Ashland #1360 Sparkles While Raising Drug Awareness
Ashland Elks Lodge 1360 proudly participated in the Ashland Holiday Parade, showcasing its commitment to Elkdom and the Drug Awareness Program (DAP). Lodge members represented the organization with enthusiasm as part of the festive celebration. This year’s parade featured a total of 75 entries, all embracing the theme “Sparkle Ashland,” creating a vibrant and spirited atmosphere for the community.
Berea Elks #1815 Give Hope for the Holidays to 50 Foster Kids
From left: Jeff Coyle (Lodge Secretary), Danielle Mahany (Lodge Treasurer), John Masterson (Lodge Chaplain), Kristin Garner (Cuyahoga County), Richard Threadgill (PER), Hans Larsen (Esteemed Leading Knight), Dawn Larsen (member).
All the donations wrapped up in bags at the lodge before being transported to the county.
Berea Elks Lodge #1815 partnered with Cuyahoga County Department of Children’s Services this holiday season providing toys, clothes, and other gifts to 50 kids currently in foster care. This is the second year the lodge has participated in the “Hope for the Holidays” program with the country who currently have more than 2,200 kids under their custody.
Members donated more than $5,700 worth of gifts with help from a $5,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. The expanded grant helped the lodge reach 20% more kids this year over last year’s effort. While we wish we could reach all of them, the lodge and its members are proud to touch at least 50 kids this holiday season.
Ashland #1360 Serves Up Thanksgiving Dinner to the Community for the 25th Year in a Row
On Thursday, the Ashland Elks lodge #1360 served 100 people at the 25th Community Thanksgiving. Open to the everyone, the traditional (and delicious) Thanksgiving meal provides a place to enjoy the holiday with others and full belly for those in need.
Ashland #1360 Members Match Spotlight Grant Money to Bring in $2,000 of Food for the Holiday Season
ER Chad Dickinson, Associated Charities Director Chris Box and ENF Chairman Scott Peters
Through a creative shopping program, the Ashland Elks #1360 lodge brought in $2,000 worth of food for Ashland Associated Charities to provide for their food assistance program. $1,000 was from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant and the rest was donated by members of the lodge.
Lodge #1923 Sets New Record with 150 Thanksgiving Meals for Neighbors in Need
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Lodge #1923 celebrated the spirit of giving this Thanksgiving by achieving a new lodge record, preparing and serving 150 complete holiday meals to community neighbors. This impactful effort was made possible by the generous support of the Elks National Foundation (ENF). The lodge utilized the funding from the ENF Spotlight Grant to purchase the necessary food and supplies, ensuring every meal was prepared with care and quality. The success of the event was a true demonstration of Elks Care, Elks Share, powered by immense volunteer spirit. A dedicated team of 35 lodge volunteers worked to prepare and package the meals. Lodge #1923 is proud to continue its commitment to community service, strengthening the Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton area through the generosity and mission of the Elks National Foundation.
SHOUT IT FROM THE RAFTERS!!! A big shout-out to our Ohio State Officers!
Pictured left to right: State Secretary/Treasurer Nevin Taylor PSP, 2 nd VP Mark Duckworth, Approving Trustee Rich Threadgill, Secretary of Trustees Lloy Skillicorn, State Drug Awareness Chairman Becky Underhill, Trustee Chairman Chris Hatcher, Sgt-at-Arms Larry Ropp, State Chaplain Rod Bachtel, Tiler Tammy Nixon, 1 st VP Pat McCaffrey, and State President Keith Denny. Not pictured, Inner Guard Bobby Marchi.
These ten dedicated individuals truly deserve a heartfelt thank-you from this state chairman for their ongoing guidance and support. Americans face the war on drugs every single day and with the support of the Ohio Elks Association, lodges across the state are able to “get the word out” educating our young people on the dangers of drugs and empower others as they meet this challenge head on. THANK YOU!!!!
Athens 973 Donates Thousands in November
The Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $500 to the Dawn Mingus Scholarship Fund. It is a fund established in memory of Dawn Mingus-Reynolds, a graduate of Athens High School who became a registered nurse. It provides scholarships to students in Athens County who are pursuing a degree in a state-accredited nursing program.
Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $400 to the Chillicothe Elks Lodge #52 to support their annual Veterans Christmas Party.
As a way to say thank you to area First Responders, the Athens Elks Lodge #973 purchased over $1,000 in food to make a Thanksgiving lunch in mid November. The lunches were prepared by volunteers from the lodge that prepared the roasted turkey breast, the stuffing, home made mashed potatoes with gravy, a roll, bottle of water and a piece of pie for dessert. The meals were either delivered, picked up or eaten at the Lodge by 120 First Responders within Athens County.
The Athens Elks Lodge #973 provided $500 to the Southern Ohio Miners Travel Baseball Team, which is a youth travel baseball team with kids from Athens, Vinton, and Jackson counties. It was to sponsor a banner at their field and to help pay for their uniforms.
The Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $300 to the Athens FFA at the Athens High School to help pay for the cost for participants to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.
The Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $600 to the Athens Rotary Foundation to supply Christmas Baskets to 20 families in need through their partnership with the Salvation Army.
The Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $500 to the Federal Hocking School Athletics Department to pay for Girls Middle School Basketbal Jerseys.
The Athens Elks Lodge #973 donated $250 for the Millfield Park Restoration project.
With help from area veterans, community members in Dover Township are coming together to restore the Millfield Community Park for the area’s children. This donation will go towards equipment for the local children to play on and a place for local community members to meet and gather.
Berea #1815 Purse Bingo Raises Funds for Wounded Heroes
he Berea Elks Lodge #1815 recently held its popular Purse Bingo event, bringing the community together for a night of fun and philanthropy. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters, the event raised an impressive $1,500 for Wounded Heroes, a local veterans charity dedicated to assisting service members who were wounded in action.
Among our fine line-up of models was our own Veterans Chair (and Esteemed Leading Knight) Hans Larsen (in the tuxedo) and Dr. Mitch Rivas (in the hat).
Lodge #1923 Presents $2,000 to Operation Orphan Wildlife
Cuyahoga Falls Akron Barberton Lodge #1923 recently hosted a special evening dedicated to local wildlife conservation on Friday, November 15th. The Lodge was honored to welcome Fran Kitchen, who has run Operation Orphan Wildlife (OOW) for 62 years. Fran and her team brought several rescued animals and provided an insightful presentation on their efforts to rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned wildlife. Our members showed tremendous support by bringing in donations and participating in a raffle basket fundraiser. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a $2,000 check to Fran Kitchen and OOW. This generous gift was made possible through the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Gratitude Grant. Thank you to all members and guests for making this event a success and helping Lodge #1923 support Operation Orphan Wildlife's crucial mission!
NE District Presents Check from CP Charity Gala
Exalted Ruler Ben Blevins,PER and principal Beth Engle
The NE District Charity Gala raised funds for Cerebral Palsy with funds distributed to 4 facilities. One of those being our very own Robert Bycroft in Lisbon, Ohio. Salem Lodge #305's ER, Ben Blevins presented the check to Beth Engle, the new principal at Robert Bycroft. in the amount of $908.25. She was very appreciative for the school being included. We look forward to working with Principal Engle in the future. Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐
Columbus-Grove City Elks Promote Drug Awareness
Pictured left to right is Trish McClure, Lodge DAP Chairman, Becky Underhill, State DAP Chairman, and Matt Beedy.
You will see Columbus-Grove City Drug Awareness Chairman, Trish McClure at a lot of lodge events in the Grove City area. Just to name a few are car show held in the lodge parking lot and Boo off Broadway.
Elroy is always there with her. Thank you to Trish and whomever is inside the Elroy costume.
Ashland #1360 Rings in Holiday Spirit
Ashland Elks 1360 kicked off the Red Kettle season at Hawkins-Miller Market. Members and Officers had a great time volunteering and practicing the motto “Elks Care - Elks Share”
Gallipolis Elks Help Stock Local Food Pantry
The demand for food supplies from the Gallipolis area food banks increased significantly during the government shutdown. This was particularly true for the Courtside Ministries. Their mission is to provide food staples for families to take home along with providing a hot meal on an as needed basis. Additionally, they have a hot buffet available on Thursdays. Consequently, supplies were getting low and the Gallipolis Elks donated $1000 to help them replenish their stock. Pictured on the right is Lori Hall receiving the donation from PDDGER Rick Borton and Elk volunteer Ollie Paxton-Tipple.
Galion #1191 Donates new clothing to Veterans
Larry Olmutz, Carla Veterans Coordinator
Galion Elks #1191 Veterans Committee Chairman and retired Air Force Master Sergent Larry Olmutz presents Veterans Home Veterans Services Cordinator Carla with new clothes for Veterans month.
Norwalk #730 Donates Thanksgiving Turkeys
Norwalk Elks Lodge #730 donated 37 turkeys to Norwalk Area Food Bank. Grant monies were used to purchase the turkeys from local Schild's IGA grocery store. Cindi Liben, director of NAFB, reports that the center expects to donate more than 150 turkeys throughout the holiday season.
Van Wert 1197 Gives Local Students a Passing Grade
Pictured left to right are: Delana Rank with Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair
Pictured left to right are:Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair with Logan Winke
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have selected Delana Rank, senior at Lincolnview High School and Logan A. Winke, senior at Vantage Career Center as the recipients of the Student of the Month for October.
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.
Norwalk Elks Promote Drug Awareness
Thank you to these two hard working ladies from the Norwalk Elks Lodge #730 for their dedication to kids!! They not only organized the Norwalk Soccer Shoot, but they also had a luncheon for the Soccer Shoot contestants. At each of the place settings were DAP bookmarks and pencils. Becky and Denise are both on the Youth Activities Committee at their lodge.
Pictured left to right is Becky Parcher Norwalk Elks, Becky Underhill, State DAP Chairman, and Denise Reilly Norwalk Elks.
Newark #391 Promotes Drug Awareness Program
Newark Lodge 391 is committed to serving the community through its dedicated drug awareness program. By partnering with local schools and law enforcement, Newark Lodge 391 strives to create safer, healthier neighborhoods. The lodge regularly organizes events and outreach activities to inform residents and youth about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention. Their efforts include distributing informational materials and encouraging positive lifestyle choices at events such as Rally in the Alley, Red Ribbon Month and Week, Safe Trick or Treat on the Square, Children’s Christmas Party and contests for students 2 nd grade through high school.
Pictured are the Newark Elks #391 Officers, in red coats, and the Ohio South Central District Officers. Not pictured but in attendance is Dave Underhill, Lodge member, district officer and our photographer.
Ashland Elks #1360 Dresses Up for Drug Awareness
Ashland Elks Lodge 1360 participated in the Downtown Costume Capers and passed out 1,280 pieces of candy and distributed 500 Red Ribbons, Bracelets and Red Ribbon pamphlets.
Thank you to DAP chairman Justin Lutz, PER Judi Dickinson and member Andre Chamal and special thank you to Brayden Miller “Elroy” the Elk
Van Wert #1197 Hosts Dinner for Veterans
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks held a Free Spaghetti Dinner for all the veterans in the Van Wert County area on Thursday, October 23.
A nice group of Veterans enjoyed a free dinner and the chance to catch up with their fellow veterans on this evening.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a motto “As long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them”. Van Wert Lodge is proud to be able to sponsor this free event for our veterans as a way of saying “Thank You” for your service to our country.
Pictured are some of the veterans enjoying their dinner.