Ironton #177 Awards Scholarship
PER Monica Blanton, and Leading Knight Tammy presenting Lily Lewis the Ironton Elks #177 Scholarship for $1,000 on May 24, 2026, at Ironton High School’s Graduation Ceremony. Ironton raised this money by holding Lodge events with the proceeds going toward the lodge scholarship.
Ashland #1360 Become Primary Sponsor of Ashland’s “America’s 250th Celebration”
Organizers of the upcoming Ashland Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday Celebration have announced that Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 will serve as the event’s primary sponsor, helping bring to life a historic milestone for the community. The generous contribution from the Elks has provided essential support in planning and executing the celebration, which aims to honor 250 years of American history, heritage, and shared national pride.
Community leaders say the Elks’ commitment reflects the organization’s long-standing dedication to local service and civic involvement. Event organizers are encouraging residents to recognize and thank Ashland Elks #1360 for their role in making the celebration possible, noting that partnerships like this are key to creating meaningful community events. With their support, the city is poised to host a memorable tribute that brings residents together in celebration of the nation’s legacy.
Springfield #51 Host 15th Annual Junior Golf Clinic
The Springfield Elks #51 recently hosted its 15th Annual Junior Golf Clinic for the children and grandchildren of members. This three-day event introduced young golfers to the fundamentals of the game, including putting, chipping, driving, and proper golf course etiquette. On the final day, participants had the opportunity to play four holes of golf, allowing them to put their newly learned skills into practice.
Lunch was provided each day, and the clinic was a tremendous success thanks to the enthusiasm of the participants and the dedication of our volunteers. More than 60 young golfers and over 20 volunteers took part in this year’s clinic, making it one of the largest and most successful clinics to date. The Springfield Elks #51 is proud to support the next generation of golfers and foster a lifelong love of the game.
Ashland #1360 Donates $1500 to DR Services to Fulfill Wishlist
Excitement is in the air at DR Services Inc. as a long-anticipated day has finally arrived. The organization proudly recognizes and expresses deep gratitude to the Ashland Elks, specifically the Past Exalted Rulers Association of Ashland Elks #1360, for their generosity and support. In a recent visit, Tom Bray of The Elks presented a $1,500 donation to help fulfill the organization’s Amazon wish list. Since then, every item has been received, marking the beginning of new opportunities for engagement and growth.
The donation has provided a wide variety of resources, including games and activities focused on discovery, fine motor skills, telling time, math, reading, braille, memory care, and real-life skill development such as “Adulting 101” workbooks. These materials will allow staff to enhance programming and better support individuals in building independence, confidence, and essential daily living skills. The arrival of these items has brought a sense of celebration throughout the organization—truly a “Christmas in June” moment. DR Services Inc. extends sincere appreciation to everyone at Ashland Elks Elks #1360 for their remarkable generosity and impact.
Willoughby-Cleveland #18 Delivers Welcome Home Kits to Veterans
Willoughby - Cleveland Lodge #18 took advantage of the ENF Veterans Service Commission Welcome Home Kit program and purchased two Welcome Home Kits for distribution to Vets transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Each kit not only contained simple home goods and cleaning supplies, but also a vacuum, microwave, coffee pot, bed sheets and pillows as well as pots and pans, silverware, plates and cups and mugs. Kirk Kokal and his wife Rhonda did the shopping and final assembly of the Welcome Home Kits. We also involved Randy Harrod, who is a Volunteer ambassador to the VA in downtown Cleveland who specializes in helping homeless veterans transition into permanent housing. In addition to the kits the lodge also will, upon request supply a refurbished bicycle at no charge to any veteran who may need one. Pictured are Randy Harrod on the left and PER Kirk Kokal with one of the kits we assembled and delivered. In the second picture is George Martin, a U. S. Air Force Veteran who recieved the Welcome Home Kit
Wooster #1346’s Jim Bowersock Awarded Vietnam Veterans of America Civilian of the Year
Over the weekend Jim Bowersock of Wooster Lodge #1346 was awarded the Vietnam Veterans of America Buckeye State Council Civilian of the Year for Service to Community Award.
Jim stated “I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected as the Vietnam Veterans of America Buckeye State Council Civilian of the Year for Service to Community Award recipient.
Receiving this recognition is truly meaningful, especially knowing it comes from an organization dedicated to serving and supporting our nation's veterans. Any contribution I have made to our community has been a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside so many dedicated individuals who work every day to make a difference.”
Coshocton #376 receive award from Coshocton County Board of DD
On Wednesday June 17, 2026, the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities held an awards luncheon and presented the Coshocton Elks Lodge #376 with an award. It was a Senatorial Citation presented by Ohio Senator Andrew O Brenner recognizing the Coshocton Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #376 for its fundraising efforts and support of the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities, The Coshocton Elks Lodge #376 has long been an avid supporter through its generous donations and member support. A Coshocton Lodge #376 member also volunteers her time to coach the Hopewell Indians basketball team. This past season, they garnered a winning season, and ultimately were able to finish in fourth place in the State Tournament. Javanna Ramsey, a Coshocton Lodge #376 member is a volunteer coach for the team, and enjoys the experience of coaching and becoming friends with the members of the team. Javanna also was the driving force behind the idea to create a Special Olympics fundraiser night at the lodge which has been held the past two years and has raised a total of $4100. Javanna is a coach for their Special Olympics team each year also!
Coshocton Elks Lodge has also been able to send the winning team to a Cleveland Charge basketball game where the team members got to experience warm ups down on the floor pregame, and courtside seating. Also, the Elks were able to provide uniforms for the team this past season, which helped the players feel like a real team!
The Coshocton Elks provided the funding through their 501c3 committee. The 501c3 group board is Jim Kreis, David Bush, Brian Crilow and Mike Wilson.
East Liverpool #258 Supports Police and Fire Dispatch with 911 Education Materials
Exalted Ruler Anthony “Zig” Zirillo, Dispatcher Rylan Childs
East Liverpool Elks Lodge 258 proudly donated funds to the East Liverpool Police and Fire Dispatch Center to help purchase 911 educational materials and workbooks for distribution to local students. Exalted Ruler Anthony “Zig” Zirillo is pictured presenting a donation check to Dispatcher Rylan Childs in support of this important community safety initiative.
Berea #1815 Fight Speeding in Community with Safety Turtles
Berea Elks Lodge #1815 recently donated twenty (20) high visibility “safety turtles” to the City of Berea to help with issues of speeding cars in the North End District. The donation was made by funds from the general lodge membership. This is expected to be a first phase approach to curbing speeding in the residential neighborhoods of the city.
State Officers Visit the North East District and the Small But Mighty Berea #1815
The State Officers and wives visited the NE District this weekend which was hosted by “Small but Mighty” Berea #1815 , which was also the home lodge of NFL Hall of Famer Lou “The Toe” Groza. A fantastic weekend was had by all with the District Golf Outing as well as a visit by others to a “Game Show” event that was Great fun!
Sunday the lodge did a combined Flag Day service and State President Pat installed their officers! Berea Elks and ER Hans Larsen created a special weekend for sure! See you down the road soon!
Ashland Elks#1360 Presents CP Grant
ER Gayle Lantz, Erin Kaufman, Christine Tevvan, Cp Chair and Trustee Michele LaRue
On May 19th, 2026 The Ashland Lodge #1360 presented a check for $6500 from the Ohio Elks Association CP Grant to the Ashland Special Needs Ministry. This wonderful ministry provides help to families struggling in not only Ashland, but also to surrounding counties. Our lodge will also be hosting a CP petting zoo on June 20th with food, fun and crazy animals in our parking lot. Money raised will benefit the ministry as well.
Ohio River Valley #231 Gives Sweets to Our Sweet Veterans
Ohio River Valley #231 distributed patriotic cupcakes and cards to veterans in 10 area nursing homes for Flag Day. Joe, Vietnam veteran, Joey, Activities Director at Rolling Hills Nursing Home, and Rose Durant, PER, Ohio River Valley Elks #231.
Hamilton Elks #93 Uses Freedom Grant to Renovate Fisher House
The Fisher House provides places to stay for families of service members in the Dayton VA Hospital. the project focused on several key improvements: recruiting skilled members to build a sturdy rock wall, power washing the patio, planting vegetables in the garden beds, and removing the honeysuckle bush behind the Fisher House. In addition, grant funds will be used to buy needed supplies, including nonperishable items, so veterans and their families have access to essentials during their stay when needed.
Newark Elks Lodge #391, CP Grant Helping Heart of a Warrior
James Hartley, HOAWF Founder; Helen Hall, Loyal Knight/Outgoing CP Chair; Becky Underhill, Leading Knight; “Liza”; Richard Emerson, Lecturing Knight/Incoming CP Chair; Chris Schumaker, ER; and Beth Winegar, HOAWF Community Outreach Coordinator.
On May 6, 2026, Newark Elks Lodge #391, in conjunction with the Ohio Elks Association/Cerebral Palsy Trust, presented a check for $5,000 to the Heart of a Warrior Farm for a new adult changing table. The funding will be used to provide a means for guests, both adult and child, to use the facilities with dignity while they attend lessons and equine therapy sessions. Currently, it takes numerous people to assist the guest, limiting the privacy in the changing room. With the announcement of the new facility’s enhancement, Heart of a Warrior Farm will be able to serve an increased disabled population, as well as first responders and veterans, with fewer physical and adaptive restrictions during the sessions.
Norwalk #730 Retires Flags During Elks National Youth Week
Norwalk Lodge No. 730 partnered with Boy Scouts Troop #208 to perform the ritual ceremony of retiring unserviceable Flags during Elks National Youth Week in early May. This ceremony was held around the backyard fire ring on Norwalk’s lodge property. Many service-worn flags were collected and disposed of properly. Boy Scout volunteers and troop leaders enjoyed a hot dog cookout with Elks Officers after the ceremony.
In group photo (L2R): Front: Boy Scouts Troop #208. Back: Youth Activities Chair Becky Parcher, Chaplain Bill Knadler, PER John Moslener, ER Matt Lydy, BOD Chair Ralph Roesch, Secretary Laura Wheeler
East Liverpool #258 Host Fish & Fun Day
97 Children at Fish & Fun Day 2026
The East Liverpool Elks 258 proudly hosted our annual Fish & Fun Day for area youth at the Elks Lake/Farm on May 17th. Guests enjoyed a picnic-style lunch featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, side dishes, and desserts. Approximately 185 people attended the event, including 97 children. Each child received a fishing rod, tackle, and a commemorative T-shirt.
Conneaut #256 Awards 4 Ed Kalmers Memorial Scholarships
left to right Rich Slocum - Trustee Kylee Sherman Raymie Fill Scott Slocum - Exalted Ruler
Hamilton Spero Cayson Hayes
)n 5/20/26 the Conneaut Ohio Elks Lodge #256 held a scholarship presentation for 4 area high school students.
Each scholarship was for $1,000 towards their future schooling.
The 4 winners of the Ed Kalmers Memorial Scholarship are:
Kylee Sherman -$1,000
Raymie Fill - $1,000
Hamilton Spero - $1,000
Cayson Hayes - $1,000
Van Wert #1197 Hit a Home Run with Baseball Donation
Pictured left to right are Val Mullins, Lodge Youth Activities Chair and Ben Price, Van Wert Youth Baseball President.
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $500.00 to the Van Wert Youth Baseball Association for the 2026 season. The monies will be used to sponsor a team.
With the financial help from the sponsors, youth ages 8 to 12 are able to travel and play teams within a tri-county area. On an average they have 6 teams and over 80 kids who are able to participate in the program.
The Elks are known for their support of youth activities not only within Van Wert County but across the nation as well.
Wooster #1346 Donated $10,000 to Adaptive Sports Ohio
Wooster Elks Lodge No. 1346 was proud to donate $10,000 to Adaptive Sports Ohio to help grow adaptive sports opportunities in Wooster, Ohio.
This support helps make sports more accessible for athletes of all abilities—through equipment, programs, and opportunities to get active, compete, and build community.
Learn more about Adaptive Sports Ohio (and how to get involved): Adaptive Sports Ohio https://adaptivesportsohio.org
