Heritage Hero Award
Honoring Russell “Russ” Reich: A Legacy or Art, Community and Historic Preservation
by Dallas Hyde
The Stroll Through History Board is proud to recognize and celebrate Russ Reich, whose remarkable artistic talent and deep commitment to Woodland’s heritage have left an indelible mark on our community for over three decades.
For more than 30 years, Russ has beautifully captured the charm, elegance, and architectural richness of Woodland’s historic homes through his watercolor paintings, each one a timeless tribute to the legacy of preservation. His artwork is not merely decorative; it is a deeply personal gift presented to the homeowners who open their doors during the Stroll, honoring their role as stewards of our city’s past. These paintings have become cherished heirlooms, treasured reminders of the pride and privilege of preserving a piece of Woodland’s story.
A lifelong Woodland resident, Russ nurtured his artistic foundation under the mentorship of legendary Woodland High School teachers Bob Gordon and Chuck Warner, both instrumental in shaping generations of local artists. He went on to earn his Associate of Arts degree from American River College in 1986 and completed a Graphic Design Certificate through UC Davis Extension.
Though Russ serves professionally as a Network Administrator for UC Davis Extension, his passion has always been rooted in the creative arts. For over three decades, he has painted the signature homes featured in the Stroll Through History, enriching the tradition and spirit of the event in a way that no one else has. His paintings are not just visual records—they are emotional touchstones that connect the past to the present.
Beyond his painting, Russ is a seasoned photographer, educator, and gallery owner. He co-founded a successful wedding photography and videography business with longtime friend Donna Van Dolah and has worked extensively as an art instructor and mentor through the Woodland Art Center, where he once served as Vice President. Together with his wife and creative partner Vicki Reich, he developed and delivered art programming that inspired countless young artists across Yolo County.
Russ and Vicki also co-own Art Effects Art Gallery, one of Woodland’s earliest showcases for regional talent. Through their curation, they elevated local artists such as Tony Natsoulas and Robert Armstrong, playing a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant arts community throughout Woodland and the greater Sacramento region.
Russ Reich’s contributions to Woodland go far beyond the canvas. His work has become a beloved tradition, reflection of community pride, historical reverence, and artistic excellence. His paintings honor not just buildings, but the people who preserve them, and in doing so, they elevate the Stroll Through History into something truly lasting.
On behalf of the entire Board, we extend our deepest gratitude to Russ Reich for his decades of generosity, vision, and artistry. His work continues to inspire, educate, and unite—one brushstroke at a time.
Heritage Hero Posthumous Award
The Stroll Through History Board is honored to recognize Theresa “Teri” Laugenour posthumously for her efforts in preserving Yolo County history.
Teri was born in Germany and adopted by an American couple, Joe and Mary Kanala. She grew up in San Jose, CA, attended public school, and finished her education at West Valley College. While attending church in Aptos, CA she met her future husband, Steve Laugenour. They were married for 40 years and raised two children, Tom and Mark. It was important for Teri to be productive. She was a valued employee for the State of California and retired after 40 years of service. Upon retirement, Teri pursued her real passion – supporting those who are trying to make the world a better place. University of Covenant Church was her greatest outlet for this passion, and she was “all in” for whatever she could do there to help. Teri served on the board to restore the Union Church of Dunnigan and was active in the restoration of the Woodland Train Station. She was also a member of the Mary’s Cemetery support group and was involved in the Woodland Historical Society. Kathy Harryman, Yolo County Historical Society president, wrote this about Teri, which captures her essence and zest for life perfectly.
Teri Laugenour was a wonderful person. She was the type of individual that you always knew you could count on. Since she worked for the State of California, she had access to historical information. I knew I could count on her to find out information when I was doing research for the Society. She was always interested in history and was really excited to become more active in the Society when she retired. She always came by the Spring Lake School House on the fairgrounds and commented on how she enjoyed the historical significance that the schoolhouse represented in the county. The Laugenours donated the stove that sits in the middle of the school room. I wanted her to take on a leadership role in the Society, but she preferred to stay in the background and work on projects. Her biggest project for the Society was to combine two storage rooms into one unit. This was a major undertaking that required a lot of work and organization. She excelled in organizational skills. She not only cleaned out the space but eliminated items that were no longer in use. She would call and ask me to meet with her and then we would talk about what we should and shouldn’t eliminate. Once those decisions were made, she would take items to the archives, or the garbage can. Once that was done, she organized our files. Every file had a new folder with a professional label. Teri always did everything with a smile. She is one of those rare individuals that God gives us as an example of someone who gives quietly with no fanfare. I was blessed to know her and the Society truly benefited from her interests in history.