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April 2026 WCVT eNewsletter
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Welcome to April! For those participating in our annual March Mania contest, I hope your bracket is still alive—if not, you're definitely not alone. Spring is gradually arriving in Vermont, bringing mud season, maple sugaring, and a bit of everything weather-wise.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our annual Community Egg Hunt at our Waitsfield office. It was wonderful to see so many families come out, and a special thanks to our employees who volunteered to make the event possible. It's always a fantastic event!
In this month's newsletter, you'll find useful info on backup power for your fiber connection, details about our new text-message outage notifications, tips on spotting phishing scams, as well as a list of upcoming community events.
Thanks for being part of our community!
Eric Haskin
President & CEO
Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom
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Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield
This month, we're excited to raffle off another fantastic prize from a beloved local business—a $50 gift certificate to Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield.
Canteen Creemee Company isn't just any snack bar—it's a modern Vermont favorite. Treat yourself to their classic creemees, handcrafted sundaes, mouthwatering fried chicken, juicy burgers, and more.
To enter, simply click the link below and provide your name and contact information.
A winner will be drawn on April 15th—don't miss your chance to win!
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Backup Power for Fiber Customers: What You Need to Know
Fiber offers fast, reliable phone and internet service, but unlike traditional copper lines, it requires electricity to operate. During a power outage, your fiber-based phone and internet will also stop working—unless you have a battery backup or another power source, such as a generator or a whole-home system. Without backup power, you won't be able to make calls, including 911.
WCVT provides one free backup battery at installation for phone service subscribers. Internet-only subscribers can buy a battery if they wish. If you don't already have backup power, we recommend installing a battery to keep your phone service active during outages.
Stay connected when the power goes out. Learn more about battery backup options, pricing, and details at Battery Backup.
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New Text Message Outage Notifications
We're introducing a new text message notification system to keep you informed when it matters most.
This service will be used sparingly, only for important updates such as service outages, emergency maintenance, or other time-sensitive network issues that could affect your internet service.
Over the next few weeks, you'll receive a one-time welcome message informing you that your number has been enrolled. If you prefer not to get outage notifications, you can easily opt out anytime by replying STOP to that message.
Our goal is to use the latest technology to deliver clear, timely updates—so you're never left wondering what's happening or when service might be restored. These messages are meant to be helpful, not disruptive, and will only be sent when there is a real need to communicate quickly.
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Don't Get Hooked: How to Spot Phishing Scams
Phishing is one of the most common types of online scams, where criminals pose as trusted organizations or people to steal your personal information. These scams often come as emails, text messages, or fake websites designed to look real. Their goal? To trick you into clicking harmful links, sharing sensitive data like passwords, or downloading malicious files.
Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams
- Be cautious with unsolicited messages. Unexpected emails or texts asking for personal info or urging you to click a link are often phishing attempts. They may look real, but usually have small red flags.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links. Hover over links to check where they really go. If something looks off, go straight to the organization's website or call the number you already have—not the one in the message.
- Never share your email address and password. Legitimate companies will never ask you to give your login details or other sensitive info.
- Watch for urgent or threatening language. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency ("Your account will be closed!"). Reputable companies don't use scare tactics.
- Keep your software up to date. Regular updates help protect your devices from known security issues.
- Mark suspicious emails as junk/spam. Using your email's spam button helps block future attempts and improves filtering for everyone.
Phishing scams are getting more advanced, but staying alert can help keep your information safe. If something feels off, trust your instincts— verify before you click. And if you ever have questions or need help, our team is always here to assist.
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Community Egg Hunt Was a Hopping Success!
On Saturday, March 28th, families gathered at WCVT's Main Business Office in Waitsfield for our annual Community Egg Hunt. Over 200 Valley residents bundled up for the brisk spring weather and joined in the fun. Kids of all ages raced to find colorful eggs, posed for photos with the Easter Bunny and SpongeBob, and filled their baskets with plenty of sweet surprises.
A big thank you goes out to our wonderful WCVT employees who volunteer their time to make this event happen every year.
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Pond Skimming – Sugarbush Resort – Saturday, April 4th
Enjoy a day of fun at Sugarbush's annual Spring Fling celebration on Saturday, April 6th! Watch participants plunge into (or avoid) a 100-foot pond at the base of Lincoln Peak. Fun kicks off at 11:00 a.m. For more info, visit: Sugarbush Pond Skimming. |
Vergennes Craft and Vendor Fair – Mount Abraham Union High School – Saturday, April 18th
A craft and vendor sale will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Mount Abraham Union High School, benefiting The Veterans Place in Northfield. Enjoy a variety of local crafters and vendors, food for purchase, a bake sale hosted by the Mount Abraham Boys Lacrosse Program, and a ticket raffle. All proceeds will support The Veterans Place, which provides supportive housing and services for homeless veterans. Come shop and show your support for Vermont veterans.
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Why Were Americans Slimmer in the '70s?
Fewer Americans were obese during that decade, and it wasn't because of more willpower. The reasons might surprise you.
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How AI Is Reshaping College
As generative AI advances, it's becoming harder to tell its output apart from a student's own writing — shaking academia to its core.
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Spring Veggie Recipes
Veggies like asparagus and peas are in season and available at a great price during spring. Try Spring Vegetable Risotto and more.
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Pancakes From 11 Countries
Watch 11 chefs from different countries showcase their pancake recipes. There's much more to enjoy than just American buttermilk pancakes!
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PictureThis
This app puts a botanist in your pocket. Instantly identify plants by taking a photo, get help with plant diseases, and receive care tips.
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Quizlet
This AI-powered app offers interactive flashcards, practice tests, and study activities to help students improve grades and master subjects.
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Shmoody
Remove the guesswork from self-care. This app helps you feel better on tough days, develop positive habits, and enjoy the process!
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High-End Tiered Tray
Create a beautiful tiered tray for your spring gatherings. All you need is a gift bag, a thrifted platter, a Dollar Tree plate, and pink spray paint.
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Upcycling Old China
Do you have old china dishes you no longer use for dining? Take them out of the cupboard and upcycle them into beautiful, functional décor pieces.
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WCVT E-Newsletter 3898 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT 05673 Unsubscribe |
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