Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc., VTX Communications, LLC, VTX Telecom, LLC

Newsletter – Fall 2014

Connected

Message from our CEO Hello, and thank you for reading our newsletter this fall. It looks like we’re going to make it through another season without a hurricane, so for that

I am grateful!October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so I thought it would be

appropriate to talk about taking

the proper precautions when you are online to protect your

computers and the important information you keep in computer files. We hear every day about someone – lately it was the Russians – who hack into systems and steal literally millions of accounts of information which compromises your financial status. Here are a few ideas to make your computer usage a little safer:1. Be a responsible “cyber-citizen.” If you use the Internet, you’re a citizen of a global community – a cyber-citizen. Just like being a citizen of your local community, being a cyber-citizen has responsibilities. Use the Internet to share knowledge that makes people’s lives better. Keep safe, use good manners and respect the laws. 2. Use anti-virus software – no exceptions! A computer virus is a program that can invade your computer and damage or destroy information. Anti-virus software is designed to protect Continued on next page

San Isidro ISD Honors VTCI at Special Assembly for Donating Mobile Computer Lab

you and your computer against known viruses. But with new viruses emerging daily, anti-virus programs need to be updated regularly – at least weekly, daily is better. Check with the web site of your anti-virus software company to see some sample descriptions of viruses and to get regular updates for your software. Stop viruses in their tracks!3. Do not open email from unknown sources. Delete email from unknown sources. Watch out for files attached to e-mails, particularly those with an “exe” extension – even if people you know sent them to you. Some files transport and distribute viruses and other programs that can permanently destroy files and damage computers and web sites. Do not forward e-mail if you are not completely sure that any attached files are safe.4. Use hard-to-guess passwords and keep them private. Do not write passwords down on small pieces of paper taped to your computer. You would be surprised how many people are sloppy about keeping their passwords private. Passwords that are easy to guess are a bad choice. In other words, if your name is “Dan” do not make your password “Dan.” Change your passwords regularly and don’t give your passwords to anyone! Tell your family that combinations of letters, numbers and symbols are harder to crack than just words. It is extremely important to have strong passwords.5. Protect computers with firewalls. Install firewalls for your family – it is not difficult, and they are included with most routers. A firewall helps prevent hackers from breaking into your computer or the computers that belong to your family. Firewalls help prevent thieves

from stealing and using private information including your phone number and credit card numbers, which may be stored on a family computer.6. Do not share access to your computers with strangers. Learn about file sharing risks. Your computer operating system may allow other computers on a network, including the Internet, to access the hard-drive of your computer in order to “share files.” This ability to share files can be used to infect your computer with a virus or look at the files on your computer if you do not pay close attention. Check your operating system and other programs to help files learn how to disable file sharing. Do not share access to your computer with strangers!7. If practical, disconnect from the Internet when notin use. The Internet is a two-way road. You get information and also send information. “Turning off” the Internet connection ensures that someone else on the Internet can’t enter your computer and cause harm or steal information. Disconnecting your computer from the Internet when you are not online lessens the chance that someone will be able to access your computer.8. Back-up your computer regularly. Help your family back-up all household computers onto external media such as CD’s, DVDs, or external hard drives.9. Regularly download security protection update “patches”. Security flaws are regularly found in operating systems and application software. Companies make software release quick fixes called “patches” or “updates” that you should install to correct the latest software flaw. It is a good idea to check for security updates on the publisher’s web site for all the software you own. 10. Help your family to check computer security on a regular basis. Evaluate computer security at least twice a year. To help remember, do it when you change the clocks for daylight-savings time! Check for all of the items listed previously.

0914XNL

Raymondville Corporate Office881 E. Hidalgo AvenueRaymondville, TX 78580Dilley Office1489 W. FM 117Dilley, TX 78017Jourdanton Office511 Main Street Jourdanton, TX 78026George West Office510 Bowie StreetGeorge West, TX 78022

Sales & Customer ServiceMonday-Friday8 am – 5 pmTechnical SupportMonday-Friday8 am – 9 pmSaturday & Sunday10 am – 7 pmVTXC Technical Support24/71.800.446.2031www.vtx1.net

Continued from cover

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

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with Online Protect

Pictured L to R: Mary Villanueva – Assisant Librarian,Micaela Wright – Library Director and

Scott Warunek – VTX1 Senior Product Marketing Manager

VTX1 GiftsReber Memorial Library

New Desktops

Pictured L to R: Carmen Kolenda – New RCC Director,Marty Martinez – Retiring Director, Sue Nguyen – Volunteer of the Year

& Outstanding Chamber Director, Toni Rivas – Best Boss,and John Bradford – Man of the Year (not pictured) with Awards.

VTX1 Earns 6 Awards at Raymondville Chamber of

Commerce Awards

On June 2, 2014, VTX1 presented Reber Memorial Library with two new desktops for their computer lab. Reber Memorial Library Director, Micaela Wright said, “We appreciate the support of VTX1 in the Raymondville community. We are grateful for the continued support. We look forward to an excellent continued working relationship.” Jenny Hull, VTX1 Marketing Communication Manager said, “VTX1 is proud to support Reber Memorial Library and their need for computers. This sponsorship is closely aligned with VTX1’s focus on social responsibility; focus on youth, education and community enrichment.”

David Bennack – Student Winner “I cannot thank Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. enough for selecting me for this trip. It was a fantastic learning experience and I will never forget it. Overall, it was the greatest week of my life. Kids from across the country came as strangers and left as friends and will forever be connected because of the Youth Tour.”

2014 VTCI Youth Tour Student

Willacy County EMSReceives $5000 for

New Ambulance from VTX1

VTCI Awards Over $100,000

Tamara KieferLasara High SchoolDana & Liesl Kiefer

Aaron AlvaradoSan Isidro ISD

Geradine and Benito Alvarado

Joaquin CavazosMcMullen County ISD

Rosalinda and Isaac Cavazos

Klarissa FalconRio Grande City High School

Maria and Jorge Falcon

Justin RochaLyford High School

Alison and Jud SavageRey Rocha, Jr.

Maria OzunaFalfurrias High School

Cynthia and Romeo Ozuna

Pedro TreviñoSan Isidro ISD

Belinda and Pedro Treviño

Nancy GarzaSan Isidro ISD

Mr. and Mrs. Efrain Garza

Heather GillinMcMullen County ISD

Felicia and Ross Dickinson

Alexandria GuerraFalfurrias High School

Zelda and Arnulfo Guerra

Congratulation 2014Graduates!

in Scholarships

Billy MeltonSan Isidro ISD

Daisy and Billy Melton

Carlos GuerraLasara High School

Terri and Carlos Guerra

Irma GuzmanBruni High School

Alicia and Diego Guzman

Jacklynn KieferLasara High School

Mary Ann and Matthew Kiefer

Samantha LiraBruni High School

Linda and Leonel Lira

Kayla LopezBruni High School

Elvia and Adrian Lopez

Taylor MacdonaldBruni High School

Patricia and Lorenzo Matar

Travis RamosLyford High School

Miranda and Carlos Ramos

Ana BennackLyford High School

Gracie and George Bennack

Connecting in Our Community

Algodon Ball June 2014

P.R.I.D.E. Premont June 2014

Harlingen Chamber of Commerce Luncheon with UT-RGVDean and President – July 2014

Falfurrias Parade – July 2014

Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament – July 2014 Willacy County EMS Golf Tournament – July 2014

Su Clinica “Wild About Health”Health Fair – July 2014

Premont Market DaysAugust 2014

Raymondville Chamber Eddie LucioCelebrity Golf Tournament – August 2014

Sylvia CruzWhat is your title and how long have you beenwith VTX1?Customer Service Consultant – May 2010

What song best describes your work ethic?Survivor – Eye of the Tiger

If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?Michelle Pfeiffer – She’s absolutely an awesome actress.

If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children?I don’t want to wear pampers...

What is one interesting fact that no one knowsabout you?If I tell you everyone is going to know…

Estella Lane What is your title and how long have you beenwith VTX1?Customer Service Consultant, 9 months

What song best describes your work ethic?Happy

If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?Bridesmaids- Melissa McCarthy because she is funny.

If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children?Enjoy the little things in life because tomorrow is never promised and the little things are the most important things in life.

What is one interesting fact that no one knowsabout you?I have a little sister still.

Connect with Our Team

Pictured L to R: Juanita Mendiola, Richard Cavin, Blas Garza, Julian Betancourt, Justin Andrade, Tito Rodriguez, Sal Villegas, Roy

Sheneman, Front: Orlando Quintanilla and James Whitt

Pictured L to R: Roy Sheneman-VTX1 Senior Human Resource Manager Juanita Mendiola - VTX1 HR Specialist, Carmen Garcia

Richad Garcia - VTX1 OSP Combination TechnicianDave Osborn - VTX1 Chief Excutive Officer

Julian Betancourt Retires after 36 Years at VTX1

Richard Garcia Retires after 42 Years at VTX1

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McAllen, TX

Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc.VTX Communications, LLC

VTX Telecom, LLC881 E. Hidalgo Avenue

Raymondville, Texas 78580

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