Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scout

On Sunday, February 4, 2024, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Garret Hark of BSA Troop #230 during his Eagle Scout Cout 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, Garret erected signage for the school gymnasium and dressed the area with landscaping.

Congratulations to Garret on his many achievements.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Honors Local Eagle Scout

FROM LEFT Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Scouting Liaison, Eagle Scout Cody Scannell and Louis Crow, lodge member.

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Cody Scannell on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Cody is a member of Boy Scout Troop #32, sponsored by the Middle Point United Methodist Church in Middle Point, OH.

Cody 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 Cody’s Eagle Scout Project he installed a play scape area consisting of swings, slides, etc. for the Family Process Housing in Lima, OH.

Willoughby - Cleveland Elks #18 Support Local Food Pantry

Willoughby-Cleveland Elks Lodge #18 were honored to present a donation of $1,000, which was made possible with an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Spotlight Grant to the Euclid Hunger Center.  Volunteers at the center operate a choice-pantry for local families in the heart of Euclid Ohio

Shown here are the manager of the pantry Kay O'Donnell, Elks members present are PER Kerrie McClain, ER Jeff Romito, Kay, PER Kirk Kokal and Terry Grey.

Berea Elks #1815 Raises $2,000 For Police Memorial Fund

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 hosted a Doubles Dart Tournament to benefit the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society (GCPOMS) a non-profit charity, whose mission is to honor peace officers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of service to their communities and the nation, especially those from the Greater Cleveland area, including Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, and northern Summit Counties.

Twenty-one teams from law enforcement, and Elks members from Berea Lodge #1815, Willoughby-Cleveland Lodge #18; and Lakewood Lodge #1350, competed for top awards, raising nearly $2,000 for the fund. Refreshments were donated by members Danielle Mahoney and Debra and Pat Greenhill. The Cleveland Darter Club donated the use of the boards. 

Event winners were: 1st Place: Ron Hollenbuck and Derek Fess (Lakewood), 2nd Place: Fuzzy Foland and Dan Ruit (also Cleveland Police officer) (Lakewood Lodge) and 3rd Place: Luis Rivera and Frank Crutz (Cleveland Police Team). Finally, all in attendance were reminded that January 9, 2024, was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and showed their support for those who risk their lives on a daily basis.  

Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scouts

Lima Elks Lodge #54 recently recognized Henry Black, Collin Ellerbrock, Benjamin Haughn, Ayden Klausing, Lukas Klear, Eian Lause, Brody Recker, Gage Recker, Caden Schroeder, Seth Thomas and Max Verhoff of BSA Troop #224 Troop #777 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Each Scout completed a project at a church, school or cemetery within the local villages of Putnam County.

The award consisted of The American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Rulers' Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting Pin.

Congratulations to these young men on their many achievements.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Announces Students of the Month

Ethan Scaggs with Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 have selected Sydney Dowler, senior at Van Wert High School and Ethan K. Scaggs, senior at Lincolnview High School as the recipients of the Student of the Month for December.

Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair with Sydney Dowler

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.

Salem Elks #305 Announces Lodge Hoop Shoot Champions

The Salem Elks Lodge #305 held their local Hoop Shoot competition with the following placing.

Kinley Gfeller 1st Girls 10-11
Chaya Murray 1st Girls 12-13
Mason Wortman 1st Boys 12-13
Emmy Blevins 1st Girls 8-9
Maryn McFadden 2nd Girls 12-13
Lucas McDowell 2nd Boys 12-13

Not pictured: 

Brycen Sox 1st Boys 8-9, 
True Hartsoe 1st Boys 10-11 & Adrien Rosch Boys 10-11

Doug Rudibaugh, PER is the Hoop Shoot Chairman. His team of volunteers, especially Mandy Smith and family, did a great job. We thank the Salem Community Center for the use of the basketball court and equipment. 

1st place winners advance onto the NE District level of competition which is at Ravenna HS gymnasium on Saturday, January 20th.

Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scout

Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Wyatt Mallett of BSA Troop #777 during his Eagle Scout Cout 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.

Wyatt’s Eagle Scout project was to redo the landscaping on the south side of the church.

Congratulations to Wyatt on his many achievements.

Salem Elks #305 Helps Local Food Pantry

Ben Blevins, Esteemed Leading Knight of Salem Elks Lodge #305 had the honor to present a check for $2,500 to Marya Moore of the Salem Community Pantry. The funds were made possible by a Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation and will be used by the pantry to help those in the community in need.

Ohio Elks Leadership Training Pre Registration Now Open!

Pre-registration is now open for the Ohio Elks Association Leadership Training Day, also known as the Elk Leadership Kollege that will take place at Newark Lodge #391 on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

This is an invaluable training session for any new, incoming, or experienced lodge officer, trustee, or committee chair.

The event is free and open to all Elks. Full details can be found here:

Register today!

Lima Elks #54 Honors Local Eagle Scouts

On Sunday, January 7, 2024, Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized brothers Daniel Koh and Thomas Koh of BSA Troop #777 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

The award consisted of The American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Rulers' Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting Pin.

Congratulations to Daniel and Thomas on their many achievements.

Northwest District Hoop Shoot Champions Announced!

The Northwest Ohio Elks District Hoop Shoot competition was held on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at The Ohio State University-Lima/Rhodes State College campus, Cook Hall.

The winners are:

8-9 Girls
Myra Unrast – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170                     14/25

10-11 Girls
Myma Dreyer – Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197                    16/25

12-13 Girls
Kaya Fulmer – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170                    15/25

8-9 Boys
Parker Moeller – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170                 24/25

10-11 Boys
Marcus Eckstein – Mercer Co Elks Lodge #2170             19/25

12-13 Boys
Keaton Elwer – Lima Elks Lodge #54                                 23/25

The winners will compete in the State Hoop Shoot competition which will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Newark, OH.

The Regional Hoop Shoot Competition will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in South Bend, IN.

The National Hoop Shoot Competition will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Chicago, IL.

Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Help Keep Veterans Warm This Winter

Have you ever wondered what $1700 worth of coats look like, well wonder no more.

Willoughby-Cleveland Elks Lodge #18 met with Courtney, Delores and Lorraine at the Mentor Burlington Coat Factory. These three wonderful ladies helped us make the final purchase to complete our Freedom Grant.

This grant, funded by the  Elks National Foundation enabled us to purchase $1700 worth of coats, hats and gloves for distribution to multiple Veterans agencies that focus on homeless Veterans within our surrounding communities. Even on a busy Sunday, they spent over an hour helping us to help those who have served our country. A big thanks to them and the corporate office of Burlington Coat Factory.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Help Local Fire Department Upgrade Communications

From Left: Firefighter Preston Browning, Willshire Fire Chief Jeff Henderson, Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman  and Firefighter Brad Berry.

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,000 to the Willshire Fire Department to assist them with upgrades to newer radios and pagers. The monies are from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.   Gratitude Grants are given to lodges that meet their per-capita goal of donations to the Elks National Foundation

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. 

With this donation the department will be able to upgrade their communications equipment.

Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Willshire Fire Department with the excellent fire protection they provide.

Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Keeping Veterans Warm This Winter

Social workers Summer and Julie of CBOC with donated winter warmer kits.

Willoughby-Cleveland Elks Lodge #18 partnered with CBOC (Community Based outreach Center) in Willoughby donating 21 veteran warming kits in addition to 100 pairs of socks. Additionally, the lodge will be delivering 45 coats to various organizations in the area who work to help homeless veterans.

2024 Ohio Elks Association State Golf Tournament Announced!

Findlay Elks Lodge #75 will be hosting the 2024 Ohio Elks State Golf Tournament on September 7th and 8th, 2024. 

The tournament will be held at the Hillcrest Golf Club and the Sycamore Springs Golf Course, two 18-hole golf courses within 15 minutes of the Lodge property.  The scramble format will used again this year with both Open and Senior Flights available. Each of these flights will be broken into 2 divisions heading into final round play to afford golfers of all skill levels a competitive tournament experience. One change of note this year, any team with a minimum of 3 lady golfers have the option of competing in the Senior Division of the tournament. 

Ashland Elks #1360 Holds 17th Annual Christmas Breakfast

Ashland Elks Lodge #1360 held its 17th annual Christmas Breakfast for those who cannot be with family and friends.

A free hot breakfast was served from 9-10:30 a.m. with 42 people attending

The event is part of the Elks' mission of giving back to the community. Elks members provide money to fund the breakfast and volunteer their time to prepare and serve the meal.Ashland Emblem Club 61 also gave a monetary donation for the  breakfast

Larry Stine coordinates the breakfast and was joined by 13 other volunteers. Mike Fallon is Ashland Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler who also helped cook the breakfast.

Massillon-North Canton Elks #2029 Helps Local Food Pantries

Massillon-North Canton Elks Lodge #2029 donated to five local food pantries in North Canton this Fall through the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Spotlight Grant. 

Donations were given and the Elks toured the facilities to see how they worked and what their individual needs were.

These Food Pantries are run out of:
Zion Lutheran Church
First Christian Church
North Canton Church of Christ
The Summit Church
John Knox Presbyterian Church

Van Wert Elks #1197 Help Local Fire Department

Pictured left to right are Convoy Fire Chief Gary Kreischer and Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Elks National Foundation Chairman. 

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $1,000 to the Convoy Fire & EMS for the purchase of two sections of 5” LDH supply/attack hose for their tanker truck. This will enable them to draft water from a pond or other resource to supply a large amount of water to the Fire Engine or a Tanker shuttle.     

The monies are from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.   Gratitude Grants are given to lodges that meet their per-capita goal of donations to the Elks National Foundation.

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 2,000 Elks Lodges across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. 

With this donation they will be able to draw needed water for a fire scene.

Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Convoy Fire and EMS with the excellent fire protection they provide.

Berea Elks #1815 Hosts Alia Bailey Toy Drive

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 once again hosted family and friends of Alia Bailey whom the world lost to a terrible car accident in January of 2017 at the all too young age of 6. Since that tragedy, the lodge has hosted an annual toy and gift drive in her memory to benefit pediatric patients at MetroHealth, where Alia was treated after the accident.

Dozens of people helped wrap presents and deliver them to Metro. It was the largest turnout yet with literally hundreds and hundreds of gifts donated in here name.