News
Alumni Notes | January 2022
Career Updates
Lisa D. Latten ‘93 (Elementary Education) is now the Health Project Coordinator at University of Rochester. Ms. Latten works as a health project coordinator focusing on families' needs in Upstate NY, with a special focus on families in the southern tier who parent a child(ren) with autism spectrum and developmental disorders.
Harolda A. Wilcox ‘14 (M.S. Strategic Leadership) is now the Director of Public Housing at Rochester Housing Authority.
Thomas H. Blue ‘87 (Music Education) is now an Elementary School Teacher at Oakland Christian School. Tom recently retired from the Rochester, MI Community Schools after teaching MS/HS choral music for 34 years. Retirement didn't last very long as he was asked to re-start the elementary music program at Oakland Christian School which hadn't had music for 2+ years. He continues to serve the Michigan School Vocal Music Association as emeritus and as adjudicator/ clinician. He also serves the Michigan Chapter of the American Choral Director's Association as MS/JH Repertoire and Resources Chair. He writes articles for the ACDA Choral Journal, ChorTeach and the state organization's online journals. All throughout his career, he was often sharing with students about his experiences at Roberts Wesleyan College and the wonderful, lifelong relationships that were forged with several faculty and continue to this day.
Daisy J. Sutter ‘79 (Nursing) is now a Part-Time Director at Senior Center.
Margaret L. Rowe ‘82 (Music) is now an Administrative Coordinator at General Insurance Statistical Agency.
Jim L. Wilson ‘81 (Religion-Philosophy) is now a Production Technician at Armacell LLC.
Vincent K. Sharp ‘13 (Criminal Justice) is now a Probation/Parole Officer at NCDPS Community Corrections. Sharp started with Probation/Parole in February of 2021 and graduated Probation Officer Basic Training on July 16th 2021, after working as a Correctional Officer since 2015 for NCDPS DACJJ Prisons.
M. Bradford Carpenter ‘97 (Music Education) is now a Teacher and Pastor at Yomitan International Church, a Christians in Action organization. In July 2021, he left his previous career as an elementary teacher and was commissioned as a teacher/pastor at Yomitan International Church, a bilingual, non-denominational, Spirit-filled church in Yomitan, Okinawa, Japan.
Angelika M. Snyder ‘09 (Chemistry) is now a Primary Care Physician at Primary Care Western New York.
Polly L. Davies ‘93 (Management of Human Resources) is now a Teacher Aid at Port Byron School.
Kendra R. Zaffuto ‘12 & ‘14 (Childhood & Spec Ed and MEd) is now a Reading Teacher at Brockport Central School District.
Jessica Coleman ‘17 (Organizational Management) has taken a new position as the Interim Director of Multicultural Student Affairs at Roberts Wesleyan College.
Marriages
Lucas S. Marble ‘17 (Organizational Management) Married Emily (VanEenwyk) Marble on 8/21/21 in Sodus, NY.
Obituaries
John A. "Jack" Fraser ‘ 57 (Biology) passed away January 9, 2021 at the age of 88. Jack is survived by wife Priscilla, sons John (Laurie) and James (Teresa) and daughter Jennifer (David), step sons Andrew (Kimberly) and David (Jodi) ; 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was born Nov. 9, 1933 in Monticello, NY in the Catskill mountains. Jack attended Roberts Wesleyan College and graduated in 1957. He also was the Athletic Director and coached basketball and soccer there from 1967 to 1980.
Jack was inducted into the Roberts Wesleyan College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982. Jack finished his basketball career with 919 points (12.1 ppg) in 76 games. He held a single-season record in free throw attempts at 247. Fraser returned to Roberts ten years after graduating to coach Men's Basketball from 1967-1974 and concluded with a 48-118 record.
He was an avid sports fan his entire life and had a love for the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. At the age of 86 he recorded a hole in 1 at Churchville Golf Course on the 4th hole, witnessed by long time family friend David Heimberger. In his later years, Jack enjoyed traveling with his wife Priscilla to beautiful parts of the country to visit children and grandchildren in Tennessee, Colorado and Arizona.
A special thanks to the doctors and staff at Unity Hospital in Greece, NY. Specifically the comfort care and hospice care teams, as their support and love and attention for Jack during such a difficult time with Covid in our world was greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's memory to Roberts Wesleyan College Athletic Department. A celebration of life will be held on February 19, 12:30pm, at Pearce Memorial Church on the RWC campus 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili, NY. 585-594-9488.
David A. Riexinger ‘62, passed peacefully on December 2, 2021, at age 80. He was predeceased by his brothers, Edwin and Robert Riexinger as well as his sister-in-law, Geraldine Riexinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Charleen (Graupman); his children, Keith (Tamra) Riexinger, Kristen (Arnold) Marga, Andrew (Dawn) Riexinger; sister, Beth (Joseph) Calabria; sister-in-law, Marilyn Riexinger; grandchildren, Ashley (Scott) King, Joshua Riexinger, Brett (Anna) Riexinger, Aaron Marga, Alan Marga, Austin Marga, Emily Riexinger and Nathan Riexinger and his 8 great grandchildren.
Dave was a lifelong resident in the Town Pump area owning several businesses. Dave was a lifelong active member of Ogden Baptist Church in Spencerport. With his life time love of cars, he started at Henrich, went to Barry Dodge, Jim Barnard and then became the Dealer at Barry Dodge in Brockport. To share a memory, visit www.walkerbrothersfh.com.
Lois Karen (Holdredge) James ‘70 (English) 73, passed away in her Conklin Forks home on November 5, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. She approached death just as she did life; with faith, strength and dignity. Lois was born on a dairy farm to the late Lloyd and Marion (Cook) Holdrege in Truxton, NY, on July 5, 1947. She took great pride in her upbringing and stayed true to her roots throughout her life; enjoying walking her acres of land with her beloved lab and taking care of her livestock, namely her flock of chickens. This past year Lois graduated from Penn State’s Master Gardner Program; a highly-regarded training for those who wish to share their advanced horticulture skills with the community. The consummate pioneer woman, Lois could do it all, from canning 60 lbs of cherries to knitting an entire family wardrobe. If Lois wasn’t outside, she could most likely be found in her kitchen adorned with a kerchief and apron, and holiday never passed without indulging in one of her famous cheesecakes.
Lois attended Truxton Central and pursued her degree in education at Roberts Wesleyan College. She completed her Master of Education at SUNY Cortland State. Lois was a dedicated teacher and worked for the Union-Endicott School District for over 30 years, where she also volunteered as her school’s drama teacher. Following her “retirement”, Lois continued to teach at risk-youth and regularly substituted, even throughout her battle with cancer. However, of all of her passions and accomplishments, Lois would say her greatest achievement was her family. Lois was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She loved being a mother of two boys and often shared in their hobbies; including boating, fishing and Penn State football. She never missed a hockey, football or baseball game and was her sons’ biggest cheerleader. “Lolo” was adored by her grandchildren. She was constantly sending them cards, magazines, or other treats just for fun. They were in awe of Lolo’s treasures in her attic and shared her joy in taking care of her baby chicks. Lois will be dearly missed by many. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Ned James; her sons: Brian James (Diana Humphries) of Binghamton, and Greg James (Lauren Scagel) of Lewes, DE; her grandchildren: Ethan, Claire, and Elle James; her sisters: Charlotte Holdrege of Binghamton, Elaine Dec of Auburn, Janet Cole of Auburn. Condolences may be expressed online at www.SavageFS.com.
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Penelope Ann Rutledge ‘65 (Music Education), died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, while at The Pines Nursing Home in Machias. She was 79. Born on Feb. 24, 1942, Penny grew up in Portville. She graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College majoring in piano and voice. Arcade is where she has lived most of her adult life as a music educator who taught in Arcade and Delevan Elementary, as well as Pioneer Middle School. Her real joy ,other than teaching, was being an accompanist for at least 40 Pioneer HighSchool families, and Middle School musicals. She also accompanied Solo Fest, High School Choirs, Pioneer Musical Pit Band, Community Choir, and was even in a band at one time. Penny also loved singing with her church family at Arcade United Church of Christ. She is survived by Elizabeth of Virginia and Andy of New York and their families. The family is thankful to The Pines Machias for making her final few years as pleasant as possible. A community celebration of Penny's life will be held at the Arcade United Church of Christ in Spring of 2022.
Edward D. Morrison ‘53 (Chemistry) went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, May 23, 2021. He was born in Rochester, New York on October 25, 1931 to Donald and Frances Morrison. He received a B.S. Degree in Chemistry from Roberts Wesleyan College and M.S. Degree from Syracuse University and the State University of New York. He was an U.S. Army veteran. He was a chemist for the Eastman Kodak Co. and Director of their Plastics Technology Laboratory until retiring in 1986. Ed was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Susan Bellor. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy Morrison: his son David Morrison; grandsons Daniel (Julieann) Bellor and Michael (Lindsey) Bellor; and five great grandchildren: Ethan, Leah, Carter, Emily and Kyle.
Ed loved the outdoors - camping, mountain climbing, canoeing trips and sailing. He enjoyed summers camping with his family at many locations in the U.S. and Canada and at their summer place at Seneca Lake, N.Y. He served as a scoutmaster, Sunday school teacher and other church positions. After retiring, he became more involved in missions at home and overseas including work in Papua New Guinea. In 1997 Ed and his wife, Nancy, moved to Homosassa, Florida. He served the Lord in several churches particularly in the area of missions. Together with church teams, he took numerous trips to Eastern Europe (Romania and Moldova) to provide food, clothing, homes and wells to needy families, widows and street children and to reach them for Jesus. He was a member of Grace Bible Church, Homosassa. "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" - Colossians 3:17 Sign the guest book at www.chronicleonline.com.
Edna A. Farley ‘66 (English) passed on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Predeceased by her parents, Harold and Frances Axtell; her son, David Cross. Survived by her husband, William Farley; her sons, Matthew (Jody) Cross, Mark Cross; her siblings, Beatrice Young, Ken (Margaret) Axtell, Edith Grzyucz, Arlene (Ray) Kamman, Linda Thompson, Dean (Chris) Axtell; many loving family and friends. Edna was an Elementary Teacher and later retired from Eastman Kodak Company. She was an EMT with Greece Volunteer Ambulance and an active member of Hope Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Roberts Wesleyan College in her memory. For more information, to view Edna's online obituary or sign her online guestbook, visit www.meesonfamily.com
Alice M. Gates Godfrey ‘50, 94, of Pleasantville, died peacefully Sunday, December 5, 2021 at The Caring Place in Franklin. Born on Feb. 17, 1927, in Hale Eddy, N.Y., she was a daughter of the late Rev. Myron James Gates and Mary E. Tripp Gates.
After graduating from Warrensburg High School in New York, she attended Chesboro Seminary (now Roberts Wesleyan College) in Rochester, N.Y. She then graduated from Olive Branch Missionary Training School, in Chicago, Ill. After graduation, she co-founded, with the late Enna Bracken, a women’s and children’s mission called the Melody Home in Chicago, Ill. At the Melody Home, her love for teaching children grew more and more; she also played the piano and loved singing. Following her involvement with the Melody Home, Al-ice moved to Pennsylvania and began her pastoral journey together with Enna Bracken at the following Free Methodist Churches: Tidioute, East Hickory, Un-ion City, and Emporium. Their last move as a pastoral team was to the Sheffield and Cherry Grove Free Methodist Churches. After Enna passed away, Alice continued to pastor just at the Cherry Grove Free Methodist Church. Al-ice was an ordained Deacon in the Keystone Conference of the Free Methodist Church. On May 24, 2003, Alice married Howard Godfrey, who preceded her in death after just eight years of marriage. Although the time was short, they enjoyed working together in Howard’s woodshop and traveling to fairs where Howard competed in tractor pulls. Alice loved to make handmade cards which she sent out to family and friends.
Surviving are her three stepsons: Howard Godfrey and his wife, Cheri, Robert Godfrey and his wife, Ginny, and Gary Godfrey. Also surviving are several step-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece and nephew who cared for Alice for many years, the Rev. Cindy Hill and her husband, the Rev. Chris Hill of Oil City, and James Oglesby and his wife, Suzzette of Wilmington, Mass. In addition to her parents and husband, she was pre-ceded in death by five brothers: Ervin Gates, Mil-ford Gates, James Gates, Edgar Gates and Lewis Gates; and two sisters: Ellouise Oglesby and an infant sister, Alda Mary Gates. The Morrison Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements, and online condolences may be left at www.morrisonhome.com.
Dr. Brian E. O'Connell Sr. ‘67 (Comprehensive Social Studies) passed away peacefully Monday December 6, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 6, 1944, at the Mountain Clinic in Olean. He was the son of the late Dermond and Bernice O'Connell of Bradford, Pa. On Sept. 10, 1966, in St. Bernards Catholic Church in Bradford, he married Carol L. Borsa, who survives.
Known as Dr. O throughout the community, Brian received his BA at Roberts Wesleyan as a two-sport scholarship athlete in basketball and soccer; MS Ed at Buffalo State; SDA, SAS and SDA at St. Bonaventure University; and his doctorate in education (Ed.D) at SUNY Buffalo. Dr. O had an illustrious 40-year career in education. He worked for the Olean City School District for 36 years as a teacher, administrator and coach. He held building principal positions at Washington West Elementary, Ivers J. Elementary and the Olean Middle School, as well as being the director of community schools for the district. He was an adjunct professor in the education department at SBU, was a supervisor for student teachers at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and part of the graduate school teaching practicum at SUNY Buffalo. He also authored numerous publications in the educational field and was the recipient of Good News Education Award presented by the Olean Area Chamber of Commerce.
Brian was very active in the Olean community. He was a founding member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish club in the city. He volunteered his time as a coach for Olean Little League, Olean Midget Football League and was a Gus Macker referee. He coached basketball at Jamestown Community College and football for the Olean City School District, and was an IAABO basketball referee. Brian was also elected to the Cattaraugus County Legislature. Brian loved the outdoors. He was a sportsman through and through. He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. Some of his most cherished moments were spending time with his wife, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the outdoors, especially at the O'Connell Camp in Westline, Pa. He had many adventures - from pursuing whitetails back East and chasing elk out West; from fly fishing the Kinzua Creek in Pennsylvania to fly fishing the Flathead River in Montana. Above all he was a family man. His passion was spending time with his loved ones, whether it be in the mountains, on the stream, in the gym, pool or field, he clearly enjoyed watching his family grow, all with his beloved wife Carol by his side.
In addition to his wife, Brian is survived by three sons, Brian (Rene') O'Connell Jr. of Olean, Kevin O'Connell of West Seneca and Patrick (June) O'Connell of Olean; grandchildren, Sean O'Connell, Kylie O'Connell, Brendan O'Connell, Maggie O'Connell, Logan O'Connell, Keenan O'Connell and Makenna O'Connell; great-grandchildren, Kieran O'Connell, Callum O'Connell, Fiadh O'Connell and Gianna O'Connell; and a brother, James (Donna) O'Connell of West Falls. Brian is also survived by special friends, Bunny and Carl Zandi, Loretta and Jim Bushey and Teri and Ron Orris, who recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversaries along with Brian and Carol. The four couples grew up together in Bradford and all married in 1966. If you would like to express a condolence or share a story about Brian, please visit www.guentherfh.com.
Father Steven Michael Evans ‘89 (Religion-Philosophy), 54, passed away on Saturday, December 18, in Syracuse, NY. Steven was born in Utica, NY to Rosemary (Schreck) and David R. Evans on March 19, 1967. He was a graduate of Liverpool High School, Roberts Wesleyan College, and North Park Theological Seminary. On January 5, 1991, he married Alexandra "Alyx" Burak and together they had six children. Steven loved being a husband and a father.
Ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1997, Steven served First Covenant Church of Willoughby Hills, OH before moving to Black River, NY to serve at Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown. He became a Festival Director for the Steve Wingfield Evangelism Assoc. and moved to Liverpool, NY in 2007. Since 2010, he has served as the rector of St. Andrew's Anglican Church, which he often called "the world's greatest Anglican Church." He was also a web designer and private investigator.
Known affectionately as Papa Steve, The Ultra Rev, and Father Exciting, Steven had great enthusiasm for life and an unending capacity to love. He often said, "In my house, I'm a big deal. That's all that matters." He loved his family, his faith in Jesus, his many friends and colleagues around the world, and his church wholeheartedly. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 31 years, Alyx, and their children; Katelyn, Carter (m.Kate Wagner), Benjamin, Nicholas, Jacqueline, and Jordan, his parents; David and Rosemary of Liverpool, brother, Gregg of Cicero, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was passionate about helping his community and always made time for people. He began the St. Andrew's Garage Sale ministry in Nedrow, NY and counted it as one of his greatest privileges to help those in need.
Steven's love of good coffee, baseball, genealogical research, fishing, hot peppers, and his hometown of Utica, NY were well known. He loved widely and deeply. His mission in life was to tell you how much God loves you.
Lisette C. Russell ‘06 (MDiv Theological Professions at Northeastern Seminary) passed away on December 13, 2021. She was married to the late Richard L. Russell and is survived by her stepmother Nancy Landry, brothers James and David (Terry), nieces and nephews, former husband and friend James Maginn, and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents Francis Paul Landry Sr. and Marion David Landry, and brother Francis Paul Landry Jr.
Lisette began her career as a reporter and editor for The Honeoye Falls-Lima Sentinel. She later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Northeastern Seminary and was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament by the Presbyterian (PCUSA) denomination. She served as pastor for Dewey Avenue Presbyterian Church and associate pastor for Webster Presbyterian Church. Lisette then earned a Master of Social Work degree through the Greater Rochester Collaborative MSW Program (Nazareth College and SUNY Brockport) and joined the Arc of Monroe as a social worker.
As a chaplain, Lisette served at Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital, Isaiah House, Lifetime Care and Fairport Baptist Homes. She left a legacy of kindness, compassion and humanity. Lisette was a proud native of New Orleans, La, and identified with her birthplace long after moving to Rockville, Md., and then later to upstate New York.
Dr. Keith Edward Fidler ‘57 (Comprehensive Science) passed peacefully at the Smiths Falls Hospital on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Gloria Fidler (née Johnson). Loving father of Diane (Glenroy), late Timothy, Wesley (Lynda), late Emily, Deborah (Crispin), and Dwight (Jenny). Cherished grandfather of Sade, Tyrone, Dannille (Ryan), Natalie (Peter), Vanessa (Jake), Joshua, David (Christiana), Nathanael (Gillian), and Jared (Reanna). Missed dearly by his great grandchild Quinton. Predeceased by his parents Earl Fidler and Caroline Fidler (née Peach), and his siblings Lorene (Eugene) and Carole. Survived by his brother Thomas (late Merle). Online condolences available at www.lannin.ca
Thomas Curry ‘71 (History), a longtime Niagara Falls resident, passed away at home on Saturday, October 2, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was 73, born in a small town near Altoona, PA, on March 23, 1948, and the son of Raymond and June (Thompson) Curry. He and his family settled in Niagara Falls in the early 1950's, where he attended local schools. He received his BA in Social Studies. Thomas was a Jack of all trades, working as a physical education teacher for local private schools, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Sacred Heart Villa and St. Peter's in Lewiston. He also taught social studies at Good Shepherd Church. While working at the schools, he also was able to work for the State Parks Department at Beaver Island State Park as assistant manager for many years. He was an avid athlete. Tom was Pitcher for Fast Pitch Softball, the old Honey's League; girl's basketball coach at Niagara Falls High School and girl's softball coach at Niagara Catholic Senior High School. He was honored to be inducted to the Old Timer's Sports Hall of Fame for all his accomplishments. An avid Yankee fan, he also was a baseball card collector, and loved to garden; especially his roses. He is survived by his wife, Lynn (Polding) Curry, married June 14, 1969; three siblings, Timothy Curry (Diane); Dale Curry (Nancy) and Beth Davey (Jim); seven nieces and nephews; eight great-nieces and nephews.
Ira J. Haire ‘62, 81, of Belleville, PA, formerly long-time resident of Canton, went home to Jesus on Monday afternoon, September 27, 2021. Ira was born April 10, 1940 in New Brighton, PA to the late Leonard and Hazel (Walton) Haire. He graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1958. Ira married the former Joyce Twichell on August 26, 1961 in Willow Grove, PA. Together they were blessed with 60 years and raised two children. Ira enjoyed restoring his 1921 Buick and helping and volunteering at Church work camps. He was a former member of the North Street Community Church in Canton and now at Locust Grove Mennonite Church in Belleville. Surviving Ira is his wife Joyce (Twichell) Haire, children; Sandee Crawford of York, PA and Lee (Shon) Haire of Orlando, FL and his grandchildren; Jessica (Jon) Garza and Carmen Haire. In keeping with Ira’s wishes there will no services. Please share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.
Leon Roger Johnson ‘58 (History), 86, of Mayville, passed away on Sunday, December 5th, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA. He was born October 16, 1935 in Brocton, NY, the son of the late Neil J. and Gertrude Morrison Johnson. Leon was a 1953 graduate of Cassadaga Valley High School. He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Syracuse University.
In 1958 he began his teaching career at Panama Central School and in 1961 moved to Mayville Central School, teaching history, Economics, Psychology and Sociology until retiring in 1990. While at MCS he also taught GED programs to inmates at the Chautauqua County jail. He served as faculty president for many years at Mayville, as well as the president of Chautauqua County Teachers Association. Leon was a member of the NYS Teachers Union and served as a delegate and on committees at the state level.
He was a longtime member of the Brocton Free Methodist Church where he taught adult Sunday School for many decades. Recently he was a member of Gerry Free Methodist Church, and then attended Park United Methodist Church in Sinclairville. Leon had held many offices and served on many administrative committees within the Free Methodist Church and was a delegate for Free Methodist Conferences both regionally and nationally. He was Treasurer and then President and trustee for Cattaraugus Christian Camp, for which he was a tireless worker. In retirement he has continued to be an avid gardener, gentleman farmer, restorer of antique wagons and tractors, while reading widely and traveling internationally.
Leon is survived by, and much missed by, his loving wife of 65 years, Nancy Carol Farren Johnson, whom he married June 2, 1956 in Brocton, NY. Other survivors include nine children: Jeffery Johnson of New Brunswick, Canada; Jane (Timothy) Bell of New London, IA; Joy (Paul) Shewan of North Chili, NY; Mary (Dan) Kennedy of Bergen, NY; Steve Johnson of Mayville, Richard (Elizabeth Baaker) Johnson of Rexford, NY, Andy (Angie) Johnson of Sinclairville, NY; Michael Johnson of Mayville, Robin (Peter) Matthews of Panama City, FL; other special family members; daughter-inlaw Debbie Frudd Johnson of Warsaw, NY; Lisa (John) Day and Matthew Johnson of Piney Flats, TN; twenty-six grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Sisson of Sinclairville and one brother, Ron (Pauline) Johnson of Brocton, NY. Both Leon and Nancy provided foster care for numerous children over several decades. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Patricia Johnson of Stockton, NY, and brother in law George Sisson, Gerry, NY. To leave remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.