Salem Elks #305 Equip Local Fire Department through Ohio Elks Community Service Grant

The $1000 Community Service Grant through the Ohio Elks Association was presented to the North Jackson Township Fire Department, today. This grant was used to purchase attachments for cutting the windshield off of a vehicle, when rescuing a motorist involved in an accident. Prior to this purchase, the Fire fighters had to hand saw thru the metal. See 2nd image, comparing the 2 pieces of equipment. A shout out to Jon Felice, State CSG Chairman for directing their inquiry to our Salem Elks Lodge #305 .

Pictured are Captain Anthiny Jones, Kimberly Chapman , PER/CSG Chairman and Fire fighter Ricky Anstine.

The Gallipolis Elks #107 donates $17,500 to Hannan Jr./Sr. High School Band

The Hannan Jr./Sr. High School Band, from Mason County, West Virginia, was selected as the official representatives of West Virginia for the 80 th annual Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii on December 7, 2025. Hannan JSHS is a small school with about 230 students in grades 7-12, so it was quite a honor to be selected to represent West Virginia in a parade honoring veterans and their families. The total cost of the trip is estimated to be $3,500 per student and the Gallipolis Elks gladly donated $17,500 to fund 5 of the band members to attend this memorial event.

Picture caption: From left, PDDGER Rick Borton, PER Mike Null, Hannan Principle J.R. Carlisle and DDGER Bob Marchi.

Jackson #466 Awards Spotlight Grant to Jackson Middle School Food Pantry

The Jackson Elks Lodge# 466 Awarded The $2000 Spotlight Grant to The Jackson Middle School for the school’s food pantry. Accepting The Spotlight Grant is Organizer of the program PER Craig Byler of Jackson Elks Lodge# 466. Also pictured are Ohio Elks Association President Keith Denny and First Lady Lynn presenting the check.     

Galion #1191 Donates much needed supplies for veterans

Galion Elks #1191 Exalted Ruler Lloy Skillicorn delivers donations of clothing, personal hygiene items, Lincoln logs, Legos and misc. other items to Carla, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio. Galion Elks have made the Veterans Home donations on an annual basis along with sending monthly birthday cards to the residents. 

AS LONG AS THERE ARE VETERANS - THE ELKS WILL NEVER FORGET THEM! 

Ashland #1360 Goes Back to School with DAP

Ashland Elks 1360 Drug Awareness chairman Justin Lutz and PER Judi Dickinson passing out 315 bags of  drug awareness material to the 7th and 8th graders at the Ashland Middle School open house on April 20th.

Athens #973 Donates Thousands in August

Athens Rotary Foundation $700

Athens Elks #973 donated $700 to the 29th Annual Rotary Golf Tournament in Athens. This supports the Athens Rotary Foundation which supports projects within the community, including an Accessible Playground at the City’s south side park, the Alexande Inclusive playground, the Habitat for Humanity Playhouse, and the Strouds Run Accessible beach path.

Athens High School Volleyball $500 (see pic)

Athens Elks #973 donated $500 to be a Bulldog Sponsor for the Athens Volleyball team for the upcoming school year. The donation will help with the cost of essential equipment and software for films. The Girls Athens Volleyball team is a high school volleyball team located at Athens High School.

Albany Ohio car show trophies $50

Athens Elks #973 donated $50 to the Albany, Ohio Alexander Hall of Fame Car Show for trophies for the annual event held September 28th.

Albany, Ohio community BBQ gathering $100

Athens Elks #973 donated $100 to the Living Water Worship Center for the Albany Community Hog Roast. This event was intended to bring community together for a time of fellowship and fun.

Athens County Fair Pig purchase $2,500 (see pic)

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 purchased a pig from a local youth, Jasmine McWilliams 4-H member for $2,500 from the Athens County Fair Livestock Sale. The proceeds go directly to the youth that raised the pig and support them in their learning endeavors of raising an animal.

SEOYM Backpack project $1,000 (see pic)

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $1,000 for backpacks and school supplies for the Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring Program, located in Athens. Many Elks members (see photo of Athens Elk members) came out to help with packing the backpacks for the program. The program offers one-to-one mentoring by pairing the at-risk youth between the ages of 6-18 with volunteers. They offer support such as the new backpack for the school year to help the youth as well.

A 13-Year-Old’s Remarkable Perspective on Patriotism

Liam Kuzmickas’ award-winning essay tugs at the heartstrings Mrs. Kennedy handed out the class assignment, as she had for the last twelve years, to her seventh grade Social Studies classes. Write a short essay on the subject of the Ohio Elks Association’s annual “Americanism” question. This year the topic was “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?” One of her students, Liam Kuzmicas, a shy soft-spoken seventh grader at Olmsted Falls Middle School, viewed it as another normal assignment.

At first. This assignment was different. It came with the potential of a different kind of extra credit. The essays are graded as an assignment and then submitted to the local Elks Lodge for judging, and that’s an extra incentive for the students. “When I tell them the winners and their family get invited to a special dinner where they are recognized with a certificate and even money, the kids think that’s so cool and they get kind of pumped up for it,” Mrs. Kennedy says.

Liam is the kind of motivated kid who strives to do the best at whatever he does―bowling, golfing, playing the saxophone―and especially academics. His teacher considers him one of the smartest kids she’s ever had. To Liam, this project was an opportunity to put into words what patriotism really meant to him deep down inside. It wasn’t a subject he and his peers discussed much, but it was the kind of topic his family openly explored at the dinner table. And he tackled it with his usual gusto. He did some deep thinking and then sat down and started writing. After about four hours of organizing and fine tuning his thoughts, he had produced a bold yet brief essay that shared a rich perspective of patriotism that related the many aspects of freedom with a clear focus on a better future for us all. A concise recitation on patriotism far beyond his years. And a composition that will touch every American who reads it.

What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?

To me, patriotism is not defined by flags or anthems, but by the daily actions that reflect the values our country was built upon. It is a quiet, enduring commitment to the principles of freedom, justice, and equality, and a responsibility to ensure these ideals are not just preserved but strengthened for future generations.

True patriotism is rooted in a love for the country, not in blind loyalty to its flaws or mistakes, but in the belief that a nation can always become better. It’s recognizing the struggles of the past while working to create a more just and inclusive society. Patriotism means having the courage to challenge injustice, the wisdom to listen to those whose voices have been silenced, and the humility to admit that our nation’s journey is ongoing.

At its heart, patriotism is a shared bond that transcends divisions. It means finding unity in our diversity, celebrating our differences while remembering that we are all part of a larger story. It is in the quiet acts of kindness, the vote cast in a democracy, the voices raised in protest for a better future―it’s in standing up for the dignity of every person, regardless of background or belief.

Patriotism is not a passive feeling, it is an active force. It’s about showing up, speaking up, and giving back, no matter the challenges. To love one’s county is to care enough to see it improve, to preserve its values while ensuring they live up to their fullest promise. This is the kind of patriotism I believe in: not just a love for what is, but a commitment to what could be.

Liam Kuzmickas – Grade 7

Olmsted Falls, OH

Sponsored by Berea Elks Lodge #1815

Where did his prose come from? Liam says it starts with his close family, especially his parents. He has four brothers, two older (Grayson and Andrew), one younger (Oliver), and an extroverted twin brother, Elliot. His dad, Paul is an administrator at Cleveland Clinic, and his mom, Jen, is a fifth-grade teacher. She says, “We have a lot of discussions about what’s going on in the world, and our boys have four unique personalities and often points of view. We try to stay open-minded, answer the boys’

questions, and just talk about the differences and similarities, and try and find commonality. Liam has a kind heart, and he wants everyone to get along, and I think that allows him to see the true meaning instead of just the rough sides that everyone goes through. I think that’s where his essay came from.”

Liam’s teacher, Mrs. Kennedy, wasn’t surprised when Liam won the essay contest. “He’s very assertive. He advocates for himself. He asks questions all the time just to make sure he knows what he’s doing. He’s super motivated and always wants to do well and gain more knowledge. He started off the year very shy and quiet, but his sense of humor blossomed, and he came out of his shell and made a lot of friends.” His mother added, “ Liam is very empathetic, and his friends come to him when they have problems. He just loves helping people.”

His local Elks Lodge held a special recognition dinner for all the essay contest winners in the area. Liam and his parents were treated to dinner, and then after a short ceremony Liam was presented with his first-place certificate and a $150 prize. That kind of attention was a little embarrassing for Liam, but he suffered through it with a shysmile. He still hasn’t spent the money. Maybe it will go into his college fund.

Perhaps Mrs. Kennedy said it best; “He’s a pretty amazing kid.”

PHOTO: L to R; Keith Denny, President, Ohio Elks Association; Laura Kennedy, Liam’s teacher; Paul Kuzmickas; Liam Kuzmickas; Jen Kuzmickas; Bryan Klatt, Grand Exalted Ruler, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

ABOUT THE OHIO ELKS ASSOCAITION

The Ohio Elks Association (OEA) is a state association of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) of the United States of America. It comprises 75 local Elks Lodges representing over 35,000 like-minded Ohioans who believe we can build stronger communities through charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. The OEA sponsors several National BPOE programs, such as the Americanism essay contest, as well as many State programs that promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of our children, veterans, communities, and members. The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity.

Media Contact:

Brad Smith

Ohio Elks Association Public Relations Chairperson

brad@b2bsmithgroup.com 740-244-7445

Ashland #1360 Uses the Gratitude Grant to Help No Pawz Left Behind

No Pawz Left Behind director Michelle Sviatko received a check from ER Chad Dickinson for $1360.00 for medical expenses at their annual golf outing. This was made possible through a Gratitude Grant.

Hamilton Elks #93 Awards 2 Metals of Public Service

The Hamilton Elks Lodge #93 on August 12th, 2025 @ their board meeting presented two Metal of Public Service with great honor.

1st Metal presentation was to Nancy Lisec, Manager of the Children Service in Butler County. Nancy and her department have participated in the following services for our Butler County Residents. Domestic Violence Coalition Casa/Parachute Advisory Council Butler County Children & Family First Council Foster Parent Advisory Group. Butler County START program is being celebrated as the 2nd Ohio County to achieve certification. The Team is implementing evidence-based models to fidelity and achieving positive outcomes for families affected by co-occurring child maltreatment and parental substance use disorders. There work is year-round and done with expert dedication.

2nd Metal was presented to Kevin Kurpieski, Manager of the Adult Protective Services at Job & Family Services. The Adult Protective Services is like Child Protective Services, but the focus is on the age of 60 and older residents. The clients they service are at risk of abuse, physical, emotional, and sexual. Neglect of our seniors, both financial exploitation and self-neglect, are issues.  The Adult Protective Services also an advocate for the Veterans to help them navigate the systems like, VA homeless outreach, medical care at the V.A. Medical Center in Cincinnati. In addition, to fiduciary support if the veteran is having difficulty managing their finances. Many of the senior clients make less than $1,000 a month, that is why Impact Grant the Hamilton Elk Lodge received this year has helped our most vulnerable older adults in our Butler County area.  The Impact Grant has made a significant impact on many of our older seniors in our Butler County Community for the last two years.  Kevin Kurpieski has played an important role in the last two year by making all the deliveries to all the seniors involved in getting aid of our food boxes.

Hamilton Elks Lodge #93 is proud to be in a partnership with of these two departments at Job & Family Services in Butler County.

1st Picture: from left to right.

Kevin Kurpieski, Manager of the Adult Protective Services at Job & Family Services of Butler County. Our Exalted Ruler -Jared Wolever of the Hamilton Elks Lodge #93.

2nd Picture: from left to right.

 Nancy Lisec, Manager of Children's Services at Job & Family Services of Butler County.  Our Exalter Ruler – Jared Wolever of the Hamilton Elks Lodge #93.

Back to School with Berea #1815

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 donated 130 backpacks stuffed with every school supply a 5th grader attend Berea Midpark Middle School (BMMS) needs for the upcoming school year.  Lodge members donated backpacks and helped put them together using an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Beacon & Spotlight Grant.  More than $6,000 worth of backpacks and supplies were delivered to the teachers of BMMS.  

Elroy and the Berea Police Department Team Up for National Night Out with Berea #1815 and Community

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 partnered with Berea Police for the "National Night Out”.  This annual event is part of a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.  Residents are able to connect with law enforcement in a safe and positive environment.  

The lodge brought the Northeast District Drug Awareness Program (DAP) trailer, handing out candy and information to all who were there.  Even Elroy the Elk made a visit and partied all night with the kids!   Several hundred kids turned out helping to establish positive relationships with Berea’s best.

Chillicothe #52 Gears Up for Back to School!

Chillicothe, OH Elks Lodge #52 funded a bookbag project with a $4,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. Two hundred eighty eight bookbags were purchased. The bookbags were filled with elementary school supplies and distributed to needy children throughout Ross County. Each bookbag contained 3 spiral notebooks, 4 folders, ruler, 24 pk crayons, notecards, dry erase markers, 10 pk pencils, 10 pk colored markers, 3 pk highlighters, pencil sharpener, big pink eraser, 3 pk glue sticks, scissors, sticky notes and a pencil pouch. A huge thank you to the following Elk members and family who helped fill and distribute the backpacks: Beth Montgomery, Ann Newton, Joy Carver, Gayle Mahaffey, JoAnn Brown, Kathy Park, Selen Kimsey, Jane Osborne and Laura Davis.

Pictured, left to right: PER/Treasurer Ann Newton, Jane Osborne, JoAnn Brown, Secretary Joy Carver, Selena Kimsey, Laura Davis and Gayle Mahaffey. Missing: Beth Montgomery and Kathy Park

Ashland #1360 Deliver on Meals for the Community Through the Gratitude Grant

Ashland Elks ER Chad Dickinson presented a check for $1,360 to the Ashland County Council on Aging to fund their Home Delivery Meal Program, which aims to provide hot meals and social interactions for home bound seniors in the community.

Pictured: Director Sandy Enderby, ER Dickinson and Meal Program Director Gina Thomas

Jackson #466 Use Beacon Grant to Help Students.

The Jackson Elks Lodge# 466  awarded The Beacon Grant to  TLC Ministries to continue their after school snack program for the kids. They will also use this Grant for their senior commodities day every Monday - Thursday 11-2. The Beacon Grant will help make this year another successful year. Pictured are Ohio Elks Association State President Keith Denny presenting a $4000.00 check to Terri Whitt of TCL Ministries and Jackson Elks Lodge Secretary Rod Bachtel.

Columbus Grove City Lodge #37 Races into Drug Awareness

Columbus Grove City Lodge #37 held its annual car show on June 29, 2025. Pictured are David Potts (Elroy costume) and Patricia McClure, DAP Coordinator for the Lodge. Toy cars, candy, DAP coloring books and DEA bracelets were handed out to the kids and DAP education flyers were given to participants and guests.

Lima #54 Creates a Splash with Swim Meet Sponsorship

The Lima Elks Lodge #54 sponsored the WOAL (Western Ohio Aquatic League) Championship Swim Meet on July 11th and 12th, at the Wapakoneta pool. Approximately 500 swimmers representing 8 swim teams from 4 counties participated in this event.

Winner who placed 7 th through 16 th received ribbons. 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.

Thanks go to ER Jim Foust, Drew Laibe, PER Jim Plumb, Katie Wells and PER Jean Zink from Lima Lodge #54 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.

Van Wert Sponsors Elks Day at Camp Clay

The kids and adults alike certainly took advantage of the gorgeous day on Tuesday, July 15th. Over 315 kids along with parents showed up at the YMCA Camp Clay for the 2025 ELKS DAY AT CAMP CLAY. This free day at Camp Clay was provided to all the youth of the area by Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

The participants enjoyed swimming, the splash pad, wall climbing, paddle boats, kayaking, canoeing, the nature trail and especially the aqua park from 12 noon until 4:00 pm. New this year was a water slide.

“We were very pleased with the turn out and happy that the kids came out to enjoy the day. We have done this for the community for many years and look forward to being able to provide this entertainment each year for the kids.” stated Mike Stanley, Lodge Chairman for the event.

Van Wert Lodge looks forward to being able to provide another free day at Camp Clay in 2026.

President Denny Represents Ohio at the National Convention

President Keith Denny made The Ohio Elks Association and The Jackson Elks Lodge# 466 proud as he carried our State Flag at The National Convention in Kansas City. He was accompanied by The First Lady Lynn Denny. He also had family and friends join him. Bob Denny, Pat Denny, Rod Bachtel and Mary Bachtel. It was truly a great experience for all in Kansas City.      

Athens #973 Has Busy June, Sponsoring Baseball Leagues, Handing Out Flags and Awarding $12,000 in Scholarships

Athens Elks #973 sponsored two teams for the youth Sandlot Baseball League for a total of $1,100. This league is open for all youth community members and skill levels to learn the game of baseball and softball.

On June 11 th and 12 th , the Athens Elks #973 gave away free 3x5 flags to community members in celebration of the annual Flag Day. The community members brought in their old flags for the club to collect to retire during the Flag Day Celebration at the Lodge on June 14 th . We gave away approximately 60 flags.

Athens Elks #973 awarded eight Scholarships of $1,500 each to local high school graduates. (pictured left to right) The Award winners are Isaiah Pierce, Mason Idleman, Brielyn Bykofski, Ethan Bowman, Ayla Bostian, behind her is Tom Donnelley, Scholarship Chair, Kayla Brannon, and Jade Seaman. Jaqueline Scott (not pictured).

Athens Elks #973 Donates Thousands to the Community

The Athens Elks #973 donated $2,000 for five months of free lunches for Veterans. The donation went to the Ornery Vet Collective, which is a Veteran’s sobriety support group. The mission is to support Veterans who are in recovery and their sobriety. They meet weekly and provide a free lunch.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated items in the amount of $300 to support the 60th anniversary of Kimes Nursing and Rehab Center. Kimes is hosting a community event to commemorate 60 years in the community, and they are hosting a celebration with raffles, kid’s games, vendor booths, and highlights from 60 years. The items included 10 cases of water and a Summer Fun Barbecue Pack that included a cooler, charcoal, grill light, seasonings, grilling tools, a grill mat, burger press, basting and cleaning brushes, along with a meat probe. (see pictures L to R Elks members Brian Mecum, Adam Lewis, Rich Russell, Jim Balding and George McCarthy.  Second picture is of the gift basket)

The 18th Annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Project received $1,000 in support from the Athens Elks Lodge #973. This event is hosted by Athens County Children Services and their efforts to address food insecurity in the community. They plan to serve over 4,500 children this summer through the program. (see picture L to R Elks Members Jim Balding, Adam Lewis, Rich Russell, Brian Mecum and George McCarthy)

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $500 to the 7th Annual Athens County Back to School Bash. This event provides free basic school supplies, backpacks, shoes, free haircuts and free immunizations.

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 purchased $1,300 dollars worth of flags for the Village of Jacksonville for its annual flag display along State Route 13 inside the corporation limits.