'24 Off to a Great Start

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300 have had a busy year already and we love being able to help whenever possible.  The lodge donated $1,000 to the Macon County Honor Guard to support those volunteers who see that our military heroes receive proper respectful and dignified burials.  Thus far this year, in total, we have donated over $12,000 to various causes, to include local families in need, Project Graduation, Fire Prevention and Education, burn victim fundraiser, Grand Lodge Alzheimer’s fund, Big Brothers Big Sisters, youth sports and others.  The lodge members also support in various ways with our time.  The lodge is preparing to kickoff another one of our gun raffles, which will be a “60 Guns in 30 Days” raffle, which will be available on the Mt Zion Odd fellows #300 website, “https://www.mtzionoddfellows.org”.  The funds from this raffle will allow us to continue our support.

The Lodge members love being involved in the community and helping out where possible.  The members support various events, such as the 2024 jeep Fest, Mt Zion Youth baseball/softball Mashup Tournament, Mt Zion Pony Express, Macon County Fair and others.  The lodge supports other organizations such as the Mt Zion Lions Club, Mt Zion Youth baseball/Softball, Mt Zion Wrestling, Steel Workers Union, Mt Zion Fire, Mt Zion Police and others.  The Lodge relies on others in our community for assistance/support at times and we like to recognize them when we can.  Pictured above; the Lodge presented Libby Kenney, her son Pat and all of their ACE Hardware staff with the Mt Zion Odd Fellows Sponsor of the Year plaque.  ACE has always supported community events and community organizations.  They have been in our community for 25 years as ACE Hardware and they will routinely ask what they can do to help.  Their support improves our opportunity to better serve our community and for that, we are greatly appreciative.

12 Days of Christmas Raffle 2023-24

The Mt Zion Odd fellows concluded their 2023-24 Twelve Days of Christmas cash raffle.  The Mt Zion Lodge sold 1,000 raffle tickets and donated the proceeds of the raffle winnings to a Mt Zion teacher, mother and wife, who was undergoing more treatments and surgery during her battle with cancer.  They also donated to the Mt Zion High School show choir group, Les Femmes.  There were some very happy winners, who advised that they really needed the funds at that time.

2023 Mud Volleyball Success!!!

On August 19, 2023, the Mt Zion Odd Fellows held their annual mud volleyball tournament during the 2023 Mt Zion Pony Express Days.  The mud volleyball tournament requires a lot of support but is always a good fundraiser for a local recipient.  The tournament is ran by PNG Kerry Toothman and this year involved 24 teams.  The lodge had extra dirt hauled in this year, approximately 190 tons of good clean dirt, which lead to a great muddy pit for the games.  Everyone had a great time and our champions this year, and for the past 6 years running, was the “Team 2”, who won $100 and the winner trophy/plaque.  The 2nd place team “The Mudd Puddles” won $50.  Both teams graciously donated their winnings to the recipient this year, Jason Eckenrod.  The Mt Zion Odd Fellows donated all of the proceeds, $6,500 to Jason and his family.

Jason Eckenrod was cutting trees on June 5, 2023, business as usual, when the chainsaw he was using kicked back. He said the chainsaw came back at him and cut the left side of his throat.  Eckenrod was up in the boom truck when he was cut by the chainsaw.  After he was cut he proceeded to take his shirt off and tie it around his neck in an effort to stop the bleeding.  As he got down to the ground and the paramedics were called, his friend and business partner, Brad, took him and pressed a towel on his neck.  According to the nurses, the chainsaw cut through the exterior and interior jugular, cutting a muscle and just barely missing a carotid artery.  Jason was extremely blessed that he survived that event, but he had significant medical costs and lost wages, which led to his selection as the recipient for this years mud volleyball proceeds. 

Mt. Zion Food Pantry Donation - November 2023

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows recognize the great work done by the Mt Zion Food Pantry.  The food pantry serves hundreds of Mt Zion area residents that struggle to provide for their families.  The Foot Pantry sees increase need as the colder months approach and residents see increasing utility bills, thereby decreasing the funds available for adequate food supplies for the families.  The upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas season only add to the challenges families face.

On November 11th, 2023 the Mt Zion Odd Fellows presented a $2,500 donation to the Mt Zion Food Pantry to assist the pantry with their efforts.  The Mt Zion Food Pantry will also be holding a food drive asking for donations from Mt Zion Odd Fellows and area residents able to assist.  The donations will be accepted through December 4th and then food donations will be presented to the foot pantry.

Pictured below, pantry volunteer Cathy Landreth, Odd Fellow NG Paul Higar, Food Pantry President Earleen Hartrich, Food pantry Treasurer Aaron Ridenour, Odd fellow Scott Flannery and Food Pantry founder Rose Long.

2021 Degree Day - 13 New Members

On 09-25-21 The Mt Zion Odd fellows Lodge #300 held Degree Day.  This was our first degree day ran by our Degree Team, headed by NG Jay Woodrum and DDG John Graff.  The event was well attended and we had 13 members receive their degree work.  There was a brief break for lunch and Chef Paul Higar prepared grilled pork chops, chips and cookies for the attendees.  Everyone got their fill and then finished the Degree work and enjoyed some fellowship.  Pictured above are the attendees, top row- NG Jay Woodrum, John Larrison, Doug Shepard, Scott Flannery, Jim Mayes, Andrew Oliver, Jarek Shafer, VG Bill Hutton / bottom row –Josh Larrison, Jimmy Rade, Jordan Shafer, Steve Owens, Jeff Shafer, Pat Lekrone, Tom Williams.

Steak Dinner presents $1,700 to Mt. Zion Girls Softball

Mt Zion Odd Fellows held a steak dinner during Pony Express in an effort to help support Mt Zion girls softball. The community came out and enjoyed a great steak dinner, 12 ounce ribeye steaks, baked potatoes and green beans prepared by Chef Paul Higar. The steak dinner raised funds for girls softball and on 9-25-21 Paul Higar the the Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300 presented Greg Blakey with the $1,700 donation.

Mud Volleyball Tournament awards Shoni Anderson $6,500

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows hosted the 11th annual Mud Volleyball tournament at this year’s Pony Express Days. The Odd Fellows donate the funds raised every year from Mud Volleyball to local recipient and/or family to provide them some assistance. This year the Odd Fellows had 20 teams and raised $6,500, with the Lions Club donating $1,000. The Odd Fellows selected Shoni Anderson, a 5 year old Mt Zion student diagnosed with leukemia, as the recipient for this year and Shoni was present during the tournament. Shoni’s parents, Becky and Jeff Anderson, were also present. “Team 1” won the tournament and “Bang Bros and Girls” took second place. The winners donated their prize money to Shoni and the 50/50 winner, Josh Larrison, also donated his $272 prize money to Shoni.

On September 9th, 2021 The Mt Zion Odd Fellows presented Shoni and her dad with the $6,500 check at the Krave frozen yogurt shop.  The Pony Express was a great success and the Odd Fellows want to thank the Mt Zion Community for supporting the community events once again.

2021 Odd Fellow Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to this years scholarship recipients! These scholarships are made possible by our annual golf outing. For more information on the golf outing, visit it here.

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300 offers scholarships to Mt Zion graduating seniors. This is the 11th year the Lodge has offered the scholarships. The Lodge Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and selects two recipients. The cash award is based on the students Service and Volunteerism to their community, their church and their school. This year, at the Mt Zion High School Awards Night on May 5th, the Mt Zion Odd Fellows $1,000 cash scholarships were presented to Emily Lewis and Jonathan Oliger, two very worthy student recipients.

2020 Sponsor of the Year: Kenney's Ace Hardware

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300 presented their 2020 sponsorship award to Kenney’s Ace Hardware on January 30,2021. This year the Odd Fellows again recognized Libby & Terry Kenney and the ACE Hardware family for their continued support to the Mt Zion community. Libby and Terry have long supported many Mt Zion Community Organizations, such as the Odd Fellows, Lions Club, Scouts, youth sports and others. The Kenney’s ACE family has been there for the community and helps makes our community better.

$2,000 to the Mt. Zion Scouts Programs

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows donated $2,000 to the Mt Zion Scouting program. The Odd Fellows recognized that the Scouts lost fundraising opportunities at Pony Express and with their annual Christmas tree sales. In an effort to support our scouting program and the great work they do, the Odd Fellows made the $2,000 donation. Odd Fellows new 2021 NG Jay Woodrum presents the check to several of the scout youth and their leadership.

2020 Christmas Town Tour and Food Drive

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows wanted to spread some Christmas cheer to the Mt Zion community. They decided the best way to do so, while allowing everyone to distance as they felt appropriate was to bring the cheer to the neighborhoods.

This past Saturday the Odd Fellows traveled throughout MTZion with their illuminated Christmas float playing Christmas songs and their own little drummer boy, Kerry Toothman, playing his homemade drums. Santa even showed up to ride along. The repurposed ambulance provided a tow vehicle, lights and a siren to let the neighborhoods know they were coming.

The Odd Fellows mini parade started at 4:30. 15 miles and 3 hours later, the parade wrapped up, having passed through nearly every Mt Zion neighborhood.

The Odd Fellows were greeted by many happy residents standing on their porches or in front of their homes. The Odd Fellows brought donations and collected additional food for the Mt Zion food pantry along the way. Those food items were delivered to the Mt Zion food pantry on Sunday, where they were greatly appreciated and desperately needed.

2020 - 12 Days of Christmas Raffle Winners

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows 12 Days of Christmas raffle started on Christmas Day, with Rob Perkins of Mt Zion winning the $2,000 drawing. The next five $500 winners were Lisa Hyland of Decatur, Will Hamen of Auburn, Jim Dick of Decatur, Susan McMillin of Decatur and Todd McDuffie of Mt Zion. Todd donated $100 of his prize back to support the organizations efforts.

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows wrapped up their 12 Days of Christmas Raffle on January 5th, 2021.  The winners of the raffle were; December 31st - Juanita Saucedo of Decatur, January 1st – Chuck McPeak of Mt Zion, January 2nd – Jeremy Current of Mt Zion ( not available for picture and donated half of his winnings back to the Lodge ), January 3rd – Terry Ryder of Mt Zion, January 4th – Trent Collins of Decatur and on January 5th - Brian & Susan Burton of Ft Meyers, Florida ( no picture available ).  The Odd Fellows would like to congratulate each of the winners and thank everyone for their support.  It is amazing that even during COVID times, the community support has been tremendous.

2020 Odd Fellow Scholarships to 3 Mt. Zion Seniors

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows have long supported our community and the youth in the community.  The lodge has supported youth sports programs, educational endeavors and many other events that support our future leaders, including offering local scholarships.  This year we received 17 applications for scholarships from Mt Zion graduating seniors.  

This is the 10th year that Mt Zion Odd Fellows have offered scholarships to Mt Zion seniors.  The lodge's cash scholarship award is based on the student's service and volunteerism to their community, their church and their school.  This year, the lodge selected 3 seniors as the very worthy recipients of the $1,000 scholarships.  The Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge proudly presents 3 Mt Zion seniors, Heather Schollmeier, Maxwell Klebe and Coalton Camden, the 2020 Mt Zion Odd Fellows scholarships.

The funds raised during our annual Odd Fellows golf outing are used to provide the local scholarships. This year’s golf outing is being held July 11th at the Moweaqua golf course details are available here.

Macon County Honor Guard Donation

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300 is proud to recognize the Macon County Honor Guard for their years of service and support to our Veterans.  The Lodge welcomed the Macon County Honor Guard Commander Charles Loury, Sr. Vice Commander Ron Sloan, Jr. Vice Commander Les Elam and Member Maria Karmatzis to our meeting on February 4th, 2019.  The Lodge wanted to recognize and honor the important and honorable work done by the Macon County Honor Guard.   The Macon County Honor Guard provides services to military families and over 130 funerals annually, as well as various community engagement events such as speaking to students and working special events.  The Macon County Honor Guard is comprised of volunteer members and they are able to do what they do based on donations made to them.  Those donations assist them with transportation, uniforms, equipment and other expenses.  Lodge members individually thanked the Honor Guard for their service to our country and to our veterans.  In recognition of their dedication and long and honorable service, the lodge presented a donation of $1,000 from our lodge to the Macon County Honor Guard. 

Support to Grand Lodge Funds

The Mt Zion Lodge presented Janis Klockenga, Grand Lodge, two $500 donations, one to the Autism Fund, which is a Grand Encampment Fund and the other for the Visual Research Fund.  The Mt Zion Lodge is proud to continue supporting both worthwhile causes.  The funds for these donations were raised by raffles the lodge held during the holidays.

Donation to Mt. Zion Troop 43

The Mt Zion Oddfellows Lodge #300 has reached out to the Mt Zion Community throughout the year in many ways.  The Lodge members enjoy interacting with our youth and investing in activities that help to develop our youth in a positive direction.  One organization that embodies that development is the Scouts.  The Mt Zion Lodge has members that are active with the local scout troops/packs and supporting them is very important to the lodge and its members.  The Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge is proud to continue that support with a $1,000 donation to Mt Zion Troop 43.

Sponsor of the Year 2018

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows has long worked with the Mt Zion Community on various efforts.  The Lodge recognizes the valuable role that local leaders and businesses play in supporting the community and community efforts.  The Lodge began identifying and awarding local  businesses that step up to support those efforts.  This past year the lodge recognized KRAVE as the Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300 Sponsor of the Year.   Brett and Kathy Ahlin, owners of KRAVE, sponsored and supported events to include Mud Volleyball, Steak Dinner and others.  Businesses like KRAVE contribute to the community and help make the Mt Zion Community a great place to live.

12 Days of Christmas Raffle Winners

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300 held a Twelve Days of Christmas Raffle from December 25th thru January 5th, 2019, in an effort to help support various local organizations.  Funds raised were used to help the Lodge support Macon County Honor Guard, youth sports, Autism Research Fund, Visual Research Fund,  Troop 43, Bowl for Kids Sake, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Project Grad, Fire Awareness Education, FFA and others.  The members of the Mt Zion Odd Fellows would like to thank the community for supporting their efforts and the various organizations for all of the great work they do in and around our community.

Mt. Zion Degree Day 2018

Yesterday we hosted our annual Degree Day at our Mt. Zion Odd Fellow Lodge 300 in Mt. Zion, IL. It was a great turn out as we had 13 new members from Mt. Zion Lodge 300 and 1 new member from Tuscola Lodge 316 receive their 3rd Degrees making them full fledged members. Thank you to everyone to attended, especially the Illinois Grand Lodge Degree Team. And of course, congratulations to the new members. Welcome!