Avast! is perhaps the most popular and trusted, free antivirus computer program available, with more than 219 million users world-wide, which is more than any other security provider. They are dedicated to being the best at saving the world’s computers.

Avast! is based in Praque, Czech Repulic, and was started by Eduard Kucera and Pavel Baudis in 1988. As a result of an unpleasant encounter with the Vienna Virus, Kucera and Baudis set out on a quest to create a better antivirus program. The result: an award-winning antivirus program with global popularity.

Over the past 25 years, avast! has received numerous awards and accolades. Most recently, they have been ranked as the most-downloaded product on several major global software portals, received a 5-star Excellent rating from Softpedia, were awarded the VB100 Award from the independent testing firm Virus Bulletin, and received the “Advanced+” rating from independent testing firm AV-Companies. They were also named as Czech Republic’s best company to work for in 2013.

Avast! 2014 has several options for personal use. The hugely popular avast! Free Antivirus protects computers from malware and viruses. Avast! also offers paid upgrades in addition to the free antivirus:

•avast! Pro Antivirus has the added protection for secure payments and banking
•avast! Internet Security protects online banking, has a silent firewall, and an anti-spam feature to protect users from phishing and scam emails
• avast! Premier includes all of the previously mentioned features plus includes a data shredder for military-grade permanent data erasure, an automatic software updater for your other programs, and even allows you to securely access your computer over the internet from anywhere.

New releases include avast! 2014, SecureLine, and GrimeFighter. Avast! 2014 is the latest and greatest version of the antivirus program which is available in more than 40 languages, and streams hundreds of micro-updates daily to ensure you have the best protection possible. The avast! SecureLine VPN protects user activity done over WiFi. It encrypts browsing and communications, making you invisible to anyone trying to spy on your internet activity. Lastly, the avast! GrimeFighter program is the first PC cleaner to detect and remove files that can’t be found with Windows running.

In addition to personal computer security, avast! is also available for businesses and for Android phones and tablets. Avast! Mobile Security and Anti-Theft protects against malware attacks, has a built in feature to locate your device if it is ever lost or stolen, and allows you to thoroughly wipe or delete the contents of your SD card for security.

To learn more about avast! be sure to visit their website, like them on Facebook, follow their blog, watch informational videos on YouTube, or keep up with the latest via their Twitter feed.

Join us in congratulating avast! on their 25th anniversary!

WD-40 was created in 1953 at the Rocket Chemical Company, a small aerospace company. The meager staff of three set out to create a water displacement and rust prevention solvent to protect rockets, and 40 attempts later, WD-40 was perfected.  It is this same secret formula that is still used in households and business today.

WD-40 has over 2,000 uses and counting, which you can view on their site or even submit your own unique uses.  Some of the more unique uses that I found include:

• Removing sticky or gummy substances from most surfaces
• Removing stains from leather
• Cleaning clogged Inkjet nozzles
• Removing ink from most surfaces
• Removing scuff marks from floors, walls, and luggage
• Removing crayon from floors, counters, walls and the inside of dryers
• Can be used as a cleaner

This year marks the introduction of the new WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant Spray- which is specially formulated to help loosen rusted parts faster and also helps prevent rust and corrosion.

In addition, WD-40 has partnered with Hiring Our Heroes this year, which is a charity group dedicated to helping military veterans transition into the civilian workforce.  Look for special edition “Help Hire a Hero” WD-40 cans, and from each can purchased, the WD-40 Company will donate 10 cents to the Hiring Our Heroes foundation.

Please join us in congratulating the WD-40 Company on their 60th anniversary and on an immensely successful 60 years!

In celebration of a successful 20 years, TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers in Portage, MI is offering a great deal on LASIK surgery to their customers through the month of August, 2014: $400 off a LASIK procedure.

After researching TLC’s credentials, Top Of The List’s owner and President, Beverly Mapes, decided to take advantage of their anniversary offer and have LASIK performed on her own eyes. It began with an initial appointment to determine if she was a candidate, and ended less than a month later with a successful surgery.

Smiling faces were everywhere on surgery day, with Leanne, the office coordinator extraordinaire, and several doctors and technicians all buzzing about. The surgery itself took only 5 to 10 minutes per eye, although Bev’s time at the outpatient office was approximately 3 hours due to testing and additional consultation prior to the procedure.

Dr. Ernest performed the surgery. “He has a great bedside manner,” said Mapes. “I had to put a great deal of trust in his skilled hands. After all, we’re talking about my eyes!”

Dr. Ernest’s past experience gave Mapes increased confidence too. “I may well perform more eye surgeries than any surgeon in Michigan,” Ernest told Mapes prior to her surgery.

TLC Eyecare was founded in 1993 in Canada with a simply worded mission: To change lives. Throughout the years TLC Eyecare has experienced great success and as a result has grown exponentially.  Today TLC Eyecare and Laser Centers have over 50 locations, has performed over 2.2 million surgeries, and is a premier provider of eye surgeries and LASIK in North America.

The surgeons at TLC are highly recognized, possess prestigious education, participate in research and development opportunities, and have access to the most advanced equipment.  In addition, TLC Eyecare’s physicians utilize the newest treatments available, and now treat cataracts in addition to laser vision correction.

TLC’s services certainly held up to their claims in Bev Mapes’ experience. “It feels great to open my eyes in the morning and see well without contacts or glasses! I’m so glad I did this!”

Join us in congratulating TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers on their 20th anniversary.

B.C. Pizza – “The Hometown Handmade Gourmet Pizza”, specializes in gourmet pizzas, using their secret sauce and crust recipes, and only the freshest ingredients. B.C. Pizza was founded in 1988, by brothers Chris and Wayne Nelson, in Boyne City Michigan. Since then, they have grown to over 30 locations throughout Michigan.

There is something for everyone on B.C. Pizza’s menu including gourmet pizza, salads, pasta, stuffed breadsticks, subs, grinders and wraps, and even desserts. However, B.C. Pizza is known for more than just pizza. The Nelson brothers are strongly committed to giving to the community, and B.C. Pizza is known for volunteering, donating food, partnering with area businesses, or helping out however they can in support of local causes. The community support, friendly customer service, and great pizza have been the key ingredients to B.C. Pizza’s success.

Join us in congratulating B.C. Pizza on their 25th anniversary and a successful 25 years!

History

Fenn Valley is the oldest vineyard in Michigan. After researching the property and the process of winemaking, the site of the Fenn Valley Vineyards was purchased in 1973 by the Welsch family from Chicago. The 230 acre farm was originally a struggling fruit farm, which was cleared to make way for the vineyard. The first grapes were planted in 1974, and Fenn Valley Vineyards was born.  Today, it is still family owned and operated, producing up to 400 tons of grapes and 60,000 gallons of wine annually.

About

Growing grapes in Michigan to produce wine is not an easy task.  The conditions must be perfect- sandy soil, moderate winter and summer temperatures, and rolling terrain to allow for natural airflow. Also, from the time the vines are planted, to when the grapes are ready for full harvest, is 5 years.  Grape vines typically only survive in the Michigan climate for about 25 years, so the vineyard is constantly being replanted.  However, with 40 years of experience, Fenn Valley is able to produce world-class wine, even in Michigan’s difficult climate.

Fenn Valley produces red wines, white wines, specialty wines, and fruit wines. Both the red and white wines are well balanced, premium wines, which pair well with food. The red wines display a slight fruit forward note, the white wines are crisp, and the fruit wines are slightly sweet and refreshing.

Events

There are several ways to experience Fenn Valley and sample their delicious wines:

• Visit their tasting room, where you can sample four different wines as well    as the “wine of the day”
• Participate in their Vineyard Tour or Wine and Food Tour, and learn about    growing and winemaking processes, complemented by a wine tasting.
• Attend an event where you can mingle with other wine lovers, enjoy            delicious food with the winemaker, and sample a variety of wines

• Wine Festival and Open House
• Lunch with the Winemaker
• Winemaker’s Dinners
• Summer Evening Cook-outs
• Girl’s Afternoon Out
• Pre-Release Wine and Food Pairings
• The Vine Wine’d 5k and Post Race Cookout
• Chili Cook-Off
• Nouveau Fest

Awards

Fenn Valley has received numerous domestic and international awards on their wines, too many to mention.  Most recently, in 2012 they received over 60 medals, including 15 Gold medals and 3 Double Gold medals.  The Double Gold medals are the highest distinction and are very difficult to obtain because the judges on two different panels must unanimously award the wine a Gold medal.

• Vignoles Reserve 2011 Semi Dry White Wine – Michigan Wine and Spirits    Competition
• Riesling 2011 – Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
• Merlot 2010 – Tasters Guild International Wine Judging

Fenn Valley Vineyards was also selected by Trip Advisor as a 2013 Certificate of Excellence Winner, which is based on the number of “Excellent” rankings and therefore being voted as the #1 Winery in the area.

Congratulations to Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar their 40th anniversary and on 40 Delicously Successful Years!