December 2024

		Here in Vermont, I am truly grateful for all of the locally owned businesses that we are so fortunate to have throughout the communities we serve. These businesses, which are 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 Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom Celebrates 120th Anniversary On November 30th, Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom proudly celebrated its 120th anniversary. What began in 1904 with Alton Farr's vision of bringing telephone service to the Mad River Valley has grown into a trusted communications provider for central Vermont and beyond. Through generations of Haskin family leadership, we've continued to honor the values of innovation, service, and community established by our founders. Now entering its fourth generation of family ownership as my kids continue our rich heritage, we remain committed to connecting our neighbors and supporting the communities we serve. We extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated employees, loyal customers, and supportive communities who have made this milestone possible. Together, we look forward to building the future while staying true to our roots. Here's to the next 120 years of keeping Vermont connected! Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Sugarbush Resort We've got another great prize from a local business to raffle off. This month, we are raffling off a $50.00 gift certificate to Sugarbush Resort. The snow guns are blasting and opening day is projected for Wednesday, December 4th! 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 13th. Click here to enter for your chance to win! Vermont Frames Spotlighted in WCVT Winter Business Connections Magazine The latest edition of our Business Connections Magazine features Vermont Frames in Starksboro, a company specializing in traditional timber frame construction. Owner Kevin Moyer shares insights into the building process and his appreciation for the role Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT) plays in supporting his business success. Inside, you’ll also learn how Hosted IP Phone Service enables your team to work from anywhere, plus a Tech Talk with Richard Pitonyak on protecting your business from email compromise scams and more. We hope you find it informative and enjoyable. As always, we value your feedback! Is There a High School Senior in Your Family? WCVT is proud to partner with the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) in the 2025 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 is 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 14, 2025. For more information and to apply online, visit the FRS website at www.frs.org/programs/youth-programs/scholarships or contact Lorraine M. Keener at 802-496-8379 or lkeener@corp.wcvt.com.

		The Hinesburg office team spreading holiday cheer with the Gift of Giving! WCVT Annual Community Giving Tree Program – Bringing Holiday Cheer to Families in Need This holiday season, Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT) is proud to host its Annual Giving Tree Program, a heartfelt initiative designed to support families in need across our service area. How You Can Help WCVT invites community members to drop off donations at either of our business locations (3898 Main Street in Waitsfield and 14 Thorn Bush Drive in Hinesburg). Items most needed include: New, unwrapped toys for children Gift cards for teens Winter essentials such as new jackets, mittens, and boots Make a Difference This Season! A donation to the Giving Tree Program is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer to those in need. Your generosity will help bring warmth, joy, and holiday spirit to local families, ensuring everyone has the chance to enjoy a brighter, more joyful season. For more information, please call 802-496-3391 or send an email to givingtree@corp.wcvt.com. Let's work together to make this holiday season extra special for all!

		Waitsfield Holiday Walkabout - Saturday, December 7th - Waitsfield Come celebrate the holidays in the Mad River Valley at the 2nd Annual Waitsfield Holiday Walkabout!! Step back into the charm of an old-fashioned holiday and join local shops on Saturday December 7th, from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for live music, cookie decorating, s'more making, crafting, delicious food, hot chocolate - and a visit from Santa! For more information, visit: Waitsfield Holiday Walkabout. Horsford's Holiday Market - Saturday, December 7th - Charlotte Get in the festive spirit at Horsford's Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 am. - 3:00 p.m.! Explore gifts and treats from local makers within the beautiful winter scenery of the nursery. Hot cocoa will be served, and fire pits will be lit. Horsford's holiday shop will be open with Christmas trees, fresh wreaths, handmade centerpieces, and greens. Cash is appreciated by vendors. For more information, visit: Horsford's Holiday Market. Candy Cane Hunt - Friday, December 13th - Bristol Town Green Bundle up and join in on the fun on December 13th at 5:00 p.m. and help Santa find his lost Candy Canes on the Bristol Town Green! Following the hunt, Santa will be available for photos. Prizes will be awarded to kids who find 5 candy canes and a special prize will be awarded to the person who finds the rainbow candy cane! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: bristolvt.myrec.com.

		What's the North Pole Like? There's no sign of Santa's workshop! However, the North Pole is a fascinating place to visit. It has no solid land — just floating ice.		Rockefeller Christmas Tree History The famous tree has been displayed at Rockefeller Center since 1931. Take a look back at some of its more memorable moments.

		9 Classic Christmas Cookies Get ready for entertaining and gifting by baking Christmas Stars, Gingerbread Men, Thumbprint Cookies, Shortbread, and more.		3 Easy Christmas Appetizers These tree-mendous appetizers are all shaped like trees — Spinach & Artichoke Tree, Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree, and Olive Tree.

		Choose Safe Toys December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Before you buy toys for the children in your family, be sure to review this site. Learn more...		Creative Gift Wrapping Take your gift wrapping up a notch by using these clever ideas from HGTV, featuring greenery, pinecones, and more. Learn more...		AI Options for ElfYourself There's a free dance offered daily, and you can opt for other dances including AI styles such as tropical and football. Learn more...

		25 Easy Holiday Ornaments Beautify your tree with handmade ornaments using inexpensive supplies like cinnamon sticks, wood slices, and cookie cutters.		4 Festive Napkin Hacks Pretty holiday napkins can do more than wipe your mouth during meals. Make a Christmas sign, coasters, snowflake jar, or trivet.

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