Ohio Elks "Spread The Word" To Save Lives
The Ohio Elks, in partnership with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), is again using billboards to “Spread the Word”.
Our two new Drug Awareness billboard displays have been up the month of September. They are located in the Cincinnati area on the Martin Luther King Highway, one on each side of I-71.
There is a high school near one of the boards and a community college near the other. The sign company has estimated the over 765,000 people will see the billboards. The perfect location for young eyes to see our message.
Gallipolis Elks #107 Donates $7,000 to Local Food Programs
From LEFT Bev Young, Terry Burnett, Grace Pastor Ray Kane and ER Mike Null.
Exalted Ruler Mike Null, Gallipolis Elks 107, presented a Lodge donation of $2,000 to the Grace Methodist Church food pantry. The funds were made available from the Spotlight Grant from the Elks National Foundation.
Exalted Ruler Mike also presented a Lodge donation of $2,000 along with $3,000 from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Gallia County Snack Pack Program.
From Left: Karen Bryant, ER Mike Null, Mary Sayre, Nancy Blevins, Patty Boster, Cathy Gholstein, Nancy Smith, Carol Norris, Henry Dillon and Kay Adkins.
Circleville Elks #77 Celebrates 100 Year Building Anniversary
From Left: Wes Riley and Mayor Don McIlroy
Circleville Elks Lodge #77 celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of their building, the Elks Home, on September 16, 2023. Wes Riley, Exalted Ruler, presided over the ceremony. Guest speakers included Howard Honaker, District Deputy GER, as well as Don McIlroy, Mayor of Circleville, who is also a member of Elks Lodge #77.
Howard Honaker, District Deputy GER
ER Riley presented both speakers with a commemorative coin that the Lodge had struck for the special occasion. Mayor McIlroy proclaimed September 16, 2023, as Circleville Elks Lodge 77 Day. The Circleville Pumpkin Show Band provided the music for the ceremony. The Lodge hosted an Open House following the ceremony for members and guests.
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923 Raises More Than $2,000 For Veterans
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Elks Lodge #1923 held our 3rd Annual Cornhole Tournament Saturday September 9th benefitting local Veterans and Active Military non-profits and organizations.
We had taped off the parking lot, had over 30 players, tons of spectators, a DJ outside, Sueritos cooking their awesome foods, raffle baskets, and a ton of fun. In the end were able to raise over $2,000 in one day which will be distributed organizations helping our military.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Honors Lodge Elk of the Year
Van Wert Elks Lodge No. 1197 recently recognized Bruce A. Davis as Van Wert Lodge “Elk of the Year” for the 2022--2023 Lodge Year. Bruce was presented with a special certificate issued by the Grand Lodge and signed by the Grand Exalted Ruler Bruce A. Hidley.
The “Elk Of The Year” is awarded by a Lodge to one of its members who perform extra service “above and beyond” to the Lodge and its charitable works. Bruce is always willing to do anything he can to help the lodge. He is the main organizer for several fundraisers for the lodge and helps out with other events as well.
Gallipolis Elks #107 Brings Drug Awareness to Local Academy
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 Drug Awareness Chairman, PER Walton Brown met with Tiffany Marcum, the Director of French City Academy. The Elks Lodge provided 80 drawstring cinch bags with each containing coloring books, crayons and Drug Awareness literature. Each packet contains 24 items. The Elks Lodge also committed to providing additional coloring books and crayons to help the kids out with their daily activities.
FROM LEFT: Walton Brown, 8 students and Tiffany Marcum.
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Help Wickliffe Police With Defensive Tactical Training
From Left: Est. Loyal Knight Michelle Zayakosky PER Valerie Lawver Exalted Ruler Jeffrey E. Romito PER Brian Cook PER Bob Bell Ptl. Merrifield woth K-9 Bane Trustee David Fye Est. Lecturing Knight Eileen Tucci, Lt. McCaffery, dispatcher Sherry Brzeski ( wife of member Keith Brzeski woth her sons Adam and Ben.
Exalted Ruler Jeff Romito of Willoughby-Cleveland Elks Lodge #18 invited representatives of the Wickliffe Police Department to the lodge tonight to present a Community Service Fund Grant for $1,000 from the Ohio Elks Association which will be used for defensive tactics training.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Announce Lodge Soccer Shoot Champions
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently held its annual Soccer Shoot. There was a girls division and a boys division, competing in four age groups. Trophies were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers. All the 1st place winners will advance to the district competition, which will be held on Saturday, September 23 in Findlay, OH.
The winners included:
Under 8 Girls: 1st Place ~ Reagan Smith
Under 8 Boys: 1st Place ~ Everett Gerker 2nd Place – Owen Sakotis; 3rd Place – Bradley Smith
Under 10 Boys: 1st Place ~ Salvador Salinas
Under 12 Boys: 1st Place ~ Eli Racster; 2nd Place – Aiden Bockrath
Under 12 Girls: 1st Place ~ Hannah Lamb
John Ream, Youth Activities Chair was in charge of the event.
Gallipolis Elks #107 Helps To Restore "Old Glory" on Fortification Hill
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 donated $4,000 to help pay for the $8,000 restoration of the community flag pole located on Fortification Hill overlooking the City of Gallipolis and the Ohio River.
The broken and eroded brackets on the flag pole have prevented the American flag from being displayed for the past several months and needed to be replaced.
In cooperation between the City of Gallipolis and the Gallipolis Elks, the flag pole has been repaired and painted and the oversized American Flag is again flying over our city and the Ohio River.
The American Flag flown from Fortification Hill is donated annually to the City of Gallipolis by the Gallipolis Elks and is a symbol of the collective pride to the citizens of Gallipolis. The flag can be seen for miles while on the river and approaching Gallipolis by car.
Port Clinton Elks #1718 Helps Battle Food Insecurity
Babs Klacik, General Manager of Bistro 163
Port Clinton Elks Lodge #1718 presented a check for $2,500 from the lodge’s Elks National Foundation (ENF) 2024 Gratitude Grant this year to Bistro 163, a pay-it-forward café, and to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. The grant money will be used to help address food insecurity within the community.
Andy Migas, President of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, along with several volunteers
Starting in mid-summer, the Lodge conducts monthly collection days for Elk members to donate items typically not allowed to be purchased with food stamps. The collection is then donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Additionally, this year, in October, lodge members will volunteer at two Bistro 163 Community Meal days by helping box meals, taking phone orders, kitchen clean-up, and, if needed, delivering meals. The Community Meal days, held twice monthly, serve approximately 350 meals daily.
Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scout
Lima Elks Lodge #54 recently recognized Evan Conley of BSA Troop #777 during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.
Evan's Eagle Scout was to construct 3 benches anchored in concrete and placed around the walking trail at the top of Bressler Reservoir. The trail is 3.7 miles so benches were greatly needed to give rest to walkers.
The award consisted of The American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate frames for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Rulers' Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and the Elks/Scouting Pin.
Congratulations to Evan on his many achievements.
2nd Annual Rib Cook-Off Raises $1,300 For Drug Awareness
Ravenna Elks Lodge #1076 and Kent Elks Lodge #1377 met up Saturday in Ravenna for their 2nd Annual Rib Cook-Off, it was a sizzling success. Together they raised over $1,300 for the Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Program.
Pictured from Left to Right: Eddy Hanna Jr - Kent Elks Exalted Ruler, Eddie Hanna III, Scott Enlow - Ravenna Elks Exalted Ruler
With mouthwatering ribs, friendly competition, and the spirit of giving, the community came together to support their cause. The Elks are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all their members, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who made this event a resounding triumph.
Congratulations to Eddie Hanna III from Kent Elks #1377 for winning the competition for the 2nd year in a row.
Special thanks to Gary Miller from Miller Garage Door for the generous donation to provide the ribs.
The money raised will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by drug-related challenges, thanks to the Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Program.
Gallipolis Elks #107 Spreads Drug Awareness Across Community
From left: Samantha Shaffer, her daughter Annalee and Walton Brown.
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 Drug Awareness Chairman, PER Walton Brown assisted the Gallia County Sheriff department by providing Drug Awareness information to the visitors at a recently held Fly In / Car Show, the Vinton Village Party, and at the City Park in downtown Gallipolis, Ohio. More than 240 packets were given out at these events containing coloring books, crayons and Drug Awareness literature. Each packets contained 24 items.
Lima Elks #54 Help Village of Elida Secure New AED's
Lima Elks Lodge #54 presented the Village of Elida with funding totaling $1,498.00 for the purchase of 2 AEDs for their patrol vehicles.
These funds were made possible from the Ohio Elks Association and the Lima Fifty-Four Athletic and Scholastic fund.
This donation is an expression of the commitment by the Lima Elks Lodge #54 to serve local communities in Allen County, Putnam County and eastern Auglaize County.
Ashland Elks #1360 Partners With Local Fire Department
A Knox Box is a tamper-proof key holder that is installed outside the residence of an individual who is at a high risk for falls, the elderly or physically handicapped residents. With these boxes, Fire and EMS personnel can quickly and safely gain access to the residence when the person inside might not be able to get to the door and avoid having to perform a costly and dangerous “forced entry”.
FRom LEFT: Fire Chief Rick Anderson, Exalted Ruler Mike Fallon, Captain Mark Miller
Through this program the Ashland Fire Division has gone from having over a hundred keys to just one. Every vehicle in the fleet is equipped with a key and a note shows up with the call stating the resident is part of the program. With the opening of the new Fire Station #2 the traditional method of giving the department a key was not feasible anymore. For more information about the Knox Box Program and to sign up, check out their website on the city page (Ashland-ohio.com).
The Ashland Elks secured over $3,000 in funding through the Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant and the Ashland Elks Past Exalted Ruler Association to purchase 15 new Knox Boxes for the community.
This year the Ohio Elks Association provided 24 $1,000 grants to be used in communities to provide equipment for municipalities that they would otherwise not be able to purchase. In past years the Ashland Elks have purchased an electronic fire extinguisher training device, a tv to better review body cam footage and extra air splits through the grant.
The Ashland Elks Past Exalted Ruler Association is comprised of former Exalted Rulers (Presidents) and the charitable arm of the organization. This year alone the Elks have provided funding for a handicap accessible golf cart at Brethren Care, honor bus trips, multiple sports and club teams, and over $22,000 to the McClure Outdoor Education Center to name a few. For more information about the Elks, check out their website AshlandElks.com or Elks.org.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Supports Local Food Pantry
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,000 to the Trinity Friends Church for their Food Pantry. The monies are from a Spotlight Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.
From Left: Jeff Wageamon, Food Pantry Director and Mike Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman.
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 2000 Elks Lodges across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
With food prices rising and many still unemployed, there is a need now, more than ever to assist those who need a helping hand. The Food Pantry relies on donations of monies as well as food items. The Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm and from 4:00 pm till 5:30 pm. It is open the 3rd Saturday from 10:00 am until noon.
Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Trinity Friends Food Pantry with this important service for our community.
Upper Sandusky Elks #83 Support Local Park
Upper Sandusky Elks Lodge #83 recently donated an Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant that the lodge received to the City of Upper Parks board to help with the cost of the new digital sign project. The grant was in the amount of $1,000 and is secured through the Ohio Elks with funding through the Elks National Foundation! Pictured L to R, Mayor Kyle McColly, Park Board member Kate Niederkohr, ER Dan Smith, and Parks Manager Keith Niederkohr!
From Left: Mayor Kyle McColly, Park Board member Kate Niederkohr, ER Dan Smith, and Parks Manager Keith Niederkohr!
Napoleon Elks #929 Helps Local Community Play Ball
Napoleon Elks Lodge #929 presented a $1,000 Ohio Elks Association Community Service Grant to the city of Napoleon Parks & Recreation department. The funds will be used to purchase equipment for the city's recreation baseball and softball programs.
Pictured are Jeff Ratliff Secretary for Napoleon Elks, Tony Cotter Director of the City's Parks and Recreation Department, and Dan Bischoff Exhaulted Ruler for Napoleon Elks.
Athens Elks #973 Donates Backpacks To Local Mentoring Program
Athens Elk's Lodge #973 donated over $2,000 dollars in backpacks and supplies for the Southeast Ohio Mentoring program. Elk members volunteered to pack over 60 backpacks for area grade and middle school kids in the community. A portion of the money to purchase the backpack items was made available through an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant.
Lorain Elks #1301 Help Local Student Get Back To School
From Left: Cathy Pastron/ prospective member, Lynn Crnko / member and Tammy Koleski & Pam Richards/ co-founders of Wee Care Closet.
Lorain Elks Lodge #1301 worked a Back to School Bash at Wellington Schools for essential school items in backpacks to school children, Wee Care Closet is a 501c3 charity that the Lorain Lodge provided funds from an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Beacon Grant.
These “Super Shoppers” procured the needed items at a fraction of the retail price and the Lorain Lodge is proud to work and join their effort.