Hardy Telecommunications, Inc.

09/01/2026

HardyNet offers Internet-only service!
https://hardynet.net/residential/onenet-internet-only-service/

08/28/2026

We’ve trained for this all summer, y’all – dusting the cobwebs off all three TVs in the garage, cleaning the grill, washing our matching outfits – and now it’s time… Week 1 of college football is here! Preseason rankings are set, and Ohio State tops the list of contenders followed by perennial powerhouses Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas. Still, look out for “bubble” teams like Navy and Clemson, which is unranked for the first time since 2011 but is certainly one to watch. West Virginia University again brings in a large number of newcomers in Coach Rich Rodriguez’s second season since returning to the Mountaineers. Most teams get going next week, but for a unique way to kick off your viewing pleasure, tune into TCU vs UNC, broadcast live from Dublin, Ireland, this Saturday at noon EST on ESPN. Let the O’Season begin!

08/21/2026

People love Southern hospitality, but Chick-Fil-A’s hospitality certainly didn’t extend to hackers trying to steal their customers’ data. In this case, Chick-Fil-A didn’t give data away, but a recent data breach resulted in personal information about customers in 10 states being poached. It’s a great example of why you should have different passwords for different accounts.

Between June 17th and 19th, the company noticed unauthorized users trying to gain access using username and password combinations stolen from a third party. Using a technique called “credential stuffing” – where a known ID/password combination from one site is automatically tried at other sites – the hackers were able to access Chick-Fil-A’s loyalty accounts where they could view DOB and contact information, mobile pay information and QR codes, the last four digits of credit and debit cards, and gift card details.

In this instance, the security weaknesses are not with Chick-Fil-A, but with the third party. However, that doesn’t make customers’ “free peach shake!” or credit card details any less stolen.

As ever, the lesson here is to make sure to ALWAYS use multi-factor authentication and to choose different passwords for all your accounts. If a hacker has your username and your “always” password, they can steal it once and use it over and over. Bonus tip: If you’re a loyal Chick-Fil-A customer (especially in Washington D.C., Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, or Vermont), log in to check out your loyalty account. Change your password immediately and then treat yourself to a combo – whether you’re celebrating or commiserating.

For more helpful tech advice, visit our Tech Tips webpage at https://hardynet.net/about/tech-tips/.

08/21/2026

Our Lost River, Moorefield, Wardensville and Capon Bridge offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in recognition of the Labor Day holiday.

Anyone requiring emergency telephone repair can call either 304-897-9913 in Lost River or 304-530-HELP (4357) in Moorefield. Hardy Telecommunications wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day!

08/21/2026

Quick Tech Tip from Vantage Point Solutions: Your email inbox is not a dumpster. Don’t let spam pile up — clean it out like you would your room, or you might miss the “monster under the bed” (aka a phishing scam). Stay organized and keep the creepy crawlies away. For more helpful tech advice, visit our Tech Tips webpage at https://hardynet.net/about/tech-tips/.

Tech Tips   August 17, 2026 How To Maintain Digital Balance Be honest. In the last 30 days, how many times have you had the TV on, laptop or tablet open, and been scrolling on your phone at the same time? In this data-driven, digitally connected world, it’s nearly impossible to disconnect complet...

08/17/2026

Be honest. In the last 30 days, how many times have you had the TV on, laptop or tablet open, and been scrolling on your phone at the same time? In this data-driven, digitally connected world, it’s nearly impossible to disconnect completely, but finding ways to balance your digital and analog lives is critical to your well-being. While “digital wellness” sounds like a buzzword (and an impossibility to boot!) there are some small changes you can make to ensure your devices are working for you while giving yourself the breaks you need.

The overarching solution is to create boundaries that make sustaining attention easier. Instead of trying to eliminate technology (not realistic), build periods into your day when you decide what deserves your attention. Allow those moments to get your WHOLE attention without giving yourself easy opportunities to switch focus. And, when you feel the temptation to open a new tab, grab another device, or multitask, clock it, breathe, and consciously stick with what you’re doing.

A few more practical steps to establish digital wellness habits:

- Use technology with a purpose. Before opening an app, think “Why am I opening this app right now?” If you can’t answer positively, don’t open it.

- Schedule distraction-free periods. Start with 25 minutes of focused attention and gradually increase the “time box” to longer blocks for more demanding work.

- Have analog mornings. Avoid checking messages, emails, or (eeek!) the news for a short period after waking. Ideally, get some actual sunlight before you unlock your screens.

- Organize your digital environment. Group apps by purpose and remove feeds or tools that regularly pull you into timewasting or mindless scrolling.

- Batch notifications. Set time aside to respond to emails and work messages rather than stopping good progress to reply immediately.

The goal of digital wellness is to use technology intentionally so that your devices serve your goals rather than serving to distract you. AI assistants, apps, and everyone on our social feeds are constantly competing for our attention, but often their helpful intentions just get us off our paths. When you feel the urge to jump ship to a new tab/app/device, take a breath, get some sun, and refocus.

For more helpful tech advice, visit our Tech Tips webpage at .https://hardynet.net/about/tech-tips/

08/06/2026

There was a time not too long ago when a family vacation meant one parent driving and the other navigating using these big foldout paper documents called “maps.” Where one wrong turn meant not 10 more miles to the World’s Biggest Ball of Twine but 50 miles to the next turnaround and 100 miles to the next rest stop. Today, though, Google Maps, Waze, and other similar apps rely on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to get us from point A to point B quickly – even if we miss a turn!

And behind this GIS technology is a GIS technician whose focus is on maintaining the database and ensuring the information quality is top-notch.

What they do
GIS Techs collect data from maps, GPS devices, aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and other sources and ensure it is accurate, up to date, and formatted in a way that is readily useable by consumers. They are stewards of critical data and their daily work includes:

- Transforming analog materials like paper maps or photographs into digital formats
- Uploading and updating geographic/GPS data
- Analyzing data for errors or inconsistencies and fixing the issues
- Documenting where data came from and determining its accuracy
- Keeping geographic information secure and organized

How they can help
There are almost no bounds to the areas in which GIS techs’ work makes an impact. Ensuring geographic information is current and correct is critical to local governments (think firefighters needing a quick path to an emergency), environmental organizations (tracking wildlife, monitoring changes in the landscape), and even utility and transportation firms. So, for all the time GIS techs spend staring at their computers, the impact of their work stretches far and wide outside the confines of their office.

What tools they use
Where old school and new school tools meet, you’ll find a GIS tech! Many have serious cartography skills (map design, symbols, and smart ways to clearly present geographic data), but they must also have a number of high-tech tools in their toolbelt:

- GIS and mapping: Arc GIS and QGIS
- Database management: SQL, MS Access, and PostgreSQL
- Programming: Python and JavaScript
- Remote sensing: Satellite imagery and aerial photography
- Field data: GPS and data collection tools

Where you can start
Just like on most great maps, there is more than one path to becoming a GIS tech. Some start with computer science and find their way to cartography. Others start as lovers of maps but become fascinated with city planning or environmental biology. A bachelor’s degree is usually required, but the field of study is wide open. Likewise, hands-on experience matters; if GIS is your dream, find an internship or volunteer on research projects. If you’re detail-oriented, comfortable with technology, and also fascinated by maps, find your way toward GIS. X might just mark the spot!

For more helpful tech advice, visit our Tech Tips webpage at https://hardynet.net/about/tech-tips/.

08/06/2026

The 2026 Nominations Committee has proposed two current directors for election to new three-year terms on Hardy's Board of Directors. The positions expiring this year are the South Fork serving area currently held by Ward A. Malcolm II of Moorefield; and Director-At-Large currently held by Laura E. Kessel of Fisher. Both have been nominated for new terms. You can view the complete report of the Nominations Committee at https://hardynet.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-Nominations-Committee-report.pdf.

Hardy Telecommunications, Inc., would like to invite all of our members to attend the Annual Meeting of Members on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the East Hardy High School gymnasium. The agenda includes the announcement of election results of two members to fill the aforementioned seats on the Board of Directors.

Doors will open for registration at 4:30 p.m. October 2 with dinner to follow immediately upon registration. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Meals are free for each member and one guest (up to two free meals per member), with additional meals costing $10 each. Drawings for door prizes will be held.

Hardy Telecommunications members will receive a mailing that includes a reservation card and proxy for the annual meeting. If you plan to attend, please return the completed reservation card in the provided postage-paid envelope by Thursday, September 24, 2026, so we can plan accordingly.

If a member wishes to assign a proxy, please keep in mind that only the official proxy included in your mailing will be accepted. This proxy will include the member’s name, address and account number. Your proxy must contain both your signature and the signature of a witness to be accepted. Only proxies that are received by Friday, September 18, 2026, will be accepted. No proxies will be accepted at the meeting.

If an election by mail-in voting is necessary, your mailing will include a ballot. (NOTE: Ballots by proxy for election of directors must be voted at Hardy’s Lost River or Moorefield office at a designated date and time to be communicated to each proxy.)

If you would like to read more information about our election process, please see our bylaws on our website at https://hardynet.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Hardy-Telecommunications-Bylaws-March-24-2026.pdf.