Community Cornerstone Awards 2024
ILLINOIS VALLEY Community Cornerstone Awards 2024
This publication was created and produced by Shaw Media for the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development.
ILLINOIS VALLEY AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1320 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0227 ivaced.org
SHAW MEDIA
426 Second St. La Salle, IL 61301 815-223-3200 www.shawmediamarketing.com
GENERAL MANAGER/ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Jeanette Smith
EDITOR
Shannon Serpette
PHOTOGRAPHY
Scott Anderson
COVER DESIGN
Larry Kelsey
DESIGN/LAYOUT
Liz Klein
We are delighted to welcome you to this special publication dedicated to honoring the recipients of the prestigious Community Cornerstone Award. This award celebrates the unsung heroes among us—those remarkable individuals who, at 40 years and beyond, continue to inspire, uplift, and transform lives in ways both big and small.
Age is just a number for these difference makers! They continue to serve as mentors, visionaries, and compassionate leaders who dedicate their time, wisdom, and energy to making our region a better place. They often work without fanfare, driven by a selfless commitment to service, and their impact ripples through generations.
Our hope at IVAC is that the Community Cornerstone Award is seen as more than just a recognition. It’s a deeply heartfelt expression of gratitude for those who have devoted themselves to strengthening, supporting, and shaping our communities. By celebrating these honorees, we hope to inspire others to follow their example and to foster a legacy of service and leadership.
Through these pages, you will find stories of individuals who have spearheaded local initiatives, nurtured successful businesses, offered guidance to others, or volunteered tirelessly. They are true cornerstones, laying a foundation upon which our community continues to thrive and grow.
Join us in honoring these wonderful local leaders whose lives and work remind us of the power of dedication, vision, and community spirit. Thank you for celebrating with us, and for recognizing those who embody the very best of what it means to serve the Illinois Valley.
Warm regards,
Bill Zens Executive Director
The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
Carol Alcorn
Executive Director, Illinois Valley PADS
DRIVEN BY CARING AND FAITH
Carol Alcorn of Peru learned at a young age that helping others can spread joy and make the world a better place.
“My willingness to help others by volunteering is based upon my faith in God, understanding his love for others, and watching my father continuously help so many people with car repairs and home repair projects within our congregation. I feel compelled to use my skills to make a difference where I can,” she said.
Alcorn, who is 69 years old, has utilized her skills in a variety of ways over the years.
“I have owned a successful upholstery business in LaSalle County for the past 44 years. I have served on many boards and volunteered at my church, in schools, and charities. I am currently serving my tenth year on the LPHS School Board. I have worked with the local homeless population for the past 20 years as the Executive Director of Illinois Valley PADS, providing services and hope to those who are homeless,” Alcorn said.
Alcorn grew up in Peru and has a deep love for the Illinois Valley. She and her husband, who have been married for 50 years and have three grown children and eight grandchildren, have built their life here.
“I grew up here and raised my children here. I feel connected to its past and future. I think that one should give of their talents, time, and care for any community that they live in,” she said. “I believe that the greatest gift you can give is to care deeply about your community and participate in the important elements of what makes a community great, such as spiritual growth, health, safety, education, and care to those who have nothing.”
While she’s not working or volunteering, Alcorn enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis, coloring, reading, and playing her guitar.
Pamela Beckett
Founder/Board Member/Consultant, Starved Rock Country Community Foundation
A CHANGEMAKER IN ACTION
After spending 18 years working in the corporate insurance realm, Pamela Beckett and her family relocated from the suburbs to the Peoria area, and she took the opportunity to switch gears and enter the philanthropic arena. She never looked back.
Countless organizations and numerous people have been impacted through Beckett’s work in the field of nonprofits, where she has improved resources, created new channels of fundraising, and strengthened organizations.
“I’m known as a changemaker,” Beckett, who is 72 and lives in Ottawa, said. She started her philanthropic work at the Easter Seals in Peoria, and in 2003, she was named chief executive officer of Easter Seals of LaSalle and Bureau counties.
In 2009, she joined Pleasant View Lutheran Home and Luther Oaks as the regional foundation director, where she set and met the goal of raising $3 million in six years.
In June 2015, she decided to retire but didn’t ride off into the sunset. She launched the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation with her husband, Chuck. She remembers the pushbacks in those first years, as people questioned the idea and the name.
“I saw the need for the region to work together instead of in silos,” Beckett said.
In May 2023, she completed her term as CEO of Starved Rock Community Foundation. Today, she serves as secretary for the board of directors and as a consultant.
“Although my entire career as a servant leader in social services and philanthropy has been both personally and professionally meaningful, my mind, heart, and soul have never been in sync more than when my husband and I founded and provided the initial funding for the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation,” Beckett said. “To create a community foundation for our region was a dream of mine for many years, and I knew the significant and indelible impact it would have on our families, friends, and businesses.”
Under her guidance, the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation has directed more than $6 million in charitable investments, and it has been able to return more than $2.6 million to the community, touching countless lives.
“Creating the foundation enabled me to do the most significant and rewarding work of my lifetime,” Beckett said. “My ongoing gratitude to those who have entrusted the foundation with their contributions underscores the importance of community, collaboration, and trust in achieving such meaningful impact.”
Doug Biederstedt
Biederstedt Consultants, owner
A NATURAL LEADER
If there’s a service club and organization in the Illinois Valley, chances are 82-year-old Doug Biederstedt has served in a leadership role for it. He considers himself a hard worker who has a hard time saying no, even today, and urges others to participate in organizations.
“Don’t be afraid to get involved,” Biederstedt said.
Born at what was then Peru Hospital, Biederstedt grew up in Bureau Junction until his family moved to Princeton when he started high school. He left the area to attend school and study architecture. He returned and took a job with Chamlin & Associates, and after a few years, he joined a startup architecture firm with John Richards.
It was a chance to dabble in some real estate that changed his career course in the 1970s. He went from part-time to becoming a full-time real estate agent. He has spent the last 50 years as a real estate agent. Biederstedt said the Illinois Valley is the hub of North Central Illinois.
“We have nothing but growth ahead of us, both commercial and residential,” he said.
With his successful career in real estate and background in engineering, Biederstedt has been invited to take on many roles in the community. He was an appraiser and township assessor for 30 years. He was elected township supervisor seven years ago. He’s served with the Peru Plan & Zoning Board for more than 50 years, including many of them as the chairman.
He is a past president of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber and served on several committees. He’s a past president of the LaSalle Peru Jaycees and even served as a Director of the U.S. Jaycees. He’s served as president of the Peru Rotary and the Illinois Valley Sunrise Rotary. He’s been a board of director for the local Red Cross and Horizon House, has chaired two Road to Independence campaigns, and is helping with their current fundraising campaign. Additionally, he counts himself as an original member of the board of directors for the Illinois Valley YMCA.
“I think I’ve been on every board and every organization, and I’ve been the president,” he said. He admits it’s hard to say no. As an octogenarian, he now mentions potentially stepping back, and in the same conversation, talks about helping to manage a local homeowners association, and he still has occasional real estate clients.
Jeff Borelli
President, Connecting Point Computer Center
ACTIVELY SUPPORTING THE ILLINOIS VALLEY
Connecting Point Computer Center in downtown Peru has played a significant role in Jeff Borelli’s life.
“I started working at Connecting Point in 1986 as a service tech repairing Commodore 64s. I continued to work in all areas of the company up until I reached my present position,” he said. Now, as president of the company, Borelli is focusing on finding ways to take Connecting Point to the next level.
“My goal is to continue to grow Connecting Point and continue to offer the very best in IT service and support. My dad, Ron, and his business partner, Steve, created a company built on integrity. Continuing this legacy gives me great pride,” Borelli said.
Borelli, who is 58 years old, and his wife, Tina, live in Ladd, and they raised two children, Ethan and Emma. As an active member of the Illinois Valley, Borelli dedicates his time to many organizations.
“My dad always encouraged me to volunteer and get involved in our community. He led by example. He actively volunteered in many of the same organizations that I eventually became involved with,” Borelli said. “I have always committed a significant amount of time to helping many organizations and giving back to our community. I honestly feel it is my obligation as a member of the Illinois Valley to do what I can to make our area a better place to live. I believe in Rotary’s motto, ‘Service before self.’
He served as past president of the Downtown Peru Merchants Association and the Bedan Club. He’s also been involved with United Way, Horizon House, IVAC, Peru Rotary, Meals on Wheels, youth sports, and many more organizations.
“There is one thing I believe makes our area very unique. People care about each other. Whether it is volunteering to help fundraise or donating your time to plant flowers in a park, our community is always willing to help each other no matter what,” he said. “Our area has a lot to offer both young families starting out and investors looking for an opportunity for growing their businesses.”
J. Burt
Wealth Advisor, Heartland Bank and Trust Company
A STRONG BELIEF IN EDUCATION
Whether in his work as a financial advisor or his endeavors to support the community, 64-year-old J. Burt always thinks about the future. He’s someone who sees opportunities to help others and firmly believes the right education can set a strong foundation for a better tomorrow.
He is the president of the North Central Regional Betterment Coalition. The coalition and the Illinois Valley Sunrise Rotary collaborated on Words Matter, a program to provide books to young families.
Burt recently completed his second term as Illinois Valley Sunrise Rotary president. He is proud of the work to establish Rotary Park’s Pollinator Park, a 10-acre park in LaSalle supporting pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The park supports the role pollinators play in a healthy ecosystem.
Another initiative he supported was certifying the Illinois Valley Sunrise Rotary in the Long-Term Youth Exchange, promoting opportunities for local students to travel and study abroad while staying with a local family.
“What’s so cool about this is we have 15, 16-year-olds and by the time they go abroad for a year, they come back with maturity. The impact on a person’s life is huge,” Burt said.
While he didn’t grow up in the Illinois Valley, Burt, a Spring Valley resident, has truly embraced the region he has called home since the late 1980s. He grew up in a suburb of Glen Ellyn, where he began exploring radio journalism in high school. He honed his radio skills at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he obtained a degree in radio-TV. He followed his passion for radio out west, taking the helm as a news director for a radio station in Sheridan, Wyoming, and returned to Illinois for a radio position in DeKalb.
Burt then changed direction and took a position in financial services. The communication skills he honed in journalism proved invaluable as he built client relationships as a wealth advisor. Today, he enjoys helping his clients at the Peru branch of the Heartland Bank and Trust Company.
Burt has been a member of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber Ambassadors for more than 10 years, including serving as a president for a term. He remembers one of his first volunteer projects after moving to the area was serving as the Spring Valley Music Festival chairman in 1987.
Jerry Corcoran
Retired President, Illinois Valley Community College
WORKING HARD LEADS TO GOOD THINGS
Jerry Corcoran believes in sticking with the things he cares about and understands the importance of hard work.
“I am the luckiest guy in the state of Illinois because I was able to love every day at work at Illinois Valley Community College for 33 years, the last 15 as college president,” Corcoran said. “All I could do is work hard and be accountable every day. Fortunately, I was able to surround myself with talent and work collaboratively to get the job done. My parents taught me years ago that if you work hard and believe in God, good things will come your way, and they did in my case.”
Having a talented team in place can set the stage for success – something Corcoran saw time and time again at IVCC.
“Our career and technical programs do a great job of preparing people to go to work after IVCC just like our transfer program faculty and staff do so well when preparing students who leave us after two years to move on to a four-year institution. This all goes back again to the fact that we hire good people, hold them accountable, measure their success, and celebrate their achievements. That is a formula for success,” he said.
Although Corcoran, who is now 72 years old, has many memories and proud moments from his long career at IVCC, he shared one of the accomplishments he held especially dear.
“My leadership team and I built the 80,000 square-foot Peter Miller Community Technology Center and repurposed other areas of the college to develop more student life space with a Student Center and Cyber Café,” he said.
Just as he stayed at IVCC for decades, Corcoran also has been dedicated to his family farm, where he still resides.
“Although I ran around the country for a few years while going to college and working for a college textbook publishing company shortly thereafter, my home address hasn’t changed very much in the past 72 years as we still live on the family farm north of Ottawa. The farm is pretty special to me as it has been in the Corcoran name for more than 160 years,” he said. “In a special way, it helps to keep me grounded as a connection to the past and reminder of all that our ancestors did for us to prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the future. Every day
I thank God for all that we’ve been given.”
Sara Escatel
Director of Adult Education, Illinois Valley Community College
EMBRACING
MEXICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE
Sara Escatel has worked her entire career to help others and champion the region’s immigrant community.
“I was born in the USA to Mexican immigrants and have lived in Mendota my entire life. I am proud to be Mexican-American and have embraced my heritage with enthusiasm. I am bilingual and bicultural and have dedicated over 25 years of my life to mentoring students and serving immigrants in the Illinois Valley,” Escatel said.
“I started the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council over 20 years ago to bring cultural awareness and programming to our communities. I serve on the Reimagine Mendota Committee, Valley Immigrant Advocates Board, and the 708 Board. I strongly believe in giving back to our community and working hard to make a difference along the way,” she added. “I am a servant leader with the passion and determination to help those in need, regardless of their upbringing or background. I lead by example and would recommend to other leaders to be humble, respectful, and always treat people the way you would want to be treated.”
Escatel acknowledges that her background has given her great insight and compassion for those who are facing cultural issues or challenges.
“As a Mexican-American individual, I can relate, empathize, and empower individuals who are trying to assimilate in a new culture. I also process things in two languages, Spanish and English, and celebrate both the Mexican and American heritage with enthusiasm and pride,” she said.
Escatel, who is 55 years old, has been Director of Adult Education at Illinois Valley Community College for the past 17 years.
“I am most proud of being recognized by the Illinois Community College Board as the Administrator of the Year Award in March 2020. Several recommendations were submitted by faculty, administration, and staff for all my work at IVCC,” Escatel said.
Escatel is a big supporter of the Illinois Valley and believes it will continue to be a great place to live and work for future generations.
“I see the Illinois Valley growing and prospering in the areas of business, healthcare, and education through grants and numerous community events held each year,” Escatel said.
Andrea Greenwalt
Realtor/Broker, Janko Realty
ADAPTING AND LEARNING
Throughout her life, Andrea Greenwalt has learned that change is inevitable, so knowing how to adapt is a valuable skill.
“My first career was in social work, which continued into my early real estate career. I am grateful for that experience because it helped me to adapt to different circumstances, deal with people, and problem solve,” Greenwalt, who has been a realtor for 27 years, said. “My industry is dealing with many changes currently, and instead of expecting the worst, I have dedicated my time to learning and growing to adapt to the changes instead of fearing them. I have helped others in my company and outside it to embrace the changes and look to the future.”
Being a lifelong learner is something that Greenwalt also embraces.
“I teach classes in real estate, multiple listing service and continuing education. I have also taught for associations in Illinois and Wisconsin. Throughout my career and life, education has been a constant priority, and I enjoy sharing that love of learning with others,” she added. Greenwalt, who is 53 years old, lives in Tonica with her husband, three children, and pets, and she loves small-town life, as well as the entire Illinois Valley area.
“Tonica is a great little town. The people are friendly and look out for each other, and it is a quiet, peaceful town,” she said. “I was born and raised in the Illinois Valley, only leaving for military service and college. It is steeped in wonderful memories and is home to the most incredible people. It is a great place to raise a family, is home to good schools and an excellent junior college. We have amazing beauty in our area, access to great parks, and exceptional events. Our area has so much to offer that we often forget how lucky we are to live here.”
Greenwalt served in the U.S. Army National Guard, is on the Illinois Realtors Board of Directors, and is vice chair on the Leadership Development Committee. She is also on several local and state committees, volunteers in her community, and has won awards in her industry.
Michele King
Vice president/retail manager, Heartland Bank
HONORING HER COMMITMENTS
When Michele King of LaSalle makes a commitment, she stays true to her word. She recently marked her 40th anniversary working with Heartland Bank, starting in the loan department and moving her way through different positions.
Today, she is the vice president/retail manager of the Peru branch, one of the busiest Heartland Bank locations. In her current role, she is a mentor to her staff, coaching them toward success.
“I encourage my staff and others to focus on a career,” King said. “They truly have so many opportunities these days but have to put some dedication into it. Work hard and then be rewarded rather than feel the reward comes first.”
King, who is 61, is a lifelong resident of the Illinois Valley. She grew up on a farm outside of McNabb and attended Putnam County High School and Illinois Valley Community College. She remembers weekly trips to the big cities, LaSalle and Peru, riding the elevator at the downtown JC Penney, the snack bar at the Woolworths, and being extra careful inside C.A. Jensen’s.
“Living on a farm outside of the small town with a 350 population, weekly shopping trips to the big city of LaSalle-Peru brings back some very fond memories for me,” King said.
King married her high school sweetheart, Timothy, and today, they live outside of LaSalle, where they enjoy walking their dogs. She is passionate about photography and enjoys printing her photos and creating scrapbooks for others.
King has been a board member of the YMCA of the Illinois Valley for 25 years and was named the first woman president of the board. She joined the YMCA as a member 30 years ago.
“I was a member and I was enjoying it, and I could see great opportunity,” King said.
Stepping up to volunteer for any local organization shows support for the whole community, according to King.
“We need to continue to grow in this community,” she said.
King has also served 25 years on the board of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and has previously been involved with the March of Dimes, Horizon House Road to Independence, and the United Way of the Illinois Valley.
“When I make a commitment, I stick with it for the long haul, whether it be marriage, employment, or organizations,” King said.
Jay McCracken
Executive Director, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE
Jay McCracken is a familiar face in many communities throughout the Illinois Valley. He was a longtime teacher in the Putnam/Henry area and served for 12 years as mayor of Henry.
“I earned my master’s degree and superintendent’s endorsement, which led me to become superintendent of Putnam County Schools. After attempting an early retirement, I still had the passion to make a difference in the lives of our area students, so I became an interim superintendent of Hall High School, La Moille, and Ladd Schools,” McCracken, who is 70, said.
After retiring from his school career, McCracken decided to embrace a new challenge.
“My wife and I recently moved to the City of Ottawa, and I now serve as the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. In addition, I am on numerous boards, including serving as vice chairman of the Illinois Valley Community College Board. This role offers wonderful opportunities to continue helping our students while working with our talented IVCC administration, staff, and fellow board members,” said McCracken.
McCracken credits his parents with shaping him into the man he is today.
“I was born in Amboy and had the distinct pleasure of living my first ten years on our family farm. When we moved into town, my father proved to be an amazing role model when he became a longtime mayor of Amboy. My parents offered a wonderful example of giving back to the community, and I have tried to emulate their dedicated public service,” he said. “My love for my family is a driving force that provides a balance in my life. Without my faith and family, I would never have succeeded in life.”
Jay and his wife, Kim, are close with their daughter, Megan, son-in-law, Brian, and two grandsons, Gavin and Aiden. While McCracken loves spending time with his family, he feels the need to continue giving his time to help others and support the Illinois Valley.
“Blessedly, I still feel young, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have the energy and enthusiasm to remain active. I love life, and I have been so lucky to work with young people and their families in so many communities throughout our Starved Rock Region,” McCracken said. “I continue to be amazed by the countless ways in which God has blessed my life.”
Ralph Moshage
Retired, Engineering Manager, Carus Corporation
MAKING THE WORLD BETTER
Ralph Moshage, a 68-year-old from Waltham Township, has worked his entire life with the betterment of the world in mind.
“I retired from Carus Corporation as the Engineering Manager in 2021 with 25 years of service. Upon retirement, I joined the Utica Fire Department as a firefighter and also work as a part-time EMT in Utica and at the Peru Volunteer Ambulance. I am proud to be a first responder,” Moshage said.
After college, Moshage and his wife, Marlene, were Peace Corps volunteers for four years in the early 1980s in Ghana, West Africa. That experience led Moshage to the proudest professional accomplishment of his life.
“I was manager of a machine shop called the Suame Intermediate Technology Transfer Unit. We were charged with helping local artisans develop their workshops from being repair facilities to becoming manufacturing facilities. The Suame Magazine area was home to some 40,000 craftsmen in small workshops, performing mostly customized vehicle repairs. While we operated our workshop as a business, we trained craftsmen, subcontracted our orders to them, sold them machine tools and parts, fixed their machine tools, and helped them learn how to run as a business,” Moshage said. “As the manager, I had the ability to do whatever we needed to do to be successful. I loved it. One of my projects was the development and introduction of small-scale foundries to the area. Over 40 years later, the Suame Magazine has grown to have over 200,000 artisans, with foundries being one of the key types of manufacturing facilities. Having the ability to make decisions to improve the workshop, to help our clients develop into manufacturers, and then being responsible for the results was immensely rewarding to me. As a young engineer, this experience helped me develop my adaptive and problem-solving skills. Life in Ghana was difficult, and we continually had to be creative in order to survive and be successful in our Peace Corps project assignments,” he added.
Moshage and his wife have four adult children who have successful careers. He has spent 45 years as a Boy Scout Leader and credits scouting as one of the reasons his children developed into responsible, caring adults.
“Throughout my life and work experiences, volunteering, youth development, and making things better have been significant personal motivators. You need to know what you stand for – and it cannot be yourself,” Moshage said.
Nick Nosalik
Regional Retail Manager, Heartland Bank and Trust
MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
Nick Nosalik, a 42-year-old lifelong LaSalle resident, has enjoyed his 20-year career at Heartland Bank and Trust.
“It has afforded me the opportunity to make so many wonderful relationships in the community. The best way to describe myself is someone who enjoys helping others. I hope I would be described by others as a person that shows empathy and compassion. I believe that every moment is an opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life,” he said.
Nosalik is a dedicated community volunteer and sees a need for that more than ever, especially in a world where people are increasingly relying on technology.
“I suppose being a person that grew up spending much of my childhood playing baseball and spending much of my time wandering the Peru Mall, I see the change technology has made in all of our lives. We have never been more connected, but yet we have never been so far apart. Many of our charitable organizations have seen a significant drop in membership and volunteerism,” Nosalik said.
Some of the organizations Nosalik is involved with include We Are Oglesby, NFP Corp, IV Sunrise Rotary, North Central Regional Betterment Coalition, and Oglesby Elks #2360. He also teaches Junior Achievement annually at Lincoln Elementary in Oglesby and volunteers at Dickinson House fundraisers.
“I got involved with Junior Achievement about eight years ago. One of my co-workers is a JA teacher and asked me if I would be interested in teaching at Lincoln Elementary. Every spring, I teach a five-week class for the fourth grade. What I like most about teaching the children about starting a business is how it opens their eyes to how the economy works from a small town to worldwide. The kids always ask great questions, and I feel like every year they take something positive away from the class. It’s a wonderful experience, and it certainly has strengthened my appreciation for all teachers,” Nosalik said.
For future leaders in the Illinois Valley, Nosalik offers some advice.
“Leadership comes in many forms. You don’t have to be a vocal leader to make a difference in someone’s life. I have learned that leading by example and having emotional intelligence can be just as effective, if not more. No matter how you lead, be genuine and listen to others,” he said.
Lissa Olson
Assistant Superintendent, LaSalle County Veteran’s Assistance Commission
LOOKING OUT FOR VETERANS
Lissa Olson, a 42-year-old who lives in Oglesby with her 6-year-old son, believes she has found her calling – helping area veterans as the assistant superintendent for LaSalle County Veteran’s Assistance Commission.
“I have an avid love for my job helping veterans and believe this job has put me right where I need to be. The professional accomplishment I am most proud of is that I am the secretary for our state association, making me the first and only civilian to serve on this board. Knowing that it has always been veterans that serve on this board, but that my peers felt the job I do is worthy of being on the board isn’t lost on me,” Olson said.
As a lifelong Illinois Valley resident, Olson is interested in helping the area thrive.
“I am on many advisory boards. I am an IVAC ambassador. I am the secretary of my state organization, and I am the co-chair of my state education team,” Olson said. “The Illinois Valley is special to me because it is a place that takes care of their own. When something bad happens to a person in our area, the area rallies around that person. The care we have for each other when times get tough is second to none.”
In her spare time, Olson plays slow-pitch softball and participates in league bowl.
“I have played sports my whole life – they are one of my passions. Whether playing or watching, I am all about anything sports. The biggest thing sports have taught me is discipline and teamwork. You have to be committed and have a drive to succeed in any aspect of life, and sports helped me learn how to do that. They also taught me that you need your teammates. Whether in life or in your job, there is always a team around you, and leaning on that team is the best way to accomplish goals,” Olson said.
Brad Popurella
Attorney and McNabb Fire Chief
PROTECTING OTHERS
Whether volunteering in the local fire department or arguing his client’s case in front of a judge, 48-year-old Brad Popurella is concentrated on the care, protection, and defense of others. Since he was 15, Popurella has served in local fire departments. When he was a 15-year-old student at LaSalle-Peru High School, he began to volunteer with Oglesby Fire Department with his father, Randy Popurella.
Fire service runs deep in the Popurella family. In addition to his father’s service, his uncle, Ron Popurella, is the current fire chief in Oglesby. His brother, Randy Popurella Jr., is a volunteer in the fire service, and his grandfather, Ernest “Ditzy” Popurella, was in the fire service, too. Even his mother helped with the fire department for a time.
“The Popurellas have over 150 years of service to local volunteer fire departments and ambulance services,” he said.
Today, Popurella, who now lives in Spring Valley, is the fire chief for McNabb and is nearing his 35th anniversary of volunteering with area fire departments.
Popurella also has a full-time career as an attorney. In addition to his own practice, he is a first assistant public defender in Bureau County, a court-appointed assistant public defender in Putnam, Marshall, and Stark counties, and he is a volunteer attorney with Prairie State Legal Services.
For Popurella, being a public defender is an opportunity to help those from his community and the region. The professional accomplishment he is most proud of was arguing a case before the Illinois Supreme Court.
“This is one of the pinnacles in the practice of law, and only a very small percentage of lawyers can say that they have had this privilege,” Popurella said.
In the fire service and in his law practice, he sees challenges, such as the need for more people to volunteer to help others.
“Get out there and help your community in some way, shape, or form,” he said.
From the Putnam County Rotary to helping with the pitching and coaching for local baseball teams for his sons, Popurella has found a way to get involved and feel connected with his community.
“This area has grown immensely in modernization over the past 10 years, but despite all of this, we still have that ‘hometown’ feel. I grew up here. I love living here. I love raising my family here,” he said.
Omar “OJ” Stoutner
Retired
A HISTORY OF HELPING
Whether assisting farmers with loans, talking to flood victims on behalf of a state senator, or serving on a community organization, 82-year-old Omar “OJ” Stoutner of Peru has always tried to help others. He credits his ability to help others to his wife, Susie, who gave him the support and balance to take on many roles in the community.
The Iowa native grew up on a small farm and studied animal science at Iowa State University. Before graduation, he was offered a position as an Ag Loan officer for the State Bank of Gridley. Having grown up on a farm and with his education in animal science, he understood farmers’ needs as he helped them acquire loans. In addition to his full-time work, he served as a farm manager for some grain farms in the area.
In the late 1970s, he relocated his family to Peru to work at Colonial Trust and Savings Bank. He completed his graduate degree in banking and rose from managing bank acquisitions to being named the bank president of Colonial Trust and Savings Bank, as well as holding the title at LaSalle National Bank and Home Town National Bank.
In 2007, he officially retired from Home Town National Bank, but not from work altogether. When long-time friend State Senator Gary Dahl asked him to work as a legislative aid in his Peru office, Stoutner said absolutely.
“It was a great job,” Stoutner said. “I really enjoyed it.”
As a legislative aid, he assisted with outreach for the state senator in the 38th District, from correspondence to meeting people to talk about issues. When Dahl retired, Stoutner remained a legislative aid for State Senator Sue Rezin through 2018.
In addition to his career, Stoutner has devoted countless hours to the community. He joined the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation Board and served as a board president for more than 10 years. He remains active with the foundation board, where one of the missions is supporting students with scholarships.
He served as board president of Horizon House and is a long-time member of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber, having served as a board president and an ambassador. He’s also been involved with the Peru Rotary Club, LaSalle-Peru Kiwanis Club, and many more organizations.
“Be a joiner. Get involved in the community organizations. Volunteer wherever you find an area you want to be involved with,” Stoutner said.
Patricia Walters
Outreach and Development, Illinois Valley PADS
HELPING THOSE WHO NEED A HAND
Patricia Walters has led a busy and diversified life and continues to make an impact in the Illinois Valley at 72 years old.
“I’ve enjoyed my life and my diverse career choices, which mainly focused on sales, marketing, and outreach. Real estate broker and insurance broker are some of my titles,” Walters said. Walters has also been involved with many organizations that benefit the Illinois Valley area and beyond.
“In my not-for-profit life, the consistent theme has been community advocacy and supporting workforce and economic development. I was a member and leader in the Kiwanis organization for over 20 years. Many years were spent on various boards, such as North Central Regional Betterment Coalition, Illinois Valley Society for Human Resource Management, Starved Rock Country Alliance, North Central Illinois ARTworks, and Illini Valley Association of Realtors,” Walters said.
Walters’ latest role is something she passionately supports.
“I am now blessed to work as the Outreach and Development representative for Illinois Valley PADS homeless shelter. In this position, I am able to use every skill that I have learned over the years in service of the most vulnerable segment of our population. I tell their story. It is a humbling experience to fully understand the resilience and determination of our unhoused population. My challenge is to convey that message to partners, donors, volunteers, and the public in general,” Walters said. “The high level of community support we receive is very gratifying. I am excited to come to work every day to see the smiles on the faces of our clients as they regain their strength and dignity through their commitment to finding a better life for themselves and their families.”
Walters, who lives in LaSalle with her two cats, enjoys her blended family of adult daughters, bonus daughters, and grandchildren. She loves traveling – having visited most U.S. states and six European countries – but also enjoys her time in the Illinois Valley.
“The Illinois Valley is special to me because it is my home. There are no more generous people anywhere than the people who exist here. The community is vibrant, with a rich history and strong sense of local pride. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the positive transformations that I witness every day,” Walters said.
