Hamilton Elks #93 Making an "Impact" in Community For Low & Fixed Income Seniors
We wanted to share our journey with getting the award for the $10,000 Elks National Foundation Impact Grant for 2024. Our Impact Grant helps seniors who have low-income and have food insecurities in Butler County.
We have teamed up with Job & Family Services who has their Adult Protective Services Department that handles only seniors. Our project goal was to help 15 senior families each month with non-perishable food items and perishable food items. Our budget from the Impact Grant was $833.00 monthly and $167.00 from our Benevolent Fund contributions which our board voted in to help support the fund for the year. This combination gave us $1,000 for our monthly budget.
This was our first time receiving this award and we are really excited to proceed with our project goals.
We are halfway through the Impact Grant process and only six months to go until we have completed our Impact Grant journey. We have had full commitment from all our Golf Groups which has been wonderful to see this Impact Grant be so successful so far.
We wanted to share the six-month journey and how working with this grant has been so rewarding. We have partnered with Job & Family Services with the Kinship program for over 10 years. But this is the 2nd year we have worked with the Adult Protective Services and the 1st year working with them concerning the seniors with low-income and food insecurities.
Salem Elks #305 Present $7,700 To Local Cerebral Palsy Organization
Ben Blevins, Exalted Ruler of Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented Andrew Garber, Principal of Robert Bycroft School with a Check for $7,700! This was a grant provided through the Ohio Elks Association CP Fund Board.
The school requested the funds to purchase a new Galileo S25 which would help the older children; as the previous one purchased was for a lower weight limit. This vibration device helps reduce spasticity, improves muscle strength, increasing joint mobility and muscle thickness, promoting postural stability, improving balance ability and enhancing gross motor ability. Andrew commented they have found the Galileo device will help others that don’t necessarily have Cerebral Palsy.
Van Wert Elks #1197 Announce Legacy Scholarship Winner
Van Wert Elks Lodge#1197 have announced the awarding of a $4,000 Legacy Award Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Kaden Hohman. The Legacy Award Scholarships are awarded by the Elks National Foundation and are only available to children and grandchildren of Elk Members. Kaden graduated this spring from Lincolnview High School and will be attending this fall Bowling Green State University and will be majoring in health sciences.
During high school Kaden was the Class president his Junior and Senior year. Service Club president, Spanish Club president and Student Council president. He also was involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Theatre and Cheer. Kaden also participated in Cross Country and Track and Field.
He is also involved in Dance, All Star Cheer, Classroom assistant, Volunteer cheer coach and Dance convention assistant at Kim Hohman’s Dance Works.
Kaden is the son of Dan and Kim Hohman.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships awarded each year. Van Wert Lodge is proud to have been a sponsor for Kaden during this competition.
Salem Elks #305 Recognizes Outstanding Membership Drive By One Of Their Own
PER Wayne Gorby presenting watch to ANDREW GREEN
Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented Andrew Green with his gold watch from the Grand Exalted Ruler for bringing in 11 members to the Lodge within the past year. He has been trying to accomplish this over the last couple years. Finally success. We thank you for being so diligent in growing Salem #305 Lodge membership numbers. Two of those new members are now serving as an Inner guard and a Trustee.
Congratulations 👏🎉 Drew!!
Kenton Elks #157 Celebrate Flag Day with Community
Pictured are Scouts and Scoutmasters from Troop #124, Ada, Ohio, flanked by current Exalted Ruler, Derryck Menard, on the left, and speaker, Roger E. Crowe, on the right.
Kenton Elks Lodge #157 held its annual Flag Day ceremony on Friday evening, June 14, with 45 members and guests in attendance. Boy Scouts from Troop 124 of Ada, Ohio, acted as flag bearers, while the "Kentones" Male Chorus sang a wide variety of patriotic numbers throughout the service.
Roger E. Crowe, Past State President of the Ohio Elks Association, PDDGER and current lodge Secretary, shared the history of the American Flag.
Following the ceremony, a sponsored meal of "picnic foods" was enjoyed by all those who attended the Flag Day service.
Van Wert Elks #1197 - Supports Local Veterans Food Pantry
Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,000 to the Veteran’s Food Pantry in Lima, OH. . The monies are from a Freedom Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.
Freedom Grants can only be used for projects to support our nation’s veterans.
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.
Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Veteran’s Food Pantry with this important service they provide to our area veterans.
Pictured left to right are John Ream, Leading Knight, Betsy Potts, Food Pantry Supervisor, Mike Martz, Lecturing Knight, Al Zimmerman, PER and Joe Ketchum, Food pantry volunteer.
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.