Marysville Elks #1130 Help Plain City K9 Training

Marysville Elks Lodge #1130 recently donated $1200 to the Plain City Police department.  The monies were used by the department to purchase a bite suit.  This suit will enable the police department staff to remain save while training their canine officer, Andor.   The money came from a grant secured from the Ohio Elks Association in the form of a Community Service Grant as well as a contribution from the Lodge’s Charitable Fund.

The purpose of the Community Service grant is to aid in “the acquisition of equipment by a municipality, police department, fire department, etc., which they would not otherwise be able to purchase, thus allowing them to do their jobs better.”

To date, through the Community Service Grants, Marysville Lodge #1130 has distributed nearly $7,000 back into Union County to assist various community agencies.

The Elks is a national fraternal order with nearly a million members and a 150-year history.  A network of more than 2,000 lodges all over the country promotes community spirit and the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.  The Order donates more than $80 million every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs.

Presenting the bit suit at the Plain City Council Meeting were Marysville Elks Lodge No. 1130 member Fred Kile, Plain City Police Chief Dale McKee, Plain City Officer Sgt. Tharon Prather, and Marysville Elks Lodge No. 1130 Community Service Chairman Kermit Morse, III

Shown demonstrating the bite suit is Plain City Officer Sgt. Tharon Prather

Sandusky County K-9 Unit Made Safer By The Elks!

K-9 Officers Eda & Hayes get safety upgrades thanks to Elks Lodge Donation

Thanks to the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant and donations by members of Fremont Elks Lodge #169, K-9 Eda & K-9 Hayes are equipped with new bullet –resistant vests.

One of the many goals of the Elks organization is to reach out to our Community and their needs  We are very proud to have done this for the Sandusky County Sheriff Department providing protection for their K-9 Officers.

Pictured from left: Officer Allen Dorsey with Eda, Fremont Elks Exalted Ruler Mike Mowry & Mary Beaston, and Officer George Dorsey with Hayes

Newark Elks Lodge #391 Expands Drug Awareness

Newark Elks Lodge #391 members passed out 200 bags containing drug awareness information to the students of Newark Middle and High Schools during the annual “Rally in the Alley” event.  The Newark Elks have provided uniform polo shirts to at risk kids for the past 4 years and added the drug awareness information this year to continue the war on drugs.

Salem Elks Lodge #305 Works to Increase Drug Awareness

Salem Elks Lodge #305 made up 300 DAP bags for the Family Recovery and Family Services.

The bags were available at their tent during the Columbiana County Fair. Over 24 pieces of information was in each bag.

Pictured is Pam Gorby, Trustee; Kim Chapman,  Lecturing Knight; Wayne Gorby,  ER;  Connie Smith, Leading Knight and not pictured Carolyn Bowser, Tiler; Devon Williamson,  Secretary and Esther Goodchild, member.

Sandusky Elks #285 Helps Local Domestic Violence Shelter

Sandusky Ohio Lodge #285  donated many needed items to the local Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter.  These donations were made possible by Elks National Foundation Beacon and Anniversary Grants.

At Christmas the lodge purchased gifts, toys, clothes and food for two of the most-needy families that recently used the shelter.

Since that time, lodge members have obtained cases of copy paper, ink and toner for the shelter to print their 52-page information booklet they give to all crisis victims, social workers and support personnel.

For the victims the lodge donated 42 sets of women’s clothes, 12 twin bed sheet sets, 16 towel sets, a large amount of household supplies, 18 pairs of children’s tennis shoes for gym class, and many required school supplies for grades K thru 6.

Pictured, from left: Safe Harbor director Linda Mitchell, Beth Wimmer, Hannah
LeBran and Hazel Foley with a very small portion of the latest items donated to
the shelter.

Ohio Elks Major Projects Endowment Fundraiser Flyer Now Available

The Ohio Elks Major Projects Endowment Fund is holding a large fundraiser at the Fall Reunion in Columbus.  The fundraiser features 8 guns to be raffled along with great door prize raffles.  There is something for everyone.

Tickets are only $10 each and all proceeds benefit the endowment.

Download the flyer below and post in your lodge.  See you in Columbus!

Kent Elks Lodge #1377 Delivers $750 Grant to Local Parks & Rec Dept.

Kent Elks Lodge #1377 presented an Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant in the amount of $750 to the City of Kent Department of Parks & Recreation.

This grant will be used by the department to purchase a new portable sound system.

Pictured from left: Lisa Wadlow, PER & Grants coordinator; John Idone, Director, Kent Parks & Recreation;  Rick Hanna, Exalted Ruler.

Kent Elks Lodge #1377 Helps Local Domestic Violence Shelter & Resource Center

Kent Elks Lodge #1377 delivered a monetary donation to Safer Futures to help update some building painting and repairs. This grant was available to Kent Elks through the Elks National Foundation Community Investment Grants program.

Safer Futures is a domestic violence shelter and resource center in Portage County.  It is the only one of its kind in the county.

Pictured from left: Lisa Wadlow, PER; Sharon Batsch, Trustee; Rick Hanna, Exalted Ruler; Vanessa Jackson, Program Director of Safer Futures; Rich Aber, PER; Matt Wages, Officer.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 Awards $8,000 in Scholarship to Local High School Seniors

Athens Elks Lodge #973 hosted their annual College Scholarship Awards ceremony honoring eight local high school seniors each with $1,000 scholarships to help further extend their education.

Pictured, from left: Tom Donley, Dlaynne McGuire, Hannah Murphy, Ethan Gates, Addison Bowers, Randall Hixon, Montan Moody and Rich Russell.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Announce $1,000 Ohio Elks Scholarship

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have announced the
awarding of a $1,000 Education Fund Grant by the Ohio Elks Association to Gabe Sinn.

The Education Fund Grants, which are awarded by the Ohio Elks Association, are made
possible by monies provided by the Elks National Foundation. Mr. Sinn graduated this
spring from Wayne Trace High School. He will be attending Northwest State
Community College majoring in Maintenance Technology.

During high school Gabe played Basketball, football and was a member of the FFA.
He is a member of the Farm Bureau and attends the Apostolic Christian Church and is
involved in their youth group.

Gabe is the son of Todd and Janet Sinn.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is only second to the United States
Government in the number of scholarships awarded each year. Van Wert Lodge is proud
to have been a sponsor for Mr. Sinn during the competition.

Marion Elks Lodge #32 Help Make Local Pool Better For All.

Marion Elks Lodge #32 presented a check for $2,250 to Scott Schertzer, Mayor, City of Marion, for use by the Marion City Lincoln Park Aquatic Center.  These funds were made possible by a $1,500  Elks National Foundation Anniversary Grant;  and a $750 Ohio Elks Association State Community Grant.  The monies will be used to purchase pool furniture and swimming equipment.

Pictured, from left: Willie Troutman, #32 spouse; Scott Schertzer - Mayor, City of Marion; David Feliciano, Trustee #32; Rex Coldwell, Secretary #32, DDGER NCD; Mike Cheney,Director, Marion City Lincoln Park Aquatic Center; Liz Feliciano, Treasurer #32.

Newark Elks Lodge #391 Raises Drug Awareness to Local Students

Drug Awareness Bags for Rally in the Alley

The Newark Elks Lodge #391 put together 200 “Just Say No” bags containing Elks drug awareness pamphlets and “Just Say No” wristbands for the at-risk Newark Middle and High School students. The bags will be given out at the Newark City Schools Rally in the Alley later in July.

Pictured left to right: Steve Deedrick, Loyal Knight; member Kathy Wise; John Ridenbaugh, ER; member Jane McDonald; Trustee Dave Underhill, PER and member Becky Underhill. Also helping but not pictured is Valerie Deedrick, Esquire.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Announces $1,000 Scholarship From the Ohio Elks

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have announced the
awarding of a $1,000 Educational Fund Grant by the Ohio Elks Association to Hailey
Dempsey.

The Educational Fund Grants, which are awarded by the Ohio Elks
Association, are made possible by monies provided by the Elks National Foundation.
Hailey graduated in 2018 from Wayne Trace High School. She will be attending
Rhoades State College this fall majoring in Nursing.

During high school Hailey played softball, golf and was a member of the school choir.
She was also a member of the Health Occupation Students of America
She is a State Tested Nurse’s Aide at Vancrest, Payne and a volunteer at the Paulding and
Van Wert Humane Society. Hailey is a certified life guard at the Paulding Water Park
and a crew member of Van Wert McDonalds. She is a member of the St. Mary of the
Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert.

Hailey is the daughter of Dave and Kim Butler.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is only second to the United States
Government in the number of scholarships awarded each year. Van Wert Lodge is proud
to have been a sponsor for Ms. Dempsey during the competition.

Hillsboro Elks Lodge #361..."More Than A Golf Course"

Hillsboro Elks Lodge #361 was recently featured by the Hillsboro Times-Gazette, highlighting some recent changes and upgrades made to the lodge.  It's a worthy read and a positive story about the resurgence of Elkdom in the local community

The full article can be found here:  https://www.timesgazette.com/news/29226/hillsboro-elks-lodge-more-than-a-golf-course

Upper Sandusky Elks #83 Backpack & Food Drive a Huge Success!

Upper Sandusky Elks Lodge #83 distributed their annual Backpack Program/Food Drive for the food pantries of Wyandot County. Partnering with local businesses Kimmel Corporation and A & A Grocery they were able to donate over $2,500 in food supplies as well as 100 backpacks! This supports food pantries in Sycamore, Carey, and Upper Sandusky during the difficult summer time when most food pantries see a decline in donations.

Pictured left to right: Jeff Amos (A&A Grocery), Mark Kimmel (Kimmel Corporation), Elks Officer Tammy Groves, and Elks Officer Dan Smith.

Salem Elks Lodge #305 Helps Make Perry Township Safer

The Salem Elks Lodge #305 obtained a $750 Community Service Grant from the Ohio Elks Association upon receiving a request from the Perry Township Vol. F.D. for assistance in purchasing the quick attach monitor. This allows the hose to be hands free, while supplying a steady flow of water to a hot spot or protecting an adjacent structure during a fire. The pressure of the hose pushes the tripod structure into the ground, keeping it stationary.According to the Chief, this frees up 3 - 4 firefighters for other duties.

Pictured presenting the check is Wayne Gorby, Exalted Ruler to Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department's Chief Bruce Whitaker; Kim Chapman,  CSG Chairman; Asst. Chief Brandon Smith who's holding the Quick Attach Monitor and Fireman Brandon Planisky.

Troy Elks Lodge #833 Helps Project Lifesaver in Miami County

The Troy Elks have once again secured and awarded a $750.00 Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to the Miami County Sheriff's Office to continue funding Project Lifesaver. The Elks have awarded this grant to the Sheriff's Office for the past several years which helps ensure we can offer this service to clients at no charge.

Project Lifesaver places personalized radio transmitters on an individual which can assist caregivers and local emergency agencies in locating them were they to wander away from their residence.

Members of the Project Lifesaver team are specially trained, not only in the use of the electronic tracking equipment, but especially in the methods used to communicate with a person who has Alzheimer's or another related disorder.

Locating the individual is only part of the mission. The person who is located will most likely be disoriented, anxious, and un-trusting. The Project Lifesaver team knows how to approach the person, gain their trust, and put them at ease for the trip home. Statistics reveal that 59% of people with Alzheimer's disease wander and become lost while 72 % of them are repeat wanderers and 46% of them may die if not found within 24 hours.

The Troy Elks have also donated cinch bags, frisbees, coloring books, and safety literature to name a few items for the annual Sheriff's Youth camp. We cannot thank the officers and members of the Troy Elks enough for their generosity and partnership with us in promoting public safety in Miami County!

Newark Elks Lodge #391 Hosts Flag Day Ceremony

What a great event and a nice turnout we had for our annual Flag Day Ceremony and Ritual. We had 51 participants all working together to honor the flags of our country and to bring their history to our 50 plus guests.

The Land of Legend Chorus sang patriotic songs as PER Joe Lebold told the history of the flags and the boy scouts posted the colors. Doug Stout, from the Licking County Library, told us of the price that Licking County paid for our freedom and we acknowledged our veterans and active duty servicemen and women.

Also helping were Newark Mayor and member Jeff Hall, Boy Scout Troop 2, member Becky Underhill and of course the lodge officers.

Pictured are the Flag Carriers: A veteran (member Tim Caldwell), active duty service men and woman, a fireman, a boy scout, a Licking County Sheriff Deputy (member Justin Woodyard) and a city policeman.

Jackson Elks Lodge #466 Honors Veterans, Deliver Ohio Elks Grants

Exalted Ruler Rod Bachtel served as master of ceremonies for the Elks Flag day ceremony conducted on June 14th at the Carl Dobbins Fidelity Hall behind the Jackson, Ohio 466 Lodge.

After the ceremony, the lodge honored 8 of our heroes from World War II with a recognition presentation by Elk Member and Command Master Chief Paul Haller of the US Navy Reserve.

Chief Haller presented each veteran with a Personal WW II Plaque with their name, rank and service dates, a WWII Veterans hat and Lapel Pin to thank them for their service. Receiving the honors were as follows:

Charles A. Kirkendall, US Army 1944-1945 Corporal, (Judge) Roy J Gilliland, US Navy 1944-1965 Lieutenant Commander, Rollie V. Fetherolf, US Army 1944-1946 Private First Class, Clarence Bowman, US Army 1943-1945 Corporal, Gilbert Wayne Rice, US Army 1942-1945 Corporal, Lemual Frank Ferguson, US Navy and US Airforce 1942-1967 Master Sergeant
Absent and unable to attend but recognized for their service were Edwin F. Simpson, US Navy 1942-1946 PO3 and James Wilson, US Marine 1943-1963 GySgt.

The evening service concluded with the presentation of a check in the amount of $8024.00 to president Nick Elliot and representative Rachel Newsome of the Jackson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and a check in the amount of $3734.00 to Jerri Trainer president of the Vinton County Board of D.D from the Ohio Elks Association State C.P. Fund Committee.

Sandwiches and refreshments were served to all present after the ceremony.  We as a Nation, thank these veterans for their valued service.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 Hosts Community Family Fun Day

The Athens Elks Lodge #973 held a "Community Family Fun Day" event today at the City of Athens swimming pool, made possible by a grant through the Elks National Foundation.

We had over 900 children and adults who attended! We had free swimming, food, and drinks for everyone. We even picked up some potential Elks members because of the success of the event!

Pictured (back row L-R) are Dave Williams -District Activities Chairman,  Rich Russell -Exalted Ruler #973, Tim Lairson-ENF Chairman