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
Lima #54 Sponsor WOAL Championship Swim Meet
The Lima Elks Lodge #54 sponsored the WOAL (Western Ohio Aquatic League) Championship Swim Meet on July 10th and 12th, at the Kenton pool. Approximately 500 swimmers representing 8 swim teams from 4 counties participated in this event.
Elks members presented medallions to the top six winners of each event. In addition, the 1st place winner for each individual and relay event received a t-shirt. Winner who placed 7 th through 16 th received ribbons.
Thanks go to PER John Evans, Jeanette Evans, ER Jim Foust, Tasha Miller, PER Jim Plumb and PDDGER Jean Zink from Lima Lodge #54 and Chip Grimshaw, Kristin Grimshaw and PDDGER John Hines from Kenton Lodge #157 for their assistance with this event.
This event was started by Lima Lodge #54 ~50 years ago. It grew so large so quickly that we partnered with the WOAL. This event is the capstone event of the summer swimming season and is now known as the Elks Invitational Swim Meet and WOAL Championships.
East Liverpool #258 Donates Life Saving AED to Local High School
The East Liverpool Lodge 258 recently presented the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for its building. This generous donation will help enhance the safety and well-being of alumni, visitors, and community members who utilize the facility by providing life-saving equipment that can be used in the event of a cardiac emergency. The presentation reflects the lodge’s commitment to supporting the local community and promoting public health and safety.
Coshocton #376 Provides Gift Bags to Veterans in Care Centers
Raymond Tumblin, veteran and Dave Bush (veteran and Elk member)
Coshocton Elks Lodge #376 veteran service committee chaired by Mona Eick made up gift bags in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The gift bags contained personal hygiene items, candy, snack crackers and cakes, and an American Flag. On Wednesday June 24th, Mona and Dave Bush (veteran and Elk member) went to Roscoe Gardens, Altercare, Windsorwood, Lafayette Point, and The Homestead Care Centers to distribute the gift bags to residents who were American veterans. The gift bags were very well received by each veteran. It was a great opportunity to thank each veteran for their service time, and also take time to talk with each to hear their individual stories. The Elks organization is proud to honor veterans during the July 4th holiday season
Mona Eick and Charlie, care center veteran
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.”