BUSTED!

On July 15, 2022 fugitive drug lord, Rafael Caro Quintero, was captured and is now facing extradition to the US for the notorious 1985 torture and murder of US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover agent, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.

Why do Elks care about this news?

First, it’s important to know that our Drug Enforcement Administration is working diligently day and night to protect us from the drug lords bringing drugs and counterfeit pills into our country daily.

With 295 deaths a day from drug overdose and counterfeit and fentanyl laced pills we are reminded that it is our duty as Elks, the largest drug awareness program in the US, to help bring awareness to our communities. And Ohio is a crossroads for this drug activity!!!

Secondly, the Elks DAP Red Ribbon campaign was started specifically for Agent Camarena and hundreds of red ribbons are given out each year to students by the Elks to help bring drug awareness.

If you would like more information on the Elks Red Ribbon program please email Drug Awareness State Chairman Becky Underhill, or your DAP District or Lodge Chairman. You can also find information on the Red Ribbon program or any of the DAP programs or items on Elks.org under Drug Awareness.

Please click on the link to read more about the capture of drug lord.

https://nypost.com/2022/07/15/mexico-captures-fugitive-drug-lord-wanted-in-1985-dea-agent-murder/

Kenton Lodge #157 Goes Back-to-Back-to-Back as National Ritual Champions!

This past Grand Lodge Convention, Kenton Lodge tied a record set back in 1935, 87 years ago, by winning the Ritual Team Competition three years in a row. In winning the competition, the Kenton Lodge had 4 Officers receive All-American status, as did their Coaches and the Candidate.

The All-American Officers were: Todd Daquino, Inner Guard; Derryck Menard, Lecturing Knight; Ryan Yoakum, Loyal Knight; John Hines, Chaplain. The Candidate was Sue Fox Buroker; D. Jack Buroker, David Beazley, and Jerry Haudenschield were the Coaches.

The rest of the team is Nate Davis, Exalted Ruler, Derek Kaufman, Esquire, and Chad Spencer, Leading Knight. John Hines, as Chaplain, won the William King Award for the highest scoring Officer in the Eastern Division.

Besides the Team Ritual honors, Kenton Lodge represented the Ohio Elks State Association in the Flag and Eleven O'Clock Toast Contests. Todd Daquino finished in the Final Four of the first ever National Flag Contest. Chad Spencer won Eleven o'Clock Toast Contest and honored the Ohio Elks by giving the Toast at the Grand Lodge Memorial Service.  

Columbus - Grove City Elks #37 Conduct Flag Retirement Ceremony

Columbus-Grove City Elks Lodge #37 hosted a Flag Retirement Service where 60 unserviceable Flags with a service of tribute, memory and love to our faded and worn American Flags were retired with dignity and respect. Following the service the Flags were taken to Jackson Township Fire Station for proper disposal.

There is nothing that shows patriotism more than the symbol of our crowning virtue, the flag of the United States of America. There is no flag on earth that is more recognizable than Old Glory. The Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee is charged with promoting Americanism within the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks by honoring local businesses who fly the flag properly with a Certificate of Honor for Properly Flying the United States flag.

On this day also, Schoedinger Funeral Home and Spence-Miller Funeral Home were presented with Certificate for Flying the Flag Properly. Air Quality Solutions, Flyers Pizza and Aladdin Shrine were additional establishments submitted for recognition and will be presented in person their Certificates.

Ohio Elks Remember Our Veterans

Volunteering at The Ohio Veterans has resumed. Thank you Lord.

On Saturday June 18th under the guidance of Activities Staff Amy we were allowed to do some sprucing up of our 1 North Adopted unit outside patio. This Spring Activity Department asked for seeds, soil in order for our Veterans to start seedlings.

With a generous donation fro Toledo-Sylvania Lodge #53 we purchased flowers, plants, soil, gardening tools, battery operated leave blower, outside decorations, new set of clothes for a resident Veteran, 4th of July party hats, treats, snacks, favorite soda pop, good Dunkin Donut coffee, kettle corn, list goes on.

Pictured are some of the raised beds that our Veterans have been busy planting and maintaining. This is helping them remembering times growing up, hands in the dirt, smelling the fresh air. having gardens at home.Memories!!!!!!! Lots of Tomatoes!!!

The Veterans are still being treated monthly to Tofts Ice Cream and now having homemade donuts delivered every Wednesday for them enjoy with their coffee in the Peacock Lounge, walkway between Secrist and Veterans Hall. Picture:On Monday June 27th ALL of 4th of July Goodies were delivered We a were met by Volunteer Coordinator Kim outside on a beautiful day. HAPPY 4th to all our OVH VETERANS THANK YOU FOR SERVICE. GOD BLESS YOU. FROM BPOE

Athens Lodge #973 Helps Local Veterans

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $1,800 of Athens Area Gift Cards to the Athens County Veterans Court. These gift cards will go directly to help Veterans in need in Athens County.  The money for this donation was received from a Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. 

Pictured from left to right is Athens Elks Rich Russell, Ernie Perry, Tim Lairson, Jim Balding, and from the Veteran's Court, Judge McCarthy.

Newark Elks #391 Celebrates Flag Day

70 people were in attendance to listen to the Elks Flag Day Ritual as well as enjoying a chorus singing patriotic songs and a violinist playing moving tunes.

The Lodge had the help of Boy Scout Troop 2, who shared the Meaning of the Colors and the Folds of the Flag; the American Heritage Girls Troop 148, who read patriotic flag poems; and the Licking County Veterans Alliance carrying the flags.

The Boy Scouts and American Heritage Girls also posted and retired the colors.

The Newark Lodge is so proud to be able to present this ceremony to the public and we are hoping that by including the young people that we will foster a love and appreciation for our Grand Ole Flag!

Pictured left to right back row are ER Marvin Oneson, the Licking County Veterans Alliance, front row left, Boy Scout Troop 2, American Heritage Girls Troop 148, and far right, Mayor and Lodge Treasurer Jeff Hall.

Columbus-Grove City Elks #37 Welcomes New Members & Honors Top Proposers

Columbus/Grove City Elks #37 recently welcomed 18 individuals into their membership.  

As stated by our Grand Exalted Ruler, T Keith MIlls, "membership growth is the lifeblood of any Lodge and should be our highest priority."  Columbus/Grove City #37 honored their top proposers on Monday June 27, 2022 during their regular Lodge Meeting with a Top Proposer Pin and letter from T. Keith Mills GER. 

Pictured L-R: Todd Mosley Esquire, Sharon Cooper ER, Kathy Nocera Secretary, Angelo Nocera Trustee.  Not pictured: Steve Roper and Tana Tanner. 

Online Registration For the 92nd OEA Fall Reunion Now Open!

Registration for the 92nd Ohio Elks Association Fall Reunion is now open! The reunion will once again be held at the Marriott Columbus Northwest in Dublin, OH August 19-21.

For more details, visit the OEA website

Columbus - Grove City Elks #37 Celebrates Flag Day

Columbus - Grove City Elks Lodge #37 was proud to present the Flag Day Ceremony with 50 in attendance.  All officers were in attendance along with several Elks members/Spouses to present the Flag History as our local Jr ROTC presented the flags.  Following the Ceremony the Cadets folded flags dropped off in preparation of Flag Retirement Ceremony in July.

Gallipolis Elks #107 Supports Gallipolis in Bloom

Gallipolis Elks 107 donated $2,000 from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant 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. 

Displaying sample of the flowers that were purchased are Diana Parks, GIB Treasurer, Fred Bryant, Gallipolis Elks Secretary; Betty Beggrow, GIB Vice President; Karen Smith, GIB President and Kim Canaday, GIB registrar. 

Newark Elks Lodge #391 Helps High School Seniors with College Costs

Members at Newark Elks Lodge #391 were able to help four area high school seniors with their college education. Each senior received $500 presented at the Lodge meeting on June7th. 

The scholarship money was raised through donations and a golf outing.

Pictured left to right are: Lodge Chairman, Bill Leedale; Brooklyn Shonebarger; Gabrielle Wolf; Madelaine Underhill; Exalted Ruler, Marvin Oneson;  Newark Mayor and Lodge Treasurer, Jeff Hall. Not pictured: Senior Gabrielle Pastorius.

Gallipolis Elks #107 Help Battle Hunger in Local Community

Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 used $2,000 from the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Beacon Grant to support 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.  No one in need is turned away.  All of this is made possible because of donations of clothing, food and monies to the pantry 

Pictured from left to right are Fred Bryant, Secretary Gallipolis Elks and Greg Hall, owner and operator of Poppy’s Tea Shop and food pantry.

Lorain Elks #1301 Supports Local Mother's Panrty

Lorain Elks lodge #1301 utilized $1,000 from the Elks National oundation (ENF) Beacon & Gratitude grants to do shopping for the month of June to restock the Resource Mothers Pantry with needed PPE (personal protective equipment...sanitizing agents,wipes, detergent etc...) and items that the Pantry needed .(i.e umbrella strollers, booster seats,baby clothes,teething tools, baby bottles, sippie cups and more.) These items were delivered also to the Pantry by Lodge members from left Karen Belcher & Nora Schrenkel., 3 Resource mom volunteers were also there to help.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Celebrate Flag Day

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 held their Annual Flag Day Ceremony on Wednesday, June 15 at the Lodge Home.

The annual event is sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.   Assisting this year were Shelley Dunham and Denise Nicholai who gave the History of the Flag and the Response.    Lodge member Linda Stanley provided the music. 

Boy Scouts from Troop 31 assisted in the program, carrying the flags.

The Elks is the first and only fraternal organization to mandate that every year, each Elks Lodge must conduct a solemn and beautiful Flag Day ceremony.

Pictured are the scouts with the various flags of this country.

Elks "On The Run" For Charity

Newark Elks Lodge #391 annual Bill Mitchell Bike Run for Charity was held Sunday, June 12th in Newark. Participating were 80+ lodge members their families and friends all riding their bicycles, 4 x 4’s and in cars.

The Bike Run consists of everyone riding to 4 planned stops; 3 local hangouts and the American Legion. All 4 establishments joined in our fun and provided food, music, special drinks, prizes, and donations. We were led safely through the streets by our Licking County Sheriff Deputy.

We then met back at the Lodge where money was raised by donations from sponsors, a silent auction, and t-shirt sales. 

The event raised $9,500 to be divided between three charities; Kingdom Pillars, for kids aging out of foster care; The Boys and Girls Club of Newark; and the Central Ohio Drug Task Force to help with the purchase a new K9.

Pictured is the group photo of the participants on our Courthouse steps.

Pictured is the group photo of the participants on our Courthouse steps.

Northeast District Announces Raffle Winners

Raffle from the NE District Golf Outing held at the Salem Lodge: Laura & Eric Palker, Lakewood Lodge won the Wooden Elk made by Drew Green, Salem Lodge pictured on the left. Accepting the prize is Jim Vasey from Lakewood Lodge.

Raffle from the NE District Golf Outing held at the Salem Lodge: Jim Vasey, Lakewood Lodge won the Giannios Chocolate Tin donated by Denny Martin of the Salem Lodge. 

Raffle from the NE District Golf Outing held at the Salem Lodge: Art Bowker, Berea Lodge won the Brandy Basket made by D&D Brandy (Drew/Denise Green). Art donated the basket to Lance Knight to use as part of the Spirits Wagon up for auction at the OEA Fall Convention in August. 

Van Wert Elks #1197 Celebrates Elks Legacy Scholarship Winner

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197, have announced the awarding of a $4,000 Legacy Award Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Grace Dowler.    The Legacy Award Scholarships are awarded by the Elks National Foundation and are only available to children and grandchildren of Elk Members.  Ms. Dowler graduated this spring from Van Wert High School and will be attending this fall the Bowling Green State University majoring in Middle Childhood Education.

During high school Grace was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, FCA and participated in Robotics, Band and played Soccer.

Grace is a member of the First United Methodist Church where she is on the Mission Committee and participates in the Youth Group.

Grace is the daughter of Bruce and Ruth Dowler and the Granddaughter of Tom Rupert of Van Wert.

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 Grace during this competition.

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 Funds Local StoryWalk Project

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Berea branch of the Cuyahoga Public Library. These funds will be used by the library to install a permanent StoryWalk path leading from the library to Coe Lake. The StoryWalk will feature twelve reading stations from a single children’s book that is cycled every few months promoting outdoor activity and youth literacy. The funds were made possible by a $3,500 Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation with the balance of the project by donations from Berea lodge members.

PER Richard Threadgill (center), present check to Amy Dreger (left) and Cathy Schultis of the Berea library

Van Wert Elks #1197 Recognizes Local Americanism Essay WInners

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 would like to announce the winners of the 2021-2022 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Americanism Essay Contest.    This fraternal year, the theme for the contest was, “What does it mean to love your country”.     The students competed in divisions, by age group.

The local winners, which were forwarded to the District for further judging, were:

Division I, 5th & 6th grades  (pictured left to right, front row)

1st place – Ila Hughes – Lincolnview Elementary School
2nd place – Brooke Tigner – Grover Hill Elementary School
3rd place – Annabel Horstman – St. Marys Catholic Elementary School

Division II, 7th & 8th grades  (pictured left to right, back row)

 1st Place – Anna Gardner– Crestview Middle School
2nd Place – Whitney Boroff – Wayne Trace Middle School
3rd Place – Hayden Perrott– Crestview Middle School

Brooke Tigner placed second and Ila Hughes placed third in the Northwest District Division I competition.    Anna Gardener placed third in the Northwest District Division II competition.

Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 would like to congratulate all of our winners and we wish to thank all of the students, teachers and schools for their participation in this years essay contest.

Jill Evans was the lodge chairman in charge of the Lodge Americanism Committee and is pictured with the winners.

Salem Elks #305 Supports Memorial Day Parade

The parade was small, but added so much normalcy to our lives. Allowing us to gather as one and remember the many we lost serving our nation.

Several members were in the parade, along with the drug awareness trailer, Elroy the Elk and a few state participant Soccer shooters. It's been a while since the parade went past the lodge. So Connie Smith and Kim Chapman had donuts, coffee, punch and water for those who attended. We had the front porch nice and open with chairs in the shade or the sun. Hope to see you in 2 years, when the parade goes to Grandview cemetery.