Ohio River Valley Elks #231 Makes the Difference in Community

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1. ORV's Exalter Ruler, Jim Weekley, and Leading Knight, Carole Bostancic, recently presented a $1,000 Ohio Elks Community Service Grant to the Bellaire, OH Police Chief, J.J. Watson. 

The award will be used to offset the cost of a recently purchased drone.  The purchasing process was complicated and involved knowledge of and compliance with numerous FAA regulations.  Pictured (l-r) and E.R. Jim Weekley, Police Chief J.J. Watson, and L.K. Carole Bostancic.

2. On September 27, 2025, ten recipients of the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grants were hosted at the lodge for a Spaghetti Dinner.  Each non-profit received a $500 stipend.

Pictured (l-r) are Nancy Hughes, Bellaire 1st Presbyterian Church, Kimberly Arbaugh, Urban Mission Ministries, Leah Perdu, Southeastern Ohio Catholic Charities, Rebecca Nicholson, Bellaire Elementary School, Pat Hartenstein, The Daily Bread Center, Anne Ricci, Healthright, Willa Wilkins, Grace Presbyterian Church, Major Timothy Higgins, Bellaire Salvation Army, Peggy Goclan, Bridgeport Friendship Council of Churches, and Exalted Ruler, James Weekley.  Not attending, St. Frances Cabrini Food Pantry.

3. Ohio River Valley Elks No. 231 pack Weekend Eats at the Bellaire Middle School.  The project, made possible by an Elks National Foundation Grant, provides nutritious weekend food for the students.  The grant helps subsidize the program, but the Elks members pack every bag distributed during the school year.  Pictured (l-r) are Leading Knight, Carole Bostancic, Peggy Cusick, Bob Morris, Becky Kinney, Trustee, Mary Carolyn Nichelson, treasurer and Jim Nichelson, Trustee.