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.

Cards for a Cause! Ashland #1360 and Mansfield #56 Launch Card Show Series to Raise Money for Elks Causes

Over the weekend, Ashland and Mansfield lodges teamed up to raise money in a different way. Starting their quarterly Charity Card Shows series. Each quarter the show will rotate between the two lodges. The inaugural event had 14 vendors and around 70 people visiting throughout the day. All tables were by donation. There was also food and 50/50’s to help raise funds. At the end of the day, the event raise $559 for Cerebral Palsy, the chosen Elks charity for the show. Next date in Mansfield is to be determined.

Ashland Elks #1360 Announces 3 Students Winners of $1,000 Scholarships

Rose Sommers, Sienna Reep, and Bradey Krichbaum have each been awarded $1,000 scholarships by the Ashland Elks Lodge 1360. The scholarships are awarded annually to children or grandchildren of members of the local lodge.

Rose Sommers is the granddaughter of Elks member Rick Wolfe. She is a member of the class of 2025 at Cincinnati Anderson High School. Rose was a four-year honor roll student and member of National Honor Society. She was a member and team captain of the varsity swim team and participated in marching band, jazz band and wind ensemble. She was involved with Student Athlete Leadership Training, Student Aid for Special Education classrooms, and Teachers Academy internships. During the summers, Rose supervised the K-2 children’s program at Marantha Bible and Missionary Conference and did a 7-week mission trip to Zambia, Africa in 2022. Rose plans to attend Taylor University and study Elementary Education.

Sienna Reep is the daughter of Elks member Bryan Reep and granddaughter of Elks member Vicki Guemelata. She is a member of the class of 2025 at Olentangy Orange High School. Sienna was a member of National Honor Society and French Honor Society. Her extensive community service work included participation in WISE Club, Interact Club, and MedCrew Orange. As a member of varsity cheerleading, she earned the Scholar Athlete award and an All-American Cheerleader scholarship. She is a Master Company Dancer, having trained for 13 years in 7 genres of dance. Sienna plans to attend Miami University and study Kinesiology and perform on the dance team.

Bradey Krichbaum is the grandson of Elks Member Bob Garn. He is a member of the class of 2025 at Hillsdale High School. Bradey is a four-year scholar-athlete who graduated at the top of his class with a 4.0 GPA. He was a member of National Honor Society and also active in FFA for two years. His stellar athletic career included All-Ohio accolades in football and basketball. He served as team captain in both sports and earned team MVP in basketball and outstanding offensive lineman in football. He is a member of Jeromesville Methodist Church and past member and officer of Hilltop 4-H’ers. Bradey plans to attend Ashland University and study Business Management

Athens Elks #973 Donates a $1,000 of American Flags to area schools and parks.

Athens Elks Lodge 973 purchased 6 new American Flags and donated them to places in need in the area.  We donated 3 flags for the Athens Sandlot Baseball and Softball Fields and 3 flags for the Albany Youth Baseball Fields. 

Brian Mecum Chaplin, Randy Dillinger Alexander High School and Adam Lewis Exalted Ruler (Picture 1). 2 Brian Mecum Lodge Chaplin and George McCarthy Sandlot baseball board members (Picture 2). Dan Sater Leading Knight, Brian Mecum Chaplin, Marvin Shamhart Glouster Memorial Park Manager, Jim Balding and Rich Russell Lodge Trustees Picture 3).

CTEC Firefighter Student Receives Award From Newark #391

Newark Lodge #391 presented a $500 award to Jackson Broyles at the CTEC Awards program.

As the chosen Outstanding Public Safety and Consumer Services Senior Student, Jackson was chosen by

the CTEC administrators because of his accomplishments in the area of Fire and Emergency Services

Program. Jackson has also volunteered as an escort for Honor Flight, has volunteered at the Look-Up

Center, the Licking County Animal Shelter and with the Biddy League Football Camp.

This young man has athletic abilities too! H has participated in both football and track. He enjoys hunting,

working out, and remolding.

Jackson is already being pursued by a local Fire Department.

Newark Lodge wishes Jackson good luck and success in all his ventures.

Loyal Knight Becky Underhill and Jackson Broyles

Mount Vernon #140 Announces Essay Contest Winners

Congratulations to East Knox Elementary Ava Hoobler. Ava is in the 6th grade and placed 3rd place in the Americanism Essay Contest. This years theme was "What Does Patriotism Mean To Me?"  Ava (middle) was presented a certificate along with a gift card by Mount Vernon Exalted Ruler Steve Dick (right) and Esteemed Leading Knight Sandy Dick (left).

North West District Announces Amanda Burenga (Van Wert) as Student/Volunteer of the Year

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is proud to

announce that Amanda Burenga from Van Wert High School was selected as a recipient

of the Student/Volunteer of the Year for the Northwest District of the Ohio Elks

Association.

Amanda was selected as the Van Wert Elks Student/Volunteer of the Month for October.

Amanda graduated this spring from Van Wert 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 to be named 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 having been selected as

the Student of the Year for Van Wert Lodge received a monetary donation as well as a

certificate. She competed against the winners from the 12 other lodges within the district.

As the District Student of the Year winner, she will receive $1000.00 from the Ohio Elks

Association.

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.

Lebanon Elks #422 Award Legacy Scholarship

Congratulations to Lebanon High School Graduate Class of 2025 Alex Klein on receiving the Elks Legacy Award Scholarship, presented to him by our Esteemed Leading Knight, Heidi Calvert.

Elks Crown Lena Moore as Most Colorful Crusader Against Drugs with her Drug Awareness Poster

Lena More’s Drug Awareness Poster

The Ohio State winner of this year’s Drug Awareness Poster Contest is Lena Moore. Lena is a 5 th grader attending Salem-Southeast Elementary School. Her poster is an excellent example of the message of this year’s theme, “Throw Away Drugs – Not Your Future!”

Jackson Elks #466 Distributes $17,000 in Donations

Tina Spanos Executive Assistant of Board of Development of Disabilities of Vinton County. Pictured with Cerebral Palsy Chairman Lynn Denny.

Jackson Elks# 466 Presented a Cerebral Palsy Grant of $12,000 to benefit Jackson County Development of Disabilities and $5,100 to benefit Vinton County Board of Development of Disabilities.

 The grants were provided by the Ohio Elks Association Cerebral Palsy Fund Board. Pictured Is Christy Byler Principal of Jackson County of Development of Disabilities and Jackson Cerebral Palsy Chairman Lynn Denny. The 2nd picture is Tina Spanos Executive Assistant of Board of Development of Disabilities of Vinton County. Pictured with Cerebral Palsy Chairman Lynn Denny.

Pictured Is Christy Byler Principal of Jackson County of Development of Disabilities and Jackson Cerebral Palsy Chairman Lynn Denny.

Local Media Pro Speaks at OEA Public Relations Meeting

Left, Jay Allred, CEO, Source Media Properties and Right Brad Smith, Ohio Elks PR Chairman

Over 30 interested Elks from across the state interacted with a special speaker at the OEA Spring Convention in Columbus. Jay Allred, CEO, Source Media Properties,  a local online news organization operating in three Ohio counties, had several tips and insights on how to effectively provide Lodge news to local media. The type of digital local media Allred provides is a growing source of local news, and he learned as much as he taught, as his company is working on a new portal to make submitting local news easier for non-professionals. The informative presentation was well received – thank you Jay Allred.

Salem Elks #305 Holds Awards Ceremony for Drug Awarness and Americanism

Sunday, May 4th

Salem Elks Lodge #305 

Held their Drug Awareness Program 

and Americanism Essay Awards Ceremony 

"Throw Away Drugs-Not Your Future"

Makayla Jones-1st essay, Aaliyah Brielle Cantania-2nd essay; Lena Moore-1st poster, Cleo Johnson-2nd poster, Ruby Zellers-3rd poster & Becky Underhill,  OEA State DAP Chairman. Backrow: Kim Chapman-Lodge DAP Chairman and Eddy Hanna-NE District DAP Chairman. 

Lodge and NE District placings were the same. All continued onto the OEA state level with Makayla Jones and Lena Moore being awarded 1st place Ribbons, as seen in the photo. Their Essay and Poster advanced to the National level of competition; to be judged during the Elks Grand Lodge Convention in Kansas City. 

Americanism Essay

"What Does Patriotism Mean To Me."

6th grade division:

Simon Willgohs-1st, Harper Fadden-2nd,  Chloe Burns-3rd & Natalie Devine-Honorable Mention 

5th grade division:

Kyleigh Bletso-1st,

Margaret Hodgson-2nd,

Audrina Cowher-3rd

Backrow Pam Gerace- Americanism Chairman,  8th grade division:

Ally Chambers-1st and

Olivia Tomasic-3rd, not present is Marissa Gatewood-2nd

The NE District placed both Ally Chambers and Marissa Gatewood in the top 3 of the 8th grade Division. At the Ohio State level, Marissa Gatewood was awarded 1st in the 8th grade division with her Essay proceeding onto the National level.  Those essays will be judged during the Elks Grand Lodge Convention in Kansas City just prior to the 4th of July. 

Gallipolis Elks #107 Donate over $20,000 to Help People with Cerebral Palsy

Gallipolis Elks 107 Cerebral Palsy Chairman PER Nelson Dray, presented Cerebral Palsy grants to Lisa Arthur, Director of Education, Meigs County Board of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities ($10,900) and to Laura Johnson, Director of Education, Gallia County Board of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities ($10,000). The grants were provided by the Ohio Elks Association Cerebral Palsy Fund Board and will be used to purchase Smart Boards for the classrooms. Pictured recveving the grants from PER Nelson Dray were, left to right: Kim Wolfe, teacher, Meigs Co. MRDD; Lisa Arthur, Laura Johnson and PER Nelson Dray.

Lima Elks #54 recognize Eagle Scout

On April 27, 2025, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Micah Reeder of BSA Troop #106 during their Eagle Scout Court of Honor. The award consisted of The American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate frames for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Rulers' Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and the Elks/Scouting Pin. For his Eagle Scout project, Micah upgraded the firepit and added three picnic tables on the north side of Shawnee United Methodist Church.

Congratulations to Micah on his many achievements.

Pictured with Micah are his father, Brad Reeder (left), and his Scoutmaster,

Mike Sims (right).

Keith Denny Installed as President at 126th Ohio Elks Association Meeting

During the weekend long proceeding at the 126th Ohio Elks Association meeting in Dublin Ohio. Keith Denny of the Jackson #466 and his core of officers were installed during the Saturday evening business session. During his succinct acceptance speech, he thanked his beautiful wife Lynn, his family and the elks of the Jackson Lodge. He also introduced his theme for the year of “Pour Yourself into Elkdom” There will be plenty of information to come shortly. For more information about Keith and his officers, check out the leadership page on OhioElks.com

Ohio Competes At Regional Soccer Shoot

I am happy to report that all 10 of our shooters were able to attend. They were:

Violet Van Dresser U-8 girl from Norwalk Lodge #730 – placed 4th in her age group in York
Brantley Barnett, U-8 boy from Coshocton Lodge # 376 – placed 6th in his age group in York
Sayla Gancarz, U-10 girl from Salem Lodge # 305 – placed 2nd in her age group in York
Noah Gancarz, U-10 boy from Salem Lodge # 305 – placed 3rd in his age group in York
Makenna Banta, U-12 girl from Upper Sandusky Lodge # 83 – placed 5th in her age group in York
Lincoln Kuhn, U-12 boy from Findlay Lodge # 75 – placed 1st in his age group in York and Lincoln also won honors for the highest score for U10 – U16 boys in the entire region. 
Javyn Gress, U-14 girl from Newcomerstown Lodge # 1555 – placed 1st in her age group in York
Aiden Deem, U-14 boy from Upper Salem Lodge # 305 – placed 3rd in his age group in York
Alexis Warner, U-16 girl from Conneaut Lodge # 256 – placed 3rd in her age group in York
Aiden Davis, U-16 boy from Salem Lodge # 305 – placed 3rd in his age group in York

A great time was had by everyone, new friendships were made, and most importantly, every had a GREAT time.  We competed against 5 other state associations; Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, DC., New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.  Ohio placed in 2nd place overall.  The weekend started with a pizza party and DJ hosted by York Pa. Lodge # 213 with the actual shoot on Saturday morning.  The banquet and awards program highlighted Saturday evening with everyone enjoying the fellowship of the evening and the honoring of the winners.

Looking ahead, our 2025 state shoot will be held on November 8, 2025, and the regional shoot will be held in March 2026.  Details on those shoots will be posted as they become available.

Ravenna Elks #1076 Host “Hope Resource Carnival”

Ravenna Lodge #1076 hosted the Ravenna Center of Hope Resource Carnival.  What a joy it was to see so many families come together to enjoy carnival games, photos with the Easter Bunny, Bunny Bags, and meaningful fellowship!

Other community partners whose generosity and dedication made this event not only possible but truly wonderful included: Townhall II, Reed Memorial Library, The Ravenna Lions Club, Portage Learning Centers, Portage County Health District, WIC, PARTA, Axcess Pointe, and the United Way.