Middletown Elks Lodge #257 Helps Students Learn Gardening
Middletown Elks Lodge #257 was recently profiled in a story by the Journal-News in Butler County regarding a Beacon Grant awarded to them from the Elks National Foundation to help local elementary kids learn about gardening and healthy eating.
The full story can be found below
Van Wert Elks #1197 Honor Students of the Month
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have selected Emily Karcher and Adessa Alvarez, seniors at Crestview High School as the recipients of the Student of the Month for February.
FROM LEFT: Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair with Adessa Alvarez and Emily Karcher
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.
Port Clinton Elks #1718 Help Battle Food Insecurity
SARA STAHL, SOCIAL WORKER, SUPERINTENDENT PAT ADKINS, AND JUDY MCKINNEY, ELKS LEADING KNIGHT
Port Clinton Elks Lodge #1718 presented a check for $2,000 to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and $2,000 to Carole’s Cupboard, Port Clinton City Schools, (Bataan Primary and Intermediate School). The donations are from the lodge’s Elks National Foundation (ENF) 2023-24 Beacon Grant which are investments to help address food insecurity.
JIM BOULE, FISCAL OFFICER OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY AND JUDY MCKINNEY, ELKS LEADING KNIGHT.
Cuyahoga Falls - Akron - Barberton Lodge #1923 Hosts Veteran Workshop
Cuyahoga Falls - Akron - Barberton Elks Lodge #1923 welcomed Warriors Journey Home (wjhm.org) and its CEO John Schluep to our Lodge to do a presentation on the wonderful work his organization does to help Veterans locally. Plus share why there is a need to do the work he does to help bring awareness around suicide prevention and the signs of PTSD so we can do better for our Veterans.
We presented a check, funded by our Elks National Foundation (ENF) Freedom Grant to pay for 30 Veterans to attend his healing workshops, plus give cash raised as a donation equaling a total of $1,000 to John and his board that evening. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room during his presentation. Especially when he talked about his recent trip with Vietnam Veterans heading back to Vietnam so they have a new memory of a country versus the one they had a lifetime before.
Ohio Elks Hoop Shoot Champions Announced!
2024 State Hoop Shoot Results
The competition was amazing at the Ohio State Elks Hoop Shoots Free Throw Contest, held at Liberty Middle School in Newark. A total of 36 youngsters competed for a chance to advance to the U.S. Great Lakes Regional in March. Results were:
FROM LEFT: STATE PRESIDENT TOM PAVLIK< KAMILLE SMITH, ISAIAH REVEAL, MASON MALONE, LILY LEACH, PARKER MOELLER, AND AINSLEY WEAVER
8-9 girls
Ainsley Weaver, Chillicothe #52, 25/25
Kamryn Smith, Ravenna #1076, 20/25
Gracie Sargent, Wilmington #797, 19/25
Remi Garrison, Wooster #1346, 16/25
Myra Unrast, Mercer County #2170, 15/25
Adley Duhamell, Newcomerstown #1555, 7/25.
8-9 boys
Parker Moeller, Mercer County #2170, 22/25
Corey Doster, Bellevue #1013, 19/25, 14/15
Finley Harrison, Jackson #466, 19/25, 13/15
Cole Huffman, Marietta #477, 17/25
Christian Barga, Greenville #1139 & Dominick Guerra, Cuyahoga Falls #1923, both 14/25.
10-11 girls
Kamille Smith, Ravenna #1076, 16/25;
Maggie VanFossen, Barnesville #1699, 15/25, 4/5
Rylee Shepard, Springfield #51, 15/25, 3/5
Ava Hawkins, Bellevue #1013, 15/25, 2/5
Reese Conley, Jackson #466 & Myma Dreyer, Van Wert #1197, both 13/25.
10-11 boys
Isaiah Reveal, Chillicothe #52, 21/25, 7/10
Trey Vanderwal, Marietta #477, 21/25, 6/10
Brody Ernsthausen, Lebanon #422, 19/25
Kellen Hirt, Bellevue #1013, 18/25
Marcus Eckstein, Mercer County #2170 & Gavin Dente, Alliance #467, both 17/25.
12-13 girls
Lily Leach, Barnesville #1699, 23/25
Elizabeth Burns, Ashtabula #208, 20/25
Kennah Hignight, Wooster #1346, 18/25
Mia Free, Chillicothe #52, 14/25
”Laci Dillman, Greenville #1139, 12/25
Jacklyn Carper, Findlay #75, 8/25.
12-13 boys
Mason Malone, Jackson #466, 23/25, 5/5
Keaton Elwer, Lima #54, 23/25, 4/5
}Kyler Larrick, Elyria #465, 22/25
Eric Thompson, Lebanon #422, 18/25
Cruz Potts, Coshocton #376, 17/25
Braxton Thomas, Conneaut #256, 14/25.
All contestants and families were given Friday night lodging at the Newark DoubleTree Hotel, dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday, and all contestants received Elks basketballs, Drug Awareness backpacks/goodies, water bottles, goodie bags and t-shirts, compliments of the Ohio Elks Association and The Bellevue Hospital.
The six age group winners now advance to the United States Great Lakes Region 4 Hoop Shoot the weekend of March 15-16, 2024, in South Bend, IN, and will take on competitors from Indiana and Michigan. Winners at that event will advance to the National Competition in Chicago, IL the weekend of April 18-21, 2024.
The 2025 Ohio Elks Hoop Shoot Finals has been set for Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Liberty Middle School in Newark.
Last Chance To Register For Elks Leadership Kollege!
The Ohio Elks Past Exalted Ruler’s Association is excited to host all incoming Exalted Rulers, Lodge Knights, Lodge Trustees & Board Members, Secretaries and Treasurers to our annual training summit being held at Newark Lodge #391 this Saturday, February 24, 2024.
This free event is designed to help all incoming leadership of a lodge get the fundamental tools and training for the upcoming lodge year in a relaxed one-day workshop. Meet fellow Elks leaders from all over Ohio. Connect with state leadership and better prepare you and your lodge officers for the upcoming year.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn how to lead our great organization and how to make your upcoming lodge year the best it can possibly be!
Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scout
On Sunday, February 4, 2024, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Garret Hark of BSA Troop #230 during his Eagle Scout Cout of Honor.
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.
For his Eagle Scout project, Garret erected signage for the school gymnasium and dressed the area with landscaping.
Congratulations to Garret on his many achievements.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Honors Local Eagle Scout
FROM LEFT Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison, Eagle Scout Cody Scannell and Louis Crow, lodge member.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Cody Scannell on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Cody is a member of Boy Scout Troop #32, sponsored by the Middle Point United Methodist Church in Middle Point, OH.
Cody 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 Randy P. Shook, Grand Exalted Ruler/National President.
For Cody’s Eagle Scout Project he installed a play scape area consisting of swings, slides, etc. for the Family Process Housing in Lima, OH.
Willoughby - Cleveland Elks #18 Support Local Food Pantry
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks Lodge #18 were honored to present a donation of $1,000, which was made possible with an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Spotlight Grant to the Euclid Hunger Center. Volunteers at the center operate a choice-pantry for local families in the heart of Euclid Ohio
Shown here are the manager of the pantry Kay O'Donnell, Elks members present are PER Kerrie McClain, ER Jeff Romito, Kay, PER Kirk Kokal and Terry Grey.
Berea Elks #1815 Raises $2,000 For Police Memorial Fund
Berea Elks Lodge #1815 hosted a Doubles Dart Tournament to benefit the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society (GCPOMS) a non-profit charity, whose mission is to honor peace officers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of service to their communities and the nation, especially those from the Greater Cleveland area, including Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, and northern Summit Counties.
Twenty-one teams from law enforcement, and Elks members from Berea Lodge #1815, Willoughby-Cleveland Lodge #18; and Lakewood Lodge #1350, competed for top awards, raising nearly $2,000 for the fund. Refreshments were donated by members Danielle Mahoney and Debra and Pat Greenhill. The Cleveland Darter Club donated the use of the boards.
Event winners were: 1st Place: Ron Hollenbuck and Derek Fess (Lakewood), 2nd Place: Fuzzy Foland and Dan Ruit (also Cleveland Police officer) (Lakewood Lodge) and 3rd Place: Luis Rivera and Frank Crutz (Cleveland Police Team). Finally, all in attendance were reminded that January 9, 2024, was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and showed their support for those who risk their lives on a daily basis.
Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scouts
Lima Elks Lodge #54 recently recognized Henry Black, Collin Ellerbrock, Benjamin Haughn, Ayden Klausing, Lukas Klear, Eian Lause, Brody Recker, Gage Recker, Caden Schroeder, Seth Thomas and Max Verhoff of BSA Troop #224 Troop #777 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
Each Scout completed a project at a church, school or cemetery within the local villages of Putnam County.
The award consisted of The American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Rulers' Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting Pin.
Congratulations to these young men on their many achievements.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Announces Students of the Month
Ethan Scaggs with Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have selected Sydney Dowler, senior at Van Wert High School and Ethan K. Scaggs, senior at Lincolnview High School as the recipients of the Student of the Month for December.
Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair with Sydney Dowler
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.
Salem Elks #305 Announces Lodge Hoop Shoot Champions
The Salem Elks Lodge #305 held their local Hoop Shoot competition with the following placing.
Kinley Gfeller 1st Girls 10-11
Chaya Murray 1st Girls 12-13
Mason Wortman 1st Boys 12-13
Emmy Blevins 1st Girls 8-9
Maryn McFadden 2nd Girls 12-13
Lucas McDowell 2nd Boys 12-13
Not pictured:
Brycen Sox 1st Boys 8-9,
True Hartsoe 1st Boys 10-11 & Adrien Rosch Boys 10-11
Doug Rudibaugh, PER is the Hoop Shoot Chairman. His team of volunteers, especially Mandy Smith and family, did a great job. We thank the Salem Community Center for the use of the basketball court and equipment.
1st place winners advance onto the NE District level of competition which is at Ravenna HS gymnasium on Saturday, January 20th.
Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scout
Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Wyatt Mallett of BSA Troop #777 during his Eagle Scout Cout of Honor.
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.
Wyatt’s Eagle Scout project was to redo the landscaping on the south side of the church.
Congratulations to Wyatt on his many achievements.
Salem Elks #305 Helps Local Food Pantry
Ben Blevins, Esteemed Leading Knight of Salem Elks Lodge #305 had the honor to present a check for $2,500 to Marya Moore of the Salem Community Pantry. The funds were made possible by a Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation and will be used by the pantry to help those in the community in need.
Ohio Elks Leadership Training Pre Registration Now Open!
Pre-registration is now open for the Ohio Elks Association Leadership Training Day, also known as the Elk Leadership Kollege that will take place at Newark Lodge #391 on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
This is an invaluable training session for any new, incoming, or experienced lodge officer, trustee, or committee chair.
The event is free and open to all Elks. Full details can be found here:
Register today!
Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scouts
On Sunday, January 7, 2024, Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized brothers Daniel Koh and Thomas Koh of BSA Troop #777 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
The award consisted of The American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Rulers' Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting Pin.
Congratulations to Daniel and Thomas on their many achievements.
Northwest District Hoop Shoot Champions Announced!
The Northwest Ohio Elks District Hoop Shoot competition was held on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at The Ohio State University-Lima/Rhodes State College campus, Cook Hall.
The winners are:
8-9 Girls
Myra Unrast – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170 14/25
10-11 Girls
Myma Dreyer – Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 16/25
12-13 Girls
Kaya Fulmer – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170 15/25
8-9 Boys
Parker Moeller – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170 24/25
10-11 Boys
Marcus Eckstein – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170 19/25
12-13 Boys
Keaton Elwer – Lima Elks Lodge #54 23/25
The winners will compete in the State Hoop Shoot competition which will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Newark, OH.
The Regional Hoop Shoot Competition will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in South Bend, IN.
The National Hoop Shoot Competition will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Chicago, IL.
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Help Keep Veterans Warm This Winter
Have you ever wondered what $1700 worth of coats look like, well wonder no more.
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks Lodge #18 met with Courtney, Delores and Lorraine at the Mentor Burlington Coat Factory. These three wonderful ladies helped us make the final purchase to complete our Freedom Grant.
This grant, funded by the Elks National Foundation enabled us to purchase $1700 worth of coats, hats and gloves for distribution to multiple Veterans agencies that focus on homeless Veterans within our surrounding communities. Even on a busy Sunday, they spent over an hour helping us to help those who have served our country. A big thanks to them and the corporate office of Burlington Coat Factory.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Help Local Fire Department Upgrade Communications
From Left: Firefighter Preston Browning, Willshire Fire Chief Jeff Henderson, Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman and Firefighter Brad Berry.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,000 to the Willshire Fire Department to assist them with upgrades to newer radios and pagers. The monies are from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation. Gratitude Grants are given to lodges that meet their per-capita goal of donations to the Elks National Foundation
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 this donation the department will be able to upgrade their communications equipment.
Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Willshire Fire Department with the excellent fire protection they provide.