December 2023

		As we dive into the festive month of December, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for being part of our local community. Being a lifelong Vermonter, I am continually grateful for the diversity of locally owned businesses throughout the communities we serve. These businesses, owned and operated by your friends and neighbors, contribute immeasurably to the uniqueness of our local communities. They are the heartbeat of our communities, shaping the character and identity that we hold dear. In the spirit of the season, I encourage you to extend your support to these local, Vermont businesses. While the allure of big-box stores and online shopping may be tempting, choosing to patronize our community's establishments has a profound impact. Your support not only sustains these businesses but also bolsters our local economy. As we embark on the holiday season, the entire team at Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom wishes you and your family joy, warmth, and good health. We appreciate the trust you've placed in us as your service provider and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue serving you in the years to come. May this December be filled with moments of joy, reflection, and togetherness. Thank you for being an integral part of our local community. Happy Holidays! Eric Haskin President and CEO Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom Is There a High School Senior in Your Family? WCVT is proud to partner with the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) in the 2024 College Scholarship Program. The foundation annually awards scholarships to an exceptional group of rural students for their first year of college or vocational school. FRS has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since its inception, empowering rural students throughout the country to advance their communities with invaluable skill sets and experiences. All applicants require sponsorship by an NTCA — The Rural Broadband Association member company, which includes WCVT. As your local telecommunications service provider, it’s our pleasure to offer this national scholarship program in our service area. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior and an active customer or whose parents or legal guardian are active customers of WCVT and reside full-time in the WCVT service area. Application deadline is February 16, 2024. For more information and to apply online, visit the FRS website at www.frs.org or contact Lorraine M. Keener at 802-496-8379 or lkeener@corp.wcvt.com. Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Bolton Valley Ski Resort We've got another great prize from a local business to raffle off. This month, we're raffling off a $50.00 gift certificate to Bolton Valley Ski Resort. The snow guns are blasting, and they are expanding their ski terrain every day! To be entered into the raffle, simply click the link below and leave your name and contact information. The drawing will take place on December 15th. Click here to enter for your chance to win! Stay Connected with the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Here are the ways your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Based on your household income If you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs If you or your child or dependent already receives a Lifeline benefit For more information and to apply, visit wcvt.com/assistance. Be Sure to Check Your Email Settings If you are using our email services, please take a moment and check your settings to ensure you are not using outdated server information. The current email settings can always be found in our Knowledge Base. View Email Settings If you need help updating your device settings please don’t hesitate to reach out at 888-321-0815 or support@gmavt.net.

		Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce Partners with WCVT to Secure $5,000 Grant for Mad River Valley Recreation Hub The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce (MRVCC) has received a $5,000.00 grant from the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS). The MRVCC worked in partnership with Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom to qualify and submit for this grant. These funds will help enhance the new Mad River Valley Recreation Hub and fund a moldering restroom facility and a public bicycle work stand. "A lack of public restroom facilities has been a long-time concern in the Mad River Valley. While the location of the recreation hub is ideal, there are limitations to the existing septic situation. A moldering public toilet system has been identified as a perfect solution," said Eric Friedman, Executive Director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce. "Additionally, the lack of a place for the public to do basic bicycle repair is also problematic when one considers the number of visitors and locals the recreation hub will attract. The placement of a public bicycle work stand would go a long way towards solving that problem." The Foundation For Rural Service awards grants to rural communities served by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association members, of which Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom is a member. These grants are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America. The required matching funds contribution was provided by Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom. "FRS is proud to support these projects throughout the country to promote health, safety, education and growth in rural communities," said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. "This year we had an incredible number of applications and we awarded $105,000.00 to 23 grant recipients. Thank you to the NTCA members who partnered with FRS to fund these projects." For more information on FRS and community development grants, please contact Lorraine Keener at (802) 496-8379 or lkeener@wcvt.corp.com. WCVT Employees Build Window Inserts for Valley Households Team WCVT enjoyed a day of volunteering in early November with WindowDressers, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Northern New England residents reduce heating costs and fossil fuel consumption. Our crew helped build insulated window inserts for Valley households. The inserts are constructed of custom-made pine frames wrapped in two layers of tightly sealed, clear plastic film, and they function like interior storms windows. The vision of WindowDressers is that every community has access to affordable insulated windows. WCVT was proud to participate in this year’s Valley Community Build. For more information, visit windowdressers.org/vermont-community-builds. Annual Giving Tree Helps Children Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom spreads holiday cheer all over our service area through our company's Annual Giving Tree. Tammy Field, Administrative Supervisor, single-handedly coordinates this program and collaborates directly with schools and organizations to fulfill the wishes and needs of 400-500 children each holiday season. Gifts are donated by employees, customers, and WCVT's Contribution Committee. Our thanks to Tammy and to everyone who participated!

		Candy Cane Hunt - Friday, December 8th - Bristol Town Green Bundle up and join in on the fun on December 8th at 5:30 p.m. and help Santa find his lost Candy Canes on the Bristol Town Green! Following the hunt, Santa will arrive with his friends from SD Ireland at 6:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to kids who find 10 candy canes and a special prize will be awarded to the person who finds the golden candy cane! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: bristolvt.myrec.com. Holiday Gift Bazaar - Saturday, December 16th - Sugarbush Resort Shop local and support our local artisans! Sugarbush Resort will be hosting their 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar on Saturday, December 17th in the Gate House Lodge, Mountain View Room from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Local crafters and makers will be showcasing their wares. Come shop for last minute holiday gifts and handmade keepsakes. For more information, visit: sugarbush.com. Santa Sunday - Sunday, December 17th - Bolton Valley Resort Get into the spirit of the season on Sunday, December 17th at Bolton Valley Resort. All skiers and riders who arrive dressed head-to-toe in official Santa Claus attire will ski and ride free that day. This challenge is not for the faint at heart—a simple red hat won't cut it. Neither will a just a simple red jacket, red helmet or anything of the like. Guests must be dressed in the complete Santa package to earn this early holiday gift. Arrive at Guest Services prior to 10:00 a.m. to get your complimentary lift ticket for the day to qualify for this giveaway. All the Santas will also gather at 11:00 a.m. for a group photo at the base followed by a few photos of all the Santas skiing and riding. For more information, visit Santa Sunday 2023.

		Joyful Commercial from UK There's a kid inside all of us, as this poignant Amazon commercial shot on a snowy hill beautifully illustrates.		Christmas at Biltmore 2023 Go "Behind the Magic" of the glittering Christmas decor inside the largest privately owned home in America.

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		12 Impressive Cookies Beautiful cookies make a fabulous gift. Try recipes including Peppermint Stripe Cookies and Stamped Citrus Shortbread.		Hot Chocolate 3 Ways Warm up with Classic Hot Chocolate with Polar Bear Marshmallows, Nutella Hot Chocolate, or S'mores Hot Chocolate.

		Easy Ornaments Turn clear Dollar Tree Christmas ornaments into personalized treasures you'll cherish on your tree year after year.		Jar and Basket Gifts Put brownie mix in a jar and wrap it with a kitchen towel. Or make a pasta lover's kit with pasta, sauce, and cheese.

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