Van Wert Elks #1197 Recognizes Outstanding Students
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have selected Finley K. Foster and Abbie N. Mengerink, seniors at Van Wert High School as the recipients of the Student of the Month for November.
Students are nominated by their high schools to receive this award. Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with a certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with the possibility to be named the Student of the Year. Students are judged on the basis of multiple achievements – Volunteerism, Character, Leadership, Service, Citizenship and Scholastic.
This program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for their achievements in school and community. The Elks wish to recognize and praise those students for their accomplishments, their activities, and their contributions to society through this program.
FROM LEFT: Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair, Finley Foster and Abbie Mengerink.
Lima Elks #54 Honor Local Eagle Scouts
Lima Elks Lodge #54 recently recognized Zachary Kennedy of Boy Scout Troop #82 and Benjamin Lawrence of Boy Scout Troop #49 during their Eagle Scout Courts of Honor.
Zachary’s Eagle Scout project consisted of planting 527 oak trees along a sensitive area of the Ottawa River. These trees will produce oxygen, slow rainwater runoff, reduce flooding, decrease pollution and recharge aquafers.
For his Eagle Scout project, Benjamin constructed 2 benches and anchored them in the ground for the playground behind the church. These benches will be used by youth but also for teachers during the children’s playtime.
The award consisted of the American Flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Ruler’s Congratulatory Letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting pin.
Congratulations to Zachary and Benjamin on their accomplishments.
Ohio Elks State Bowling Tournament Announced!
The 2023 Ohio Elks Bowling Tournament will be hosted by Wooster Lodge #1346 in partnership with Triway Lanes of Wooster. Tournament dates will begin February 18, 2023 and run through March 26, 2023.
Official rules and entry forms along with lodge and hotel information can be found on the Ohio Elks website here: https://ohioelks.com/bowling.
Alliance Elks #467 Honors 75-Year Member
Alliance #467 presented a plack to Frank Woolf and his wife at the annual “Old Timers Dinner” for being a proud Elk for 75 years! Congratulations to Frank for his long service to the Elks!
Van Wert Elks #1197 Honors Local Eagle Scout
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Hunter Allen J. Burton on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Hunter is a member of Boy Scout Troop #31, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, OH.
Hunter was presented an American Flag and an Eagle Scout Certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge. He also received a letter of commendation and a special citation from Bruce A. Hidley, Grand Exalted Ruler/National President.
For Hunter’s Eagle Scout Project he installed three picnic tables and constructed a 20’ x 30’ concrete pad with a handicap ramp in the American Legion Memorial Park on West Main Street in the City of Van Wert.
Representing the Van Wert Lodge at the ceremony was Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison.
From left: Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison, Eagle Scout Hunter Burton and Greg Amstutz, Black Swamp Council BSA
Van Wert Elks #1197 Helps Keep Local Community Clean
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $750 to the Village of Willshire. The monies were used by the village to purchase a new waste receptacle. This will help the village keep the business area cleaner.
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 $35,643.73 back into Van Wert County to assist the city, county and villages.
Van Wert Elks Lodge is proud to be able to assist the Village of Willshire with this important project.
From left, pictured with the new piece of equipment is: Jodi R. Berry, Fiscal Officer Village of Willshire and Lodge Community Service Grant Chairman Michael C. Stanley.
Newark Elks #391 Hosts National Drug Awareness Speaker, Ray Lozano
1,400 Newark High School students in grades 9 - 12 recently heard the words of Drug Awareness speaker Ray Lozano. High School Principal, Mr. Bowman, had asked Ray to speak on vaping, alcohol, and marijuana; topics at the forefront of high school problems.
Ray is not just any Drug Awareness speaker telling kids what it’s like to be an addict. No. He uses humor to convey his information to the kids. Because of his background as a comedian, drug specialists, and youth drug counselor, Ray was able to form a bond with the students early in his program. They listened, paid attention, and took part when asked to take part. The auditorium was quiet as he explained, in a humorous way, what happens to the brain and how their body reacts while on nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana.
Ray also presented an evening event to the Elks and community members.
This presentation looked at how parents and grandparents can help their kids and grandkids with drug problems always keeping in mind that love, listening, and hugs, along with rules is the answer in most cases.
It was an honor for the Lodge 391 to be able to bring Ray to our community and it is our hope that by working together we can make a difference.
Thank you to Grand Lodge and the Ohio Elks for helping with this opportunity.
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.
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.