Happy to be back in Rolling Meadows

Someone once said (don't remember who), "You can't ever go back home." I believe I have done that and very happily.

My husband and I moved to Rolling Meadows, a town founded by Kimball Hill Sr. in the 1950s. He had a vision of a community built for veterans of World War II and the Korean "police action."

Mr. Hill thought if he could keep the price of a home affordable, it would be an opportunity for many veterans and other young people to own their homes. He allocated land for schools, churches, parks, shopping center, etc.

I believe many people in surrounding areas thought this would beȯˆ¿Ã‚ˆ½ a "ghetto" in time (because of new types of construction -- no plaster walls, etc.). Hence, our children attended Rolling Meadows High School where they were known as living in "Meadows Ghettos."

I hope this title has disappeared over the years, since anyone who has the opportunity to drive through our residential areas will notice that our homes are very well kept. Also, many, many have added beautiful additions.

My husband and I raised seven children here and were very fortunate to be able to upgrade as our family grew. After all seven children married and left the "nest," we relocated to Elkhorn, Wis., for about 16 years. After Rich died in 2001 I stayed there, and then, in 2007, two of my sons were able to buy my house.

This allowed me to purchase a condo at Kimball Square where many of my former acquaintances reside. I feel very fortunate to be able to come back to the city I have always loved and been very proud of.

Rita O'Donnell

Rolling Meadows