Lima Elks #54 Sponsors Local Youth Concert

Lima Elks Lodge #54 recently sponsored the Lima Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert. Approximately 3,500 students from 7 counties attended.

This interactive concert was directed by Maestro Andrew Crust and featured Sandeep Das playing the Indian Tabla (drums that are able to speak) and portions of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade (with explanations of how the orchestra instruments can portray the various characters).

This sponsorship of the Lima Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert from Lima Lodge #54  was made possible from an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Beacon Grant and from the Lima Fifty Four Athletic and Scholastic Fund.

Newark Elks #391 Helps Fund New K-9 "Slim"

Newark Elks Lodge #391, through their annual Bike Run for Charity, was able to help the Licking County Drug Task Force fund their new drug sniffing dog, “Slim”.

Slim is a 15-month old lab mix and lives with his handler Officer Hayden Walpole. Although Slim is still learning his manners, he has been trained to sniff out drugs and is the department’s newest dog.

Pictured is Officer Justin Woodyard, Becky Underhill, Lodge Drug Awareness Chairman, and Officer Hayden Walpole with Slim.

Ohio Elks South Central District Donates One Million Pull Tabs

Elks lodges , veterans clubs, various organizations and special individuals made the goal of over one million tabs possible. 1,280 tabs equal one pound. The tabs were delivered to the McDonald Restaurant in Chillicothe, Ohio and later transported to the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, OH. Pull tabs have value in the recycling industry as they represent the purest form of aluminum.

 Three (3) years of collecting beverage tabs resulted in 806 lb. of tabs.

For more than three decades the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio have been serving families with seriously ill children by providing a home-a-way from home.  Families can have a place to stay being close to their children while they are being treated at the hospital.

This was an effort of many individuals for a very good cause.

From left: Butch Bost of Jackson Elks Lodge #466 are McDonald Employees Kelly Renner, Jana Detty, and Rob Hatfield

Elyria Elks #465 Host Charity Golf Outing to Benefit Cerebral Palsy

Elyria Elks Lodge #465 held their annual golf outing to benefit Cerebral Palsy (CP) at Carlisle Country Club (which is a little more country than club!).  136 golfers participated and raised over $4,900 for CP on a damp, chilly day. 

From left:  Committee members, Ray & Becky Rigsby and Yayi & Keven Helsley.

Ravenna Elks #1076 Help Local Workers Injured On Job

Ravenna Elks Lodge #1076 hosted a reverse raffle benefit for two employees of JD Striping.  The employees of the Ravenna-based business were involved in an accident while striping the roadway in an intersection.  The event raised $19,000, which will go a long way to help Ethan and Melvin. (Pictured: Exalted Ruler of Ravenna Lodge, Scott Enlow and Vice President of JD Striping, Nick Woodall)

From left: Exalted Ruler of Ravenna Lodge, Scott Enlow and Vice President of JD Striping, Nick Woodall

Athen Elks #973 Supoprt Local Stand Down Event

Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated over $2,000 worth of boots, coats, sweatshirts, hats, and gloves for the Athens Stand Down event. Stand down is a military term for taking a break from being on the battlefield.

 This money was made available through an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Spotlight Grant. Elk members volunteered to shop for the items, pack backpacks and handout items for the event.

Pictured from left:Athens Elks members George McCarthy, Mark Mahaffey, James Balding, Tim Lairson, Donna Russell, Rich Russell, Kendra Green, Cory Wilson 

Van Wert Elks #1197 Supports Local Firepup Safety 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 Safety Program, which is presented to all the elementary school children in the City of Van Wert and all of the county schools.  

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.

Salem Elks #305 Helps Local Police Department Improve Policing Standards

The Salem Elks #305 obtained a Community Service Grant for $750, through the Ohio Elks Association, to purchase two bolt conversion kits. In our increasingly violent world, proper training can mean the difference between life and death. Utilizing the bolt conversion kits provides the most realistic force - on - force reality based training exercises for the officers. The bolts will allow their department to become more professional, to adopt effective crime-prevention strategies and raise the bar on policing standards. Departments across the country have put a premium on de-escalation training to diffuse tense situations that may unfold with calls that range from traffic stops, to arrests, to aggravated assaults and suicide attempts. Honing these skills is critical for officers to keep themselves, the suspect and innocent bystanders safe. A well-trained department is pivotal in protecting the community.

Accepting the check is Chief Richard Kimble, Perry Township PD being presented by Kim Chapman, PER; CSG Chairman.

Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923 Raises Thousands For Local Veterans

Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Elks Lodge #1923 held it’s 2nd Annual Veterans Cornhole Tournament on Saturday September 18th.  This event raises funds for local Veteran’s charities. This year it doubled in size as we had 36 cornhole competitors, tons of spectators and a great time.

The lodge raised over $2,660 in funds which will be donated to local charities who work with Veteran’s homelessness, suicide prevention and more. 

We had a DJ with music outside, raffle baskets, a 50/50 and more to raise funds in addition to the entry fee to play. And two top tournament prize winners of which both teams donated their proceeds back for charity.  A great day was had by all.

Van Wert Elks #1197 To Host Free Dinner For Veterans

Van Wert Lodge #1197 will be hosting a Free Spaghetti Supper for all Veterans of the Van Wert County Area.

The supper will be held at the Elks Lodge located at 1197 Elks Drive in Van Wert on Tuesday, October 18 from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm.

The supper is free to all veterans.

Spouses, children and parents of veterans are welcome to attend.   Cost for Adults (Non-Veterans) is $6.00 and the cost for Children (Ages 4-10) is $3.00.

Van Wert Elks Lodge would like to thank our Veterans for all they do and have done defending our Freedoms for the United States of America.

Gallipolis Elks #107 Support Local Food Pantry

The Grace United Methodist Church food pantry has been serving the Gallia Co. community since 2002. Thanks to continued food collections and donations, the food pantry has been able to serve over 100 families monthly. 

With the Spotlight Grant provided by the Elks National Foundation (ENF), the Gallipolis Elks Secretary was able to present a $2,000 check to food pantry volunteers of Grace United Methodist Church.  This will help them to continue to support the needy of our community. 

Pictured from left to right is Aaron Hoover, Terry Burnett, Fred Bryant, (Gallipolis Elks) and Beverly Young.

Salem Elks #305 Announce Soccer Shoot Winners!

Salem Elks Lodge #305 Soccer Shoot was held at the Salem Community Center indoor soccer field. The picture is showing ALL the student contestants.  Andrew Null, Chairman did an amazing job, along with his crew of Elk members, family and friends. 

U8 (7&under) Boys
1st Isaiah Sebastian
2nd William Nicolas Mateo
3rd Mauricio Baltazar 

U8 Girls
1st Lila Helman
2nd Bristynn Gantt
3rd Bridgett Witherspoon

 U10 (8&9) Boys
1st Derrick Hepner 
2nd Rudy Baltazar
3rd Austin Deem 

U10 Girls
1st Claire Shean
2nd Sariyah Gantt
3rd Destiny Mellott

U12 (10-11) Boys
1st Matthew Modarelli 
2nd Kelton Lloyd
3rd Jonathan Hays 

U12 Girls
1st Alicea Davis
2nd Chaya Murray
3rd Andrea Guadalupe

U14 (12-13) Boys
1st Aiden Deem
2nd Marvin Thomas Nicholas
3rd Eric Hepner

U14 Girls 
1st Nora Shean

U16 (14-15) Boys
1st Dale Gardner

Other 7&under:

Alejandro Sebastian, Kouper Duvall, Luis Angel, Caine Witherspoon, Baylee Snay, Dalton Sims and Mackzin Woods (10-11)

I'm Excited to announce the 1st place winners ALL placed 1st at the NE District soccer shoot!!!

These winning contestants will now go to the State soccer shoo in Coshocton , Ohio on Saturday, November 5th. 

Gallipolis Elks #107 Supports After School Food Programs

Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 donated $4,000 to the Gallia County Snack Pack Program.  The donation was made possible by a $3,000 Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation (ENF) along with an additional $1,000 from the Gallipolis Elks. 

The Gallia Co. Snack Pack program provides ready to eat food to grade school and middle school children over the weekend when other sources of food are not available.  The donation was presented to representatives of the Gallia Co. Snack Pack.

pictured left to right: Kay Adkins, Nancy Smith, Nancy Blevins, Gallipolis Elks representative Fred Bryant, Carol Norris, Pat Dillon, Lisa Ward, Henry Dillon and not pictured is Karen Bryant.

Port Clinton Elks #1718 Helps Local Fire Department Keep Community Safe

Congratulations! to the Port Clinton Firefighters Association as the recipient of a $750 donation towards the purchase of life-saving devices to potentially save lives and reduce risks. This specific donation will go towards the purchase of 64 smoke alarms and 21 carbon-monoxide detectors. 

The donation funds are from the 2022-2023 Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant. The grant application was written by the Port Clinton Elks Lodge #1718. 

Port Clinton Elks Lodge #1718 commends the Port Clinton Firefighters Association for what you do in the community. We wish your organization nothing but success in the continued pursuit of its important mission. 

From left: Fire Chief Kent Johnson and Pamela Hatfield, Exalted Ruler Lodge #1718

Newark Elks #391 Hosting Drug Awareness Community Event

Newark Elks Lodge #391 is proud to present Motivational Drug Awareness Speaker, Ray Lozano on Wednesday, October 12th, 7:00pm at the Newark Elks Ballroom, 73 N 3rd Street, Newark, Ohio

Ray will discuss today’s drug problems facing our children. He is funny, thought provoking and intelligent and he has the ability to present complicated drug information that is unparalleled.

This event is appropriate for middle school and high school students as well as parents, educators, youth leaders, and professionals.

Space is limited!

Please RSVP to

underhillbecky1@gmail.com

By October 7th

Berea Elks #1815 Attend "Hot Diggity Dog!" Open House At Local Elementary School

Elroy the Elk and members from Berea Elks Lodge #1815 visited Grindstone Elementary School in Berea as part of the local PTA’s “Hot Diggity Dog” open house, welcoming students back to school. The lodge brought the NE District Druga Awareness trailer handing out information and goodies to parents and students while Elroy entertained the kids all night!

Van Wert Elks #1197 Honors Local Eagle Scout

Pictured, left to right are Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison, Eagle Scout Liam Shartzer and Greg Amstutz, Black Swamp Council BSA

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Liam P.D.J. Shartzer on Friday, April 15.     Dylan is a member of Boy Scout Troop #35, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert, OH.

Dylan is the son of Travis and Leah Shartzer.

Cole was presented an American Flag and an Eagle Scout Certificate from the Elks.  He also received a letter of commendation and a special citation from T, Keith Mills, Grand Exalted Ruler/National President.

For Liam’s Eagle Scout Project he installed a bench at the Jackson and Main Street green space in the 400 block of West Main Street.

Representing the Van Wert Lodge at the ceremony was Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison.

Ashland Elks #1360 Support Local Police Department

Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 recently utilized the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to purchase a new TV for the Ashland City Police Division. Previously the Police Division was using a TV from 2009 with very low resolution. As the city is implementing body-worn cameras, the new high-definition TV will be used to review the footage in the highest possible resolution allowing the investigators to get the most out of the system. The TV will also be used by officers to better review evidence in cases from cell phones, surveillance video and other sources. It also has better capability to engage in virtual training.

The Ohio Elks Association’s Community Service Grant is awarded to 24 lodges throughout the state of Ohio each year. The purpose of the grant is to purchase equipment for municipalities that allows them to perform their jobs better. Last year, the grant was awarded to the City of Ashland Fire Division to help purchase new vacuum splints.

Ashland Elks #1360 is proud to support the Ashland City Police Division in their mission “to protect peace, order and safety, through service with integrity and accountability”

Ohio Elks Association Golf Outing Results Posted

Congratualtions and thank you to all Elks who participated in this year’s state golf outing hosted by Galion Lodge #1191. The results of the outing have been posted to the OEA website here: https://ohioelks.com/golf

Ohio Elks Ask Lodges To Celebrate Red Ribbon Week

Celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 23rd – 31st.

In 1985, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Officer Enrique Camarena was close to exposing a major drug trafficking operation out of Guadalajara when he was kidnapped, tortured and killed. He was 37 years of old.

Shortly after Officer Camarena’s death, California U.S. Congressmen Hunter and California schools launched the first “Just Say No’ pledge for school kids and came up with the Red Ribbon as a way to honor Officer Camarena’s sacrifice.

In 1988, as interest sparked, The National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth championed the first Red Ribbon Week campaign with the Honorary Chairman President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. That same year, congress officially established Red Ribbon Week as the last week in October. The Elks have been supporters of the Red Ribbon Campaign from the beginning.

What can lodges do?

The theme for Red Ribbon Week this year is, Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free.

Get your area youth groups interested in the Red Ribbon Campaign. The DEA has a toolkit and rally with a photo contest and badges for boy and girl scouts. Your lodge can order Red Ribbon information cards to pass out along with red ribbons at all your events in October. (There is a charge for the red ribbons. Contact me if interested.)

Red Ribbon Week is October 23rd – 31st.

You can find out more about Red Ribbon Week at

·         elks.org/dap

·         redribbon.org

·         dea.gov/redribbon