According to Russell Mayor Mike Tarnowski, presenting awards to citizens is the best part of his job, and he got to do just that during the council meeting on Feb. 10, when he presented a Citizen Volunteer award to Dave Dyer. From left: Councillor Charles Armstrong, Mayor Mike Tarnowski, Councillor Marc Lalonde, Volunteer Dave Dyer, Councillor Lisa Deacon, and Councillor Jamie Laurin. Courtesy Photo

RUSSELL – At their regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 10, Russell Council had the pleasure of presenting a Community Award to Dave Dyer for his active participation in local sports and volunteerism. Dyer has been involved in the advancement of sports in Russell for many years. Among his accomplishments, he helped champion the first public tennis court facility and helped bring outdoor lighting to the baseball diamonds and soccer fields in Russell.

Dyer was one of the key builders of the Russell Soccer Club, which has grown from 50 youth participants to over 1,700 youth and young adults. He has held many roles over the years for the Russell Soccer Club, namely player, coach, member of its board of directors, and even President. Dyer’s passion for sports even led to his induction to the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame in 2023.

Dyer has been a pillar of volunteerism in Russell for over 40 years. He championed local events and activities to celebrate Russell’s 125th anniversary, the Light Up the Village initiative, and the installation of Christmas lights in MacDougall Park.

Mayor Mike Tarnowski spoke briefly prior to making the presentation. “I’m very, very humbled and pleased to be here tonight,” said Mayor Tarnowski, “This is probably, and my predecessor used to say it and I understand why this is the best part of this job, so thank you very much for being here tonight.

“I’m extremely honoured to be here this evening as we recognize and celebrate someone who embodies the spirit of volunteerism and community pride. Mr Dave Dyer is a Cornerstone of the village of Russell and an inspiration to us all.  Tonight, we honour his incredible contributions to our community with this well-deserved award.”

Dyer, in accepting the award spoke of how volunteerism is its own reward. “This is a humbling, and I have to admit somewhat of a surprise, knowing the number of committed volunteers there are in in the township.

“I’d like to share a little story if you don’t mind indulging me. I wasn’t sure how to frame this but as the mayor mentioned, my background is in Cross Country skiing and occasionally when one of the Canadian athletes did exceptionally well the reporters would ask him how it went today, and you must be very happy.  The skier would say first off and foremost well it was really the team behind me that brought this performance to reality;  my wax techs, my physiotherapist, my nutritionist, my coach, and it goes on and on and I think for me I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize my co-captains in this whole process: my wife Patty and son Alexander. They’ve been dragged through this and occasionally they hang on to my coattails and say no but usually they say yes, and they’ve been in great  support and help throughout this process. I’d also like to say that being a volunteer has its True Rewards when we adopt a project those that are involved the project tend to bond and that bonding becomes a friendship and the stories last a lifetime and that’s what really makes volunteerism worthwhile.