TECH TALK: One account to rule them all

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ERIC’S TECH TALK

by Eric W. Austin
Computer Technical Advisor

This week, in our continuing series on finding anonymity online, we’re going to address one of the most important ways to ensure your life online is a safe, secure and happy one.

Passwords.

Remember when the most you had to remember was your ATM pin? Those days are gone, and now pretty much every website wants you to log in with a username and password. If you are like many people, you might use the same combination for multiple sites (except for those sites where somebody already took my username! Arrgghhh!).

You also probably know just how insecure this practice is – hack that one password and a hacker will have access to all your other accounts!

So, it’s utterly important to use unique passwords for every site you visit — or at the least any site that has sensitive or important personal information about you, such as online banking, or places you use a credit card and with your address like Amazon or Target.com.

Before we go any further, let’s review what makes a good password. Stay away from using personal information for your password, like a birthday or pet’s name, even though it would be easier to remember. Try to use numbers as well as letters and include a special character or two (@!#$% etc…). Make it at least eight characters long, the longer the better. According to Google, using numbers and special characters makes an eight character password 30,000 times more difficult to guess than one of lowercase letters alone!

But how do you remember all these passwords? There are a number of ways to go about this, and they each have their own pluses and minuses. Many people (including myself) use a password manager, which usually is an extension for your browser that automatically saves passwords for you.

There are a number of good ones available. Personally, I use LastPass, which is available for all platforms. My only quibble with it is that it is only free for the desktop version. The app for IOS or Android will cost you.

But any similar password manager will do. Just ensure it’s a company that has been in business for a while (you don’t want them going belly-up and taking all your passwords with them). And read through their policy FAQ to make sure they take security seriously. The benefit of a password manager is that many will also generate passwords for you, and being random, they are highly secure.

Of course, no one can remember dozens of completely random passwords, so if you lose access to your password manager you often lose access to your passwords as well.

If you don’t want to use a password manager service, you’ll likely have to write them down somewhere. I recommend that you don’t keep a password file online for obvious reasons, and if you use Word or Excel to store passwords locally, secure the file with a password so that it is encrypted and cannot be digitally scanned if you get hit with a virus.

Also, don’t name the file “passwords.doc”!

Surprisingly, the most secure way to store your passwords may be the old-fashioned way: with paper and pen. Keep a notebook next to your computer and write each one down. Just don’t leave your notebook somewhere carelessly like an airport or restaurant!

Assuming you’ve decided on the best way to st
ore your passwords, and you do not want them to be randomly generated for you, how does one come up with so many secure, unique passwords?

While completely random passwords are the most secure, second best is a password that at least appears random. This is a tip a friend of mine suggested years ago and I have used it ever since.
Create a password “formula” that will look random to anyone else, and allows you to make it unique by tweaking only a single element of your formula. Let me show you what I mean.

For example: Let’s say my password for Amazon.com is “P48:bates!@AM” (without the quotes). It’s obviously not a completely random password, but because none of the elements directly relate to me it’s very difficult to guess. My formula for this password is simple: favorite bible verse [Philippians 4:8] + name of favorite movie villain [Norman Bates] + “!” + “@” + first two letters of the website name capitalized [AM].

Using this formula my password for Target.com would be “P48:bates!@TA”. Although the password looks complex, it’s made up of parts I can easily remember. This way we achieve a complex, unique password that is made up of numbers, symbols and lower and upper case letters, but is still easily generated and easily recalled.

Is it as secure as a completely randomized password? No. Is it better than using the same password on every site? Absolutely! How ever you define your password formula, use elements that are unique but unrelated to you and never — never ever — use any personal information like your name and address or birthday as part of that formula.

As a final piece of advice, and tying back to my headline, let me emphasize that not all accounts are created equal. If you have a Google or Microsoft account which ties all your other accounts together (the one where a password support request from other websites will be sent), give special care to the password you use for that account, and change it at lease every six months.

I hope this has been helpful, and please tune in next time when I’ll dig deeper into VPNs, proxies and firewalls, oh my!

Have a question or idea for a column? Eric W. Austin is a marketing and technical specialist and can be reached by email at ericwaustin@gmail.com.

Dustin Crawford receives MPA principal’s award

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Dustin Crawford, son of Marlene Crawford, of Anson, and William Crawford, of Hartland, a senior at Carrabec High School, has been selected to receive the 2017 Principal’s Award, according to Principal Timothy Richards. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement, citizenship and leadership.

According to Mr. Richards, Mr. Crawford excels in many areas at Carrabec High School. As a top ten student he stands out with his enthusiasm for learning and his positive attitude. He is hard-working, kind and humble, all of which will ensure his future success.

Academically, Dustin has challenged himself throughout his high school years by taking Advanced Placement courses and Honors classes, with holding a GPA of 97.72. His eagerness and enthusiasm make him a leader in our school.

Dustin shines strongly in sports at Carrabec as he applies that same enthusiasm and passion into three sports, soccer, basketball and baseball, being captain in all three. Fast, strong, focused and intense, Dustin has been an MVC All Star in all three sports. He is a supportive team player, he holds and shows respect for all his teammates and coaches.

Crawford not only thrives in the academic and sports worlds, but is also a member of the student council for his class, National Honor Society, JMG, member of the Captains Club and was December’s Student of the Month. Dustin also officiates youth basketball games.

Dustin will attend an awards luncheon on April 1, where he will receive his award and be eligible to be selected for one of five scholarships.

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of March 23, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

Well, WALLS, as the old saying has taught us, “What a difference a day makes,” and so it is for our faithful readers today. Yes, you wrote and sent your message on March 17, but it didn’t arrive. Yes, I know that one of the subjects was Lew’s and my stopping at the Red Barn Restaurant when we were en route from going to Sabre Boat’s factory in Raymond. So, it is very appropriate that you repeat our experience at Red Barn Restaurant, as Lew, who is a veteran of a long time ago, still warranted his getting a discount, as he started to pay for our order.

He couldn’t believe that anyone cared about a person who served in World War II, but those folks at Red Barn surely did. Surely, you have read about the wonderful things the Red Barn’s owner, Laura, has done for folks, and now you, WALLS, are proof of her generosity and good deeds through the years. Oh, the reason we were at Sabre Boat was that we went there to approve a boat for shipping to Bellingham Yachts, which is owned by our sons Dean and Nick.

Now, for sure the days since last Friday have given you a new twist for your column, WALLS, but you can still tell our faithful readers about Governor Abner Coburn Day. Yes, The Town Line will not be available until after March 22, but at least our faithful readers will know that invitations were sent to all the historical societies in Somerset County and elsewhere, and the day, which was chaired by Rob Washburn, a member of the Skowhegan Heritage Society. His message dealt with the education of young folks, a subject that Abner Coburn held firmly to, since his formal education ended when he was 14 years of age, when his dad decided he should learn about Maine forests and surveying. Yes, when any of you faithful readers go to Jackman, you will see Coburn Mountain standing tall on the landscape.

Yes, Governor Abner Coburn’s caring about the people of Maine and our entire USA make him one to be held in highest esteem by students who have had the privilege to study at the colleges his many millions financed. He gave Skowhegan its Free Public Library, was responsible for the Maine Central Railroad and Skowhegan Savings Bank in his Skowhegan and was on many committees and boards that made our USA all that he envisioned it could be. He was our Civil War Governor and friend of Abraham Lincoln. In fact, antique photos show his sitting directly behind Lincoln, as our, then, president delivered his Gettysburg Address.

It is important to know that Chairman Washburn is available to schools throughout our Somerset County, so that our young people will know of a very important person in our Maine history. Probably one of the most important of Governor Coburn’s lasting virtues was his generosity. He readily gave his money to those who were in need. In the words found in an antique book about Abner Coburn by Charles Williams: “There are few in Maine, in fact anywhere in the Union, whose life offers a more worthy illustration of what a (person) is capable of achieving.”

Take time to say ‘thanks’ for Maine’s being the way life should be, faithful readers.

Blaisdell named to President’s list

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Benjamin Blaisdell, of Benton, has been named to the president’s list at Western New England University, in Springfield, Massachusetts, for the fall semester. Blaisdell is working toward a degree in marketing.

Area students named to Merrimack College fall dean’s list

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Merrimack College, in North Andover, Massachusetts, has recognized two local students who have achieved dean’s list for Fall 2016:

Allison Leighton, of Oakland, and Leyna Tobey, of Augusta.

 

Local students named to dean’s list at Stonehill College

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The following local students were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Stoneham College, in Easton, Massachusetts.

Justin Davis, class of 2019, of Palermo.
Marissa Jordan, class of 2017, of Whitefield .
Colleen O’Donnell, class of 2018, of Waterville.
Margaret Priest, class of 2017, of Augusta.
Jacob Smith, class of 2018, of Sidney.

 

New books at Albion library

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The following new books are now available at the Albion Public Library:

New books about Benedict Arnold’s capture of Fort Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain, and his trip up the Kennebec River, to Québec City. Benedict Arnold’s Navy, by James Nelson; Voices from a Wilderness Expedition, by Stephen Darley. Through a Howling Wilderness, by Thomas Desjardin.

Also, Lost Villages of Flagstaff Lake, by Alan Burnell and Kenny Wing; The One-in-a-Million Boy, by Monica Wood; The Secret Wisdom of the Earth, by Christopher Scotton; Mayflower, by Nathanial Philbrick; Statesman: George Mitchell and the Art of the Possible, by Douglas Rooks; and Hey Ranger!, by Jim Burnett.

 

Project Learning Tree workshops at China school

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China School’s Forest will be hosting two Project Learning Tree Workshops for adults in April. Each workshop will feature hands-on activities and lesson ideas for kids ages K-8. Both workshops will begin with a short introduction to Project Learning Tree and then we will head out into the forest for interactive sessions with trained facilitators. Lessons are interdisciplinary including connections to children’s literature and language arts activities. If you are an educator (formal or informal), community volunteer, scout leader, naturalist, natural resource professional, land trust member, homeschooling parent or just want to learn some great ways to teach kids about the forest, this workshop is for you. Workshops are rain or shine so come prepared for the weather. Sign up by April 8. Space is limited to 20 participants per workshop, FMI – Contact Anita Smith at 968-2255 or chinaschoolsforest@gmail.com.

Visit them on facebook at China School’s Forest – China, Maine.

Cost is $50 per participant and includes the Project Learning Tree K-8 activity book with 96 lessons, opportunities to network with resource professionals, tour the award-winning China School’s Forest and gain new skills to make nature learning fun.

Location: China Primary School, 763 Lakeview Drive, China, ME 04358.

Workshop 1 – Thursdays, April 13 and 27 (must attend both sessions) from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Workshop 2 – Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bring a bag lunch and drink.

 

Kennebec Initiative aims to reduce child abuse and neglect in the county

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The Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP) was awarded funding from the Maine Children’s Trust to implement a three-year pilot project charged with preventing child abuse and neglect in Kennebec County. This is the second round of funding for these prevention grants. Grants have also been awarded to the child abuse and neglect councils in Somerset, Franklin, Androscoggin, Penobscot and York counties.

Kennebec County rates in substantiated child abuse and neglect have been on the rise in the last year. Babies under the age of one are by far the age group most affected by child maltreatment in Kennebec County as well as across the state. Identifying risk factors such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and poor mental health is vital in order to develop responsive prevention strategies that support families throughout the entire county.

In partnership between DHHS and the Maine Children’s Trust, KVCAP will lead the Kennebec Initiative. A local community group will be established and will include key community stakeholders and people who work with children and families throughout the county. This group will focus on identifying gaps in programs and supports for families and select relevant evidence-based prevention strategies. Members will engage in a strategic planning process that will ultimately help coordinate and enhance child abuse and neglect prevention services in this region.

For more information about the Kennebec Initiative, please contact Lanelle Freeman at 207-859-1577 or lanellef@kvcap.org.

 

Obituaries, Week of March 23, 2017

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JEANNE L. VANCE

OAKLAND––Jeanne Lunette Vance, born April 4, 1924, died Wednesday, February 1, 2017.

Jeanne was born and raised in Massachusetts, living most of her youth in Natick.

She loved to walk in the fields near her home, picking blueberries and walking among the dragon flies and butterflies. She would pat bumblebees in late fall when they were getty drowsy.

She loved swimming and walking by the water, whether lake or ocean.

She married Gale Lakin Vance in 1943, also from Massachusetts. She worked for 22 years for Zayre, now TJX, most of it working in the office in their Home Office, in Natick, Massachusetts.

After nearly 30 years of marriage and three children, she and Gale parted ways.

She later spent 25 years with Roland Soucy, with whom she did some travelling, and spent winters in the San Diego, California, area and summers in Northwood, New Hampshire, near two of her children.

She moved to China, to live with her daughter and her partner for 4-1/2 years. She then moved to the facility in Oakland where she would spend the last 3-1/2 years of her life. She was loved and wonderfully cared for at Bedside Manor.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Laura, 53; and Laura’s son, Daniel Corrow, 37.

She is survived by her daughter, Rosalyn (Roz) Vance; son William (Bill or Brad) Vance; three grandsons, Billy, Glenn and Joshua Vance; and three great-grandchildren, Nate, Alyssa and Tyler.

ROBERT F. PISCO

JEFFERSON––Robert Frederick Pisco, 75, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2017, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.

Bob grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. At a young age, he served as a paramedic in the U.S. Army. In 1980 he married Ronnie Levine. They lived in Andover, Massachusetts, for 20 years where they raised their family. Bob worked as a contractor specializing in tile work. He was a sought-after tradesman known for his amazing talent and artistry.

Bob’s passion in life was coaching youth baseball. He ran a baseball clinic at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, for 25 years. Teaching kids about baseball, along with life lessons, gave Bob more joy than anyone could know. Bob called baseball “The Game of Life.” One of his proudest achievements was being named The Boston Glove “Coach of the Year” during his tenure at St. Clement’s High School in Somerville, Massachusetts.
After moving to Jefferson Bob began a baseball camp at the Central Lincoln County YMCA. He also coached the team at Great Salt Bay Community School in Damariscotta where he added Busline Championship to his many successes.

Bob is survived by wife, Ronnie; sons, Robert Jr. and wife Melissa, of Gainesville, Florida, Benjamin Weiner and wife Jessica, of Goodyear, Arizona, and Joshua Pisco and wife Amy, of Nashua, New Hampshire; daughter, Lauren Licata, of Porter; grandchildren, Isabella Licata, Madison Pisco, Nathan Pisco, Maxwell Pisco, and Ruby Weiner.

A celebration of his life is planned for Sunday, April 23, at The 1812 Farm, Rt. 130, Bristol, with the time to be announced at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lincoln County Little League, c/o Cheryl Tomasello, 234 Turner Rd., Bremen ME 04551.

NANCY WESTERVELT

WINSLOW­­­­––Nancy Ellen Fortuine Westervelt, 84, of Winslow, died peacefully at home Wednesday, March 1, 2017 (Ash Wednesday). Nancy was born in Cambridge, New York, on February 15, 1933, to Dr. Stanley and Susan McGraw Fortuine.

The family moved to Ogunquit in 1935 where she spent her childhood. She graduated from Colby College, in Waterville, where she was an award-winning poet, with a degree in English in 1954. She met her husband, Peter Westervelt, while working at the Lamont and Widener Libraries at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he was completing his under graduate studies. They were married April 2, 1956, at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, while Peter was a Fulbright scholar at Leiden University, in Holland. They subsequently lived in Cambridge, while Peter attended graduate school, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before moving to Waterville in 1961, when Peter began a long career on the faculty at Colby College. In addition to raising her family, Nancy worked part-time as a writer and editor in the Colby College Alumni and Publications Offices.

Peter and Nancy were surrogate parents to many, including several Colby students who lived with them over the years together with their seven children, and Peter’s Aunt Harriet, in the big house on Winter Street. She sang on stage in Gilbert and Sullivan productions at the Waterville Opera House, in the choirs at St. Mark’s Sacred Heart, and Saint Francis de Sales churches, and the Colby Community Chorus. She was a communicant of Saint Frances de Sales, where she was a Eucharistic minister for two decades. She served on the board at Seton Village, and the Meadowview Condo Association, in Winslow, shere she lived from 2007 until her death.

She was known for her love of family and her close friendships. As many learned, there was always another place in the home she kept and at the table she set. She was renowned as an artist in the kitchen and loved music, her garden, and her cats. She will be forever remembered for her gentleness, generosity, kindness, and extraordinary faith in God.

She was predeceased by her husband Dr. Peter Westervelt (2001), after 45 years of marriage; son Nathan Lord Westervelt (1983); grandson Seth Bizier (1989); and granddaughter, Ella Mariah Schrader Westervelt (2013). She was also predeceased by brothers Edward and Robert Fortuine, and sisters Barbara Bickford and Patricia Freeman,

She is survived by sons Dr. Peter Westervelt and wife Donna, of St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Benjamin Westervelt and wife Carol Schrader, of Portland, Oregon, and Owen Westervelt and wife PJ, of San Juan, Capistrano, California; daughters Catherine Westervelt, of Winslow, Sarah Bizier and husband Paul, of Vassalboro, and Dr. Hilda Westervelt and partner Phil Copeland, of Oregon City, Oregon; grandchildren Daniel Bizier and wife Megan, Lizzie and husband Nick Thibodeau, Anna and Katie Westervelt, and Samuel McGraw Westervelt Schrader; and great-grandchild, Lily Grace Thibodeau. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Burial will be private in Surry.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Nancy’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

ELAINE F. BUSHEY

OAKLAND––Elaine Francis Bushey, 88, of Oakland, died on Friday, March 10, 2017, the day after her birthday, at Oak Grove Rehabilitation and Living Center. Elaine was born March 9, 1929, in Orono, the daughter of William M. Grindle and Alice E. Kent.

Elaine was a graduate of Brewer High School, class of 1947.

On July 1, 1950, Elaine married Norman L. Bushey. She was a happy homemaker who devoted her life to her husband and five children. In addition to raising her family she donated her time to the church and her community, all while making many friends along the way. Her favorite quote was: “I live for my faith, family and friends.”

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Normal L. Bushey; son, Laurence Bushey and his wife Anne; son-in-law, Paul Kiszely; grandson, Justin Bushey; great-grandson, Kenneth Pooley; two sisters; and five brothers.

Elaine is survived by daughters: Joyce Thompson and husband Richard, of Oakland, Joan Kiszely, of Winslow, Judith Mayheux, of Augusta, and Susan Gallant and husband James, of West Gardiner; sister Darlene MacLeod and husband Gene, of Hudson; eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and a large extended family.

To share condolences, memories and tributes with her family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Road, Casco ME 04015, or MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water Street, Waterville ME 04901.

CHRISTINE L. WANSER

PALERMO––Christine L. (Chris/Sis) Wanser, 96, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017, just a little over a month after losing her husband of 75 years, Bud. Christine was born in New Rochelle, New York, on April 9, 1920, to Joseph Dell and Christina P. Lampe.

Her early childhood was spent in Chicago, Illinois, and produced some of her fondest memories of listening to he father’s orchestra at the Trianon Ballroom. After moving to Amityville, New York, Christine met the love of her life, Eugene (Bud) Wanser. They were married in 1941, one year after she graduated from Pace Institute, and together they raised their four children. Chris retired in 1980 from Amityville Memorial High School where she was the guidance department secretary, and make the move to Belgrade with Bud.

Christine was a Charter Member of the Amityville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the North Belgrade Garden Club, in Belgrade.

Chris was a fabulous cook, wonderful baker, amazing seamstress, and loved swimming, traveling, and gardening.
Christine was predeceased by her husband, Eugene Wanser; daughter Christine “Lynn” Termine and her husband Louis.

She is survived by son Franklyn (Bud) and wife Geri; daughter Karen McGreevey and husband Robert; and son Eugene “Dell” Wanser; grandchildren, Steve Termine, Kerri Lenihan and husband Kenneth, Michael Smith, Allison Smith, Deb Whitaker and husband Art, Karen Haskins and husband Shawn, Lauren Roche and husband Michael, Diane Zikowitz and husband Andrew; 22 great-grandchildren; and great-great-granddaughter Kelsea.
Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society, 75 Gray Road, Falmouth ME 04105.

OTHERS DEPARTED

CARMEN I. JURDAK, 90, of Waterville, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017. She was the daughter of Arthur and Anna Lessard. Locally, she is survived by her husband Edward Jurdak Jr., of Waterville.

STEPHEN M. WILE, 63, of Waldoboro, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 6, 2017, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a son, Michael Wile, of Windsor.

RICHARD A. LUTZ, 84, of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Locally, he is survived by his wife Sheila, of Waterville, and a daughter, Donna Zebiak and husband Andrew, of Fairfield.

JOAN E. NEWMAN, 80, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation – Glenridge, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by a son, Jeffresy Newmand and wife Frances, of Windsor.

JOSEPH J. VIOLETTE, 74, of Augusta, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a stepdaughter, Monique Lavigne and companion Jason, of Windsor.

FORMER RESIDENTS

BEVERLY G. REYNOLDS, 87, of Durham, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Freeport Nursing Home, in Freeport. She was born in Winslow on September 15, 1929, the daughter of William and Anocia (Huard) Glidden. She graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1947. She was an accomplished pianist at the age of 16. In 1949, she married H. Richard Austin. They raised three daughters. She became a widow in 1970, and married Robert O. Reynolds, in 1976, who predeceased her. Beverly was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Begin and husband Paul, and a sister, Shirley Witham and husband Charles, all of Winslow.