McMinnville’s Evening Exchange Club held its 2022 Book of Golden Deeds presentation at the Motlow Robotics Center on Tuesday night and surprised a few people with awards.

The highlight of the night was the Book of Golden Deeds, which Ken Roberts presented to Bill Locke for his years of service to the community as General Sessions Judge, District Attorney and longtime assistant prosecutor.

“As judge, Locke believes everyone is entitled to have their day in court,” said Roberts. “He has always strived to treat people like he would want to be treated if he were in their shoes. He believes in treating everyone fairly and with respect. He believes you have to be firm but have compassion and empathy.”

Locke was surprised to receive the award. He said he learned a lot from his father who was a previous Evening Exchange Club President.

“You don’t get rich in public service, but you get enriched by giving back to your community and helping people that are in need,” said Locke, also known for his support for Kids of the Community.

Locke, 66, will be leaving the bench Aug. 31. He opted not to seek reelection and will retire.

“I probably could have done this for a couple more years, but an eight-year term is an awfully big commitment,” said Locke in an April interview. “I didn’t feel like it would be right to ask people to vote for me knowing I wasn’t going to fulfill my whole eight years.

The night began with recognitions for club members. Perfect attendance recognitions were given to Neva England and Lester Cowell. Cowell has had perfect attendance for 49 years.

The next recognitions were given to Pat Basham for her five-year membership and Randy England for his 25 years of membership.

The first award was Exchange Club Member of the Year and it was awarded to Randy England. Club President Neva England presented the award and spoke about why he was receiving it.

“This person has voluntarily given up their time to help others in need without asking or receiving compensation. This person gives not only gives up their time in Exchange, but in other areas of their day-to-day life. This Exchangite will do for others while doing without for themselves and go out of their way to help anyone even if they don’t know them,” said Neva.

She said he has used his auctioneering talent to raise money for the club and for the children in need and that he was passionate about it. Randy was surprised.

“That was a shocker. I have asked her for two days who is the Exchangite of the Year and she said ‘If I tell you, you will tell everybody,’” said Randy.

Randy presented the Proudly We Hail Award, which recognizes businesses that proudly fly the American Flag, to Larry Flatt and thanked him for letting the club use the robotics building to meet. Flatt says he was glad to receive the award because the flag is important to him.

“The colors are important to me,” said Flatt. “I was fortunate enough to be the commander of the state champion color guard in 1967-1968. The flag has always been important and continues to be important and I am proud to live in a community where we can display the flag.”

Resident activity coordinator at McMinnville Housing Authority Lisa Harvey was surprised with the Community Service Award. She was recognized due to her dedication to children she helps through the programs at Hamilton Street Activity Center. She was given her award by Neva England and was also presented a $200 check for the children’s program.

“Lisa is without a doubt one person who has found her calling in life,” said Neva. “Lisa is a true community volunteer whose heart is full of concern for the underprivileged kids of the community.”