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)
Van Wert #1197 Recognizes Local Eagle Scout
Pictured, left to right are Greg Amstutz, Black Swamp Council Representative, Eagle Scout Xavier Tyler and Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison.
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently recognized Xavier Tyler for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Xavier is a member of Boy Scout Troop #35, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church in Van Wert, OH.
Xavier attended Vantage Career Center and graduated this spring from Van Wert High School.
Xavier was presented a letter of commendation and a special citation from Bryon F. Klatt, Grand Exalted Ruler/National President of the Elks. For Xavier’s Eagle Scout Project, he built and installed a Book Box and a Food Pantry Box at Union Center.
Lima #54 Junior Golf Association Tournament of Champions
Pictured are (left to right): Ellie Meiring, Kyla Fortman, Brylee Geary, Marian Nagel, Andrew Deitering, Carter Roessner, Ashton Wright, Allex Bellman, Jace Auckerman and Bryson Brooks.
On Monday, July 27, 2026, Lima Elks Lodge #54 sponsored the Lima Junior Golf Association Tournament of Champions, held at Shawnee Country Club.
The Lima Junior Golf Association is based in Lima, Ohio. This year there were approximately 280 boys and girls from Northwest Ohio who competed in tournaments held at 14 different area golf courses.
To qualify for the Tournament of Champions, golfers must compete in at least 6 events and earn enough points via the association points system. There were 34 golfers who competed in this year’s Tournament of Champions.
The winners were:
Girls 16-18
1 – Brylee Geary
2 – Marian Nagel
Girls 15 & Under
1 – Ellie Meiring
2 – Kyla Fortman
Boys 16-18
1 – Allex Bellman
2 – Ashton Wright
Boys 14-15
1 – Carter Roessner
2 – Andrew Deitering
Boys 12-13
1 – Bryson Brooks
2 – Jace Auckerman
Congratulations to all the winners!
Survey for 2027 Grand Lodge Open Now Until August 26th 2026!
It’s time again for me to try and figure out how many room nights we will be needing for the Grand Lodge 2027 in Denver Colorado July 4th - 7th.
If you are interested or planning on going, please complete the survey. Lodge Secretaries- if you know your incoming ER is considering going, please fill the survey out under your Lodge name.
This survey will be off the website on Wednesday, August 26 th since my deadline for submittal to Grand Lodge is Monday, August 31st .
Click here to fill out the survey
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me by emailing tammypaterson03@gmail or texting 440-258-5115.
Dress Up Main Street Winter Coat Project Receives Help From Coshocton Elks #376
L to R. Riger Moore, Coshocton Opportunity School Superintendent, Diana McKee, Paraprofessional at Opportunity School and project lead, Mike Turner, Coshocton Lodge #376 Lodge Secretary
Coshocton Elks Lodge #376 recently applied for a Spotlight Grant through the
Elks National Foundation. The Elks National Foundation allocates monies to
return to communities as an investment in building stronger communities where
Elk members live and work. Our lodge chose to partner with the Coshocton
Opportunity School’s winter coat project. This project seeks gently used winter
adult coats, and pairs them up with winter hats, gloves and scarves. The coats
are bagged in plastic and hung on tree branches in the Coshocton downtown
area where needy folks may look through them to find a suitable size for their
use. This project will take place about the second week of December 2026. The
project will be publicized through the local media to inform the public of the exact
date and time it will take place in December.
The Coshocton Opportunity School winter coat project is led by Diana McKee, a
Paraprofessional for the school, and other teachers and administrators of the school. The students also participate in matching up the coats with winter hats and gloves and bagging them up. The project helps the students learn community service, and service beyond self.
The grant funding through the Elks lodge was $2500. This will enable the
purchasing of children’s coats (of which there is a very great need), and winter
hats, gloves, and scarves. The staff looks for sales on the items needed as to
enable their purchasing power to obtain more items, and help aid the project to
become as big as possible.
The Coshocton Elks Lodge #376 has several members who are administrators,
Newark #391 Celebrate Flag Day 2026
On June 14, 2026, Newark Elks Lodge #391 presented its annual Flag Day Ritual &
Ceremony in its grand ballroom. This year, the event’s flagbearers were the lodge’s
members who proudly served in the armed forces. Patriotic music was provided by a
popular local Barbershop Choir. Public officials (and members) Newark Mayor Jeff Hall
and Licking County Judge Richard Wright recited the history and response for the ritual.
Registration Deadline Fast Approaching for Fall Reunion
Have you registered for the Fall Reunion yet?
Pre-registration ends July 31st and the hotel rooms are running low.
Click below to register