Jackson #466 Use Beacon Grant to Help Students.

The Jackson Elks Lodge# 466  awarded The Beacon Grant to  TLC Ministries to continue their after school snack program for the kids. They will also use this Grant for their senior commodities day every Monday - Thursday 11-2. The Beacon Grant will help make this year another successful year. Pictured are Ohio Elks Association State President Keith Denny presenting a $4000.00 check to Terri Whitt of TCL Ministries and Jackson Elks Lodge Secretary Rod Bachtel.

Columbus Grove City Lodge #37 Races into Drug Awareness

Columbus Grove City Lodge #37 held its annual car show on June 29, 2025. Pictured are David Potts (Elroy costume) and Patricia McClure, DAP Coordinator for the Lodge. Toy cars, candy, DAP coloring books and DEA bracelets were handed out to the kids and DAP education flyers were given to participants and guests.

Lima #54 Creates a Splash with Swim Meet Sponsorship

The Lima Elks Lodge #54 sponsored the WOAL (Western Ohio Aquatic League) Championship Swim Meet on July 11th and 12th, at the Wapakoneta pool. Approximately 500 swimmers representing 8 swim teams from 4 counties participated in this event.

Winner who placed 7 th through 16 th received ribbons. Elks members presented medallions to the top six winners of each event. In addition, the 1st place winner for each individual and relay event received a t-shirt.

Thanks go to ER Jim Foust, Drew Laibe, PER Jim Plumb, Katie Wells and PER Jean Zink from Lima Lodge #54 for their assistance with this event.

This event was started by Lima Lodge #54 ~50 years ago. It grew so large so quickly that we partnered with the WOAL. This event is the capstone event of the summer swimming season and is now known as the Elks Invitational Swim Meet and WOAL Championships.

Van Wert Sponsors Elks Day at Camp Clay

The kids and adults alike certainly took advantage of the gorgeous day on Tuesday, July 15th. Over 315 kids along with parents showed up at the YMCA Camp Clay for the 2025 ELKS DAY AT CAMP CLAY. This free day at Camp Clay was provided to all the youth of the area by Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

The participants enjoyed swimming, the splash pad, wall climbing, paddle boats, kayaking, canoeing, the nature trail and especially the aqua park from 12 noon until 4:00 pm. New this year was a water slide.

“We were very pleased with the turn out and happy that the kids came out to enjoy the day. We have done this for the community for many years and look forward to being able to provide this entertainment each year for the kids.” stated Mike Stanley, Lodge Chairman for the event.

Van Wert Lodge looks forward to being able to provide another free day at Camp Clay in 2026.

President Denny Represents Ohio at the National Convention

President Keith Denny made The Ohio Elks Association and The Jackson Elks Lodge# 466 proud as he carried our State Flag at The National Convention in Kansas City. He was accompanied by The First Lady Lynn Denny. He also had family and friends join him. Bob Denny, Pat Denny, Rod Bachtel and Mary Bachtel. It was truly a great experience for all in Kansas City.      

Athens #973 Has Busy June, Sponsoring Baseball Leagues, Handing Out Flags and Awarding $12,000 in Scholarships

Athens Elks #973 sponsored two teams for the youth Sandlot Baseball League for a total of $1,100. This league is open for all youth community members and skill levels to learn the game of baseball and softball.

On June 11 th and 12 th , the Athens Elks #973 gave away free 3x5 flags to community members in celebration of the annual Flag Day. The community members brought in their old flags for the club to collect to retire during the Flag Day Celebration at the Lodge on June 14 th . We gave away approximately 60 flags.

Athens Elks #973 awarded eight Scholarships of $1,500 each to local high school graduates. (pictured left to right) The Award winners are Isaiah Pierce, Mason Idleman, Brielyn Bykofski, Ethan Bowman, Ayla Bostian, behind her is Tom Donnelley, Scholarship Chair, Kayla Brannon, and Jade Seaman. Jaqueline Scott (not pictured).

Athens Elks #973 Donates Thousands to the Community

The Athens Elks #973 donated $2,000 for five months of free lunches for Veterans. The donation went to the Ornery Vet Collective, which is a Veteran’s sobriety support group. The mission is to support Veterans who are in recovery and their sobriety. They meet weekly and provide a free lunch.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated items in the amount of $300 to support the 60th anniversary of Kimes Nursing and Rehab Center. Kimes is hosting a community event to commemorate 60 years in the community, and they are hosting a celebration with raffles, kid’s games, vendor booths, and highlights from 60 years. The items included 10 cases of water and a Summer Fun Barbecue Pack that included a cooler, charcoal, grill light, seasonings, grilling tools, a grill mat, burger press, basting and cleaning brushes, along with a meat probe. (see pictures L to R Elks members Brian Mecum, Adam Lewis, Rich Russell, Jim Balding and George McCarthy.  Second picture is of the gift basket)

The 18th Annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Project received $1,000 in support from the Athens Elks Lodge #973. This event is hosted by Athens County Children Services and their efforts to address food insecurity in the community. They plan to serve over 4,500 children this summer through the program. (see picture L to R Elks Members Jim Balding, Adam Lewis, Rich Russell, Brian Mecum and George McCarthy)

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $500 to the 7th Annual Athens County Back to School Bash. This event provides free basic school supplies, backpacks, shoes, free haircuts and free immunizations.

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 purchased $1,300 dollars worth of flags for the Village of Jacksonville for its annual flag display along State Route 13 inside the corporation limits.

Mount Vernon Elks #140 Use Gratitude Grant to Help Fire Department Respond to Emergencies

On June 24th, the Mount Vernon Elks #140 presented a check received from the Gratitude Grant to the Mount Vernon Fire Department in the amount of $4,000. The monies will be used to purchase a F.A.S.T. (Firefighter Assistant Search Team) Rescue Board to be used rescuing injured youth and adults from emergency situations, such as auto accidents, burning buildings, water incidents as well as   Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) facepiece nameplates. The nameplates will help in the identity of first responders in emergency situations.

In the photo in front row from left to right is Sandy Dick, Esteemed Leading Knight/Grants Coordinator, Assistant Fire Chief Josh Lester, Steve Dick, Exalted Ruler. Second Row from left to right, Todd Lishness, Trustee, David Priest Jr., Trustee, Joan Fithian, Treasurer, Keith Acker, Secretary, and Tami Acher, Esteemed Loyal Knight. Others pictured are the firefighters of the Mount Vernon Fire Department.

Van Wert 1197 Donates to Local Food Bank

The Golf Committee of Van Wert Lodge No 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently made a $500.00  donation to the Ohio City Food Bank.

Pictured left to right are Randy Schreiber from the golf committee with Ohio City Food Bank representatives Deb Bigham and Diane Denman.

East Liverpool 258 Donates Thermal Cameras to Local Fire Department

East Liverpool Lodge 258 donates two Thermal Imaging Cameras to the East Liverpool Fire Department, so to have one on each of their primary responding fire trucks. 

Shown receiving the cameras are (L to R) Fireman Jason Reinke, Assistant Chief Aaron Jones, Treasurer of 258 Dave Ryan, Fireman John Ervin, Assistant Chief Lance Smith.

The donation was made possible from donations of our members.

Salem #305 Donates Needed Medical Equipment to Local School to Help Children with CP

Exalted Ruler, Ben Blevins presented the check to principal Andrew Garber of Robert Bycroft Schools from the Ohio Elks Association Cerebalpalsy/CP Fund Board for $1,800 to purchase a Standzme Pediatric Supine Stander. The Salem Elks Lodge #305 is the local sponsor for the Robert Bycroft School, when they are submitting paperwork for the annual grant requests. This equipment affords the opportunity for reclined or recumbent postured children to view the world upright. This helps with eye contact, weight being distributed differently across and through out the body systems, and even getting the digestive system to work better.

East Liverpool #258 Donates Thousands of Dollars to Help the Community

East Liverpool Elks Lodge 258 donated 4 CO2 detectors to the West Point Fire Department using our CIP Grant.

Using $1,000.00 received from the Gratitude Grant, and a $1,000.00 from East Liverpool Elks Lodge 258, Treasurer Dave Ryan and ER Anthony (Zig) Zirillo presented a check for $2000.00 to Carnegie Public Library Director, Mary Deem to assist with their activities.

Using funds from our recently received Gratitude Grant, the East Liverpool Elks Lodge 258 hosted a Fish & Fun Day at the Elks Pine Like. There were 145 people present, consisting of 81 children, 28 members and 36 nonmembers. This event is open to all area children. Each child received a T-shirt, fishing pole and tackle box. 5 children also received bicycles in a door prize drawing. Lunch was also provided.

Newark Lodge Uses Freedom Grant for Homeless Vets

Pictured left to right: Bill Thompson Veterans Service Commission, Sara Thompson, Special Programs Coordinator Veterans Service Commission, and Lodge Veterans Chairman Eric Sheese.

Newark Lodge donated $1000 worth of items to the Licking County Veterans Service Commission for their Homeless Veterans program. The dollars came from the Elks National foundation Freedom Grant which was awarded to the lodge in April. With the grant money we purchased sleeping bags, waterproof sleeping mats, waterproof bags and cell phone holders, camp pillows and hygiene kits, enough for 12 veterans. The items were delivered to the Commission by Lodge Veteran Chairman, Eric Sheese.

Van Wert #1197 Swings in to Help FFA

The Golf Committee of Van Wert Lodge No 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently made a donation to the Lincolnivew FFA program.   The monies will assist  them in their projects

Newark #391 Gives Grant Money to Help Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Pictured from l to r:

Mark Gilligan, PER; Helen Hall, Lecturing Knight/CP Chair; Becky Underhill, Loyal Knight, Ginger Rife, ER/CP Chair; Jackalyn Jones LCBDD Early Intervention Manager; Wendy Gorrell, LCBDD Interim Superintendent

On June 11, 2025, Newark Elks Lodge #391 in conjunction with the Ohio Elks Association/Cerebral Palsy Trust presented a check for $5,000 to the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities for their Early Intervention Program. The funding will be used to upgrade storage for the program’s loan closet items. For many years, the Early Intervention team has maintained a small supply of adaptive equipment that families can use and return for another family to use. Some if this equipment is extremely costly and since children grow so quickly, it makes sense for families to borrow when possible. Over the years, the need for storage has grown with increasing requests for equipment. The grant will help the Board store the adaptive equipment more efficiently and help children with CP learn and grow!

Dayton #58 Donates $25,000 to Cerebral Palsy

Left to right behind the check: Dennis Grant, Executive Director of United Rehabilitation Services; Mike Iddings, PDDGER; Marsha Iddings; and Rachel Zidaroff, Chief Operating Officer.

Our Elks Lodge proudly donated $25,000 to United Rehabilitation Services, URS, on May 3, 2025, in support of their vital work with individuals having Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, from infants to seniors. This charitable endeavor aligns with the principles that led me to become an ELK member. Mike Iddings is the Elk Member presenting the check to Dennis Grant.

Van Wert #1197 Announces Legacy Award Scholarship

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have announced the awarding of a $4000 Legacy Award Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Lindsey Hatcher. The Legacy Award Scholarships are awarded by the Elks National Foundation and are only available to children and grandchildren of Elk Members.

Lindsey graduated this spring from Lincolnview High School, will be attending this fall the United States Military Academy at Westpoint. During high school, Lindsey participated in Golf, Track and Cross Country. She also was a member of the school band and the steel band. She was a member of the Science Club, Service Club and the National Honor Society.

Outside of school she is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Van Wert Community Band.

Lindsey is the daughter of John Hatcher and Heather Torlina.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships awarded each year. Van Wert Lodge is proud to have been a sponsor for Lindsey during this competition.

Athens Lodge #973 $1,000 in toys and supplies to Athens Child Advocacy Center

Pictured L to R Dan Sater Leading Knight, Jim Balding and Rich Russell Trustees, Brian Mecum Chaplin and Adam Lewis Exalted Ruler

Athens Elks Lodge 973 donated $1,000 to the Athens Child Advocacy Center (ACAC)in the form of supplies.  Members of the Lodge volunteered and went over as a group to Walmart to purchase $1,000 worth of toys and craft supplies. The ACAC is a child friendly, trauma informed space where children ages 3-18 can receive the support they need if they have been victims of abuse.  Pictured L to R Dan Sater Leading Knight, Jim Balding and Rich Russell Trustees, Brian

Mecum Chaplin and Adam Lewis Exalted Ruler

Conneaut #256 Awards 3 local youths with Ed Kalmers Memorial Scholarships

Dan Blank - Exalted Ruler Brad Howard - Trustee Addison Kennedy Ashlyn Sherman Chad Campbell - Trustee (behind Ashlyn) Samantha Jones 

On 6/4/25 the Elks Lodge #256 held a scholarship presentation for 3 area high school students. Each scholarship was for $1,000 towards their future schooling.

The 3 winners of the Ed Kalmers Memorial Scholarship are:

Addison Kennedy -$1,000

Ashlyn Sherman - $1,000

Samantha Jones - $1,000

Ashland Elks #1360 Donate 4 Ice Rescue Suits to Local Fire Department

Mike Fallon (PER), Trent Frontz, Kevin Scherer, Caleb French, Sam Miller (ER at time of donation)

                The Ashland Elks donated 4 ice rescue suits to the Ashland Fire Department to assist them with water rescues during the winter. The waterproof suits are critical for safely rescuing people who find themselves in icy cold water. Each suit includes floatation and insulation, allowing the rescuer to maintain mental and physical capabilities during a rescue attempt. The Ashland Elks lodge donated over $3,200 to the fire department for the purchase after noticing a need in the community. This donation continues the mission of the Ashland Elks to support the local community. In recent years, the lodge has donated emergency lift kits, air casts and Knock Boxes to local fire departments.