Challenger Community News March 22, 2017

CHALLENGER

S U P P O R T T H E D O N O R D R I V E & C O M M U N I T Y B E N E F I T F O R L E O N TA E PA R K E R

PG. 5

March 22, 2017 • FREE

www.thechallengernews.com

RAISE THE AGE!

Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes Champions Legislation and Criminal Justice Reform Package To Stop The Conviction of Our Children as Adults! PG. 3

LOCAL

NEW AUTHORS

NATIONAL

Cast Iron Omissions PG. 7

Kerns Bowling Center Committed to Community!

PG. 12

Because I Am Me And You Are You PG. 10

OBAMA DIDN’T DO IT! Wiretapping Lie Debunked & Other “TrumPutin” News

PG. 4

Comedy’s Most Wanted: 5 of the Funniest Folks on the Planet on Stage @ Shea’s! PG. 9

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

Exemplary Young Women Honored in Rochester Board of Education Observance of Women’s History Month

Essie Calhoun-McDavid, Debora McDell-Hernandez, Artistic Director Mark Cuddy.

Geva Theatre Honors McDell-Hernandez With 2017 Essie Calhoun Diversity in the Arts Award

Debora McDell-Hernandez was honored last month with the 2017 Essie Calhoun Diversity in the Arts Award at a performance of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner at Geva Theatre Center. Geva Theatre Center created the award in 2011, which was named in honor of Essie Calhoun-McDavid, retired Chief Diversity Officer, Director of Community Affairs, Vice President of Eastman Kodak Company. Ms. Calhoun-McDavid was the first recipient of this award, given annually to a person or organization that promotes and encourages diversity in the arts.

Debora McDell-Hernandez is a Rochester native with over 20 years of professional and volunteer experience supporting initiatives in education, arts and human services. She began her career at Memorial Art Gallery in 2001 as Membership Manager. She currently serves as Curator of Engagement at the Memorial Art Gallery.

Each year, the Rochester Board of Education recognizes young women in the District who are graduating seniors and exemplify outstanding academic scholarship, leadership, and community service. This recognition is part of the Board’s observance of Women’s History Month, which will be held on Thursday, March 23rd, in the third-floor conference room of the Central Office Building at 131 West Broad Street.

The evening will begin with a reception and light refreshments at 5 p.m., followed by an award ceremony in which young women in the District will be presented with the Susan B. Anthony Award for their accomplishments. The students receiving the award this year are: Sophia Adams – Wilson Commencement Academy Iyhana Avent – Northeast College Preparatory Academy Tiara Downs Pendleton – Vanguard Collegiate High School Marry Lu – East High School Aonestie Miles Duncan – Edison High School Khamera Muhammad – Rochester Early College High School Binita Pokhrel – Rochester International Academy Kaysha Reed – World of Inquiry School No. 58 Libnah Rodriguez – School Without Walls Commencement Academy Telle Seaborn – Monroe High School Olivia Spenard – School of the Arts Sofia Williams – Integrated Arts & Technology High School This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (585) 262-8525.

Financial Assistance Programs for City Businesses

Information sessions for the Financial Assistance Programs for City Business Owners continue on Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. *March 30: Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St. *April 13: Carter Street R-Center, 500 Carter St. *April 27: Port of Rochester, 1000 N. River St. RSVP by calling (585) 428-6912.

AROUND TOWN *Gallery 384 Presents “Soulful of Art” now through March 29, at the East Avenue Inn & Suites, 384 East Ave. features art created by local African-American artists Dunstan Luke, Najhay Quick, Rich Bryant, and Elliott Luke,

*African Dance and Drum Performance

Wofa Femato African Dance and Drum Ensemble, featuring the group Mounafanyi West African Drum and Dance Ensemble and special guest from Guinea West Africa, will perform on April 1 at 7 p.m. at the YFC Building 1 Favor Street in Rochester . The show will have dance drumming and acrobats! Youth from the community will be opening the show. In addition to the performance, the guest teachers will be teaching master dance and drum classes as a part of the weekend festivities! Admission $18.

*April 1, 6 to 9 p.m. Rochester Legends social event kick off event will be held at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Ave. in Rochester.Three Rochester African-American notables -- Constance Mitchell, Dr. Walter Cooper, and Dr. David Anderson -- will be honored. Admission is $50 per person. For tickets (585) 442-3728.For more about the Rochester Association of Black Journalists, check Facebook or the chapter’s web site at www.rabjournalists.org.

*BLUES AND THE SOULFUL TRUTH Friday, March 24th 7:00 PM The Blues is a musical narrative of the daily challenges and struggles of a people. The same song may take on a different meaning when it is sung in a different era.

“You can say what you want to, but I won’t be goin’ to Viet Nam ... “ -- Leon Thomas “I stood in line, down at the County Hall I heard a man say, ‘We gon’ build some new apartments for y’all.’--an’ everybody want to know why I sing the blues!

Well I been around a long time; people, I’ve really paid some dues...”

Mayor Warren Announces Audition Dates for Annual RocStars Talent Show Mayor Lovely A. Warren is calling all singers, rappers, dancers, poets, and visual artists to audition for the 2017 RocStars Talent Show. Contestants compete for a chance to win cash prizes.

Auditions are open to all city students ages 10 to 19.

In-person auditions will be held on the following dates and locations: • March 29, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North Street • April 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Avenue Visual artists may submit one piece of artwork via email as a high-resolution image along with a completed registration form to: harrist@cityofrochester.gov no later than April 7. ll participants must complete an audition form which can be downloaded at www.cityofrochester.gov/talentshows.

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Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

AREA BRIEFS

RAISE THE AGE!

Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes Champions Legislation and Criminal Justice Reform Package to Stop the Conviction of Our Children as Adults.

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SOLO EATS!

Jefferson Avenue’s newest eatery, Solo Eats, held its grand opening on Monday. Pictured are owners Pastor Charles H. Walker II (left rear) and Tony Hearst (3rd from left front) along with collaborating partners and Back To Basics Outreach Ministries Re-Entry department staff at the opening of their latest venture – a new food establishment In the heart of the community featuring dine-in or take-out for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Solo Eats is the latest restaurant to hit Jefferson Ave., located at 261 East Ferry corner of Jefferson. They’re open Monday thru Wednesday 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. , Thursday thru Saturday 6 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-8p.m. Stop in or call 716 886-7656 for details or check them out on line at SoloEatsMenu.com to order online .

ew York is just one of just two states in the nation that automatically prosecutes 16- and 17year olds as adults, no matter the offense.

But the adult criminal justice system is no place for young people. Without age appropriate facilities, they face greater risk of assault, sexual violence and higher rates of suicide. And when young people are treated as adults by the criminal justice system, they are more likely to be rearrested and re-incarcerated than those processed as juveniles.

By raising the age of adult criminal responsibility to 18, New York can reduce crime, lower recidivism rates, save taxpayer dollars, and provide young offenders with access to services to help get them back on track.

In New York, of the 27,000 teenagers arrested in 2015, approximately 86 percent were arrested for nonviolent crimes yet, nonetheless, they were

processed through the adult criminal justice system. This issue also disproportionately affects young people of color: Black and Hispanic youth make up only 33% of the 16 and 17 year olds statewide but represent 72% of all arrests!

This injustice isn’t only unfair, it poses a serious public safety issue: Youth who are processed as adults have higher recidivism rates and often commit crimes considerably worse than their original offense.

Last Friday Buffalo community leaders led ty Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples Stokes, held a press conference and call to action regarding the importance of raising the age that children are convicted as adults in New York State to the age of 18.

The event, held at East High School and organized by community youth activist Duncan Kirkwood, also featured Mercedes Overstreet whose 15 year old son was charged with a crime he did not com-

Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes.

mit. He is now 19. Had he been charged as an adult at the time, she said, he would be in prison serving 25-years to life.

“He (would have been) possibly one of the youth who committed suicide upstate,” Overstreet said. “A 15-yearold should not be charged as a criminal. Their brains are still developing. They’re still trying to figure out right from wrong…He will shortly be graduating our GED program and getting a job. Don’t just look at these faces as at-risk youth who need to be caged because that’s not the situation. They need to be helped.”

Assemblywoman Peoples pointed out studies that show 34% of youth are more likely to go back to jail if they are incarcerated with adults.

Raise the Age, she said, would help reduce the recidiContinued Page 12

Judge Hannah to Kick Off ECC’s Men of Merit t 2017 Speaker Series Proposed New Look

PROPOSED NEW LOOK FOR JEFFERSON AVENUE PROJECT: A two-building, mixed-use A portion of area as it stands today development for Jefferson Avenue in the Masten District was given a favorable review by the Planning Board last week though formal action was not taken. Sinatra & Company Real Estate, Creative Structures Services, People Inc. and Bellamy Enterprises are teaming up on the $21 million project with Long Associates Architects providing the building designs and site plan coordination.

Each three-story building will contain a mix of affordable and market-rate residential units and commercial space, bringing residents and new businesses to the Jefferson Avenue corridor.

They will be located on the west side of Jefferson Avenue, taking up two blocks, bounded on the South by Dodge Street and at the North by Northampton Street. One of the sites, 1140 Jefferson (inset) is directly north to the Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion.

Members of SUNY Erie Community College’s Men of Merit Program—established to foster excellence, distinction and integrity in the school’s male African-American, Hispanic and Native American students—will welcome Buffalo City Court Judge Craig D. Hannah to kick off their 2017 Speaker Series from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside ECC City Campus (Rm. 162) on March 23.

After spending a decade as a trial attorney in city, state and federal courts, Judge Hannah was appointed to Buffalo City Court by Mayor Byron Brown in 2006. Throughout his tenure, the graduate of Canisius College and University at Buffalo Law School has been active and decorated, while accepting accolades as recipient of the Minority Bar Association of WNY’s Legal Service Award. Outside the courtroom, Judge Hannah serves as co-director of the City Kids at Camp youth initiative.

ECC’s Men of Merit program was established to provide ambitious minority students the chance to pursue excellence through a wide array of services designed to maximize academic success; and chart a course to graduation often hindered by poverty, crime and unemployment within lo- JUDGE HANNAH cal and national minority communities. Members have access to advisers, mentors and leaders—from both ECC and the school’s extended community—who strive to prepare students for college success, advance academically and serve their community as they become the men they aim to be.

Advanced registration for the Speaker Series is required. For more information on ECC’s Men of Merit Program, please call (716) 270-5132 or email blair@ecc.edu.

“You’ve never lived till you’ve flown.”

-Bessie Coleman

African American Firsts

Licensed Pilot: Bessie Coleman, 1921.

Millionaire: Madame C. J. Walker.

Billionaire: Robert Johnson, 2001, owner of Black Entertainment Television; Oprah Winfrey, 2003.

Portrayal on a postage stamp: Booker T. Washington, 1940 (and also 1956).

Miss America: Vanessa Williams, 1984, representing New York (Buffalo roots).

When controversial photos surfaced and Williams resigned, Suzette Charles, the runner-up and also an African American, assumed the title.

She represented New Jersey.

Explorer, North Pole: Matthew A. Henson, 1909, accompanied Robert E. Peary on the first successful U.S. expedition to the North Pole.

Explorer, South Pole: George Gibbs, 1939–1941 accompanied Richard Byrd.

Flight around the world: Barrington Irving, 2007, from Miami Gardens, Florida, flew a Columbia 400 plane named Inspiration around the world in 96 days, 150 hours (March 23-June 27).

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NATIONAL + WORLD

Update:

Obama Didn’t Do It!

Wiretapping Lie Debunked and Other TrumPutin News Monday was a grim day for Trump’s relationship with the truth. During a lengthy hearing with the House Intelligence Committee, FBI Director James B. Comey revealed that the Trump campaign has been under FBI investigation since last July for its alleged connections to the Kremlin.

Comey also rejected Trump’s earlier tweeted claim that former president Barack Obama had ordered wiretaps on Trump Tower. In the same hearing, NSA Director Michael S. Rogers also dismissed the White House suggestion that Obama asked British intelligence to spy on Trump — something British authorities had already angrily rejected.

Trump sought to preempt the day’s disclosures with a series of tweets arguing the hubbub over Russia was “fake news” pushed by resentful Democrats. Comey’s testimony appeared to prove otherwise.

“For Trump, Comey’s testimony punctuates what has been a troubling first two months as president. His approval ratings, which were historically low at his inauguration, have fallen even farther. Gallup’s tracking poll as of Sunday showed just 39 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, with 55 percent disapproving,” wrote the Post’s Philip Rucker and Ashley Parker. “The Comey episode threatens to damage Trump’s credibility not only with voters, but with lawmakers of his own party whose support he needs to pass the health-care bill later this week in the House, the first legislative project of his presidency.”

And Speaking of the Health Care Bill...

Reports Say Trump Fails To Close Deal On Health Care Repeal

The president told the House GOP there will be primaries if his repeal fails, but conservatives said they “do not have the votes.”

WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump made a personal pitch for his Affordable Care Act repeal bid Tuesday, promising that Republicans who vote against the bill will face political consequences.

With a House vote on the Republican plan set for Thursday, both more moderate and more conservative lawmakers are raising serious objections and questions about whether the bill can pass.

Trump argued that the party’s future ― and by extension, his legacy ― is on the line. And if members did not fall in line, especially the conservatives of the House Freedom Caucus, Republicans would pay a price.

“If the Freedom Caucus kills this bill, which they could, then they will have voted to continue Obamacare, which, as the president pointed out, in 2018 probably means we would lose the House and the Senate,” said Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.).

“This is do or die on Thursday for the Republicans in the midterm election,” Collins said.

Indeed, the legislative stakes are high for a new president who brings with him no experience shepherding major bills through Congress, having never served in government. Both his political capital and much of his remaining domestic legislative agenda rests on passage of this, lawmakers said. Trump seems to recognize that, and his 45-minute pitch to House Republicans came as members on both sides of the Capitol were weighing revisions to make the bill more palatable to all.

But even with these moves and the stakes Trump laid out Tuesday, the president ― at least so far ― appeared to have swayed only a few votes.

The Significance of the Year 2019 to African Americans

In 1619 at the Jamestown settlement in Virginia, John Rolfe reported in his Journal that on August 20, “there came in a Dutch man-of-warr that sold us 20 negars” – the first enslaved Africans in the English North American colonies. The year 2019 is significant, because it marks the 400-year anniversary of the first African slaves that were brought to America.

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

Blacks Will Account For almost 18 Percent Of Population By 2060 (NNPA) Currently, the Black population in America stands at 46.3 million, up about 1.3 percent from the previous year. The Census Bureau identifies individuals as Black, even if they list Black and another race on the survey.Census officials project that the Black population will increase to 74.5 million

by July 1, 2060 and, on that date, African-Americans will account for 17.9 percent of the nation’s total population.

The estimated number of Black-owned employer firms was 108,473 in 2014, according to the Census Bureau.

Additionally, there’s an estimated 31,216 Black-owned health care and social assistance firms, the largest sector of Black-owned businesses.

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HEALTH MATTERS

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

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March is National Kidney Month

Support The Donor Drive & Community Benefit for Leontae’ Parker

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Community Discussion March 30: How Will the Passage or Failure to Pass The Republicans American Health Care Bill Impact Medicaid and Medicare in NYS? The United States Congress is scheduled to vote on the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) and its proposed replacement, The American Health Act this week.

Please join the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., and the Health Education Project of SEIU 1199 and the New York Hospital Association on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather Library for an in-depth discussion on the passing or failing of this legislation and how it will impact Medicaid and Medicare in New York State. This event was originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, but was cancelled due to the weather. Karla Thomas, Director of Outreach for the Community Health Center will be the moderator.

eat to live

arch is National Kidney Month, which is a great time to consider giving perhaps the most important gift you can ever give - the gift of life.

Locally a donor drive and community benefit is being held for 15-year-old Leontae’ Parker who needs a living Kidney Donor.

Leontae’ was born “a healthy little boy,” on January 3, 2002.

His mother, Rebecca Brooks, said that there were no symptoms of any problems with his health until he experienced tremendous swelling all over his body at age 4.

“At the time he was diagnosed it didn’t register how serious it was,” she recalled. “We thought with the proper medicine he would get better…but he didn’t respond to any treatment and the his kidneys began to fail.”

In 2009 he had a kidney transplant from a deceased donor, but it failed. Today he goes to Children’s Hospital to receive dialysis three hours a day three times a week to keep him alive.

Leontae’, who wants to be a police officer or play professional football or basketball when he grows up, said he prays every night Leontae’ that a living donor will be found. “I really just want to live my life again," he said.

To have that chance at life, however, Leontae needs a kidney from a living donor with type O blood. His doctor says the time is now.

Anyone with blood type “O” who wishes to be evaluated to donate your kidney please call ECMC at 716-898-2446.

There is a benefit and donor drive planned for Leontae’ on Thursday, March 23 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Enterprise Charter School, 275 Oak Street. The $25 donation includes music, entertainment and refreshments. Sponsorships are also available.

Sponsorships are also available and you can donate to Leontae’ on a Go Fund Me page established for him. While his mom told one interviewer that she appreciates any amount of support, the greatest gift would be a living donor.

"Leontae’ is a wonderful kid who just wants the most out of life. He wants to do so many great things and I just want him to have a chance to do them."

For tickets and information, call Rebecca Brooks at 716-472-6441.

“People take life for granted,” his mom reflected during a Challenger interview several years ago. “You couldn’t have told me that this would happen to my son…but it did.”

She and her family pray every day for Leontae’s complete recovery.

“We’d like to thank the community in advance for helping keep Leontae’s light shining, “ she stated.

If you cannot attend the benefit or make a donation, please give Leontae the gift of prayer.

Lackawanna Residents Plan A March for Justice to Hold NFTA Accountable for Lack of Service A peaceful March for Justice to hold NFTA accountable to its values and mission “to enhance the quality of life … consistent with the needs of our customers” will be held Sunday, March 26 at 1:30 p.m. Marchers will gather at Friendship House, 264 Ridge Road in Lackawanna and march to the bus stop at Baker victory, 780 Ridge Road.

“NFTA is failing in its commitment. It is not “providing the highest level of safe, clean, affordable, responsive, and reliable transportation through a coordinated and convenient bus and NFTA’s failure is especially shameless in how it disrespects the people of Lackawanna,” state organizers. They cited: •Poor service on Saturday, no service on Sunday ─ How are folks to get around?

•Weekday service begins late and ends early ─ How can folks get to and from work conveniently?

•Buses do not run on time, bus stops not maintained ─ How does this show that NFTA cares for the people of Lackawanna?

“The people of Lackawanna have expressed their concerns to NFTA. There have been no improvements. NFTA is not listening. The peaceful March for Justice will send a clear message to NFTA: Honor your commitment to residents and visitors by improving Lackawanna bus service!”

For more info 716- 948-6885 or e- mail at ingramjohn47@rocketmail.com or 716- 892-5877.

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FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com • March 22, 2017

Zion Missionary Baptist Church Community Breakfast and Informational Community Day at ‘Repositioning the Body of Christ’ Zion Missionary Baptist Church will wrap up the “RepositionMetropolitan UMC ing the Body of Christ Through Prayer and Fasting” Monday

Spring Gospel Explosion!

The Exciting New Kings of Harmony presents Spring Gospel Explosion Sunday, March 26 at 4p.m. at Greater Royal Banquet Hall, 1335 Clinton Street. The Host Pastor is Elder Al Wilson. The event will feature, back by popular demand, “JUDAH” of Rochester. Also featured will be New Redeemed, Gospel Stars, Gospel Diamond, Final Chapter, The Anderson Brothers, and Royal Praise Dancers. Elder Wilson will MC the show. Tickets are $10 for adults in advance, $15 at the door, children $5 at the door. Doors open at 3p.m. For more information call Clarence Rodolph at (716) 893-9891 or any group member. Come and be Blessed!

The Metropolitan United Methodist Church located at 657 Best (corner Herman Street), is hosting a COMMUNITY “Breakfast at Metro” and “Rise UP” Informational Community Day for all ages Saturday, March 25: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Join us for a day of special information regarding our health, medical insurance, history and more.

Service providers from the Buffalo Employment & Training Center, Lillian’s Closet “Clothing Give Away”, Arthur O Eve Educational Opportunity Center, AHEC Health Education Center System, Go Bikes & Eastside Bike Club, WellCare Health Plans, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, and more will be in attendance with information for all areas of our lives. There will also be face painting, giveaways, games and gifts. Please tell your relatives, neighbors and friends. There is no charge but a free will offering will be accepted. Pastor Angela R. Stewart is the Pastor. For more information call (716) 891-5652.

Walk In Our Shoes 2017

The Acting In Faith Theatre Company presents, “Walk In Our Shoes 2017,” on Friday, March 31, 1410 Main Street at 7 p.m. The event will honor trailblazing women in labor and business.

Tickets are $20. For more information call 716-573-2704.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK

morning altar prayer for the month on March 27 @ 6am For more information contact the church office at 886-1362.

Pilgrim Missionary to Host Prayer Breakfast A Prayer Breakfast will be given by the Kitchen Committee on Saturday, March 25 at 9:00 am at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church , 665 Michigan Avenue.. Donation is $10. Call 716-5635699 or the Church at 716-854-4880 for more information.

Semi-Annual Christian Leadership School The Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church will be having their Semi- Annual Christian Leadership School at 790 Humboldt Parkway corner of Woodlawn Avenue. Join us for an opportunity to receive COPP class instruction. Sessions begin March 24 from 6pm-9pm and March 25 from 9am-3pm. The COPP Class offered is Phase 2 7024 “ Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts.”

Deacon Albert J. Thompson of Second Temple Baptist Church is the instructor. For more information contact Dean Sharon M. Bradley 573-8707. Registration donation is $5. Reverend John T. Hilliard is the Pastor of Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church.

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

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Solar “The Community’s Daughter” Pens Cast Iron Omissions

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anate’ Solar Ingram, a talented, spirit-filled successful business woman, has been active in the Western New York Community for over 30 years, earning her the respected title of “Solar The Communities Daughter.”

She wears the crown well!

Ms. Ingram is not only a community activist, she is also a poet, playwrite and author. She most recently penned her Memoir, “Cast Iron Omissions,” through Still Standing Publishing out of Atlanta, GA. “Cast Iron Omissions” chronologically depicts the struggle of the author’s ability to withstand obstacles as her secular and spiritual worlds collide and at times, seem to threaten to knock her out by the blows coming from all angles. A true survivor, she finds in retrospect that those harsh experiences enabled her to teach others that it is possible to stay strong in the midst of adversity.”

She celebrated her 40th birthday with a combination book signing in Buffalo March 9. “Cast Iron Omissions” is available on amazon.com and is also now available in the Erie County Library. Janate’ was previously published, along with eleven other acclaimed co-authors last May, in “Wounds-to-Wisdom, the Survivor’s Series,” where she boldly and truthfully told her story about experiencing and confronting domestic violence.

Her books serve as powerful testimonies as to how she overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles with the help of God to emerge a victor! Ms. Ingram is a young and vibrant Evangelistic woman who has had to come to grips with her own mission; which is to faithfully go about her life’s work promoting health and healing to others.

-Janete’ Solar IngramJanate’, an active Member of the Apostolic Rock Temple of the Living God since her late teens, has worked in the field of communications and radio broadcasting for major local networks. Currently Ms. Ingram has evolved to her place in the first Black Owned and Operated Station in WNY, WUFO 1080 AM, soon to be 100.7 FM. Here she finds that being the “Community’s Daughter” holds to be particularly true. She is the assistant to Sheila L. Brown, CEO, who says of the rising star, “Solar has an awesome Continued Page| 10 EVANS-EVANS-13945 2017 Attorney General Print Ad | The Challenger 10.375” w x 5.5” h | 4C

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Whether you’re looking to purchase a new home or make improvements to the one you own, Evans Bank can help.

We offer several great lending options that make it easy and affordable for you to finance your dream. It’s home ownership, a better way—for you and the community.

To learn more, contact Eric Gadley, CRA Mortgage Loan Officer, at (716) 926-2044 or egadley@evansbank.com.

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1/31/17 3:38 PM

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ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

E-Life 7 to Release New CD

ON STAGE *In The Continuum, directed by Paulette D. Harris, starring Ayana N. Williams and Christina Foster. 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday w/audience Talk Back; March 10-April 2, Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue; admission $25, seniors/students $22; 8842013.

*Comedy’s Most Wanted, March 24 featuring Lavell Crawford, Corey Holcomb,Dominique, J.J. Williamson, & DC Young FLY and DJ Traci Steele.Tickets at Ticketmaster. com Shea’s Box Office & Doris Records

The Screening Of “Daddy’s Girl Club” TV Series Pilot The Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts will host two screenings of the “Daddy’s Girl Club” TV Series Pilot Episode, Friday March 24th, 450 Masten Ave. The first screening will take place at 9:30 a.m. and will be privately held for BAVPA’s female senior students. The second screening will take place at 7p.m. and the public will be able to purchase tickets .Immediately after each screening, there will be an open discussion. In honor of Woman’s History Month, the following prominent women will participate: Sheila L Brown, Dr. Keli Luchey, Nina Brown, Kelly Showard, and Vee Majors. Tickets are $5 and will be available at BAVPA’s School Store . Admission at the door will be $10. For more info call 716-250-9935 or visit daddysgirlclubtv.com.

“Goodne$$”

"Goodne$$" Presents The 10th Edition of "Citywide Youth Open Mic" Poet, spoken word artist, actress, and author “Goodne$$” will host the 10th edition of her Citywide Youth Open Mic event on Saturday, March 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Juneteenth Headquarters, 1517 Genesee and Moselle. Featured will be young poet ages 2-25 “and beyond” and music by DJ Ras Muata. The event is open to all talents and the family affair is free and open to the public.

A Buffalo native, she is the author of three poetry books "Naught'etry" (Nice & Naughty Poetry I and II) also "Inspirational Poetry in Motion" (uplifting & inspirational poetry) which can be found on amazon. com ... kindle.com or createspace.com.

Her mission is to "provoke creativity and promote literacy" among the youth and adults throughout our cities.

“Get em!”

“Mixed Up” : E-Life 7 to Release New CD This Weekend Three 2 Go Music introduces E-Life 7 featuring Michael Pennick (EL7) and their debut album Miked Up. EL7 unites some of Western NY’s finest musicians on this release, including Michael Pennick on bass, Rodney Spears & Charlie Crymes Jr. on keyboards, guitarist Ron Walker, and drummer and percussionist Tim Webb. Special appearances by Ken Whitman (tenor sax), Walter Kemp III, Van Taylor (keyboards), Joey Diggs and Dee Osbourne (vocals) round out this stellar new 12-track album that spans Jazz, Soul, and R&B, all with a sound that remains unique to EL7. Miked Up will be released worldwide both physically and digitally by Three 2 Go Music on March 24, 2017.

Tribute to Rock n’ Roll Great Chuck Berry Columnist Eva M. Doyle will host a tribute to the King of Rock n’ Roll Chuck Berry on Saturday, April 1 at the Merriweather Library located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue from 3 - 5 p.m. Chuck Berry created the Rock n’ Roll sound in the 60’s. The legendary

singer, guitarist and songwriter influenced many singers such as the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, and so many others. The Tribute will include his music and a special exhibit in his honor.

One of the films to be shown will feature Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Muddy Waters discussing the racism that they faced early in their careers. Admission to this program is free and open to the public. For more information call 847-6010.

see you at the

events!

ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

Comedy’s Most Wanted: Five of the Funniest Folks on the Planet on Stage at Shea’s this Weekend!

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ive of the funniest comedians on the planet (and one of the finest celebrity DJ’s) will bring their talents to the Shea’s this Friday night, March 24 at 7:30 p.m.

The Hilarious lineup includes:

Lavell Crawford Funny man, Lavell Crawford is quickly climbing the comedic ranks and becoming one of the hottest stars in the biz today. He recently filmed a new one-hour special in his home town of St. Louis, scheduled to premiere on Comedy Central. “Can A Brother Get Some Love?”

Will be released on DVD from Entertainment One. .

From his numerous television appearances and as one of the hottest touring acts in the country, audiences are becoming increasingly familiar with Lavell’s giant- sized talent.

Corey Holcomb Going from hanging in the hood to performing comedy on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show,” not to mention the privilege of afterward being invited to take a seat on the “couch” which not many comics are asked to do, has been a long and fulfilling journey. Corey hit his first open mic in 1992 when Adele Givens called him to the stage. He was a smashing success and has been a full-time comedian

getting signed to Archive Entertainment his most notable moments on social media was reaching 1 million followers on Instagram and being recognized by Actor/Comedian Kevin Heart. DC Young Fly most notable music projects include mixtape’s “Industries Most Wanted”, “Supplying Pressure” and his latest project “Fly Allegiance” featured on LiveMixtapes.com and Mymixtapez mobile app.

9

Traci Steele Traci Steele is a TV/Radio Personality, Entrepreneur, Fashionista and Renowned celebrity DJ. Steele was born and raised in the Bronx of New York City with strong Jamaican and African American roots. With an honorable career in the United States Air Force, Steele gained the confidence needed as a woman that led her to becoming one of the most talented and influential DJ's in the 21st Century.

see you at the events!

ever since. He has taken top honors at the Miller Genuine Draft Comedy Search, Budweiser Comedy Competition, Chicago Home Jam, and Laffapalooza. He has appeared at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival and the Chicago Comedy Festival.

Bennie D. Williams MS ’13 Director of Multicultural Affairs Le Moyne College

Dominique Dominique is the new face of funny in America. She’s created laughs on stages all across the world, including nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, Comedy Central’s “Chappelle’s Show,” O.W.N.’s “Herlarious”, and the hit television series “Black Jesus,” now airing on Adult Swim.

J.J. Williamson Hard work and enthusiasm has promoted Jeremiah (J.J.) Williamson into a very successful start in the entertainment industry. J.J. has proven that he is one of the most sought after rising stars in the industry today, through his tenacity and willingness to perpetuate his talent to its highest level of excellence. J.J. is rapidly becoming nationally known and requested for both his comedy and acting abilities.

DC Young Fly Born John Whitfield in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 2, 1992.

DC Young Fly is the youngest of 7 children. After realizing his gifts through singing in the church choir, he fell in love with entertainment. His passion to entertain, developed into a large following of over 4 million followers through social media outlets that include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and even Vevo. In 2014, the top names and labels in the industry recognized his work on social media. After

MAKE YOUR CAREER GOALS A REALIT Y

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INFO SESSION > SAT APR 1 > 11:00 AM Register at canisius.edu/GradEvents

Learn more about our graduate programs at canisius.edu/grad.

Master’s & Certificate Programs Business Evening MBA (Full or Part Time) One-Year MBA (Full Time) MBA in Professional Accounting Forensic Accounting Communication & Leadership Education Adolescence Education Bilingual Extension Childhood Education College Student Personnel Admin.

Deaf Education Differentiated Instruction Ed. Leadership & Supervision (SBL/SDL) Ed. Technologies & Emerging Media Literacy Physical Education Special Education TESOL Counseling Clinical Mental Health Counseling School Counseling Allied Health Applied Nutrition Community & School Health Health & Human Performance Health Information Technology Respiratory Care Other Programs Anthrozoology Sport Administration

10

GENERATIONS

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

Book signing and Reading to Feature Buffalo Author Kezia Pearson

MUHAMMAD SCHOOL OF MUSIC

O

A good beginning never ends Music Now… Skills for a Lifetime!

NEW DAY & TIME! MUSIC CLASS FOR 3 YEAR OLDS!

Thursdays @ 6pm Inspire Imagination and Music Curiosity in Your 3-Year Old!

BENEFITS OF KINDERMUSIK FOR TODDLERS Social & Emotional • Cognitive • Language and Literacy • Physical • Music Kindermusik classes for preschoolers engage your child’s natural love of songs, instruments, movement, and imaginative play with ageappropriate activities that introduce early music concepts. Thoughtfully sequenced lessons include all kinds of learning opportunities and are designed to boost your child’s independence, social-emotional skills, early language and literacy, and self-control.

In class, your child will sing, listen, experiment, play, and dance. They will move their arms, legs, fingers, and toes by tapping, clapping, hopping, moving fast, moving slow, and more. You’ll connect with other parents who are navigating the complexities and wonders of these busy preschool years, and you’ll get ideas for how to use music at home.

Spaces are extremely limited! Registration is on a first-come, first serve basis.

CALL TODAY (716) 534-9933 (716)570-5064

or

Market Arcade Building 617 Main Street Suite #105 Buffalo, New York 14203 info@muhammadschoolofmusic.net muhammadschoolofmusic.net kindermusik.com/msomusic

n Saturday April 1, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., East Community High School will host a book signing and reading by Buffalo Public School teacher, Kezia Pearson.

We are requesting the public come out and be a part of this exciting experience. There will also be a meet and greet/ question answer session.

Please bring your children so they too can be a part of this experience.

Kezia Pearson has worked for the Buffalo Board of Education for over 17 years where she currently teaches English Language Arts at East Community High School for 9th graders.

She obtained her Bachelors of Arts in English and Master of Arts and Humanities in Film and Performance from the University of New York at Buffalo.

Kezia writes poetry, short stories, and screenplays. She’s taught creative writing at James Madison University for The Institute, she’s a professional photographer as well as shoot videos for existing and up and coming entertainment artist. She is also a designer.

She has written and produced a number of African American History plays. Her first published book is titled “Covered Mirrors” and recently she authored the book entitled “Because I Am Me and You are You.”. Her earliest master piece talks about “When you realize the greatest person you can be is you, you become amazed. Find your path and stay on it.”

Because I am me and You are You! Will be the featured book for Saturday, April 1, 2017. This children’s book is about becoming the best you that you can be!

Suggested Readings by Kenneth and Sharon Holley My Life, My Love, My Legacy – Coretta Scott King as told to the Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds

“Building strong people and strong communities starts at home. By building a basic library you put within reach the answers to many of your own and your children’s questions, questions that might otherwise go unanswered. Oftentimes, the questions are much more important than the answers.” Dorothy L. Ferebee How to Create Your Own African American Library, 2003.

Blood at the Root: A Racial Cleansing in America by Patrick Phillips

The Price for Their Pound of Flesh: The Value of the Enslaved From Womb to Grave, in the Building of a Nation by Daina Ramey Berry

The Meaning of Michelle: 16 Writers on the Iconic First Lady and How Her Journey Inspires Our Own edited by Veronica Chambers

“They Can’t Kill Us All” : Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America’s Racial Justice Movement by Wesley Lowery

SOLAR

Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America

by Michael Eric Dyson

Still in print: Acts of Faith: Daily Medications for People of Color by Iyanla Vanzant Black Pearls for Parents: Medications, Affirmations and Inspirations for African

continued from page 7

ability to articulate the message of the community via Black media. Whether it’s putting together a promotion, voicing commercials, or being her edgy self on Relentless Café, Solar is no stranger to tough work or challenging conversations.”

When asked how she juggles it all, Solar replied, “I have the best mentors, church Family, and community family members from all walks of life, and I embrace that catch phrase ‘Solar, the Communities Daughter’ with Frank Handley live inside Relentless Café on wufoam.com from 2 – 5pm.”

She is the proud Mother of four sons and two grandsons and is famous for her own homemade cuisines, one of her favorite being, ‘Pastellitos’. She loves to cook, write poetry, and share spoken word, dance, and travel. Her passion for spreading the good news about business and events led Ms. Ingram to create Rezultz Marketing, a service created while completing her degree to help non-profits survive in todays economy. As a graduate of Bryant and Stratton Business Institute, she earned her A.A.S. Degree in Business Management and years later was afforded the opportunity to have worked as Enrollment Representative for her Alma Mater.

For many years Solar served effortlessly on the board for one of the most attended African American festivals in the country, Juneteenth of Buffalo Festival, which celebrates the anniversary of the emancipation of slavery. And along with her very own Liturgical Dance Ministry, she has graced the aisles of many secular and religious stages alike.

Clearly the Creator has endowed Janate’ Solar Ingram – author, mother, mentor, radio personality, motivational youth advisor and more – with many gifts; treasures that she continues to share with all who will receive them.

VOICES

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

11

New Housing on Jefferson Ave. Must be Incorporated With Local Business Development An Update on The Harris Family Abduction

A

s we know by now, two developers, Nick Sinatra and Davie Pawlik of CSS Construction Company, have partnered with People, Inc. to bring a mixed use, new housing complex to Jefferson Ave. This is probably a good idea because with Buffalo’s booming construction at SolarCity, the Medical Corridor, Canalside and the ‘Say Yes’ education program that can provide up to a free college education, many individuals are coming here to live in addition to making this their designated town for partying.

So why did I say “ probably” a good idea as opposed to it being a really good idea? There are several reasons. For starters, one of the developers, David Pawlik is a former employee of the city under the administration of then Mayor Tony Masiello. Mr. Pawlik worked for the Office of Community Development, now named the Office of Strategic Planning. My problem with him is not where he used to work or whom he worked for, but his company’s BETTY JEAN lack of being a widely diverse enterprise in GRANT terms of the ethnic makeup of the men and women who worked on many of his CSS development projects. Those projects included many of his East Ferry Street jobs as well as the old 1490 Enterprise Building that was recently rehabilitated.

I don’t know that much about Mr. Sinatra except that he is a fairly new player in the Buffalo development landscape as he owns the Market Arcade complex on Main Street as well as many vacant properties on Main Street, Jefferson Ave and other places I am sure that I don’t know about. I read, sometime last year, that he is also developing housing units in an old factory at Jefferson Ave and Florida St. to accommodate additional housing for the students at Canisuis College.

My biggest peeve is that this is not the first time, when the community talked about economic development on Jefferson Ave., city leaders threw housing units and not for profit agencies into the mix. A few year ago, it was Gateway, Inc. that was going to build a rehabilitation center and housing for wayward youths

in the area at Jefferson and Best St. I have nothing against housing units, rehabilitation facilities or even a big, new shiny health clinic in the area but tell me, how is that going to spur jobs and customers when the long ago, viable commercial strips are being totally left in the dust? A couple of weeks ago, a local newspaper ran a story about a new $20 million dollar health and wellness center being built in the same area. In this area we have, already, GIBAUHN Health Agency, ECMC Clinic on Main Street, Jesse Nash Clinic on William St., the Community Health Center on Benwood Ave, a clinic in the Jefferson Utica Plaza and less than a mile away, the whole Medical Corridor Campus! We have enough service providers for our health and wellness needs; what we need are stores to buy a pair of shoes, hardware goods, loaf of fresh bread, clothes, fresh fruits stands, markets and souvenir shops so when relatives come to visit, we can take them to a store around the corner from where we live like we used to do a few decades ago.

Even though it has been documented that there will be stores and businesses in the new buildings, they will not be owned by the merchants who are expected to lease them. Those business owners will be leas ‘at the pleasure’ of the landlords and could be subjected to all kinds of anti-business practices such as rent increases, unannounced visits and merited or unmerited evictions.

True economic development is not measured by how many housing units one puts up for, in most cases, responsible tenants who are shuffled from one poor, inner city neighborhood (thus destabilizing one area) to try and stabilize another. Furthermore, where one rests his head at night or go for a morning physical, has less to do with financially empowering a part of the eastside than where one gets a haircut, buys a shirt or sits down for a Sunday afternoon dinner at the local neighborhood restaurant.

Again, my biggest beef is that I am concerned about this project because no minority subcontractors have been identified, no compliance officer is mentioned and with the exception of this non-economic development project, the unneeded health and wellness center and the apartments units being discussed for Florida Ave, the Jefferson Ave Commercial Strip seems to be in the position of being kept waiting for its Renaissance, yet again.

Organizing for Liberation: Uniting for Prison Justice

L

ast month, we screened the beginning of “Panthers” (1995). This film, though fictionalized, showed the beginnings of an organization, “The Black Panther Party for Self-defense,” that was organized by a group of young people, stressing racial dignity and self-reliance. In my last article, I viewed this organization as having a place in the long line of liberation movements that largely impacted people of African descent from the Plantation System to the present day. Viewing this film, was our way of acknowledging February being Black History Month and viewing the second half of the film on March 27 reminds us that every month is a time for acknowledging the history and culture of Black people. Given the history of Black people in this country, respectful recognition should happen everyday.

The fight for “prison justice” is an ongoing battle….not relegated to a special time. It is AMIN intense and necessary. It is hard work to engage a moral imperative. In the second half of this film we see these young people stepping up their efforts to change the gun laws by confronting lawmakers at their State Capital in Sacramento, CA. This is what we will do on May 10 when we speak out in Albany, uniting for Prison Justice in “A Day of Advocacy and Action.” This is “LOBBY DAY” and it will be a day of speaking truth to power. The list of our conKARIMA

“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

cerns regarding mass incarceration is extensive. You will find information about the issues that top the list of our concerns at our website. Go to: www.prp2.org. Check the page listing “CURRENT INITIATIVES.” Isolated (solitary) confinement, parole reform, RTA (raising the age of criminal responsibility), and RAPP (releasing aging people from prison) are most concerning at this time. The mass incarceration landscape is formidable. Our concentration on these four issues may only make a dent in a system that denies the humanity of prisoners as well as their families and communities but it is our responsibility to stand up and speak out.

On May 10, PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. will have a bus going to Albany. Stay tuned for details.

The next meeting for PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. will be Monday, March 27, 7:00-9:00pm at the Rafi Greene Center, 1423 Fillmore Ave. @ Glenwood in Buffalo. We will view the second half of “Panthers” (1995) and participate in a follow up discussion regarding the importance and value of organizing for justice. More information: 716-834-8438, karima@prp2.org.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is rated R for strong language and violence.

PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO!

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

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

T

he legal battle for the return of Kiarre Harris’s children is still underway. You will remember that the 30-year old’s daughter and old son, eight and eleven years old, were wrenched away from their mother in a traumatic, violent episode after she exercised her legal right to home school them. You will remember that school officials called Child Protective Services and reported the children repeatedly absent, after receiving proper notification of the withdrawal.

We touched bases with Ms. Harris for an update on how she and the children are doing.

She spoke of difficulties with the legal process and of her attempts to become a better advocate for herself and her children.

“It’s just so draining for me, being a mother, and not having any legal background for me to have to be under the emotional and metal duress of the situation. At the same time, I have to be a mother. I’m able to speak to the children SABIRAH on the phone every day, and I have to be their MUHAMMAD rock.”

When asked how they are holding up, she replied: “They’re starting to unravel emotionally. They’re having these breakdowns, where they’re unraveling, and I have to try to hold them together. It’s like a balancing act, and it’s just so draining and taxing. I have to try to explain to them why this happened, and it’s just a lot.”

Indeed. Ms. Harris was due in court on March 15, 2017 with hopes of having the children returned. But in the words of one of her attorneys, “the system grinds slowly, and it grinds people with it.” The court has yet to even make transcripts of initial proceedings available to her legal team. In the meantime, interest in this case remains at a fever pitch, as everyday people from every walk of life understand the terrifyingly obvious fact – that what happened to Kiarre Harris can happen to anyone. Social media sites are abuzz with robust dialogue on this travesty, and similar reports of CPS abuses all over the country have been pouring in.

For her part, Kiarre Harris’ voice on the other end of the phone does indeed sound drained, but her spirit is undoubtedly resolute.

She shares more of the kinds of things her children are wrestling with. “Mom, why did this happen to us? Mom, I just want to be a normal family, like my friends.” Kiarre reports that the children say how much they want to come home. “They’re just very scared still, traumatized, because they think that at any given moment, these people can bust through the door again and take them away.

They’re worried about going back to Baker Victory.”

We ask her to tell us what the children described about that twoweek period when the police snatched them away, and refused to tell their mother where they were, or assure these young children - who had witnessed their mother’s violent assault - that she was okay.

“They disliked it a lot,” she said. “There was a boy who jumped on my son and bit him on the shoulder. I wasn’t notified that he was assaulted. I didn’t know until they were released from there. There was no report made, and the staff didn’t contact me. My son said the bite broke the skin, but he wasn’t given any medical attention.” She continued, expressing concern over the apparent troublesome mix of all ages and genders at the facility, especially after her son told her that there were times when staff members left the room. Ms. Harris reports that youngsters who may have been arrested, boys, girls, toddlers and teens were mingled together in this setting. Also of grave concern to her and certainly to any parent, was the apparent lack of respect for the variety in dietary regimens that different children will present with when placed at the facility. Ms. Harris’s children do not eat red meat, something that isn’t at all uncommon, as many people, regardless of religious affiliation have made the switch to vegan and vegetarian diets. When meals at the facility contained beef and pork, no alternative meals were offered to her children, so there were nights when they didn’t have dinner.

There is no doubt that had Kiarre Harris refused to obtain medical attention for her child after a bite from a stranger that broke the skin, or sent them to bed without any dinner, Child “Protective” Services would have charged her with neglect. But what this agency and its co-conspirators have done to desecrate the sanctum of the Harris family home, and to violate the God-given right of this dutiful mother to possess her own children… is pure evil.

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

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

are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.

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

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

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Business

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com • March 22, 2017

Kerns Bowling Center Committed to Serving Best Interests of the Community Newest Venture is Saturday Bowling Program for Youth 8-16

by Jennifer Strickland

B

owling, to some, might seem like a bygone sport; one that our parents and grandparents savored, but the United States Bowling Congress’ website (BOWL.com) boasts its membership at nearly 2,000,000. A local entrepreneur and retired manager from Verizon, Dan Adams, Jr. recognizes that bowling is far from its final resting place in the archives of American sports history.

Whether hosting the weekly bowling competition, “Beat the Champ”; or serving as the venue for local celebrities’ birthday parties, and other events, Adams and his team at the Kerns Avenue Bowling Center (KABC) are making their mark in the community as an African American owned and operated enterprise whose goal is to serve the best interest of our community.

Adams’ commitment and

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Adams, Proprietors, KERNS Bowling

passion to make the bowling center a destination for bowlers, both amateur and professional, and others seeking an attractive place to enjoy sports and recreation, is evident in the excellent customer service and inviting atmosphere, they are so determined to deliver to its clients. Their mission’s objective is to provide a safe, clean, recreational environ-

State of New York Mortgage Agency

ment within the urban community.

Adams bought the crumbling lanes nearly nine years ago. He has since rejuvenated and revitalized the facility to accommodate events from bowling tournaments and fundraisers, to league bowling and private parties. They’ve also designated special times for our seniors to enjoy the

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bowling experience.

The KABC is the only African American owned bowling center in New York State, and, according to Adams, one of only eight Black-owned, in this country.

The center can safely accommodate 130 bowlers, in the recreational area, where there are 16 lanes with updated electronic scoreboards.

An additional 80 patrons can find comfort in the bar/restaurant area where they can relax, eat from their tasty menu, and enjoy a variety of beverages.

Dan Adams is always thinking of something new to enhance his clients’ experience at the Bowling Center. The newest, child-friendly venture is a Saturday morning program for children, ages 8 – 16 years old. The proposed date to begin is Saturday, April 1, 2017. The program will operate from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. each Saturday through June 10, 2017. Coaches will be available to help the children develop their style and technique, while having fun in a clean, safe, and nourishing environment.

Registration is limited. Sponsors are welcome. Please contact the Center at (716) 892-3331, stop by at 163 Kerns Avenue, email to kernsbowling@verizon.net, or hit them on Facebook at Kerns Avenue Bowling Center, for more information.

Mr. Adams, keep up the great work of representing entrepreneurship in the African American community. Your unwavering and tenacious spirit serves as a model for all of Western New York’s small business owners.

LEGAL NOTICE BID Invitation to Bid The Community Action Organization of Erie County (CAO) is soliciting bids for Payroll and HR Info Management on March 20, 2017. See www.caoec.org

LEGAL NOTICE BID Scrufari Construction Co. seeking M/WBE subcontractors to quote NYPA Niagara Warehouse Snow/Ice Guard Project REBID Bid Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2017 EEO Employer – 282-1225

For more information and SONYMA lenders, call (800) 382-4663 or visit sonyma.org

I T PAYS TO ADVE RT I S E !

Home Ownership - Be Your Own Landlord!

Plan To Attend A Workshop Saturday, April 1, 2017 10 a.m. To Noon Moot Senior Center, 292 High Street, Buffalo 14204 Find Out: •How To Take The Next Steps To Home Ownership •Learn And Repair Your Credit Score •Learn About Loan Products Including Loans For Renovation If You Already Own Your Home

RAISE THE AGE continued from page 3 vism rate.

“The less people we have in jail, the less we have to spend on jails and the more we can spend on education,” she said to applause.

When we Raise the Age, children will no longer be forced to sit in a local jail (Rikers Island) or locked away in a state prison with adults.

In addition to the Raise The Age legislation, Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes urged support for legislation the “Seal The Records Legislation which would prevent individuals who have a certain amount of marijuana from penalization. Currently, a person with possession of 25 grams of marijuana or less is charged with a violation, similar to a traffic offense.

But if you are stopped by police, she explained, and ordered to empty your pockets, and show them the marijuana – even if a small amount – they may arrest you based on that. Now you have a record for something that would have been a legal product had you not been made to take it out of your pocket. Seal The Record, she explained, would say those records should be sealed immediately!

She urged that citizens take action and call their senators and urge them to support the Raise the Age and marijuana Sealing legislation.

Raise the Age and Marijuana Sealing Legislation Action Sheets were passed out with the names and phone numbers for Senator Jacobs and Senator Kennedy. She had praise for Mr. Kennedy for his support of both legislative actions.

“The call here today is to encourage our senators to make sure these stay in the budget.

Use your voices and speak out very loudly! she urged. This is how we begin to turn around the unintended consequences of how racist policies have negatively impacted our society.”

Everyone, she continued, is entitled to live a full life and allowed to grow and become contributing members of this society paying taxes themselves as opposed to being dependent and living in institutions because they broke laws.

A youngster may have broken the law at 14,15,16 or 17

but they should not be going to criminal court – they should be going to family court which has more resources to better help adolescents and give the family more support.

“This (support for these bills) is a no brainer. Let’s just get this done!” she said.

(The“Raise the Age and Marijuana Sealing Legislation Action Sheet that was passed out at the press conference listed phone numbers for the following: Senator Jacobs, Albany Office: 518-455-3240, District Office: 716-854-8705. Tell them that you live in buffalo and you would like Senator Jacobs to support the Raise the Age and Marijuana Sealing Legislation.

Senator Kennedy, Albany office: 518-455-2426 District Office: 716-826-2683. Tell them that you live in Buffalo and you would like to thank Senator Kennedy for his support for the Marijuana Sealing and Raise the Age bills, and you would like him to consider co-sponsoring this important legislation.)

LEGAL NOTICE RFP COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide Summer Youth Employment Programs. The RFP #1705VF can be found at http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-858-6086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@erie.gov.

All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with the ECDSS contact person listed on the specific RFP. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal.

Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services, 95 Franklin Street, Room 856, Buffalo, New York 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on April 13, 2017.

Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality.

Al Dirschberger, PhD., Commissioner of Social Services

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017 Email legals & classifieds to: advertising@thechallengernews.com • Deadline Fridays @ 5pm

LEGAL NOTICES ACTION FOR DIVORCE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT : COUNTY OF ERIE Alvin Jakes Plaintiff SUMMONS WITH against

NOTICE AND

COMPLAINT Sharon Potter-Jakes

Index No: SF2017 Defendant ACTION FOR DIVORCE To the above named Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED TO RESPOND to the claim for the relief sought by the Plaintiff by either serving a written Demand for a Complaint or a written Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney, at the address stated below.

If this Summons and Notice is served upon you within the State of New York by personal service you must respond within 20 days after service, not counting the day of service. If this Summons and Notice is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York you must respond within 30 days after the service is completed, as provided by law.

TAKE NOTICE THAT: (A)The nature of this action is to procure a Judgment divorcing the parties and dissolving the marriage between the parties, pursuant to DRL 170(7) on the grounds of Irretrievable Breakdown of the marriage arising between the parties in the last 6 months.

(B)The relief sought is a Judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving forever the bonds of matrimony between the parties. The nature of ancillary relief demanded is equitable distribution of parties assets.

If you fail to respond Judgment will be taken against you, by default, for the relief demanded in this Notice.

This action is brought in the County of Erie because of: Plaintiff’s residence Dated: February _23___, 2017 FRANK S. FALZONE, ESQ. Attorney for Plaintiff 215 Hampshire Street Buffalo, New York 14213 (716) 881-2653

LEGAL NOTICE

BIDS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Four (4) General Construction Work Contracts: 45573-C, 45574-C, 45575-C, 45576-C Four (4) Electrical Work Contracts: 45574-E, 45575-E, 45576-E, 45577-E Three (3) HVAC Work Contracts: 45574-H, 45575-H, 45576-H Four (4) Plumbing Work Contracts: 45573-P, 45574-P, 45576-P, 45578-P One (1) Roofing & Appurtenant Work Contracts: 45571-T Sealed bids for the above Work located in the Geographic Contract Areas described below in Table 1 and comprising separate contracts for General Construction Work, Electrical Work, HVAC Work, Plumbing Work and Roofing & Appurtenant Work, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Contract Administration, 35th Floor Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, until 2:00 p.m. on the date indicated in Table 2 below, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $25,000.

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

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

The Completion dates for these Projects, is 365 days after the Agreement is approved by the Comptroller.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: ERIE COUNTY WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2005-AC5, ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-A C5; Plaintiff(s) vs. JASON E. HAYNES; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about December 21, 2016, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at 92 Franklin St.1st floor Alcove, Buffalo, NY 14202.

On April 10, 2017 at 9:30 am.

Premises known as 153 GOLD STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14206 Section: 112.50 Block: 5 Lot: 45 ALL THAT PLOT OF LAND, situated in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, being part of Lot Number 41, Township 11, Range 7 of the Holland Land Company`s Survey and further distinguished as Subdivision Lot Number 51 in Block Number 26, as shown on a map filed in Erie County Clerk`s Office under Cover Number 9, being 30 feet, front and rear, by 134 feet in depth, located on the East side of Gold Street, commencing 230.56 feet South of the South line of Lovejoy Street.

As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale.

Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale.

Approximate amount of judgment $53,993.46 plus interest and costs.

INDEX NO. 802757/2016 Kelly Feron, Esq., Referee

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

Pre-Bid Conferences: In Orangeburg, NY Pre-Bid will be held from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM on 21 March 2017.

The Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research.

In Albany, NY Pre-Bid will be held from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM on 22 March 2017.

Pre-Bid Conferences will be held in Large Conference Room, 34th Floor, ESP Corning Tower In Willard, NY Pre-Bid will be held from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM on 23 March 2017.

Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the Grandview Building, Willard DTC. For directions to the Pre-Bids see “Directions to Pre-Bids” Pre-bid attendees should allow sufficient time for parking and processing through building security by presenting a government issued picture identification to building security officials and obtain a visitor’s pass.

It is the policy of the State and the Office of General Services to encourage minority business enterprise participation on these Contracts by contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, and all bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy.

Designated staff are Frank Peris and Carl Ruppert in Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862 and John Lewyckyj, Deputy Director of Design & Construction, telephone (518) 474-0201, fax (518) 486-1650.

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

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available on compact disc (CD) only, and may be obtained for an $8.00 deposit per set, plus a $2.00 per set shipping and handling fee. Contractors and other interested parties can order CD’s on-line through a secure web interface available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please use the following link at the OGS website for ordering and payment instructions: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/bu/dc/esb/acquirebid.asp.

For questions about purchase of bid documents, please send an e-mail to D&C.Plans@ogs.ny.gov, or call toll free at 1-877-647-7526.

CLASSIFIEDS

13

EM P LOY M EN T Coordinator of Building Security – Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, see http://www.buffalolib.org/content/employment-opportunities/ job-postings for details Peer Outreach SpecialistProvide outreach to people diagnosed with serious mental illnesses and community agencies. Degree in Human Services and experience with people with disabilities needed.

WNYIL, 3108 Main St., Bflo, NY 14214.

Employment@wnyil.org EOE Mobile Transition Support Peer Services to individuals with mental illness being discharged from Buffalo Psychiatric Center to prevent re-admission. Must have degree and experience in Human services.

Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle.WNYIL, 3108 Main St., Bflo,NY 14214.

Employment@wnyil.org EOE No Wrong Door Independent Living Specialist ILNC Facilitate access to needed home and community based supports.Must possess degree related to human services with same work experience, knowledge of persons with disabilities, ability to learn about financial resources that may be a barrier.WNYIL, 3108 Main St., Bflo,NY 14214.

Employment@wnyil.org EOE

No Wrong Door (NWD) Outreach Specialist -Present program information to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers who would benefit from access to the NWD. Must possess degree related to human services with same work experience, knowledge of persons with disabilities, ability to be mobile. WNYIL, 3108 Main St., Bflo,NY 14214.

Employment@wnyil.org EOE.

Valet Driver/Parking Attendant

Arthur O. Eve EOC to Hold Job/Career Fair The Arthur O. Eve EOC Annual Spring Job and Career Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 555 Ellicott Street. All employees are hiring. The school’s admissions advisors will also be available to talk about EOC’s new vocational programs coming soon.

WNY Diversity Job Fair Stop by the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center for the WNY Diversity Job Fair on March 22nd form 9am – 2pm at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center and talk face to face with over 60 different companies! If you are a company interested in participating, call 716-319-7098 or go to wblk. com/2017-wny-diversity-jobfair for more details

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS STONEY RD BIRDGE COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS STONY RD BRIDGE & CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJ# FA-5759.95-2016 Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, seeking sealed bids for federal bridge & culvert replacement project. Sealed proposals received at the DPW, 95 Franklin St, Rm 1400, Buffalo, NY at 10 am, Thursday, March 30, 2017. Bid deposit of $100,000. required. Minority Workforce goal, Apprenticeship & 11% DBE required. Plans and additional bid submittal information must be downloaded from the Erie County website at: http://www2.erie.gov/dpw see On Line Bid Retrieval.

ADVERTISING PAYS! 716.881.1051

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

(716)818-3410.

14

LOTTERY

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com • March 22, 2017

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 3/12

MID-7-3-3

3-WAY

EVE-4-0-0

MON 3/13

MID-1-1-1

EVE-4-9-9

TUES 3/14

WED 3/15

MID-9-0-0

MID-0-9-6

EVE- 0-4-2

EVE-7-8-3

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

WIN 4 TAKE 5

03-06-21-27-39

15-16-17-27-34

MID-5-9-6-3 EVE-7-3-3-1

06-15-21-22-23

LOTTO

13-19-23-35-36

THURS 3/16 MID-6-4-3

EVE-3-1-1

FRI 3/17

MID-4-9-9

EVE-4-3-2

4018

022

064

648

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 986-568-853-578-312-468-014-065-768-981-852-679-254-756-801645-580-234-532-791-065-990-456-435-468-015-076-974-240-198513-546-809-507-433-354-760-919-512-891-558-001-064-247-091547-910-107-432-304-567-729-865-790-085-333-465-789-423-567543-106-745-890-965-435-679-510-764-570-468-392-843-256-434627-467-019-690-054-623-467-896-786-578-967-910-435-479-897 MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS!

242-000-111-777989-123-125-436515-600-349-675-652

MARCH

Vibes 874-254-594-890347-123 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 - 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 MARCH PICKS

302-176-743-435-165-270 MARCH Best Triple- 666 MARCH Special Doubles - 662-788-919-322

123 - NUMBER OF THE MONTH

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE BY LETTING GO OF ANYTHING EXTRANEOUS OR UNNECESSARY. ASK FOR HELP. DELEGATE MORE OFTEN.

MID-9-5-1

EVE-5-8-5

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

MID- 3-2-6-6 EVE- 6-4-2-0

MID- 4-7-6-1 EVE- 1-7-3-7

18-19-20-21-37

16-18-23-28-39

04-16-25-34-35

13-22-27-29-30-40 #59

HOT TIPS

SAT 3/18

To Advertise :advertising@thechallengernews.com

01-03-20-27-30-49 #32

996

515

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

140

Challenger Hits

AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

Midday

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

1-1-1 Ma Ruth Speaks (straight) 9-0-0 Number Book (box) 0-9-6 ZR (box) 6-4-3 Number Book (box(

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

Evening

0-4-2 ZR (box) 4-3-2 ZR, Luckie Duckie (straight) ZR Capricorn , Sagittarius (box 5-8-5 ZR (box) LUCKIE DUCKIE

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

648*123*104*820

980-422-809-981-989-970-990-080-

800-515-996-390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126-189-444-886-514- 332522-112-432-421-423 3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

03/31/2016 Evening 03/31/2016 Midday 03/30/2016 Evening 03/30/2016 Midday 03/29/2016 Evening 03/29/2016 Midday 03/28/2016 Evening 03/28/2016 Midday 03/27/2016 Evening 03/27/2016 Midday 03/26/2016 Evening 03/26/2016 Midday 03/25/2016 Evening 03/25/2016 Midday 03/24/2016 Evening 03/24/2016 Midday 03/23/2016 Evening 03/23/2016 Midday 03/22/2016 Evening 03/22/2016 Midday

ATTORNEYS

2016

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

BAIL BONDS GIST BAIL BONDS

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

BUYING MUSIC PAYING The Best Price for Vinyl Records in WNY LP’s 45’s & 78’s Call 930-1319

CELL PHONES ANSAR CELLULAR Communications & Fragrance Store 1371 Fillmore @ E. Utica (716) 884-2373 EMMA'S CLOTHING 836 N. Goodman Street/ Inside Chester's Rochester, NY 14610 585 287 4226 Port Number/get FREE Boost Phone

DOG TRAINING DOGMAN’S K -9 Obedience Training

1963 Fillmore Avenue (716) 807-8163

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

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

RESTAURANTS FUSION 4 Restaurant & Bar

Upscale Caribbean, African & Soul Food Dining

719 Plymouth Ave. Rochester, (585) 328-1302 www.fusion4.com

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

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com• March 22, 2017

“THE TRUTH”: On The last Wednesday of the month, March 29, Buffalo Comptroller Mark J.F. Schroeder and candidate for mayor of the City of Buffalo, will be the guest on The Truth, hosted

by Samuel A. Herbert on WUFO 1080mix am - From 1:30 to 2:00 pm. Tune In hear about his comprehensive vision for the City of Buffalo. Samuel A. Herbert supports term limits for all elected officials. Tune in next Wednesday to “The Truth and Nothing But The Truth So Help Us God!”

Women’s History Month Movie Series The Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post No. 24 will present a series of movies in honor of Women’s History Month, “Honoring Trail-Blazing Women in business and Labor” at the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue from 2-4 p.m. Sunday March 19 and Sunday March 26. Light refreshments will be served.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 22

SATURDAY MARCH 2

WNY Diversity Job Fair : Buffalo Niagara Convention Center 9am – 2pm Talk face to face with over 60 different companies!

Meet & Greet: East High School, Class of 1974 Alumni , Mattie’s Restaurant, 1412 Fillmore Ave 11:30am.

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

11am - 12pm 716 832 1010.

FREE 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 MARCH 23 FOXIE BROWN LINE DANCE CLASSES: Every Thursday 10:30 am – 11:30am, Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St 444-2046 for more info.

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

SATURDAY MARCH 2 “GOODNE$$” Presents The10th Edition of Her “CITYWIDE YOUTH OPEN MIC”:3:00 - 6:00 pm Juneteenth Headquarters, 1517 Genesee & Moselle, Music

By DJ Ras Muata, Hosted by “GOODNE$$”; Ages: from 2 - 25 and beyond; Open to all talents ...It’s A Family Affair !!!!

See you At The Events!

CALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS CALENDAR

Hopewell Baptist Church: Clothing Giveaway, 9am -3pm , 1307 Fillmore Ave at Urban ( side entrance) all are welcome.

Parent Networking: All About Autism. 9am-12pm Parent Network of WNY, 1000 Main Street.

Sister to Sister: A Summit For and About Girls 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.m. Buffalo State College Bulger Communication Building, 1300 Elmwood. sister2sisterbuffalo.org St. John AME Church Women’s Day Committee President’s Luncheon, 11:30a.m. , Sheridan Four Points on Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls, $30 info 716 285-6432 UB’s Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), Annual Women’s Conference – “Pearls of Wisdom”: 11am4pm. 555 Ellicott Street. Free.

SUNDAY MARCH 26 March for Justice to hold NFTA Accountable: 1:30 p.m. starting at Friendship House, 264 Ridge Road in Lackawanna and marching to the bus stop at Baker victory, 780 Ridge Road.

Fro more info 716- 948-6885 or e- mail at ingramjohn47@rocketmail.com or 716- 892-5877.

Salsa & Bachata (Latin Dance) with Natasha: 2:30 pm 1832 Main Street no experience or partner necessary $5 per class.

More info 716-834-1644

Two chances a week to win $1,000 a day for life.

Drawings every Monday and Thursday.

MONDAY MARCH 27

(716) 894-4904

Call For Appointment Appointments available upon request • Walk-Ins Welcome. Experienced • Low Cost • Fast Service!

Direct Deposit •Free Electronic Filing Available

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

Deli Licensing Meeting for Masten District: Pubic meeting, 6 p.m. Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan. 851-5146 for info.

GYC Ministries : Gang Summit Basketball and Open Gym, Ages 14 & Up, 7- 9:30 pm C.R.U.C.I.A.L. 230 Moselle Street TUESDAY MARCH 28 SUNY Buffalo State College Diversity Dialogue Series: Community Forum on Policing in Buffalo, 6pm – 7:30pm Buffalo State Campus, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Campbell Student Union Social Hall.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 29 © 2017 New York Lottery. You must be 18 years or older to purchase a Lottery ticket. Please play responsibly.

For help with problem gambling, call 877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). nylottery.ny.gov

The Arthur O. Eve EOC Annual Spring Job and Career Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 555 Ellicott Street.

Job:

N16LO109_307

Mech Size:

5.105’’ x 11’’

15

16

images of us

Challenger Community News • thechallengernews.com • March 22, 2017

ORACLE CHARTER SCHOOL

Application Deadline: March 31st! www.OracleCharterSchool.org/apply

FOR THE CHILDREN: The F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Organization and PeaceMakers sport their new uniforms recently at the Merriweather Library. Pictured left to right: Tracey Mullen, Todd Timmons, Lenny Lane, and Iyonna Wilson. Third Eye Photo

“Our children are our future, our life after death.”

-African Proverb

Open House Sat. March 25 10-2

888 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY 14209 716-362-3188