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.
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923 Supports Akron Cooperative Farms
Russ Iona, Doug Wurtz
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923 recently presented a $1,000 donation to Akron Cooperative Farms in support of their ongoing mission to serve and uplift the local community.
Leading Knight Russ Iona presented the check directly to Doug Wurtz, Founder and Executive Director of Akron Cooperative Farms. We are proud to support such an impactful local organization!
Ashland Elks #1360 Donate $1360 From ENF Gratitude Grant to Meals On Wheels
PER Michele Larue, Exalter Ruler Gayle Lantz, Ashland County Council on Aging Gina Thomas and Sander Enderby (and Lincoln)
The Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 recently donated $1,360 to the Ashland County Council on Aging to support its Meals on Wheels program. The donation will help provide nutritious meals and regular wellness checks to seniors and homebound residents throughout Ashland County, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.
The contribution was made possible through a Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation, which provides funding to local lodges for community service projects. By directing these grant funds to Meals on Wheels, Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 continues its longstanding commitment to serving the community and supporting programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents.
Ravenna Elks #1076 Support Mantua-Shalersville Fire District with Community Service Grant
Exalted Ruler Scott Enlow PER, Lt. Dan King MSFD, Lodge Trustee Pat McCon
On September 14, 2026, Ravenna Elks Lodge #1076 presented a Community Service Grant from the Ohio Elks Association to the Mantua-Shalersville Fire District. The $1,000 grant was earmarked for Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) supplies, helping the department strengthen its ability to respond when multiple patients require emergency medical care.
Springfield Elks #51 Raise Over $28,000 for Cancer Care in 9th Annual Pink Out Scramble
The 9th Annual Springfield Elks #51 Pink Out Scramble raised $28,280 for cancer care in our community. We didn’t just meet our goal…we absolutely crushed it! These funds will help the Springfield and Urbana Cancer Centers provide wigs, hairpieces, and scarves to patients undergoing treatment. Funds will also support the Look Good Feel Better program at both cancer centers, and the Breast Cancer Endowment Fund of Clark County. Of the 144 golfers that played in this scramble, 123 were Elk members! Elks Care Elks Share!
Ashland Elks #1360 Dive Into Helping the Ashland County Dive Team
Ashland Elks Exalted Ruler Gayle Lantz, Ashland Fire Division Reeves and Emser and Ashland County Sheriff Sgt. Neff
The Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 recently provided funding for new equipment for the Ashland County Dive Team, helping ensure team members have the specialized gear needed to safely conduct underwater search, recovery, and rescue operations. The donation purchased included two Dive Rite WTX-D40 wing systems, stainless steel backplates, single tank adapters, weight pocket systems, transplate harnesses, and cam straps, giving divers updated and reliable equipment for use in the field.
The Ashland County Dive Team plays an important role in serving communities throughout the county, often responding to emergencies in challenging conditions. Through the generosity of Ashland Elks Lodge #1360, the team is better equipped to carry out its mission while maintaining the highest level of safety for its divers.
Salem Elks #305 Use Community Service Grant to Help Purchase AED for Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department
Kim Chapman, PER, CSG Chairman; Chief Brandon Smth
Kim Chapman, PER, CSG Chairman presented Chief Brandon Smth with the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department with a $1,000 check to purchase a new AED. This will allow all vehicles to be equipped with a unit, allowing our First responders to administer life saving actions as soon as possible. The Community Service Grant is offered through the Ohio Elks Association which only offers 4 grants per district. The Salem Elks Lodge #305 competed with 12 other Lodges and were luckily picked.
Ashland Elks #1360 Finds Purr-fect Use for ENF Gratitude Grant
The Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 found a purr-fect way to put its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to work by supporting a cause that benefits some of the community’s most vulnerable animals. Through the grant, the lodge donated $1,360 to the Ashland Cat Sanctuary, demonstrating the Elks’ commitment to making a positive impact at the local level.
The donation will help the Ashland Cat Sanctuary continue its mission of providing shelter, care, and support for cats in need. By partnering with an organization dedicated to animal welfare, Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 is helping ensure that rescued and homeless cats receive the resources and compassion they deserve while strengthening the bond between community service and animal advocacy.
Marietta Elks #477 Uses Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to Purchase Oxygen Masks for Local Fire Department
Fire Chief Jay Handschumacher, Assistant Fire Chief Randy Treadway, PER John Gazzale, and PDDGR Chico Schob
Marietta Elks Lodge #477 has been awarded an Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to support the purchase of oxygen masks for the local fire department. The grant funding will be used to provide oxygen masks that are compatible with the department’s Scott Air-Pak breathing apparatus, helping firefighters more effectively deliver emergency oxygen to individuals in need during rescue and medical response situations. This project reflects the Elks’ ongoing commitment to supporting first responders and enhancing public safety within the community. By helping equip firefighters with these essential lifesaving tools, Marietta Elks #477 is making a meaningful investment in the health, safety, and well-being of local residents.
Ashland Elks #1360 Expands Community Grant Impact to Increase Safety in Electric Vehicle Accidents Throughout the County
Picture Left to Right: Ruggles-Troy Fire Department Eric Bohland, Mifflin Chief JJ Bittinger, Mifflin Assistant Chief Randy Jackenheimer, Ashland Elks Exalted Ruler Gayle Lantz, Ashland Fire Division Austin Reeves and Ian Emser
Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 has significantly expanded the impact of an Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant by providing electric vehicle safety plugs to three fire departments across Ashland County.
The specialized safety plugs play a critical role during emergency response situations involving electric vehicles. When installed, the devices disable the vehicle's electrical system, including the engine, transmission, and battery, helping to eliminate potential hazards and allowing firefighters and emergency medical personnel to safely access and extricate victims following an accident.
Funding for the initiative began with an Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant, which covered the purchase of one safety plug. Recognizing the importance of the equipment, Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 funded the purchase of two additional plugs, enabling three local fire departments to receive the lifesaving devices. Ruggles-Troy Volunteer Fire Department, Mifflin Fire Department and The Ashland Fire Division all received funding for the devices.
By investing in equipment designed to address the growing presence of electric vehicles on local roadways, the Ashland Elks continue their commitment to supporting community safety and providing valuable resources to first responders throughout Ashland County.
The project demonstrates the organization's dedication to maximizing the impact of grant funding while helping ensure firefighters and EMTs have the tools needed to respond safely and effectively in emergency situations.
Coshocton Elks Lodge #376 Supports Canal Quilters and Veterans
L to R are Denise Guthrie of Mercantile on Main Street, Mona Eick-Coshocton Elks Veteran Service Chairman, Debi Shaw-President of Coshocton Canal Quilters, Mike Turner-Coshocton Elks Lodge Secretary
The Coshocton Elks Lodge #376 has received an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant on behalf of the Coshocton Canal Quilters. The quilt group was selected for their support of local veterans causes. The Coshocton Canal Quilters have been donating their time and materials to provide hand made quilts to veterans during the holiday season in December. The grant is for $4000. This will enable the quilters to bulk purchase batting and materials to produce the quilts. The quilters are purchasing their materials locally through Denise Guthrie at Mercantile On Main Street. The Coshocton Elks does lots of work each year in support of veterans causes, and partnering with the Coshocton Canal Quilters is a great way to show mutual support of veterans.
The Elks National Foundation invests monies donated by Elk members and returns the interest gained each year in support of the lodge’s local communities as an investment in the communities where members work and reside.
Newcomerstown Elks #1555 Uses Community Improvement Grant to Equip Local Fire Department With Lighting and Cutting Tool
Steven Pritchard (ER NCT 1555) Richard Patterson (assistant fire chief Newcomerstown Volunteer Fire department)
Pictured is Newcomerstown Elks #1555 Exalted Ruler Steven Pritchard showcasing the scene light and glass cutting tool that was purchased using the Elks Community Improvement grant.
Last Chance to Fill Out Grand Lodge Attendance Survey
Today is the last chance to let our wonderful Convention Chairperson know your plans for Denver 2027. This ensures we will have enough rooms for all our Ohio Elks to stay together in the same hotel. FIll it our ASAP if you plan on going.
I Get By With a Little Help from Your Friends
Pictured left to right; GER Tim Jaeger, DAP Ohio State Chairman Becky Underhill, PGER Doug Schiefer,
and PGER Jim Nichelson.
It is often difficult to talk about Drug Awareness, but with these heavy hitters on your side, the task becomes much easier. Thank you, Grand Exalted Ruler Tim, Past Grand Jim, and Past Grand Doug for helping me get the word out and for all your dedication to the Elks Drug Awareness efforts!
Last Chance to Share Your Photos With GER Jaeger
Please submit all photos by the end of the day to have them included in the file share with GER Jaeger. Submit photos here https://ohioelks.com/gerphotos
Black Tiger Family Center Receives Record-Breaking Support from Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923
Becka Miller, Dr. Andrea Celico (Superintendent), Sierra Miller, Esther Harsh, Sarah Jensen, Holly Merkle, Mayya Mateen (ER #1923), Nancy Jnsen, Dru Fiala, Jim Colvin
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members, B.P.O.E. Lodge #1923 recently wrapped up its most successful supply drive to date in support of the Black Tiger Family Center! Operated by the Cuyahoga Falls City School District, the Center provides district students with essential items and resources to ensure kids start the school year ready to learn.
Running from July 27th through August 10th, the drive brought in a record-setting volume of essential school supplies and necessities, which were officially picked up on August 11th. In addition to the abundance of physical donations gathered by our lodge, #1923 was proud to present the Center with an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to further support their mission in our local community.
Thank you to every member who donated, volunteered, and helped make this effort such an incredible success!
Ohio Elks Endowment Raffle Set for Saturday Night at Fall Reunion
Bellow are some of the awesome baskets being raffled off at 6:30 PM. Bring your friends and cash to raise money for the future of Ohio Elkdom.
Jackson Elks #466 PER Association Gives Back to Four Winds Residents
Pictured are members of Jackson Elks Lodge #466 who volunteered their time for this special event.
The Jackson Elks Lodge #466 PER Association Charity Board held a cookout for the residents of Four Winds Nursing Home on August 12th.
Elks members grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and served them with some great sides. The residents enjoyed a delicious dinner and, even more importantly, the fellowship and time spent with the Elks members who volunteered their time to make the evening special.
The Jackson Elks PER Association is proud to support our community and bring fellowship and smiles to those we serve.
Berea Elks #1815 Supply 5th Graders With School Supplies Using ENF Grants
By combining member donations, the Beacon Grant and Spotlight Grant, Berea Elks Lodge 1815 was able to donate 150 backpacks filled with supplies to local 5th graders in need.
The 5th grade is the first year Berea City School kids move from elementary school to middle school; which means it's the first year a student goes from one teacher & one school supplies list to multiple teachers & multiple school supplies lists. This can be a financial challenge, especially for families with more than one child to shop for. This fall there are 368 5th graders enrolled.
People in Photo L-R: Esteemed Loyal Knight Patrick Greenhill, Treasurer Debra Greenhill (PER), Member Bill Helmet, Chaplain John Masterson, Pat Koharik, Member Mary Ann Walter, Esteemed Leading Knight Dianna Threadgill, Secretary Danielle Mahany (PER), Member Richard Koharik, Trustee Aric Pruitt-Humphreys, Member Linda Heffern, Member Betty Passiatore, Trustee Jeff Coyle (PDDGER)