October E-Newsletter

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
Adam, Amanda, Eric, Kris, Phil, Richard, Seth and Scott

Company News

Be Sure To Check Out Our Business Connections Magazine

The latest issue of our Business Connections Magazine is hot off the press and out for mail delivery. This issue spotlights Bristol Works!, a redevelopment project in Bristol, benefits of Managed Business Class Wi-Fi and more.  Read the most recent issue of our Business Connections Magazine and let us know what you think.

Win a $50 Gift Certificate To Dakin Farm

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. This month we are raffling off a $50 gift certificate to Dakin Farm. Congratulations to last month's winner who won a gift certificate to Boyer's Orchard and Cider Mill in Monkton. To be entered into the raffle, simply click the link below and leave your name and contact information. The drawing will take place on October 24th.

Click here to enter for your chance to win

WCVT Employees Pick Apples To Help Fight Hunger In Vermont

The WCVT community service crew spent the day at Boyer's Orchard in Monkton picking apples that were donated to the Vermont Foodbank's "Picking Apples for Neighbors in Need" program. During apple harvest season, individuals, civic groups and companies are encouraged to visit a participating orchard to pick and purchase extra apples for donation to the Vermont Foodbank. Pick for your Neighbor benefits the Vermont Foodbank by increasing the amount of fresh, healthy produce available for distribution to our network partner food shelves and meal sites throughout Vermont while also helping increase business for local orchards. You can learn more about this important program at https://www.vtfoodbank.org/event/pickforyourneighbor. Thanks for a great day David, Mark, Ginny and the whole Boyer's crew!!

WCVT Holds Red Cross Blood Drive

Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom recently sponsored its annual fall Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, September 22nd at their main business office in Waitsfield, Vermont. According to Eric Haskin, V.P. Network for WCVT and event organizer, “The blood drive was a huge success with a total of 43 pints of blood being was collected. I would like to personally thank everyone who donated blood, or volunteered to help make the event a success.”

WCVT To Host Children's Halloween Party In Bristol On Friday, October 28th

Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom and the Bristol Recreation Department are teaming up to host the annual children's Halloween party on Friday, October 28th from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Holley Hall in downtown Bristol. The event is free of charge and open to children of all ages. Refreshments including pizza and healthy snacks will be available. Parents or guardians are asked to accompany their children. For more information, please contact Lorraine Keener at 496-3391 or email lkeener@wcvt.com.

Community Events

Mad Dash, Sunday, October 9th - Waitsfield

A classic Vermont foot race benefiting the Mad River Path. Run near the Mad River, through a covered bridge and enjoy majestic views of mountains and farms!  5K & 10K Road Race, 5K Fitness Walk and Kids Fun Run! Sun., Oct. 9, 10 am at Meadow Rd., Waitsfield. Volunteers needed email path@madriver.com. T-shirts for all participants, delicious lunch, live music and great raffle prizes (pre-registered participants only). A great family day in the midst of gorgeous fall foliage! Registration at www.runvermont.org.

East Charlotte Tractor Parade – Sunday, October 9th

The 16th annual East Charlotte Tractor Parade will take place on Sunday, October 9th at 1:00pm. This is a great event with up to 200 tractors parading down Spear Street in East Charlotte. There will be an open air market with food and crafts, a kid's area with free games, free parking with hay-ride shuttles, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family. For more information, click here.

Roktoberfest: A Festival of Beer, Bacon and Bands – October 15th- Basin Harbor

An end off the year celebration from Basin Harbor. Join us for another fun Roktoberfest at Basin Harbor, featuring beer, bacon and bands! For more information or to order tickets, visit: http://www.basinharbor.com/bhc-calendar-events/beerbacon16/.

Tutorial / FAQ

Scam Alert - Ransomeware Posing As Windows Update

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that cyber criminals can install on your computer, enabling them to hold your files for ransom. They use a variety of means to do this, including email attachments, fake websites, and phony ads. They're counting on you opening their attachment, or clicking on links within their emails or on a website. But, no need to feel foolish if you've ever done this, the fakes can be very convincing. The latest ransomware scam is called Fantom and is particularly pernicious. Here's why:

• It poses as a Windows update that you need to install.
• It looks realistic, complete with the Microsoft copyright and "critical update" file name.
• It locks up all your files and prevents you from using your computer while it's "downloading."

Once it's installed, you'll receive a notice informing you that your files have been encrypted, and you need to pay a ransom before the criminals will unencrypt them. You can pay the ransom, and the bad guys may unencrypt your files. A better strategy is to ignore the request for a ransom and just restore your backed up files; this is one reason regular backups are so important. But the best strategy is to avoid the ransomware in the first place; you can do this by installing a strong security system. In addition, follow all the standard online safety rules:

1. Don't open email attachments or click on links within emails from unfamiliar senders.

2. Stick to well-known internet sites, and be thoughtful about where you click.

3. Don't accept file transfers from unknown sources.

4. Keep your applications up to date (with the real updates your system provides).

5. Never give personal information, such as login data, to someone calling you from out of the blue. If it's a company you do business with, always call them back at a number you already know.

It's almost Halloween, but don't be spooked by the Fantom! Take precautions, and make sure your computer gets the treats and not the tricks.

Short Tutorial / FAQ - What Is Scareware and How Can I Avoid It?

Question: I know scareware is something bad that can happen on my computer, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. What is scareware, and how can I prevent it?

Answer: Scareware is a form of malware (malicious software) that cyber criminals can install on your system to make you think something bad is happening and that you need to take a specific action (which benefits the criminal) to make it stop. For example, you might get a message on your screen warning you that your credit rating has been compromised, and you need to pay a "service" to have it restored. Or that there is something wrong with your computer and you need to pay a "technician" to have it fixed. These "services" or "technicians" will then charge you money to "fix" a problem that was never really there.

If you see such an alert on your computer, you may be able to remove the malware by running a virus scan with your security application. If the problem is in progress, try shutting down your browser; but don't use the X to do this, instead press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to get your task manager up and do it from there. Or shut off your computer and restart it, but don't resume your previous browser session.

Of course, the best prevention is avoiding the malware altogether. To do this, ensure that you have active, current anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall.

Sites of the Month

Find Forgotten Cash

http://usa.gov/unclaimed-money
Wouldn't it be nice to find some extra cash for holiday shopping? Now you can discover if any is coming your way. Forgotten bank accounts, undelivered tax refunds, and other funds are held as "unclaimed money." Use the USA.gov site to search for and claim amounts being held on your behalf.

Breast Cancer Awareness

http://cancer.org/healthy/morewaysacshelpsyoustaywell/breastcancer
October is breast cancer awareness month and the American Cancer Society (ACS) has a lot of information to share. Explore this site to learn about cancer, get involved, and stay healthy. If you want to dig deeper, you can explore important cancer research or find a local ACS chapter.

Best Homemade Pizzas

http://foodandwine.com/articles/best-homemade-pizza-recipes
You can't beat pizza for family movie night or just about any night! This site offers crazy-creative recipes like Summer Squash Pizza with Goat Cheese and Walnuts, and Clam Pizza with Salad Topping. When you find one you love, click a share button to post the recipe on social media.

More...

Two to View - A Couple Amazing Videos You Don't Want to Miss

Toddler Works Out With Rocky - This hilarious video shows a toddler who watches Rocky work out and mimics his moves. You won't believe this lightweight's skills!

Buttery Bloopers - Watch a husband and wife have fun trying to get their lines right in a commercial for pot pies at Dysart's Restaurant in Bangor, Maine.

Go Pinterest-ing! - Cool Stuff to Pin on Your Pinterest Boards

Cheesy Football Log For Game Day

101 Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Decadent Chocolate Halloween Truffles

You haven't started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started? To sign up, go to www.pinterest.com.

Free Featured Apps - These Three are Well Worth the Look

EasyMeasure - How far away is that boat or building? This app shows you the distance to objects seen through the camera lens of your device.

Vue - Vue is a video editor and camera with live filters, montage effects, and stickers. It makes creating cinematic videos easy!

Bitmoji - Wish emojis could be more personal? Bitmoji creates an avatar of you and includes it in fun stickers you can use with many apps.