ILLINOIS VALLEY
Boomers TODAY December 2024
JERRY CORCORAN making the most of retirement
Also: • An inside look at the Veterans Assistance Commission of LaSalle County • Sara Escatel, a dedicated immigrant advocate • Add more fiber to your diet with oat recipes
Shifting Priorities A
s many of us recover from the extra calories, big spending, and busy schedules from the holiday season, we’re all overdue for some peace and quiet. I love holidays, but they can be exhausting and stressful at times. During the lull between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, I like to take a few quiet moments to recover from all the festivities and think about the path I’m going on. In my 20s, 30s, and even 40s, in the days leading up to the New Year, I would envision how I wanted my life to be and would make a long list of resolutions
for every aspect of my life. And as much as I love making lists, during the last couple of years my process has been different. I’ve learned that small changes instead of radical ones work much better for me. It’s way easier to commit to fitting more movement into my day than to promise myself I’ll work out intensely for an hour every day. I’ve given up unrealistic expectations and have embraced self-improvement, even if it is a little at a time. Instead of having a long list of resolutions that will help me reach the next level
in my career, most of my small list I make now focuses on my relationships, decluttering, and health. Maybe it’s a sign of maturity, or maybe I’ve finally got my priorities straight. Whatever your goals and resolutions are for 2025, I hope you find a way to achieve them.
Best wishes, Shannon Serpette Niche Editor
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Contents
Boomers Today 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com
Helping the Ones Who Fought for Us 4
General Manager/ Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com
Veterans Assistance Commission of LaSalle County brought $9.5 million to veterans.
Right Place at the Right Time 7
Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com
Farm upbringing comes full circle for former IVCC President Jerry Corcoran.
Writers Brandon LaChance Shannon Serpette
Promoting Understanding 10
Sara Escatel serves as a dedicated Hispanic advocate.
Photographer Brandon LaChance Designer Liz Klein
Clean Up Your Diet with Oats 14
Inexpensive, easy to use, quick to make, and extremely versatile.
On the cover: Family is extremely important to Jerry Corcoran (far right), and he treasures the time he and his wife Katherine (second from left) get to spend time with granddaughters Katie (far left) and Emma Hardin (third from left). PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Published by: est. 1851
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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2024 3
Helping the Ones Who Fought for Us Veterans Assistance Commission of LaSalle County brought $9.5 million to veterans in the last year Story by Brandon LaChance
A
lthough the U.S. pays extra tribute on Veterans Day to veterans who fought for our country during wars or worldwide situations, they should be thanked and supported every day. The Veterans Assistance Commission of LaSalle County is focused on making sure every veteran in the county gets all the financial, health, mental, and assistance they deserve. “Statistically, we’re doing great. Every year, we bring in more money to veterans through them getting their compensation, pension, or survivor’s benefits. Those are benefits we help veterans apply for through the VA (United States Department of Veterans Affairs),” said the commission’s assistant superintendent Lissa Olson. “Our fiscal year ends in November and starts in December. From December 2023 to November 2024, we have brought in $9.5 million to veterans in the county. Last year, we were at $8.5 million,” she said. Olson has been with the commission for the last five years when she took a job as an outreach coordinator. For the last three years she has taken a larger role in the non-
4 December 2024 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
profit organization governed by the MVAA (Military Veterans Assistance Act), an Illinois legislation. “When superintendent Christa Hammers posted the position on Facebook, I sent her a text to see what the position entailed,” said Olson, who is from Spring Valley and graduated from Hall High School in 2000. “She told me, and I said I could do it. I love America. I love veterans. Here I am five years later. I’m the first civilian ever on our state association board. I am co-chair of our education committee for state education. I think I’m fitting in OK.” Olson knows her work is important because it has the power to help those who put everything on the line to serve our country. “I don’t take it lightly. It’s a big deal to serve in my role. It makes me appreciate everything. There isn’t anything more rewarding than helping our veterans get the benefits they deserve,” she said. As the assistant superintendent, Olson coordinates all of the events through the office and engages in speaking events and presentations.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Top: The newer location of 4231 Progress Blvd. in Peru has helped the Veterans Assistance Commission of LaSalle County help veterans they may not have seen at their previous location, which was the courthouse in downtown LaSalle. The commission is now neighbors with the LaSalle VA Clinic and is in the shopping district. Right: The staff of the Veterans Assistance Commission of LaSalle County helped veterans obtain $9.5 million in benefits during the last fiscal year. The staff includes outreach VSO Emily Hackler (from left), administrative assistant Kelli Reitgraf, superintendent Christa Hammers, assistant superintendent Lissa Olson, and VSO James Sturtevant.
The Veterans Assistance Commission of LaSalle County does more than obtain benefits – it offers a counselor from the Aurora Veterans Center and a person to help with healthcare documents and appointments. The commission is now at 4231 Progress Blvd. in Peru and is neighbors with the LaSalle VA Clinic. The new location has been a blessing since the clinic and the commission can provide multiple services on the same day, and it is close to the homeless shelter where, unfortunately, some veterans can be found. “We don’t deal with homeless veterans as much in our county, or surrounding counties, as much as other ones,” Olson said. “We have seen it more with our location change because we’re more accessible to them. It’s bad that they’re there, but it’s a good thing we are more accessible to them.” Not only is the commission in Peru, but it has outreach locations in Streator, Mendota, and Marseilles. “We try to hit every corner of the county to make it more convenient for our veterans. In all honesty, even when we say we have an office in a different city, they’ll say they’d rather come to Peru because they have a clinic appointment or they need to go to Menards. It works out so well with where we’re located,”
Olson said. “Our administrator, Kelli Reitgraf, is really good about asking veterans where they’re from and getting them to the closest location. But also, she asks them if they’re coming to Peru for an appointment any time soon. If she knows they’re far away, she’ll try to schedule them with us around their clinic appointment,” she said. Through Olson, Hammers, James Sturtevant, and Emily Hacker, 300 to 400 veterans are assisted annually. Olson’s caseload is over 200. “One of the biggest things I say to veterans because they’re a wonderful but stubborn group is, ‘If you’re not getting the benefits, you’re not helping the next guy. A lot of times, they’ll say they’re well off and have good insurance, so we should save the benefits for the next person. If they don’t get what they deserve, they’re hurting the next guy because if we don’t continue to show Congress the need to fund these bills and veterans’ affairs, they’re going to cut the budgets,” Olson said. “If they cut the budgets and they stopped paying some of these veterans, it could be really detrimental in the long term. Every veteran who should be getting benefits needs to get their benefits,” she said.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2024 5
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Right Place at the Right Time Farm upbringing comes full circle for former IVCC President Jerry Corcoran Story by Brandon LaChance Dr. Jerome “Jerry” Corcoran will tell you himself that he’s been blessed. He’s had a full and interesting life, including spending his childhood on the family farm, earning college degrees, working in the school textbook industry, a career at Illinois Valley Community College for 33 years, and being part of the operation on the family farm he calls home. Corcoran is enjoying retirement, but his days are still full of activity.
“I stay busy. I have a loving wife named Katherine, but she also goes by St. Katherine because you have to be a saint to bother putting up with me,” Corcoran said. Once he retired, Corcoran had extra time to focus on his physical fitness. “I’ve been able to drop close to 15 pounds since I retired. I feel like I’m in good shape physically and spiritually. I go to the YMCA every morning. My wife and I have been incredibly lucky to have the new YMCA open in Ottawa.
We use the heck out of it. I love to swim, and I’ve been able to focus on improving my technique. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in,” he said. “It came along at the perfect time for me. At the time I’m walking out of the college retired, the YMCA opened up with beautiful facilities. I was in the right place at the right time. We can leave our house, and I can be in the pool at the Ottawa YMCA in 15 minutes. That’s not too bad.” See CORCORAN page 8
Above: Jerome “Jerry” and Katherine Corcoran (center) spend time with granddaughters Katie Hardin (left) and Emma Hardin (right). Before retiring on July 1, 2023, Jerry Corcoran worked for Illinois Valley Community College for 33 years, including serving as IVCC president for the last 15 years. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2024 7
Corcoran FROM PAGE 7
Corcoran lives on his family farm located just north of Ottawa, and there is nowhere he would rather be than with his wife and his family on the farm that formed a base for his entire life. “I always like to thank family and faith, which kind of go together. It’s been fulfilling to live where we live and do what we do, to have the strength and support of so many people,” Corcoran said. “We also have access to just about every amenity a person could want.” Although he has retired, Corcoran is preparing for a long life and mapping out his next act – he’s not one to sit idle for long. “My mom lived to be 97. That’s a good indicator of what could happen to me. At the age of 72, I’m prepared to work another 20 years and hopefully contribute the same way I have for the first 72.” Corcoran has been focused on family, faith, and not being afraid to dive in, whether physically on the farm or mentally in academia, since his days at St. Columbia Grade School and Marquette Academy. He then obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. After finishing his studies, he was hired by Holden-Day Inc. (a college textbook publishing company from 1959 to 1996), where he sold books in San Francisco for three years before transferring to Philadelphia and back to California at Mountain View. After traveling the world and experiencing life outside of the Illinois Valley, Corcoran decided to return and found a job posting at IVCC. “One of the things I learned a long time ago was if you want to move up the ladder, you have to be open to change, and you always have to be near the front of the line when they’re asking if someone is willing to accept a
responsibility. Whenever there were opportunities at IVCC, I was always interested. I think I did a pretty decent job, so they wanted to keep me on board, and I was moved to a lot of different areas,” Corcoran said. “I had never stepped foot on the campus of Illinois Valley Community College until I was hired in 1990. They had a part-time position open in agriculture. I had something to do with agriculture because I grew up on a farm, so I applied. I interviewed, was hired, and I ended up spending 33 years, the last 15 as president, at IVCC when I retired on July 1, 2023,” he said. The listing he applied for was at the Dislocated Worker’s Center. The grant-paid position was part-time but led to a part-time administrator role at the center. Throughout his IVCC tenure, he had ten positions, some of which included human resources, director of purchasing, director of human resources, vice president of business services and finance, and president. “If I wanted to move up the ladder in the public education sector, I knew I was going to need an advanced degree. I got my master’s and, ultimately, my doctorate from Northern Illinois University in 2005. I thought I was in a good position and felt good about my academic credentials. I had the backing of a lot of good people. I applied for president of IVCC in 2005. I was one of the ten finalists. I ultimately didn’t get the job,” he said. “A lot of times, when people apply for something and they don’t get the job, people will leave and go somewhere else to do whatever it is they could have done there. In my situation, I chose to stay. I worked closely with the new president and others. There was a change again at the top and I applied a second time. I got the job,” he said. “Ultimately, when the presidency opened up the second time,
8 December 2024 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
I happened to be in the right place at the right time.” Corcoran views his farming upbringing as the anchor in his life. Without his background, he doesn’t know if everything would have turned out the way it did and for him to have the enjoyable retirement he is currently loving. “When I got to IVCC, I was surprised our agriculture program course offerings were pretty light. I think we had two courses on the books when I was appointed president. I felt it was a huge void in our district, which is eight counties, all of which primarily are in farmland. A big chunk of the IVCC district is made up of agriculture. Only having a limited program of course offerings available to students, I thought it was something right away we could improve upon,” he said. “We took a deep breath to make sure we had good data to back up our decisions, did our surveys, and ultimately pursued relaunching our agriculture program. When I left in 2023, we had grown from two Ag classes to 22 classes. Before, students interested in an Ag program left the area for other big-name schools,” he said. “We were able to turn the ship around. Our agriculture program had 70 students and two full-time faculty members when I left. It’s been satisfying for a guy with an agricultural background to watch, when you finally get the chance to be the president, to see the program turn out okay,” he said. Corcoran gives current IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris and her staff kudos and appreciation for continuing to advance the agriculture program. He applauds many people at IVCC, both past and present, for their dedication, including Judy Day, Jeanne Hayden, and Fran Brolley. Thinking about his work and their work, as well as their accomplishments, gives another layer to his amazing, blessed retirement.
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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2024 9
Sara Escatel was born in Mexico and moved to Mendota shortly after that. She has spent her adult life as a Hispanic advocate.
Promoting Understanding Sara Escatel serves as a dedicated Hispanic advocate Story & Photos by Brandon LaChance
I
t didn’t take long for Sara Escatel to find her passion and calling in life. Born in Mexico, she didn’t live there past being a newborn baby because her parents, Perfecto and Sara Espinoza, moved to Mendota shortly after. Escatel grew up in Mendota and, besides a stint in Texas, has always called Mendota and the Illinois Valley her home. While growing up in the United States, Escatel saw the troubles and tribulations her Mexican-born-and-raised parents had because of language and cultural barriers. It became Escatel’s life goal to assist not only her parents but all immigrants.
10 December 2024 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
“I grew up with parents who were non-English speaking. It was hard for them to acclimate to the new culture and customs, so I was their interpreter and translator. I really had the ability to converse and translate. And I loved it. I love shifting from one language to another and being able to provide services to others who can’t,” Escatel said. “I had to do it for a lot of students when I was in grade school because I was the only Hispanic girl when I started kindergarten in Mendota. I remember them asking me to help new students coming into the school system and show them the ropes. I think the leadership role was embedded in me since Day 1
Sara Escatel has been the Illinois Valley Community College director of education since 2008. She helps students obtain their GED and teaches ESL (English as a Second Language). She also creates and advises IVCC’s Hispanic heritage events, such as helping when I started school,” she said. Escatel has been the Illinois Valley Community College director of education since 2008. She helps students obtain their GED and teaches ESL (English as a Second Language) from basic to advanced skills and the transition to college. She also creates and advises IVCC’s Hispanic heritage events, such as helping construct the Day of the Dead display in October since it is a Hispanic tradition to celebrate the dead. Escatel has been the advisor for the IVCC Hispanic Leadership Team for the last seven years, leading students who want to help the community and guide them into leadership opportunities. Outside of IVCC, Escatel was a founder and organizer of the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council in 2001, which spreads its wings through the entire valley to this day. Reimagine Mendota, Valley Immigrants Advocates Board, and the 708 Mental Health Board are also on Escatel’s priority list. All of
her efforts are focused on bridging the gaps and helping immigrants in the U.S. “I think many can succeed if they learn English. I feel our ESL programs are really beneficial to the community. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re seeing more acceptance and awareness. The access to public services is more readily available because we see in state agencies where they’re hiring more bilingual help,” Escatel said. “This has been a factor in immigrants accessing services. People would do without because they didn’t know they had the opportunity to apply for benefits. I’m talking about even just going to the hospital. Before, people would stay home or try to remedy themselves because they couldn’t find access to health care that was in their language. It’s hard to talk about personal problems or healthcare issues through a translator because it can misconceived and misdiagnosed.” Through her love of helping people and having the view of what our society could be if all ethnicities worked in unity, Escatel tries promote greater awareness. “I think awareness is important. That’s what I try to do wherever I go. It’s about helping inform people. It’s also if they want to hear you because not everyone wants to hear, listen, or learn. Someone has to be open to the conversation and want to learn about communities,” she said. “We have immigrants from all over the world, not just from Mexico, at IVCC. We serve students from Ukraine, Russia, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The South America countries are totally different communities than Mexico. People tend to lump them into one, but they’re all different and speak different dialects.” Escatel understands and respects every point of view when it comes to understanding immigration and ethnicity. She acknowledges we all have to in order to completely bridge the culture gaps. “It also helps people to not be afraid. A lot of times people have fear if they hear another language because they only know their language. When they hear someone speaking in another language, they fear they’re being talked about or fear other things because they can’t understand them,” Escatel said. “You have to adapt to where you’re at, whether you’re moving to another country or even going on vacation in another country. That’s the only way you’re going to feel the way the people feel in the country. You have to immerse yourself in the culture,” she said. “I serve on committees, enrollment teams, and boards to make sure everyone gets the information they need to help reach everyone – all ethnicities and individuals, not just a certain few.”
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2024 11
12 December 2024 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2024 13
Clean Up Your Diet with Oats By Shannon Serpette
We’ve all heard about the amazing benefits of fiber, an important nutrient for optimal health. Fiber lowers cholesterol, helps with weight loss, and promotes a healthy digestive system. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to add more fiber to your diet, oats are a great way to go. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, quick to make, and extremely versatile. Here are some recipes that use oats in a variety of ways, including some dessert options for your holiday baking so you don’t get bored with plain oatmeal.
Berry Oatmeal Bake
Oat Fruit Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
1 and 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 tablespoon light brown sugar Kosher salt 1 and 2/3 cups plain unsweetened almond milk 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 banana, sliced and frozen 1/2 cup strawberries frozen DIRECTIONS
Topping Ingredients 1/3 cup sliced almonds 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 tablespoon flour 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 and 1/2 cups frozen berries, any kind 6 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional) DIRECTIONS For the oatmeal, grease an 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Stir the oats, brown sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt together in a big bowl. Whisk together the almond milk, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the milk mixture into the oat mixture and stir until well combined. For the topping, stir the almonds, oats, brown sugar, butter, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until mixed well. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the berries over the oatmeal and sprinkle with topping. Bake until lightly browned, about 50 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve warm with a small amount of yogurt on top, if desired. 14 December 2024 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Peel the banana, slice it, and freeze it for a few hours before using. Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend for 60 to 90 seconds.
Oatmeal Pancakes INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup almond milk unsweetened 2 eggs 1 egg white 1 banana 2 tablespoons real maple syrup 1 1/2 cups rolled oats 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS Blend almond milk, eggs, egg white, mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt in a blender until smooth. Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter in small circles in a skillet. Cook until done on each side.
Banana Vanilla Overnight Oats INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup rolled oats 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon honey One banana, sliced Handful of pecans DIRECTIONS Stir together the Greek yogurt, rolled oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, salt, and honey in a bowl or jar, cover with a lid, and place in the refrigerator overnight. Once you remove it from the refrigerator, you can microwave it for a minute if you want to eat it warm. Slice the banana and place the banana slices and pecans on top.
Apple Oat Bake INGREDIENTS 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 3/4 cup light brown sugar 1 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or regular milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 apples (Honey Crisp works well), peeled and cut into small chunks DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease an 8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup of pecans, dried cranberries, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a different bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and vanilla until well combined. Add the milk mixture to the oat mixture, along with the butter, and stir well. Place the apples on the bottom of the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the top. Sprinkle with the rest of the pecans on top. Bake for 40 minutes, until the oats are set and the top is golden.
Oatmeal Cookies INGREDIENTS 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup raisins 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 2 and 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 cups rolled oats 3/4 cup chopped pecans DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, combine the eggs, raisins, and vanilla. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add the sugar mixture to the flour mixture and stir thoroughly. Then stir in the egg mixture, and finally, stir in the rolled oats and pecans. The dough will be stiff. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes in the oven until the edges are golden. Let cookies cool for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.
How oatmeal helps individuals overcome stomach bugs
Thanks to impressive nutritional content, oatmeal is the unsung hero of the pantry. While it might not garner the glory of cold-busting chicken soup or sore throat-conquering tea with honey, oatmeal can help people overcome common illnesses like stomach bugs. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that women consume between 21 and 25 grams of fiber each day and advises men to consume between 30 and 38 grams of fiber each day. A single one-cup serving provides four grams of dietary fiber, and that doesn’t even include the additional fiber many people get when they add fruits and berries to their morning bowl of oatmeal. But it’s the fiber in the oats themselves that can be especially valuable for individuals who have digestive disorders or those want to prevent them. For example, experts with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health note that the insoluble fiber found in oats has been linked to a 40 percent lower risk for diverticular disease. Individuals confronting constipation should know that the fiber in oatmeal can help to soften stool, which can allow food to pass through the digestive system more quickly. Livestrong.com also notes that the fiber in oatmeal can help people overcome diarrhea by absorbing water and adding bulk and volume to stool. TF221639 A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2024 15
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16 December 2024 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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