Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

11/10/2025

🌟 This past Friday, November 7, the FVSRA community came together for A Night Among Stars, our annual Recognition Banquet celebrating the individuals and partners who make our mission possible.

Each year, staff carefully nominate and select award recipients who demonstrate outstanding commitment, leadership, and positivity. From participants and coaches to volunteers and community partners, this special evening honors those who go above and beyond to support inclusive recreation across the Fox Valley.

🏆 Congratulations 2025 Award Recipients:

Mike Glower Sunshine Award
• Siena DalSanto
• Samuel Figgers

Coach of the Year
• John Ramos

Athlete of the Year
• Lucas Caputo

Youth Participants of the Year
• Colten Devine
• Landon Jabczynski

Adult Participants of the Year
• Mike Mazurek
• Katie Kennedy

David Moisa Sportsmanship Award
• David Colby

Bob Stuart Friend of the Year Award
• Robert Thompson (not pictured)

Family of the Year
• The Bliss Family

Part-Time Staff of the Year
• Stephanie Tabares
• Rachel Hannon

Volunteer of the Year
• Gerardo Galvez-Huerta (not pictured)

Service Organization of the Year
• Northwestern Medicine – Team NM (not pictured)

Inclusion Supporter of the Year
• Krista Casanovas

Summer Staff Excellence Award
• Lauren Benson & Margaret Lucas (not pictured)

Partnership Award
• Kris Johnson (not pictured)

Foundation Pillar Award
• Penny Brizzolara
• Patti Dickens

Foundation Service Award
• Tony Abbott (not pictured)

💙 A Night Among Stars is a reminder of what FVSRA is all about, bringing people together, celebrating every success, and creating opportunities for everyone to grow, connect, and belong. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!

📸 Read the full recap of award winners and view event photos on our website: https://www.fvsra.org/a-night-of-celebration-2025-fvsra-recognition-banquet/

11/07/2025

🔍 Looking for something free and educational to do this weekend?
Join the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley tomorrow, November 8, for the Healthy Futures Expo at Society 57 in Downtown Aurora!

This free community event features local organizations, wellness resources, and helpful information to support your health and wellbeing.

Take steps toward a healthier future, more information below!

Diabetes Club fundraiser ‘A Night to End Diabetes’ Nov. 14 Saturday, November 1, we begin National Diabetes Awareness Month, observed to raise an awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and its management. National Diabetes Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of early...

11/06/2025

➡️ Now through November 17, FVSRA staff and Aktion Club members are collecting non-perishable food and essential items for the Batavia Food Pantry, helping local families across the Fox Valley access the essentials that keep households strong and healthy.

You can join in by dropping off donations at the FVSRA Office, located at 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, Monday through Friday between 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Most Needed Items:
Canned vegetables, beans, and soup • Canned fruits • Rice, pasta, cereal • Shampoo/conditioner • Diapers (4–6) • Baby wipes • Coffee/tea

🌟 We understand that times can be challenging, and we want to ensure that every family in our community has access to the food resources they need. Every donation makes a difference in your community!

11/05/2025

STATE CHAMPS! 🏈 FVSRA Flag Football Team brought home the title from the state championships in Peoria this past weekend. This accomplishment reflects consistent hard work from our athletes and steady support from coaches, volunteers, and families throughout the season. Way to go, Stars! 🌟

HUGE Thank you to Special Olympics Illinois, Rich Howe, and Paul Tuttle Photography for the amazing photography!

11/04/2025

🌟 While out on a walk today, FVSRA Daybreak program (Pottawatomie location) ran into St. Charles Mayor Clint Hull!

We enjoyed a great conversation, stopped by the City Administration building for a quick visit, and captured a wonderful group photo together. Thank you, Mayor Hull, for taking the time to brighten our day! 👋

10/31/2025

🎃 Happy Halloween from the FVSRA team! 👻

Friendly reminder that our office will close at 2:00pm today.

In the spirit of Halloween, we’re sharing a few trick-or-treat tips from our Fall is for All article, written by FVSRA Inclusion Coordinator, Janae Winston.
Explore more seasonal inclusivity tips here: fvsra.org/fall-is-for-all/

🍬 Inclusive Trick-or-Treat Tips
• Candy + non-food treats
Include small toys or fidgets so everyone can enjoy.

• Clear, well-lit paths
Keep walkways safe and accessible for all friends.

• All communication welcome
Words, visuals, devices, gestures...every “trick or treat” counts.

• Sensory-friendly choices
Keep noise low and offer a calm break space.

Have a safe, inclusive, and magical Halloween night! ✨

10/29/2025

It’s been a spooktacular week at FVSRA! 👻 From the Monster Mash Bash Dance to the Day Program Halloween Party, our participants showed off their ghoulishly great costumes, sweet dance moves, and plenty of Halloween spirit. 🍬🎃

Share below: What are you dressing up as this Halloween?

10/27/2025

🌟 This past Friday at the Illinois Association of Park Districts Best of the Best Awards Gala, FVSRA and Aurora University were recognized with a Partnership Award, a prestigious statewide honor celebrating exceptional collaboration between park agencies and community partners.

This recognition highlights our collaboration to support the next generation of Therapeutic Recreation professionals through hands-on learning through programs like Rec 1150: Work for Credit. In this course, Aurora University students earn college credit and gain real-world experience working alongside FVSRA staff to deliver inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities in the Fox Valley.

FVSRA Executive Director Alex Engelhardt and Aurora University Professor of Therapeutic Recreation Kris Johnson were honored to attend the Gala and accept the award from IAPD.

Thank you to the Illinois Association of Park Districts for this recognition and to Aurora University for being such a valued partner in advancing inclusive recreation and education! 💙

10/27/2025

🌟 Wanda’s been busy! Have you seen all her latest adventures?
There are only a few more stops left, but the impact and initiatives she’s highlighted will continue to make a difference for years to come. Don’t miss how the Fox Valley Special Recreation Foundation is creating brighter tomorrows through each stop along the way!

10/22/2025

UPDATE: The system is working again. You may contact us at our main line, 630-907-1114.

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) is currently experiencing an outage affecting our phone systems. Our main line is temporarily unavailable.

➡️ You can reach us by calling 630-930-7176 during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible!