|
May 2025 WCVT eNewsletter
|
Hello and welcome to our May newsletter! As spring settles in, we've been hard at work expanding and enhancing our network—don't miss the Spring Fiber Construction Update to see where new high-speed service is coming next.
We're also excited to announce two new free apps for our fiber customers: ProtectIQ, which helps you safeguard every device on your network, and the CommandIQ WiFi app, our intuitive new tool for managing your home Wi-Fi like a pro.
We were honored to be named Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce—thank you for your continued support. Finally, a heartfelt thanks to all who joined our Community Egg Hunt; it was fantastic to see so many families turn out for a morning of springtime fun.
Here's to a bright, connected May—enjoy!
Eric Haskin
President and CEO
Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom
|
|
Spring Fiber Update
Spring has arrived, and while mud season is here, it hasn't slowed us down! Our technicians and contract crews are working hard at expanding our fiber-optic network. You may see our contract crews running aerial fiber and our splicers out in the field. Our technicians are also busy converting customers to fiber at a record pace. In fact, last year we converted more customers to fiber than ever before, running over 600,000 feet of new mainline fiber-optic cable and nearly 500,000 feet of new fiber-optic drops. At the same time, we are actively engineering and designing our future fiber projects.
If your location is included in one of our current build areas, we will contact you to inform you that fiber is coming to your area. When your address is ready for conversion, we will reach out to schedule your installation. To stay informed on fiber builds and register your interest, please visit getfiber.wcvt.com.
While we are converting customers to fiber at an unprecedented rate, our work is far from complete. In addition to our in-house technicians, you may notice several contractors working in your area. We rely on contractors for field collection, engineering, line construction, and buried service drop work. As soon as mud season ends, we will have 18 contractors working alongside our technicians to continue this momentum.
The following contractors are currently working in our service area:
- Eustis Cable Enterprises
- Henkels & McCoy
- JA McDonald
- JSI
- Menard and Sons
- Stone Underground
- TTS
2025 Fiber Build Communities
Our 2025 construction projects include fiber expansion in parts of the following communities:
- Hinesburg
- Huntington
- North Ferrisburgh
- Richmond
- Starksboro
- Waltham
- Monkton
- Bristol
- Lincoln
What's Next if Your Area Already Has Fiber Construction?
If fiber construction has been completed in your area, there's nothing you need to do just yet. We will contact you when your location is ready for conversion and will schedule your fiber installation at that time. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to bring you the best internet service possible.
Thank you for being a valued customer. We look forward to providing you with the best internet experience possible!
|
Win a $50 Gift Certificate to The Mad Taco in Waitsfield
We have another fantastic prize from a local business to raffle off this month. We are giving away a $50.00 gift certificate to The Mad Taco in Waitsfield. This restaurant offers exceptionally inspired and creative Latin cuisine. They use the finest local and regional ingredients to create their famous hot sauces, house-smoked meats, and much more!
To enter the raffle, simply click the link below and provide your name and contact information.
The drawing will be held on May 15th.
|
|
|
|
Exciting Update: CommandIQ App & ProtectIQ Now Available for WCVT Fiber Customers
We're excited to share some great news for our fiber customers: two powerful new features are now available—the CommandIQ Wi-Fi app and ProtectIQ network security.
With the CommandIQ App, you can easily manage your home WiFi network, view connected devices, easily change your SSID, and set up optional parental controls—all from your smartphone. This application is available for all fiber customers that are using our Calix U4 or U6 routers/WiFi access points.
In addition, we have also rolled out ProtectIQ for all customers also using our Calix U4 or U6 gateways. This built-in network security feature works quietly in the background to scan for threats and prevent intrusions. You will be able to view alerts and customize your protection settings directly in the Command IQ App.
Both features are included with your service, and are ready to use today!
|
|
Congratulations to Our 2025 March Mania Contest Winners!
In the end, UConn secured the Women's championship, while Florida emerged victorious in the Men's championship. This was the outcome of our WCVT March Madness contest.
Women's Contest Prizes
Men's Contest Prizes
Congratulations to our winners! We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated and enjoyed the games with us this year.
That’s a wrap for this year — now it’s on to baseball. Go Sox!
|
|
Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom Named Business of the Year by Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce
Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT) is proud to announce that it has been named Business of the Year by the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented during the Chamber's 114th Annual Gala, held on April 10th in Burlington.
This prestigious award recognizes WCVT's outstanding business success, leadership, and long-standing commitment to the communities it serves throughout Vermont. As a local, fourth-generation family-owned telecommunications provider, WCVT continues to invest in the region's future through the expansion of its fiber-optic network, strong customer service, and community initiatives.
"We are honored to receive this recognition from the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce," said Eric Haskin, President and CEO of WCVT. "This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we share it with the customers and communities that have supported us for generations."
The Business of the Year award highlights companies that demonstrate excellence in business practices while making a positive impact on the region. WCVT's continued investment in rural broadband infrastructure and its support of local organizations and events were key factors in this year’s selection.
|
Community Egg Hunt a Hopping Success!
On Saturday, April 12th, our annual Community Egg Hunt was held at WCVT's Main Business Office in Waitsfield, and everyone had a fantastic time! Over 200 Valley residents braved the brisk spring day to join in on the festivities. Children of all ages eagerly participated in the egg hunt, enjoying taking pictures with the Easter Bunny and Dora the Explorer, and filling their baskets with delightful treats.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible WCVT employees who generously volunteer their time to make this event a reality. Their dedication and enthusiasm truly make a difference in the lives of our community.
|
|
WCVT Team Lends a Hand to Hinesburg Seniors
A team of dedicated WCVT employees recently volunteered their time to assemble outdoor furniture for the residents of Kelly's Field in Hinesburg. This timely effort, just in time for spring, aims to create a welcoming outdoor space where residents can dine, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
WCVT's commitment to community service is evident in this initiative. Every employee is entitled to 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually, which they can utilize to support various local projects, including this one.
If your organization is in need of assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Lorraine Keener at 802-496-8379 or lkeener@corp.wcvt.com. We are here to help and support your efforts in any way we can.
|
Waitsfield Farmers Market - Every Saturday - May 17th - October 11th, 2025
The Waitsfield Farmers Market, a true sign of spring, is back! From May 17th to October 11th, enjoy local farm products, prepared food, artisan wares from Vermont-based producers, and live music every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine!
|
Big Truck Day - Saturday, May 17th - Hinesburg
On Saturday, May 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., vehicles of all kinds will roll into town for the Hinesburg Nursery School's Annual Big Truck Day. The event will take place in the lot behind the Hinesburg Community School ( 10856 VT-116 in Hinesburg). Families can see construction and utility vehicles, tractors, firetrucks, and other rescue vehicles. There will also be entertainment by Mike & The Big Blue Trunk, live music, and more. Don't forget to fill up on a tasty BBQ lunch and goodies from the bake sale.
WCVT is proud to sponsor this event!
|
May Forage and Tasting – Sunday, May 18th – Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington
Are you fascinated by wild plants and mushrooms? Join Ari Rockland-Miller of The Mushroom Forager on a guided tour of spring's wild flavors. This excursion will take you through the woods surrounding the Green Mountain Audubon Center, where you will learn about mushroom hunting safety, strategy, ethics, and sustainability. You will also discover how to identify wild edible spring greens. After the hunt, Jenna Antonino DiMare from The Mushroom Forager will prepare a simple yet delicious tasting. The event will take place on Sunday, May 18th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
|
|
Strange Roadside Attractions
Get creative ideas for your next road trip by watching this video that showcases quirky museums, giant replicas of everyday objects, and more.
|
|
|
Milton Hershey's Sweet Success
Discover the journey of Hershey, from numerous failures to becoming the world's largest chocolate manufacturer and making chocolate accessible to all.
|
|
|
|
Quiche Four Ways
Prepare a delicious meal with one of these quiches: Pizza Quiche, Salmon and Broccoli Quiche, Spinach and Cheese Quiche, or Mushroom Quiche.
|
|
|
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Ina Garten's Sour Cream Coffee Cake is incredibly moist, featuring a streusel filling in the center and topped with a delectable maple syrup icing. It's simply delicious!
|
|
|
|
Momma Duck and Ducklings
Let's give a big round of applause to mothers! Watch this adorable group of ducklings safely slide down a slope into the water, all thanks to their loving mother.
|
|
|
Best Ways to Fold Clothes
You're bound to discover new knowledge here, including ingenious methods for folding socks, down jackets, hoodies, and sweaters for storage.
|
|
|
|
Garden Hose Wreath
To create a beautiful decoration for a garden shed door, all you need is a hose, garden tools, a watering can, gloves, and ribbon.
|
|
|
Install a Sink Faucet
This video provides step-by-step instructions for beginners on how to replace a bathroom sink faucet, helping them avoid costly plumber bills.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
