independence for Buffalo residents most impacted by COVID19 and food apartheid.

Using the educational curriculum of Soul Fire Farms located in Troy NY, Freedom Gardens lifts up the gardening and farming expertise of Black growers, including gardening and nutrition expertise, information about growing food and herbs, and resources for self-care and COVID safety protocols.

To support Freedom Gardens or inquire about plans for the 2022 season, email: yourfreedomgarden@gmail. com .

SEXUAL HEALTH SUPPORT For men and women.

Call 716.852.5969 or visit CASWNY.org

BLACK GIRLS JUICE 716 JUICE OF THE WEEK

This week’s suggested juice: Apple, Cucumber Warmer months are ahead and it’s time to start getting your hydration regiment in gear. Blending the juices of Apples and Cucumbers for a delicious and nutritious hydrating beverage can do the trick. Press and blend in equal parts ( roughly 8oz. of each ) This juice not only provides vitamins and minerals you need for health, it also ads a loaded lift of hydration you may not even realize you need. Drink immediately or store and sip throughout the day. Be well and trust the power of plants to help get you there. Follow @blackgirlsjuice716 on Instagram.

FREE FOOD PANTRIES

Project at Ramadan at Feed The Bread of Life Food Pantry The Group Ministries Bread Buffalo Send your fasting friends in need of halal safe fruits and veggies to Feed Buffalo during Ramadan Monday and Tuesday from 12-4pm 456 Massachusetts Ave. More info go to feedbuffalo.org

FIRST FRUITS FOOD PANTRY OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL UMC

Located on the East Side, at Lincoln Memorial Church, 641 Masten @ Northland, First Fruits Food Pantry is open Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m.-12 .

Free Bread Pantry

Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. is Free Bread Pantry Day at the Dorothy J. Collier Center., 118 E. Utica.

of Life Food Pantry 1335 Jefferson Avenue, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Monday & Wednesday. For info call (716)2598030.

FREE FOOD AT BFNC PANTRY Every Thursday & Friday 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @The Fruit Belt Neighborhood House - 76 Orange St. Buffalo, N.Y.

The St. Philips Food Pantry

St. Philips Episcopal Church Food Pantry Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please ring bell for service (lower button) and bring your ID. If you have questions or need assistance, call 716 833-0442.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

City-Wide Earth Day Erie County Legislature Calls for “Former Clan Up Contest!

Detainee to Employee” Program Plan This year, WNY Trash Mob and The Tool Library are partnering to organize this year's City-Wide Earth Day Clean Up Contest on the weekend of Friday, April 22nd- Sunday, April 24th.

Entering the contest is easy!

Any organization or individual can enter to win prizes and show their community sup-port by cleaning up their area, taking a photograph, and tagging @wnytrashmob and #wnyearthdaycleanup22 in a post or story on social media.

On Sunday the 24th, at 5 pm, we will announce prizes and celebrate with an after-party at the Ukrainian Civic Center at 205 Military Rd., Buffalo, NY. 14207 To register and receive a free bags and gloves, please visit our FB event page at https:// fb.me/e/1LkYaiB1L (If it's an email, please include attached QR code)

LLC'S Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Notice of formation of Thames Prop LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/30/2022. Office location: Erie County. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process against may be served. SSNY mail process to 3500 Main Street Ste 130-129, Amherst, NY 14226. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

April 7, 14, 21,28 May 5, 12 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Name of LLC: KWJ Catering LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: March 9, 2022. Office of the LLC: 37 Eugene Ave Buffalo, NY 14216, Erie County. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served.

NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 37 Eugene Ave Buffalo, NY 14216. Purpose of LLC: Catering.

No specific duration attached to LLC. March 31, April 1, 8, 15,22,29 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Nicole's Elysian Massage LLC, Filed Articles of Organization with NY Dept of State:12/1/21. Office of Erie CO. NYSS designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 561 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14204. Purpose: Any Lawful .

April14, 21,28 May 5, 12,19 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Name of LLC: Clebrationdom Corporation. Date of filing articles of inc.: 02/23/2022 office of LLC: Erie County New York NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served.

NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLCat p.o.box 691, Buffalo NY 14231. purpose: any lawful purpose permitted for llcs under nys law. Duration of LLC: perpetual.

April14, 21,28 May 5, 12,19

Initiative will help former detainees to readapt to regular life and have access to jobs and housing The Erie County Legislature proclaimed April 2022 as Second Chance Month in Erie County.

Chairwoman April Baskin and Legislator Howard Johnson presented the proclamation to the Erie County Corrections Specialist Advisory Board, which is currently working on a “Former Detainee to Employee” program to implement in the Erie County Jail system.

The purpose of the program is to support people who are being released from incarceration and make sure they Chairwoman Baskin and Legislator are readapting to regular life and have access to jobs and Johnson housing.

“As someone who is working with Peaceprints and recently started a new job, I know how important employment is for former detainees,” said Eddie Henley. “I want to thank the Erie County Legislature for marking April 2022 as Second Chance month, and for asking the ECCSAB to begin to lay the groundwork for a detainee to jobs program.”

“Local employers have a serious need to fill jobs,” said Peter Herman, the co-founder of Tipico Coffee. “I have seen this first-hand in our company. I would welcome any attempt to connect employers with individuals who are willing and interested in working. A jobs to detainee program can play an important role in filling jobs and stimulating our local economy.”

“As the lead sponsor on the resolution for creating the Erie County Corrections Services Advisory Board, I am so proud of the work they have accomplished in just a few short years for the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated peoples of Erie County.” said Chairwoman Baskin. “I am also proud that the ECCSAB has accepted my challenge to create an action plan and implement an Erie County Small Business Workforce Support via Former Detainee Action Plan. A 2011 study of former detainees found that employment cut recidivism in half and was the single most important factor in decreasing recidivism, and with Erie County’s 4.3% unemployment rate, we can clearly see there is a need for jobs.”

“Making sure there is a way for those previously incarcerated to reenter society is very important for the whole community. The Majority Caucus has prioritized criminal justice reform and this latest policy proposal is the next logical step.” Legislator Johnson said. We have the opportunity to create a safer and more equitable community, and to boost our region’s eco-nomic recovery by addressing unemployment among former detainees.”

“As Chair of the Erie County Corrections Specialist Advisory Board, I am proud to see Second Chance Month recognized across Erie County. The other board members and I are excited to work on the Former Detainee to Employee program and begin a pilot program in the coming months. These are big steps in the right direction for those currently and formerly incarcerated.” said Cindi McEachon.

“I am pleased that we have the full support of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and local businesses, this will be the key in making this program a success. I hope more local businesses will open their doors to the formerly incarcerated and give them that Second Chance that they need.” Chairwoman Baskin said.

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FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

Buffalo Is Where It All Began"

Bishop Matthew L. Brown Returns to Buffalo for the Ecumenical Episcopal Celebration Service and Bishop's Brunch

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uffalo native Bishop Matthew L. Brown will return to Western New York for the WNY Ecumenical Episcopal Celebration Service at Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Street on Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m. A Bishop's Brunch will follow on Saturday, April 30 at the Acqua, 2192 Niagara Street from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by going to www.matthewlbrown.org -Anointed LeaderBishop Brown has been described as "an anointed teacher, exceptional administrator, and gifted motivational speaker."

He is the author of Becoming Distinctively You: Awakening The Greatness Within. A thought provoking, passionate and captivating read it was written to discover, accept, celebrate

and release to the world one’s personal uniqueness.

Bishop Brown currently serves as Senior Pastor of Greater Community Church of God in Christ in Marietta, Georgia where he is credited with reinvigorating the church and focusing on “Bringing Kingdom to Community.” He also serves as Jurisdictional Prelate, Democratic republic of the Congo 2nd Jurisdiction.

With an emphasis on solid praise, worship, and biblical teaching, he is making the word of God - real, relevant and relational in the life of believers and non-church goers alike.

Bishop Brown’s many years of experience as the Director of Communications to former Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello served him well in developing a comprehensive vi-

sion that addresses the diverse needs of the people he is committed to serve. As the former pastor of Pentecostal Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Buffalo, over the years he has successfully established the ministry as a beacon of hope to countless individuals and families served by the church. Welcome home Bishop Brown!

Bishop Brown

Mothers & Daughters Dignity Buffet Brunch Sunday

A Mothers & Daughters Dignity Buffet Brunch will be held Sunday, April 24 from 2-4:30 p.m. at Main Events Banquet Hall, 1420 Main Street. Hosted by World of Girls & Boys Leadership Inc., TC Ministries Enterprise, the event will feature Empowerment speaker Bishop/Pastor Fred Gelsey.

Meal tickets are $15. To register call Pastor TC” at 716-5446160 wogbeleadership.org & wogbe.com

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

The Virtues of the Blessed Month of Ramadan The blessed month of Ramadan began this year on April 2nd and will end May 1st (depending on the sighting of the new moon). Ramadan is on a lunar calendar which means that it moves up each year approximately 11 days. Ramadan is a month of fasting for nearly 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. It is also one of five pillars of faith that is required for all Muslims. The five pillars are #1 belief in the One G-d Allah, # 2 prayer/worship (minimum 5 daily prayers a day, #3 Charity (2.5 percent of your accumulated wealth after reasonable expenses) #4 fasting the month of Ramadan and #5 is to make the pilgrimage to Mecca (at least once in a life time for those who can afford to do so).

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a period of 29-30 days. Those who are fasting do not partake in any food, drink or relationships with spouse between sunrise and sunset. Muslims are to also refrain from arguments, foul language, intoxicants, all negative behavior and environments that can also invalidate ones fast.

If a person is ill physically or mentally, traveling, pregnant and or are on monthly cycles, they are exempt from fasting. Persons in this category are allowed to make up missed days by fasting additional days after Ramadan. For those whose health does not allow them to fast they can feed a poor person each day or offer other forms of charity to the needy.

The word “Ramadan” is derived from its root meanings which is, “burning” it also means to be purified and to grow. The fast is designed to burn off all of the impurities that have stained the soul and character of a person over the previous year(s). Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has stated, “Whoever intends and successfully completes the fast of Ramadan, will have all their sins of the previous year forgiven by Allah (G-d).

There are many virtues and benefits that can be obtained by those who partake in the fast. Firstly the focus should be on getting closer to Allah (G-d) because that is the purpose of each individual fast. Muslims are to be mindful of those who involuntarily fast and are hungry and needy, many who are homeless throughout the year. There are millions of Muslims in Ukraine, Africa, Syria, India, Afghanistan China, and several other countries who are at war and or under oppression during this Ramadan.

Prophet Muhammad said those who perform good deeds during Ramadan are rewarded multiple 70 to 700 times more than other times throughout the year. Fasting can be good for one’s health and personal development as you strive to become a better person. The Qur’an states “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was for those who came before you that you may learn self restraint (devotion to G-d)” 2:183 During Ramadan, Muslims make an extra effort to be on their best behavior. Ramadan is a time to build discipline and to increase your spirituality. The Qur’an is a Book of Guidance for all humanity (not just Muslims) and was revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan over 1,400 years ago.

Summer is coming!

Catch up on credits or get yourself one class closer to graduation by taking a summer class.

See a list of class offerings and get registered today at:

villa.edu/summer-classes 240 Pine Ridge Road | Buffalo, NY 14225 VILLA.EDU

Kurt Russell

2022 National Teacher of the Year!

"I try to make sure that my students have the most opportunity to learn" Raised on his mother’s stories about segregation and the civil rights movement in Alabama and influenced by teachers from his childhood, the 50-year-old Kurt Russell has spent the last 25 years teaching history and African American history at Oberlin High School outside Cleveland.

This week The Council of Chief State School Officers announced that Russell is the organization’s National Teacher of the Year for 2022.

The group previously named him Ohio’s teacher of the year. Russell will spend the next year representing educators and serving as an ambassador for students and teachers across the country, the organization said.

His classroom journey to teaching began with his white kindergarten teacher, Francine Toss, who read a picture book about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as he and other students sat in a circle in her classroom. Continued Page 15 Muslims are to read a portion of the Qur’an each day of the fast in order to complete the entire 114 chapters by the end of the month. Before reading the Qur’an one should seek refuge with Allah (G-d) from the evils of Satan and with sincerity to open oneself to the revealed words.

Ramadan is a time to replace low desires with high moral standards. It is also a time to improve upon your health by allowing your body the opportunity to thoroughly digest its food and to restrain appetites that have gotten out of control. Good behavior, getting connected to Allah (Gd) His natural creation and learning about the mercy of Prophet Muhammad’s character now becomes the menu of choice for those who are observing Ramadan.

When it is time to eat prior to sunrise (sahoor meal) or at sunset (iftar meal) there is no need to overeat. In fact you should eat a meal comparable to what a poor person would eat, to stay mindful of the needy. The body has a regulatory mechanism that adjusts your hunger appetites to the time(s) of day that you consistently eat. Although a person is eating and drinking less, the body metabolism slows down during Ramadan and balances the food intake to make it sufficient enough for a person to stay healthy.

Muslims are to be more charitable and more willing to perform acts of kindness and service to humanity during the month of Ramadan. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate by having congregational prayer followed a feast and three days of celebration called (Eid al Fitr) which means reoccurring happiness. It is a very joyous time that Muslims look to share food and gifts with family, friends and the community at large!

As Ramadan comes to a close, we wish the Buffalo community and all who are partaking in Ramadan a Blessed month and successful fast with generous rewards. Ramadan Mubarak!

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Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

LADIES FIRST: Culture Curator Schondra Aytch Takes a Deeper BEAU FLEUVE MUSIC & ARTS High School Look at The Women Driving Buffalo's Burgeoning Hip Hop Scene Scholarship Applications Open” “Since the genre’s inception, women have redefined the sound, look and culture of hip-hop without receiving proper credit.”

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chondra Aytch is making her mark as a local freelance culture writer. Creating one of the most popular hip-hop blogs out of Buffalo crowned Sneakvibing; Schondra’s blog is both a personal passion project and resource where she shares events, perspectives and happenings within the hip-hop and r&b music community.

Also a growing digital space where she elevates emerging and established artists and figures in her own backyard and beyond, Sneakvibing is supporting the new generation of listeners, artists and Schondra Aytch photo/UB Arts Collaboratory industry folk to challenge the outdated perspectives that have often existed within the hip-hop community. Schondra feels it is imperative to create a space where women are celebrated for their contributions to the most influential sound in the world.

In Buffalo, where the rising hip-hop scene is reaching a new frontier, many women who are involved in the musical arts have a twofold mission: perfecting their gift and nurturing their community. With a gentle nod to the four elements of hip-hop, a group of women will perform in Sneakvibing’s first curated hip-hop show, Ladies First on April 23rd 7pm-9pm at Torn Space Theater, 612 Fillmore Ave. The ladies will showcase their talent and tell their stories along with a handful of women propagating hip-hop. You will not only learn what they do, but also why they do it.

Ladies First will feature Desiree Kee, Shantelle Lynette (That Brown Bag), Neph B Chilli (Betty Croc Ent.), Leah Hamilton (Challenger News), Tiffany Gaines (Burchfield-Penney Art Center), Brooke Blakely, Eula Banks, Jessica Saddleston (Armcandy), Sam Tilkins, Thee Teleah (Saturday Night Buffalo), Michelle Visa (MonaeVisa/Hip-Hop Weekly).With Special Performances by Aitina “A.I. The Anomaly” Fareed-Cooke, Stacy “B-Girl Resolve” Van Blarcom + Friends, Gabby “DJ Lil Gab” Arthur and Brianca “DJ Brei” Hawkins!

The event is free and space is limited so email your RSVP to artscollaboratory@buffalo.edu.

In the powerful words of Queen Latifah, this is “Ladies First.

Ladies First is made possibly by UB Arts Collaboratory (@artscollaboratory), Just Buffalo Literary Center (@justbuffalolit), and Torn Space Theater (@tornspace) You can Follow Sneakvibing at @sneakvibingblog.

Support The Arts

Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration is proud to announce that we will be offering and rewarding our very first “BEAU FLEUVE MUSIC & ARTS HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP” this year!

This scholarship is intended to embody a student who is versatile and wellrounded, active, and achieving within the areas of music, arts, culture, academia, and community involvement.

We are looking for individuals who embody the core values of Beau Fleuve Music & Arts and are ambitious and striving to accomplish all that they can for their own success as well as for the advancement arts in our inner-city communities.

Students attending college ON STAGE in Fall 2022 who will be majoring in Enrolling into Blue Magic to Headline Art, Africana Studies, Communication, Fashion & TexMusicians Ball Saturday May 7, Blue Mag- tile Technology, Theatrical ic will headline The Mu- Directing, Graphic Design, sicians Ball Dedication at Media Production, Music, Main Events, 1420 Main Music Education, Painting, Street. Doors open 5 p.m. Photography, Printmaking, Event begins 6 p.m. Tickets Television & Film Arts and $55 incudes Buffet Dinner. Theater are eligible.

For Tickets & info 716-603For more information email 6506, 717-370-7978 or 716- BeauFleuveCommunity@ 812-2375. Tickets also at gmail.com Doris Records.

Seneca Niagara Events Center and Bears Den The Temptations & The Four Tops Friday April 22.

For more information about tickets and showtimes call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877873-6322).

Little Anthony & The Imperials plus the Crystals & The Marcels, Sunday June

12, Riviera. Theatre, 67 Webster St. North Tonawanda.

Tickets $59 to $79 (rivieratheatre.org, 716-692-2413.

Herbie Hancock Live in Concert at Kleinhans

The Legendary Herbie Hancock will be performing Friday, June 17 @ 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle $49 – $99 tickets can be found on tickets at bpo.org.

Outer Harbor Summer Concert Series

T-Pain May 29 Ja Rule June 24 at the Outer Harbor Concert Series 825 Fuhrmann Blvd.

General $24 and VIP $49 ( both plus fees). Doors for both shows 5p.m. Tickets are available at buffalowaterfront.com

Take A Solar Moment Podcast

Join Solar for a live "Take A Solar Moment" Podcast & "Prose & Pour" Happy Hour every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Je Ne Sais Quoi Restaurant, 1633 Hertel Avenue.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS CALL US AT 716 881-1051 HAIR TO GO NATURAL SEEKING YOUTH WORKERS Hair to Go Natural is seeking young outgoing leaders with good management skills to work assisting youth ages 1620 full/part time. Hourly wages. Call 716-8541454 for immediate consideration!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

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Support Your Local Jazz Collective .9Mile Collaborative presents:

JOIN THE PAPPY MARTIN LEGACY JAZZ Nicole Mitchell’s Black Earth Ensemble SOCIETY FUNDRAISER ON APRIL 29! Xenogenesis: A Tribute to Octavia Butler In honor of JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH and INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY, please join the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society for their Annual Fundraiser Reception!!!

The event is Friday, April 29, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm with live music , food, gifts friends and more at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church (Home of their Love Supreme School of Music) 641 Masten Avenue.

Become a Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective Sponsor!

Various Donation Packages will be available at the event.

Your contribution helps to fund the 27th Annual Pappy Martin Legacy – Masten Jazz Festival, Love Supreme School of Music, John Coltrane Birthday Celebration, Betty Carter Birthday Celebration, Celestial Jazz Series and other jazz events.

Make acquaintances with other music lovers as you commit to keep jazz alive in our community. See You There!

On Thursday, April 21st at 8:00pm the .9MileCollaborative will present Nicole Mitchell’s Black Earth Ensemble Xenogenesis: A Tribute to Octavia Butler at Asbury Hall 341 Delaware Ave. Octavia Butler was an outstanding multiple award winning Black woman author of science fiction and African Nicole Mitchell photo/ Jim Brock American spiritualism.

Nicole M. Mitchell is an award-winning creative flutist, composer, bandleader and educator. She is perhaps best known for her work as a flutist, having developed a unique improvisational language and having been repeatedly awarded “Top Flutist of the Year” by Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll and the Jazz Journalists Association (2010-2017). Black Earth Ensemble (BEE) is a musical celebration of the African American cultural legacy. Founded and directed in 1998 by creative flutist/composer Nicole Mitchell, The ensemble for this show includes Nicole Mitchell - flute, compositions Fay Victor - vocals, Darius Jones - alto sax, Joshua White - piano, Chris Williams - trumpet, Teddy Rankin-Parker cello, Ken Filiano - contrabass, Pheeroan AkLaff - drums.

Nicole Mitchell’s suite Xenogenesis is inspired by the Afrofuturist science fiction writer Octavia Butler. Commissioned by Chamber Music America with the generous support of the Doris Duke Charitable Trust, Mitchell composed a suite that evokes journey into the horrific, yet fascinating unknown. As a woman-directed, co-ed, multi-generational group, it touches a range of emotional spaces rarely expressed in a “jazz” setting.

Tickets $25 general admission, $18 students/seniors, $15 Hallwalls & CMC members. For purchase and info go to hallwalls.org. (The .9mile is a collaboration between Hallwalls and The Colored Musicians Club)

Ujima’s Unforgettable and Celebrated Crowd Favorite SPUNK Returns

Send Us Your Events on thechallenvernews.com

Glowing with wit, humor and energy, three tales of survival are told in the key of the blues in the return of Spunk to the Lorna C. Williams Theater stage.

Reaching back into our own history, Ujima presents one of our most loved productions this time, directed by Sarah Norat Phillips who in 1994 played Blues Speak Woman. For this production Sarah will be directing Curtis Lovell as Blues Speak Woman.

An unearthly Guitar Man and Blues Speak Woman tantalizingly interweave three tales of the early 20th century African American experience, from the fierce determination of a resilient washerwoman to the zoot suit struts of 1940s Harlem, to the bittersweet innocence of young married love.

Using the blues, song narrative, and dance, three tales focus on men and women described by the main character as the "laughin' kind of lovin' kind of hurtin' kind of pain, that comes from being human.

Based on three short stories of Zora Neale Hurston (Their Eyes Were Watching God) and adapted by Jelly’s Last Jam writer George C. Wolfe, Spunk sets the human ability to endure to the strums of a guitar in a stirring musical fable.

4 week run starting May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 . Talkback performance - Thursday May 26 Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm Sundays at 4:00pm Tickets: $30 General Admission $20 Seniors $10 Students/ Veterans. Reservations By phone:(716) 281-0092 by website: ujimacoinc.org or by email:boxoffice@ujimacoinc.org .

CAN YOU HEAR NOW? Teens bring talent to the African American Cultural Center April 30 & May 1 Street Legacy Photos

Bringing Teen Talent to the African American Cultural Center Since November of 2017, a team of artists have gathered with multi-talented youth ages 12 to 21 at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center to participate in an open mic performing arts program called, Can You Hear Me Now. After over 10 weeks of work a teen ensemble will present their annual Can You Hear Me Now? showcase performance on Saturday April 30 at 6 p.m. and Sunday May 1 at 5 p.m. at the African American Cultural Center on 350 Masten Avenue,. Tickets will be $10 at the door, or on-line at https:// bit.ly/cyhmn22tickets.

Can You Hear Me Now? is an open mic program that meets Monday and Wednesday evenings to empower young performers to transition from performing covers of commercial songs to developing original poetry, rap, and movement.

These young people come from schools around Buffalo.

There are very few spaces where teens can connect with their peers, while being challenged to deepen and refine their work. Teens need more opportunities to develop their creative ideas, their discipline, and communication skills through the performing arts, and to learn how to reach audiences as performers.

Founded in 2017 by award-winning Hip Hop artist Solomon Dixon, Can You Hear Me Now is directed by Da’Von McCune, rap artist and owner of D Real McCoy Entertainment, and Ashley Watson, a Marriage and Family Counselor, and owner of # Real Talk, a social emotional learning curriculum for youth. Michael Tritto, the Associate Director at Gloria J. Parks Community Center provides administrative support.

Youth are drawn to this program for both personal and artistic reasons. On a personal level, the teens love to cheer for the others and to be celebrated by their peers after they present new work each week on the open mic stage. The young people also participate each week in a 45-minute #REAL TALK workshop to explore in action the inner qualities of their humanity. These interactive workshops led by Ashley Watson challenge teens to courageously share their feelings and discoveries about 9 life principles, including safety, respect, empathy, love, honesty, confidence, maturity, focus & empowerment. These teens get the most excited when the mic is opened each week for youth performances. Students are challenged to refine works in progress, and to try out new works for the first time.

This event is produced by the University District Community Development Association (UDCDA), a non-profit agency offering youth, senior citizen, and adult programs at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street and housing and business development services at 995 Kensington Avenue. This program is funded by a generous grant from the Erie County Youth Bureau. The African American Cultural Center is co-sponsoring the showcase events on April 30 and May 1.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

The Shots Heard Around Buffalo’s East Side

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By Cariol Horne #CariolsLaw and Myles Carter IG @myles4sheriff

arch was a high point in Buffalo for police involved shootings. On the morning of March 14th, Buffalo Police responded to a call and arrived to find a man by the name of Domique Thomas with a knife. Ultimately Thomas was shot 6 times, as he is seen on camera running towards the police officers. Absent in that encounter was the Buffalo Behavioral Health Team, tasers, or Bolla Wraps, all of which came on the heels of continued protests and rallies all over Buffalo for police accountability and safety.

People throughout the city were in a panic on March 29, 2022, when a high-speed chase ripped through Buffalo’s East Side in what many described as sounding like a drive by shooting. Members of the community want to know what Buffalo Police could have done differently to avoid turning their community into a war zone. It is unknown why the Buffalo officers felt justified in the high-speed chase that ensued, Video footage from local surveillance cameras show Buffalo Police as the Buffalo Police Manual states, "pursuit shall not be firing 4 rounds out of their vehicle while speeding down Genesee initiated if the reason for the attempted stop is only for St., near the intersection of Forman Ave. Vehicle Traffic Law (VTL) violations, misdemeanors, or short of Fillmore Ave. near the C District police station. other non-violent felonies.”

According to the press conference held by Erie County Bell remained in his vehicle the entire time, unable to exit District Attorney John Flynn, the chase started at the foot easily due to his pre-existing physical handicap, when the of West Ferry Street, where two female police officers ap- officers opened fire. In a Facebook live video, you can see proached the parked vehicle of Kente Bell around 5:58 p.m. a female cop take cover behind a vehicle when she opens to inquire about his tinted windows. The officers asked Bell fire on Bell. The rest of the video offers no footage of the for his license, he complied with their request, and they ap- shooting as the camera person takes cover, but it’s clear that parently found an issue with his registration. When they there are multiple shots coming from multiple people in a asked Bell to exit the vehicle, according to Flynn, Bell re- literal hail of gun fire.

The pursuit ended with Bell being shot multiple times sponded to let them know he was physically handicapped and a total of three officers shot. Bell was transported to from the waist down and uses walking crutches.

Flynn went on to describe the events that ensued quickly the hospital. It was said that a gun was recovered from his thereafter. He stated that Bell took off down Niagara St., person, possessing an extended magazine. DA Flynn was turned on Tonawanda St., went down Military Rd. and unable to confirm if the gun was used in the shootout, turned down Austin St. It was on Austin St., where it was as it was damaged and rendered unusable, not knowsaid that the female passenger accompanying Bell, jumped ing whether this was a result of the hail of shots fired out of the moving vehicle, and where Flynn said the first by BPD. Although the chase began on the West side and continued throughout the city, shots shots were fired, stating that it was “crystal clear” that Bell fired upon Although the chase began on were blatantly discharged by Police the police officers. There was no the West side and continued on the city’s east side with no regard for human life. On the video ballistics or real physical evidence throughout the city, shots were shot from a gas station, you can see that was released to substantiate Flynn’s claims. He went on to blatantly discharged by Police a man fall back in the driver’s seat say that Bell was pursued down on the city’s east side with no of a vehicle parked at the gas pump.

The person taking the video ducked Niagara St. towards the 198, where behind gas pumps and you see cops regard for human life. police had set up a roadblock using firing upon Bell’s vehicle after it their vehicles. According to Flynn, had crashed.

Amidst the gun fire and erratic actions of the somehow Bell blew through the roadblock and was able to enter the 198. He continued through the 198 to the 33 East Buffalo Police during this pursuit, and the recovered gun being rendered “unusable,” it poses the question – Did the Bound, where it appears there were no other shots fired.

Flynn said that Bell exited highway 33 at Bailey Ave. on police shoot themselves?

It has been over three weeks since the near deadly shoot Buffalo’s east side and shots were fired again, Officer Sheehan was said to have been shot in his upper bicep and had out that began at the foot of Ferry on Buffalo’s west side his ear grazed by a bullet near the intersection of Bailey and and ended at Fillmore and Ferry, across the street from BufLangfield at roughly 6:07 p.m. The chase continues south falo Police C District station. The details of what happened down Bailey Ave and they turn down Walden Ave going to- are still not very clear to the public, but we do know three wards Cheektowaga, turning north on Pine Ridge Rd. and police officers were treated at ECMC for gunshot wounds, down Genesee towards Buffalo. Flynn states the second along with Bell, the young man who was driving the vehicle officer is shot near the corner of Genesee St. and Doat St. that led the police around Buffalo. This would be the secat roughly 6:12 p.m., failing to mention the numerous shots ond police involved shooting in the month of March, both that were fired by Buffalo Police down Genesee St. while of which Flynn worked immediately to clear the police involved as quickly as possible. Both incidents could have engaged in the pursuit.

Video footage from local surveillance cameras show Buf- been avoided had the resources and policies of the Buffalo falo Police firing 4 rounds out of their vehicle while speed- Police Department been utilized.

Today Bell faces three counts of attempted murder in ing down Genesee St., near the intersection of Forman Ave. the first degree and one count of possession of an illegal Freeze frames of the footage was taken and the smoke from the gunshots corresponds to the police vehicle as the shots firearm in the second degree. He was arraigned on these are heard in the footage. Within seconds of the second of- charges along with violation of his probation from his bed ficer being shot at 6:12p.m. the Duty Officer called off the at ECMC. DA Flynn has made it clear that Bell will be chase, stating “cut the pursuit, cut the pursuit, too many prosecuted on these charges, even if the bullets that hit the injured.” However, the responding officers ignored the officers came from other officers.

According to Flynn, Bell fired the first shots on Auscommand and continued to pursue Bell for at least 14 more tin St., and the police continued to pursue him thereafter. minutes.

Continuing down Genesee Street, they turn down Jef- However, there are no accounts of opening fire on Bell at ferson and go down East Ferry Street where they stop just the roadblock on Niagara St. on Buffalo’s gentrified West Side, or on the 198 that scrolls along wealthy Nottingham

Eva Doyle

Christopher St. Vil

Karima Amin

Tonja M. Williams

No Excuses Community Forum Panel Features Local Educators Regardless of whom or what we want to be or take the blame for the chaos in our community, we all must share some portion of the conditions that have allowed our children to be murdered in our streets, not adequately educated in our schools and migrated from one low paying, low skills job to the next!

It is time for we, the community, to take matters in our own hands and stop depending on persons or entities that care nothing about us, to solve our problems. And geared towards that positive outcome, the We are Women Warriors group is holding a series of monthly forums to garner community and parents participation in a Community Compact that will be compiled based on information discussed, collected and documented. This compact will be distributed to our government leaders and anti-violence activists, at the local, state and federal levels.

The next community forum, which are always held on the 4th or the last Thursday of every month, will be Thursday, April 28th, at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, 5-8 PM. The No Excuses Community Forum Panel will include local educators, and former educators, including, renowned Black History historian and "Eye On History" columnist Dr. Eva M. Doyle; Interim Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools Dr. Tonja M. Williams; renowned Black History historian, storyteller, and criminal justice reform advocate Ms. Karima Amin; and Dr. Christopher St. Vil renowned Professor of African American Studies at the University at Buffalo and Researcher of violent injury, trauma, risk-taking, idleness, and health outcomes of young Black males.

Please arrive on time to the meeting, and please do not forget to sign-up for the meeting's Speaker's List before the meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. You can pre-register prior to the 28th, by email, or by telephone, at: WeAreWomenWarriorsOrganization@Gmail.Com, or at: +1(716) 248-8783.

Refreshments will be served 7:30-8 PM in the library's small meeting room. Hope to see you there!

Terrace. The accounts of police fire are in a speeding police vehicle down Genesee St., and hundreds of police rounds fired on Fillmore and East Ferry St. at the heart of Buffalo’s East Side. What steps are being taken by Buffalo Po-

lice Commissioner Gramaglia, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Mayor Brown and the Buffalo Common Council to avoid this type of careless regard for human life on Buffalo’s East Side?

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

I'm Just Sayin' Sayin' by Darvin Adams

The Whole Health System Continuing my previous article on the new Whole Health System at the Buffalo V.A. I will now inform you how the model is set up.

•1.Pathway: Peers Empower Veterans Through the Pathway.Veterans and their families in association with veteran peers are supported in exploring their Mission, Aspiration and Purpose (MAP) as well in developing their Personal Health Plan (PHP) A. Whole Health Orientation is a connection to pathway options, via the introduction to the Whole Health Coarse B. Support also includes Peer support and whole health partners Wellness coaches (individual or groups) C. Core Programming emphasizes what matters more with the veterans and identifies ways to embroider selfcare and creating a PHP •2.Well-Being Programs; Equips The Veterans with well-being. The core offerings of well-being programs will teach veterans new skills that will support selfcare also complementary and integrative health (CIH) self-care practices and whole health coaching.

A. Well-being programs are health focused through selfcare and CIH approaches B. Teams may also include a nutritionist, movement therapist (yoga, Tai Chi) a licensed acupuncturist and a mind0body therapist ( stress reduction, guided imagery, and clinical hypnosis) C. Veterans maybe seen individually with a health and

wellness coach in support of the veterans PHP and also primarily focuses on self-care skill building and ongoing support classes •3.Whole Health Clinical Care: TREAT Veterans with Whole Health Clinical Care In VHA facilities, the community, or both, clinicians trained in Whole Health deliver excellent clinical care that empowers and Continued Page 14

TAKING A STAND FOR THE CHILDREN Continued from page 3

Howard Sease, senior chemist for BPS Building Safety and Health - both Black women - assured that they had done nothing wrong in their testing and followed procedure correctly.

Superintendent Williams acknowledged that there is an investigation going on in relation to Mr. Reid's allegations.

It was also confirmed that some of the samples tbat came back in 2021 did in fact show children had been exposed to lead in water.

Parents, school representatives assured, were informed.

However the concern was that no widespread testing took place.

“Our job now is to make sure there are no increased exposure to any child,” said Dr. Williams “We are cooperating in a very transparent way and we are taking every step to test, remediate and where needed, replace fixtures to mitigate any possible exposure of lead to children in the schools.”

Francesca Gidney, LPN and Makeda Tiffany Devonshire, RN, BSN, MPH, Directors of Buffalo Clinical Testing Lab Corp. announced the launching of BUFFALOLEAD-FREE-INITIATIVE, providing no cost lead testing for every child in the City of Buffalo. The Initiative is sponsored, in part, by the Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc., and the BLM Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. in conjunction with the Buffalo Clinical Testing Lab Corp.

Parents are urged to call or text 833-662-4522 and set up an appointment for free testing or email at: buffaloclinicallab@outlook.com.

Messages can also be left on their facebook page.

This issue was bought to light because it needs to be thoroughly investigated, said Radford, because our children’s health and well being is of the upmost importance.

New York Lawmakers Must Oppose S. 7909

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By Pastor Paul Thomas

s New Yorkers continue working to recover from the health and economic impact of the pandemic, it’s critical that our lawmakers prioritize improving the lives of New Yorkers above all else. However, there are forces at work looking to disrupt our public health progress, increase health care costs for hardworking New Yorkers, small businesses, and unions and put patients at risk.

S.7909, a new bill sponsored by Senator James Skoufis, would have a catastrophic effect on individuals and organizations across our state. If it becomes law, it would mean millions of dollars in higher health care costs for New Yorkers – in the form of higher out-of-pocket costs on prescription medications, premiums, and deductibles. As S.7909 continues to make its way through the state legislature, it’s essential to the health and well-being of New Yorkers that lawmakers oppose this harmful legislation.

Throughout the country, we’ve seen inflation drive up costs on just about everything. If passed, S.7909 would only exacerbate this problem by raising health care costs for New Yorkers by a staggering $524 million in the first year alone.

Now more than ever, it is unacceptable and irresponsible to force additional prescription drugs and health care costs.

As if that wasn’t bad enough already, S.7909 would also make it harder for businesses and unions to provide highquality, low-cost health care coverage to workers. This bill would also force small businesses – many of which are already struggling to stay afloat in this economic environment – to pay more to offer competitive benefits. And when businesses need to choose between paying wages or higher health care costs, it will ultimately mean more New York jobs are lost.

Vulnerable patients will be at risk of losing the high quality of care they depend on to treat chronic conditions and debilitating diseases such as cancer. That’s because S.7909 also reduces safety standards for specialty drugs used to treat patients with conditions like cancer.

So who’s the big winner from S.7909? Big drug companies, who will continue driving up prescription drug prices on New Yorkers to increase their already record-breaking profits.

Instead of making the lives of New Yorkers harder and the cost of prescription drugs higher, lawmakers need to stand up to big drug companies by rejecting S.7909.

The Reverend Paul J. Thomas is the Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Buffalo, NY

Calling All Buffalo Public School Students! What Are Your Concerns?

Dear Editor: I'm planning a community meeting on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Downtown Public Library to meet students and their parents, to hear the concerns of the STUDENTS who attend Buffalo Public Schools. I want the students to be able to speak freely and openly. Parents please bring your children! Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend but will not be allowed to ask questions or speak. This is our opportunity to hear from the students about their every day lives, their concerns at school and the changes they would like to see made.

School Board Elections will take place this year on November 8, General Election Day. April 19 is the first day persons who want to be elected to the School Board can begin circulating their petitions And May 24 is the first day to file those petitions with the Board of Elections.

Anyone can sign if a petition as long as you are a registered voter and live in the City of Buffalo, no matter what your political affiliation.

The Urban Think Tank recently concluded a series of three School Board Caucuses which were held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church for anyone interested in running for School Board including current board members. I attended all three sessions.

It’s no secret that the safety of our children is a very real issue and concern among parents and concerned citizens today - from in-school violence to violence, poor supervision and unacceptable delays and hazardous situations involving bussing. Buffalo Public School students should be protected at ALL times.

However what we have is a failed security system in our schools. The education and protection of our young up and coming student-scholars should be top priority. I addressed the school board March 16th at the Waterfront School and took a position on this and other issues including:

•The suspension of two students who videotaped the beat down of two fellow students on a BPS-bus. What message are we sending to our children ? To not say anything when they see wrong?

•Picking a new superintendent should wait to after the school board race is over.

•There should be no pay raises for school board members from $5,000 to $15,000.

•Former Superintendent Dr. Cash put a 40% raise on the table for his staff and administrators before he resigned. I say No! All money should be used to hire more certified bus drivers and bus aides.

•I am in favor of term limits for all elected school Board members..

In the upcoming school board elections six seats are up for re-election. I am seriously considering running for the Buffalo School Board Central District Seat. It’s time for a change. In my opinion there are four districts that need new leadership: Central, Ferry, North, and the Park district.

If I decide to run my sole priority will be to represent the STUDENTS and their concerns. Please come out on April 30!

As the slogan goes “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste.” Might I add, it’s also a terrible thing to abuse!

Samuel A. Herbert Concerned Citizen, Erie County and City of Buffalo Resident and Tax Payer

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

EMPLOYMENT Olmstead Housing Specialist

Help individuals seeking eligibility for Housing subsidy to transition from Institutional setting to the community. Asso deg and min 2 yrs exp req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St. Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

CDPAS Compliance Specialist

Perform duties within the dept To help ensure proper regulations. HS diploma & 3 yrs exp req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St. Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Independent Living Specialist-PT

Coordinate living skills, evaluations, And trainings for persons with disabilities. Associate Degree required. 22.5 hrs/wk.

Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc, 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Health Homes Care Coordinator

Help enroll consumers in a Health Home. Help decrease costs of consumers being Served in a Health Home.

Bachelor’s & 5 yrs exp. Req. Resume and Cover letter to WNYIL Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC Lockport City School District is looking to fill the following positions: Seasonal Laborer, Nurse, MBK Parent Liaison, Noon Hr. Monitor, and Substitute Teacher. Please contact 716478-4820 for details.

Hiring Senior Pastor Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church is seeking a Senior Pastor. Interested persons may review the job description and apply online at our Facebook page entitled “Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church”.

Addict 2 Addict Peer Support Specialist

Provide rapid peer support services to individuals With substance use & addiction issues.

HS diploma & 3 yrs related exp req. Cover letter & resume to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St. Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

NY Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist

Help connect aging or disabled individuals and their Families to support groups and streamline access to Public benefits and application assistance.

Asso. degree and human services exp. req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Tech Support III

Set up & provide tech support/ training to Staff on electronic & peripheral equipment. Must have Associate deg & website builder exp. Cover letter & resume to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Program Assistant

Perform general office duties & provide Support to the Director & staff in the Delivery of services. Coordinate loan closet.

Must have HS diploma & 2 yrs office exp. Cover letter & resume to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Education & Outreach Training & Coaching Specialist

Outreach to nursing homes for the Good Neighbor Program, Contact nursing homes & present on the Open Doors Program.

Bachelor’s & exp developing/ training groups required.

Cover letter & resume to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St. Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

ILNC Director

Implementing policies & procedures, Supervising staff & overseeing specific Operations. HS diploma & 8yrs exp req. Cover letter & resume to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Assistant Athletic Trainer in Intercollegiate Athletics Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Athletic Trainer in Intercollegiate Athletics.

For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/6029

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF ERIE – NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY,, Plaintiff, against David Nowicki as Heir to the Estate of Rita F. Nowicki a/k/a Rita Nowicki; UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF RITA F. NOWICKI A/K/A RITA NOWICKI, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff;Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; The Erie County Department of Social Services; United States of America Department of Treasury; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance - Tax Compliance Division-C.O.-ATC, and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants-Index No. 802974/2020.

Plaintiff Designates Erie County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Erie County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 days of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated February 23, 2022. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF Buffalo Challenger THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE Size: 2 (4”)THE x 2”ANCOMPANY) AND FILING SWER WITH THE COURT. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE; New York State law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process.

Please read it carefully. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the Summons and Complaint in this Foreclosure Action, you may lose your home. Please read the Summons and Complaint carefully.

You should immediately contact an attorney of your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and nonprofit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services’ at 1-800-269-0990 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.dfs.ny.gov.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. We are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Dennis E. Ward dated February 23, 2022. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 111 Woodell Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY 14211 located at Section 102.45 Block 2 and Lot 30 Dated: February 24, 2022 Filed: February 24, 2022 Pincus Law Group, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: George J. Weissinger, Esq., 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 (516) 699-8902.

April 7, 14, 21, 28 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ERIE COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT NO. 4 WARNER ROAD AND BOWMANSVILLE PUMP STATIONS VALVE INSTALLATION CONTRACT NO. 58 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the above referenced contracts will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (ECDEP) on May 4, 2022 until 10:00 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 nature of the work includes supply and installation of buried 6 and 18-inch pipe, fittings and valves and elevated, exposed 16 and 18inch pipe, fittings and 2-inch ARVs in a restricted space, with bypass pumping required.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid meeting for the construction of this project scheduled for 2:00 P.M. on April 26, 2022 at Northern Region Offices, 3789 Walden Avenue, Lancaster, NY 14086 site visits to follow.

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

BY ORDER OF: Joseph Fiegl, P.E., BCEE Deputy Commissioner, ECDEP Dated: April 12, 2022 Published: April 20, 2022

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid 220012 - ABSORBED GLASS MAT (AGM) AND 8D LEAD ACID BATTERIES Download Bids from www.nfta.com

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF ERIE – BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, -against- UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT SCAMURRA A/K/A ROBERT M. SCAMURRA, THOMAS R. SCAMURRA AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ROBERT SCAMURRA A/K/A ROBERT M. SCAMURRA, JOSEPH K. SCAMURRA AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ROBERT SCAMURRA A/K/A ROBERT M. SCAMURRA, JAMES M. SCAMURRA AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE ROBERT SCAMURRA A/K/A ROBERT M. SCAMURRA, MICHAEL J. SCAMURRA AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ROBERT SCAMURRA A/K/A ROBERT M. SCAMURRA, RONALD W. SCAMURRA AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ROBERT SCAMURRA A/K/A ROBERT M. SCAMURRA, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS LLC, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendants - Index No. 801415/2019. Plaintiff Designates Erie County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Erie County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated March 25, 2022. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (BANK OF AMERICA) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE; New York State law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process.

Please read it carefully. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the Summons and Complaint in this Foreclosure Action, you may lose your home. Please read the Summons and Complaint carefully.

You should immediately contact an attorney of your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and nonprofit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process.

To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services’ at 1-800269-0990 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.dfs.ny.gov.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach

you with offers to “save” your home.

There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. We are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT DURING THE CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY, YOU MIGHT BE ENTITLED BY LAW TO TAKE ADDITIONAL DAYS OR WEEKS TO FILE AN ANSWER TO THIS COMPLAINT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY FOR MORE INFORMATION. IF YOU DON’T HAVE AN ATTORNEY PLEASE VISIT http://ww2.nycourts.gov/admin/OPP/ foreclosures.shtml OR https://www.nycourts.gov/ courthelp/Homes/foreclosures. shtml AVISO A DEMANDADO DURANTE LA EMERGENCIA DEL CORONAVIRUS, ES POSIBLE QUE USTED TENGA DERECHO POR LEY A TOMAR DÍAS O SEMANAS ADICIONALES PARA PRESENTAR UNA RESPUESTA A ESTA PETICIÓN POR FAVOR CONTACTE A SU ABOGADO PARA MAS INFORMACIÓN. SI USTED NO TIENE UN ABOGADO, VISITE http://www.nycourts.gov/admin/OPP/ foreclosures.shtml OR https://www.nycourts.gov/ courthelp/Homes/foreclosures. shtml The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Mark A. Montour, J.S.C. dated and filed March 25, 2022. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 102 Scamridge Curve, Amherst, NY 14221 located at Section 68.19 Block 2 and Lot 11. Dated: April 4, 2022 Filed: April 4, 2022 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Raspreet Bhatia, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 (212) 524-5000. Please respond to Cypress Creek office: Trade Centre South, 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 (888) 491-1120.

April 21, 28 May 5,12

COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bridge Painting & Repairs Bullis Road over Buffalo Creek (BIN 3327260) FA-5763.78-22 Department of Public Works, Division of Highways seeking sealed bids for Bridge Painting & Repairs including blast cleaning and painting, minor steel repairs, downspout repairs, joint seal replacement, concrete deck repairs, waterproof membrane, and asphalt paving. Sealed proposals will be received at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY 14202 by, and opened at, 10 am local time, Thursday, May 5, 2022. Certified check in the amount of $55,000.00 bid deposit is required. Pre-let meeting scheduled Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 10:00 am local time at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY; or online.

NYSDOL, Davis Bacon Wage Rates, NYS Vendor Responsibility CCA-2 A/B/C, Local Minority, & Disadvantaged Workforce goals, NYS Apprenticeship, and 5% DBE goals may be required. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http: //www2.erie. gov/dpw see On Line Bid Retrieval.

13

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS One(1) Plumbing Work Contract: 47231-P, Two(2) Construction Work Contracts: 47232-C, 47235-C, One(1) HVAC Work Contract: 47232-H, One(1) Roofing & Appurtenance Work Contract: 47237-T Sealed bids for the above Work located in the Geographic Contract Areas described below in Table 1 and comprising separate contracts for Plumbing Work, Construction Work, HVAC Work & Roofing & Appurtenance Work, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Contract Management, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, until 2:00 p.m. on the date indicated in Table 2 below, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a bid security (i.e. certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $25,000.

All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond pursuant to Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount the Anticipated Annual Value of Work as noted in Table 2.

This Advertisement for Bids is for multiple Job Order Contracts (hereinafter called JOC). A Job Order Contract is an indefinite quantity contract pursuant to which the Contractor will perform a series of individual repair, alteration, modernization, maintenance, rehabilitation, demolition and construction projects at different locations. Work is accomplished by means of issuance of a Job Order against a master contract. Under the JOC concept, the Contractor furnishes all management, documentation, labor, materials and equipment needed to perform the Work. The State has published Construction Task Catalogs containing a series of work items with pre-established Unit Prices. The Contractor will bid Adjustment Factors to be applied to the pre-established Unit Prices. The price paid by the State for an individual Project will be determined by multiplying the pre-established Unit Prices by the appropriate quantities and by the appropriate Adjustment Factor(s).

Table 1- Geographic Contract Areas

Table 2- Contract Values and Bid Due Dates

Prospective bidders must register for a Pre-Bid Conference in order to attend.

The conference will be held for the purpose of discussing the JOC concept, Contract Documents, specifics of the OGS JOC program, OGS expectations, JOC from the Contractor’s perspective (including how to properly prepare a bid) and other bid considerations. The attendees representing prospective bidders at the Pre-Bid Conferences should be principals of the firm and/or the individuals who will be compiling the bid on behalf of the firm. If the bidder is a joint venture, at least one party of the joint venture must register to attend a Pre-Bid Conference.

Pre-Bid Conferences – Zoom: Using the links below, prospective bidders will need to register for one of the dates listed below. Prospective bidders will then receive a confirmation email with a link to join on the selected date. Prospective bidders will click on one of the provided links within the confirmation email and Zoom will launch. The system will walk prospective bidders through joining the meeting by audio either via phone or on their computer.

Wednesday April 27, 2022 - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Tuesday May 03, 2022 - 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Zoom Link – April 27, 2022 https://bit.ly/3DhGaZt Zoom Link – May 03, 2022 https://bit.ly/37Wtbk7 Designated staff are Jessica Cook, Jessica Hoffman, and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862.

Pursuant to Public Buildings Law § 8(6), effective January 11, 2020, for any projects where the project design commenced on or after January 1, 2020 and for any contracts over $5,000 for the work of construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State building, a responsible and reliable NYS-certified Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise that submits a bid within ten percent of the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder provided that the bid is $1,400,000 or less, as adjusted annually for inflation beginning January 1, 2020. If more than one responsible and reliable MWBE firm meets these requirements, the MWBE firm with the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder. ___Project commenced design before January 1, 2020. Not subject to provision.

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

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

Article 17-B of the New York State Executive Law provides for more meaningful participation in public procurement by certified Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Businesses (“SDVOBs”). Bidders are expected to consider SDVOBs

be as subcontractors or suppliers, as protégés, or in other partnering or supporting roles. OGS hereby establishes overall goals for SDVOBs’ participation under this contract as follows: 3% for the P trade contractor, 3% for the C trade contractor, 3% for the H trade contractor, and 3% for the T trade contractor, based on the current availability of qualified SDVOBs. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of SDVOBs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials.

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available for viewing and downloading from OGS Design & Construction’s plan room hosting service, Bid Express. Vendors wishing to view and/or download bid documents must complete a one-time registration for the Bid Express service. There is no cost to register for Bid Express. Registration along with viewing and downloading of documents can be accessed at the following link: http://www.bidexpress.com For questions about downloading of bid documents, please send an e-mail to support@bidexpress.com, or call the Bid Express toll-free number at (888) 352-2439.

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

For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.

OGS Design & Construction Group

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for Project Nos. M3152-C and M3152-P, comprising separate contracts for Construction Work, and Plumbing Work, Repair Cell Backs & Replace Fixtures, Various Buildings, Wende Correctional Facility, 3040 Wende Road, Alden (Erie County), NY will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Division of Contract Management, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 when they will be publicly opened and read.

Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a bid security (i.e. certified check, bank check, or bid bond) in the amount of $24,300 for C and $ 20,700 for P. All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond pursuant to Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for C, and between $250,000 and $500,000 for P. Designated staff are Jessica Cook, Jessica Hoffman, and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 4737862.

Pursuant to Public Buildings Law § 8(6), effective January 11, 2020, for any projects where the project design commenced on or after January 1, 2020 and for any contracts over $5,000 for the work of construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State building, a responsible and reliable NYS-certified Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise that submits a bid within ten percent of the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder provided that the bid is $1,400,000 or less, as adjusted annually for inflation beginning January 1, 2020. If more than one responsible and reliable MWBE firm meets these requirements, the MWBE firm with the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder. _____Project commenced design before January 1, 2020. Not subject to provision.

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

The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site to take field measurements and examine existing conditions of the project area will be at 10:15 a.m. on April 28, 2022, at NYS-OGS Wende Field Office, 2990 Wende Rd, Alden, NY 14004. Phone the office of Allyson Youdsavage (716-937-4200) a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the date to provide the names of those who will attend the pre-bid site visit. Only contractors that schedule a visit at least 72 hours in advance will be allowed to participate in the pre-bid site visit.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, OGS is required to promote opportunities for the maximum feasible participation of New York State-certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts. All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation, 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 15% for WomenOwned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs) for Construction Work and an overall goal of 20% for MWBE participation, 10% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 10% for Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs) for Plumbing Work. The total contract goal can be obtained by utilizing any combination of MBE and /or WBE participation for subcontracting and supplies acquired under this Contract. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of MWBEs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials.

Article 17-B of the New York State Executive Law provides for more meaningful participation in public procurement by certified Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Businesses (“SDVOBs”). Bidders are expected to consider SDVOBs in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Contract. Such participation may be as subcontractors or suppliers, as protégés, or in other partnering or supporting roles. OGS hereby establishes overall goals for SDVOBs’ participation under this contract as follows: 6% for the C trade contractor, and 3% for the P trade contractor, based on the current availability of qualified SDVOBs. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of SDVOBs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials.

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available for viewing and downloading from OGS Design & Construction’s plan room hosting service, Bid Express. Vendors wishing to view and/or download bid documents must complete a one-time registration for the Bid Express service. There is no cost to register for Bid Express. Registration along with viewing and downloading of documents can be accessed at the following link: http://www. bidexpress.com For questions about downloading of bid documents, please send an e-mail to support@bidexpress.com, or call the Bid Express toll-free number at (888) 352-2439.

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

For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.

OGS Design & Construction Group

EMPLOYMENT Board Certified Behavior Analysis Program Coordinator in Exceptional Education Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Board Certified Behavior Analysis Program Coordinator in Exceptional Education.

B Si

For a full job description and to apply: http://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/5991

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

Chief of Staff in President’s Office Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Chief of Staff in President’s Office.

The Chief of Staff is an integral member of the President’s Office and senior leadership team, reporting directly to the President. The Chief of Staff provides leadership and operational oversight to the Office of the President in fulfilling the college’s mission and goals. Under direction of the President, plans key meetings and projects, liaisons between the President and key internal and external groups, oversees presidential special events, project management including budget oversight and oversees significant communication with campus constituents and key stakeholders.

• Promotes a positive image of the college at all times to all internal and external audiences.

• Serves as a liaison between the President and other campus administrators • Is the primary contact between the college and campus administrators, College Council members, SUNY trustees and SUNY staff • Supports the President, as needed, on national and regional commitments • Develops, coordinates, and/or represents the President on key campus wide events or special presidential events • Coordinates with campus communication offices as needed • Coordinates and interprets policy decisions and documents that serve the public mission of the college • Safeguards the confidentiality of the institution and exercises appropriate discretion in handling matters, records, information of a confidential nature • Facilitates and coordinates College Council meetings and key committee meetings • Coordinates, oversees, and manages the flow of incoming and outgoing communications including prioritizing requests to the President for engagement, presentations, and participation • Effectively plans meetings with the President and works collaboratively with the Assistant to the President to schedule meetings and events • Attends all board, cabinet, and special meetings (as assigned) to record, document and maintain a record of essential elements of such meetings • Handles the financial records for the Office of the President and insures on time payment of bills as necessary • Composes, edits, and proofs a wide variety of materials required by the President • Represents the President as needed on a wide variety of programs, projects, and ceremonies Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree • Evidence of the ability to handle high level and sensitive confidential information with the highest integrity • Ability to multi-task and to respond quickly to changing priorities and emerging situations • Strong attention to detail and excellent organizations skills • Strong professional oral and written skills • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment • Excellent computer/technology skills and ability to continue to learn emerging technology • Experience supervising others and setting high performance expectations • Demonstrated experience managing high profile, significant, and confidential matters • Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, examining studies and researching projects and conducts fact-finding on sensitive matters Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree • Experience in higher education/executive office Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/6066

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

B

14

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

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Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 289-946-034-594 Taurus -258-231-026-695 Gemini-495-257-694-508 Leo-345-213-157-201 Virgo 385-291-431-170 Libra -247-723-179-501 Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 Sagittarius - 389-701-234924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

quick money 189-809-444 THE NUMBER BOOK 886-980-422 708-469-801-066 322-522-355 781-980-194-580 800-592-390 805-075-467-890 394-833-924 579-944-357-909 127-909-418 680-434-680-073 927-313-466 678-456-708-286 124-550-098 230-110-781-009 511-005-201 920-536-580-697

584 - 049-012 360-211-842

075-356-579-498

GAMMA’S APRIL PICS 093-563-167-096-743-234 BEST TRIPLE 444

SAT 4/16

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MID-04-10-28-34-38 MID-06-13-31-36-39 MID-01-02-04-31-38 MID-06-17-23-25-38 MID-01-15-20-28-35 EVE-02-10-11-27-29 EVE-07-08-09-19-34 EVE-17-21-23-32-35 EVE-06-20-29-33-34 EVE-01-05-19-26-39

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WED 4/13

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Davis Honey

MID-3-5-4

TUES 4/12

LOTTO

AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

MID-2-0-2

MON 4/11

648

03-13-18-31-57 +08

996

Challenger Hits MIDDAY 2-0-2 Hot Tips (box) Mat Ruth, Duckie (straight) 3-5-4 ZR (straight) ZR, Leo, Scorpio (box) 5-7-9 ZR Aquarius( straight) Ozlla’s (box) 6-4-5 ZR (box) 8-4-5 Quick $ (box) EVENING 3-7-6 ZR (box) 5-5-4 ZR (box) 4-7-3 ZR, April Vibes(box) 3-2-4 ZR (straight) Sagittarius, Gamma’s Pics (box) 2-9-1 Virgo (straight)

CASH$$-356 017-430-034-501483-656-491-248853-9961

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equips Veterans to live their lives fully in support of their MAP. This new program, The Whole Health System is a new approach to treat veterans better with chronic pain and those invisible wounds of war. The mission continues, good health physically and mentally is our own MISSION. Complete your mission and come to the V.A. For more information call 716-862-7885 Brethren and sisters, our enlistments have ended our pains have not.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR Continued from Page 7

“She had the audacity to introduce literature that was culturally relevant,” Russell said. “I thought, ‘Wow, that’s a guy who looks like me.’”

The die was further cast for his future career as an eighth-grader when he walked into a math class taught by Larry Thomas, the first Black male teacher he had encountered. Russell said he was impressed

by Thomas’ demeanor and how he carried himself in the classroom.

“He was someone who looked like me in front of the classroom who all the kids enjoyed,” Russell said. “This seemed like a profession that I could enjoy. It just changed my life.”

He helped develop an African American history course at Oberlin High School in his first year there.In addition to teaching two other general history classes, Russell and a music teacher have developed a class called Black Music in the African Diaspora that covers the blues, jazz and R&B. Oberlin High School Principal Brent Betts lauded Russell’s work.

“One of the greatest things about Kurt Russell is the classroom culture he’s created,” Betts said. “He’s created a culture where everybody has a voice and students feel comfortable sharing their opinions.”

Russell has high expectations and demands academic rigor, Betts said.

“He does not allow them to settle for less,” Betts said. “They talk about tough subjects.”

Asked about critical race theory, an academic framework about systemic racism decried by conservative politicians and commentators, Russell called it a “dog whistle.”

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Madam Ozlla's Predictions 249-752-239-501-381-953-382-935-472-843-795-841863-008-444-9967-5037-2156-3034-1342-1027

15

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUN. APRIL 24 Cariol Horne to present “Herstory the Cost of Nonviolence,” SS. Columba-Brigid Church, 75 Hickory St. 3 p.m. Tickets 716-893-0808, sisterkarencenter. org or at the door. Tickets $25 adults $5 students.

Mothers & Daughters Buffet Brunch Sunday 2-4:30 p.m. .Main Events Banquet Hall, 1420 Main Street.

To register 716-544-6160. $15; Hosted by World of Girls & Boys Leadership Inc., TC Ministries Enterprise.

5k Wellness Walk in Niagara Falls hosted by The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) and Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative (CHNFC ) 2 to 4 p.m. beginning at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center at 825 Depot Ave. West.

MON. APRIL 25

Victor Sosa U.S.M.C.

1967-1969 Vietnam War Veteran Lance Corporal Awards Combat Active Ribbon National Defense Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal

Hustle For Health Urban Line dance Fitness at Gloria Parks C enter, 3242 Main St. 12 noon - 1p.m FREE ages 55+ (716)832-1010 or HusteforHeath.com TUES. APRIL 26 Firefighters Recruitment, Public School 19, 97 W. Delavan Ave. WED. APRIL 27 Firefighters Recruitment, Seneca-Babcock Community Center, 1168 Seneca St.

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WED. APRIL 27 Hustle For Health Urban Line dance Fitness at Gloria Parks C enter, 3242 Main St. 11a.m..12 noon FREE ages55+ (716)832-1010 or HusteforHeath.com LEGAL NOTICE BID

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid 210069 - SYSTEM GEOMETRY INSPECTION, ANALYSIS AND REPORT Download Bids from www.nfta.com

*Saturdays Public Market 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday *Thursdays International Market 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Sundays

GOOD NEWS!

16

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •April 21, 2022

e r ’ We CK! BA SAT., MAY

Regi TOD ster

AY!

7

8 am to 12 pm

@ FRONTIER FIELD

THEN CATCH THE GAME!

www.cityofrochester.gov/cleansweep Malik D. Evans, Mayor

City of Rochester, NY • Rochester City Council

Vanessa Hall

WE HAVE 3,000 JOBS TO FILL

SUNY Erie at Northland Graduate

Great Careers in Manufacturing & Energy Call (716) 436-3229 or visit northlandwtc.org

Train for what’s next.