A Valentine’s Day of Love, Service, and Community
On Valentine’s Day morning, warmth filled the North End Bar and Grill—not just from the griddles, but from the hearts of everyone gathered at 2692 Elmwood Avenue in Kenmore, New York. Veterans and their loved ones came together for a heartfelt Valentine’s Day Breakfast that celebrated love in all its forms: romantic love, family love, and the enduring bond of service to country and community.
This special celebration was elevated even further as it became a live FM 96.5 broadcast featuring Choco late Goddess Speaks for a Valentine’s Day special. The live broadcast carried the joy, gratitude, and spirit of the morning beyond the walls of the restaurant and into the wider community, allowing listeners to share in the love and appreciation being expressed in real time.
Hosted and co-sponsored by SSgt. Albert Baxter and his loving wife Chrystal Bax ter—affectionately known as the Baxter’s—the breakfast was also co-sponsored and led by the African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation and the Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post No. 24. Together, their leadership and collaboration created a beautiful reminder that honoring veterans means honoring the people who stand beside them every day. The morning was filled with smiles, laughter, and meaningful moments of reflection—proof that the strongest expressions of gratitude are often shared over a meal and a kind word.
Guests enjoyed a buffet style breakfast prepared by Chef Paul Blake that felt like home: fluffy pancakes stacked high, farm-fresh eggs, creamy grits, savory sausage, all complemented by refreshing orange juice and steaming cups of coffee. As plates were filled, conversations flowed— stories of service, memories of love, and hopes for the days ahead. Couples held hands, families shared laughs, and friends reunited, wrapped in an atmosphere of appreciation and togetherness.
Beyond the food, the breakfast served as a symbol of unity. It honored the sacrifices made by veterans and the steadfast support of their spouses, partners, and families—those who serve in quieter but no less meaningful ways. The presence and leadership of the partnering organizations underscored a shared commitment to uplift ing veterans through culture, connection, advocacy, and care. With the Baxter’s at the helm and the voices of Chocolate Goddess Speaks echoing across FM 96.5, this Valentine’s Day Breakfast was more than an event—it was a powerful expression of love in action.
In every smile, every shared story, every warm plate served, and every word carried over the airwaves, the message was clear: you are seen, you are valued, and you are loved!!!