Celebrating our partnership with citizens who have made a significant impact in our community and the quality of life for our residents. 20 25
Con atulations
To the 2025 recipients of the IAPD/IPRA Community Service Awards
Raeann Spencer
Theresa Czarnik
Hilda Ettedgui
Paula Fenza
Brian Flora
Esperanza Garcia-Alvarez
The Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association annually present Community Service Awards to individuals and organizations in recognition and appreciation of their outstanding contribution and unselfish devotion for the advancement of parks, recreation and leisure in the community and the state of Illinois.
Raeann Spencer Recipient
For the past twelve years, Raeann has been a dedicated volunteer at Pleasant Home, helping bring its rich history to life for countless visitors. With a special talent for sharing the stories of the families who once lived there, she creates meaningful connections between the past and present.
In addition to leading engaging tours, Raeann has played an important role in developing new exhibits that continue to strengthen Pleasant Home’s identity as a true living history museum. Her background in volunteer coordination and management further enhances the docent program and supports fellow volunteers.
For Raeann, the greatest joy comes when the home is filled with guests — whether five or twenty — and the energy and excitement are palpable. Seeing visitors connect with the history of this remarkable home is deeply rewarding. She hopes everyone visits the home to experience that same sense of discovery and enthusiasm firsthand.
Theresa Czarnik Recipient
For the past eight years, Theresa has generously shared her time and talents as a volunteer docent with Pleasant Home. With a deep love of history and architecture, she brings knowledge, enthusiasm, and thoughtful insight to every tour.
Her passion shines through in the way she connects with visitors, making each experience both educational and memorable. Her proudest — and most rewarding — moments come when guests are truly engaged in the stories being shared. Seeing visitors light up with curiosity and excitement happens often, and it’s what makes volunteering both fun and deeply satisfying.
Hilda Ettedgui Recipient
Although a docent for just a few months, Hilda brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to becoming a docent, she served for four years as a Special Event Supervisor at both Cheney and Pleasant Home, developing a deep familiarity and appreciation for these historic spaces. A trained architect with experience in historic preservation, Hilda has also led art and architecture–focused tours throughout her professional life. Her expertise allows her to thoughtfully read each audience and tailor tours to match visitors’ interests — blending rich historical facts with engaging anecdotes that bring the mansion to life.
For Hilda, the most rewarding moments come when young visitors show genuine curiosity and excitement while exploring the mansion — sparking an appreciation for history and architecture in the next generation.
Paula Fenza Recipient
Since joining Pleasant Home as a volunteer in the fall of 2015, Paula has brought enthusiasm and professionalism to the docent program. With extensive experience in volunteerism and public speaking, she is a confident and engaging storyteller who truly enjoys connecting with visitors and sharing the rich history of the home.
One of her most special experiences has been the opportunity to give tours in French to visiting guests. As a fluent French speaker, she takes great pride in making Pleasant Home’s history accessible to an even broader audience — creating meaningful and memorable experiences for visitors from near and far.
Brian Flora Recipient
For seventeen years, Brian has been a dedicated volunteer at Pleasant Home, beginning in 2009 after retiring from a distinguished 34-year career as a U.S. diplomat. Encouraged to “go do something,” he found his way to Pleasant Home — first with the Pleasant Home Foundation and now with the Park District — and he has no plans to leave. Brian brings an outgoing personality, a natural ability to connect with people, and a deep love of history to the docent program.
His passion for historical reenacting adds an extra dimension to his tours, and he is always ready to step in and support special events whenever needed. One of his most memorable moments came when he impersonated the “ghost” of John Farson at a High Tea event, complete with period costume, top hat, and red tie. Fully embracing the role, he captivated guests, who eagerly joined in the fun — creating an unforgettable and spirited experience for all.
Esperanza Garcia-Alvarez Recipient
For the past three years, Esperanza has brought energy and enthusiasm to the Pleasant Home docent program, sharing the story of this remarkable historic home with visitors from near and far.
Her excitement is contagious, helping create welcoming and memorable experiences for both local guests and international travelers. One of the highlights of her volunteer service is the opportunity to offer tours in Spanish. As a fluent Spanish speaker, Esperanza is able to connect with a broader audience and ensure that even more visitors can fully experience and appreciate the rich history of Pleasant Home.
Recent Community Award Winners
2024
Ade Onayemi
Jack Lesniak
Michele Silvetti-Schmitt
Bill Blount
Tim Puntillo
Ana Garcia Doyle
Jim Doyle
Catherine Wetzel 2023
Don Harmon
LaShawn Ford
Camille Lily
Camille Wilson White 2022
Wiley Samuels
George Bailey
Carl Spight
Lee Pulliam
Laura Stamp 2021
Mary Jo Schuler
Dr. David Ansell
Edward Kerros
Laura Thompson
Nancy Waichler
Jill Allread
Cate Readling
Marcia Lehman
Thank You, and Con adulations to A 2025 Recipients!
OUR MISSION
In partnership with the community, we enrich lives by providing meaningful experiences through programs, parks and facilities.
OUR VISION
We strive for excellence in serving the well-being and recreational needs to our diverse community through a collaborative, innovative, and sustainable approach.
2026 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
Kathleen Porreca • President
Jake Worley-Hood • Vice President
Sandy Lentz • Secretary
Christopher Wollmuth • Treasurer
Ade Onayemi • Commissioner
