Columbus - Grove City Elks #37 Visit With Veterans
Matt Beedy, Exalted Ruler, and Angelo Nocera, Veteran's Chairman of Columbus-Grove City Elks Lodge #37, visited the Veterans at Monterey Nursing Home in Grove City, Ohio. Our Lodge gave 14 male and 2 female Veterans sweatsuits.
State Americanism Essay Contest Winners Announced!
The Americanism Essay Contest is completed for 2024-25 year. Thank you to all the districts that participated. All your hard work is greatly appreciated. Essays were received from 5 out of our 6 districts. The winners are as follows:
2024-2025 State Winners
5th Grade State Winners
1. Meredith Rhodes – NE District – Berea #1815
2. Emmitt Ralph – NE District - Ravenna #1076
3. Griffin Pelfrey – NC District – Wooster #1346
6th Grade State Winners
1. Aryln Morris – NE District - Ravenna #1076
2. Malinah Rivas – NE District – Berea #1815
3. Fennyx Depew – NW District – Toledo Sylvania #53
7th Grade State Winners
1. Liam Kuzmickas – NE District – Berea #1815
2. Sutton Clay – NE District – Alliance #467
3. Aarush Bhirud – SC District – Marysville #1130
8th Grade State Winners
1. Marissa Gatewood – NE District – Salem #305
2. Ahleya Grimm – NE District – Alliance #467
3. Nevan Moore – SC District – Marysville #1130
Congratulations to all the winners!
Hamilton Elks #93 Making An Impact Against Food Insecurity in Butler County
Hamilton Elks Lodge #93 was has been awarded a renewal of their Impact Grant from the Elks National Foundation (ENF). The grant funds a program focusing on food insecurities in Butler County, OH, especially for older seniors. The lodge concentration is heavily on food insecurities with low income and home inbound seniors.
This year the lodge has diversified their efforts to help seniors directly and indirectly. They have partnered with the “Open-Door Pantry” and will donate food boxes each month in 2025. This food pantry is close to our hearts because we have one of our own working there 3 days a week and in a month’s time, John Drexler an Elk member will put in about 91 hours of work at the Pantry doing all kinds of things needed.
We are also continuing our work with Kevin Kurpieski, Manager of Job & Family Services in Butler County in the Adult Protection Services Department. We provide food for 10 senior families each month. Kevin and his department provide the list of senior families that are the neediest each month and make face-to-face deliveries due to privacy issues.
Our Elks members do all the shopping for the food, prepare and pack all the food boxes. Last year we had 128 Elk members participate, this not including helpers. Elk members contributed 282 hours to the Impact Grant in 2024. The cost of value worked by the Elk members was $9,000.
Hamilton Elks Lodge #93 looks forward to thriving in 2025.
Gallipolis Elks #107 Supports Family With SMA Stricken Child
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 donated $5,000 to a young family that has a 3 year old child afflicted with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. These funds will be used to cover the full cost of intensive therapy treatments at Climb Intensive Pediatric Therapy in Tennessee. Unfortunately, this facility does not accept any insurance.
Lima Elks #54 Honors Gold Award Scouts
Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized 44 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' Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and the Elks/Scouting Pin.
Congratulations to these Gold Award recipients on their many achievements.
Salem Elk #305 Mardis Gras Dance Raises Money For Veterans and Cerebral Palsy
Saturday, February 22nd the Salem Lodge #305 held a Mardi Gras themed dance. All proceeds were split between Lodge CP and local Guitars for Veterans at $516 each. The Loyal Knight's wife Jan Cox played the piano and accompanied by Josh Mighell on guitar. Approximately 100 people were in attendance with food, Chinese raffle, singing and dancing. A great time was had by all. A little OH IO by the DDGER of the NE District, Wayne Gorby. Mark and Mike selling all those additional tickets.
Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scouts
Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Reid Beckett, Alex Bellman, Lucas Bredberg, Everett Croy, Wyatt Croy, Dominic Heitmeyer, Owen Horstman, Rylan Hovest, Pierce Inkrott, Connor Marsh, William Ormsby and Evan Raye of BSA Troop #244 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.
Congratulations to these Eagles on their many achievements.
Ohio Elks Host State Hoop Shoot Championship
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:
The six State Hoop Shoot champs along with First Lady and Elks President Kerry and Brad Goodballet.
8-9 girls
Kamryn Smith, Cuyahoga Falls, 23/25 (Advances)
Remi Garrison, Wooster, 21/25
Maci Brownfield, Barnesville, 14/25, 4/5
Caeleigh Duncan, Wilmington, 14/25, 3/5
Lucy Kuhn, Findlay, 13/25
Maddie Thompson, Chillicothe, 12/25
8-9 boys
J.J. Green, Cuyahoga Falls, 21/25, 4/5 (Advances)
Corey Doster, Bellevue, 21/25, 2/5
Brody Howe, Lima, 20/25
Weston Roeth, Troy, 18/25
Oliver Skarratt, Jackson, 17/25
Madden Willis, Barnesville, 16/25
10-11 girls
Ainsley Weaver, Chillicothe, 24/25 (Advances)
Cadence Watson, Cochocton, 20/25
Allie Garrison, Mercer County, 16/25
Cambrian Zapolnik, Alliance, 15/25
Morghan Wenger, Wooster, 13/25
Emery McGraw, Wilmington, 7/25
The six District Hoop Shoot chairs: Jean Zink, Northwest; Dennis Sabo, North-Central; Lisa Wadlow, Northeast. Back row: Ron Buxton, Southwest; Craig Byler, South-Central; Jim Humphrey, Southeast.
10-11 boys
Jack Clark, Van Wert, 22/25 (Advances)
Caden Larrick, Elyria, 21/25
Max Gillum, Jackson, 20/25
Aiden Romano, Lebanon, 19/25
Leonides Regel, Ohio River Valley, 17/25
Caleb Iafeigliola, Berea, 16/25.
12-13 girls
Lily Leach, Barnesville, 21/25 (Advances)
Lily Perkins, Alliance, 20/25
Makayla Barga, Greenville, 18/25
Ava Hawkins, Bellevue, 16/25
Kiya Weaver, Chillicothe, 14/25
Harper Unrast, Mercer County, 12/25
12-13 boys
River Lee Ruckel, Chillicothe, 21/25, 5/5 (Advances)
Gavin Voiles, Mercer County, 21/25, 4/5
Jaxon Ramos, Lorain, 20/25
Eric Thompson, Lebanon, 19/25
Madden Longaberger, Necomerstown, 18/25
Crosby Ogle, Berea, 17/25
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 14-16, 2025, 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 24-27, 2025.
The 2026 Ohio Elks Hoop Shoot Finals has been set for Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Liberty Middle School in Newark.
Lakewood Elks #1350 Donate More Than $165,000 To Local Charities
Lakewood (OH) Elks Lodge #1350 recently donated more than $165,000 to more than a dozen local charities and non-profits that focus specific needs within the community. Awards were given to Special Spaces Cleveland that build dream bedrooms for kids fighting cancer, Tails From The City which is an all-volunteer, no-kill cat shelter, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace who make sure all kids have a bed sleep on in Cuyahoga County…just to name a few.
Berea Elks #1815 Raise Funds For Police Memorial Fund Through Annual Dart Tournament
Berea Elks Lodge #1815 hosted the 4th Annual Doubles Dart Tournament to benefit the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society (GCPOMS) a non-profit charity, whose mission is to honor peace officers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of service to their communities and the nation, especially those from the Greater Cleveland area, including Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, and northern Summit Counties.
Fifteen teams from law enforcement, and Elks members from Berea Lodge #1815, Willoughby-Cleveland Lodge #18, and Lakewood Lodge #1350, competed for top awards, raising a total of approximately $1,400 for the fund.
Refreshments were donated by Teamz Restaurant & Bar and Berea Lodge #1815. The Cleveland Darter Club donated the use of the boards.
Cleveland Police Teams for the first year captured first place, as well as second and third place as follows:
FIRST PLACE: Matt Cavanaugh, CPD and Mike Ward CPD (Retired)
SECOND PLACE: Kevin Navratill, CPD and Scott Moran CPD (Retired)
THIRD PLACE: Frankie Cruz CPD and Dave Wagner CPD (Retired)
Last Chance To Register For Elks Leadership Kollege!
Are you a new lodge officer?
Are you leading a lodge committee?
Are you a long-time lodge leader?
Do you just need help?!
We are here for you!
The Elks Leadership Kollege is a valuable training session being offered to lodge officers and members. Qualified trainers will be conducting sessions packed full of valuable information that will guide you through a successful lodge year. Please take advantage of this opportunity to have your officers learn what they need to know and implement in order to have a successful year!
The 2025 session will be held at Newark Lodge #391 on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Newark Lodge will be featuring dinner and entertainment on Friday evening, February 21 for those coming to stay overnight.
Overnight accommodations available at:
Doubletree by Hilton
50 N. 2nd St
Newark, OH 43055
888-289-0870
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast available with donation proceeds going to CP.
Morning session begins at 10:00 a.m. and will feature discussions on Grand Lodge and resources and Grand Lodge Activities and the opportunities available to help all our lodges along with guidance on grant writing through ENF.
Lunch provided with donations going to support ENF.
Afternoon breakout sessions will focus on officer responsibilities and opportunities.
REGISTER HERE: https://ohioelks.com/kollege
Ravenna Elk #1076 Work To Honor Deceased Veterans
Pictured in the attached photo are Chris along with Trustee Matt Moore, Chair of the Chili Cookoff.
Ravenna Elks Lodge #1076 has taken on a new Veterans’ Service project. Over the past several years member Chris Untrauer has taken up a ‘hobby’ of finding unmarked graves of veterans and arranging to have them marked with bronze plaques.
So far she’s found many such graves in public and private cemeteries around the area.
The plaques are provided by the Veterans Administration, but installation is expensive. When the Lodge learned of her efforts thru a news article it was immediately decided that we should take up the cause with Chris.
The proceeds from our February 1st Chili Cookoff (about $3,000) were earmarked for the project, and a dinner/entertainment event is in the works for May.
Examples of the plaques – including one for our recently deceased PER Charles Venable.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Support Local DARE Breakfast
From left, lodge members Al Zimmerman, Matt Krol, Gary Schaffer and Kathy Shaffer
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 assisted the Van Wert City D.A.R.E. program with their annual DARE Pre-Valentines Day Pancake and Sausage Breakfast held on Saturday morning, February 8, 2025 at the Van Wert Elementary School. Over 550 people were served that morning.
Members of Van Wert Elks Lodge were busy helping on the serving line and back in the kitchen area as well. The Elks are proud to be able to assist with this great event for the kids.
Pictured are lodge members Al Zimmerman, Matt Krol, Gary Schaffer and Kathy Shaffer
Van Wert Elks #1197 Helps Local Fire Department Keep Community Safe
From left: Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman and Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $500 to the Van Wert Fire Department for their “No Child Sleeps Unprotected” program.
The monies, provided thru the Elks National Foundation in the form of a Gratitude Grant were made possible thru the generous donations to the foundation by the members of Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197. During the 2023-2024 lodge year, the goal of the foundation was that each lodge donate a minimum of $4.80 per member. Van Wert Lodge met their goal and surpassed it. Due to these donations, the lodge received the Gratitude Grant.
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.
With this money, Van Wert Lodge is proud to be able to help provide smoke detectors to all incoming kindergarteners in all the Van Wert county schools. “The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have always been known for their charitable works and this is Van Wert Lodge’s way of helping our community and those who are in need” stated Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Chairman for the Elks National Foundation.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Support Local Women’s Shelter
From left: Julie Schaufelberger, Outreach Coordinator and Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $900 to the YWCA Women’s Shelter in Van Wert.
The monies, provided thru the Elks National Foundation (ENF) in the form of a Gratitude Grant were made possible thru the generous donations to the foundation by the members of Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197. During the 2023-2024 lodge year, the goal of the foundation was that each lodge donate a minimum of $4.80 per member. Van Wert Lodge met their goal and surpassed it. Due to these donations, the lodge received the Gratitude Grant.
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 1,800 Elks Lodges across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
With this money, Van Wert Lodge is proud to be able to help the YWCA Women’s Shelter to provide a warm bed along with a safe location for the women of Van Wert. “The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have always been known for their charitable works and this is Van Wert Lodge’s way of helping our community and those who are in need” stated Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Chairman for the Elks National Foundation.
Van Wert Elks Supports Local Fire Department
From left: Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman with Captain Dale Ball.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,100 to the Convoy Fire Department to assist them with the purchase of eight sections of attack hose. The monies are from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation (ENF). Gratitude Grants are given to lodges that meet their per-capita goal of donations to 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 1,800 Elks Lodges across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
With this donation the department will be able to have the amount of hose needed to help them fight fires effectively. Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Convoy Fire Department with the excellent fire protection they provide.
Van Wert Elks Announce Students Of The Month
From Left: Allison Noggle with Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have selected Dakotah Nihiser, senior at Crestview High School and Allison Noggle, senior at Wayne Trace High School as the recipients of the Student of the Month for December.
From left: Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair with Dakotah Nihiser.
Students are nominated by their high schools to receive this 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.
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.
Gallipolis Elks Bring Holiday Gifts To Veterans
The Gallipolis Elks used an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Freedom Grant to team with the Gallia Co. Council on Aging and 20 students from the South Gallia High School to purchase Christmas gifts for Veterans that are in nursing homes throughout our area.
The Christmas gifts consisted of items the Vets needed to help with their personal hygiene, comfort and entertainment. Forty six male Vets and 3 female Vets received bags that contained socks, tin of cookies, puzzle book, pen, comb, nail clippers, emery board, shaving cream, disposable razors, denture cleaner, body wash, deodorant, Blistex, toothbrush, tooth paste, and a toothbrush holder. Also included was a blanket donated by the Gallia Council on Aging.
The bags were delivered personally to the Vets a few days before Christmas
Ashland Elks #1360 Helps Local Firefighters
From left: Chief Jeremy Smith, Salesman Luke Ricketts, Ashland Elks ER, firefighters Eric Bohland (Elk) and Emery Arnold
The Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 is proud to announce its recent donation of a set of Kodiak lifting devices to the Ruggles Troy Volunteer Fire Department. This generous contribution aims to enhance the department’s capability to respond to emergencies and ensure the safety of both firefighters and the community. The Kodiak lifting devices, will significantly improve the firefighters' ability to perform rescues and manage heavy loads during accidents.
Spring Convention Pre-Registration Now Open!
Registration for the 126th Annual Ohio Elks Association Spring Convention in Columbus, OH is now open! The OEA Spring Convention will take place April 25-27, 2025 at the Marriott Columbus Northwest located in the Columbus suburb of Dublin. Pre-register for the event for just $12 ($15 to register on-site). The OEA has negotiated excellent rates for lodging at the event.
Friday’s “Opening Night Celebration” is $30 for adults and $15 for children (12 and under) and will feature a sit-down dinner followed by a concert performed by the high-energy rock band “Ultra Sound” featuring hits from the 80’s hair bands like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Guns & Roses, AC/DC, Night Ranger, Lover Boy and more.
Those attending “Opening Night” will have a choice of the following dinner options:
Creamy bowtie pasta with mushrooms and spinach
Garlic parmesan chicken with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables
Honey garlic pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables
Attendance to “Opening Night” requires a fully paid convention credential.
Join your fellow Ohio Elks as we meet to conduct business of the order, install the State Officers for the upcoming year, and renew friendships with fellow Elks members across the Buckeye State.
Please note, if you are bringing children to the reunion, there is no cost (unless they attend “Opening Night”) but we do need their names registered with the OEA.
Pre-Registration will close April 3, 2025. After April 3rd, interested Elks may register in person at convention.