Athens Elks Lodge #973 Helping County Food Pantry

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $2,000 to the Athens County food pantry. The money was made available through an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant.

Pictured from right to left are Elks members Rich Russell Jim Balding and Tim Lairson and far-left is from the Athens County food pantry, Karin Bright.

91st Annual Ohio Elks Association Fall Reunion Cancelled

Ohio Elks Members,

After lengthy discussions and guidance from our State Sponsor, Jim Nichelson, it unfortunately has been decided that the Fall Reunion for the Ohio Elks Association scheduled for August 21-23, 2020, will be cancelled.  The health and safety of our members is of the utmost importance.  In addition, given the current restrictions regarding large gatherings, it would have been impossible for the reunion to go on with any sense of normalcy.

Hotel Reservations:  If you have already booked your room at the Marriott, you will need to contact the hotel to cancel your reservation.

Charity Tickets:  If your lodge has not turned Charity Tickets in as of yet, they will need to be sent to the Ohio Elks Association Office ASAP, no later than August 1, 2020.  The drawing will be held on the date planned, August 22.  Winners will be contacted.

This has been a very difficult year for everyone, but we need to continue to look at the positives.  Families have been given a chance to slow down, reconnect and create special memories together.  Many of our lodges were finally given that deep clean, fresh paint, and maintenance that we could never find the time to do.  Elks have reached out and found ways to help the most vulnerable in our communities.

Like all of you, Jennifer and I are really missing our Elks family! We will be traveling to visit as many lodges as we can this summer. As we move closer to the fall State Officer visitations, we are hopeful that Coronavirus trends will be down and state restrictions will be lifted to allow us to travel as a State Officer team to some of our districts.

Enjoy your summer!

Lugene Ignaffo
Ohio Elks State President

Berea Elks Lodge Make Masks For Food Donations

Several members of Berea Elks Lodge #1815 made protective masks for anyone who needed them in exchange for food and/or cash donations to the People’s Community Church food pantry located in Berea’s North End.

From left: Berea Elks Lodge #1815 Lodge Secretary Dianna Threadgill, Esteemed Lecturing Knight Danielle Mahany, Lodge Treasurer Margie Puchalski, and member Sharon Roncagli making masks.

Word spread of the work and Cleveland’s own Great Lakes Brewery donated $600 to the Church on behalf of the Berea Elks in exchange for 200 masks. To date, about 300 masks have been made by the members and over $1,000 in food and cash donations have been made to the pantry as a result. All materials to make the masks were donated by Berea Elks members.

These efforts augment a recent Gratitude Grant in the amount of $2,500 from the Elks National Foundation which also went to the church.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the church has seen a 100% increase in demand for food and supplies in the community due to large spike in unemployment. More than 200 local familes are being served by this work!

Elks Care - Elks (safely) share!

Local Van Wert Student Receives $2,000 Elks MVS Scholarship

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have announced the awarding of a $2,000 scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Ryan Chen. The Elks National Foundation offers the “Most Valuable Student” scholarships for high school seniors entering college in the fall.  Mr. Chen graduated this spring from Van Wert High School and will be entering The Ohio Northern University and majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

During high school Ryan was a member of the Robotics Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Beta Club, German Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and participated in the School Choir.    He also was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.

Ryan is a member of the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and is involved in the First United Methodist Church Youth Group. He also works at Sycamore Ice Cream in Van Wert.

Ryan resides in Van Wert and is the son of Jerry and Barb Chen.

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 Aaron during this competition.

Athens Elks #973 Awards $5,000 in College Scholarships To Outstanding Local Students

During these difficult times, the Elks of Athens have continued to support the community.

In the month of April, Athens Elks Lodge #973 awarded five, $1,000 college scholarships to exemplary graduating high school students. The winning students provided recommendations from their teachers, had excellent GPAs, ACT/SAT scores as well as showed a lengthy history of community service. 

Those students included:

Amanda Carpenter (Attending Ohio University)
Bailey Zorn  (Attending Ohio University) 
Ryan Murphy (TBD)
Sam Carpenter (Attending Ohio University) 
Wyatt Montle  (Attending Missouri State University)

Newark Elks #391 & The OEA Making A Difference For Those With Cerebral Palsy

Through the Ohio Elks Association State Major Project, Cerebral Palsy,  Newark Elks Lodge #391 was awarded a $15,000 grant to benefit The Center for Disability Services.

During this time of limited contact, the clients who directly benefit from this grant are shown expressing their appreciation.

Let's Golf!

Marysville Lodge #1130 will be hosting the 2020 Ohio Elks State Golf Tournament on September 12th and 13th, 2020.  The tournament will be held at The Ridge and Darby Creek which features two 18-hole golf courses within 5 minutes of the Lodge property (both listed in top 10 in Central Ohio USGA approved).  For the third year in a row, the Ohio Elks State Golf tournament will offer both Stroke play and Scramble play formats for golfers to compete.  An 8:00 A.M. Shot Gun start will be used on Saturday for individual play on both courses and the Scramble tournament will shotgun at 12:30p.m.  at “The Ridge”.   An 8:00  A.M. Shot Gun start will be used Sunday morning for individuals’ flights with the Scramble Shotgun to follow at 12:30 P.M. at Darby Creek.  Both Stroke and Scramble play formats will be flighted after the completion of Saturday’s rounds.  Individual flight numbers will be split into Senior and Open with sub-flights set based on number of players.  The Scramble format will be broken into 2 flights heading into final round play to afford golfers of all skill levels a competitive tournament experience.

The entry fee for each format will be $125.00 per golfer which includes 36 holes of golf with a cart, lunch at the course, welcome gift bag and dinner (chicken or steak) at the Marysville Elks Lodge on Saturday night.  The tournament package including tournament formats, entry forms and lodging information has been mailed to each lodge.

We are asking for your assistance in getting this information out to the members of your lodge.  Marysville has been working hard to ensure all golfers and guests have a fantastic weekend of golf and fun!  As mentioned above, tournament information packets including entry form can be found at https://ohioelks.com/golf

Checks can be made out to the Ohio State Elks Golf Committee.  Thank you for your help in making this a memorable event!  If you have any questions regarding the tournament, please contact Rob “Otis” Nixon at Ohioelksgolf2020@gmail.com or Larry Ropp Larryropp@gmail.com or text Otis at 419-651-4465.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Honors Student of the Year

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197, have selected Kaylie Tressler, senior at Vantage Career Center as the recipient of the Student of the Year for Van Wert Lodge.

Kaylie was selected as the Student of the Month for April.   She also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Trump.   Kaylie will graduate this spring from Paulding High School.

Students are nominated by their high schools to receive the Student of the Month 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.   

All of the Student of the Month winners are then judged for their performance and achievements for selection as the Student of the Year.   Kaylie received a monetary donation as well as a certificate.   She will now be competing for District Student of the Year against students from 12 other lodges within the district.

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.

Book Rooms for 91st Annual Fall Reunion

Members planning to attend the 91st Annual Ohio Elks Association Fall Reunion can reserve their rooms now online. The OEA has negotiated a fantastic rate of just $115 per night at the host hotel in Dublin, OH.

Visit the Fall Reunion web-page at https://ohioelks.com/fall-reunion for more details.

See you in Columbus in the Fall (hopefully!).

Stay Safe Everyone!

Upper Sandusky Elks #83 Helping Battle Hunger In Tough Times Across Wyandot County

In an effort to help the people of Wyandot County, the Upper Sandusky Elks recently distributed 120 backpacks and over $3,000 worth of food for the three county food pantries located in Upper Sandusky, Carey, and Sycamore.

This will allow them to provide much needed food for those families who are facing uncertain futures due to the current health situation facing the country.

This program would also not be as successful without the continued partnership with Kimmel Corporation and A&A Grocery who support this program every year!

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.