Ohio Elks Associates Installs Pat McCaffery as President
The 2026-27 State Officers
During the April Convention, the Ohio Elks Association installed it’s new slate of officers for the 2026-27 lodge year.
Read President McCaffrey’s message here
Van Wert #1197 Announces Student of the Year
Pictured left to right are Linda Stanley, Student of the Month Chair, Logan Winke and
John Ream Exalted Ruler
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has selected Logan
A. Winke, senior at Vantage Career Center as the recipient of the Student of the Year for
Van Wert Lodge.
Logan was selected as the Student of the Month for October. He will graduate this
spring from Paulding High School.
Students are nominated by their high schools to receive the Student of the Month award.
Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with a certificate from the
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with the possibility of being selected as the Student of the
Year. Students are judged on the basis of multiple achievements – Volunteerism,
Character, Leadership, Service, Citizenship and Scholastic.
All of the Student of the Month winners are then judged for their performance and
achievements for selection as the Student of the Year. Amanda received a monetary
donation as well as a certificate. She will now be competing for District Student of the
Year against students from 12 other lodges within the district.
This program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for their
achievements in school and community. The Elks wish to recognize and praise those
students for their accomplishments, their activities, and their contributions to society
through this program.
A New Addition to Springfield Elks #51 Lodge
Marie McConnaughey, a talented local artist and proud member of Elks Lodge #51, generously created and donated one of her signature metal sculptures to our Lodge. Crafted from a unique collection of tools and metal pieces, this one-of-a-kind Elk now stands proudly by Hole 1 on our golf course in Springfield. It has quickly become a favorite spot, with members and guests alike stopping to snap a photo beside this remarkable masterpiece.
Van Wert #1197 Announces Essay Winners
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks would like to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Americanism Essay Contest. This fraternal year, the theme for the contest was, “What Does Service to Your Country Mean To You?”. The students competed in divisions, by age group.
The local winners, which were forwarded to the District for further judging, were:
(Pictured left to right, front row)
5th Grade – 1st Place – Ellie Adam – Crestview Elementary School
5th Grade – 2nd Place – Kendrix Farris – Lincolnview Elementary School
5th Grade – 3rd Place – Maverick Tice – Crestview Elementary School
6th Grade – 1st Place – Azalea Hammons – Crestview Middle School
6th Grade – 2nd Place – Alirah Ricker – Grover Hill Middle School
6th Grade – 3rd Place – Eastin Brincefield– Crestview Middle School
(Pictured left to right, back row)
7th Grade – 1st Place Sawyer Schlatter – Wayne Trace Middle School
7th Grade – 2nd Place – Isabel Merkle – Crestview Middle School
7th Grade – 3rd Place – Addison Horstman – Lincolnview Middle School
8th Grade - 1st Place – Hazel Smith – Lincolnview Middle School
8th Grade – 2nd Place – MeganParker – Wayne Trace Middle School
8th Grade – 3rd Place – Gage Grubb – Crestview Middle School
Anita Carvajal – Lodge Americanism Committee Chair
Winners in the Northwest District level were Azalea Hammons and Addison Horstman who placed first in their age group; Hazel Smith placed second in her age group and Kendrix Farris, Isable Merkle and Megan Parker placed third in their age group.
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 would like to congratulate all of our winners and we wish to thank all of the students, teachers and schools for their participation in this year’s essay contest.
Anita Carvajal is the lodge chairperson in charge of the Lodge Americanism Committee.
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton #1923 Receives C.A.R.E. Award
Holly Merkle, Cuyahoga Falls School District Coordinator of Wellness & Success; Troy Jensen, Leading Knight; Sarah Jensen, PER; Mayya Mateen, ER; Dru Fiala, Member
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923 was recently honored to receive the C.A.R.E. Award from the Cuyahoga Falls School District. The award acknowledges the Lodge's steadfast commitment to helping local students and families. This recognition is the result of a coordinated community effort and the effective use of Elks resources. The Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant provided the essential funding to kickstart these initiatives. Generous donations from lodge members during recent supply drives allowed the grant funding to have an even greater impact. Dedicated time spent by lodge volunteers on supply drive videos and local events was instrumental in the program's success. The lodge is proud to continue its partnership with the school district and to uphold the "Elks Care - Elks Share" tradition within the community. #OhioElks #ElksCareElksShare #CommunityImpact #Lodge1923 #ENF
Coshocton Elks #376 Donate to River View High School
Dave Bush, Brian Crilow, Skylar Simons, Jim Kreis of the Coshocton Elks #376 501C3 committee
Skylar Simons, a senior at River View High School, in Coshocton county Ohio, has undertaken a senior project this school year. She is continuing the running of two Comfort Closets at the high school. As well, she is providing an additional Comfort Closet for grades 7 and 8 on the top floor at the school. Students can take whatever they need from the closets. These comfort closets contain hygiene products for both males and females. This year, Skylar decided to make hygiene bags for both males and females. The bags are cosmetic bags for females and pencil bags for males. They are filled with deodorant, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. The females also have feminine hygiene products and the males have shaving creme and razors. Skylar gave the razors to the school nurse to dispense as requested. With the donation of $1000.00 by the Coshocton Elks #376 501c3 committee, Skylar can restock and make more bags available to students. The donation ensures the Comfort Closets can be stocked for two more years. Skylar is going to attend the University of Akron to pursue a nursing degree upon graduation. Pictured are L to R Dave Bush, Brian Crilow, Skylar Simons, and Jim Kreis of Coshocton Elks #376 501c3 committee
Elyria #465 Awards $7,000 in Scholarships
from left to right are Trenton Popek, Leah DiFranco, Capri Church, Jessica Strauser, Madison Queen and Joey Schill. Not pictured are Austin Wise, Nathan Grieger and Sadie Smith.
Elyria Lodge #465 gave away $7,000 in scholarships to local students at their year end Awards Banquet in March. Scholarships came from Lodge, PER Association, Golf Outing and the Ohio State vs. Michigan game fundraisers (Go Buckeyes!)
Elyria #465 Host Youth Sports Club
Elyria Lodge #465 invited the Elyria Youth Sports Club over a dozen afternoons to their facilities for an afternoon of bowling. 15 to 40 children, ages 6 to 15, used the Elks lanes every Sunday from January through March and enjoyed pizza, hot dogs and sodas while they bowled for three hours as part of Elyria Lodge's Youth Activities and Community Service projects.
State Meeting Pre-Registration Closes Thursday!!!
Last chance to get in at the discounted rate. All others will have to register at the convention.
https://ohioelks.com/spring-convention
Register today!
Grant-tastic Night! Columbus Grove City #37 Dish Out ENF Grants.
The Columbus Grove City Elks Lodge #37 brought the community together on Friday, February 20, 2026, for a special ENF fundraiser. During the event, members proudly awarded several Elks National Foundation grants to organizations making a meaningful impact in Grove City. MASH, a local veterans support group, received a $2,000 Spotlight Grant to further its mission of assisting former service members. The Bed Brigade, known for providing beds and essential furnishings to families in need, was presented with a $4,000 Beacon Grant. In addition, the Grove City Food Pantry was awarded a $3,500 Gratitude Grant to help sustain its efforts in fighting food insecurity.
2026 DAP Poster Winner Announced
Sharon Brown Jackson #466 Lodge DAP Chairman; Winter Shepherd; Becky Underhill State DAP Chairman
Congratulations to Winter Shepherd, winner of the 2026 Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Poster Contest. Winter also earned the Jackson #466 Lodge award as well as the South Central District Pennant Award. As Ohio’s state winner, she received a $100 gift card, a blue ribbon, and a certificate. Her original theme, “I’d Rather Eat Bugs than do Drugs,” delivers a simple, memorable message that will connect with other children. Winter is the daughter of Justin and Ginger Shepherd and a third grader at Wellston Intermediate School in Wellston, Ohio. Her poster has been forwarded on to the Grand Lodge Drug Awareness Commission for national judging. Fingers crossed we’ll see Winter’s artwork on the cover of the 2026 DAP coloring book. Shown left to right: Sharon Brown, Jackson #466 Lodge DAP Chairman; Winter Shepherd; and Becky Underhill, Ohio DAP Chairman.
Lima Elks Lodge #54 Helps Presents Girl Scout Gold Awards
On March 8,2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized 28 Girl Scouts from the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Council during their Gold Award Ceremony.
The award consisted of the American flag and the Gold Award Certificate along with the Grand Exalted Rulers’s Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and the Elks/Scouting Pin.
Congratulations to these Gold Award recipients on their many achievements.
Play Ball!!!! Join Your Fellow Elks at Wrigley Field During Grand Lodge
Join the Ohio Elks Association for an unforgettable Elks Day at Wrigley Field during Grand Lodge as the Cubs take on the Cardinals in one of baseball’s greatest rivalries! Experience the excitement of historic Wrigley, connect with fellow Ohio Elks, and be part of a day filled with camaraderie, ballpark fare and baseball. Tickets are purchased individually, so grab yours early and make plans to join us for a fun‑filled afternoon celebrating Elkdom in one of the most iconic ballparks in America. Let’s show Chicago how Ohio Elks rally together!
Jul 04, 2026 7:08 PM CDT
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Elks Lodge #1923 Honors Outstanding Members
L-R: Greg Arndt; Dawn Herman; Rick James
During the Lodge meeting held on March 3, 2026, Exalted Ruler Troy Snyder took the opportunity during the Good of the Order to recognize three members for their exceptional service and dedication to the principles of Elkdom. The following Grand Lodge awards were presented to these deserving individuals: Officer of the Year: Greg Arndt Elk of the Year: Dawn Herman Distinguished Citizen of the Year: Rick James These recipients were honored for going above and beyond in their service to the Lodge, its members, and the local community. Their tireless efforts embody the spirit of the Order and set a standard of excellence for Lodge #1923. Congratulations to Greg, Dawn, and Rick for these well-deserved honors.
Northeast District Lodges Recognized for ENF Achievements
Roger Boltz - Ravenna #1076, John Logozzo - Massillon - North Canton #2029, Debbie Greenhill - Berea #1815, Troy Snyder - Cuyahoga Falls - Akron - Barberton #1923, Kim Chapman - Salem #305, J.C. Yex - Parma #1938, Lisa Wadlow - Kent #1377, Joe Haas - Painesville #549, John Mann - Alliance #467, Dan Blank - Conneaut #256, Jim Cozzarin - Willoughby - Cleveland #18
At the January 2026 Northeast District Meeting held at Parma Elks Lodge, several Lodges were recognized for their outstanding commitment to the Elks National Foundation (ENF). These Lodges reached or surpassed their Grand Lodge ENF per capita goals, a significant milestone that directly supports the charitable works of the Order. District Activities Chair Sarah Jensen presented certificates of congratulations to the following Lodges in recognition of their tremendous work and dedication: Alliance #467 Berea #1815 Conneaut #256 Cuyahoga Falls - Akron - Barberton #1923 Kent #1377 Massillon North Canton #2029 Painesville #549 Parma #1938 Ravenna #1076 Salem #305 Willoughby - Cleveland #18 The presentation highlighted the collective effort of members across the district to ensure the success of ENF programs. The certificates serve as a testament to the hard work put in by these Northeast District Lodges to meet their philanthropic goals for the year.
Join the Ohio Elks Association Endowment Benevolence Club: A Quiet Step Toward Big Impact
Becoming a member of the Ohio Elks Association Endowment Fund Benevolence Club means choosing to make a consistent, meaningful difference through a monthly donation. This ongoing support helps the Endowment grow steadily, ensuring that the charitable work of the Elks can continue well into the future.
Right now, the Ohio Elks Endowment is in an important fundraising and building phase. As the fund grows and eventually reaches maturity, it will be able to support our current state major project—Cerebral Palsy—as well as other charitable causes that the Association may determine are worthy in the years to come.
And that’s what makes the Benevolence Club so special: none of us knows what future needs will look like, but this fund ensures we’ll be ready. When the time comes, the Endowment may help support a food bank, a hospital wing, a homeless veterans shelter, a children’s camp, Special Olympics, medical research, scholarships, recreational programs, or any number of community-focused initiatives. The possibilities are wide, and the impact can be profound.
Your monthly gift—no matter the amount—becomes part of something bigger. It joins with the contributions of others to build a permanent resource capable of empowering charitable work for generations. There’s a quiet pride in knowing that each month, you’re planting seeds that will grow into opportunities and support for people who need it most.
If you’re looking for a simple, sustainable, and forward‑thinking way to deepen your involvement with the Elks, joining the Benevolence Club is one of the most meaningful steps you can take. It’s generosity that keeps giving, well into the future.
Ohio Crowns Hoop Shoot Champions! Next Stop Regionals
The competition was amazing at the Ohio State Elks Hoop Shoots Free Throw Contest, held at Liberty Middle School in Newark. A total of 36 youngsters competed for a chance to advance to the U.S. Great Lakes Regional in March. Results were:
8-9 girls: Gigi Trotter, Chillicothe, 20/25, 4/5; Avery Cody, Massillon/North Canton, 20/25, 3/5; Harper Raber, Wooster, 16/25; Edee Fearon, Greenville, 15/25; Maci Brownfield, Barnesville, 13/25; Meredith Mizla, Port Clinton, 2/25.
8-9 boys: Calvin Homan, Mercer County, 23/25; Carson Conger, Lebanon, 22/25; Karter Breyman, Bellevue, 21/25; Griffin Johnson, Alliance, 19/25; Kase Johnson, Barnesville, and Finn Enz, Portsmouth, 17/25.
10-11 girls: Ainsley Weaver, Chillicothe, 24/25; Emma Surnear, Massillon/North Canton, 16/25; Aria Record, Hamilton, 14/25; Lucy Kuhn, Findlay, 13/25; Ensley Steele, Barnesville 10/25; Jazelle Feliciano, Lorain, 7/25.
10-11 boys: Leonidas Regel, Ohio River Valley, 22/25. Alec Brown, Bellevue, 21/25, 4/5; Brody Howe, Lima, 21/25, 3/5; Ean Huffer, Chillicothe, 19/25; J.J. Green, Massillon/North Canton, 16/25; Jackson Anderson, Wilmington, 11/25.
12-13 girls: August Adams, Massillon/North Canton, 22/25, 26/30; Makayla Barga, Greenville, 22/25, 25/30; Skye Martin, Chillicothe, 21/25, 5/5; Stella Sheeley, Mercer County, 21/25, 2/5; Cadence Watson, Coshocton, 18/25; Briell Allen, Lorain, 8/25.
12-13 boys: Brody Ersnthausen, Lebanon, 22/25, 5/5; Grayson McCully, Alliance, 22/25, 2/5; Blake Garrison, Mercer County, 21/25; Channing Berberick, Bellevue, 20/25; Alden West, Coshocton, 17/25; Maverick Vogt, Nelsonville, 10/25.
All contestants and families were given Friday night lodging at the Newark DoubleTree Hotel, dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday, and all contestants received Elks basketballs, Drug Awareness backpacks/goodies, water bottles, goodie bags and t-shirts, compliments of the Ohio Elks Association.
The six age group winners now advance to the United States Great Lakes Region 4 Hoop Shoot the weekend of March 13-14, 2026, in South Bend, IN, and will take on competitors from Indiana and Michigan. Winners at that event will advance to the National Competition in Chicago, IL the weekend of April 17-19, 2026.
The 2027 Ohio Elks Hoop Shoot Finals has been set for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, at Liberty Middle School in Newark.
Ashland #1360 Strikes Out Drugs at Bowling Event
The Ashland Elks Lodge 1360 recently hosted a family bowling day at Luray Lanes, where 46 members and guests came together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. The event featured bowling, pizza, and drinks for all attendees, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for families. In addition, Drug Awareness materials were provided as part of the Elks’ ongoing commitment to community education and youth outreach.
Van Wert #1197 Spreads Hope with Gratitude Grant
Pictured left to right are Teresa Schaffer, Haven of Hope Board President, Jamie Ramos, Executive Director and John Ream, Lodge Exalted Ruler
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $1,750.00 to the Haven of Hope Homeless Shelter of Van Wert County to assist them with their ongoing program to provide shelter to homeless men. The monies are from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.
The Elks National Foundation is a perpetual trust fund established in 1928 by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Contributions to the Foundation are made each year by over 800,000 Elks and their families and friends from more than 1800 Elks Lodges across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
Since they have been open, they have assisted many men. Some have been able to obtain jobs, others their own apartments and some to get an automobile. Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Haven of Hope Homeless Shelter as they provide excellent care for the homeless men in our area.
Jackson #466 Uses Gratitude Grant to Boost VA Medical Center
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks – Jackson Lodge #466 in Jackson, Ohio proudly used their Gratitude Grant to donate $3,500.00 worth of clothing and shoes to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center clothing pantry.
This donation will help provide essential items to veterans across four different wards, ensuring those who have served our country have access to much-needed clothing and footwear.
Pictured are: VA Voluntary Service Specialist Thomas Yerian, Jackson Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Bob Swingle, and Secretary Rod Bachtel.
We are honored to support our local veterans and give back to those who have given so much.