The Westmoreland Cultural Trust : The Union Trust Building

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	Release April 2013 SPRING FEVER DANCE FEATURING THE BRASS KNUCKLES BAND WAS A KNOCK-OUT! GREENSBURG, PA – The Brass Knuckles did NOT disappoint at Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s first *Spring Fever Dance* on a beautiful April 27^th evening. The band was just getting started as people arrived, and, as Lyn Emrick exclaimed, “it really revved up the crowd!” Their class act, managed by band leader, Rich Miller, pleased the crowd of well over 100. Dancers of all ages congregated on the huge dance floor at Ferrante’s Lakeview. Brass Knuckles Band is comprised of 10 local musicians, many of them music teachers from local school districts. Their variety of songs from the 40’s through the 00’s kept the slow dancers and fast dancers asking for more when the band announced its final number. In between dancing, guests visited the light buffet of tempting treats including roast beef sliders, shrimp tempura, fried ravioli, tortellini alfredo and Swedish meatballs. Cupcakes and delicious crème puffs filled the dessert table. Roger McGuire expressed the sentiments of many saying, “I’m so glad I can dance off all these crème puffs tonight!” This first time fundraiser for the Westmoreland Cultural Trust was a big hit according to all those attending. “My friends and I had a ball and they all said they will do it again next year.” Thanks, Mary Lou Hugus, we’ll be counting on you! Look for it on next years’ schedule! ### Release March 2013 HOLLYWOOD PARTY - A SALUTE TO THE PALACE! GREENSBURG, PA – Our 8th annual Hollywood Party was a celebration of The Palace Theatre, past and present, and a toast to the future. WQED producer Rick Sebak, our host for the evening, raised a glass of champagne during the pre-party to honor the 87 years of the theatre and to the anticipation of its 100 year anniversary. Eric Barchiesi and Stage Right performers entertained on the stage during the pre-party as a slideshow presentation of nostalgic Palace memorabilia served as a backdrop. Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Tex Ritter, Sally Rand, Woody Herman and Lionel Hampton are just a few of the stars to have graced this stage. Hors d’ ouevres prepared by Caffe Barista and Chef Mark’s Palate were served to guests. WCT President Mike Langer welcomed the guests and thanked co-chairs Dawna Saunders and Peg Colosimo for another year of successful party planning. The doors opened to the main event at 7pm. Guests were tempted by a huge array of delicious treats compliments of Chef Dato’s, Duane’s On Grove, Greensburg Country Club, One Eleven, and Pallantia. Caffe Barista, J Corks, Libras and Peking Garden provided additional delicacies. Rick Sebak kicked off the evening by introducing the Vaudeville acts including an unforgettable tap dance number by Sophie Tucker (otherwise known as Renata Marino.) Entertainment by Stage Right performers, the Sensations and John Noble went on throughout the evening in the Megan's Suite (Manos Ballroom), Grand Staircase and Upper Megan's Suite (Strand Sweets Shop). Eric Barchiesi on piano continued to please listeners and couples on the dance floor in the Manos Ballroom. The second floor of The Palace was transformed from the Mezzanine into a speakeasy - (reportedly to have been housed in the basement during Prohibition years). Fedoras, ostrich plumes, and boas adorned the Mezzanine. Coffee donated by Sun Dawg Café was available in the Strand Sweets Shop. This candy shop was formerly housed in the original Manos Theatre (now The Palace) built and opened by Greek immigrant candy makers in 1926 to attract business for their confectionairies. Penny candy in apothecary jars lined the shelves and George Church, in soda jerk attire, encouraged guests to help themselves. Party goers were amazed at the tables of fabulous desserts generously donated by Enrico Biscotti, Cakes by Colby, The Cupcake Shoppe, Barb Manko, One Tough Cookie, Pastor’s Special Order Bakery and Steel Penny Cakes. Kevin Jansma, PNC Bank Senior Vice President and Group Manager of Corporate Banking and first time guest at Hollywood Party, voiced these sentiments: "Everything was very well done and the turnout was a great tribute to the role of the Trust within the community." We thank all of our guests for making this event a successful fundraiser. AND THE WINNERS ARE.... Beth Alwine held the winning ticket for the "Wheelbarrow of Cheer." Tickets for our "Salute to The Palace" – 5 Days of Prizes were available throughout the evening. Our sweepstakes winners are: Darlene Pahel - SPA PACKAGE donated by Sharp Image Hair Design & Day Spa, Renew Spa, Dr. John Tollari and Pat Condo & Jan Taylor-Condo. Carmen Eisaman - CUISINE PACKAGE - Private dinner at Rizzo’s for 6-8 prepared by Rizzi, Omni Resort at Bedford Springs, St. Vincent Grist Mill and LeJardin Florals Dawna Saunders - SPORTS PACKAGE donated by Seven Springs, Matt Starry, St. Vincent College, Tony DeNunzio & Terrell Pryor (Winner wishes to remain anonymous) - GET-AWAY PACKAGE donated by Westmoreland County Airport Authority, Mountain Play House, Green Gables Restaurant, St. Vincent College Summer Theatre, DeNunzio’s Chophouse Jim Duffy - ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE donated by Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Zoo, Laurel Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, The Palace Theatre THANK YOU... Thanks and sincere appreciation go to our volunteers who cheerfully took on the task of decorating and planning the monumental task of Hollywood Party. Thank you to all of our sponsors and underwriters, the extremely generous food and dessert vendors, the merchants who donated items and services to our sweepstakes, all of The Palace and Greensburg Garden & Civic Center staff and to our wonderful host of "Salute to the Palace" - Rick Sebak. A special thanks to these volunteers: Nancy Anderson, Keith Biskup, Jeanie Bock, Kevin Bock, BettyAnn Bridge, George Church, Jane Church, Peggy Colosimo, Lyn Emrick, Ginny Gabriel, Barb Genter, Elinor Giovannini, John Herrmann, Kathy Hollahan, MaryLou Hugus, Pam Jennings, Lisa Mensch, Paula Pedicone, Gary Pratt, Dawna Saunders, Jan Taylor-Condo, Rob Trainer, David Vale, Magdelyn Vale, and Anne Marie Welty ### Release March 2013 A CELEBRATION OF DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS! GREENSBURG, PA – Our volunteers were treated to an evening of fun, friends and fine food at the Greensburg Garden & Civic Center on Monday March 18^th. “Cherries & Chocolate” has been the theme for the past 9 years of Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s celebration of their special group of dedicated individuals. They include committee members of fundraising events, Palace Theatre ushers, special project builders and helpers working with children’s art projects. Volunteer bartenders, cookie bakers, Santa Claus, storytellers, all have donated their time, energy and creativity to the Trust. Marty McGuire, Special Event Coordinator, welcomed the large group of over 100 volunteers. Co-chair of the Hollywood Party, Peg Colosimo and co-chair of the Fashion Show, Jane Church gave a birds-eye view of their events for the benefit of those who have never attended. The co-chairs were presented with a gift in recognition of their commitment to these important fundraisers. Bocce nel Giardino, TGIS and Golfin’ A Round for the Arts were briefly described and garnered much interest- 11 new recruits for the these events! Eileen Patrick, Manager of Palace Administration, thanked the ushers for welcoming and seating our guests at The Palace Theatre. In particular, she recognized Elinor Giovannini for all the years she has served as head usher. The volunteers presented Vonnie Goldsborough, assistant to the president of WCT, with a special gift of thanks in recognition of the many hours she devoted to her role organizing and working with fundraising committees. This role will now be assumed by the special event coordinator. WCT President Mike Langer stressed the importance of the volunteers; the work that they do and the financial savings for the Trust. “We could not keep the doors of The Palace Theatre open without the help of our volunteers. We simply could not afford to operate.” Mike expressed his sincere thanks and hoped that the volunteers would continue their support of the Trust. Caffé Barista’s delicious dinner started with Organic Green Salad topped with fresh strawberries and raspberries drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The main course was Italian herb roasted chicken, whipped parmesan potatoes and green beans. All leftover food items were donated to the Welcome Home Shelter in Greensburg. Cupcake centerpieces decorated each table and under 12 of these cupcakes was a special surprise. Then came the exciting part of the evening when the cupcakes were upturned and each special prize was revealed: Cupcake #1 - Teresa Shaffer - 2 tickets to our new Spring Fever Dance Cupcake #2 - Louise Smith - Decorative jar of lottery tickets Cupcake #3 - Linda Blair - $50 gift certificate to DeNunzio’s Restaurant Cupcake #4 - Alice Tranchini- Spring basket Cupcake #5 - Sib’s Sweet Shoppe boxed candy Cupcake #6 - Pat Good - $50 Palace gift certificates Cupcake #7 - Helen Stetina - Spring Fever Dance tickets (2) Cupcake #8 - 2 tickets to Bocce nel Giardino Cupcake #9 - Mary Gilmore -2 tickets St. Vincent Summer Theatre Cupcake #10 - LeighAnn McCulty - 2 tickets to Hollywood Party 2014 Cupcake #11 - MaryAnn Long - 2 tickets to Holiday Fashion Show Cupcake #12 - Rita Berquist - Theatre in the Mountains Package We look forward to another year of fun with our volunteers! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like more information, call the Westmoreland Cultural Trust administrative office today, 724-836-1123. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org ### Release November 2012 8TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY FASHION FANTASY ALL NEW RUNWAY SHOW! Greensburg, PA - Greensburg Garden & Civic Center was all decked out for the holidays in preparation for the fabulous *Holiday Fashion Fantasy* on November 1^st. Lovely ladies, beautiful children and distinquished gentlemen graced the new runway. The runway was a welcome addition to the venue. Flanked with LED lights, it was a wonderful platform for the models to show off their festive attire. The stage was ablaze with dozens and dozens of bright crimson poinsettias set amidst marble columns against a black curtain. The dramatically set stage was a perfect backdrop for each of the 40 models. The party-goers were greeted by champagne steward, Keith Biskup and treated to a glass of the bubbly. Rizzo’s provided the sumptuous banquet of delicious appetizers along with chicken marsala, giant raviolis, polenta and much more. Terry Reese, Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s Board Chairman and guest host for the evening introduced himself and thanked all for coming to support the Trust. He commended the volunteers for their efforts in organizing this popular event as he introduced event co-chairwomen, Jane Church and Susan Dickson-Houser. Our emcee for the evening, Jennifer Miele, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Excela Health began by introducing the presenting store and a brief description of the collection the models were showing. Lapels - A Fine Men’s Clothier, Sears, Golf for Her, Crossroads Boutique, Katwalk, New Attitude Dress Salon and Aw Else Boutique were the retailers for this year’s show. Although the adults were outstanding, the kids were the ones to stand out! Who can’t resist a scrubbed up, dressed up child?! After the show, guests were invited back to the Laurel & Iris Rooms for dessert, coffee and drinks while Terry pulled the winning lucky ticket raffle numbers. Show retailers, along with Beeghly and Company Jewelers displayed a sampling of their merchandise and guests got a jump start on their holiday shopping! Bartending team Karl and Carmen Eisaman, Keith Biskup and Steve DeRosa deserve a round of thanks for their service during the evening. Thank you to our models, retailers, event sponsors and underwriters. A very special thank you to our Fashion Show committee. You make these wonderful events possible. Underwriters: Jamie DiAndreth, Physical Therapy, Linda & Bobby Iezzi and Kepple-Graft Funeral Home and Spectrum Materials International. *For photos of the evening's festivities, visit our Event Gallery at www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org . Photos compliments of EBanks Photography.* ###
	Release August 2012 ELEVEN YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG! BOCCE NEL GIARDINO! Greensburg, PA - Bocce nel Giardino (Bocce in the Garden) continues to be a favorite summertime gathering for friends and family. This year’s theme, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, added a tropical paradise atmosphere to the Greensburg Garden & Civic Center landscape. Pink flamingos, parrots and palm trees decorated the lawn. A beach theme centerpiece with live fish, sand and seashells transformed each table into a mini-seashore! The huge white tents were lit up with sparkling lights as the sun began to set. Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett and of course Sinatra music played throughout the evening as Linda Kubas “deejayed” favorite summer tunes. Rizzo’s provided a sumptuous buffet beginning with a variety of hors d’oeuvres, antipasto, fresh fruit, Bruschetta and herbed frittas followed by dinner at 7 pm. The buffet featured Chicken Marsala, Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Eggplant Parmigiana and plenty more Rizzo specialties. Thanks to the many generous restaurant vendors we once again had a huge selection of fabulous desserts. Large posters of the past 10 years of Bocce champions flocked the Buffet area. This year the bocce competition was fierce as the championship was narrowed down to Team Anderson and Flock against Team Tidwell and Guiher. Referee Mike Langer crawled on all fours, carefully measuring the distance between bocce balls to the entertainment of the crowd and the anxiety of the final players. Chuck Anderson and Dick Flock prevailed leaving Donna Tidwell and husband Tom Guiher vowing to be next year’s winners. Besides Bocce, food and music, the silent auction tent was a popular attraction. Twenty nine interesting and very desirable gift baskets were offered in a range of prices. Bringing in the highest bid price was the “Head to the Beach Basket” which included a week in Myrtle Beach compliments of Thomas Tours & Travel and round trip airfare for two donated by Westmoreland County Airport Authority. Our second highest bid item was a bucket of Buffett‘s personalized items from Margaritaville, sent by Jimmy himself. At the end of the final bocce match, after the silent auction baskets were sent home with their new owners and the tents emptied of guests, the beautiful night was still filled with music and light. Volunteers and their families, staff and their families, and even our bartenders all joined in the “unraveling” of Bocce nel Giardino 2012. Many hands make light work and we are ever grateful to all the people who help to make this event a success from start to finish. We wish to thank our sponsors, Aaron’s Rug Care, Amcom/Xerox, Dollar Bank, Francis R. Johns, D.M.D., M.D., McDowell Associates Insurance, Private Wealth Advisors and S&T Bank and a very special thank you to our primary sponsor, First Commonwealth Bank. Westmoreland Cultural Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to stimulate cultural and economic development in the Westmoreland County region. We promote the performing arts; we preserve and enhance our region’s assets for the benefit of the community. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org ###
	Release July 2012 GARY PRATT FANS CAME POURING IN FOR T.G.I.S. Greensburg, PA - Rainy weather didn’t stop Gary Pratt’s fans from pouring in the doors to TGIS last Thursday evening. By chance, a dance floor had been set up in advance of a weekend wedding reception in the Megan's Suite, making the transition from outside to inside an unanticipated gift. Gary’s country line dancers took full advantage of that opportunity and danced the evening non-stop. Gary provided cowboy hats to spectators, convincing them to get up and dance along with the other western- clad folks on the dance floor. That was all Janet Mascia and daughter needed to join in the fun. These newcomers to the TGIS scene assured us they will return with more friends to experience new bands in the courtyard (or inside the Megan's Suite- weather doesn’t stop the music!) For more photos of Gary Pratt's show and all our past T.G.I.S. concerts - CLICK HERE! Turtle Tree Fine Foods (Café Barista) provided delicious pizzas, nachos, roast beef melts, toasted ravioli, fresh fruit, Italian deli clubs and spinach artichoke dip from their new summer menu. Thank you to Lisa Hegedus and her attentive waitresses. Each week our Bartender Challenge becomes more and more competitive. Rita Berquist, a regular at TGIS, stepped in to take on the bartender challenge along with daughter Eryn and friends Mary Lee Zasada and Marian Halas. The team to beat is Teresa Baughman and Cindy Strayer, bartenders on a standing room only night with Bad Boy Blues Band. Thank you for volunteers Peg Colosimo, Mary Lou Hugus and Jane Church, volunteer bartenders, Gary Pratt and Gary’s accompanist, vocalist Raquel. Special thanks to summer sponsors: Amcom/Xerox, Dollar Bank, First Commonwealth Bank, Integrity Estate Advisors McDowell Associates Insurance, John Noble Family, Private Wealth Advisors and S&T Bank. *For a complete schedule of upcoming T.G.I.S. performers - CLICK HERE!* ### Release June 2012 "THANK GOODNESS IT'S SUMMER" WESTMORELAND CULTURAL TRUST FREE CONCERT SERIES! GREENSBURG, PA - Thank Goodness It’s Summer opened on a sunshiny evening with alternative rockers *Life of Brian. Life of Brian* performed cover and original music at the first of fifteen weeks of our summer fundraising event and brought friends and family, all newcomers, to The Palace Theatre courtyard. *Life of Brian* members include: Kevin Ridilla (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Kristy Ridilla (vocals), Kevin Poole (bass guitar), Alec Henderson (lead guitar), Robert Vasinko (keys) and Daniel Vasinko (drums). It truly is a family affair with dad, Ray Vasinko, as sound man. Visit www.reverbnation.com/lobband for more on these talented performers. There were a lot of familiar faces in the 152 guests in attendance… Kevin and Jeanne Bock, Jerry and Cindy Butler, Candace Cassidy, Mary Lou Hacker, Don and Pat Hrosik and Kent Platos to name a few. Also in the crowd were soon to be guest bartenders Rita Berquist on July 19^th for Gary Pratt returning for his 7^th year and Dave and Dixie Leonard on June 21^st for the acoustic duo of Detention returning for their 6^th year! We would like to welcome and thank The Supper Club for providing a delicious menu of wraps, fruits, salad and an assortment of pizzas by the slice. Thank you to Peg Colosimo and Dawna Saunders, our volunteer bartenders currently in first place in the bartender challenge! Special thanks to our summer sponsors: Amcom/Xerox, Dollar Bank, First Commonwealth Bank, Integrity Estate Advisors, McDowell Associates Insurance, John Noble Family, Private Wealth Advisors and S & T Bank. Join us on Thursday, July 19^th for Gary Pratt. Visit our website for a complete list of summer performers: www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org ### Release April 2012 Updated May 9, 2012 WESTMORELAND CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES "GOLFIN' A ROUND FOR THE ARTS" GREENSBURG, PA - Westmoreland Cultural Trust invites the community to its inaugural golf outing…*Golfin’ A Round for the Arts, to be held on Monday, May 21st at the Hannastown Golf Club in Greensburg. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the shotgun start at noon. Entry fee is $125 per person which includes cart, greens fees, prizes, hole in one chances and dinner. Enjoy the Shamble format with all players teeing off then selecting the best drive. Each player plays in from the best drive until the balls are holed for each player. The best two of four gross scores are recorded. The sure to be coveted, Trust Golf Classic signature jacket will be awarded to the winning women’s and men’s foursomes! Skills contests include Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive in Fairway and Longest Putt. Hole in One winners will be awarded a fabulous Mazda3i Sport compliments of Smail Auto Group, $10,000 in cash and other prizes! Perfect that swing for the putting skills contest at $10 per person. Pay and play as many times as desired to win the $1,000 jackpot! Take a chance on winning a luxurious golf package at the magnificent Eagle Rock Resort or an opulent overnight at beautiful Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Hotdogs, snacks and beverages will be provided. Dinner will be your choice of steak or chicken. Hannastown is a private golf club located in Hempfield Township on the north end of Greensburg and is considered to be one of the finest courses in Westmoreland County. Monday afternoon on the green, blue skies, warm sun on your back .as you and your friends golf to benefit the Arts programs in Westmoreland County. What better reason for getting out of bed on a Monday morning!? Thanks to our Golf Outing sponsors: County Roofing & Heating Inc., First Commonwealth Bank, Overly Manufacturing Company, S&T Bank, Smail Auto Group and Westmoreland County Community College! Sponsorships are still available at every level. Sign up early for our newest fundraising event! Please call the Trust office for information on the outing or sponsorship opportunities at 724 836-1123. Contributions through membership, donations and taking part in our fundraising activities help to fund cultural, historical and artistic programs throughout our community. Support these efforts by Golfin’ A Round for the arts! ### Release January 2012 WESTMORELAND CULTURAL TRUST INVITES YOU BACK TO THE FUTURE AND THE 1980s! GREENSBURG, PA - Like totally!This year, Hollywood Party at The Palace presents Back to the 80s.* Our annual, signature event will be held on Saturday, February 25^th at The Palace Theatre and will include a lavish evening of fun, food, and entertainment. Just like an Academy Awards night, arriving guests, *the true stars of this event,* walk the red-carpet amidst paparazzi and applause and are soon mingling among a rich tapestry of friends, fellow patrons, “actors” and performers. Our guests will eat, drink and be merry while rubbing elbows with Lionel Ritchie, The Terminator, Indiana Jones, Marty McFly, Doc Jones and The Ghostbusters! The grand staircase of the theatre turns into the MGM Backlot where guests will see numbers from classic 80s musicals like Fame, Footloose and Flashdance as well as a performance from the ultimate 80s music video - Michael Jackson's Thriller. Our Megan's Intermission Suite will be transformed into the setting for the Senior Prom circa 1985 where one of the musical guests will be Madonna! The upper Megan's Suite will host live performances from The David Letterman Show, The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live. And for those who need a break to hang out where "everyone knows your name", they can stop upstairs in the mezzanine for a drink in our Cheers bar! Join, Coach, Cliff and of course Norm while enjoying classic 80s TV like the Cosby Show, The Facts of Life and Baywatch on the big screen. What a blast! Admission is just $75! And for $125, enjoy the main event PLUS the exclusive Backstage Party where guests will enjoy a cavalcade of MTV's biggest and best stars from the 80s prior to the main event, AND a professional portrait, AND a special program listing AND a ticket to Stage Right’s production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. We thank and ask you to support our sponsors: *** Excela Health * First Commonwealth Bank * Trib Total Media *** * Age-Craft Mfg., Inc. * Amcom/Xerox * East Otterman Chiropractic * * First National Bank * Francis R. Johns, D.M.D., M.D. * * McDowell Associates Insurance * The Rick Neish Family * * The John M. Noble Family * Private Wealth Advisors, Inc. * * The Marjorie Reese Family * S & T Bank * Smail Auto Group * Stage Right! * * The Supper Club * Westmoreland County Community College * Join us for this gnarly great time at Hollywood Party at The Palace! *Back to the 80s!* For more information or to buy tickets call the Trust at 724.836.1123. Visit us a www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org ### Release September 2010 Support Westmoreland Cultural Trust While Doing Your Holiday Shopping! iGive.com Holiday Gifts that Give Back. This holiday season, send a gift that means an automatic donation to Westmoreland Cultural Trust! When you shop at any of over 700 participating online stores through iGive, a portion of each purchase comes back to us in the form of a donation check. It’s free for you, free for us, and you pay the same or less than you would by going directly to the store. Shopping online means no wasted gas and no more standing in long lines at the mall. And to all you smart shoppers: don’t miss iGive’s treasure-trove of coupons, sales, and free shipping. Save money, save time, and send gifts that give twice. What could be better than that? See for yourself at: www.iGive.com/westmorelandculturaltrust and Westmoreland Cultural Trust will automatically be selected as the beneficiary! It's fast, simple and FREE! GIFT ITEMS & STOCKING STUFFERS! CAT'S MEOW COLLECTIBLES Cat’s Meow collectors can add The Palace Theatre and the Greensburg Train Station to their assortment of local sites for $21 each this holiday season! PALACE THEATRE GIFT CERTIFICATES What do you get for the person who has everything this holiday season? Palace Theatre Gift Certificates could be just the gift you’re looking for! Valid only for tickets sold through The Palace Theatre Box Office, gift certificates are valued at $25 each with no expiration date and are ideal for the friend or family member with a variety of theatrical tastes or a busy schedule. Service charges do not apply at point of purchase but will apply when certificates are redeemed as with all ticket sales. A great gift for those who enjoy a night at the show. Perfect for stocking stuffers or a “just because” gift! Visit The Palace Theatre Box Office and get your certificates today! Or call 724.836.8000 for more information. # # #


	WESTMORELAND CULTURAL TRUST + 102 N. MAIN STREET, SUITE 232 + GREENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 15601 + 724.836.1123