BRATTLEBORO-When I first met Deena Chadwick 12 years ago, I didn’t know who she was. We happened to be shopping at the same store when she recognized me from a connection through her dental hygienist.
She walked up to me and said, “You’re Nicole, right? I understand you’re a runner?”
When I said yes, she warmly encouraged me to come to the local track workouts. Because of her encouragement, I went — and through that experience I met an amazing group of people who are now some of my closest friends.
That simple gesture speaks volumes about who Deena is: welcoming, community-minded, and eager to connect people with opportunities and each other.
Over the years I’ve known her, Deena has consistently stepped outside her comfort zone to take on new challenges in service to the community. She served as codirector of our local Turkey Trot for five years. During that time, she led a meaningful change: transforming the “give something/take something” table into a food drive for our local community.
She faced pushback for that decision, but she stood firm because she understood the real and growing needs around us. Today — 12 years later — that food fundraiser continues, now supported by donations, and is still helping our neighbors in need. That is the kind of lasting, practical impact she makes.
Some of the strongest qualities Deena will bring to the Selectboard are her balanced perspective, clear communication, and practical problem-solving. She listens carefully, weighs different viewpoints, and seeks thoughtful, realistic solutions. I am confident she will work diligently to ensure affordability, support sustainable growth, and keep the needs of the entire community at the center of her decisions.
She is a hard worker, a dedicated neighbor, and a proven advocate for our town. I urge my fellow residents to join me in voting for Deena for Selectboard.
Nicole James
Brattleboro
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