After presenting Henry Staal with a Community Service Award, Russell Council took a moment for a photo of the occasion. From left: Councillor Marc Lalonde, Councillor Lisa Deacon, Mayor Mike Tarnowski, Henry Staal, Councillor Jamie Laurin, Councillor Charles Armstrong. Courtesy Photo

EMBRUN – A familiar face behind many of the township’s heritage initiatives was formally recognized Mon., March 23, as Russell Council presented longtime volunteer Henry Staal with a Community Service Award.

The honour celebrates residents who make outstanding contributions to the community, and Staal’s decades of work preserving and promoting local history made him a clear choice in what members of Council have frequently identified as one of their most enjoyable activities.

Raised on a family farm near Hamilton Road in the early 1950s, Staal has spent much of his life giving back to the community he still calls home. His involvement with the Russell Agricultural Society and the Russell Fair Board spans more than 40 years, including terms as president from 1998 to 1999 and again in 2016. His leadership helped sustain and grow one of the township’s most enduring traditions.

Staal’s volunteer efforts extend well beyond the fairgrounds. Since joining the Russell Lions Club in 2000, he has chaired multiple committees and led two “DocFest” fundraising events in support of Winchester District Memorial Hospital. He also served a term as club president.

His passion for local history has been equally evident through his work with the Russell Historical Society, where he served three years as president. During that time, he played a key role in restoring the former Russell fire hall and spearheaded a community effort to refurbish the village’s first fire truck. The restored vehicle now appears in parades across the region, while a mural at the fire hall near Concession and Church streets commemorates the project.

In 2010, Staal founded Vintage Iron and Traditions Eastern Ontario, a group dedicated to preserving agricultural and pioneer heritage. What began as a small antique collectors group dedicated to preserving and sharing the region’s agricultural and pioneer history, has grown to more than 200 members, with regular exhibits, demonstrations and displays designed to connect residents, particularly youth and newcomers with the area’s past.

Those efforts were on full display during celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Russell’s incorporation, where Staal could be found guiding visitors through detailed historical exhibits and sharing stories behind local artifacts.

Council members noted that Staal’s enthusiasm and commitment have helped shape the township’s identity while ensuring its history remains accessible and engaging for future generations.

Henry, your volunteerism has helped preserve our history, strengthen our traditions, and build pride here in Russell,” said Mayor Mike Tarnowski, in announcing the award. “On behalf of myself, council, and our entire community, thank you for everything you’ve done and continued to do here in Russell Township.”

Staal was humble is stating that he was happy to be a part of the community. “ It was not long ago Russell was named one of the best places in Canada to live and,  I’m happy to have been part of that. I would like to thank Connie Johnson for nominating me. I grew up on a farm right across the road from Connie’s farm and I’ve always been very impressed with all that Connie has done in the community.

“My parents were volunteers,” continued Staal. “Mom volunteered at the Winchester Hospital for over 30 years. Dad was on the Ag society many years and president in 1966 and I learned from them too.  Most of all I guess I’d like to thank my wife Cora, my children Kelly, Luke, and Ryan who were doing all the extra work at home on the farm while I was volunteering.”

With Monday’s award, the township formally recognized what many residents have long known; that Staal’s contributions have left a lasting mark on the community.