Van Wert Elks #1197 Honors Local Eagle Scout
Pictured, left to right are Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison and Eagle Scout Evan Elling.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Evan Elling. Evan is a member of Boy Scout Troop #32, sponsored by the Middle Point United Methodist Church in Middle Point, OH.
Evan 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 Evan’s Eagle Scout Project he installed a Veterans Memorial Stone at the Ridge Cemetery in Van Wert County.
Cambridge Elks #448 Awards Local Americanism Essay Contest Winners
Exalted Ruler Brian “BK” Caldwell of Cambridge Elks Lodge #448 awarded gift cards to the winners of the lodge’s Americanism Essay Contest. 8th grade winner Chris Parker and 7th grade winners Karalynn Tindall and Gracie Wagstaff were in attendance. Congratulations to all!
Salem ELks #305 Announces Lodge Soccer Shoot Champions
Congratulations to the winners at the Salem Elks Lodge #305 Soccer Shoot held Sunday, April 21 at the Community Center indoor soccer field.
The 2st place winners will advance to the NE District Soccer Shoot, to be held later this year.
Front: Ky Carlisle-1st B/U8, Luis Vicente-2nd B/U8, Alejandro Sebastian-3rd B/U8, Isaiah Sebastian-2nd B/U10, Noah Gancarz-1st B/U10, Sayla Gancarz-1st G/U10, Tessa Barrett-1st G/U8 and Teagan Hedrick-2nd G/U8
Middle: Landon Bricker-2nd B/U14, Aiden Deem-1st B/U14, Derrick Hepner-1st B/U12, Claire Shean-2nd G/U12, Austin Deem-3rd B/U10, Layla Hewitt-1st G/U12, Sophia Davis-2nd G/U10, Kinley Gfeller-3rd G/U12
Very back: Aiden Davis-1st B/U16, Greg Davis- Soccer Chairman, Nora Shean-1st G/U14
Lima Elks #54 Honor Local Eagle Scouts
Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Andrew McKenzie of BSA Troop #106, Gabriel Harvey of BSA Troop #162 and Conner Smith of BSA Troop #162 during their Eagle Scout Couts 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, Andrew build benches and erected signs for the memorial for Chief P-H-T at the Shawnee Cemetery. He also constructed an east facing concrete pad in the shape of a turtle for the memorial.
For his Eagle Scout Project, Gabriel built handrails for the Metzger and Ferguson reservoirs. During his Court of Honor, Gabriel also received his bronze palm, gold palm, silver palm, double bronze palm, double gold palm and double silver palm.
For his Eagle Scout Project, Conner constructed signage, planted trees and landscaped the Lifewise Academy in Elida. During his Court of Honor, Conner also received his bronze palm, gold palm, silver palm, double bronze palm, double gold palm, double silver palm, triple bronze palm, triple gold palm and triple silver palm.
Congratulations to Andrew, Gabriel and Conner on their many achievements.
Massillon-North Canton Elks #2029 Help Local Food Pantires
After combining the Elks National Foundation Beacon and Spotlight Grants, Massillon-North Canton Elks Lodge# 2029 donated to additional food pantries in Massillon and Canton.
The Lodge donated to Refuge of Hope Ministries in Canton this winter. Their mission is to glorify and serve God by providing meals for hungry men, women, and children, emergency shelter and transition to independence for homeless men, and spiritual hope through Jesus Christ.
Refuge of Hope Ministries serves meals 9 times per week for hungry men, women, and children.They provide shelter and transition to independence for homeless men.They supply free clothing for individuals and families.They also deliver essential healthcare services to the community, including those uninsured.
Additionally, Massillon-North Canton Elks Lodge# 2029 donated to the Massillon Museum Brown Bag lunch program. The Massillon Museum offers a variety of programs, activities, classes and events for the community. The Lodge has had a long history of volunteering with the Massillon Museum and helped to start the reading program for kids.
Ohio's National Elks Hoop Shoot Dominance Continues, Adds Two More National Champs!
It was a GREAT weekend at the Hoop Shoot National Contest for all three Ohio shooters on April 20,2024, with Ohio coming away with two National Champions and one fifth place finish!
Ainsley Weaver, representing Chillicothe #52, earned the first National title by going 24/25 free throws in the Girls 8-9 division. Soon after, Parker Moeller, representing Mercer County #2170, also hit 24/25 and won the Boys 8-9 division.
Mason Malone, competing in the Boys 12-13 age group, missed only four shots but ended up tied for fifth in a very competitive field. He went 21/25 but the final two free throws he made earned Great Lakes Region 4 the Cam & Linda Cronk Award for top region in the country. Region 4 totaled 134 free throws, winning the award by two shots over Region 11. Mason was representing Jackson #466.
Ainsley then went into a shootoff with Blake Ensfield from South Haven, MI #1509 for the girls Getty Powell Award for top girls score. She outlasted Ensfield in three shoot-offs to claim the top award and will now attend the Grand Lodge Convention in Austin to get her Getty Powell trophy. She will also travel to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in August in Springfield, MA.
Ohio now has 18 National Champions in the 52 year history of the Hoop Shoot, the most of any state! And we have 11 National Champs in the last 11 years! Plus six Getty Powell winners! All because of great teamwork by our six District chairs and all the lodges throughout the state.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Donates to Local Scholarship Fund
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $150.00 to the Van Wert Peony Festival Committee.
Pictured, left to right are Matt Krol, Past Exalted Ruler and Kim Ousley, Pageant Director.
The monies are to go towards the Peony Festival Scholarship Program. The Elks, nationally, are only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships that are given out each year. Van Wert Elks Lodge is proud to be a contributor each year to this important scholarship program.
Massillon-North Canton Elks #2029 Makes Impact in Community
After combining the Beacon and Spotlight Grants, Massillon-North Canton Elks Lodge# 2029 donated to additional food pantries in Massillon and Canton.
The Lodge donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Massillon. The mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is “a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.”
Volunteers represent all ages, every race, and all incomes, and share our blessings of time, talent, and treasure with those who need help and hope.In addition to their Food Pantry, St. Vincent de Paul offers a variety of services from back to work programs and home visits to youth programs and disaster services.
The Lodge also donated to Matthew 8:20, which is a mobile Food and Clothing Ministry in Canton Ohio. They provide clothing, hygiene items, a hot meal and cold take away bag for their guests. Each month they serve three outreach locations in Stark County.
First Friday at 5pm: Joshua Casteel Catholic Worker House in Alliance.
Third Friday at 6:30pm St. Benedict's Church in Canton
The Tuesday after the Third Friday at 4pm Crossroads UMC on Harmont Road
Matthew 8:20 is based out of Little Flower Catholic Church in Canton Ohio. Volunteers prep on Tuesdays 9am to Noon to sort donations and prepare for the next outreach night. All are welcome to help, and keep Matthew 8:20 in your prayers.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Announce Students of the Month
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have selected Hudson M. Myers, senior at Wayne Trace High School and Kaden Hohman, senior at Lincolnview High School as the recipients of the Student of the Month for March.
Pictured left to right is: Kaden Hohman with Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair.
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.
Pictured left to right is: Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair with Hudson M. Myers
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.
Newark Elks #391 Awards DAP Contest Winners
Newark Elks Lodge #391’s Exalted Ruler, Kathy Wise and Drug Awareness Chairperson, Becky Underhill presented 10 contest winners with their prizes for their winning entries in the Drug Awareness Poster, Essay, Video contests as well as a coloring page contest.
From left to right is Becky Underhill, DAP Lodge ChaiRPERSON; Elizabell Gambill, 2nd grader from Cherry Valley elementary winning the coloring contest and receiving a $10 Walmart gift card; Emma Davies, 6th grader from Heritage Middle School winning the essay contest; Heritage Middle School Video Team, Zavyer Elizondo, Asher Elizondo, Xahvier Spradlin, Landen Salina winning the video contest; PER Kathy Wise.
Not present are Tristan Fogle, Dominic Walton, and Nyree Street on the video team and Lydia Bawi from John Clem Elementary the poster winner.
The poster, essay and video winners all were awarded a $25 Walmart gift card and a certificate. They also won the South Central District contest and received a pennant.
Last Chance to Pre-Register For Spring Convention!
Greetings All!
The 125th Ohio Elks Association Spring Convention is just a few short weeks away. If you have not yet pre-registered, please do so right away!
The deadline to pre-register is Thursday, April 4, 2024
New this year is an all-new Fun Night format featuring a sit-down dinner and a comedy show buy the “FFN Comedy Troupe” which should conclude around 9:30 p.m. giving everyone more time to spend with fellow Elks in the hospitality rooms Friday night.
Cost is only $25/person with a paid convention credential. You won’t get dinner and show anywhere in town at that price! More than 60% of all attending members have bought tickets to Fun Night, so don’t miss out!
This year’s installation of officers will also be a change of pace with a great party in the main ballroom following the event and hospitality provided by the Southeast District.
After April 4th, members can register for convention in person, however Fun Night tickets may not be available at that time.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Support Local Aging Council
From Left: Mary Weisman, Lodge Chaplain presenting the check to Kevin Matthews, Executive Director Council on Aging.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $200 to the Van Wert County Council on Aging. The monies will go towards supporting their upcoming 12th Annual Designer Purse Bingo Fundraiser scheduled for Friday, June 14, 2024. The agency will use the donations to purchase designer handbags which will be displayed and used as bingo prizes throughout the fundraiser.
The Council on Aging transports seniors every day to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies or social service appointments free of charge. The Van Wert County Council on Aging has be serving the Senior Citizens of our community for 43 years. Without these vital services, many of the county’s seniors would be forced to enter long-term care facilities. Through fundraisers such as this, the agency will be able to continue and expand their much-needed services for our senior citizens.
Ohio Hoop Regional Champions Advance to National Championship
Back Row: State Chairman Dennis Sabo, state president Tom Pavlik, GER Elect Doug Schiefer. Front RoW: Ainsley Weaver, Parker Mueller, and Mason Malone
Congratulations to the Hoop Shoot Champions of the Regional Semifinal competition recently held in South Bend, IN.
Ohio winners were:
8-9 Girls - 1st place
Ainsley Weaver (Chillicothe #52) making 23 of 25 free throws.
8-9 Boys - 1st place
Parker Mueller (Mercer County #2170) making 22 of 25 free throws and 14 of 15 in a shoot off to advance.
12-13 Boys - 1st place
Mason Malone (Jackson #466) making 24 of 25 free throws and 5 of 5 in a shoot off to advance.
Kamille Smith (Ravenna #1076) signing her book for fellow competitors.
Additionally, Kamille Smith (Ravenna #1076) who finished 2nd in 10-11 Girls was signing copies of her book "Girls Fall Down Sometimes". She gave a copy to all the girl shooters from Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
These amazing competitors will represent Ohio in the National Championship contest in Chicago on April 20th.
Salem Elks #305 Hosts Abbey Road For Farewell Concert
So much fun at the Salem #305 Elks! Abbey Road, Beatles Tribute Band, completed their last performance as their Farewell Tour last night. Amazing band who have been at it for 41 years and traveled all over the world, plus opened for the Monkeys several times!!
This caps off the evening with John Gilbert Lecturing Knight as Paul McCartney. Bruce Hall as George Harrison; Scott Krejci as John Lennon; David Byers as Ringo Starr and Wayne Gorby, ER.
Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Donates To VA Domiciliary
Past Exalted Ruler Kirk Kokal of Willoughby-Cleveland Elks Lodge #18 dropped off 90 pairs of underwear and 100 pairs of socks to the VA Domiciliary in Downtown Cleveland, an often needed personal item.
Funds for this donation were made possible from The Gary Luster Memorial Fund.
Gallipolis Elks #107 raise over $23,000 for Elks National Foundation
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 held its annual Elks National Foundation (ENF) fundraiser in conjunction with an Italian Night Party and Dance. Over 260 people attended the event that included a live and silent auction. ENF Chairperson, Jason Bowers, his wife Jennifer and their crew, were able to rise $23,015 for the Elks National Foundation.
And in other news, in support of the Dictionary Project, the Gallipolis Elks distributed 147 dictionaries to all the third grade students in Gallia County this year. To date, the Gallipolis Elks has distributed a cumulative total of 432 dictionaries to our local students.
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.