Juhani Heinemaa is Janakkala’s most positive in 2026

Janakkala’s most positive person for 2026 has been chosen as Janakkala Society activist Juhani Heinemaa. The recognition will be announced at Turenki Spring Fest on May 23, 2026.

Juhani Heinemaa has carried out extensive local history and cultural work by building the Janakkala Society’s photographic archive from photographs donated to the society from Kotokulma, Hevonoja and the estates of Väinö Talvio and Eero Kuoppa. The collection consists of tens of thousands of negatives, including valuable glass negatives, and thousands of photographs, and Heinemaa has spent years archiving them properly and systematically.

Heinemaa also has a strong hand in all exhibitions organized by the Janakkala Society, such as teaching-chart exhibitions. Heinemaa collected several hundred teaching charts from school basements and attics after the society received them as a donation from the municipality.

Heinemaa is also a skilled heraldist, whose handiwork can be seen in numerous coats of arms and, for example, in the memorial for the 1918 battles of Tarinmaa. In addition, Heinemaa is a carpenter who masters traditional crafts, a successful sport shooter and an excellent accordion player. He is also active in the Janakkala Reservists Association and uses not only his skills but also his networks to promote matters, often to the delight of all Janakkala residents.

The musical Heinemaa is also a familiar sight with his old gramophone. The duo has often visited, for example, elderly care facilities to bring the joy of music and to awaken memories.

Juhani Heinemaa is described as a systematic, diligent and visionary association activist who advances matters even in tight situations by reconciling, without arguing at all.

Janakkala has selected the most positive person of the year since 1994. The selection panel annually names a resident or community who is “an everyday hero who, through their actions, activity and presence, conveys joy and a positive attitude to those around them. At the same time they carry out their duties and chores selflessly and with consideration for their surroundings.”

In the picture Juhani Heinemaa awards performers at the Janakkala celebration. On the right is the then chair of the society, Anja Kuoppa.