CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS NOV. 18, 2015

CHALLENGER

SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHERSTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

NOVEMBER 18, 2015 • FREE NATIONAL

Unrest in Minnesota: 51 Arrested Following Police Shooting

PG. 4

INSIDE ROCHESTER

BEYOND THE GAME

Rochester’s Best Kept Secret PG. 3

Parent Group Calls For Review of Bias and Discriminatory Officiating in Bennett High/Maple Grove Football Championship. But beyond the game, they say, the issue of racial disparity throughout the district’s school system must be addressed. PG.3

LOCAL

EMPLOYMENT

Good News for Job Seekers! “Athletic Greats”

Annual Gathering: The Tradition Continues! PG. 10

• Introduction to the World of Construction for Women and Others at Merriweather Library • ECC, Solar City to Host Information Sessions PG.2

African Dance WORKSHOPS

PG. 9

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INSIDE ROCHESTER “ROCHESTER’S BEST KEPT SECRET” (Youth You Need To Know About)

By Robert Harris - Youth Prison Prevention Project

Willie T. Evans II

Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

The Baber African Methodist Episcopal Scholars

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’m sure we are all tired of hearing about our young Black men killing and harming each other. Every time we look at the news it is HOMICIDE or some other type of negativity about our Black youth. (especially our young Black men). This column is designed to be one of the antidotes to the poison that we see and hear in the mainstream media. Today we are featuring Willie T. Evans II of Rochester New York. Willie grew up in in one of the rough neighborhoods in Rochester and against all odds has become a role-model to his peers and even to some adults. A graduate of Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School with a 3.56 GPA, he is now attending Hampton University in Hampton Virginia (Majoring in Criminal Justice). This remarkable young man has kept himself busy with several extracurricular activities; such as Varsity Basketball, AAU Basketball, soccer, floor hockey, flag football, and working at the Ave D Rec Center (Just to name a few). Willie was one of the Top African American Students in Rochester NY and was #12 in his High School Class, won the Leadership Award, and was a student member of the Rochester Board of Education. Willie’s future goals are to become an FBI Agent, NBA Basketball Player, or overseas Pro Ball Player. His encouraging words to the youth his age is to keep busy, avoid idle time, and to give back to those less fortunate. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE DIFFERENT!!! To the readers of this article; if you know of an exceptional youth in the Rochester area that you would like to see featured; please call 716-563-5515. Congratulations Willie!

AroundTown *Frances Dances Presents “It’s Just Dance-Tastic,” A Community Dance Concert on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the School for the Arts Ensemble Theatre, 45 Prince St. @ University from 2 to 7 p.m. Performers include African Caribbean Dance Ensemble, essence of Rhythm, Rose Bellydance, Bizy Bodyz, Ballet Afrikana, Inspiration Dancers and more For more in formation call 249-0354 or email franceshare@ yahoo.com or Facebook: Frances Hare

Summer Johnson Wilson HS M.C.C.

Autumn Johnson M.C.C.

Shakela Hartzog Bishop Kearney HS

Desmond Goolsby Gates Chili HS

The Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church Scholarship ministry is one of service to all the children of the congregation. The deceased former pastor of Baber was passionate about the education of the youth. He organized the committee to insure that there was love and support for them all. Melvin Ruth III Today the minSchool of the istry is named ArtsUS Navy The Dr. John H. Dixon Scholarship ministry as a way to keep his legacy alive. Each graduating senior receives a Walmart gift card and if they’re attending a 2 or 4 year school receive a monetary donation which they are free to use in whatever capacity they choose. All other students kindergartens through 11th grades are not left out as they receive school supplies at our end of the year Ice Cream social. To God Be the Glory! Celestine Thomas is President of the John H. Dixon Scholarship committee. Rev. James C. Simmons, is Pastor of Baber AME Church.

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AroundTown

*4th Annual Taste of Friendship to benefit School of the Arts, Nov. 21, 6-9 p.m373 Oxford St., $25

To find out if MVP offers Medicaid Managed Care and Child Health Plus in your county, contact us toll free at 1-800-TALK-MVP (1-800-825-5687). To learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

AREA BRIEFS Merriweather’s New Librarian Pens Book Ms. Gwen Collier, second librarian to be named Branch Manager of the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, has written a book called The Bipolar Church: Restoring Spiritual Balance by Loving Each Other. In this book, Collier argues that the Christian Church is spiritually bipolar and that stability is found through fellowship- the specific ideas for fellowship are found in her book. The community is invited to her first local book signing at the EMTea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove Avenue (716) 884- 1444 on Saturday November 28 from 4 – 6. Please RSVP to gwenyvettecollier@ gmail.com by Friday November 20 if you would like to attend. Autographed copies of The Bipolar Church can be purchased for $10.99

Legislator Steed to Host Thanksgiving Feast in Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Legislator Owen T. Steed, Sr, 4th District, will sponsor an annual Thanksgiving Feast on Monday, November 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street in Niagara Falls. The event is free and open to the public of all ages. For more information call (716)990-6518 or (716)2855374.

Attention East High School Class Of 1966!

Committee members are needed to help plan activities for the Summer of 2016 to celebrate our 50th YEAR REUNION! Please contact: Moe Brown 716.220.0427 call/ text; Kathy (Albert) Franklin 716.812.4469 call/text; or kvfa98@gmail.com Ora (Taylor) Hamm 716.835.478. Also call if you’d like to be updated as events are scheduled.

BEYOND THE GAME

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Parent group calls for review of bias and discriminatory officiating in Bennett High/Maple Grove Football championship. But beyond the game, they say the issue of racial disparity throughout the district’s school system must be addressed. RAISE THE WAGE! Samuel A. Herbert (above) recently joined demonstrators near the Town Gardens Plaza in support of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s plan to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. The minimum wage is currently $8.75 and hour and will raise to $9 an hour at the end of this year. The push for raising the minimum wage to $15 is growing across the state.

Thanksgiving Dinner for Veterans Thanksgiving dinner will be served to homeless and other needy Veterans and their families, Sunday, November 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at VA Western New York Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Avenue. This event occurs annually on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day in order to provide a hot meal to Veterans in need. This marks the 15th year the dinner has been held by VA. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings will be served by staff in the VA Food Court located in the hospital’s lower level. “Our special dinner is just one small gesture to say thank you to those who have served our country,” said Judith A. Kaczmarek, coordinator of the event. Those interested in attending can contact the Homeless Program at 862-8885 for further information or transportation.

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ast year Bennett High School, along with South Park, became the first City of Buffalo teams to compete at Ralph Wilson Stadium in the Section VI championship. For Bennett, listed as one of the district’s “persistently struggling schools,” having a team make it to the championship games provided a sense of pride for both players and students. But during the Section VI Class C final on November 9, heavily-favored Bennett lost 29-28 in overtime to Maple Grove/Chautauqua Lake; the heartbreaking loss was compounded by what parents and community leaders are calling biased and discriminatory officiating. A press conference on the steps of Bennett High was held on Monday to announce that the Buffalo Parent-Student Athletic Organization had filed complaints with the New York State Education Commissioner, New York State Public High school Athletic Association(NYSPHSAA) , and the Executive Director of Section VI requesting a review not only of what they perceive as unfair officiating during the game, but of the Athletic Association’s overall policies and practices as well. Additionally the group is calling for the formation of a task force to explore diversity, equity and inclusion issues in the operation of the State High School Athletic Association and Section VI . “The officiating was so bad, that it left the kids border line depressed, “ said Parent District Coordinating Council President Sam Radford. “It was obvious to everyone that

Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

Black Athletes Have a History of Standing Against Racism

STANDING TALL: Bro. Dwight Mohammad, Bro. Howard Mohammad, Bro. Dahveed Mohammad, Greg Glover, Troy Fossett, Kalil Mohammad, Sam Radford, Zaydok Israel, Bro. Bryon McIntyre.

the officials were not being fair and just.” “The calls were unbelievably bad,” added Bryon McIntyre, whose son Kion plays for the Bennett team. “Games like this kills the spirit of our children.” McIntyre has filed a formal discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Radford said that the group decided to come forward and “stand up for the children” even if others were too fearful of losing their jobs or positions to do so. “Even the (Bennett) coach expressed that this was clearly the worse officiating he’d ever seen,” said Radford, who added that this was also reportedly an issue last year. He pointed out that the lack of diversity among referee officials in the sporting event may be part of the problem. Bennett is an urban predominately African American School and team, while Maple Grove is a rural school with a predominately white football team. All the officials refer-

Black football players at the University of Missouri made national headlines recently when they hreatened to boycott a major game which would have cost the university at least $1 million; increasing the pressure on the school’s president, and forcing him to step down over his handling of campus racism. Black athletes have long used their prominence and leverage to voice outrage over injustice and discrimination.

Bro. Sam makes a point.

ring the game were White. This fact is not surprising since there are reportedly only five minorities among the total 125 or so certified officials who referee the games. In their letter to officials the parent group wrote in part: “On November 9, 2015 at a championship football game at the Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo between Buffalo’s Bennett High School and Maple Grove High School the officiating was so objectively biased against the Bennett High School team that parContinued Page 10

A protest that led to an iconic image took place at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Tommie Smith and John Carlos stepped onto the victory podium and raised their fists in silent but powerful protest against brutal discrimination back home. They did this during the medal ceremony at the playing of the national anthem. On April 28, 1967, with the United States at war in Vietnam, boxing champion Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army and was immediately stripped of his heavyweight title .Said Ali: “I ain’t got no quarrel with those Vietcong... And shoot them for what? They never called me nigger, they never lynched me, they didn’t Continued Page 10

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LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD

Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

Report: The Number of People Killed in America by Police in 2015 Has Reached 1,000

Prosters face police.

51 Arrests at Protests Over Minneapolis shooting by Police. Activists Shut Down Major Highway, Demand Release of Video, Mayor Calls for Federal Investigation

American police recently hit a grim milestone. The Guardian reported police have killed their 1,000th person. The Guardian has been tracking the number of police fatalities in a project called The Counted.The British newspaper decided to take up the task when it was revealed that no domestic agency records the number of Americans killed by police. The 1,000th victim was an Oakland resident killed by local police after they were towing away vehicles involved in public stunts. “Officers working sideshow approached by subject who pointed firearm in their direction,” said the Oakland Police Department on Twitter. “Officers fatally shot subject.”

The execution-style shooting death of a reportedly unarmed, handcuffed, 24-year-old Black man by Minneapolis police, has signs of becoming a new Ferguson, as the community demands justice, and city officials seek a federal investigation. Jamar Clark was shot early Sunday morning following a struggle with police officers, according to the Guardian. Police claim Clark was involved in a domestic dispute, and returned to the scene after assaulting someone minutes earlier, “confronting paramedics and disrupting their ability to render aid” to the victim.Eyewitnesses claim Clark was unarmed and handcuffed with his arms behind his back when he was shot in the head. Police detained 51 people after a night of protests in Minneapolis over the shooting of Clark during the arrest. On Monday the Minneapolis mayor, Betsy Hodges, asked for help from the Department of Justice in investigating Clark’s death, and Minnesota congressman Keith Ellison wrote to attorney general Loretta Lynch formally requesting an investigation. This failed to fully satisfy activists, community leaders and protesters, who took to the streets on Monday for the second night in a row. They assembled outside the Minneapolis police fourth precinct building – less than 100 metres from the small makeshift shrine which marks the spot where Clark was shot and gravely wounded – and demanded the release of video footage from the shooting. Protesters closed the road, put up tents outside the precinct including a makeshift canteen, and built a fire pit. Outside in the street activists chanted “Handcuffs, don’t shoot!” - a variation on the “Hands up, don’t shoot” refrain of the Black Lives Matter movement since the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. One man, particularly agitated, swore and yelled: “This man was murdered.” There were children present and several people chastised him for cursing in front of them. He continued to shout; around him, people formed a circle and chanted the Lord’s Prayer. In the center of the circle, the man still jumped and shouted. Over their words, his voice, hoarse with screaming, could be heard. “Tell God to bring Jamar back,” he yelled. After a while a friend arrived to calm him down. The road was blocked for several hours. Police began routing cars down the bank to get them out of the gridlock; one car got stuck. By 9pm the protest on I-94 was reduced to a core of roughly 50 people, linking arms across the road. From the embankment on the side many more watched and chanted encouragement. Police, approaching from both directions along the carriageway, slowly closed in on them. A few escaped by running down the embankment but most of the rest were arrested. After receiving four dispersal warnings, 43 adults and eight juveniles were arrested, according to Tiffani Schweigart, the public information officer for the Minnesota State police. All of the arrests were made on I-94 and were without violent incident, Schweigart said. Back at the precinct building the crowd had grown in size to around a hundred as people returned from I-94 blockade in dribs and drabs. The atmosphere was less tense than it had been a few hours earlier. One man spoke through the loudhailer. “All lives matter!” he said. A woman grabbed it from him. “No,” she said. “That won’t be true until Black lives matter.”

DO YOU REMEMBER…

Humboldt Parkway before the construction of the Kensington Expressway?

ROCCBuffalo.org (716) 883-0529

Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

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HEAP Workshops SENIOR SPOTLIGHT in District 1 •BFNC Moot Senior Center has the Best Breakfast in Buffalo every first Wednesday of the month. •BFNC Moot Senior Center is having line dance classes every Monday from 6pm -7pm •Please call for time and dates for line dance class 716-8824637. •Mrs. Olivia Brown is Program Aide at the BFNC Moot Senior Center

Moot Senior Center prepares for the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner November at the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Center’s (BFNC) Moot Senior Center means another Thanksgiving Dinner for the community, sponsored by CitiGroup and BXI Consultants and located at the Moot Community Center, 292 High St. This year’s dinner will be Thursday, November 19, with Gregory Treadwell’s GLVT LOVEXTREME Jazz Ensemble. Seatings at the Center are from: 12 noon- 2pm; 2:30 to 5 p.m. and; 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets are a $1 donation at the door or can be purchased in advance at all BFNC locations including the Moot Center, Neighborhood House, Westminster House and the Tri-Main Building. A full Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes and all of the fixings will be prepared by Moot Center seniors, volunteers and Emerson School of Hospitality. Volunteers from CitiGroup, BFNC, and community will be there throughout the day to support the event. “ We thank all of our community friends, sponsors and their great volunteer staff, volunteer cooks such as Emerson Commons staff and students, and as always my BFNC staff. Join us for this historic thirty five year milestone of BFNC service to community, “said Ricardo Herrera, Executive Director of BFNC. BFNC has served Buffalo and Erie County continuously since 1893 through its programs for youth, adults and seniors.

1st District Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams will conduct three separate Home Energy worksops where households may submit an application for servies. If an applicant is missing information, they may be allowed to mail the information and complete the application process. All applicants will be interviewed at these sessions. DATE: Monday, November 30, 2015 PLACE: CAO Masten Resource Center 1423 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo NY 14211 TIME: 9am-4pm DATE: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 PLACE: George K. Arthur Community Center 2056 Genesee St., Buffalo NY 14211 TIME: 9am- 4pm DATE: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 PLACE: Matt Urban HOPE Center 385 Paderewski Dr., Buffalo NY 14212 TIME: 9am- 4pm Applicants are requested to bring the following documentation to the Workshop: • One (1) form of identification for all household members (birth certificates, license, Social Security Card) •Proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, SS or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker’s comp., etc.) • Current heat and electric bills • For Heating Equipment: Two (2) furnace estimates from participating HEAP contractors; Proof of homeownership- Deed to home HEAP is a federally funded program to assist Erie County residents with their heating bills. The HEAP workshop will be administered by the Erie County Departments of Social Services and Senior Services and is open to all income eligible households. For information or assistance, please contact Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams Legislative Office at (716) 842-0490 or e-mailbmw@erie.gov or the HEAP Hotline at (716) 858-7644.

GET HELP PAYING YOUR HEATING BILLS. If you need help paying your heating bills this winter, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help. Apply today because funds are very limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. You may also be eligible for a reduced rate on your heating bills through LICAAP, National Fuel’s Low Income Customer Affordability Assistance Program. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit HEAPhelps.com, call 1-877-443-2743 or apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

HEAPhelps.com | 1-877- 443-2743 | mybenefits.ny.gov

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FAITH & FAMILY

Breakfast at The Metro The Metropolitan United Methodist Church located at 657 Best (corner Herman Street), invites the community to join them for their Monthly Community “Breakfast at Metro.” The next free breakfast will be on Saturday, November 21, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. This event will be held the 3rd Saturday of November and December. All ages are welcome to attend. There is no charge but a free will offering will be accepted. Come join us for a meal with family, friends and community neighbors. For more information please contact the church office at (716) 891-5652.

Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Fashion Show Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church in conjunction with the Northland Street CUSHION Block Club will sponsor its second annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Fashion Show on Saturday, November 21, at 4 p.m. , Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten Avenue. Winter costs, hats, scarfs and gloves will be given away free after the dinner. This fun evening is open to the community at no cost. The outfits that will be featured at the fashion show will come from the Lincoln Clothing Closet. The clothing closet is located at the church and is open to the public every Saturday and Tuesday from 10 AM to noon. Slightly used men, women and children’s clothing, hand bags, and shoes are available in the store.

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

for the things He has done!!

Medicare Advantage Plans for 2016! Review:

The Festival of Praise Tour: One Big Holy Ghost Party!

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By Randy Greg

ochester, New York recently welcomed some of the biggest names in gospel music to the Blue Cross Arena. The Festival of Praise Tour did not disappoint as fans came to see headliners Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Kim Burrell and Donnie McClurkin. This wasn’t just a normal concert but a true praise experience. The tour provided a little bit of dance, a little bit of comedy, a little bit of fun and a whole lot of great gospel music. The night started with comedian Marcus Wiley who garnered much laughter from the crowd. Then the lights went down and music from the movie, “The Book of Eli” frolicked in the background. Lightning struck a few times on the big screen as fans cheered in excitement. This wasn’t your normal gospel concert and the big screens were there to prove it. Then the lights came up to all of the Festival of Praise stars which also included Zacardi Cortez, Isaac Carree and Jessica Reedy. The Spirit filled the atmosphere as these artists sang their most known singles such as “We Worship You,” “Stand” and “No Weapon.” Highlights of the performance include Kim Burrell jazz solo redemption of Donnie’s “I Call You Holy.” As I looked around the arena I saw people cheering, weeping and praising all at the same time. It was one big Holy Ghost party that didn’t disappoint. There was even an alter call for people who accepted Christ towards the end of the concert. The night ended strong with the headliners performing their most notable songs. Fred performed “You Are The Living Word,” “This Is The Day” and “Israel” with “I Am Not Forgotten.” Hopefully you didn’t miss the Festival of Praise Tour. If you did, you missed the gospel experience designated for your soul!

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Healing Herbs of the Bible •Aloe (Aloe Vera)—John 19:39–40 Used for: Burns, constipation, cancer, skin irritations •Flax —Leviticus 6:10 Used for: Arthritis, bronchitis, cancer, dermatitis, heart disease, inflammation, rheumatism •Frankincense —Matthew 2:10–11 Used for: Dysentery, gonorrhea, fever, polyps The magi brought the newborn Jesus three gifts: gold to recognize his kingship; frankincense to acknowledge his holiness or divinity; and myrrh to symbolize the hardship and suffering that he would endure. •Garlic —Numbers 11:5–6 Used for: Angina, cancer, colds, diabetes, flu, hypertension, infections Believing that garlic increases virility, Hebrews have relied on the herb to be able to “be fruitful and multiply” as directed in Genesis. •Milk Thistle—Genesis 3:18 Used for: The effects of alcoholism, asthma, cirrhosis, hepatitis, jaundice, kidney and urinary tract stones, psoriasis Milk thistle has been used as a liver remedy for 2,000 years. •Myrrh —Esther 2:12 Used for: Analgesic, astringent, bronchitis, expectorant, high cholesterol •Turmeric —Song of Solomon 4:14–15 Used for: Inflammation, flatulence, arthritis, bronchitis, diuretic, dyspepsia, expectorant, laryngitis, lymphoma, rheumatism Powdered turmeric is an antioxidant. The essential oil of turmeric has shown anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activity in rats. And I believe that turmeric as a pain reliever has preceded aspirin by at least 2,000 years. Adapted from Herbs of the Bible: 2,000 Years of Plant Medicine (Interweave Press, 1999) by James A. Duke, Ph.D.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

“Athletic Greats”: The Tradition Continues

“Coach” Lonnie Celebrates 80th Birthday and 16 Years of Hosting “Athletic Greats” Gathering

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he next two weeks at the The New Humboldt Inn at 347 E. Delavan Avenue will be special for proprietor Zenith Lonnie Jackson This Saturday, November 21, a special 80th birthday celebration will honor the amazing octogenarian. Known by countless local athletes as “coach,” Lonnie, a graduate of North Carolina A&T University where he was a football (Split End) standout, also played football while serving in the Marines. After earning his college degree his varied career choices included (but were not limited to) serving briefly as a state trooper, a counselor, and driver, but his love for sports and coaching never stopped. From little league football with the Steelers and 49ers in the 1970s and after, to the Humboldt Inn Girls Softball team and beyond, “Coach Lonnie” was a treasured mentor to more young people than he can remember. “A lot of my students at South Park were coached by him,” recalled his partner Barbara Jones, who taught for many years at McKinley and South Park High Schools and in New York City before retiring. “Everybody knows him as ‘coach’” she said proudly. “He’s always running into somebody who remembers him. He’s shown so much respect, and he deserves it!” Which brings us to the second significant date at the New Humboldt Inn Wednesday November 25 at 8 p.m. That’s when the annual Gathering of Buffalo’s Athletic Greats takes place. Traditionally held at the club every Thanksgiving Eve, it’s organized yearly by Richard “The Lion Hearted” Clark. Lonnie has hosted the historic gathering at his establishment for the past 15 yeas. “It’s a real heartwarming affair,” continued Barbara. “It’s really an amazing event; something that brings back a lot of good memories.” One of the highlights is a tribute to those “greats” who have made their transition; tremendous athletes like Zellie Dow, Fred Foster and Al Brown.

TRADITION CONTINUES: Athletic Greats organizer Richard Clark (left) and host “Coach” Lonnie Jackson.

“A lot of the guys have gone on but the Athletic Greats Gathering continues to bring everybody together,” continued Barbara. The tributes she said, date back 30 and 40 years for some. THE

LIST

OF

“GREATS”

The public is invited to attend the Gatheing of the Greats. This marks the 16th

year that the event has been held. Participants look forward to another year of laughter, “tall tales” of days gone by, and coming together. Some of the “greats” who graced Buffalo’s basketball courts, football fields, track fields, tennis courts, pools and baseball fields over the years Continued Page 15

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Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

ON STAGE *THE JACKSONS! November 21 at 8 p.m. at the UB Center for the Arts. Tickets are available at the Center Box Office 10am-6pm and tickets.com For more info call 645-2787. www.ubcfa. org

NAPPY HOUR! At Hair To Go Natural 727 Main St. Saturday,

November 28 4-7 p.m.

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*AUTUMN WAVE 2 (Tribute to Frankie Beverly and Maze) Sunday, November 29 The Tralf, featuring performances by Drea DNur, Vinnie DeRosa, Carlton Wilcox, Live, The Unity Band and S.A.S.Hosted by Will Holton 7pm Doors | 8pm Show 21+ admitted General Admission Event $20 Advance / $30 Day Of Show; Ticketmaster.com / Wal-Mart / Tralf Box Office 716.852.2860 / Tralf.com *NIKKI HICKS & MOMMA’S BISCUITS Saturday November 21, Tralf, 8pm $20 & $25 Day Of Show *Black Friday Weekend Explosion Part I Friday, Nov. 27, featuring Enchantment, The Blue Notes, Intruders & The Deele; Part 2 Sat. Nov. 28 Avant, David Hollister, H-Town & Noel Gourdin; Both dates 8 p.m., Auditorium Theatre, 855 E. Main St. Rochester; Ticket Master Outlets, Auditorium Theatre Box Office.

Ousmane Sall

*Stevie Wonder, Thursday Nov. 19 to perform live at the First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo! Tickets are available at Livenation.com, Tickets.com and at the First Niagara Center Box Office or call 1-888-223-6000. * F R I D AY N I G H T LAUGHS COMEDY SERIES W E L COMES “Comedian SHAWTY” from MTV 2’s Nick Cannon Presents Wild’N Out and “K-Dubb” from VH-1’s Family Hustle with T.I and Tiny.Tralf Music Hall The Holiday Customer Appreciation Show, on Friday, November 20 for Two Shows at 7:30pm and 10pm, located at 622 Main Street. *JOHN LEGEND Part of UB Distinguished Speakers Lineup: Singer/songwriter, producer, philanthropist and entrepreneur John Legend will be among the headline speakers in the University at Buffalo’s 2015-16 Distinguished Speakers Series. Legend will appear for an evening of speaking, Q &A, and songs with piano on Thursday, December 3 at 8 p.m. in the Alumni Arena, UB North Campus (he was initially scheduled to appear Nov. 18).Tickets are available on-line thru Ticketmaster.com On Febuary 11 Charles Ogletree, will appear in Alumni Arena as the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration keynote speaker.

African Dance Workshops With Ousmane Sall This Weekend! Ousmane Sall, a master dancer/choreographer and drummer from Senegal, West Africa, will conduct African dance workshops in the Buffalo area on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21.On Friday Sabar classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. at 700 Main Street at the Wasteland Studios . On Saturday, Koutero classes will take place at 3 p.m. at the African American Cultural Center at 350 Masten Avenue.The cost is $15 per class or $25 for both classes. The workshops are sponsored by the African American Cultural Center Dance & Drum Performance Company. Although he excels in all of the Senegalese styles of drum and dance, he specializes in the Kutiro rhythms. He was born in Senegal, to a traditional drumming and dance family and was formally trained at the National Dance Academy. He performed for many years in Senegal with the second national dance group of Senegal, National Ballet Senemew, and also Silimbo D’Adeane. He is currently based i California. As a teacher Ousmane brings a warmth and presence into the classroom that encourages each student to feel at ease, inspiring the freedom to open themselves up to the rhythm, brings out the best in their learning abilities. He shows unending patience for his students whatever their age. His energetic dancing constantly defies the bounds of gravity. His sensual and mystical dance style brings at once to the audience or students - charm, strength, masculinity, and vibrant energy.

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Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

“Humanity is One “ Imam Fajri Ansari Presents at the 2015 Parliament of World Religions

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mam Fajri Ansar,i Resident Imam of Masjid Nu'man, Buffalo N.Y. and Imam Izak-El Mu’eed Pasha, Resident Imam of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz in Harlem, New York were presenters at the 2015 Parliament of the Worlds Religions being held in Salt Lake City, Utah October 15 through October 19, 2015. The Parliament of the Worlds Religions was created to cultivate harmony among the worlds religious and spiritual communities and foster their engagement with the world and its guiding institutions in order to achieve a just, peaceful and sustainable world. Imam Ansari, a follower of Imam W. D. Mohammed, has traveled many times to Rome to interfaith meetings at the Focolare Center. He is involved with the Focolare in the US and its program for Universal Brotherhood that embraces both the followers of Imam W. D. Mohammed and of Chiara Lubich. He has been President of the Network of Religious Communities in Western New York. Imam Izak-El Mu’eed Pasha, also follower of Imam W. D. Mohammed, directs education, community development, and the Clara Mohammed School. He is on boards of World Conference for Religion and Peace, US Inter-Religious Committee of Peace in the Middle East, and the World Congress of Christians, Jews and Muslims. Imam Ansari On May 18, 1997, the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem led by Imam Izak-El M. Pasha hosted Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, spiritual leader of the largest Muslim association in America, and Chiara Lubich, a Catholic woman founder and president of the Focolare Movement. Lubich was the first non-Muslim to speak at the Mosque. Imam Mohammed commented, “We are very happy and pleased and we feel that our hearts have been blessed to be here to witness the address to this gathering in Harlem.” Later, Chiara and Imam Mohammed made a “pact” formalizing their commitment to collaborate in fostering unity in the family of humankind. Chiara Lubich remarked, “The God whom we all love and believe in had created a bond among us. Undoubtedly he was present there while Imam Mohammed and I were speaking, filling everyone with a joy we could hardly contain. God left no doubt that we are all his children, all brothers and sisters.” The panel discussed this journey to humanity as one. It opened a dialogue with the audience on how they might also reach out and include African-American Muslims who are often left out of interfaith groups that only include other Muslims. They were joined by Donald W. Mitchell, professor emeritus of comparative philosophy at Purdue University; visiting professor of interreligiousdialogue at Sophia University Institute, Florence, Italy; and editor of Claritas: Journal of Dialogue and Culture. He is a founding member of the Society for BuddhistChristian Studies, and was director of the International BuddhistChristian Theological Encounter. He has worked in dialogues for the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, and Focolare. Dr. Roberto Catalano is the director of the Focolare’s International Office for Interreligious Dialogue. Under his leadership, the Focolare Movement stands at the forefront of the Catholic Church’s efforts to build unity with other religions. His office hosted the Buddhist-Catholic dialogue in Rome at their conference center. Having lived in India for 28 years, Catalano facilitated dialogue between Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. He now carries out this interreligious dialogue on a global level of encounter. Dr. Susan Kopp is a professor at the City University of New York and an affiliated scholar at the Yale Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics. A part of the Focolare Movement since her youth, she has worked for many years in the Movement's youth initiatives and, more recently, has assisted in the coordination of its ecumenical and interreligious activities. She serves as the Focolare representative to Religions for Peace USA and is on the advisory board of the Focolare's Center for Education in Dialogue. Their topic was “Humanity is One.”

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

BEYOND THE GAME continued

ents, athletes, scouts and other patrons at the game were outraged. This is not an instance where supporters of one team are unhappy with an outcome, this is an instance where parents, students athletes and patrons expect a level playing field, fairness and equality of treatment for all student athletes. The events of the November 9, 2015 game was antithetical to our sense of fairness and, in fact, shocked the conscious. “The issue of urban, predominately African American sports teams and players and their treatment by Section VI management with concerns going back several years, are now at issue. We are now raising the question of whether or not the treatment of African American student athletes in Buffalo’s urban schools, under the purview of Section VI, constitute racially disparate unfair treatment and rise to the level of violating federal Title Vi and title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and/or the Equal Access of Education Act of 1974 and/or New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act. “After the November 9 game, it is clear to us that the best interests of our kids, and competitive sports for all high school kids, require that we take aggressive action to address our concerns.” Bro. Dahveed Muhammad of the Nation of Islam said that his organization was “standing in unity” with the parents and community leaders quest for fairness, but that the entire incident was systematic of a larger issue in Buffalo, and in the school system in particular: racial discrimination. He cited the findings and recommendations put forth recently by expert Dr. Gary Orfield of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights to provide greater diversity and to end allegations of discrimination in the admissions practices at certain criterion schools. Despite what he called the “arrogance” and “so-what-sue-us” attitude, among some Board members, he called on the Board to move forward and implement Dr. Orfield’s recommendations.. The Bennett High football issue will also be brought before the Board. It goes beyond who won or who lost, said Radford. “Right now we don’t believe that (the officiating) was fair and objective…(and) we’re calling for an objective analysis…and a report…but we are not going to allow our children to be discriminated against unfairly …we are not going to sit back and be quiet…and sweep this under the rug…we don’t want people to get used to treating our children unfairly.” “Racial disparity in one of the most segregated cities in America must be confronted,” he said.

BLACK HISTORY continued

put no dogs on me, they didn’t rob me of my nationality, rape and kill my mother and father. ... Shoot them for what? How can I shoot them poor people? Just take me to jail.” On June 20, 1967, Ali was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000 and banned from boxing for three years. He stayed out of prison as his case was appealed. Fourteen Black University of Wyoming football players asked their coach to allow them to wear black armbands during a 1969 game against Brigham Young University, which was operated by the Mormon Church. They wanted to protest the church’s policy of banning African Americans from entering its priesthood. Coach Lloyd Eaton dismissed the athletes from the team, which set off a series of federal court cases, known as Williams v. Eaton, over free speech. Nine Black Syracuse University football players (who mistakenly became known as the Syracuse Eight) boycotted practices and games over “institutional racist mistreatment of players,” according to the university’s archives. They made great personal sacrifices for their protest, but it ultimately brought about change. Tennis superstar Serena Williams ended her 14-year boycott of the $5 million Indian Wells, Calif., tournament earlier this year. Back in 2001 Richard Williams, the coach and father of Venus and Serena Williams, said that the Indian Wells crowd hurled the n-word at his daughters when Venus withdrew from a match against Serena. Five St. Louis Rams football players showed their solidarity last year with protesters in Ferguson, Mo., by jogging onto the field for pregame introductions with the “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture, a reference to the testimony of some witnesses who said that Michael Brown had his hands up before white Police Officer Darren Wilson fatally shot the unarmed black teenager. In 2012 LeBron James tweeted a photo of himself and his Miami Heat teammates wearing hoodies. The NBA stars added their voices to those demanding justice for Trayvon Martin, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt when neighborhood-watch volunteer George Zimmerman fatally shot the unarmed black teenager in Sanford, Fla. Zimmerman’s acquittal in 2013 sparked nationwide protests. Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose came onto the court for warmups last year wearing an “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirt. Those were the last words of Eric Garner, a Staten Island, N.Y., man who died when a white police officer used a choke hold to arrest the unarmed man for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, but a grand jury declined to indict New York City Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo.

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Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

Receivership in Action...

New Column on The Family

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eceivership (Education Law 211-F (8) I know, it’s the law of the land – that is the State of New York. But that does not make it a good law. Nor is it a given that its tenets can be translated into a feasible strategy for school improvement. Yet as of July 2015, it is the law and thanks to the powers that be, Buffalo and its School District are at the epicenter of educational controversy once again. As of November 10th, the Buffalo School District and its students have been thrust into the position of becoming the test case of the State’s new Receivership law. The failure of the Superintendent and the Buffalo Teachers Federation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding has provided Commissioner MaryEllen Elia the impetus to flex her statutory powers to enforce the agreement without the Union’s consent. The Commissioner’s action has given Buffalo’s Superintendent Receiver extraordinarily authority to dictate changes he deems necessary “to make demonstrable improvement in student performance” in 5 “persistently struggling schools”. Barbara Seals The Commissioner’s decision should come as no surprise to anyone who has Nevergold been watching her interactions with the District. During her first visit to Buffalo, after just a week on the job, she delivered an ultimatum to the Board. Couching her concerns in the reform cliché of “urgency” she signaled her intention to force the District into compliance with this new mandate. This ruling makes good on that promise/threat (depending on your point of view). However, the issuance of a 107 page opinion, accompanied by a 10 point executive summary, raises more questions about the implementation and the efficacy of the Receivership model than it answers. It has also set the stage for serious examination of and opposition to this law. Since the passage of the Receivership legislation and the frantic rush of the State Education Department to create regulations to implement the law, I have raised questions about the law and its ultimate impact on urban schools and students. My concerns are elevated by the complacency and blind acceptance of, assumption that, and ignorance of…….. a law which was created to influence educational reform, but developed by politicians to be imposed by bureaucrats. And although its scope, for now, is confined to a small number of schools, Receivership and its implementation bear an eerie similarity to that of the Common Core. The timeframe for implementation of the Receivership model is evocative of the infamous claim by former SED Commissioner John King, regarding Common Core, that he was building the plane while flying it. Buffalo’s Superintendent Receiver has to pilot a jet because he has one year (the clock started before State Ed fully developed regulations for Receivership) to show “demonstrable progress” in the “persistently struggling” schools. Failure will allow the Commissioner to order the Board to hire an outside receiver, who will be given three years to accomplish the impossible. Receivership, like the Common Core has not been field tested. Oh, but that’s what we’ll be doing in Buffalo! Other districts will have the opportunity to learn from our experiences. And we will have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. But at what cost to our students? Questions about Common Core’s development, validity and impact on student achievement are also relevant to Receivership. The Receivership law is not based on educational research: Where are the models that demonstrate successful receivership? Oh wait; there is a model of receivership right here in New York. In 2002, the New York State Ed Department took over Long Island’s Roosevelt School District and held it in receivership for over a decade. The District was returned to local control in 2013. And where is Roosevelt School District today? On the list with one of its five schools designated as a “struggling school” slated for receivership. So, I repeat. Where are the models that demonstrate successful receivership? What does a receiver do that positively impacts student achievement? Buffalo’s Superintendent Receiver identified ten specific changes he wants to make at the schools. For example, he will now be able to move “effective” teachers without their agreement to “persistently struggling” schools. But how will he determine who the “effective” teachers are? Are they the teachers whose students have scored at the proficient level on the ELA and Math exams? Since 40% of a teacher’s evaluation is based on student assessments that seems like a plausible criterion. Yet from our own experience, as students, we know there are many intangibles that contribute to making good, effective teachers. Another question; Will “effective” teachers be moved from current schools in good standing? The Receiver’s plans must spell out and provide verified data to answer these and other questions. The State has tied this plan to “accountability” and we should demand that transparency and openness also anchor it. Buffalo is a fragile District. We have new leadership in the Superintendent Receiver, appointed two months ago; numerous vacancies in key administrative positions; a teacher’s contract that needs to be resolved; and more. The Board is fractionalized, to put it politely. In addition, we are still required to address previous State Education mandates, “out of time schools”; creation of new schools; and the Office of Civil Rights complaint related to our criterion schools that has yet to be resolved. As we are now forced to add Receivership to this list, the ultimate question is: Will receivership help us to positively increase student achievement or is this yet another “quick fix” mandate impacting our most vulnerable students but offering little to change their educational landscape?

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal.

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ou may recall that I recently ran for Erie County Family Court and now that the race is over I was offered the opportunity to do some writing about one of my favorite subjects; the family. As an attorney with nearly 30 years experience in handling family matters, this column will bring my unique perspective, strong opinions and sound advice to those seeking answers to family challenges . I will base my writing on a few essential foundations. The first foundation is the wisdom of the One who created us, the Lord of the Bible (the manual on solving all family issues). As a Christian I believe what Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”… I want to go the right way, I want to know the truth and I want the abundant life for my family. This is a strong foundation that will anchor this column. Second, I have been Blessed with several years of Judicial experience including as “Judge” in Small and Commercial Claims, Buffalo City Court from 1999 to about 2010; as a Hearing Officer for “Quality of Life” cases in City Hall and as Administrative Law Judge handling appeals in the Parking Violations Bureau. Over the years I have also handled a general civil practice including real estate, wills, adoptions, and of course Family Court. I have also had the privilege of working with eterans on financial matters through the VA and spent a few years as a substitute teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools as well as an Instructor of Paralegal Studies at Bryant and Stratton. This wide range of experience has equipped me to write about the family from many different angles. If you have questions concerning any of these subject areas, feel free to submit your questions to the Challenger News and I will do my best to answer your questions or direct you to those who can help. An added foundation and dimension of relevant experience I have in order to address issues concerning the

family is that practical experience that a wife, mother and grandmother can gain over the years of raising a family. In this column I hope to provide some valuable information and helpful advice to those who are deterKATIE HARROD mined to raise strong, secure and happy children. A great goal in this day and age. I will focus on families who want to create a nurturing home environment so that every member of the family can thrive, not just survive. I will address concerns of married couples, single parents and grandparents who may be stretched, stressed and in need of information that works to strengthen relationships. I was brought up in the rich tradition of the extended family where grandmas and grandpas had a huge say in bringing their years of experience and wisdom to the family unit. Invaluable!! I was raised during a time when even neighbors and the community at large were important components in the lives of young people. (These networks still exist today but are not as prevalent as “back in the day”). For example, we had neighborhood schools where we would walk home for lunch and we had something called recess where we learned how to play together (including dealing with bossy kids they call them bullies now, but we handled those kids on our own without adult intervention or a consent committee/focus group to create yet another category of “victims”). Don’t be alarmed, but these columns will consist of a no “Political Correctness Zone”. The answers will simply be correct, with no nonsense. The answer to that tired, over-worked… “you have offended me” phrase is, just “get over yourself”!

say that outloud? In my part of town, in Hamlin Park, my parents and their friends, had neighbors strategically placed to keep an eye on us. To this day I do not know how they did that but for sure, if we did something wrong on the way to or from school, my parents already knew about it by the time our little feet hit the door. Wait a minute…and get this… that neighbor even had permission to correct us! They knew our parents would, shall we say…ENFORCE that correction when we got home. Loving discipline (I challenge you to look up the word discipline on the thesaurus App of your smart phone, it’s not a derogatory term). In fact, the major antonym for discipline is CHAOS. So discipline is the very opposite of what we see running wild within so many of our families these days. In this column I want to share the collective advice of several generations of families who knew how to create a warm loving place for children to grow and still understand the importance of being respectful, productive and responsible young people. I plan to sit down and spend time with some wise people in our community who have raised successful children. I will bring their words and insight to this column. The column on Family will be interactive. Contact me through the website, Challenger News. com or my e-mail address at: Katieharrodlaw@yahoo.com. Looking forward to next month, until then be Blessed and remember the secret to success, in the family and in every aspect of life; Joshua 1:7-9.

One last thing that I remember from those days when I was coming up, is that children were taught to respect those in authority. Oh, did I

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Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

12

Business

“Introducing Women and Interested Parties to the World of Construction”

Ribbon cutting: Mayor Brown takes part in recent ribbon cutting ceremony with Ross Cellino and Steve Barnes at beautiful new offfices.

Law Firm Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Buffalo Office

One of our nation’s largest personal injury firms, Cellino & Barnes, is excited to announce a grand re-opening of its Grider Street office after a year-long renovation. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown joined Ross Cellino & Steve Barnes for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this commitment to the city at the law firm’s newly renovated office at 451 Grider Street last Thursday. The renovation completely overhauled Cellino & Barnes’ previous office building at the location and added meeting spaces, work stations, and a brand-new second floor which includes additional offices. “For 14 years you were a major investor early on before this neighborhood began to transition,” said Mayor Brown. “You have been a great partner in this neighborhood - you’ve been involved in the community - you have contributed to block clubs, to community associations and little league organizations and … on your own (made) the decision to completely rebuild the building - and as mayor of the City of Buffalo, we are very thankful for you as corporate citizens. As one of the largest and well-respected law firms in our community, you give a lot back to the community and I am very pleased to be here with you for the grand opening of this great building on Grider street right across from ECMC.” “We hope to continue growing in the Buffalo area and this renovation is another demonstration of our dedication to Western New York families who are impacted by devastating injuries,” Cellino & Barnes co-founder Ross Cellino said. “We are proud to show that Western New York is a great area to live, work and invest.” Cellino & Barnes chose the Western New York-based Lehigh Construction Group to overhaul the existing office building on Grider Street. For the past 25 years, Lehigh has helped develop Buffalo and the surrounding area with renovations and construction projects of all shapes and sizes. “We believe in Buffalo and we believed in keeping the work local,” co-founder Steve Barnes said. “It’s been an honor to have helped thousands of hard-working families in Western New York and this beautiful, newly renovated office will allow us to continue our goal of assisting the Buffalo-Niagara region for years to come.” Background on Cellino & Barnes: Cellino & Barnes is one of the largest personal injury law firms in the country and has helped accident victims obtain over $1.5 billion in settlements and verdicts. With its roots in Buffalo, the firm also has offices in downtown Los Angeles and throughout the state of New York, including New York City, Long Island and Rochester. The team of attorneys at Cellino & Barnes focus on personal injury cases, including medical malpractice, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, construction and workplace accidents, product liability and more. For more information about Cellino & Barnes visit our website at www.CellinoandBarnes.com

Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant, We Are Women Warriors and Local 276 Labor Union Organizers Chris Austin and Ras Jomo Akono are Presenting “Introducing Women and Interested Parties to the World of Construction” Wednesday, November 18, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather Library 1324 Jefferson Ave. Topics to be addressed will include: Learning how to join a Union, Applying for the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, Becoming a City/County, State or Federal Certified Minority or Woman-Owned Business Erie County. Special guests include the heads of several prominent local unions. Applications to join the unions or the pre-Apprenticeship programs will be available at the meeting. In addition, Charley H. Fisher, co-leader of the ground breaking Solar City Rally Initiative, will be one of the speakers at this seminar. He will discuss Section 3 and how the region is not enforcing that Federal law on many of the construction projects that are happening in and around Buffalo. Questions and comments will be taken from the audience. For more information, please contact We Are Women Warriors founder, Betty Jean Grant @ 716/602-5877 Introducing Women and Interested Parties to the World of Construction.

ECC, Solar City to host information sessions on November 23 and 24 Erie Community College and Solar City officials will offer details necessary for those interested in training for careers throughout the region’s newest industries during information sessions at ECC North (B Building, Rm. 602) on Monday, November 23 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and at ECC City (Minnie Gillette Auditorium) on Tuesday, November 24 from noon to 1:00 p.m. Representatives will be on hand to speak to individuals interested in starting, restarting or redirecting their education toward careers in nanotechnology, semiconductor manufacturing or other exciting fields associated with industries now setting up across the Buffalo Niagara region. Topics to be covered include one- and two-year programs that take students from classrooms to professions; financial aid and scholarships available to ease costs for all students; course flexibility to help those already balancing work and family; transportation options to all three ECC campuses; and Pathways opportunities to non-high school graduates interested in pursuing higher education. College transcripts, unofficial high school transcript or original GED®/High School Equivalency (with test scores) should be brought by those interested in having their credentials reviewed on site by ECC Admissions representatives. For more information, call the ECC Office of Transition at 8511239. When: Monday, November 23 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday, November 24 from noon to 1:00 p.m. Where: ECC North Campus B Building, Rm. 602, 6205 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221 ECC City Campus, Minnie Gillette Auditorium121 Ellicott St. Who: Representatives from Erie Community College and Solar City.

ATTORNEYS Terrence D. McKelvey Attorney at Law 181 Franklin St. Suite 101 (716) 847-2606

AUTO Ben’s Downtown Tire 50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

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

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

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Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF ERIE MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff against KARLA WARREN, ONE OF THE HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF SARAH J. SIMMONS, if living, and if she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff; TANISHA SIMMONS, ONE OF THE HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF SARAH J. SIMMONS, if living, and if she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all generally or such unknown persons being herein generally described and such unknown persons herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such, any and all persons deriving interest in or line upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff; specific lien upon the real property described in this action; TANYA SIMMONS, ONE OF THE HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF SARAH J. SIMMONS; TOYA SIMMONS, ONE OF THE HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF SARAH J. SIMMONS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated on November 7, 2014. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Foreclosure Alcove of the Erie County Hall, 92 Franklin Street,

City of Buffalo, N.Y. on the 30th day of November, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Said premises known as 28 Newburgh Avenue, City of Buffalo, N.Y. 14211. (Section: 101.33, Block: 4, Lot: 10). Approximate amount of lien $51,896.11 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 600529-10. Dennis C. Gaughan, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg, & Conway, P.C. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street - Suite 210 New Rochelle, New York 10801 (914) 636-8900

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the County Legislature of the County of Erie, New York, shall be held in the Chambers of the Legislature, located at Old County Hall, 92 Franklin St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York, in said County, on the 23rd day of November, 2015, at 5:00 O’Clock P.M., Prevailing Time, for the purpose of conducting a public hearing to hear public comment on the County Executive’s 2016 Tentative Budget. The County Executive’s 2016 Tentative Budget was submitted to the Legislature on the 15th day of October, 2015. Copies of the Budget are available for Public Inspection at the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature, located at Old County Hall, 92 Franklin St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York 14202. Budget information may be viewed at www. erie.gov/legislature. Dated: Buffalo, New York, November 2, 2015 By: Karen M. McCarthy Clerk, County Legislature

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Job Fair!

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will host aTable Games Dealer Job Fair on Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Hawk Meeting Room inside the Resort & Casino. There will be three sessions of open interviews for part-time jobs: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.More than 100 part-time positions are available. visit www.SenecaCasinos.com and click on “Careers.” LEGAL NOTICE Bids The Matt Urban Center Notice of Request for Bids The City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) and The Matt Urban Center announce the opportunity for qualified General Contractors to submit proposals for 3 residential housing rehabilitation projects located in the City of Buffalo. The three properties are listed below: 21 South Ryan, 928 Fillmore Ave, & 933 Fillmore Ave All proposed work must meet City of Buffalo, EPA Codes and Regulations. General Contractors will be required to submit a Bid Bond with their proposal. Proposals should include all information specified in the respective bid packages. The bid packages are available on CD for pick-up at The Matt Urban Center, Housing Department, located at 1081 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212. For any questions or information, contact lvishwanath@urbanctr.org or rgilray@ city-buffalo.com. Bid Deadline for these projects is 12/04/2015 at 3:00 PM EST.

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EMPLOYMENT HR Partner Staffing is hosting Open Interviews November 19th from 11am to 2pm at True Bethel located at 907 E. Ferry St.Come dressed for success. Bring 2 forms of I.D. For more information call (716) 391-1718. MUSICIAN WANTED The New Hope Baptist Church in Niagara Falls, New York is looking for a qualified pianist/ organist to play for a medium size congregation. Must be a person of faith and have a commitment to building the music program. Salary-Negotiable. Knowledge of praise, gospel and traditional music helpful and is able to work with a youth choir. If interested, please contact Deacon Michael Williamson at 716622-2189 or Deacon Patrick Jones at 716-990-3676.

PASTOR VACANCY Resumes are being accepted. PLEASE SEND TO: Antioch Baptist Church Attention: Deacon James Thomas 1327 Fillmore Avenue Buffalo, New York 14211 Email: antioch1327@verizon

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Sisters Hospital is relocating its STAR outpatient counseling service from 1595 Bailey Ave., Buffalo, NY 14212 to 1500 Broadway Street, Buffalo, NY 14212. This is a NYS licensed service.

APTS/HOUSES FOR RENT HOUSES FOR SALE

ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included. (716)818-3410.

Employee Benefits Assistant

The Human Resource Management Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Employee Benefits Assistant. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

B S I

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

Employee BenefitsSpecialist Assistant Student Retention

The Human Resource Management Department at Buffalo State, State University of The Success Office State University of New York, New Student York, seeks candidates for at theBuffalo position State, of Employee Benefits Assistant. seeks candidates for the position of Student Retention Specialist. Required Qualifications: • • • • • •

Human Resources, employee benefits or business/office experience . For a full conducting job description and to sessions apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu Experience informational and/or employee orientations Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills Strong attention to detail Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, and Publisher Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in business or closely related degree combined with relevant experience Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences. • Employee benefits experience or experience in a unionized higher education human resource setting • Familiarity with the NYS employee benefits rules and regulations • Supervisory experience • PHR Certification in human resource management through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Women’s Tennis Assistant Coach

Assist inQualified all aspects of the Women’s Tennis program as assigned by the Women’s Tennis applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu. Head Coach. Develop a competitive Division I Women’s Tennis Team. Responsible for: recruitment and retention of student-athletes, planning and executing practices for all aspects of the women’s tennis program, fundraising, and community and alumni relations. Oversee the State academic progressaction/equal of the women’s tennisemployer student-athletes. Buffalo is an affirmative opportunity and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

Please complete application process at: https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=58450 Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Minimum one year of successful experience as a graduate assistant in a college Division I athletic program. Demonstrable experience in sport team travel, budgeting, and scheduling required. Knowledge of NCAA and the MidAmerican Conference policies and rules. Salary Range: Commensurate with experience. UB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer/recruiter.

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, 856-5627/ Fax 7856-5670 www.workforcebuffalo.org Free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable in today’s marketplace.Orientation Mon – Thurs 10 am or 2 pm.

B B S S I D P

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Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

RADNEY’S SPORTS UPDATE

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

3-WAY

SUN 11/8

MON 11/9

TUES 11/10

WED 11/11 THURS 11/12 FRI 11/13 SAT 11/14

MID-682 MID-401 MID-841 MID-373 MID-917 MID-420 EVE-261 EVE-298 EVE-179 EVE-310 EVE-469 EVE-382

MID-029 EVE-369

Bills hold on for 22 – 17 For Win Over Jets

The Bills used turnovers by the Jets for a 22 – 3 lead early in the third quarter. The Bills versus Jets is an old fashion defensive struggle between two outstanding defensive teams. The Bills defense came up big against a mistake-prone offense led by Ryan MID- 7771 MID -4921 MID - 3262 MID-4864 MID -8173 MID-5782 MID-9752 Fritzpatrick. Fritz once again showed that he is truly a back up QB EVE- 9834 EVE- 6224 EVE - 5076 EVE- 5544 EVE- 0028 EVE- 6771 EVE-5983 at best. Bills offensive line had an excellent game by opening up WIN 4 holes for LeSean McCoy, who had 19 rushes for 112 yards. McCoy said: “Rex is a player’s coach, and we knew this game meant a lot to him.” 1-7-29-34-37 10-27-33-37-38 8-11-17-27-38 5-27-28-32-34 3-8-10-21-25 3-19-22-24-27 3-14-17-24-34 Bills safety Duke Williams, after his special teams fumble recovTAKE 5 ery that he ran back for a touchdown said, “Rambo made a great play on kick off caus ing a fumble. We were deep and guys were making plays. It was great being on prime 5-8-9-17-28-48 #19 3-9-11-16-20-38 #17 LOTTO time and winning a conference game. We stood together and won.” Bills defensive back Bacarri Rambo said, “Coach Rex has our backs and it’s a good feeling know ing your coach has your back.” Rambo acHOT TIPS counted for three turnovers - two caused fumbles and one interception. It was another By GEORGE outstanding performance by Bacarri Rambo, RADNEY who I feel should be getting more playing Challenger Hits time in the Bills secondary. All Bacarri does is make big plays in critical situations. Midday Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan said about naming I.K. Enemkpali a cap029- Number Book (bx) tain for the game: “He’s a good kid and everybody makes mistakes 547-491-165-990-256-035-068-475-176-970-370-198-513917-ZR & Libra (bx) including all of you pointing fingers.” That was very well stated and 841-Quick $$$ (bx) 522-809-507-647-350-760-919-513-891-558-047-060-307now hopefully local media will leave him alone and let him play 401-Hot Tips & Luckie Duckie football. 491-507-912-107-047-311-567-239-865-791-085-473-165(bx) The Bills are 4 – 1 with Tyrod Taylor, LeSean McCoy and Sammy 789-247-567-543-136-705-892-965-135-799-510-460 682- Billie Bye Bye (bx) Watkins in the lineup. Tyrod is 5 – 2 as a starter and his winning percentage should continue grow as long as he can stay injury free. “Its In T he Stars” Billy Bye Bye Sez: Evening Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman must do a better job of getAquarius -496-235-165-579 570-153-268-393-738-118 496-Aries 7 & Number Book ting everybody involved in the offense especially Charles Clay, RobPisces 056-362-237-694 1447-1645-4444-6888 (Straight); ert Woods, Chris Gragg, and more of Karlos Williams. Coach Roman Cancer 482-372-895-718 “Believe in miracles but has been mediocre at best as a play calling professional. Tyrod must Aquarius & Pisces (bx) Aries 561-236-164-469 don’t depend on them” spread the ball around to all of our offensive weapons. Once again 179-ZR (bx), Libra (Straight) Taurus -258-231-026-695 Mario Williams was a non-factor due to illness and only played a 298-ZR & Nov. Vibes (bx) Gemini-495-257-694-508 few downs in the game. Mario must really step up his game in order NOVEMBER MONTHLY VIBES 261-Luckie Duckie (bx) Leo-345-213-157-201 for Bills defense to gradually get back to its dominating past. The Virgo 385-291-431-170 289-163-654-890-243 defense is getting better each game and that is very optimistic for LUCKIE DUCKIE Libra -247-723-179-501 the rest of the season. THANKSGIVING HITS Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 The Bills play the New England Patriots next Monday night. The Pa202 335 -2015-4444 260-352-064-296 Sagittarius - 389-701-234-924 triots are beat up at a lot of key positions with Julian Edelman, Dion 134-431-143 Capricorn:893-275-342-506 Lewis, and Nate Soldier all out of this game. Tom Brady must come 648*123*104 up with another magical win like the one over New York Giants. I 980-422-809 quick money $$$$ THE NUMBER BOOK see the Bills in a perfect storm defeating the Patriots with a fierce 981-989-970-990-080189-809-444 pass rush and two interceptions of Brady in a wild win by Bills 35 800-515-996 390-196-102-581-752– 31. 886-980-422

815

996

003

648

514

867 140

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR)

322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508

Grandma’s NOVEMBER 793-563-

319-408-378-352-126

189-444-886-514

322-522-412-432-421423

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

Picks

Powerful New Energy Shift for Chinese New Year of the Sheep, Lucky Number “8.” This year marks 4017 Years of Celebration. “Watch your temper!”

Best Triple for Month of NOVEMBER 666

Doubles - 556-911-255-677 WEEK DAY HITS! mon 852-tues 987-wed 726 thurs 931-fri 794-sat 015

11/26/2014 Evening 11/26/2014 Midday 11/25/2014 Evening 11/25/2014 Midday 11/24/2014 Evening 11/24/2014 Midday 11/23/2014 Evening 11/23/2014 Midday 11/22/2014 Evening 11/22/2014 Midday 11/21/2014 Evening 11/21/2014 Midday 11/20/2014 Evening 11/20/2014 Midday 11/19/2014 Evening 11/19/2014 Midday 11/18/2014 Evening 11/18/2014 Midday

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

2014

South Park Defeats Brockport in Western Regionals 20 – 7

Buffalo South Park Sparks dominated Rochester’s Brockport Blue Devils in a regional State qualifier High School football game played at Sahlen Stadium in Rochester NY. South Park was led by QB Tyree Brown and an offense that featured wide receiver David Thomas, who had 3 receptions for 131 yards. David said key to the win was, “putting points on the score board and stopping them on defense. My quarterback put some trust in me and it worked out. We do a lot of team film work and we knew what they were going to do and we stopped them. We go up against another great team in Syracuse and are trying to get to the dome.” South Park’s quarterback Tyree Brown had 141 rushing yards along with throwing for 126 yards. He had 267 all- purpose yards for the game. Tyree Brown and David Thomas were both named players of the game and received plaques for their outstanding performances. Good luck to South Park as they continue their journey towards a possible New York State Class A Championship!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

ATHLETIC GREATS continued

Charlie “The Tuna” chapman. First Black to Swim the English Channel.

Stokes,” Freddie “Oil Can” Gordon, McCarthy “Mac” Gibson, Kevin “Babyface” Clark, Orv and Wilber Cott, Art “The Motivator” Serotte, Ricky “Sprint” McCarley, Hank “Track and Field” Sevillian, Bernard “High Jumpin” Chaney, Charles “English Channel” Chapman, Russeau “The Dolphin” Taylor, Jerry “Slamdunk” Rowe, Carl “Blue” Mitchell, Lamar “Buster” Keaton, Morris “Mo” Brown, Willie “Hutch” Jones, Willie “The Politician” Morris, Michael “The Creator” Norwood, Harry “Mr. Spiritual” Ward, Michael “God’s Gift” Chapman, Herchel “Lord’s Blessing” Chapman, Joe “Long Distance” Hicks, Jim Horne, David “NFL” White, St. Clair “Spiritual Love” Fabor, “Road Dog” Jacobs, Kenny “The Mac Man” Maclin, Joel “Boo” Alexander, James “J Bop” Jacobs, Daniel “Dan A Gress” Adams, Herbert “Mr. Competent” Bellamy, Albert “Kootie Boy” Blanks, Lloyd “The Lover” Lightfoot, Durie “Papa D” Burns, George “Bob Hope” Holt, Gene “The Machine” Roberson, Anthony “Mongoose” Masiello, Cecil and Beanie Brown, Harold “Bad News” Barnes, Levi, “The Musician” Ruffin, Jimmy “Dub” Williams, Ricky “NBA” Williams, Clarence “Pumpkin” Strong, Roger “77 Points” Brown, Alex “The Father” Harris, Leonard, Trevor “I Can” Ruffin, Joe “Flash” Jackson, Cleveland “Pikin Bo” Kirkland, Gordon, “Karaoke” Thompson, Michael “Jack Bocci” Nelms, Derrick “The Entertainer” Powell, Leroi “Everything” Johnson, Earl “The Man” Holmes, Eddie “Ass Kicking” Stenhouse, Eric “All Sports” Hawkins, Glen “Dash” Morey, Anthony “Barbro” Rantin, Kenny “High Hurdle” Ross, Albert “Mickey Mouser” Howard, Walter “Jap” Cromer, Key “Vandross” Berry, Bobby “Elegant” Pope, Kenny “Thoughful” Pope, Joe “Green Eyes” Jennings, and Richard “The Lion Hearted” Clark. This year, as in years past, those greats who have passed on will also be remembered. They include: Fred “Frenchman” Foster, Bernard “Smooth” Mitchell, Ron “Run Ron Run” Fleming, Zellie “ZD The Zone Breaker” Dow, Al Brown and Bob “Bean Ball” Buchanan.

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Wednesday November 18

Thursday November 19

Sunday November 22

Buffalo Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall.

Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Center’s (BFNC) Moot Senior Center Thanksgiving Dinner for the Community Moot Community Center, 292 High St. 12 noon- 2pm; 2:30 to 5 p.m. and; 5:30 to 7 p.m. $1 donation at the door.

Thanksgiving Dinner For Homeless and Other Needy Veterans and Their Families: 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. , VA Western New York Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Avenue; 862-8885 for further information or transportation.

Friday November 20

Monday November 23 Afrikan Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library Jefferson @ E. Utica; every Monday; public invited.

Introducing Women and Interested Parties to the World of Construction: Frank E. Merriweather Library 1324 Jefferson Ave., 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. 716/602-5877. (See Page 12 for more information). Information Session for African Cultural Renaissance Program/Pan African Community Advisory Committee: CAO Alphonso Rafi Green Jr. Masten Resource Center, 5:30 – 8 p.m. RSVP to: africanculturalrenaissance@yahoo.com or call (716)235-9717. PBS special on the American Indian Movement and the case of Leonard Peltier: 7pm, Burning Books, 420 Connecticut Street. Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Hustle For Health at the Gloria J Parks Center, 3242 Main St. 11am - 12pm age 50+ FREE. 832 -1010 www. HustleForHealth.com Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20. The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wed. and Thurs. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle. Dinner free! 885-6348. National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Groups: 7 p.m., St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4007 Main St. Abbott Rd., Orchard Park, NY 14127 Thursday November 19 Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club Inc. New Members Orientation: 5:30 p.m., 1423 Fillmore Ave. (cor. Glenwood). (716)771-0138 or www. maxi7.com

African Dance Workshops With Ousmane Sall: Sabar classes 6:30 p.m. at 700 Main Street. $15 per class. Sponsored by the African American Cultural Center Dance & Drum Performance Company. (See Page 9) Urban Christian Ministries (UCM) Open House: 5 -7 p.m., 967 Jefferson Ave.. Saturday November 21 African Dance Workshops With Ousmane Sall: Koutero classes at 3 p.m. at the African American Cultural Center at 350 Masten Avenue $15 per class. Sponsored by the African American Cultural Center Dance & Drum Performance Company. (See Page 9) Special 80th Birthday Celebration for “Zenith” Lonnie Jackson: 5:30 p.m., The New Humboldt Inn, 347 E. Delavan Ave. Adults Only. Unique Sisters Festive Fundraiser & Family& Dinner: 3-7 p.m., MST High School, 666 E. Delavan Ave.; $10; 9484275. “Breakfast at Metro”: Free community breakfast, The Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 657 Best (corner Herman), 9–11 am. (716) 891-5652. See You At The EVENTS!

Wednesday November 25 Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club Inc. Meeting: 5:30 p.m., Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. (716) 771-0138 or www.maxi7.com Line Dance Fitness For Seniors: Hustle For Health at the Gloria J Parks Center, 3242 Main St. 11am - 12pm age 50+ FREE. 832 -1010 Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20. The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wed. and Thurs. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle. Dinner free! 885-6348. Saturday November 28 Book Signing for Gwen Collier: Author of “The Bipolar Church,” 4-6 p.m., EM Tea Coffee cup Café, 80 Oakgrove; RSVP. 884-1444 Monday November 30 Afrikan Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library Jefferson @ E. Utica; public invited. Tuesday December 1 Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club Inc. Monthly Educational Forum: 7 p.m., 499 Franklin St., (716)771-0138 or

THROW OUT THE OLD GARDEN HOSE. Put in the blue tote.

CAN IT BE RECYCLED? Call 311 or visit BuffaloRecycles.org to learn more. MAYOR BYRON W. BROWN

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Challenger Community News • November 18, 2015

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