Unlimited Possibilities
By: Bethany Clemenson, Vinton Unlimited Board Member
My husband and I relocated to Vinton about ten years ago. We were living near Sarasota, FL but had both grown up in the Mid-West. We decided we wanted to return closer to our family as we were expecting our first child.
Tom (my husband) was working in Cedar Rapids with General Mills and decided to drive to Wisconsin to visit family. His dad recommended he drive through some of the smaller towns on his way. One of the towns he drove through was Vinton. I remember vividly him calling me and telling me how he thought I would love the town with the brick roads, Victorian houses, and adorable downtown (no, he didn’t say adorable but that’s what I heardJ).
He stopped in at Johnson Real Estate and met the wonderful team there. He drove around and looked at some properties and then I flew up a few weeks later to begin the search for our new home.
The friendly welcome we received by the people in this community caught me by surprise. Not only was I greeted by strangers while walking down the street but people stopped to engage in conversation.
We found a home and relocated and I began working at Virginia Gay Hospital as an acute care/emergency room RN. It was a comfort to me to live in a town where we had access to critical care. I got to know the providers at the hospital and also people in the community with my experience there.
As we became more familiar with the community, we were thrilled to see all the options for our family. The very active parks and recreation department with many activities for children and families. The Party in the Park Celebration was something we look forward to every year. The environment is family friendly and fun for all ages. Other things we learned about were: the restored Palace Theater- run by volunteers, Act 1 Theater Group, Cooling Dance Center, wonderful downtown shopping, the Skate and Activity Center, and Country Club
I had the opportunity to open Windsor Manor Assisted Living as the Executive Director and was even more impressed with the people in this town. I felt so fortunate to be involved with bringing another senior living option to town and also bring employment opportunities. During the flood of 2008, we were able to give back some kindness by opening the building for town hall meetings and for city offices to work out of our back sunroom.
As the years have gone on there have been even more great things happen in Vinton such as; Holiday Train Rides, a new Holiday Parade ran by Veterans organizations, Boomtown, Arts and Crafts Festivals, Home and Garden Shows, Bus Tours stopping in Vinton, a new Art Guild, Shop and Chalk, Taste of Vinton, and many more…
People say it’s difficult to “break-in” to a small town but I have to say that wasn’t my experience here! We will be here 10 years this year and I am proud to be part of this community. I believe you get what you expect so I choose to expect the good things. We get this one life to make an impact. What is yours?
I encourage you to get involved with the opportunities in this community. Take what you LOVE to do and put it to good use. Volunteers and helpers are needed in our various clubs and organizations. Vinton is full of Unlimited Possibilities because of the people who make that happen. It’s good to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Here are some upcoming opportunities – put yourself out there!
Vinton Boom-Fest
Contact: Nathan Hesson, 319-472-3955
Vinton Art Guild
Contact: Paul Roster 319-981-7762
Party in the Park
Contact: VPRD 319-472-4164