Welcome to Newfane! On this website you can find out how to get involved in government and volunteering, learn about Town services, access the emergency & community directories and business directory. Here are some additional tips & resources for our new neighbors:

Get Connected

  • Online: Front Porch Forum is a popular Vermont-based community listserv with recommendations, events, and more. Sign up to receive emails, and try using the keyword search bar to view recommendations from neighbors. There are also unofficial Facebook pages for Newfane, and more specifically Williamsville and South Newfane. These group pages include a bit of everything: historical photos, lost and found pets, items for sale, and events.
  • Town News / History: The NewBrook News, a non-profit newsletter that’s mailed to residents twice-yearly, contains interesting community and historical articles. To gain a historical perspective on Newfane (and see friendly faces) visit the Windham County Historical Society and the Moore Free Library.
  • Regional Meetups: SoVermont regularly hosts newcomer mixers in Brattleboro, and events during GalleryWalk (May-December). Also, check out Southern Vermont Young Professionals (for people 22-45) for social, recreational and volunteering opportunities. There are plenty more social events listed on the “Things to Do” page.

Phone & Internet: Cell networks that use AT&T towers work best in Newfane. Access to internet service varies by provider and location. Some options to look into are Xfinity (Comcast), Consolidated Communications, and Starlink. DVFiber is working to establish high-speed internet access across Newfane and Windham County.

Energy & Efficiency: In the absence of natural gas pipelines, many people have heating oil or propane tanks that are filled by truck. Wood-burning and pellet stoves are extremely common. Mini splits– ductless heat pumps that run on electricity– are also becoming popular. Plus, there are renewable energy options, such as community solar programs. Efficiency Vermont is a great resource for rebates, home efficiency assessments, financing, retailers and service providers.

Trash / Recycling / Compost: There’s no municipal waste pick-up service, so you can hire a private service or bring trash, recycling and compost to the WSWMD transfer site at 327 Old Ferry Rd in Brattleboro. View this document for a list of trash haulers and details about disposing at the WSWMD transfer site.

Food Shopping: Dutton’s Farmstand and The Newfane Store are great for a quick stop. The River Bend Farm Market is the nearest grocery store, and there’s Aldi, Hannaford, the Brattleboro Food Co-op and Market 32 in Brattleboro. But during the warmer months, local fresh food is readily available at farmers markets, farmstands, and farms offering CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture). To look for options, go to localharvest.org and use the search function.

Taxes: Check out the Treasurer’s page to learn about Homestead Declaration and Current Use–unique Vermont tax schemes that residents should be aware of.

Seasonal Considerations: Vermont famously has 6 seasons: Winter, Mud, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Stick. Here’s how to make the most of each one:

  • Winter

    Get snow tires or good all-season tires, an emergency prep kit, sand or salt for walkways, warm outer wear, and crampons for shoes. Learn about driving in snow. Prepare for winter storms: consider backup heating and/or an outdoor generator, store emergency provisions, and check on your neighbors (more winter safety info here). Plan for snow removal and seasonal road closures (i.e. Steep Way and Putney Mtn Rd).

  • Mud Season (March - late April)

    Snow melt and thawing make dirt roads rutted and slick, so limiting your use means less road maintenance. If you are faced with a muddy road, go slow, apply steady gas, and no jerky movements. Stay off hiking and mountain biking trails, which can suffer longterm damage. Rubber boots and gaiters are your friends in Mud Season. On the bright side, it’s time for sugaring (maple syrup making) and trout fishing.

  • Spring

    Black bears are hungry and aggressively seeking food when they emerge in Spring, but the best thing we can do is not feed them. Bring in birdfeeders by April 1st, feed pets indoors, keep your grill clean and trash cans secured (more info). Ticks are most active in Spring and Fall: wear long clothes, use tick repellent, perform regular tick checks, and know what to do if you find one attached to you (more info). Black flies are most active mid-May to late June, from 9-11AM and 4-7PM. They swarm and administer painful bites, so wear repellent and cover up so you can enjoy this beautiful time of year.

  • Summer

    Keep an eye on air quality, which can be impacted by residual wildfire smoke. Burn safely: get an open burning permit from the Town Fire Warden, follow the guidelines, and adhere to burn bans. Be prepared for a flood. Swim safely: stay out of waterways after heavy rains and monitor for e-coli and cyanobacteria. Prevent mosquito bites: limit time outdoors at dawn & dusk, cover up, wear repellent, and get rid of standing water. Check on your trees: look out for Emerald Ash Borer and Beech Bark Disease. Remove dead or dying trees that pose a hazard.

  • Fall and Stick Seasons

    The leaves are brilliant and then they fall, so have a plan for dealing with them (or just leave them). But do not blow leaves into public roadways. This is a good time to fill holes in gravel driveways, check your driveway culvert (if any), and have your septic system pumped and inspected (recommended every 3-5 years). Get ready for long nights and cold weather: order and stack firewood, install outdoor lights, have your chimney and furnace cleaned and inspected (recommended annually), check carbon monoxide detectors, and weatherproof your house.