Two of the local winners of the Americanism Essay Contest, were presented their awards. Molly Jones and Karah Atunes, are both 5th graders at  Jackson Intermediate (Lakewood School District). They were each presented a certificate and $50 cash prize.

On Saturday, April 13, 2019 the Athens Elks Lodge #973 partnered with the Athens Police Department for the annual “Kidfest” program, held in Athens, Ohio. The Elks Lodge participated with the DAP (Drug Awareness Program) efforts.  Hundreds of families with children attended the event. The Elks impaired goggles (attempting to stack cups and walk in a straight line) were a huge hit with the children, and even the adults!

Newark Elks donated not only their money, $300, but also their time so that area kids could enjoy a good hot breakfast and hunt for Easter eggs. A breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, apples, and juice gave over 300 children the energy they needed to hunt for the eggs at the local Y.

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 proudly hosted an Eagle Court of Honor for Ryan O’Flanagan of Boy Scout Troop #215 which is also sponsored by the lodge. Ryan is the embodiment of what Boy Scouts are all about and the lodge is proud to have played even just a small part in Ryan’s amazing accomplishment. Ryan will be graduating from Berea-Midpark High School this year. For his Eagle Project, Ryan made mobile book shelves for Grindstone Elementary.

April’s CP breakfast was attended by a special guest, Molly Ridgley, who has cerebral palsy. We were honored to have her and her family in our company today. How special it is to meet the families and those who benefit from the donations and grants from Ohio’s state major project.

Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 member and Lyn-Way Restaurant co-owner Rob Stoops presents Angela Woodward, Executive Director of the Ashland County Cancer Association, a check of $3,000. The proceeds are from the 7th annual 'Just One More' Greg Stoops Memorial Bowling Tournament, held on April 6 at Luray Lanes.  The bowling tournament is sponsored by Lyn-Way Restaurant, Luray Lanes and Ashland Elks Lodge #1360.  

The United States Great Lakes Region 4 Hoop Shoot contest was held on Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Angola, IN. Team Ohio had three Regional champions, while Michigan added three and Indiana zero.

The Columbus - Grove City Elks Lodge #37 is proud to give to the Grove City Police our Anniversary Grant with $750 going to D.A.R.E. and $750 going to “Max”, the K-9 unit. Thanks to the Elks National Foundation for allowing us the opportunity to improve our community!

Columbus - Grove City Elks Lodge #37 were able to initiate three new members to the Order this month, doing their part to help get us to positive membership growth nationally. As always it is great to bring in new Elks!!  Jackie Hill, Vicky Compton, Randy Seymour and Justin Raderstorf. Welcome all!

Trip Miller, representing Newark Elks Lodge #391, competed in the 2018-19 Ohio Elks Association State Hoop Shoot Contest on February 16, 2019, in Gahanna, OH, and was crowned State Champion in the Boys 8-9 Year Old Division. Tripp won the contest making 22/25 free throws. Tripp then advanced to compete at the Great Lakes Regional (OH-MI-IN) Competition on March 16, 2019, held in Angola, IN, and was Runner-Up in the Boy 8-9 Age Division, shooting 21/25. Tripp is the son of Matt and Alison Miller of Newark.

While attending  the Volunteer Advisory Committee, Inc meeting at the Ohio Veterans Home,  Fremont resident Joe Eberly  was recognized with a reward  from the Volunteer Center of Erie County presenting  Eddie Joe with the  Man of Excellence Award -2018.

Hamilton Elks Lodge #93 were host to many Veterans at the Cincinnati VA Hospital.  They passed out snack bags, vouchers, and had a rousing game of volleyball with all the Veterans.  Most important was the $1,600 worth of sweat shirts, shoes, socks and other needed supplies donated by the Hamilton Elks.

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 presented $1,000 in gift cards to Veterans Affairs Administration Clinic of Athens, Ohio. These gift cards will be used to help the needy and financially eligible Veterans who come to the Veterans Affairs Clinic for assistance. The money to purchase the gift cards was made possible by a National Elks Foundation Gratitude Grant. The gift cards purchased were to local businesses in the area.

Newark Elks Lodge #391 prepares a monthly Rise & Shine Breakfast, as just one of their Cerebral Palsy fundraisers! The breakfasts’ feature a different item each month along with Bartender Michelle’s famous Bloody Mary Bar. This fundraiser has been well received and a great way to include all members.

A partnership between the Fremont Elks Lodge #169, Link/Interact Club of Fremont Ross High School, and Wynn-Reeth Inc. made a lasting affect within the Fremont community. On four different occasions Elk’s members, Link/Interact teens and Wynn-Reeth individuals with developmental disabilities gathered for lunch and to make tie-blankets.

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $50 to the MAV Youth Mentoring Program, previously the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.   The monies will be used to sponsor a child for their 29th All Star Bowling Fundraiser.      This event will be held at the Olympic Lanes in Van Wert on Friday, March 29th.

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 presented a check for $1,000 to Good Works, Inc to be used to further their mission to help those who are homeless in Appalachia Ohio.  The donation was made possible by a Gratitude Grant from the National Elks Foundation.

Using an Anniversary Grant from the Elks National Foundation, the Portsmouth Elks Lodge #154 Leading Knight, Jerry Easter was pleased to present a $1,500 check to the Valley Township Volunteer Fire Department.  The money will be used to purchase safety vests for fire personnel. 

The Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee has just released the results of the two website contests for 2018-19 with the Ohio Elks Association website earning the highest rating of 5-stars along with Kenton Lodge #157 winning top ranking of 5-stars at the local lodge level. Congratulations to Kenton Lodge and the OEA for these great efforts!

The Ohio Elks nearly repeated as Regional Soccer Shoot Champions this year with a great group of kids competing in Frederick, MD in early March, but just came up short against our Pennsylvania neighbors. The kids and families had a great time in Maryland and we would like to thank all of the lodges, schools, kids, and families that participated this year.