BROOKHAVEN — Exchange Club District President Ray Glass received a great honor at the Brookhaven Chapter’s Award Dinner Friday evening. He was named the newest recipient of the John L. Leary Award. 

John Ogden, an exchange club member and past winner, explained that the award was voted on by Exchange Club members and given to an exchange club member. Ogden, who donned a colorful Hawaiian shirt Friday, was the last winner of the award in 2019. 

Glass has been married to his wife Margarette Glass for the last 45 years. He has two daughters and five grandchildren. He served in the US Army and as the Club President. 

Glass’s wife was the first woman voted in as a member of the Brookhaven Exchange Club, his grandson CJ Perron was the youngest member voted into the club. 

“We are proud of our district president,” Ogden said. 

As he stepped up to the lectern, Glass said there are more deserving of the award. It was an award created to honor John L. Leary, a man Glass did not meet, who served in the Brookhaven Exchange Club.

“It feels great to be honored. There are a lot more deserving,” Glass said. “I appreciate it. I’ve been in it for 18 years. I really appreciate it. It is amazing. I am really honored.” 

He said Pete Szczublewski talked him into joining the club. Glass said he enjoyed his experience and has stuck with the club. 

“I made it my home. I love helping the community. It is an honor,” Glass said. “I enjoy it. My wife is now and we can do things together. It has become a family thing. We enjoy helping the public and seeing those kids riding the rides at the fair. It is well worth it.” 

Check back for the Golden Deeds Winner.