NewsTribune_IV Woman Magazine_092819

woman ILLINOIS VALLEY

September 2019

THE SPORTING

LIFE Meet three athletic directors who are making their mark in a male-dominated profession

PLUS:

Sold (again)! Why resale shops are booming businesses n Great recipes for pumpkin lovers n

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

contents

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

On the cover For Karrie Damerell, the transition to St. Bede athletic director was easy because everyone there “was accepting of me in the role.”

Damerell and two other area women are finding success in the male-dominated profession.

Page 12

Be a bargain hunter!

Tara Thompson of Princeton looks through children’s clothes at The Closet Resale Shop in Princeton.

Resale shops are booming businesses. Learn some tricks for buying and selling. Page 9

Illinois Valley Woman 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com Publisher Dan Goetz

Back to class 6

Trading in a briefcase for a book bag is a significant jump but the rewards far outweigh the risks.

Great pumpkin 16

Editor Linda Kleczewski Advertising Director Jeanette Smith

jmsmith@shawmedia.com

Writers Tom Collins Ali Braboy Brandon LaChance Kim Shute

Enjoy your autumn days with these memorable pumpkin treats.

Woman’s Expo 20

We look back on another successful IV Woman’s Expo.

Photographers Scott Anderson Tracey MacLeod Designer Liz Klein

Coming next month in Holiday Life:

Published by:

We have ideas to make this year’s holidays brighter than ever. est. 1851

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4 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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IT CAN BE DONE Back to school after starting a career or family?

Graduates say think positive, have plan and don’t give up

By Tom Collins

R

achel Edgcomb of Oglesby had a good job working as a receptionist for an eye doctor.

She enjoyed the work but there came a day when she wanted more for herself and for her daughter, Mia, now 14.

“I got to the point where I felt I wasn’t being challenged anymore,” Edgcomb said. “When I considered what the future looked like for my daughter, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to give her the life I wanted her to have.”

Edgcomb’s answer was to go back to school. She earned an associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College and now is a social work major at Aurora University, scheduled to graduate in May. She plans to get a master’s degree and become an addiction counselor.

It hasn’t been an easy journey. As a single mom, she relied on financial aid and a “wonderful support system” while carving out time for Mia, now a freshman at La Salle-Peru Township High School. A great payoff awaits her on graduation day next spring, however.

“It’s going to be so rewarding,” Edgcomb said.

“I get emotional thinking about it. I knew there would be a couple of rough years — we wouldn’t be able to take vacations — but I promised Mia when this is over we’re going to be able to do all those things and more.”

A growing volume of Illinois Valley women are following Edgcomb back into the classroom

Rachel Edgcomb, seen here studying in her Oglesby home, is set to graduate in May with a bachelor’s in social work from Aurora University. “It’s going to be so rewarding,” Edgcomb said. “I get emotional thinking about it. I knew there would be a couple of rough years — we wouldn’t be able to take vacations — but I promised my daughter when this is over we’re going to be able to do all those things and more.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

in search of better earning potential, to attain their dream jobs and, not least, to provide a better future for their children.

Past graduates who started higher education long after finishing high school, or who returned after starting families and careers, say it can be done, but there are things to know before taking the plunge.

THINK POSITIVE La Salle County state’s attorney Karen Donnelly had raised two children while working as a legal secretary when she made the decision to get a law degree after 30 years as a legal secretary.

“Believe in yourself,” Donnelly counsels women who return to the classroom, “and have a family who supports you as it will take a lot of time and energy from tending to regular life at home.”

It paid off for Donnelly.

She was admitted to the bar in 2014 and, two years later, became the first woman elected state’s attorney in La Salle County history.

Judge Melissa Olivero of Peru also switched careers to earn a law degree, though she didn’t leave the private sector. She was a captain in the U.S. Army who took the entry test for law school while undergoing combat training in Germany. It was an unusual change in career paths, but Olivero knew completing her education was feasible because another woman in her family had done so.

“My mom returned to school to study nursing when I was in middle school and it resulted in a long and wonderful career in nursing,” Olivero said.

“She is my role model.”

Olivero’s advice: Don’t be nervous.

“Returning to school is not as scary as it sounds,” she said. “You definitely have to manage your time by juggling school, work, and family commitments, but it certainly can be done.

IS IT WORTHWHILE? Trading in a briefcase for a book bag is a significant jump and, to hear local baccalaureates tell it, one that shouldn’t be made lightly.

Tuition alone makes it necessary to sit down and decide whether future earning potential will justify the outlay.

“Honestly, in today’s job market I would only suggest a woman research her options very carefully before committing,” said Laura Lugo of Peru, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin-American studies

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She was a captain in the U.S. Army but bade Uncle Sam goodbye to get a law degree. Today she’s Judge Melissa Olivero, a jurist with the National Labor Relations Board.

Olivero said she managed her debt load by working full-time while taking law classes. It was a career switch she does not regret. “I found that after a break for military service,” Olivero said, “I started law school more focused and driven than I had been as an undergraduate.” from DePaul University while raising three children.

“Making sure that the earning potential is there before going into debt is No. 1.”

Taylor (Starkey) Walker had to think about finances long and hard before she enrolled in IVCC’s nursing program — and leaving behind steady work as a welder.

“You have to do what makes you happy,” Walker said. “I was making good money welding, but it was boring, monotonous work.”

Walker initially was hesitant to return to school but her husband was “100% supportive” and was willing to endure some budget cuts to ensure her future happiness.

Returning to school certainly paid off for Olivero, now a judge for the National Labor Relations Board. Nevertheless, she doesn’t have to think hard to remember the days wondering how she’d bankroll a law degree — and whether she’d find work after graduating in 1997.

“I wish someone had told me that it would be challenging to get a job after law school,” Olivero said. “The economy in the late 1990s was not great and a lot of lawyers and new graduates were looking for work.”

NEWSTRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

HAVE A PLAN Petra Estrada of Peru was working as a school secretary and enjoyed working with children, but deep down she knew she could make an even bigger difference in young lives by becoming a teacher. Returning to school meant forgoing her income, however, and she had a husband and two children to think about.

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“At first I was scared financially,” Estrada said.

“There’s a lot of fear when you’re a two-income household and you’re going to one income.”

Estrada encourages women thinking of returning to the classroom to have a plan and to peer into the future. Don’t simply take the plunge.

“If you go back to school

and you can’t afford it, you’re less likely to be successful and you won’t enjoy your studies,” Estrada said.

“It will be too stressful.”

With a plan in hand, and support from her family, Estrada earned a teaching degree in 2009 and now is in her 10th year in education, teaches second grade at See School Page 8

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La Salle County state’s attorney Karen Donnelly was a legal professional for 30 years before she made the difficult decision to enroll in law school. Though she graduated with honors in 2014 and was elected state’s attorney two years later, she well remembers agonizing over the decision.

“My sister always told me that I could be three years older without a law degree or three years older with one — the choice was mine. I know I made the right choice.”

School FROM PAGE 7

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Lincoln School in Mendota.

Olivero hadn’t started a family yet when she returned to the classroom, but she too was wary of encumbering herself with unmanageable debt. She settled on a work-study program that didn’t leave her much free time but limited the size of her school loan repayments.

“I blocked out a certain amount of time for studying each day and worked almost full-time,” Olivero said. “I was glad someone had told me that I should try to get through law school without amassing debt and that I should treat school like a job.”

DON’T GIVE UP Finances aside, going back can require determination.

Lugo needed 10 years of part-time and full-time study to earn a degree in Latin American studies, as she frequently pulled from her books by her three children and by her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis.

“Continuing my education during a time of a lot of changes was very difficult,”

Lugo said. “Of course not every circumstance can be predicted or planned. It is a commitment and not one that should be taken lightly — but it is doable.”

Donnelly encourages women to resist the temptation to think you’ll simply pick up where you left off.

“Just because you may have earned good grades in high school or undergraduate studies, it is a different environment upon returning to school,” Donnelly said. “I had a preconceived notion that law school would be easier because of my legal background, but it was not. I had to work hard to get the grades that I did.”

Walker also found it difficult at first adapting to the classroom, homework and deadlines after a long hiatus.

Tight finances did nothing to help her cope with the stress.

Time and again she told herself not to quit.

“But I can honestly say it has been well worth it,” said Walker, now an intensive care unit nurse at a Pontiac hospital. “I love taking care of my patients and their families. Not a day goes by that I regret my career change.”

Tom Collins is senior writer for the NewsTribune, La Salle.

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Tips for Resale Shopping Bargain Hunters Spill the Best Thrift Store Secrets

T

hey pressed their faces against the windows, trying to peer inside to see the treasures.

More than 40 people waited for the doors to open, almost like it was a store’s grand opening or some sort of shopping holiday, such as Black Friday.

But it was just a regular Wednesday in August. These people were gathered for bargains at The Princeton Closet, a resale shop that’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Resale is becoming very popular — it’s growing 24 times faster than retail in the U.S., the Associated Press reports. And the sales of second-hand merchandise are expected to expand to $51 billion by 2023 from $24 billion last year.

Here are tips from local shoppers and stores on how to get the best deals so you don’t get behind on the fast-growing trend.

BE PATIENT Karolina Kaniewski of Peru: “It’s obviously a lot different than retail shopping and you have to go through many

By Ali Braboy

questionable garments before you find what you like, but with the price and the unique pieces you find it’s worth it and fun in my opinion.”

DON’T SHOP WITH ONLY ONE THING IN MIND Jerrianne Iseley of both La Salle and Naperville: “It’s best to walk into a resale store and not necessarily have anything in mind but just to see what the find may be, let the find come to you.” Her first stop on a Friday morning tends to be at Lily Pads Resale Boutique in Peru.

She loves bargains, and said she finds many things from the store to decorate her La Salle and Naperville spaces. She also finds collectibles to sell on her eBay business.

GO ON A REGULAR BASIS “So often people go once and don’t find something,” said Karen Henrikson of rural Walnut. She was shopping at The Princeton Closet on a Wednesday morning looking for a duffel bag for her daughter as well as Christmas tea cups.

FOLLOW RESALE SHOPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA “You’ll get tons of info,” said Rosanna Stremlau manager at Lily Pads Resale Boutique in Peru.

In July, Lily Pads posted an announcement on its Facebook page of upcoming sales for the boutique’s 13th birthday.

Some sales included $1 for women’s clothing, excluding scrubs, undergarments and pj’s, 3 for $1 children’s clothing and $3 women’s shoes for certain days in August.

There are posts about savings on the Princeton Closet’s Facebook page.

In July, there was a post that said all books and pictures were 50% off, all frames were buy one, get one, and all wicker baskets were buy one, get one.

TRY YOUR HAND AT CONSIGNMENT A consignment store sells secondhand items on behalf of the original owner.

Bold and Curvy Boutique in La Salle has a consignment section that gives store credit to those who turn in items.

See Resale Page 10

Above: These shoppers are hungry for bargains. It’s a normal Wednesday for more than 40 people to wait for the doors to open at The Princeton Closet, a resale shop in Princeton. The store is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Local thrifters shared secrets on how they get the best bargains.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

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Resale FROM PAGE 9

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Boutique owner Andrea Sugg gives some tips: “Find a consignment shop that promotes themselves well, and works to sell the items in their store. For example, in my store, Bold and Curvy, I do Facebook lives selling consignment every other Thursday, and I have a Facebook consignment group with over a thousand members where I post hot new items. I will even ship items to people. I also use radio and newspaper to promote the business.”

She also said to “take items in you yourself would buy.

Consignment is very different than a garage sale or donating items. Pick great, in season, fashionable and like new condition items. Do not take in outdated items.”

And she said it’s important to clean items before bringing them in, which includes washing and inspecting them for stains, holes or snags.

HOME SECTION IS KEY Karolina Kaniewski of Peru: Resale shops have the cutest home decor for way less than places like Target.

BASKETS FOR DAYS Ask resale shops if they have any bargains on certain days. The Princeton Closet has basket days on Fridays and Saturdays when buyers pay $6 a basket to fill as many (certain) clothes, socks or purses in baskets and get as many $6 baskets and they want.

DON’T SLEEP ON THE MEN’S SECTION Karolina Kaniewski of Peru: Resale shops have a lot of fun graphic T-shirts and jean jackets that tend to be a cute oversized look.

Main: Decorating a home can be expensive, but it’s way cheaper if you’re shopping at a resale store. Karolina Kaniewski of Peru found these items at resale shops. She says resale shops have the cutest home decor for way less than places such as Target.

Top right: Forget overspending on trending clothing. Kaniewski found this cute outfit at a thrift store. The college student suggests being patient when it comes to resale shopping.

Center: Kaniewski is confident when it comes to “rocking” the clothing she buys at resale stores, like what’s pictured here.

Bottom right: When it comes to shopping secondhand, don’t sleep on the men’s section, suggests Kaniewski.

This outfit was bought at secondhand stores, and the sweater was found in the men’s section.

You’ll receive a message that asks for you to reply with Y to confirm that you wish to opt-in for the marketing text messages. Once texting Y back, you’ll start to receive the texts.

One recent message offered to take $2 off any lamp on a certain day at the store.

RECEIVE DEALS THROUGH TEXTS Ask a resale shop if they have any texting deals to sign up for.

Text the letters J848 to the phone number 36000 to get signed up for Lily Pads Resale LOOK EVERYWHERE IN THE STORE Boutique in Peru deals, sugItems could be in the gested Stremlau.

wrong spot, so you may mind the perfect item in the place you least expected, suggested Cera Thompson of Princeton.

CHECK OUT THE COLORED STICKERS Ask resale shops what sorts of deals they have any discounts going on.

Lily Pads Resale Boutique puts different colored price labels or tags on items, which

may indicate an amount that will be discounted.

For example, the week of Aug. 27, the store gave 50% off items with green labels and tags; the week of Aug. 19, they gave 50% off items with orange labels or tags; the week of Aug. 12, they gave 50% off items with yellow tags or labels.

Ali Braboy is a writer for the NewsTribune, La Salle.

10 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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Kerri Damerell (center) head volleyball coach smiles while huddling up with the varsity volleyball team during a practice.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

12 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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‘Oh, you’re the athletic director’ Meet some area women who love their roles in a male-dominated field

By Brandon LaChance

A

school year ago, St. Bede Academy hired a new man to fill the role of athletic director.

Actually, no, this isn’t what happened.

For the first time since the academy was established in 1890, a woman was hired as the athletic director for St. Bede when Karrie Damerell took the position for the 2018-19 school year.

“As anyone would, I had a little hesitation because of the time it demands of you after school,” Damerell said. “I have children, so I it took some thought. I really enjoy working at St. Bede. I really enjoy the student-athletes. The administration has always been supportive.

“I felt it was going to be a good fit for me. I was familiar with the office and I also have my own children who are student-athletes at St. Bede. The opportunity to help out and fill the position, I welcomed. I felt the first year went well for me. I have a lot of people I can rely on to help me when need be. I really enjoyed it. I’ve stepped into the role and I haven’t regretted it. It’s been a good year.”

Damerell, who is a mother of four — Alexa (2018 SBA graduate), Braden (SBA junior), Ashlyn (10) and Braxon (7) — and is going into her fifth year as the Lady Bruins volleyball coach, began as a U.S. history teacher at the academy 10 years ago. The same year, she added athletic director assistant to her resume as she assisted Bernie Moore.

When Moore retired, she stayed to help former athletic director and current girls basketball coach and admissions director Tom McGunnigal. After six years of helping McGunnigal in the AD office, Damerell aided Mike Strunna for the 2017-18 school year before he stepped aside.

With almost a decade of experience in the office and learning from three athletic minds well known across the Illinois Valley, it only seemed fitting for Damerell to be next in line for the job.

Although to some, it may seem weird or awkward to have a woman athletic director because the position is known as male dominated.

“At St. Bede, I think everyone was accepting of me in the role,” Damerell said. “I

had been in the office for several years and am a teacher there. I didn’t feel that there was any question of why I was in the office.

I do feel out in the public there is a certain amount of stereotype to a female athletic director, ‘It’s sports and it’s about men.’

“I think that is why you don’t see as many women filling this role and taking it on because in general it’s more accepting for men to be the coach and the leader as far as sports go. Sports are a little more masculine than they are feminine. I still get, ‘Oh, you’re the athletic director’ because I think they were expecting it to be a male.”

McGunnigal thought Damerell was the perfect assistant and the correct person for the athletic director opening when she was offered it.

A year later, he stands by his thoughts that she could have the position as long as she wants.

“Karrie is incredibly organized and efficient. She is really somebody who you can bounce ideas off of and she brings ideas,” McGunnigal said. “She’s not afraid to speak her opinion or her mind, which I greatly appreciate. Leaders don’t want to surround themselves with ‘Yes’ people because not every decision is right. Having Karrie as my assistant was great because I always knew there would be a fresh idea or an opportunity to run something past her and get a reaction to see how it may unfold in the best interest of our student-athletes and St. Bede.

“She has a great understanding of the culture and the tradition in the St. Bede athletic department. She’s been here and she knows our students. She’s developed a great understanding of long athletic seasons. She was an athlete herself, her husband (P.J. Damerell) is a youth football coach and their children are athletes, so she understands how it works. She’s been around a school and sports environment her entire life.

“She has a great understanding of what’s needed, how things should look and how things should be handled. It’s great setup to have Karrie as the athletic director. She’s an athletic mind and has athletic ideas and See Director Page 14

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACEY MACLEOD

Director FROM PAGE 13

different ways to do things.”

McGunnigal is not in Damerell’s shoes as a female in a male-dominated position.

However, he believes at St. Bede and in the Three Rivers Conference, there hasn’t been any difficulties or unfair queries because of her gender.

“Not at all, not at all,” McGunnigal said. “One thing about our conference, it’s an incredible group of professionals and decent human beings who don’t see skin color or gender. There’s no distinction made. There is a professional courtesy and respect for each individual.”

Besides the occasionally stunned look from the public, Damerell doesn’t have any issues at St. Bede whether it’s students, other teachers or other administrators.

The Three Rivers hasn’t given the woman in charge of SBA sports any grief either.

“Sometimes male coaches can have a hard time dealing with a female in the realm of sports, but I have not had that issue at St. Bede,” Damerell said. “Male coaches and male athletes have been very respectable toward me.

“I think I have established myself and have built relationships over the years with the kids. I teach all juniors, so I don’t feel any other kids have responded in a negative way. We also have Michelle Mershon, our principal, so there are other women in administration roles. I think the students are very accepting of it and I haven’t had any issues.”

“I think having been a physical education teacher and a volleyball coach, you build that rapport with the other male coaches at the school - the golf coach, the football coach,” said Litherland, who coached the BV volleyball team (2002-10) and took the team to the IHSA State Tournament in 2005. “The athletic department camaraderie between being male and female and understanding each other’s jobs helped me embrace this job.

“Having coached for so many years and surrounding myself around great coaches - female and male - I never saw a barrier. At the end of the night, we were sharing the gym with each other and helping each other out with DAMERELL IN GOOD COMPANY any questions. We did a lot Damerell is not the only of sharing and there was a female athletic director in the lot of teamwork. There was area as Bureau Valley has no divide.”

Vicki Litherland, DePue’s Litherland, who is retiring athletic programs are run by after the 2019-2020 school Robbie Fox and Marquette’s year, agreed with Damerell athletic representative is and McGunnigal about ADs Sandy Kotek. in the conference being proLitherland is going into her fessional and having zero fifth year as the AD at Bureau bad vibes.

Valley, but it’s her first solo There have been no issues campaign as Jason Sprang about her gender at Bureau was the athletic director for Valley either. the boys and Litherland han“I think there is a high dled the girls activities for the level of respect. I think it’s last four school years. important when you’re an

Robbie Fox shares an animated discussion with DePue fifth-graders. Fox is athletic director for the DePue school system.

asked Robbie Fox to take over as athletic director because Amy Foristall, who had held the position for a year, was having a baby and was relinquishing her role.

At first, Fox didn’t understand why the school would want an unathletic individual to hold the position. She didn’t understand you don’t have to play sports to perform athletic director duties.

“The biggest part of this job is being organized and communicating,” said Fox, who is an English second language teacher for K-12 and is the ESL coordinator and the Tom McGunnigal, Bureau County Fair coordinaSt. Bede admissions tor. “Although I didn’t know director and head girls sports, I could learn. I go to the games so I can watch and basketball coach learn. I think the perception is you have to be athletic to be an athletic director - you athletic director that you don’t. It’s more communicapick up and fill roles and have knowledge of the sports tion and organization. They that you’re going to be work- asked me to be the athletic director because of my orgaing with,” Litherland said. nization skills.

“If I have questions, I just “You probably have to like ask. I’m surrounded by great watching sports, which I do. coaches who are experts in But, I can’t run unless a bear their field. They guide me is chasing me.” and we work together.

And even though Fox and “I never felt (anything negative) in the conference about Kotek are outnumbered in me being a woman. Everyone the Tri-County Conference, Fox has had no instances, has been very helpful and arguments or snarky remarks very kind.” because she is a woman.

Three summers ago, the The few times there was a powers that be at DePue

“One thing about our conference, it’s an incredible group of professionals and decent human beings who don’t see skin color or gender.”

14 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

tiff, it wasn’t because of her gender. She was just learning on the job.

“No, I was actually surprised there hasn’t been any issues because I’m a female,” Fox said. “There have been a couple of times I felt like I was talked down to but it was more because I didn’t know the sports rather than the position. I didn’t understand you had to play this many games or something like that. It wasn’t because of my gender. That could have happened to a 25 year old man who didn’t know.”

With work conditions in schools and conferences acceptable for women in a field associated with male dominance, Damerell, Litherland and Fox all recommend qualified women to give being an athletic director a shot.

As Damerell proved, there always can be a first.

“I would say the trend is changing where women are becoming more acceptable in to these roles and more attention is being paid to women in sports,” Damerell said.

“Throughout the years, you’re

Vicki Litlerland (far right) athletic director at Bureau Valley High School meets with the varsity volleyball team before picture day in the schools cafeteria.

still looking at sports as more of a men dominated area. I don’t feel that there was a time I wasn’t accepted.

“I think it’s going well for

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me at St. Bede. I hope to see more women in the athletic director role because I think women can bring something to the table.”

Brandon LaChance is a sports writer for the NewsTribune, La Salle.

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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | September 2019 15

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Make Pumpkin Great Again Soup, cupcakes and more are delicious ways to enjoy fall’s favorite flavor

By Kim Shute

It’s pumpkin spice season.

Chestnut Street Inn Chef Monika Sudakov prepares a classic quick bread using pumpkin and chocolate chips to amp up the flavor. The bread uses canned pumpkin puree-not pumpkin pie mix, which is nutritious and inexpensive.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Pumpkin Bread Courtesy of Monika Sudakov 1 cup pureed pumpkin meat 1 ½ cups all purpose flour 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 ½ tsps baking powder 1 egg ¼ tsp baking soda ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil 1 tsp cinnamon Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips Pinch of salt ¾ cups granulated sugar Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan with either cooking spray or butter. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, pumpkin, egg, vanilla and oil. Whisk until well combined. Add the pumpkin/sugar mixture to the flour mixture and fold together until the liquids are just combined into the flour. Add chocolate chips if using. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and place in the oven. Bake approximately 55 minutes or until the bread comes out nice and golden brown.

It may be officially known as autumn, but in all reality, the season has been entirely taken over by all things pumpkin spice. Right or wrong (I’m looking at you pumpkin spice Spam) the favorite flavor of fall is everywhere.

If you’re a fan of the ubiquitous flavor, the good news is you can find recipes using it in just about everything from drinks, to baked goods to soups Monika Sudakov of Sheffield is the Chef at the Chestnut Street Inn and she knows a thing or two about cooking with fall’s favorite squash.

First, she says canned pumpkin is just fine to use. No need to be noble and roast your own pumpkins unless you’re looking strictly for bragging rights.

“You just need to make sure you look for pure pumpkin puree,” Sudakov said, “Don’t mistake it for pumpkin pie filling which has added spices. Use organic if you can find it.”

Sudakov says real pumpkin has to be roasted, peeled and pureed before use and in most cases the difference in taste will be negligible and not worth the extra time and effort.

If you do chose to take the long road, she says early harvest pumpkins are less sweet than late which is something to keep in mind for the flavor profile of your dish.

“Canned is more consistent,” Sudakov said.

One of her favorite uses for pumpkin is a soup. Unlike many pumpkin or squash soups, she prefers a savory flavor vs. a sweet version that uses warming spices.

“For the soup, I like paprika, herbs de Provance, garlic, onion, bay leaf-maybe just a hint of nutmeg.

When she opts for sweet pumpkin recipes, a pumpkin chocolate chip quick bread is a surefire crowd pleaser.

The recipe counts on the chocolate for sweetness and perfectly balances the sweet earthy flavor of the pumpkin. (bonus, she says, the recipe can be used as a basic quick bread that can easily swap out, bananas, applesauce or other ingredients to mix it up.)

Both recipes are perfect for novice or experienced cooks. So skip the pumpkin spice latte, and whip up yourself something homemade to ring in the season.

Kim Shute is bureau chief for the NewsTribune, La Salle.

16 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Courtesy of Pam Warren Yields: 24 Cupcakes with Frosting

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Pumpkin is the flavor of fall, but it isn’t limited to just sweet flavors.

A twist on classic fall flavors can be found in pumpkin soup. A savory soup contrasts with pumpkins naturally delicate flavor.

Pumpkin Soup Courtesy of Monika Sudakov Pumpkins aren’t just for carving. They are delicious, healthy and a seasonal vegetable in the fall that is a great addition to any meal. I have experimented with using fresh pie pumpkins that I have baked in this dish and decided that the extra effort really wasn’t worth it.

The canned pumpkin is really perfectly suited for a soup and the flavor very comparable to the fresh Yield: Approx. 8 servings 2-14 oz cans pumpkin (Be sure not to use pumpkin pie filling) 2 medium onions chopped 2 medium carrots, peeled and Chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp unsalted Butter 3 tsp Kosher Salt 1 tsp freshly ground pepper Pinch freshly grated nutmeg 2 tsp smoked hot Hungarian Paprika 2 bay leaves 2 Tbsp Herbes de Provence ½ cup vermouth or dry sherry 6 cups chicken stock 1/2-3/4 cup sour cream 2-3 Tbsp honey

Cupcakes: 1/4 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed firmly 2 large eggs 3/4 cup fat free milk 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 2 1/3 cups all purpose flour 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp ground ginger Frosting: 1 (8 ounce) package reduced fat cream cheese 1/4 cup butter, softened 4 cups confectioners sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, add in butter, applesauce, sugars, and eggs and beat over medium speed until combined. Add in pumpkin and continuing beating until thoroughly incorporated. In a liquid measuring cup, combine milk and lemon juice and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients. Slowly, over medium speed, add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, alternating with the milk mixture, beating well after each addition. Line cupcakes trays with paper liners and then spray lightly with a non-stick cooking spray. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 of the way full and bake for 22 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool. To make frosting, combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and beat over medium speed until ingredients begin to combine, slowly increase speed and continue beating until a frosting is formed. Once cupcakes cool completely, frost as desired and enjoy!

In a medium soup pot over med-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add onions and sauté until tender, approx. 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté one minute until fragrant. Add carrots, celery and remaining spices and sauté for a couple of minutes to toast the spices. Add the pumpkin and then deglaze the pan with the ½ cup vermouth or sherry. Bring heat to high and reduce the liquid until most of it has evaporated.

Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer covered for 45 minutes. Turn off heat and remove bay leaves. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until creamy. Add sour cream and honey and puree until the sour cream is well incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with a dollop of crème fraiche.

Recipes continued on Page 18 A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | September 2019 17

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Continued from Page 17

Stuffed Shells with Pumpkin

Cafe’s Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Courtesy of Nora Brewster 1-12 ounce package of jumbo pasta shells 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of flour 1 1/2 cups milk 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese or Romano 2 cups cooked pumpkin 1 cup chopped fresh raw spinach 1 small can of chunked albacore (in water) drained and rinsed 2 cups ricotta cheese salt and pepper to taste 1 large clove of garlic crushed 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Courtesy of Judy Mosier 1 can (30 ounces) pumpkin pie filling 1 cup sugar 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk 3 eggs 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size) 1 cup butter, melted 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans Caramel Sauce: Topping: 1 cup butter, cubed 2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 cups packed brown sugar 3 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Boil pasta until done, and rinse with clod water. DO NOT OVER COOK or shells will tear when being stuffed.

Melt butter medium saucepan. Stir in flour; continue stirring and add milk. When sauce thickens, stir in Parmesan cheese — if too thick, add another 1/2 cup of milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup Parmesan cheese, pumpkin, ricotta, spinach, salt and pepper, and garlic.

Once mixed well good — fold in chucked-drained albacore. Lightly oil a 2 quart baking dish. Stuff shells with pumpkin filling and place in baking dish. Cover shells with sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella over top. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. 6 servings.

Line two 9-in. pie plates with waxed paper or parchment paper; coat the paper with cooking spray. Set aside. In a bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar and milk. Beat in eggs, cinnamon and salt. Pour into prepared pans. Sprinkle with dry cake mix. Drizzle with butter. Sprinkle with pecans; press down lightly. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 2 hours on wire racks. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Invert pies onto serving plates; remove waxed paper. Chill. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and cream; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. For topping, in a bowl, beat cream until foamy. Beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Cut the pie into slices; drizzle with caramel sauce and dollop with topping.

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18 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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pd adv

Hydrafacial™ Memberships: Put The Best Skin of Your Life on a Lay Away Plan collagen production, decrease inflammation and help with absorption of products applied. Blue LED Light may also be used to kill bacteria in acne patients. At the end of the Hydrafacial™, we love to show patients what came out of their skin!”

A Hydrafacial™ is a patented procedure done with a Hydrafacial™ machine that has many components of a high-quality facial, but also much more, with no discomfort or downtime.

The machine has several different functions that may all be part of a Hydrafacial™ depending on your skin concerns. Hydrafacial™ uses vortex fusion technology to infuse different substances in the skin for each step of the procedure. Hydrafacial™ is safe for all skin types and can treat a multitude of skin conditions including, wrinkles, skin laxity, pigment issues, dry dehydrated skin, redness, rosacea, and acne.

The treatment is appropriate for men, women and teens. In most instances, Hydrafacial™ is done by a medical professional or esthetician working in a medical spa.

“In a basic Hydrafacial™, there are 5 steps. The first is hydradermabrasion where a substance cleans and exfoliates the skin at high pressure. In the next step a chemical peel is infused in the skin which stimulates healthy turnover but does not cause peeling. The third step involves extractions with a substance pushed into the skin that softens pores and then the vacuum function extracts the debris from them.

In the fourth step, hyaluronic acid is infused in the skin.

Hyaluronic acid is the building block of collagen and brings moisture into the skin.

In the last step, red LED light therapy is used to stimulate

Dr. Nicole Norris continues, “Patients who wish to maximize anti-aging and skin health with Hydrafacial™ may add on dermaplaning, Hydrafacial™ booster products, or lymphatic drainage. Dermaplaning is done prior to Hydrafacial™ and involves a medical professional using a surgical scalpel to deeply exfoliate the skin and remove vellus hair from the face. Dermaplaning removes barriers on the skin for better penetration of product and stimulates new skin production.

Hydrafacial™ booster substances can be added to brighten the skin, minimize brown pigmentation, temporarily soften lines, or stimulate collagen with collagen growth factors.

Lymphatic drainage is great for patients who want to decrease puffiness in their face and rid the skin of impurities.”

Dr. Norris also comments on why Hydrafacial™ is so popular. “People often ask me why I love Hydrafacial™ so much and I tell them about the study done with Hydrafacial™ a few years ago. In this study, a large group of women ages 35 to 65 were offered a monthly Hydrafacial™ for six months.

They all agreed to have skin

biopsies in front of their ear before and after this series of six Hydrafacials TM. In every single biopsy comparison, there was a statistically significant increase in collagen (fills lines and wrinkles), elastin (tightens the skin) and a decrease in melanin (age spots/freckles/ melasma). This is truly an amazing result considering the procedure is painless, has no downtime, and patients love their immediate highintensity glowing skin!”

Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa now offers different levels of Hydrafacial™ memberships, Signature, Deluxe, and Diamond for six or twelve month contracts.

Signing up for a membership significantly decreases the cost of Hydrafacial™ for you and you can choose the Hydrafacial™ and add-ons that best suits your skin.

With some memberships you will also save on medical-grade products and clean make-up. To experience Hydrafacial™ for yourself, come to their Hydrafacial™ Signature event on October 22nd 3pm-7pm.

Hydrafacial™ appointments will be available for $50 (regularly $250) at that event and several Hydrafacial™ experts will be on hand to answer your questions and guide you to the right Hydrafacial™ membership.

Sign up for a Hydrafacial™ Membership at Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa and essentially put the best skin of your life on a lay away plan!

Call 815-780-8264 to reserve your spot! #Hydrafacial #Gunk

Tamara Smith, RN, at Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa in Peru, IL, explains further, A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | September 2019 19

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Lindsey Chavez wins the heart of The Marvelous Missy. Missy was a model for Fetching Freida’s during the fashion show.

Wow!

What an Expo!

A

lmost 500 people attended the NewsTribune’s 2nd Annual Illinois Valley Woman’s Expo in August.

“We could not be happier with the event,” said Jeanette Smith, event organizer and NT marketing director. “The Expo was a great atmosphere for local woman to walk around and enjoy a large variety of vendors and demonstrations. They shopped, ate and enjoyed a night out with their girl friends. We ended the Expo with a fashion show featuring stylish outfits from local boutiques.”

This year’s event was sponsored by Hy-Vee, Illinois Valley Community Hospital, St. Margaret’s Health, Illinois Valley YMCA, Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa, Bath Fitter and Illinois Valley Credit Union.

It’s already time to mark your calendar for next year’s Expo. It will be Thursday, Aug. 6 at John F. Kennedy School in Spring Valley.

Several booths from this year’s Expo already re-signed for next year.

Anyone interested in having a vendor or craft booth at the 2020 Expo should call Smith at (815) 220-6948.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACEY MACLEOD

20 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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Above: Hayleigh Olson works on her putting with a little help from Sports Boss Golf Darren Waite, as Alicyn Olson and Olivia Kerwell watch at the expo.

Right: Making it all look easy: Hy-Vee Chef, Sara Fitzpatrick teaches expo-goers how to make a healthy Parmesan chicken meal (including zucchini noodles) during a demonstration on the big stage.

Above: NewsTribune account representative Kelly Campbell shows off her power walk on the runway in a fabulous collection from T’s Midwest Boutique, located in Utica.

Left: How much sugar do we really consume in one drink?

Illinois Valley Community Hospital dietitian Alyssa Salz explains that there are 65 grams of sugar in a 20-ounce Coke. It would take a 3½-mile walk to lose the calories from that sugar.

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | September 2019 21

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SponSored by:

New This Year – Pre-Show Cooking Demos available for only $10 with any ticket purchase.

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$20 – Premier Ticket First 4 rows behind VIP seats $12 – General Admission All tickets are assigned seating Tickets available at the LaSalle NewsTribune office, Hy-Vee or online at: https://www.lcbcradio.com/site/forms/online_services/cooking_show_tickets/ 12:15: Easy Festive Holiday Appetizers & Wines to Match.

Chef Sara & Dale Hanson, Wine & Spirits Manager from Hy-Vee 1:00: Dessert Time Southern Beignet Caramel Bread Pudding

1:45: Seasonal Main Dish Chef Sara from Hy-Vee. 2:30: Pizza Like a Pro. Matthew R. Dean Food Fanatic Chef US Foods.

22 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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Sinus Blockage?

Who do you turn to?

Dr. Maher Younes and the staff at the IVCH ENT and Allergy Center offer expert help for chronic sinusitis, including in-office balloon sinus dilation.

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815.223.4400 • Ivch.org/ENT A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | September 2019 23

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For more information or to request an appointment online visit: aboutsmh.org/ob-gyn 24 September 2019 | Illinois Valley Woman | A NewsTribune Publication

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