2020 Ohio Elks Golf Outing A Great Success

On behalf of the Ohio Elks Association and Marysville Elks #1130, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who participated in this years OEA State Golf Tournament. I would especially like to thank Nevin Taylor and the members of the Marysville Elks #1130 for all the hard work and preparation they put into make this an outstanding event. Despite the challenges presented this year with the Covid-19 pandemic, the members of Marysville Elks #1130 gave us one heck of a weekend! I am appreciative of the amazing hospitality shown to each of us throughout the weekend and the efforts taken to keep everyone safe.

In addition, I would like to thank all the golfers who supported the event this year in spite of the restrictions we had to face. We were fortunate enough to host over 40 additional golfers in this year’s event. Scores have been posted on the Ohio Elks website (https://ohioelks.com/golf) for both Individual Flight play and Scrambles Flight format. Winning prize amounts are listed and checks were mailed to the winning players this past weekend.

As the State Golf Chairman, I continue to treat this as a learning experience.  Once again, it has been a rewarding experience listening to all concerns that you shared with me regarding the event this year. As a result, I have taken many notes from your suggestions on how I might be better able to make this an event you will look forward to participating in for years to come. I will always remain open to suggestions and ideas. Please feel free to contact me at elkbooy@yahoo.com with any input you might have. Type “Elks State Golf” in the subject line to avoid my mistaking your emails for spam. A few subjects that will addressed before the event is held next year are the implementation of a tie-breaker format, a defined amount of your entry fee that will be reserved for prize monies, and guidelines on golf course fee negotiations.

Applications are still being accepted for the 2021 Ohio Elks State Golf Tournament. The application to host this event is available on this Ohio Elks Golf page. We are striving to announce the winning lodge by the end of this calendar year.

Fraternally,

Rob “Otis” Nixon
Ohio Elks Association
State Golf Chairman

Van Wert Elks #1197 Host Soccer Shoot Contest

On Saturday August 29, the Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 held its annual Soccer Shoot.   It was a beautiful day and 21 young ones joined in the fun.    There was a Girls division and a Boys division and they competed in four age groups.    Trophies were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers.    All the 1st Place Winners will advance to the District Competition to be held on Saturday, September 26 in Findlay, OH.  

The winners included:
Under 8 Girls: 1st Place ~ Nora Longstreth; 2nd Place – Sydney Roth; 3rd Place – Alexandria Short
Under 8 Boys: 1st Place ~ Bryce Miller; 2nd Place – Dawson Perl; 3rd Place – Brody Mills
Under 10 Girls: 1st Place ~ Adelynn Karcher; 2nd Place – Kyleigh Cummings
Under 10 Boys: 1st Place ~ Carson Miller; 2nd Place – Ryder Brown; 3rd Place – Eben Berryman
Under 12 Boys: 1st Place ~ Drew Tracey; 2nd Place – Aaron Sawyer; 3rd Place – Connor Norton
Under 12 Girls: 1st Place ~ Riley Brown; 2nd Place – Ainsley Hoffman

Salem Elks #305 Cleanup Local Pavilion

Originally built in 1981 by the Salem Elks Lodge #305 and dedicated to the Salem Parks Dept., Mike Mahouski started on May 5, 2019 sprucing it back up. They power washed the entire inside of the building including the picnic tables. Painted the posts and ceiling. Bad weather, Summer season and more bad weather held us off painting the picnic tables.

Covid didn't help in 2020. The final crew finished it up in August 2020. Again, we power washed the entire building this time including the eves. Repainted the posts, the picnic tables this time and stained the eves a nice cedar mountain green. A big thank you to the Salem Parks Depart, Shane Franks and his crew of workers.

The following people helped put it back to rights between the two years: Mike Mahouski, Jeff Chapman, Wayne Gorby, Doug Rudibaugh, Steve and Connie Smith, Kim Chapman, Ben Blevins, BSA Troop 101 of Alliance - Master Chief Chip Jackson, Landon Blevins and Aaron Blayne. So check out pavilion #9 at Waterworth Memorial Park in Salem, Ohio. Always glad to serve our community. 

Sandusky Elks #285 Helps OHgo Fight Hunger In The Community

Sandusky Elks Lodge #285 was recently awarded a $2,000 Spotlight Grant from the Elks National Foundation (ENF) for OHgo, the local mobile food pantry… and so much more. OHgo volunteers travel into under-served neighborhoods to reach people unable to go to them, they do a huge drive-up food give-away at Strobel Field, and distribute to the elderly by home delivery. Since the beginning of COVID, there has been a greater than 300% increase in families served. All recipients are screened for eligibility.

Before the pandemic, OHgo held numerous activities such as seasonal parties for children, a mobile library into their neighborhoods, and educational programs for healthy meal preparation. Lately, a lot of these activities have been reduced.

Several of our members took a pleasant, hour-long informative tour of their warehouse facilities last week and presented the Spotlight Grant check to them.

Sandusky Elks also donated a $2,500 Gratitude Grant to this same organization a few months ago. OHgo is so well organized and equipped to handle the magnitude of these services, that we felt they and our community deserved this grant money also.

P.R. Marshall of Washington Court House Lodge #129 Honored as Elk of the Year

P.R. Marshall has been an active member of Washington Courthouse lodge 129 for over 38 years. Has served on countless committees as well chairing a good deal of them. He chaired the state golf committee. Has been and continues to be a great mentor to new members. Was instrumental in reviving Sunday breakfasts, oversees specialty dinners and fundraisers. Participation in the lodge has steadily increased with P.R.’s involvement and promoting of events. P.R.is available to help and assist the lodge in any way possible.

Congratulations to P.R. on behalf of the Ohio Elks Association, and all Elks across the Buckeye State!

From left: Ohio Elks Trustee Chair, Thomas (Pav) Pavlik, P.R. Marshall Elk of the Year, and Ohio Elks State President Lugene Ignaffo.

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.