Challenger Community News December 6, 2017

W I S H I N G O U R R E A D E R S P E A C E , L O V E & P R O S P E R I T Y T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N !

December 6, 2017 | FREE |

For this Creative 11-Year - Old, Making & Selling Bow Ties is His Business

POLITICS

Legislative Farewell to Betty Jean Grant Page 11

INSIDE ROCHESTER 2017 Kwanzaa Schedule Set Page 2

Page 10

COURAGE

Benefit Celebration to Welcome Will Jones Back to The Community Page 3

Enjoy A Soulful Christmas In The Michigan Street African American Cooridor! Page 9

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

Additional Open House Event Scheduled for Jobs at City Emergency Communications Department Mayor Lovely Warren announced that the City of Rochester Emergency Communications Department is hiring individuals interested in a career in public safety communications and will host a second Open House event for prospective candidates.

The 911 Center Open House will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Emergency Communications Center, located at 321 W. Main St. The deadline to apply for the February 2018 Civil Service entrance exam for Dispatchers and Telecommunicators is Dec. 31.For more information about careers at the Emergency Communications Center and a link to apply for the entrance exam, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/ join911 or call (585) 528-2200.

Rochester Announces 2017 Kwanzaa Locations

Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest,” it is a time to celebrate African American people, our ancestors and our culture.

We seek to honor our past, evaluate our present and commit ourselves to a more productive future. Africans and AfricanAmericans of all religious faiths and backgrounds celebrate Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa 2017 Locations

•Umoja (Unity) December 26 Baobab Cultural Center 728 University Ave 6-9pm •Kujichagulia (Self determination) December 27 Memorial Art Gallery 500 University Ave noon – 5pm •Ujima (Collective work and responsibility) December 28 Wheatley Library 33 McCree Way 2-5pm •Ujamaa ( Cooperative economics) December 29 Rochester Museum Science Center 657 East Ave 2-5pm •Nia (Purpose) December 30 Gannt R Center 700 North St. 2-5pm •Kuumba (Creativity) December 31 Memorial AME Zion Church 549 Clarissa Street 6-9pm ªImani (Faith) January 1,2018 Celebrate at home with loved ones

Mayor Warren Announces Partnership to Strengthen Body Worn Camera Program

Open Sundays December 3, 10 ,17 ,& 24 at Public Market

Mayor Lovely A. Warren last week announced that the City has entered a partnership with the Coalition for Police Reform – Community Justice Advisory Board to strengthen the Rochester Police Department’s Body Worn Camera Program (BWC) through an open and transparent exchange of information.

“This unprecedented partnership will increase public confidence in the Body Worn Camera Program and make it an even more effective tool,” said Mayor Warren. “

Real Talk On Faith…

The Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church, 550 Meigs St. will host The Women’s Bible Study Ministry on Saturday, December 9. The theme is “Faith.” To register in advance call 585-461-1395 or baberwomensbiblestudy@yahoo.com Bring your Bible, pen, notebook and favorite tea cup! Light refreshments will be served. The session is free.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

AREA BRIEFS

Benefit Celebration to Welcome Will Jones Back To The Community Five months after a tragic accident the community will celebrate Will's courage and determination with a benefit celebration at the Adams Mark November 7.

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JOB WELL DONE! When it was announced that Steve Finch would retire as of Dec. 1 as manager of the General Motors Tonawanda Engine Plant it came as a shock and surprise to many in this community. Finch, who had worked for GM for a total four decades (30 of those years away from Buffalo) , was an amazing leader. He held it down when the plant struggled through the recession and was still at the helm when the factory rebounded. GM invested almost $3 billion in the Tonawanda plant during his tenure. Finch, 59-years young, had a great relationship with the community and was involved in such groups as the Buffalo Urban League. He received the groups highest honor, the Whitney M. Young and William Evens Humanitarian Award in 2014.. He is a graduate of Hutch Tech High School and serves as a trustee and deacon at is church, Zion Dominion Global Ministries where Bishop Roderick Hennings is Pastor. He and his wife Lillian are the parents of five children and 11 grandchildren.

Press Conference Called to Address Youth Shooting It has been almost three weeks since the shooting of a 12 old boy and the community remains as much in the dark regarding this tragedy as it was when it happened. All we know for sure is that a rock was allegedly thrown through a window and the homeowner fired a weapon and shot a youth. A group of community activists and invited groups and orgaizations will hold a press conference Friday, December 8 in front of 25 Delaware Ave. at 11 AM. The groups include NYAGV, We Are Women Warriors, Young Black Democrats of WNY, WNY Peace Center, Buffalo United Front, No More Tears, PRCCJ, Stop The Violence Coalition and others. The purpose is to ask District Attorney John Flynn to make a statement regarding this case to reassure the residents that justice will prevail and that the incident will not be swept under the rug.

No Moratorium on Charter Schools Both the State Education Department and the Sate University of New York denied a request from the Buffalo Board of Education asking the state to slow down the expansion of charter schools in the city. The request was made in September.

However the SUNY Board of Trustees did say that every new charter school application would include a comment period which will be taken into consideration. Two new charters opened in the city this year and two more are scheduled to open next year. At least two more are in the “pipeline” bringing the region’s total to 23. One of every five students in Buffalo go to charter schools.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS!

BY NANETTE D. MASSEY

n the early morning of June 26th, Will Jones of Xavier Photography was driving through the intersection of E. Utica Street and Masten Avenue when he was struck by another car police say was going at least 65 mph in this residential neighborhood. Jones' car was thrown into a tree, the other car spiraled and smashed into a nearby house. Emergency personnel transported Jones to ECMC where he arrived in critical condition.

The other driver fled the scene on foot, leaving his damaged vehicle behind.

Will lay in a coma, while his family struggled to get follow up reports through Buffalo law enforcement channels. Told they needed to comWill Jones municate with police through a lawyer, they retained Attorney Robert Berkun. By the end of November, Berkun reported he'd made at least six phone calls to detectives that had gone unanswered.

WGRZ Channel 2 reporter Claudine Ewing became aware of the accident through personal contacts and broke the story the first week in August during the six o'clock news. According to the police report, an officer went to the registered address of the abandoned vehicle that same June morning to question the owner, but the suspect refused to come to the door. No warrant had since been obtained and, in fact, Ms. Ewing found the incident wasn't even on the list of hit and run accidents under active investigation.

Last week, five months after the accident, Ewing reported meeting with Erie County District Attorney John Flynn. A returned forensics report is now leading investigators to "multiple persons of interest," but still no arrests.

Will's mother, Myrtle Jones, can't understand why the owner of the abandoned car isn't in custody. "Even if it wasn't him [driving the car], you know who had your car. Not a slice of bread goes out of my house and I don't know who took it."

Berkun confirmed that in his experience, depending on the DNA evidence available, the time frame this case is seeing is actually not uncommon. That is no source of consolation to Will's son, Jonathan. "The police certainly don't have my love through this all. I'm disappointed to think this is really the best you can do?"

November 29th, law enforcement officials finally reached out to Jones' family and requested a meeting for Wednesday, December 6th. At press time, this is the most up to date information publically available about the case.

I met with Will Jones on the 29th. He had been released from the hospital only two weeks earlier. He is fortunate to be alive. Prior to the accident Will was an avid fitness buff who frequented the gym regularly. Today he gets by with a walker, a wheelchair, and constant visits from friends and family to see to his needs at his new apartment. Will is experiencing the effects of a stroke and brain damage. He plans to power through his physical therapy with an earnestness that will have him out and about ahead of everyone's expectations.

He believes he owes an infinite debt of gratitude to Channel 2's Ewing. "If it wasn't for Claudine, I really believe [Buffalo law enforcement] would have pushed this whole thing to the side."

"This affects my life forever and I don't think there's a sensitivity to that" on the part of law enforcement according to Will. "To them, it's just about doing a job."

He can't wait to get back to his labor of love, publishing the monthly Black Western New York Magazine. Jones is filled with a new deliberateness to elevate the voice of Black owned media.

"We need more like The Challenger and BWNY, not only to get our stories told, but to convince anyone that our stories are worth telling. If I was a little white girl, this would have gone completely differently."

The good news is that Jones' son, Jonathan, has organized a benefit event for Thursday, December 7th, where the public can come shake hands with Will and welcome him back into the community. "Having friends and connections during a situation like this is really big,"says Jonathan, and has literally made all the difference for his father. Will also wants the chance to personally thank all his supportive well wishers, and let them see that he is alive and kicking.

The event is at the Adams Mark Hotel, 120 Church Street in downtown Buffalo, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The All Star Band has graciously donated their services, and will be playing our favorite R&B and jazz hits live. Food and drinks will be served. Tickets are $25 and can be bought at the door, or online through PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_ button_id=5GYC8F86HWHC2.

For more details, email Jonathan Xavier Jones at jonathan593@gmail.com.

"Our History Did Not Begin in Chains....It Will Not End in Chains"

The Great Sphinx of Giza

*Africans were the first to organize fishing expeditions 90,000 years ago. Discoveries at Katanda, a region in northeastern Zaïre (now Congo), suggested the existence of an early aquatic or fishing based culture. *Africans were the first to engage in mining 43,000 years ago. In 1964 a hematite mine was found in Swaziland at Bomvu Ridge in the Ngwenya mountain range. One of the archaeologists on the site, dated the mine to a staggering 43,200 years old. *Africans pioneered basic arithmetic 25,000 years ago.

The Ishango bone is a tool handle with notches carved into it found in the Ishango region of Zaïre (now called Congo) near Lake Edwarddated 25,000 years old. *Africans cultivated crops 12,000 years ago, the first known advances in agriculture.

Professor Fred Wendorf discovered that people in Egypt’s Western Desert cultivated crops of barley, capers, chick-peas, dates, legumes, lentils and wheat. *Africans mummified dead 9,000 years ago.

their

* Africans carved the world’s first colossal sculpture 7,000 or more years ago. The Great Sphinx of Giza was fashioned with the head of a man combined with the body of a lion.

A key and important question raised by this monument was: How old is it? In October 1991 Professor Robert Schoch, a geologist from Boston University, demonstrated that the Sphinx was sculpted between 5000 BC and 7000 BC, dates that he considered conservative.

Source: Black History Studies

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LOCAL+NATIONAL

The LeBron James Foundation

G

old Medal. Check. World Champion. Check. Most Valuable Player award. Check. Countless endorsement deals. Check.

Of those mentioned, which one is most important to LeBron James, superstar of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Akron, Ohio’s hometown Hero? The answer to that question is none of the above. In the words of LeBron James, his most notable achievement to date came on Monday, November 27th when the Akron Board of Education voted to approve the LeBron James Family Foundation’s proposal for a public school geared towards students at risk of falling behind. Upon its opening, the school, which will be known as “I Promise,” will house third and fourth grade students. The school will feature longer school days and classes that begin in the summer.

Grades 1 through 8 are expected to be added to the school by year 2022.

What makes this significant? LeBron James is a product of the city to the very same kids he is looking to empower. James grew up in a single parent household, where everything James received was earned. He looks to instill that same principle into the third and fourth graders of his hometown. James’ logic, “If we get to them early enough, we can hopefully keep them on the right track to a bigger and brighter future for themselves and their families.”

The school comes as an addition to a an existing $41 Million pledge by LeBron to provide scholarships to students of his foundations’ I Promise program that will cover the cost of four years of a qualifying students education at The University of Akron, if they keep a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher during their high school education. I Promise, for grades 3 & 4, plans to open its doors in the fall of 2018. Remember at all times you’ve got Odds2Beat. Follow Gregory L. Gamble II on all social media outlets at Odds2Beat or visit www.odds2beat.com

Corey Epps is Free At Last!

Corey Epps of Buffalo, who spent almost 20 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was freed last Friday afternoon. The 46-year-old Epps repeatedly denied having anything to do with the murder of Tameka Means in 1997 during a road rage incident on East Delavan Avenue. Epps' family, who always believed his innocence, cheered when the judge ordered him freed. Epps cooperated with police from the beginning but an eyewitness identified him as the shooter at the lineup. Cory and his wife Jerrihia were eating at Perkins at the time of the shooting incident; even producing a receipt to prove it.

The attorneys for Mr. Epps, Rebecca Freedman and Glenn Garber, told the Buffalo News that they felt it was a weak case from the start. “There are more wrongful convictions than you could possibly litigate and bring to justice” said attorney Garber. “This is just the tip of the iceberg.” The new person of interest in Tameka Means’ death, Russell Montgomery, is currently serving a 22-year-to life sentence on a separate murder charge.

- Briefs HAITI IS STILL DAMAGED : The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that it would — in 18 months — end a program known as Temporary Protected Status for 59,000 Haitian American families and 27,000 American-born Haitian children. affected by the deadly earthquake that rocked the island in 2010. T.P.S., as it is known, allows people from countries crippled by natural disasters or armed conflicts to live and work legally in the United States. By its nature, T.P.S. is supposed to end at some point, but under previous administrations its protections had been extended for years or even decades.

Homeland Security deemed Haiti ready to accept its citizens, and gave Haitians living in the U.S. until July 2019 to prepare.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

Pictured (left to right): Rev. Eugene L. Pierce, Lt. Colonel Pierre R. Pierce, and Bobby E. Pierce in Sembach, Germany.

Major Pierre R. Pierce Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Rev. Eugene L. Pierce and Bobby E. Pierce recently traveled to Sembach, Germany to attend the promotion ceremony for their nephew Major Pierre R. Pierce. Major Pierce was born in Buffalo, and graduated from Canisius High School. He is a 1988 graduate with honors from Dillard University. In 1993 he graduated from Louisiana State University Sciences Center at New Orleans, Dental School where he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

Major Pierce was commissioned as a Dental Corps Officer in 2009 and then served as a general dentist at Andrew Radar Dental Clinic (DC), Fort Myer, VA from December 2009 to July 2010 and William Logan DC, Fort Belvoir, VA from August 2010 to September 2011. He then deployed with the 44th Medical Brigade, 673rd Medical Company (Dental Services) to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and served as Officer in Charge of Camp Marmal DC through April 2012. Upon return, he completed residency training (2012 to 2014). In August of 2014 to September 2015, he was assigned to the 3rd Army, Area Support Group (ASG) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as Command Dental Surgeon at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Now he serves the 30th Medical Brigade as Chief, Dental Officer at Sembach, Germany.

Lt. Colonel awards and decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Commendation Medal (second oak leaf), Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal ( 1 Campaign Star) National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO Medal. Lt. Colonel Pierce is the son of Tula Pierce, and the late Lou E. Pierce. He is also the brother of Tosca Martin.

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FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

Church Ushers Association To Host 78th Annual Anniversary: “Honoring Our Youth” is Theme

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t's that time of year again when the Church Usher Association of Buffalo & Vicinity, Inc. starts to prepare for their 78th Annual William H. Davis Honor Club and the 28th Anniversary of the Oneal Fields Achievement Awards Luncheon. This affair will be held on Saturday, December 9th, at the Buffalo/Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin Streetat 4 p.m. If you are interested in attending you may contact our Ticket Chairman, Sister Yvonne Darden at 716-688-7216, cost $40.00 across the board.

This year’s theme is Honoring Our Youth (1 John 4:3-5).

Various churches that belong to the association will be honoring their youth. Please come out and show your support. The following is a list of

churches, pastors and the honorees: Bright Morningstar Missionary Baptist ChurchRichard E. Flood, Pastor Aaron Lamont Blassingame Jermel Nicholas Exum Emani Jackson Imani Jackson Isaiah Joseph Sharpe Jeanelle Keona Stephens Genesis Robin Swanson Tyler Robert Swanson Ma'kala Walker

Elim Christian Fellowship Church-Bishop T. Anthony Bronner, Pastor Quinterian Cooke First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church-Rev. Jason J. Drayton, Pastor Timone Baldon Caleah Barnes Leontae Parker ] Cintarra Quigley

Calvary Baptist ChurchDeacon Duane RichardsonChairman Deacon Ministry Mylika Middlebrooks Zakiyyah Torres

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church-Rev. Edward Jackson, Jr., Pastor Courtney McClancy Keith Jeleel Norward Ashley Williams

Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. Brandon K. Baum, Pastor Justin V. Brazelton, Jr.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Love Alive Fellowship Baptist Church-Rev. Jeffrey B. Bowens, Pastor Tyler James Thompson Isaiah Wilson Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church-Rev. Herman Alston, Jr., Pastor Jazmine Richardson Robert E. Lee, IV Metropolitan United Methodist Church-Rev. Angela R. Stewart, Pastor Joshua Johnson Pratcher Derrick Johnson New Mount Ararat Temple of Prayer-Bishop Dwight E. Brown, Pastor Jason Philips New Hope Baptist ChurchRev. Herschel Chapman, Jr., Pastor Melhea Gachette Marisa Gachette Andrew Thomas

Promiseland Missionary Baptist Church-Rev. D. Douglas Blakely, Pastor Joyce Ann Joelle Blakely Jarod Jones Saint John Baptist ChurchRev. Michael Chapman, Pastor Giavanna Leontyne Lee Dobbs Emmanuel L. Edwards Trinity Baptist Church-Rev. Bennie D. Jemison, Sr., Pastor D.Robert Mitchell The Men's Fellowship Ministry will be honoring three worthy men at the event along with two worthy and dedicated members of the William H. Davis Honor Club.

On Sunday, December 10 the Ushers Association will celebrate ML Evans Founders Day, the program will be held at the Antioch Mission-

ary Baptist Church, 1327 Fillmore Ave., host Pastor, Rev. Ulysses Wingo. Rev. Wingo will also be Installing the newly elected officers of the Church Ushers Association for 2018.

The two Ushers of the Year will be honored at this time as well. Please come out and be blessed!

Linda Prince Roberts, Event Coordinator/National Chairman; James Darden, Co-Event Coordinator/NYS Chairman; Blanche Stephens, Local Chairman; Joey Bush, Association President

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

Zion Missionary Baptist Church Prayer And Fasting Zion Missionary Baptist Church is once again hosting the “Repositioning the Body of Christ Through Prayer and Fasting” Monday mornings at 6 a.m. for the month of December. Please join us December 11 and 18 at 179 E.Ferry. For more information contact the church office at 886-1362. Rev C.M. Jenkins II is Host Pastor.

Concerned Clergy Coalition of Western New York Stands with Mobilizing Preachers and Community of New York City The Concerned Clergy Coalition of WNY issued the following statement in part to declare solidarity with the men and women of their sister organization Mobilizing Preachers and Community of New York City (MPACNYC ).

"On Wednesday, November 22 the brave men and women of MPACNYC led a Peaceful and Prayerful Community Protest at the entranceway to New York’s Fiorella La Guardia International Airport. The protest was designed to bring attention to the multi-BILLION dollar reconstruction of that Airport. In this publically funded reconstruction project the participation by MWBE’s is woeful, failing to approach the State’s own targets for participation. There are few Black and Brown firms receiving the opportunity to bid on Contracts for the New La Guardia.

"The circumstances raise the question: Why is the administration of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo insistent on assisting the very rich to become richer while eliminating opportunities for working, every day citizens? On Monday, November 27, Mobilizing Preachers and Community of New York City returned to La Guardia International Airport and engaged in another Peaceful and Prayerful community protest to bring attention to the posture of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo towards working Americans. " Baptist Minister's Conference of Buffalo and Vicinity-Reverend Dennis Lee Jr., President The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York-The Very Reverend R. William Franklin, Bishop Niagara Falls Ministerial Council-Reverend Raymond Allen, President; Central Baptist Association-Reverend Carl A. Hill, Moderator; Great Lakes Baptist Association-Reverend William Gillison, Moderator; African Methodist Minister's Alliance-Reverend Cary Beckwith, President Jeremiah Partnership-Reverend Richard Allen Stenhouse, Chairman; National Action Network Buffalo Chapter.

Evangelistic Temple to Celebrate 31st Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor DuBois On December 10th the community, friends and former members are invited to worship with us as we celebrate Pastor George W. DuBois on his 31st Pastoral Anniversary and his 54th birthday at the Evangelistic Temple & Community Church Center , 92 Hedley Place .

Our special guests will be the congregation from Jordan Grove Baptist Church, the Pastor's former Church Home. Starting our day at 9:30 will be our R.I.S.E. service with guest teacher, James L. Spencer. Our morning service will begin promptly at 10:45 with guest speaker C.C. Cox, Pastor of Jordon Grove. Immediately following morning service we will fellowship with our guests.

For more information, please call the Church at 882-1432.

We wish a safe and joyful Christmas Holiday to all!

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Entertainment

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

Not For Sale: Humanity and Arts Benefit

B

Edreys Wajed

ON STAGE *August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, directed

by Willie W. Judson Jr., now thru Dec. 24 @ the Paul Roberson Theatre in the African American Cultural Center; Fridays and Saturdays @ 8 p.m., Sundays @ 4 p.m. and starring Sandra Gilliam,

Drea D’Nur

eloved hometown artists Drea D’Nur (Spirit of Nina) and Edreys Wajed (Freedom Wall) humbly present the Not For Sale: Humanity and Arts Benefit, an evening where the arts champion a cause, challenging the community with a call-to-action, compassion and awareness for the restoration of those affected by Human Trafficking. This one-night only event takes place Saturday, December 9, at Ashker’s on Main (1526 Main Street) from 6– 9p.m. Limited Tickets are $30 and to be purchased at www.wajedcrafters.com with proceeds benefiting Mona’s House, A Restoration Home in WNY for Human Trafficking Victims.

Although there are several notable and favorable changes taking place in our new and better Buffalo, artists Drea and Edreys remind us all that amidst the noise of celebration, applause and clanging cranes erecting towering buildings, we cannot ignore the cries and moans of our brothers and sisters most afflicted by acts human cruelty.

After a stellar year of artistic contributions respectively between the two artists, Drea and Edreys have decided to use their platforms to speak out on this tremendous human injustice in hopes that they inspire and empower the community to take notice and action.

The evening features a cocktail reception highlighting plant based appetizers made by artist/Chef Alexa Joan, live performance by Drea D’nur and live art demonstration and short-doc premiere by Edreys Wajed.

Scott Tixier

Rachel Henderson, Leon Copeland, Ricky Needham, Sean Farrell, Tuhran Gethers, Roosevelt Tidwell, Al G arrison and Marcus Thompson Jr.

Tickets, groups & reservations 884-2013, www.aaccbuffalo.org;

Walter Kemp 3oh!

JAZZBUFFALO! JazzBuffalo in association with Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, will present noted Downbeat Critic’s Poll Rising Star jazz violinist Scott Tixier with the Walter Kemp 3oh! for two general admission shows at 7 and 9:15 p.m. at Hallwalls, 341 Delaware Avenue, Saturday, December 16 in concert as a dynamic jazz quartet of violin, piano, bass, and drums. This quartet promises an unforgettable evening. Tickets are available on Eventbrite -www.eventbrite.com

*Marsha McWilson Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6-10 p.m. Niagara Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, featuring Richie Derwald and Steadfast. For tickets visit www.marshamcwilson.com and www.markwebermusicblog. com.

*Kenny G @ The Riviera Theatre, Sunday Dec. 17 8 p.m.

67WebsterSt. N. Tonawanda;

*Queen City Comedy Jam presents Mo’nique, Nephew Tommy and Friends at Kleinhans music Hall, Saturday, Jan. 6. Tickets @ Kleinhans Box Office and Doris Records. *Robin Thicke Sa.t, Jan. 06 @ Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Event Center.

"Images of Us By Us”: Western New York Urban Arts Collective Featured at Burchfield Penney Art Anniversary The Western New YorkUrban Arts Collective (WNYUAC), the newly formed organization assembled to unite and promote African

American artists, will showcase eight artists to mark the anniversary celebration of the Burchfield Penney Art on Friday, November 8 from 5:3011 p.m. Curated by John Baker, IMAGES (of US by US), will feature works by Kobie Barber, Niaja Boles, Renee Brown, Kerima Collier, James Cooper III, Betty Pitts Foster, Iris Kirkwood and Mark Gaston Pearce. “From realism to abstract, the exhibition is a creative interpretation of culture and identity,” said Baker.

“The WNY-UAC is grateful to the Burchfield-Penney to present this diverse portfolio of work.” The installation will be on view thru April 1, 2018.

The event also includes performances by Jillian Hanesworth, Fragrance, Juan Stanfield, Josh Smith and a dance party set by DJ ToneyBoi. For the full line-up, go to www. burchfieldpenney.org.

*THE LION KING: Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, Dec. 13-Jan. 7; 866-870-2717; LionKing.com *Musical Word-Jazz Presentation featuring Joey Giambra, guitarist, Chuck Buffamonte, pianist, Rick Carta and actor Ernest Griffin will present " Joey's Cold Springs I'm Home: A Jazz Story" on December 10 at 6 p.m. at Daily Planet Coffee, 1862 Hertel Avenue - ( corner of Parker).

You may bring your own wine.

Tickets $30. Seating is limited; reservations suggested . E Mail Joey Giambra at Panecip@aol. com Hope to see you there.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

A Soulful Christmas: A Celebration of African American Holiday Traditions

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he Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is sponsoring it's third annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 9th starting at noon. This year's holiday theme is the celebration of African American holiday traditions which center on family, the meaning of Christmas, festive meals, music, Kwan-

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zaa and story telling. Events will be held in two locations, the Michigan Street Baptist Church, 511 Michigan Street, and Pilgrim Baptist Church, 665 Michigan Street.

A Soulful Christmas is a celebration of African American Holiday traditions that are practiced during the holiday season and reflect the blending of African and American culture and heritage. This year, A Soulful Christmas, includes Kente Claus, gospel music, The Tradition Keepers (Storytellers), the lighting of the tree, and a holiday village and marketplace that features children's arts and crafts, vendors and of course good food!

Santa is now represented by different racial and ethnic groups and we have our very own Santa to delight old and young alike. Kente Claus exposes all children to an afro-centric Santa who wears

Kente Cloth from Ghana and portrays a Caribbean, African American and African interpretation of Christmas.

Kente Claus is an example of how African American culture unites African heritage and American tradition. He will tell the story of Christmas throughout the diaspora and in Africa.

Gospel Music dominates African American holiday tradition and during A Soulful Christmas there will be nu-

merous opportunities to enjoy some of the best gospel singers that Buffalo has to offer.

Gospel music uplifts the spirit and is appreciated around the world...similar to the popularity of jazz and the blues. There will be music through out the day with concerts and caroling!

The preservation and perpetuation of African traditions is also deeply rooted in the celebration of the holiday season. The Tradition Keepers; Black Storytellers of Western New York are committed to promoting story telling using folk tales containing vivid imagery, humor, and call and response to enhance self es-

teem, improve listening skills, critical thinking and stimulate the desire to read. They will be reading stories from 12:301pm in our Holiday Village and Marketplace (Pilgrim Baptist Church). Children will receive a book of their choice, donated by Book Bike.

A Soulful Christmas will culminate with a tree lighting ceremony that features candles lit by elders that will be handed to each subsequent generation including the youngest. Come celebrate the beauty and meaning of the holidays! All are invited to attend as we gather to celebrate and say thank you to those who have supported the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.

(The schedule is below) For more information go to www. michiganstreetbuffalo.org.

Soulful Christmas Activities SCHEDULE 11:00am Corridor Museum Tours 12:00pm Holiday Village and Marketplace at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 665 Michigan Street, featuring children activities, vendors and food truck Children Activities: • Visit and take pictures with Kente Claus, an Afrocentric Santa • Christmas and Kwanzaa ornaments for the Tree Lighting Ceremony and to take home • Letter writing to Kente Claus • Make a holiday card for family, friends, teachers and those serving in the military • Learn about holiday traditions in Africa and the Caribbean Special guests and surprises: • 12:30pm Storytelling by Tradition Keepers 2:00pm Gospel Concert in the Church Sanctuary 4:00pm Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Michigan Street Baptist Church with music and refreshments!

Hot Chocolate and Cookies for all! Everyone is invited!

Visit the Corridor Museums: Nash House, Colored Musicians Club Museum, The Michigan Street Baptist Church and POWER 96.5

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

-Tao Te Ching

MICHIGAN STREET

MichiganStreetBuffalo.org

A Soulful Christmas:

A Celebration of African American Holiday Traditions Saturday, December 9 Noon-5pm 11:00 am Corridor Museum Tours 12:00 pm Holiday Village & Marketplace, Pilgrim Baptist Church, 665 Michigan Street, featuring vendors and food truck Children’s Activities: Visit and take pictures with Kente Claus, an Afrocentric Santa, Christmas and Kwanzaa ornaments for the Tree Lighting Ceremony and to take home, Letter writing to Kente Claus, Make a holiday card for family, friends, teachers and those serving in the military, Learn about holiday traditions in Africa and the Caribbean.

Special guests and surprises!

12:30 pm Storytelling by Tradition Keepers 2:00 pm Gospel Concert in the Church Sanctuary 4:00 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony Michigan Street Baptist Church with music and refreshments!

Thank you to our Michigan Street sponsors: City of Buffalo, New York Power Authority, Erie County of New York State, The State of New York

10

B

GENERATIONS

BY NANETTE D. MASSEY

ow ties used to be the signature of the buttoned-up, conservative look for men's clothing.

Now singer Janelle Monae, OutKast's Andre 3000, and Bill Nye the Science Guy proudly sport them in a nod to a kind of ironic heresy. Today, they're everything but meant to be worn unnoticed in the back study room of some library.

Taking note of this wrinkle in fashion and riding it all the way to the bank is 11-year old Buffalo businessman Shelden Gibbs. This sixth grader is the founder and momentum behind Classic Knot where he sells, you guessed it, bow ties. Polka-dotted, printed, paisley, plaid, or just plain black, there is something for every fashion renegade on your holiday gift list at his website, www.ClassicKnot.com.

Necessity, it is said, is the mother of invention. Shelden himself was a bow tie wearer for years prior. The inspiration for the business came because he "couldn't find ties in stores that was poppin'." Taking matters into his own hands, he went to his mother, Rhonda Woods, with the idea to start a business. "Oh boy...", she says, was her initial reaction. She characterizes Shelden as one who gets really psyched about a new idea in the beginning but, as is typical of kids his age, can lack long term follow through. She's got the lesson books, various shelved musical instruments, and sports team uniforms gathering dust in the back of the closet to bear out her claims.

Shelden, on the other hand, describes himself by saying "I'm not afraid to try new things, even if I'm not going to be good at it."

It appears the bow tie business is going to be the one that sticks. He went on YouTube, and invested considerable time into teaching himself how to sew. Each of the ties are made by hand. Shelden estimates that he ships out between 50 to 100 units in an average week. With the holiday shopping season now upon us, he expects that number to multiply. To keep up with the orders, Shelden is blessed to have a corps of friends and family at the ready to help.

He is building his brand by making appearances and setting up shop at trade shows and conventions. One such convention is taking him to Atlanta, Georgia, later this month. Still, a good 80% of Classic Knot's business is from orders sourced through the website. They come from all over the U.S., and he can remember one off the top of his head all the way from the Republic of Colombia. Locally, all three of the major network news channels have done profiles on Sheldon's business. He's also earned shout-outs from radio station WBLK, and been given a "co-sign" by the men's high styling blog, BuffaloDandy.com Bringing the support he has gotten from Buffalo's Black community full circle, Shelden was instrumental in organizing the Classic Knot Back2School Jam at the end of August. The outdoor block party featured a bounce house, d.j., games and vendor's tables. The highlight of the event was the giving away of five hundred backpacks filled with children's school supplies with the coordinated help of Walmart and Say Yes to Education, Buffalo.

When not working at expanding his bow tie empire, Shelden is a steady B+ student at Tapestry Charter School. His favorite subjects are science and English language arts. Being in charge of a business has forced the eleven year old into a very grown up acquaintance with the importance of time management. High grades take priority over everything else in his household. He also plays on his school's basketball team, and blows saxophone in the 6th grade school band.

With what time he has left, he is an NBA Golden State Warriors fan, and loves to follow pro wrestling.

In the future, look for Shelden behind a bench wearing a black robe and handling a gavel. "I'm going to be a bow tie-wearing judge. With more African American judges, the laws would change", he says, "and it would change how people are treated differently by their skin color."

For more info about Shelden Gibbs and Classic Knots call (716) 544-8840, go to his website, or look him up on Facebook.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

Legislative Farewell Dinner Party Will Honor Betty Jean Grant This Sunday “For a Job Well Done!”

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Legislative Farewell dinner party for Betty Jdan Grant will be held on Sunday, December 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Club 1210, formerly The Groove Lounge, 1210 Broadway Avenue.

Admission is $25, $50 and $100. Special guest performances will be provided by B.B.K.S. Christy Smothers and national recording saxophonist Will Holton.

Betty Jean Grant has been a resident of Buffalo, NY, for over 42 years and married for 47 to George Grant. She is the mother of three girls and a proud grandmother of five.

In 1980, Mr. and Mrs. Grant opened Grants Variety Store, which remains one of the last African American owned variety store on the East Side of Buffalo. Betty Jean Grant graduated Magna Cum Laude from Medaille College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and completed a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Buffalo State College.

For over 18 years Betty Jean proudly represented the residents of Buffalo, serving as Ferry District Representative on the Buffalo School Board, University District Councilmember and as 2nd District Erie County Legislator. Some of her proudest legislative accomplishments were bringing two Tim Hortons Café Shops and an Aldi’s Supermarket to the University District, collaborating with government colleagues to open the Tops Supermarket on Jefferson Ave. and Niagara Street. As Legislator she lead the charge, and working with the County Executive restored funding for the DayCare Unit, Libraries and Arts and Culturals of Erie County and creating the Valor for Valor program for veterans, which was later adopted and expanded to the Veterans-One Stop of WNY. During her tenure she also formed the We Are Women Warriors organization to address the various community issues and needs.

When the City lost the popular Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, frequented by many inner city kids, she put together a committee to form Buff City Hoops to fill that avoid.

She narrowly lost her bid to become a State Senator in 2012, losing by only 300-plus votes in an epic David and Goliath race. She has been strong supporter of the city's two Black newnspapers - The Challenger and The Criterion - where she penned a regular editorial column.

Betty Jean Grant aspires to bring open and honest leadership for all residents and communities whether in the capacity of an elected official or community activist. In an effort to fulfill one of her dreams to become the first female Mayor of the City of Buffalo, she ran for that office in the 2017 election. Despite her loss, she was able to bring a number of important issues to the forefront, and offered Buffalo voters a choice in that hotly contested race. Although she will not return to her legislative seat next year, she is expected to remain active in the community and the City of Buffalo.

Congratulations and much appreciation Legislator Grant for a job well done!

“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

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

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

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Why We Need More Black Men In Early Childhood Education

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By Royston Maxwell Lyttle

s educators, we have an obligation to give our students every opportunity to succeed. Parents rely on us to ensure their children are armed with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, once they leave our classrooms. Over my more than 15 years in education, I have learned that to fulfill this responsibility, schools must give children the opportunity to learn from men of color. The profound impact Black male educators can have on the trajectory of a child’s life cannot be overstated and it’s time that we acknowledge it.

Promoting Diversity According to the U.S. Department of Education, less than two percent of our nation’s teachers are Black males. At a time when non-White students outnumber White students in U.S. public schools, the need for a diverse teaching force has never been greater. At Eagle Academy Public Charter School, diversity is something we not only celebrate, but aggressively pursue. We constantly look for ways to expose our students to different experiences, perspectives and methods for coping with challenges. And this starts with diverse educators.

It should come as no surprise that men and women bring different perspectives to the classroom, and the same is true for individuals of varying backgrounds and ethnicities. It is crucial that schools cultivate a diverse and stable environment to facilitate this development, especially in early education, where children develop the foundation for the rest of their lives. I have seen firsthand that when children learn and grow in a diverse community, they begin to challenge stereotypes that have, for far too long, prevented children from reaching their full potential.

Shattering Stereotypes Today, early childhood education is still widely viewed as a woman’s profession. With men representing only 2.5 percent of preschool and kindergarten teachers and 21.5 percent of elementary and middle school teachers, the chances of having a male educator (let alone a Black male educator) before reaching high school are slim.

The environment children are exposed to in their first years of education has a profound impact on how they view the world. Therefore, there should be a sense of urgency among early educators to combat stereotypes. When children see a diverse teaching staff working together in the same profession, they not only learn the importance of equality, but are also encouraged to ignore gender and racial stereotypes associated with certain careers. As a Black man working in early education, I have seen how these societal constructs negatively affect children and I have dedicated my life to breaking them down.

Offering a Role Model Role models play a critical role in a child’s development. Young boys who come from disadvantaged backgrounds may not have a strong father figure at home, and often come to school hoping to fill that void. As a leader of a 98 percent African American student body, I feel it is important for students to find someone they can see themselves in, look up to, and aspire to be.

Boys who grow up with only female teachers and role models don’t have this opportunity. Children tend to mimic influential individuals in their lives. They benefit from strong, Black male teachers who lead by example. This is something I learned from a student while working in Washington, D.C. He was a young boy whose behavioral issues were hindering his ability to learn. Without a father figure in his life, his mother was struggling to get through to him. Upon sitting down with the boy in hopes of identifying the root of these problems, I was surprised to find he had just one request: to spend time together. After our first outing to the movies, his attitude and schoolwork improved dramatically. I didn’t have to employ any complicated learning tactic or psychological theory to help this child—I just had to be there and listen. Over the remainder of the year, I watched him grow into a successful and happy student. That experience left me determined to be someone my students can always rely on and look up to inside and outside of the classroom.

Investing in the future As we look to the future of early childhood education, I urge parents, teachers, lawmakers and communities to invest in ways to bring diversity to the classroom. I also challenge my fellow Black men who are passionate about education to buck the norm, ignore the stigma, and put the children first.

As a Black male principal, I feel it is my duty to spread this message and be a catalyst for change in order to create a more diversified environment for our children to learn in. I have found there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student succeed against all odds, due to the lessons you have taught them. I encourage more Black men to join me in this journey.

Royston Maxwell Lyttle is the principal for grades 1-3 of the Eagle Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. He strongly believes that all students should be provided a highquality education and that all students can reach their full academic potential regardless of their social or economic background. Learn more about Eagle Academy Public Charter School at https://www.eagleacademypcs.org/.

(This op-ed was originally posted at Education Post. Republished with permission by the NNPA Newswire. The Challenger is a member publications of the NNPA.)

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

Life Can Be Difficult, But Don’t Give Up (Part 2)

Icebergs and Friends

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couple weeks ago, I wrote an article sharing some of my military training on resiliency with the hope to help anyone who needed a new way of thinking. Quick recap: the first exercise everyday is always “Hunt the Good Stuff” which is DUNCAN naming KIRKWOOD 3 good things that have happened in the previous day. The second thing I discussed was the control of your thoughts using the ATC model (Activating Event, Thoughts, and Consequences).

We also talked about resiliency as a cup full of water.

So before I get into it today, please take a moment to Hunt the Good Stuff. Now that you have done that, let's talk about beliefs. In this training we refer to beliefs as icebergs because you only really see the tip that is above the surface, but never the huge base that is hidden.

Understanding this concept is important for two reasons; 1.

Because you can understand your own thoughts better 2. Because you can better understand other people’s thoughts better. An example of this could be that your significant other didn’t do the dishes and it frustrates you. Well your iceberg belief could be that everyone in the house is equally responsible for cleaning, and cleanliness is next to Godliness, so since they are not taking cleaning seriously they do not take God seriously. Consciously you would never process a small issue of the dishes in those terms, but if those are your beliefs it would explain why you get so mad.

That is just a random example, but you get the idea. The next time you get frustrated or disappointed about something, try to pause and identify what is your underlying belief that has led to this feeling. The same logic is true for trying to understand someone else. Try to figure out what their iceberg belief is by asking prodding questions when they respond negatively to something. Understanding your icebergs will help stop your cup from spilling so much when you experience setbacks.

What about your friends? Will they stand their ground? Are they gonna let you down again?

If you didn’t catch it, that is a reference from TLC. Anyway,

as a community we often judge our friends based on “who will be there for us when we get in trouble.” This is awful logic.

People will “be there” for us for a litany of reasons; obligation, love, family ties, something to hold over us etc. The question we should ask ourselves is, “when I have amazing news, who do I call?”

We all know the friends that we call who are so excited for the good things that happen to us that they actually make us more excited about the good news. Those are people who will add to your cup, who will build resiliency in you. However, we also have friends who when you tell them your good news, they instantly get skeptical. They ask all types of negative questions to try to dilute your joy. Those are not people you should keep in your circle.

Still love them, just do it from a distance. Talking to them will ensure that your cup is never full.

Remember our goal is to have unshakeable inner peace. The type where nothing can crush you, nothing can break you! I hope this helps someone. Happy holidays, peace and love.

A Call to Action - Ujamaa!

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ow can you help us build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses; control the economics and development in our community; and share in the work and wealth together? A call to action through Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa) has been the herald theme of the Black Chamber of Commerce of WNY (BCCWNY) as they gather for their General Meetings the last Saturday of most months throughout the year at the Delavan Grider Community Center. The discussions have been lively, informative, thought provoking and inspirational.

The Black Chamber of Commerce seeks ways to develop new businesses; to strengthen existing businesses; and to empower our community by consistently utilizing the goods and services of Black owned businesses, circulating our dollars to increase its value, and unifying our resources through collaboration. To facilitate this effort, the Black Chamber will culminate the theme for this year by launching their WNY Black Cham-

ber Business App at their Christmas Party on Friday, December 8th from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Landmark on Pearl, 318 Pearl St. in Buffalo.

The WNY Black Chamber App is the way for businesses to engage their customers; for the community to patronize and support more businesses and organizations of color; and for the chamber to continue to foster cooperative economics.

Join us for some fun, merriment and a good time of networking as the year is coming to a close. Tickets are $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. For tickets or information call: (716) 828- 6018 or (716) 400-2041. Visit us and like us on Facebook.

The Black Chamber is extending a call to action to all businesses and organizations of color to join us in our mission to promote the economic empowerment of Western New York’s Black community and its sustainability through recycling Black dollars within our community. Be a part of the solution. Become an active primary member of the chamber and have access to

home sweet home. a mortgage made for you.

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(Part 1) By: Sydney Brown

promote your business or organization on the app. BCCWNY ● 836 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215 ● (716) 995-0622 ● wnyblackchamber@yahoo.com ● www.wnyblackchamber.org

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

NEW BUSINESSES LLC -LEGAL NOTICENOTICE of FORMATION of a DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name of LLC, T- N-T Rental Properties, LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: June 5, 2017. Office of the LLC: 82 Stonham Way Williamsville, NY 14221 Erie County. Contact: Theodore Brinson (716) 444-1278.

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 82 Stonham Way Williamsville, NY. Purpose of LLC: Rental Assistance and Property Management. No specific duration attached to LLC. Nov. 15,22,29 Dec.6,13,20 -LEGAL NOTICENOTICE of FORMATION of a DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name of LLC, RET Freedom LLC, Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: August 9, 2017. Office of the LLC: 1000 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204 Erie County. Contact: Timothy Hogues (716) 818-6637. 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 1000 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204. Purpose of LLC: Rental Assistance and Property Management. No specific duration attached to LLC. Nov. 15,22,29 Dec.6,13,20

JOBS

-LEGAL NOTICE-

Buffalo Employment and Training Center /BETC • 716-856-5627 www.workforcebuffalo. org The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. We have free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable. in today’s marketplace.

Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.

ADMalcolm Construction Management LLC. Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/11/17. Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 212 Wallace Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE

-LEGAL NOTICENOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name of LLC: Pleasant Ride Transportation, LLC. Articles of Organization November 7, 2017 Office of LLC: Erie County.The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. Mail to : 120 Easton Ave. Buffalo, NY 14215.Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose permitted for LLC under NY Limited Liability Company Act. NOV. 15,22,29 DEC. 6,13,20

Nov. 15,22,29 Dec.6,13,20

-LEGAL NOTICENOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Ximi Underneath filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on the 1st day of November, 2017. Office location: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served upon him or her to: 33 Weber Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215.

Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

Nov. 15,22,29 Dec.6,13,20

BID

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4739 - BOILER REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT Download Bids from www. nfta.com LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING The City of Buffalo is holding a public hearing to accept comments on its “Restore NY Communities Initiative” grant application. The city seeks $5 million to facilitate the demolition and rehabilitation of properties along the Northland and Michigan Street corridors.

Pursuant to grant requirements, a description of the location, size, current use, and intended use of funding is as follows: (1) 537 East Delavan, 41,000 sf, vacant commercial, rehabilitation; (2) 631 Northland, 35,000 sf, vacant commercial, rehabilitation; (3) 777 Northland, 90,000 sf, vacant commercial, demolition; (4) 68 Sycamore, 3,500 sf, vacant residential, rehabilitation; (5) 72 Sycamore, 5,300 sf, vacant residential, rehabilitation.

The hearing will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 9 am in 901 City Hall, located at 65 Niagara Square.

JOBS

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

I T PAY S T O A D V E RT I S E

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

Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.

Email legals & classifieds to: advertising@thechallengernews.com • Deadline Fridays @ 5pm LEGAL NOTICE STOX Ref: Smith File#50306 ERIE - INDEX NO.: 813566-2016 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS. Plaintiff designates ERIE COUNTY as the place of trial based upon the location of the premises herein described as Section 90.21, Block 3, Lot 16, Buffalo, NY, County of Erie COMMUNITY RESTORATION CORPORATION, PLAINTIFF, -against- JUANITA P. SMITH, if living, and if she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally 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 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, CAPITAL ONE BANK, MRC RECEIVABLES CORP., MICHAEL WEINER, COMMISSIONER ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC DBA IN NEW YORK AS MIDLAND FUNDING OF DELAWARE LLC, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, JOHN DOE #1 through JOHN DOE #12, the last twelve names be-

EM P LOY M EN T

JOB ALERT Hiring: Hospitality Positions -Room Attendant For more information visit UnilandEmployment.com

Research Associate

Data analysis position at Via Evaluation open. Must have experience using Microsoft Excel & college degree. FT. EOE. Send resumes by 11/30/17 to komani@viaeval.com For more info:www.ViaEvaluation.com advertising@ thechallengernews.com

Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Vice President The Resources for Information, Technology, and Education and Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Communications Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Communications.

For a full job description: http://bit.ly/searchprospectus To apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu

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

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS Request for Cleaning Services for Marine Drive Apartments The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) hereby requests proposals from Cleaning Services companies who can provide Cleaning Services for Marine Drive Apartments. The purpose of this RFP is to enhance services to BMHA residents and provide a clean and healthy living environment.

The BMHA is soliciting proposals for a one (1) year period subject to satisfactory completion of services, as described in Subsection III of the RFP. The BMHA has the option to extend the contract for two (2) additional one (1) year terms with the same terms as the initial one (1) year agreement.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the RFP, please contact Arnitra Chester at achester@bmhahousing.com in your request.

Proposals will be received at the BMHA Administrative Offices at 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 until 3:00 p.m. (EDT), Friday, December 22, 2017.

ing fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, 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 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. 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 against you 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.

LEGAL NOTICE RFP CITY OF BUFFALO OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE

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:

Syosset, New York, November 21, 2017. Peter T. Roach & Associates, P.C., attorney for Plaintiff, 6901 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 240, Syosset, NY 11791. Tel: 516-938-3100. To the above named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Dennis E. Ward, a Justice of the Supreme Court, State of New York, filed with the Erie County Clerk on July 6, 2017 together with the supporting papers thereon. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage held by Plaintiff on the premises known as Section 90.21, Block 3, Lot 16, Buffalo, NY, County of Erie as described in the complaint on file and commonly known as 36 MORRIS AVENUE, BUFFALO, NY 14214. 50306-2

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ROOMS

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

(716)818-3410.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Former School #78 – 321 Olympic Avenue Buffalo, NY The Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning (OSP), Division of Real Estate is soliciting proposals for the sale and redevelopment of former School #78 located at 321 Olympic Avenue Buffalo, New York. The former school is a 3 story structure, zoned R-2, site encompassing approximately 70,000square feet. Title to the property is currently held by the City of Buffalo.

Proposals are due no later than Friday January 12th, 2018 at 4:00pm.

Proposals should include all information specified in the Request for Proposal which is available in the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning, Division of Real Estate 905 City Hall Buffalo, NY 14202. The proposal package is also available on the City of Buffalo’s website at: http://city-buffalo.com/Home/City_ Departments/RealEstate/Requests ForProposals

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 11/26 MID-8-1-3

3-WAY

MON 11/27

MID-8-3-8

EVE-3-5-5 EVE-3-7-5

WIN 4 TAKE 5

TUES 11/28

WED 11/29

MID-4-3-9

MID-6-7-7

EVE-2-2-0

MID-0-8-2-9 EVE 4-3-5-5

MID-3-3-4-2 EVE-5-6-2-4

MID-7-7-1-6 EVE-0-5-9-1

04-12-15-21-24

07-08-09-21-29

07-10-22-33-34

EVE-4-8-9 MID-3-1-2-5 EVE-3-2-2-9 01-10-24-37-39

THURS 11/30 MID-6-3-4

EVE-4-8-2

FRI 12/1

SAT 12/2

MID-5-1-8

MID-7-5-0

EVE-8-9-3

EVE-1-0-2

MID-1-6-1-8 EVE-7-3-2-2

MID-2-2-8-1 EVE-1-1-0-3

MID-4-6-4-0 EVE-9-3-5-3

16-21-23-31-39

02-04-07-16-35

03-07-08-36-39

05-14-15-16-31-52 #54

LOTTO

HOT TIPS

4018

022

064

648

02-03-26-40-41-55 #58

996

515

advertising@thechallengernews.com

ATTORNEYS

ELECTRICAL

LAW OFFICE OF DARIA L. PRATCHER, PC “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574

EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

AUTO

2372 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742

BEN’S Downtown Tire

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

Colston Mobil Auto Repair

140

716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore)

(716) 896-3910

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR)

BAIL BONDS

Challenger Hits

GIST BAIL BONDS

Midday

981-253-679-350-156-847-605-580-470-547-491-165-990-256035-068-475-176-970-370-198-513-522-809-507-647-350-760919-513-891-558-047-060-307-491-507-912-107-047-311-567239-865-791-085-473-165-789-247-567-543-136-705-892-965135-679-510-460-570-153-268-393-803-118-030-637-326-479 MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 242-000-111-777-989-123125-436-515-600-349-675652-986-568-853-578-168

NOVEMBER Vibes 289-163-654-890529-236 quick 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

“It’s In The Stars”

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 - 389-701-234-924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

THE NUMBER BOOK

GAMMA’S NOVEMBER PICKS

793-563-867-296-243-738

NOVEMBER Best Triple - 666 NOVEMBER Special Doubles 556-911-255-677

100 NUMBER OF THE MONTH

Positive thoughts are neessary to bring to reality the outcome you desire

4-3-9 Ma Ruth Speaks, Quick Money (box) 6-7-7 Nov Special Doubles (straight) 6-3-4 Ma Ruth Speaks, Number Book (box) 5-1-8 Luckie Duckie (box) 7-5-0 ZR, The Number Book (box) Evening 3-5-5 Quick Money (straight) 2-2-0 Hot Tips, Luckie Duckie (box) 4-8-9 The Number Book (box) 4-8-2 Cancer (straight) 8-9-3Sagittarius (box) Capricorn (straight) 1-0-2 Quick Money, leo (box) Luckie Duckie (straight) LUCKIE DUCKIE

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3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

12/14/2016 Evening 12/14/2016 Midday 12/13/2016 Evening 12/13/2016 Midday 12/12/2016 Evening 12/12/2016 Midday 12/11/2016 Evening 12/11/2016 Midday 12/10/2016 Evening 12/10/2016 Midday 12/09/2016 Evening 12/09/2016 Midday 12/08/2016 Evening 12/08/2016 Midday 12/07/2016 Evening 12/07/2016 Midday

12/06/2016 Evening 12/06/2016 Midday

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

9-7-3 9-4-4

2016

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

BOOKS ALIVE CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 2275 Fillmore Ave. (716) 837-1118 ZAWADI BOOKS 1382 Jefferson Ave. 716-903-6740

DOCTORS RAPHA FAMILY MEDICINE Frances IIozue MD 2200 Main St. (716) 200-4122

DOG TRAINING DOGMAN’S K -9 Obedience Training

1963 Fillmore Avenue (716) 807-8163

FASHION F& S Fashions

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

HAIR SUPPLY MAIN HAIR & BEAUTY SUPPLY 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOMEOWNER;

Free Roof Check, Lead Test, All Home Repairs, Payment Plans, Everyone Approved 380-3459

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

15

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

WEDNESDAY DEC. 6

THURSDAY DEC. 7

SATURDAY DEC. 9

We Are Women Warriors: 2017 end of the year meeting @ the Frank E. Merriweather Library on 5:30 p.m. 894-0914 or 6025877.

Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. (716)427-0566.

Art for Artists Holiday Auction: 11 a.m. -6:30 p.m. Unboxed Art Sanctuary, 1272 Delaware (carriage house), 362-0230, www. unboxed@gmail.com

Hustle for Health Senior Program : Gloria Parks, 3242 Main St. 11am - 12pm. FREE Line Dance Fitness for ages 55+ 716 832 -1010.

FREE Coffee House for Youth Ages 12 to 18: Open Mic Session & Workshop Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street.832-5085.

Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)4270566.

FRIDAY DEC. 8

Not For Sale: Humanity and Arts Benefit: Hosted by Drea D’Nur and Edreys Wajed: Ashker’s , 1526 Main St. 6– 9 p.m.

Tickets $30 at www.wajedcrafters.com

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

THURSDAY DEC. 7 ATTENTION MASTEN PARK, FRUITBELT, KINGSLEY BLOCK CLUBS & ALL RESIDENTS RESIDING IN THE VICINITY of the JEFFERSON & BEST AREA: 6-8p.m. at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. @ E. Utica.

FOXIE BROWN LINE DANCE CLASSES: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. 444-2046.

Links Swing Into The Holidays: 6-10 p.m. Millennium Hotel 2040 Walden Ave. Donation $40.

Chicago Steppin: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. “Stay Gold” : Burchfield Penney to exhibit WNY Urban Arts Collective works; Buffalo State College Campus, 1300 Elmwood 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Black chamber of Commerce Christmas Party: 5:30 to 9:00pm The Landmark on Pearl 318 Pearl St. * Please bring new new coats, hats, gloves and scarves to benefit needy families.

see you at the events!

Mike’s Smooth Urban Ballroom Dance Classes: 11 a.m.

– 1 p.m. Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan.

380-5100. $5 Christmas In University: Hosted by Council Member Wyatt & Bailey Check Cashing, 3101 Bailey Ave. 5:30-8:30 p.m.

MONDAY DEC. 11 African Consciousness Workshop: Frank Merriweather Library, "Black America & MLK – Still I Rise (Part 4)” 6-8 pm, HEAP Outreach: 9 AM – 4 PM, Community Health Center 34 Benwood Ave. sponsored by Betty Jean Grant.

TUESDAY DEC. 12 Ellicott District Revaluation Info Session: 6 p.m. City Hall 13th Floor; sponsored by Council member Darius G. Pridgen.

YourCare.

Born in Western NY. We’re YourCare Health Plan, and we’re honored to serve The City of Good Neighbors. YourCare provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible residents across the Buffalo area. Not only do we offer a large network of doctors, we’re close to home – which means we can provide compassionate, personalized service to each and every member. We care about Western New York – from Tonawanda to Jamestown, and everywhere in between – and we’re here to stay.

People first. That’s our policy.

446 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202 ~ 6400 Sheridan Dr #120, Buffalo, NY 14221 yourcarehealthplan.com ~ 866.273.6121

FREE OR LOW-COST HEALTH INSURANCE

16

IMAGES OF US!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 6, 2017

Someone I know has Alzheimer’s … and the best way I can help them is to call the WNY Alzheimer’s Association.

– Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown

SENIOR WISHES! Mr. Charles Phillip Blakely Sr., a decorated World War II Veteran and his

wife Mrs. LaRusha Blakely were honored with a round trip flight to Antioch California outside of San Francisco. This trip sponsored by Senior Wishes allowed Mr. Blakely and his wife to spend valuable time with his nieces and other family members. There were 5 generations of relatives that they spent time with enjoying good food, relaxing, and taking in the beautiful environment on the west coast. The couple was accommodated with wheelchair support at the airport, and upon their arrival back to Buffalo, they were warmly greeted, and their luggage was taken off of the conveyor belt and placed into their son’s car by the sponsors.The couple was grateful that this opportunity to visit family was made possible through the Senior Wishes Organization. They will treasure fond memories of their trip.

If forgetfulness is becoming a problem, it could be a sign of disease. If you have questions, call the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for answers, services and support.

800.272.3900 | alz.org/WNY

This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.