East Liverpool Elks #258 Connects Kids With Nature.
East Liverpool Elks Lodge #258 hosted more than 75 children for their annual "Fish & Fun Day" at the Lodge’s 25-acre lake/park located in the country. The event gives inner city children the opportunity to interact with nature by participating in games, fishing and archery. Each child is provided lunch and snacks throughout the day, and a fishing pole and tackle box of their very own to take home.
Berea Elks #1815 Supports UCP of Cleveland
From Left: Sarah Zarcone, UCP Director of Development, A UCP Client, Danielle Mahany, PER Berea Elks #1815, and BETH LUCAS, UCP President & CEO
Berea Elks Lodge #1815 recently presented a $25,000 check to UCP of Cleveland. The funds were made possible by a grant from the Ohio Elks Association Cerebral Palsy Board Fund. Cerebral Palsy is the Ohio Elks major project donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations across the state annually who support people with CP and other similar disabilities.
UCP of Greater Cleveland serves over 1,500 children and adults every year. While the agency initially served only children with cerebral palsy, we are now a network of support for people with a wide spectrum of disabilities including but not limited to, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, genetic disorders, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, among others.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Announces Americanism Essay Contest Winners
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 announced the winners of the 2023-2024 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Americanism Essay Contest. This fraternal year, the theme for the contest was, “What the Bill of Rights means to me”. The students competed in divisions, by age group.
The local winners, which were forwarded to the District for further judging, were:
1st Place Winners (pictured left to right, front row)
Div. I – 5th Grade – Londyn Burley – Crestview Elementary School
Div. II – 6th Grade – Mackenzie Kreischer – Crestview Middle School
Div. III – 7th Grade – Breanna Sinn – Crestview Middle School
Lynne Etling – Van Wert Elks Exalted Ruler
2nd Place Winners (pictured left to right, middle row)
Div. I – 5th Grade – Addi Horstman– St Mary’s Catholic Elementary
Div. II – 6th Grade – Kendall Hesseling – St Mary’s Catholic Elementary
Div. III – 7th Grade – Brooke Stoller – Wayne Trace Middle School
Div. IV – 8th Grade – Annabel Horstman – Lincolnview Middle School
3rd Place Winners (pictured left to right, back row)
Div. I – 5th Grade – Liam Greenwalt – Lincolnview Middle School
Div. II – 6th Grade – Katelynn Hurd – Wayne Trace Middle School
Div. III – 7th Grade – Maverick – Lincolnview Middle School
Anita Carvajal – Lodge Americanism Committee Chair
Absent was Xehrya Esparza who placed first and Graylie Grose, who placed third, both in Division IV.
Winners in the Northwest District level were Londyn Burley placed first; Liam Greenwalt placed second and Addi Horstman placed third, all in the Northwest District Division I competition. Katelynn Hurd placed first in the Northwest District Division II competition. Maverick Hammons placed third in the Northwest District Division III competition. Xehrya Esparza placed first in the Northwest District Division IV competition.
Van Wert Lodge had three who placed in the State competition. Londyn Burley placed third in the Division I level. Katelynn Hurd placed third in the Division II level and Xehrya Esparza placed first in the Division IV level.
Van Wert Lodge is proud to announce that Xehrya Esparza will be competing in the National Level.
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 would like to congratulate all of our winners and we wish to thank all of the students, teachers and schools for their participation in this years essay contest.
Northeast District Hosts Ohio Elks Association State Officers
Berea Elks Lodge #1815 hosted the Ohio Elks State Officers and lodges from across the Northeast District the past weekend. In addition to raising hundred of dollars for charities, the weekend included a range of fun activities including a golf outing, tours of landmarks around the Cleveland area, a concert and pig roast, and culminated with the installation of the Northeast District Officers for the 2024-2025 district year. Thanks to all who worked the weekend and to all who visited from around the state.
Buckeyes From Around The Country Are Heading to Austin!
Native Ohio residents, Barry and Linda Goodballet, currently residing in Encinitas, CA, sporting the new shirts for the endorsed candidate for Grand Exalted Ruler Doug Schiefer and wife Julia. Both Barry and Linda will be traveling to Grand Lodge in Austin, TX in support of Doug and Julia, and their brother, Ohio Elks Association State President Brad Goodballet. Look for them Austin!
Newark Elks #391 Helps Train Sheriff Department’s Newest Recruit
Meet Stella, the newest recruit with the Licking County Sheriff’s Department. Stella is a sheepadoodle, a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle. When fully grown, she will weigh around 80 pounds. She is hypoallergenic, doesn’t shed and is a soft ball of fur. She has a very calm disposition and loves attention.
From Left: Lecturing Knight, Becky Underhill; Leading Knight, Ginger Rife; Captain Barbuto, Stella and her handler, Deputy Van Balen; Lieutenant Crider; and Exalted Ruler, Mark Gilligan.
Right now, this 15 week old puppy is learning basic commands and skills but in a few months she will start training to be a therapy dog. Her job will be to calm the fears and anxieties of children in stressful situations or to sit with children at hearings where they are giving testimony. When off duty, Stella will visit area schools and give the students the opportunity to read to her. What a life!!!
Newark Elks #391 is thrilled to be able to help with Stella’s training by donating $2,500 from our PER Association and, of course, Stella is welcome to visit our lodge at any time to get some affection. We love soft balls of fur too!
Berea Elks #1815 Help Local Seniors With Nutrition Support
Members of Berea Elks Lodge #1815 recently helped to repack 10,500 lb. of shelf stable food at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank which will be distributed to nearly 400 elderly around Northeast Ohio providing nutrition assistance for those on fixed or no incomes.
Members packed everything from milk, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, rice, and other items that can hold longer shelf life.
In all, 18 members of the lodge worked to do their part to make our community a better place.
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!