Challenger Community News

L E T ’ S G O B U F F A L O ! B I L L S & S P O R T S C O M M E N T A R Y Page 12

November 30, 2023 | FREE | Community News

Ready To Serve!

Zeneta Everhart and Leah Halton Pope The First Women to serve on the Common Council in Almost 10 Years Page 3

Michigan Street Soulful Christmas Returns This Weekend!! Page 9

WE STILL NEED A

CEASEFIRE!

Rochester Visual Studies Workshop: Revolution, Reckoning, Reparation Book Launch Page 2

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Ring In The Holidays With Marsha McWilson! Page 8

VOICES The Pushback Continues • Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes Speaks Out HUMBOLDT PARKWAY UPDATE:

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Mayor Evans Appoints Constance Patterson Visual Studies Workshop Presents In This Moment to Complete Term of 2: Revolution, Reckoning, Reparation Book Launch Retiring City Court Judge Johnson INSIDE ROCHESTER

ou are invited to Visual Y Studies Workshop (VSW) In This Moment 2: Revolution,

Reckoning, Reparation, Book Launch and Community Discussion sponsored and hosted by the Little Theatre. This free event is the final launch in the 2nd Series with the launch of chapbooks featuring: •Shaun Nelms, EdD – Vice President of Community Partnerships, University of Rochester; CEO, Nelms Consulting Pictured top row:Shaun Nelms, Marke Anderson, Robert Vickers, Group; Essay by Robert Vick- lower row:David A. Paul, Allison McDonald and Christopher Coles ers; Photographs by Marké Anderson •David Paul, MD, MS – Neurosurgeon, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Founder, Bold and Gritty Coffee; Director of Brain and Spinal Trauma, University of Rochester (Aug.’24); Essay by Christopher Coles; Photographs by Allison McDonald Visual Studies Workshop Assistant Curator, Hernease Davis, will moderate a discussion with artists involved in the project. All guests will receive a complimentary copy of the newly released chapbooks at the event. This event is FREE and open to the public, Thursday December 7 from 7:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. at The Little Theatre (Little 1), 240 East Avenue.

Registration is required at @vsw.org ASL Interpretation provided. ( Live Event Streaming on Instagram.)

-About “In This Moment” The primary goal of the In This Moment Chapbook series is to elevate the contributions, experiences and images of local Black leaders, photographers and writers.

The “In This Moment” Chapbooks series was created by Curator, Amanda Chestnut, and project coordinator, Jeanne Strazzabosco. The ITM series is published by Visual Studies Workshop Press.

“Our community is desperate for Black stories. There is a pressing need to record Black history. As we lose elders, we lose the living record of all they did for Rochester. This project is unique in that it grants immortality to the participants. Their work will live forever in archives and libraries, ” states Chestnut.

The second series Chapbook Series also features: •Timothy James Johnson, PhD – Volunteer Minister, Asbury First United Methodist Church & Professor Emeritus, Roberts Wesleyan College •Reenah Golden – Founder, Executive & Artistic Director, the Avenue Black Box Theatre •Joshua Rashaad McFadden – Visual Artist and Assistant Professor of Photography, RIT •Anita Cameron – Disability Justice Activist •Ian J. Wilson, MD – Founder/Co-curator of WALL/THERAPY •Rev. Myra Brown – Pastor, Spiritus Christi Church •Linda Clark, MD, MS – Chief Executive Officer, Anthony L. Jordan Health Corp •Melanie Funchess – CEO/Principal, Ubuntu Village Works -About Visual Studies WorkshopThe Visual Studies Workshop (VSW), founded in Rochester, NY in 1969, is one of the earliest independent, not-for-profit, artist-run spaces in the country. For over 50 years, VSW has been a dedicated champion and supporter of under-recognized artists making experimental or challenging work in media arts, artists’ books, and non-traditional photography.

Mayor Malik D. Evans recently announced the appointment of Constance Patterson as Rochester City Court Judge to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Teresa Johnson.

“The appointment of Constance Patterson to complete Judge Teresa Johnson’s term reflects the will of the people of Rochester, as she received the highest votes in the primary election in June,” said Mayor Evans. “Constance Patterson’s experience on both the prosecution and defense sides of the criminal justice system makes her a qualified addition to the Rochester City Court Bench.”

Under the New York Uniform City Court Act, the Mayor of Rochester may appoint a new Rochester City Court judge when a vacancy occurs on that court.Ms. Patterson is currently a Monroe County Assistant District Attorney.

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Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

THE Your Community Newspaper

60 Years of “Pleading Our Cause”

Dear Valued Reader, On April 11, 2023 The Challenger Marked It’s 60th Year Of Serving Buffalo’s Black Community.

January 2024 Will Mark Editor & Publisher Alnisa Banks' 45th Year At The Helm.

THE

To Commemorate These Key Milestones In The Paper's Existence, We Will Publish Two Special Anniversary Editions December 7 & 14, 2023.

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Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

Ready To Serve!

AREA BRIEFS

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Buffalo Recently Elected Two Bright Young Women, Zeneta Everhart and Leah Halton Pope, to the Common Council. The First Women to Sit on the Council in Almost 10 Years, They Say They Are Ready to Serve Their Community!

By Nanette D. Massey ora Pleasant Maloney, a Black woman, made history in 1957 by becoming the first woman elected to Buffalo’s Common Council. She served the Masten District.

There have been sixteen women all together since the city’s incorporation in 1832. Five of them - in addition to Ms. Maloney - have been African American: Betty Jean Grant, Beverly Gray, Barbara Miller-Williams, Karen Ellington and Bonnie Russell. The last female representative, Mrs. Russell of the University District, left office almost 10 years ago.

In January we will see two more names added to the “sweet sixteen” when Zeneta Everhart replaces the seat being left vacant by Masten district represen- Council Women-Elect Everhart (L) and Halton-Pope. tative Ulysees O. Wingo Sr., and departing Ellicott councilman Darius Pridgen cedes his role to Leah Halton Pope.

Both women place being of service to their communities foremost.

“I don’t plan on being here forever,” says Everhart, “but I want to make sure the community is prepared to take care of itself no matter who’s in office. And we have to bring people in to do that.” She plans to build leaders who can do for themselves.

Everhart is a staple of the Masten district because of her six years as the go-to liaison for State Senator Tim Kennedy.

“I was born and raised on the East Side of Buffalo, I know the lay of the land, I know the community because I’ve dealt personally with the issues. My job was to go to the community, find out what was (happening) on the ground, and figure out how the senator could help.”

Leah was living a nice life in Washington, D.C., working for a lobbying firm, and as an organizer on both campaigns for President Barack Obama before moving back to Buffalo to be close to her family. Being a “preacher’s kid” (her father, the late Rev. Nathan Halton, was a chaplain to the Buffalo Common Council), she prayed to God asking that if she stayed, He would use her to have a positive impact on the city and region.

She became a mainstay in the office of Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes in 2021.

Each has experience sitting at the tables in Albany and D.C. where big decisions are made, and the nitty gritty of drafting laws and successfully writing proposals for state allocations of money to benefit Western New York.

Everhart has appeared on Capitol Hill speaking about gun violence and domestic terrorism as the mother of Zaire Goodman, an employee working at Tops Supermarket on the fateful 5/14/22.

The shooting played a role in her decision to run, but she’d been nudged by people for years before. She waited because “I believed that when the time came for me to run, the universe would open up.”

Everhart believes that, as a woman on the council, “for me it’s about bringing clarity, level headedness, bringing some reality into the room, especially as it relates to our children and our neighborhoods.”

She already has The Masten Master Plan and is putting schemes in place to hit the ground running on day one. Quality of life is issue number one.

“The East Side of Buffalo, I was born here, I love it here, I don’t ever want to live anywhere else. But why doesn’t my neighborhood look like the Elmwood Village? Why aren’t my streets clean?”

"While knocking on doors as a candidate explaining her grand dreams for the district, consistently the response was 'can we just get the street sweepers down here? We just want the trees trimmed and some flower pots.' " Her second priority is housing; looking at how gentrification affects rising property taxes, helping current homeowners afford to stay in their homes; and getting the word out more effectively about rehab or weatherization opportunities available.

“What is really, really big for me is making sure renters buy property. We have people working, making a really good living, and still paying $1,500 a month in rent. Why hasn’t anyone knocked on their door and said ‘hey, come buy a house?’

For her districts’ single mothers, it’s a matter of safety. Home ownership stabilizes neighborhoods and she wants to make sure they “understand there are programs to help them buy homes for them and their children. How are we helping our single mothers thrive in their communi-

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AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARDEES: The

Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor will honor three outstanding citizens during the second annual Soul Ball Gala Saturday, December 9 from 6:30-10 p.m. at Templeton Landing. Honorees include (pictured from left) pioneer, entrepreneur, and Civil Rights advocate Clifford Bell; Buffalo’s first ever Poet Laureate Jillian Hanesworth; and president of the Colored Musicians Club, trumpet player George Scott. For more information or to purchase tickets go to michigabstreetbyffaki.org/soul Ball

A Conversation With Chief of Police Thelma Jones Join the CAO for light bites, drinks, and candid conversation with Chief of Police Thelma Jones from the C-District on how to keep our communities safe on Thursday, December 7 from 6-7p.m. at the CAO, 1423 Black Lives Matter Way (Fillmore Avenue). For more information contact Valdeana Shanklin at 716-332-3773 ext. 1404 or vshanklin@caowny.org

Our City Buffalo Hosts 5th Annual AntiDisplacement Summit Set for Dec. 9 Policy experts, community leaders, and last year’s “Christmas blizzard” victims’ loved ones headline panel discussion and public memorial to honor lives lost on Saturday, December 9th, from 10am to 3pm at 371 Delaware Avenue. This is a chance for anyone who lives in Buffalo to come educate or be educated on issues that are affecting a lot of us who live in the city, and a chance to hear about people who are trying to make it better for all. There will be workshops on each issue in the OCB Policy Platform. . The Summit is free to attend. There will also be interpretation, lunch and childcare provided. March & Public Memorial for Those Lost in the 2022 Blizzard from 2-2:30

pm. All are welcome visit facebook.com/ourcitybuff for more info.

MLK Day Of Service Needs Volunteers!

The Monarch of Infinite Possibilities is partnering for the 4th year with the Michigan Street African-American Heritage Corridor and the NAACP for the 4th Annual MLK Day of Service. This year 500 volunteers are expected to be sent to 25 Project Sites that need helping hands. The theme is "clean and green," and the hope is that churches,non-profit organizations and cultural institutions on the Eastside of Buffalo will have recycling, cleaning and painting projects that MLK Day volunteers can do for 1-2 hours during the 2024 MLK Day of Service. We NEED HELP! We have 15 Projects Sites and we want at least a total of 25 Sites. Please call (716)322-1002 or go to www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org/mlk-day

ties?”

Her third priority is a business development plan to restore the district’s once bustling

Continued Page 5

From left: Washington, Trotter, DuBois.

The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights, a powerful hour-long documentary by WNED PBS, is now available for viewers in the U.S. and Canada to stream. The film delves deep into a national crusade that forged the civil rights landscape for the 20thcentury and beyond. The Niagara Movement also explores the Black elite and intellectual society at the turn of the 20th century and examines the heated national debate and conflict three Black leaders — sociologist W.E.B Du Bois, publisher William Monroe Trotter and educator and orator Booker T. Washington — had about how best to foster equality and opportunity for Black Americans. The film can be streamed on Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s YouTube Channel, the PBS app and theniagaramovement.org The Niagara Movement spotlights the early battle behind the civil rights movement that sprang forth as a repudiation of the methods of Booker T. Washington, then the most prominent Black leader in America. The end of Reconstruction brought about oppressive Jim Crow laws and widespread lynching. Washington pandered to white society with his conciliatory philosophy of racial segregation and industrial training for Blacks instead of other advances.

Washington’s position was

roundly criticized by Du Bois and by Trotter, a prominent Boston news Continued Page 7

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FAITH & FAMILY

Second Chance Ministries Launches Community Outreach Second Chance Ministries a community church, where Rev. Arthur H. Boyd is Pastor/Teacher, will host a community outreach featuring hot soup, winter clothes and coats on Saturday December 9, at Jefferson Avenue & E. Ferry Street from 11a.m.-2p.m. Donations of warm winter clothing are welcome! Pick up is available. To donate call Minister McKnight at 716-578-6047 or the church at 716-883-1481.

Emergency Preparedness Training

Emergency preparedness training will be hosted by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Saturday, December 16, from 10a.m.-1p.m., at Bennett High School, 2885 Main

BIBLE EMERGENCY NUMBERS

When In Sorrow – John 14 When You Have Sinned – Psalms 51 When You Have Worry – Matthew 6:19-34 When You Are in danger – Psalm 91 When God Seems Far Away – Hebrews 139 When your Faith Needs Stirring – Hebrews 11 When You Are Lonely and Fearful – Psalms 23 When You Grow Bitter and Critical -1 Cor. 13 When You Feel Down and Out- Romans -8:31-37 When You Want Peace and Rest – Matthew 11:25-30 AVAILABLE 24/7 • PHONE SERVICE NOT REQUIRED

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

Mass Interfaith Rally For Peace In Downtown Buffalo Demands Ceasefire In Gaza

Challenger Photos

(Update Ed. Note. Since the November 18 rally for peace a fragile “truce” and prisoner/hostage exchange between Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and Israelis captured in the October 7 attack by Hamas was negotiated after seven weeks of warfare that has killed thousands and laid waste to the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. It is a welcome development yet the world is still calling for a CEASEFIRE to end the hostilities, as Israel has vowed to resume the war with “full force” to destroy Hamas, crush its military capabilities and end its 16 year rule in Gaza once it’s clear that no more hostages will be feed under the deal. More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed 28,000 injured since the war began, roughly twothirds of them women and children. More than 1,200 people have been killed on the Israeli side, mostly civilians in the Oct. 7 initial attack.

Amid chants of “Free free Palestine!” a huge crowd gathered in downtown Buffalo on Nov. 18 who joined people worldwide in support of the heroic people of Palestine, demanding “Cease-fire now!”

Niagara Square was filled with youth and families with children holding Palestinian flags and desperate hopes for the carnage to end. The rally was called by the Muslim Public Affairs Council Western New York and Jewish Voice for Peace Buffalo, and endorsed by many other organizations. The president of the local chapter of the NAACP Rev. Mark Blue bought a brief message of support and solidarity on behalf of the national office which supports a ceasefire now.

Saturday’s rally here followed growing mass actions around the country and the world to demand a ceasefire to Israel’s catastrophic war on Gaza that has killed over 11,000 people, twothirds of whom are women and children, and choked Gaza of vital necessities like water, power, food and critical life-saving medicines. According to the Washington Post, one out every 200 people in Gaza have been killed. At the Buffalo rally a large banner with the names of all those killed in the war was unveiled and carried through the crowd during a moment of silence.

"This is a human toll beyond any imagination," one of last Saturday's speakers invoked, noting that over 1.7 million Gazans have been displaced from their homes, at least 51 percent of all schools in Gaza have been destroyed, more than 50 % of hospitals have been destroyed or damaged or stopped working, almost 2/3 of all health care facilities have been now suspended, more that 41,000 houses totally demolished with close to a quarter million buildings damaged or cannot sustain life (almost half the buildings in Gaza), places of worship, mosques, churches, have been destroyed. Water, food, energy scarce to none.

While there were no Hamas attacks in the West Bank, he continued, Israeli forces and the settlers have killed over 200 Palestinians there and arrested over 2,800 people as well.

"What we are witnessing....is a devastation and a shameful failure of our global humanity," the speaker concluded.

The following is a statement released from the Jewish Voice for Peace Buffalo: “We need an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel’s war against Palestinians in Gaza has been cataclysmic, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths. We decried the targeting of civilians and taking of hostages when Hamas mercilessly attacked Israeli civilians on October 7th. We must apply that same standard to the Israeli military, as it subjects a captive population to a massive aerial bombardment and the violent displacement of 1.7 million people. Gaza is suffocating. No one is being made safer by this. The U.S. must end its complicity in what is being widely seen around the world as a war crime. As Jews, we say: Not in Our Name.”

READY TO SERVE continued from page 3

commercial streets, starting with neglected buildings and store fronts. Recognizing that Black businesses often don’t have the capital to buy and rehab a building, and open a business all at once,she believes the city should invest in getting these spaces operable so new businesses can move in and thrive right away. I know people say ‘oh, pull yourself up by your bootstraps,’ but a lot of Black people… don’t even have boots. And so our foundation is way different. We have people working extra hard and don’t have anything and still can’t get above, that’s insane! So we have to figure out why that is and we have to invest in those people.”

Halton-Pope began to feel the political “itch” during the city's contentious plans for redistricting that inflamed residents in 2022. When Pridgen announced he would not be seeking reelection “people started calling me asking “are you going to think about it? My phone wouldn’t stop ringing,” she recalled.

Housing is high on her list also, for low income people and people working such that they can’t get ahead but make too much money to qualify for help. She envisions taking swaths of empty lots and doing something that might be described as the reverse of the G.I. Bill after WWII that encouraged suburban flight. “Let’s just take one street, one community, fill it up with $200K homes and put [working] individuals in and make them homeowners–a kind of planned com-

munity.” The plan might use good rental history as a qualifier. She talks of interest bearing “forced savings” accounts where perhaps new developers might even match the money put aside, lots of out-of-the-box thinking. All her plans prioritize “equity built in, that’s really important to me. It’s not enough to just build something if the only people making money off of it are the developers.”

Supporting small businesses also takes precedence in Halton-Pope’s agenda. She plans to put up a web page allowing all small businesses in her district, from Fillmore, to Seneca, and Porter Streets, to easily search and find each other. “Why can’t we work together and show what the City of good neighbors looks like?” (Part 2 Conclusion Next Week)

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Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

HEALTH MATTERS

RIBBON CUTTING: from left (front) Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes, Veronica Meadows Ray, Dr. Johnson (with scissors), Council President Pridgen, and Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin. The outreach center pictured right.

Roswell Park Fruit Belt Community Outreach Center: A Healing Place

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oswell Park Community Outreach and Engagement Center held its grand opening in late October. The $4.7 million facility, located at 907 Michigan Avenue, was destined for the wrecking ball but thanks to the Fruitbelt community and Roswell coming together, the over 100-year -old building was preserved. Located in the historic Fruit Belt district adjacent to the Roswell Park campus, it is now the home of their new Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) team.

"Roswell Park and our community outreach and engagement team needed an alternative front door somewhere to engage to learn and to have a conversation about eligibility for screening. 907 Michigan will help us tackle issues around health equity more deeply and more effectively," said Dr. Candace Johnson, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center President & CEO. “907 Michigan is a place where community can come together, a place where people can learn what they can do for their health and wellness. It is a place of hope…inspired by our community.”

Veronica Meadows Ray, a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate said the Outreach Center “represents literally Roswell taking it to the streets!”

“I am super impressed, beyond measure, the lives that are going to be saved here,” declared Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples Stokes.

Chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature summed it up this way: “You have to have a heart to make something like this happen here…you have to have a heart for people, you have to have a heart for preservation, you have to have a heart for the under represented community to get a better understanding of their health condition.”

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Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

Taste of Diversity Mondays!

Erie County Level Up Brings Five Local Restaurants To SUNY Erie South

E 2023 CULTURAL AMBASSADOR

Andrea Anderson a real estate agent and a 10-year veteran with the Buffalo Police Department was selected as the 2023 Cultural Ambassador for Upstate NY for Keller-Williams Realty.

Officer Anderson was the only recipient to be presented the award on stage in front of over 200,000 agents in Texas. A Cultural Ambassador for Keller-Williams is nominated by their peers and selected by the region for someone who lives, models and embodies the culture of the company at an extraordinary level. Andrea is an army veteran as well as the BMHA Community Police officer housed at Charlie district. Congratulations CPO Anderson!

rie County Level Up, the brainchild of Legislature Chairwoman April N.M. Baskin, supported by the Buffalo Bills and in partnership with SUNY Erie, is bringing hot food back to SUNY Erie South Campus. Erie County Level Up announced The Taste of Diversity, a new initiative that brings five Blackowned area restaurants to the south campus cafeteria every Monday from 8:00 am to 2:00 p.m.

The groups recently hosted a kickoff celebration for SUNY Erie students, faculty, Buffalo Bills staff, and stadium construction workers to order meals, meet the restaurant owners and learn more about the initiative. The program runs through January 2024.

The Taste of Diversity features restaurant owners enrolled in the Erie County Level Up program. Participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and operate in underserved zip codes across Western New York.

"When we talk about how a new economy must include 'opportunities for all,’ Taste of Diversity is an example of how to create opportunities for disadvantaged small businesses," said Chairwoman Baskin. "I am excited to partner with the Buffalo Bills and SUNY Erie to showcase a few of Erie County's finest restaurants at South Campus and for the stadium construction workers. The Taste of Diversity will be a delicious first step towards equity in food service at SUNY Erie and the new stadium."

The new initiative will prepare each minority-owned restaurant to compete for concessionary opportunities at the new stadium. According to the Buffalo Bills community benefits agreement, the new stadium requires 30% of concessionaires to be a local minority or women-owned business enterprise. The Buffalo Bills have committed to providing small business grants for this project.

Participating Taste of Diversity SUNY Erie restaurants include: Manna @ Northland, Radah Baked Goods, Em Tea Coffee Cup Café, Crenshaw's Chicken and Waffles and Golden Cup Coffee.

BLACK HISTORY continued from page 3 paper publisher, and soon a new civil rights organization emerged: the Niagara Movement. The group was formed when Du Bois and Trotter helped summon Black intellectuals, clergy, writers, newspapermen and activists from across the country to Buffalo, New York; the 29 men ultimately met across the Niagara River in Fort Erie, Canada, to evade disruption by Washington’s supporters. The organization’s key demand: full civil rights for Black Americans.

The film captures the farreaching impact of the shortlived Movement — disbanded only four years after its inception — which laid the cornerstone of the modern American civil rights movement, eventually morphing into the NAACP. To be distributed by American Public Television in February 2024 to public television stations across the country (check local listings)Follow WNED PBS on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram (@wnedpbs

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Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

Entertainment

Turning Up the Holiday Spirit Marsha McWilson Returns to Batavia Downs with Her Special MOTOWN CHRISTMAS

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nce again the soulful siren Marsha McWilson returns to Batavia Downs to celebrate the holiday season for her holiday special, A Soulful Christmas, in their Park Place Event Center on Friday, December 8th!

She will be singing all your favorite Motown Classics and other familiar tunes you know and love. After a successful run last Christmas season, Batavia Downs is bringing back the true Marsha McWilson Experience for this lively event for a second year!

Singer songwriter Marsha is the first Black female recording artist inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame. She made a name for herself as an accomplished singer appearing on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage featuring Diana Ross, Patti Labelle, Earth Wind and Fire and Marsha McWilson John Legend among others. She was also featured as a back ground vocalist for Michael Buble . You may have also heard Marsha as a radio host on WUFO-Buffalo or caught a glimpse of her in Tyler Perry’s TV show If Loving You Is Wrong. Marsha has even shared a microphone with the great Fantasia and Johnny Gill.

As a musical minister, Marsha is the kind of artist who walks into a room radiating light, love and laughter. You don't just hear her sing-- you experience her! She'll tell you, "I work for the Waymaker."

With the purest embodiment of all musical genres from and her motivational energy you don’t want to miss this year’s performance.

The Show on December 8th starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each with a $10 in Free Play.

Free Play can be redeemed beginning at 8a.m. the day of the show. Show your ticket to Player's Club to redeem. Also available is Batavia Downs hotel deal for $129; each room reserved comes with a pair of tickets with $10 Free Play each. To book the hotel deal, please contact Marsha's Executive Assistant Aiesha Balance at (716) 400-8081 or email her at aiesha.balance@gmail. com. Doors open at 6:30. Ticket holders are encouraged to visit https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/events or their social media pages to stay up to date on any information in regards to our events. This is a seated show. Seats are first come, first serve. You can also find tickets on eventbrite.com Don't Miss The Show!

Pictured:12 Mo' Angry Men Cast starring: Tanika Holmes, Jake Hayes, Raynardo Shedrick Jr., Cordell Hopkins, Turhan Gethers, Kunjane Lyons - Latimer Glenn, Christian Hines, VerNia Garvin, Pamela Fordham, Julius Land, Sean McCorkmack, Ember Tate, Shanntina Moore & Jamael Long.

Deliberations on Race and Justice are Front and Center in Ujima's Stage Play 12 Mo' Angry Men!

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jima Theatre Company Presents the next show of it 45th Season : 12 Mo' Angry Men. Written and directed by Buffalo native, TaNisha Fordham it is the story of 11 Black jurors and 1 White juror, deliberating on the guilt or innocence of a White police officer who shot and killed a Black teenager. This unflinching reimagining of ‘12 Angry Men,’ the Reginald Rose classic play and film, unabashedly tackles the issues of race, identity, mental health, politics, community policing and the American justice system, all highlighted by Fordham’s honest, searingly authentic and tightly woven dialogue.

On Stage in the Lorna C. Hill Theater at 429 Plymouth Ave. on Friday & Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 4p.m.

Tickets and sason passes on ujimacoinc.org

Review:

B U F FA LO PHILHARMONIC O R C H E ST R A

Actors Garr, Ramsey and Fensmire Prove Unbeatable Chemistry in the Powerful and Relevant Stage Play Master Harold and the Boys!

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By Annette Daniels-Taylor

aster Harold and the mire also demonstrate a fa- attempts to mirror his moveBoys has just one more miliarity often seen between ments. Hally and the two week left at the Irish Classi- a mentor and a ‘know-it-all’ men have spent much time together over the years. They cal Theatre. Closing on De- younger mentee. cember 3, the award winning The story unravels as Hally watch Hally learn and grow from child to young man. play set in 1950” South Africa The drama begins when , explores how we crewe learn Hally’s alcoholic ate beauty and joy in a and handicapped father world filled with ugliis returning home after a ness. Although written very long hospital stay.

40 years ago the mesSam’s relationship with sage is still relevant Hally is familiar, positive, and powerful. Aaron and kind. Sam represents Mays direction of the a consistent positive father actors is exceptional figure for the boy. While as Roderick Garr and Willie’s relationship with Gerald Ramsey shine !

Ramsey is wonder- Pictured are outstanding cast members : l/r Roderick Hally is more business formal. ful as the nervous, Garr, Gerald Ramsey and Samuel Fensmire Apartheid is not spoken frustrated Willie, and Samuel Fensmire shines as does his homework and the during the dialogue, and it Hally, the teenage White son two men practice for the up- doesn’t have to be. The story of the tearoom owners. Rod- coming Ballroom Dancing fi- of apartheid is shown through erick Garr is compelling as nals. Ramsey’s lovely nervous the behavior and stories of Sam, the fun, wise friend who comic relief to Garr’s steady the three characters. With gives needed advice to Wil- patient confidence was a sat- this being the final weekend you don’t want to miss it! lie and young Hally. Garr and isfying balance.

Ramsey have pure chemistry Garr was captivating watch- Saturday December 2nd is as friends who work together ing Garr demonstrate the cor- Pay-What-You-Wish. Go to for years at the tearoom where rect way to hold a woman IrishClassical.org for tickets the play is set. Garr and Fes- during a waltz as Ramsey and showtimes.

e olidays Let thH Begin!

SCAN & PURCHASE!

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Wed Dec 6, 7:30pm Bradley Thachuk, conductor Michael Bolton, vocals The chart-topping, multiple award-winning singer/ songwriter brings his soulful voice and timeless charm to the BPO for a not-to-be-missed greatest hits and holiday show.

Fri Dec 8, 10:30am | Sat Dec 9, 7:30pm JoAnn Falletta, conductor Karen Saxon, mezzo-soprano Natalie Debikey Scanio, piccolo Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto highlights this season’s offering of timeless classics. presented by

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Sun Dec 10, 2:30pm Fernanda Lastra, conductor Tickets for this family favorite are just $7!

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Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

BFNC BRUNCH WITH SANTA!

A Holiday Gift For Single-Parent Families! J O I N U S on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11.m.–2.pm. at BFNC Moot Center, 292 High Street for a delicious brunch, a Visit from Kente Claus, activities & games and gifts for children in attendance. To reserve your space call (716)856-0363 or brunchwithsanta@bfnc. com Walk-Ins not permitted.

EM Tea Coffee Cup Café and Hamlin Park to Host Café Classic- Horse-Drawn Carriage!

EM Tea Coffee Cup Café and Hamlin Park Community Taxpayer’s Association will present the Return of the Café Classic- Horse-Drawn Carriage on Sunday December 3, from 4p.m.7p.m. at 80 Oakgrove Avenue (weather permitting). Come enjoy a carriage ride, a hot chocolate and decorate a cookie!

Bring your camera and blanket. Free and fun for all! Donations gratefully appreciated.

Alemaedae Theater in Collaboration with True Bethel Baptist Church presents "Mom's Gone," a Stage Play

On December 10th Alemaedae Theater Productions with True Bethel Baptist Church present the stage play "Mom's Gone" written and directed by Phil Davis. After losing their mother, a young woman and her estranged siblings attempt to repair broken Phil Davis relationships. It's a powerful dramatic story about loss and family bonds. Get ready to be thoroughly entertained on Sunday. Dec.10 at 4 p.m., at True Bethel Baptist Church 907 E. Ferry St. Tickets $15 until Nov.30 and $20 starting Dec. 1.

Available online at Eventbrite or atpgalaxy.com For more info text (716) 575-7777.

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Join Beau Fleuve For the The Michigan Street African American Heritage Holidays!

Corridor Celebrates the Holidays with A Soulful Mark Your Calendars for two upcoming Free Community Events with two of our community partners! Join us on Saturday December 9 with our friends at the Buffalo Central Terminal for their family fun filled “WINTER FEST”! Check out some of the activities taking place.

Join us as we join the Buffalo P.A.L in attendance and giving for their “HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR” on Tuesday, December 12 from 5-7p.m. The event, hosted by Shaq Lawson of the Buffalo Bills at Deco Lounge, is free.

Everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped new toy.

Christmas this Weekend!

T

he Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is geared up and ready for the holidays with their annual Soulful Christmas events scheduled to kick off this weekend at the Michigan Street Baptist Church! join the family fun in the corridor!

Friday December 1: Tree Lighting: The corridor will be kicking off their festivities on December 1 with the Soulful Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony from 5-6p.m. at the Michigan Street Baptist Church. There will be Christmas Carols, free hot chocolate and cookies. Kids can bring their own handmade ornaments to hang on the tree! Free hats and gloves will be distributed to those who need a little extra help staying warm this winter.

Saturday December 2: Soulful Christmas : From 10a.m.-4p.m. join the corridor for family friendly activities to celebrate a Soulful Christmas. There will be a Black-owned business holiday market, visits from Kente Claus; storytelling by Tradition Keepers Black Storytellers of WNY; art activities for kids, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits from Buffalo Fire Truck, musical performances by the Colored Musicians Club and local school students, free hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn and a free toy giveaway that starts at 3p.m. for all kids!

Saturday December 9: The SoulBall at Templeton Landing, 2 Templeton Terrace from 6:30-10p.m. featuring an elegant evening of music, wine & beer, dinner and more. Music by JukeBoxxx and Power 96.5 Radio WUFO. Tickets $100 visit online at www. michiganstreetbuffalo.org

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10

VOICES

Ill Conceived Plan For The Kensington Should Be Questioned

Dear Editor, Here we go again. Now that the people are questioning New York State’s plan to cap the 33 Expressway, our local representative is using scare tactics. Tim Kennedy’s statement that if the money is not used for the Dept. of Transportation’s plan, the funds may go to another project outside of Western New York, is a maneuver used time and time again.

Make the public believe they have no choice. Create a take it or leave it story line and the critics will be silenced.

The fact is this ill-conceived plan for the Kensington should be questioned. The ventilation systems proposed use of jet engines is untested and no one including the DOT, is sure if it will work. Why does it take a project of this magnitude, to have sidewalk, road, and lighting improvements on side streets that boarder the expressway, when that should be routine upkeep? Maintaining the tunnel will cost five million dollars per year, yet the DOT says they don’t know who will pay for it! They also say they don’t know who will maintain the eleven acres of green space. These issues and more, are brought up by the public because it IS their choice.

Elected officials have choices too. They can advocate for meaningful public engagement, where all options for billon dollar expenditures are explored. They can demand a more comprehensive environmental review, to study the effects this project will have on the constituents they represent. Or they can choose to send out countless promotional mailers, extolling their many supposed accomplishments, all the while angling for the best possible location for themselves, in the next photo op.

-Jacqueline Cummings, Buffalo

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

Where Will All The Traffic Go If Humboldt Parkway Is Fully Restored? City Can Handle Route 33 Traffic Right Now Says Study!

On Tuesday the East Side Parkways Coalition (ESP) held a press conference regarding the Humboldt Parkway / Kensington Expressway Project at the Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 East Delavan Avenue.

In a collaboration between the UB Department of Architecture’s Small Built Works Program and Citizens for Regional Transit (CRT), the groups announced that the City Radials (a radial route is a public transport route linking a central point in a city or town, usually in the central business district) can handle Route 33 Traffic right now, including 75,000-to-200,000 people in-and-out of Buffalo using a combination of the existing streets and Light Rail Rapid Transit (LRRT) from Downtown to the Airport—cheaper and more efficiently than using Route 33!!

UB Small Built Works has developed a redistribution Plan that shows Route 33 Traffic can be handled by City Radials right now. This would allow for the full restoration of Humboldt Parkway, to be rebuilt per Olmsted’s vision for Buffalo as a “city-in-a-park.” A 2028 projected traffic redistribution drawing was developed by UB Architecture grad student Ray Jacobson working with UB professor Brad Wales and Citizen for Regional Transit's Jim Gordon.

Gordon has been an advocate for LRRT for 30-years. He commented that, “The Kensington Project Build Alternative ignores benefits that could be increased from the project if other choices were selected; i.e., traffic onto Buffalo’s arterials (Fillmore, Main, Walden, Seneca, Kensington, Genesee, Broadway, etc.) would stimulate economic growth in those areas. This would generate private investments for mixed-use, commercial, and single-use housing.” He continued, “Further, we recommend that a community-centered planning approach be taken following the model of the Region Central Project.”

Citizens for Regional Transit's proposed Downtown-Airport Light Rail Raid Transit Line can carry all the people now using the Kensington Expressway, and MORE—up to 6,000 people per hour. The vehicle-centric Tunnel proposed in the September 2023 NYSDOT Draft Design Report / Environmental Assessments a failed 20th century solution for a 21st century opportunity.

East Side Parkways Coalition calls on Governor Hochul, NYS Senator Kennedy, and NYS Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes to instruct NYSDOT to prepare a complete Environmental Impact Statement for the Route 33 Kensington Expressway Project, including full restoration of the Humboldt Parkway!

Without the expressway, Gordon told the News, drivers would quickly find routes that work for them.

Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes Discusses Opposition To the Kensington Expressway Project

In September the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) released a 300-plus report of their plan to spend $1billion to cap and tunnel a stretch of the Kensington Expressway – a far cry from the nostalgic tree lined “restoration of Humboldt Parkway” that was originally envisioned. A growing number of residents and advocacy groups began to push back against the DOT’s plans and express serious concerns – environmental as well as esthetic. The push back continues to grow.

Assemblywoman Peoples Stokes, who is in support of the DOT's plans, recently discussed the Opposition to the Kensington Expressway Project during an interview with WBEN. Here are a few takeaways from that interview.

•In reference to those opposing the DOT’s plans to build a tunnel and cover a portion of the 33 Expressway along Humboldt Parkway : “I think it’s (opposition) in some ways disrespectful but in other ways they are doing what citizens have a right to do, voice your opinion. “ •"This is an issue that ROC - which is a collaboration of community based organizations both the Martin Luther King community, The Black Chamber of Commerce , as well as the Citizens Alliance have been working on for almost 20 years and there have been public meetings, there have been a lot of them . I know my staff has personally gone door to door delivering messages about come to the meetings, come to the meetings let’s talk, let’s talk. Everything they’re bringing up now has been done and Boy, oh boy! The people in charge of the committee for managing the Jefferson so if a real citizen who really wants to see something happen in their community actually would have Avenue Memorial are saying there is no money at all (as of this writing)! This is come to those meetings 10 years ago, 15 years ago. They wouldn’t have waited until you’ve identified a plain mess, pure and simple. There is no movement and no money for a Memo- potentially a Billion dollars to be invested on the East Side of Buffalo and then find a reason why it happen. So I respect their opinion to disagree, I just totally disagree with it . rial for the Buffalo 10 as of today!(This has nothing to do with the Tops Friendly can’t • "I think we have done our political responsibility to allow everybody to weigh in and have a voice.

Markets Jefferson Avenue Honor space which is on schedule, and has extended They’ve had their voice and I think we should still keep talking about… I would never want to take its submission deadline to Dec. 14 for custom art installation entries. See their ad anybody’s ability to speak away from them." back page.)

• "The original plan was that it should just be filled in, it should just be covered up, no one should According to a local TV news reporter, who interviewed one of the members ride through there. But then the thought became well what happens to the people who need to come of the Mayor's 514 Memorial Commission, the City of Buffalo is way behind from the airport to get Downtown, where are they going to drive down Humboldt Parkway? Do we the process that was successful to the 3407 group who secured the land and the want 70,000 cars riding by your house everyday? It’s bad enough they’re riding through there now, resources to erect a fitting Memorial to those who lost their lives in the fatal airplane crash near but if they’re riding on the surface right in front of your porch that’s another story and no one is really Buffalo a decade ago. The politicians or those who are deciding, it seems, everything for this thinking about that." city, are putting people in key decision making places that don't know how to advocate for the • "The original plan was that it (the 33) should just be filled in, it should just be covered up, no

NO MONEY FOR THE 5-14 MEMORIAL FOR THE BUFFALO 10? WOW!

community and its people. It is coming up to the 2nd year of the Jefferson Ave Massacre. That money should have been in place or at least we should know what agency or level of government is funding this Memorial project!

On second thought, what happened to the people from a national advocacy group who were meeting with the folks in Buffalo and holding community meetings, in schools and libraries last year? I thought people were donating lots of money to the victims and for the monument to be built.

In addition, there are many survivors, their family and friends and regular citizens who have not put aside their decision to not shop at a store where so many were slaughtered. Even if we don't agree with them, we have to respect their position regarding this issue.

This is what happens when we elect people who put in folks who don't have the will or the courage to challenge the system or its politicians to get things done! People spent half of the summer holding meetings, passing out surveys and everything else - except identifying and securing a funding source!

With the problems surrounding this and other community issues, including the idea of putting a traffic tunnel, with no environmental impact statement review, smack dab in the middle of Humboldt Parkway, I think it is time to form a community citizen council to come to decisions and policies that benefit the whole and not the few who are led and controlled by those outside of our city and neighborhoods.

one should ride through there. But then the thought became well what happens to the people who need to come from the airport to get Downtown, where are they going to drive down Humboldt Parkway?"

• "If you’re going to figure out how to remove 75,000 cars going everyday up and down the 33 where are they going to go? That is like a 10 to 20 year transportation plan to restructure how Buffalo streets are laid out . I mean I don’t mind participating in that but not right now. Right now we have a chance to make the community safer environmentally to invest multiple millions of dollars , almost a billion dollars which will add value quite frankly to business that are on Fillmore that are left there, businesses that are on Jefferson that are left here... Don’t take this as an opportunity to just push this off on the wayside because one or two people, well its probably more than one or two, that disagree with it. I don’t have a problem with a Billion dollars being spent in my district and quite frankly I think we could use more. " • "Its only transportation money (and it can’t be used for anything else), so just like we lost the Scajaquada investment some years ago because its only transportation money, if it’s not invested on the 33 it will go somewhere else in the state or 55 Million will go somewhere else in the country. The real plan now should be to help the people understand (especially) those that tend to disagree with the position."

11

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

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12

Eagles Soar Past Bills in Overtime Thriller 37-34 t was a must win for the Bills as they hope to get back into Iciently playoff contention. The Bills are running the football effias they are currently being more patient with the running

game which bodes well for them against the tough stretch of games coming up for them.

Allen plays much better with a running game and his confidence continues to improve under new Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady’s play calling for him. Once again Allen puts on a tremendous performance but on a critical play in overtime he could not get the Eagles QB Jalen Hurts football to Gabe Davis in the endzone. If Allen would have released the football a second or two later Davis could have waited on a pin point pass from Allen for the winning TD. Unfortunately, Allen hurried himself on the play and the Bills had to settle for a field goal to go ahead by 3 points.

Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, cool as a cucumber under pressure, completed the passes needed and finally ran in for game winning 12-yard TD. The Bills dominated this game statistically gaining 505 total yards to 378 for Eagles, but Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott kept changing the defense from a gap integrity to a blitzing - one that proved to be the team’s downfall once again. Keep in mind the Bills would have won game in regulation if struggling field Goal kicker Tyler Bass made both kicks one was blocked and other was missed badly to the left of the upright. Its obvious Bass can’t be counted on during this Bills current tail spin. The Bills had the perfect game plan to beat the Eagles but once again could not finish the game.

Bills Leonard Floyd said,” We’ve been losing tight close games, we must put four quarters together and hope everyone comes back angry and ready to make the sacrifice whatever it takes to win with the same passion. It takes everybody.”

The Eagles All Pro Center Jason Kelce said. “They (Bills) made our offense very uncomfortable throughout the first half, fortunately we were able to make adjustments and win the game because we have guys that are used to winning tight games.”

The Buffalo Bills, according to Next Gen Stats, has allowed two of the most improbable TD’s ever in recent games; Cortland Sutton’s catch for the Broncos and Eagles Olamide Zaccheaus.

It’s a telling sign that Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are Just too slow to play in today’s NFL. They must be replaced for next season. I heard someone say in the Bills locker room that the football Gods are not with them this year. That may be true and getting younger players at key positions might help too. The Bills limp into their bye week and won’t play again until Sunday December 10th against the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s an AFC opponent and will be a must win game for Bills to have any chance of making a wild card spot in the playoffs. Please remember to be a good sport! ~Follow me Facebook @georgeradman

Raptors Come Up Short Against Bucks

RISE UP RIGHT SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

Wednesday, November 15th the Milwaukee Bucks paid a visit to the Toronto Raptors for the second time this month. The first time on November 1st most likely left the Bucks feeling short changed since they lost to Toronto.

The Raptors got off to a fast start. Toronto led 8 to 2 causing Milwaukee to call a timeout at 9:54 in the first quarter. From that point on the Bucks never looked back.

Milwaukee went on a 17-0 run which had them Bucks’ guard, #0 Damian Lillard in for a layup against Toronto’s leading 36-21 goes Chris Boucher. photo A. Dorcely after one quarter and up by 23 at halftime.

Of course Toronto made several valiant efforts to get back into the game. Every time the Raptors cut into the lead the Bucks responded with a run of their own. With 5:05 left in the third quarter the score was 93-60. But this is the NBA. And as they say, no lead is safe in the NBA. At 9:20 in the fourth quarter the difference was only 15 points, Milwaukee 102 Toronto 87. Unfortunately, on that particular night the Raptors didn’t have the energy or firepower to complete the comeback. The Bucks won the game 128-112.

Damian Lillard had 37 points and 13 assist while Malik Beasley added 30 points. Toronto was led by Scottie Barnes with 29 points. You’ve probably noticed by now that I haven’t mentioned Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s because the “Greek Freak” sat out this game because of a strained right calf. He actually didn’t sit out. Most of the game he was standing out on the sidelines as his Bucks dished out some payback!!!

Buffalo Extreme Basketball Here's a team that could be seen as the most successful team in Western New York currently as the Buffalo Extreme have started off the season 5-0. Last Saturday they beat the 518 Ballers by 80 points. The final score was 160-80. Their next home game is December 2nd against the New Hampshire Kingz.

This team has made it super exciting for ABA basketball.

Can the Extreme continue their winning ways? Richard Jacob has this team looking pretty darn good.

UB Football The UB football season ended with a loss to Eastern Michigan 24-11. The Bulls were 3-9 this season leaving many questions to be answered. Will the Bulls be more competitive next season? What kind of recruits will they be receiving?

Should the organization be worried after only winning one home game this season?

Will Mo Linguist still be the head coach after this season?

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

On Second Thought ...

When it Rains it Pours as Bills Playoff Hopes Wash Away

W

ith Buffalo’s heart wrenching 37 – 34 loss to the formidable Philadelphia Eagles in the pouring rain, the curtain has unofficially drawn on the Bills season. Although Buffalo has not been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, their prospect for the postseason now lies somewhere between slim and none.

The Bills played valiantly and certainly had ample opportunity to win the ballgame. Fans can point to the two missed Tyler Bass FG attempts, one that was blocked and the other which sailed wide right, that would have undoubtedly bagged the victory for Buffalo.

The officiating crew also did the Bills no favors as they missed a blatant horse collar penalty on Philly that would have put Bills in point blank range near the goal line. Instead, they added insult to injury by calling Josh Allen for intentional grounding, which led to a loss of down and the eventual block of Bass’ chip shot FG attempt. And that is not to mention at least two pass interference penalties by Philly CB Darius Slay against Bills receivers that stymied at least one promising drive. Those, however, are now just spilled milk. But hopefully the league’s officialdom will take a long, hard look at the less than stellar work of Shawn Hochuli’s officiating crew.

However, Philly must also be given credit for clawing back into a game that appeared, at several junctures, to be lost. Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Eagles showed the heart of a champion, as they mounted a second half comeback that few other NFL teams could have pulled off.

Notwithstanding, Allen played what may have been his best game of the season. Indeed, had wide-out, Gabe Davis, not zigged when he should have zagged, Buffalo would have won it with a game clinching TD pass on their opening drive of the overtime session. Of course, it would not have gotten to that point if Eagles placekicker Jake Elliott had not converted on a near miraculous 59 yard FG into the rain and wind of Lincoln Financial Field.

The Bills now head into their long awaited bye week with a chance to lick their wounds and ponder what could have been in a season gone surprisingly wrong. When they come back, they will finish out their schedule against Kansas City, Dallas, Miami and couple of other scrubs New England and the LA Chargers. But in order to make the playoffs, which is still mathematically possible, they will need to win at least four of those five games.

More likely, the Bills will have to take comfort in playing the role of spoiler. They will have the chance to wreak havoc on the seeding of some of the playoff bound opponents they now face.

Otherwise, the Bills have nothing more to play for than self-pride. And as much as they are being dogged by fans and the media, this is team that still has immense pride. They will not be running for the bus. Indeed, I expect that they will circle the wagons, just as they did in days of old.

And by winning some – probably not all of the remaining games on their schedule, they will show the world that they have the heart and the pride of warriors, even ones who may have fallen on their own swords.

I am told that I caused grievous offense to the ‘fat ladies lobby’ when, in my last column, I suggested that the ‘Fat Lady’ had already sung sayonara on the Bills playoff hopes.

Hopefully, I will not cause similar offense to the Grave Diggers Union by suggesting TERRENCE D. McKELVEY that the Bills playoff aspiraAttorney at Law tions now lie dead and buried 181 Franklin Street Suite #301 beneath the grave digger’s Buffalo, New York 14202 shovel.

13

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

EMPLOYMENT HIRING

Erie County is now hiring a Community Energy Program Coordinator to support a grant program providing affordable renewable energy to low and moderate income residents.

Some energy program experience required. Starting Salary $66,277.

Contact sustainability@erie.gov for more information.

Attention Subcontractors and Suppliers Opportunity to bid on the Perry Homes Project

Haynes is pleased to offer a Pre-Bid Meeting for interested bidders: Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 December 6, 2023 @ 1:00pm We are looking for qualified NYS MWBE & SDVOB and Section 3 contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.

Email Taylor Els, tels@haynesct.com 203-888-8139 to let us know you will be attending.

Haynes Construction • 32 Progress Avenue • Seymour, CT 06483-3921 • (203) 888-9048 • Fax (203) 888-5358 • www.haynesct.com.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center

BETC716-856-5627 www.workforcebuffalo.org

Training, Career Opportunities, In All TradesFor Minorities!

The Independent Contractors Guild of WNY, Inc., a NYSDOL registered apprenticeship guild, is sponsoring orientation sessions for training in all trades.

If you are interested in a career in construction.

Call now to reserve your spot 716 290-7195 Upwards of 100 Grads Will Be Placed Into Career Opportunities!

LEGAL NOTICE RFP COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202 County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE The Erie County Department of

Assistant Director in Residence Life Office

Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Director in Residence Life Office For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/5998

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

“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.” -Tao Te Ching

Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide After hour detention programs. The RFP #2023-062VF can be found at http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey 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.

Sealed bids are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on December 27, 2023.

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

Marie A. Cannon, Commissioner of Social Services

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS YOUTH SERVICES under WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT November 9, 2023 The Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Investment Board, Inc. is accepting proposals for services to youth in the following categories: OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICES UNDER THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT. IN-SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICES UNDER THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT. A signed and electronically submitted proposal with the subject clause RFP for Out-of-School Youth Services and/or RFP for In-School Youth Services must be received at info@ becwib.org no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2023 in order to be considered. Those interested in submitting a proposal, or proposals, may download the RFPs at www.workforcebuffalo.org/news/rfps Funding for these solicitations is by way of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, 29 U.S.C. 3101 et. seq. (EEO/AAE).

INVITATION TO PROPOSE The NFTA is soliciting technical proposals for MTC Exterior Enhancements Project No. 31TB2301 due on December 20, 2023.

Website for information www.nftaengineering.co

LEGAL NOTICE RFP NOTICE OF RFP’s Bills Stadium & Events Company will be soliciting Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the BUFFALO BILLS NEW STADIUM PROJECT. Proposal Packages include*: FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT (FURNISH AND INSTALL) All businesses interested in submitting a response to this Request for Proposal (RFP) as a Prime/Tier1 subcontractor must prequalify to receive a Request for Proposal. For information on the prequalification process, reference Bills Contracting Opportunities at www.buffalobillsnewstadium.com. We encourage NYS-certified minority-, women- and service-disabled veteran-owned and local businesses to participate.

Please refer to proposal documents for full MWBE/SDVOB plan information. If you provide services relevant to any of the above packages and are interested in participating at a lower-tier level, please register your interest via the Bills Contracting Opportunities section on the project website. *Subject to change

EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL NOTICE BID NFTA PROCUREMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL/BID 230051 – UNIFORMS FOR TRANSIT EMPLOYEES 230104 – CORNICE REPAIR AT 1404 MAIN STREET Go to NFTA's Website to register as a supplier and for instructions to download the Procurement Document at https://www.nfta.com/departments/procurement.

LEGAL NOTICE Bid COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Rehabilitation of Bullis Road (CR 330) PROJ# CAP-330-23 Department of Public Works, Division of Highways seeking sealed bids for rehabilitation of Bullis Road.

Sealed proposals will be received at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY 14202 by, and opened at, 10:00 am local time, Thursday, December 14, 2023. Certified check in the amount of $250,000.00 bid deposit is required with the bid submittal.

Pre-let meeting scheduled Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10:00 am local time, on site at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY. NYSDOL Wage Rates, NYS Vendor Responsibility CCA-2 A/B/C, Local Minority, & Disadvantaged Workforce goals, NYS Apprenticeship, and MWBE/SDVOB goals may be required. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http: //www3.erie.gov/dpw see Online Bid Retrieval.

LEGAL NOTICE Scrufari Construction Co. seeking M/WBE/SDVOB subcontractors to quote: SUNY Buffalo Spaulding Hall – Due Scrufari Tues., Nov. 28, 2023 We are an EEO employer – 716-282-1225

14

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

ATTORNEYS PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612

SUN 11/19

MON 11/20

TUES 11/21

WED 11/22

THURS 11/23

FRI 11/24

SAT 11/25

3-WAY

MID-0-5-8

MID-7-6-4

MID-0-9-1

MID-4-5-7

MID-6-8-2

MID-5-5-6

MID-9-3-9

EVE-4-0-4

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EVE-5-5-9

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WIN 4

MID-7-8-3-5 EVE-4-0-9-9

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MID-3-9-7-6 EVE-8-2-5-7

MID-7-1-9-1 EVE-2-9-9-5

MID-3-5-4-4 EVE-5-6-9-8

MID-8-7-9-6 EVE-6-1-6-9

MID-9-3-0-3 EVE-4-7-1-7

TAKE 5

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AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

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

BAKERY Taste of Supreme 100% Gluten Free Vegan Goodies Contact the Supreme Bakers

(585) 285 - 5496

www.tasteofsupreme.com Rochester Public Market 280 N. Union St. BLDG. B #44

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

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

Advertise Your Business in our directory email advertising@ thechallengernews.com or call (716) 881-1051

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15

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THURS. NOV 30 Free Adult Community Grief Support Group, CAO Masten Resource Center 1423 Black Lives Matter Way (Fillmore Ave.), 5-6 p.m., (716)3323773.

FRI. DEC 1

KWANZAA MEETING,

CAO Masten Center, 1423 Black Lives matter Way (Fillmore Ave. ) 5:30-6:30 p.m.

SUN. DEC. 3 EM Tea Coffee Cup Café and Hamlin Park Classic- HorseDrawn Carriage 4-7p.m. at 80 Oakgrove Ave, Hot chocolate and cookies! Free and fun for all!

Dianna Henderson U.S. Army 1975 -1979 M.O.S. Chief Administration

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

-Tao Te Ching

MON. DEC. 4 Hustle for Health Line Dancing with Jazzy T 12pm at Delavan Grider Center 877 E Delavan Ave, FREE 55+ RSVP at www.HustleforHealth.com TUES. DEC. 5 Free Line Dance Class, Dorothy Collier Community Center, 118 E. Utica, Beginner 11a.m.-12p.m.; Advanced 12-1 p.m. (716)882-0602.

©2023 New York Lottery

PLEASE GIFT RESPONSIBLY.

Must be 18+ to purchase a Lottery ticket.

Gambling problem? Visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org.

Call the HOPEline 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY.

NYL ‘23 HOLIDAY COMMUNITY PRINT Agency Ad # N23LOHOL_216

WED. DEC. 6 Hustle for Health with Phyllis Caver 11am at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, Buffalo. FREE THURS. DEC. 7 Conversation with Chief of Police Thelma Jones from the C-District on how to keep our communities safe, 6-7pm at the CAO, 1423 Black Lives Matter Way (Fillmore Avenue).(See Page 3) SAT. DEC. 9 Free hot soup, winter clothes and coats giveaway at Jefferson Avenue & E. Ferry Street from 11a.m.-2p.m. sponsored by 2nd Chance Ministries. See Page 4 for more info

SAT. DEC. 9 Beau Fleuve Winter Fest Buffalo Central Terminal family fun!

MON. DEC. 11 Hustle for Health Line Dancing with Jazzy T 12pm at Delavan Grider Center 877 E Delavan Ave, FREE 55+ www.HustleforHealth.com TUES. DEC. 12 Beau Fleuve “HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR” 5pm-7pm Hosted by Shaq Lawson of the Buffalo Bills at Deco Lounge inside the Athletic Club Building at 69 Delaware Ave.Free Event!

16

Challenger Community News • November 30, 2023

CALL TO LOCAL ARTISTS Help Us Complete the Tops Honor Space in Remembrance of 5/14 With Your

CUSTOM ART INSTALLATION Tops Friendly Markets—Jefferson Avenue—Buffalo, NY

The goal of this public artwork is to create a visually inspiring addition to the designated honor space that remembers those lives taken on May 14, 2022 and this place of respite and reconnection for survivors and the community. This honor space is adjacent to the

For complete details, proposal requirements and submission instructions visit

TopsMarkets.com/TopsHonorSpace

1

1. 9/11 Memorial Survivor Tree Seedling

2

Gifted Callery Pear Tree

2. Decorative Lighting 3. Custom Art Installation 4. Concrete Pathway 5. Granite Benches 6. (10) Artistic Bollards Representing the 10 Precious Lives Lost

7. Standard Bollards

3 6

Art Location Here

4

5

Max Height 9’-0” Max Dia. 40”

6 4

7