A lesson in building a community
I have always wondered what I would do if a large windfall came my way. I like to think I would use it for a greater good. But in the past when I received unexpected money, I always needed it to cover the basics. Admittedly "the basics" for my family are very different than for many other families, especially in countries where poverty is a way of life.

Eco-friendly homes not hard to find
The sign stood like a sentinel on Butterfield Road for many years: "$200.00 guaranteed annual heating bill!" Then, more recently, the article in the Beacon's Home section last Sunday caught my eye: "Bigelow Homes ahead of its time in energy efficiency, community design..." Both captured my attention and inspired me to share my story of what it is like to live in an energy efficient home -- one that has been way ahead of its time and one of Aurora's best kept secrets.

College memories should be better for my daughter
College looks like a lot of fun. At least this is the impression I have after spending a recent Friday at North Central College in Naperville for my daughter's registration day.

Come on over to the 'West Side'
West Side Story has arrived on the east side of Oswego.

A salute to teachers' unheralded good deeds
I have worked with many talented and dedicated educators throughout my 21-year teaching career. Since 2000, I have been a special educator in the East Aurora School District and have worked with some amazing and inspirational teachers. One common thread unites all of the educators I most admire: self-sacrifice and compassion for all of their students and the absolute belief in their potential.

We all can strive to be heroes
It was a wake-up call (literally) of the worst kind.

Basketball star won everybody's hearts
Perhaps it is love that draws any of us into a church. There we celebrate, and at other times we mourn with indescribable grief. Sometimes we do both, and love is the driving force behind our faith and tears.

Build a landscape as nature intended
Sabrina Scalise's grandfather was one of those special, ordinary men. He raised 16 kids on a West Virginia coal miner's salary. He had little education, even less opportunity.

Fourth celebrates family & country
Holidays for married couples can become a battleground. Conflicting family events often lead to difficult decisions as to whose family event gets attended, and whose gets passed over. In our home, we've managed to divide up the various Christmas family gatherings pretty well and successfully finessed the Thanksgiving conflict by starting our own tradition. But the Fourth of July belongs to my husband's family, and I'm happy to go along with that.

There's a reason you can read this
I love Washington, D.C. Last week we revisited some of our favorite wonders of the Smithsonian and discovered new treasures nestled among the old. In the past, we've spent a day or two before moving on to other points of interest. This time we spent a full week wandering in and out of historic buildings learning more about our past and how it affects our present.

'Without family there would be no music'
It was one terrific speech.

Summer stage production a real 'beauty'
The red brick building will be bustling with activity. Car after car will pull up, slow down, and people will get out and enter the newly refinished building. Eventually everyone will take their seat, the lights will turn down, the whispering will quiet, the music will begin and the curtain will go up. It all sounds very exciting, and with good reason. Aurora has a priceless treasure in the Paramount Theatre. Many people have enjoyed wonderful performances over many years within its walls.

Storm sewers not a personal dumping ground
Dump no waste! It drains to the wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.

Two-wheeling sure beats gas prices
I beat gas prices -- for now. I previously wrote about how I was in the market for a new car and, for the first time, gas mileage was my No. 1 priority. The search is over.

Life -- and TV -- all about choice
Life is all about choices in our country. We can decide little things, such as peanut butter and jelly for lunch or leftovers from last night's dinner. And big decisions are made over purchases like a house or condo and buying a car instead of fixing the one you have.

Nothing to fear but....well, you know
Did you ever have an inexplicable or irrational fear? Most people have at least one fear or phobia. Your author has at least seven or eight. Call me crazy. Wait. I know you already do behind my back.

No gifts, please for Oswego gem who turns 100
Oswego's Virginia Campbell continues to live an amazing life.

Of life and loss in a small town
It was a simple game of Chutes and Ladders, really. But a brief look at the anticipation on my 5-year-old daughter's face reminded me it was also much more. Given the tragic loss of yet another precious young life here in Oswego, I set aside the formidable mountains of laundry in my path and cleared a spot on the floor for our game.

Solving the mystery of Geneva's old grotto
I've done a lot of exploring in my day. From Alligator Alley to Anchorage, I've crisscrossed North America so many times, my mind gets muddled on the details. But in all of my wanderings, never have I come across such a unique and inspiring place as the one I discovered about a half mile from my house. It gives me chills every time I go there.

No replacement for living near family
A year into our marriage, my husband and I went to Florida with my family. I'd made this trip several times before, but it was new to Bill. He fell in love with the beach, the weather and the palm trees and wanted us to move there.

Is hubby the norm or an exception?
He jokes, sort of, that since I've been writing this column, his name has changed from "Dave" to "Donna Richardson's husband." Actually, it goes back further than that. The real reason is that I'm the one in this partnership that gets involved in the neighborhood and the community, while he is more likely to be taking care of business at home. That's why people come to know me first.

Takes a lot to bring the bang on the 4th
Nothing is more fun than watching beautiful colors light up the dark summer sky while the earth rumbles under your feet. Fireworks are one of my favorite things to "ooh" and "aah" over in the summertime. Who would have imagined how expensive Fireworks shows are?

The tiniest campaign chairman
She's pretty young to be honorary chair for tonight's Relay for Life in Oswego.

What homelessness really looks like
The famous musician Jewel was unable to pay her rent at age 18, and decided to spend a few nights in her car until she found somewhere to stay. She remained homeless for a year despite singing for pay.