Contact Blue Valley Technologies 1559 Pony Express Hwy Home, KS 66438 Phone: 877.876.1228 Office Hours: Monday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Email: csr@bluevalleyinc.net Visit Us Online: www.bluevalley.net Office Closures: November 27 & 28 for Thanksgiving December 24 & 25 for Christmas January 1 for New Year's Day Voices of the Gaming Community From students discovering teamwork through eSports to nursing home residents lighting up during online games, BVT communities are full of meaningful stories. Fantasy football fans praise fiber for keeping their leagues smooth, while puzzle lovers say brain games keep their minds sharp. The voices inside this special edition remind us of this: Technology isn’t just fast— it’s personal. At BVT, we’re proud to help build connections that matter. OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 THE HOME PAGE AN INFORMATIONAL PUBLICATION FOR BVT CUSTOMERS In this special edition of our newsletter, we’re spotlighting gamers — and they might not be who you expect. From high school principals to retirees, gaming is bringing people together in powerful, unexpected ways. And at the heart of every great gaming experience is reliable broadband. Gaming Across Generations Gaming isn’t just for kids or tech enthusiasts anymore. According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), over 205 million Americans, from age 5 to 90, play video games regularly. The average gamer is now 36, with older adults joining in—49% of Boomers and 36% of the Silent Generation play weekly, often choosing puzzles or skillbased games to stay sharp and unwind. Gaming offers more than entertainment: • Mental Stimulation – 81% say games help relieve stress and boost brainpower. • Social Connection – 76% say gaming connects people; 78% say it helps build friendships. • Emotional Well-being – Older adults report that playing with others lifts their mood and reduces loneliness. More Than a Game Gaming has come a long way from the outdated image of teens zoned out in a basement or people avoiding responsibility. That perception misses the bigger picture. Today’s gamers are parents, professionals, retirees, and students—real people using play to connect, learn, and unwind. The draw isn’t just about the game itself, either. It’s about community, creativity, and cognitive engagement. Many colleges now offer scholarships for eSports, recognizing the strategy, teamwork, and discipline involved. And thanks to BVT’s reliable broadband, these opportunities and the joy of gaming are accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of their age or background. Powered by Local Broadband Whether it’s a teen in an eSports league or a grandparent solving Wordle, a strong internet connection makes it all possible. That’s where BVT comes in. As a committed local provider, BVT ensures everyone, regardless of age or tech experience, can stay connected to what matters most. Source: 2025 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry - the ESA CONNECTED BY GAMES Real People. Real Play. Real Connection.
For Jordan Lauer of Frankfort, fantasy football is more than a hobby— it’s a way to stay connected with the people who matter most. As President of Farmers State Bank, Jordan balances a busy professional life with family and community involvement. One of his favorite traditions? Running three fantasy football leagues that bring together friends, family, and football fans from across the region. Jordan started with fantasy football in 2007, when he was invited to join a family league. A lifelong Chiefs and K-State fan, he was initially hesitant about managing players from across the NFL. But he soon fell in love with the strategy, competition, and camaraderie the game fosters. Today, he manages the Frankfort Fantasy Football League, the Busch Latte League, and a family league called “Take Me Home Pat Mahomes.” “Draft day is my favorite part of the season,” Jordan said. “It’s competitive, but it’s really about the in-person smack talk and bonding. It gives us an excuse to get together and catch up.” Jordan uses the Yahoo Sports app to manage teams, track stats, and make trades. For him, fantasy football is a daily commitment—checking injuries, scanning the waiver wire, and strategizing for the next matchup. Reliable internet is essential. “You don’t want to be fighting your internet 10 minutes before kickoff,” Jordan joked. During one auction draft, he had 35 devices connected at once—laptops, phones, TVs—all streaming and bidding in real time. After a trial run-through a couple days before, he knew his current setup wasn’t going to cut it. So, he called BVT. “They boosted my speed the same day. The draft didn’t skip a beat.” Jordan has been a BVT customer since 2011, when he moved back to his hometown of Frankfort, and he appreciates the personal touch. He noted, “With big providers, you’re just a number. With BVT, I know the people. They care if your service works.” Fantasy football has helped Jordan maintain relationships that might otherwise fade with time. “Everyone’s busy. Fantasy football gives us a reason to stay in touch. Some of these people I only see at the draft, and it’s always great to reconnect,” Jordon said. Jordan Lauer’s Winning Fantasy Football Playbook
At Country Living in Marysville, embracing technology has transformed the way senior residents engage, connect, and thrive. Kristi Scheele, director, and Paighton Barbre, activities director, have seen firsthand how interactive games and virtual experiences are enriching lives. “We’re seeing more trends toward interactive games,” said Paighton. “Plus, they’re accessible for residents who are hard of hearing or seeing. Putting activities on a big screen makes it louder, more visible, and more inclusive.” Using the Activity Connection platform, Country Living offers a wide range of engaging options—from online BINGO, Wii bowling, and jumbo word searches to virtual trips around the world. “We’ve taken residents to Ireland virtually,” Kristi shared. “They loved the history, music, and even the recipes.” The platform also includes a calendar builder and destination planning tools, allowing staff to tailor activities to residents’ evolving interests. “As our residents change, we adapt,” Paighton explained. “We get feedback and build programs that reflect what they enjoy.” The impact is clear. Residents who were once hesitant are now embracing the technology. They are participating, laughing, and forming new friendships through these games. “It’s amazing to see someone try something new and love it,” said Paighton. “We’re never too old to learn.” Reliable internet access plays a crucial role in making these experiences possible. “WiFi is one of the first things new residents ask about,” Kristi noted. “We’re proud to partner with BVT. Their service is consistent, fast, and familiar to our residents.” From battling for bingo prizes like chocolate and lotions to friendly, competitive rounds of Family Feud, the activities spark joy and connection. “We love when staff and residents play together,” Kristi said. “Those belly laughs—when your stomach hurts from laughing —those are the moments that matter.” Paighton added, “It means we’re doing something right. We’re creating a space where residents feel comfortable, valued, and excited to wake up and see what’s on the calendar.” At Country Living, every activity is more than just fun. It’s a bridge between generations, a boost in confidence, and a celebration of life at every age. Cornerstone Group © 2025 BLUE VALLEY TECHNOLOGIES • 877.876.1228 • WWW.BLUEVALLEY.NET Online Gaming Is Fun for the Whole Family Looking for screen time that’s both fun and beneficial? Brain games and family-friendly online competitions offer a great way to stay sharp, learn something new, and connect with loved ones. Brain Boosters Try Lumosity (lumosity.com) or Peak (peak.net) for daily brain workouts that improve memory, attention, and problem-solving. These apps offer short, engaging exercises for all ages. Educational Fun PBS Kids Games (pbskids.org/games) is perfect for younger children, combining learning with play. Older kids might enjoy Prodigy (prodigygame. com), a math-based adventure game that’s both challenging and fun. Family Favorites Jackbox Games (jackboxgames.com) offers hilarious party games that are great for family game nights. Kahoot! (kahoot.com) lets you create custom quizzes for friendly competition and learning. Whether you're sharpening your mind or sharing laughs, these games turn screen time into quality time. Try one tonight, and let the games begin! Interactive Activities Bring Joy and Connection to Country Living Residents
Centralia High School Brings eSports to Rural Kansas In a small school, most students gravitate toward traditional extracurricular activities such as sports, Cheer, FFA, FBLA, Dance and FCCLA. These students are often engaged in multiple activities throughout each season, and the environment is rich in leadership and team-oriented activities. Yet Centralia High School is still looking to pioneer a new kind of team—one that meets students where they are, which is online. A New Platform for Student Connection With the launch of its eSports program, Mr. Steffen Shearer, Science Teacher at Frankfort and Centralia, has been leading the way to create a space where gamers could take pride in forming their own team at Centralia. “Every kid needs something to feel good about that’s bigger than them,” said Principal Wade Talley, who has taken on coaching responsibilities when Mr. Shearer is unavailable. “They need a platform to learn accountability, responsibility, and teamwork.” The school’s eSports journey began with a handful of students and a few gaming stations. Competing in titles like League of Legends and Super Smash Bros., the team gathered twice a week—one day for training and one for matches. While the program is still in its early stages, Talley is hopeful it will offer students a chance to gather, interact, and compete with peers who share similar interests, especially those not drawn to traditional activities. Inclusion Through Innovation Centralia’s eSports initiative is about more than gaming—it’s about belonging. For students who feel disconnected from conventional school activities, eSports offers a new way to engage and grow. “We just keep trying. We keep showing up,” Talley said. “We continue to look for opportunities to reach kids.” Fiber Broadband Makes It Possible Thanks to a robust fiber connection already in place and sponsorship support from BVT, Centralia now has the technical infrastructure needed to support competitive gaming. BVT helped launch the program by sponsoring gaming computers and other team needs. “We couldn’t compete without this connection,” Talley noted. “The technology is good. We had zero issues last year.” Looking Ahead “Whether we like video games or not isn’t the debate,” Talley said. “It’s about showing up, being accountable, and being part of a team. We weren’t created to be alone. If you’re sitting together in a classroom as a team, you become part of something greater than yourself.”
Cornerstone Group © 2025 BLUE VALLEY TECHNOLOGIES • 877.876.1228 • WWW.BLUEVALLEY.NET How BVT Gives Back to the Community At BVT, we believe strong connections go beyond broadband—they’re built through service, generosity, and community spirit. Whether we’re powering online gaming or helping families in need, giving back is part of our mission. BVT Giving Tree Marks 30 Years Since 1995, the BVT Giving Tree has brought joy to local families during the holidays. What began with 50 families has grown into a regional effort fulfilling over 18,000 wishes over the years across Marshall, Nemaha, Washington, and Pottawatomie counties. Each year, BVT partners with local organizations to identify families in need. Community members then purchase gifts and essentials which are organized by BVT staff. Every donation stays local, and every child receives something for Christmas. Supporting Local Causes Throughout the year, BVT contributes over $50,000 to schools, emergency services, youth programs, scholarships, and civic groups— the real-life power-ups that help our towns thrive. Lending a Hand To make a difference, our employees are always ready to press “Start” on mentoring, volunteering, and community support. As a company, we’re proud to champion both fiber-powered gaming and community-driven generosity. Because we all win when we play together. STAYING SHARP AND CONNECTED Brain Games Boost Mental Fitness and Friendship For three Marysville women, brain games like Wordle aren’t just fun. They’re a treasured daily ritual that keeps their minds sharp and their friendships strong. Maria Seematter, a travel nurse in her 50s, starts each day with a lineup of brain-boosting apps: Duolingo, Word Search, Waffle, and Wordle. She shares her results daily with two high school friends, keeping their decades-long bond alive through friendly competition. “Without broadband, my time at home wouldn’t be as enjoyable,” Maria said, crediting BVT for the reliable fiber internet that powers her app routine. Joan Hartner, recently retired from BVT and now in her 60s, discovered Wordle around a campfire with family. Since then, she’s played over 1,600 games and enjoys the challenge alongside other favorites like solitaire and adult paint-by-number. “It’s fun, keeps your brain working, and helps you stay sharp,” Joan said. She also appreciates the dependable service from BVT. “You just take it for granted until you don’t have it. After enduring hours of frustration on the phone with another company, I’m so thankful for BVT. If I ever need help, I know I’ll talk to someone local who actually wants to help.” Lucy Papes, a retiree in her 70s, plays Wordle at midnight and often shares her results on Facebook. Lucy said, “I love seeing reactions from friends, especially when I solve it in two or three guesses!” She also enjoys Sudoku, Quordle, and Solitaire on her iPad Mini, which travels easily in her purse. Since upgrading to fiber with BVT, she’s noticed faster load times and smoother streaming, and noted, “I love everyone at BVT. They never act like it’s a chore to help me.” All of these women agreed that brain games are an entertaining way to stay mentally fit, socially engaged, and connected to loved ones. Lucy advised, “Just enjoy the competition and don’t stress over it. If you don’t solve the puzzle today, try again tomorrow!”
Cornerstone Group © 2025 1559 Pony Express Hwy Home, Kansas 66438 Phone: 877.876.1228 www.bluevalley.net PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID HOME, KS PERMIT NO. 1 NOTHING BEATS FIBER AND THAT’S A FACT 47% of Rural Moves Are to Areas with Fiber Internet Fiber Is the Most Weather-proof Technology Available Fiber Internet Increases the Value of your Home Broadband Internet is a Top Three Attribute for Homebuyers Why Fiber Internet Is the Future of Connectivity In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying connected isn’t just about convenience — it’s essential. Whether you're streaming, gaming, working remotely, or running a business, fiber internet delivers the speed and reliability you need. With blazing fast upload and download speeds, fiber lets your household simultaneously transfer large files, host video calls, and enjoy lag-free gaming. It’s also more reliable, with less interference fromweather or electrical issues, keeping you online when it matters most. Fiber is future-ready, built to handle growing bandwidth demands. That means your connection won’t just meet today’s needs—it’ll be ready for tomorrow’s tech. For businesses, fiber boosts productivity and customer experience. For homeowners, it can even increase property value. Contact us today to learn more!
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