Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 Supports Local Scouting Council

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $125.00 to the Black Swamp Area Council, Boys Scouts of America.   The donation is part of the annual Friends of Scouting fund raising campaign.

The Black Swamp Council which is headquartered in Findlay covers thirteen counties.  It provides two camps, Camp Berry near Findlay and Camp Lakota near Defiance for the scouts to hold activities at and attend summer camp.  The Friends of Scouting campaign contributions held the Council fund camping programs, adult and youth training programs.    For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been instilling the values embodied in the Scout Oath and Law, the Scout Motto, “Be Prepared” and the Scout Slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily”.   The council provides scouting programs to 6,300 youth.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a history of supporting Boy Scouts.   Many lodges nationwide sponsor scout troops and provide a location for them to meet as well.   The Elks provides monies annually to the scouts for camping equipment and helps to sponsor camping trips as well.

Pictured are: Greg Amstutz from the Black Swamp Council accepting the check from Lodge Chaplain Larry Miller.

Newark Elks Doing Their Part To Help Protect Veterans

Fran Bowman and Becky Underhill from Newark Elks Lodge 391 are spending  their time during the “Stay At Home Order” sewing cloth face coverings for Chalmers Wylie Care Center in Columbus. The Care Center is in need of face coverings for their veterans who are visiting for daily appointments. 

Van Wert Elks #1197 Support Peony Festival Scholarship Program

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $100.00 to the Van Wert Peony Festival Committee.

The monies are to go towards the Peony Festival Scholarship Program.   The Elks, nationally, are only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships that are given out each year.   Van Wert Elks Lodge is proud to be a contributor each year to this important scholarship program.

From Left: Shane Mills, Leading Knight with Kylie Mills, Van Wert Peony Festival Pageant Director.

Ohio Elks Bring Pizza Party to Ohio Veterans Home

Even though we are not allowed to visit our Veterans, with the dedicated assistance of the Activities Staff of Sandusky Ohio Veterans Home (OVH) the Ohio Elks were able to reach out to our Veterans with a noon “Pizza Party” Wednesday April 29th. Residents of our Adopted 1 North unit and 1 South were served Hot N Ready pizzas and beverage. A total of 72 Veterans enjoyed their lunch.

Left: Taken in 1 North dining area. Kristen Activity Coordinator of 1 North and Andrea 1 North Clinical Care Coordinator.

A monetary donation was also given to purchase sweet treats. Activity coordinators gather small groups of Veterans for daily games in which they win a SWEET prize. The VAC is working on organizing a Memorial Day weekend drive thru the grounds of OVH. Anyone can participate. Decorate your vehicle make it fun! Will share details as they are finalized.

Ohio Elks Association State Officers Installed - New State President's Message

State President's Message

Greetings Fellow Elks,  

Ohio Elks State President Lugene Ignaffo and Jennifer Anderson of Greenville Lodge #1139

Today, April 18, 2020, I was honored to be installed into my role as your State President of the Ohio Elks Association.  Obviously, it is without the traditional fanfare to which we have become accustomed.  Unfortunately, this is not the time for traditions or fanfare.  This is the time to figure out new solutions and new ways of doing things. 

I know we have heard it over and over, but these are unprecedented times.  But are they really? 

Unprecedented means something that has never happened before.  This situation, a catastrophic global pandemic, has happened before.  A century ago, in 1918, a new type of H1N1 virus spread around the globe and killed nearly 700,000 Americans.  The reactions to our current pandemic are very similar to the reactions in 1918.  The governments shut down all businesses, people hoarded supplies, and there was an extreme shortage of the medical supplies necessary to treat the sick.  

However, in those desperate times, Elks Lodges across the country stood true to their purpose and mission, serving the people and communities.  In the New-Orleans Times, a headline from October of 1918 reads, “Elks Are Doing Splendid Work for the Needy.”  The New Orleans Elks Lodge bought food and medicines and their lodge was used as a free hospital.  The Elks also made it possible to get more automobiles to get doctors transported to the influenza victims.  

In Chicago, the headline from October 26, 1918, reads “Elks Go to Rescue of Flu-Bound Actors.”  Elks invited out of work actors to “make free of their dining room.”  They said, “We don’t make the offer as charity.  It’s a matter of decency.  Order what you wish and sign the check.  If in the future you wish to settle, well and good; if you don’t get around to it, well and better.”  

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Elks worked with the Red Cross to help with the supply of medical supplies and caskets.  All across the country, our Elks Lodges were answering the call with their acts of charity, patriotism and brotherly love.   In that time of fear and uncertainty, just as we are experiencing now, Elks were doing what needed to be done to support and help their communities. 

Let’s follow their lead.  Let’s think about what we can do for our communities.   It could be things as simple as a phone call to check on a neighbor.  It could be donations to a local food bank.  It could be helping the elderly to get meals.  If we put our heads (and hearts) together, the possibilities are limitless.  

Let’s lean on our younger, more tech savvy members to find ways for us to continue to “get together and meet” virtually.  Let’s lean on our not so young for their wisdom and experience.  Let’s use the Ohio Elks website to share our ideas and accomplishments so although we can’t be with each other physically, we can still work as a

Brotherhood. Together we will get through this, just as our Brothers a century ago did.  Together we can make a difference and show our communities that Elks Care, Elks Share.  

Be Safe and Take Care of Each Other,  

Lugene and Jennifer

New Lexington Lodge #509 Donates More Than 800 lb Of Meat To Local Pantry

New Lexington Elks Lodge #509 use the proceeds from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to purchase over 800 pounds of meat which was donated to the New Lexington Food Pantry to help during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Shown are members {from left} Trustee Phil Hillis, Inner Guard Mike Sherlock, Tiler Mark Shoemaker, Trustee Jim Leckrone, Treasurer & PER Dan Stanton, Exalted Ruler Carol Shaft, Esquire & PER Phil Wollenberg, and Trustee & PER Carl Trunko with some of the donated product after they unloaded it from the truck.

Berea Elks Lodge Donates $2,500 To Local Food Pantry

Through a grant from the Elks National Foundation, Berea Elks Lodge #1815 donated a check for $2,500 to the People’s Community Church of Berea, OH. These funds will be used to fund food and supplies to the City of Berea’s Little Pantry located at the church along with additional food and supplies for the church’s regular monthly food pantry which is also supported by the Cleveland Food Bank. This work supports more than 100 families locally who are in need of critical nutrition assistance, even more so in these times.

Presented the check to Pastor Charles “CJ” Harness is PER Richard Threadgill

Salem Elks Lodge Helps Local Organization Meet Hunger Needs

Exalted Ruler, Kim Chapman presented the $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant check to Lt. Angelica Spence today. These funds will buy non perishables including diapers. Currently the local groceries are supplying fresh produce on a daily basis. If anyone needs assistance or you know of someone who does,  Please call 330-332-5624 to make an appointment. The Grand Lodge released these funds on April 1st, so lodges could put in an application request to help their local communities in this time of extreme need. Elks Care, Elks Share.

OEA SPring 2020 Newsletter Now Available

The Spring issue of the quarterly OEA newsletter has been published and posted to the OEA website. The issue is complete with relevant reports, Grand Lodge COVID-19 guidelines, and recent lodge activities. This issue also features the new publishing schedule providing guidance on article submission and topics moving forward.

Happy reading!

Stay safe - stay healthy

CP Breakfast – A Big Hit For Newark Elks Lodge #391

Nothing stops this crew getting out the monthly CP Breakfast!!! Happily serving the Elks faithful who continue to support our lodge! This was pre-covid19.

Pictured are Lecturing Knight Valerie Deedrick and member Debbie Probasco.

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.