Marcel Bélisle of Hawkesbury and Connie Johnston of Russell are the 2024 recipients of the JP St-Pierre Award from the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR). The award, named after late Russell Township Mayor Jean-Paul St-Pierre, is presented annually to one or more deserving residents who have made a positive impact in their community. This year’s awards were presented on Saturday, November 23 at the annual UCPR Warden’s Banquet in Vankleek Hill.
Bélisle is the first Hawkesbury resident to ever receive the award. He has been a dedicated community volunteer for more than 60 years. He began his volunteer journey in 1962, inspired by the values of mutual aid instilled in him from a young age. His commitment started in the now defunct Paroisse de l’Ascension in Hawkesbury and soon expanded to numerous local causes. Bélisle has collaborated with more than 10 organizations and supported more than 100 initiatives, profoundly impacting the lives of many Hawkesbury residents through his dedication and generosity.
“I warmly congratulate Mr. Marcel Bélisle, recipient of the JP St-Pierre Award, for his remarkable commitment to the Hawkesbury community,” Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Lefebvre said.
“Mr. Bélisle is a humble man who, working behind the scenes, has touched the lives of thousands. His dedication and altruism are a source of inspiration, reminding us that even small actions can have a lasting impact. Thank you, Mr. Bélisle, for all that you have accomplished,” added Lefebvre.
One of Bélisle’s current community activities is serving as Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 9952. Paroisse St-Pierre-Apôtre (St-Alphonse-Ligouri) congratulated Bélisle on social media and described him as a dedicated volunteer who never counts the hours he devotes to his community.
Johnston, the second recipient for 2024 is greatly involved in several organizations in the Russell area and coordinates several fundraising events.
Riopel thanked the community, UCPR council, and staff for their support during the past year.
“I am proud to have been able to share the stage with so many fellow citizens at the banquet. It is by collaborating with the UCPR Council and staff, the community partners, and the regional leaders that a warden can move so many projects forward and achieve his goals. I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the past year and believed in my vision for Prescott and Russell,” Riopel said.
Former Russell Township Mayor Pierre Leroux was also honoured at the banquet. Leroux served as mayor from 2014 to 2024 and as UCPR Warden in 2020, and during the early months of 2024 before leaving elected office.
East Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Kirby was honoured for his 20 years of service as the township’s mayor. Kirby also served as UCPR Warden in 2009, 2015, and 2019.
The Warden’s Award was presented to Prescott and Russell Residence Nursing Supervisor Julie Delorme. For 15 years, Delorme has been an important asset to the Residence through her dedication, creativity, and passion.
In addition, an Honorary Warden’s Award was presented to a member of the community who is not a municipal employee. Community volunteer François Bellemare received this award for his dedication to the well-being of his fellow citizens.
Funds raised at the Warden’s Golf Tournament and Banquet will be distributed to non-profit and community organizations at the UCPR Inaugural Meeting on December 18, 2024. Since 2018, more than $167,000 has been donated to the community.
