The 2025 Dons and Doña Nomination and Selection:

Since the Pleasant Valley Historical Society’s inception, Don and Doña honors have been awarded to individuals who have shown dedication to the community. We are once again looking for the names of local citizens to receive the recognition of Don or Doña for this year;  for reference, the PVHS Museum has a complete listing of Don and Doña Honor Awardees, from 1965 through 2023, available.  Use (click or tap) the Dons and Doñas Awardees link (below) to view/print/download the PDF file:

Link:  Don and Doña Honor Awardees: 1965 – 2023 (Alphabetical Order)

We invite you to submit nominations for the 2025 Dons and Doñas. Nominations are accepted until:

May 27, 2025

 

     Following that date the Don and Doña Selection Committee will meet to consider all nominations. All nominations are confidential and only known by this committee. The Committee will review the nominations for selection in the 2025 group.

     The PVHS Board hosts a Get Acquainted Reception for the Honorees and the Board in August. The Annual Don and Doña BBQ to honor the recipients will be held on August 30, 2025 at thePleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District Community Center. We look forward to receiving your nominations. Make your plans now for the BBQ and submit those applications for this year’s class of Dons and Doñas. For further information please send an email to bburrow1@msn.com.

Use (click or tap) the 2025 Dons & Doñas Nomination Form link (below) to view/print/download a PDF file:  (The form’s instructions are printed on the form.)

Link: 2025 Dons & Doñas Nomination Form

If the above link is not cooperating, please use the “Send us a Message:” feature (at the bottome of this page) and request a Nomination Form be emailed to you.

 

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Past Don and Doña Honors Recipients:

     For 61 years, Don and Doña honors have been awarded to long-time local residents who are nominated by the community.  These residents have made a difference in the community through their professional and volunteer efforts for at least twenty years.  The designation harkens back to early California days as the title given to community leaders.  (Adolfo Camarillo [1864–1958] was considered the “last of the Spanish Dons”.)  The Society is pleased to acknowledge their contributions to this lovely valley.

     Again for year 2024, the Pleasant Valley Historical Society recognizeed individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.  Once again, nominations were received and reviewed to determine this year’s group of worthy recipients.  The individuals selected include a wide range of service to the community to make the Pleasant Valley area even a more special place.  PVHS congratulates the following:

The 2024 Dons and Doñas Recipients:

Back row: Craig Mason, Bruce Jochums, Ruff Smith, John McCoy, Eric Bergh
Front row: Linda Thayer-Gaboury, Joanne Kennedy, Al Fox, Linda Reynolds, Judith Wilcoxson

The 2023 Annual Event was held last September 16th at the Camarillo Community Center (1605 E. Burnley St.).

Dons and Doñas 2024:
Eric Bergh
Al Fox
Bruce Jochums
Joanne Kennedy
Craig Mason
John McCoy
Linda Reynolds
Ruff Smith
Linda Thayer-Gaboury
Judith Wilcoxson

 

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The 2023 Don and Doña Honors Recipients:

 

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2022 Don and Doña Honors Recipients:

Left to right: Brenda Brueckner, Karen Gatchel, Wayne Brueckner, Mary Ann Novak, Betty Weyek, Helen Faul, David Tennessen, Curt Luft, Mary Goldberg, Gwen Speakes, Diana Hagen, Don Howald

The 2022 Annual Event was held last September 25th at the Camarillo Community Center (1605 E. Burnley St.).

Dons and Doñas 2022:
Brenda Brueckner
Wayne Brueckner
Helen Faul
Karen Gatchel
Mary Goldberg
Diana Hagen
Don Howald
Curt Luft
Mary Ann Novak
Gwen Speakes
David Tennessen
Betty Weyek

 

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