Pictured from l to r: David Conner, LCVSC Vice President; Becky Underhill, Leading Knight; Chris Schumaker, Exalted Ruler; Helen Hall, Loyal Knight & Veterans Project Chair; Jeff Hall, Newark Mayor & Lodge Treasurer; and Gary Jones, LCVSC President.
On October 2, 2026, Newark Elks Lodge #391, celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Elks Veterans Café in the Licking County Veterans Service Commission’s (LCVSC) newly remodeled facility. Funding for the Café came from the Lodge #391 and Grand Lodge’s Freedom Grant. The result was a complete transformation of the former closet-sized lobby into a welcoming facility featuring Elks Veterans Café with a refreshment area, reading area and computer area, providing veterans with numerous ways to relax and find comfort while working with LCVSC staff. We’ve already heard numerous comments by veterans coming into the building, even if just to find a place to enjoy fellow veterans’ company or to find solace in a safe and peaceful environment.