Local 1262 December 2015 Banner
Transcription
Local 1262 December 2015 Banner
V O L U M E N 0 . 1 – W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 IN THIS ISSUE Harvey Whille PR E SIDE NT President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Matthew Molinaro SEC R ETAR Y-T RE ASURE R John Colella Secretary-Treasurer’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 ACME Markets Purchases Former Pathmark Locations . . . . .7 R E C ORD E R EXE C UT IVE B OA RD VI C E PRE SI D E NT S Ruby Boston, Pathmark Richard Brock, Stop & Shop Robert Brozowski, ShopRite Joseph Cahill, Foodtown Gerry Callan, ShopRite James Cullen, ShopRite Michael DeMartino, Local 1262 Michael Ebbe, Local 1262 Jeanette Galante, ShopRite Pam Germain, Stop & Shop Frances Green, Pathmark Dolores Jackson, ShopRite 5 5 , Michael Kantor, Local 1262 Richard Madore, ShopRite Karen McManus, Local 1262 William McNeill, ShopRite Donald Merritt, Local 1262 Irene Pereira, ShopRite Michael Piccicacco, Local 1262 Stephanie Pieper, ShopRite Richard Taylor, ShopRite Darlene Walaszek, Stop & Shop Kathy Wilder, ShopRite State-of-the-Art ShopRite Opens in Howell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 ShopRite Celebrates Grand Opening In Newark . . . . . . . . .10 10 Scholarships Awarded to Local 1262 Members and Their Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 7 8 EXEC U T IVE ST AFF Michael Kantor John Colella Executive Vice President Recorder & Field Director Michael DeMartino, Director Contract Administration & Internal Operations Sal Colarieti, Assistant Field Director Elizabeth Laughery, Assistant Field Director Donald Merritt, Assistant Field Director Michael Piccicacco, Assistant Field Director Anthony Yodice, Organizing Director Cynthia McCarthy, Communications Director UNION R EP RE SE NT AT I VE S Steve Blaho, Jr. Michael Ebbe Rich Ebbe John Faulhaber James Feimster Kenneth Hassett Margaret Hreha Richard Janssen Ed Magierowski Karen McManus Christopher Molinaro Tom Mount Nancy Miller James Mulholland Carmen Pizzi Gary Sague David Uczen Thomas Whille NOTICE: The most important job protection you have is the right to collective bargaining. Because all employees negotiate together through their Local, those represented by the union receive better wages and benefits than workers employed in non-union companies. As an employee working under a UFCW contract you are, as a condition of your employment, required to pay dues or fees to the union. People who are members pay dues to the union and people who opt out pay an equivalent fee. These fees, which are authorized by law, along with members’ dues, are your fair share of sustaining your union’s broad range of programs that benefit all workers. Those who choose to file an objection should contact their Union Representative in writing at the Local union’s business address and request information on how these fees are calculated. Nonmembers are also ineligible to vote on collective bargaining agreements, cannot participate in the nomination or election of officers or delegates, cannot participate in strike votes and cannot participate in numerous other union activities. The 1262 Banner (ISSN-0190-4744) is published quarterly by United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1262 for its members. President: Harvey Whille Secretary-Treasurer: Matthew Molinaro Recorder: John Colella Editor: Cynthia McCarthy Volume 55, No. 1 – WINTER 2015 E XEC UT IVE SE C RE T ARI AL ST AFF Christine Connery Gladyz Feimster Valerie Morano If you have comments, suggestions, information or news you would like us to consider for publication, please send to: E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 973-777-3430 Mail: 1389 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013 Periodical Postage paid at Clifton, NJ and additional offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Banner 1389 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013 U F C W L O C A L 1 2 6 2 P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E A Message From President Harvey Whille I t is at this time of year, when friends and family gather, that we find ourselves reminiscing about the year gone by and looking forward to what the new year will bring. As Local 1262 closes out the year with our nearly 30,000 brothers and sisters who make up “our family”, we look back with some sadness mixed with brighter spots along the way. 2015 marked the end of an era as an icon of American business, The A&P Company, shuttered its doors leaving nearly 2,000 Local 1262 Pathmark members out in the cold along with some 20,000-plus UFCW members employed in other A&P stores throughout the Northeast. Just four years ago at this very same time of the year, our Pathmark members were feeling confident about the future of Pathmark as the company began what it was calling a “restructuring.” That restructuring did not come without a price for our members, however, who, faced with bankruptcy court regulations, were forced to renegotiate their contracts in an effort to help the company save money. Those “savings” were to be reinvested in the company so it could get back on its feet and re-establish itself as the industry leader it once was. Like any “family” facing a financial challenge, our Pathmark members tightened their belts by voting to accept the renegotiated contracts. Our members gave back vacation time and accepted salary freezes so that they could maintain their jobs and benefits and help the company make a turnaround. The Company, however, did not hold up its end of the deal. A revolving door of management, poor marketing, and a host of other issues continued over the course of the last four years and the much talked about “turnaround” never materialized. Harvey Whille As a result, in late July A&P announced that it would AGAIN be filing for bankruptcy. This time, however, there was no talk about a “turnaround” – only talk of a “shutdown.” Negotiations began, but this time the “negotiations” were not between the UFCW and A&P but rather within the bankruptcy system where Local 1262, the UFCW International and the other 12 locals affected by the bankruptcy fought tirelessly to protect our members jobs, their benefits and everything else that was owed to them. While Bankruptcy Court Judge Drain was more sympathetic to the plight of the workers than most judges, the outcome was still the same with the company’s creditors and senior executives getting the largest share of the pie and the workers left with the crumbs. Fortunately, unlike A&P, there are companies that value the skill and dedication our Pathmark workers have always exemplified and Local 1262 was able to negotiate for our Pathmark members with Stop & Shop (which purchased two stores) and Acme (which purchased six stores). Local 1262 is currently undertaking negotiations with several other companies – such as Best Market and Uncle Giuseppe’s – who are buying other Pathmark locations where Local 1262 members are employed. In the locations where “non-union” companies are trying to purchase stores, we have entered objections to the sales and will continue to dig-in to ensure those locations become “union” stores and employ union workers. “ The labor movement in general is poised for growth too – despite all the gloom and doom you hear from the media. ” (Continued on page 14) WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 3 U F C W L O C A L 1 2 6 2 S E C R E T A R Y - T R E A S U R E R ’ S M E S S A G E Union Contracts – Worth The Fight! 2 015 was a tough year for our Local 1262 members who were employed by Pathmark and rather unexpectedly found themselves looking for employment elsewhere when in July the company announced for the second time it would be filing for bankruptcy . Matthew Molinaro Throughout the bankruptcy process we would often out of the proceedings all together instead of getting be asked by the media, the public and even our own consideration for the “assets” that they in fact were to members why the company did not have to comply with the company . the provisions in our contracts that guided things such The bottom line is this: companies have more than as severance and bumping rights . Many people were – financial assets – they have their people and any good quite understandably – frustrated that after fighting so company will recognize that fact . hard for so many years to negotiate what was one of the Your employers – ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Foodtown, strongest union contracts in the nation it appeared that Fairway, Morton Williams and now ACME Markets – have the contract was simply being tossed aside . always recognized the value you add to their bottom-line Nothing could have been further from the truth . and they honor the contracts that Local 1262 negotiates A sad “truth” is that U .S . Federal with them on your behalf . They operate as Bankruptcy laws are written to favor big proud union stores . business and their assets more than the You union contract is an asset to you Companies hard-working people who serve on the front too and that is why Local 1262 – and all the have more lines of the company each and every day . UFCW locals – are now working diligently A better “truth”? Union contracts and than financial with the companies buying Pathmark and the people they cover are in some ways other A&P-owned stores to ensure that they assets – they considered part of the company’s “assets .” employ union workers . And because we And, because the contracts are just that – have a union contract with A&P, Local 1262 have their contracts – they do have legal standing durwill continue to have a voice in the court people. ing the bankruptcy process, although the where will continue object to the sale of judge has great latitude in how and what stores to supermarket operators who do will be honored . not want to operate under a union contract For instance, if the Pathmark workor hire union workers . ers did not have a contract – or a union for that matter Going forward, in 2016 you will see a great deal of – there would have been no one to speak up on their organizing activity taking place both at the local and behalf when the court was determining how funds from international level as part of our work to “protect” your the sale of company stores and other assets would be contract . For example, Local 1262 has already supdistributed . Because there was a collective bargaining ported efforts to unionize the PriceChopper stores in agreement (CBA) in place, the unions were given a seat at New York State . Much like Pathmark, the PriceChopper the table as part of the hearings and negotiations . stores are in the process of being sold to another If there was no CBA there would be no one representcompany . Unlike Pathmark, however, the workers at ing the workers or fighting to obtain severance and other PriceChopper do not have a union contract to protect things owed to them . There would be one there to fight them during the sale and are now hoping to obtain to make sure that A&P would only sell to supermarket representation . Other organizing campaigns are being operators who were union-friendly and who would do the conducted locally even at companies with just a few right thing by our members coming to work for them . locations, regionally at places like PriceChopper and Without a union, those people who gave so much of even nationally at companies such as Ikea . (Continued on page 14) themselves to the company would have simply been shut “ ” 4 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 Two New Vice Presidents Sworn In to Local 1262’s Executive Board Two long-time rank-and-file Local 1262 members – Brother James Cullen and Brother William McNeill -were recently nominated and unanimously endorsed to serve on Local 1262’s Executive Board . Brother Cullen, who works in the produce department at the Freehold ShopRite, replaces Sister Kathleen Moreira who retired recently . Brother Cullen has been a member of Local 1262 from more than 40 years . Brother Cullen has served on numerous Contract Negotiation Committees over the years and has also served as his store’s shop Steward for many years . Brother McNeill, who also has been a member of Local 1262 for more than 40 years, works in the dairy department at the Lodi ShopRite where he has served as Shop Steward for the past eight years . In addition, he has served on four Contract Negotiation Committees . Brother McNeill replaced Brother William Erickson who also recently retired . Please join President Whille in wishing our newest Executive Board Members the much success . l& William McNeil lle hi W y rve Ha t Presiden President Whille & James C ullen WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 5 PRESIDENT WHILLE ANNOUNCES STAFF PROMOTIONS “As part of Local 1262’s on-going efforts to ensure the most efficient and highest level of service to our members, I am pleased to announce the following promotions at Local 1262: n Michael DeMartino has been promoted to Director of Contract Administration & Internal Operations Support. Mike previously served as an Assistant Field Director. n Donald Merritt and Michael Piccicacco have been promoted from Union Representatives to Assistant Field Directors. Don will oversee the Central Region and Mike will oversee the Southern Region. Assistant Field Director Sal Colarieti will continue to oversee the Northern Region and Tony Yodice will return to his position as Organizing Director. n Betty Laughery has been promoted from Union Representative to Assistant Field Director/Benefit Services. In this new position, Betty will serve as the liaison between Local 1262 and the Health & Welfare and Pension Funds. She will also provide support to our Union Reps and members as they navigate the very complex and ever-changing health care landscape. All four of these long-time Local 1262 staff members started their careers in the super- market industry at age 16, working parttime while they were in high school. Mike DeMartino’s first day of work was the very same day the Pathmark in Elizabeth opened its doors. Starting out as a parttime clerk there, Mike eventually became produce manager before joining Local 1262 in 1979 as a Union Representative and later as an Assistant Field Director. Don Merritt started part-time as a bagger during the Can Can Sale at the Clark ShopRite and eventually became a department manager before joining Local 1262 in 1991 as a Union Representative. Mike “Pitch” Piccicacco started as a parttime cashier at the Point Pleasant Beach Foodtown and continued part-time in nearly every department from produce to night crew while attending Stockton State College. He joined Local 1262 as a Union Representative in 1989. Betty Laughery started work as a part-time cashier in Foodtown when she was in high school and college and joined Local 1262 as a Union Representative in 1991. Michael DeMartino Assistant Field Directors Sal Colarieti, Don Merritt, Mike Piccicacco and Betty Laughery. 6 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 ACME Markets Purchases Former Pathmark Locations N early 600 Local 1262 members are now employed by ACME at six locations . Cashier Carol Barrett. The newest company to join Local 1262’s list of employers isn’t really all that new! ACME Markets opened its doors in 1891 when two friends (Samuel Robinson and Robert Crawford) opened a small neighborhood grocery store at Second and Fernon Streets in South Philadelphia . And it turns out that some of ACME’s “newest” employees are not all that new either . That’s because when ACME recently acquired more than 70 former Pathmark and A&P locations they also hired the UFCW members working in those stores – including Local 1262 members at their locations in Bergenfield, Edgewater Park, Elmwood Park, Newark, Jersey City (Stadium Plaza) and Weehawken . Pictured here are some long-time Local 1262 members who are now proud to say they are also ACME employees who work in the Elmwood Park store . Some 120 years later ACME still emphasizes quality products, low prices and friendly service and operates more than 110 stores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland that employ more than 10,000 associates . Al Friebe and Shop Steward Frank Roccosanto pictured with President Harvey Whille and Union Representative Mike Ebbe. Grocery Manager Bob Hittinger, a member of Local 1262 for 38 years. Paula Taryla, a member of Local 1262 for 12 years. Princess Brown greets customers at the Front End. Frozen Foods Manager Chris Daniels. WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 7 Local 1262 members pose in the Lakewood ShopRite before it was replaced by a new stateof-the-art store in Howell. State-of-the-Art ShopRite Opens in Howell A new 80,000 square foot ShopRite opened in the Friendship Plaza in Howell . More than 200 Local 1262 members are employed at the new location which is owned by Saker ShopRites, Inc . and replaces their Lakewood store . In addition to groceries and fresh produce, a pharmacy, fresh bake shop, a floral department and a broad selection of natural and organic products are among the departments to round out the shopping experience . Hot and cold buf- fet bars and a Mediterranean Olive Bar, fresh-baked pizza, fresh-made sushi and an in-store café are perfect for meals on the run and ShopRite From Home is there for those who prefer the online shopping experience . Floral Marjorie Argenal and Stephanie Robertson Assistant Field Director Michael Piccicacco and Greg Teuscher in the bakery Bakery Manager Linda Magan (41 year member) 8 1262 BANNER WINTER MAY 2013 2015 Kerry Barry assists customers from the front-end podium Tony Krslovic at the register Committee Member Carmela Schiessl a Shop Steward at the Manchester ShopRite with Executive Board member Joe Cahill. Cashiers Chris Bogert and Marian FisterSchultz Jennel Boston in Customer Service Rocksan Scatliffe and Sam Weissman Bob Revell Frozen Food Manager Dan McNerny Dairy Manager Ed Reese Erin Dalley in Shop-From-Home Jeanette McCallister HABA Manager Debbie Fike WINTER MAY 2015 2013 1262 BANNER 9 ShopRite Celebrates Grand Opening In Newark E lected officials, community and church leaders and union representatives were all on hand for the ribboncutting ceremony at the new ShopRite supermarket on Springfield Avenue in Newark . The grand opening of the new store, which employs more than 250 Local 1262 members, comes after a hard-fought battle waged a little over two years ago when the same people – elected officials, community members, Local 1262 and other unions – joined forces to ensure that a ShopRite would be approved at the site rather than a Walmart . The same positives cited during the approval process – the solid business ethics and good-paying union jobs and benefits that a ShopRite would bring – were cited again at the Grand Opening . “This development addresses several critical needs in the city: eliminating a ‘food desert’ in its neighborhood; providing jobs, job training, career development and prosperity to our residents,” Mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement about the ShopRite . “Neil (Greenstein) has been a genuine community partner, giving of his time, money and team to make ShopRite an essential part of the city of Newark before the cash register even rings up the first dollar,” Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins said in a statement . The new 70,000 square foot ShopRite is owned by the Greenstein family, a third-generation owner who owns and operates the Brookdale ShopRite in Bloomfield . The new store is the anchor for Springfield Marketplace which is a mixed-use development that includes retail shops, restaurants, and apartments all of which will be completed in a few months . “We are very excited to bring our second ShopRite store to Essex County, with this brand new location in Newark, where we will be a vital part of the community and a good neighbor,” Neil Greenstein said in a statement about the grand opening . “We are privileged to be part of this community and all the great new development that is happening in Newark right now .” Unique to this location is a community mural inside the store painted by Newark students . Shantier Meadows Keisha Alexander and Chinelo Umenyili in the bakery. Front End Manager Sabina Ruiz-Thomas Local 1262 Assistant Field Director Betty Laughery, Union Representative James Feimster, President Harvey Whille and Local 1262 Retiree Greg Bergman at the Newark ShopRite Ribbon Cutting. 10 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 Catherine Byrd and Jessica Catena Jhoani Marrero and Teddy Victoria in the produce department. Anne Marie Monaghan Joseph Owens in the Frozen Foods Department Sharniece Brown Nadirah Triplett and Catrina Pugsley filling a Shop From Home order. Tashawnia Basley with Union Representative James Feimster. Elsie Caro and Megan Mosley get treats ready for customers in the bakery. Union Representative James Feimster and Assistant Field Director Betty Laughery recently toured the Newark ShopRite with Local 1262 Member Anshelle Harris. WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 11 10 Scholarships Awarded to Local 1262 Members and Their Children “Intelligence plus character…that is the goal of true education,” President Whille used these words by Martin Luther King, Jr. to describe his commitment to education for Local 1262 members and their families. “Education and an eagerness to learn – whether in the classroom or on the job – are two key components of getting ahead,” said Whille. “So it is with great pride that Local 1262 continues its Annual Scholarship Program and announces the 2015 winners.” The winner of the $2,500 Sam Kinsora Memorial Scholarship was Anna Doucette who’s father Cochise works at the Stop & Shop in Monroe Township, NJ. Anna graduated from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, a selective high school located on Sandy Hook, NJ. She is attending Villanova University where she is majoring in Biology and hopes to pursue a career in medicine or research. Anna Doucette The winners of $1,500 scholarships were: is pursuing a degree in Fine Arts from Brookdale n Regina Colonna, who works at the ShopRite in Community College. Aberdeen, is attending Rutgers University where she is n Kathleen Samuel, who’s father John works at the Stop majoring in Biology and plans to attend medical school & Shop on Route 9 in Toms River, is attending Rowan upon graduation. University where she is studying Chemical Engineering. n Nicole Grimaldi, who’s father Joseph works at the Stop n Gabrielle Scerbo, who’s mother Lorraine works at the & Shop in Neptune, is attending Monmouth University ShopRite in Manchester, is attending Ocean County where she is majoring in Biology. College where she is pursuing a liberal arts degree in n Jocelyn Jimenez, who works at the ShopRite in Elizabeth, is attending Union County College where she is pursuing a degree in Hospitality & Tourism. n Jay Morris, who works at the ShopRite in Garwood, is attending Rutgers Business School/Newark majoring in management with a minor in accounting. Jay hopes to pursue a career in supply chain management or human resources n Kevin Muraszko, who’s mother Sandra Derasmi works at the ShopRite in East Brunswick, is a Physics Major at Music/Business. n Jerry Anna Spiegel, who works at the ShopRite in Newton, is attending Sussex County Community College where she is pursuing a degree in Chemistry. Congratulations to all of our winners and their families. A copy of the Short-Form Application for Local 1262’s 2016 Scholarship Program is contained in this issue of the Banner. You can also obtain a copy on our web site (www. ufcw1262.org). Stevens Institute of Technology and plans to pursue a Once the Short-Form Application has been reviewed Master’s Degree in Pure Mathematics after graduating for eligibility, a Long-Form application will be mailed to in the spring. you. The deadline for Long-Form Applications (which n Kaitlin Rocco, who works at the ShopRite in Aberdeen, 12 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 includes transcript copies, etc.) is April 15, 2016. Regina Colonna Nicole Grimaldi Jocelyn Jimenez Jay Morris Kevin Muraszko Kaitlin Rocco Kathleen Samuel Gabrielle Scerbo Jerry Anna Spiegel WINTER 2015 1262 BANNER 13 UFCW Local 1262 President’s Message (Continued from page 3) I am pleased to report that Local 1262’s Union Representatives were able to help place other Pathmark members in positions with ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Foodtown and other union companies who value their experience and professionalism. Some Pathmark members opted to retire and are now reaping the benefits of a union-negotiated pension. Others are taking advantage of job transition training or educational programs and are pursuing careers outside the supermarket industry. We know that some Pathmark members are still looking for employment and I want to ensure those brothers and sisters that Local 1262 is committed to doing whatever we can to assist them and that we will be continuing to reach out to them in the coming months to assess their job status and needs. We enter 2016 with optimism as companies that employ Local 1262 members continue to prosper and expand (see stories on pages 7, 8 and 10). We also have begun contract negotiations on behalf of our Morton Willliams members and in January we will begin contract negotiations for our Foodtown members. We fully expect the outcome of those negotiations to be contracts that continue to be among the strongest in the nation. The labor movement in general is poised for growth too -- despite all the gloom and doom you hear from the media. The UFCW International is aggressively mounting high profile organizing campaigns as we speak and Local 1262 will be supporting that effort through our own Organizing Department (led by Organizing Director Anthony Yodice) going wherever the need may be (see Secretary-Treasurer Matthew Molinaro’s column for more details). In order to help Local 1262 move forward in all these arenas, I am pleased to announce several promotions – all long-time Local 1262 staff members who got their start in the stores just like you (see full article on page 6.) In closing, I would like to say that although 2015 was a challenging year for many of us, it is because of the hardworking, caring and dedicated members of Local 1262 that we were able to weather the ups and downs and come out stronger than ever. I wish you and your families and friends a peaceful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. UFCW Local 1262 Secretary-Treasurer’s Message (Continued from page 4) In the early 1900s, the labor unions created the “middle-class” in the United States by providing good living wages, benefits and job protections for their members. Now it is our turn – as union members – to create more UNION jobs so that we can help “protect” the working people and their livelihoods. Here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! ATTENTION FOODTOWN MEMBERS Local 1262 is preparing to start contract negotiations on behalf of our Foodtown members. Please attend one of the Contract Proposal Meetings listed below to ensure your voices are heard prior to the start of negotiations with your employer. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016 UFCW Local 1262 Headquarters, 1389 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013 OR Doubletree Hotel, 700 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 Both meetings start at 7 p.m. Please speak to your Union Representative if you have questions. 14 1262 BANNER WINTER 2015 Periodical Postage Paid 1389 Broad Street • Clifton, NJ 07013 I M P O R T A N T N O T I C E R EG A RD IN G A VA I LA B I LI TY O F PEN SION B ENEFI T S TA TEM ENT PLEASE READ Every participant who has a vested accrued benefit under the UFCW Local 1262 and Employers Pension Fund (“the Pension Fund”) and who is employed by an employer who contributes to the Pension Fund may request a statement of his or her accrued benefit from the Pension Fund. The benefit statement is an estimate of the monthly benefit you have earned, based on the latest information available to the Pension Fund. You may request such a benefit statement once in any 12-month period. This notice does not apply to you if you have already retired from the Pension Fund, or are not currently employed by an employer who contributes to the Pension Fund, or are not yet vested under the Pension Fund. To request a benefit statement, please write to: UFCW Local 1262 and Employers Pension Fund 1389 Broad Street Clifton, NJ 07013 Attn: Pension Benefit Statement Request If you need more information, you may call the Pension Fund Office at (973) 778-5800 or (800) 5224161. REMINDER: Always keep the Fund Office informed of any changes in your name, address, or marital status. Benefits cannot be paid if you cannot be located. Board of Trustees MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2016 LOCAL 1262 QUARTERLY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Monday, January 25 Monday, April 25 Monday, July 25 Monday, October 24 7:00 PM UFCW Local 1262 Headquarters, 1389 Broad Street, Clifton, NJ 07013. Please mark your calendars and make every effort to attend.