Fremont Elks Lodge #169 Make Impact With Local Community

A partnership between the Fremont Elks Lodge #169, Link/Interact Club-Fremont Ross High School and Wynn-Reeth Inc. made a lasting affect within the Fremont community. On 4 different occasions Elk’s members, Link/Interact teens and Wynn-Reeth individuals with developmental disabilities gathered for lunch and to make tie-blankets. 40 tie-blankets were made in all and put in to cinch drawstring backpack which had all 3 organization logos printed on each. Backpacks with blankets were given to Fremont City Schools Elementary social workers to distribute to students who suffer from trauma to give security and comfort. This project brought these three organizations together for the first time to create lasting friendships and focus on giving encouragement to others while making a huge difference.

2019-2020 Ohio Most Valuable Student Awards Announced!

Congratulations to all Lodge Chairman and District Committees for submitting great kids for the competition in 2019-2020.  On behalf of all the students “THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT IN SELECTING THE BEST OF THE BEST”!  Your hard work made the State committee’s work a tough job in selections for 2019-2020 winners.  Again I say “thanks for your time”.  I am looking forward to seeing the results from National ENF for our semi-finalist in their judging and with the entire Finalist the best.  The names are listed in alphabetical order by last name and not rank.  If you have questions please contact Nevin Taylor at ntaylor@columbus.rr.com.   Good luck Lodges with your finalist!

Ohio Students Selected For Consideration of National MVS Awards (to be announced in April)

BOYSTrey Battin - Maumee-Bowling Green Lodge #1850
Nathaniel Bowman - Massillon-North Canton Lodge #2029
Caden Donaldson - Jackson Lodge #477
David Fox - Cincinnati Lodge #5
Landen Fraylick - Greenville Lodge #1139
Ryan Goodson - Ironton Lodge #177
Trevor Minyo - Washington Court House Lodge #129
Aaron Rider - Findlay Lodge #75
Owen Salyer - Jackson Lodge #477

GIRLS
Jessica Hrich - Parma Lodge #1938
Elizabeth Radway - Cincinnati Lodge #5
Alma Russell - Cincinnati Lodge #5
Cecile Schreidah - Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53
Kelsey Stanfield - Kenton Lodge #157
Kayla Stephensen - Xenia Ldoge #668
Olivia Wenzel - Parma Lodge #1938
Lillian Whitcomb - Coshocton Lodge #37

Ohio Students Receiving $2,000 State Most Valuable Student Awards (2020)

BOYS
Ryan Chen - Van Wert Lodge #1197
Simon DeBruin - Washington Court House Lodge #129
Corbin Hite - Tiffin Lodge #94
Derek Inskeep - Lima Lodge #54
Grant Plummer - Jackson Lodge #477
Ollie Saleh - Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53
Hayden Sutton - Mount Vernon Lodge #140
Gavin Weaver - Newcomerstown Lodge #1555
Russell Zhu - Columbus-Grove City Lodge #37

GIRLS
Olivia Bergman - Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53
Elsa Bretz - Barnesville Lodge #1699
Genevieve Ferrari - Lakewood Lodge #1350
Savannah Henderson - Wilmington Lodge #797
Julia Park - Athens Lodge #973
Kylie Pettit - Washington Court House Lodge #129
Madeleine Sanders - Xenia Lodge #668
Abigail Worstell - Marietta Lodge #32
Stephanie Yen - Berea Lodge #1815

Ohio Students Receiving $1,000 State Most Valuable Student Awards (2020)

BOYS
Trey Ark - Springfield Lodge #51
Nicholas Basile - Salem Lodge #305
Jack Betz - Massillon-North Canton Lodge #2029
Andrew Blum - Chillicothe Lodge #62
Noah Bock - Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53
Eric Daniels - Ironton Lodge #177
Nitish Dashora - Columbus North Lodge #2700
Henry DeBruin - Washington Court House Lodge #129
Jacob Hawkes - Circleville Lodge #77
Michael Kuban - Lakewood Lodge #1815
Ryan Ripley - New Philadelphia Lodge #510
Avinash Singh - Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53

GIRLS
Cassandra Snopik - Galion Lodge #1191
Alexis Bergman - Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53
Deepti Naruka - Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923
Kalor Greve - Marysville Lodge #1130
Megan Berry - Norwalk Lodge #730
Baleigh Radune - Jackson Lodge #477
Holly Sexton - Jackson Lodge #477
Aubrey Schwartz - Washington Court House Lodge #129
Brooklyn Fockler - New Philadelphia Lodge #510
Maskin Sidhu - Lexington-Shelby Lodge #2554
Meranda Coleman - Jackson Lodge #477
Carrie Stetler - Lima Lodge #54

Ohio Elks Association 2020 Spring Convention Cancelled

Ohio Elks Members,

After careful consideration and for the health and safety of all of our members, please be informed that the Annual Spring Convention of the Ohio Elks Association scheduled for April 24-26th, 2020 will be cancelled. We will begin preparing for the 2020 Fall Reunion which is scheduled for August 21-23, 2020 and we look forward to being together as Ohio Elks again!

Pre-registration/Fun Night- If you have already registered or purchased Fun Night tickets the Association will begin the process of refunding these funds back to you over the coming weeks.

Hotel Reservations- Members who have already made their room reservations can go ahead and cancel those rooms through the Marriott Northwest at 1-888-801-7133.

Charity Tickets- All lodges should submit their Charity Tickets and funds to the Ohio Elks Association Office by April 30, 2020. We will draw the winners during the Fall Reunion in August 2020.

Ohio Elks Association
PO Box 1615
Elyria, Ohio 44036-1615

State Officers/State Chairman- The State Officers and State Chairman elects under President Lugene Ignaffo for the 2020-21 year will assume their officers on April 15th, 2020 to begin their year. Formal Installation will be held at the first available date.

All updates and communication will be emailed to Lodges through the Secretary’s office and our State Website (www.ohioelks.com)/ Social Media outlets to our members. Please keep in contact with these to stay updated on any changes.

These are unprecedented times, but the Elks were founded on the premise of helping others, stepping up in the face of tragedy, and being leaders in our communities. We currently have the opportunity to help those in need! Please be supportive and help your communities in any fashion you can. Together we will make it through these times and be stronger in the future as the Ohio Elks Association!

Be Safe and Healthy!

Mark Ratliff
Ohio Elks State President

Going to Grand Lodge? Reserve Your Hotel Room Now!

The 2020 Grand Lodge Convention will be held in Baltimore, MD, and the Ohio Elks Association will be housed at:

Radisson Hotel Baltimore Downtown-Inner Harbor
101 W. Fayette Strett
Baltimore, MD 21201
+1 (410) 752-1100.  

This is a non-smoking hotel. Other states housed at this hotel are Indiana, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

The hotel provides no shuttle service to and from the hotel.  Taxis from the airport to the hotel, which is about 7 miles, are approximately $35.00 for up to 4 people. The hotel has only valet parking at $39.60 per night. There are parking garages in the vicinity, Edison Self Park and Parking Panda. If you will not need your car, you might want to park at the airport and then take a cab to the hotel.  

You must make reservations through the Convention Director. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE HOTEL RESERVATION FROM (PDF)

Do Not Contact the hotel direct.  The room rate with tax is $138.60 per night which is good for up to 4 people per room. Room reservations forms have been emailed to the lodges and are available on the OEA website as well. All Elks planning on attending are urged to send in their reservations as soon as possible as rooms will fill up quickly. The cutoff date for hotel reservations is June 1, 2020. Reservations received after this date will be accepted based on availability of same type rooms at the convention rate if they are available. Once the rooms are filled any overflow will be housed at another hotel by the grand lodge convention department. If you want to extend your visit a day or two before or after the convention, you will be able to get this room rate if you make your reservations early.

Online Registration for the 2020 OEA Spring Convention Now Open!

The 122nd Ohio Elks Association Spring Convention will take place in Columbus, OH April 24-26 at the Marriott Columbus Northwest in Dublin. Elk members and guest can pre-register online now through April 2nd at the Ohio Elks Association website.

Salem Kids Choose Life, Not Drugs

Drug Awareness Essay and Poster Contest Winners were awarded their plaques on Saturday, February 8th in the Lodge room with family and friends in attendance. The theme was "Life does not rewind, choose life not drugs" Pictured are Connie Smith, ER; Essays are 6-7th graders: 1st Roxanna Beck; 2nd McKenzie McCallister.  Poster was 3-5th graders: in 3rd Ava Dowd. Not pictured were: Essay 3rd place winner Madelyn Manley and Poster winners 1st Charity Hodgson and 2nd Cassidy Wallace. All essays and posters were sent onto the NE District level for judging.

Salem Elks #305 Announce Americanism Essay Winners

Americanism Essay winners were awarded their plaques on Saturday, February 8th in the Lodge room with family and friends in attendance. The theme was "What Does Freedom of Speech Mean to Me" Front is Kim Chapman, Leading Knight and co-chair; 5-6th grade Division I: 1st Elise Bender; 2nd Ryan Folger; 3rd Macey Troy and Pam Gerace, Americanism Chairman. Back row is Connie Smith, ER; 7-8th grade Division II: 1st Olivia Hoffman; 2nd Megan Miller and 3rd Emmit Harkleroad. All 6 essays were sent into the NE district level.

Newark Elks #391 Never Forgets Our Veterans

Helping veterans is a big part of Newark Lodge 391.  Kathy Wise, lodge ENF chairman, procured an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and with the money the lodge was able to put together 12 Welcome Home Baskets for veterans transitioning to housing.

From Left: Tim Binckly, Licking County Housing; Becky Underhill, Lodge Chaplain and Veteran Committee member; Kathy Wise, Lodge ENF Chairman; and Ryan Shock, Licking Counting Housing.

Each basket contains a laundry basket and bucket, pillow, pillow case and blanket; towels and washcloth, shower liner, curtain and rings, soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste; pots and pans and cooking utensils,  dishes, glasses and silverware, potholders, dishtowels, dish soap, cleaning supplies for floors and laundry, and paper products and trash bags all shrink wrapped to keep everything together and clean.

These veterans are identified by the Licking County Coalition for Housing, the SSVF (Special Services for Veterans and Families) and the Welcome Home Baskets are given to them to distribute.

NE District Hoop Shoot Winners To Compete At State!

The Northeast District of the Ohio Elks Association held its annual District Hoop Shoot contest recently and is proud to announce the winners of the contest who will move on to compete at the state level in Columbus. Congratulations to all and Good Luck at the State Elks Hoop Shoot on Feb. 15th!

Left to right: Brady Griggs 8/9 winner, Evan Handcock 12/13 winner, Alex Brown 12/13 winner, Shelby Odey 8/9 winner , Ava Kouri (not pictured) 10/11 winner.

Gallipolis Lodge #107 Supports Local Youth Football League

PER Walt Brown and his wife Sharon of Gallipolis Elks Lodge 107 conducted several fundraisers for the Gallipolis Elks Youth Football League and raised over $2,000.  The funds were presented to Youth Football League Chairman Mike Canaday at a social event at the Lodge. 

Pictured from left: Sharon Brown, PER Walt Brown, Youth Football League Chairman Mike Canaday and Youth Football League Secretary and Treasurer Kim Canaday.

Ohio Elks Leadership Kollege Agenda Released!

The Ohio Elks Association will be hosting our annual Elks Leadership Kollege, Saturday, Febraury 29th at Newark Elks Lodge from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This one day workshop is designed to help incoming officers and committee chairpersons learn more about their roles and responsibilities while also meeting and networking with fellow Elks.

The official agenda has now been released and can be found on the OEA website here: https://ohioelks.com/kollege

Also, be sure to register at the same link above to help the organizers prepare for the right size audience. This free event is open to all Elks. We look forward to seeing you in Newark!

Ohio Elks Appreciate Our Veterans!

Jan 10th was another busy day at Chalmers P. Wylie Care Center and to top it off it was also Veterans Appreciation Day! The Ohio Elks were there handing out gifts and treats and maybe more importantly, talking to each veteran who came through the line.

Veterans from the Korean War to the War on Terrorism all stopped to look at information about the Elks National Veterans Service Commission and to pick up a snack bag.

Ohio Elks, making sure that “As long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them”!

Lorain Elks #1301 Supports Local Athletics

The Lorain Titans recognized the Lorain Elks Lodge #1301 for its'$300 donation and its continuing support at an Lorain vs. Elyria home game.

From left: Elks members Bryan Koury Titans Athletic Director, ER Barbara Szalay and Trustee PJ Newbert.

Alliance Lodge Hoop Shoot A Great Success!

Alliance Elks Lodge #467 had a number of 2020 hoop shoot winners at their local lodge contest

(L-R) Evan Hancock 12-13 Boys, Alexa Brown 12-13 Girls, Ava Kouri 10-11 Girls, Cole Jones 10-11 Boys,Brady Griggs 8-9 Boys, Shelby Odey 8-9 Girls

Lorain Elks #1301 Make Holidays Better For Local Veterans

Lorain Elks Lodge #1301 used a $2,000 Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant to give the Lorain Male & Female Valor Home residents a great Christmas.  In addition to gift giving, a Christmas Eve dinner for all was also provided. 

Willoughby-Cleveland and Painesville Lodges Partner to Help Homeless Veterans

Willoughby - Cleveland Elks Lodge #18 and Painesville Elks Lodge #549 combined efforts to distribute over 75 bags of warm clothing to help battle the elements to homeless veterans in Lake, Ashtabula, Geagua and Cuyahoga Counties in Northeast Ohio. Funds to purchase the bags were made possible thru an Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant.

Each bag contained, Sweat pants and sweatshirts, long john tops and bottoms, thermal socks, hats, gloves as well a bag containing personal care items that were collected by members and friends of the lodge. Willoughby Emblem #508 as well as Willoughby American Legion Palmer Lodge post 214 also helped with this very worthwhile project.

Pictured with representatives of the VA resource center are from left to right.
PER Duke Miller, PER Scott Daniels, Trustee Samuel Robert Wright

Salem Elks #305 Makes Christmas Better For Five Families.

The Christmas Baskets were finally ready for pick up. The perishables were added, along with gift cards for the grocery store and additional gift cards for Wal-Mart.

The Salem Salvation Army picked them up on Saturday, December 21st. Baskets were then distributed to the 5 families consisting of 16 children & 10 adults. Thank you to Pam for obtaining the $2,500 Beacon Grant from the Elks National Foundation, Jeff Chapman for securing $900 through our gaming contributions which is handled by the 501c3 Salem Community Foundation.  Not pictured are Diana Mahouski, Anna Kibler,  Wayne Gorby,  Devon Williamson, Marge Schnoernberg, Kim Chapman and Connie Smith, ER. An extra thank you to all who helped to make this a bright and cheery Christmas for all involved.

Pictured are Pam Gorby, ENF chairman and Carolyn Bowser.

South Central District Brings Holiday Cheer Local Veterans

South Central Elks sponsored two (2) Veterans Christmas Dinners on December 16th and December 18th.  The first dinner was hosted by Chillicothe Lodge #52 for various group homes for the Veterans and families. The attendance was down due to inclement weather but 50 plus who attended enjoyed a wonderful meal, gifts and entertainment.  A great time was had by all ending with everyone singing Christmas carols.

The second Veterans Christmas celebration was at the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center. (VA) December 18th 2019.  Greenfield R.O.T.C. Cadets posted the colors and performed one of their military drills to begin the evening. 120 Veterans residing at the VA plus families and guests enjoyed a wonderful meal  served by the Elks, R.O.T.C. Cadets and Volunteers.  An abundance of gifts, clothing, hygiene products, throws, wheel chair gloves and games were distributed by Elk volunteers.  The remaining gifts were distributed the next day December 19th 2019 to homeless Veterans and families.

There were many Veterans confined to wheelchairs. Pictured are just two Veterans who were in attendance. They are Edward Rooks and Evelyn Howell.

Ohio Elks Leadership Kollege - Pre-Registration Now Open!

Elks Leadership Kollege

• Are you a new lodge officer?

• Are you leading a lodge committee?

• Are you a long-time lodge leader?

• Do you just need help?!

We are here for you!

The Elks Leadership Kollege is a valuable training session being offered to lodge officers and members February 29, 2020.  Qualified trainers will be conducting sessions packed full of valuable information that will guide you through a successful lodge year.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to have your officers learn what they need to know and implement in order to have a successful year!

This year’s Kollege will be hosted at Newark Elks Lodge #391. Times and agenda are still being completed, however you can pre-register now by going to: https://ohioelks.com/kollege and completing the simple form.

The event is free (although there may be a small cost for lunch).

Be sure to mark your calendars, pre-register, and attend this invaluable event!

Van Wert Elks #1197 Recognize Students of the Month

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197, have selected Kathryn Hauter and Cassandra Priest, both seniors at Van Wert High School as the recipients of the Students of the Month for December.

Students are nominated by their high schools to receive this award.  Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with a certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with the possibility to be named the Student of the Year.   Students are judged on the basis of multiple achievements – Volunteerism, Character, Leadership, Service, Citizenship and Scholastic.

This program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for their achievements in school and community.   The Elks wish to recognize and praise those students for their accomplishments, their activities, and their contributions to society through this program.

Pictured left to right are: Cassandra Priest and Kathryn Hauter with Linda J. Stanley, Student of the Month Chairperson.