Tom Strong – Page 2 –

Montgomery Walgreens Pharmacy staff members include, from left, Staff Pharmacist Stephanie McGinnis, Certified Pharmacy Technician Sandy Macias and Pharmacy Manager Jeff Stacey. (Tom Strong/For The Beacon-News)

Column: Pharmacy staff members deserve thanks for handling a busy job with style

December 21, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

While waiting in line at the Montgomery Walgreens Pharmacy over the years, I have admired its staff for handling “organized chaos” very efficiently.

Members of Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 march in the annual Aurora Veterans Day parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (Mark Black/For The Beacon-News)

Column: Veterans Day events in Aurora always moving, patriotic

November 13, 2025 at 7:53 p.m.

My favorite city-sponsored event in Aurora has always been its Veterans Day activities and tributes. The celebration never fails to be a true patriotic experience for me.

This year's East Aurora High School Marching Band drum majors are, from left, Daisy Rodriguez, Nico Olivo and Denise Ortiz. (Adrian Saavedra)

Column: East Aurora High School Marching Band ‘truly the Pride of the East Side’

October 12, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

As the new school year began recently, the band is well past the century mark, and is in its 109th year. It has progressed in terms of membership, musical skill...

John Fabrizius passed away in August at the age of 73. (Fabrizius family)

Column: Great friend passes away, but memories remain strong

September 21, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

My friend John Fabrizius passed away in August at the age of 73.

Nine members of the Class of 1965 at Marmion in Aurora attend their 60th class reunion recently, including, front row, from left, Tom Strong, Gael Brewbaker, Bob Woodrick, Bob Weber and Bill Loftus, and back row, from left, Tom Huberty, Dan Fox, Marty Cavato and Tony Johnson. (Marmion Academy)

Column: Gathering of Marmion Class of 1965 grads makes memories come alive

August 17, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Many memories came alive again recently when nine members of the Marmion Class of 1965 attended their 60th class reunion.

The Fox Valley Festival Chorus recently performed at Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France. (Roger Spurgin)

Column: Fox Valley Festival Chorus the area’s musical ambassadors to the world

July 13, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

The Fox Valley Festival Chorus returned recently from a 10-day musical tour of Paris, Chartres and the Normandy region of France.

Warren Smith, here with his wife Joyce, was dedicated to Catholic schools in the Aurora area. (Our Lady of Good Counsel)

Column: Warren Smith left a shining legacy in Aurora

June 15, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

Aurora's Warren Smith, who died in 2023, is remembered for his devotion to Catholic schools in the city.

From left, brothers Jamie, Jay and Joel Wyeth have all been deeply involved with baseball in Aurora. (Wyeth family)

Column: Wyeth family a hit in its contributions to Aurora baseball and the community

May 18, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

The Wyeth family through its work in baseball in Aurora has provided positive and constructive life experiences for hundreds of area youngsters.

Angela Richardson, center, founder of the East-West Alumni Basketball Game in Aurora, stands at this year's game on April 11 with participants, from left, Andre Newson, West Aurora class of 1998; Sky Joiner, West Aurora class of 2005; Yessenia Cabadas, East Aurora class of 2008; and Terry Jeffries, East Aurora class of 2004. (Naomi Richardson)

Column: East-West basketball rivalry in Aurora stands the test of time

April 20, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

The basketball rivalry is and always will be intense, but everyone has always seemed to have fun and to display friendship with former rivals during the annual alumni games.

Aurora Police Officer Joe Beyke in his office at East Aurora High School in 1981. (East Aurora School District)

Column: Former Aurora police officer remembered for his work at East Aurora High School

March 17, 2025 at 2:12 p.m.

Retired Aurora Police Officer Joe Beyke passed away in February at age 81.

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