Tom Strong

Tom Strong is a freelance writer for the Aurora Beacon-News.

Dave Verdeyen, seated, Al Schuler, left, and John Bonk have served on the board of the Aurora Catholic Education Foundation for many years.

Column: Aurora Catholic Education Foundation celebrates 50 years impacting students in the city

March 12, 2024 at 11:59 a.m.

An important milestone was reached and celebrated recently by a dedicated group of volunteers who have had an indirect impact upon thousands of Aurora and Fox Valley citizens who graduated...

Coach Jeff Swanson, top row, second from right, with the 1999 eighth-grade championship team at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Aurora.

Column: Longtime Aurora area coach Jeff Swanson remembered for his impact on young people

July 28, 2023 at 11:13 a.m.

Legendary football coach Eddie Robinson once said, "Coaching is a profession of love. You can't coach people unless you love them." When I think of Aurora area coach Jeff Swanson,...

Coach Jim Scott, center, directs Aurora University football players during a break in a game.

Column: Coach Jim Scott a true legend at Aurora University

June 16, 2023 at 2:02 p.m.

If you are a fan of college football, there is nothing quite like the excitement of game days every fall season. And although we are accustomed to seeing the large-school...

Jeff Watson stands by the sign for Lebanon Park in Aurora. Watson organized a Lebanon Kids Facebook group and a Lebanon Kids reunion that will be held at the park June 10.

Column: Reunion set for those who played as kids at Lebanon Park in Aurora

May 11, 2023 at 6:08 p.m.

If you are a Lebanon Kid, you have a big day coming up soon on Saturday, June 10. But who qualifies as a Lebanon Kid? Hundreds, probably thousands, of Beacon-News...

Deacon Bruce Watermann and his wife Jody spend some time in his office at St. Therese Church in Aurora in 2016.

Column: Deacon Bruce Watermann of Aurora remembered for his impact on the community

April 14, 2023 at 1:37 p.m.

Seven years ago, I wrote the story of Aurora's Deacon Bruce Watermann. At that time, I gave the opinion that he carried the workload of what could keep three ministers...

Cam Leadbetter works during his time as athletic director at East Aurora High School. He passed away in November of 2021.

Column: Cam Leadbetter remembered as a special man who loved East Aurora High School

March 17, 2023 at 2:10 p.m.

Our community lost a truly wonderful young man in November of 2021 when Cam Leadbetter unexpectedly passed away at age 44. Cam had been a teacher, dean, assistant principal and...

Ray Moore, seated, spends time with members of Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233, from left, Mark Hernandez, Pete Rodriguez and Mike Carrasco, during a recent event in Aurora honoring Moore's 100th birthday.

Column: Aurora honors World War II vet Ray Moore as icon in community

February 17, 2023 at 3:23 p.m.

"At midnight, I was officially 100 years old!" The words were among the first Ray Moore spoke to me as we talked at a celebration in his honor in Aurora...

Stan McGraw visits the former Pierce Field in Aurora. He and countless others played there over many decades in the Protestant Church Softball League.

Column: Longtime Aurora volunteer Stan McGraw ‘someone you should know’

January 13, 2023 at 3:59 p.m.

If you have lived in the Aurora area for most of your life, there is a good chance that you know or have met Stan McGraw. If you have been...

Column: Aurora dentist remembered for her caring attitude, kind spirit

December 16, 2022 at 3:25 p.m.

If you are a senior citizen especially, you may have faced the difficult situation of your longtime physician or dentist announcing his or her retirement. Without your long trusted friend,...

Veteran Tim Cooper plays taps during during the Aurora Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11.

Column: Heroism of Aurora area veterans leaves a lasting impression

November 18, 2022 at 4:47 p.m.

My favorite city of Aurora annual sponsored event occurred near the GAR Memorial Hall and Museum downtown on a recent beautiful fall morning. The full Veterans Day parade and ceremonies...

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