The story below is from our July/August 2015 issue. For the full story download our FREE iOS app or view our digital edition for FREE today!
Growing up in Vinton leaves a lasting impression no matter where life takes you.
Don Halliwill, Chief Financial Officer, Carilion Clinic
In April 2013, William Byrd graduate Don Halliwill was named Carilion Clinic’s chief financial officer after working for the company for nearly two decades. He first moved to Vinton when he was two, and despite currently living in Roanoke County, he still considers Vinton his home.
What changes to the town are you most excited about?
Over the years, I’ve seen quite a bit of change in Vinton, both ups and downs. The difference in Vinton is that we haven’t let those changes negatively impact who we are, but instead have used them as an opportunity to build on who we are and define who we want to be in the future. Examples of this look towards the future include the cooperation between the Town of Vinton and area businesses via the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce to build a progressive, engaging social environment. Events such as Mingle in the Market, the Wine Festival and the New Year’s Eve party leverage community assets and Vinton’s tradition of celebrations that provide an opportunity for us to “show off” what Vinton is all about: our people.
How did your time in Vinton influence your life today?
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that where you’re from has less to do with where your parents lived when you were born and more to do with where you were when your heart became full of life. And for me, that is Vinton. For both me and my wife Tammy, also a William Byrd graduate, being from Vinton is important because of the characteristics that we believe are embraced by those that choose to live there. Hard work, humility, pride fueled by a sense of being the underdog and the commitment to caring for others have all shaped me too.
Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport
Tim Bradshaw grew up just outside the town limits near Gus Nicks Boulevard, old Vinton Mill Road. The son of a Vinton police officer, Bradshaw attended Roland E. Cook Elementary School and graduated from William Byrd High School before joining the U.S. Coast Guard.
How did your time in Vinton influence your life today?
I believe it taught me small-town values such as respect, being a good neighbor and civic pride.
What is your favorite Vinton memory and/or tradition?
I loved the Friday night football games, the Dogwood Festival and the old swimming pool behind the War Memorial.
How would you describe Vinton to someone visiting from out of town?
Vinton has a lot of small town appeal, it is easy to get around, people are willing to help one another and it is a great place to raise a family. I believe it is perfectly situated between the big city offerings of Roanoke and the recreational opportunities at Smith Mountain Lake.
Chris Keaton, Music Producer, Nashville, TN
Before finding success in the music industry in Nashville, Chris Keaton spent his childhood in the Town of Vinton, where he attended East Vinton Elementary School (now Herman L. Horn) and began his freshman year at the new William Byrd High School. Despite living over 400 miles away, Keaton and his wife consider Vinton home.
How did your time in Vinton influence your life today?
People I met in Vinton really have had a lasting influence on my life. In fact, for years the late Bob Wood suggested that I move to Nashville. Only after years of constant reminders from not only him but also my wife’s grandmother did I finally take heed. I should have taken their solid advice much sooner.
My love of people and their stories is a direct influence of my hometown. One of my favorite opening lines in initial meetings with artists and songwriters is, “What’s your story?” I feel that came directly from hearing the stories, jokes and tall tales told at the counter at the old Cundiff’s Drugstore on Pollard Street.
What is one of your favorite memories of Vinton?
Actually, some of my favorite memories of Vinton were in my teens, cruising the town with friends in our cars (when gas was 29 cents a gallon). Going nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
Holly Thomas, Owner and CEO of Holly’s Doggone Purrrfect Pet Care, LLC
A Vinton native, Holly Thomas attended Roland E. Cook and Herman L. Horn for elementary school, and William Byrd for middle and high school, where she played tennis and was the president of YOVASO (Youth of Virginia Speak Out) for two years.
When did you start your pet-care business?
Technically it started in high school. I’ve always had a passion for animals that started as a child caring for a house full of bassets and cats. About a year ago, one of my friends and my boss convinced me to make it official, to make it bigger than it was. I work from home and have more than twenty clients, in addition to working part-time. I’m busy all the time.
What is your favorite part about living in Vinton?
I’m obsessed with running around the town. Every time I’m out running I see someone that waves to me. It’s such a friendly, welcoming place.
What aspect of the revitalization are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about the library. I can see it from my house. It just brings new life to what was an empty lot. I’m excited to run by and see new people.
