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There's always a little magic in the air during December, whether it's from glistening snowflakes or simply the sparkle of the holidays. Our gift to you is an issue filled with ideas for making this season even more magical. In the Pinterest section, find inspiration for a whimsical Christmas tree cupcake, a fragrant stovetop potpourri, and a dazzling centerpiece made from old bulbs. In Sites of the Month, check out holiday presents to make in your kitchen and too-cute photos of snowmen (and snowwomen) to create in your yard. In Two to View, take a minute to enjoy a heartfelt love song performed by a husband for his wife. This December issue also contains more serious Internet-related information. Take a few minutes to read the warning about CryptoWall 2.0 ransomware, discover the difference between phishing and whaling, and learn how to delete or edit your Facebook posts.
We think you'll find the information contained in this newsletter to be a valuable tool for enhancing your Internet experience. As always, we appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Please send your thoughts, comments or questions to newsletter@gmavt.net.
- The Green
Mountain Access Team
Aaron, Adam, Amanda, Eric, Kris,
Phil, Richard, Seth, and Scott
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Thank You For Shopping Local This Holiday Season 
We are very fortunate to have a wonderful diversity of local businesses that include talented artisans, unique shops, specialty boutiques, retailers, and wonderful restaurants in our local communities. These businesses are owned and operated by your friends and neighbors and help to make Vermont the special place we all hold dear to our hearts. Instead of driving to the big box stores or shopping online with an out-of-state merchant, please support the local economy by shopping locally.
All of us at Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and would like to thank you for choosing us as your provider and we look forward to continuing to serve you.
You're Invited To Play The WCVT Pick-It Bowl Challenge!
It's college football bowl season and we invite you to have some fun with this free contest. Simply pick the winners of the college bowl games and then see how your picks measure up against other WCVT football fans. Be sure to pre-register and make your picks by December 19. All participants have the chance to win some great prizes!
- Easy to play
- No cost to participate
- Great local prizes
- Have fun playing against others in your local community
Follow this link to sign up for the contest and make your picks: http://wcvt.pickitchallenge.com/Bowls/wcvtbc1415
Prizes Include:
- 1st place - $250 to Small Dog Electronics, Waitsfield
- 2nd place - $75 to Common Man Restaurant, Warren
- 3rd place - $50 Parkside Restaurant, Richmond
- 4th place - $30 Dakin Farm
- 5th place - $25 Harrington's of Vermont
Win A $50 Gift Certificate To Toscano Cafe / Bistro In Richmond
Each month, we raffle off a prize from a local business, so be sure to enter your name every month for your chance to win. Congratulations to last month's winner, Peter Van Vranken who won a Mad Card from Mad River Glen. This month we have another great local prize, a $50 gift certificate to Toscano Cafe / Bistro in Richmond. To be entered into the raffle, simply click the link below and leave your name and contact information. The drawing will take place on December 22.
Click here to enter for your chance to win.
WCVT In The Community
WCVT Employees Support Thanksgiving Food Drive
In the true spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom employees coordinated an annual food drive. Donations were collected at the company's annual Thanksgiving luncheon and distributed to a local food shelf in our service area. In addition, the WCVT Contributions Committee donated $500 to each of the local food shelves in our service area. Thanks to all of our employees for their generous donations during this holiday season and supporting a great cause.
WCVT Holiday Giving Tree Helps Hundreds Of Local Children 
Each year Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom spreads holiday cheer through our giving tree. WCVT employee Tammy Field coordinates our annual gift drive and works directly with local schools and community organizations in our service area to help fulfill the needs of approximately 500 children each holiday season. Hundreds of gifts for all ages are donated by employees, customers and the Company's Contributions Committee. Our thanks to Tammy and everyone who is participating this year.
Watch Our New Video - Connecting Family, Friends, And Neighbors
Being a local business means that our customers are also our neighbors and friends. At Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom, we feel strongly that community involvement is not just a nice thing to do; it is the right thing to do. If you have a community service project in the making and are looking for help, contact Alan Jones at 496-8328 or via email ajones@wcvt.com to see if we can lend a hand.
And The Winner Of One Free Month Of High-Speed Internet Service Is...
Congratulations Theresa Knowles for being this month’s winner of one free month of high-speed Internet service. Theresa's name was chosen at random from customers who completed our monthly Green Mountain Access technical support surveys.
Each month, one name is selected at random from customers who complete our online technical support or new user surveys. Survey requests are sent out via e-mail to customers after calling technical support or establishing new service. So be sure to fill out those surveys!
Two to View — A Couple Of Amazing Videos You Don't Want To Miss
Boosting Bees By "Flower Bombing"
click here for video
This beautifully crafted short film shows organic food brand Cascadian Farm use a crop duster to spread wild flower seed balls in an agricultural community to help increase its bee population.
Marty Brown On America's Got Talent
click here for video
Get your tissues ready for this touching expression of love on the stage of America's Got Talent. Marty Brown sings the same Bob Dylan song he regularly sings to his wife at home.
Go Pinterest-ing! - Cool Stuff To Pin On Your Pinterest Boards
Pinterest is a pinboard-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, and hobbies. Users can browse other pinboards for images, 're-pin' images to their own pinboards, or 'like' photos. Here are some links to some:
Retro Calculator Adds
Up To Cool Memories
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852864293/
Stovetop Potpourri Makes
Scents For The Holidays
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852864056/
Turn Burnt Out Lights Into
A Dazzling Centerpiece
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852864382/
You haven't started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started? To learn more visit http://about.pinterest.com/en or to sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/. |
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Scam Alert - Threatening Ransomware Is Going Around
What is CryptoWall 2.0? It's a form of ransomware, which means malware that infects a computer and then perpetrators demand the victims pay a ransom in exchange for the decryption keys necessary to make the computer useable again. If victims don't pay, and they don't have backups of their files, those files will be lost.
CryptoWall 2.0 is a revision of a previous product named CryptoWall, which itself is a derivative of CryptoLocker and CryptoDefense. If your computer has been infected with CryptoWall 2.0, you'll see a pop-up after the malware has encrypted your documents.
How does CryptoWall 2.0 infect computers? Cybercriminals send an email that contains a zip or PDF file, which is disguised as an invoice, purchase order, bill, etc. Once the victim double-clicks on the fake zip or PDF file, the ransomware is downloaded and installed on the computer.
After the ransomware is installed, it scans the machine for data and encrypts the data; then a notepad window opens to display instructions on how to pay the ransom fee and access the decryption service.
To protect yourself, NEVER open any zip or PDF files without verifying the sender. If you do receive a suspicious message, simply call the sender and verify prior to opening the attachment. Keep in mind that ransomware is designed to bypass firewalls and antivirus software. In addition, make sure your files are backed up and recoverable, in order to guarantee accessibility in the event of an infection.
This Month's FAQ - Which Security Question Should I Pick For A "Forgot Password" Feature?
Question: I've heard of phishing, where scammers masquerade as a trustworthy entity in an email and try to get my usernames, passwords, or other personal data. But what is whaling?
Answer: Whaling is a specific form of phishing that's designed to target upper-level managers in private companies. A whaling email is designed to look like a critical business message sent from a legitimate business authority such as the FBI or the Better Business Bureau. The scammers often use the person's correct title, direct line phone number, and the names of other key people in the business - information probably bought from other criminals online. The message is designed to trick the recipient into clicking on a link that will compromise the recipient's computer, potentially giving the criminal access to confidential company information on their hard drives. Since the target is a "big fish," this scam is called "whaling."
Short Tutorial - How To Delete Or Edit A Facebook Comment You Posted
You meant to post "thing" and it ended up "thong." Mistakes happen, including on Facebook. But don't worry if you realize your Facebook post has a typo or an embarrassing auto-correct situation. You can easily delete or edit your Facebook posts using the steps below.
To delete a comment on Facebook:
- Hover over the comment and click.
- Select Delete.
- Click Delete.
To edit a comment:
- Hover over the comment and click.
- Select Edit.
- Edit your comment.
- Press Enter or Return to post your updated comment, or Esc to cancel.
When you edit a comment, you'll see a note under your comment showing the time it was edited. Anyone who can see your comment can see that it was edited and click the link to see what was changed. |
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Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt – Friday, December 5 - Bristol Town Green
Santa has hidden candy canes all around the park on the Green in Bristol. Bring your flashlight to help find them and be sure to stay for the hot cocoa. The event starts at 6:30 pm. For more information, visit www.bristolrec.org.
Richmond Holiday Market - Saturday, December 6 - Richmond
The Western Slopes Business Association and the Town of Richmond will be hosting the 11th annual Richmond Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. This annual event has grown over the years and is offered in four locations, including the Richmond Free Library; the Richmond Congregational Church, the Richmond Town Hall, and at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Santa arrives by horse and wagon at 10:00 a.m. and visits with families in the library until noon. During that time wagon rides are offered, plus, all day there is great homemade food served at the Congregational Church, live music by local musicians in the Town Hall, and Western Slopes Business Association Silent Auction to benefit the Association’s Scholarship Fund in the Town Hall. There’s something for everyone. For more information, visit http://www.westernslopesvt.org/arts/richmond-holiday-market/.
Country Christmas Open House – Saturday / Sunday, December 6 - 7 - Mad River Valley
This year Valley businesses are going all out to create a festive holiday environment. There will be Christmas trees, luminaries along the river, a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, a hot cider donation station to benefit the local Food Bank plus Santa Clause will be "coming to town". Shop locally for your holiday gift giving. This is a two day shopping event where shoppers can receive prizes, treats, and great discounts. Avoid the big box shopping melee by supporting those shops that are locally owned and operated. Get a punch card at a merchant displaying the "Participating Merchant" door sign and visit 5 participating stores. Leave your card with the 5th merchant and be entered into a prize drawing! While shopping in the Mad River Valley, take some time to watch artists at work in various shops. On Saturday, easels will be set up and artists will capture the day's hustle and bustle. Following the event, many of the works will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.madrivervalley.com.
Community Christmas Caroling - Friday, December 19 - Bristol
Join the Bristol Recreation Department in Front of Holley Hall where they will go out and sign to the local community. All are welcome, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.bristolrec.org. |
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Creative Ideas For A Snowman
http://www.hallmark.com/winter/ideas/how-to-make-a-snowman/
Want to make a snowman packed with personality that will capture the attention of your neighbors? Browse around this site and get ready to impress. You'll find a list of handy tools, inspiring photos, and step-by-step instructions.
Holiday Gifts From Your Kitchen
http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/holidays-occasions/gifts-from-kitchen-recipes
Food always makes a welcome gift and when it comes from your kitchen, it's even more meaningful. Take a peek at these 16 delicious recipes, ranging from Salted Chocolate-Pecan Toffee to Peppermint Stick Cocoa in a jar.
Escape To A Calming Oasis
http://www.calm.com/
When the hectic holiday pace leaves you feeling frazzled, this site offers soothing images and music. You can use the timer to set the number of minutes you'd like to enjoy the scene or choose a timed "guided calm," which offers a voice-guided relaxation session.
Smart Year-End Tax Moves
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/10-year-end-tax-moves-to-make-1.aspx
Before you ring in the New Year, set aside some time to see if there are tax moves you should make before the end of 2014. This site covers 10 such moves including deferring your income, being generous to charities, and adding to your 401(k).
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