Salem Elks Spread Drug Awareness On Memorial Day
Salem Elks Lodge #305 had a great time at the annual City of Salem Memorial Day Parade. Jeff Chapman, PER pulled the Northeast District Drug Awareness Trailer with Kim Chapman, PER in passenger seat along with their grandchildren Colin and Copper in the cab.
Riding in the bed was Claire Shean and Layla Hewitt Soccer Shooters with the star of the day "Elroy the Elk" our Elks mascot done by Jason Green-PER.
There were many members along the route, plus we opened the lodge for seating on the front porch and coffee to take the chill off.
Salem Elks #305 Honors Local Student Winners of DAP and Americanism Contests
Salem Elks Lodge #305 recently held their annual Drug Awareness Program (DAP) and Americanism contest awards presentation.
Approximately 90 people attended which included the students, parents, grandparents and siblings. Elks in attendance for the lodge were Kim Chapman-PER & DAP Chairperson, Jeff Chapman-PER, Pam Gerace - Americanism Chairperson, Jon Gerace, Wayne Gorby-PER, Ben Blevins-ER & Ed Connors-PSP.
Along with NE District and State Chairpersons for both: DAP Pat Greenhill and his wife Debbie and Becky Underhill and her husband Dave. NE District chairperson for Americanism Bill Maloney and State ChairpersonCrystal Ropp and her husband Larry.
Each Chairperson presented their own awards for that level of competition.
Most exciting part is one young 7th grader took 1st in both essay contests with them going to National competition. A 5th grade student’s poster was chosen as the state winner will advance to the national contest.
Berea Elks #1815 Donate Blankets to Local NICU
Members of Berea Elks Lodge #1815 handmade and donated 58 blankets for the NICU unit at Fairview Hospital. A HUGE thank to the ladies of Berea Elks Lodge #1815 and Dawn Laresen’s Mom, JoAnn , for making all the blankets!
Esteemed Loyal Knight’s Granddaughter Elizabeth, who recently celebrated her first birthday, was in the NICU for two weeks last year. Our little way of saying 'Thank you' to all the Nursing and Medical staff!!
Salem Elks #305 Awards Multiple Scholarships
The Scholarship Committee has chosen the top 12 Senior students who will each be receiving a $500 scholarship from our Lodge:
Salem High School:🎓
Garrett Menough
Annika Murray
Laila Murray
Kade Pasco
Megan Stafford
Lisbon High School:🎓
Alex Schreffler
United High School:🎓
Matilyn Zines
Columbiana High School:🎓
Alaina Johnston
Ian Less
East Palestine High School:🎓
Gabrielle Andre
Leila Martin
Laidan McTrustry
Plus... Aiden Cole received $4,000 from the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship Award!
Congratulations to all. We hope this will help in some small way to further your education and to lighten your burdens. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors. 👏🎉
Van Wert Elks #1197 Honors Local Eagle Scout
Representing the Van Wert Lodge at the ceremony were Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison.
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Clayton Priest. Evan is a member of Boy Scout Troop #32, sponsored by the Middle Point United Methodist Church in Middle Point, OH.
Clayton 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 Clayton’s Eagle Scout Project he installed a new flagpole and pavers at the Grover Hill Fire Department.
Alliance Elks #467 Awards $5,500 to Local Youth & Adult Disabilities Support Organization
Jeff Summer, Exalted Ruler of Alliance Elks Lodge # 467, had the honor of presenting a check for $5,500 from the Ohio Elks Association Cerebral Palsy for a grant written by Ravenna Lodge #1076 to Hattie Larlham Foundation representative, Mary Horoszko.
Hattie Larlham is a not-for-profit organization providing care and support to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their service area includes Northeast Ohio and Central Ohio.
Ohio Elks Association Announces State Winner of DAP Poster Contest
Simon Willgohs, the Ohio State winner, was awarded the top prize for his entry in the Elks Drug Awareness Poster Contest in Salem, Ohio.
Simon and his winning entry.
Simon is a 5th grader attending Salem-Southeast Elementary School. His poster was spot on with this year’s theme, Be Kind to Your Mind-Live Drug Free. Simon received a blue ribbon and won a $100 Visa gift card from the state along with prizes from the Salem Elks Lodge #305 and the Northeast District Elks.
Gallipolis Elks #107 Helps Battle Hunger in Local Community
Pictured from left to right are Greg Hall, owner and operator of Poppy’s Tea Shop and Food Pantry along with the Court St. Ministries and Exalted Ruler Dan Bowman.
Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107 used $2,000 from the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Beacon Grant to support Poppy’s Tea Shop and Food Pantry, aka Court St. Ministries.
Court St. Ministries serves the homeless and needy by providing them with clothing, hot meals, hot drinks and every two weeks a box of groceries. No one in need is turned away. All of this is made possible because of donations of clothing, food and monies to the pantry.
Ohio Elks Association Recognizes Outstanding Elks For Drug Awareness Programs
Sharon Brown with State DAP Chairman Becky Underhill and Ohio Elks President Tom Pavlik.
Ohio Drug Awareness Program (DAP) Chairperson, Becky Underhill, acknowledges the outstanding efforts by Lodge DAP Chairpersons at the 2024 State Convention.
John Gazzale with State DAP Chairman Becky Underhill and State President Tom Pavlik.
Sharon Brown from Jackson Lodge # 466
Sharon did an outstanding job getting the Drug Awareness information out to the Jackson County Counts System, local police, kids in her local schools, and being present at the county fairs and festivals.
John Gazzale from the Marietta Lodge #477
John submitted Drug Awareness information to the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County and has also been working with drug rehab centers in the county.
Eddie Hanna from Kent Lodge # 1377 and Scott Enlow from Ravenna Lodge # 1076
Two years ago these guys started a little friendly competition to raise money for drug awareness by hosting a rib cook-off. This year they raised over $1300 for their district DAP.
Marysville Elks Lodge #1130
Lodge members beat the pavement all summer long during their city’s MORA events where Elroy walked the streets with his entourage giving hugs, posing for pictures and handing out drug awareness information.
Thank you all for a job well done!
Van Wert Elks #1197 Awards Student of the Year
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 selected Ethan Scaggs, senior at Lincolnview High School as the recipient of the Student of the Year for Van Wert Lodge.
From Left: Ethan Scaggs with Lynne Etling, Exalted Ruler
Ethan was selected as the Student of the Month for December. He will graduate this spring from Lincolnview High School.
Students are nominated by their high schools to receive the Student of the Month 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.
All of the Student of the Month winners are then judged for their performance and achievements for selection as the Student of the Year. Ethan received a monetary donation as well as a certificate. He will now be competing for District Student of the Year against students from 12 other lodges within the district.
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.
Ohio Elks State President Installs Southeast District Officers
State President Brad L. Goodballet recently installed the new Southeast District Activities Chair "BK" Brian Caldwell and his officer corp for the coming year at his home lodge of East Liverpool #258. Congrats to all officers and best of luck in the coming year!
State President Brad L. Goodballet with the newly installed Southeast District Activities Chairman "BK" BrIAn Caldwell and Vice District Activities Chairman George Poorman, Exalted Ruler of East Liverpool # 258 "Ziggy" Anthony Zirillo and the State President’s Wife Kerry.
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.