davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Sentinel=record., 1912-08-18
ONE MILLION DOLLARS

Offered for Controlling Interest in
 Patent of U. S. Steel R. R. Tie Go.
 In a letter to Vice President Kin ney of the United States Steel Rail- way Tie Company, under date of August 11th President Maxey states that he has received a direct offer of one million dollars for 5t per cent, or controlling interest in the com pany's steel cross tie by d big rail- road syndicate. Since Mir. Maxey has no authority to accept the offer with out the consent of the board of di- rectors of the company. he is hold ing it in abeyance until he can get tho boards decision on the matter.
The Sentinel=record., 1912-08-18
ARSON TRIAL FAILS.

Texarkana, Ark, Aug 17.-George w. Lathrop. charged with conspiracy to commit arson. was tried hefora. a jury in Justice Higginbotham' court yesterday. resulting in a mistrial, the mry standing nine to three for con viction There are several sensation al features in the case. and the prom thence of the defendant caused the trial to attract unusual interest. The case will be tried again next week.
The Sentinel=record., 1912-08-18
IMBoDEN TEACHER RESIGNS.

Imboden, Ark, Aug. 17-Miss Katie Lucas, a highly respected young teach CT of Pocahontas, who has been a member of the faculty of the Pocahon- tas high school for the past two years. and who was recently elected for an other term, has rendered her restgna- tion in order to accept a position as an instructor in the Masonic Orphans Home at Batesville.
The Sentinel=record., 1912-08-18
TUBERCULOSIS SERUM.

Kansas iCty, Aug. 17-Rabbi sam uel Marks, who has been active in the establishment of a tuberculosis sani tarium for Jews at San Antonio Tex, declared here tonight that he found in the east a serum which will he thinks, combat tuberculosis sue cessfully Rabbi Marks stopped here on his way to his home in Texas. The search for a tuberculosis remedy was nationwide, he said.
The Sentinel=record., 1912-08-18

"Were all medicJnes as meritorious as Chamberlain Collie. Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy the world would be much better off and the percentage of suffering greatly decreased," writes Lindsay Scott, of Temple, lnliana, For sale by all dealers.
The Sentinel=record., 1912-08-18

sembly which have been in any way an expression Of the will of the peo- pie coming as they did under the new law calling for direct vote of the peo- pie, have not been as satisfactory as might have been wished.
 One of the battle cries of the Ma dero revolution was Effective Suf- frage-" This many claim has not been realized.
 The department of the interior having all this in view and taking advantage of the recency of the cleo tions, has appointed a commission to make a careful study of the faults in the law and to make such recom- mendations for amendments to it as may be thought advisable. These recommendations will probably be embodied in President Maderos mes sage at the opening of the new con gross in September.
 Questions as to the exact location of the boundary liue between Mexico and the United States around the mouth of the Colorado river. as well as the distribution Of the water Of the river for irrigation purposes have arisen again and it is expected that a commission will soon go north to investigate the matter under the direction of Rafael Hernandez, Ghe minister of agriculture and industry
 The question is delicate one and is vested with peculiar interest in view of the fact that a large part of the land on the Mexican side of the border in that vicinity is owned by Americans for American companies.
The Sentinel=record., 1912-08-18
Personals



 Miss Clara Kraemer arrived home yesterday from Fort Smith. where she has been the guest of Miss Katherine Kellean for the past two weeks.
 H. D. Ehrlich leaves today for Now Orleans, sailing from there to New York, visiting eastern resorts, cover ing period of about two months.
 Dr. G. w. Freeman. presiding elder of the Dyersburg district, Dyersburg, Tenn, will preach at the First Pres byterion church on Whittinton Ave, Sabbath morning, August 18th at II a. m.
 A regular meeing of Hot Springs Chapter No. 69, o. E. S., will be held in Masonic temple. Monday evening. August 19 at D. m.. All visiting members are cordially invited. Miss Maud Spivey, w. M.; Mrs. J. R. Dem by Secretary.
 Rev. P F. Johnson. dean of Bethel college, one of the oldest educational institutions in Tennessee, Rev, A. B. Johnson, for 25 years missionary to the Cherokee and Choctaw Indians, and Rev. E. B. Johnson, pastor Of the First Presbyterian church, Chicago, will meet here this week for rest. They will be the guest of their niece, Mrs J. H. Rigsbee.
The Sentinel=record., 1912-08-18

JThe first general elections for sen ators and deputies to the national as
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

Grand Sunday school entertainment
at St. Paul's A. M. E. church, Sec
ond and Center streets, Tuesday, De-
cember 10th. Supper at 5 p. m. Con-
cert at p. m.
The program follows:
Piano selection, Mrs. c. c. john
son. :,
Opening song, by Miss Lucille Nor
rison. ,,
instrumental solo, Miss Mildred
Reading, Mrs. A. W. White. w.
Recitation, three little girls Vloia
Forbs, Ada Newcomb and Hortense
Woods.
Duet, Beatrice Turner and Chas'
Woods, Jr.
Reading Mrs. ]. H. McClain.
Quartet, Messrs. Mason, Warrlcks
Johnson and Bantom.
Grafton, Mr.. N. Wiley.
Solo, Prof. Geo. I. Holt.
Instrumental solo, MIR. Clyde Glass'
Scene. Clinging to the cross
Misses Efie Mason, Rupert and Beat
rice Hogsetts, assisted by Mesdames
c. C. jackson, and G.. B. Woods
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
BUXTON BRIEFS.

Mr.. and Mrs. Patterson desire to
thank the friends who so kindly rem
dered assistance during the short ILL
ness and death of their son, Gordon.
Special mention is made of the Mt.
Zion Sunday school and the baseball
friends for the beautiful floral offer
ings presented. Grief over the tragic
death Of her son caused the delay in
returning these thanks. Neverthe-
less thev are just as sincere.
Mrs. Lillian Anderson, who has
been visiting the parental home at
Huntsville, Mo-, for the past two
months, returned home Friday. .~s'-Fs.s
Miss Winona Hartwell, who spent
several months in Colorado Springs,
Colo., returned home Wednesday to
remain indefinitely.
Miss Prezella Carter spent Thanks
giving with the folks at home.
Miss Nettie Gaines is very sick at
this writing.
The committee from Tabernacle
church that solicited money to send
their pastor, Rev. Mendenhall, to Hot
Springs for his health, desires to
thank all those who so kindly helped
them in the effort. The committees
report follows: Mrs. Mary E. Moss
solicited $3.50, Fannie Brooks $500,
W. w. Jones $500. James Grimes
$1O.5O and A. B. Nance of Hiteman
$3.50. Total, S86.7O. Rev. Menden-
hall left last Tuesday.
Miss Bette l.. Burkley of Hiteman,
a verv interesting young lady, spent
Thanksgiving day and the remainder
of the week in Buxton in company
with Miss Reola Buford, who is a
student in Hiteman high school,.
While in the city Miss Burkley was
the guest of Mr.. and Mrs. D. O.
Horne. She is also student in the
Hiteman high school, finishing with
the spring class of 1918. She is su-
perintendent of the Baptist Sunday
school Of Hiteman and is in many
ways a very interesting young lady.
Buxtonians are glad to hear of Miss
Buford being one of the teachers in
this same Sunday school. The two
young ladies left for their school
Monday morning.
Miss Ada Mardis is the last addi-
ton to the M. M. Co.'s employed
force. She is an accomplished dress
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

program was rendered, under the
direction of Mrs. Bess. Mrs. K. V.
Robinson, chairman, reported $25
cleared .
Rev. Molen of Tabernacle Baptist
church was faithful to the cause,
"Unity." After a we'll attended
Thanksgiving service he and his
members. some twenty or more, took
dinner at Bethel A. M. E. church.
'In unity there is strength"
Mrs. Samuel Davis, also Mr.. Crump
are reported on the sick list.
Mr.. William Caves of Cheyenne
gave his family a very pleasant sur
prise by quietly walking in on them
Thanksgiving morning "unknowing-
ly." A very welcome guest.
Mr.. Charles Davis, we'll known
and influential man of our city, left
; Sunday night for Hot Springs, Ar
kansas, for his health. He and his
family have our deepest sympathy.
Sunday was trustee day at Bethel
A. M. E. church. A splendid report
was made. Three hundred dollars
and eighty cents raised in three
monthsan d paid out. Seventy dollars
left in treasury. All books had not
reported. Mrs. Fredonia Green re-
ported $14. A final report Sunday.
Mrs. Accotmer, formerly state mis-
sionary of Missouri, now residing in
Omaha, also Mrs. Robertson Of
Omaha, were callers on Rev. Motin
on Monday.
Rev. Moten was called to Des
Moines on business. While there he
will visit Mrs. Moten and DR.. c. Q.
Seaman. He will be home to fill his
pulpit Sunday.
Rev. A. Wilson of Kingfisher, Ok
lahoma, was a guest Of Rev. Moten
on Monday. He has been appointed
travelling missionary. We wish him
Godspeed and success in his much
needed work.
Mrs. j. Perkins entertained the
Mission Circle Monday afternoon. A
delightful afternoon enjoyed by all.
Golden Rule club will meet with
Mr.. and Mrs. Andrew Lewis next
Tuesday evening.
A good work is being done in Coun-
Gil Bluffs.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
A GRAND EMANCIPATION CELE-
RRATION

The colored citizens of our city,
headed by committee from each OF
the five colored churches, nave asso-
ciated themselves together to fitting
ly and appropriately celebrate their
fiftv years of freedom in the United
States on January 1, 1913, at one OF
Inc large down town halls. Music
drills. singing and orations viii be
the main features of the evening S
entertainment. One of the special
and very interesting features will be
fftv little children representing the
fifty years of our freedom between
the ages of seven and fourteen years.
showing the future hope Of the race;
Complete plans are being arranged
and full detail of program and
place will appear next week.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

At the meeting OF Princess Oziel
Chapter, No. 8, 0. E. S., last Thurs
day evening the following were elect
ed officers for the ensuing year: Mrs.
S. Joe Brown, worthy matron; Mr.: J.
H. Reynolds, worthy patron; Mrs. Ad-
die French, associate matron; Mrs
John Jackson, treasurer; Mrs. Josie
Moody, secretary; Mrs. Edith Essex,
conductress, and Mrs. D. 7. Mosley,
associate conductress. Trese, togeth-
er with the other officers to be ap-
pointed, will be installed Thursday
evening, January 10Th, by Atty. S.
Joe Brown, worthy grand patron.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

bride and groom. Punch was served
throughout the evening from green
bower presided over by little Miss
Marjorie Strawthers. The dining
room was in charge of the Misses
Alice Mitchell, Lulu Jackson, Ger
trude Hyde, Adah Hyde and Jerada
Clay, girl friends of the bride. They
served a three-course dinner, which
in taste and artistic arrangement
could not be excelled. It showed the
master hand of expert caterers such
as Mr.. and Mrs. Comley are. Every
thing was so beautifully planned and
so exquisitely carried out in a most
delightful manner, and all of this
large crowd spent a very delightful
evening. The 'presents were very
costly and valuable. For this happy
couple we, with their many friends,
extend to them congratulations. 1t
was an occasion long to be remem-
bered,
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
JOHNSON EPISODE,

That the Jack Johnson recent trou-
bles with some white girls has been
unnecessarily discussed by the daily
papers, who in many instances mis-
represented the facts in the case and
colored it to give sensational effect
in prejudicing the white against the
better class of colored people. We
are sorry for such wide publicity of
the affair. 1t is simply the sporting
element, and that class of people
does not represent the best in any
race. but now since he has been re-
leased from Jail on bonds and since
he has married the Cameron girl and
made her his wife, let US stop talk
ing or printing about them.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
BLIND BOONE CONCERT.

The Blind Boone Concert Company
spent all of last week in the Capital
City and on Thursday night he gave
a great musical recital at the Corin-
THAN Baptist church. 1t was indeed
the largest crowd that ever packed
into a colored church in our city.
People began to crowd into the church
at $3.50 o'clock and by o'clock every
extra chair that could be put in was
filled and standing room was at a
premium. Fully 700 people were in
this church and Boone was at his
best. He simply delighted every per-
son present. His playing was most
remarkable. Mr.. John Lang, his vet
eran manager for thirty years is still
with him.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

maker and will be employed in the
altering department Of the ladies' suit
room. Three of the young ladies are
now employed with this large firm
and each of them filling their respec-
tive places creditably. J
Rev. Frank burden Of Kansas City
spent Sunday in Buxton and preached
4vr the tabernacle church in the
morning and for Mt Zion at the even
ing hour.
Thanksgiving day was quite an en-
joyable day in Buxton. Aside from
noldmg rengious services at each OF
the churches in the morning, dinners
were served by each church in the
afternoon. Each church seemed to
have good many hungry persons
present, as they sold nearly every
thing they had. Mount Zion church
reported, above their expenses, more
than $50 for their work.
Mr.. D. w. Carter was on the sick
list last week, but is much improved
at this writing.
Miss Elsie Graves remains quite i'll
with little or no improvement.
We neglected to mention Miss
"Pawnee" Green as a Des Moines
visitor last week to witness the Smart
Set show. She reports a pleasant
trip, as while she was there she Wis
tied her sister, Anna Craddock, and
some friends.
Masters Ollie Ray and Lehman
Smith, who are attending school in
Abba, spent Thanksgiving with their
parents.
The revival at Mt. Zion church
closed Wednesday night with about
fifteen or sixteen candidates for bap:
tism, who will be emersed Sunday
the 9Th. Rev. Biggs has been preach
ing each evening quite acceptably. He
left for home Thursday morning.
Mrs. Ella Johnson, young widow
desires work, that she may support
her two children. Anyone needing
the services of splendid young wo-
man who is very neat in appearance
and a good worker may call at II W.
Second street.
Glen and Pelam spent Thanksgiv.
ing in Des Moines with their little
"doves."
Mr.. Jno. Roberts and family OF
Mason City spent Thanksgiving in
Buxton with his parents and relatives
A. M. E. Church Notes.
The Pastors Aid society will hold
their r,nnting at the home of Mrs
Anna Williams on Wednesday after
noon at 1 o'clock.
The deaconess meeting will be held
with Mrs. William King, East Ninth
street, Thursday at l o'clock.
Mrs. Prentiss of East Ninth street
will entertain the missionary society
this week. All members requested to
be present. ~
The deaconess and stewardess boarc
served dinner at the church Thanks
giving day and "at night gave q, worry
pleasing program. Their efforts
proved success.
Rev. Wharton formed a presidential,
club, comprised of the presidents OF
the clubs and auxiliary of the church
Rev. Wharton, president; Anna Hum
bles, vice president; Alberta Lee
secretary; Anna Watson, treasurer.
The social given at the Y. M. C. A.
by the Organ club was success and
was praised by all who attended. The
treasury of this club is steadily grow
ing.
We regret very much to lose our
choirister in the person of Prof. Rich
ard Oliver. who has been offered a
better position and salary in Mis-
souri,. He expects to leave some time
this week. We wish him success IN
his new field Of labor.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
BRILLIANT RECEPTION.

Mr.. and Mrs. c.. H. Comley Of Web
ster City, who recently announced the
marriage of their daughter, Edythe
Mabel, to Mr.. Louis B. Strawthers of
this city, complimented the bride aad
groom with a beautiful reception in
the new home of the young couple in
this city on Jefferson street. The
parlor and living room were beauti-
folly decorated with smilax and pink
Killarney roses. The same variety Of
flowers were used in the dining room.
where a great mound of them formed
the centerpiece for the table. Carna-
tions were given the guests as favors.
The guests were receivd by Mrs.
Walter Birney, who in turn introduced
them to Mr.. and Mrs. Comley and the
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

The above picture is the true like
ness of Mr.. l.. J. Shelton, the newly
elected exalted ruler of the Hawkeye
Lodge, No. 100, l. B. P. O. E. W. Mr..
Shelton is one of our prominent Girl
zens, proprietor of a four chair mod
ern barber shop located on the first
floor of the Iowa Loan & Trust
Building. He has very pleasing per-
sonality and a host of acquaintances
among both races in our city. His
election to the station Of exalted
ruler will mean much to the future
success of this young Negro fratern-
ity of our city. Mr.. Shelton is
an energetic, efficient and trust
worthy gentleman and we unhesitat-
..ngly endorse the good judgment of
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
THE LYCEUM.

At the meeting Of the Negro Ly-
ceum association Tuesday evening
Mr.. Rufus Jackson read a spienolo
paper on the Balkan war, when was
fullv discussed by the members pres
ent Mrs. James, the mother OF MISS
Mamie James, the hostess, and Mr.
Smith of Topeka, Kans:, were also
present and addressed the meetIng'
and Attv. J. Rush, Mr.. W. P. War
ricks and Miss Adah Hyle were elect
ed delegates to the Interstate Liter
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

The Des Moines Progressive
Choral Study club met Tuesday in a
regular business meeting and elected
the following officers for the year;
President, Mr.. C. C. Johnson; Vice
president. Mrs. Mary Leighton; Sec
retary, Mrs. Florence White; Assis-
+ant secretary, Miss Lucille Morrison;
Treasurer, Mrs. C. B. Woods; Libar-
ian, Mrs. VIM. Shackleford; CHAPLAIN;
Mr.. w Shackelford; Chorister, Prof.
Geo. I. Holt. Board Of Directors,
Mr.. c.. B. Woods. Mr.. Geo. Mason,
J. B. Rush, Mr.. Hampton Graves
Mrs. George I. Holt.
The next meeting will be at the
regular meeting place, December II,
1912.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

the members of Hawkeye lodge in
their selection. The colored Elks are
planning to enlarge their membership
all over the country The following
gentlemen were elected to these re-
spective stations: esteemed leading
knight, Gibbs Johnson; esteemed 10y
al knight, Vivian L. Jones; esteemed
lecturing knight, Frank P. johnson;
secretary, J. H. Sims; treasurer, G.
w. Smith; three-year trustee, c. w.
Williams; tiler, Edward Mcdonald.
The lodge will hold smoker at its
hall Wednesday night, December 1s,
when the hand Of good fellowship
will be extended to guests and visit
ing brothers.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

/. FOR SALE-A 12x12 Studio Camera,
equipped with 16x16 R. R. lense, also
adjustable Aside background, re-touch-
ing stand, plate holders, printing
frames, 500 assorted mounts, etc. etc.
s4o cash takes whole outfit. Formerly
used by we'll known colored photog-
rapher of Philadelphia. Address box
A care Bystander. T.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

At the meeting of the Intellectual
Improvement club with Mrs. Frank
P. Johnson, last week, Mrs. r. E.
Patent read an interesting paper on
"Rare Literature" and Mrs. J. H.
McClain on Lifting AS We Climb, u
and Mrs. Chas. Cousins rendered an
instrumental solo. The meeting this
afternoon will be with Mrs. H. R.
Graves at the residence of Mrs. S.
Joe Brown, at which time, the hostess
will read paper on, "The signifi-
cance of Christmas" Mrs W. H.
Hughes will read an original poem
and the club trio, composed Of Mes
danes Johnson, McClain and Mrs.
Harvey Brown, will sing.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

The annual election of the officers
for, Princess Zorah Chapter, NO. ~,
was held last Tuesday evening at
their hall. The following officers were
elected for the ensuing year: Mrs.
Maud Wilkinson, W. NJ; Mrs. Ellie
Watkins, associate NJ; Mrs. Maud
Thompson, condustress; Miss Lulu
Jackson. secretary; Mrs. Luella Mil
burn, treasurer; Edward T. Banks,
w. P. Installation will be next Tues
day, December 10th.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
ROCK ISLAND, ILL.

The Sewing club of the Wayman A.
M. E. church gave a concert Wednes-
day, the 9th, and Thanksgiving
dinner on Thursday, the 28th, to as
sist the trustees, which was a great
success and credit to the young
people and the Ladies' Sewing Circle
It was Thanksgiving long to be re-
membered, spent in the church hall
by many glad hearts, trusting that
the good work may continue A
neat sum Of money was realized.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

ary meeting at Topeka on the 26th
to 28th, after which the hostess
served dainty repast. There will be
no meeting next week on account of
the A. M. E. Sunday school entertain
ment on Tuesday evening, but on
Tuesday, December 17th, will occur
the semi-annual business meeting and
election of officers at the residence
of DR.. J. A. jefferson, 904 Fourteenth
Street Place and all members are
urged to be present.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

Mr.. and Mrs. Fred Hilton enter
tanned at five-course Thanksgiving
dinner few Of her friends. Covers
were laid for twelve. All enjoved
the dinner fine and left under the I'M
preston that Mrs. Fred Hilton was a
splendid cook as we'll as hostess.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

Mr.. John Griffin, one of our old cit
liens and successful farmer, who lives
Just outside of the city limits. was =
pleasant caller at the Bystander Of
flee. He says his crops are good and
he is through gathering corn.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
A CORRECTION

Nr. and Mrs. L. J. Courtney served
breakfast Wednesday morning to Mr..
Lang and Mr. Boone in honor of their
childhood days. Mr.. AL Walker OF
Ma"shalltown was also guest. A
delightful evening was spent.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

The Thanksgiving dinner and lit
erary entertainment given at the
Maple Street Baptist church, was
great success, both in attendance and
financial way. They served more than
two hundred dinners.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

Mrs. Smith who sufferd paralytlc
stroke sometime ago is dangerously
i'll and has been unconscious the past
week, Her daughter, Mrs. Charles
Roy. is also quite i'll at her home near
Twelfth and Crocker.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06
OUR HOLIDAY, EDITION,

Our annual holiday number will ap-
pear about December goth and all
who have poems, orations, addresses
and special contributions or cuts
please send them in at once. If you
want your cut or the cut of your
homes, etc., send them in right away,
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

Mr.. and Mrs. Basil Porter served a
splendid five-course dinner Thanks
giving. Covers were laid for eight.
The guests all agreed that Mrs. Por-
ter is a delightful little entertainer
as well as a first class cook.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

Wanted-A first class barber. Will
guarantee $1,000 per week. Write
or or telephone L. J. Shelton, proprietor
of the Shelton Barber Shop, Iowa
Loan and Trust Building, Des Moines.
Iowa.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-06

The regular Mothers monthly
meeting will be held tomorrow after
moon at Union Congregational church.
Tenth and Park streets. All men,
bers are urged to attend.