Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Athens Elks #973 Helps Athens With Graffiti Cleanup

Athens Elks Lodge #973 received an Ohio Elks Association grant to purchase a power washer for the city of Athens, specifically to remove graffiti from around the city. In a college town (home of Ohio University) the power washer is used quite often.

Athens Elks Lodge #973 received an Ohio Elks Association grant to purchase a power washer for the city of Athens, specifically to remove graffiti from around the city. In a college town (home of Ohio University) the power washer is used quite often.

Pictured:  Student volunteers Hannah Williams and Clayton Williams

Pictured: Student volunteers Hannah Williams and Clayton Williams

Pictured are: Athens Elks member Dave Williams and City of Athens Code Enforcement Officer George Nowicki

Pictured are: Athens Elks member Dave Williams and City of Athens Code Enforcement Officer George Nowicki

Pictured: Elks member Dave Williams using the power washer to remove the graffiti

Pictured: Elks member Dave Williams using the power washer to remove the graffiti

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Ohio Elks Renovate Patio at Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio

The Veterans of the 1 North Memory care unit at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio will now be able to enjoy the new outdoor patio area recently remodeled with money raised by the Ohio Elks and the VAC. The renovation includes new fencing, additional concrete and walkways, benches, flower beds, and repairs to the gazebo. This area gives the residents of 1 North a safe place to spend time outside.

The Veterans of the 1 North Memory care unit at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio will now be able to enjoy the new outdoor patio area recently remodeled with money raised by the Ohio Elks and the VAC. The renovation includes new fencing, additional concrete and walkways, benches, flower beds, and repairs to the gazebo. This area gives the residents of 1 North a safe place to spend time outside.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on June 9, 2019.  Among those attending were Veterans from 1 North, Elks Past Grand Exalted Ruler Jim Nichelson, Ohio Elks State President Mark Ratliff, OVH administration and staff, many Elks from around Ohio and representatives of the VAC.

Ohio Elks Veteran representative Mary Beaston would like to thank all of the Elks lodges , the Elks State association, and the VAC for their donations to this project. and a special thank you to all the people at OVH for their help and support to complete this renovation.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Ohio’s Elks Participate in Baby Shower for Women Veterans

The South Central Elks, along with the Blue Star Mothers and the American Legion Auxiliary arrived at a quiet Chalmers Wylie Care Center on Saturday, June 22nd to get ready for a baby shower for women veterans.

Pregnant women and babies everywhere!

The South Central Elks, along with the Blue Star Mothers and the American Legion Auxiliary arrived at a quiet Chalmers Wylie Care Center on Saturday, June 22nd to get ready for a baby shower for women veterans.

The ladies arranged pink and blue around the room, three tables of gifts, provided goodies to eat, and a playroom equipped with toys and books and a therapy dog for big brothers and sisters to play with while mom’s-to-be enjoyed the afternoon.

The typical games were played and every vet got the opportunity to tell us a little about herself and where she had served.

The gifts and supplies where purchased by the three organizations along with additional items donated to Chalmers Wylie Care Center.

All the moms were very appreciative and one young mom gave us a big hug saying that this would be the only shower she would have for her first born child.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

State President Mark Ratliff's July Newsletter Now Available

Download the Ohio Elks Association State Presidents July newsletter to see all the great work Mark, Amy and Elks all across Ohio are doing for Elkdom.

Download the Ohio Elks Association State Presidents July newsletter to see all the great work Mark, Amy and Elks all across Ohio are doing for Elkdom.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Marysville Elks #1130 Helps Local Fire Department

Marysville Elks Lodge #1130 received a $750 Community Service Grant from the Ohio Elks Association.  This year we purchased a remote area Lighting System for the Liberty Township Fire Department. 

Marysville Elks Lodge #1130 received a $750 Community Service Grant from the Ohio Elks Association.  This year we purchased a remote area Lighting System for the Liberty Township Fire Department.  Fire Chief Segner says that having this light will be useful at either a fire incident or an injury accident when they need to illuminate an area.  This will enable them to better see what they are doing and because it is battery operated, the firemen won’t have to shout over the sound of their gas powered light. 

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.

Shown presenting the Lighting system to the Fire Department are from left to right are:  Firefighter Dale Barker, Exalted Ruler Billie Jo Humble (holding Autumn), Liberty Township Fire Chief Lloyd Segner, Firefighter/Medic Jeremy Rausch, and Communi…

Shown presenting the Lighting system to the Fire Department are from left to right are: Firefighter Dale Barker, Exalted Ruler Billie Jo Humble (holding Autumn), Liberty Township Fire Chief Lloyd Segner, Firefighter/Medic Jeremy Rausch, and Community Service Chairman Kermit Morse, III

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Van Wert Elks #1197 Sponsor Free Day At Camp Clay

Over 525 kids along with 100 or so parents showed up at the YMCA Camp Clay for the 8th 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.

Kids and adults alike certainly took advantage of the gorgeous day on Tuesday, June 18th.      

Over 525 kids along with 100 or so parents showed up at the YMCA Camp Clay for the 8th 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.

The Elks also provided a free lunch from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm  for all who attended.

Van Wert Lodge was able to provide this thru both a Promise Grand and a Gratitude Grant they received from the Elks National Foundation

“We were very pleased with the turn out and happy that the kids came out to enjoy the day. This was our eighth year at providing this type of entertainment for the youth and it is growing each year.   We have members who look forward to volunteering for this event each year.” 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 20120.

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Pictured are some of the kids enjoying the water at the aqua park and getting their free lunch.

Pictured are some of the kids enjoying the water at the aqua park and getting their free lunch.

 

 

 

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Ohio Elks 2019 State Golf Outing Announced - Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53 Hosting

Toledo-Sylvania Elks Lodge #53 is proud to be hosting the 2019 Ohio Elks State Golf Tournament on September 7th and 8th.  All Ohio Elks in good standing are invited to attend this event and enjoy a great weekend at our lodge and local golf course.

Toledo-Sylvania Elks Lodge #53 is proud to be hosting the 2019 Ohio Elks State Golf Tournament on September 7th and 8th.  All Ohio Elks in good standing are invited to attend this event and enjoy a great weekend at our lodge and local golf course.

The tournament will be held at Whiteford Valley Golf Club which has two 18-hole golf courses on their property. (North and West) This may be the first State Elks Tournament where participants are playing together at the same location on different golf courses each day.  Also, this allows the Stroke play and Scramble play golfers to tee off at the same time on different courses.

The entry fee of $115.00 per golfer includes 36 holes of golf with a cart, lunch at the course, welcome gift bag and dinner at the Toledo Sylvania Elks Lodge on Saturday night.

We are looking forward to providing a fun filled weekend starting on Friday night with dinners, entertainment and games at our lodge along with two days of tournament golf play.

The Toledo-Sylvania Elks look forward to seeing our fellow Ohio Elks.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Newark Elks Lodge #391 Recognizes Americanism Essay Winners

Americanism Essay Winners, Christopher Geiger 6th Grade Division,  and Sara Moore, 8th Grade Division, were invited to read their essays during our recent Flag Day Ceremony.  Each of these students took 1st place honors for both local level, at Newark #391, and district level of the South Central District.

Americanism Essay Winners, Christopher Geiger 6th Grade Division,  and Sara Moore, 8th Grade Division, were invited to read their essays during our recent Flag Day Ceremony.  Each of these students took 1st place honors for both local level, at Newark #391, and district level of the South Central District.

Pictured here with Lecturing Knight/Americanism Chair and Exalted Ruler Ed Smith III.

Pictured here with Lecturing Knight/Americanism Chair and Exalted Ruler Ed Smith III.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 Support Middleport Police Dept.

K9 Officer Patrolman Shannon Smith started the first K9 Program within the Middleport Police Dept. in 2018. Shannon Smith was able to successfully secure private funds to purchase his K9 partner, funds for the 10 week training program, K9 equipment and acquire an excess SUV from the state auction.

The SUV was stripped and needed to be outfitted to be made road worthy. Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107, in conjunction with the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant, was able to provide $1,129 to purchase a new light bar, universal console box, handheld siren and spot light for the vehicle.

K9 Officer Patrolman Shannon Smith started the first K9 Program within the Middleport Police Dept. in 2018. Shannon Smith was able to successfully secure private funds to purchase his K9 partner, funds for the 10 week training program, K9 equipment and acquire an excess SUV from the state auction.

The SUV was stripped and needed to be outfitted to be made road worthy. Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107, in conjunction with the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant, was able to provide $1,129 to purchase a new light bar, universal console box, handheld siren and spot light for the vehicle.

Pictured is K9 Officer Shannon Smith and PER Rick “Dirt” Borton, Gallipolis Elks #107 Trustee and Ohio South Central District Vice Chairman.

Pictured is K9 Officer Shannon Smith and PER Rick “Dirt” Borton, Gallipolis Elks #107 Trustee and Ohio South Central District Vice Chairman.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 Supports Local Youth Fishing Team

The Gallia Academy High School Fishing Team of Wyatt Sipple and Josh Faro won the Ohio State High School Fishing Tournament held on the Ohio River in Gallipolis, Ohio,  on May 18, 2019.  This qualified them to fish in the National High School Fishing Championship held at Pickwick Lake, Alabama,  on June 18-22, 2019.  Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 helped sponsor the team by raising $750 to help cover their expenses and entry fees.  

The Gallia Academy High School Fishing Team of Wyatt Sipple and Josh Faro won the Ohio State High School Fishing Tournament held on the Ohio River in Gallipolis, Ohio,  on May 18, 2019.  This qualified them to fish in the National High School Fishing Championship held at Pickwick Lake, Alabama,  on June 18-22, 2019.  Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 helped sponsor the team by raising $750 to help cover their expenses and entry fees.  

Pictured from left, displaying their awards are Josh Faro and Wyatt Sipple.

Pictured from left, displaying their awards are Josh Faro and Wyatt Sipple.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Hattie Larlham Recognizes Ohio Elks for 50 Years of Support

Hattie Larlham hosted a reception honoring 50 years of support totaling nearly $345,000 from the Ohio Elks Cerebral Palsy Fund and the Ravenna Elks Lodge #1076.  Grants from the Elks to Hattie Larlham have provided therapy and medical equipment used in the care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities.

Hattie Larlham hosted a reception honoring 50 years of support totaling nearly $345,000 from the Ohio Elks Cerebral Palsy Fund and the Ravenna Elks Lodge #1076.  Grants from the Elks to Hattie Larlham have provided therapy and medical equipment used in the care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities.

At the reception, Dave Mix, Exalted Ruler of Ravenna Elks #1076, along with Jim Vasey, District CP Chair and Jeff Dillon, DAC presented a check in the amount of $6,800 to Steve Colecchi, CEO of Hattie Larlham as Sandy Cinch, Dianna Bluso and Maureen Keller observe.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Newark Elks Lodge #391 Honors Fathers while Raising Funds for CP

Newark #391 holds their monthly breakfast to raise funds for our State Major Project, Cerebral Palsy.  This month, in honor of our Fathers, we served steak & eggs. PER Joe Lebold, not only served as "guest chef" but donated all the food!  We were excited to raise OVER $400 from this event.

Pictured from left to right; Kara Barnes, Debby Probasco, Joe Lebold, PER, Michelle Morris, Valerie Deedrick, Lecturing Knight, and Steve Deedrick, Leading Knight.

Pictured from left to right; Kara Barnes, Debby Probasco, Joe Lebold, PER, Michelle Morris, Valerie Deedrick, Lecturing Knight, and Steve Deedrick, Leading Knight.

Newark #391 holds their monthly breakfast to raise funds for our State Major Project, Cerebral Palsy.  This month, in honor of our Fathers, we served steak & eggs. PER Joe Lebold, not only served as "guest chef" but donated all the food!  We were excited to raise OVER $400 from this event.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Newark Elks Lodge #391 Honors Flags of Our Nation

Nine of our Nations flags were honored during Newark Elks Lodge #391’s Flag Day ceremony. With 65 people in attendance to watch as we told the story of the different flags of our country, the lodge honored our Nation’s flags. Our flags were carried by members of our local Police and Sheriff Departments, active duty military, Troop 2 Boy Scouts, and two lodge Vietnam Veterans.

Nine of our Nations flags were honored during Newark Elks Lodge #391’s Flag Day ceremony.

With 65 people in attendance to watch as we told the story of the different flags of our country, the lodge honored our Nation’s flags.

Our flags were carried by members of our local Police and Sheriff Departments, active duty military, Troop 2 Boy Scouts, and two lodge Vietnam Veterans.

We were entertained by The Westerville Irregulars, a fife and drum corps, as they played early patriotic melodies and our lodge Americanism essay winners who read us their winning essays. Newark Mayor and Elk member Jeff Hall read his Flag Day Proclamation.

It was a grand evening to honor our GRAND OLD FLAG!

Flag Carriers pictured left to right; Staff Sgt Nate Mueller, Vietnam Vet and lodge member Tim Caldwell, SAR member Chuck Bundy, Officer Chelsea Rubio, Boy Scout Alex Hammer, Licking County Sherriff and lodge member Detective Justin Woodyard, Petty …

Flag Carriers pictured left to right; Staff Sgt Nate Mueller, Vietnam Vet and lodge member Tim Caldwell, SAR member Chuck Bundy, Officer Chelsea Rubio, Boy Scout Alex Hammer, Licking County Sherriff and lodge member Detective Justin Woodyard, Petty Officer Dan Miller, Vietnam Veteran and lodge member Tom Stoyle. Front row; Boy Scout Wes Woodman.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 Hosts Local Veterans For Flag Day

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 hosted about 40 veterans from the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center at Wade Park to celebrate Flag Day. The lodge provided a homemade smoked rib dinner to all veterans and performed the Elks Flag Day ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 215 conducting a flag retirement afterwards. The veterans enjoyed the evening and even played some corn hole.

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 hosted about 40 veterans from the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center at Wade Park to celebrate Flag Day. The lodge provided a homemade smoked rib dinner to all veterans and performed the Elks Flag Day ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 215 conducting a flag retirement afterwards. The veterans enjoyed the evening and even played some corn hole.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Salem Elks Lodge #305 Helps Local Fire Department

Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented $750 to the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Dept for the purchase of 25 Nomax hoods. These are fire resistant and used during structure fires.

Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented $750 to the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Dept for the purchase of 25 Nomax hoods. These are fire resistant and used during structure fires.

In attendance Cliff Mix, trustee; Don Rudibaugh, trustee; Susan Johnson, treasurer; Connie Smith, ER; Asst Fire Chief Brandon Smith and Lt. Pete Zeigler.

In attendance Cliff Mix, trustee; Don Rudibaugh, trustee; Susan Johnson, treasurer; Connie Smith, ER; Asst Fire Chief Brandon Smith and Lt. Pete Zeigler.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Van Wert Elks #1197 Celebrate Flag Day

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks held their Annual Flag Day Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the lodge. The annual event is sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks held their Annual Flag Day Ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at the lodge. The annual event is sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Assisting this year was Harriet Schaadt who gave the Response.

 Boy Scouts from Troop 31 assisted in the program, carrying the flags.

ictured are the scouts with the various flags of this country.

ictured are the scouts with the various flags of this country.

The Elks is the first and only fraternal organization to mandate that every year, each Elks Lodge must conduct a solemn and beautiful Flag Day ceremony.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Beef! It's What's For Dinner...Many Many Dinners...

The Beef Raffle held by the Salem Lodge# 305 was a huge success!!! The winner was drawn during the NE District meeting held at the Alliance Lodge #467. The monies will help to defray costs for when our own NE District, Salem Lodge #305 member Eddie Connors will become Ohio Elks Association State President 2021-22

The Beef Raffle held by the Salem Lodge# 305 was a huge success!!! The winner was drawn during the NE District meeting held at the Alliance Lodge #467.

"Cowboy" the cow was donated by Wayne and his granddaughter Sophia with Jeff donating the tickets. So it was pure profit.

The monies will help to defray costs for when our own NE District, Salem Lodge #305 member Eddie Connors will become Ohio Elks Association State President 2021-22.

We would like to thank everyone who helped to make this such a great fund raiser.

Pictured is Connie Smith, ER; Wayne Gorby, PER; Jeff Chapman, PER; winner Roger Yauman, Secretary at Alliance #467; Eddie Connors, PDDGER and OEA Trustee Chairman.

Pictured is Connie Smith, ER; Wayne Gorby, PER; Jeff Chapman, PER; winner Roger Yauman, Secretary at Alliance #467; Eddie Connors, PDDGER and OEA Trustee Chairman.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Kent Elks Lodge #1377 Helps Local Safety School.

Kent Elks Lodge #1377 presented an Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant of $750 to the Brimfield Township Police Department for their annual Safety school to be held in July.

Kent Elks Lodge #1377 presented an Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant of $750 to the Brimfield Township Police Department for their annual Safety school to be held in July.

Pictured are Chief Roy Mosley and Lisa Wadlow, PER and Grants coordinator for Kent Elks Lodge #1377.

Pictured are Chief Roy Mosley and Lisa Wadlow, PER and Grants coordinator for Kent Elks Lodge #1377.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Salem Elks Lodge #305 Helps Local Fire Department

Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented the Lisbon Fire Department a check for $750 to purchase two 300' static rescue ropes. These will be used to perform high angle and grain bin rescues. The goal is to obtain all the equipment necessary to create their own rescue unit and be able to assist the surrounding area with rescues.

Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented the Lisbon Fire Department a check for $750 to purchase two 300' static rescue ropes. These will be used to perform high angle and grain bin rescues. The goal is to obtain all the equipment necessary to create their own rescue unit and be able to assist the surrounding area with rescues.

Presenting the check is Kim Chapman, Leading Knight to Bobby Huffman, Training Officer of the Lisbon FD.

Presenting the check is Kim Chapman, Leading Knight to Bobby Huffman, Training Officer of the Lisbon FD.

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Richard Threadgill Richard Threadgill

Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Hospital Gets Visit from Re-Creation and South Central Elks

Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center for veterans had a special treat on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.  The Care Center arranged for the singing group, Re-Creation to visit the veterans in the Care Center waiting rooms. Re-Creation is a group of young men and women who travel the country singing at veteran hospitals, care centers, and veteran organizations. 

Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center for veterans had a special treat on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.  The Care Center arranged for the singing group, Re-Creation to visit the veterans in the Care Center waiting rooms. Re-Creation is a group of young men and women who travel the country singing at veteran hospitals, care centers, and veteran organizations. 

What part did the Elks play?  Two volunteers, Trustee Jack and member Mira Cremeans from the Columbus Grove City Lodge #37 along with the Ohio Elks VAVS Rep for Chalmers Wylie, Becky Underhill (Newark Lodge #391) accompanied the singing group providing snacks, fruit, and water to the veterans in the 6 waiting rooms where the singers performed.

The singers and the Elks were able to mingle with the veterans, talking with them and thanking them for their service.

It was a great day to be an Elk!

Re-Creation singing group.

Re-Creation singing group.

Ohio Elks VAVS Rep for Chalmers Wylie Hospital Becky Underhill, Newark Lodge #391.

Ohio Elks VAVS Rep for Chalmers Wylie Hospital Becky Underhill, Newark Lodge #391.

Jack Cremeans and his wife Mira, both members of the Columbus Grove City Lodge #37 where Jack is a Trustee.

Jack Cremeans and his wife Mira, both members of the Columbus Grove City Lodge #37 where Jack is a Trustee.

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