12 minute read
Ask Cappie the Computer Cat
ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT MANAGING PASSWORDS
I use a little green notebook to keep my passwords. I’m not sure that I need anything else, but my friends tell me I should use a password manager for better security. First, how does this type of program work, and secondly, how expensive are they? Pat from SCG
Dear Pat, To be safe online, it is crucial to use unique, complex passwords for every website you visit. The biggest risk to your security is password re-use. If you use the same passwords over and over, a breach at one website means your email and password can be used by attackers to log into other sites and to seriously compromise your security. That is where a password manager comes into play. A password manager is an app/program that generates, stores and manages passwords. n Password managers can generate passwords of any length with whatever criteria is necessary for a particular site. You determine length, type of character (letter, number, symbol), mixed capitals or not. n Password managers then store your passwords in an encrypted database. The program’s entire password database is accessed with
ONE master password – so the master password is the only one you need to remember. n Password management, which includes syncing passwords across your devices, falls into two categories: browser-based and dedicated. Firefox, Chrome, and Safari are examples of browserbased password managers. They are a convenient solution if you only browse the internet and if you utilize a unique password for every site. As long as you use the same browser on each of your devices, they will sync. Many popular tech websites recommend Google Password Manager (for Android/ Chrome OS) or Apple Keychain (for iOS/macOS) because a user can use a fingerprint scanner or Face ID as a “master password.”
Dedicated password
managers can be free, for-pay dedicated versions, family plans, etc. Rather than using the same browser across all devices, you download the password manager program/ app to all your devices. Dedicated managers offer more options: n Ability to add secure notes containing text like entry codes n Ability to store documents such as tax records, health directives, scanned copies of passports, driver’s license, vaccine data, etc. n Notifications if a website for which you have an account has been compromised or if a password you use has appeared in a leaked password database n Ability to provide all of the above data to an emergency contact in the event of a catastrophe n Travel mode to keep
important data off your devices going through airports n Warnings for weak or reused passwords n Family plans for safely sharing an unlimited number of passwords Whatever your choices, Cappie urges you to prioritize security over convenience. Cappie suggests you ask your favorite tech guru, the Computer Club, or research reputable tech websites (i.e. Cyber News, TechRadar, The Verge, Znet, Cnet, Wired, Tom’s Guide, PCmagazine, Wirecutter, Tech Crunch, Mashable, etc.) for reviews of the best password managers on the market, their options and cost.
YOU’LL ALWAYS BE TREATED LIKE FAMILY... AND WE LIKE OUR FAMILY!
Tom Ranalls • 623-695-5687 Kris Ranalls • 623-640-6199
T OM & K RI S R ANA LL S R E ALTOR S
tomrazhomes@gmail.com • krisazhomes@gmail.com
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view.
Special thanks to Claire Lucas for sharing her handsome dog, Gus who is 14 years young. (Photo by Jackie Couzens).
APRIL FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Here are a few activities to get you moving. Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families.
Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.
EASTER BRUNCH CRUISE AT LAKE PLEASANT
n Lake Pleasant Cruises 8708 W. Harbor Blvd. Peoria, AZ n Hosted by: Lake Pleasant Cruises n April 4, 2021 n 602–456–9955 ext.1 n 9:30 am, 12 pm n Tickets: Adult $63, Child (4-12) $43, Child (0-3) $FREE n lakepleasantcruises.com
Enjoy a 90-minute morning cruise on the waters of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This cruise features a delicious brunch by Dillon's Restaurants. There is a full-service bar on board, with drinks available for purchase (cash only). All ages welcome. Reservations required (24+ hours in advance).
Breakfast Brunch Menu: Scrambled Eggs, Pork Sausage, Bacon, Breakfast Potatoes, French Toast with Maple Syrup, Fresh Fruit, Muffins, and Bagels with Cream Cheese. Orange Juice, Iced Tea, Lemonade and Coffee included. Additional beverages available for purchase. 2021 FOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OF FINE ART & CRAFTS (SPRING)
n Downtown Fountain Hills 16744 E. Avenue of the Fountains n Hosted by: Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce n April 9–11, 2021 n 480–837–1654 n 10–5 pm n Free n fountainhillsartfairs.com/
As a courtesy of others, we ask you to please leave your pets at home.
The famous Fountain Festival of Fine Art & Crafts is returning to Fountain Hills for 2021, April 9-11! Previously scheduled for February 26-28, the Fountain Festival is being planned for a new weekend to ensure the safety of all attendees and artists.
The 2021 Fountain Festival will showcase over 400 artists and craftsmen from across the United States, all showcasing their best works. Meet and mingle with some of the most creative artists at one of the Southwest’s most iconic art shows.
One of the best things about the Fountain Festival? Variety! There are over 20 different categories of art and crafts, all unique in their own way, and at a variety of price points. There truly is something for everyone!
For the “foodies”, the Fountain Festival will have nearly 20 different types of concessionaires for you to dine on. Whether you are looking for the traditional fair food, or you want something more artisan, the Fountain Festival is the place for you to try delicious fare. NAILED IT! AT HOME EXPERIENCE— DOUBLE TROUBLE EDITION
n Your Kitchen n Virtual n April 17, 2021 n 12 pm Pacific–3 pm Eastern n Price: $54–baking kit delivery + live experience n feverup.com/m/87540
Join other amateur bakers for the latest Nailed It! At Home Experience, a hilarious culinary experience, brought to you by Netflix and Fever, where failure and the mediocre are celebrated! This time your baking challenge will be inspired by the new season of the the hit Netflix baking show, Nailed It! Double Trouble! Baking and decorating ingredients will be sent to your home, along with step-by-step instructions for making this all-new challenge. Then tune in at the scheduled time for an online event with special guests and other at-home bakers to see if you truly Nailed It! Suitable for beginners and baking enthusiasts, this baking extravaganza is going to be a laughter-filled experience from the safety of your own kitchen. You can participate as an individual or as a family. Either way, preheat your oven and let’s get started! 10TH ANNIVERSARY ARIZONA BALLOON CLASSIC
n Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear n Date: April 30, 2021 to May 2, 2021 n Recurring daily n Friday & Saturday 6 am–9 pm Sunday 6 am–12 pm n Price: $20 adults, Kids under 12 are free n abcfest.com/
The Arizona Balloon Classic – On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the sky will be filled with colorful hot-air balloons participate in thrilling “Hare & Hound” races from the grassy fields of the Goodyear Ballpark for a spectacular sight of mass and color. Spectators can walk on the field and experience the balloons inflation and lift off. Photo taking is invited.
DESERT GLOWS on Friday and Saturday evenings, are our most popular attended events. A field full of illuminated, tethered, hot air balloons will glow in time to music.
Other Events: Hot Air Balloon rides, the QT Family Fun Zone (FREE Inflatables), Hot Air Balloon Tether rides, Stunt Bike Shows, Fireworks (Saturday ONLY), “Weekend Hunger Backpack activities,” Live Entertainment, sampling, and many other exciting events. Retail shopping and commercial exhibits for purchases or browsing.
Street Foodfest: Our 4th Annual Street Foodfest is TRULY a culinary experience including; the “Beer Gardens”, Festival food favorites, Live music stage and more. Come hungry and stay for a while…
Greetings, District 2 residents! Welcome to April! Please take a moment to read the information below, which contains essential city updates and information on upcoming events. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov, or by calling 623-222-1322. You can also find me on Facebook for frequent notifications.
COUNCIL CONVERSATIONS SHOW
Tuesday, February 23, I had the pleasure of hosting my first Council Conversations show. I interviewed Human Service & Community Vitality Director Seth Dyson about what types of assistance are available at the Surprise Resource Center, including rent and utility help! You can view the conversation on my website at d2.surpriseaz.gov.
STATE OF THE CITY VIDEO PREMIERE
The 2021 State of the City will be presented as a video premiere on Tuesday, April 13 at 6 p.m. Join us as as we reflect on the resilience of our community and look forward to what’s on the horizon. Watch LIVE online at surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv.
SALVATION ARMY FUNDRAISER GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Salvation Army is hosting a Northwest Valley Corps Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Arizona Traditions. Checkin starts at 7:00 a.m. with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start in a scramble format. The cost is $75.00 per person or $300 for a foursome. All proceeds will benefit social services and the food pantry. If you’re not a golfer, please consider volunteering to help or donating prizes. To register, please contact Fred Folder at 714-4209886 or Frederick.folden.jr@usw. salvationarmy.org
MILLER MASSAGE THERAPY RIBBON CUTTING
On February 26, Mayor Hall and I attended a grand opening ribbon cutting for Miller Massage Therapy, located at 17100 W Clearview Blvd., at Cimarron in Sun City Grand. Congratulations to Nicole Miller, owner of Miller Massage Therapy, in celebrating their second office location in Surprise. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SOUTHWEST GAS CUSTOMERS
customer information system from the ground up on Monday, May 3, 2021, to provide an improved customer experience along with enhanced security. For important information on how this will impact you and the way your account will be serviced, please visit www.swgas. com/new4u. The site will provide regular updates and tools to help you navigate the new system.
DROP-OFF RECYCLING
Surprise residents can drop-off clean/ dry acceptable recyclable materials at the Public Works Yard, located at 17274 N. Litchfield Road on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Accepted materials are: n Plastic bottles #1 and #2 (including milk gallons, soda bottles, condiment bottles, water bottles, shampoo bottles, and detergent containers).
Please be sure to screw all lids on the bottles or remove them completely n Cardboard n Aluminum and tin cans A city staff member will be available to help sort recyclable materials and ensure that the recyclables are not contaminated.
MEET & GREET
Join me Monday, April 26, at Sun City Grand Café, 19781 N. Remington Drive at 6 p.m. I look forward to discussing the latest city news and answering any questions you have.
BUDGET UPDATE
The city kicked off the Fiscal Year 2022 budget building process on February 2. At the February 16 Council Work Session, Council received an overview on Budget Revenues. The list below shows Citywide revenues and the percentages that they make up out of the whole budget.
FY21 Citywide Revenues
n Charges for Services – 25% n Local Sales Tax – 18% n Intergovernmental – 16% n Transfers In – 10% n Grant – 7% n Bond – 6% n Development – 5% n Property Tax – 5% n Licenses & Permits – 2% n Indirect Charges – 2% n Franchise Fees – 2% n Interest – 1% n Other - 1% One area of this revenue list that is often talked about is property tax. The City of Surprise has a Primary Property tax rate of $0.7591 (per $100 Assessed LPV), which is a tax levy used for general government operations and a Secondary Property Tax rate of $0.3880, which is a voter-approved tax levy limited to pay for General Obligation (GO) bonds. It is also important to note that the majority of the primary property tax rate that is collected by the County goes to entities other than the City of Surprise. Here is the average breakdown*: n Schools and Education – 66.4% n County – 13.2% n Other – 9.3% n Primary** – 7.2% n Secondary** – 4.0% *Breakdown can vary depending on factors such as school districts or special districts ** The Primary and Secondary taxes make up the city’s 11.2% allocation There was also a presentation on citywide budget expenses at the March 2 City Council Work Session. Future Council Work Sessions and Regular Meetings will include presentations related to department operation budget development. The Recommended Budget is scheduled for release in April, followed by Council and public review. The final budget adoption is scheduled for June 1. Fiscal Year 2022 begins July 1, 2021. To watch past budget presentations, please visit Surpriseaz.gov/budget.
MEN’S NINE HOLE GOLF CLUB
The Men’s Nine Hole Golf Club is comprised of fun loving, supportive golfers of all skill levels who enjoy the game of golf. If you love the game, but 18 holes is too much, this club is for you. We offer you a guaranteed tee time on Mondays at 12:30 or 3:00 (your choice), free range balls, once-a-month team games e.g. Scramble, etc. Also, periodic free golfing clinics with our resident golf pro, prize tournaments, and annual free hot dog/chili fests. Come enjoy the camaraderie and friendships, that are an important part of our game playing experience.
Please visit our website at: mens9hole.homestead.com
Wayne Mercil Membership Director merk5151@msn.com
You are the MVP of our TEAM!
Desert Living • Top Producers at Long Realty West Valley • Sun City Grand Softball Sponsor • Service you deserve - a TEAM you can TRUST
Heather Van Peursem
Realtor®
Recognized Industry Leader 602-456-2328
heather@heathervp.com www.VPDesertLiving.com
Linda Van Peursem, GRI
Realtor®, Sun City Grand Resident
