Richard Threadgill 12/28/22 Richard Threadgill 12/28/22

Salem Elks #305 Supports Local Food Pantry With $2,500 Donation

Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented a check for $2,500 to Don Yeasted, Director of the Salem Community Pantry. This was a Gratitude Grant available through the Elks National Foundation (ENF) of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

We received a very compelling letter of need from the director letting us know the dire need of assistance at the pantry. Don informed us, they are partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank which supplies them with their much needed canned food.

Second Harvest Food Bank services 168 pantries in the 4 county area (Mahoning Valley) and is a vital source for the Salem Pantry's needs. They were informed by the Mahoning Valley chapter that the normal food supply inventory was getting low. Usually Salem could receive a 30-day supply, they were now limiting it to a 5-day supply. This put the Salem Pantry at a 7-10 inventory of stock in canned goods.

The local churches and organizations have stepped up, upon hearing of the Pantry's needs which is a temporary fix. The board was informed it may have to resort to purchasing food and limit the amount of visits permitted by the public.

The Salem Elks Lodge certainly hopes that this small gesture will help assist the Salem Community Pantry in it's mission to provide nutritious food to the residents of the Salem area.

Richard Threadgill 12/18/22 Richard Threadgill 12/18/22

Lima Elks #54 Hold Elks Hoop Shoot Contest, Announce Local Winners

Lima Elks Lodge #54 held their local Hoop Shoot competition Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Lima Community Church Axis Center. Congratulations go out to our winners.

The local winners were:

8-9 Girls
Olivia Coil – Delphos St Johns

10-11 Girls
Kiara Smith – Shawnee Maplewood

12-13 Girls
Brylee Geary – Delphos Jefferson

8-9 Boys
Deontae Cowens Jr – St Gerards

10-11 Boys
Rylan Smith – Wapakoneta

12-13 Boys
Keaton Elwer – Delphos St Johns

These winners will represent our Lodge at the District Competition on January 15, 2023 at The Ohio State University-Lima/Rhodes State College campus – Cook Hall.

Richard Threadgill 12/18/22 Richard Threadgill 12/18/22

Van Wert Elks #1197 Host Christmas Party For Kids

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 held their annual Christmas Party for the children and grandchildren of Elk members on Saturday, December 10. The kids were kept well entertained and lunch was provided to all in attendance and the kids were able to enjoy homemade cookies, courtesy of some very special lodge elves. Santa arrived after lunch and was able to visit with the children and take their special requests for gifts.

Richard Threadgill 12/18/22 Richard Threadgill 12/18/22

Elyria Elks #465 Donates to Local Police Department

Elyria Elks Lodge #465 donated $6,861 to the Elyria Police Department at one of their functions. The money was raised through member donations and fundraisers held throughout the year.

The police department will use the funds to outfit the interior of a new crime processing trailer and for some new forensic equipment.

Pictured from left to right are Elyria Police Chief William Pelko, Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield and Exalted Ruler Mike Walker.

Richard Threadgill 12/13/22 Richard Threadgill 12/13/22

Mt. Vernon Elks #140 Donates $8,500 To Local Organizations

Mount Vernon Elks Lodge #140 donated a total of $8,500 to three local organizations from various grants that were awarded to the lodge from the Elks National Foundation (ENF).

Knox County Emergency Management Agency was presented a $2500 check for the Rescue Task Force to purchase the tools needed to breach doors in a lockdown situation. Kyle Johnson, RTF Instructor accepted for Knox County Emergency Management.

Pictured: Laura Webster, Exalted Ruler; Steve Dick, Leading Knight; Sandy Dick, Loyal Knight; Jessica Butler, Lecturing Knight; Joan Fithian, Secretary; Tami Acker, Treasurer; Keith Acker, Tiler; Dave Priest. Trustee; Todd Lishness, Trustee; Photographer: Mike Fithian, Chaplin

The Winter Sanctuary Homeless Shelter was presented with a $3,000 check to help continue their mission in meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Julie Miller, Executive Director accepted the donation.

New Directions was presented with a $3,000 check to help continue with the many resources they offer for domestic violence, sexual assault, and preventative education. Lori Jones-Perkins, Executive Director accepted the donation.

Richard Threadgill 12/12/22 Richard Threadgill 12/12/22

Berea Elks #1815 Host Winterfest Family Holiday Event

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 recently hosted their annual Winterfest Family Festival at the lodge. The event was free and open to the public with arts and crafts, fun games, prizes, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.

The event drew kids and families from the surrounding area and was a great time for everyone.

Richard Threadgill 12/12/22 Richard Threadgill 12/12/22

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.

Richard Threadgill 12/12/22 Richard Threadgill 12/12/22

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.

Richard Threadgill 12/5/22 Richard Threadgill 12/5/22

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.

Richard Threadgill 11/15/22 Richard Threadgill 11/15/22

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!

Richard Threadgill 11/15/22 Richard Threadgill 11/15/22

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

Richard Threadgill 10/30/22 Richard Threadgill 10/30/22

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.

Richard Threadgill 10/30/22 Richard Threadgill 10/30/22

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.

Richard Threadgill 10/30/22 Richard Threadgill 10/30/22

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.

Richard Threadgill 10/30/22 Richard Threadgill 10/30/22

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.

Richard Threadgill 10/30/22 Richard Threadgill 10/30/22

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

Richard Threadgill 10/20/22 Richard Threadgill 10/20/22

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.

Richard Threadgill 10/20/22 Richard Threadgill 10/20/22

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

Richard Threadgill 10/18/22 Richard Threadgill 10/18/22

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

Richard Threadgill 10/13/22 Richard Threadgill 10/13/22

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.