Berea Elks #1815 Help Fight Youth Hunger

Members and familes of Berea Elks Lodge #1815 volunteered at the Cleveland Food Bank assembling “backpacks” of food to be distributed to kids across NE Ohio struggling to get the nutrition they need on a daily basis in a safe and confidential way through after school programs and libraries.

More than 2,100 backpacks were assembled during the event. Nearly 1 in 6 people in our community are food insecure, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from. This program helps to fill gaps for families where needed.

Pictured above are members and families of Berea Elks Lodge #1815

Van Wert Elks #1197 Donate to Haven of Hope Shelter

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,250 to The Haven of Hope Shelter in Van Wert.

The monies, provided by the Elks National Foundation in the form of a Gratitude Grant were made possible through the generous donations to the foundation by the members of Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197.  

During the 2020-2021 lodge year, the goal of the foundation was that each lodge donated a minimum of $4.80 per member.   Van Wert Lodge met their goal and surpassed it.  Due to these donations, the lodge received the Gratitude Grant.

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 2,000 Elks Lodges across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. 

Grant which was used for a charitable project or service within their jurisdiction.

With this money, Van Wert Lodge is proud to be able to help The Haven of Hope Shelter to provide a warm bed along with an evening meal to the homeless men of Van Wert.   “The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have always been known for their charitable works and this is Van Wert Lodge’s way of helping our community and those who are in need” stated Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Chairman for the Elks National Foundation.

Pictured, left to right, accepting the check are Jim Nelson, Haven of Hope Treasurer, Keith A. Collins, Van Wert Lodge Past Exalted Ruler and Jamie Ramos, Executive Director, Haven of Hope.

Online Registration For 2023 Spring Convention Now Open!

The Ohio Elks Association is excited to open online registration for the 124th Spring Convention of the OEA to be held at the Marriott Columbus Northwest in Dublin, OH April 28-30, 2023. Registration can be made online at the OEA website, or via mail/check. Both online and mail-in regsitration forms can be found here: https://ohioelks.com/spring-convention

The Ohio Elks Spring Convention is open to all Elks in good standing, along with their families.

Members attending convention can also reserve a room at the Marriott Columbus Northwest in Dublin at a special rate negotiated of $116/night (not including taxes, fees, and incidentals) by the OEA. Click the link below to reserve a hotel room.

Southeast District Ohio Elks Donate To Local Veterans

Generous donations from Lodges and organizations made it possible to provide winter clothing and hygiene products to Veterans residing in our district. Seventy five veterans residing in nine assisted living facilities covering 5 counties received clothing items consisting of hooded sweatshirts, tee shirts, socks, gloves, scarves, and hats. Hygiene products were razors, tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, and shaving cream. 

In other news the week before Christmas a box lunch was delivered to the homes consisting of a sub sandwich, chips, cookies and beverages.

Berea Elks #1815 Host Alia Bailey Memorial Holiday Toy Drive

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 recently hosted family and friends of the Alia Bailey Holiday Memorial Toy Drive at the lodge. Alia lost her life in a tragic car acident in 2017 as a student of Grindstone Elementary in Berea.

Since then, the family has gathered toys in Alia’s name and have donated them to local children’s hospitals during the Holidays. This year several hundred gifts were donated by members of the community and then wrapped at the lodge.

So many gifts were given that the family had to rent a trailer to haul them to Metro Hospital. Many thanks to the family, firends of the family and to lodge members for the generosity and support this year!

Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Elks #1923 Deliver Holiday Meals In Community

Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Elks Lodge #1923 delivered 110 meals for Christmas to our neighbors who could use a little extra holiday cheer.  This building is comprised of various different income levels, plus some folks with challenges medically that prevent them from leaving their building.

It’s a tradition that we’ve done for many years on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter for this group of folks. But now we are going on year 3 where this work is funded by our Beacon Grant awarded to the lodge by the Elks National Foundation (ENF). 

Van Wert Elks #1197 Honor Deceased Elks Veterans With Wreaths

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently made a donation of $150 to the Wreaths across America program. The monies purchased 10 wreaths.

Pictured is Lodge Member Louis A. Crow placing a wreath upon the grave a deceased lodge member Merle F. Brady.

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission of Wreaths Across America it to Remember, Honor and Teach, which is carried out by coordinating wreath laying in ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as well as more than 1,400 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.

This year National Wreaths across America Day was held on December 17 and Boy Scout Troop 32 from Middle Point, OH participated in the laying of wreaths at the Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

This year Van Wert Lodge randomly picked the names of ten deceased Elk members who were veterans and placed their ten wreaths upon their graves.

an Wert Elks Lodge is proud to be able to remember our deceased veterans during this holiday season.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.