Athens Elks #973 Support Local Youth Mentoring Program
Athens Elks Lodge #973 recently donated $1,800 to the Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring program. This money will be used to help make activity packets for the area youth. The money was received from an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant.
Athens Elks Lodge #973 recently donated $1,800 to the Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring program. This money will be used to help make activity packets for the area youth. The money was received from an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant.
Pictured from left to right is from Athens Elks Dave Williams, Rich Russell, Tim Lairson, Jim Baulding, and from SEOYM Scott Krepps, Jim Salzman, Jackie VanDyke, Kim Barlag.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Celebrates 75-Year Life Member
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently recognized its most senior lodge member. Life Member John E. Shoop was recognized for achieving 75 years of membership in the Lodge.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently recognized its most senior lodge member. Life Member John E. Shoop was recognized for achieving 75 years of membership in the Lodge.
John, who is a resident at The Meadows in Delphos was presented a special certificate recognizing him for his years of membership by Lodge Exalted Ruler Mary E. Yackey.
Pictured left to right are John’s wife Opal, John and Exalted Ruler Mary Yackey in the background
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 Welcomes New Members And Makes History
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 recently welcomed nine new members to The Order, including Patti Wallen and Tammi Sommer who represent the first women to join the Gallipolis Elks Lodge. With this initiation class, all lodges in Ohio have now welcomed women into the order as full Elk members, marking a new era for the Ohio Elks Association and paving the way for continued diversity and expansion of membership across the Buckeye state.
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 recently welcomed nine new members to The Order, including Patti Wallen and Tammi Sommer who represent the first women to join the Gallipolis Elks Lodge. With this initiation class, all lodges in Ohio have now welcomed women into the order as full Elk members, marking a new era for the Ohio Elks Association and paving the way for continued diversity and expansion of membership across the Buckeye state.
Congratulations to all new members and welcome to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks!
Front Row: Bill Barker, Patti Wallen, Tammi Sommer, and Andy Ruby. Second Row: Cory Short, Lee Reynolds, Matt Henry, Jeff Lemley and Jared Saum.
Athens Elks #973 Shine Spotlight on Veteran Stand Down
Athens Elks Lodge #973 used a $2,000 Spotlight Grant from the Elks National Foundation to purchase supplies for our local veterans. These supplies included backpacks, toiletries and blankets and were handed out during the Athens County Stand Down event that was held on October 2nd. Twenty lodge members volunteered to help pack the packages for distribution during the event.
Athens Elks Lodge #973 used a $2,000 Spotlight Grant from the Elks National Foundation to purchase supplies for our local veterans. These supplies included backpacks, toiletries and blankets and were handed out during the Athens County Stand Down event that was held on October 2nd. Twenty lodge members volunteered to help pack the packages for distribution during the event.
Ohio Elks Reach Out With Treats For Our Veterans
The work of the Ohio Elks Association continues at Ohio Veterans Home. We still cannot visit however with the dedicated assistance of the activity staff we were able to provide a sweet fall treat of pumpkin rolls and cider to our heroes . A donation of pumpkins for decorating were also given by Sandusky Elks Lodge #285.
The work of the Ohio Elks Association continues at Ohio Veterans Home.
We still cannot visit however with the dedicated assistance of the activity staff we were able to provide a sweet fall treat of pumpkin rolls and cider to our heroes . A donation of pumpkins for decorating were also given by Sandusky Elks Lodge #285.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Donates to FirePup Program
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $150 to the Van Wert City Fire Department. The monies are to be used for the sponsorship of the FirePup Program, which is presented to all the elementary school children in the City of Van Wert and all of the county schools. This year the program will reach 1,552 students in Grades K thru 4.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $150 to the Van Wert City Fire Department. The monies are to be used for the sponsorship of the FirePup Program, which is presented to all the elementary school children in the City of Van Wert and all of the county schools. This year the program will reach 1,552 students in Grades K thru 4.
The program, which is presented each October in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, teaches the school children the importance of fire safety. Van Wert Elks Lodge is proud to help sponsor this important program and has been a sponsor each year since the program was started in Van Wert County.
Pictured, left to right are Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones and Elks Lodge Secretary Michael C. Stanley.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Use Beacon Grant to Battle Hunger
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,750 to the Trinity Friends Church for their food pantry. The monies are from a Beacon Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,750 to the Trinity Friends Church for their food pantry. The monies are from a Beacon 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.
Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Salvation Army with this important service they provide the citizens of the community in need.
Pictured left to right are Mike Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman and Mike Smith, Food Pantry Chairman.
Salem Elks #305 Help With Covid-19 Relief
Through the Elks National Foundation, Salem Elks Lodge #305 was able to use a Spotlight Grant for $2,000. It is to be used towards a covid-19 relief effort in our community. We chose the Salem Community Food Pantry as they were just recently reopened.
Through the Elks National Foundation, Salem Elks Lodge #305 was able to use a Spotlight Grant for $2,000. It is to be used towards a covid-19 relief effort in our community. We chose the Salem Community Food Pantry as they were just recently reopened.
Thank you to the volunteers and Salem Community Food Pantry for serving those that need assistance in these trying times.
Pictured is Kim Chapman, ER presenting the check to Salem local volunteers.
Lorain Elks #1301 Helps Local Fire Department Buy HazMat Suite
Lorain Elks Lodge #1301 used a $750 Ohio Elks Community Service Grant to purchase a new $920 HazMat Suit for the Lorain Fire Department.
Lorain Elks Lodge #1301 used a $750 Ohio Elks Community Service Grant to purchase a new $920 HazMat Suit for the Lorain Fire Department.
Pictured from left: Capt. Shawn Lloyd, Roburt Hull ( in HazMat suit), ER- Barbara Szalay & Loyal Knight James Davis.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Assist Salvation Army to Fight Hunger
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,750 to the Salvation Army of Van Wert County for their food pantry. The monies are from a Beacon Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,750 to the Salvation Army of Van Wert County for their food pantry. The monies are from a Beacon 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.
Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Salvation Army with this important service they provide the citizens of the community in need.
Pictured from left: Daniece Maller representing the Salvation Army, Mike Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman and Robin Agler from the Salvation Army.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
