Challenger Community News December 21,2016

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SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

December 21, 2016 • FREE www.thechallengernews.com

CELEBRATING

50 YEARS OF

KWANZAA!

Dr. Maulana Karenga will Bring 50th Anniversary Message to Buffalo “Embracing the Principles of Kwanzaa: Repairing and Remaking Ourselves and the World” PG. 11

NATIONAL

INSIDE ROCHESTER

PROFILE

New Kwanzaa Postage Stamp Issued PG. 10

“The Black Candle”:

Ananse Ntontan Creative Arts Gallery : A Paradise of Authentic Afrocentric Craftsmanship!

“Our Inheritance” Is Theme of Local Kwanzaa Celebration PG. 10

PG. 10

Landmark Cultural Kwanzaa Documentary Film Premiers at the Baobab

PG. 2

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Commuity News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

“The Black Candle”: Landmark Cultural Kwanzaa Documentary Film Premiers at the Baobab

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n Friday, December 23 at 7p.m., The Black Candle, a landmark cultural Kwanzaa documentary film, premiers at the Baobab Cultural Center, 738 University Avenue in Rochester.

The first film on Kwanzaa,

the award-winning feature is narrated by the poet Maya Angelou and directed by author and filmmaker M. K. Asante.

The Black Candle is about the struggle and triumph of African-American family, community and culture, using Kwanzaa as a vehicle to celebrate the African-American experience. Filmed across the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, The Black Candle is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa - (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith) - are so important and relevant to African Americans today. The documentary explores the

holiday’s growth out of the Black Power Movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, Pan-African holiday embraced by over 40 million celebrants. A discussion will follow. To RSVP for call (585) 563-214 (See “Local Connection” Page 9.

SPORTS UPDATE

COME CELEBRATE KWANZAA! UMOJA/UNITY CELEBRATION December 26th, 6 PM to 9 PM Baobab Cultural Center 728 University Ave. Rochester, NY 14607 KUJICHAGULIA/SELF DETERMINATION CELEBRATION December 27th, 2 to 5 PM Location: Rochester Museum Science Center 657 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14607

#25 LESEAN MCCOY / PHOTO JEROME DAVIS

Beat Browns in Sparsely filled New Field In another indication why Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan must go was the sparse crowd showing up for the Bills v. Browns game. Why is Dezmin Lewis afraid for another game; especially when you want to see what you have going into next season. The Bills tied a franchise record for rushing TD’s with 25 for the season. This record goes back to 1975 and yes during the O.J. Simpson era, which was one of our most successful seasons in team history. The Bills are wasting an outstanding season by LeSean McCoy with a very poor defensive scheme. It’s the defense which has caused the most problems. No!!!

It’s not Tyrod Taylor’s fault at QB position that’s causing Bills to not make the playoffs for 17th straight season. It’s Rex Ryan and his outdated defense along with confusing schemes that young NFL players have a hard time grasping and playing effectively.

It’s also a defense that veteran players have a hard time understanding the inability to George get right personnel on and off the field. We RADNEY Bills fans in Western New York have experienced 2—14 Buffalo Bills teams and know the frustration that comes along with it. I spoke with Browns defensive back, a 10 year NFL veteran and super Bowl Champion with Green Bay Packers in 2010, Tramon Williams, Sr. Tramon led the Continued Page 12

UJIMAA/COLLECTIVE WORK & RESPONSIBILITY CELEBRATION December 28th, 2 to 5 PM Location: Phillis Wheatley Community Library 33 Dr Samuel McCree Way Rochester, NY 14608 UJAMAA/COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS CELEBRATION December 29th, 12 noon to 5 PM, Memorial Art Gallery 500 University Ave. Rochester, NY 14607 NIA/PURPOSE CELEBRATION December 30th, 2 to 5 PM Edgerton Recreation Center 41 Backus St. Rochester, NY 14608 KUUMBA/CREATIVITY CELEBRATION December 31st, 6 PM to 9 PM Memorial AME Zion Church 549 Clarissa St. Rochester, NY 14608 IMANI/FAITH CELEBRATION January 1st Celebrate with your family and friends!!

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

AREA BRIEFS

Gentrification is Real ! Buffalonians Rally to Demand Inclusionary Zoning in City Green Code BUFFALO – Gentrification is real, and it has arrived in Buffalo. Residents and community leaders from across Buffalo converged at Buffalo City Hall on Tuesday, December 20 to demand that Inclusionary Zoning be included in the City’s Green Code. (This rally took place ahead of a scheduled Common Council meeting concerning the Green Code.)

Those present demanded that City lawmakers make sure that our communities are respected and have affordable housing, rather than simply line the pockets of wealthy investors and developers.

“Buffalo has long regarded itself as ‘The City of Good Neighbors,’” said Grace Andriette, a resident of Buffalo’s West Side. “Unless we as a community are willing to take affirmative steps to ensure that all of our residents can enjoy our city’s revitalization, and have opportunities to live in our revitalized neighborhoods, we fail to live up to our own reputation.”

HONORED: From left, Mayor Byron W. Brown, Police Officer Jennifer Whitaker, and Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

Police Officers Honored Mayor Byron W. Brown and Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda, along with Deputy Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood and Deputy Police Commissioner Kimberly L. Beaty, recently honored members of the Buffalo Police Department - and others - for extraordinary acts of service and performance.

Buffalo Police Officer Jennifer Whitaker, an eight-year veteran of the force, was among those being recognized for successfully putting her training – and desire to help people – into action. The off-duty officer recently sprang to action on a flight to Las Vegas, reviving a woman who had collapsed in the aisle.

Award Recipients included: Commissioner’s Medal of Commendation *Homicide - Detective Mary C. Evans, Detective Patrick J. Judge *A District - Police Officer Virgilio Gonzalez, Police Officer Matthew A. Richards *B District - Police Officer Maurice A. Foster, Police Officer John M. Losi *C District - Police Officer Patrick D. Boice, Police Officer Joseph E. Bonner *D District- Police Officer Joseph D. Donovan, Police Officer Lon E. Folts, Police Officer Carrie L. Sitarski *E District - Lieutenant Mark J. Cyrek, Police Officer Jennifer D. Whitaker *Strike Force- Lieutenant Thomas R. Whelan, Police Officer Joseph B. Acquino, Police Officer Anthony C. Fanara Police Officer Bradford Pitts *Mayor’s Civilian Award of Merit - Civilian Ta i juan Littleton *Agency - Erie Crime Analysis Center *Mayor’s Award of Merit- Housing -Police Officer William C. Macy *Medal of Honor - E District Police Officer Peter T. Nguyen

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By linking the production of affordable housing to the production of market-rate housing, Inclusionary Zoning is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal when it comes to combatting the affordable housing crisis and negative effects of gentrification in the city of Buffalo. Inclusionary Zoning policies, like the one residents have been fighting for in the Green Code, would require new residential developments to make a certain percentage of the housing units affordable to low- or moderate- income residents.

Given that developers are planning to build hundreds of market-rate and upscale housing units within the coming year, and thousands over the next decade — priced out of reach of so many in Buffalo — those who demonstrated Tuesday expressed how essential it is that the Buffalo Common Council not pass the Green Code without a comprehensive Inclusionary Zoning policy.

“All we are asking for is inclusion,” said Nathaniel Cole, a resident of the Fruit Belt neighborhood. “We would love to keep our homes. We just hope you find it in your heart to give us Inclusionary Zoning.”

D'Youville Administrator Completes Leadership Program

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ntwan K. Barlow, Director of the Upward Bound Program at D’Youville College, has successfully completed the Leadership Buffalo Class Experience Program for 2016.

Leadership Buffalo is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 with a mission designed to unite existing and emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to increase their community knowledge and enhance their ability to lead. It is headquartered at 500 Seneca Street. The organization has graduated more than 2,000 individuals from a variety of programs.

The program runs from January through December each year with the class sizes averaging 50 individuals. It is designed for individuals from corporations, small businesses, civic and community organizations and nonprofits who are serving in a leadership role. Key issues and topics are Antwan K. Barlow explored throughout the program year providing an in-depth view of the critical issues facing the WNY community by sharing hands-on experiences and networking with other leaders in the Buffalo –Niagara community.

Barlow joined D’Youville in 2008 as Assistant Director of the Upward Bound program and was named Director in 2011. The program is a federally funded college preparatory program for secondary school students who are economically disadvantage and/or first generation college students. He is also the D’Youville Administrator for Free Application for Federal Student Air (FAFSA) and has served a three-year term as Vice President of the Buffalo United Charter School Board. A graduate of the State University at Buffalo, Barlow received his Master’s degree in Urban Education from Cleveland State University. Congratulations Mr. Barlow!

NY Still Suspending Licenses of Drug Offenders New York should join the majority of states in ending the practice of automatically suspending the driver’s license of anyone convicted of a non-driving, drug-related offense, according to a report by the Prison Policy Initiative. The report notes that all but 12 states and the District of Columbia have opted out of the license suspension provision of a federal law that was passed in 1991. Joshua Aiken, the report’s author, points out that there’s no evidence the suspensions deter crime, but they perpetuate the injustices of the war on drugs. “They’re impacting low-income communities, communities who have limited access to public transportation, communities of color who are most impacted by these collateral consequences of drug convictions,” he states.

18th Century “Firsts” *1738: First known AfricanAmerican published author: Jupiter Hammon (poem “An Evening Thought: Salvation

by Christ with Penitential Cries.” *1768: First known African American to be elected to public office: Wentworth Cheswell, town constable in Newmarket, New Hampshire. *1773: African-American community: Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose (later named Fort Mose) in Florida. *1760: First known AfricanAmerican woman to publish a book: Phillis Wheatley (“Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral”). *1760:First separate AfricanAmerican church: Silver Bluff Baptist Church, Aiken County, South Carolina. *1775 :First African American to join the Freemasons: Prince Hall. *1783: First African American to formally practice medicine: James Derham, who did not hold an M.D. degree. *1792: First major AfricanAmerican Back-to-Africa movement: 3,000 Black Loyalist slaves, who had escaped to British lines during the American Revolutionary War for the promise of freedom, were relocated to Nova Scotia and given land. Later, 1,200 chose to migrate and settle in the new British colony of Settler Town, which developed as Sierra Leone, in West Africa *1793: First African Methodist Episcopal Church established: Richard Allen founded Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania *1794:First African Episcopal Church established: Absalom Jones founded African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania *1821:First African American to hold a patent: Thomas L. Jennings, for a dry-cleaning process. *1822:First African-American captain to sail a whaleship with an all-black crew: Absalom Boston.

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Challenger Commuity News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

HEALTH MATTERS

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com• December 21, 2016

How to Raise Healthy Children in a Genetically Modified World “He who has health has hope. He who has hope has everything” Arabian Proverb.

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very parent wants see their children healthy, happy and whole. But the food industry poses a formidable threat to our desire as parents. Our children are bombarded with artificial flavors, colors, genetically modified crops, additives and preservatives.

We must find a way to navigate through this genetically modified world and raise healthy children. It is not easy; it involves sacrifice, commitment, resolve and some compromise, Kathleen but we can ensure the health of generations to come. I would like to share some of the strate- RICHARDSON gies I employ to raise a healthy daughter in a genetically modified world.

1. Determine Non-Negotiables It is important to set boundaries and make firm decisions on what you will not waver on. My daughter can wear me down when she really wants something. She will just keep asking and asking and asking until I finally say OK! But there is one thing no matter how much she begs and pleads that I will not acquiesce on. Fruit juices, drinks, and cow’s milk are a nonnegotiable for me. She is only allowed to drink an organic tart cherry juice with her breakfast and she only drinks water the remainder of the day. I do not buy any juice boxes of any sort, even if it is organic and non-GMO verified. Water is the most needed nutrient by the body. It makes up every part of every cell, tissue and organ in the body. I want to make sure she is getting what is essential to her health so she drinks water. Decide what is a non-negotiable when it comes to what your child eats and drinks and stick to it.

2. Be Flexible After you determine the non-negotiables, decide what areas you are willing to compromise on and be flexible. My daughter loves cookies and candy. But they are full of GMO’s, additives, artificial flavors and colors. They are as far from a healthy food as one can get. I would rather her not eat them at all, but I let her indulge. Some days I surprise her and put Oreos in her lunch and she is always so happy, it is the only thing she eats out of her lunch. I like to have my treats, so I won’t deny her the treats she enjoys. I pick my food battles so that I win the war against GMOs. 3. Substitute with Non-GMO and Organic Alternatives This is one of the most important steps to raising healthy children. Look for the butterfly! This symbol means that the item is non-GMO verified and is safe. Buy organic! It means that the crops are not sprayed with toxic, cancer causing pesticides.

My daughter loves graham crackers, so I found a non-GMO verified version that she loves. She loves chicken nuggets so I buy organic boneless, skinless chicken breast and fry them in non-GMO verified canola oil; better than the “stuff” you get at fast food restaurants. She loves chocolate chip cookies and I bake cookies with organic ingredients. She loves apples and cantaloupe and I buy them organic. You don’t have to deny your children the foods they enjoy, just find a healthier, home cooked, organic and non-GMO alternative.

4. Gradually Make the Switch My daughter loved pork bacon and refused to eat turkey bacon. She said turkey bacon wasn’t crunchy enough. No matter how many times I put turkey bacon on her plate, she refused.

My first move was to buy the organic pork bacon which is free of sodium nitrates and nitrites. Then I began to explain to her that turkey bacon was much healthier and they put stuff in the pork bacon that was not good for us to eat. After a few months, I asked her how she felt about only eating turkey bacon and she said ok. It has been a year since she has eaten pork bacon.

It was important to me that she eat only turkey bacon and I planned to gradually make the switch. I talked to her about the dangers while allowing her to still eat it and once I thought she was ready, I introduced the idea of trying turkey bacon again.

Sometimes, you must slowly make the transition to healthier alternatives.

5. Get the Grandparents on Board My daughter knows that there are absolutely no food rules at Nana and Papa’s house. They have all the goodies that mommy won’t let her have. But it’s so important to involve your village in the mission to raise healthy children. Discuss the goals you are trying to accomplish and encourage your village to take part in some of the healthy habits you have adopted. Educate the caretakers on some of the health dangers of the food we consume. Explain to them what your non-negotiables are and ask that they respect your wishes. Bring the types of food you want your child to eat to their home and bring enough for them to try as well. Remember, team work makes the dream work.

We must be strong and resilient in the fight for our children’s health. We must be intentional and demonstrate fortitude to ensure that our legacy is secure. We must ensure that it lasts and will not be snuffed out by obesity, chronic disease and shortened life spans. We have the power to raise healthy children in this genetically modified world.

Kathleen Richardson is a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant specializing in Weight, Hypertension, and Type II Diabetes management and making the switch to organic and non-GMO.

SEASON’S GREETINGS!

TAI CHI FOR HEALTH!

Pictured above is Darryl Rasuli (seated), Ronald Peoples (left) and Alice Humphrey at the October open house at the Taoist Tai Chi Society, 968 Kenmore Avenue. Darryl, a public relations s p e c i a l i s t , and former Challenger editor, is a long standing member and instructor at the Taoist Tai Chi Society and has played a key role in bringing Tai Chi to the community. In addition to classes at the Kenmore Ave. facility, beginner sessions are held at the Community Health Center of Buffalo, 34 Benwood Avenue on Mondays and Thursdays. For more information call 8767218 or go to buffalo.taoist. org Regular practice of Taoist Tai Chi® can bring a wide range of health benefits to the muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems. The flowing movements also serve as a moving meditation that reduces stress. Classes for persons with health problems or disabilities are available.

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FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

The Historic Significance of Watch Night Services in the Black Church

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n December 31, 1862 the first Watch Night Services were celebrated in Back communities in America.

The Watch Night service can be traced back to gatherings also known as “Freedom’s Eve.” On that night, enslaved Blacks and free Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law. At the stroke of midnight, January 1, 1863 all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free. When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as many people fell to their knees and thanked God. Blacks have gathered in churches annually on New Year’s Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year. It’s been over a century since the first Freedom’s Eve and tradition still brings us together at this time every year to

celebrate “how we got over.” This celebration takes many African American decendants of slaves into a new year with praise and worship. The service usually begins anywhere from 7 p.m.

To 10 p.m. And ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some people come to church first, before going out to celebrate, for others, church is the only New Year’s Eve event.

(Source: the African Anerian Registry) Incorporating ”Our Story” at some point in Watch Night services as it relates to the enslavement of Black people in America is important.

Bad things happen when we forget to acknowledge those who paved the way. History has many lessons. By remembering, we learn from mistakes made. We learn that faith carries us when nothing else is left to show the way. We learn that prayer changes things, even when you’re confronted by an army and

the mean ways of people determined to keep you in chains.

The clock is ticking. The year is coming to an end. We wait for new beginnings – just like those enslaved ancestors, who anticipated word of a law that would set them free. Waiting is about hope in a better day.

We can’t forget that hope.

Healthy Fasting Workshop The Lay Council and the Nurses Guild of St. Luke AME Zion Church, 314 East Ferry Street will sponsor a “Healthy Fasting Workshop” on Tuesday, January 17 at 11 A.M. This health event is free and open to the public.

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

FAITH & FAMILY

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Tree of Hope “Tree Lighting” Ceremony

“Repositioning The Body of Christ Through Prayer and Fasting”

Mount Hope Community church will present their first annual community Tree of Hope “Tree Lighting Ceremony,” on Friday, December 23 at 4:30 p.m. at 1326 Broadway.

The ceremony is in partnership with Living Water Fellowship, Rauch Healing Temple, GYC Ministries, Kingdom Ministries, PEACE Inc., Deacon Michael Ray Jackson and Word of life Community Church. Charles H. Walker II, Senior Servant at Mount Hope Community Church, is host pastor.

Join us next Monday for the last “Repositioning The Body of Christ Through Prayer and Fasting” Gathering during December at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 179 E. Ferry St. Rev. C.M Jenkins II is Host Pastor. The remaining date is December 26. For more information please contact the church at 716.886.1362.

PASTOR-ELECT AND FIRST LADY BLAKELY Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church, located at High and Mulberry Street, is proud to welcome and announce Pastor-Elect Rev. Dennis Douglas Blakely and First Lady LaVerne Blakely.

Thank you to all who participated in the pastoral search!

EM tea Coffee Cup Café to Sponsor Horse Driven Sleigh Rides on Dec. 23 EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove, will sponsor horse driven sleigh rides, weather permitting, Friday, December 23 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Activities for children will include hot chocolate, cookies, and decorations at $2 per child and a free will donation for adults. The EM Tea Coffee Cup Café has been serving Buffalo for 16 years.

For more information call 884-1444.

DID YOU KNOW? .*Bethlehem means “house of bread.”

People Inc. announces that applications for their Highland School Apartments, an affordable housing complex, will be available in spring 2017.

These apartments are located at 105 Highland Ave, City of Tonawanda, and include 38 one-bedroom and 3 two-bedroom handicap adaptable apartments, some of which have been specifically designed for people who are mobility and vision/hearing impaired. These apartments include kitchen appliances and are one small pet friendly.

A community room lounge, laundry facilities, storage in each apartment, and a 24 hour on call emergency service are available. People Inc.’s apartments offer a great opportunity for income eligible individuals.

This complex will become a home that offers opportunities to make new friends. Highland School Apartments will be a smoke free living community.

Apartments are available for rent to people who are age 18 or older and meet the federally mandated household income guidelines.

To obtain an application or further information, please contact Rachel Rodriguez or Sarah Alessi at 716.880.3890 or housing@people-inc.org.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Commuity News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

ON STAGE *THE REUNION OF SPECIAL BLEND featuring vocalists Annetta Bonner, Jackie Gerald, and Juanita Taylor, The All Female Band Intuition , The Nice & Easy Band from Niagara Falls, and The Unity Band will perform on Friday, December 30 at the Tralf Music Hall.

Doors open at 7 p.m., showtime at 8 p.m. tickets are $25 in advance and available at Doris Records, Arthur’s Pub, Mike’s Lounge , or in Niagara Falls at Nelson’s Hair Studio

*ON STAGE AT THE BEAR’S DEN/SENECA NIAGARA CASINO... *SHINING STAR: EARTH, WIND & FIRE TRIBUTE Friday, January 13, 2017 at 8:00 PM. Tickets start at $25

IN IT TO WIN IT TOUR

*AN EVENING WITH KENNY “BABYFACE” EDMONDS Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 8:00 PM. Tickets start at $45

” Charlie Wilson will bring his “In It To Win It” Tour to Buffalo’s KeyBank Center at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 featuring Fantasia, Johnny Gill and Solero. Tickets are $49.50 - $103 and available at the KeyBank Center box office, tickets.com and charge by phone at 888-223-6000. For more information call 855-4444. *THE ISLEY BROTHERS Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 8:00 PM.Tickets start at $35 Bear’s Den Seneca Niagara CasinoBuy tickets at 8 Clans or the Players Club Store inside Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, at ticketmaster. com, at any Ticketmaster location or order by phone by calling 1-800-745-3000.

*MARY WILSON OF THE SUPREMES: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31 at 7 & 10:30 PM, Bear’s Den Showroom. Tickets start at $50, Senea Niagara Cansino, Bear’s Den SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com• December 21, 2016

Embarking on 151 Years of Service

7th District WNY Association of Prince Hall Masons

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he members of the 7th District Association of Prince Hall Masons of Rochester, Niagara Falls and Buffalo, recently participation in their 1st Thanksgiving Dinner Give Away benefiting members of our community at large.

The event was led by Right Worshipful (RW) Timothy Clemons 32°, along with RW District Deputies Stanley Mack 33° and RW Dr. Clinton V. Strickland 33°. Also the 575 members of the 7th Masonic District, comprising of six male Lodges, along with the 18 concordant or adopted bodies of our Prince Hall family, including our very valuable Order of the Eastern Stars, our female counterparts. Together, these volunteers contacted, fed, and delivered meals to over 100 persons on Thursday, November 24th. There are plans to conduct the give-away annually. The concept was inspired by our Most Worshipful (MW) Grand Master (GM) of Prince Hall (PH) Grand Lodge of N.Y. State, MWGM Larry Mitchell 33°.

We now plan , with the hope of allowing this season to be a most enjoyable one for many, to initiate a program to deliver well over 100 Christmas toys to the students of the Stanley M. Makowski Early Childhood Center (P.S.#99) at Jefferson and Best.

Prince Hall Masonry will celebrate 151 years of participation in Western New York as of March 28th, 2017. We are renewing our pledge to provide in many and various forms, support to our communities, to our families and to ourselves in a manner which will insure as much as is possible, the necessary social, political, and economic growth and development of our area, as well as improvement of our communities spirit, health, wealth, and safety. Our endeavors are geared towards helping to train leadership skills to individuals who are aware of the Fatherhood of God and are committed to doing so in a moral fashion.

We wish all a happy, prosperous and safe holiday season and look forward to keeping the commuity aware of our progress, praying that somehow we will be better enabled to enrich, meet the needs, and be a blessing to the community,

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“The Black Candle” Creator Has Local Roots

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he brilliant young creator/director of the Kwanzaa documentary “the Black Candle,” M.K. Asante, is the son of former Buffalo residents Dr. Molefi K. Asante and choregrapher/dancer Kariamu Welsh Asante of the Black dance Workshop and Center for Positive Thought.

Asante is the author of four books, most notably Buck, a memoir about his troubled yet profound youth in Philadelphia. Buck was selected as a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick and made the Washington Post bestseller list in 2014 and 2015.[3][4] Poet Maya Angelou, who mentored Asante, described Buck as: “A story of surviving and thriving with passion, compassion, wit, and style.”

His other books are the poetry collections, Beautiful. And Ugly Too and Like Water Running Off My Back and the creative nonfiction book It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop. Asante is a Sundance Institute Feature Film Fellow for the movie adaptation of his memoir Buck. He wrote and produced the documentary 500 Years Later, a documentary about slavery which received the Breaking the Chains Award from the United Nations’ UNESCO. Lectures and essays[edit] He has delivered numerous distinguished lectures in the U.S. and has lectured and performed in over 25 countries including Brazil; on Robben Island in South Africa; and at the British Library in England. Asante has written essays on art, Hip Hop, technology, and culture for USA Today, Huffington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, and the New York Times.

Asante is a graduate of The Crefeld School.He studied film and literature at the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies, earned a BA in Africana Studies and English from Lafayette College, and an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from UCLA School of Theater Film and Television.

At 23, he joined the faculty of Morgan State University. He received tenure at 26 and is currently Associate Professor of creative writing and film in the Department of English and Language Arts, being one of the youngest professors at the college.

2016 Holiday Art for Artists Before Kwanzaa Programming

An eclectic showing featuring 36 visual artworks by William Y. Cooper, Betty Pitts-Foster, George K. Arthur, Jim Pappas, Rubens Mukunzi, Dawn Martin Berry-Walker and Jessica Thorpe – will be available during a ‘2016 Holiday Art for Artists” before Kwanzaa programming on December 28, 29, 30 and 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Outside The Box (in the cottage house) at 1272 Delaware Avenue. . . just a few minutes away from Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. the event will be hosted December 28 by Glendora Johnson-Cooper and December 30

by Dawn Martin Berry-Walker. Free; light refreshments and free parking behind the building.

Children are welcome! Contact 445-5122 or unboxedink@gmail.com for information.

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

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GENERATIONS

Challenger Commuity News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

Buffalo Kwanzaa 2016 50TH Anniversary of Kwanzaa “Our Inheritance”

PROFILE: UJAMAA - COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS

All Events December 26-30 will be Held at the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts 450 Masten Ave. @ Ferry St. Unless Noted Otherwise

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December 26- Monday

Umoja-Unity 450 Masten Ave. Corner of Ferry St. Evening Program 7-9 p.m.

Opening Ceremony "Kwanzaa in Buffalo - An Historical Perspective" by Kenneth & Sharon Holley Tribute to the Ancestors & Elders Traditionkeepers Storytellers Issiatou Afrikan Dance Ensemble of Miss Barbara’s Dance School Project Access to A-Free-Ka

December 27- Tuesday

Kujichagulia-Self Determination Evening Program 7-9p.m.

An evening of electrifying performances by, African American Cultural Center Daughters of Creative Sound Keynote: Dr. Maulana Karenga, Founder of Kwanzaa

Ananse Ntontan Creative Arts Gallery 394 Genesee Street 716-310-0217 ince the 80's creative and lively entrepreneurial couple Lionel and Gail Lucas have been in a successful business partnership making items once long ago unobtainable in the City of Buffalo forever at our fingertips.

Their transformation from being well known vendors to their first location, Flight 104 that was located on Elmwood Avenue in the heart of Allen Town, was just the beginning. Now in their new location and under a new name "Ananse Ntontan Creative Arts Gallery" (which means wisdom and creativity) was born. The shopping gallery is a paradise of authentic Afrocentric craftsmanship. The large space showcases a variety of quality imports and specialty items, from unique statues, spectacular masks and carvings, paintings, art and jewelry to the exclusive line of colorful clothing designs by Gail Lucas all which makes for a positively full shopping experience. Lionel may even offer a little history on the artifacts so you know more about your purchase aside from loving it! Taking creative expression a step further, this year they launched a new wing of the store, an intimate performance and event space where poet/author Celeste Tisdale has already graced the stage!

The gallery will be offering I 0% off your purchase if you mention this article so stop by and take advantage of the discount this holiday season! Store hours are daily from 12- 6pm .

-Leah Hamilton

December 28 - Wednesday

Ujima-Collective Work &Responsibility Program 7-9 pm 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Black Panther Party Keynote Presenters: Kamau Fields & Cariole Horne; Arts & Cultural Performances

December 29- Thursday

Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics (Program To Be Announced)

December 30- Friday Nia-Purpose

NiaSoul Concert: 7-9 pm “A Piano and A Voice”

By Drea D’Nur and Toney Rhodes

December 31- Saturday Kuumba-Creativity

Children’s Kwanzaa 11a.m.-4p.m @Performing Arts Afrikan Cultural Education & Art Activities & Storytelling Marcus Garvey Math & Science Expo

Evening Program

50th Anniversary Karamu Feast Location: TBA/ 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

Featured Performance by FragranceandJuan Cosmic Energy: Melodic Love Therapy (Please feel free to bring a dish to share (no red meat, alcohol, pork)

January 1 –Sunday (CONFIRMED)

Imani-Faith 12:00-4:00p.m.

CAO Alphonso “Rafi” Green Jr. Masten Resource Center /1423 Fillmore Avenue Program Eye on History Presentation“Black Woman in Leadership from Antiquity to the Modern Day Era” by, Queen Mother Eva M. Doyle ***Schedule subject to change

New Kwanzaa Forever Stamp Unveiled for 50th Anniversary of Celebrated Holiday With a vibrant new stamp design, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa by dedicating a new Kwanzaa Forever stamp . The First-Day-of-Issue dedication ceremony took place recently in Marion Square in Charleston at the MOJA Art Festival celebrating African-American and Caribbean arts.

Suggested readings by Kenneth and Sharon Holley

Z

awadi is a Swahili word that means “gift.” According to Dr. Maulana Karenga, the Creator of Kwanzaa, “Gifts are given mainly to children, but should always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African commitment to tradition and history.” (Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture, 1998) At Zawadi Books, we have a wide selection of gifts and books for both children and adults: Suggested titles for Adults Between the World and Me – Ta-Nehisi Coates Charcoal Joe – Walter Mosley The Coming – Daniel Black Taking Bullets: Terrorism and Black Life in Twenty-first Century America – Haki Madhubuti Underground Railroad – Colin Whitehead Young Adult Another Brooklyn – Jacqueline Woodson The Crossover – Kwame Alexander Children Stop Calling Me That! My Name is Araminta – Virginia Batchelor, PhD.

by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. Children’s picture book biography.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement – Carole Boston Graphic Novels Black Panther v.1: A Nation Under Our Feet – Ta-Nehisi Coates March – Book one, two and three – John Lewis, et. Al. 2017 calendars + journals+ puzzles

OPINIONS

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com• December 21, 2016

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“Dr. Maulana Karenga’s 50th Anniversary Kwanzaa Message

“Embracing the Principles of Kwanzaa: Repairing and Remaking Ourselves and the World”

T

By Dr. Maulana Karenga

HIS YEAR’S ANNUAL THEME IS “Embracing the Principles and Practice of Kwanzaa: Creating and Celebrating the Good.” It is so named in order to reaffirm the centrality of the Nguzo Saba, The Seven Principles, on this the 50th anniversary of their introduction in the lives and liberation movement of our people in 1965. Surely, if we truly value Kwanzaa and believe in its principles, we must embrace those principles and the practices that are rooted in and rise out of these principles. By “embrace,” I mean to grasp and hold tightly and firmly as an expression of affection and commitment. Its original meaning is to hold in the arms, but we must embrace the Nguzo Saba in heart and mind, grasping them and holding them tightly and firmly as an expression of our love of them and commitment to them as the source, ground and impetus for some of our most essential commitments, thought and practice.

For these principles are not just words we speak, but commitments of the heart and mind that undergird and inform what we feel and think about ourselves, each other and the world. They are values that express what is important to us, what we hold as priorities and thus the arc and ground of our self-understanding and self-assertion in the world. And thus, they express the human possibilities opened to us in our ongoing efforts to free ourselves and be ourselves and constantly create good in the world.

All around the world, on every continent in the world, throughout the world African community, African people, in the name and framework of Kwanzaa, will gather together to celebrate themselves. And this year as always, they will celebrate family, community and culture. That is to say, they will celebrate the good, beauty and sacredness of their lives, the indispensable caring, sharing and shielding foundation of family and community and the ancient, rich, varied and instructive cultural values and practices that ground Kwanzaa, define us as a people and direct us forward on the upward paths of our ancestors. Indeed, at the heart and center of the holiday, Kwanzaa is its concern with and stress on embracing and practicing its core values, the Nguzo Saba, The Seven Principles, and related communitarian African values.

As I point out in my book, Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family Community and Culture, “There is no way to understand and appreciate the meaning and message of Kwanzaa without understanding and appreciating its profound and pervasive concern with values”. As we said in the ‘60s, the Nguzo Saba are a Black value system, a set of communitarian African values which aid us in grounding ourselves righteously and rightly, directing our lives toward good and expansive ends, and toward conceiving and bringing into being the good communities, societies and world we all want and work and struggle so hard to bring into being. We have not changed in this position. And that is why it is so important and even urgent that on this 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa, that we are clear about the core values of Kwanzaa, the views and practices that are rooted in and rise from a real embracing of the Nguzo Saba.

The Seven Principles, the Nguzo Saba, prove their enduring and daily relevance in the life we live, the work we do, and the struggle we wage on every front to expand the realm of freedom and justice, peace, security, well being and other goods in the world. In a world in which war is as “normal” as the news and conflict and fighting rage at home and abroad, taking its terrible toll on countless innocent victims, and alienation from others is accepted and explained away, Umoja (Unity) teaches us the

“We wish to plead our own cause.

Too long have others spoken for us.”

- John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal.

1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

Dr. Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa, will speak in Buffalo on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts on Masten Avenue at 7 p.m.

oneness of our people, the common ground of our humanity, the interrelatedness of life and the indispensability of family and community in our righteous togetherness in love, work and struggle.

In a world where there are ongoing invasions, bombing, occupations and other mass assaults on vulnerable peoples and lands, and there are outrageous denials of the rights to freedom and independence, the principle of Kujichagulia (Self-determination) reaffirms our right and everyone’s right to control our destiny and daily lives, and build the good communities, societies and future we conceive, aspire to and struggle to bring into being.

And it reminds us also to hold fast and firm to our own culture which calls us into being, reaffirms the ultimate meaning and sacredness of our lives and gives us grounding for our unbreakable will to refuse and resist our oppression and erasure as a people.

In a world where degraded forms of individualism claim the day and people are taught conflict over cooperation and rush ruthlessly ahead at the expense of others, Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) teaches us that we come into being, thrive and flourish in needed and principled relationships. And it teaches us that it is together that we must conceive and construct the good communities, societies and world we all want and deserve.

In a world where corporate pillage and plunder of the wealth of the world and alliances with invading and occupying armies are understood as normal and necessary by citizen beneficiaries, and where silence in the face of slaughter and suffering is justified for “reasons” of the false right to be secure in that brutal robbery and repressive rule, the principle of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) teaches the value and practice of shared work and shared wealth, the right of people to their own resources and the ethical imperative of a just and equitable sharing of the good of the world.

Likewise, in a world where evil and injustice flourish and the poor and vulnerable are held in contempt by the rich and powerful and by the wanna-be’s that worship and follow them, the principle of Nia (Purpose) reminds us of the ancient ethical teaching in the Odu Ifa that we and all humans are divinely chosen to bring good in the world and that this is the fundamental mission and meaning, i.e., purpose, of human life. Thus, we are to embrace the collective vocation of building and developing our people, increasing our capacity to do good and being rightfully and actively concerned with the well-being of the world and all in it.

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

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

In a world in which worldwide destruction is digitized and brutally imposed on the world, and the police and vigilante taking of Black lives has become almost epidemic, and where countries and whole peoples are devastated, and the environment laid waste with wanton disregard and distain, the principle of Kuumba (Creativity) urges us to practice the ethical teachings of The Husia that put forth the concept of serudj ta, the moral obligation to heal, repair and transform the world making it more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

AND FINALLY, IN A WORLD WHERE FAITH is funded, religion is racialized and used to indict and discredit whole peoples and their faith, and God is given the blasphemous and sacrilegious role of co-signing oppression, land and resource robbery and claims of racial and religious supremacy, Imani (Faith) teaches us to hold tightly and firmly to the faith of our ancestors who taught us to respect each person, people and culture as a unique and equally valid and valuable way of being human in the world. It teaches us to audaciously reaffirm our faith in our fundamental and cherished values and in the capacity of humans for good, in spite of the racist, class and sexist sickness and savagery of some, and the chaos and the confusion around us. Indeed, Imani teaches us that a fundamental way of worship is righteous practice, constantly struggling against evil, injustice and un-freedom in the world and always raising, praising, doing and pursuing the good.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.AfricanAmericanCultural Center-LA.org; www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org

National/International NEWS Haitians Protest Theft of Election -- Again

For more than a month Haitians have filled the streets to reject an election count that gave U.S.-backed presidential candidate Jovenal Moise 55 percent of the vote in a four-way race. The tally is “totally unacceptable,” said Pierre Labossiere, of the Haiti Action Committee, which backed Maryse Narcisse, the candidate of former president Jean Bertrand Aristide’s party, Fanmi Lavalas --- which was credited with only 8 percent of the vote. The two other major parties also rejected the tally. Who fixed the vote? “The corrupt provisional council, with the help of the UN and the active support of the U.S., France and Canada -- the usual,” said Labossiere. Hillary Clinton’s intervention was key to installing the previous president, Michel “Sweet Mickey” Martelly.

East Aleppo : AnotherView

Fares Shehabi, an independent member of Syria’s parliament from Aleppo, who is also head of the country’s Chambers of Industry, said the liberation of East Aleppo ended “the largest hostage crisis in history,” dating to the capture of the city by jihadists backed by the West, four and a half years ago. “What we are seeing now is the largest commando hostage release in history,” said Shehabi. He said 1.5 million people from East Aleppo had escaped to safety since 2012, leaving only 100,000 living among the jihadist fighters when the current government offensive began.

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

• Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

• Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m.

We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper

Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries adver tising@thechallengernews.com or alnisa33@yahoo.com

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

12

GENERATIONS

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

Marcell Dareus to Host 2nd Annual #1 Team in the Nation!

Christmas Party at William-Emslie Y On Friday, December 23 from 5:30-8 p.m.

Buffalo Bills star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and the William-Emslie Family YMCA will host a Christmas party for children in the community. “Christmas with Marcell Dareus” provides 150 children and their families with a special holiday celebration. All attendees’ ages 12 and under will receive a Christmas gift generously donated from Marcell.

Marcell Dareus as Santa at the first annual “Christmas With Maracell Dareus” at the William Emslie Y.

"This is an annual event for me now and I’m happy to be giving back to Buffalo, a community I now consider my second home," said Dareus. "I remember growing up and we went to places like the YMCA to receive a Christmas gift too. I'm grateful for those who looked out for me and my siblings. Now I'm more than happy to make it possible for lots of other less fortunate kids in the city to experience the same joy. I know it makes a difference and

brings a brighter Christmas for them too."

“This event gives us an opportunity to make the holidays memorable for children and families who are underserved in our community,” said Danielle Roberts, William-Emslie Family YMCA Executive Director. “We look forward to hosting these families who otherwise would not be able to celebrate the Christmas holiday.”

This family-friendly event includes a bounce house, music, holiday crafts, light refreshments and special appearances by members of the Buffalo Bills. The 2nd Annual Christmas Party with Marcell Dareus is made possible by YMCA Buffalo Niagara, along with partners Marcell Dareus and NORSTAR. The William-Emslie YMCA (585 William Street) is also seeking day-of help for the event, say party organizers. “We appreciate the involvement of so many in our local community, especially our dedicated volunteers. If you would like to sign-up to work the event, please contact our branch at (716) 845-5440,” added Roberts

Congratulations to the first ever UYFL National Championship winners of the Bandits division(ages 5-7) representing Buffalo NY., The Beast Elite Ducks. The Ducks along with the GC Cowboys were able to go undefeated(4-0) in the National Tournament held in Orlando, Florida to bring home the title to Buffalo. Pictured above coach Rome Hunt, Tone Davis, Jason Love, Ray Traylor,Karl Miller, Coach Robear Jones, And coach K.O with the #1 team in the Nation!

SPORTS UPDATE/BILLS continued Packers with three interceptions in the playoffs a Packers record for post season play said, “We been sticking together as a team, but at the end of the day it’s all about getting to the Super Bowl. Obviously we are not going to Super Bowl but our guys are figuring it out that winning in the NFL is very difficult. I was grown from a very successful organization and being on a team that was 15-1 but lost in the first round of NFL playoffs and coming back next season and winning Super Bowl.” The Napoleonville, La. Native said “I still feel great and can play at a high level and eventually become a football coach preferably at a high school level.I will continue to share wisdom with these guys (youngest team in the league) and hopefully with San Diego and Pittsburgh coming up we can get a win.

It’s quite obvious that Tramon wisdom and good spirit will benefit his younger Cleveland Browns teammates. He’s a veteran player that could benefit Bills secondary with leadership skills along with not losing a step in his physical abilities.

Bills bruising fullback Jerome Felton said, “The biggest thing is that you don’t want to give them hope; off the bat, you want to set the tempo to the game and we were able to do that. Like I said, they get tired when you firing off the ball and running downhill on them.”

Yes, Felton is correct. In fact when you punish your opponent around you usually win the game.

Bills offense has not been the problem in 2016, it’s been our defense and lack of a pass rush which causes break downs in your secondary. The Bills must get back to a no nonsense head coach like a Mike Tomlin, who can go back to a pass rushing 4-3 defensive scheme putting constant pressure on the opposing quarterback. This scheme will also take pressure off your secondary and make them once again an attacking defense instead of a reacting defense.

Tyrod Taylor must return as Bills starting quarterback most likely at same salary as this year by renogiating a contract with his agent. Keeping Taylor and receiver Robert Woods in Buffalo should be a top priority along with bringing in taller receivers for next season to go along with Sammy Watkins. Our tight end Charles Clay can be cut right away to save money for Robert Woods.

Well, its “squish the fish” week and the Dolphins come into New Era field with their first winning season since 2008. It’s a perfect time to derail their playoff hopes by beating them. The Bills lost in Miami after having a 17-3 lead in the 3rd quarter; A game they should have won and which was the turning point in this year’s season. Rex’s defense could not stop the power sweep and allowed over 200 yards rushing by Dolphin running back Jay Ajayi. The Dolphins can clinch a playoff spot by beating Bills and a lost by Denver at Kansas City.

Prediction: I see the Bills coming up with another big offensive game and a stellar defensive play in beating the Dolphins 24-21. SQUISH THE FISH!!!!

Applications Available For Elmwood Village Charter Schools The Elmwood Village Charter School is now accepting applications for both its original Days Park campus and its new Hertel campus located at 665 Hertel Avenue. The Hertel campus is accepting applications for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade and the Days Park campus is accepting applications for students in kindergarten through 8th grade for the fall of 2017.

Applications can be obtained by: •Downloading a copy from the school website at www. evcsbuffalo.org.

•Calling the school at 716.886.4581 and ask that an application be mailed •Picking up an application at the Days Park campus office located at 40 Days Park between the hours of 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday A separate application must be completed for EVCS Hertel and EVCS Days Park.

Applications are available in English, Spanish, Burmese and Arabic.

Completed applications can be emailed to Lea Gladysz at Lgladysz@elmwoodvillageschool.org. Mailed applications for both schools must be postmarked by March 31, 2017, and sent to: Elmwood Village Charter School Days Park, 40 Days Park, Buffalo, New York 14201.

A student selection lottery will be held at EVCS Days Park on April 6, 2017, at 5:00 for the Hertel Campus, and 6 p.m. for the Days Park Campus. For more information, visit www.evcsbuffalo.org.

LEGAL NOTICE Bids COUNTY OF ERIE REQUEST FOR QUALIFCATIONS & PROPOSAL ERIE COUNTY COURT BUILDING 2016 Exterior Repair, Waterproofing, and Miscellaneous Repairs of Water Damage.

Project No. JK-16-04 The County of Erie is seeking qualification statements and proposals from interested firms to provide A/E & Testing services for Exterior repair, waterproofing, and miscellaneous repair of water damage of the West facing façade of the Erie County Court Building located at 25 Delaware Ave. Damage includes cracked and detached stone veneer at various areas. Other damage includes cracked window units, deteriorating mortar joints and seals. Qualification statements and proposals for the above project must be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 4:00 PM local time on Wednesday, January 11, 2016. RFQ/RFP submission instructions may be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw/

13

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com• December 21, 2016 LEGAL NOTICE Nationstar v. Finley SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index #: 12011603069 Filed: 05/03/16 Plaintiff designates Erie County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE Nationstar Mortgage, LLC Plaintiff, -againstAcea M. Mosey, Erie County Public Administrator, as Administrator for the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley, Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley's respective heirs-atlaw, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in the real property described in the complaint herein, Edith Finley who was heir to the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley's respective heirsat­law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in the real property described in the complaint herein, Melvin Finley, Jr. as heir of the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley and as heir of the Estate of Edith Finley who was heir to the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley, Clara D. Motley as heir to the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley and as heir to the Estate of Edith Finley who was heir of the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley, Chouchani & Sayegh, M.D., LLP, Erie County Department of Social Services, Erie County Medical Center Corporation Individually and on behalf of Erie County Medical Centery Healthcare Network, Gabriel E. Chouchani, M.D., Midland Credit Management, Inc., New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, United States of America, Lucarelli's Banquet Center, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): 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 attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

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

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

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

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Bay Shore, New York December 15, 2015 FRENKEL, LAMBERT, WEISS,

WEISMAN & GORDON, LLP BY: Pamela Flink Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.: 01-047002-F00 TO: Acea M. Mosey, Erie County Public Administrator, as Administrator for the Estate of Melvin Finely, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley 625 Delaware Avenue Suite 304 Buffalo, NY 14202 New York State Department W.A. Harriman Campus Building 9 Albany, NY 12227 Melvin Finley, Jr. as heir to the estate of Melvin Finley Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finely and as heir to the Estate of Edith Finley who was heir to the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley 782 Fillmore Ave. Buffalo, NY 14212 and/or VA Med Center 400 Fort Hill Ave Bldg 9a Room 141 Canandaigua, NY 14424 Clara D. Motley as heir to the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley and as heir to the Estate of Edith Finley who was heir to the Estate of Melvin Finley, Sr. a/k/a Melvin Finley 588 Adams Street Buffalo, NY 14211 Lucarelli's Banquet Center 1830 Abbott Road Lackawanna, NY 14218

LEGAL NOTICE Bids COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bridge Repair & Paint PROJ# FA-BRREPAIR&PAIN-4-16 PIN 5761.30 Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, seeking sealed bids for federal aid bridge repair & paint project. Sealed proposals received at the DPW, 95 Franklin St, Rm 1400, Buffalo, NY at 10 am, Thursday, January 12, 2017. Bid deposit of $75,000.00 required. Apprenticeship & 1.9% DBE requirements. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http:// www2.erie.gov/dpw see On Line Bid Retrieval.

LEGAL NOTICE Bids

INVITATION TO BID The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 21BL1707, BNIA – Parking Lot Lighting Replacement, Bid No. E-529 on January 10, 2016. www.nftaengineering.com

LEGAL NOTICE Bids Sealed bids will be received until 2:00 PM on January 5, 2017, at the office of The Krog Group, LLC located at 4 Centre Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127, Attention: Arnie Cubins, Project Manager, Tel. 716-667-1234, for the TRICO Redevelopment Project – Core and Shell Package 1 (“Project”).

Questions during the bidding period must be emailed or faxed to Bob Molnar at: rmolnar@kroggrp.com or 716-667-1258 (fax) by December 27, 2016. The Krog Group, LLC will not accept or respond to questions from prospective bidders received orally.

The TRICO Redevelopment – Core and Shell Package 1 (“Project”) includes: •Roofing Contract C-101 •Aluminum Glass and Glazing Contract C-102 The Contract Documents may be obtained at Avalon Document Services and the following websites: Avalon Document Services http://www.avalonbuff-planroom.com/

741 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 995-7777 The Construction Exchange of Buffalo and WNY, Inc. http://conexbuff.com/online-plan-room/ 2660 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14227 (716) 874-3435 Complete sets of the Bid Documents may be obtained at the office of Avalon Document Services, 741 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, approximate cost of $100 for each set made payable to Avalon at the time drawings are picked up.

EM P LOY M EN T

WUFO 100.7 FM Is Now Hiring!

Wufo 100.7Fm Is Now Hiring For The Positions Of

Marketing Representative And Sales Coordinator

WANTED VINYL RECORDS

ESL TEACHER/PART TIME

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The

Krog Group, LLC recognizes the need to take action to ensure that minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE’s), and minority and women employees and principals are given the opportunity to participate. The Krog Group, LLC fosters and promotes the participation of such individuals and business firms.

A pre-bid conference and walkthrough will be held on December 22, 2017 starting at 10:00 A.M. at the project site 817 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.

All pre-bid RFIs must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on December 27, 2016.

Description:Vision Multi Media Group LLCI is Actively Seeking; Creative, Self-Motivated, Challenge Driven Individuals With Reliable Transportation,And Two Years Of Sales Experience. If You’re Among Those Who Are Excited About Building Personal Finance And Community Awareness, Apply To An Integrated Team Of Professionals Today!

Send Resumes To: Fax: 716 837-1438 Attention Human Resource Department Call To Schedule Interview (716) 834-1080 Ext. 112 143 Broadway, Buffalo, Ny 14203 Vision Multi Media Group LLC Has A Position For You.!

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

(English as a Second language) The Aloma D. Johnson Charter School is seeking applicants for a part-time ESL Teacher. The ESL teacher will focus on teaching English to students whose native (primary) language is not English. The successful candidate must develop ways to ensure that every student he/she teaches learns how to speak and write English proficiently. In addition, a successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in education or a similar field, a master’s degree and New York State teaching certification, demonstrate excellent teaching skills, effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to relate to people of other cultures or nationalities. Resumes should be submitted to the Search Committee Chair, 15 Jewett Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14214 or jpotter@adjcharter.org by 01/02/17.

CAC Educational Program Assistant

LEGAL NOTICE Bids

The Center for Excellence in Urban and Rural Education at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of CAC Educational Program Assistant.

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4647 - Actuarial Services For GASB45-75 Compliance Download Bids from www.nfta.com

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

Bu Siz Iss

LEGAL NOTICE Bids

REQUEST FOR BID Mark Cerrone, Inc. is requesting bids for the Pavement Repairs & Resurf., Erie County NYS Thruway – D214531 for all scopes of work detailed in contract documents.

MWBE Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 12/14/16 @ 3:30pm.Documents can be obtained by contacting Estimating@markcerrone.com , Phone 716-282-5244, Fax 716-282-5245 or iSqFt®. Bids due to MCI by 12/19/16 at 5:00PM electronically or in person at 2368 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305. Certified Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprise participation is strongly encouraged.

NOVENA

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

NOVENA TO ST. JUDE

O Holy St. Jde, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return, I promise to make our name known, and cause you to be invoked.

Say three our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised.

B.C.

advertising pays!

advertising@thechallengernews.com

Enterprise IT Architect

ROOMS ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included.

(716)818-3410.

JOBS

SUNY Buffalo State (Buffalo, NY) seeks Enterprise IT Architect. Lead enterprise mgmt/monitoring solution function to design/dev. strategic IT solutions meeting needs of ITEC/SUNY member campuses/University-wide programs. Conduct product/service research & design solutions. Design/dev/ curate architecture artifacts w/in ITECs Architecture Repository. Provide architectural oversight on internal facing IT work efforts. Perform enterprise reporting. Req.: BS in Comp Sci, Info Sys Mgmt, Engg or rel. w/6 yrs exp designing/constructing IT solutions utilizing Oracle Red Stack to include 2 yrs exp in designing/constructing solutions using Oracle technologies.

Certification in commonly recognized Enterprise Architecture Framework (TOGAF) & IT Service Design/Delivery Framework (ITIL).

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

Buffalo Emoployment and Training Center /BETC

77 Goodell St., Buffalo, 716-856-5627 / 716-8565670– Fax

www.workforcebuffalo.org

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

B S Is

14

LOTTERY

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 12/11

MID-5-1-7

3-WAY WIN 4 TAKE 5

MON 12/12 TUES 12/13

MID-7-0-2

MID-1-7-3

EVE- 9-7-0

WED 12/14

MID-1-9-3

EVE-8-8-1

EVE-5-2-3

MID- 9-7-4-9 EVE- 9-1-6-4

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

MID- 2-1-8-2 EVE- 7-3-8-4

16-24-25-28-51-52

01-09-14-15-18 01-03-07-25-28

02-10-29-36-37

LOTTO

EVE-9-3-3

THURS 12/15 MID-7-0-9

FRI 12/16

MID-4-5-3

4018

022

064

648

MID-5-8-3

EVE-3-9-2

EVE-8-1-3

EVE-3-1-4

MID-4-7-4-4 EVE- 6-5-3-7

MID- 8-5-2-5 EVE- 8-2-8-4

MID- 6-0-7-0 EVE- 7-3-3-3

05-06-20-26-37

02-03-08-11-21

06-09-10-19-25

18-19-32-38-49-54 #09

HOT TIPS

SAT 12/17

16-24-25-28-51-52 #39

996

515

140

ATTORNEYS

CHALLENGER HITS

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 532-791-365-193-428-435-268-975-176-974-243-198-513-546839-537-423-354-763-219-512-891-258-305-364-016-391-516913-137-432-034-287-729-865-793-385-243-465-789-103-287543-136-745-893-965-435-679-513-764-573-152-468-392-843228-434-627-467-059-693-354-623-467-896-786-578-967-913-

015

“It’s In The Stars”

HO!HO! XMAS HIT! DECEMBERVibes 854-214-854-214894-190-547-124quick money 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550511-005/201

Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 561-236-164-469 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 - 389-701-234-924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

THE NUMBER BOOK

GAMMA’S DECEMBER PICKS 302-536-741-394-164-870

DECEMBER Best Triple- 999 DECEMBER Special Doubles - 662-711-919-422

881

NUMBER OF THE MONTH Open Your Arms To Receiving The Loving Gifts That The Universe brings to you and to everyone,

Midday

517 Scorpio (bx) 173 ZR (bx) 193 ZR, Luckie Duckie (bx) ZR (straight) 709 Luckie Duckie (bx) 453 ZR (bx) Scorpio (straight) 583 ZR, Virgo (bx) Evening 881 Number Of The Month (straight) 523 ZR, Luckie Duckie (bx) 970 Luckie Duckie (straight) 392 ZR (straight) 314 Virgo, Luckie Duckie (bx)

Law Office of Daria L. Pratcher, Pc “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574

AUTO Ben’s Downtown Tire

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

Colston Enterprises 716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore) (716) 894-3910

BAIL BONDS LUCKIE DUCKIE

133-202- 335 -2015-4444-1871-0978 134-431-143

648*123*104

980-422-809-981-989-970-990-080800-515-996-390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126-189-444-886-514- 332522-112-432-421-423 3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

12/31/2015 Evening 12/31/2015 Midday 12/30/2015 Evening 12/30/2015 Midday 12/29/2015 Evening 12/29/2015 Midday 12/28/2015 Evening 12/28/2015 Midday 12/27/2015 Evening 12/27/2015 Midday 12/26/2015 Evening 12/26/2015 Midday 12/25/2015 Evening 12/25/2015 Midday 12/24/2015 Evening 12/24/2015 Midday 12/23/2015 Evening 12/23/2015 Midday 12/22/2015 Evening 12/22/2015 Midday 12/21/2015 Evening

2015

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

GIST BAIL BONDS

A-1 Bail Bonds 855-2514 or 854-2128

CELL PHONES Ansar Cellular Communications & Fragrance Store 1371 Fillmore @ E. Utica (716) 884-2373

CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES Jes Breathe Cancer Awarness Group (716) 510-7522

jesbreathe@yahoo.cing.com

DOG TRAINING Dogman’s K -9 Obedience Training 1963 Fillmore Avenue (716) 807-8163

ELECTRICIAL Empire Electric (716) 634-0330

FASHIONS MEN & WOMEN F&S FASHION 2930 Genesee St. Cheektowaga (716) 894-3742

FLORISTS Maureen’s Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

HAIR SUPPLY Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

HOME IMPROVEMENT Free Lead Assessment & Roof Assessment All Home Improvements Free Estimates Call 716 908-3439

TAILORS Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MEREA WORLD Transportation Service Specializing in Round Trip & Over Night Trips Text or call 716 939-8892

To Advertise Call 881-1051

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com• December 21, 2016

Wednesday December 21

Monday December 26

Thursday December 29

Public Meeting Notice: Board of the Westminster Community Charter School 12 noon M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza - 19th Floor, downtown.

KWANZAA! SEE PAGE 10

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. 885-6348

Hustle for Health Seniors line dance fitness class Gloria J Parks Center 3242 Main St,.

11am - 12pm 716 832 1010.

Public School Code of Conduct Meeting: 4 pm – 7 pm, Merriweather Library The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. 885-6348.

HEAP Workshops District 1: 10am to 4pm William-Emslie YMCA 585 William Street. ,842-0490 or e-mail bmw@ erie.gov or the HEAP Hotline a t(716) 858-7644.

Thursday December 22 The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. 885-6348.

Friday December 23 Mount Hope Community Church Tree of Hope “Tree Lighting Ceremony” : 4:30 p.m. at 1326 Broadway. All are welcome!

Horse Driven Sleigh Rides!

Sponsored by EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Activities and snacks for children $2 per child and a free will donation for adults. 884-1444.

GYC Ministries : Gang Summit Basketball and Open Gym, Ages 14 & Up every Monday 7- 9:30 pm C.R.U.C.I.A.L. 230 Moselle Street Hosted by Minister Tim Newkirk

Saturday December 31 KWANZAA! SEE PAGE 10

Tuesday December 27

Monday January 2

KWKANZAA! SEE PAGE 10

GYC Ministries : Gang Summit Basketball and Open Gym, Ages 14 & Up every Monday 7- 9:30 pm C.R.U.C.I.A.L. 230 Moselle Street Hosted by Minister Tim Newkirk

Persistence Prep & Buffalo Collegiate- Community Input Forum 5:30:0 PM Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave Wednesday December 28 KWANZAA! SEE PAGE 10 Hustle for Health Seniors line dance fitness class Gloria J Parks Center 3242 Main St. 11am - 12pm 716 832 1010.

FREE

Sunday January 1 KWANZAA! SEE PAGE 10

Hustle for Health Seniors: NEW Line Dance Fitness class Gloria Parks Center 3242 Main St, noon - 1pm age 60+ 8321010.

Wednesday January 4 Hustle for Health Seniors line dance fitness class Gloria J Parks Center 3242 Main St,.

11am - 12pm 716 832 1010.

Public School Code of Conduct Meeting: 4 pm – 7 pm, Merriweather Library

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. 885-6348.

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. 885-6348

Thursday December 29

Thursday January 5

KWAANZAA! SEE PAGE 10

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. 885-6348.

see you at the events

15

Friday December 30 KWANZAA! SEE PAGE 10

Hustle for Health Seniors: NEW Line Dance Fitness class Gloria Parks Center 3242 Main St, noon - 1pm age 60+ 8321010.

Community Forum for Buffalo Commons Charter School: Discussion on Proposed New Charter School 5:15PM at Niagara Branch Library, 280 Porter Ave.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

INJURED?

Legislator Miller-Williams Announces HEAP Workshops

CAR ACCIDENT?

888-8888

SLIP & FALL?

451 GRIDER STREET

Attormey Advertising

Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams will conduct Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Workshops throughout the 1st Legislative District for the 2016-2017 HEAP season. All eligible households may submit an application to receive services for both the Regular HEAP benefit and the Furnace Clean and Tune Assistance benefit. If an applicant is missing information, they may be allowed to mail the information and complete the application process.

The outreach events will be held throughout the HEAP season at various locations in District 1 from Wednesday December 14, 2016 to January 18, 2017. The events are as follows: •Wednesday, December 21 – 10am to 4pm William-Emslie YMCA, 585 William Street.

•Monday, January 9 - 9am to 12pm, The Belle Center 104 Maryland Street.

•Monday, January 9, – 1pm to 3pm, Hispanics United of Buffalo,254 Virginia Street.

•Wednesday, January 11– 9:30am to 3:30pm, CAO Masten Resource Center,1423 Fillmore Avenue,.

•Wednesday, January 18 – 12pm to 6pm, Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic Street.

Applicants are requested to bring the following Documentation to the Workshop: •One (1) form of identification for all household members (birth certificates, license, Social Security Card) •Proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, SS or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker’s comp., etc.)

•Current heat and electric bills •For Heating Equipment: Two (2) furnace estimates from participating HEAP contractors; Proof of homeownership- Deed to hom For information or assistance, please contact Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams’ Legislative Office at (716) 842-0490 or e-mail bmw@erie.gov or the HEAP Hotline at(716) 858-7644.

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IMAGES OF US

Challenger Community News • www.thechallengernews.com • December 21, 2016

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• October 22, 2014

DI

RCSD School

EXPO

Explore.

Interact.

Decide.

Explore options for students from grades PreK to 12.

Meet staff as you tour exhibits from our 50 schools.

Get on-site help with our school selection process.

See all the great reasons to choose City schools!

WEST HERTEL SATURDAY ACADEMY KICKOFF!

This past weekend West Hertel Academy held the kickoff to their upcoming Saturday Academy that will be held on the first and second Saturday of each month from January through May. The Kickoff was a success with over 250 in attendance. Teachers, parents and children were engaged in a number of live experiences and a variety of activities, served a warm delicious breakfast and lunch and had a visit from Mayor Brown. There were raffles, gift baskets and lots of smiling faces after the big holiday toy giveaway.

Principal Owens is excited to participate in this enriching community school program that will bring together schools and community resources to improve student learning and create stronger families and healthier communities. The community school zones include Buffalo Promise Neighborhood zone, South Buffalo Promise Zone, West Side Promise Zone and Eastside Innovation Zone.

Saturday, January 7 10 am to 3 pm Sibley Building - 1st & 2nd floors 228 East Main Street FREE parking • student performances • lots of fun!

(Mortimer St. garage)