Athen Elks #973 Helps Local Veterans At Time of Need

Athens Elks Lodge #973 received an Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant for $2,500. This grant was used to purchase fifty $50 gift cards for our local veterans. 

From right: Elks members Rich Russell, James Balding, and Tim Lairson, from local Veterans associations that will be distributing the cards, James Mitchell, Jim Koska and Randy Gray, and from the Elks Larry Copper.

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Editor’s Note regarding this post

The Ohio Elks received the following letter of thanks from a Veteran who benefited from this charitable activity. To all Elks, keep doing the work you are doing. It is making a difference and impacting lives.

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Thank you to the Athens County Elks, and the Athens Veterans Administration,  who donated a PJ gift card to be distributed to Athens County vets. I just received mine in the mail.  

Speaking for myself, and perhaps a few other vets who might not have access to a computer, this welcome and much appreciated surprise has not only fed my family for a day, but has also instilled a heightened sense of community within my home when such social cohesion has taken a major hit from the recent pandemic.

But this didn’t stop the Athens County Elks, who choose to push beyond and help local vets with the simple gesture of a gift card. They did so, not for the purpose of public media exposure, but rather, because it was a kind and generous act toward hometown vets. Such actions in helping vets, and on a larger scale over time, all in our local community, is based on the organization’s belief that showcases American patriotism at its finest. The Elk’s mission statement is worth celebrating each day when negative news coverage offers little to celebrate. In a nutshell, the Athens County Elks offer the type of brothers and sisters that I want to get to know better in the near future.

 In a time that seems more chaotic than ever before, it’s important to embrace all that our U.S. Constitution represents, in part, “to ensure the blessings of liberty” for people of all races and political persuasions, where everyone (at least how I was raised) has a voice and a right to be heard  and the merits of their ideas considered equally, without bias. There are also those who go beyond; those who strive to help build our country because it was, and still is, the right thing to do, based on Divine Law. Because, “In God We Trust” is just as important now as it was 220 years ago, and even as late as 50 years ago,  when as a young teen I was learning the lessons of  citizenship for merit badges that contributed to my Eagle Scout badge. Other than serving my country as a vet, that badge is one of my life’s greatest honors. Such training sticks to a man for a lifetime, as does citizenship and thanksgiving.

Some things may change in time, due to the foibles of the human condition, but others do not. This note of gratitude is one of them.

With sincere thanks,

Chris Batin

Salem Elks #305 Recognizes Local Youth in Drug Awareness

Salem Elks Lodge #305 had Awards presented by Kim Chapman, ER for the Drug Awareness program winners.

Pictured from L-R are: Madelynn Manley, in the Essay Contest, placed 3rd in BOTH the NE District (Certificate) and Ohio Elks State Level(Medallion/DAP slingbag) Cassidy Wallace, in the Poster Contest, placed 2nd in the NE District (certificate), 1st at the Ohio Elks State Level (plaque/DAP slingbag) AND represented the State of Ohio at the National level at Grand Lodge ( certificate of recognition). Roxanna Beck, in the Essay Contest, placed 1st in the NE District (certificate), 2nd at the Ohio Elks State Level ( plaque/DAP slingbag).

Not pictured are:
McKenzie McCallister: Essay 2nd NE District, 1st Ohio Elks State Level AND represented the State of Ohio at the National level at Grand Lodge.
Charity Hodgson: Poster 1st NE District and 2nd Ohio Elks State Level
Ava Dowd: Poster 3rd at BOTH the NE District and Ohio Elks State Level.

Lima Elks #54 Donates Defibrillator & First Aid Kits to Local Park Ranger

Lima Elks Lodge #54 presented the City of Lima $847.50 to help outfit park ranger patrol cars with updated medical equipment during a brief ceremony Wednesday.

Made possible through the Ohio Elks Association and the Lima Fifty-Four Scholastic and Athletic Fund, the funds will purchase one Head Start automated external defibrillator and five first-aid kids for the park ranger’s vehicles.

“So every one of our cruisers now have AEDs, and in addition, we got first aid kids put in, so it’s a great partnership that we’re able to work together with the Elks to provide items that the community needs,” Lima Park Ranger Randy Kohli said.

Ohio Elks Help Veterans at Chalmers P Wylie Ambulatory Care Center

The Ohio Elks were able to help five veterans beat the heat in July by providing fans. The fans were given to the Chalmers P Wylie Ambulatory Care Center in Columbus who will then pass the fans onto veterans who are living with no air conditioning in their homes. Even though the fans cannot reduce the air temperature they can reduce the body temperature by circulating the air around the room making the hot humid days of summer more tolerable for our vets.

Six mobile phones and phone cards were also dropped off at the CPW Ambulatory Care Center. The phones will be given to those vets who cannot afford a mobile phone. With the phones, the vets can keep in touch with their docs at Chalmers Wylie, unemployment offices, and business to set up interviews.

“As long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and protective order of Elks will never forget them!”

Pictured is Becky Underhill from Newark Lodge 391 who is the Ohio Elks VAVS Rep for Chalmers P Wylie Ambulatory Care Center.

Salem Elks #305 Helps Local Fire Department

Chief Scott Mason of the Salem Fire Dept accepted a check for $750 from Kim Chapman, ER of Salem Elks Lodge #305. The City of Salem recently purchased a Sutphen Pumper Truck. The equipment needed was a Milwaukee Tool Set that the  batteries will interchange with the battery-operated jaws, plus New York Hooks (Pike Pole) ranging from 4' - 8' in length. We appreciate their continued service. Not pictured was Mike Mahouski the Community Service Chairman.

Ohio Elks Bring Christmas in July to Sandusky Veterans Home

Sadly our Veterans were stricken by the virus early on.  We are not allowed to visit our Veterans so we reached out to the dedicated OVH staff asking for ideas. We received a personal needs list and boy we went shopping!!!!

For both Men & Women we purchased new sweatshirts/hood jackets, ladies night shirts, all kinds personal hygiene items, over the door hangers, soap dishes, 120 decks of jumbo playing cards (donated Kevin Knight Toledo/Sylvania #53) As you can see pictured.

The facility is now virus free and is slowly able to enjoy the outside, but many needed sunglasses, so we bought them 50 pair of  cool ones.

On July 29th the goodies were delivered. The home greatly appreciated the Elk donation!

From left: Veterans Rep Mary, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Carla Dupont

Hillsboro Elks #361 Awards $1,000 Scholarship

Hillsboro Elks Lodge #361 and Southern State Community College Foundation have announced Jordan Williamson as the 2020 recipient of the Hillsboro Elks Scholarship.

Williamson graduated from Hillsboro High School in 2019 and completed College Credit Plus classes during her senior year at Southern State. She is currently taking classes and planning to graduate this year from the Occupational Therapy Assistant program through a partnership with Shawnee State University and SSCC. Her career goal is to be able to work in a school setting with occupational therapy, and give back to her community by serving the children of Highland County.

The $1,000 Hillsboro Elks Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and display a commitment to volunteerism and community service.

“The Hillsboro Elks Lodge proudly partners with Southern State in working with deserving students like Jordan and helping to build a stronger community,” said Phil Loudin, ER, Hillsboro Elks #361.

Williamson’s volunteer experience includes volunteering with community service projects through FFA such as Ag Day, Food for America, the FFA 5K, alumni auction and Christmas caroling to nursing homes. Through the Prospect United Methodist Church, she has served through collecting and packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child and volunteering with Good News Gathering to help local families shop at their free store.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Recognize Members For Excellence

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently recognized three members of the lodge for the fraternal year of 2019-2020.   These awards would have normally have been presented at the last lodge meeting in March, but due to the Covid 19 they had to be presented at a later date.

Mr. Greg Blackmore was presented with the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award.   Greg recently retired from the Van Wert City Police Department with 30 years of service, of which 24 years he was the DARE Officer.    Greg also serves the lodge as its Drug Awareness Chairman.   This past January Greg was able to get the Elk national drug awareness speaker to Van Wert to speak to over 2800 children in the county schools.

Jill Evans was presented the Van Wert Lodge “Elk of the Year” Award.   Jill has served the lodge for many years as the Lodge Americanism Chair.    This award is given by a Lodge to one of its members who perform extra service “above and beyond” to the Lodge and its charitable works.

Linda Stanley was presented the Van Wert Lodge Officer of the Year Award.  Linda serves the lodge as Organist and also chairs the Student of the Month Program.

All the awards were presented by last years Exalted Ruler Keith A. Collins.

Pictured from left: Jill Evans, Greg Blackmore, Linda Stanley and Keith A. Collins.

Pictured left to right are: Jill Evans, Greg Blackmore, Linda Stanley and Keith A. Collins.

Marysville Elks #1130 Supports Marysville Police Department

Marysville Elks Lodge #1130 recently used money from the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to purchase a Portable Scene Light and Plastic Face Shields for the Marysville Police Department.  Chief Golden says that having this light will be useful when they need to illuminate an injury or crime scene.  The face masks will be used for PPE for the officers.

To date, through the Community Service Grants, Marysville Lodge #1130 has distributed nearly $8000 back into Union County to assist various community agencies.

Shown presenting the Lighting system and face masks to the Marysville Police Department are from left to right are: Marysville Police Department; Deputy Chief Bo Spain, Deputy Chief Tony Brooks, Chief Floyd Golden, Detective Dennis Flanagan, Marysville Elks; President Billie Jo Humble, Trustee Everett Humble, and Community Service Chairman Kermit Morse, III

Newark Elks #391 Host 2nd Annual "391 Scholarship Golf Outing"

Newark Elks Lodge #391 held their 2nd annual “391 “Scholarship Golf Outing.  Although Covid-19 concerns kept participation to a minimum, it was still an enthusiastic group of golfers.  Since its inception in 2018, Newark 391 has awarded $3,500 in scholarships to the children and grandchildren of its members.

The winning team, captained by member Jim Hodge, graciously donated their 1st place winnings to this year’s scholarship total.  THANKS GUYS!!!!

From left to right, Jim Hodge, Mark Krebs (PER) Coshocton #376, Jeff Zerbe and Tyler Sieman Coshocton #376

State Golf Tournament Schedule & Hotel Information Released!

Greetings all. The Ohio Elks Association will be hosting the State Golf Tournament at Marysville Lodge #1130 which is just northwest of Columbus September 12-13. The event schedule and hotel information has now been posted to the OEA website along with team applications.

Find all the details here: https://ohioelks.com/golf

See you there! Let’s Golf!

Gallipolis Elks #107 Support Grace UMC Food Pantry

The Grace United Methodist Church food pantry has been serving the Gallia County community since 2002. Thanks to continued food collections and donations, the food pantry has been able to serve over 100 families monthly.  With a grant provided by the Elks National Foundation, Tom Meadows, Exalted Ruler, Gallipolis Elks, presented a $2,000 check to Marlene Stout to help continue and expand the support of the food pantry during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gallipolis Elks #107 Supports Gallipolis in Bloom

Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 donated $2,000 to Gallipolis in Bloom, GIB, in support of the beautification of the city of Gallipolis.  The money is to help purchase plants, flowers and provide flower containers throughout the community and the downtown area. 

Presenting the donation is Exalted Ruler Tom Meadows, center, along with Diana Parks, GIB Treasurer; left center; Karen Smith, GIB President, right center; and on the right Betty Beggrow, GIB Vice President.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Donates Community Service Grant to Convoy Fire Department

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $750 to the Convoy Fire Department. The monies were used by the department to help purchase 12 G1 APR Adapters and Cartridges.   The adapters can be put on the SCDA masks they are currently using for fighting fires.   Once this has been done they can use the same mask to overhaul their equipment after a fire is out and not have to use an air bottle if the 02 levels are acceptable.   These adapters could also be used in dusty conditions where the 02 levels are acceptable.  In addition if a fire engine responds on an assist with an EMS unit into an unhealthy home environment such as the flu, covid 19 and other respiratory healthy conditions are suspected the mask can be used.

The monies are distributed by the Ohio Elks Association in the form of a Community Service Grant.   The Ohio Elks Association receives monies each year from the Elks National Foundation, a perpetual trust fund established in 1928 by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.   Contributions to the Foundation are made each year by close to one million Elks and their families and friends from more than 2,000 Elks Lodges across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

To date, thru the Community Service Grants, Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 has distributed over $34,143.76 back into Van Wert County to assist the city, county and villages.

Van Wert Elks Lodge is proud to be able to assist the Convoy Fire Department as they provide fire protection to the residents of Convoy and surrounding area.

Pictured, left to right with the new piece of equipment is: Fire Chief Gary Kreischer and Lodge Community Service Grant Chairman Michael C. Stanley.

Salem Elks #305 Helps Make Local Parks Safer

Shane Franks, Salem Parks Director accepted a check for $700 from Kim Chapman, Exalted Ruler of the Salem Elks Lodge #305.  The monies were made available through the Ohio Elks Association's Community Service Grant program. We received one of four offered to the NE District Lodges. 

The grant will be utilized in purchasing 3 security cameras at the Centennial Park. Hopefully this will help to cut down on vandalism and make the park more secure.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Donate to Local Summer Food Program

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $2,000 to the YWCA of Van Wert County for their Summer Food Program.   This is the 25th year the YWCA has run this important program.   The monies are from a Spotlight Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.

The Elks National Foundation is a perpetual trust fund established in 1928 by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.   Contributions to the Foundation are made each year by almost one million Elks and their families and friends from more than 2000 Elks Lodges across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. 

This year, due to Covid 19, they are packing and distributing breakfast and lunch meals for the week every Monday.   Every Thursday they are packing and distributing Grab and Go Bags that contain food for the weekends.    This is open to any child under the age of 18 and no registration is required.    This program runs from June 1 thru July 27.

Van Wert Elks Lodge in addition to the donation of monies has members volunteering in the packaging and distribution of the meals.

Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the YWCA with this important summer program.

Pictured left to right are Betsy Hamman, Summer Food Program Director and Mike Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman.

Salem Elks #305 Helps Local Kids With Cerebral Palsy Get Learning Tools For School

A check for $1,400 was presented to Andrew Garber, Principle of Robert Bycroft by Kim Chapman, Exalted Ruler of Salem Elks Lodge #305. This will help with purchasing learning tools for students with Cerebral Palsy and other learning difficulties. This was provided through the CP Board of the Ohio Elks Association. We're very proud to be the conduit in getting funds for the school.

Salem Elks #305 Announces Americanism Essay District Winners

Salem Elks Lodge #305 had three of our local lodge winners place in the NE District level competition with the essay theme being "What Does Freedom of Speech Mean to Me?"

Due to delays, the students were finally awarded their gift cards. Pictured left to right: Division II 7-8th grades - Megan Miller placed 3rd/$50; Division I 5-6th grades - Macey Troy placed 1st/$100 and Elise Bender placed 2nd/$75. Each was given a US Flag pin, plus a pin of the Salem Elks building. In addition, we were honored to have Megan and Elise read their essays during our Flag Day Ceremony on June 14th. 

Wellsville Elks Lodge #1040 Supports Local First Responders

From left - VFD Lieutenant Kris Valerra, ER Chuck Gamble and members Gwen Gamble and Mary Ellen Reed.

Wellsville Elks Lodge #1040 used their 2020-2021 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to help local first responders.  They divided the grant between the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department and both Wellsville and Columbiana County Sheriff K9 units.

From Left - Columbiana County handler Damin Beadnell with K9 Hunter, ER Chuck Gamble, ENF Chairman-Lodge Secretary Mike Buchanan and Wellsville handler Joe Saranitti with K9 Chief.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Accounce Legacy Scholarship Award Winner

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have announced the awarding of a $4,000 Legacy Award Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Taylor Hobbs.    The Legacy Award Scholarships are awarded by the Elks National Foundation and are only available to children and grandchildren of Elk Members.  Ms. Hobbs graduated this spring from Spencerville High School and will be attending this fall The University of Cincinnati majoring in Biology of Animals.

During high school Taylor was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and the FFA.   She played Varsity Soccer and was a member of the Jazz Band, Marching Band, Pep Band and the Symphonic Band.

Taylor is active in her church.    She is also active as a member of the Blue Ribbon Bearcats 4-H Club and the Allen County Junior Fair Board and serves as a 4-H camp counselor.   She is employed at the Spencerville Subway and the Lima Aeropostale.

Taylor resides in Spencerville, OH and is the daughter of Joshua and Diana Hobbs and the Granddaughter of Vernon and Elizabeth Hobbs of Venedocia.

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 Taylor during this competition.