Newark Elks Lodge #391 – Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Yes we are still in a pandemic. Yes we are still wearing masks and social distancing. And YES, there are still people, maybe our friends or neighbors who are still struggling to keep their rent or mortgage paid and maybe having trouble feeding their children.

Newark Elks Lodge #391 added Operation Feed to their Community Activities this year and we had a terrific first year too! We filled 21 boxes with needed grocery and personal care items as well as diapers, wipes, and baby food and collected $280 to give to the Food Pantry Network of Licking County.

Elks Care Elks Share. Yes we do!!

From left: Becky Underhill – Lodge Operation Feed Campaign Chairman, Chuck Moore – Food Pantry Network of Licking County Executive Director, and Dave Underhill – Exalted Ruler of Newark Lodge.

Ohio Elks Association Grand Lodge Reservation Info Published!

Are you thinking of going to the 156th Elks Grand Lodge Convention in Tampa Florida this July? If so, be sure to check out the Ohio Elks Association Reservations Page to book your hotel and to learn about the general convention rules and guidelines. The Ohio Elks Hospitality Room schedule has also been posted.

Newark Elks #391 Donate Welcome Home Baskets to Local Veterans

Newark Elks Lodge #391 provided Welcome Home Baskets for the veterans in the Newark area transitioning from homelessness to housing.

Included in the baskets is everything a vet would need for the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.  The items were purchased with funds from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission from their Welcome Home program.

By supplying these items, the veteran can now concentrate on getting his life back on track with work, doctor appointments and education.

Pictured from left: Ryan Shock with Licking County Housing SSVF, Becky Underhill from Lodge 391, and Tim Binckley with Licking County Housing SSVF.

Gallipolis Elks #107 Spreads Drug Awareness to Community

During the January, 2021, Grand Jury assembly in Gallipolis, Oh, PER Walton Brown, Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 Drug Awareness Chairperson, made a drug awareness presentation to the members of the Grand Jury, Sheriff, Prosecutors, and investigating officers. They discussed several of the drug informational handouts provided by the Elks Organization and provided them with 73 packs of material each containing 20 drug awareness handouts.

Ohio Elks Remain Active Educating Kids About the Dangers of Drugs

This past year when most Ohio school districts were closed down, the Ohio State Drug Awareness Program was still active. We scheduled National Elks Drug Awareness Motivational Speaker Ray Lozano (from California) to hold drug awareness webinars to our Ohio school children.

From December through February, Mr. Lozano held webinars in many Ohio school districts which reached 2,886 Ohio students. Also involved were 205 teachers and adult volunteers and 25 Elks volunteers. The program was very well received during  these pandemic times for our Ohio school children!

Mr. Ray Lozano

Salem Elks Lodge #305 Distributes Several Youth Awards

Americanism Essay Contest winners were recently presented their plaques. 

L-R front row

5-6th grades Division I... 

1st- Audrina Devine, 2nd-Luke Stephens, 3rd-Rinishia Lewis

Back row 7-8th grades Division II... 1st-Luke Davis, 2nd-Luke Schell & 3rd-Kaitlyn Jones. Along with Pam Gerace, Americanism Chairman. All were sent on to the next district level for judging. Two individuals were chosen to be sent onto the state level: Division I Luke Stephens and Division II Luke Schell. 

Drug Awareness Contest winners were recently presented their plaques for either the Poster or Essay contest  L-R

Front row... Essay/Grades 5-6th  1st-William Panteleris, 2nd-Paige Menough, and 3rd-Sean Hoffman (not pictured). 

Back row... Poster/Grades 7-8th 1st-Logan Baker, 2nd-Trevor Bails & 3rd-Faith Capron Sanor. Along with Kim Chapman, ER/chairman. All 6 entries were sent onto the NE District to be judged. That committee inturn placed the Poster entries exactly the same: Logan, Trevor and Faith. However, the essays were placed very differently: 1st Paige Menough, 2nd Trevor Bails and 3rd William Panteleris.  

OEA Spring Convention Cancellation

Dear Elks,

It seems hard to believe that the last time we gathered together as Ohio Elks was more than a year ago in Newark at the Kollege of Knowledge. At that time, we could not have foreseen what was in store for us over the coming year and beyond. When it was decided Spring Convention had to be cancelled in 2020, we were fairly certain we would meet again in August at Fall Reunion. As the summer progressed and it was deemed necessary to cancel Fall Reunion, we were just sure we’d be together again in April 2021.

Unfortunately, it was determined during the February IGB meeting that it was again going to be in the best interest of all of our members to cancel Spring Convention 2021. Thankfully, we are beginning to see the light at the end of this long dark tunnel Covid has created. However, with the safety of everyone in mind, we just aren’t there yet.

We can look forward to National Convention in July in Tampa, Florida and are very hopeful that by August we will return to some normalcy and we will be able to come together again. What a REUNION that will be!!!

Lugene Ignaffo
State President

Columbus/Grove City Elks Lodge Provides Grant Funds to Aid Vaccine Distribution and to the Bed Brigade

The Columbus/Grove City Elks recently donated funds to two local agencies in order to meet community needs. The Lodge donated $2,000 to the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency for use in recruiting and training volunteers for their Medical Reserve Corp, made of medical students, to help distribute and administer the COVID-19 vaccines, and for any other COVID-related expenses. As has been well publicized by this point, a major stumbling block to getting the pandemic under control has been building the infrastructure to actually get the shots in the arms of everyone who needs them. By using the Lodge’s donation to recruit members into its Medical Reserve Corp, Franklin County Emergency Management will help meet this need.

The Lodge also donated $1,500 to the local Bed Brigade team to further their work in the community. The Bed Brigade provides beds to people who cannot otherwise afford them. The Brigade builds bed frames and also provides mattresses, pillows, and bedding, which they then transport to the homes of people in need. In normal times, the team members then set up the bed in the home. During the pandemic, the beds are delivered the families, along with instructions on how to set them up. According to the Bed Brigade’s Dan Hoover, the Elks donation paid “for the lumber to build about 40 beds. That’s 40 people up off the floor, 40 children perhaps out of bed with a step mother/father or step sister/brother. 40 people with their own personal, safe place to sleep each night.”

The money for the donations came from a Beacon Grant from the Elks National Foundation (ENF). In 2020, the Lodge received $9,500 in grants from ENF, which it then donated to organizations to meet various community needs during the pandemic

Ohio Elks - Giving Hearts to Veterans

The Ohio Elks VAVS Rep Becky Underhill, using a Charitable Trust Grant, was able to purchase 23 “MADE IN AMERICA!” lap blankets donating them to the veterans at the Chalmers Wylie Ambulatory Care Center in Columbus. The comfort care lap blankets will be given to veterans receiving chemotherapy treatment. After their treatments, the vets can take the lap blankets home with them. 

Berea Elks #1815 Helps Maryssa's Mission Foundation During Challenging Times

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 donated $5,500 to Maryssa’s Mission Foundation who help families with medically fragile children, helping with lodging, travel, and services that may otherwise be not be available for families with financial restrictions.

The funds were made possible by Beacon and Spotlight Grants awarded by the Elks National Foundation. The need for these services during covid has been in particularly high demand as fundraising efforts have slowed and access to services has been reduced.

From left: Mitch & Mindy Rivas of Maryssa’s Mission Foundation, RIchard Threadgill, PER Berea Elks Lodge #1815

Cuyahoga Falls - Akron - Barberton Lodge #1923 Donates Hand Sanitizer to Local Schools

Cuyahoga Falls - Akron - Barberton Elks Lodge #1923 donated about $1,800 worth of hand sanitation materials to Cuyahoga Falls High School utilizing an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant.

Jackson Elks Lodge #466 Presents $2,000 Spotlight Grant to TLC Ministries

Jackson Elks Lodge #466 recently presented a $2,000 Spotlight Grant from the Elks National Foundation to TLC Ministries. The grant money will be used to support TCL Ministries meals program and food pantry. TLC Ministries is a non-profit organization, working with families and individuals to help transform their situation, through its hunger relief programs and various outreach programs.

From left to right Jackson Elks Lodge Secretary Rod Bachtel, Jackson Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Lynn Denny, TCL Ministries Director Terry Witt and Jackson Elks Head Trustee Keith Denny.

Veteran Presents Flag Flown Over Iraq to Athens Elks Lodge #973

Ryan Williams,  son of District Deputy Dave Williams (South Central District) presented this flag and certificate to Athens #973 (Sgt. Williams home lodge) that was flown over Iraq while he was deployed there this past year. This was in appreciation for the support that our Elks lodges give to our veterans and active service personnel. 

Gallipolis Elks #107 Supports Local Food Pantries

Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 used a $3,500 Beacon Grant from the Elks National Foundation to support four local food pantries by donating $875 to each pantry.  One of the pantries that received funds was Poppy’s Tea Shop and food pantry. Poppy’s serves the homeless and needy by providing them with clothing, hot meals, hot drinks and every two weeks a box of groceries.  During the month of December they provide over 1700 hot meals and 300 boxes of food.  No one in need is turned away.  All of this is made possible because of donations of clothing, food and monies to the pantry. 

The other panties that received the benefits of the grant were Grace United Methodist Church, Vinton Baptist Church and Cheshire Baptist Church.  Pictured from left to right is Fred Bryant, Secretary Gallipolis Elks and Greg Hall, owner and operator of Poppy’s Tea Shop and food pantry.

From left: Fred Bryant, Secretary Gallipolis Elks and Greg Hall, owner and operator of Poppy’s Tea Shop and food pantry.

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 Helps Fire Victims With Donation to CERT Team

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,250 to the Van Wert County CERT Team to be used to assist fire victims. The monies are from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.   Gratitude Grants are given to lodges that meet their per-capita goal of donations to 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. 

With this donation they will be able to provide assistance to fire victims within the county.

Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Van Wert County CERT Team with this important assistance they provide.

Pictured left to right are Rick McCoy, Van Wert County EMA Director, Matt Saunier, CERT Team Member and Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman.

Defiance Lodge #147 Helps Local Veterans in Need

Defiance Elks Lodge #147 prepared 50 bags full of essentials items for our local veterans, plus $500 worth of food to donate to them as well. All made possible with the$2,500 Freedom Grant from the Elks National Foundation. A huge thank you to Nicole Nolan and her son Michael Nolan(pictured)for their volunteer hours to shop and prepare the donations to be distributed.

Van Wert Lodge #1197 Support Council on Aging

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,250 to the Van Wert County Council on Aging to be used for senior transportation.  The monies are from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation. Gratitude Grants are given to lodges that meet their per-capita goal of donations to 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 the Covid 19, the Council on Aging is unable to hold some of their annual fundraiser events.   These funds will enable them to provide transportation to our senior citizens for shopping as well as doctor and medical appointments.

Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Council on Aging with this important assistance they provide.

From left: Bill Sanderson, COA driver, Kevin Matthews, COA Director, Jenny Lichtenberger, COA staff and Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman. 

Athens Elks #973 Helps Local Families This Holiday Season

Athens Elks lodge #973 concluded held their annual Christmas Raffle Fundraiser. The proceeds of this fundraiser allowed the lodge to deliver Christmas baskets to 96 families in need. These baskets contained three weeks of food including milk, bread, potatoes, meat, fruits and canned goods. Along with the food baskets we gave presents to 215 kids. We had many volunteers from the lodge to pack up the suppliers and distribute to those in need.

Chillicothe Lodge #52 Brings Holidays Dinners to Veterans

The holiday season has been incredibly different this year and many traditions have succumbed to the COIVD 19 pandemic. Chillicothe Elks Lodge #52 would normally be wrapping up our annual Veterans Christmas dinner/party, but this year the holiday was celebrated a little differently! Instead of bringing our veterans to the lodge for a Christmas party/dinner, we took the festivities straight to them! We were able to provide Christmas dinners to 7 veteran groups homes, a total of 60 veterans. They were also gifted with stocking stuffers! We would like to thank the other lodges that donated to this yearly event and would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped make this possible. A special thanks to our Loyal Knight Seth Kellenberger for chairing the event. Even though the annual celebration is a highlight of many of our veterans, we hope we were still able to spread some holiday cheer! Merry Christmas!

Loyal Knight Seth Kellenberger making a delivery to one of 7 veteran homes.

Newark Lodge #391 Support Wreaths Across America Day

Even with all the differences 2020 brought, to Wreaths Across America Day laying the wreaths remained the same.   Remembering those lives lost, Honoring the men and women who fought for our freedom, and Teaching our children the meaning of it all is what Wreaths Across America is all about.

With a joint effort between the Civil Air Patrol, The Heritage Girls and Newark Lodge 391, 1,061 wreaths were purchased and laid on veteran’s graves.

It is hard to see their faces with the mandatory face coverings and no group pictures because of social distancing but members and guests of Newark Lodge 391 were honored to lay the wreaths.

Newark Elks Lodge #391 Exalted Ruler, Steve Deedrick

Wreaths Across America lodge chairman, Dave Underhill

Newark Elks Lodge #391 members Randy and Marie Rogers.