Willoughby-Cleveland #18 and Painesville #549 Team Up to Deliver 140 Bags of Warm Clothes to Veterans
Today, members of Willoughby-Cleveland #18 and Painesville #549 met at Worksmart Clothing in Willowick to load up 140 bags of warm clothing to be distributed to various agencies that will get them in to the hands of homeless veterans. While everybody's help is greatly appreciated, we need to recognize Mary from Worksmart for always giving us more than our monies worth. She is on the far left in the second picture. We also need to thank Joe Longo from Longos Pizza for once again allowing us use his box truck at no cost. We then made our way back to the lodge to unload and take them to the basement. Back at the lodge we had more members and their children and grandchildren help take them downstairs. We will arrange a day when we repack them in imprinted elks tote bags for distribution. Each bag contains long john tops and bottoms, hat, socks, sweatpants and a hoodie. Funds for this project, which both lodges have worked together on for close to twenty years are provided mainly thru The Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant. Both lodges also supplement what the grant does not.
Springfield Elks #51 Host Trunk or Treat for Local Kids
What a beautiful night for our Trunk or Treat and Haunted House!
Our Springfield Elks #51 members went all out decorating their trunks, and our golf cart barn was transformed into a spooky maze filled with Halloween fun! The little trick-or-treaters had a wonderful time enjoying the evening, collecting treats, and making memories.
A big THANK YOU to all of our members and volunteers who helped make this such a fun and memorable event!
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Delivers Welcome Home Kits to Veterans
Huge tip of the antlers to Rhonda Kautzman Kokal and PER Kirk Kokal from Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 for delivering two more Welcome Home kits to two veterans who are transitioning into perment housing. These kits which are funded by the Elks National Foundation contain items that make a house a home. Kirks dauntless devotion to our veterans should serve as an inspiration to all members.
Lima Elks #54 Help Invincible Fire Department Light Up Emergences Through the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant
On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 presented the Invincible Fire Company of Spencerville with funding totaling $957.99 for the purchase of a battery powered Light/Charger Tower LED with 2 Lithium-Ion batteries.
This battery powered Light/Charger Tower will allow the Invincible Fire Company of Spencerville to better assist in emergency situations.
These funds were made possible from the Ohio Elks Association’s Community Service Grant program. This donation is an expression of the commitment by the Lima Elks Lodge #54 to serve local communities in Allen County, Putnam County and eastern Auglaize County.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Uses Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to Improve Convoy Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Response.
Pictured, left to right with the new piece of equipment is Rob Miller, Convoy Fire Chief and Lodge Community Service Grant Chairman Michael C. Stanley.
Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, recently donated $943.00 to the Convoy Volunteer Fire Department. The department used the monies to purchase two sets of Milwaukee battery powered shears for cutting windshields at accident scenes and a Milwaukee battery powered fan for smoke removal and ventilation at structure fires.
The monies are distributed by the Ohio Elks Association in the form of a Community Service Grant. The Ohio Elks Association receives monies each year from the Elks National Foundation, a perpetual trust fund established in 1928 by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Contributions to the Foundation are made each year by close to one million Elks and their families and friends from more than 2,000 Elks Lodges across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
To date, thru the Community Service Grants, Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 has distributed $38,467.53 back into Van Wert County to assist the city, county and villages. Van Wert Elks Lodge is proud to be able to assist the Convoy Fire Department with this important project.
Lima Elks #54 Sponsors Lima Symphony Orchestra Young People’s Concert
On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 sponsored the Lima Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert.
Approximately 3,500 students from 45 schools (7 counties) attended these two (2) concerts. The concert was directed by Music Director Candidate Yaniv
Segal. The music of Mark O’Connor’s Johnny Appleseed Suite was played while photos from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District’s photo contests were viewed on the drop-down screen. The music continued with John Williams’ Star Wars Suite.
This sponsorship of the Lima Symphony Orchestra Young People’s Concert from Lima Lodge #54 was made possible from the Lima Fifty-Four Athletic and Scholastic Fund.
Wooster Elks #1346 Donates $1,500 to Rittman Shielded Paws K9 Association
The Wooster Elks Lodge was honored to present a $1,500 donation to the Rittman Shielded Paws K9 Association this evening. A special thank you to Officer Colter and K9 Limbo for stopping by to accept the donation and pose for a photo. We are proud to support the incredible work being done by the Shielded Paws K9 units for our surrounding communities.
Painesville Elks #549 Promote Drug Awareness at City Fall Fest
Painesville Elks Lodge #549 proudly hosted an Elks Drug Awareness booth as part of the annual Fall Fest celebration, one of the area's largest family-oriented events. This year's festival attracted an estimated 4,000 children and their families from throughout the community.
Our members created an engaging and highly visible "Kids Zone" display featuring Elks Drug Awareness Program materials and a festive fall-themed attraction that drew hundreds of visitors throughout the day. Through this event, Lodge volunteers distributed:
2,000 Elks Drug Awareness coloring books
2,000 packs of crayons
More than 40 pounds of candy
The coloring books and crayons provided an excellent opportunity to place positive, drug-free messages directly into the hands of local children. Families were appreciative of the educational materials, and our volunteers had numerous opportunities to discuss the Elks' commitment to helping young people make healthy choices and build bright futures.
The event was a tremendous success and allowed Painesville Elks Lodge #549 to increase community awareness of the Elks Drug Awareness Program while strengthening our presence as an organization dedicated to the well-being of local youth. The Elks Drug Awareness banner and display generated significant interest and helped showcase the valuable programs supported by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
We are proud of the impact made through this outreach effort and look forward to continuing our support of the Elks Drug Awareness Program at future community events.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Recognize 2 Local Eagle Scouts
Pictured, left to right are Eagle Scout Brody Reigle and Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison.
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently participated
in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Brody A. Reigle. Brody is a member of Boy Scout Troop #98 in Rockford, OH.
Brody was presented an American Flag and an Eagle Scout Certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge.
For Brody’s Eagle Scout Project, he raised more than $33,000 to cover the materials and coordinated more than 840 volunteer hours to construct a pavilion at Shanes’ Park in Rockford.
Representing the Van Wert Lodge at the ceremony was Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison.
On October 10, 2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Tate Ditto of Troop #106 during his Court of Honor.
The awards consisted of the American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Ruler’s Congratulatory Letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting pin.
For his project, Tate remodeled 3 shower houses at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
Lebanon Elks #422 Supports Veterans Through Backpack Service Project
Pictured from left to right are First Vice President Chris Hatcher, Vance Holbrook, Volunteer Coordinator at The Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown, and Veterans Chairman Debbie Hatcher.
Lebanon Elks Lodge #422 recently completed a meaningful service project in support of veterans residing at The Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown, Ohio.
Through the generosity of dedicated lodge members, more than $1,500 worth of personal hygiene products were donated and assembled into backpacks for veterans in need. The backpacks were designed to provide essential personal care items and comfort to residents of the facility.
First Vice President Chris Hatcher and Veterans Chairman Debbie Hatcher, both of Lebanon Elks Lodge #422, delivered the backpacks to The Ohio Veterans Home and presented them to the facility for distribution to veteran residents.
Lebanon Elks Lodge #422 is proud to support those who have served our country and remains committed to fulfilling the Elks pledge that "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."
North East District Host District Soccer Shoot
NE District Elks Soccer Shoot was held by Ben Blevins-PER, NE District Soccer Shoot Chairman at the indoor soccer field at the Salem Community Center. Pictured are the 1st and 2nd place winners. First place winners will advance to the Ohio Elks Association State Soccer Shoot on Saturday, November 7th in Newark, Ohio.
The following participants placed as follows: kneeling: Girls 10-11: 1st Ainsley Touville-Salem, 2nd Gabby Bosch-Conneaut; Boys 7 & under: 1st Lucas Lower-Conneaut, 2nd Cooper Leonard-Cuyahoga Falls; Standing/2nd row Boys 10-11: 1st Max Ficco-Cuyahoga Falls, 2nd Isaiah Sebastian-Salem; Girls 7 & under: 1st Olivia Harpst-Conneaut, 2nd Regan Jones-Willoughby/Cleveland. Back row: Girls 14-15: 1st Nora Sheen-Salem; Girls 13-14: 1st McKenzie Haavisto-Conneaut, 2nd Claire Sheen-Salem; Boys 12-13: 1st Braxton Thomas-Conneaut, 2nd Adam Lodge-Salem; Girls 8-9: 1st Alexandria Estep-Conneaut, 2nd Taylor Jones-Willoughby/Cleveland; Boys 8-9: 1st Troy Hendricks-Salem, 2nd Keegan O'Brien-Conneaut.
Ohio Elks Association Awards 24 Lodges with Community Service Grants
This past convention in August over $23.000.00 was distributed to 24 Elks lodges from across the state of Ohio. Made possible thru the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Fund Grant, these funds go directly to local police and fire departments as well as city parks and recreation programs.
Lima Elks #54 Presents Award to Local Eagle Scout
On September 20, 2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Caden Heitmeyer of Troop #777 during their Troop Court of Honor.
The awards consisted of the American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Ruler’s Congratulatory Letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting pin.
For his project, Caden restored the Shawnee Alliance Church youth campsite area including the installation of stone around the fire pit, building multiple benches and a table, purchased and assembled two durable metal picnic tables and installing metal sheeting siding on the firewood shed to protect it from the weather.
Congratulations to Caden on his many achievements.
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Awards $3,000 in Scholarships
Pictured from left to right are Exalted Ruler Eillen Tucci, Jessica Wade, William Kananen, Past Exalted Ruler Susan Knight and Callister McCrone.
On August 8th Willoughby-Cleveland Lodge #18 handed out three scholarships for $1000.00 from our Cole-Bhatta scholarship fund.
A grant from the Ohio Elks Association is helping make Lebanon a safer place through a new partnership between Lebanon Elks Lodge #422 and the Lebanon Fire Division.
Pictured, left to right, are Ryan Dipzinski, Fire Chief, Lebanon Fire Division; Melanie Rodabaugh, Community Service Chair, Lebanon Elks Lodge #422; Derek Harper, Assistant Fire Chief, Lebanon Fire Division; Debbie Hatcher, Southwest Ohio District Community Service Chair; Chris Hatcher, Ohio Elks Association First Vice President; and his granddaughter, Iris Hatcher.
Using funds provided through the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant Program, the partners have purchased Stop the Bleed® kits that will be placed throughout the Lebanon community. Many of the kits will be installed in local parks alongside existing Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units, ensuring that critical bleeding-control supplies are readily available when emergencies occur.
The project was developed with a simple but important goal: provide community members with the tools needed to help save lives during the critical moments before first responders arrive. Severe bleeding can become life-threatening within minutes, and immediate intervention can significantly improve outcomes. By placing Stop the Bleed kits in easily accessible public locations, community members will have access to the supplies necessary to control life-threatening bleeding until emergency personnel arrive on scene.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Lebanon Elks Lodge #422 and the Lebanon Fire Division to public safety, emergency preparedness, and community service. Through collaborative partnerships such as this, the Elks continue to invest in projects that directly benefit local residents and strengthen the communities they serve.
The Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant made the project possible, demonstrating how local lodges can leverage grant funding to create lasting impacts within their communities. As the kits are installed throughout Lebanon, residents and visitors alike will benefit from increased access to lifesaving resources in public spaces.
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Uses Community Service Grant to Purchase Drone for Local Police Department
Watch the drone in action below
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Recently used the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to purchase a drone for the Highland Heights Police Department. The drone will be used in many different situations, but the video above shows how it can be used to assess a building without putting officers in harm’s way.
Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Program Recognizes Fairfield Youth Coalition
Ohio Elks State President Pat McCaffrey; Ohio Elks State Drug Awareness Chairman Becky Underhill; student leaders of the Fairfield Youth Coalition; Youth Coordinator Christine Gorczyk; and Fairfield Prevention Coalition Executive Director Joe Markiewicz.
The Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Program was pleased to recognize the students of the Fairfield Youth Coalition at the Southwest District Meeting on September 20, 2026, at Hamilton Elks Lodge #93.
The Fairfield High School students have earned local and national recognition for their peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention work. They were also selected to appear on the Elks YouTube series Awkward Conversations.
With the help of Ohio Elks State President Pat McCaffrey, State Drug Awareness Chairman Becky Underhill introduced the students and coalition leaders at the meeting.
Ashland Elks #1360 Uses Gratitude Grant to Provide Local Veterans with Ultimate Adventures
The Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 recently presented a check for $1,360 to the Ashland County Ultimate Veterans Adventure through funding provided by the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Gratitude Grant. The donation reflects the lodge’s ongoing commitment to supporting local veterans and the organizations that serve them. Through programs like the Gratitude Grant, Elks lodges across the country are able to invest directly in their communities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed for our nation.
Representatives from both organizations gathered for the presentation, celebrating a partnership built on service and community support. The funds will help the Ashland County Ultimate Veterans Adventure continue its mission of providing veterans with unique outdoor experiences, opportunities for camaraderie, and lasting memories.
East Liverpool #258 Use Community Grant to Purchase Trauma Splints for East Liverpool Fire Department
Treasurer Lodge 258 & SED Dave Ryan, Chief Antony Como, Fire Fighter/Medic, ER Anthony Zirillo , John Aikens
Pictured with Treasurer Dave Ryan and ER Anthony Zirillo are ELFD Chief Antony Cumo and FF/Medic Brittany Hill accepting checks from the Ohio Elks Community Service Grant and Elks Lodge #258 for a Super Sager Form lll Trauma Splint to be used by the Medic Rescue Team.
Ashland Elks #1360 Uses Beacon Grant to Fund Ashland Associated Charities Back to School Program
Director Chris Box and ER Gayle Lantz
The Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 is helping local students start the school year prepared through a grant from the Elks National Foundation. Funding provided through an ENF Beacon Grant was used to support the Ashland County Associated Charities Back-to-School Supply Program, which provides essential school supplies to children and families throughout Ashland County. The partnership helps ensure students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom while easing the financial burden on parents during the back-to-school season.