North East District Host District Soccer Shoot
NE District Elks Soccer Shoot was held by Ben Blevins-PER, NE District Soccer Shoot Chairman at the indoor soccer field at the Salem Community Center. Pictured are the 1st and 2nd place winners. First place winners will advance to the Ohio Elks Association State Soccer Shoot on Saturday, November 7th in Newark, Ohio.
The following participants placed as follows: kneeling: Girls 10-11: 1st Ainsley Touville-Salem, 2nd Gabby Bosch-Conneaut; Boys 7 & under: 1st Lucas Lower-Conneaut, 2nd Cooper Leonard-Cuyahoga Falls; Standing/2nd row Boys 10-11: 1st Max Ficco-Cuyahoga Falls, 2nd Isaiah Sebastian-Salem; Girls 7 & under: 1st Olivia Harpst-Conneaut, 2nd Regan Jones-Willoughby/Cleveland. Back row: Girls 14-15: 1st Nora Sheen-Salem; Girls 13-14: 1st McKenzie Haavisto-Conneaut, 2nd Claire Sheen-Salem; Boys 12-13: 1st Braxton Thomas-Conneaut, 2nd Adam Lodge-Salem; Girls 8-9: 1st Alexandria Estep-Conneaut, 2nd Taylor Jones-Willoughby/Cleveland; Boys 8-9: 1st Troy Hendricks-Salem, 2nd Keegan O'Brien-Conneaut.
Ohio Elks Association Awards 24 Lodges with Community Service Grants
This past convention in August over $23.000.00 was distributed to 24 Elks lodges from across the state of Ohio. Made possible thru the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Fund Grant, these funds go directly to local police and fire departments as well as city parks and recreation programs.
Lima Elks #54 Presents Award to Local Eagle Scout
On September 20, 2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Caden Heitmeyer of Troop #777 during their Troop Court of Honor.
The awards consisted of the American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Ruler’s Congratulatory Letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting pin.
For his project, Caden restored the Shawnee Alliance Church youth campsite area including the installation of stone around the fire pit, building multiple benches and a table, purchased and assembled two durable metal picnic tables and installing metal sheeting siding on the firewood shed to protect it from the weather.
Congratulations to Caden on his many achievements.
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Awards $3,000 in Scholarships
Pictured from left to right are Exalted Ruler Eillen Tucci, Jessica Wade, William Kananen, Past Exalted Ruler Susan Knight and Callister McCrone.
On August 8th Willoughby-Cleveland Lodge #18 handed out three scholarships for $1000.00 from our Cole-Bhatta scholarship fund.
A grant from the Ohio Elks Association is helping make Lebanon a safer place through a new partnership between Lebanon Elks Lodge #422 and the Lebanon Fire Division.
Pictured, left to right, are Ryan Dipzinski, Fire Chief, Lebanon Fire Division; Melanie Rodabaugh, Community Service Chair, Lebanon Elks Lodge #422; Derek Harper, Assistant Fire Chief, Lebanon Fire Division; Debbie Hatcher, Southwest Ohio District Community Service Chair; Chris Hatcher, Ohio Elks Association First Vice President; and his granddaughter, Iris Hatcher.
Using funds provided through the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant Program, the partners have purchased Stop the Bleed® kits that will be placed throughout the Lebanon community. Many of the kits will be installed in local parks alongside existing Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units, ensuring that critical bleeding-control supplies are readily available when emergencies occur.
The project was developed with a simple but important goal: provide community members with the tools needed to help save lives during the critical moments before first responders arrive. Severe bleeding can become life-threatening within minutes, and immediate intervention can significantly improve outcomes. By placing Stop the Bleed kits in easily accessible public locations, community members will have access to the supplies necessary to control life-threatening bleeding until emergency personnel arrive on scene.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Lebanon Elks Lodge #422 and the Lebanon Fire Division to public safety, emergency preparedness, and community service. Through collaborative partnerships such as this, the Elks continue to invest in projects that directly benefit local residents and strengthen the communities they serve.
The Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant made the project possible, demonstrating how local lodges can leverage grant funding to create lasting impacts within their communities. As the kits are installed throughout Lebanon, residents and visitors alike will benefit from increased access to lifesaving resources in public spaces.
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Uses Community Service Grant to Purchase Drone for Local Police Department
Watch the drone in action below
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Recently used the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to purchase a drone for the Highland Heights Police Department. The drone will be used in many different situations, but the video above shows how it can be used to assess a building without putting officers in harm’s way.
Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Program Recognizes Fairfield Youth Coalition
Ohio Elks State President Pat McCaffrey; Ohio Elks State Drug Awareness Chairman Becky Underhill; student leaders of the Fairfield Youth Coalition; Youth Coordinator Christine Gorczyk; and Fairfield Prevention Coalition Executive Director Joe Markiewicz.
The Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Program was pleased to recognize the students of the Fairfield Youth Coalition at the Southwest District Meeting on September 20, 2026, at Hamilton Elks Lodge #93.
The Fairfield High School students have earned local and national recognition for their peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention work. They were also selected to appear on the Elks YouTube series Awkward Conversations.
With the help of Ohio Elks State President Pat McCaffrey, State Drug Awareness Chairman Becky Underhill introduced the students and coalition leaders at the meeting.
Ashland Elks #1360 Uses Gratitude Grant to Provide Local Veterans with Ultimate Adventures
The Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 recently presented a check for $1,360 to the Ashland County Ultimate Veterans Adventure through funding provided by the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Gratitude Grant. The donation reflects the lodge’s ongoing commitment to supporting local veterans and the organizations that serve them. Through programs like the Gratitude Grant, Elks lodges across the country are able to invest directly in their communities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed for our nation.
Representatives from both organizations gathered for the presentation, celebrating a partnership built on service and community support. The funds will help the Ashland County Ultimate Veterans Adventure continue its mission of providing veterans with unique outdoor experiences, opportunities for camaraderie, and lasting memories.
East Liverpool #258 Use Community Grant to Purchase Trauma Splints for East Liverpool Fire Department
Treasurer Lodge 258 & SED Dave Ryan, Chief Antony Como, Fire Fighter/Medic, ER Anthony Zirillo , John Aikens
Pictured with Treasurer Dave Ryan and ER Anthony Zirillo are ELFD Chief Antony Cumo and FF/Medic Brittany Hill accepting checks from the Ohio Elks Community Service Grant and Elks Lodge #258 for a Super Sager Form lll Trauma Splint to be used by the Medic Rescue Team.
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.