Ironton Elks support local community Safe Trick or Treat Night

Dale Tackett, Tammy Cates, Ashley Leach, Cameron Delong, Mason Cates

On October 27th members of the Ironton Elks Lodge #177 took part in the City of Ironton's Safe Trick or Treat at the local Farmers Market. Along with passing out candy to kids, the Ironton Elks also passed out Elks Drug Awareness Program info to the parents and kids, and Red Ribbon Week lollipops.

Newark Lodge 391 Promotes Red Ribbon Week

Newark Elks Lodge 391 is proud to support Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign dedicated to promoting drug awareness and prevention among youth. Through community events, educational programs, and partnerships with local schools, the Lodge encourages young people to make healthy, drug-free choices. By participating in Red Ribbon Week, Newark Elks Lodge 391 continues its mission of strengthening our community and fostering a safe, supportive environment for future generations.

Halloween Bash 2025 at the #305 Raises Money For CP

Salem Lodge #305 Members and guests; Officers and trustees were celebrating Halloween with Patty's pizza, goodies, snacks, music, karaoke and dancing. A Chinese auction and 50/50 raised approx. $500 towards the Lodge's CP Bradley fund. Our ER, Ben Blevins serenaded us and did the 11:00 O'Clock toast! We all stood on our 99year old front steps to... "Howl at the Moon"

Mount Vernon Elks #140 Has Mount Vernon Fire Department at Their Lodge

Front Row: Todd Lishness Trustee, Rose Ross Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Joan Fithian Treasurer, Steve Dick Exalted Ruler, Sandy Dick Esteemed Leading Knight, Heather Petry Member, Dave Priest Jr. Trustee, Assistant Fire Chief Lester, Firefighters/EMT, Back row starting the left is Keith Acker Secretary, Tami Acker Esteemed Loyal Knight, Brandy Calkins Member, Matt McComas Member, and Joel Ross Inner Guard

Mount Vernon Fire Department came to the Mount Vernon Elks #140 to show us the equipment that we were able to help them purchase through the $4,000 Gratitude Grant. Steve Dick, Exalted Ruler, is holding the F.A.S.T. Board and Joan Fithian, Treasurer (right) and Sandy Dick, Esteemed Leading Knight (left) are holding face masks with the name plates on them. Those were the items purchased.

Athens #973 Spend October Helping the Community

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $230 for Youth Soccer uniforms for the local

youth soccer program. See Picture

Elks Lodge #973 purchased $2,000 of items including blankets, winter hats and gloves

and personal hygiene items for the Athens County Veterans Stand Down Event. The

money was provided by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant

Program. Over 35 Lodge members volunteered to shop for the items, set up the tables

for the event, pack the bags for the veterans and assisted with walking the veterans

through the event. See Pictures

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $500 to be a Gold Level Sponsor for the Ohio Pink

Ribbon Fund event held in Athens. The organization provides financial assistance and

emotional support to individuals in the community impacted by breast cancer.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $500 to the Ohio University Student Veterans of

America group. This donation will be used for the 10 th annual Heroes Helping Heroes

project hosted by this group. The objective of the project is to provide an enjoyable

holiday to the children of local veterans, disabled or otherwise who have been identified

by the Athens County Veteran’s Service Office as being in need of assistance.

Lodge #1923: Building Grit at the Elks Hoop Shoot

Mary Arndt, Juli Paskay, Mayya Mateen, Russ Baeli, Darlene Pinter, John Pinter

John Pinter, Darlene Pinter, Troy Snyder, Eric Jensen, Justin Miller.

Volunteers from Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923 hosted its annual Hoop Shoot contest on Saturday, October 11th, at The Island Performance Center in Cuyahoga Falls. It was a joy to see the local youth step up to the lines and give it their all! Congratulations to all of the dedicated participants.

Ashland #1360 Bowls and Get Creative to Spread Drug Awareness

Ashland lodge 1360 held a family day bowling on Sunday. Passing out Drug awareness material and coloring books. They enjoyed bowling and pizza.

The lodge also participated in the Trunk or Treat at Dale-Roy services for the Ashland County Dragons special Olympics. Passing out drug awareness coloring books and candy. Also winning an award for most Creative Trunk with the theme from Toy Story. 

DAP chairman Justin Lutz and Youth Chairman Samantha Lane

Northeast Ohio Elks District Hosts Successful 4th Annual Rib Cook-Off for Drug Awareness

People in Photo L-R: JJ Moore, Event - Ravenna #1076. Bob Marchi - Gallipolis #107. Keith Denny - Jackson #466. Becky Underhill - Newark #391. Rod Bachtel - Jackson #466. Matt Moore - Ravenna #1076. Eddy Hanna, Jr. - Cuyahoga Falls #1923. Nelson Dray - Gallipolis #107

The Northeast Ohio District of the Ohio Elks Association hosted its 4th Annual Rib-Cook-Off on October 4th, continuing a tradition of community engagement and support for a vital cause. This event once again brought together Elks members, culinary enthusiasts and local residents for a day of delicious food, friendly competition, and impactful fundraising.

Each year, the Rib Cook-Off serves as a cornerstone initiative, dedicated to raising essential funds for the Northeast Ohio District's Drug Awareness Program. The program plays a crucial role in educating youth and communities about the dangers of substance abuse, promoting healthy choices, and offering resources to those in need.

Attendees enjoyed a fantastic array of expertly prepared ribs and other food, with some district Elks showcasing their skills and secret recipes. Judges were on hand to score the teams' ribs on flavor, tenderness and presentation. The event was especially proud to have Ohio Elks State President, Keith Denny, attend and serve as one the esteemed judges this year.

The success of the 4th Annual Rib Cook-Off is a testament to the dedication of the organizers, participants and volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the event.

The 5th Annual Northeast Ohio Elks Rib Cook-Off will be held on the first Saturday in October 2026 at Cuyahoga Falls Lodge #1923. If you are interested in participating as a cook or have other questions about the event, please contact the Northeast Ohio District Drug Awareness Chairperson: Eddy Hanna, Jr., Cuyahoga Falls Lodge #1923.

Ohio River Valley Elks #231 Makes the Difference in Community

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1. ORV's Exalter Ruler, Jim Weekley, and Leading Knight, Carole Bostancic, recently presented a $1,000 Ohio Elks Community Service Grant to the Bellaire, OH Police Chief, J.J. Watson. 

The award will be used to offset the cost of a recently purchased drone.  The purchasing process was complicated and involved knowledge of and compliance with numerous FAA regulations.  Pictured (l-r) and E.R. Jim Weekley, Police Chief J.J. Watson, and L.K. Carole Bostancic.

2. On September 27, 2025, ten recipients of the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grants were hosted at the lodge for a Spaghetti Dinner.  Each non-profit received a $500 stipend.

Pictured (l-r) are Nancy Hughes, Bellaire 1st Presbyterian Church, Kimberly Arbaugh, Urban Mission Ministries, Leah Perdu, Southeastern Ohio Catholic Charities, Rebecca Nicholson, Bellaire Elementary School, Pat Hartenstein, The Daily Bread Center, Anne Ricci, Healthright, Willa Wilkins, Grace Presbyterian Church, Major Timothy Higgins, Bellaire Salvation Army, Peggy Goclan, Bridgeport Friendship Council of Churches, and Exalted Ruler, James Weekley.  Not attending, St. Frances Cabrini Food Pantry.

3. Ohio River Valley Elks No. 231 pack Weekend Eats at the Bellaire Middle School.  The project, made possible by an Elks National Foundation Grant, provides nutritious weekend food for the students.  The grant helps subsidize the program, but the Elks members pack every bag distributed during the school year.  Pictured (l-r) are Leading Knight, Carole Bostancic, Peggy Cusick, Bob Morris, Becky Kinney, Trustee, Mary Carolyn Nichelson, treasurer and Jim Nichelson, Trustee.

Cuyahoga Falls #1923 Supports N.E. Ohio District's Drug Awareness Program

Officers and members of Cuyahoga Falls Lodge #1923 recently traveled to Ravenna Lodge #1076 to support the 4th Annual Rib Cookoff Benefitting Drug Awareness. The event is held each year on the first Saturday in October at one of the district's lodges. Funds raised during the event are used to support the Northeast Ohio District's Drug Awareness Program.

Marysville Lodge 1130 Promotes Drug Awareness

Marysville Lodge officers take pride in their commitment to their community by spreading drug awareness. Each year the lodge participates in the following DAP events: Uptown Friday Summer Events, Scarysville, Christmas Walk, and the Elks Christmas parade. They hand out drug awareness materials and Elroy is never too far away to greet the kids.

Thank you Marysville!!

Pictured are the lodge officers along with DDGER Bobby Marchi and State Drug Awareness Chairman, Becky Underhill

Marysville Elks Lodge #1130 Steps Up for a Cause!

Marysville Elks Lodge #1130 proudly participated in the annual Union County Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event held recently. Through our fundraising efforts, we were able to raise and donate $5,000 to Turning Point, a shelter that supports victims of domestic and sexual abuse and their families.

We’re especially proud to share that our Lodge has had the largest team for five years in a row!

Thank you to all our members and supporters who continue to walk beside us in making a difference in our community.

Gallipolis #107 Thank Veterans with Meal

Gallipolis, Ohio: A Veterans’ appreciation dinner was held in Gallipolis, Ohio, on 29 September 2025 at the Gallia Co Council on Aging. The Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 worked in concert with the Council on Aging to provide the dinner to ninety veterans and their guests. The Gallipolis VFW presented the Colors while the Boy Scout Troop 200, Rio Grande University students of Sociology, Gallia Co. Council on Aging board members and staff and members of the Gallipolis Elks assisted in the meal service. Veterans from each branch of service were recognized along with the Commanders of the various veterans’ organizations. The funding for the meal was provided by Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107.

Elyria Elks #465 Use Gratitude Grant to Help Local Girls

The Elyria Elks used a $2,000 Gratitude Grant to purchase hygiene products to support Path & Green, a local organization that distributes hygiene products and essential care to local girls from low income families across Lorain County - reminding them that they are seen, valued and worthy.   This gift directly fuels their mission to end hygiene insecurity and period poverty, allowing them to serve even more students this year. 

One is the check presentation from ER Dean Robinson and PER Mike Walker to Carissa Reitz

Jackson Lodge Celebrates President Denny

Jackson Elks Lodge had a packed house on 9/27 in celebration for OUR Ohio state president, Keith Denny. In attendance were Elk Members from all over the state and members of Jackson Lodge. Pictured is Secretary Rod Bachtel presenting Keith Denny with a plaque Congratulating him for Being The 2025-2026 Ohio Elks State President. Keith and Lynn would like to give a special Thank you to everyone that had a helping hand in planning and attending our Celebration Saturday evening. It was a perfect evening. The food and music was amazing!! And we are so honored to have so much support from Jackson Lodge and surrounding lodges in Ohio.

Two Inches from Exclusion to Inclusion: Norwalk Elks Provides New Tables To Transform Art Studio

Artists' Open Studio is celebrating a major step toward accessibility after receiving a grant from the Ohio Elks Association Cerebral Palsy Fund to purchase 10 new handicap-accessible adjustable tables. Artists' Open Studio is a nonprofit arts collective that provides inclusive creative space for people of all abilities. Its programs serve a wide range of artists and intentionally includes people with developmental disabilities, mobility challenges, and other support needs. The studio is located in downtown Norwalk and operates as a public gallery. More information can be found by visiting facebook.com/artistsopenstudioinc.

From left, Summer Braddock and Fred Wagner paint on the new handicap-accessible tables at Artists' Open Studio.

Kelly Aston works on a new handicap-accessible talbe at Artists' Open Studio in Norwalk.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 Have Busy September Supporting the Community

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $5,000 to the Athens County Department of Jobs and Family Services to purchase winter coats for needy children in their program. This donation should provide for approximately 500 winter coats. (See picture) Pictured L to R, Jean Demosky, Executive Director of the Athens County Dept of job and Family Services, Athens Elks Members Rich Russell, Jim Balding, Adam Lewis, George McCarthy and Tim Lairson.

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $1,000 to the Federal Valley Resource Center for their Veterans Garden project. The Veterans Garden will be located at the Resource Center in Stewart, by the main entrance to the building. It will have benches, flowers, a flagpole, and steppingstones. Inside there are photos of Veterans and this money will help upgrade that display as well.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $500 to John W. Clem Recovery House as a Silver Sponsor for their 7 th Annual Wake-Up for Recovery Breakfast fundraiser. The John W. Clem Recovery House was opened in December 2006 to provide safe, homelike residential facilities for men who struggle with alcohol and substance abuse disorders.

The recovery house has helped more than 700 men in their journey to find and maintain

sobriety. Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $250 as a platinum sponsor to the Federal Hocking Youth Basketball league. Federal Hocking is a rural school in Athens County. The donation will be used toward uniforms, equipment, gym rentals and to help pay for refs. It serves youth in grades 3rd to 6 th. Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $300 to be a platinum sponsor for the Kiwanis Club of Athens annual pancake day.  This fundraising event helps raise funding for the children in the Athens community and supports children in need. 

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $3,000 in gift cards and gas cards to the Athens County Veterans Court Treatment Program. The cards are provided to veterans as rewards for reaching goals set for them throughout the treatment program. They are awarded for reaching certain achievements or completing certain tasks such as successfully completing treatment, completing sober living, hitting sobriety milestones and ultimately for graduating from the program. Funding for this was provided by the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. (See picture) Pictured L to R Athens Elks members Jim Balding and Rich Russell, Athens County Judge George McCarty Veterans Court administrator, Athens Elks members Tim Lairson and Mark Mahaffey.

Lima #54 Presents Eagle Scouts with Awards

On September 13, 2025, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Connor Vondrell of BSA Troop #777 during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

Also on September 14, 2025, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Mia Kohli of BSA Troop #106 during her Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

The awards consisted of The American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging.

For his Eagle Scout project, Connor overhauled the entrance to the local YMCA building with new landscape plantings, river rock mulch and a commemorative rock denoting his Eagle Scout project.

For her Eagle Scout project, Mia designed and installed a demonstration pollinator habitat located at Shawnee Elmwood Schoot. Mia is the first young woman in the Great Oaks District to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Congratulations to Connor and Mia on their many achievements.

Elks 1923 2025 Annual Veterans Cornhole Tournament

Elks Lodge 1923 held its annual Veterans Cornhole Tournament Saturday Sept 13, 2025. This is year 4 of this fan favorite event. We are still calculating our numbers, but we typically raise around 3k and we donate 100% of these funds to local Veterans Charities. We had a great day of music, cornhole and Elkdom. We had 13 raffle baskets, a 50/50 and we will give a total number when we have it. We also had two new folks turn in applications that day to join our Lodge after having such a great time for such a great cause.

Wooster #1346 Uses Beacon and Spotlight Grant to help 150 Families

On August 8th, the Wooster Elks proudly teamed up with Wooster City Schools, the Wooster YMCA, the Wayne County Schools Career Center, and People to People Ministries to host an incredible Back to School Bash—made possible through our Beacon and Spotlight Grants.

Thanks to this powerful collaboration, we were able to support over 150 families, ensuring children had the school supplies and fresh haircuts they needed to start the academic year with confidence.

It was a shining example of what can happen when community organizations come together for a shared purpose. Here's to partnerships that make a real difference

Pictured Left to Right: Jody Rives, Brenna Lanneaux, Nikki Fehrenbach, Angie Mullen, Linda Amos (Wooster Elks ER), and Cole Hissong.