Upcoming Programming AND EVENTS
A TIMELESS TREASURES HOLIDAY
Join us for our Annual Holiday Open House, December 7 & 8, 2024 from 1PM to 4PM
This year our theme looks back on the Victorian era, featuring antique cards and handmade toys
and the simple treasures and pleasures of the time
Come listen to a gramophone! See our tree decked in candlelight!
We'll have hearth cooking and treats. In the Barn there will be carols and
a display of vintage games, plus ornaments on the tree to delight and surprise!
Come, usher in the season with us.
The Old Store will be open and their fall hours are Thurs-Sun-12-4pm.
This year our theme looks back on the Victorian era, featuring antique cards and handmade toys
and the simple treasures and pleasures of the time
Come listen to a gramophone! See our tree decked in candlelight!
We'll have hearth cooking and treats. In the Barn there will be carols and
a display of vintage games, plus ornaments on the tree to delight and surprise!
Come, usher in the season with us.
The Old Store will be open and their fall hours are Thurs-Sun-12-4pm.
PAST Programming AND EVENTS
2024 Gloria Thorne Scholarship
This year, the Society is awarded a $5000 Gloria Thorne Scholarship to Sarah Bollacke, a graduate of New Fairfield, who volunteered with the Society for years. She helped with Open House, and Barn Sale, cleaning and organizing the attic, marching in the parade and so much more. She brought a bright mind and a joyful spirit to her work here and she is a presence to be missed as she enjoys her freshman year of college.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, December 2 & 3, 2023
"A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE"
Tree lighting and a visit from Santa, Sun. at 4 pm.
As always, Northrop House will be decked out in this year’s theme, “A Stroll Down Memory Lane,” which will transport you back in time. We’ll have hearth cooking & refreshments!
Not to be missed at OPEN HOUSE: the Farm Exhibit & holiday decorations in the Barn. To cap off our event, we’ll have our tree lighting and, once again, a special appearance by you-know-who-ho-ho. Yes! Santa will arrive on Sunday at 4pm. The Menorah will be lit at the advent of Hanukkah.
Do shop The Old Store for your holiday gift-giving as well. It’s a winter wonderland of delights!
Let’s ring in the holidays together. Good friends and Good cheer!
Tree lighting and a visit from Santa, Sun. at 4 pm.
As always, Northrop House will be decked out in this year’s theme, “A Stroll Down Memory Lane,” which will transport you back in time. We’ll have hearth cooking & refreshments!
Not to be missed at OPEN HOUSE: the Farm Exhibit & holiday decorations in the Barn. To cap off our event, we’ll have our tree lighting and, once again, a special appearance by you-know-who-ho-ho. Yes! Santa will arrive on Sunday at 4pm. The Menorah will be lit at the advent of Hanukkah.
Do shop The Old Store for your holiday gift-giving as well. It’s a winter wonderland of delights!
Let’s ring in the holidays together. Good friends and Good cheer!
EARLY INNS &taverns & Inns on Tap SERVED UP A FASCINATING PAST
The Sherman Historical Society and Sherman Library would like to thank author and historical storyteller, John Cilio, for his latest presentation, Early Inns & Taverns Across Connecticut and New England, held at the Library on Nov. 4th. We extend our gratitude as well to those who gave up their sunny Saturday afternoon to join us. It was well-attended and worth it!
Mr. Cilio’s thoroughly-researched talks take what we think we know about history and dig deeper to unearth both fun and fascinating historical facts that whet our thirst for history, such as: Did you know the earliest “Ordinary,” which later evolved into taverns and inns, was begun by the Puritans? These establishments were a vital part of history, making travel more safe and convenient, as well as being a local source of news from outside. Beer may not have built America, but these inns, taverns, and the like, served to expand and unite the growing colonies.
If you missed Mr. Cilio’s talk, fear not. He is hard at work on another upcoming presentation you will not want to miss that will reveal startling facts about a local landmark. Stay tuned for more information from the Library and Society. In the meantime, if you wish to know more about Mr. Cilio and the wide range of presentations he gives, here and abroad, visit his website: www.vintageflyer.com.
We look forward to you joining us for more.
Mr. Cilio’s thoroughly-researched talks take what we think we know about history and dig deeper to unearth both fun and fascinating historical facts that whet our thirst for history, such as: Did you know the earliest “Ordinary,” which later evolved into taverns and inns, was begun by the Puritans? These establishments were a vital part of history, making travel more safe and convenient, as well as being a local source of news from outside. Beer may not have built America, but these inns, taverns, and the like, served to expand and unite the growing colonies.
If you missed Mr. Cilio’s talk, fear not. He is hard at work on another upcoming presentation you will not want to miss that will reveal startling facts about a local landmark. Stay tuned for more information from the Library and Society. In the meantime, if you wish to know more about Mr. Cilio and the wide range of presentations he gives, here and abroad, visit his website: www.vintageflyer.com.
We look forward to you joining us for more.
HALLOWEEn BASH!
Once again the SHS is participated in Sherman's great Halloween Bash! We were one of many organizations that participated. The weather cooperated and the town came out to support it and get treated! A Scary-Good time was had by all. Many thanks to Helen Anne Ostrosky, Amy Bocompani and Sue Moga for all their hard work.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS - Guest Speaker
Members and the public joined us for the Society's Annual Meeting of the Members. Our guest speaker, John Palowski, Curator of the Connecticut Museum of Mining & Mineral Science, in Kent, CT who spoke on Connecticut – The Cradle of American Mining, was most enlightening. We learned a great deal about the many and various forms of mining that took place (and some still does) in Connecticut.
We held our annual meeting and several new and returning members were elected to the Board. They include: Elizabeth M. Haney, Jan Desiato, Lisa Keller, Renee Collins, HelenAnne Ostrosky, and Lucy Seda.
Click here to read our ANNUAL REPORT for 2022-2023.
We held our annual meeting and several new and returning members were elected to the Board. They include: Elizabeth M. Haney, Jan Desiato, Lisa Keller, Renee Collins, HelenAnne Ostrosky, and Lucy Seda.
Click here to read our ANNUAL REPORT for 2022-2023.
The Gloria Thorne 2023 Scholarships Awarded
Every year, we find it hard to choose among the wonderful applicants for this scholarship, and at the same time so pleased to have such worthy contenders. Again, this year, it was too close to call just one winner so the Board of Directors voted to award Gloria Thorne Scholarships to three graduating high school seniors who not only met but exceeded our criteria in their classes, community service, dedication to the Society and overall character.
Domenico LeRose, a graduate of Immaculate, volunteered with SHS children’s programs and put in his muscle into our Barn cleanup and restoration. He will attend WCSU in the Fall.
Phillip Ostrosky, a graduate of Shepaug Valley, also volunteered for children’s programs, Barn restoration and Barn Sales. He plans to attend the University of Scranton.
Helen Seda, a New Fairfield graduate, also volunteered for Barn Sale, parade, attic organization, programs and exhibits. She will attend Macromedia University in Germany.
All of these bright, young people helped much more than we can say. They volunteered while maintaining excellent grades. We thank them for their help.
And thus, it was with pleasure that Pres. Elizabeth M. Haney awarded the Gloria Thorne Scholarship to these three with a ceremony at Northrop House on August 13, with family proudly in attendance. We wish Dom, Phillip and Helen every success and happiness in academia and beyond.
Below, from left to right: Dom LeRose, Phillip Ostrosky and Helen Seda with President Elizabeth M. Haney.
Every year, we find it hard to choose among the wonderful applicants for this scholarship, and at the same time so pleased to have such worthy contenders. Again, this year, it was too close to call just one winner so the Board of Directors voted to award Gloria Thorne Scholarships to three graduating high school seniors who not only met but exceeded our criteria in their classes, community service, dedication to the Society and overall character.
Domenico LeRose, a graduate of Immaculate, volunteered with SHS children’s programs and put in his muscle into our Barn cleanup and restoration. He will attend WCSU in the Fall.
Phillip Ostrosky, a graduate of Shepaug Valley, also volunteered for children’s programs, Barn restoration and Barn Sales. He plans to attend the University of Scranton.
Helen Seda, a New Fairfield graduate, also volunteered for Barn Sale, parade, attic organization, programs and exhibits. She will attend Macromedia University in Germany.
All of these bright, young people helped much more than we can say. They volunteered while maintaining excellent grades. We thank them for their help.
And thus, it was with pleasure that Pres. Elizabeth M. Haney awarded the Gloria Thorne Scholarship to these three with a ceremony at Northrop House on August 13, with family proudly in attendance. We wish Dom, Phillip and Helen every success and happiness in academia and beyond.
Below, from left to right: Dom LeRose, Phillip Ostrosky and Helen Seda with President Elizabeth M. Haney.
ORB HUNT participation – 2023
The Society was excited to be a participant in this year's ORB HUNT organized by the Merwinsville Hotel Restoration group and sponsored by the Hotel and the New Milford Commision on the Arts. They kicked off the hunt in 2021 to coincide with the Hotel's 50th anniversary of its restoration project. Talented artisans created class orbs that were then hidden at historic sites and non-profits in the Litchfield and Fairfield County areas. This year we delighted to hide three beautiful orbs on the our grounds for lucky hunters to find. It was as much fun to hide as to seek. We hope to participate again next year. If you are interesting in hunting next time, stay tuned and visit: www.merwinsvillehotel.org
ARSHILE GORKY — Could he be the last Surrealist and the first Abstract Expressionist?
This was an engaging, illustrated talk given John Cilio, author, historian and lecturer. The event was co-sponsored with- and presented at The Sherman Library and presented on June 17th. John Cilio has researched and lectured on other artists but he found Gorky to be one of the most complex in terms of artistic pursuit and pushing boundaries of artistic style inexorably interwoven with a charismatic personality and tragedy-laden personal life.
The talk sparked much conversation afterwards with questions and input from the audience, among them members of the Arshile Gorky Foundation. Many revelations were had as a result.
John Cilio, historian, storyteller, is a member of the Organization of American Historians and the Association for the Study of Connecticut History. He thrives on researching the ghosts of our past, uncovering the underlying forces and historical trends that one single event rarely impacts. Cilio is the author of six historical books and has written over 200 articles. He has spoken at over 475 events on a wide range of topics in several countries. Several of his books are available at The Old Store, as well as the Sherman Historical Society’s book Reflections, which includes an entry on Gorky by resident Ann Price, who, as a youngster, was friends with Gorky and his family.
The talk sparked much conversation afterwards with questions and input from the audience, among them members of the Arshile Gorky Foundation. Many revelations were had as a result.
John Cilio, historian, storyteller, is a member of the Organization of American Historians and the Association for the Study of Connecticut History. He thrives on researching the ghosts of our past, uncovering the underlying forces and historical trends that one single event rarely impacts. Cilio is the author of six historical books and has written over 200 articles. He has spoken at over 475 events on a wide range of topics in several countries. Several of his books are available at The Old Store, as well as the Sherman Historical Society’s book Reflections, which includes an entry on Gorky by resident Ann Price, who, as a youngster, was friends with Gorky and his family.
COLONIAL DAYS
Once again, the Fourth and Fifth grade XP students (teachers Bernadette Linero, Shannon Lathrop), traveled back to a simpler period in time by reenacting the lives and trades of Colonial America on June 12th. Represented were blacksmiths, chandlers, militia, and more. The students researched their chosen trades and prepared presentations that demonstrated what life was like in the late 1700s. Educational and entertaining for all!
MEMORIAL WEEKEND BARN SALE SUCCESS
Not only was the weather perfect the whole weekend, we are so pleased that our fund-raising sale for 2023 was a success. We thank all those who donated their treasures, those who scooped them up, the tireless volunteers who worked behind the scenes (fueled by donuts!) to prepare, those who worked the sale and those who did yeoman's work cleaning up. Thanks to our success, we'll be able to plan more programming for the year ahead!
SHS MEMORIAL DAY PARADE REPRESENTATION
SECOND GRADE VISIT to northrop house and old store museums
Second graders from Sherman School, visited the Historical Society in May. They, with teacher, Dawn Perlman, toured the Old Store with Miss Sue [Moga] learning about shopping in times gone by in one tiny store in the center of town. They also toured the Northrop House Museum and Indigenous Peoples exhibit with Mrs. Z [Zellner].
VISITING PROFESSOR RESEARCHES AT SHS
Professor Hans Bak, Em. Professor of American Literature & American Studies at Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands came to research in our library for his latest book about Malcolm Cowley. He has published two prior volumes, Malcolm Cowley: The Formative Years, and The Long Voyage, that cover Malcolm's early career and his correspondence respectively, copies of which he gifted to the Society. We are honored to have these distinguished tomes in our collection. This latest endeavor will delve into Cowley's later years, the majority of which were in Sherman and involved in our community.
To that end, the Society arranged for Prof. Bak to have a round table chat with several past and present Shermanites (Bill Braislin, Pat Endress, Jeanne McRoberts and Ann Price) who remembered Cowley as neighbor, friend, town activist, editor and writer. It was a lively and enlightening and most valuable discussion. The rest of the professor's time here was spent poring over our Sentinel archives for documentation. We look forward to the professor’s latest venture in print and perhaps being a stop on his book tour!
Below: Ann Price, Pat Endress, Professor Hans Bak, Jeanne McRoberts and Bill Braislin.
Quinnetukut – Stories of Survival
This program, was presented on March 5th, at the Senior Resource Center by Darlene Kascak, Traditional Native American Storyteller and Education Director at The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) in Washington, CT. Ms. Kascak, of the Schaghticoke Nation, took us back to 12,000 BC when the indigenous people lived on these lands, back to the ice age and the hunting of mastodons, and forward through the evolution of the thawing environment to its emergence as woodlands, rivers and lakes. She spoke of the introduction of foreigners, the oppression of their culture for centuries, and the hope and reemergence that comes with re-education and retelling of fact-based history that has long been misrepresented and misunderstood.
The audience was impressed that these so-called “primitive” tribes were in fact quite brilliant at adapting to- and learning from- nature to survive, sustain and thrive for thousands of years. The indigenous tribes did not have a word for “”ownership” of the land as they believed they shared it and lived in a symbiotic relationship with it and all living creatures. They gave back whenever they took. They were the first ecologists, environmentalists, recyclers, innovative tool-makers, ingenious hunters and smart gardeners.
Ms. Kascak, in her role at IAIS, is currently working with schools in Connecticut to reshape and re-teach curriculum with regard to indigenous people. It is beyond timely and necessary. These tribes’ philosophy and way of life were based on mutual respect, inclusion and communities working to the betterment of all. Are those not lessons from which we can all benefit?
The audience was impressed that these so-called “primitive” tribes were in fact quite brilliant at adapting to- and learning from- nature to survive, sustain and thrive for thousands of years. The indigenous tribes did not have a word for “”ownership” of the land as they believed they shared it and lived in a symbiotic relationship with it and all living creatures. They gave back whenever they took. They were the first ecologists, environmentalists, recyclers, innovative tool-makers, ingenious hunters and smart gardeners.
Ms. Kascak, in her role at IAIS, is currently working with schools in Connecticut to reshape and re-teach curriculum with regard to indigenous people. It is beyond timely and necessary. These tribes’ philosophy and way of life were based on mutual respect, inclusion and communities working to the betterment of all. Are those not lessons from which we can all benefit?
MEMORIES FROM OUR PAST
Holiday Open House 2022
BARN DEDICATION & FARM EXHIBITS
The Society hosted a private cocktail party and barn dedication event on September 17, 2022, to thank the many generous donors who made the barn’s complete restoration possible. The weather was lovely and we had a fine turnout of guests. The event was catered by Mike and staff of the IGA, with desserts furnished by Audrey and the American Pie Company, Inc., as well as talented Board member Allyson Mard. Entertainment was provided by musician/singer Mike Tino.
First Selectman Don Lowe spoke during the short ceremony as did Society President Elizabeth M. Haney and past-President/current Curator Gloria Thorne.
We thank Jan Desiato for overseeing and doing much of the restoration, as well as the outside contractors and individuals who helped with the physical reconstruction and necessary upgrades to electricity and lighting, etc. We also thank those who coordinated the campaign to raise the necessary funding and those who worked as tirelessly to pull together this event.
The dedication was also the launch for our permanent farm exhibit, Looking Back, curated by Sue Moga, and topped off with a installation of a video about Sherman’s history, featuring Gloria Thorne as narrator.
Photo Credit: Doris Tomaselli
The Society hosted a private cocktail party and barn dedication event on September 17, 2022, to thank the many generous donors who made the barn’s complete restoration possible. The weather was lovely and we had a fine turnout of guests. The event was catered by Mike and staff of the IGA, with desserts furnished by Audrey and the American Pie Company, Inc., as well as talented Board member Allyson Mard. Entertainment was provided by musician/singer Mike Tino.
First Selectman Don Lowe spoke during the short ceremony as did Society President Elizabeth M. Haney and past-President/current Curator Gloria Thorne.
We thank Jan Desiato for overseeing and doing much of the restoration, as well as the outside contractors and individuals who helped with the physical reconstruction and necessary upgrades to electricity and lighting, etc. We also thank those who coordinated the campaign to raise the necessary funding and those who worked as tirelessly to pull together this event.
The dedication was also the launch for our permanent farm exhibit, Looking Back, curated by Sue Moga, and topped off with a installation of a video about Sherman’s history, featuring Gloria Thorne as narrator.
Photo Credit: Doris Tomaselli
The Historical Society presented its new book Reflections, to the public on Saturday, October 8th, 2022, at the Sherman Playhouse. We appreciate all who came to listen and to buy.
The authors each gave short recaps of their entries for this collaborative effort that grew out of several members sitting around talking of their childhood memories at a time when a number of influential artists and writers had taken up residence in Sherman. When it became clear that these “ordinary” recollections of “just” friends and neighbors—and even family—were anything but, the idea for Reflections was born, spearheaded by Society Curator Gloria Thorne and artist/dancer/teacher/Board member Ginny Zellner. To put those interactions into context, these authors needed to write their own stories as well—and what an additional treasure trove of discovery that was! (more)
Pictured below are the Writers Group (from left to right) Gloria Allen Thorne, Frank Weddell, the late Betsy Ward Scholze, Pat Endress, Bill Braislin, Jeanne McRoberts, Ann Lund Price, Doris Tomaselli, and Ginny Zellner
The authors each gave short recaps of their entries for this collaborative effort that grew out of several members sitting around talking of their childhood memories at a time when a number of influential artists and writers had taken up residence in Sherman. When it became clear that these “ordinary” recollections of “just” friends and neighbors—and even family—were anything but, the idea for Reflections was born, spearheaded by Society Curator Gloria Thorne and artist/dancer/teacher/Board member Ginny Zellner. To put those interactions into context, these authors needed to write their own stories as well—and what an additional treasure trove of discovery that was! (more)
Pictured below are the Writers Group (from left to right) Gloria Allen Thorne, Frank Weddell, the late Betsy Ward Scholze, Pat Endress, Bill Braislin, Jeanne McRoberts, Ann Lund Price, Doris Tomaselli, and Ginny Zellner
2022 GLORIA THORNE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Congratulations to Susan Hackett and Elish Foy!
The Historical Society is pleased to announce that is has awarded its 2022 Gloria Thorne scholarships to two worthy recipients: Eilish Foy and Susan Hackett. We thank all who submitted applications; it was a field of excellence from which we chose.
Eilish and Susan are no strangers to the SHS. They both volunteered in different capacities over the years. Eilish worked primarily with the Old Store while Susan contributed much to the children’s programs. It was rewarding to see the maturity in these teen volunteers develop over the years and know the qualities that they have will take them far in their college years and in their careers ahead.
Eilish Foy, a graduate of Shepaug Valley High School, is attending Clemson University in South Carolina to pursue a nursing degree, specializing in maternity care.
Susan Hackett, who graduated from New Milford High School, attends UConn at Storrs with no set major but possibilities in business or education, as well as interest and talent in ceramics.
Both of these bright, young women worked and volunteered while maintaining excellent grades.
And thus, it was with pleasure that President Liz M. Haney and Gloria Thorne awarded these scholars with ceremonies at Northrop House with family proudly in attendance.
We wish Eilish and Susan every success and happiness in academia and beyond
Congratulations to Susan Hackett and Elish Foy!
The Historical Society is pleased to announce that is has awarded its 2022 Gloria Thorne scholarships to two worthy recipients: Eilish Foy and Susan Hackett. We thank all who submitted applications; it was a field of excellence from which we chose.
Eilish and Susan are no strangers to the SHS. They both volunteered in different capacities over the years. Eilish worked primarily with the Old Store while Susan contributed much to the children’s programs. It was rewarding to see the maturity in these teen volunteers develop over the years and know the qualities that they have will take them far in their college years and in their careers ahead.
Eilish Foy, a graduate of Shepaug Valley High School, is attending Clemson University in South Carolina to pursue a nursing degree, specializing in maternity care.
Susan Hackett, who graduated from New Milford High School, attends UConn at Storrs with no set major but possibilities in business or education, as well as interest and talent in ceramics.
Both of these bright, young women worked and volunteered while maintaining excellent grades.
And thus, it was with pleasure that President Liz M. Haney and Gloria Thorne awarded these scholars with ceremonies at Northrop House with family proudly in attendance.
We wish Eilish and Susan every success and happiness in academia and beyond
CONGRATULATIONS
to these Three Recipients
of the Gloria Thorne Scholarship
As the Gloria Thorne Scholarship applications came in it was a joy to look back at the children who participated in our programs, especially as they blossomed into teen volunteers. It tells us we are doing something right. While the scholarship is usually given to one graduating high school senior, the caliber of these three young women not only met the criteria but was so outstanding that the
Board of Directors voted to award three Gloria Thorne Scholarships in 2021.
To qualify the applicant must spend time volunteering at the Sherman Historical Society. Madison
Devine, Eloise Berlandi and Cassidy Ranno have been best friends since grade school so when the
opportunity to volunteer with the Historical Society educational programs was presented to them,
all three responded with an enthusiastic YES!
The trio worked our SHS early dismissal day programs that meant the girls gathering a plethora of
first through fourth graders outside the Sherman School Office and, along with a couple SHS
volunteers, leading them to Northrop House. After lunch the children were divided into three groups
with one of the girls guiding their charges through three different stations. During the SHS History
Camp in 2019 with Sue Moga (before Covid), they did a full week of more in-depth education and
hands-on activities.
And thus, it was a pleasure for Sue Moga and Gloria Thorne to meet with them on August 19th and
present their scholarship certificates along with gifts from the Historical Society and The Old Store.
The threesome are now fully ensconced in their Freshman years. Madison Devine is attending the
University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH, and plans to major in Business Administration, Eloise
Berlandi is attending Boston College in Boston, and keeping her “major” options open, and Cassidy
Ranno is attending Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in Biology.
The Sherman Historical Society is truly grateful for their many hours of time and dedication to us and
to your children and wishes them every success and happiness in academia and beyond.
Board of Directors voted to award three Gloria Thorne Scholarships in 2021.
To qualify the applicant must spend time volunteering at the Sherman Historical Society. Madison
Devine, Eloise Berlandi and Cassidy Ranno have been best friends since grade school so when the
opportunity to volunteer with the Historical Society educational programs was presented to them,
all three responded with an enthusiastic YES!
The trio worked our SHS early dismissal day programs that meant the girls gathering a plethora of
first through fourth graders outside the Sherman School Office and, along with a couple SHS
volunteers, leading them to Northrop House. After lunch the children were divided into three groups
with one of the girls guiding their charges through three different stations. During the SHS History
Camp in 2019 with Sue Moga (before Covid), they did a full week of more in-depth education and
hands-on activities.
And thus, it was a pleasure for Sue Moga and Gloria Thorne to meet with them on August 19th and
present their scholarship certificates along with gifts from the Historical Society and The Old Store.
The threesome are now fully ensconced in their Freshman years. Madison Devine is attending the
University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH, and plans to major in Business Administration, Eloise
Berlandi is attending Boston College in Boston, and keeping her “major” options open, and Cassidy
Ranno is attending Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in Biology.
The Sherman Historical Society is truly grateful for their many hours of time and dedication to us and
to your children and wishes them every success and happiness in academia and beyond.
SHS Children's Programs
Early Dismissal, Vacation Day and Weekend Children's Programming for the school year.
DUE TO COVID-19, THE KIDS@NORTHROP PROGRAM
IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD.
We deeply apologize for any inconvenience.
Early Dismissal, Vacation Day and Weekend Children's Programming for the school year.
DUE TO COVID-19, THE KIDS@NORTHROP PROGRAM
IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD.
We deeply apologize for any inconvenience.